evening everyone.. happy friday…im getting old, im still jet lagged from my brief trip to israel.

Good evening Anderson and everyone. Anderson, hope you have the weekend off to relax and get over the jet lag. And you are not that old.

Well Anderson, at least you look a lot better than you did when you were reporting from Israel.

Good evening Anderson. Anyone that would make that quick a trip to Israel and back, would be worn out. Maybe you can get some rest this weekend.

Hello Anderson, Erica and best bloggers!!!
Anderson ,
I hope you will enjoy teip to Israel this weekend!!!!! Please get rest and nap!!!!!!!

Aww Cooper – you don’t look a bit jet lagged. I came back from New Orleans a bit ago and I thought THAT was an exhausting flight. I can’t imagine from Israel!

Oh, and happy Friday!

Oh, you are not old! It’s a seven hour difference, for Pete’s sake–anybody would still be jet-lagged. Quit fishing for compliments, mister; we can see right through it!

Well, it doesn’t show, Anderson.

Good Evening Anderson,

Welcome to the club. We are all getting old. You look fine, no worries.

01-09-2009
1929 – it’s here again and last time it took 4-5 years to recover
How can these analysts state that we will recover sooner?

Numbers are very important, people should slow down and pay attention.

Anderson, we’re all getting older by the minute..The daily news is enough to wither away a vibrant brain into a flatline of fatigue..

tgif, you are young as me, i am 36, Anderson sleep tigth.

Alright big boy, we saw Wolf dancing (which was flipping adorable) it’s your turn!

hi everyone
if hamas ingnored the un its because it wasnt even envolved thats not right you have to include all sides for it to work

Israel is clearly not taking the care it should to avoid civilian casualties.

Just think of how exhausted Nic Robertson must be Cooper!

I knew I saw you AC! Wolf i upped ya today when he danced on Ellen!

Good evening Anderson! It’s Friday! Yahoo! You still look good jetlagged or not. How about sleeping the weekend away or is that not possible!?

No worries Anderson – lookin good to me – not even alittle bit old!

And I am not that old, I just jetlagged to fly to Hawaii 2 month ago!

Happy Friday, Anderson and Fellow Bloggers!

Anderson — They say you’re only as old as you feel – hopefully, you’ll get some rest this weekend and feel a lot younger on Monday.

Sad news out of Gaza. My thoughts and prayers for all in the region.

Being unemployed and hearing Candy’s report is not making me feel very well at all. Yikes. Everyone think happy thoughts, please.

Eugenia January 9th, 2009 10:02 pm ET
01-09-2009
1929 – it’s here again and last time it took 4-5 years to recover

It took more than that. Full recovery took until WWII started for us in 1941. That’s 12 years!

Its really sad that two people cant come to a peaceful resolution to stop a war, but I guess you can only plea so much before either will listen, especially when there are so many people in the middle of it and so many deaths resulting from it.

What doesn’t need immiedate action? We are engaged in two wars, Israel and Hamas are trying to destroy each other, extreme poverty is a major issue, our own citizens are jobless and bankrupt….

So now Israel is accusing the UN relief workers of lieing? Their answer to every allegation is “We are investigating”. However, journalists should be allowed in to do an objective investigation.

The news about the economy continues to be extremely troubling. The new administration and Congress need to do something dramatic to put the brakes on the economic free-fall. The sooner this happens, the better.

Governor Blago of Illinois confuses me.
His poetry is nice and he seems like an interesting character. or is the word caricature!

What has he done?
Why doenst the media say?
Why wont that Fitzgerald guy say his crime and explain it so regular people can understand.
I know Fitzgerald told everyone Blago is a criminal, but what did he do again?

Maybe Blago is a criminal, I dont know.
But his poetry is nice and his recitation is good.
His choice of poets is nice.
I wonder if Blago will quote from Kilmer and that group.
That would be interesting if he knows about that.
He sure is interesting.
Maybe he can quote from American poets also!

Lets hope partisan bickering will not hamper efforts to revive the economy.

Hey Anderson
No wounder you get jet lagged as a woldtraveler for finding the truth last week,you did a verry good job.Thank you!
I wish you a verry peacful weekend,enjoy the silent.
Take some rest.

Hey all. I haven’t blogged in like forever! I know Ashley-Hamlin, NY, I bet Nic is exhausted. I love the way he says missles.

Good evening! And you’re hardly “old.” I still can’t get myself synced, and I have yet to hit twenty. Hopefully you can take the weekend to re-sync.

I look forward to hearing the details of Obama’s bailout plan, which have been rather elusive to date.

Anderson, I’m going on a 1 week government study next week from NYC to Paris on how to over come jet lagged . I’ll let you know how it turns out.

I can’t believe nobody asked where all this money was paid out to! Anderson, you are right, it is unbelieveable!

yeah congress where is our money? Where is our bailout?

Accountability is a great thing. I would love to help people if I knew the money was really going to the right place.

Anderson, you’re not old. Anyone would be jet lagged from all that. Get some rest this weekend.

Being unemployed and hearing Candy’s report is not making me feel very well at all. Yikes. Everyone think happy thoughts, please.

Pati,
I agree with you!!!! that is so bad news for people have laid off too…. I don’t want hear about unemployment.

You have to laugh Cooper. If you cry then you’ll just go insane….

Although the fact that the government keeps losing all this money is infuriating. What if we, as individual Americans, were that irresponsible with our money?

Hope the Wolfbot’s appearance on Ellen will be on!

I must be older than dirt…I need a nap and only walked 3 feet from my bedroom to my office today! Don’t know how you spend so much time on an airplane, my back would be killing me. Better rest up this next week cause it looks like they have you booked solid for the inauguration!

Hi Anderson, Erica, everyone blogging. Anderson, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be jet lagged from that quick back and forth trip and a full week of work.

Nic Robertson’s report shows how complex the situation in Gaza is. Israel is committed, has pushed into Gaza, this imperils civilians and leaves them exposed as Nic just noted in response to your question about Israelis going into towns Anderson. Cease fire needs to happen. They have to have faith in that.

I think, given what I heard from Elizabeth Warren today, Tony Harris intvw, that congress can get a handle on the rest of bailout, maybe even track what has flowed to banks already.

Hi everyone! In the same way they gave the automakers a hard time, it’s only fair Congress must be have more strings for the 2nd half of the TARP money.

Oh man, Anderson, I was thinking the same thing about the money spent in Iraq. I would be more than happy to take some of that bailout money. And I am willing to work for it.

Most of the government and state jobs in my area are all unavailable due to hiring freezes. If the government wants to help the economy, how about lifting the freezes on these jobs and putting some of us back to work?

B-Rod was so weird today at his press conference. With the props and citing poetry. Crazy!

Evening Anderson and fellow bloggers, these are scary times, one can only “tighten” your belt so far.
Seems to me the bailout was a free check to most companys, as nothing has changed , in fact its gotten worse. looking forward to Suzie!

John Bergquist Newtown, CT January 9th, 2009 10:08 pm ET
Lets hope partisan bickering will not hamper efforts to revive the economy.

John, It sounds like Obama is having a tougher time with his own party, than with Republicans.

2.6 million jobs lost . . . how many of them did the federal government donate? Let’s get them to give up 7.2% of the federal government positions so they can live the reality of unemployment like the rest of us!

