The Note, 3/25/09: Budgets and Budges — Public pitch turns to private pleas as Obama heads to Hill
EmailBy RICK KLEIN While Washington Tweeted, President Obama played it old-school. He was on TV, in primetime, laying out some lessons for the nation that he can only hope will be learned by members of Congress near you..
It was a press conference only a wonk could love — but hey, these are wonky times. A touch of optimism, a dose of politics, a few flashes of stubbornness — and most of all a lecturer-in-chief, probably one of those teachers who puts his own books on the reading list.
The presser marked one last public pitch before the private pitch resumes in earnest: The president is the guest of the Senate Democratic caucus for lunch on Wednesday — with all those priorities wrapped up in a budget that’s already being rewritten.
(Plus — historians, take note: President Obama has his first fundraiser since taking on his new job Wednesday night — a full month earlier than President George W. Bush held his first one.)
He’ll need that persistence — he’s right, he is being judged. (And that budget he spent so much of the night touting — a little like defending your Sweet Sixteen picks the day after your bracket got busted?)
“Placid and unsmiling, he was the professor in chief, offering familiar arguments in long paragraphs — often introduced with the phrase, ‘as I said before’ — sounding like the teacher speaking in the stillness of a classroom where students are restlessly waiting for the ring of the bell,” Peter Baker and Adam Nagourney write in The New York Times. “Speaking past the reporters in the room to the tens of millions of viewers tuning in at home, he tried to reassure the nation that he could solve the crisis that has gripped the economy for more than a year.”
Said Joe Trippi: “He said all the right things. But sometimes his confidence makes him seem flat.”
Why call on the usual press conference suspects when the whole point is to reach around them — and since just about nobody outside Washington really cares about who gets to ask what? (Is there a better way to get out of answering question after question following the same awkward narrative?)
(And if, hours earlier, Sen. Arlen Specter killed “card-check,” who should be happier — Wal-Mart or Rahm Emanuel?)
This was a president who’s looking to bring some chill to the American people. Pitchforks can’t make it past White House security, and the fervor that’s marked the past 10 days — that’s not allowed in this president’s Oval Office.
A supplement to Leno and “60 Minutes”: “Even those who eschew politics have most likely seen a clip or two of their President in charge, projecting confidence, explaining that things will get better. And for the White House, that is the message that matters,” Time’s Michael Scherer writes.
The headlines are actually about the budget, and not about AIG — even if, as one Republican reminds us this morning, the president’s budget basically no longer exists, if congressional Democrats are to be believed. The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman and Laura Meckler see Obama “digging in on his ambitious spending and tax proposals one day before the plan begins to move in Congress. . . . Mr. Obama is under pressure, just two months into his term, and it showed. The House Budget Committee on Wednesday is to begin formally drafting his budget proposal into a nonbinding blueprint that will guide legislative action on health care, education, energy and taxes for the rest of the year. Mr. Obama’s spending plan is under fire from Republicans and some senior Democrats.” “Addressing criticism from Republicans that his budget is ‘irresponsible’ due to the large deficit that it creates, Obama pushed back,” Michael Kranish writes in The Boston Globe. “However, some of the criticism of the budget has come from within Obama’s own party. Yesterday, Senate Budget Committee chairman Kent Conrad of North Dakota said he would try to cut back Obama’s plans for tax cuts after 2010 and to reduce domestic spending in order to decrease the deficit.” We never heard an answer to ABC’s Jake Tapper’s question on whether the president would sign spending bills that don’t have some of his key priorities in them. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos awards the president and the press corps each an A-. And words matter: “Freudian Slip — Passionately defending his proposal to shave tax deductions for wealthier Americans, Obama said ‘this WAS a good idea.’ Quickly, he shifted back to the present tense. But Congress has made it clear that Obama was correct to refer to it in the past tense.” Stephanopoulos, on “Good Morning America” Wednesday: “I saw a note of realism from President Obama last night. He knows he’s not going to get everything he called for, and he’s starting to signal that.” Take that, cable: “I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak,” the president said. Straw man alert: “The alternative is to stand pat.” But as the budget hits the Hill Wednesday, that’s not the whole alternative: “The White House said it would launch a search for new tax revenues, as Congressional leaders moved to scale back proposed spending increases and tax cuts in President Barack Obama’s ambitious budget,” John D. McKinnon, Greg Hitt, and Naftali Bendavid report in The Wall Street Journal. “The Obama administration plans to create a task force to consider elimination of corporate loopholes and subsidies, tougher enforcement against tax avoidance, and tax simplification, White House Budget Director Peter Orszag said late Tuesday.” And it can’t be the whole alternative: “In the budget blueprints they are scheduled to formally unveil today, Democrats in the House and Senate said they plan to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Obama’s spending request over the next five years,” The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery reports. “They also are scrapping Obama’s plan to devote more cash to the financial sector bailout. And they are restoring some of the money-saving budget gimmicks the president said he eliminated last month when he unveiled his $3.6 trillion request for the fiscal year that begins in October.” Another concession? “Bowing to stiff opposition on Capitol Hill, President Obama on Tuesday backed away from his call to deal with climate change as part of the budget, saying he never expected to get everything he asked by demanding that Congress use its major spending blueprint to act on health care, education, alternative energy and deficit reduction,” Jon Ward and Stephan Dinan write in the Washington Times. No joking about NCAA brackets, and certainly no banter about bowling: “There were no smiles on Tuesday night, no memorable moments, no attempt by the president to capture the sense of drama or anticipation that has surrounded prime-time news conferences by prior White House occupants,” Tribune Co.’s Peter Wallsten writes. “Instead, Obama seemed to use the venue, so familiar as a tool of outreach to mainstream Americans, to continue his efforts at reaching key, niche audiences. . . . He did call on some of the traditional networks, but he did not seem to bring any special energy to answering their questions.” No distractions: “His responses were typically variations on a single-word theme: Whatever,” Politico’s John F. Harris and Jonathan Martin write. “He made it clear that he believes that his success or failure depends above all on whether he is able to make seismic shifts — and expensive ones — in the nation’s health care and energy policies. And he is fairly easy-going about the precise legislative path these initiatives take, or whether certain details fall out along the way.” “He was hitting singles all night,” David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network writes. “The guy is methodical. He basically makes his point and moves on and never seems to stumble. Ever.” Tom Shales of The Washington Post dubs Obama “President Wonderful”: “Indeed he is so persistent that, because he wanted to end the news conference on the topic of the economy, he steered the Mideast question around to economic issues again, for his wrap-up. So it was that even though Obama did look tired, and had to wrestle with a seemingly faulty prompting device, and wasn’t quite as energetic as in many of his other TV appearances, he still came out victorious — not just President Wonderful but President Feel-Good as well.” Or President Boring: “President Obama feels your pain — and your anger — but that assumes you have any feeling at all after his less-than-electrifying press conference Tuesday night,” the New York Daily News’ Ken Bazinet and David Saltonstall write. “What kind of politician brings a teleprompter to a news conference? A careful one,” the AP’s Ron Fournier writes. “It’s an interesting dichotomy: Obama came before the nation to sell one of the most expensive and politically risky agendas ever offered by a U.S. president, but his language was heavy with caution. A hard-willed plan given a soft sell.” Speaking of careful — talking to the “talkers”: “Some time Tuesday afternoon, if things went as planned, a cadre of Democrats often seen on cable shows — dubbed ‘talkers’ by the Obama White House — were drilled on their talking points in advance of the president’s press conference,” Lynn Sweet reports in the Chicago Sun-Times. From Tuesday’s talking points (and they’re always this interesting): “There are no quick fixes and no silver bullets. It’s important to remember that this crisis didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t result from any one action or decision. It took many years and failures to lead us here, and it will take many months and different solutions to lead us out.” Laying out an important standard — in answer to a question from ABC’s Ann Compton, on race: “Right now the American people are judging me exactly the way I should be judged. And that is: Are we taking the