This is no time for the president to dwell in splendid seclusion among the rich and famous. Barack Obama’s got business to attend to.

He should use this summer to spend some time with folks who can’t afford to take a vacation. And not just in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, which happen to be states that he won in 2008.

Mr. President, people are hurting all over America. Listen to inner-city parents across the dinner table, blue-collar workers in unemployment lines and suburban, middle-class families one paycheck away from hitting up the in-laws for a loan.

Hear what’s in their hearts. Experience their anger and frustration.