It is just incredible to me that all that money was given to banks, and no one knows where the money is! Isn’t that the whole problem?!?

Good evening Anderson, Erica and all Bloggers. Glad it’s Friday and it’s sad about what is still going on in Israel and Gaza. I am beginning to tire of all this stuff. About ready to go up into the mountains and find me a cave and set up housekeeping.

To much war going on in this world. Hope something will change soon or we will self destruct this entire world. Maybe that is what we need to do and start over again with the hopes we will remember the lessons of this failed earth.

How is this stimulus plan going to help people who have social security? We don’t qualify for income tax. People with social security are having just as much problem as people with regular jobs.

PE Obama was excellent in answering questions about Congress people having objections about his plan by stating he welcomes their suggestions and that he knew it wasn’t going to be easy. No matter how hard the media tries to create controversy they keep forgetting he is “no drama obama.”

Having discussions and making suggestions is all part of democracy. America hasn’t had much of that in years!

For Suze…..
I wonder if How Suze feel about Bernie Madoff?

Okay — I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that no one knows what happened to the money.

I used to be treasurer at a local government entity. Being entrusted with taxpayer money, we had to be accountable to the penny. There were audits/reports at the local, state and federal level.

Well, Anderson, they say with age comes wisdom =)
Then again I hear rumor that jet lag is non-discriminatory, young or old!

I agree with Suze, but if we all stop spending won’t that put millions more out of work twice as fast?

My q for Susie:

Wheres the best place to buy state municipal bonds, etc
is this a good idea?

Maybe I’m missing something, but why doesn’t the government get involved more with companies who ship jobs over seas and “pressure” or force the to bring a majority of the jobs back in the U.S. Sure these billion dollar companies will loose some money, but wait the CEO’s are already billionaires so who cares? This should surly bring back some jobs! And Impose penalties or farther taxes on those companies who oppose.

why can’t the 300+ billion be retroed back to the goverment under a lawsuit directed to the banks who cannot account for it??

Since 2/3rds of our economy is driven by consumer spending, if we all cut back like Suzie says, won’t that make the economy worse?

Evening, they should have given the money to the American people. They would have paid houses off(help mortgages & banks), made purchases(help ecomony), paid off bills(help credit card co.) The rich get richer and poor suffers…

Irony of 2009: The banks not being able to keep track of their money.

I love Suze O. she is so passionate about what she does. She was so good on Oprah yesterday.

Question for Suze:

Citibank just RAISED the credit limit on my MasterCard from $6000 to $9000.

I put 98% of my spend on my Amex and pay in full every month. My Citibank MasterCard is my “they don’t take American Express” card. I typically put approximately $50 per month on the card and pay in full.

How will the extra unused available credit impact my FICO score? Should I call Citibank and say “no thanks, $6000 was enough?”

Anderson,
Be tough on the trillion dollar plan and man.
Look at the under lying dynamics and over facts.
Anyone can dig themselves out of ditch with a trillion dollars.
Also enough of the blame game – remember the dems have control of congress and when obama did vote he voted for things like the bailout etc
Please look at and report all sides

hello, it is a joy to watch Anderson and Erica it is truely a great show

Anderson: Why is Suze telling everyone to NOT spend their money, when the message from other guests on your show and largely the American government, is to SPend to pump money into the economy (as a stimulus?) Mixed messages!

Good question Mohammed. A question that I can relate to.

Concerning the 1st bailout money – someone had to write the checks, transfer the money, etc. There is always a paper trail to follow where money is concerned, so don’t tell me the government doesn’t know where our tax payer money went. And as a United States Cititzen, I demand it be posted on the government website. I own and operate a small business that is struggling to stay alive right now and I too need help. Where’s my bailout????????

Suzie… My company pays 3 percent on my monthly salary for my 401K,
I am presently putting 15% into the 401K….. I am wondering if I should
only be putting 6% and bank the other 9%…… Thanks

The only people making any money right now are people like Suze who are writing books about how to survive this bad economy.

Hi Anderson. If everyone with a job cuts back on spending as Suzy recommends, then the economy will even get worse! Challenge her on that!

I think Suze Orman makes a great point if people *do* have the extra money to put in a savings account and they’re spending it on Starbucks–but what about the millions of people who are *literally* living paycheck to paycheck, as in they cannot put that money in a savings account because they need it for rent, groceries, heat, gas/bus fare? This idea that there should be eight months to a year’s worth of savings put away is a pipe dream for a lot of people.

Anderson, your still my favorite! Age isn’t really that important.

Why again are we paying for banks and irresponsible CEO’s to get out of their own troubles? I think this is costing us more than its helping us.

I’m very fortunate – I got hired as a City Treasurer the week before Christmas. But I plan on banking just as much of my paycheck as possible. I have to catch up on some bill, but other than that, there will be no ’splurges’ from me.

It’s also really strange to be a City Treasurer right now. Lots and lots of decisions to make.

Is the Governor serious? He was working for the people? Wow, that is just surreal!

If people can accept president Bush to spend billions of dollars in Iraq and allow other billions to be given to his associates in the name of ballout, what’s wrong with putting some money in our economy with the new administration?

America needs to wake up , Thats right wake up people

this is a generated crisis by the evil powers to be. like in the 20’s when the rich bankers called in the margin loans when and took peoples land.

Oh Anderson! Dead Poets Society is one of my favorite movies of all time. Well said! BTW I believe the answer is Tennyson?

What do I win?

What if you feel your job is pretty safe, but you still have trouble saving, other than through your 401K?

I think the best thing about Obama is his wife and his motherinlaw.
They have alot of dignity and are very empathetic. I wish Obama was more like them.

Obama is going to bring oversight, accountability, and reasonable regulations to Washington and Wall Street. That is going to be his biggest fight with Republicans and might be as important as his recovery package to the future.

Suzy,

Sure it easy to talk about saving money for a emergency, but the last few year everyday seems to be a emergency. The average tax payer pays for what is decided in Washington. So here we are in this mess.

I voted for obama and I would do it all over again. We should be standing with him and ride this out.

Hi Suzy-

With housing valuesl15-25% lower than one year ago, how can we expect to take advantage of the low refinance rates if the home is no longer worth what the refinance amount would be? Do we have any options?

Thank you!

Ondine

Ashley – Hamlin, NY January 9th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Just think of how exhausted Nic Robertson must be Cooper!

Yes, Ashley in NY…
he is so tired all day from Israel….. he is best reporter in the world!!! I agree with you, He is so exhausted as Cooper did!

Happy Friday Anderson And Erica

I.m new to the live blog tonight i just wanted to comment on the economy and job loss I am curently in the maufacturing induistry at JohnDeere’s plant in onatrio and it’s closing 800 jobs are going t o be lost .Please make metion of this awarnes to the bad times hree in Canada as well .Anderson you look pretty good for being jet lagged
Have a great weekend !

ok, some one has to have accountants that have some paper trail of where the money went. In response to Susie, I and my family have no credit cards, daughters in college and also pay for our health care, we live pay check to paycheck , it is unrealistic to even imagin having savings for 6-8months.

You know you look fine Mr.Cooper….need a little pick up eh?so you knew where to get it from….we the bloggers!
I missed yesterdays blog with David Gergen..he is so sweet!!!

Suzi
How in the world are we supose to save money when a loaf of bread costs $5.00. Why havent the price of goods gone down since gas prices went down.

