Hey there:) YEAH for Stevens being defeated! The sad part is he will probably not go to jail and enjoy all his money from his pension....Crazy that the election was so close...

Hi Anderson
Hi Erica
Hi Bloggers

YAY!!! Stevens lost! Thank goodness!

goodevening all. i think i am having AC360 withdrawals. lol

Thank goodness Palin has no chance to get in the Senate.

Good evening Erica & Anderson

Good evening all.

Good Evening Bloggers! Sarah Palin...Ted Stevens...makes me wonder what's in the water up there?

Hello Everyone! Happy Tuesday!

Morale is so low among prosecutors today. Holder's a good choice.

So glad that Steven lost!!! Glad the voters sent both Palin and Stevens back to Alaska!!!

Sorry Republican you lost again. What do you expect you all have bankrupt the united states and you Ted Stevens you are now a convicted felon we dont need no more corrept republicans we cant afford them

Good evening Anderson. I believe Eric Holder is probably quite qualified to be Attorney General. I'm sure he wasn't chosen just because he was black!

hey everone, good evening

Ted's birthday's not turning out too good. First he loses his Senate seat and now he's got to try and blow out all 85 candles on that birthday cake.

Evening Anderson & Erika !

Hi Bloggers...I think Obama's choices so far a GREAT!
I am so excited for this administration to begin.

It sounds like Eric Holder is the right man to be our next Attorney General. Good comments from Jeffery Toubin on his behalf.

I for one, and no doubt to the surprise of many, don't see a problem with ex-Clintonites. At least someone in the administration will have experience. There's none at the top.

Hello Bloggers: Interesting what David Gergen said about having a woman on Obama's cabinet and based on what's left, Hillary must be the one to get Secretary of State.

Thank you David Gergen! I've said it before and I'll say it again, David is the voice of reason!

I am upset with politics now, Why is Obama steady picking old clinton people I want to at least have some fresh new people with fresh ideas.

I mean at least one or two people at least.

Wow. Clinton and Reno didn't speak! That's so amazingly immature,no?

Ted Stevens: one down two more to go for a filibuster proof senate

One woman so far. Gimme a break Obama.

Ted Stevens deserves to loose his seat in the Senate. He is a convicted criminal. And Thank God Sarah can not appoint her self.

Obama, I voted for him and I trust him to do well in his cabinet selection. He ran the best campaign, why would he begin to make bad choices now?

Everbody get ready for something new, something that actually works for the people.

why is ok for a convicted fellon to be able to continue to run after the conviction, when a convicted fellon can't vote – even if their fellon was 30 years ago and this was so recent, if he won could he stay in the senate – a convicted fellon, how is that fair?

I think it's great that Janet Reno didn't have a close relationship with President Clinton. There needs to be a clear separation, unlike Gonzales and Bush which was like a puppet and a puppeteer.

ha! reno and clinton didnt speak! lol

i like his choices so far. he seems to be doing his homework before making any selections, putting alot of thought into each one.

David Gergen!!! im so glad you are still coming on the show!

I think that it is just a shame that Stevens thought that he could get away with freebies. the only bright spot today was Holder.YAY!

I am still waiting to see evidence of "change" that Obama and his supporters promised us. Putting the Clinton bunch back in the White House doesn't seem like a step in that direction.

The last block of qualified people from the Dems are obviously Clinto era folks...not going back to Carter...LOL...so I don't see all the fuss with Obama's choices....HE is the bold, fresh, new face for the country so it's good to have other experienced cabinet members..

hi, everyone – did your tuesday feel like a thursday? mine did... never a good thing. yet, i was super productive

Why does everyone comment on "change" and the new cabinet? The decisions and directives come from the top. If the best people for the job are old faces, so what. If they can carry out their duties as directed from Obama who ultimately has the onus, I fail to see the problem. When is says change, he means change in the way things are being done.

Good Mikey, Clinton is the one with more political experience in Obama's cabinet & she's the right person for the job position.

With the record-breaking profits reported by the oil titans lately, why doesn't the auto industry ask them for money instead of putting more weight on the tax payers' shoulders?

Looks like Alaska can thank it's women and young adults for Stevens' defeat (according to CNN's electoral map). Both demographics seem to have had an unprecedented effect on these elections.

I like Hillary Clinton for secretary of state – there's too much talent between her and Bill (who would inevitably be involved) to be put on the back burner.

@Hannah Rose

Actually Hannah in some states convivted felons can vote after they have served their probation or what ever sentence was issued to them.

Obama is doing exactly what I hoped for...assembling a diverse group of voices around the table. Contrary points of view are important when vetting all issues, assuring the best and most balanced decisions.

Can someone tell me how Obama is demonstrating "Change"? I voted for Obama to change the game, not bring in ex-Clinton people who know how to play the game. So far it seems like Obama is shaping up to be Clinton 2.0 with a Chicago twist.

I'm a bit disappointed.

LOL Erika...all day I have told my husband it feels like wednesday!
must be something in the air.

Erica, my tuesday feels like a monday.

i dont like the 8-year old saying 'might have' or the fact that there is no legal representation for him. he sounds coached. like they are trying to convince him. a woman on both sides of him (cops, of course) also seems like it could be quite intimidating. they are not handling this properly.

Yeah Erica! usually most of my days feel like fridays or thursdays.

I am still waiting for the change I voted for. The Clintons are not it .

JoAnn, Obama hasn't even started the job yet. Sheesh...

'Hit the ground running' should be the Obama strategy putting a few people in from the Clinton White house those with experience is the way to go.

Scott S. Get used to it, there's a lot more disappointment to come. Just wait until all the promises start going by the wayside.

It is not about whether or not they were apart of the clinton administration. It is about who will do the best job.

Obama's beautiful daughters should go to private school as they were already going to private school and the education they were all ready receiving is most likely musch better.

However, since President Elect Obama will be the President of the USA, he should make a donation to the public school system for the cost of the girls private school education, and it should go towards books and supplies only, no admin costs at all. Maybe every semester a different school in the area can get the donation mentioned above.

