The first week of September played out in line with Republican - Democrat tactics for the November election. POTUS will speak next week on the way ahead on the economy. Republicans with little substance on the economy so far emphasizing that they are better leaders; Boehner positioning to be next Speaker.

POTUS reported cautiously that Iraq was winding down. WH/Dept of Commerce do not pursue another home buyer tax, signal to ingModerate Left. Rubin and Robertson WSJ article on estate taxes aimed at Moderate Right. Dems telling independents they're not spend, spend, spend. Sort of a quiet week, maybe the pols waiting until after Labor Day.

But, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) took final testimony from Bernanke and Blair on "Too Big to Fail" and in a bipartisan way, complemented them both on their leadership the last two years. Probably the only substantive public discussion on the way ahead, but buried on CSPAN -- still there are adults out there working to make things better. Bernanke and Blair poised, frank, balanced. Representative articles through Thursday evening:

Left Krugman on I Was Right But Another Stimulus Not Happenin'

Moderate Left Democrats: WH No More Tax Credit for Home Purchase

Moderate Right Rubin - Robertson Bring Estate Tax Back Now

Right WSJ: GOP Woos Voters But Not Too Much Detail