I owned my own business and had to close the doors in August am still looking ofr work.
we have over 10,000 in credit card deblt and we have 5 house paymetns. Our renters are moving out to buy a house in forclosure
I give up….. we have great credit , I have been trying to work with the banks re mortgae modification, they do not respond in a timely matter.
I give up

dear suze, thank you for your great advice. Yesterday, you mentioned an online savings plan that could give 15% a year if you invested $100 a month for a year. What was that plan again?

Thank you!

I am a self employed artist and have been for the past 15 years. Do I qualify for any unemployment? I did work for a big company for 13 years intge 70’s and 80’s and paid in to unemployment then. Thanks

How dare he defame my 5th great-grand-uncle! He was the Lord of Poets in England in his time! That’s my family he’s disrespecting!!

He’ll leave us with a poem? That’s not all he’ll leave behind in his wake. I guess if you’re going down, you grab a verse or two for a sermon.

Blago’s actions today are bizarre. But this is what we have come to expect from the embattled governor.

suzi ormans advice is no longer applicable . all of her theory depends on one very important contingent, that is you are actually earning enough money to live on…get real and stop pushing your books suzi, people dont have jobs, many dont earn enough to make ends meet, who are you talking to anyway???why dont you go investigate where the bailout went and go yell at those suits.

OMG AC, we have the tainted new Senate seat and the crazy Gov from Ill. I even had someone call me to contribute to Al Franken’s legal fund last night.

Suzy according to what you say. If everyone starts saving all their money. The economy will only get worse with no spending and more people could lose their jobs.

How do you save if you don’t even have a job?

If Blago gets impeached, and the LT Gov. takes over, can he revoke the appointment of Burris if Burris hasn’t been sworn in yet?

I’ve only tuned in for a moment, but had to come to the computer and comment on Suze’s comments on saving an emergency fund. I am a contractor doing mostly remodeling and most of the people that I know were never able to have a 401k or have the money to save an emergency fund because we have all been living the “American Dream” working our butts off to have a roof over our head and providing a family life that keeps up with the Jone’s. Keeping up with the Jone’s is exactly what has gotten America in the shape that it is in which is (and I am guilty) living above our means.

HAAAAAAAA @ Elvis has left the building

Anderson please volunteer somebody at cnn to find those 350billion dollars its aplaling to know that money its spend that way who is wacthing the wacthdog kind of thing and this pleople want to brush off a trion dollars defecit like dirt under the carpet !!!! when its going to end 350 billions more evaporate in to thin air please help us understand this insatiny

Help the Economy:
Lower mortgage rates: extra spending money
Lower taxes: extra spending money
Lower taxes for one income families, if you lower it enough to where it justifies one wage earner staying home that opens up a position for someone else. Lets not forget most of us would like to stay home and be with our children, but to make ends meet we need to hit the work force.

I frankly don’t know how Blagojevich can say he has done nothing wrong when all the evidence points against him and the Illinois house virtually unanimous in voting to impeach him.

Blago is delushional and is ignoring why he’s really in trouble, he’s stating that criminal charges are brought against him for helping ordinary people. I think he’s crazy and needs to be committed to a mental instituion.

I am 57 y.o. I am an employed nurse. No credit card debt, House mortage no problem, paid off my car, 8,000 in the bank . Changed my 403B to money account from stock when this first started for now and putting around 1000 in it each month. Did i do the right thing? what should I do if not the right thing

Mike, I guess Obama and the Democrats didn’t count on the current rate of inflation when they “designed” their economic plan.

You are saying to not spend money but then you are telling us to buy your book. I am confused.

“And Elvis has left the building…” That about sums it up Cooper! That man is so crazy I am sure that they are going to bring him out next time in a straight jacket.

I’m waiting for him to come out and say: “Neither a borrow nor a lender be…” and just leave the podium.

Blogojevich has stooped to a new low by using these people as pawns in his PR scheme.

Anderson, sometimes the American public is that dumb.

What checks and balances can be put in place so that when the federal government gives individuals a tax rebate to stimulate the economy,
state and local governments are constrained from increasing their taxes on individuals therein ’sucking the oxygen” out of the measure? Similarly, other public and private entities from increasing their charges, i.e., fueling the inflation rate for already existing goods and services — and increasing “profits” instead of promoting the hoped-for consumer driven economic expansion.

BLAGO is a first class jerk. He has listened to himself for so long he actually believes his own lies.

Am I the only one who’s confused by Blago’s press conference? Maybe he forgot he’s being impeached for trying to sell Obama’s seat and not for working too hard.

This is for Suzie – - – I thought that President-Elect Obama’s Stimulus Package is for people to start spending again to stimulate the economy. So why are you asking people not to spend? Don’t you think it’s easy for you to talk about emergency funds just because you already have made money? How about for people who are currently on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis?

Hello Anderson and All,

Anderson keep up the good work! Enjoy the show and your coverage of the topics. God Bless Barack Obama and his team. Can’t imagine coming into office at a time like this. Truly daunting….let’s hope there is some accountability and no misappropriation as we try to get back on track!

happy friday, bloggers

What type of weapons are being used in Gaza? Especially the air burst shells.

Oh that Rod-Blog is so freaking out of his mind, he is incredibly sickening. I cannot believe he had the gull to use those people as prop. Like whatever I wouldn’t want to be seen with a sicko like that…come on people, he is a scum bag! The dude is crazy, deranged, lunatic, insane, complete madness – and I agree with Joe Johns Blago is RIDICULOUS! I love poetry and he is insulting to poets and all types of poetry!

If I stole a loaf of bread I would be dragged to jail and treated like trash, and yet, those of us who have worked hard all our lives have been robbed by greed of our retirements, these people, including our gov’t are theives they should all be locked up.

For Suzie: We are constantly told to eliminate credit card debt. What if the interest on the debt is mostly at a rate of less than 5% apr?

Maybe the treasury and the Bush administration don’t want people to know where the money went until they are out of office…

Anderson, there is certainly a segment of the American public which IS that dumb.

How do you save if you don’t even have a job?

I don’t think Suze was talking about the unemployed folk.

Hellooo Michelle!!!!
Welcome to Blog Live tonight!!!!!!! Happy you have be here tonight!!

Maybe next time Blago will quote Dr Seuss. That should convince us that he’s a good guy.

Happy Friday Erica! I hope you have a great weekend.

Hi a
I am 62 years old but don’t say! xa xa

Well i am worried about the situation my only income is
1500 dollars a month how will i live for the next 20 years?

i have some saving but for how long?
thank God i own my won apt

thank you
Nina

Blago is nuts, but he did appoint the next Senator,
he cant redeem himself, can he?

Suzie:

I strongly support personal financial responsibility and do agree that a personal rainy day fund is critical–particularly if your job may be in jeapordy. However, for those that can afford their lifestyle, whatever it may be, they need to engage the economy and not withdraw to an overly conservative financial strategy out of fear. Spending is central to stimulating the economy and moving the U.S. out of its current depression.

Respectfully,

Ken Humphreys

Evening Anderson and welcome back.

It just makes me sick to live in Illinois right now. This Governor is such a joke. The way the Media here locally already has him pretty much out of office. I am not sure why the Senate is even doing this formal impeachment since we already know what the outcome is going to be the Senate can’t wait to get him out of office in their minds he is GONE!!!!! I am not even sure anymore he is going to get a fair hearing. Added to Dick Durbin is holding up Burris as a Senator let the poor man Sit down, They are going to make this state look a lot worse down the road.

