If I were a speech writer, then I would craft a speech that met your challenge. I am not. Since that is true, I would make the following points in the answer to her:

1. This recovery is still fragile and we do not want to go into a double dip. Therefore I will support extending the Bush tax cuts for another five years.

2. I would say that we are going to cut government expenditures in every agency and start to reign in entitlement programs and eliminate every program that places an unfunded mandate upon the states.

3. I would say, correctly, that we have put in needed financial reforms - but recognize that some have gone too far including the 1099 reporting regulations.

4. I would be honest with the American people and say that taxes on companies that are supposed to save money for employees and consumers not only do not work but discourage research, development and manufacturing within the United States- and that I would introduce legislation to eliminate them.

This is what I would say in order to be honest with the American people.I leave it up to you for the consoling words. If it were me, I would say something similar to what Sir Winston Churchill said upon assuming the duties of Prime Minister ..."I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." Climbing out of the hole we have dug ourselves into - energy dependence, balance of trade, budget deficits, etc will require sacrifice by all Americans. It is better to start today than after the ..... election. I hope that the American people do not need to be consoled but rather rise to the challenge of securing the future for posterity.