A hardy hear-hear to Larry Kudlow’s economic optimism, but I can’t say that I share the political optimism towards the end of his post. Gasoline prices “down” to $2.75 by Election Day would not constitute good news for GOP candidates. The public’s foul mood would likely be eased significantly only if average national prices at the pump were closer to $2. When I talk to pollsters and political consultants, Democrats say “gas prices” gleefully. Republicans say “gas prices” glumly.