Hellooo Anderson, Erica and best bloggers........
Oh boy! what day for Saxby Chambliss won tonight.......... Congrats!

Hello everyone. Darn, no 60 seats...oh well...we'll still get stuff done.

I'd hardly call on extra republican Senator a "firewall" against Barack Obama's policies. No, the Dems won't have the 60 seats, but they still have a pretty comfy majority.

I think it's good for Congress to not be totally controlled by any party. The Chambliss win is a good thing in the long run.

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone had a great day!

It's good there is no 60 seats. There needs to be checks and balances.

Instead of giving the Big 3 a bailout how about a swift kick in the rear end
& give the money to the poor who lost their jobs & homes.

Hi Anderson and everyone! Great day today.

Now it is up to the Senate to work in a bipartisan way; as PE Obama says: it is not about ideology but what is best for the country. It will be the death of the Republicans is they just obstruct!!

Oh yeah.... too bad for Democrats not enough for seats!

Mike you have a point... never thought of it that way.

Thank God for Georgia! Giving complete control to the Dems would be a disaster for America....

Hello Bloggers! So the big question is whether Sarah Palin really helped Chambliss get this win. Doesn't look like it was even that close of a race.

Saxy Chambliss. More of what's wrong with "our" government.

Obama should have done more. He missed the point of Georgia. There are folks down there who broke their necks for him when he was up. He could not step up to the plate for them when they needed him. Apart from democrat v repub., Chambliss' win ensures more years of struggle for minorities in Georgia. Thanks Barack.

Good evening everyone! I don't think falling short of the magic 60 will hurt all that much. I still think things will get done.

Jolene,
I agree with you...... I knew Sarah Palin help Saxby to win......

Why are all the complaints falling on President Elect Obama by not going to Georgia? Couldn't Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton have campaigned for Martin, also?

Obama had a transition team to work on, a cabinet to appoint and needed to stay above the political fray. He wants to unite this country, not cause more division and media speculation.

Mike: there will always be checks and balances. but filibusting kills bills that should be voted on!

This will force bipartisan negotiations rather than Dems cramming their agenda down everyone's throats.

Hey y'all!
Hi Anderson, Hi Erica!
Am I the only one who is a little disappointed that Saxby won? :/

John King's analysis of the impact of the Chambliss win was first-rate.

"I still think things will get done."

Dulcie, based on the past four years, I'm just not sure things that will help consumers and our country, directly, will be the things that will get done.

The luxury of a 60 seat majority as Dana Bash says, maybe not, but dems have the luxury of a majority of both houses in congress, and a democratic president, that should do for a while. I tend to think we'll see dems and republicans getting along better, I hope so anyway.

If repubs are disposed to talk first before starting a fight, as John King says, that's good. Probably a good idea for me too. Maybe a lot of people.

I think Obama had good polling numbers, knew Chambliss would win, and didn't want to be embarrassed by backing the loser.

Mike. Democrats never cram anything because they don't have the guts. You have nothing to worry about. It's why I left the party. They have no guts..

Lynn - I agree with you. Obama is looking at the bigger picture, rather than playing partisan politics. What a refreshing idea.

Mike: I just hope all those negotiations won't slow things down. Congress needs to remember who they are working for: us!

Phew! I was slightly worried Chambliss would lose tonight. Giving complete control to the Democrats would be disastrous.

No Saturns! Great...they're a horrible car anyway.

But will the american automakers close down plants outside america or will they funnel bailout money to them.

I don't know why everyone is acting like if the Democrats got 60 seats they would just ram everything through. Democrats rarely agree among themselves. Getting 60 votes still would have been tough. On the other hand, it's still possible to get the votes even now because Republicans could cross over. I don't think this loss is as huge a deal as some of you are making it.

Georgia is predictable. A firewall @ this time is a ridiculous concept. Obstruction by the GOP will ensure a continued slide in popularity.