steps to improve liquidity in the financial markets, create jobs, get businesses to reopen, keep America safe? And that’s what I’ve been spending my time thinking about.” There is such a thing as too much, Tina Brown writes in The Daily Beast: “Why has Obama suddenly turned into the Paris Hilton of teachable moments? We realize he’s just trying to shore up his poll ratings so he can distance himself from Pelosi’s pitchfork mob, but a 60 Minutes sitdown right after the Leno armchair session on the preceding Thursday seemed — for him — strangely tone-deaf to the risk of overexposure.” (Where was the commentary from members of Congress? Perhaps chastened after Twittering from the House floor last months, we caught only Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., responding in real-time to the presser.) Meet the new protocol. Politico’s Michael Calderone has the list of questioners: “Jennifer Loven (AP), Chuck Todd (NBC), Jake Tapper (ABC), Chip Reid (CBS), Lourdes Meluza (Univision), Kevin Baron (Stars and Stripes), Ed Henry (CNN), Major Garrett (Fox News), Mike Allen (POLITICO), Kevin Chappell (Ebony), Ann Compton (ABC Radio), Jon Ward (Washington Times) and Stephen Collinson (AFP).” Writes Calderone: “That might not sit well with the already insecure newspaper industry.” “President Obama declined to call on any reporters from the nation’s top newspapers during last night’s news conference but still faced far more aggressive questioning than in his first prime-time encounter with the media,” Howard Kurtz writes in The Washington Post. (Kudos to the president for admitting that he had a list in front of him. And for allowing follow-ups.) But wait — there’s more: “As he fielded questions from reporters, Mr. Obama already was seeking to bypass the traditional media and speak straight to the American people through a ‘town-hall’ forum scheduled for Thursday, when the president will take questions submitted online at WhiteHouse.gov,” Christina Bellantoni writes in the Washington Times. ” ‘Open for Questions’ is a new experiment for WhiteHouse.gov, the president’s latest effort to open up the White House and give Americans from around the country a direct line to the administration,” the new-media team wrote. The news that did more to shape 2010 — and 2009: “Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.) said yesterday that he would oppose legislation making it easier for workers to form unions, dealing a severe blow to organized labor’s top political priority as he faces a 2010 primary challenge from the right,” the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Thomas Fitzgerald and Jane Von Bergen report. “Union leaders were counting on Specter to be the 60th vote needed to stop an expected GOP filibuster of the Employee Free Choice Act later this year. He was the lone Senate Republican to support consideration of the measure in 2007, when it stalled in the Senate.” The backdrop — from the release out Wednesday morning: “Apparently paying a political price for his support of President Barack Obama’s Stimulus Plan, longtime Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter trails former Congressman Pat Toomey 41-27 percent in a Republican primary for the 2010 Senate race, with 28 percent undecided, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.” The Wall Street Journal editorial board is triumphant: “If anyone were still in doubt as to the importance of a Senate filibuster, we’d point them to Pennsylvania Republican Arlen Specter’s announcement yesterday that he will not support ‘card check.’ Maybe Big Labor won’t be able to up-end the economy, after all.” (Clip and save for the next time there’s a Republican president.) This is nowhere near the end of the fight — but it is an excuse to shelve EFCA for a good long while, for those who’d rather not see an expensive air war divide the Congress at this particular moment for the Obama agenda. The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder: “By 2010, regardless of whether Specter is re-elected, Democrats will (probably) have another shot at card check, and here Specter is indicating a political compromise: give me the cover for two years, and I’ll give you the 60th vote in 2010. Of course, if the economy IS in recovery by then, the urgency to pass pro-labor legislation might be less acute.” The centrists strike back: “We understand the Beltway impulse to emphasize conflict and the blogosphere’s concern that Democrats stick together. But as the group’s founders, we feel compelled to set the record straight,” senators Evan Bayh, Tom Carper and Blanche Lincoln write in a Washington Post op-ed. “We formed our working group because we recognize both the difficulty and the urgency of accomplishing a huge and ambitious agenda. We must act quickly and decisively to repair our financial markets and start to turn the economy around. In addition, we believe that President Obama is correct when he says that we cannot afford to wait any longer to fix health care and transition to a clean-energy economy.” From the other side: “MoveOn will be releasing new radio ads today urging key Democratic members of the House and Senate to support President Obama’s budget. The ads ask Senator Shaheen (NH), Senator Bayh (IN), Senator Warner (VA), Representative Giffords (AZ-8), Representative Mitchell (AZ-5), Representative Altmire (PA-4), Representative Donnelly (IN-2), Representative Carney (PA-10), Representative Hill (IN-9) and Representative McIntyre (NC-7) to support the budget.” Plus — Politico’s Jonathan Martin reports (via Mike Allen): “President Obama’s liberal allies are turning up the heat on a band of key Democratic senators, with a new ad urging them to support his budget. Americans United for Change (AUC), the labor-backed organization that serves as the White House’s chief third-party operation, is going up on the air TODAY in 11 states and Washington, D.C., in an effort to push Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and members of a new rump group of centrist Democrats to get behind a blueprint which many of them have already criticized. Coming to a blog soon: “Civil liberties advocates are accusing the Obama administration of forsaking campaign rhetoric and adopting the same expansive arguments that his predecessor used to cloak some of the most sensitive intelligence-gathering programs of the Bush White House,” Carrie Johnson writes in The Washington Post. More bait: “The hot-button issue of year-end bonuses from firms that took bailout money may not just be a headache for Wall Street. It could also become a White House problem,” Charlie Savage writes for The New York Times. “Several members of the Obama administration worked for financial companies that received bailout funds, raising the question of whether they should keep any bonus they received.” Better than the “Police Academy” series: “Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s follow-up to his 2006 best-seller ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ will be published in November by Rodale Inc.,” per Bloomberg News. ” ‘Our Choice’ will offer readers a “comprehensive global plan” to respond to climate change, Gore said today in a statement distributed by Emmaus, Pennsylvania-based Rodale.” Next up in the AIG wackiness — an executive vice president, Jake DeSantis, sends one of those resignation letters we all wish we could write some day: “After 12 months of hard work dismantling the company — during which A.I.G. reassured us many times we would be rewarded in March 2009 — we in the financial products unit have been betrayed by A.I.G. and are being unfairly persecuted by elected officials. In response to this, I will now leave the company and donate my entire post-tax retention payment to those suffering from the global economic downturn. My intent is to keep none of the money myself,” he writes in a New York Times op-ed, addressed to CEO Edward Liddy. Condi’s not chirping. On Leno Tuesday night, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “My view is we got to do it our way; we did our best. We did some things well, some things not so well. Now, they get their chance. And I agree with the president. We owe them our loyalty and our silence while they do it.” The Kicker: “Do you still drink Tang up there?” — President Obama, to the astronauts on the International Space Station and the Shuttle Discovery. (They don’t.) “What a ‘homophobe’ means is someone who has prejudice about gay people.” — Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., explaining why he called Justice Antonin Scalia a “homophobe.” Follow The Note on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenote For up-to-the-minute political updates check out The Note’s blog . . . all day every day:
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Last night was a steady defense of Obama’s political capital that was markedly better than his first primetime presser. The American people will embrace patience after this.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | March 25, 2009, 8:51 am 8:51 am
Actually and hopefully the American people will see just how dangerous he is to this country. He hasn’t a clue on how to govern.
Posted by: chad | March 25, 2009, 9:16 am 9:16 am
I wonder, someday, maybe once… ABC will have something positive to say about our president…
Maybe once? Were was all that hard-hitting reporting when Bush was in office? Oh yeah, you guys were too busy praising him to ask any tough questions or criticize him.
Posted by: Mike | March 25, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am
Chad wrote:
Actually and hopefully the American people will see just how dangerous he is to this country. He hasn’t a clue on how to govern.
——————————————–
Bush and the republicans already put America in the ditch and didn`t even have a clue on how to solve it. Obama is here to get us out. Tell your republican friends to stop obstructing.
Obama will succeed.
