Yes. I don't think it would be appropriate at this point to raise taxes on anyone, certainly not in 2011.

Too-easy credit and millions of bad loans made during the U.S. housing bubble paved the way for the financial calamity and Great Recession that followed. Today, by contrast, credit is too tight. Mortgage loans are particularly hard to get, creating a problem for the housing market and the broader economy.

Buying a home wouldn't make much sense if house prices were likely to decline further; no one wants to catch a falling knife.

A housing renaissance has begun. This may be hard to believe after the dizzying, six-year-long crash in home sales, construction and house prices. But housing turned the corner last year, and it will take off in 2013.

My policy is I will help any policymaker who asks, whether they be a Republican or a Democrat.

The extension and expansion of the payroll tax holidays for workers would be number one on my list and key to avoiding recession.

Past experience with fiscal austerity at home and overseas strongly suggests that it is best for the economy's long-run performance to restrain government spending rather than raise taxes.