Philosophic Clash Over Government’s Role Highlights Parties’ Divide (NYT)

Peter Baker discuses how Obama’s “you didn’t build that” comment propels an election-defining debate about how large a role government should play in American lives. Bigger than a breadbasket but smaller than a bathtub.

Pathos of the Plutocrat (NYT)

The rich are different than you and me: they expect special treatment from the president and call in the wambulance if they don't get it. Paul Krugman unpacks why they think Obama hurt their fee fees.

Libor fraud exposes Wall Street’s rotten core (WaPo)

Elizabeth Warren explains that disease isn’t just on the surface of Wall Street in the form of casual securities fraud. If we look deep down to the heart of the financial system, we find it is black and shriveled.

Solynda and the Republican Outrage Machine (Nation)

Katrina vanden Huevel notes that for some reason Republicans think all shades of green are equal and Obama’s association with clean energy firms is just as damning as Romney’s connection to Wall Street.

Romney’s tax nightmare (Salon)

Andrew Leonard points out that whatever happens with Romney’s tax returns, the fact that he is trying so hard to hide them must mean that, well, there’s something to hide.

State gives – and also takes away – salaries (LATimes)

Patrick McGreevy and Michael Mishak report on a strange salary shift: raises for political aids and wage cuts for the rest of state public workers. Firefighters just don't put in those extra hours talking to special interests.

The Problem Isn’t Outsourcing. It’s that Big Business Has Become Disconnected from the Well-Being of Most Americans (RobertReich)

Reich explains that our problem is not the factories in China. It is the executives here at home who care about their bottom line and only their bottom line.

Presto! The DISCLOSE Act Disappears (CAF)

Republicans aren’t just making money disappear – now laws are vanishing as well! Bill Moyers looks into the tactics of deception and misdirection.

Many use payday loans to cover food, rent (MSNBC)

Allison Linn reports on how millions of people are using payday loans not for emergencies, but for everyday expenses. Simply getting by has become an emergency.

Hello From the Underclass: Unemployment Stories, Vol. One (Gawker)

Hamilton Nolan relates ten stories of Americans from all walks of life, united by their common, heart-wrenching experiences.