Prosecutions are game changers. Obama is a meliorist.

Tim Geithner has changed his tune somewhat, backing a bill that would clarify the Treasury’s right to allow Hardest Hit Fund grant money to be used for foreclosure legal aid, but it’s unclear whether there’s enough time in the end of the legislative session to get this done.

With this chaotic atmosphere over the financial sector, Sunday in the EU had the trappings of a farce from the silent movie era. About all that is lacking is the old fashion seltzer bottles. Is this installment of the Keystone Kops going to be sufficiently entertaining that the bond markets will sit back, relax and let Portugal off the hook for the time being? Somehow I wouldn’t count on it. Stay tuned.

Of course financial lobbyists are working to indemnify financial fraud. This is a story with all the richness of “Breaking: Water Wet.”

Neat trick, what? Because his employment might be in jeopardy since he would need to disclose his felony convictions to clients and his employer (thus endangering his ability to earn a living, and pay restitution) Erzinger’s charges have been reduced to misdemeanor.

There’s nothing that the people running campaigns in downticket races fear more than a tidal wave at the top of the ticket. Some voters will be discouraged at being swept away by the wave, and won’t come to the polls. Other voters, excited to be part of the wave, will come and vote in that big race and maybe a couple more, but then leave the booth and neglect the other races entirely.

That’s a shame, because when times are tough and DC is in gridlock, those downticket races may be the very ones that save your house, your health, and your community.