Secret to Recovery: Optimism Obama, Boehner must promote American confidence By Matt Cantor Posted Nov 5, 2010 1:54 PM CDT Copied In this Jan. 29, 2010, file photo, President Barack Obama holds up a document of Republican solutions given to him by House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) There’s a big economic problem that’s been keeping a low profile: American confidence, writes David Smick in the Washington Post. “Between $2.5 trillion and $4 trillion of private capital is waiting on the sidelines to ‘reliquify’ a new era of American confidence and innovation,” he notes. Now, we need a bipartisan effort to create an environment that inspires optimism. President Obama and the next Speaker need to focus on “private-sector innovation,” asking themselves, “What conditions would induce a talented innovator in this threatening climate to take the risk of striking out with a new job-creating venture?” We must brace for “a long, hard slog,” but remember: “our national mood could make the difference between success and failure.” Read These Next Mid That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Cops: Arizona 5th graders drew up plot to 'end' a classmate. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Report an error