Goolsbee delivered terrific soundbite TV yesterday on “Hardball.”
Andrew Ross Sorkin was on “Morning Joe” where he was just an incoherent as he is here.
Cue the Santelli tape.
A.G. Cuomo makes his case. (I’ll put Cuomo’s deadline letter up if you all haven’t seen it yet.)
“A.I.G. made more than 73 millionaires in the unit which lost so much money that it brought the firm to its knees, forcing a taxpayer bailout,” Mr. Cuomo wrote in the letter. “Something is deeply wrong with this outcome.”
Here’s something neither Obama nor Grassley answered in their bellicose remarks Monday: Why did it take so long for the president and senior lawmakers to get so worked up? More troubling, why did it take so long for them to discover AIG planned to give huge bonuses in the first place?
Oh, and Fox apologizes for screwing up the Biden economy clip time line.
But it was today during the White House briefing that Jake Tapper really tried to nail Robert Gibbs on the A.I.G. bonus issue and the time line of when they knew about them. It was close to painful to watch Gibbs as he tried to offer Tim Geithner some cover, while clearly not being prepared to answer something the White House hasn’t worked out yet. Expect much more on this one.
These guys take care of their own first. But when I read that many that got bonuses don’t work at AIG anymore that was the last straw. The message is not getting through. We The People own 60% of AIG…they better start listening.
Oh and the rally continues… DOW up 180
I’ve got a “shovel ready” stimulus project. Guillotines and public beheadings.
here’s the video of FOXsnooze “apologizing”
http://mediamatters.org/countyfair/200903170015?show=1
Someone please tell me why Tim Geithner bothers the hell out of me. He has from the beginning; I think I commented a few weeks back about my unease with him. I just don’t find him inspiring or forthcoming. Why?
JA – Because he is neither one of those things. Your unease is well founded.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 4:55 pm
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This is where the Obama administration is going to be accused of “not being transparent.” This whole thing with AIG just makes me more and more furious every day. Yesterday I was more than pissed. I really don’t know how anyone can hand out this kind of money to “f@@@ups.”
I’m just the opposite, I feel that Geithner is very bright and will help bring us out of this.
By the way, I love the taxing of the bonus plan. That’s what they need to do. 100% taxing.
They aren’t being transparent JA and they are going to get themselves in deep weeds over this. That’s just my opinion, but for god sake Dodd’s legislation allowed these bonuses to be paid. Everyone knew that. The outrage is nothing but political theatre.
Well Mika is totally swinging Hardball to the right. Its like Morning Joe, in the afternoon.
Sorry Betsy but all of this is running for political cover. I have lost my patience with grandstanding politicians.
Betsy says:
17 March 2009 at 5:05 pm
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Betsy – Geithner may be bright but he keeps coming across as a complete “dud.” That’s what has me along with many others concerned. It’s a perception problem. Either he has to do a better job communicating or let someone else do it. Right now I’m not inspired.
As to the 100% tax, I’d tax them at 150% if they accept it.
The other thing JA is that it’s hard to be inspired by someone who was part of this whole problem.
Jane Austen says:
17 March 2009 at 4:52 pm
Someone please tell me why Tim Geithner bothers the hell out of me. He has from the beginning; I think I commented a few weeks back about my unease with him. I just don’t find him inspiring or forthcoming. Why?
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sounds like you’re reacting to his personality not substance or results. Right now it looks very much like we have turned a corner and may be on course for a sustainable recovery… the markets are reflecting that.
Don’t bet on it GeoT. Wait until the earnings reports come out and then watch Freddie/Fannie.
Betsy says:
17 March 2009 at 5:05 pm
I agree with you about Geitner. The guy is very smart, yes…is he a brilliant communicator and TV/sound-bite ready, no. I can’t believe that Obama would have faught so hard for him, if he was a loser. I said this before, but if I had a brain tumor, my surgeon would be the smartest and biggest nerdy doctor on earth, and not the smooth and TV ready Sanja Gupta.
It might be just me, but I say give the guy a chance, he has only been trying to fix this for less than two months. What he did under the Bush White House does not mean, he will be the same under Obama. Otherwise, everybody should have a huge problem with Robert Gates, who seems to be doing a great job.
