Hello Suzi,

I am 61, my husband 64. We have left our retirement in various conservative mutual funds (401K’s). I heard you say to take it all out and put it somehwere safe. Some say not to, just hold on. Do you really think we shoudl get out?

Good evening Anderson and everyone

Good Evening,

It’s Friday!!

The Dow closed up almost 500 points and Hillary will be Sec. of State.

What a day.

Hellooo Anderson, Erica and best bloggers!!!!!
Happy Friday night!!!!!!
Yes! finally! stock already up the stock…… I am so glad Hillary took secretary of state!

Happy Friday everyone! Let’s see what happens next week. Hopefully Obama will start doing more, obviously Bush isn’t.

hey everyone and anderson
its finally friday

What goes up must come down.

Happy Friday:)
Glad to see a good finish to dow today..Some great choices for Obama cabinet!

Suze:

My wife and I had $500,000 in our 401K (all in an S&P 500 index fund) which we sold all of it in Oct 2007 at the market high. Now we’re trying to figure out how to get back into stocks and out of cash. We assume we should dollar cost average but when do we start and how much in each increment? We have 10 years until we plan to retire. Thank You!

Gary from Montana

Hello all, Monday is going to be quite a day. Great choices so far!

Hopefully HRC will reject the offer for two reasons, she’d like to run again in 2012 and obama would probably look for any reason to fire her.

hello everyone

Hello Bloggers: I thought it was going to be a blue Friday, glad the Dow closed in a positive.

Let’s not get so excited. Remember how far the Dow Jones was off for the week. Today’s 500 point gain will be erased soon enough.

I have ask Suzy for question…..
Is there way stop bailout from 3 compaines Ford, GM and Chysler?

Hello everyone,

I would just like to say that this whole roller coaster of a market is not cool. As an 18 year old just getting started it totally sucks!

Good evening Anderson! It’s Friday! President Elect Obama is making osme awesome choices! Things can only get better!

Helllo Everyone… Hope everyone had a good Friday!

I’m still uneasy with Hilary Clinton being Sec. of State. As long as she is able follow, and there’s no drama, i’m good. I’m getting really excited about his administration. Can’t wait!

Reguardless of all that went on during the pre-election, Hillary is a very good pick for Secretary of State. She has the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes and what needs to be done to help Obama during his term.

I am not holding my breath about the economy. Yea, today great, Monday…who knows.

Good evening all…though the Dow did gain back what it lost yesterday I’m not sure that it is going to continue on this track.

I am relieved to hear that Senator Clinton does plan to accept the nomination for Secretary of State. I think she will be amazing at that post. I am excited to see the pick confirmed for Secretary of the Treasury.

Well I hate to admit it, but Obama was right during the primaries. There’s nothing in Hillary’s background that shows she has the needed foreign policy expertise. His other picks so far have all been well qualified. Dodging phantom snipers does not a Secretary of State make.

How much of the so called “Clinton” drama is really media driven? So much of what is being said is from undisclosed sources which mean nothing they say can be confirmed.

Both Clinton and Obama have the country at heart; they have been talking. perhaps the Clintons as the voters did as they got to know Obama better see his potential as the leader needed in this time. No One can know what kind of relationship they have!

Hey Anderson
Seepless in Germany
Thanks god its friday!Oh,what a week,but at least H.Clinton maked it,so a big change not only for America for the whole wold,too.She deserve this job,because she fight for B.Obamas dream of change.
Anderson,i wish you a good weekend,enjoy your weekend(remember your password)

Tim Geithner definitely has the credentials, but one day does not make a recovery. It is a little early to be celebrating.

Halli, these 300, 500, 800 point swings are extremely unusual. Normally, if there is a 100 point swing in a day that would be significant. You must do your homework and, as a warning, not all the financial pundits and “superstars” are all-knowing.

There will be too much influence with a Clinton in the Administration. Obama will be too decent and respectful to not let him get railroaded by them.

Casey J, you’re right. I have a feeling the stock market will plunge again. It’s so touchy for every little ripple of news. I don’t think we’re in the clear by any means.