Hi Anderson, Erica, everyone. Eric Holder as deputy attorney general under Janet Reno must have years of experience, was he dep. att. general for two whole terms? I feel the Rich pardon is not so much an issue.

Always great to hear about Hillary Clinton moving into the Secretary of State position.

With Stevens losing his seat in the senate, it sounds like the democrats will be having their way with legisation for at least two years.

Dan that's cool, Monday all the way thru Thursdays stink and feel like Monday but thenn there is the weekend!!

Hi Erica: Unfortunately, my Tuesday felt like Tuesday! Busy day for me but also productive. Much rather it be Friday though!

Does anyone else not trust Henry Paulson??

I'd really rather Clinton was not Secretary of State.

I supported her bid for the nomination and then voted for Obama, but like the idea of her staying an independent entity in the Senate. But if Obama doesn't offer it now, I suppose all the rumors and outrage will start again. Sigh.

Funny you should ask, Erica. I woke UP thinking today was Wednesday. LOL!

it s not just the change he promised, he also said he will spread and cross frontiers

I think Paulson is an embarrassment to Goldman Sachs, not to mention the U.S.. How wishy-washy and mamby pamby can one person be, especially in his position?

Know what you mean, Erica... I think for me it's because I had last Tuesday off for Veteran's Day.

25 Billion should go to nationalizing the Auto makers to make Renewable energy technologies. The the Big three needs to Ask Big oil for their bailout since that is who they have been taking their cues from.

Curtis, Anderson asked what we thought of Obama's choices so I told him. Their records say a lot about who they are. If you have a bone to pick you might want to pick it with Anderson.

i dont like Paulson, homeowners cant change the terms of their mortgages, why should they be able to change the terms of their loan of OUR money?

Paulson kills me...we can bailout the banks but don't help the people who's money he is spending!

Obama can't keep him...I think he's flawed.

Hey anderson can you ask Ali...have we come close to the bottom YET???(just his opinion).

I say no bail out ... no one was up in arms when the textile business went under here in the southern states, and more are failing now, after 25 years on the job people are now being laid off, where are the bail outs for the textiles ? David gald you are back too.. have you been aproched by the Obama team ? you need to be there.

I didn't get a chance to catch up with CNN until I walked in tonight. So far I'm pleased with Obama's picks. I think they show some diversity and yet seem strong choices.

I'm relieved to hear that Stevens may have been voted out. I can't believe it was even close!

Senators complaining about how auto cos were in the grasp of unions didn't offer any legislation to reduce union power did they?

700 billion floating around and not one person seems to know just how to use it the best way?

I am amazed how this poor 8 year old is being handled by the police. How can anyone seriously believe that this kid can shoot two adults in different rooms? Why is the media not treating this as the outrage it is and do something for this kid?

September bailout for $25 billion to become more fuel efficient ...??? are we there yet and should we be moving to the next bailout?

Does anyone really believe the automakers will be able to pay back the money if the get the bailout ??? how naive

The possible automotive bailout makes me nervous, angry and scared. Corporate America needs to wake up. There are no quick fixes. I think the expediency of bailing out the banks fueled the problem. Giving them assistance without strict conditions and/or a demand repayment set an unhealthy precedence. Now everyone wants s the same deal. It’s this type of shabby diligence which landed us in this economic peril. And who’s paying for it – we are; every single one of us all of this is intended to help. I wish I could turn the channel and pretend not to care but I can’t. I’m much to sober to what is happening around me.

If the auto-makers can retool to produce electric cars right now, then let them have the bailout, with the condition that the people get their money back once they export electric car technology to the rest of the world.

The US should build the infrastructure right now, and have a goal to have 100% of new cars be electric within 5-10 years.

Good Evening Anderson, Erica and Bloggers from Chilly Northern Canada!

Bail outs how depressing!
Where is all this money coming from?

Who is going to bail out Mr & Ms Taxpayer?

The Big 3 don't deserve a bailout. Chapter 11 is best. They need to be more "Toyota" like.

Obama, is getting the best, it just so happens they got started back in the 90's Clinton yrs. Now they are ready for prime time* .. I don't know about that bail-out? hummm what to do?

I wonder now that gas pricing has gone down if the consumers really still want hybrid cars or alternative cars or will they go back to he gas guzzling SUV's and trucks?

I think the choice of Eric Holder for AG is excellent. He will support
President Obama completely on issues of closing Guantanamo,
outlawing torture, and also helping with voting improvements
around the country, an issue that definitely needs addressing.

Hi again. I don't have a comment about Stevens because Idon't know him. But let tell that the way you do politics in the State is exciting. I am iriginally from Morocco and I have been living in Canada for 17 years. Election in Canada are so boring !

The paperwork in the bailout between US and the companies should have been structured to allow action against these companies if they misdirected the funds. How dumb can you be? Apparently that wasn't done.

Hello everyone - Returned early this evening from a couple of days in Paris, where I found enormous enthusiasm for Barack Obama. Again and again, I heard the phrase, "Everything is possible now." One black man there exclaimed to me that because of Obama, the French have appointed their first major black judge. Whether the honeymoon will last is still uncertain, but it is good as an American to feel once again a respect for our country.

One leading business person asked, "What is Obama's greatest vulnerability?" I said that if he had to worry about anything right now, surely it would be that public expectations are sky high. How can he live up to them? Would welcome your thoughts in coming days.

Obama's promises aren't going to change just because he's choosing people from Clinton's era. He's choosing people that he knows are the best for the diferent positions.

Obama is setting new milestones in the history of this country's presidency, I am most impressed with his choices for his cabinet and am equally thrilled by his diligence in cleaning his new house off the old crud!

With Mr. Stevens on the way out, Dems are another senate seat closer to a the magic [60] number, seems like all the rats are jumping (or being pushed off) the ship, but while we're at it, let's get rid of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi too and put some real leaders with steel backbones in their place!

Its a difference between a few people than having the cabinet and advisors full of them. Its still politics of old.