Posted by: Krista | March 25, 2009, 9:28 am 9:28 am
I guess I am one of those “mainstream Americans” the presser was aimed at, because I came away feeling very assured and impressed by the President.
PS I hate this Twitter stuff.
Posted by: Amy in Maine | March 25, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am
..a wonk?
Why isn’t there support for the greater good of country on this blog?
President Obama’s term is at least for 4 years, probably 8 years.
Lets get together people.
Posted by: gus amaral | March 25, 2009, 9:34 am 9:34 am
Anybody get the feeling that the sheeple, like Krista, would defend Obama no matter what he says or does.
Take last night for example. Obama wants to return to financial responsibility, yet he feels it just fine to borrow $3,400,000,000,000.00 and pass that debt on to our children. What is that? Oh it is the ol do as I say, not as I do typical speak.
Posted by: Kate | March 25, 2009, 9:42 am 9:42 am
I did not watch the news conference,because why ruin a good day. I get discusted everytime I look at this dum monkey with his telaprompter.He is just a plain dumb stupid moron
Posted by: Joeray | March 25, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am
Joeray
then you will hate the next 4 years of your life in America because Obama will succeed. And he is doing the right thing. Most Americans agree with me on that.
…and oh, he is the leader of the free world.
Posted by: Krista | March 25, 2009, 9:57 am 9:57 am
“I did not watch the news conference,because why ruin a good day. I get discusted everytime I look at this dum monkey with his telaprompter.He is just a plain dumb stupid moron”
Stranger than fiction.
Posted by: silky | March 25, 2009, 9:58 am 9:58 am
Joeray
Obama and Teleprompter are still not getting along.
After Teleprompter made Obama thank himself for being invited to the whitehouse, Obama got mad at TOTUS.
So, last night, TOTUS wasn’t there. He was replaced by Jumbotron. A huge, massive tv, acting like a teleprompter in the back of the room.
Posted by: Tray | March 25, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am
Kate,
you can call me all the names you want but it doesn`t take away the fact that a good economy now is a good economy for our children. Obama knows what he is doing and will like a second term, That`s why he is doing what he thinks is right.
When republicans whine that means Obama is doing the right thing because they want him to fail. If he succeeds, they will not see the whitehouse for a long time.
Posted by: Krista | March 25, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am
You gotta’ be convinced, it’s NOT the Republican Party! It’s pretty certain there are Intelligent, Well-Meaning, Honest Folks in The Party. It’s just that “They Don’t Have A Clue!” Plus The FACT that their “Message” and their “Behavior” ATTRACTS The Illiterate, Vulgar, Hateful, Racist Types!
Posted by: bobj72 | March 25, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am
Tray,
If the teleprompter was that easy to use why couldn`t JINDAL use it right.
Fact: Obama floored your candidate McCain in all the debates. Name one republican that is smarter than Obama. Is it Rush,Boehner, Palin,Jindal, Gringrich?
Obama makes the all look like 5th graders.
Posted by: Krista | March 25, 2009, 10:09 am 10:09 am
My issue is the fact that Obama knew about the AIG bonuses and tried to pull a fast one by acting outraged when the news was made public. His campaign benefited from AIG (as well as MANY other large corporations) and he has a favor to pay back. He was trying to do it, but it was too big to keep under the table.
He is getting more and more defensive and that ugly nasty look on his face when the CNN reporter brought up AIG the other day…..the arrogant face of Nobama of past is turning to ugly nastiness. Or is it guilt?
Posted by: canaryyellow | March 25, 2009, 10:11 am 10:11 am
That’s funny Krista. We had a good economy when I was a kid. Do my kids have a good economy today?
What you say, sounds all warm and fuzzy, but it doesn’t mean a thing.
Posted by: Kate | March 25, 2009, 10:12 am 10:12 am
“After Teleprompter made Obama thank himself for being invited to the whitehouse, Obama got mad at TOTUS.
So, last night, TOTUS wasn’t there.”
__________________
Hey Tray,
…Manga?
Posted by: gus amaral | March 25, 2009, 10:13 am 10:13 am
Krista, please explain how you spend your way out of debt? PLEASE!!!!!! Tell me how 3.4 trillion is going to help.
Here in the real world, spending money you don’t have will bankrupt this country. Thats the reality. Will you please take an econ class? Will you please understand how spending into oblivion will HURT our future generations that will have to pay it back? Did you realize that the interest alone on his spending will cost more than the Iraq war? That’s a fact and it’s from the CBO. Not someone who hates obama. You need to get a clue here.
Posted by: chad | March 25, 2009, 10:14 am 10:14 am
We’re in a mess, apparently. I keep hearing that one of the major factors contributing to the Great Depression was an aversion to deficit spending by the government. So I guess we have to do that, and I hope we get something out of it, like we got the Hoover dam, TVA, etc. out of the last one. I don’t think this is a stab at socializing the country, any more than there ever was such a thing as a “free market”, or pure capitalism.
I’m pretty confused about the “new” TARP program though (which, by the way, seems to be the exact opposite of socialism – it’s like guerilla capitalism, and we taxpayers are held hostage).
Please tell me if you think I’ve got it right, because it’s making me nervous.
We taxpayers are taking a bond company called PIMCO to a neighborhood yard sale, at a Citi named AIG.
This yard sale is comprised almost entirely of dining room tables. The yard sale HAS to be successful, or the whole neighborhood – including the one we taxpayers live in – will supposedly empty and become worthless.
As we and PIMCO look at the goods on sale, we notice that most of the tables only have three legs.
To make the yard sale successful, each one of the tables has to sell at 60 dollars. The PIMCO guy says to us: “Tell you what – I’ll take all the four-legged tables, but I’ll only give 30 bucks for ‘em. You’re going to have to buy the rest of the tables for 60 bucks each, and then give another 30 bucks for each table I buy, otherwise the whole neighborhood is toast. We’ll resell all of the tables, and split the profits 50-50.”
So PIMCO sells all his 4-legged tables at 45 dollars, and we split the 15 bucks profit each.
Now we have a whole bunch of three-legged tables that we paid 60 bucks for, and all we have to do is wait for a market for 3 legged tables, which we have to re-sell at about 60 bucks each. Or, we can wait for the value of 60 bucks to decrease until it’s worth as much as a 3 legged table.
Have I got this about right? Love to hear from people that know about this stuff better than me….
Thanks-
Posted by: Steve From NH | March 25, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am
The teleprompter talk isn’t funny, and it never *was* funny. It isn’t obnxious, it isn’t high brow, it isn’t insightful, it isn’t any of these things. It’s just stupid. But that’s how you people roll…you find something stupid…or more accurately, Rush tells you something stupid…a bumper sticker slogan or whatever…then you just jump up and down on that until you get tired. It’s like watching a monkey masturbate or something.
Posted by: silky | March 25, 2009, 10:19 am 10:19 am
Krista Krista Krista
How soon you forget. Remember your biggest enemy, the one you hate the most, Sarah Palin? How about a certain speech she gave at the Republican Convention? Remember that one? The speech that sent liberals running for their lives. The one that sent McCain’s numbers soaring.
It wasn’t from a teleprompter. There was one there, but she couldn’t use it. The operator didn’t stop the speech for applause. Her speech was gone.
How did she do? Remember? She knocked it out of the park!
Now hurry and come back with some liberal bashing of Sarah Palin now. Show us all your hatred.
Posted by: Tray | March 25, 2009, 10:19 am 10:19 am
“Here in the real world, spending money you don’t have will bankrupt this country. Thats the reality.”
No, here in the real world, deficit spending is as old as the wind.
Posted by: silky | March 25, 2009, 10:20 am 10:20 am
“He is getting more and more defensive and that ugly nasty look on his face when the CNN reporter brought up AIG the other day…..the arrogant face of Nobama of past is turning to ugly nastiness.”
_____________
Canary
…have you spent too much time in the mines again?
I didn’t “see” what you describe last evening. I saw an articulate, intelligent informed President, who shows interest & responsibility in the country’s welfare. But, I guess it takes one to see one.
