The point he was making yesterday -- again, a point that he's made in the past -- is that in his view, you do not need a military-style assault weapon to protect your home.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

" He noted that "this individual you are referring to is not mentioned in the inspector general's report.

WSJ: White House Aide Chides GOP for 'Fishing Expeditions'

Now, here's a tip: When a politician tells you that he's going to tell you what he's going to do after the election, but he can't tell you now, it's not because the plan is so good that he doesn't want to let you in on it.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the President at Ohio University, Athens, OH

But he does not believe that it is helpful to denigrate or vilify public sector employees in a way that brings you no closer to resolving the problems and sows division instead of creating the kind of unity that you need when everyone sits at the table to solve the issues together.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Not only is he right in dismissing the basket case story but if you look at the aggregates that matter to Japanese policymakers, it is clear that Japan has done far better than the United States over the last two decades.

FORBES: Paul Krugman Says It Again: Japan's Stagnation Is A Myth

"It is not in anyone's interests that you should tell nonsense to the papers, " he says.

BBC: Vicky Pryce-Chris Huhne phone call transcripts released