Obama Must Be a Goo-Goo: Krugman

Bill Clinton once declared that “the era of big government is over.” Barack Obama can’t do that, writes Paul Krugman of the New York Times. “Indeed, he has to be a goo-goo.” Goo-goo being a century-old term for “good government” proponents. FDR, for example, was a classic goo-goo. He expanded government and improved its reputation at the same time.

He did that by building oversight directly into the New Deal and building a real rapport with the public. Obama must follow suit, making sure his stimulus plan is rigorously structured and completely pork-free. As for the rapport building, Democrats aren’t off to a great start. The possible Caroline Kennedy coronation validates conservative propaganda denouncing "liberal elites," and Obama’s luxury Hawaiian vacation isn't a great image for the financially frightened. (Read more Barack Obama stories.)