Today’s housing numbers were very good:
Housing starts surge 22% on apartment building
Single-family building permits rise 11% in February
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/housing-starts-surge-22-apartment/story.aspx?guid={80F733A0-B553-4D73-80C4-BA67E07CFBAF}&dist=msr_35
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it will take time, slow and steady is a good thing.
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 5:25 pm
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Like I said GeoT – it’s a perception problem and that’s not good for people who aren’t taking the time to look at what’s actually going on. And then I have to explain it to the idiots who listen to “sound bites” only.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:26 pm
Don’t bet on it GeoT. Wait until the earnings reports come out and then watch Freddie/Fannie.
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Kris you’ve been on a negative tear for some time. I think you’re wrong about what’s ahead.
p.s. I wouldn’t bet on it, that’s how we got in this mess, speculation
Jane Austen says:
17 March 2009 at 5:29 pm
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 5:25 pm
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Like I said GeoT – it’s a perception problem and that’s not good for people who aren’t taking the time to look at what’s actually going on. And then I have to explain it to the idiots who listen to “sound bites” only.
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the average person is not evaluating Geitner’s style they are looking for results, which are slowly turning positive, there is no doubt.
The local TV station is starting to run stories on how the stimulus money is going to be used locally… that’s concrete results…pun intended.
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 5:30 pm
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GeoT – I guess there are those of us who want to believe but are too afraid to do so. Eight years of Bush/Cheney did me in on belief. I suspect everyone and trust no one. I want very much to see Obama succeed and succeed big time, but I have to leave some reservations so I’m not disappointed too much if things just don’t go the way we hope. Not that I’m without hope, quite the opposite. We’ve had a lot of let downs in the past 8 years.
You are right GeoT – I have been negative for sometime now. But I am with JA on this one. I have reservations and I really hope I am wrong, I really do.
For me it’s not focused on Obama succeeding or failing – it’s the country. I don’t care who gets the credit or blame. I just want things to go well.
And I will try to be a little more upbeat. Remember I said TRY.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:26 pm
Don’t bet on it GeoT. Wait until the earnings reports come out and then watch Freddie/Fannie.
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which companies? I saw Diageo reported today and profits were up…people are apparently drinking more
http://www.reuters.com/article/FoodandAgriculture09/idUSTRE52G64B20090317
Jane Austen says:
17 March 2009 at 5:35 pm
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I understand your POV. I trust that Obama cares about this country and its masses. It was a hard shift to make, after the last 8 years, but I have found that once I changed my perspective, I am optimistic and less frantic day by day. It’s exhausting being outraged all the time. That’s not to say I don’t pay attention, but my starting point is no longer that the administration does not have my best interest at heart.
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 5:32 pm
Your right, the local TV coverage is overwhelmingly positive, because they have examples of how the stimulus is helping the local economy.
People locally, are starting to see a positive change, which is why there is such a disconnect between the chattering classes on the Hill and on TV, and what everyday people are talking about.
We need to all remember that the pundits (most of them) have a vested interest in keeping things exactly they way they have been in Washington. They also have a vested interest in keeping drama going for their ratings. I have never been able to respect David Gregory after seeing the youtube of him rapping with Karl Rove.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:41 pm
And I will try to be a little more upbeat. Remember I said TRY.
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I know you’ve been out of work and I sympathize. I’m not blindly optimistic, I look for actual evidence that things are getting better.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:40 pm
But I am with JA on this one. I have reservations and I really hope I am wrong, I really do.
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BTW, that part I get 100%, being skeptical while still hoping for the best.
maxadog says:
17 March 2009 at 5:42 pm
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maxadog (love the name) – I’m not without hope. My plumber actually made me feel very upbeat when he told me he’s got work coming in on some jobs. I felt happy for him. And my son is getting called in for more upcoming construction work. I’m just tentative about things right now. And I’m firmly in Obama’s corner so it’s not that I don’t trust him. I voted for the guy afterall
Thanks for understanding GeoT. I am working again and can’t be at TM very often. Maybe that attributes to some of my bad mood.
That said I gotta go before I get fired.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:50 pm
Thanks for understanding GeoT. I am working again and can’t be at TM very often. Maybe that attributes to some of my bad mood.
