The Obama days of malaise

(By Laura Ingraham) - As I predicted, Barack Obama and his advisors have launched a campaign to lower the public's expectations when it comes to the economic recovery. The Obama administration first claimed the stimulus boondoggle had saved the economy. Then, to sell ObamaCare, they claimed a health care overhaul would create jobs and allow employers to doll out raises. Now comes the pivot: healing the economy is going to take a very long time.

Democratic leaders seem to be of the opinion that the public should simply get used to a lower standard of living, since that is what is required to advance the "greater good." It's a defeatist, un-American attitude--and almost makes one wish for the days of malaise under Jimmy Carter.

The question is, which Republican presidential candidate in 2012 will most embody the "can-do" American spirit necessary to bring our country back from the brink?