Suzie’s pretty scary the stuff she knows. If she’d been at the helm all this time maybe my future home wouldn’t be a cardboard box underneath the 12th street bridge.

I am very glad if Hillary takes Secretary of State job. She will bring the US back into the League of Nations status.

My husband and I are both 60. I am unemployed, he is on social security and disability. We both have 401’s with our previous employer. We no longer contribute and were waiting until we actually needed the money. Our house is paid for , we haven’t any debts and we are always current with our credit cards. We live modestly but are very frightened about our 401 accounts. Should we take it now or wait until the tide changes?
Thank you for your time.

Suzi: to take advantage of value on the stock market, do I need to buy individual stocks? Or is simply continuing to invest in 401K and mutual funds going to help me when the market turns around?

We”ve lost about $60,000 in the last year from our portfolio which is our financial source for our children’s education ( one in college and one in private school). With aprox. $94,000 left today, should we pull it out or sit tight ?

Well, Hillary makes good press, that’s for sure, idk though, something still feels very off about the “relationship” between her and Obama.

I think Bill owes Hillary for all her support, through good times and badm and it was decided when she started running for presidency that he will do whatever it takes…
I, personally, am not big fans of them but trust and respect Obama’s decision and that she will work hard for his agenda and it just shows how strong minded and secure he is….

Remember their is a place for all your questions for Ms. Orman… its not here… look on the main page for the link.

I voted for Obama because of the change mantra. I wish he would offer a position to John McCain. A hero like John McCain as Secretary of Defense would be my pick and would unite the country. Too many Clintonites are being picked.

Remember when Barack and Hillary had that ’secret’ meeting in Georgetown last summer? Do any of your politicos think that this secretary of state deal could have been arranged then? Or some form of it? I like it….just curious that no one has brought that up.

Question for Suze, I am in the military and contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and have been bleeding money lately because of the markets, should I take it out of the market or continue to take a chance.

I hope that stock will keep going up next week…….

Obama would’ve been criticized for NOT bringing in Hillary.

I like to see what Hillary can do if she becomes Secretary of State. But I hope to see Obama lead the US his way.

I can’t imagine anyone is feeling better about their 401K. It’s going to be a rough ride for sometime, but for someone like me in their late 30s, time is on our side. It’s those close to retirement that are more concerned about their retirement funds.

On a slightly different topic, it sad once again to see the lack of courage on Wall St. Following 9/11 traders couldn’t wait to get back to work and start the sell off. At a time when the country needs to see its financial markets stable, those on Wall St. are again showing they have little backbone.

Happy Friday!
Used to be a devoted 360 blogger; economy got rough, lost my job, internet had to go. Happy to have found a new job, so now I can have Internet again!

Hillarey’s a big girl; once she is in she will be on her I own I think, Bill speak publicly but that’s it unless asked

I think there is something to this. It is difficult to picture the Clintons being controlled by anyone. Everything Bill Clinton says or does would have to be approved by the Obama administration.

Hi Suze,
I’m 33 years old and have been putting 5%-12% in my 401k for 12 years, as well as the max possible into my IRA, as has been advised. Currently, I’m at 5% with my 401k. I know I shouldn’t touch what’s already been invested, but my question is: does it make sense to *stop* investing in my 401k for a few quarters until the market stabilizes? It feels like the investments disappear the minute they enter into the account…

Thanks!
Sarah in Oakland, CA

Two house notes one in MI the other in AZ. I cannot sell either. I cant even rent the one in MI. I owe 10K in student loans. I am making two house notes, I have 8K in credit card debt. Who or what do I do now? Who do I pay first?

Mike, Syracuse, HRC has the (ahem) guts to be Secty of State, that’s for certain. A lot of the game is about politics, control, and realtionship marketing. Being the best-in-knowledge isn’t necessarily the litmus test.

So far, Obama has made great descisions on his cabinet and these choices will make for a good and healing term

I plan on opening my first 403b next week at the new job. I’m a little ervous, but know that since I’m young, it is probably for the best. I just won’t open the statements…….

