by the performance of the Dow. they're given too much credit, they take too much blame - I've said this a thousand times on this board. I don't think W was as bad as the index would suggest on the day he left office (relative to when it came in). If you're going to grade that way, BHO had the easiest job in the world and did it quite well wouldn't you agree?

yes- we all love to see our portfolios appreciate. there will be a correction at some point, long-term investors see through cycles. I also look at overall financial stability, the position our leaders put us in to weather the next storm (it will come- how much fiscal and monetary flexibilty do we have?), prospects for real GDP growth, how we manage the debt burden and what we pass along to our children / grandchildren (trillion $ deficits during a time of expansion?), our safety net, etc. I care a hell of a lot more about our financial situation (and our position / standing in the world - the two are clearly related... ask the guys who won the Cold War) than *any* social issue and I don't love what I see. At the same time, I'll acknowledge a few things I like. Corporate tax code reform. Taking on China (might not agree with the tactics).

People will manage what others measure. If you're going to make this your indicator, beware the unintended consequence at some point.