Well, it will be interesting to hear what the Big 3 have to say at the hearings, especially more details about their plans. Especially, Chrysler because they are private. Wonder what alliances they have in mind.

happy tuesday, all. what do you think of the auto makers' bailout plans?

Phew! I was slightly worried Chambliss would lose tonight. Giving complete control to the Democrats would be disastrous.

Why do you say that? I mean, I am more of an Independent, but calling it disastrous is a little harsh don't you think?

On another note, ugh, hearing how these men from the auto companies think 'roughing it' means not taking the private jet disgusts me! >:O

So the big 3 now have a plan. 34 billion will do the trick? I'm not sure they should get all they are asking for. It seems like a huge amount for bad business practices.

Why are we bailing out Chrysler? It is a private company and can raise capital by going public and doing an initial public offering. This make no sense.

No, disappointed but not surprised. Georgia has such a strong
republican base.

Ouch, I have no idea Ford need bailout......... I perfer Toyota my car in the future...........

Why does GM need double what the others need? Are they in worse financial shape than Ford and Chrysler?

Hi Erica!
I think I want a bailout too!

there will always be checks and balances.

@Minou, this would not be true if they were abled to secure 60 seats.

Naissa - don't feel alone. I'm more than a little disappointed that Saxby won, but rather expected. Georgia is definitely a red state.

I am a GEORGIA voter!!
It was very important that Saxby Chambliss be elected to represent GA in the Senate. We are a democracy...and that is a VOICE of all the people. If the Democratic party...had the only say in our policies...that would not be representative of "WE the People". But wouldnt it be nice.......if the 2 parties can put aside "party politics and ideas" and focus on the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!!!! It isnt about Republican or Democrat.............it is us,,,,,US the UNITED STATES!!!

Minou, filibusters have been around forever and things still get done. The Dems will have to stick to things that make sense with broad centrist support rather than far left agenda items. Rather than all or nothing, sometimes 80% is all you can get.

Your commentator just misspoke. He stated GM just sold Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar. FORD owns Volvo still and is considering selling them. Ford used to own Land Rover and Jaguar and sold them both this summer to Tata Motors, Ltd.

the auto execs could have carpooled! at least they are driving, though

What is the likely-hood that every democrate will even vote for Barack Obama anyway, even though that is wonderful optimism.

What about all of the subsidies and tax incentives that states give Toyota and Honda to build plants in their states? Isn't that a type of "bailout"//

Oh gosh. I don't care about Chambliss. I am so happy about Obama and his cabinet! Unite!

We need to do it for five basic reasons:
1) Consumer confidence
2) Control their future
3) Keep America's true manufactoring position globally
4) Reduce the number of job loss
5) Reduce the probability of Chpt 11 going to dissolvement

C. Crowley says 41 governors project red ink. Who are the governors who don't?

GM didn't sell Volvo or Jag, because they didn't own them. Ford does. GM asked for 12B in loans now and 6B in the months ahead for a line of credit only if the current economic crisis continues.

Just to post a correction about what Ali stated. Ford is the organization that has been selling off some of its' brands such as Jaguar, not GM. GM has brands like Hummer that they are selling, but Jaguar was Ford.

Erica,
I don't know I would like bailout, But I can't bailout other people. but 3 companies already bailout to help....

The 60 seats only refer to a "filibuster proof" senate. 60 seats wouldn't give the Dems complete control at all. It only means that a senator who's against the bill,( and who's afraid that by voting, the bill would win the majority) cannot talk until time has run out so there's no time left for the vote. They can literally talk a bill to death.

Although I understand that our nation is in serious need of social reforms as safety nets to help the economy get back up I have a positive outlook on Chambliss's victory. Democrats already dominate both houses, the executive branch, and by the end of Obama's term/terms most likely the Supreme court as well. Despite which party someone leans towards, there is undeniably a need for balance between the two parties and there needs to be at least some effective opposition the the more radical plans democrats intend to push on. At least this preserves the two party system that brings balance to politics.