Hi, Anderson, Erica, (I mean Kevin, didn’t know Erica is not here tonight)everyone. The expectation today was crushing, Hillary and Barack working out the details in private The markets definitely got a nice bounce today, it definitely feels good to see the Obama administration coming together. Definitely encouraging to know that continuity of effort on economic issues is being ensured.

Hello AC , Hello Suze,

I would like to know, for those that can, which are the best stocks to invest in now? (Even with the economy in its current state)

Thank you!

No, not feeling better about my 401K. But I am impressed with all the cabinet selections and at the pace in which they are being filled. Obama is proving to be a man of action.

On a brighter note:

Anderson – looking forward to the “Salute to Hero’s Show” next week. Usually the focus of the news is on what’s wrong in the world. Good to see the focus of the evening will be a reminder of some to the things (people) which are right about it.

Thanks for always presenting a diverse view of the world. Keep up the outstanding journalistic work.

Frankie B, it’s illegal to ‘bargain’ for a cabinet position in return for campaigning so I don’t think it was discussed then…Gergen, am I right on that?

There are too many Clintonites that are surrounding Obama at the moment but I am confident that in the end it will be Obama making the final word.

I don’t think Obama would pick Hillary if wasn’t comfortable with her, Obama knows the differences they had and they did have a meeting and most likely worked it out.

Anderson,

Glad to hear the calm voice of David Gergan again tonight. He always shares very wise counsel.

I would prefer to believe this group of people will get along for the good of the country, until proven otherwise. One can always hope.

Floor crew Friday is great! The big question — will they dance?

Yes, I agree with David Gergen’s comment about Clintons.

I may be wrong, but my feeling about Senator Clinton is that her feelings for Israel are too strong for her to be accepted as an honest broker between Israel and the Palestinians. Does this nomination spell trouble for Arabs and the Middle East?
gaston

Regarding Secty of State, a lot of the game is about politics, control, and relationship marketing. Being the best-in-knowledge isn’t necessarily the litmus test.

I think Bill and Hillary are a great couple.
It has to be hard to be always in the spotlight – thru thick and thin they have made it work.
In this day and age that says alot about them.

Good for Hillary!

Hi Suzi…..we have an annuity, which has changed into “investing” with mutual funds with VanGuard…..is VanGuard a stable place to stay???
We have PrimeCap, MidCap, International Stock…..do you see any red flags here? Thanks !

While Obama has provided the nation with a great deal of hope, he he made his first disappointing choice by selecting Hillary Clinton for the Secretary of State position. I’m extremely curious how he came to the conclusion that Hillary has the foreign policy credentials to be America’s next top-ranking diplomat.

Shrewd…I think that’s an excellent way to describe HRC.

I see Bill Clinton as a blessing and a curse for Hillary

Maybe Hillary Clinton as Sect of State is the perfect answer to “when you get Hillary, you get Bill.” Obama is a smart man and Bill is already working as an agent of peace internationally – and there is a lot of international turmoil to calm! Think about it!

Hilary Clinton will be great as Secretary of State! The experience she brings to the table is wonderful!

I am 51 years old and can afford to contribute the max to a 403b & IRA. Should I and should it be in stocks? I can not contribute to a Roth IRA. I have a defined benefit retirement plan and about 50,0000 in a 403b annuity. Lots in savings. Currently contribute 8400 per year to the annuity.

Ingrid from Northern VA, I hope you are not suggesting that our government officials never do anything “illegal” because it happens all of the time.

Kevin’s a hoot on the webcasts tonight! Thanks for the laughs!

Thank you David. You are always the intellectual that you are -very objective analysis of the issues. Obama is the President Elect and after he is sworn in on Jan 20th, he becomes the President of the United State of America and the Commander in Chief. He will be Hillary’s boss if she accepts the post.

I am a little nervous with Clinton being Sec. of State. Her opinions are quite strong for some nations and I am not convinced that she could remain objective. But I have faith in Obama so I’m supporting the choice.

So far Obama has a good cabinet being put together. I feel good about his picks.

Hey Suze,
Will the service indusry be very effected?

Mike, unfortunately McCain has the total opposite view of defense so that would not work as secretary of defense…i think he will stay in the senate and be a good partner to help with immigration and energy where they had more compatible views..