Posted by: gus amaral | March 25, 2009, 10:23 am 10:23 am
Teleprompter talk is hilarious!!!
Look, Obama was known for talking good from a teleprompter, and stumbles and studders when not using one. That was obvious from way back in the campaigns.
If the teleprompter stuff offends you, you are just like the people that got offended by the bushisms.
Posted by: Angie | March 25, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
Kate,
we dont have a good economy now because republicans have deregulated the system. That is why we are where we are.
Now if you don`t build a good economy now in areas such as healthcare, energy and education how do you expect to have a good economy in the future. This is common sense. why wait for gas prices to go up before talking about solving energy?
Why wait till India and China overtake us before talking about improving education.
Why not take on education now and save money in the future instead of kicking the can down the road. This is common sense.
Posted by: Krista | March 25, 2009, 10:27 am 10:27 am
Posted by: canaryyellow | Mar 25, 2009 10:11:23 AM
“canaryyellow”, you’re peeping from inside a mine-shaft, saying; … “His campaign benefited from AIG (as well as MANY other large corporations) and he has a favor to pay back. He was trying to do it, but it was too big to keep under the table.” …
____________
Your thesis ‘doesn’t hold water!’ You’re implying (in general) that the Financial marketplace is “in the tank” for the Democratic Party (you spoke to President Obama, specifically.) If you can, “Follow The Money” and you’ll find the ‘scent of the Republican Party’ being supported at a + 10% rate minimum, easily. (You should know, that marketplace “spreads the wealth” to ensure their continuing viability.)
Posted by: bobj72 | March 25, 2009, 10:28 am 10:28 am
dont’ worry, everything will be fine.
The financial crisis will end within our lifetime. Sen. Dodd of the Senate Banking Committee is counselling Obama as I write this….
Posted by: MarkOne | March 25, 2009, 10:29 am 10:29 am
“Remember? She knocked it out of the park”
Gee, and where is she now? Oh, that’s right, back up in the frozen North.
Posted by: Amy in Maine | March 25, 2009, 10:37 am 10:37 am
The right-wing, Limbaugh-loving buffoons make for great comic relief with their little “teleprompter-tizzies.” Each day as I look at these blogs, I speculate on that time the first “teleprompter-tizzy” will appear. The Neo-clowns never let me down. LOL
Posted by: Howard Beale | March 25, 2009, 10:38 am 10:38 am
canaryyellow: you are aware, aren’t you, that AIG made contributions to McCain and Clinton as well during the campaign? You are aware, aren’t you, that couting House and Senate candidates, AIG gave more to Republiecans than to Democrats?
Posted by: William J. LePetomane | March 25, 2009, 10:43 am 10:43 am
Here I am with my paycheck trying to figure out where to spend the extra $12.00 I got!
Thanks BHO. This windfall wouldn’t have been possible without YOU.
Posted by: LOL | March 25, 2009, 10:45 am 10:45 am
What do I know? I’m just a stupid ignorant southern black man. I said the Obama spendathon won’t work. Now the Federal Budget Office is saying no way it will work. Taxing the top 3% won’t get it. The Federal Budget Office says we must reform the tax structure and everyone who earns wages will have to share the burden. I said printing money like crazy will lead to world trade problems. Now China and Russia are balking at not only lending to us but trading with us as well. They’re calling for some form of world currency and a world bank to hedge against the money manufacturing that’s going on, just as I predicted. The next step is world government. Watch it all happen. It’s coming to every town near you. I say scrap the campaign promises and concentrate on honorable conduct according to the cards we’re holding if there is to be a sovereign and solvent United States down the road. Operating a government while in denial is not a good thing.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | March 25, 2009, 11:01 am 11:01 am
I watched lastnight as the President gave his Speech. I was really amazed when one of the reporters ask the question “Mr. President with the economy the way it is,why, have’nt you ask the American People to do more to get it back on track”. The President did say that the people are doing a lot for the problem. I guess I question though,who, does the Press think is paying the bill for all that has happened that we did not even have a say in. Our Leaders created this problem both Republican & Democrates not the People. We did not even have a say in the situation,however, we are the first that they ask to “GIVE A LITTLE” to solve the problem. How many of us know what is in the $3 Trillion Budget that is 8,500 pages long.Have any of us been ask to read the Budget and see what we think of it. I don’t think so. Yet we are ask by our “WONDERFUL LEADERS TO GIVE A LITTLE” to help solve the problem with spending that they have created. I guess they are giving us a LITTLE ($13.00 a payday) because, we are only GIVING a little to contribute to the mess they have put us in.I really cannot think of the last time I was ask (or told) what is in a Budget. It is really scary that the Lifes of all of America are in the hands of 535 people,who, are not even a part of the same “HEALTH CARE PROGRAM” that they are giving to people, who, have never paid into it. They keep talking about the people recieving the Bailout money over spending and that the Executives should not be rewarded for creating this problem. What about them? For doing such a GREAT job we pay for them to have a seperate Healthj Care peogram so that they do not have to put up with the same plan we have. They are receveing a paycheck. (when a lot of AMERICANS are not). They still have their homes and all other benefits. Yes I think it is time for the American people to “GIVE A LITTLE”. I also think it is time for these people that have been elected to SERVE US start playing in the same ballpark that we are playing and not make themselves the exception to the rule. If we should have to struggle with Medicade and Medicare they should to. We have all paid into the system and now they feel it should be given to people who have not. The real problem is they are bringing people into the Country and giving OUR BENEFITS. (not theirs)If they feel these people are in such need of Health Care put them on the same program that they have and leave ours alone. We have paid long enough into these programs that we should be able to collect from them without fear of running out of the money that we put into them. Being retired I thought that when paying into Soc. Security,Medicade, & Medicare, the money would be there when it was needed. I am on a fixed income (which I am sure our “LEADERS ARE NOT” when they retire)and they still keep taking more and more away. A lot of us may end up on the street without Health Care ,but, you can bet that” OUR LEADERS and their FAMILY’S NEVER will.
Posted by: Don Park | March 25, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
“The real problem is they are bringing people into the Country and giving OUR BENEFITS. (not theirs)”
_________________________
when all else fails, blame the black, brown, foreign-born people… right?
wrong.
The problem of the cost of “benefits” and healthcare are directly the result of free-market healthcare and lack of wellness initiatives. Heathcare for profit is a bit of an oxymoron.
Blaming the small percentage of free-care patients in a total healthcare system is ludicrous, and just plain oversimplistic.
Posted by: gus amaral | March 25, 2009, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Tray,
If the teleprompter was that easy to use why couldn`t JINDAL use it right.
Fact: Obama floored your candidate McCain in all the debates. Name one republican that is smarter than Obama. Is it Rush,Boehner, Palin,Jindal, Gringrich?
Obama makes the all look like 5th graders.
Posted by: Krista | Mar 25, 2009 10:09:09 AM
—————————————-
Actually, Obama lied his a@# off during the debates. Remember the no more earmarks promise? Remember the fiscal resonsibility promise? Remember the no more lobbyist promise? Yet good democrat sheeple seem to have forgotten all of these, and other promises.
Posted by: Global Fraud! | March 25, 2009, 11:50 am 11:50 am
Here I am with my paycheck trying to figure out where to spend the extra $12.00 I got!
Thanks BHO. This windfall wouldn’t have been possible without YOU.
Posted by: LOL | Mar 25
—————————————-
You mean you actually got yours?
Posted by: Global Fraud! | March 25, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
I watched the whole thing last night and wondered why I voted for him. Spending 3.6 trillion is irresponsible and not an investment. It is a waste and furthering the mess Bush left us.
Posted by: former obama fan | March 25, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
I got my check and it had 13.00 more in it and I’m going to invest 50% spend 40% and put the other 30% in lockbox to help with global warming. Al gore says we are all going to die and he could use my $8.34 and stop all the smoke. It’s going to help alot!