I rent a house, just took a 20% cut in pay, does anyone give a darn about me?

McCain had one thing right – we don't need a group of "newbies" trying to help President-Elect Obama navigate "Washington World". Our current situation calls for the best people – not just outsiders. I'd hate to see the new administration floundering around like the early Clinton days. Our current situation precludes a long learning cycle.

This whole Bail out processed started with AIG because it was too big to fail.

Let's put ourselves out of our misery ans sell the whole country to the highest bidder...

normally it is absolutely right to leave the market to balance out itsself, but not in this globalized dimensions "

Erica,
I always forget what day it is, which is sad considering I'm only 18 and I have the memory of a 80 year old. Today felt off for some reason. Like it should be the end of the week. Maybe it was because I was extremely tired in class and sadly, got nothing done.

That kid's situation is why there should be a privilege between parents and kids of young ages, perhaps up to age 14. Some states have such a privilege under which the kid can talk to a parent and it doesn't get out to prosecutors/police.

i think any automotive bailout has to have a large scale movement towards alternative energy vehicles before it is even considered, if considered at all. also, perhaps they could make some of these more efficient cars cheaper so that the people who really need to save on their gas bills can afford them. just a thought.

maybe the only way they get the bailout is to fire all the top brass at GM and no retirement benfits.

The continued comparisons about the Obama transition team looking at individuals with Washington experience misses the primary point of the campaign. Barack Obama did not promise change as much from the Clinton administration as you continually suggest, but from the last 8 years of the Bush administration's failed policies.

It did not feel like tuesday for me either! Erica, why dont you get your own show? Lets get you out of that little window!

Candace, that was the talk in makeup tonight: where's MY bailout? (the "MY" coming from the non-banks, non-auto makers...i.e. some of the working stiffs)

Whose is going to replace Paulson? the most wanted should be investigated by Holder. The Green Tech & stewardship models is the way to save the economy . Automakers have to fall in line and should have been the leader on this.

Bankruptcy would let the car companies renegotiate those union contracts to something sane. Union workers getting 95% of their pay while on layoff is insane. Unions are a big part of this problem. I hope the prounion Dems in Congress force some concessions.

Scott above was right on target. What change? Bringing in Clinton people and Chicago boys who know how to play the game.

Gergen had to tell us he went to Paris. He had to rub it in.

Why haven't the Big 3 tapped into that $25 Billion that was approved in September for green cars? If they don't get the bailout, I hope they pursue that option. At least it's money going towards something good for the future.....whatever it's coming from.

I find it a bit troubling that the little boy confessing said that he thought he shot his father because he was suffering. It sounds like something someone would tell him to say, not something he came up with on his own.

If Steven's had really been a "public servant" he would have dropped out of the race when he was convicted. He knew the law, yet, like others in Alaska's political climate, it doesn't seem to apply to them. At least Palin won't have the hard task of "finding someone qualified" to replace him. The GOP in Washington must be breathing a sigh of relief this evening.

Nobody, no business , should get a bail out unless their CEO and all top management salaraies are lower than the base salary of a Senator. If u need a bail out, then u have failed as a CEO, therefore, you do not deserve a bonus or a high salary. Acutally u are lucky to have a job.
You all keep saying we all have to make sacrafices,well, when is Corporate America big wigs going to make a sacrafice?
In addition, no company parties, and no bonus' or salary increase across the board, until you are able to completely repay the money you borrowed from the gov't.

I'm greatly troubled by the auto bailout if the UAW is not willing to grant concessions. I read the other day that auto workers are making $70/hr. plus and the industry is paying employees who've been laid off 98% of their salaries. Could any industry survive those types of employee benefits?

Do NOT bail out the car companies. They made their bed, now they can lie in it. Besides, the best made cars are made abroad. How many people have been screwed by car dealers anyway. Now it's their turn to take it up the *ss.

In the business world, if you make bad decisions that are reflected in poor sales, your company loses and can go under. Why should GM be bailed out?

I think that Obama will do a good job and i wish these people who doubt him give a chance to get sworn in. I think they hope that he fail. As far as the "big 3" why give them the money why don't they just give some of the money to the american people directly and they will spend and go buy cars and pay up their defaulting house loans that makes more sense to me. Its just another example of how the rich will keep getting richer while they middle and lower class americans suffer through this financial crisis.

i'm going car shopping tomorrow, but not at the big 3, they don't have anything i want what-so-ever...Toyota's having an auction by my house though, that's what the big 3 should do!

Thurs starts my week-end, but for a Tues I got a lot done. Isn't Stevens 85 years old. When will they ever set a retirement age for Congress and let young blood rule?

Is the 8 year really suspected of Murder.... even though he admits to the killing... would he be held accountable for "murder"?

David,
It does seem like we are all so very optimistic about Obama. It is good to hear that maybe our image in the world will improve, that is a good thing.

Time will tell but I certainly hope he and the Congress and Senate can make some improvements in a few fronts.

"They need to be more “Toyota” like."

In order for this to happen the Unions have to go away or adjust dramatically. Productivity is laughable, pensions are ridiculous, and health care needs to be scaled back to make sense financially. The "me, me, me" attitudes on both sides have to go as well.

Amen Mr.Gergen!

very high expectations...it's going to take time for all the things he want to change and fix...folks have to be patient.
it took bush 8yrs to screw it up!
and we must all remember not everyone will agree with obama all the time we just have to have faith in him that he will do what's right for our country...thats why we elected him.

We need a bailout plan that puts money in the hands of the folks who did it right -who didn't overspend, didn't overpay, didn't mismanage – and it should encourage those folks to use the money to grow the economy. What about tax policies encouraging house swaps; encouraging investment property purchases by the middle class; requiring those at the margin to take debt management classes as a condition to taking any help and heavily penalizing misrepresentation and fraud on applications.

here is a thought, let congress take a 50% pay cut, give up benifits, and let them bail out the auto industry.