That said I gotta go before I get fired
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I didn’t know you’re back to work, see, things are turning around
Jane Austen says:
17 March 2009 at 5:49 pm
maxadog says:
17 March 2009 at 5:42 pm
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maxadog (love the name) – I’m not without hope. My plumber actually made me feel very upbeat
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same here I had an electrician in last week and he said he’s “booked”
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 5:25 pm
I so agree with you GeoT. And AG is right. He wasn’t hired to be Mr. America. He was hired to do one of the toughest jobs that there is. Everyone is outraged over AIG. As Mika said the shock should have been a year ago when those contracts were made. And I believe that Obama admin only gave them 30 million this last go around. Am I correct? If so, that means they are using the money from Bush. Just a thought. Geez, I’m really tired of listening about this. I wish they would talk about the first judge that Obama just appointed. And the problems that need immediate attention on the border. How about the start of health care. Lots of these things need attention right away, and they are attending to them. But because the msm is screaming we’re wiggling and getting upset and uncomfortable.
God Geot I hope your eternal optimism rubs off on me.
Now I really have to go.
GeoT you always lift my day up with some of the positive things that you say, and the very good links that you give us.
Oops, 30 Billion I guess.
JA – thanks for the name props. My dog Max (pictured) is my inspiration. I’m glad to hear your plumber is getting work. I work in retail (real estate) and while things are still bad, I think that we’ll come out of this stronger than ever.
this was fun:
White house fountain turns green for St. Patty’s day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yrhIYq0B20
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 6:03 pm
It’s an awesome Chicago tradition.
kris says:
17 March 2009 at 5:57 pm
God Geot I hope your eternal optimism rubs off on me.
Betsy says:
17 March 2009 at 5:59 pm
GeoT you always lift my day up with some of the positive things that you say, and the very good links that you give us.
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wow, great reviews
Like I said, I’m not Pollyannish (I hope) Right now things look like we may be on a gradual rebound. If the indicators change I will have to admit I was wrong… won’t be the first time. 
justlen says:
17 March 2009 at 6:05 pm
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 6:03 pm
It’s an awesome Chicago tradition.
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I heard it was just a cover-up for the pollution in the Chicago River.
Betsy says:
17 March 2009 at 5:57 pm
And the problems that need immediate attention on the border. How about the start of health care.
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This is totally tongue in cheek when I say this Betsy but if the msm think he’s taking on too much. My question is if he doesn’t do it now, then when?
Nah, they reversed the river so St. Louis could get Chicago’s pollution. They never forgave us.
GeoT says:
17 March 2009 at 6:03 pm
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Yeah, they had great fun here on Saturday during the “pub crawl.” The pubs/bars ran out of beer and the police ended up arresting 30 idiots who decided to run amok. The sirens were going for hours,
Jane Austen says:
17 March 2009 at 6:13 pm
The pubs/bars ran out of beer
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That could cause a riot in just about any city
Betsy says:
17 March 2009 at 5:57 pm
Your right, the MSM should be talking about all the other things going on. But they always gravitate to the next ‘shiny object’. Two weeks ago it was Rush, now its AIG.
Plus, the days of investigative journalism are over. Its just easier to keep repeating talking points all day, and having opposing sides scream at each other.
If you notice, they get most of their story ideas from the blogs, who are currently doing most of the leg work for stories (and not getting paid for it). I can’t tell you how many times I read something on HuffPost, Politico, Talking Points Memo, TM, ect.. in the early morning, and low and behold, it is a story on CNN, MSNBC, and Faux a few hours later. They are just being lazy. When I used to book people for shows, I was required to give a list of talking points, AND questions for the host to ask. Just lazy…
justlen says:
17 March 2009 at 6:11 pm
Nah, they reversed the river so St. Louis could get Chicago’s pollution. They never forgave us.
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“reversed the river” wow, the Chicago political machine at work.
Hey there’s a new thread up honoring the Irish. Let’s move on, get some green beer and do an Irish jig in honor of St. Pat.
Audiegrl says:
17 March 2009 at 6:17 pm
Plus, the days of investigative journalism are over.
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We still have Sy Hirsch, he’s got Bush/Cheney in his sights.
If I prayed I would pray Hirsh’s work will outrage enough people that the politicos will be forced to do some investigating. To see a murdering warcriminakl like Chenney saying President Obama has made the country LESS safe is unconcsonable(spelling?)
And I didn’t even vote for President Obama!!