the u.s. economy of any president since the 1970s. that's amazing. just today we got the news despite growing concerns over covid, holiday retail sales rose 8.5% over the last year. that is the fastest rate in 17 years, pushing sales even higher than they were before the pandemic back in 2019. with the new year fast approaching, how does the administration now plan to capitalize on this progress that it has made as it contends with a new covid wave and a languishing legislative agenda on capitol hill? joining me now is you gene daniels, white house correspondent for "politico" and playbook co-author. good to see you. thank you for joining us this evening. you talk to people at the white house day in and day out. what is the mood among the officials that you are talking to about what they accomplished? because when we look back at this year from the trillion-plus dollars that have been spent, it is quite remarkable what they've accomplished so far. it seems like they may not be getting enough credit for.