UPDATE Coming Up: Alan Greenspan and Sen. Schumer and Sen. Cornyn
EmailToday’s job report shows the unemployment rate now stands at 9.8 percent- highest level hit since 1983. Another 263,000 jobs lost last month. This Sunday, we’ll get an EXCLUSIVE take from Alan Greenspan on where the economy is heading. Just two months ago he told me he was a “short-term optimistic" about economic growth. So what does he think now?
We’ll then turn to health care with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). Both are members of the Senate Finance Committee which has just wrapped up its debate over health care reform. The committee is expected to vote on its version of the health care reform bill early next week – will a public option be included in a final Senate Bill. Will any Republicans support it?
And our roundtable – ABC’s George Will, Cokie Roberts, Matthew Dowd and The Nation’s Katrina vanden Huevel. The President's inbox is stacking up: his unsuccessful trip to Copenhagen to pitch Chicago's Olympic bid, trying to find the right strategy for Afghanistan, and perhaps a new track for US policy towards Iran. All in a days work. The problem is here at home, along with an economy that is at best sputtering he's also got health care reform. We'll take a look at a week's worth of foreign and domestic challenges for the President and maybe even David Letterman's stunning confession.
You won’t want to miss this. See you Sunday.
- George Stephanopoulos
Santorum Clarifies Concerns on Women in Combat 
Gulf of Mexico to Become Gulf of America?
you and your station is very bios in your reporting
Posted by: kschulze | October 2, 2009, 8:17 am 8:17 am
kschulze: you mean ‘bias’? Would you care to elaborate on your ideas? Or… was that it?
Posted by: Jakob | October 2, 2009, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
If our government were not so corrupt, you’d be interviewing Greenspan in prison.
Posted by: Chuck | October 3, 2009, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
I look forward to the show. I’ve actually gained alot of respect for George since his stint with the Clinton Administration. Thanks for asking the tougher questions. One can only live on a diet of Fox for so long!
Posted by: MarcB | October 4, 2009, 1:56 am 1:56 am
Obama says he’ll explore new jobs ideas. No bigger issue. What should he do? I’ll ask Greenspan, Schumer and Cornyn tomorrow on This Week.
Looking forward to these questions..in my small circle of 120 friends/former coworkers…I know at least 7 of them unemployed from being laid off. 6 of them in their 40′s, 4 of them are/were homeowners, and all 7 have always worked, and all 7 were making from 60K to 120K mid level in their careers. How do you go from that to making zero, competing for jobs making 30K to70K instead with 120 other people, and in the state of California where some counties unemployment rates are up to 14%? Just saying! lol
Posted by: KK | October 4, 2009, 2:54 am 2:54 am
The reason there is NO JOB’S in the U.S.A. most of the manufacturing plant have been out source to other countries for cheep labor! Shame on the CEO’S of these manufacturing plant !
“Our government let this happen to the working class people of the U.S.A.”!
U.S.A. DON’T MAKE ANYTHING ANYMORE!!!
YOU CANT FIND LABELS ON ANYTHING YOU BUY STAMP WITH MADE IN THE U.S.A.ON STUFF IN WAL-MART,KMART OR EVEN THE MALL’S!
BRING BACK THE MANUFACTURING PLANTS and you will put the America people back to work!
We the U.S.A. use to be a self sufficient country of economic consumption
not no more it was removed from our hands.
U.S.A. WAS “the country’s largest manufacturer in the world “ITS GONE NOW!
“BAN THE OUT SOURCED MANUFACTURING PLANTS FROM SELLING THERE PRODUCTS
BACK TO THE U.S.A” TEACH THEM A LESSON FOR MOVING THERE PLANTS OUT OF THE U.S.A.!
PUT THE GOLD STANDARD AND MANUFACTURING PLANTS BACK IN PLACE FOR THE U.S.A.! AND YOU WILL TURN THE UNTIED STATES AROUND FROM THIS RECESSION!
ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!
GIVE THE USA PEOPLE BACK IT DIGNITY AND NOT THIS SHAME WE THE PEOPLE ARE FEELING TODAY WE USE TO BE A PROUD COUNTRY IT GONE !
STOP BUYING JUNK FROM OTHER COUNTRIES!
Posted by: Brendett NC | October 4, 2009, 9:11 am 9:11 am
If Obama realy wants to get us jobs then null invoid, tear up, get rid of Bill Clintons only screw-up. NAFTA
Posted by: Herb | October 4, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am
Katrina vanden Huevel once again shows the world how out of touch she is. “America is no longer a superpower.” Really, when did this happen? Oh well, she’s probably just quoting a recent Obama speech.
Posted by: 72Litt | October 4, 2009, 10:02 am 10:02 am
Are you kidding. Alan Greenspan should be in front of a Grand Jury, not on TV spewing his self interested nonsense.