Posted by: paul h | March 25, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Whatever economy we have left is a false economy propped up by money with diminishing value. We need products we can sell for profit to the rest of the world.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | March 25, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Barack gave us all $400 dollars a year more so that should be enough to turn this mess around. 400×310,000,000= alot of money so everybody spend right away. we will buy our way out of this bad economy.
Posted by: paul h | March 25, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
The problem as i see it is….No one wants to think for themselves..why are we here, how do we get out,and how do we make our future brighter…Kate ask yourself, what changed over the years to make your warm and fuzzy childhood become a bleak looking future..did you stand by and do nothing while those changes happened?? Instead of looking for solutions we want to “blame the teleprompter”? come on here- we are dealing with severe economic problems, and THATS what you have to bring to the table??? Do you really think pointing your finger at this president and saying -he is the cause of all the problems..is intelligent….??IF, we are going to get out of this mess..WE are going to have to start pulling together..otherwise..you are just gaurenteeing your own demise…None of us is happy about the debt..this isn’t some spending spree of giving money to your friend Haliburton, or oil companies, or running off to start a war…This money HAS to be spent to keep us from sliding into a black abyss, it will get us through this- set us on a more prosperous course and benifit all americans
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm
If I only had $400 more a year I could buy that geo I’ve had my eye on. And with the money thats left I could maybe remodel my house.
Posted by: paul h | March 25, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
Krista -
Fact#1: Our President is a good lip singer, very scripted i might add. Pay close attention when he is asked something out of the box…he immediately stutters, and never completely answers the questioned.
Fact #2: Hillary, would have done a better job.
Posted by: Peoples Voice | March 25, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
former obama fan; Crazy isn’t it? He’s using the deficit spending and the big mess left behind by the Bush administration to justify his deficit spending and the big mess he’s making. The Obamabots are going for it because they still think he’s going to give them something. He will. More poverty and more debt while the people who still have money to invest are playing the stock market for billions. What has changed? New administration.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | March 25, 2009, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
Paul H, you are sadly mistaken-or a liar, those tax cuts are not showing up in your paycheck until april..sorry bub
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm
paulh..my guess is you are going to lose your job..I would put that 400 toward a tent if I was you..you won’t be able to afford gas to put in your geo.LOL
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
Klein, you’re sounding more and more like Hannity, why don’t you just go all the way and join Rupperts chaos
Posted by: Richard in Texas | March 25, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
Yeap – Great idea!!!, let’s all go pack our tents, and camp out at the White House, bring back those Hippie Days.
Posted by: Peoples Voice | March 25, 2009, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Don Park..Everything you need to know is …online…this administration has put everything online..now its up to us to invest the time to read it…read the stimulus bill, then come back and talk about it..read the health care bill when it comes out and then decide for YOURSELF..
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Mr. President,
I would like to ask if there is any way for you to help those of us with huge college loans to get a break? In this economy, I am not making enough to be paying $600 a month to the Department of Education and pay rent, utilites, a car payment, car insurance, gas for work, food, medications, doctor and dentist bills, and every day living. I cannot tell you the last time I went out to see a movie or have a nice dinner. I realize everyone is having a hard time, but any help you could see to give in the way of college loan relief would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 25, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Mr President:
I would like to ask if you have considered giving another stimulus package to the people instead of companies? Not sure if it would work, but if you gave $500,000.00 to each tax payer,then money would be spent on paying bills and buying lots of things and it would kick off the economy again, and maybe that would help. I’m a widow and I know it would help me.. Thank you Sir for reading this.
Posted by: Sharlene A Wade | March 25, 2009, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
I’d like to ask the president why he doesn’t understand that the government cannot create jobs. Every dollar he takes from the private sector to fund hiring people in the public sector is a dollar lost to a job in the private sector. As he is paying people to work in the public sector he is preventing people from working in the private sector. Also, given the logistically unmanageable size of the government it operates so inefficiently that that dollar is no longer a dollar by the time it reaches the jobs program. It’s something much less. So, it’s a negative sum game. Why is he ignoring these obvious and easy to understand issues?
Posted by: don | March 25, 2009, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
cowgirl: go graze
Posted by: don | March 25, 2009, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
I would like to ask the President, why is he not giving the bailout money to the American people who are paying the taxes. Giving the money to AIG, Citibank, and all these other companies does not help me stimulate the economy. They do nothing for me. I cannot go and get a loan to purchase a house because I have bad credit, and when trying to fix it, it is another headache because the three credit companies are not user friendly. I do not want to file bankruptcy, but with the way this economy is going, I have no choice. We cannot stimulate the economy on $13 a week. In order for the American tax payer to stimulate the economy is to be able to buy clothes, cars, vacations, and other things. You keep giving billions away, but not to the people who have been paying into the system. I want to hear about another stimulus check coming out. That has been barely mentioned. And we need more than a lousy $600. That fee barely covered two bills. Please give the money back to the American People and stop feeding these greedy companies, who could care less about the American Tax payer. It is our turn at the piece of the pie. They have already stolen their share, and are not going to jail for it. And when are going to start seeing some of these crooks suffer like the American Tax payer.
Posted by: cdd | March 25, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
sorry Don, but you don’t seem to understand how the stimulus bill works, perhaps you should get someone to read it to you…that money is supplying PRIVATE sector jobs, with the exception of the money alloted to KEEP public jobs like firefighters policemen and teachers..you really are an uninformed lightweight…
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
bonnie charlene and anyone else posting under the same name…the money being pumped into the educational system will be the help YOU need, my advice take advantage of it..you need to spend some quality time educating yourself on economics and how the financial system ties into that, and hey a dose of american history wouldn’t hurt either
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
As a national policy, the “War on Drugs” has been an abysmal and costly failure. Legalizing all drugs and taxing their purchase would go a long way toward resolving the National debt:
1. Revenue
2. Dramatically reduce robberies, burglaries, drug-related killings.
3. Also dramatically reduce prison poputlations.
4. Resolve no only much of the border war with Mexico but significantly aid Mexico in its current bloodly drug cartel inspired killings, kidnappings, etc.
Prohibition caused problems which had not occured before this ill-advised law was passed and did not occur after its repeal. There is simply no difference between alcohol and drugs as addictive agents. There will always be people who will use or abuse both. It is, however, the entire tax-paying population of the U.S. that suffers in myriad ways from the imposition of this ill-conceived “War on Drugs”. It is a complete failure.
Posted by: Sue | March 25, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
peoples voice; I’m waiting for warmer weather to camp out in Washington. You know how us old hippies are. We ain’t goin’ to suffer any discomfort while saving the land. I smell party time. Are you bringing the doobs? Maybe Barry will spare us suckas some toot. Any volunteers to bring the Ripple and Boone’s Farm? It’s gonna be great. We can drop some acid and party ’til we puke and free love and burn the flag and our draft cards.
Posted by: mmonroeliveson | March 25, 2009, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
Bonnie & Sharlene – Good try. Independently what your circumstances are…Mr. President clearly stated that we MUST SAVE, that we consume and spend too much, he hasn’t realized that tHE average american cannot save, because our wages and THE high costs of living doesn’t even out.
Mr. President: Lead by example RIGHT, then start cutting cost in the White House, a room makeover for your girls at 100,000 not necessary, rooms are beautiful as is…keep in mind there are plenty of girls her age that are living in tents. AIG, Freddie mac & Fannie Mae, have then adjust there spending belt FIASCO… private jets, 5 star resorts, at our cost. While they live the high life, we are told to budget. Mr. President: I ask that before you ask more of the already oppressed americans to save..just go out to the new TENT HOMES. This injustice should be televised on the news everyday, i don’t care to watch the OCTOMOM on every news channel, real problems like what america is facing is what needs to be out there.
Posted by: Peoples Voice | March 25, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
“peoples voice; I’m waiting for warmer weather to camp out in Washington. You know how us old hippies are. We ain’t goin’ to suffer any discomfort while saving the land. I smell party time. Are you bringing the doobs? Maybe Barry will spare us suckas some toot. Any volunteers to bring the Ripple and Boone’s Farm? It’s gonna be great. We can drop some acid and party ’til we puke and free love and burn the flag and our draft cards.”