You need to allow big 3 automakers flexibility to compete with producers from other countries. Didn't that kind of work out in the 90's?

I wonder if over time other shops will become union shops, that would help to level the playing field, too.

Man, I understand the states' problems. I have to spend every Thurs. night in City Council. It's been a bloodbath over setting the city budget.

It really makes me wonder where it's all going to end up

why all this companies go down? the crisis in US is really bad.

Lori-I never thought about it being a red state. It totally slipped my mind. Thank you for clearing that up. I guess I just assumed Dems would get their 60 seats and all.

re: bailout, someone said to me today that the $1 salaries and losing the jets are all well and good, but what he wants to know is how the big 3 will sell more cars... thoughts?

ha that was a funny and honest comment from Joe Biden

I am AGAINST this auto "bailout" and I encourage everyone to keep contacting their representatives to let them know what you think! Chrysler is owned by an investment company and funds shouldn't even be considered for them. You don't go and buy companies and then get complete immunity from any risk–that's wrong.

Make and Market Cheaper, better-made (include the goodies in base orice), fuel-efficient cars.

No rebates, just very low prices.

Wasn't the number 25 Billion? If the government keeps upping the numbers, when will it stop?

Erica, if a company has an excellent product, well priced, well built and stands behind that product, then they would have a winner of a car.

Can they? Erica? they would sell their car without bailout. I think maybe they will earn salary their money.

Erica~ Hybrids? Alternative fuel cars? Hmm, i might just get a bicycle.

There absolutely must be a paradigm shift in the products and marketing of American autos. We're brainwashed to think that only heavy, powerful cars and trucks are worthwhile–that's Detroit's own doing.

Erica: I agree with your friend. The concessions the CEOs made are largely symbolic. Speaking for myself, I have no plans to buy any cars from any manufacturer in the foreseeable future.

I would like to hear more firm, concrete plans from the Big 3. I haven't heard anything very substantive yet.

Sarah Palin gets credit for the Chambliss win? Tee he he

Jolene, my guess is that big 3 will want find cars that they can crank out so that they can gear up their production lines, I think they'll be sleek high mpg models sedans and coupes

GM can take all those Saturn and Pontiac plants and turn them into hybrid, flexfule, electric, car plants. Don't lay off ppl...just make different cars.

Topic: Big 3

Can anyone talk for a moment about those automakers who are also feeling the impact of the economic situation, but do have their hand out for taxpayers money? I am sure Toyota and Honda employ thousands of people throughout the U.S., and have somehow been able to sustain so far. Yes, the current economic environment is tough, but Ford, Chrysler and GM are only reacting now to a seriously bad situation.

PE Obama can't get sworn into office soon enough for me; all this speculation, rumours and advice from pundits is getting stale!! Why can't discussions be about what IS happening instead of criticizing before he even takes office!!

Betty Ann-LOL, I was laughing at the exact same thing. I was also thinking about the footage of her they showed at the rally a while ago. It's rather silly.

The amount of money these people are talking about is crazy! Billions and billions of dollars?! Geez, and all I want is 3grand for school, but they are talking about billions like its mere dollars! :/

These CEOs are going to be grilled by congress, they need to have fresh minds, why drive 500 miles? They already screwed up last time, they didnt need to go to the extreme, just fly commercial. Obama would call this "erratic" behavior.

The Big 3 will sell more cars when the playing field is leveled with regards to labor costs. Toyota and Honda build cars without union labor. They pay about a third to a half less. They also get assistance from the Japanese government.

Don't forget. it was GM that destroyed the Impact, the first truly viable all-electric vehicle. There was absolutely no logic for them to destroy these cars, especially when so many people wanted to buy them when their leases expired, at virtually any cost. That chapter of the American auto industry was a travesty.

I think that the auto makers had their chance to create a stimulus of their own long ago. It's time to sit back, and watch their attempt to escape foil.