Anderson,
Hi! Happy Friday.
Blagojevich has seemed unwilling to accept the seriousness of the charges against him–he diverts attention from the issues instead. Even thinking he wasn’t guilty, I don’t see why he hasn’t directly addressed the reasons for impeachment.

you’re not old.

the look on the guy’s face in the background, when Blago started quoting Tennyson is priceless!

Honestly, I do not know whether to laugh or cry over Blago.

I mean it is hilarious they way he conducted himself today. But it is not nice to laugh at someone who is so obviously mentally ill.

Nope, I choose to laugh. Can’t help myself. And there ya go/ David Gergen just called him nuts. I rest my case.

I have heard about this 350billoin one too many times as a public school principal if I could not account for $500.00 I would be under investigation. This is the shame of a once great nation. I have begun to think that the time to rethink the direction our nation is taking has come. The people need to wake up speake up stand up before it is too late.

Im tired of seeing Blagojevich and his hair! Cant they just impeach him now and get it over with so we dont have to see him anymore?

Susie- Explain exactly how I would start saving using the “Save Yourself”.com .

Anderson, you are NOT getting old!! and welcome home. I am sure its what you saw on yolur travel that makes you feel like you are getting old, and well I hope a weekend off for you will help you re charge
you ARE NOT OLD
I am ~winks~

Hi Anderson & Erica,

Gaza/Israel conflict: Allah, Yahweh, God, Mohammed, Moses, Jesus, they would not be happy with this conflict. Their messages and stories of peace and love need to be re-visited.

Americans- we need to pray, especially for innocent civilians on both sides of this conflict.

Anderson, defently don’t have anything nice to say about Blago,which I don’t blame you.
Blago is just crazy, and I believe he think he can get away with anything because he is a senator and think he going to get away with this.
He need to resign, because no matter what he does he will not get back the trust of the citizens of Illinois.

hi Abderson, your not old (yet)…does anyone think that the banks should be accountable for the tax money that they took and now won’t tell anyone what they did with it?? further, they now think that the bad mortgage debt should be paid with remaining funds.

when the bailouts started, God forgive me, my 1st thought was Bush’s last act is to raid the treasury.

Blago over the top and Illinois should be over him quick, so the rest of us can get over him too.

Hi Suzie:

I am working in a company that has gone the ENRON way in last couple of days. I had my medical health insurance in suspension for last 24 hours while company is reassuring the continuity of health benefits and is in discussion with the health care provider.

While i am in the 3rd trimester of HIGH RISK pregnancy, What are the options for me in this situation regards to my HEALTH CARE issue for now?

Happy Friday, Erica!

Ah, more great insight from Gergen. It’s like the cherry on top of the AC sundae. (Forgive me, it’s Friday)

Dear Suze,
If you have a lot of credit card debt and you lose your job, can your creditors go after your retirement accounts?

Blagojevich even transcends Chicago politics…

When he brought those people on stage and then in your words decided to “busta rhyme” it was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.

Unfortunately he seems to be savoring in his new found fame.

Everyone in Illinois politics seems to be corrupt; it seems rather curious that Obama could rise up in that type of atmosphere without being tainted in some way.

Happy Friday, Erica!

One thing is clear about Obama’s relationship with the strengthened-Democratic congress: they won’t give the incoming Democratic president a blank cheque.

Congress is starting to play their old games with President Elect Obama’s economic plan. Everyone should call their Representative and Senator and demand that they pass this economic package and have it on his desk by the end of the day on January 20th.

“…. and Elvis has left the building.”

Anderson, the people of Illinois can only hope…left the state would be better for us.

This man is truly crazy (not stupid) and seems to get crazier by the day if that’s possible. If you threw out the Fitzgerald report, there was still enough to impeach him. People of IL have been fed up with his actions for a long time. Fitzgerald’s actions just brought it all to a head (put it in the national spotlight) and forced the IL legislature to finally take action.

Not sure if Burris is guilty of anything, but he’s clearly not the choice of the people of IL. He lost the senate election when he ran several years ago.

David is right on the SPOT as usual about the Demos and Repubs. Problem is that they have to work together and time is not on their side for them to BS around. While they fiddle Rome is burning.

I’ve been contributing to my 401K. Company announced they will not be matching contributions for 2009. Can I move that 401K into something else, like a IRA?

@Heather – Spokane WA – I totally agree. Maybe Sarah Palin can give him a job in Alaska? Ha ha ha ha….

Anderson,

The numbers are tough no doubt. But attitude is more important than ever. Yes we need to save money, yes we need to stay on top of our bills.
I own a car dealership in Norman Oklahoma and our business is doing great. We sell new and pre-owned cars and trucks. Americans need to hear the good as much as the bad. I quit watching the news 4 weeks ago and decided to work harder and make a difference. Tonight I turn on your program and bad news.. Yes it’s bad but we
will get through this as a country. We will survive. Why don’t you at least have one good story per night about the economy? Maybe you can make a differnce in bringing back confidence!!!

Chris Mayes

i wonder…..
what does the future bring……..
what if our economists, etc are wrong.

is something else inevitable?

So glad to see David back, I am a Gergen groupie.
I agree the Gov is INSANE, I feel sorry for his wife who has to put up with this differently mental defecit man. He was unreal on his press conference.

Congress needs to revoke the legislation that forced banks to make mortgage loans to those who were poor credit risks. That started all this.

I am so thrill for congress in the house already voted impeached Blago, I saw CNN this afternoon!!!! I am so relieved see that!

You look great today!

My husband and I are in our early 70’s. We are financially secure with no debt at all. We are living very nicely on our Social Security and pensions and have 90% of our savings in IRA’s. But our IRA savings is shrinking by the minute. We started out with $400,000 and it’s now at $285,000. My question is: when you say not to panic just wait – are you talking about 30 to 50 year olds or would retired be better cashing in at least 1/2 of our IRA’s for our unknown future. Thank you, Linda

Mike – Syracuse

Ok – 4-5 years to begin to recover

Happy Friday to you Erica! I’ll bet with your new gig you don’t get much sleep!

This is my first time blogging! I’ve been watching the show when I can (hubby likes to watch old sitcoms on Nick@Nite and hogs the remote so I usually try to watch @10 my time). I’m hearing impaired and watch with captions–a real godsend!!

Did you all see Blago jogging in the snow? LOL who actually does that? I think he’s about lost his mind. While watching his press conference I thought he was kind of fidgety, and antsy.

2009 is beginning to be a strange year!!

How dare the banks CEOs take billions of our money because they were struggling and about to go out of business, to come back months later and say they have no idea where the money went. It is obvious they didn’t really need the money or they would’ve used it rather than either embezzeling or doing something illegal. Maybe they gave it to Maydoff.

Anderson,
why are YOU giving ms. palin air time? haven’t we all heard enough?
let her alone to watch that all iumportant alaskian/russian oberservatory air space!

I don’t know what to make of the Gov of Illinois quoting Tennyson, closing lines of “Ulysses,” seems like he needs to come out and make his case at some point, but I respect him for standing up for himself and his office in the middle of punishing media scrutiny.