Hey, I’ve attended a couple NORML rallies in Lafayette Park! I’m your guy!!
(There’s still a Marriott nearby, right?)
Posted by: silky | March 25, 2009, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
Party in Lafayette Park, brah!
Posted by: silky | March 25, 2009, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Simple–I would like to ask which he believes–The Republicans and the Democrats are, for the most part, for the people or for their party. To me it very clear.
Posted by: Larry | March 25, 2009, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
With the lending crisis being what it is, why has no one on Capital Hill looked into the system that our credit scores are based on. With our credit scores being based on the whim of the 3 credit companies, Equfax, Experian, and Trans Union, it seems that is a issues which needs to be addressed, and hopefully revamped. Between the Credit Scores, and credit card companies being able to adjust those scores with no accountablitity, it has to be examined and addressed.
Posted by: John | March 25, 2009, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
To Larry, Sue, Cowgirl & Silky – like i said…since our new way of living is in tents, then let’s all go up there, please team up all you from California and camp out with Obama, bring back those hippie days when we were the nations SHAME!!!
LETS GO TO Lafayette Park! and join in a March for a justifiable Cause!!!!!!!
Posted by: Peoples Voice | March 25, 2009, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
To: Michael Moore – Hey Mike, why aren’t you filming america’s new lifestyle “Tent Homes in America” the new HOMELESS AMERICA…THE WORKING CLASS. Haven’t heard from you on this TOPIC.
Aspire to Inspire…before we all EXPIRE!!!!!!
Posted by: Peoples Voice | March 25, 2009, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
Posted by: don | Mar 25, 2009 2:33:11 PM
“don”, you asked; “Why is he ignoring these obvious and easy to understand issues?”
____________________
Your question pre-supposes YOU are “aware of the obvious and easy to understand issues?” My, but that sounds like the ‘message of the party’ that opposed President Barack Obama in the recent ELECTION!
Posted by: bobj72 | March 25, 2009, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
Mr. President
I’m desperate. I’m a 53yr old female who needs to get back to school to be retrained and do not qualify for any of the grants because I already have a bachelor in science that is obsolete. I want to retrain in medical assisting and don’t have money to do it. HELP! I need a job and i know i can get it if i go back to school. I will appreciate your help. Thank you and i hope you read this.
Posted by: Sonia | March 25, 2009, 6:15 pm 6:15 pm
Peoples voice..YOU obviously know nothing of the “hippy days”..there was absolutely no shame what so ever..its looking pretty damn good to me now…Perhaps you are referring to “the days of the great depression”?????
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm
peoples voice…you aren’t talking about the”tea berry shuffle” are you?? I am not marching with no stinkin tea bag in my hand…you sissy
Posted by: cowgirl | March 25, 2009, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm
Question #1: Where may we see a copy of your actual United States Birth Certificate? Does a birth certificate exist? I understand you were truly born in Kenya, Africa, and brought into this world by a tribal mid-wife.
Question #2: Why are you arrogantly and deliberately trying to destroy this once great nation? You will certainly go down in history as the great destoryer.
Posted by: Valerie | March 25, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Posted by: Valerie | Mar 25, 2009 7:07:12 PM
“Valerie”, your slanderous, trite, cynicism illuminates your republicanism! And… demonstrates your utter ignorance.
But, the “Dimbaugh/Hannutty – Speak” sounds so fitting for a person like you!
Posted by: bobj72 | March 25, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
When will our government officials realize they are working for us, “We the People”!!!
When will our federal and local governments realize that tax credits or breaks are ludicrous? Flat tax everyone, every business, for every dollar, and rebuild our boarders and military. How about our high school grads doing a mandatory 2 years of military service. How about, how about we get back to reality, and we are not the greatest nation we once were. Our crime and corruption has escalated and not being addressed the way it should. Why did we teach statistical control to our post WWII enemies that have over taken the markets, but fail to implicate it in our own industries?
Posted by: KL | March 25, 2009, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
what about the time owed these people–how is that coming along?? the sooner they can get out and be “work-productive” the better. PLEASE ANSWER ON THIS ONE.
Good Time Allowances: H.R.1475 – `Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2009′
H.R. 1475 – `Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2008′ – ‘A bill To amend title 18, United States Code, to restore the former system of good time allowances toward service of Federal prison terms, and for other purposes. Status: Submitted by Rep. Danny K. Davis (D. ILL) on 12 March 2009.
Posted by: diane | March 25, 2009, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
I have a daughter graduating Dental School with more with 320,000 in school loans that are at 71/2 – 81/2 percent. They have been compounding interest during the time she is in school. I think it is a crime that the interest rate is so high on school loans. How are we going to expect to produce Drs. when the cost of education and the interest rate is so high. Could we please do something quickly to reduce the interest rate on they loans, so she can consolidate at a lower rate!
Thank You, and by the way O’Bama Thank You for working so hard to try and make America great Again.
Posted by: Karen | March 25, 2009, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
Since my elected officials & their appointees were asleep at the switch and allowed the Financial companies to create this economical disaster which has cost me my job and benefits…
I need some help from Washington and the President.
#1. I need a job with benefits. Since my lay-off I have been forced to pay $800 a month for health coverage for myself.
#2. I am 61 years old and cannot even get a resume response much less an interview. I am being forced into retirement by my government! This being the case, when I reach 62 in a few months I want to receive my full Social Security benefits as if I were 66. If my government cannot hire me or find me a job, then they need to step up to the plate on my retirement.
#3. My local elected officials will only refer me to Job Sites & Job Boards that are suppose to fill Government positions, but more than 50% of the jobs listed are for Hispanics! They state candidates must be fluent in Spanish! Regarding Federal positions they require unemployed candidates to pay a $39.95 fee to join their site before you can actually apply and receive consideration!!!
#4. In Illinois they have switched unemployment benefits to a paycard that they direct deposit your funds to. The problem is to get cash you must pay a $3.00 fee. I’m sure the State is saving by using direct deposit but why should I have to pay everytime I need cash just to exist!
I NEED HELP & ANSWERS NOW!!! For 16 months I’ve continued to pay all my debts, but now I’m drained. It’s all gone at 61, just a few short years from retiring.
Posted by: Paul R. Insco | March 25, 2009, 11:27 pm 11:27 pm
Would you want communism to fail?
Jay Leno Blasts Obama
Even Jay Leno is comparing Obama’s policies to communism. I want that to fail. Watch Leno blast Mr. O’s policies:
http://tinyurl.com/c4vkpq
Posted by: Stop This | March 26, 2009, 12:53 am 12:53 am
Would you want communism to fail?
Jay Leno Blasts Obama
Even Jay Leno is comparing Obama’s policies to communism. I want that to fail. Watch Leno blast Mr. O’s policies:
http://tinyurl.com/c4vkpq
Posted by: Genelle | March 26, 2009, 1:13 am 1:13 am
Why is it if we are given a cost of living increase..the states reduce our food stamps to compensate for the increase..so we are still at the same level as before the increase !!
Posted by: E. Perry | March 26, 2009, 2:00 am 2:00 am
OBAMA IS A
N I G G E R
Posted by: Rorschach | March 26, 2009, 5:27 am 5:27 am
I here all the worries about the economy but has anybody thought about what is happening in the small communities all across america with basic fire protection coverage and what would happen if we loose it. Small departments all across the country are in danger with the tough economy because we are loosing our fire fighters due to the demands placed upon them and lack of money to evan have gas to get the the fire stations to get the trucks. If we loose this basic coverage them people will start loosing there homes because they will not be able to get there home insurance. If this happens the mortgage companies will start calling in the home loans. The small volunteer fire departments need help to keep there doors open. Please give financially and also volunteer.
Posted by: Roger | March 26, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am
Mr. President.