The projections from the early ballots was for a Republican win due to the large vote of white males...Sarah Palin going down one day vefore the election on her way to the Governors meeting hardly counts as a claim to having produced a win!!

In regards to the auto bailout I'm not convinced the money would be used properly. If it is just going to be used to sustain already failing car companies then it is only prolonging their inevitable downfall. Only if the money is designated to developement of superior auto technology that can give US companies an edge over foreign auto makers can it work. Otherwise I think the money should be used to finance a Union workers land invasion of China, maybe then the US can get back into manufacturing.

Can someone remind me of why the Big 3 needs all this money please... i mean their exact plan.

Nasissa~ Hasn't Gov Palin already had her 15 minutes of fame? Ok~ time's up!

We know American cars suck...just let them go

Very Funny!!!!! Betty Ann.......... I love your joke!!!!! I agree with you.... LOL.........

Toyotas sales were down by over 30%...no one is selling many cars right now!!

I believe Zardari means what he says, but I don't think he has the military which is suspected of having ties to terrorist groups, under control.

Okay Chambliss won hooray! The Republicans paid for is campaign now he works for the people not the Republicans, has to represent his state and all its people: the Party is over!

We should assist the US auto industry, we do not want to ship all of those jobs and money overseas to foreign countries: they must become competitive and never forget what $5.00 a gallon gas did to our economy and our FICA scores?

If we would bailout the consumer, everybody else all of the institutional banking system would get well naturally from the bottom up! A federal credit card with a $10K limit for all taxpayers would work!

Pakistan keeps saying we want evidence. Go back 10 years, every government official including the President and Prime Minister has said on record that the Pakistan Government gives moral and financial support to these very extremists. Can anyone really believe that this support which lasted for more than 50 years would have stopped in 7-8 years?

The attackers had to have inside people in the Taj, at very least. They clearly knew their way around the hotel, not to mention the city.

Erica, I feel better about the bailout plans. Well, at least for Ford and GM. They seemed more aggressive and seem to be heading in the right direction. Not sure if it will work but I think the Gov't has to try. Just unclear on what Chrysler means by Alliances, still seemed too vague.

Hey Megan! I like your comments too! LOL!

@David, Indiana: Obviously, the Big 3 will have to compete with the Toyotas, etc. but what they really need to be doing is thinking beyond what people are buying today. Unless they have these cars designed already, it takes years to design and get a new car into production.

Pirates attacking a cruise ship seems irrelevant after attacking major tankers. What are they going to get, even IF the passengers are wealthy? It's not like they're traveling with all their liquid assets in their pockets.

Hello everyone - good to see you online tonight. Saxby Chambliss was a big, symbolic victory for the Republicans after they got a real drubbing in November. But that doesn't mean Barack Obama can't govern effectively. What it suggests instead is that he will need to win over some Republican votes in order to pass significant reforms in health care, taxes, and the like. And in truth, that is probably a good thing for the country - Daniel Patrick Moynihan taught me years ago that the big, lasting reforms coming out of Washington since the 1930s have first won large, bipartisan support in the Senate (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Civil Rights bills of 1964 and 1965). So, for those Democrats who are saddened tonight by Georgia, there may be a silver lining here.

In the meantime, my bet is that the Big Three - having been spanked a couple of weeks ago - will now get help big-time help from the government.

Big 3 can't be blamed for ALL of the reduced auto sales... in a recession people are less likely to spend money on cars, it's not as though the products are the problem, part of the problem is the consumer coming up with the money and convincing the bank to give them a loan

Pakistan is denying any State invlovement. How do they explain that they have not honoured the interpol red corner alert against Doud Ibrahim for last 15 years. He is the suspect and living openly in Karachi.

It is similar to Pakistan haing diplomatic relations with Taliban whle they were plotting 9/11 here in US and the government of Poakistan denying that ISI had nothing to do with creation of Taliban.

