http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/histinc/h06ar.html is a web site which shows median household income in the USA, with dollar amounts adjusted for inflation.

Inflation-Adjusted Median Income
2005 46,326
2004 45,817
2003 45,970
2002 46,036
2001 46,569
2000 47,599
1999 47,671

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/histpov/hstpov2.html is a web site which shows how many people in the USA had incomes below the official Census Bureau definition of poverty.

Below poverty
2005 12.6%
2004 12.7%
2003 12.5%
2002 12.1%
2001 11.7%
2000 11.3%
1999 11.9%

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/historic/hihistt1.html is a web site which shows what percentage of people in the USA were covered by private health insurance.

Private Health Insurance Coverage
2005 67.7%
2004 68.2%
2004 68.1%
2003 68.6%
2002 69.6%
2001 70.9%
2000 71.9%
1999 71.8%

Here's Brian Williams, a multi-millionaire TV celebrity, interviewing President Bush on Monday, December 12, 2005.

WILLIAMS: Let's talk about the economy, a subject I know you're anxious to talk about.

BUSH: Thank you.

WILLIAMS: Are you frustrated that more of the good economic news isn't front and center these days?

BUSH: I think it's -- a little bit, but I also think it's important to understand why people don't see or don't feel the improved economy. We do have a strong economy. It's -- third-quarter growth was great. We've added 4.5 million new jobs since April of 2003. Homeownership is at an all-time high. Small businesses are flourishing. I mean, this economy is good, and it's strong.

Williams's follow-up: none.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10439994/page/3

Williams: What effect did John Murtha's statement on this war have on you?

President Bush: On me?

Williams: Yes.

President Bush: Well, John Murtha's a fine guy. And he's, you know, he served our nation admirably. I just think he's wrong. I think the idea of having a, you know, a timetable for withdrawal, does three things that would be bad.

One, it emboldens the enemy. That's precisely what they want. They want us to withdraw. And — and oh, by the way, here, we're telling them when and how. And they will adjust accordingly.

Secondly, it sends a bad message to the Iraqis. We've said to the Iraqis, "We'll help train you. We'll stand with you. And we'll get you on your feet so you can take the fight to the enemy." And if our commanders on the ground say we're not ready to, you know, stand down — a timetable would dispirit the Iraqis.

Finally, it'll dispirit our troops. Because our troops know the mission hasn't been completed. But strategy and my plans are these. I will listen to the commanders. I understand war is objective-based, not timetable-based. And we will complete this mission for the good of the country.

Williams: In a publication out today, Congressman Murtha was interviewed. And he complains that — he compares it to his last frame of reference, your father's administration. He says your Dad used to come down to the House gymnasium once a week and talk to members. And that your father's administration consulted more with members like him. Will there be more of that in your second term?

President Bush: I have consulted with members of both parties throughout my presidency. And I can remember the run up to the Iraqi war which was the most important decision point and talking about the resolution. And we have members — I stood with members of both parties in the Rose Garden as we collectively decided that this was worth the effort of the United States. And — no, I continually reach out to members of Congress.

Williams: Let's talk about the economy, a subject I know you're anxious to talk about.

President Bush: Thank you.

Williams: Are you frustrated that more of the good economic news isn't front and center these days?

President Bush: A little bit, but I also think it's important to understand why people don't see or don't feel the improved economy. We do have a strong economy. It's third quarter growth was great.

We've added 4.5 million new jobs since April of 2003. Home ownership's at an all-time high. Small businesses are flourishing. I mean, this economy is good. And it's strong.

And yet some feel disconnected. Partially, it really does speak to the need for us to make sure our education system is such that people are continually — have the opportunity to get the skills necessary to fill the higher paying, better jobs that are emerging in our economy. But I'm pleased with it.

And the question is how do we keep growth going? One is to be fiscally sound with the people's money. Secondly, it's not to raise the taxes on the people. Thirdly, is to continue to press for legal reform and regulatory reform. Fourthly, is to continue to work with Congress to come up with rationale policy for energy.

I mean, the Katrina and Rita storms were a wakeup call for energy. Gas prices spiked. They're down now because I was able to take off some regulations off gasoline that enabled us to be able to import European gasoline to help make up the difference for the down refineries. But we got just a wakeup call. And we've got to be rational. And I think we can — I know we can do so in a way that protects our environment.

Williams: There's one estimate that 6 million Americans may request financial assistance just to stay warm...

President Bush: Heat? Yeah, we'll work with Congress on that, there certainly is.

Williams: Can we afford that? Can we afford to help those people?

President Bush: Well, we'll have to see what the — yeah, I mean, we're going to have help them. If they can't afford energy — I mean, to heat their homes, we'll do the best we can to work with Congress to help them.

Williams: How would you sum up — I've been given the signal — How would you sum up your reception here in Philadelphia today? And will you keep doing this, having these conversations?

President Bush: I will. I'll keep taking my message to the people in a variety of formats . . .

This is what passes for hard-hitting "journalism" nowadays. (Yes, the right-wing complained vigourously about Brian Williams being so tough on President Bush. Really!)