Since any macroeconomic activity depends primarily on consumer spendin, Since any economy depends on consumer spending, therefore low unemployment rate, which industry does your guest thinks is going to generate the required job positions in the medium term?

The financial crisis I think is Orchestrated by the lame duck president Bush, Britain, Germany, France. The Americans have elected Obama in the Historic Elections. I think the people of USA have mandated change and Obama is so far on track on setting up his team for Jan inaugration. Hillary is the best choice for Sec of State i hope she accepts the nominations

Regards

Khuzema Barodawala
Bangalore, India

Where are all those children being dropped off at hospitals that are NOT newborns going to go now that the law has been changed?

There should be something else set up as obviously there is the need for parents that are feeling overwhelmed with their children.

Lets hope Verizon doesn’t suffer from the ailment of snooping in the future. Being curious is not an excuse.

I think the way the Clintons have stuck behind each other through everything is amazing. I love that Former President Clinton has been able to essentially switch roles with Senator Clinton and be really supportive of her success in the political arena.

On a lighter note…I really enjoy the Floor Crew Friday webcasts..they are hilarious! Thanks Guys!

I understand ofcource that some people (many thoose who apose Obama) may say that his daughters need to go to public school to show confidence in the system or to show they are just like every othert American family. But they are not thoose children need to be in not a safe environment where so they can focus on their education

Hillary will be great with our allies, but I’m concerned that our greatest problems are in the Middle East and they are chauvinist who find it insulting to have a woman sent to them to negotiate anything. I fear that with a woman at State, we will have no better progress there than the Bush administration has had.

I have a question for Suze

I’m within 5 years of retirement, and with this financial crisis have lost more than 50% of my 401 portfolio.
Should I take some of this money out now, and put it into something else? I’m afraid that I will have nothing left if this keeps up.

Gisela

I am glad he is doing good, released from hospital today. that’s scary for me to see him cause collapsed in the hotel last night.

People around the world wanted Obama as the President and he is held in very high esteem as well. They know that Hillary Clinton works for him and if she does try anything, which I doubt, it will be her that will stand as odd man out.

Ah the media! Here again they take something and sensationalize it and create tabloid straw man garbage where there is none. Fact If Hillary decides to accept Obama’s offer to be SOS then she is saying she will do exactly what Obama wants and that she acce4pts that without question, Just as with her Senate career Bill will not be involved and will not be a factor, other than the created hype stories the media creates out of whole cloth for ratings and no newswortyness, and old out of touch media types and Washington insiders who hate the Clintons like Woodward, and Broder and many others who are trapped in yesterdays politics just do not get it at all! It is just to funny to see the new world view pass them by even while Hiollary is accepting it and moving with it. Cnn goes into all the old Bill Clinton issues and scrounges even the lLweinsky garbage up just to prop up an superficial non-news value story. Reall sad! At least Gergen gets it!

I called the Hillary as SoS to my friends back in August and they thought I was nuts. I didn’t. You gotta admit, they get along “well enough” and neither would ever knuckle under without very very very good reason and proof in spades. I think they will balance each other well. Bill, well, he could be the kink in the story, we’ll see.

Does anyone else ever feel like a complete heel for not having proper emergency savings whenever Suzie brings that up? I FAIL.

*sigh*

Hillary did surprise a lot of people on both sides of the aisle in the Senate when she was first elected by not coming in as a prima donna as many feared. However, you’d also be hard pressed to name any legislation with her name on it.

Hillart and Bill will be a double wamy for US standing in the world again.

Hilary Clinton is one of the smartest women around. However, I think that she would be making a big mistake by leaving the congress. I’m hoping that she doesn’t take the job.

What I hope is that Obama, Hilary and others will address the fees and outragoues practices of the banks. The large a bank are the problem now.

Where Obama’s children go to school is not news but tabloid gossip and no place on a “real news show as it is again just sensationlistic trivia and their personal business! People neede to get a life!

Geithner has a reputation of being bi partisan so hopefully he has the abilities to make a difference.

Karen…Savings? What’s that?