750 billion "given" to $2000 suits on Thiefs. Dress them up in good threads, they are still thieves. Auto makers get $75.00/hr and AIG get 400 million bonus – doesn't comput. We just lost our house, had it 46 years, got remodel loan, lost job, but those AIG & Lehman and the fed guys are crooks, dress to kill all us taxpayers.

Excellent Beat 360 caption!!! One of the best I've heard to date! Calvin Klein Recession–I love that!!

I'm tired of hearing comments about how a person from the Clinton era can repr esent the "change" Obama promised. I really don't think he was talking about faces as much as he was talking about policies and ideas. Good grief, where else could he find qualified and experienced people? If you want people savvy about politics and experienced in whatever field they are chosen to lead, chances are many will have had a turn in the Clinton era.... Obama IS the change!

Hi David, Ohhhh, I just love Paris!!!! Hope you had fun...I'm sure it was refreshing to have them be happy to see an American:)
I agree, expectations will be the biggest obstacle...Just look at some of the posts tonight with people not happy with his choices and it's only been two weeks!!!

The Clintons are well liked around the world, bringing Hillary on board is a great choice. The Clintons will help to open diplomatic doors for the Obama administration and the US.

David Gergen, I think it's going to be next to impossible for Obama to be all for everyone. I think we, the people, will have to accept that all the promises won't be kept.

im with brian, where is MY bailout?

How disturbing an 8 year old being charged with Murder.

How is that even possible – 8 year olds cant legally make any decisions on their own.

Very sad case – I have been trying to keep up with it as it totally boggles my mind.

Could rant on and on as to my thoughts on how an 8 year old has access to a gun and shoots his father and another man.......

David Gergen- Obama needs to stay tied to his base and communicate with the people, i.e. the young people who turned the tides in this election, etc he should text message and run his strategies in congress and his base at the Same time. People can put pressure on Congress and the People may start to sift the focus on the hill.

Erica, it felt like a Monday to me. Started out with a dead car battery and sort of just continued on from there.

David Gergen, Obama created the sky high expectations. Now he has to live with them. How he will keep his promises with the current economic mess is a big question mark. There won't be any money for new programs. I just hope he doesn't gut our national defense like Clinton did.

I will be shocked if Obama keeps his promise about lobbyists in his White house, the UAW would be the first test! These people are not special, plenty of hard working Americans work on production lines, just who do these people think they are exactly?

Brian, sorry about the paycut and I agree they don't care about us, where is our bailout?

I think that the auto workers should work with the CEO's and try to save the industry. The unions might have to give a little to keep their jobs.

Jolene, I want Hillary for the job too, the road to it has been too long.

I missed David's mentioning he went to Paris – I'm sooooo jealous. J'aime Paris!!!

I think we need to make sure that those car Exec's. need to go with little to no pay until their companys are running on their own. And if anyone goes on one single spa trip, they get the boot.

Mr. Gergen- I always value what you say. I think Obama will face the hard eye all celebrities face...they build you up, to knock you down.

Detroit just wants to ride the gravy train.

Why are lawmakers referring to the bailout of the auto companies as if the companies themselves are the only ones to benefit from it? What about the millions of Americans whose jobs will be saved?

David Gergan!
Two of my three friends who are exchange students (one from Switzerland, the other from Germany) told me that after the election, their families got a hold of them and told them how they were all excited over there about Obama winning. How great is that?

the worse part of the 8-year old is that they have already mishandled him and corrupted any information that he might have if it wasnt him.

very sad when the state wants to prosecute an 8-year old so badly that they do this sort of thing.

Let the car companies fall, or better yet offer a bailout to one company! The company that produces the most fuel efficient vehicle gets the money.

I realize that what Mr. Stevens did was against the law, but seriously what would anyone accomplish by sending a 85 year old man to prison?

What happens when more companies want bailouts...when will the government just say no?

People will suffer no matter which large industry goes under, but who is going to define which are salvageable and which are not? Which workers' livelihoods will have priority?

I would not want to make that decision!

it's hard to say at this moment how things are shaping up for president elect oboma. he's making good strong moves right now and hopefully he'll continue to by bringing in H.Clinton,she's a strong woman and she run with the best of them. if your wondering B.Clinton rides the pine on this one.

I'm not looking for a bailout...just for my husband to earn the salary he deserves.
In the past 6yrs his wage has gone down, that's not fair!
and we lost our health care.
Thats the change I need.

How can anyone include taxis and car washes in the $13MM figure? A failure of the Big 3 doesn't mean every single automobile is going to disappear overnight!!!

David ,, you need to go to Washington and get this mess straight. I know you can do it.

yea. 13 mio people in the US – and worldwide?

The GM "spin" machine is hard at work trying to influence public perception to get their bailout passed. Write to your representatives and tell them NO baliout!!

Thank you, Tom Foreman! That was really interesting.

a new broom sweeps clean ...and Obama will make plenty of changes to please the electorate ..but he needs the best and the brightest for his tight circle (the cabinet ) and Hillary is certainly one of the best and brightest
and Obama knows Hillary and what she can accomplish
in his administration ..he can trust her ...Please let him pick his own cabinet ..we elected him because he can dig us out of this ditch ..let him choose his shovels ...
I trust his judgement . Hillary is strong and loyal, and bright, thank you

Few people like Ford & Chrysler... they sould merge together and problem solved for them.

Thanks Maureen, I decided to avoid buying a house, I knew the prices were too high, and loans too easy. I guess the price of being wise is, I missed out on the future gravy train.

It is sad we are rewarding stupidity, I fear for this country, I truly do.:(

No more bailouts for these industries which will continue to be mismanaged.

Ted Stevens lost the election–Game Over. He's become irrelevant–aka non-news. The court battles that ensue will only make lawyers money. The more significant issue is the ability of a single, unregulated entity of the US government to hand-out billions of dollars after Congress adjourns. More relevant news than Ted Stevens is consideration of the auto industry bailout. Pay them now–or pay three million unemployment claims? Let's do the math and make the right choice. If push comes to shove–pull the plug on an ineffectual, unresponsive to market demand industry–Wow, it sounded for a minute like I was talking about government in general...

