Matt Miller in the anchor chair!

Good Wednesday to everyone — here’s what’s coming up on The Dylan Ratigan Show today with guest host Matt Miller. (Say hi to him at @MattMillerNow on Twitter.  He’ll be here all week holding down the fort!)

The Big Story today: our 2012 Economic Outlook. Joining us today, Alan Blinder, a professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University.  Mr. Blinder is also Vice Chairman of the Promontory Interfinancial Network, and a columnist at the Wall Street Journal.  He worked as Former Vice Chairman of Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, and was a member of President Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisors.

With unemployment at 8.6%, we’ll need sizable economic gains to have any kind of employment recover in 2012.  We’ll find out what the jobs picture looks like in the short term (in 2012-13) and hear his analysis about prospects — positive and negative — for the next ten years out.  We’ll also dig into the Fed’s new report that says China is not manipulating their currency — what’s that all about?  Also, Iran is warning it could close the Straits of Hormuz — will that lead to a spike in the cost of fuel?

On today’s Megapanel: Imogen Lloyd Webber, Jonathan Capehart and Rob Cox join Matt Miller.  First up, Iowa follies.  With Iowa caucuses just a week away, we’ll talk about Rick Perry’s “transformation” on abortion views, and Gingrich’s latest statements on Romney, telling him to “own” his negativity. How’s that playing out with Iowa voters, and what might happen next week?  According to a new study, you can’t leave bad bosses at the officeStress and tension caused by an abusive boss at work is something many Americans are taking home — what’s this doing to our national psyche?

Our Specialist today: Ian Bremmer, President of the Eurasia Group and author of The End of the Free Market: Who Wins Between States and Corporations?  We’ll talk to him about global hotzones, the latest out of North Korea, and what countries we should keep an eye on in 2012 as protests spread around the globe.  Check out more about Ian at EndoftheFreeMarket.com.

Economics 101!  On the DR Show, we love books with pictures.  We love books about economics.  Our dream may have just come true! Joining us to talk about “The Cartoon Introduction to Economics, Vol. 2: Macroeconomics” is Yoram Bauman. He’s got a unique take on the economy, calling himself the world’s only “stand up economist.”

Daily Rant:  The one and only Ari Melber will rant about his frustration with Congress’ constant do-nothing, can-kicking-down-road temporary fixes.  Why are they always asking for extensions on their homework through Continuing Resolutions?

That and more coming up at 4PM! As always, let us know your thoughts — Tweet @DylanRatigan (which we’re checking while he’s on vacation) or email us at dylan@dylanratigan.com.