Hello Suzi,
I am a 63 years old woman who is in long term disability which will end on may 2010.
When I finished with my long term disability, I will start using my IRA funds as mean
of subsiding my expenses.
In the last 3 months I have lost $36K, it is left $70K. My question to you is should I get
my money now before all is gone or shall I wait and pray that my money still will bethere
when I will need it??……………… Please answer.

The great thing about Geithner is that he has great knowledge for US as well as China and other foreign country financial intricate knowldege which is perfect for our global market.

I have to say it feels good to hear H.C. is prepared to accept the nomination and that it’s very much on track…

Jolene, I believe the dow was overwhelmed with the big three question, seems like the naming of Tim Geithner as nominee for Treasury Secretary and the liklihood of Hillary Clinton becoming the nominee for Secretary of State supported today’s rally. I’m thankful for it.

Gergen is right, back in June Geithner called for more regulations on financial institutions.

Such renewed hope having a younger, fresher President Elect and Cabinet.

Sure signs of hope in difficult times!

In a way, I think it’s a good thing that all these key positions in the Obama administration are getting leaked. It gives those who are named time to put together their plans so when they are officially named, they can anounce them and bring confidence back to Americans, especially with this Geithner announcement.

we are 68, retired, have Moderately Aggressive Allocation Fund and Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity – not a lot in either one – is our best thing to do to take out this money – or leave it in these accounts? Thanks!

Jo Ann: Gergen is almost ALWAYS right!

All of you keep your money in your 401K. You are in it for the long haul.

My question may be silly, but why do I have to save up to start saving (investing). Just about any stock I am interested in has a minimum initial investment of $500 – $1000. If companies want us to invest, why can’t they rewrite their prospectus to reflect a cheaper initial investment?

I am not sure any investments are considered “safe” any longer.

I hope the media will focus their attention AWAY from the Obama kids. This almost-obsession is not in the best interest of the children.

Hello Suzi-
Debt Consolidation-
What do you look for in a company when consolidating credit card debt?

I’ve never heard of Geithner, but I completely trust Obama’s judgment on this pick.

Orman NOT buy now? no !!! the DOW is going to 1000 or 2000 when the credit card , car loan , student loan debts default!
bye now is STUPID

Dear Anderson,

I enjoy watching your show and learnt from the Ten Most Wanted: Culprits of the Collapse list.

Hopefully money lenders will look at the people’s capacity to repay debt.

I found some tips that can help people manage their personal debt:
* consolidate the debt, consider a personal loan
* repay it and stop using a credit card
* reduce the borrowing limit
* transfer onto a low-interest card or interest free card
* use a debit credit card (own money)
* ensure the rewards points outweigh the costs
* go to a licensed financial consultant

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

I think there are plenty of options for people who are looking at long term solutions, but no one seems to really know what to do for the immediate future.

Hey Anderson,
I think that I am suffering from post election blues! The “flipflopping” economy is not helping much either! I have all my savings put into my home! I fear that the housing market will never get back on track and I will lose my lifesavings! What does Suzie think about the housing market and its future?

it’s amazing that while we see the market collapse the past few months and companies going bankrupt at the expense of people’s retirement accounts, there is still no audit and investigations going on to stop the highway robbery……..and yet, these banks are continuing to borrow money from the government and ask for more bailouts while nothing is being corrected. no one has gone to jail yet. trillions has been lost. we have companies filing to change their charters into banks so they can get their grubby hands on fed money, which is by the way, taxpayer money, and still, taxpayers are losing their homes on foreclosures while top execs will most likely get fat bonuses this christmas. biggest insult this week, citigroup will wait till january to decide if they will cut bonuses to top execs……even after receiving the governemnt bailout……

have we seriously become this stupid?

I am in a very similar situation as Virginia in California and I’m using a debt negotiation attorney to bailout.

I was recently awarded the full value of my ex husbands pension and 401k. Is it advisable to utilize a portion of this money to settle my debt, about 15,000. I have 4 children and was forced to live without child support for the past 18 months. Please help me. I don’t want to screw this up. My children depend on my making the right decision.

