In a recent report, David Leonhardt of the New York Times, described Senator Obama as a behavioral economist, saying that:

“Senator Obama’s ideas, on the other hand, draw heavily on behavioral economics, a left-leaning academic movement that has challenged traditional neoclassical economics over the last few decades. Behavioral economists consider an abiding faith in rationality to be wishful thinking. To Mr. Obama, a simpler program – one less likely to confuse people – is often a smarter program.”

I don’t know whether Senator Obama is a behavioral economist or not, but it seems to me that realizing how confusing many of the policies implemented in DC are (the tax code, the new prescription drug program, etc.) — is a matter of common sense that I hope is apparent not only to behavioral economists.