Impeaching Blagojevich, Roland Burris unimpeachable reputation, couldn’t things be resolved peachably?

I think Sarah Palin and Rod Blagojevich are the Donny and Marie of politics, don’t give me wrong I love the Osmonds but Sarah and Rod were separated at birth the two nutso jobs! Sorry Donny & Marie

Suze, since interest rates are at an all time low, can I refinance my student loans? If so, who would I need to contact ? My current interest rate is 6.25%.

…and the second most ridiculous person of the day award after Blago goes to Sarah Palin…that woman needs to learn when to cut her losses.

Anderson SP is always going to have something to say she likes the publicity, she can’t let go of her 15mins of fame. The more I see of her she seems more like a child seeking attention.

I love that Michelle O’s mom is moving into the White House. I think it will add a new flavor to the building. It’s a family affair. I am really getting tired of Sarah Palin. When is she going to get the idea that the more she talks the more people cringe at her, and their distaste for her builds. Seriously talking about class when it comes to Caroline K. What!

Good evening, Erica!

Blagojevich is almost to unbelievable for words. “Crazy like a fox” is a fitting descriptor. Does he just assume that if he ignores his indiscretions long enough, they’ll disappear?

There is always a paper trail – don’t tell me the government doesn’t know where our money went from the 1st Bailout. It should have to be posted for all of us to see!!

everytime i see sarah palin on the show, its time for a trip to the fridge..shes killing my diet! {in other words, can you all stop showing her since she professes to dislike the liberal media so much?}

I sincerely love Michelle Obama. I think she is such a strong, independent, intelligent woman. She has so much to offer the world.

Anderson / Suze,

CONTRADICTION.. heeeellllpp

Seems to me that telling people NOT to spend is contributing to the problem. If I don’t buy consumer goods from company X, then company X must reduce their number of employees due to reduced demand.

Isn’t this just a snowballing effect?

Thanks,
Ryan

TGIF for sure…

Anderson, you crack me up… getting old.. tish… don’t say that. But I hear you, it is like you need a vacation after a vacation/trip just to recover.

All these critics of Obama’s haven’t seem to been able to offer a viable econimic plan in the last 8 years. Atleast he seems to recognize that we aren’t making it out here. When you find yourself using credit cards just to have gas and groceries for the month it’s pretty hard to put anything away. I am sick about my 401K…we had a plan and watched it wash down the drain. Wish some of these crooks would mail me a few jewels!

Let’s see, investment – 3 Mil. New jobs, 3 Mil. people no longer collecting unemployment, 3 Mil. Paying Taxes, 3 Mil paying bills and buying goods and services, hmm return on investment? Lowest estimate overall, maybe 10%/yr. Anyone else getting that?

I actually don’t agree with the tax cut because it is only for “working” people — what about the unemployed? That money needs to be “invested” more jobs, more return on investment! Hmm . . . a thought.

I think it’s great that mom-in-law is going to be living for awile with the Obamas. It will be a relief for them to know their girls are with a family member at all times.

Paolo: PE Obama has also proven he wants to work with them as well but he won’t be pushed around by them.

Perhaps this past week is just the usual defining of each others’ roles. Remember many of those Senators craved the job that this 46 tear old nexcomer has achieved!!

Ahhh… David Gergen. Maybe you could come to IL and straighten out Springfield.

There is a big Lincoln celebration in Springfield on February 12th and Obama was planning to attend. Local media think Obama probably won’t if Blago is still gov. So they are kind of looking at that as a deadline for the IL Senate to take action and have Blago removed from office. Only time will tell….

that’s so sweet! those girls are so lucky to have a gramma so close to them

We are retired and have $715K in TRP 80% cash/20% mutuals, and have $285k in another TRP account 100% Treasury bonds. We have no credit card debt, liquidated our home 18 months ago and are currently renting. Last year we lost $100K from the market because the $285k ($385k to start – $100k lost) was 80% in the stock market.

What should we do next since we are devasted with the huge loss?

The Obama are so cute together!!!! They are so amazing family……. I can’t wait see Obama ’s Inauguration Day few weeks to go!

HEY 2 MORE WEEK OBAMA NEXT PRESIDENT

Random copy-editorial point: the logo for the Blago impeachment spells the governor’s name wrong. Although given the mindbending nature of the story I understand that these things are bound to happen. Happy new year!

Do have to say I can’t get to excited about a 300.00 rebate when my power bill alone was more than that this month!

Anderson,
Marian Robinson will definitely be an asset to the Obama’s children! How wonderful to have your grandma living with you! Mrs. Robinson seems like a wonderful woman! One more strong woman in the White House!

Oh.. also thanks for having Suze on tonight. Seems like you guys have tons of questions already so will be watching to see if she has a different spin. Sure doesn’t seem like we got 2009 off to a positive start at all.

Hello Kelly! Welcome to the blog! We’re a friendly group…like the Brady Bunch minus the creepy boxes.

THANK YOU AC360!! No one ever mentions the pay brackets for minorities or women. We’re just supposed to “be glad we get a paycheck.” I bow to you Sir!

And thanks for ending my Friday with some Palin. She’s quite comical.

Both Me and my wife are financially stable, but are stuck in an adjustable rate mortgage that will reset to an extremely high rate in 1 year. We have enough saved away in case something happens… We both have extremely good credit scores (upper 700s), but are having a really hard time refinancing. We have called\reached out to about 5 banks and they all came back with either we don’t have enough equity on our home (no kidding in this market!) or we’ll need upward of 10k in closing costs! Please help! We are trying to be pro-active and these banks we bailed out are hoarding our cash!

P.S. It was really, really, really hard to get though to talk with banks like Citimortgage and Bank of America – extremely unresponsive!

I think it’s awesome that Michelle Obama’s mother will be living with the family. Talk about family values- there it is!

@Chris Mayes, I totally agree, we get it, things are awful, the ship is sinking fast, but can’t they have people on who can project some hope for the future. That’s why I like Ali, he tells the truth but at the end you feel there is a light down the way.

So Anderson, glad to see you back safely and I appreciate your hard work.
So what are your thoughts of the bank’s refusing to tell anyone what they are doing with the billions the received from federal taxpayer’s.
Goverment calls it tarp?

Hi Erica!!!!
Happy Friday to you!!!

Anderson,
it doesn’t surprise me that in 2009 women and/or minorities are still getting paid less than men!! This must change!!

It is wobderful that Marion Pobinsin is moving in with the Obama family while they setlle in. She is giving up a lot as she has always lived in Chicago. There is few things as precious as a grandmother’s’ love.

Michelle Obama in her CNN interview stated how Obama loved being part of her big extended family. You could see the love and pride in each other when they were standing on the stage with Biden and his mother. How much she must mean to PE Obama whose mother died so young and his grandmother so tragically two days too soon.

my best friend was my mom in law, and well, its fantastic to see that our president loves his mom in law. maybe this will put an end to all thsoe in law horrific jokes?
every day the Obamas emulate the strength of the true sense of family!
watch shush and learn, ms. palin, this is the real America!

My Grandmother a simple girl from backwoods Alabama was my greatest asset as a child. Malia and Sasha are so luck to have a great one as well.

How do you know if your wage is less than a man if most places don’t let you discuss salaries or risk being let go?

Anderson, old is when you get that membership card from AARP & I don’t think you’re quite there yet!! Hang in there.