At this point my interest is only in Malia and Shasha Obama and their new expected Puppy!

In regards to the Big 3 bailout, my view is we cannot let the 3 Big Auto makers go into bankrupcy. Yeah people are not buying there cars now, but just think of the credibility that these auto makers will have if they go into bankrupcy. I know i'm not gonna want to buy a car from a bankrupted company. These 3 auto makers aren't just any auto makers, there the backbone of the U.S car manufactoring system. If they go out of business millions of jobs will be lost. I'm not saying just give them a blank check, there should be provisions of course; i.e making lower costing cars, green cars, sexier cars lol but we need to do something. Others around the world would look at us as to say, mmm america, if it's so great how come they couldn't even keep there big 3 auto companies afloat. But the Gov needs to stay honest. I know that's hilarious to hear, but they need to look atfer this bailout if they give it as well as the other huge bailout they have already given.

A bailout plan could also use the tax system to encourage home renovation by those who did it right and didn't live beyond their means. Green and energy efficiency credits/deductions better than exist right now. Credit is available to those who have good records - but we're not doing anything right now because we're not in any big hurry. I get mad about bailing out folks who lived beyond their means, large or small.

The banks, the auto industry, Ted Stevens, why does this country continue to reward failure?

We should contact our representatives and ask for our own bail out.

Hi Anderson,

I have a soluntion for the big 3 automakers. I think the oil companies, like Exxon Mobile should bail them out, with all their profits, 40.61 billion in 2007! Without the automakers the oil companies wouldn't be making such astonishing profits. Why should the taxpayers end up apying for this, we've already been gouged at the pumps!

Whether 3 million or 13 million jobs lost as per T. Foreman's report, it's still a lot. Tom mentioned that some of those jobs could come back once investments are made back into the automakers. Will that really happen? Do investor's have the confidence in these automakers? Hmmm.

american auto companies have pocketed all the money they have made in the past instead of reinvesting it into the product they produce. i feel bad for those who will lose jobs, but i agree, it doesnt matter which large company goes under, WE the people will be the ones to pay for it – any way you spin it.

Are you serious... an 8 year old...think of how long he has been alive, only 8 years,he can not be charged with murder. You can convince him that anything is true if, you nail it into him hard enough.

No, we should not bail out the Auto Big 3.. They are paying their employees 75.00 an hour. What about all of the rural areas of this country who have lost all of their manufacturing and only have resturants and retail jobs left making 7.00 an hour... Where's our bailout?? I can't see using my money to bail out a company when they have done this to themselves, paying CEO's and CFO's enough money to feed America for a year..
By the way.. Obama go..

If Stevens gets to keep 100% of his pension, then it just affirms the public perception that Congress, Wall Street, and corporate CEO's, etc., are all still feeding from the same trough – protecting themselves at the expense of the rest of us. Where could John or Jane Doe receive such consideration?

Let's not get carried away with this bail-out stuff – sometimes yuh gotta crash and burn tuh learn. Get smart GM!

Malia and Shasha's puppy? :0

Keep in mind that the 'new' companies that would buy up the big 3 would come from China or Japan...Do we really want to keep getting bought out by foreign entities?
One huge thing is FREE trade which is not in our favor right now when South Korea imports 780,000 cars and we only export around 45,000! We are selling ourselves to the lowest bidder and that is truly sad...

Since the first "black" president has now been elected, why is it necessary to keep hammering the fact that Holder will be the first black attorney general? We ought to start moving behold color. It is about time we put the focus on people's qualifications for a job.

I don't know about a bailout...that implies, a free, no strings attached, get out of jail card...the loan that's in the works will take too long to get through all of the bureaucratic red tape...seeing how rules are being rewritten everyday, I say rewrite them again...put together a comprehensive financial loan package with specific requirements to be met by the automakers, ask for a detailed business plan...make sure you will get a return on your (our) investment's thats what banks do when they take on high risk loans

I feel so bad for this eight-year-old kid. Anyone who's taken psychology knows how suggestable kids are and how would there be some sort of 'strong' evidence when I'm sure the kid might not even comprehend what has happened.

Anderson, The problem is, Washington doesn't "work."

isnt it dangerous if everyone is well informed where these little girls will attend school ?

Let the auto companies fall? What a shortsighted comment. Then let all the workers and their families fall. Along with the production workers at all the supplier companies making $12-15 an hour. Good bye houses. Creditors won't get paid and then the economic slide snowballs. Good idea Marcus

Why would you vote for a convicted felon? just wondering...

hey anderson...why a recount? he would have to pay for it himself, he's going to prison anyway why fight it?

Yeah!!!! Senator Ted Stevens uprooted but what about all the people who voted for him ,,,what does that say...

Anderson Cooper 360,
Am I the only one bothered by the fact that the govt was so quick to bail out AIG, but wont rescue the blue collar workforce of the big 3 automakers? The "average" American citizens need help, not the posh wealthy.

Turn the Big three in to the next US Postal Service, What the heck, they are already more then half way there!

If Obama keeps up on the bi-partisan administration and cabinet, it will greatly de-politcize the political process, making sailing much smoother.

GM has no one to blame but themselves – not the unions but themselves in the ivory tower – many suppliers have tried to work with GM re: forward thinking – but have often been told you need us more than we need you – how does Wagoner ask for a bailout after paying himself 16 million last year – GM has known Toyota was on the rise for years – they just didn't want to believe it -

As a small business owner – If I miss managed my companies finances, made products consumers weren't interested in buying and paid my workers too high wages-Would the government give me money to stay afloat? Not A Chance! My only choice would be bankruptcy. No-to bailing out the Big 3!!

Stevens should sale off into the sunset! Why does he need a golden handshake?? What next?

Stevens should be excommunicated! The people who voted for him to go back to congress should pay his pension. He is a convicted felon!