It will be good for CNN viewers to know that only 3 countries recoganized Taliban before they caused 9/11 and these were – Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Regards the Chambliss win: Given the really big decisions that must be made and the high risks involved, Obama does not want to force them down the Republicans throat (60 vote cloture) and then take all the heat when things don't quite work out. He needs to have a modicum of bipartisan support and never wanted to use the 60 vote majority hammer. If the Republicans become obstinate, purely partisan obstructionists in a time of great need, you can count on several moderate R Senators to switch sides. He man even need them to offset Blue Dog Democrats that could defect. The Chambliss win is not the big loss for Obama or Repubican victory some make it out to be.

The government should bail out the auto companies but they need to put forward significant concrete plan and also restructure their management team.

Government need to think about the innocent employees who are going left without jobs and punished for a bad judgment/strategy of the board of directors. God says lend a helping hand when it is needed and he will reward 10 times more.

Hey Megan! I like your comments too! LOL!
Hey Betty Ann! Thanks!!!!

They can begin by getting rid off all luxury models and introducing a single model system that benefits consumer which will create a higher demand from consumers.

Peter Bergen is amazing! The terrorism in India is deplorable! This is madness!

The big 3 fed excess. Now they have to feed conservatism. They have to reinvision themselves. I don't see any new ideas. But yes, they will get help I think. They should if Wall Street gets it, sad to say.

What? Biological weapons don't kill masses of ppl? Um, how about those pox viruses? I can't believe P. Bergen just said that!

It is critical that the auto makers receive their bailout. Their failure would have profound implications for the economy. However, they need to be run more efficiently. Dropping underperforming brands is a good start. Plus, they need to build higher quality, more fuel efficient vehicles.

Get rid of luxury models? I don't think so! People will buy exclusivity! Unfortunately, Europe has that locked in.

Hellooo David Gergen!!!!
I am glad to see your blog tonight...... Yes, that's true I agree! You have good point.......

David Gergen, I have the feeling that the big 3 bailout will be the first of many. When does the bottomless pit of government money dry up for good..

Curtis Jo:

The pirates are looking to get million dollar ransoms. A cruise ship would be quite the catch with a bunch of innocent passengers. Several countries have paid ransoms to just these pirates.

Pirates attacking American cruise ships. Isn't it amazing that enough people can afford cruises? Wow! It's all those bailout people~

if all they want is a loan. why dont the car makers borrow the money from the oil companies since they have been making trillions of dollars of the years off the cars thebig 3 has made.

tyler, it's true that the economy and consumer spending play a very impt role, but there has also been significant criticism of the big 3's products for some time.

i remember speaking with analysts more than a year ago who said the issue in many cases is that american automakers missed the boat years ago by sticking to big cars and ignoring a growing market for luxury touches and finishes - things that don't have to come with a luxury price tag but that go a long way with buyers.

sadly, there are a number of factors here and the worst part is the number of people who will be affected by this

If our foreign policy pays more attention to hot spots that might help avoid vacuum of initiatives that could lead to terrorist attacks...but seems like we have stay on the offensive, too

David Gergen – Love your comments!
I agree – now the big 3 will get their help.

John, it is MORE critical that we bite the bullet and follow the free-market system, where those who can survive, do so because of integrity, smart decision making and a competitive spirit. It's absolutely wrong to reward bad decision making and an outdated business model. It doesn't happen for small businesses (who create 90% of jobs in this country) and it shouldnt happen for big business.

Peter Bergen is amazing! The terrorism in India is deplorable! This is madness!
BettyAnn,
Yup! he does! he is best analysts terrorism tonight!

Glad to see David Gergen on the blog tonight. Alway enjoy your insights. I agree about the Big 3 bailout. I don't think we can afford not to do something. But it was nice to see Congress say come back with a plan.

Why don't nations that have shipping interests off the coast of Somalia provide naval escorts. These pirates should not be that difficult to stop. They are boarding and capturing vessels using speedboats and small arms.