I just wish that instead of blaming you, people would remember – YOU inherited this mess you did not create it. On a lighter note, how do you feel about the “No Child Left Behind” theory? I am a disabled G-Mom raising a special needs granddaughter (whom I adopted) I have had to fight the public school system for 10 years now to make them see that she gets some kind of education.She will be 16 next month and still can only print,doesn’t get the proper help in her IEP. She failed the 8th grade-I chose to hold her back but the Principal passed her on anyway in spite of my wishes.I would like to sue, but with my illness, am just unable to fight any more with them. In two more years they will graduate another illeterate child and throw out into the world to flounder on their own.Honestly, this child cannot even spell. Is there anyone out there who can help her? Like I mentioned before, I’m on disability and can’t afford tutoring or private schools for her. We live near Asheville, N.C. And, enjoyed seeing you here! Help!
Posted by: Ms. Joyce Morgan | March 26, 2009, 8:51 am 8:51 am
When will Pesident Obama place all ceterans under the VA?
Posted by: Dave Easterwood | March 26, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am
why banks raising credit cards rate even you pay every month payment. this is very rediculus.President
Obama must investigate these bank’s practices.
Posted by: Ram | March 26, 2009, 10:58 am 10:58 am
why banks raising credit cards rate even you pay every month payment. this is very rediculus.President
Obama must investigate these bank’s practices.
Posted by: Ram | March 26, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am
Good morning,
Please expedite passing the bill where bankruptcy judges have the power to modify home loans. The investors and banks are not cooperating on modifying our loans no matter what they may be saying. This is our only hope. I don’t understand why the Senate is allowed to stall so much when it comes to voting on this by taking a spring break, etc. It did not take long at all for them to vote for the bailouts for the banks that refuse to help us now.
Posted by: Linda F. | March 26, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
Mr. President,
I have stated publicly before, that I truly believe that you are the right man, in the right place, at just the right time.
Also, I believe that most of the (thinking) public get’s it, with respect to the scope, interrelatedness and systemic nature of the multitude of problems we all have to address, concurrently, and that spending money, while distasteful in this context, is the correct course of action to get us out of these fires.
That said, what is plan “B”?
Posted by: Darryl the Contractor | March 26, 2009, 11:05 am 11:05 am
Hi, Mr. President,
I would like to know does the homeowners of Indymac Bank that are in or going into foreclosure proceedings, do they recieve any remedys from Indymac Bank for giving predatory lending. In my case a first time homebuyer, was ignorant to the ARM practices in which was not given correct information and the lender made it seem lucrative. My home was priced at120,000 in which Indymac gave me two loans one for 100,000 and one for 20,000 why I don’t know. They told me they couldn’t give me a 30 year fixed because of my credit. Then if that’s so how was I even qualified for the loan? Is there any assistance for the homeowners who lost everything, and now has to file for bankruptcy and start all over with bad credit. My ARM was 249.00 but went up to 711.00 along with 900.00 first mortgage. I can;t afford it and they won’t modify the second. So, this is like the bottom falling on you. I have a job with the City which is fuloughed 1 day a week. But, they won’t budge(the lender). Will Indymac Bank be held accountable for their lending practices.
Posted by: Arvetta Watson | March 26, 2009, 11:09 am 11:09 am
We all understand that you ‘inherited’ the ecumenics of the country the same way all other Presidents inherited it. However, you seem to have the need to continually reminder us. Why do you spend so much time trying to lay blame for the financial crisis on past politics and past actions by business rather than letting that go and focusing on leading us out of the crisis?
Posted by: Richard Ferri | March 26, 2009, 11:11 am 11:11 am
Obama has ensured that all public employees retain their jobs and pensions with his stimulus bills and budgets, but the workers that fund these bills, taxpayers, who are mostly small businesses see no help in any form, only incresed fees and taxes. This is a receipe for disaster as states are now seeing major losses in tax revenues. So they will require more funds, an increasing spiral of deficits.
the Federal govenment
Posted by: bob | March 26, 2009, 11:22 am 11:22 am
Can you put the article in spanish so my 97 year old grandmother can read this???
Posted by: Jose Rodriguez | March 26, 2009, 11:28 am 11:28 am
Mr. President,
There is a lot of talk about helping consumers with their mortgages which is understandable, but my concern is commercial. My husband, family and I live is a commercially zoned building in which my husbands business was located in the bottom half of this building. The business has since been closed, we had to file bankruptcy and our mortgage payments are about 6 months behind. No one wants to talk to people with commercial property regarding our mortgage (remodification or possibly refinancing) The new bankruptcy law (trustee to help remod your mortgage pymt)should it go into effect of course is to late for us. The bank has been patient but won’t help. This is where we live but no residental help can be given to us. Any thoughts for those people who need help with commercial loans?
Posted by: Amy Walker | March 26, 2009, 11:29 am 11:29 am
I want to know why all the legislation helps the large investor/banks and does not help the small guy. In particular, why does the investor who losses their life savings have to pay taxes from a 1099. I will give an example. Investor makes $50,000. Investor buys a home for investment and purchased the home for $450,000. The investor invests his life savings of $100,000. The house is now worth $150,000. If the investor sells the home in a short sale for the $150,000, the investor will have a 1099 for foregiveness of debt in the amount of $200,000. The investor would be liable for taxes that will exceed his income. The IRS will have tax liens and may come after his homestead. This clearly is not fair. He losses over $100,000 plus carrying costs, and now must pay taxes on money that he does not have. It is clear that this must be addressed by the legislature.
Posted by: Mark the investor | March 26, 2009, 11:29 am 11:29 am
The public school system needs to be fixed. Not throw more money at it, fix it. There are too many useless and needless programs that burden school districts and taxpayers. Another thing that needs fixing is the way local school districts collect their revenue. Taxing only property owners is unfair. Everyone should be paying, with consideration given to seniors, people with no children in the system, and people with 3 or more children. Some could be paying less and some more.
Posted by: tjp44 | March 26, 2009, 11:34 am 11:34 am
April 1st Cigarettes go up to $70 to $80 per carton. It costs around $15 for a 18 pack of beer. Let’s make it $70 to $80 for this beer and lets see how many people complain. Alcohol kills and maims more people than cigarettes. Why is it that the tobacco industry is the only one being attacked?
Posted by: Linda & Venus | March 26, 2009, 11:36 am 11:36 am
Good morning Mr President,
There are more americans onboard and inspired as ever to make a difference.
I have never been so inspired and so frustrated at the same time. I live in an area that was repressed even before that recession was declared. There are many want to work. Our california govenor has a plan for the money allocated by the feds for job creation, but I’m not seeing it reach where rubber meets the road. My question is how can each area tap into the jobs that are to be created? where do you go to apply? Who is the go to person in this area? Each county must feel the effect of this or nothing will changed. May I suggest that the jobs be farmed by allocating a certain number of jobs per populus by zip code. say for every 100 people in a zip code 5-10 will be hired for work making a difference in every county and city and every state.
Thank You Mr president,
Good Luck and have a blessed day
Robin
Posted by: Robin Moore | March 26, 2009, 11:36 am 11:36 am
Why is gas cheaper a barrel now and more expencive at the pump? Every time the season changes or a holiday it goes up. Is that gouging? Bobby Prince/ Westen North Carolina
Posted by: Bobby Prince | March 26, 2009, 11:37 am 11:37 am
Has the attorney general started any preceedings that would lead to the prosecution of those in power of Congress and the private sector that have commited crimes that has led to this situation?
Posted by: Susan Raynor | March 26, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
I know that you want to hold Teachers responsible for students. But, parents need some responsibilty in their child learning as well. I know a great teacher in Houston Ms. H, and she does everything she can to teach her students but some just don’t want to get it and don’t even try, and their parents don’t participate in PTO meetings. Can we start giving small fines to parents that don’t come to none of the PTO meetings???
