George Osborne mounted a strong defence of his deficit reduction plan on Friday, hailing it as the "rock of stability" that will prevent Britain being wrecked by the global financial crisis.
The chancellor again refused to change direction in the face of poor economic news at home and abroad, in a speech in which he reiterated that Britain's deficit must be vigorously tackled. Otherwise, Osborne warned, Britain's homeowners and businesses would suffer.
Domestically, if I were the Republicans (not that I expect them to take my advice) I'd offer up enough votes to pass Obama's plan and then wrap it around his neck. Essentially the too little, too late gamble that the economy will still suck in November and make Obama totally own it.