David Gergen: Surely there has to be some compromise on the Republican side as well; voters showed they want action on the war in Iraq, on health care, education, the environment, etc. All the things the Republicans did nothing about when they were in power!!

Betty Ann, cruising is a HUGE value and (now) very cheap, especially compared to hotel rooms. It's not for the very wealthy anymore.

Erica, did the analysts also note that Nissan just built a huge plant in Mississippi and Toyota built a $2B plant in Texas to build trucks to catch up to the Big 3 because that is what the consumers wanted?

Curtis Jo, it would be a disaster if a cruise ship were hijacked. It means hundreds of ppl that could get killed. who's going to rescue them all without losing some of them?

Erica – so true. American automakers have ignored consumer trend by building big cars and ignoring the luxury market.

An overhaul will definatley have to be made in all 3 companies.

I want know..... I thought India police are not aware that terrorists came in Mumbai, no warning for people... it is so scary for people.... How come they are no idea or not aware of problem terrorists hijacked or else?

Goodnight y'all.
See you tomorrow, Anderson and Erica!

Well, since David Gergen said his bet is that the Big Three will now get help from government and since he's always right , then, the big question is how much help will they get....the whole $34 million?

What was the function of announcing the $1 yearly salary and getting rid of the jets? Was it supposed to induce sympathy from taxpayers? Why aren't these auto companies approaching the oil companies for a bail-out loan? Why is the money from the taxpayers their goal to get? It seems they are not very confident that they will make a profit, so the government might be more forgivable than another corporation, if their company doesn't make it. And, if oil companies were approached and they chose not to invest in these companies, then why would the government want to make an investment in these failing companies?

If the Big 3 are unable to produce profitable business plans, then the money shouldn't be given. The government needs to re-direct those funds to those who will lose their jobs and provide services to get people back on track. Rather putting money into a failing company, how about giving money to profitable companies as incentives for the creation of new jobs?

I want to get a copy of Bill Bennett's book. It sounds like a winner.
I've been wanting something like that, and now it appears as though I have the opportunity to obtain it. Hats off to Bill Bennett. I like him so much.

One of the points a lot of people are over-looking is the layoffs... GM losing (another) 31,500 jobs? where are these people going to go?

For as long as companies pay ransom to the pirates, there will be hijackings. I don't have solution, but paying money isn't it.

Why aren't these "pirates" called terrorists? What's the difference?

Desperation causes crime. What a shame we have modern day pirates ;-(

-(

This pirates problem is a classic example of what can happen when a country has no real government. It is time the world gave Somalia some thought, again.

Wow! that is so scary people in the cruise...... I hate pirates!

OMG, lol, The Shot is hilarious!
That's some good TV!

It almost seems like the show just started. All the topics were really interesting tonight. Thank you!!! Have a great Wednesday Bloggers!

The big 3 forgot to make their product affordable & of high quality .
even if they are bailed out I'm not buying a new car.

Betty, despaeation does not cause crime. Laziness and disrespect for other human beings cause crime. There are many folks who are desperate who would never harm or step on others to advance themselves.

Bea: the dif is, they have no cause they're fighting for. all they want is money.

Tuesday night Shot? It appears it was more than a shotglass full of water thrown around. It's amazing how adults can be so much like infants. Water fight! Night all

Well again I missed most of the show, darn!

I need my AC360 fix! I just feel so out of the loop!

Have a good night everyone, lets hope the economy looks better in the morning.

*lol* great shot of the day!

Have a good night All!

Good night Anderson, Erica and best bloggers......
Have a great night!!!! Sleep tight!!!!
See you tomorrow night!!!
Day of the shot with ugly politics fight!!!!! Ouch...... LOL!!!

Bea~ I stand corrected!

Don't women usually throw the drink at the man's face? Maybe the ex-bodybuilder is getting in touch with his feminine side.