Hi Susie I wanted to ask where should I save my money currently have money in annuties that is secured via state insurance is this save it is not FDIC insure.should I look for something that is strictly FDIC insured; State is Alabama

There was on thing that was abundantly clear to me during the Blago press conference today. He has been taking speech classes at the Sarah Palin School for Double-Talk and Gibberish.

I can’t believe that there is still pay discrimination in the work force for women, minorities, etc. People should be payed for the work they do, not who they are.

i cant believe that in 2009 we r still talking about paying woman the same as men

I hope that law passes quickly, pay practices needs to be fair.

A footnote to the Illinois Supreme Court action of January 9, 2009. While the Court has decided that the Illinois Secretary of State did not have to “recognize” the Governor’s appointment, according to their ruling [page 9] it was recognized that the Illinois Secretary of State could simply certify that the document being presented to Congress was generated by an official of the State government of Illinois. This is akin to a local County Clerk certifying that a birth certificate, lein, or similar document was a “true” copy document held in the county’s possession. It in no way recognizes that the original document is ffctual and legal.

Burris has testified before the Illinois Impeachment Committee and now has a certificate from the Illinois Secretaru of State – the only two issues required by the US Senate.

Carolyn from Miss. contact your current lender or contact one of the many banks. You’ll be surprise at how many banks are willing to take your loan, lower the interest that is if you’re employed and sign for electronic payment.

There are no excuses for unequal pay for women and minorities vs white men especially if they are doing the exact same job.

Those girls need Mrs.Robinson right now. This has to be a bit overwhelming for kids that age.

This is a big adjustment for all of them…I’m glad they will all be together.

Doesn’t that just stink and this day and age when many women are single or are single moms and we still are not getting equal pay.

I knew it….back to the Sarah Palin countdown clock for AC…..tsk, tsk

It looks like an unlucky year for celebrities.

Pay discrimination has been a big problem for a long time and it needs to come to a stop. Tell these people to wake up and realize they are in the 21st century now and women have more education and experience now

Oh GAWD not S. Palin again. If I could ask her one question it would be this. If Joe Biden can say “YES”, can you say “Good-Bye”?

Simply, I understand the need to stay calm in the 401K program we are contributing to at this time…my concern is learning it is not FDIC insured. Should we withdraw this money or stay where we are?

yes we have emergency money, yes we have investments no market related for the next five years…

HELP…He thinks we should be still…I think we should change

Bren

Re Suze’s comment not to spend and finances in general. Out here in California everything’s expensive, and hubby’s and my paychecks are just about stretched out. He gets OT when they have enough work (he works for a major defense contractor). I just got my part-time hours cut at the library where I work this past October. So far we are hanging in there, but I’ve had to forgo any extra spending, we didn’t even buy each other Christmas presents.

Are we getting the same financial advise that people were given 20 years ago, keep your money invested if it is for long term. Many have followed and have lost most of it now….

Most companies keep salary information private and you’re not supposed to discuss your pay with co-workers. It can be really hard to compare pay rates.

However, I hope that those details are worked out. Women and minorities absolutely must have pay equity.

Hello everyone — It’s easy to understand why Anderson feels a little jet lagged, but truth is he puts most of us to shame with his capacity to cover breaking news all over the world. I sometimes think he must have a magic carpet.

Spent time with some of the Obama team today as well as on the Hill and found a high degree of consensus that the stimulus package is likely to pass before the end of February — and probably with a number of Republicans on board. Members of Congress want to show that they are a co-equal branch so they will insist on some changes to an Obama package, but my sense is that they are highly likely to pass a huge stimulus package. Today’s terrible unemployment numbers made the cause even more imperative.

I pray that Patrcik Swayze will be alright. He has so much inner strength. I hope he can beat this latest infection.

Gosh, I sure hope Patrick Swayze will be ok. He is an amazing man.

I am not a fan of Palin’s, but I don’t blame her for being angry about that rumor. It was really out of line.

It seems to me that Sarah Palin is going to have to make peace with the media if she ever expects to get elected to higher office. On the other hand, she’s got you all still reporting on her two months after the election, so maybe she’s doing something right. Please no more! Enough already!

How can someone be responsible for an entire country when she won’t even take responsibility for herself? Her constant whining is not exactly presidential!

My question for Suze.. Enlighten me about those TV ads who say they can save me a lot if money if they take care of my several credit cards. If this is true which do you recommend?

Finally, the elephant in the room is being confronted. Pay discrimination in this day and time is nothing short of embarrassing. It’s great to see the issue being addressed in such a concrete way.

WOW Blago….I’m tierd of hearing about him…but I can’t help but stare when his on TV…

Anderson…u look great (as usual). Take some time to rest your eyes though

I can’t wait for the inauguration, I’m sure it’s going to be a day full of smiles and great memories. I hope the CNN team are on the ground giving those of us at hope insight to what people are feeling and saying.

Lorie Ann, I agree. Most businesses strongly discourgae employees from discussing or comparing salaries.

The media should ignore SP and stop giving her the publicity that it seems she needs so badly.

Suze, I know it’s important to define want and needs. With that in mind, am I correct in “needing” a fence for our back yard to keep our toddler and her baby sister from wandering into the alley when we look away for “just a second ” at the wrong time? I want to do the right thing.

I certainly see an inequity between men and women in the salaries, promotions and bonuses in my place of work. And yes, it is unbelievable that this is happening in 2009!

I’m glad Tom Foreman specified that women and minorities made a portion of what “white men” made. During the campaign so many women kept equating Obama with a category he – as a black man – would not fall into. In fact, black men make even less than what white women make. Just something that irked me during the presidential campaign.

Honestly, I’m sick of Sarah Palin as well and I think she’s a completely irrelevant human being–but if major media outlets deny her airtime, she’ll just cry liberal bias. So, let’s just let her keep talking and hang herself, as she appears to be very good at it.

Good Friday to Anderson, Erica, Suzie, & Fellow Bloggers.:)
Take it easy this weekend Anderson and enjoy the NFL Playoffs. Being in a warzone takes a toll on appearance and morale. An uncivilized, inhumane cauldron is a cavernous abyss of atrocity.

Just wanted to send my thoughts and best wishes to all the folks in the pacific northwest. Let’s not forget the awful situation going on right now in our own country.

Question for Suze Orzman
My father died and left me a condo which is stock owned. I have a condo fee I have to pay monthly of $1400.00 which I split with my sister. We can’t rent it out due to corporation by laws. We have it on the market in Baltimore, it is not selling. Should be lower the price to basically get rid of it? Or hold on hoping it will sell? It is a huge burden, but we need the inheritance to pay off school loans.

Here’s a thought, our government should give the rest of the bailout money to the American poeple, we’re the one’s that really need it. At least they’ll know where the rest of money is going.

Haha Gergen….I agree. I wouldn’t want my news from any other. I am so incredibly impressed with the entire team’s take on the news and the way they report.

There is a lot of biased and altered reporting out there…and as a journalism student, I am completely grateful for truly good and honest reporting for a model and hope for my (future) profession.

Thank you to the entire AC360 team!

I can’t even imagine the pain that the Travolta family is feeling. My heart goes out to them.

David, it’s nice to hear, those in Washington are going to try to give Pres. Obama plans a chance. Do you get a sense the dems and republicans are positive about the future or do they basically feel everything is hopeless? Tks for the information:)

David Gergen, everyone seems to agree that a huge package needs to be passed, but will the things Obama wants to do actually work, or is it a Hail Mary pass?