If this guy hasn’t been discredited in the last 2 years who the heck has??
Don’t help rebuild this guy’s image. Let’s put him in jail!
Posted by: Jeff | October 4, 2009, 10:06 am 10:06 am
George, I watch your program every week. Often, I get frustrated by questions not asked, or by answers not challenged. Sen. Schummer said 65% of the American people support the public option in the healthcare plan. Every current poll shows a wide margin opposes the healthcare plan. Sen. Schummer also said they posted on the internet the current plan, allowing 72 hours for the public to read the bill. I have a good education, but would require more than 72 hours to read the legalese in that bill; In addition, how much time is needed to register support or opposition to the members of congress, who would not be available to listen anyway. Why not allow a week ot two? Why do you not challenge these remarks. I first heard that the bill was posted on the internet this morning on your show. It may be poested, but it remains a secret for most americans.
Thanks, Matt Yakovakis
Posted by: Matthew Yakovakis | October 4, 2009, 10:15 am 10:15 am
To Brendett of NC: Don’t blame the CEOs of manufacturing companies for moving operations overseas. Blame labor union thuggery, chicanery, and Democrats more concerned with micromanaging the economy through overzealous regulations than giving a damn if you work or not. If you don’t work, they consider you ripe for the picking (i.o.w you will vote for them because they will “give you things.”) Stop blaming business and blame government for lack of jobs.
Posted by: Lon | October 4, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am
To Jeff and others: What exactly was Greenspan’s crime? All he did was “adjust” interest rates! The real crimes against the economy are being perpetrated by our beloved Messiah in chief and his parrots in the press and Congress. Our Kenyan President is more concerned with the most corrupt city since Gomorrah getting the Olympics than doing what he really needs to do to get jobs opening again (that would be cutting taxes and stop wasting money on crap!).
Posted by: Lon | October 4, 2009, 10:22 am 10:22 am
I realize Alan Greenspan is considered a “genius” in the Washington bubble, but wasn’t he on Time magizine list of who was to blame for this financial meltdown? Remember his testimony, he had faith the Big banks could regulate themselves. Great guest George!
Posted by: Michael Haney | October 4, 2009, 10:28 am 10:28 am
as a small employer, we have cut our staff 30% from levels 2 years ago and cut use of contractors as well. We could and need to hire again, but we are very apprehensive on hiring for two principal reasons: one is the uncertainity overall for the economy and the new government mandates for health and carbon. What will new hires cost us and how will higher costs impact consumer spending. While revenue neutral on the federal levels, the dollars to pay for all the increased spending are coming from somewhere else.
Posted by: scott jeffries | October 4, 2009, 10:33 am 10:33 am
Schumer needs to explain how the public option will reduce costs in markets with a dominant carrier where the dominant carrier pays out 95% of the premiums to the healh care providers.
Are the health care providers making too much money. Can you cut nurses pay to provide lower premiums?
Tell us Sen. Schumer?
Posted by: scott jeffries | October 4, 2009, 10:35 am 10:35 am
Who is this woman that said “America is no longer a super power”. If America is not…then who is? Exactly the kind of thinking that is so objectionable to most Americans.
Posted by: Betty Arnold | October 4, 2009, 10:42 am 10:42 am
In regards to Dowd’s assertion, I saw 4 people take 6 hours to put a great big stimulus sign at our local airport. I am not sure how much a temporary sign is going to help us. Its become a joke among the commuters driving by it.
Posted by: scott jeffries | October 4, 2009, 10:43 am 10:43 am
Katrina vanden Huevel is ridiculous.Her insistence that General McChrystal needs to re-read the Constitution is arrogant to the point of making my stomach turn. I considered her partisan analysis a minor annoyance until she stated and reiterated this opinion. We live in a society where free speech and criticism of officials is thankfully open to anyone with a soapbox, but that fact does not relieve us from the obligation of speaking with honor and diginity – especially if we do it for a living. Ms. vanden Huevel owes the General and the audience an apology for attempting to demean the wisdom and intellect of this West Point graduate and servant of our nation. I would happily attend any lecture the General wished to give regarding the Constitution and the role of the military in relation to civilian command. I wouldn’t ask Ms. vanden Huevel for restaurant review, and I don’t think I’ll be tuning in to hear more of her arrogant-beyond-belief “analysis”. If she had any sense, she’d be ashamed of herself.
Posted by: Terrance | October 4, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
I wish the panels would include those who have lost their job or are middle income struggling to pay everyday bills. It seems the rich must make all the decisions for those below them. Aren’t our opinions worth anything? When middle class pay $500 a month for medical on poverty wages, there is a problem. When a graduate can not find a job except at the local McDonalds that is a problem. WE NEED JOBS to pay bills to live.