P.E. Obama appears to be making very well considered choices for every cabinet post. That said, the market rise today is just what it is, a one day fluctuation. Don’t consider it until it’s associated with a sustainable trend upward over several months.

I agree Jo Ann, there are many people who don’t have years to let the market go up. The immediate future is their retirement years coming on them. I feel very sorry for them

Ideally, it would be great if Hillary Clinton accepts the Secretary of State post; I think she will do well in terms of smoothing relations with the Middle East, North Korea and the like.

Anna, Toronto, ON

I am so glad David Gergen is back. I so enjoy listening to his wise perspective. He should be on everynight. He always say what needs to be said. I have to agree with someone that said Hillary would make a great SOS. I hope she takes the job. This would really get the US’s standing back on track with the rest of the world. I think Obama’s team is coming along rather nicely….

Go Obama!!!!

to bloggers discussing David Gergan…
- personally I have yet to disagree with DG. I LOVE DAVID GERGAN <3 seriously though, I think threwout this election he spoke using his head and years of experience and displayed great impartiality. During confusing times I looked to him for advise…

I always thought US Treasury bonds were considered safe investments, but then again, I believe China is the largest holder of them so who knows.

Now that my 401K is down about 50 percent, I only have half as much to worry about.

I wish to thank all the Republicans that helped in this effort.

Obama’s 2 daughters already found new private school in Washington D.C., They are so cute with their parents.

Why did Obama pick Hilary when he’s supposedly anti-drama? Hilary is showing upfront that she hasn’t changed, she’s all about being in the news and making drama out of nothing. We don’t need the Clintons drama, we need everyone’s focus to be on the economy and the two wars we’re struggling with.

Hello everyone — great to see so many of you tuning in on a Friday night. And there was real news: I am not sure about you, but I must say that I am impressed and encouraged by the quality of the people Barack Obama is recruiting to his administration. Yes, there is a risk when a president selects so many strong leaders (with strong egos), but the upside potential is enormous. And they are all people who are both sensible and have proven track records. This could be very good news for our country.

Isn’t it good to have Susie Orman here tonight?

I am a widow turning 60 in December. I have or should I say had 200,000 in a mutual fund. I also have a pension and a tax deffered annuity for when I retire next year. What should I do with my Mutual fund?

The stock market has been quite a rollercoaster ride! Just as you are going down the coaster fast and quickly, you have to close your eyes and try not to scream. But, what a relief when you are going back up again, and it seems that the ride might soon be over!

Susie,

Where do you go when you don’t have the money to file debt protection? I can not afford a lawyer for 3000 grand to get protection from my debtors. I can barily afford the file fee’s, where do you turn?

The President Elect and his transition team are doing an excellent job of selecting his team. I think some people are underestimating their abilities just as they did during the elections. But they will be pleasantly surprised come January after Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America and the Commander-In-Chief.

In the primarys Hillary was never someone who struck me as a extra smart politician or a smooth talking diplomate, she tends to force her way through. It can be good but it also can be bad. Lets hope she can do the job with grace. However everybody should remember, Barack is steady and still has the choice of picking someone else.

In stocks, .the term “cheap” is relative to the price/earnings ratio, not the actual dollar purchase price per share of the stock. There are $80 stocks that are cheap and $10 stocks that are not cheap.

If Obama gets the credit for today’s market rise, does he get the blame for the fact that it’s still way down since he’s been elected? I think the market is in a blind panic. The smallest bit of good or bad news causes wild gyrations. At this point no one is in control of the bus.

Hey I have a question for CNN and Suzie… Since it is a fact that the vast majority of all Americans make on average $50,000 a year, don’t own stock of any kind, or a 401K etc., have no savings, can barely pay their bills, can barely feed their kids, give them lunch money or pay their car loans does Suzie have any useful tips for those 100M people, does CNN have any stories or helpful suggestions or ideas for the people in the real world of day to day regular people? I would love to see and hear some things that are really in touch with the Majority and for the Majority of Americans… Sounds like an idea to me!

no such thing as safe investments….no guarantee that at any given time that any country will not go bankrupt…..no exception to this rule. the only certain things in life are death and taxes.

