Today in Waco, Texas President Bush hosted the President’s Economic Forum at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The meeting brought together business and policy leaders to discuss ways to jumpstart the sluggish economy. Critics argue that it’s a public relations vehicle and that the guest list is heavily weighted toward the Bush-friendly South and West.

The president acknowledges that the economy is under- performing but warns that government overspending could worsen budget deficits. He is expected to reject $5.1 billion in new spending approved by Congress. Spending in that package includes aids to Israel and Afghanistan and funds for health monitoring at Manhattan’s Ground Zero.

Can President Bush reassure Americans about the long run? Is the Waco Forum about policy or public relations? What’s your solution to get this country out its financial funk?

Guests:

Mike Allen, Washington Post reporter covering the economic summit in Waco, Texas

Paul Samuelson, professor of economics at MIT and winner of the 1970 Nobel Prize

Laurence Kotlikoff, chair of the economics department at Boston University

Dan Aronoff, president of The Landon Companies

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst