As the economy has been battered by a mortgage crisis, a credit crunch
and low consumer confidence, Bush has sought to show he is in touch
with the typical family's concerns.

..........................................................................=

Democratic leaders suggest Bush has been in denial about the economy,
offering an overly rosy portrait while many families deal with soaring
costs.

Bush is spending the final days of 2007 vacationing at his Texas
ranch.

From The Associated Press, 12/29/07:http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-=

Bush Tries to Assure Families on Economy

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) --

President Bush tried Saturday to assure many families that he knows
they are struggling to pay bills, even as he again defended the
economy's strength.

''Some of you worry about your ability to afford health care coverage
for your families,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address, recorded
at his Texas ranch.

''Some of you are concerned about meeting your monthly mortgage
payments,'' Bush said.

''Some of you worry about the impact of rising energy costs on fueling
your cars and heating your homes. You expect your elected leaders in
Washington to address these pressures.''

_____________________________________________________

uh huh. So?

Harry