Happy Friday Anderson, Erica, Suzie and all.

Ok now where would I go for a bailout? and after this mess is over between Israel and the Palestinians where they are going to go for bailout?
Who is paying for all this ammo. in Gasa?

how bout a “keeping them honest” investigation on the bailout money? its sad to have to look forward to my tax return as a way of paying some bills, i think we all collectivly agree, WE WANT ACCOUNTABILITY!

Please ask Suze Orman if 401K is still solid enough to continue contributing to with the current economic stresses and futuristic outlooks from “experts”?

Well David G. I am glad that something good may come from the dismal unemployment numbers. Personally I cannot imagine how anyone could not vote for PE Obama’s package. Something has to be done.

Happy Weekend to you Mr. G. We love you!

No tax cut, no stimulus plan, the country as a whole needs to save money, not spending it.

Hellooo David!!!! I
I agree with you!!! Anderson always jetlegged all times, but I already jetlagged to Hawaii 2 months ago!!!! I think you’re right!!!! Nice see you on the blog!!!!

My sympathies to the Travolta family. I can’t imagine what they are going through. Good to see they were surrouned by the love of family and friends to comfort them.

Good show tonight Anderson and Erica. Need to go now. Have a great weekend all and see you guys Monday night. I pray the world will be a little better off by Monday.

HAPPY FRIDAY.

I enjoy watching the behind the scenes webcam. Great to see all the techies at work. Nice job.

Hi Suze, ,
I enjoy and appreciate your advice.
My husband and I have been married 15 years and we have 4 lovely children. He is a self employed landscape designer and I am a teacher. (total income me about $40,000 and his fluctuates around $50,000 though) We are very frugal our only debt currently is our home we have 5.375% rate for 30 years since 2003. we owe $134,450.70 on our home and our payment is $1093.35 per mo. about $604 to interest per mo and $269 principal and we pay an extra $100 per month. We have no credit card debt we use them but pay them off each month we have no car or truck payment at present. I am vested in the state of Georgia with 10 years into the retirement system and am on my 3rd year (my tenure year) in the state of Alabama we the state are under proration and I could possibly lose my job but I am hopeful that I won’t. My husband has been puttiing the maximum into an IRA (Lord Abbot) fund for about 10 years it was wothawer $40,OOO now to about 30,000. My 3 sons have 529 plans with Putnam that have always done poorly and am going to move their money about $2,400 each ( we have been putting $75 per month in each of their funds for 2-3 years and less the previous 8 years) and my daughther has a IRA I think??? Which is doing very well $3600 and she is two!!!. We put $500 per month into an Orange Savings account (was 3% now down a bit) ING AND $10 IN each child’s account. 2sons have about $2000 each in savings (grandparents had Putnam funds they cashed in and we put in savings) and one son $700 boys and Mary Clare $500 we have about $5000 in savings.

My guestions we put $472 a month or so the maximum of $5000 into Mike’s IRA We were wondering since our eldest is in 6th grade (others 4th 2nd, and 2yr old) would it be wiser to either stop or reduce greatly Mike’s IRA AND put that $472 or $300 or so toward the principal on our home so we would have more equity built up so we can get a 2nd mortgage based on our equity in our home and pay off our home much sooner! . Or should we but that $ and the kids college money into the ING savings accounts around 3% interest or some sort of CD???? I know we will not doing anything drastic till I KNOW that I have a job come this August. Thanks for your time. Love Mary Boyce & family (P.S. Oh we insist on good grades so we are hoping and praying they can keep it up and get academic scholarships at Jr colleges or a University- all 3 are in gifted classes)

I know people disagree with me, but that is why people need unions or organizations to help with negotiations, equity and safety. In this economic mess people are giving up all sorts of things to keep their jobs. They will need to fight to get these things back when the recovery comes…

Death comes to us all, rich or poor, powerful or powerless.

“And all your money won’t another minute buy.”

a big thanks to everyone sending in their q’s for suze tonight!

What is Obama’s plan on helping to keep jobs here in America? Is it for all jobs (ie, both manufacturing and service jobs)? What if it is a foreign owned company? What do you think America’s and American’s roles are or will be in the new global economy?

David, It seemed that the rhetoric before the first $700 biliion package was that unless they got it immediately there would be a total financial collapse. Now it seems they are saying (including Obama) that a delay will only cause a longer recession. No one talks about complete collapse. Wash there just panic before, or has there been some stabilization?

Hi Anderson and Erica & Suze:
Happy Friday! Great show as always! This question is for Suze – what would be your advice for someone who is in 88K (I know this is terrible) in credit card debt? Total income is almost 200k, barely making ends meet. Please advise.

It should come as no surprise that women and people of color continue in 2009 to make significantly less than their white male counterparts, even when they are equally qualified. white privilege and male privilege did not go away with the 2008 election so its time that we acknowledge that and work together to end it.

What shocked me about the story was that it didn’t even mention how much Latino/as or Asian Americans make, it just focused on the black/white dichotomy. I am a black male and an ethnic studies major and have noticed this about a lot of stories on this program sometimes do that, so I hope that people will realize that these problems are so large and we can not afford to leave anyone out of the discussion. Native American women have it the worst, and reservation unemployment rates (50-90% in some places) would rival that 7.2% U.S. unemployment rate any day, not to say that it isnt significant. But still, I really enjoy the program! GO CNN!

Thanks for the welcome, Ashley!! I’ve actually been lurking in here for the past few months. It’s been interesting!!!!

As for pay discrimination: pay scales in the city where I work are based on merit increases and annual pay raises according to the scale for the job you do, and supposedly both men and women are the same. I’m a library clerk and have reached the top of the pay scale for my job after 8 years.

I agree that women are treated indifferently as far as pay in the work place is concerned, but what about veterans? I was honorably discharged from the military in 2008 and currently work at Target. I enjoy the job I do, but it sucks that I spent so many years “defending freedom” that I have to resort to slicing deli meats because I do not have a degree hanging on my wall. I fortunately have a brother helping me to achieve a degree, but it sucks that being a veteran counts towards NOTHING as far as living a successful life is concerned.

Thanks for doing what you do Anderson!

I’m certainly no proponent of Scientology, but I think people are getting them confused with Christian Scientists, who generally don’t believe in modern medicine.

They are two very different belief systems. I’ve never heard anything credible about Scientologists rejecting conventional medical care, psychiatric medications excepted.

Just a thought but I believe Mr David Gergen said last night after Obama’s speech that we need to spend the money for labor on American’s. Take is sad when you think that tis must be a topic that needs to be brought up for discussion.
But I really don’t believe there is enough will or skill to follow thru with laws already in place for this.
Am I wrong?

Anderson, Larry King had a Bishop Jake on this week, who was very realistic and positive about life. Maybe he can have him on sporadically to offer hope while we’re going through these hard times with feeling of hopelessness and sadness. PE Obama is the only one we hear from regularly that offers hope. I wonder, if he’s going to be able to keep this optimism with everyone else in doom and gloom mode?