Posted by: barbara H | March 26, 2009, 11:39 am 11:39 am
Someone said Obama is the leader of the Free World… I guess they fail to understand they he has already declared a War on American citizens who disagree with his policies… He is a Fascist, a Nazi Science lover, and a Baby Killer.
if by free you meant free to kill the poor, free to pursecute those with a conscience, free to attack citizens who disagree with your immorality, then you are free…
Fortunately I am free too, and he is not my leader,,, he is my president, but he will not be my ally when the civil war begins. Sorry Dems,,, you picked the wrong guy, 2010 you’ll see this idiot won’t have all the Dem support he has now… hopefully it won’t be too late,, I’d hate to have to learn Chinese to be able to spend money.
The only CHANGE this guy has offered, is a CHANGE for the worse….
Wake up America,,, anything but Democrat in 2010
Posted by: gary | March 26, 2009, 11:45 am 11:45 am
Hey Mr Obama,,,, do you seriously think you can attack my faith the way you have by your anti life agenda, and still deserve my respect ??
If I thought like you and your loser Democrat croney’s, I would have Aborted this “New Birth of Freedom” by pulling it’s head out of his Butt, just enough to be able to shove a tube in the back of it’s skull and suck out all the Socialist, Facsist brain matter
Posted by: Gary | March 26, 2009, 11:49 am 11:49 am
Hello Mr President,
This is one of the few times that I have said “Mr. President” and felt respect for the position and the man.
My question is, there are many intelligent people serving as representatives and senators, both democrats and republicans. How has your expectation of working with both sides of the isle measured up in conparison with reality?
Posted by: James Moore | March 26, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am
mr president
is the 31% payment for mortgage is mandatory for all banks? if not, it should be mandatory so that all people will be benefitted and all banks must be followed.
Posted by: angel | March 26, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
A few you should lead by.
“Do everything you ask of those you wish to lead”
“If everybody is thinking alike,then somebody isn’t thinking”
“No good decision was ever made from a swivel chair”
“Success is how you bounce on the bottom”
so stop throwing our money into a black hole in space,it’s OK to fail thats how you succeed,and those that lead out of greed will just fade away, never to succeed again.
WE THE PEOPLE ARE WATCHING !
Posted by: Ralph Montigny | March 26, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
how can u get affordable health care for those going to collage when we, the parents, can’t afford to get it for them.
Posted by: brandy roberts | March 26, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
Regarding VA benefits: I have been waiting 2 years to get a response from the VA on benefits for my mother who is in assisted living and is eligible for benefits because she is a widow of a vet. The VA keeps sending letters that her application is in process. They finally told us to resubmit twice because they lost the application. Can you please get the VA straightened out? At this rate she will certainly die before being reimbursed. She is 78.
Posted by: morgan lee | March 26, 2009, 12:32 pm 12:32 pm
I have been out of work for a year now and I can’t keep up with my bills yet the government jobs or large Co.’s are asking for credit checks, what if we did a credit check on them. They need to stop the credit checks, so, we can get jobs the whole country credit is bad. What can I do, I lost 2 jobs because of credit checks. If I had a job I could get back on my feet and get caught up.. I have no bankrupts of foreclosures just credit cards debts.
Posted by: Jack Ferrell | March 26, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
With the way things are with all the job losses and cut backs it is getting so hard to make ends meet, because everytime I go to the store the prices keep going, then we get our bills in the mail and the prices are going up on them so when you say we are going to be getting the extra in our paychecks it is already gone before we ever see it, the gas prices are going up again so there goes more which is making it harder to say any form of money, my husband and I are in need of a new car but there is no way to afford any new cars at all here and the little bit of money we had invested is down to nothing, I have one kid in college and another one going in this fall and there is no way I can even help them with paying for there classes so as of right now I don’t know how my child that will start school this fall will even pay for it because she now has no job because her place of business closed and she hasn’t been able to get another one yet. Why is there no price freezing till things get better? I really think that if you could freeze prices and somethings like gas and food that might help people out.
Diane
Posted by: Diane | March 26, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
I sure would like to know where Obama was born. I would like to see a copy of his real birth certificate.
Posted by: Jack | March 26, 2009, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm
President Obama,
I have some questions:
1)I am a business owner. If you don’t give us business owner’s a break, how are we going to stay in business?
2)If I close my business, our employees will be out of work!
3)If it costs too much to own a business, then why should I WANT to own one?
4)If I have talents and don’t have incentives to be the best that I can be, what kind of an America am I living in?
5) If our President blames the prior administration, why are you making deals with AIG? Taxing 90% knowingly just to create taxation revenues?
6) If you’re so concerned with our needs, why are you playing CELEBRITY?
7) So when are you going to re-instate a work visa for imigrants that are ready and willing to work where Americans won’t?
8) Why are unions still trying to stay alive when we already have the Labor Board? Unions are now outdated.
9)If the Police force is also union, what guarantee do we have in times of crisis that they will protect us? I was harrased during our last Union episode when shopping and a police officer did NOTHING!!!
10) Why are you trying to implement a socialized healthplan that has FAILED EVERYWHERE IT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED!!!
12) How can your WIFE say that she has just found being proud to call herself an american, while war after war that we have gone through, MANY SOLDIERS HAVE DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY SO THAT SHE CAN PEACEFULLY DRINK HER LATTE AND YOU CAN EASILY TAKE THIS POSITION WITH YOUR CHARM AND COLOR?!!!
I’m sure Congress won’t allow you to CHARM yourself through the mess you’ve begun to stirr…
Posted by: ENTERPRENEUR | March 26, 2009, 11:49 pm 11:49 pm
To ENTERPRENEUR,
Your statement is full of emotion, not much intelligence, which of course you’re entitled to. So let me speak in behalf of the man I voted for, with equal fervor.
The first of your questions that I can make any sense of is; The celebrity status one, Did you see how a multitude of Republican celebs tried for the same spotlight over the last few months, up to and including today, where they came up with a fantastic budget alternative, namely NOTHING!
About those work visas, there are still Americans who don’t want to work, are you kidding? The american business community, hand in hand with the Republican tax relief has been outsourcing jobs for many years now. You still looking for cheap labor, huh??
You’re right about the unions, the day your god R.Reagan busted the air traffic controllers, was the death knoll for the labor movement in this country.
Your interpretation of Obamas tax program is just like the one that phony Joe the Plummer (that’s a laugh) was yapping about.
As far as how much you’ve paid in taxes, sounds like a lot of crap, in 73 years, I have never, never heard of a business person who doesn’t have the help of tax accountants at their disposal in order to screw the country out of every dime they can!!
Come on, aren’t you really Joe the Plummer
Posted by: Richard in Texas | March 27, 2009, 2:30 am 2:30 am
I have heard about a 65% law for federal prisoners that are doing time for drug charges to help with the overcrowding of our prisons. Is there any trueth to this becoming a law? Does anyone know if this will become a law in 2009? Thank you
Posted by: Stacey Judd | March 29, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
Pres. Obama said “Don’t tell me a nation that send a man to the moon cannot find a way to burn coal Right!”
Nobody that wants a promotion will disobey him and tell him; “That’s Right! It is easier to go to the Moon than to take CO2 from the smoke by the coal burnt by an electric power plant!”
But, this is his Second Mistake. His first one was to reject the need to use controls by major nations to prevent another financial fiasco!
We fully know that the overly paid and overly bonussed (Sp?) rulers of the Financial World, wildly gambled on Hedge Funds and other “Derivatives” until they noted they were (therefore, we were) on the hook for $642 Trillion Dollars and our popular President does not yet understand that it was the failure to regulate, GLOBALLY that led to this “Black Hole” in the Financial World. Will anybody tell him? I do not think so, he, meaning all of us, will have to go thru that AGAIN, while he is still in office. Fully Predictable!
You can bet on it, just go to AIG and…
Posted by: Michael F. Sarabia | April 30, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
Why is it ok for the state of IL to go through person after person who claims to” change things for the better”, yet they hide behind the workmans act?
Yet your goal and the reason I voted for you was because you wanted to create more jobs and lower the unemployment rate.
But Illinois abuses the workmans act,
How do you plan on fixing this?
Posted by: Michael Stover | January 5, 2010, 12:22 am 12:22 am