Posted by: Deb McCulley | October 4, 2009, 10:58 am 10:58 am
Katrina vanden Huevel’s claim of the US no longer being a super power is further indication of the left’s agenda for diminishing the greatness of the United States. And her admonishing General McCrystal to read the Constitution to realize that the military is under civilian control was incredulous. She should likewise advise the president to do the same and govern accordingly including the bill or rights…all of them.
Posted by: John Adams | October 4, 2009, 10:58 am 10:58 am
George…come on!!!!! You can’t seriously think that wacky Kristina is of the same caliber of your other commentators.
She is in the “I love Obama” mentality…and if I praise him on tv…I will get a seat on his plane…with the other press,who have given up their souls…to become “yes” men.
Pathetic
Posted by: Kathie | October 4, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am
Having four conservatives (Will, Dowd, Roberts) and one liberal (Heuvel) is a set-up for the liberal voice to be drowned out by the conservative ones. And this is supposedly a ‘liberal’ channel?
Posted by: Roy P. | October 4, 2009, 11:20 am 11:20 am
I love watching this show every week, but please make sure you place serious commentators on the show. I’ve watched Katrina vanden Huevel over the span of time and am convinced she is off base, biased and nonsensical in her comments and judgements. Today she went off the charts and topic. Please George, reconsider her position at the table.
Posted by: Patrick | October 4, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am
Uh… Roy P… when did Kokie become a conservative?? It’s well balanced. Will conservative, Dowd moderate-conserv, Kokie moderate-liberal, Katrina-liberal. And personally, I cringe when Katrina’s on. very offensive style to me.
Posted by: sus | October 4, 2009, 11:27 am 11:27 am
I watch “This Week” because it often has sharp minds (of both persuasions) sparring at a level rarely heard or sen on T.V. I assume that most people do the same which is why I cannot understand how people on this blog can write this drivel nor why anyone would spend the time to read it.
Posted by: Jacob1 | October 4, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
I can’t understand why you even have Katrina Vanden Huevel on your show. She is so closed minded, opinionated and biased. Her remarks today about the military and that the general needed to read the constitution really echoed the liberal hate for the military. I feel that there is no other organization in this country that care or do more for the future or safety of this country, and there is nobody who sacrifices as much as our military, including our reps in the house and senate. Katrina needs to remember that it is because of our military that she is able make her remarks on TV, and it is our military that fought and won our freedoms for us and large parts of the world. No news reporter or commentator has been able to do this. When you conceder how our news media likes to condemn our military and make them do their job with one hand tied behind there back, I often wonder if we had the news media of today back during WW II, how the war would have turned out. It is the news media that has benefited from the military. Not the other way around. Katrina needs to learn how to understand the constitution
Posted by: Joe | October 4, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
To John Adams, confused with the constitution:
Article II, Section 2 states, “The President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States when called into the actual Service of the United States.”
Posted by: Roy P. | October 4, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am
Tell Katrina vanden Huevel that its pronounced Copen-hay-gen not Copen-hog-en.
Posted by: Steve | October 4, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am
Katrina Vanden Huevel is such a great example of the stupid low life of these comunists trying to take over our country. Have you ever thought about bringing Americans onto the program?
Posted by: Bart | October 4, 2009, 11:43 am 11:43 am
I enjoy watching your show more than any of the Sunday morning news programs, except for one single aspect. I simply do not see the value of George Will’s input. He adds no value to the debate and comes across to me as nothing more than a whiner. He reminds me of the adult who as a child, was the dork on the playground that got beat up every day. Pleawe replace him with a republican voice who has something of value to bring to the table.
Posted by: Detada | October 4, 2009, 11:52 am 11:52 am
I can’t understand why you even have Katrina Vanden Huevel on your show. She is so closed minded, opinionated and biased. Her remarks today about the military and that the general needed to read the constitution really echoed the liberal hate for the military. I feel that there is no other organization in this country that care or do more for the future or safety of this country, and there is nobody who sacrifices as much as our military, including our reps in the house and senate. Katrina needs to remember that it is because of our military that she is able make her remarks on TV, and it is our military that fought and won our freedoms for us and large parts of the world. No news reporter or commentator has been able to do this. When you conceder how our news media likes to condemn our military and make them do their job with one hand tied behind there back, I often wonder if we had the news media of today back during WW II, how the war would have turned out. It is the news media that has benefited from the military. Not the other way around. Katrina needs to learn how to understand the constitution
Posted by: Joe | October 4, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
Jacob1, you have to be careful with shows like this that are made to appear as ‘balanced’ and equally airing both sides of issues. Notice how these ‘expert’ panels are most often than not, stacked with more conservatives than with liberals.