How many middle class people have money they don’t need right now?

goodnite to all ac360 crew and bloggers and panelist have good weekend ENJOY your weekend anderson CHILLAX OK

Sara Palin is really an idiot. Has it not been quite apparent that many people wish she would go away. There are some real issues to workm on in this country and she is of no significance Saturday night Live is where she belonged and not really on CBS with Katie.

Unfortunately, while Governor Blagojevich is suffering from a Narcissistic Personality Disorder, it is unlikely that he could be certified as insane – although it may eventually be an argument by his defense counsel when the Feds bring their charges.

Major problem: If he is ever certified as mentally incompetent, the question will arise concerning if he was in such a state when he appointed Roland Burris.

great question, lilibeth!

Suze, do you think that will be healthy to stop 401K contribution, loan my money from the plan and found a healthy saving account?

If I had money to get a flat screen TV (approx $400) I would buy one… but no such luck.

Pati Mc, Patrick Swayze has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and he didn’t qualify for surgery since it had spread throughout his body including his liver.

Boy this was a fast hour. Good show tonight. Get some rest this weekend Anderson!

if we do not spend we will go into a depression , now i say we all go out for a nice big dinner ever night on our credit cards and then go bankcrupt

lol kidding

pay your bills spend your money and live while we still can

DENIED ! LOL@ Suze, ok okk, ive been taking my lunch to work as it is since they cut hours! as always great show, have a lovely weekend AC , Erica, David and all the best bloggers!

You’re welcome for the welcome Kelly! (I’m trying to be as polite as Erica Hill….new year’s resolution!)

I think pay discrimination is much more common than a lot of people think.

I think Orman needs a CNN mug.

Hahaha….Blitzer!! That can be described in one word: Priceless

We get to see even Wolf dancing but not Anderson….come on AC….no singing, dancing…..you gotta give us something in 2009!!!!:)
Night everyone….

Happy Friday Erica, enjoyed your report on the Obamas moving into the White House.

How did they parachute that money directly onto the tanker? Seems like that would be sort of hard to do? Things working out for the pirates? Was there a crew being held hostage on that tanker.?

Thoughts and prayers out to Patrick Swayze and his family. He’s very brave to fight for his health and I wish him a complete recovery from pancreatic cancer. He’s a great actor, fully becomes the character he’s playing.

Wait? Was that Wolf Blitzer dancing???? Ha ha ha ha…..

Anderson, I think the gauntlet has been thrown buddy! Ruh roh!

Wow — this hour seems to be flying by. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Good show tonight, Anderson.

Anderson,
great to have Suze Orman on the show! You should have Suze on more often!

I had over 600 plus in my roth IRA should take what is left out?

Goodnight, ‘old-man’, Cooper! Goodnight all I hope everyone have a wonderful and restful weekend.

You gotta love Wolf! Just gotta love him! Priceless

Patrick Swayze is beautiful and I so admire that he has been married for over 30 years. I wish him all the best.

I agree with Leah. We need unions to help with restoring some balance to the pay between workers and CEO’s.

Goodnite all:)

Wow, thanks Maureen, I was not aware that Patrick’s cancer was that progressed. Very sad.

Oh my goodness agggggggggggh, David Gergen on the Site(My Favorite).
David Gergen I would sure like to see you included in the Obama Transition to the White House, was that brought up during your visit with the Obama team?

Ivan Blago training in the snow. “I must break you”

Wolf Blitzer dancing on Ellen…..too funny! Well, he was in a rock band in high school so I guess he is qualified to dance. His name even sounds like a rocker name.

Goodnight everyone! Have a great weekend, and see all of you on Monday.

Hope you have the weekend to relax and recoup after your trip, Anderson!

What a riot.. This gave me a great laugh that I needed…

Wow, that went fast!

Great weekend everyone! Get some rest Anderson!

Wolf can’t dance. Sorry.

AC, I went dancing with my kids on the ship. What a hoot. I am lagging more than you, but at least we are young at heart! Wolf has got great moves!! TGIF and have a great week-end!

Where are the breaks for us in what is still called middle america?
Still going to work paying the bills, cutting back, staying afloat, and saving less and watching what we worked for so hard for so long go away.
Where is our bailout? or anything for doing the right thing, and being responsible? can’t find anything in the tax plan for us!
Or am I missing something?
I am sure you know Anderson if not ask Mr Gergin if I missing something

Jack Cafferty thought Wolf Blitzer’s dancing was awful. lol

OMG I love Wolf LOL! He was awesome and I just love Ellen’s show so yea he rocked!

Well, great show everyone tonight.

Amazing shot. Priceless. I can’t stop laughing….Shakira? (Buffalo NY…About an hour from me! Shout out!)

Thanks again for great reporting.

Have a great weekend.

I’d like to see Wolf Blitzer bust a move to Lil Mama’s G- Slide or Janet Jackson.

Have a terrific weekend everyone.

Wow! I didn’t know Wolf had it in him! Good for him!

I just love Wolf’s dancing on Ellen, so cool. He did great.

Re: The Shot

Anderson, if Mr. Blitzer can “bust a move” so can you.

I think it’s your turn, Anderson. We all know you can dance.

You are an adorable whimp, Anderson. Have a good weekend.

OMG FloRida and Blitzer? Too funny!

Dear Anderson,

I don’t see you as getting old. You are just perfect for me.

Hopefully there will be a peace agreement signed and followed through to address the lives being endangered.

Thank you for keeping me up to date with the news.

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

Hey Anderson!!!!!
Wolf was dancing around the studio!!!!! LOL pooor you!!!!! Day of the shot with Wolf Blizter was dancing bit!!!!!! but Anderson don’t dance either!!!!!!!! LOL!!!

Good night Anderson, Erica, David, Wolf and best bloggers!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight!!!!!!
Have a great weekend!!!!
See you on Monday!!!!!!

The upper 10% have been preyed on by one of there own. Welcome to the club. Why is there no CNN Stories on the wages of these traders and stock borokers that have lost Billions of Dollars, like there was with the auto bail out ?

Good night Erica, great job again tonight! You are always a class act!

Such a great Blitzer’s dance!

SUZE, I listen to your advice every chance I get but haven’t heard the specific situation addressed that is affecting my husband and me.

Fortunately we have been blessed with my husband and me having AF military retirements, with my husband also having a Lockheed Martin retirement and he now collects social security as well. And I am still working for the Department of AF and eligible for for a 2nd retirement as well.

However with all our financial blessings, my husband has lost close to 100K in his GE 401 (the GE was later a merger with Lockheed Martin). Our concern is that my husband will be 67 in a couple of months, at 70 1/2, he will be required to take distributions from his 401. He may not be able to recover his big loss from the 401 by the time he will be forced to take distributions. And we fear even more losses. What would be the best action to take in a case like this??? He is required to keep a certain % of GE stock in his 401, Any advice you can give is appreciated.

And thanks for all the great advice to give to all and happy new year!

Anderson,
I see that Wolf Blitzer can bust a move on Ellen’s show. We know you can dance, I recall you dancing on the New Year’s Eve special with Kathleen Griffin! You’re next Andy!! Good night, have a great weekend and please catch some zzzzzz!!

Great show tonight! Have a good weekend everyone.

Anderson you are not a wimp

Friday’s Shot..Wolf can waltz ..I guess there’s happy feet in just about everyone. Night all

Don’t give in Anderson. Keep your integrity.
Don’t Dance.

Great show. Too much to talk about. Have a great weekend everyone. Goodnight.