During the run-up to the 2008 election, John McCain made a huge blunder. He said “the fundamentals of the economy are strong.” I remember exactly was when I heard that line. I had just finished one of my many clerkship interviews–this one in Williamsport, PA in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. I was driving home, somewhere in PA, and listening to the radio, probably Sean Hannity. I heard this line. I thought, oh crap. This is going to be blown up. Yep, it was. Obama jumped all over that.

Well, I think the President may have had a similar moment. He said “The private sector is doing fine.” This is just one of those things politicians say. But once it catches on, these quotes take on a life of their own. This will be used in so many youtube videos and campaign ads. It shows tone deafness. Oh well. Mission accomplished!