My mother passed away. My brother and I inherited the 401K. Her company is saying that they cannot move the money to a secure account unless we both agree. We have now lost $25,000.00 in 4 weeks because my brother will not send in the form to move the account. As 50% owner how come I cannot move my protion of the money. Hurt In Louisiana

Hey Anderson and Suze,

Tomorrow is my birthday I am 43 years old and no very little saving. I am graduating with my Master’s Degree on Dec 13th. I am concerned about finding a job in HR. I have about 90, 000 in student loans which I have to start paying on in June. That is the only debt I have. I am thinking about moving back to California from Florida. What should I do?

Thanks,

Billy

David Gergen, I must admit it will be quite interesting to see what the next year brings. I agree..Love to hear Suze’s advice.

To everyone worried about whether or not Hillary will “listen to Obama:” This is not the real problem here. As Secretary of State, Obama does not need someone who will do whatever he tells them to. What Obama, and the United States of America, needs in a Secretary of State is an expert in foreign policy and diplomacy who can inform Obama’s decisions and come up with solid policy recommendations on their own. The SOS should not be a puppet, but rather, a resource.

No Mike, Obama doesn’t get credit for the market being down. That’s an illogical assertion. However, his selection just made the DJIA close up almost 500 points.

My company does not match my 401k and I still dont know how to manipulate my portfolio. I put 10% per wk, should I continue or should I put it in Roth IRA?

Yes David.I’m encouraged also by the folks he’s picking. Maybe we can put country first now. It scares me that Bush is sitting there like there’s nothing to do. I can’t imagine Clinton just sitting there like that or the other Bush or any prior president.

David Gergen: Obama’s picks may have strong egos but I’d much rather have fighters in his administration than people who look the other way. Should prove to be exciting if anything.

There is no doubt about it, if the mortgage problem is not resolved soon economic recovery will be very difficult if not impossible. When property values decline it effects everyone.

I completely agree Mr. Gergen! I am very encouraged by the selections for President-Elect Obama’s administration!

I always enjoy hearing from Suze Orman and am exciting to see her on the show tonight!

Anderson,

Why is no one talking about the Alt -A loans which up to 40% of homeowners signed between 2006 and now and will reset within the next two years. What will happen to our economy when those with good credit who overspent with these Alt-As starting walking away?

David Gergen, it all depends if the strong personalties decide to be team players or go the T.O. (Terrance Owens) route of me, me, me. In the Senate Hillary has kept under the radar, so there is at least a precedent for being part of a group activity and playing nice with others.

Donnie, I am not sure where you live but look in your local phone book for Consumer Credit Counseling. They might be able to help. Good luck!

Hey Andy,
having Suze Orman taking calls and answering emails was great! I like the direction the show has gone in tonight! Interesting

suze orman would have been my pick a month ago for treasury secretary…oh well….love her, learned a lot from her this year.

it is obvious to me that obama wants to bring in these heavy hitters to his cabonet to bring back the prestige of the United STates to the world…establishing the reputation of a powerhouse to boost confidence to the world so that this confidence can pave the way to an economic recovery. an all star team indeed which i can only compare the the NBA first dream team of the 1992 at the olympics that made sports fans all over drop their mouths in awe. with this obama cabinet, it seems to send a message that if you mess with us, we will respond, if the economy falters, we will respond, if the people speaks, we will listen.

evening.

it seems as though Obama HAS been proceeding with “deliberate haste”.

so far, his picks seem to be well-received -LJL

Hi David Gergen!!!
I am happy see you on the blog tonight!!! Yes, she is great advice tonight…… I agree with you.

This is a wild webcast…but kind of informative

David Gergen is right good to see movment on econ, Ali too, good to have someone for Henry Paulson to discuss current initiative with

Thanks Susie. The market looks like a bad heart arrythmia. I’m afraid to look at our investments….I hoped to retire in a year and a half but it may have to be postponed for years. Thank god Barack seems to be appointing really smart and qualified folks to his cabinet. Political hacks will hopefully be a thing of the past. My theory is if we ever get universal health care there will a massive social upheavel; boomers will retire as opposed to working to just keep health care going. Young, fresh and smart people can then fill jobs and be able to afford to move out of their parents homes.

