At the same time, part of what has held the region back at times is kind of a constant refrain of the old debates of the past.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

So, when House Minority Leader John Boehner gripes, as he did Sunday in a same-old, same-old refrain that "the American people know that more Washington spending isn't the answer, " the logical response is: OK, what do you suggest?

CNN: Borger: Obama takes ownership of the economy