But if Mr. Paulson isn’t the grown-up we need, are Congressional leaders ready and able to fill the role?

If Poulsen were to be signed, in addition to a top class midfielder, then I for one would be all for his purchase, as he would add good squad depth.

Earlier this week, while refusing to say whether he supported the Paulson plan, he claimed not to have had a chance to read it; the plan is all of three pages long.

In the interview, however, Mr. Paulson said the main issue was whether it was legal.

Paulson's first problem that Saturday was the reluctance of Wall Street to finance a lifeboat.