I am going to help Dems get their 60 seats in the Senate by going out and casting my ballot here in Georgia on Dec. 2 runoff against Saxby Chambliss. That way nobody can kick around Republicans anymore.

I believe that it is just the domestic branches of the big 3 auto makers that are struggling... from what I understand the "outsourced" (our of country) branches are not doing as badly. any more info from anyone?

Erica, well since I am not an American, I can at least Hope you all get one! From what I see on this show and the news every night, every hard working American deserves their own Bail out!

Enough of these taxes. This whole mess is caused by greedy board of directors etc! They won't stop until there is nothing left!

$122,00.00 a year ? if i was a convited felony i could'nt even get a job ! yep, congress needs to give something up pay cuts for all.

OK...let see:

once a felony, you can not vote, serve on a jury but Congress will let you collect a pension.

@David, Indiana: I was beginning to think Obama wasn't going to have a woman on his cabinet. It is looking promising now with Hillary.

That is so unfair Ted Stevens is a convicted felon and still gets his pension, that makes me sick.

Hello Bloggers...Stevens certainly gets a good retirement which is our money. Sometimes it pays to be a convicted felon.

Hello Anderson! We just turned off your program to watch A TIVO Boston Legal. We don't want to hear about a child killing a parent. Rich and Gale Morrison

Another excellent report by Drew Griffin!

I love the idea that the oil industrie should pail the bailout. The Opec made so much money during the last years thats enough for a worldwide bailout

felons can't vote but they can collect pensions?
why we hate washington?

January 20th can't come quick enough for me!!

I strongly disagree with allowing Ted Stevens to receive a lifetime pension!!! This is a disgrace and and unfair use of tax payer money!!! All of the convicted felons mentioned in this piece should not be allowed to get a pension.

More hits on auto industry. Chrysler Financial announced late tonight that it will no longer process auto loans longer than 60 months.

as for the 24b bailout of the auto industry: i think that the oil companies
should be responsible for part of this bailout. hasn't the american auto industry supported the oil companies at the expense of the american people?

I find it hard to believe that child's confession was legitimate. Since when do eight year olds know anything about suffering and juvie? I certainly wasn't aware of the complexities of life at that age. Oh, how things have changed (and I'm only eighteen!)

The story about the 8 year old sounds very disturbing! I know nothing about it (yet) , but I could imagine that someone could convince the kid to kill. Not to compare this boy to a child soldier, but the reason for why child soldiers are more dangerous than adults, is because they don't fully understand what they are doing.

One of the chief roles of a parent is to keep their children safe; for the Obama ladies that is a private school. Safe not only from people who would want to do them harm but also from the prying eyes of the press.

I wonder how much input their security people have in helping them decide where they should go to school.

will stevens have any obligation to the IRS for the gifts he received ???

I am extremely disgusted by everything taking place with this case. NO elected official should retain his or her position after a conviction of a felony. Regardless of the appeal he is currently a convicted felon.

Hannah Rose, eventhough he's been running, if he wins the seat, he might be expelled by the senate, I'm sure some of his nights have been too lonely as he contemplated what might happen.

Re: the bailout there's also the possibility that the bank bailout funds would end up with the automakers or be available to them when credit loosens up.

Linda–How about maybe if we sending an 85 year old US Senator to jail it would remind other (younger) government officials that no one is above the law.

"The banks, the auto industry, Ted Stevens, why does this country continue to reward failure?"

Excellent point. I thinks it's because the American public (on the whole) doesn't want to think for themselves and it's much easier to act like a sheep.

Erica, give us Klein and Walton's phone numbers. We'll call and ask for another microphone!

Sherri Ulba – you have hit it on the nose...everyone write this to you representatives.....

I have a solution for the big 3 automakers. I think the oil companies, like Exxon Mobile should bail them out, with all their profits, 40.61 billion in 2007! Without the automakers the oil companies wouldn’t be making such astonishing profits. Why should the taxpayers end up appying for this, we’ve already been gouged at the pumps!

If we give the auto makers the money, the government should make all upper manage take a 10% -25% pay cut.

If we don't give them the money we should wait untiL a new company is formed to make sweeping changes and give money to these companies to create better products.

I'd love to know who released the tape of that child. What happened to the judge's gag order?

The problem is other corporations would also need some of the bailout, not just the big three.

Why would you let them continue to fund a system which is failing.

New infrastructure, get something for you money other than your grandchildren in debt.

A Bail-out is weakness.

That book is gonna be an instant best-seller now!

Grah! $122,000 in pension after being convicted? Makes me want to cry.

Now I am very currious to read about Lincoln and FDR as well!

Obama better watch out, he might be cutting into Oprah's Book Club suggesting books! *lol*

So what was Ted Stevens idea anyway? To run Alaska from a cell? Sounds like he'll get a pention from there anyway – A federal penitentiary pension – Why does "Joe Anybody" lose there pension because of corruption by others, and ex–senator Stevens keep his by his own corruption?

Yeah, I saw that 60 mins interview. They sure threw him alot of softballs! Eh, Anderson?

I think we should be giving Michelle and the girls privacy in their school search...Not be following the motorcade like LA paparazzi!...
Puppy news is one thing:) but safety for the girls is paramount.

I can't believe we've had 20 convicted felons who were congressmen. What does that say about our culture? Where are all of the honest people, if there are any left anymore?

Has the boy been evaluated by a psychiatrist?

That young boy is only 8 years old! He's a scared little boy, definitely not a convicted killer! Where were his parents or even a lawyer, or was that not something the cops thought to mention before interviewing the young boy?

Erica: You are too funny on the webcast about Anderson not having his own mic. With all the bells and whistles on AC's new blackberry, there is no mic, darn. I wish you continued luck in your endeavor to get him his own mic....but rest assured, I'm not holding my breath.

It seems to me that an 8 yr old boy should not be anywhere near a gun.

another question ist which companies will come next? when the they all are in trouble with getting credits from the banks .. where is the end of it?

Tracey – Detroit doesn't want the gravey train... they want the gravey SUV!

These police have got to be pretty dumb. I find it hard to imagine that any judge would think that confession was legitimate. Plus they've tainted a jury. As the blog shows, it may help the kid.

People need to take a deep breath: Obama was only elected two weeks ago today!! I am amazed at what he has accomplished and the integrity and thoughtfulness he has shown in his decisions and orgainization. Some people will never like him no matter what he does!!

NO bailout, absolutely NO bailout for any industry…..Where would it end??? Not with my money you don’t!!!!

This murder case with the 8yr old boy is really getting to me. I keep saying he's 8! I know the kids today aren't what they use to be, but he's just 8. And something about the way this so call confession tape was done. I mena you got the cop interregating the boy and he keeps saying "I think", " I don't know". It's just weird to me. Like where's the lawyer or somebody?

If the auto industry gets a bailout I want at least six months of my car payments forgiven (just as ridiculous as a bailout but at least I get something in return for my tax dollars).

sounds to me like the auto makers are predicting doom and gloom if they dont get the money, humm sounds familar, like wepons of mass destruction ? just a thought
ps. David , are there anything we can do about changing the pension laws for Congress

I think the kid shouldn't even be considered being charged as an adult. The police are clearly wrong in questioning him with no lawyer or family member present. This shouldn't goto trial he should be placed in a reform school to reshape his mental state for the future.

Its the simple things in life I love. A president elect who read has to be one of them. : )

I'm so sorry for that little 8 yr old boy, the cops knew better than to question him without a lawyer or an adult relative, seems to me that those cops should be disciplined.

"I think" , how many times did the kid say that? It's clear to me, he didn't know what he was doing and that somebody else made him do it. Poor child!

That little boy's confession certainly sounds coerced to me.

No Jolene I am holding my breath!

is it possible that the boy tries to protect someone else?

I grew up around guns and never dreamed of using one to hurt anyone. I knew where my dad's was. My parents made sure I knew. I first shot a gun when I was 14 or 15. The problem is not the gun; it's the rest of the environment this kid was raised in. I hope gun policies in this country won't be set by folks in cities who have very different issues than those who live in rural areas.

isnt Stevens' pension more than the President's? I cant remember exactly what our Presidents get as pensions but i remember it not being alot

that boy did not confess, he is saying anything because he is scared, he just said he came home and found them! OMG!! this is sick. they are leading that boy.

They can't do that!! They're putting ideas into the boys head! Isn't that called "leading" in the court room?

Thatis not right! Those cops pressured that little boy into confessing! That's not right!...

Anderson,

Confessions during interrogation are not accurate. Many innocent people have been convicted that way and sentenced by falsely admitting to crime. This child is too young to be interrogated like this.

great discussion tonite.

this case is very scary...makes me cold to the core.
something doesn't sound right here?
this boy is so young...doesn't sound like he even gets what happened?

Good evening Anderson and Erica
I've decided I need to move to the west coast so I can watch AC360 at an earlier hour!! Thanks for a great program

This 8 year old child being questioned regarding murder is so disturbing...

On the car manufacturer bailout: If it is decided to bail out the auto makers, I think we should force them to use that money to design vehicles that are 50% more fuel efficient (or more) and can replace certain models of cars by 2012. Make the hybrid not an option when buying a model, but make it the only choice. We need to focus on the environment, and this bailout could just help the "big 3" over the edge and really focus on energy friendly cars.

OK, think about this. An 8-yr old shoots one guy, is not stunned or surprised in anyway by the gun going off or what he has done, then shoots a second guy (before the second guy has a chance to stop him? This doesn't make sense. Suffering? Um (and I hate to bring this up) could the two men have been intimately engaged at the time of the shooting?

It makes me furious that these cops would even open their selves up to something that looks like they are doing something wrong, and with a child involved, OMG. They are such idiots. No wonder the police get such a bad rap, they do such stupid things. So much for protect and serve.

They should be fired for doing their job wrong.

That 8 year old boy sounds very intelligent for an 8 year old boy.

I think someone should question these two cops about what they did the same way they questioned this little boy, without representation. They should be suspended at the least.

Even if he did do it the case could be thrown out based on how he was questioned.

This child is only 8 years old – I can't see how that interview will ever hold up in court.

Jolene, I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that because even thinking about her taking that position blows my mind and fills my heart with hope.

i don't think that kid did anything but come home to a couple dead bodies
the situation between the boy and the police was inappropriate
you can't interrogate a kid like that

I'm wondering if there was something "going on" between the two men that we're not being told.

It was stated that GM will be bankrupt by Christmas. 25 billion seems like a lot of money but can it really help a company that far gone? I don't even know anyone who drives a GM car. Would it be better to save the company out of the Big 3 that has the best chance of recovering? With less compition it might have better luck weathering this crisis.

"how do you investigate an 8 year old ?" by having a psychiatrist, not the police, talk to him!

four hours? and he didnt cry at all?

This child seems without artifice – it seems like the poor kid just wanted to please these women.

Also don't forget the auto makers are asking for a loan!!! Not a handout. I think it is worth the risk to loan them the money to try to save all the jobs that help prop up the economy.

Bea, when ex-Presidents can get $300,000 for a single speaking engagement, they don't need big pensions.

How can this be legal? An 8 year old child with no legal representation? This is going to be dismissed.

The video of the boy being coerced into confessing is sickening. I agree with Mr. Toobin, in that it is "outrageous." Shame, shame on the interrogators.

aaaaaah. 4 hours??? seriously??? i would probably confess after 4 hours! 8 year olds cannot focus that long and get confused entirely too easy. of course the story changed!

where is child services during all of this????

I think people have lost their perspective and our looking for drama. If Hillary could be president with Bill as her husband, why is it an issue for her to be in the cabinet.

This is a case of a child being exploited if I was on the jury and saw this I would dismiss the case. It appears that the interrogation of a child was out of line this was a child who was trying to meet the approval of an adult who was questioning him.

Case dismissed

Kudos, Anderson, for bring up that old child abuse case, which was ultimately discredited.

If the forensic team is not doing their job well, we might never know how it came to the double-murder. The kid's "confession" is worthless for many reasons.

I agree with Ratna of New York. This child is WAY to young to be interrogated like this.

Plus – HOW & Why was this tape released?
The child is obviously confused – and Very open to suggestion.

Funny you bring up Martensville Case Anderson – that town is not far from where I grew up. Another very disturbing and sad situation that happened there.

I do not believe that any child of 8 years old could be held legally responsible for a crime of this nature.

I agree with Jeffrey Toobin, it's unlawful! Just the fact that there has been a video release to the media is unbelievable. Who is protecting this child?

This is very sad... I can't believe it.

@Dan, MN: Ha! If you are holding your breath, then I hope Erica takes a chapter out of the McCain/Palin's "maverick" strategy and fights Klein for a mic soon!

they're putting words in his mouth!
that just isn't right

This interrogation is dispicable. (sp?)

That poor little boy is in 'shock'....I do not believe for one minute he is guilty....all the video games and such can make a boy numb to what he has witnessed seeing his father dead....Just awful! Those police officers should be fired immediately and a psychologist for the boy.

These cops are a DISGRACE!!
Were are there superiors? Don't think much of the AZ law enforcement team.

Kids also have huge imaginations. Listen to the words "I think." This kid definitely needs an advocate in there with him.

Also his father is dead.. he is already upset!

goodnight all. just the sight of that mohawk makes my head hurt. lol

Those cops should be fired. They want to make the kid say what they want to believe instead of getting the truth out of him.

the police completely took advantage of his age and lack of knowledge- very unprofessional
though what he did was unspeakably horrid he is 8 this tape should never have been released especially pretrial

SO IF HE WAS WItHOUT HIS MOM OR GUARDIAN; WHERE WHERE HIS CARETAKERS?? WHO PERMITTED HIM TO BE IN THIS SITUATION (obviously he was not unsupervised after what he has done)

Initilally the kid sounded sure of what happened when he got home from school, then after being coerced he wasn't sure of anything, what the cops did to that kid was criminal.

Poor boy! His life might be ruined forever....

Just where are the lawyers, rights, advocates for this little child??

This "confession" will be tossed and hopefully the police officers should be made accountable for even holding this child without any family, lawyer, friend with him during questioning. This whole thing is outrageous and the police just want someone to pin it on!!!

Well thanks Erica & Anderson & bloggers for another very interesting evening.

A very interesting time that is for sure.

Have a great evening! And hope to catch up with you all later on this week!

I was talking to my roommate about the same thing Curtis said. What if the child found out about his father and his "friend". There is nothing wrong with that but somebody might have told the child that it was bad or wrong. Also, where is the mother? What if the mother told him to do this to his father and friend? This is an awful situation for this child to be in. This is the same age as my youngest brother and it makes me sick to my stomach to think about it.

those officers need to be fired, how can they do that to a little boy ? makes me sick.

How many videos of murder confessions are released by authorities to the news media on a regular basis? I can't say I've seen any recently, so why does a confession of an 8-year-old child sitting in a corner in front of armed police officers needs to be released? It's frightening.

that's a fantastic mohawk !!
awesome

Wow, that's really disturbing. I don't get why those two officers would do something so stupid.

But I do wonder what else was going on in that house. I don't think we have the full story.

I love that Anderson says sorry for laughing! for some reason that is funny to me!

Tuesday's shot? It's not every hairstyle that can double for fashion and a broom..He could sweep the place clean.. Night all

How does that guy sleep with that hair, or get into an elevator, or drive a car? I wonder what happens when the temperature drops below the freezing point? Where could that guy work? It would be very distractive in a classroom, let alone everywhere. OK, this guy looks a little "mature" to be doing that.

That is why people don't trust the cops anymore, how can you do that to a child?
My Lord very sad.

Good nite Anderson,Erika & all the other folks here tonite!
Talk to you all tomorrow!

Of Course the government should give the auto industry the loan with strings attached.

He looks like a porcupine!

ha -ask a vegas showgirl

oh my, erica's mullet made the mohawk viewing worth it! lol

Even if there is a legitimate case against the kid the cops probably have screwed it up now. I can hear the defense lawyers even choosing to use that tape in a trial to show that they preferred to pressure an 8 year old without reading him his rights rather than trying to find out what really happened with the kid.

Another complete roller coaster of emotions watching the broadcast tonight....Thank goodness for the laughs at the end!
I am counting on having a SP free night tomorrow Anderson...you can do it:)

OH Erica, that's a nasty hair do you had. Who's idea was it???

Love the picture, Erica.

cool hair... but how does he look like without all the spray in it?

And I thought I was having a bad hair day today. Great Shot! It's a good day when the highest "mohawk" brings money to a charity.

I want to see Anderson's Flock of Seagulls hair! With music!

Good discussion and show tonight. Nite all!

Crazy hair, good night everyone, AC good show.

Can't wait to see Anderson's photo – bring it on Erica!!!

good night everyone

NICE Hair Erica!

Gotta love the 80s
Hey we didn't have to bail out the hairspray companies after the 80s!

Just for the record, I never had weird hair and I was perfect (as a child). Thanks Bloggers, Anderson, and Erica. I enjoyed the show more than usual...good night!

Dear AC,

In regards to the 8 yr/ old boy being interrogated by the police in Apache County, Arizona over the murders of a father and a roomate:
here the police adults are forcing their will ona child. Ultimately,
don't pedophiles do the same thing?

Erica...love the do!!! Thanks for a bit of humour amidst the problems of the world!

I daresay that Erica Hill is the most successful child-mullett that I have ever seen. And she totally owned it! That's why we love you Erica!

Great show tonight Anderson! Good night, see you tomorrow!

this show is to short... good night Anderson and all bloggers and the rest of the world.

Good show tonight.

@Jolene, sorry a bit over the top there. Love the idea though. Did you just make some news?

Good night everyone!

Good nit Erica, and Anderson, great show, Erica you're great