Barack Obama’s win was undoubtedly a proud moment for all Americans, regardless of where you may fall on the political spectrum. The Democratic wins for control of both the executive and legislative branches are a rebuke of the previous years of Republican control. However, Lee Blum urges us to remember that Obama was elected not only as the “change” candidate, but as the pragmatic candidate. And in spite of the Democratic wins, this country is not really as liberal as many on the extreme left may believe.

The 2008 federal budget deficit is about $455 billion and the 2009 federal budget deficit is projected to be anywhere from $700 billion to an extremely liberal estimate of $1 trillion. That's pretty scary, no doubt about it, by Blum sheds a bit of light on what it really means, relatively speaking. It turns out it's not something to be too worried about.

Obama's tax plan may sound good, but did you know it allows total tax liability to be reduced to below zero? Say that a couple pays $1,000 in income taxes per year. Assuming that there is a $2,000 refundable tax credit and that this couple qualifies for the tax credit, the couple would receive a check from the government in the amount of $1,000, according to Obama’s plan. The Tax Foundation also estimates that approximately 44 percent of all tax filers will have zero income tax liability under this proposal. Blum further discusses this very pertinent issue in his blog, focusing in on the true effects of the Obama tax plan.

In the midst of the election frenzy, Blum calls for a more educated and informed populace, more intellectual debate and an understanding of each candidates' policies--all necessary and imperative components of a functioning republic.

Some argue that the current financial turmoil is being blown out of proportion. Psychology is certainly integral to the financial system, but Blum also argues that government intervention is necessary, that the benefits outweigh the cost of using taxpayer money to purchase mortage-related securities.

Lee Blum hones in on Obama's vision of America in the world--and how its contradiction with the majority of Americans' worldview has put the presidential candidate in a tough spot.

Both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain have attacked everybody from hedge fund managers to oil companies for the doldrums that our economy is in. The root of all evil, as many would have us believe, is the subprime mortgage market and predatory lenders. Yet I believe subprime is an instrument of financial innovation that is useful.

Barack Obama’s whirlwind tour of the world gave me the same feelings I experienced after viewing The Dark Night. The movie left me entertained, intrigued and somewhat curious. But as I got in to my car I realized that nothing in the world or my life had changed other than the fact that I just spent $30 on a trip to the movies. Oddly enough these emotions were the same ones I had after listening to Sen. Obama speak in Berlin, Germany (except it did not cost me $30). It was enjoyable to listen to and provided some good Kodak moments, but nothing in the world changed as a result.