Much has been said regarding the policies of change that swept a generation of young people behind one of the most electrifying personalities ever seen in politics and pushed him to a level that 12 months earlier no one thought was attainable.
With Barack Obama now days from becoming one of the most popular presidents ever, what shall he do to ensure that he rescues the USA and maintains his emotional promise to "shake things up".
First, it has already been stated many times that a stimulus package that is insufficient is far more dangerous than one that is over done.
This is maintained by a plethora of economists with far more knowledge on the topic than I including recent noble prize winner Paul Krugman.
With this in mind, it can be agreed that if Obama does not draft a strategically focused and large stimulus package the American economy will continue to suffer.
On the bright side, the University of Michigan's Consumer Confidence Index trended up for the month indicating that people are already feeling better than they did a month ago and perhaps a strong statement from President Obama can further brighten their spirits.
Second, Barack Obama has been quite outspoken regarding environmental regulation.
It should be advised that any actions taken to limit the use of oil and or regulate its production will cause prices to increase, putting an additional stressor on an already pessimistic consumer.
It should also be noted that recessions in the 70's and 80's were often magnified by higher oil prices, thus there is historical precedence supporting the premise that lower oil prices are an important factor in consumers regaining their confidence.
Third, with investor confidence being shattered as frauds like Bernie Maddoff are exposed and the house of card like investment banks are revealed it is ever more important that Obama address the regulation of the financial industry.
For investors to return to markets they must have confidence that the system is transparent in communicating risks.
Hedge funds and other financial companies have demonstrated a unique ability to disconnect investors from their money and as the losses begin to mount angry investors will demand action be taken.
The stock market tends to bump upward prior to an official exit from a recession, but this indicator will be delayed if regulation is not addressed.
With all of this in mind, Barack Obama has a lot on his plate.
With hot button issues like health care, education, social security, the implementation of the stimulus package and immigration all distracting Obama , he must determine how to instill confidence in American's to restart the consumption and investing cycle.