One of the biggest negatives facing stocks right now is the continued absence of political leadership, that is partially responsible for the tremendous lack of confidence that is suffocating Wall Street. The clowns in Washington are reaching new levels of hilarity and incompetence. This period between administrations is a killer. Moreover, President-elect Obama is keeping his distance in economic matters. Where is the Treasury secretary?? I'm not blaming Mr. Obama for what is happening but there are things that he can do to reassure the market. Let's see if he does that or keeps his distance until he actually takes power. We are in desperate need of leadership and hope that the President-elect will soon take the lead role.