Sidwell friends does not need cnn to advertise for them, I am sure they cannot keep up with demand.
How about you use that time to highlight the pitfalls of the DC public school system.

Anyone who owns stock, bonds, has 401Ks etc. etc. has it over regular old working stiffs ten fold, or fifty fold, and if they have the luxury of worrying about their portfolio, or even having one then they need to absolutely shut up as the huge majority of Americans have issues with just feeding their families and keeping a roof over their heads. That is the actual reality out there today, When supposed experts say 50% of Americans own stock, well yes, but 38% of those only own a few, and I mean few shares of petty stocks as a lark, only the small minority left actually have any stake that matters at all, and that is a fact period!

Gosh, can anyone even imagine what it would be like growing up in the White House? Aside from the annoying press and attention, it would be so cool and an amazing experience to be surrounded by so much history (and be part of history)!

I’m a vegetarian (almost vegan) I appreciate the footage because so many people don’t wanna think about the pain and torture their lunch endures but people need to see what goes on and keep it in mind inorder to make a well informed decision

Palin’s turkey video is one thing, but did you notice she is wearing the expensive designer scarf!!??

Anderson enough of Palin, I’m tired of hearing and seeing her.

Oh Please, don’t repeat the turkey on his last leg clip..please no more

Is Quinn kidding? Any kid going to an expensive school like that would be happy and feel good about themselves!

Nooooooooo, not the turkey again!!
I am starting my ‘Palin countdown clock’ and it has been going for over two months and will stop the first day that CNN does NOT do any reports on SP…..
Anderson, I am begging you to be the first to stop the madness……LOL

My husband and I are stuck in that the market started to crash when we were attempting to get ann FHA loan to refinance just before are ARM came due… The old bank reworte our ARM loan, but by the time they did it, it made us 2 months behind and the other bank still hasn’t decided on our FHA loan. We talked to the old bank who has held the new ARM and let us apply for a convential loan but here I sit for 4 months with no mortage from either bank and wondering how long they will let us stay and when or if anyone will grant us a loan!? Any suggestions?

Obama ran such an impressive presidential campaign, so the fact that he’s beginning to put together a great team is not surprising.

Well Curtis, you can’t claim credit for good news without taking blame for the bad. Remember, the market dropped big right after Obama won. I don’t think it’s his fault, nor is today’s rise his doing either.

Good night Anderson, David G and best bloggers!!!!
Have a great night!!!! Sleep tight!!!!
Have a great weekend and see you next week!
Day of the shot with Sarah Palin and turkey!!! very funny!!! LOL!!

Anderson, I am a vegetarian I can’t watch this!!

Turkey and Sarah Palin – how appropriate!

Anderson, no more Sarah Palin (please).

Well, good night Anderson! Have a great weekend and please get some rest, if you can!!

Good Friday evening..I hope everyone has a good weekend..Night all

oooooh.
that turkey video of palin will just never get old!!
love it so much !!

goodnight everyone
great show as usual!
could someone please inform the floorcrew that they are adorable?
i love fridays

Goodnight Anderson Cooper.

Jacqui Chan, I agree with you. If slaughterhouses had glass walls everyone would be a vegetarian!

Another great show, another great week!

My Satellite internet is being difficult tonight.

Everyone have a great weekend!
Chat again next week!

David G. – It’s always good to see you here and on the show. I agree, it’s a bunch of strong personalities but that doesn’t have to be a downside – it can be an incredible upside.

Thanks for your insights!

Another fast show tonight. Great topics and discussion. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Nite all!

Obama has the right and duty to give his daughters the best education possible. He should reverse his position on school vouchers so everyone else has that chance too.

Glad Im a vegetarian!

Obama is picking very experienced and widely respected people in his cabinet, we should feel good about that.

Have a great weekend everyone….hug your family, friends, and pets:)

It’s in the 80s, sunny with blue skies and starlit nights! Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks 360!!

BTW, Kevin did an awesome job on the webcasts tonight! Kudos to him!

Please save us from listening to anymore “Sarah Palin” news…the turkey incident was incredibly insensitive!