Posted by: Roy P. | October 4, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Katrina is obnoxious and rude! She interrupts her colleagues and tries to dominate the conversation. She definitely needs to learn some manners.
Posted by: Doug Moore | October 4, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Some people say never on sunday I say remember Pearl Harbor!Hueval thinks General McChrystal should read the Constitution.I think she should read Sun Tzu.Can she put down the Obama pom poms long enough?Stay tuned!God Bless the U.S.A.
Posted by: AnthonyFerreira | October 4, 2009, 12:00 pm 12:00 pm
The panel today was excellent except for Katrina Van Heudel, who was, as usual, out of control. She shows contempt for other panel members and George by constantly taking over the discussion and ignoring Georges’s attempts to allow other panel members to participate. She was permitted to control the agenda today rather than George.
Posted by: Dorothy | October 4, 2009, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm
Katrina vanden Huevel is a narcissistic twit. Suggesting that a general in the Army needs read the Constitution is a real indicator of how unsophisticated she is. Why is she even on the panel? She made several comments that are bereft of reality and wherewithal — she’s just not that bright. You can see it on the expression of the other members.
Posted by: TopGun09USMC | October 4, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
Wow, Katrina is so incredible (in a bad way). I think she was starting to realiaze she was pushing it about half way through or was she from the outset try to push our buttons.
Did I catch that right 40% of the economy is goverment, what was it during the recovery from the deppression? At least back then noble and visible results were done and seen. Today most people are trying to guess what happened to all that stimulus, especially here in California.
Posted by: jerry lundgren | October 4, 2009, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
72Litt: Ms. Hervel is certainly wrong in stating “America is not a superpower”. May be it would be more appropriate to say America is a bankrupting superpower, because she spends way more than its means. So far United States is still the biggest in aerospace, military industry and health care industry complex and electric power and nuclear power generation.
Posted by: austin | October 4, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
Characterizing the comments made by Katrina on the show as the product of sharp thinking and contemplative analysis is the epitome of thickness. I was stunned by her sophmoric remarks.
Posted by: Jim Madison | October 4, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
Characterizing the comments made by Katrina on the show as the product of sharp thinking and contemplative analysis is the epitome of thickness.
Posted by: Jim Madison | October 4, 2009, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
To Roy P.
I am familiar with the section of the Constitution you cite and agree that the president is indeed commander in chief. But for Katrina to cite it in the context she did given the numerous actions taken by this administration to purposely skirt and undermine constitutional rule in general is disingenuous and insulting. And to characterize the General’s assessment of the situation in theatre as insubordination is yet another example of this administration’s misuse of doctrine to silence opposing viewpoints.
Posted by: John Adams | October 4, 2009, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
Lets be fair and balance. Pettition congress to pass two health care plans. #1 Obama’s and #2 the Republicans health care plan. Let the public choose which ever plan they perfer. Those that do not have a health care plan must choose one or the other. Those that can not afford to pay for health care are already covered under health and wefare. The Democrats won’t do that, because they know 99% of the American public would choose the Republican health care plan.
Posted by: John Demeter | October 4, 2009, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
Mr.Stephanopoulos,
Why do you feed us such meaningless drivel? Do you realise up until he saw the light Mr. Greenspan based his economic theory on Ayn Rand? A good writer of fiction but clueless on economics. He is part of the conspiracy that robbed our nation and the world of trillions of dollars. How? Through the use of Credit Default Swaps. The scheme was hatched in the late 90′s with the proposal of making home mortgage loans to people who could not pay the loans. That sounds like a liberal idea? Was
it?
Not only did the government mortgage lenders make these loans the private mortgage lenders did to. There is no financial reason to make a loan to someone who can not pay it back. The lenders sold the mortgages to investors as derivatives. Dumb investors? Until the “Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000″ was passed by Clinton on the last day of business 1999. Senator Phill Gramm of TX slipped it in the night before into the budget bill. Now investment banks could sell Credit Default Swaps as a hedge for the worthless mortgage derivatives. A little help from the bond rating services gave these derivatives a AAA rating. Now the CDS contracts were so cheap the investment bankers could sell $50.00 for each $1.00 of worthless derivatives. Just after the crash I read in the news the amount owed on CDS contracts was $50 trillion. More money than the world generates in a year. Did you notice this? No! you listened to Mr. Greenspan who said the CDS contracts were necessary for the function of modern business. Now we know this was a lie. Why do you still listen to Mr. Greenspan? Did you buy a few CDS contracts? Nice profit? At what cost?
Posted by: BillWilliam | October 5, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
Mr. Stephanopoulos,
Many people wonder where the money the government has given the banks for recovery has gone. “See my last post.”
The banks are still paying off the Credit Default Swaps. A bottomless pit.
Posted by: BillWilliam | October 5, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm