Hey what about the swell of Marxist fervor south of the border? It seemed like Mexico and South and Central America were completely off the radar during 43's run. Certainly, MSM has been off this story since close to 41.

Aren't we missing the point about securing our borders when we are spending so many dollars and so much manpower overseas?

Also, aren't there any middle aged, Middle Eastern Americans that are qualified to be envoys to the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.

Honestly, what makes you think those countries that we are trying to build rapport with are going to take us seriously when we keep on resuscitating white, bluehair males to do our bidding.

We can send an Afghani to the UN as a US ambassador but we don't have any accomplished Middle East Americans to represent us in countries our administration repeatedly demonstrates it really knows nothing about.

David, you ask "where are the CEOs who know how to make things happen in the business world?"

The answer lies with all the hard working, self-made, experienced, talented, business leaders who, unfortunately, rarely get their due since they are downsized by worthless leadership and horrid executives.

The CEOs that our nation needs are not the ones garnering today's attention but rather the ones that have yet to reach the lofty position that their skill sets so warrant.

When the day finally comes when politicians, executives and CEOs are selected based upon their accomplishments rather than bloodlines or connections, you will have your question answered.

I don't know if all will be perfect....Will this help with the peace process in the Middle East?...Will some of the detainees return to terror? Will he get both sides of the aisle to work together on the economy? I don't know, but what I am sure of is this simple fact....I went to sleep last night and awoke this morning to a different world and I felt more sure of it and more safe than I have felt in at least 4 years.

Always appreciate your insight, David. Look forward to watching tonight and hearing more..

Hmmm, I don't think I trust the CEOs "who know how to make things happen in the business world" nor the "experts" regarding the stimulus/ bailout package. Quite a few of those CEOs have gotten us to where we are now. Of course, there is nothing like turning the fox loose in the hen house.

Frankly, I cannot think of any president who, on their first day in office, has had to face the challenges and issues Obama has. If he can successfully resolve 2 or 3 of those within the next 8 years, let alone 4 years (or really, 2.5 as he will start on his campaign for re-election about mid 2010 – don't they all?), he will go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, president of all time.

Great points all David. But the important question that needs to be answered is, "Where'd you get that hat you wore on election night? Made my heart swoon."

David,

President Obama has shown to the American people in his first week he is not afraid to take charge or be held accountable. This is a far cry from what we have seen in the past 8 years. What I find to be upsetting is how certain media outlets are being picky about every move he is making, such as his blackberry. I don't think the American people are too concerned about that right now. What is on our mind is how are we going to continue to pay our bills or where can we go find work. Finally, THANK YOU for always being fair and reporting the news we want to hear.

Dear,

This new fashion of policy making has proven the right stimula to preduce newer dreams where at point of time we were doubting the benfits of change or its challenges, this could be the best time in this adminstration being so dignite to its promisess and being slow motioned delievery based on how President Barack seeks its routes into the White House and The Congress into the face of Public thru the Internet espcially then the Media. We has sized and limited our changes because we are limited but the goverment is going to show more and that is what I expected in the coming days. President Obama has made the doubts of why this stimulas plan should work and I believe so as well based on the money giving just in the last months of Former President G.Bush and now we have not felt the effect in the mainstreet and my own personal income this to me is the making of change econemy shouldn't wait for Iraq or rest but we need this imediatley and more money put into the motor industry.

Hi David,
I think Obama has made a Terrific Start in a short time frame. But, personally, I think the Pakistan Missles may come back to bite him internationally. Especially after reading Musharraf's sp? comments and also given there were civilian casualties and the timing so close to the Israel/Gaza civilian losses. But Musharraf giving Interview from Dallas raises a few questions.

I was also stunned to learn that the US also paid Pakistan 10 BIllion for their assistance in fighting Terrorism! This in addition to theTrillions given to Iraq and Afghanistan, the US must have good relations with Donald Trump or Oprah! Are all Nations donating to the Mid East? If so no wonder our World Economies are tanking ! Sheeesh!

Thank you, David Gergen. Even though there are plenty of critics and nay-sayers, they do not offer solutions.

May God bless, guide and protect our new president!

HOPE WON!

It's so strange to see how many folks call themselves"Americans" yet cannot for the life of themselves, sit back & let " OUR" President do his job. All I keep seeing and/or hearing : is constant criticism and what is the president gonna do about this & about that.

To expect that Obama will get everything right the first time in seems a little unrealistic to me. None of our prior Presidents got everything right. Not even FDR got all his economic fixes to work and had to tinker with the mix off and on. While I hope Obama's economic plan will work and work pretty fast I realize that it may not, but that at least if it doesn't Obama unlike our past president will not cling doggedly to a policy that is clearly not working but will say ok, lets try something else.

I seriously doubt that anyone in the US knows how to fix this mess quickly so to expect that Obama does is unrealistic and we need to manage our own expectations a little better. What Obama does have exactly right is his optimism and confidence. I feel better just listening to him, more confident, less worried – and if his confidence helps to assuage the fears of the rest of America then the economy may get a quick jump start just from people feeling more confident and acting more confident.

Can the president use the TARP money along with his stimulus package to re-invest in the businesses that have already laid off people? It would seem that money could be used to re-instate the people who have lost their jobs as well as create new ones. There would have to be some accountability by the executives, of course, so that they don't line their own pockets. Would it be cheaper to give each state about 2 billion dollars and still come out spending less than what the president is asking for?

It's so strange in this day and age to see so many impatient and cruel people. It's no wonder our kids are spending so much time watching television,playing videogames,texting,failing in school,skipping school,and breaking the law. NOT to mention praticing UNPROTECTED SEX! Society is forever looking to blame someone or something for whatever is wrong with the world. Hey,guess what people. We are all to blame!! And how in the world do you expect to teach the childen of today how to behave and trust the President if YOU dont? As far as "RUSH" is concerned, You think anyone who believes in Obama; must be drinking the"Kool-Aid"...I think you should check yourself. You are a poor excuse of a man.YOU sir should be trying to set a good example for our young people.Yet all I see you doing is using the media to preach hate among our new president. How un-american of you! Do you or people like you realize that kinda stuff sends the WRONG message to other countries? Grow up ! I did'nt think it was right when folks put down ANY president. OH, by the way to ALL the folks who wonders "WHAT" it is about Obama that draws folks to him? He's got "IT"!

i have a structered settlemrnt annuity of 3 million dollars lifetime payments of 16,500 per month. Allstate & Prudential insurance companies are paying me. Are these companies strong? Who will insure my money if something happens since it is not FDIC insured? Thank You

spamonigiri, you say "Also, aren’t there any middle aged, Middle Eastern Americans that are qualified to be envoys to the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc."

George Mitchell, who Obama is been sent as the middle east envoy has middle east heritage, his mother is Lebanonese.

Hello, what about South America ? I gather the only time it is of intrest is when Chavez or Castro says something ridiiclous.

David,
The degree to which former President Bush ignored his own Republican party members in Congress has stimulated a mindset that they are a power unto themselves. Unfortunately, there may be little reason that the Congressionsl Republicans will have political will to cooperate with anyone in the Executive Branch, let alone in the Legislative Branch where they are no longer in a strong position. If they do not wish to partake in the process of negotiation with the Dems in the Executive and Legislative Barnaches, so be it and let the Dem's have their way. Unfortunately, the end results for Congressional Republicans will leave them even more powerless to represent the citizens who elevted them.

Let's see...it's Friday, he took the oath on Tuesday....and there are QUESTIONS about what he will do?? Give me a break! FORMER president had 8 years before people seriously started questioning what he did!

When when when are these people going to work for the good of American taxpayers?
I am tired of bipartisan this and that.........if you cant put the people first and the good of all taxpayers you dont belong in office whether Republican, Democrat, or Martian.

The American people are watching closely if things dont change all the hope and good feelings will vanish and that would be a real "crisis" for alot of long time politicians.

David...love you, but you need to be a bit more optimistic, or you will have to work for Faux news.....

I agree with you, David. All we can do is wait. Now I have hope because I know that although Pres. Obama is going to make mistakes, they will be honest mistakes. He said this. I'd rather him try and make mistakes than not to try at all. He has us on his shoulders and, brother, we ARE heavy. As long as he is working for our good, I'm in his corner.

David, I respect you a lot but could we give the man some breathing room? He's been president exactly 3.25 days! It's a little naive to be saying for "there might be problems ahead". Of course there will be! It's how he reacts to them that will tell.

spamonigiri, you are way off base.

Could we find an accomplished Middle Eastern-American? Certainly. Can we find one with the proven ability to bring deadly enemies to the table and *actually*hammer*out*an*agreement?!? No.

Mitchell is a brilliant choice. Don't the Palestinians send Palestinians to negotiate? Don't Israelis send Israelis?

This is too important a matter to start playing the race card.

On the subject of Obama's lobbyist rules and an exception for Deputy Defense nominee William Lynn, I am irate at the media. Reporters (like Campbell Brown) are making it sound like Lynn is yet another a career lobbyist parlaying his connections into a *new* job in Gov't. In fact, William Lynn has years of experience in gov't whereas he recently became a defense lobbyist. He was a reforming Comptroller of the DOD for 4 years. He was a Strategy Analyst at the DOD for 4 years. He worked for 6 years under Ted Kennedy for the Senate Armed Services Committee. He got his JD at Cornell, Masters at Princeton, BS at Dartmouth and was a Professor. He has received honors from the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as the Army, Navy and Air Force. The media, in not reporting the qualities giving an exception worth consideration, is hyping the story in the oversimplified manner that grabs viewership but informs only in incomplete soundbites.

send supply ships to gaza...............relax israel................show we are serious about getting serious.............people not ideology

In response to the lack of managers in the Obama team, who needs more Paulsons? In fact, who needs more foxes watching the henhouses?

Watching the "managers" on Wall Street, I think they are over rated and over paid. There are many among us who are not driven by money but have talent to get things done. Problem solvers, not money chasers.

David:

One has to consider the alternative: How could it possibly be any better 3 days into a new administration saddled with a disastrous legacy such as faces us now? The fact that you merely cite questions, versus missteps, suggests we're on a good trajectory. Let's constructively offer suggestions to foster bipartisan partnering, versus merely hand-wringing. That said, thanks for the clear,accurate analysis.

Where is the money to help homeowners and reduce foreclosures? How can the economy recover without addressing that problem? Nothing has been said about dealing with housing since President Obama took office!

Lisa says she feels more safe than in at least 4 years. Sadly, the unborn babies of the world are far less safe now. That is something I have a hard time understanding in the new president. How can he be genuinely concerned about the human rights of murders and terrorists and yet ignore- nay, provide financing for – the deaths of innocent unborn children?

Gergen,

Perfect if your a socialist or marxist... Not a bad day for the terrorists as well. Those GITMO guys will be back on the battlefield before we know it. And tax payers flipping the bill for overseas abortions? Where does it okay that in the constitution? A truly sad time for America... Fact is most Americans don't realize what is happening to their freedoms.

RM

Time will tell. Nobody knows what the future holds but the new administration definitely has taken the right steps to show how different if not opposite they are from the Bush administration. There will be a lot of questions to tackle specially in a difficult time such as this and they wll never go away as it spills over for our next generation. However, as Mr. Gergen coins it last night, "confidence" to the American government by its people and the world as a whole is essential and I believe President Obama's initial steps prove to be promising. Thank you for making me think though, Mr. Gergen.

I think we all need to be patient. It's only been 3 days. How will we know if it works or not unless we give it a shot? No one else has any plans, let's see what happens.

Will Obama make mistakes? Absolutely, will he intrench himself into his mistakes like GWB? I don't think so, His willingness to hire on competent opinionated people says alot about his ability to handle making mistakes. People who can't learn from mistakes fire opinionated people (well people who's opinions don't mirror their own) IE GWB.
He also shows skill at managing people, look at how seldom he had problems with his campaign staff compared to every other candidate.
I have no doubt that we elected the right person for the job, he is a human so mistakes will be made. I think that most of them will be small and the ones that are not will be admitted and fixed.

Frankly, I've become amazed with each passing day the swiftness and clarity that Barak Obama has shown in restoring faith in our presidency. People, whether we like it or not, Gitmo must go. Yes, there will be some who go back to the battlefields of jihad, but they will either be killed or neutralized by their own people, in essence, dead men walking. On the economy, the GOP needs to get with the program, this new proposal they have to counter Obama's is full of red herrings. We've seen this stinker before and surely shouldn't but into it. Suddenly, Washington can breathe a breath of fresh air!!

I think the bail out is a joke. If you know anything about some of it's contents it states it is intended for the "unskilled and minorities". If Americans don't wake up we will become the minority in our own country. I guess that everyone who has worked hard to educate themselves, and is white can basically just give up their homes because we arn't going to get help. Now, if we jump the border, live illegally, cry prejudice and have any skin color other than white then we can plan on getting money and staying in our homes. Also, is anyone paying attention to where the "gitmo" terrorists will be housed? Or maybe we should just let them out so they can walk the streets of America and then we won't have to worry about where they are; they'll be in our backyards. I went to bed in one world and woke up in a nightmare! As for abortions, I think woman should have the right to decide; but not on my tax dollar. If you play and can't be responsible then at least pay for it youself!

David-
Everytime I walk past a tv and see you speaking- I always stop to hear what you have to say. Why? Because I believe and trust you!!!

I suggest that CNN, in a public service effort to crown the 24 hours hysteria coverage of Mr. Obama, should submit a petition to the congress to declare him King Obama I. The first king who happened to be the first Black King too. History in the making, man!! The idiotic embecile new congress will go for it in no time, I bet you.Who cares about the constitution anyway. Better yet how about a god? A god of sex, like Eros maybe, so all those near orgazmic women reporters of yours can finally rest their non-stop salivation, and begin earnest worship sessions. Even better yet, ask your new sex god to try to walk on the Potomac. He can do it. Yes He can!!

I think it would be important for him not to forget how he ran the campaign...slow and steady. As an administrator myself, I know how important it is not to jump the gun too quickly, because it can fall apart without you knowing it; it requires a great deal of trust. That would be my advice to him in these first weeks...slow and steady; this world already moves too quick.

Very good article. I don't know if Barack Obama will be able to solve all the problems he has, but for now it's just nice to have a president I can be proud of. His policies seem to be headed in the right direction, at least they agree nicely with my own beliefs. If he only succeeds in getting us out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and helping the economy he will have already done much to mend the problems he inherited.

To spamonigiri. George Mitchell is part middle eastern.

Dear Mr. Gergen,

You asked:
"where are the managers? And where are the CEOs who know how to make things happen in the business world?"

The new administration should certainly seek the insight of the business world when decisions are made. However, the CEO/MBA way of thinking might work out for companies, but when it is applied as a leadership principle of a country, it can lead to disastrous results. Public service and business are simply two different worlds.

It mostly shows when it comes to troubled sectors. At a company, you cancel a malfunctioning unit. However, in a country, you just cannot ignore a disadvantaged group. Instead, you should move in the resources to bring them up to level and to reintegrate them into the society. Otherwise, the problem will come back to haunt you.

Can you please have some consideration- President Obama is the title of our newly elected commander and chief, i.e., President- you along with the rest of the media continue address him in a common ordinary fashion; no other President in our history has been disrespected in the manner in which you are expressing. President Obama campaigned for over 2 years, traveled all over the U.S. to gain the votes of american citizens and yet you have the audacity to try and degrade his title by not recognizing him as the President of the United States when mentioning his name. HE was President-Elect, and now President- he definitely has earned the right and the title- USE IT!!
Thank you.

As usual, brilliant. Gergen is the man.

The Gitmo closing and justice for each can't be that difficult of an issue.

Geez. Put the guilty ones in American prisons. Return the rest to their home countries whether those countries like it or not.

Gitmo has got to go. Sooner better than later.

There are many things that can go wrong and nobody can be sure of much at this early date. It does look like diplomacy is going to be used more and the military will be used less. This new approach should give everyone hope that maybe change has come to the world.

To JC in Los Angeles...

Wow, it is amazing that you could brush off these very serious questions by saying nothing more than what amounts to "Obama and his people are great!..."

You sound like a mindless Apple Fanboy talking about your Ipod.

Mr. Gergen ,
You always find a way to explain the issues that kept me coming back for some more. How do you manage that day after day and night after night? I have a feeling you have battery of writers that you employed to dig up facts for you.
I can't wait to get home to hear from you. I appreciate your contributions.

David, your words continue to be insightful. Thank you.

The only way we are gonna get ourself out of this ECONOMY mess is Shutting our Borders to imports and forcing our Amercian Companies to do business Here in the US.

Countries that wanna import to the US should also be buying Products from the US...or else its not a Equal balance of Trade.

Everyone needs to recognize your genuis, only a person who has seen it all can tell you about it, even when things seem brand new, there is nothing new under the sun

"because 'I won.'" That is priceless. Yes you did Mr. President, yes you did.

Thanks David.

David:
I cannot help but believe that some of Obama's key aides and colleagues have listened to your regular commentary on CNN and taken detailed notes during this past election season leading up to and continuing with the present time. They're getting free and ongoing consulting services from you....value insight that I'm hoping they use wisely and regularly. I hope they heed your unsolicited comments. You'd be keeping them on the right track with your calm, straightforward, objective advice, counsel and opinions, especially when you admonish their behavior and tactics. Your insight and opnions are the best I've seen and heard in any print or broadcast media outlet. I'd love to have lunch with you!

right now just about anything is better that the way it was for the last 8 years, lets just get all the leaders together in the mid east and folks running the economy and say what is the problem, lets all work it out and get on with progress,nothing else has worked so why not. thanks ftw

I would like to know why some folks think it is a bad idea to give states money for projects like repair or replacement of roads and bridges?? I believe the federal government provides tax dollars to states already for that very thing. If the states get this extra boost of money, then people will have jobs, they will have money for food, housing, etc, they will pay taxes on the money they earn, and they will retain their self respect because they are working and not on unemployment and welfare. These type of projects benefit everyone who uses them to include the trucks and trains that bring various goods to the stores where folks go to buy what they need to live. As long as the money is provided specifically for those projects and has limits on how much each level of government can skim as the money flows down, I think it is great idea to help slow down this unemployment slide we are on. I do agree that it is not the silver bullet that will end the recession, but I do think it will help.

President Obama does not need congressional approval. His approval rating is so high that he can force congress to do as he wishes or they can face not being re-elected when their terms run out and they get Obama democrats elected & running Congress.

Barack Obama, managed a campaign better than anyone every has. I trust his ability to manage his administration.

Why do hillarites keep saying things like "If Hillary had won ..."? Umm, its been more that 6 months since it was very, very apparent that she wasn't going to win, get over it!

I would like to know just how the use of money for major tax cuts that I keep hearing about from the republicans on the hill would be any more helpful, or very far reaching in helping the economy. It's a sticky point. Maybe it won't work. But not doing it won't do anything either and not doing quite enough might be worse than either. I'd like to know why Obama is supposed to be able predict the outcome as it often seems ALL the senators want when *this is unlike anything we've seen".

Spamonigirl, George Mitchell's mother was an immigrant from Lebanon.

These are great points. One thing though: he reversed EOs by the Bush administration on social issues that were controversial. We have to remember that some conservatives in battleground states were the key to him winning handily there so it will be interesting to see how this plays with them especially 4 years from now.

You wake up everyday and go to work or whatever you do and guess what? It really does not matter who is in control we still have bills and still have to do the same stuff everyday. The world will not change just because we have Obama in office. Congrats to him and all the people that support him, but it is just another day and we still have to do the best we can to support our family

Sooner or later, Obama has to actually DO something. And when The President actually does something, he makes somebody, somewhere angry. That is when blowing happy smoke around will no longer work. Sooner or later, Obama and company have to stand up to somebody, somewhere, and then they start to make their very own enemies.... just like every president does. So enjoy this brief little visit to Happy Land where everybody loves everybody. It won't last long.

Anderson,
Why do you keep referring to our countries' President as Mr. Obama?
Shouldn't you be saying President Obama?
Kim

Near perfect by closing Gitmo. What is his plan?

He has no definitive plan as to what to do with those terrorists. This is simply his attempt to keep a campaign promise above protecting the citizens of the US.

Over the next year he will devise a plan. He should have already had a plan before deciding to close Gitmo. This is simply poor management. The other countries are not going to take them back. We have already seen that we don't have the ability to prosecute terroists in the US. We have also seen these terrorists simply go back to the battlefield. They auction the body parts of our service members on E-bay after them kill them. They are barbarians. The head of Lebonworth said he does not want them because he cannot handle them at his prision. This part of Obama's plan is a dissater waiting to happen.

I am certain if I look back at your quotes from after September 11th you will be one of those people who have said how did this happen. When it happens again just remember your own article from today and your support to shut down Gitmo with no plan. I thought you actually had some common sense.

Ed Henry cited a CBO report on the air tonight that supposedly "trashed" the House Democrats' stimulus package. Problem? No such report was ever issued.

Hi Anderson,
Since we are socialists bailing out free market companies. I think the tax payers would be thrilled if the strings attached to any company that received tax dollars should have to change their business plan to look like a fair trade company called Equal Exchange. The top person cannot make more than 5 times what the average worker makes. The idea being that one does not exist without the other. They can make good profits , but have to bonus on the 5-1 rule or maybe have a rainy day fund. I think the tax payer has the right to insist on these strings to any failed business. I also believe this would give the consumers some confidence and faith that the huge gap between the classes would be tightened. Lois in wisconsin

David,

I like your positive perspective about the world at large and those moving forward in it. Obama has one tough go ahead of him, and his first week went well. Some bumps in the road but for the most part, he should be able to navigate through these and hopefully to a better place soon. Mistrust is not with him, it is with what has happened and how many of us have processed it, particularly when we feel some of it is affecting us personally.

With malice toward none...Obama is our only and last chance. It is really up to us. If we continue along the path of hatred, bickering, and
posturing, we can all kiss peace, prosperity and reconciliation good-by. We would have seaaled our destinity- nothing lost to many my age except the promise.for future generations. I have never been so glad to be over fifty-five. May wisdom and blessings come your way.

as the first commenter writes, Mexico is not doing well; they are predicted to be one of the countries on verge of collapsing. Shouldn't the borders be secured against a wave of illegal immigrants? Im thinking that's more important than the so-called 'civil rights' of people with terrorist resumes.

What I've always liked about you is your balanced observations. As a Canadian, I have watched the swirling coverage on your new President and hope that your country stops navel gazing long enough to give this guy a chance – keep him safe; you may not get another chance to fix so many things that have gone wrong.

I don't understand why P. Obama made the statement, he won to the republicans, when he's said he wants all parties to come together? I also don't agree with nor understand why he would think we would support spending $10.00 on soil and grass, let alone mils when we are struggling with making ends meet.

Oh well, I'm going to ride it out.

David, you are, by far, the greatest. I would hope that President Obama takes you into his cabinet.

David:
Why is so little of the "pump-priming" side of the so-called stimulus package going to non-infrastructure expenditure? This makes no sense given how much easier it would be to sell to the American people and pass through conress in a bi=partisen way. If things like the railroad, interstate highway system, sewers, mass-transit etc. aren't the reason for America's historic and longheld economic dominance then what is?

Something I havn't heard about!
Some of the older professionals who have no jobs, either due to layoffs, job export, are not mentioned much in any of the discussions. It is probably true that most of these people have lost most of the 401k retirements,are at an age that makes it hard to get hired and may have no other options being discussed. Is this group of people, who may have been the very people who developed most of the technology now available, being forgotten? Its too bad that there is no talk of using this group of professionals, who have vast amounts of experience, to help the country solve some of its technical problems.
They, I think have something to offer and at the same time it would give them a chance to get their 401k plans back up.

Kevina Porch: "I did’nt think it was right when folks put down ANY president."

The right to criticize our government is one of the cornerstones of American democracy. In contrast, consider, for example, China, where you can be jailed and made to 'disappear' if you criticize the government. Would you like that better?

I was talking to a co-worker today, she's in her 50s and she said she remembers a time when politicians actually worked together, to past legislation and weren't hooked and defined by their party affiliation.

I wish for times like these now, because we need for everyone to work togther and to get out of themselves.

Sorry, David but I meant to ask why so little was going to infrastructure spending? Not the other way around.

And with a stroke of a pen he just condemed millions of babies to death......and he's the savior of what?

I agree with David Gergen. The President's first week was as flawless as his campaign. I believe he has hit the ground running and established a dynamic pace for the next four years. He seems well equipped to take on the myriad of economic issues facing the country. I do however question the premise of the current and two previous economic stimulus plans. They have all been based on the premise that the best way to stimulate the economy and expand credit markets is through tax cuts, tax rebates and helping large financial institutions that have the worst balance sheets and assets. Shouldn't we be thinking outside the box and creating new institutions to provide credit and capital to small and emerging businesses rather than trying to resuscitate and carry the bloated carcasses of dying financial behemoths?

David.

Talk is cheap and everybody has an opinion.

Let's face it David, without capital there is no Capitalism.

The Debtor Society is where we live and since 1913 the Federal Reserve has been sucking the life out of the American people.

It is time for Executive Order 11110. It's time to for JFK's redemption.

I am extremely happy about the first few policies that Obama has overturned from the Bush Administration, but I am deeply concerned about the "behind closed doors strong-arming' that may be happening.

Right after 9-11, Bush, and his cronies, strong-armed the Senate to pass the Patriot Act. They made all of the American public to feel they are un-American if they disagreed in the slightest with any policy that was put forth.

While I believe that ALL of Bush's policies were wrong, and should be overturned, it is a huge mistake to use the same techniques to get the job done. Remember, 2 – 3 years after Bush strong-armed his vision of America, the Senate, and the American people realized they had been sold a 'bill-of-goods.' I don't want the same reaction to occur during this Administration. Why can't Obama's cronies put out the facts and let the Senate vote their consciense? It should be easier to do now that the Lobbyists have been restrained.

Is it just me or does Sen. Harry Reid appear in a snit recently? Is it because of the Blago/Burris debacle or does he have issues with Pres. Obama?

Hi David,
Why do I feel this sense of deja vu. Will the congressional Democrats once again ruin any hopes of a "honeymoon" for a Democratic President.?
Looks as if you will have to work for your 5th President if this keeps up.
And as usual, the Republicans have reverted to negativity with no real offers of solutions.
Ah well, I had an upbeat, optimistic time on January 20th!!

Hey Mr.Dave, please do me a favor buddy: remind ac & the public that Obama originally proposed a 775 billion dollar recovery package free of pork, but after it came out of the house it was 825 billion with pork. I am blogging for first time ever & I chose you because I have checked out every political show the last two years and you are a fair guy. P.S. Two other presidents were sworn in without a bible.

David: Contrary to some of the earlier comments, I want to say Thank You for being more objective and middle of the road than other commentators. I appreciate your comments because it appears to me that you do not get carried away either towards the right or left. President Obama seems to have gotten off to a good start, but he has a long way to go. God bless him.

david you're usually so dead on,.but off the mark here......
so what if the vote is 58-40? its still a butt-kicking. the republicans have two choices; one is realize the guy has a mandate and they dont. and when some of this works, he'll beat em like a drum from the bully pulpit for being sticks in the mud and espousing the same old failed soak-the -poor crap or two, sit down and shut up for the first 100 days picking their battles wisely (and there will be several to pick from).
the democrats and their "friends" are the only ones who can whip the other sides butt cleanly by 20 votes and feel like they barely eeked out a victory. its like some sports in post-season play who when startled to find themselves up by 20 points with 2 minutes left, start playing safe and throw away the victory.
he's got a mandate. he needs to ask for their support and if it dosent come, he needs to steamroll them and make an example out a few of the republican loud-mouths especially boehner and kyl. i wanna see some blood too. time to be alpha dog and not apologize for now. he needs unfettered success at least in the first 100 days.
c'mon you worked for reagan in his first 100 days. did he apologize?
please.....

Great choices on the middle-east envoys:experience hashing out agreements ,capped with signatures. These guys are good! About that ten ton elephant in the room:the American Economy.I would save some of this stimulus package funds for a long term contingency plan.Namely,some work programs patterned after the CCC projects of the thirties.Also, get ready to involve neighborhood churches to set up grassroots efforts to feed and shelter the poor and needy.They could also work with Human Services to develope "CARE" type jobs and tasks that are needed and will add value to the lives and services of the elderly.Temporary,Part-time positions that would be based on basic needs met on a priority basis.Meaningful,rewarding,employment, kicking as needed, according to scaled demand:....hopefully not at all but ready just in case!WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Mr President.I personally love your"Because I WON" attitude.Your logic and character are sound attention getters for old school washington to finally start dancing to a new, accountable patriotic drum beat.GOD Bless You Sir.

dear anderson ,honsltly i was very disipointed in the way you reported the war in gaza.even you cant compaire the two,thousand of people died,half of them are women&children&old people.I 'm fan of yours,you seems like an honest man so be an honest repoter.until when you going to be one sided.please would you ask obama if you got the chance,he said if somebody is firing missiles in his house where his two dauthers are sleeping he will do everything in his power to stop it.But what would he do,if someone kidnap his daugthers,rape his wife&invade his house.In the end what happen in gaza was a masacre, was unhuman & barbaric.they cant starve people for one year and drop iligale bombes on them,thats means they are full of hate,thats wrong.

I have listened carefully to all your comments on CNN during this
exhilarating campaign year. In addition to respecting everything you say,
your hearty laugh makes me smile too.

Enjoy Davos, and help restore America's reputation in the world....You can do it!!

I agree with Susan...you hat ROCKED my inaugural experience!

I voted for Obama. I am hoping and preying there is alot of change in our government and the way we still do the , "I'll scratch your back," if you'll scratch mine.", Politics! What ever happened to the "We The People" type of politics. I agree with the "Bi-Partisian" ideas but, am sick of seeing the government letting corporations get away with criminal behavior. and then, bailing them out.
When are they going to bail out the "People?" I am hitting 50 talked into going back to school for a "Better Life" through the now popular advertising such as, "Adult Learner" (see recent college advertising), Like many others, I too had dreams and thought I would be able to get a better paying career which would afford me the opportunity to send my daughter to college. Instead, it has put me more in debt and has not afforded me any better job or salary. Just more bills and debt, possibly loosing my home because if you cannot pay your college debt they will take your house. I did not know this whey I started school four years ago! What is Obama going to do for people like myself who are forced into "slave labor" because there are no jobs and it is hard to get a job even if you have a degree? Thanks for letting me vent. God Bless America!

I trusted big business with my retirement funds. Big business robbed the American public without a mask, and without a gun; however, this certainly was "armed" robbery, in that, people in a position to blow the whistle failed to do so, for their own gain.

How can we trust a disorganized government to undo the damage? President Obama believes that a transparent government with strict oversight can achieve the goal of sanitizing American business.

Is this possible?

What a horrendous first 3 days... not to mention a string of flawed cabinet selections as the disagreeable appetizer!

How about this sublime combination of humor and stupidity:

Let's select a man for the Treasury position (Geithner), who, only upon Obama's "vetting" had to pay nearly $43,000 in back taxes and penalties! And this is the guy who will be in charge of running the IRS! Er....WHAT?

What's next? A defense secretary who doesn't know how to shoot a gun? A Secretary of State who can't stop her husband from.... oops... Obama's bad!

Todays Obama prestidigitation: "Shhhhhhh... I'm hunting wabbits. Maybe those pwo-lifers won't notice that we just opened their wallets to pay for over-seas abortion services! "

The CHANGE/HOPE lemmings have come home to DC to roost. Gawd help us all!

I have a great idea to suggest to the President: Create an anonymous hot-line or something similar on-line, to receive reports from government employees about whether their offices spend inappropriately in times like these. I think Mr. Obama needs to become a version of a Dictator for this country to come back and He needs to show to this country that times of corruption and careless spendings are over...

Our President is a wise man and mindful of the realities he faces. Profound change will be slow. Our mess in the world was not created in a day, nor will it be solved in a day. Does anyone really think things change in three days? And, by the way, it's the economy stupid, the world economy.

One should also consider that the whole point of presidency is not about being bipartisan . Obama is the president and for him to say i won on his inauguration , well he did.

dear anderson...why did your congress give such a green light to all the big banks but gave the auto makers such a harder time..its pathetic to see such ignorance to tax payers money..there should be arrests made in congress for fraud...rick from canada

David,

First of all, let me congratulate your for your "always" impartial opinions on CNN.

I agree that the Obama's transition has been nearly flawless, with some unanticipated snafus such as the redo swearing, and growing GOP friction to his financial plan.

Also, the two envoy appointments are absolutely brilliant. However, where is the envoy to deal with illegal immigration, instability in Central America (Ortega), Colombia's narco-guerrilla insurgency, Venezuela's (Chavez) march toward communism with Bolivia (Morales), not to mention Cuba?

America south of the border has been basically ignored by the Bush administration, but where is Obama's strategy in this hemisphere?

Please encourage everyone to stop using the term "the decider." We have had enough of uneducated politicians. I am distressed to hear CNN commentators refering to the President as "the new decider." You should be promoting education, notignorance.

the first step to fix the economic mess is to fix the loans. Ultimately the ONLY way that will happen is to give EVERYONE with a loan the option to go to a 40 yr fixed rate loan at less than 4%. Fixes toxic loans, creates bank lquidity, provides additional spendable cash by reducing house payments for those who are current... and to provide $$$ to renters provide an incentive of $175 / mo for 10 years.

Thank you, David Gergen....I am so happy to see President Obama following through immediately with campaign promises and also to hear him remind everyone they are there to represent the people of this country! How refreshing and inspiring.....We all know there are tough days ahead for everyone and I, for one, am glad we have such an intelligent, globally- aware President taking the reins.

David,
Regarding the stimulus, there seems to be a lot of disagreement over what is needed and how it should be done (bottoms up or top down). I get the impression that we are in a 'bring me a different color rock' mode. If one thing fails, try somethiong else. Yet nothing seems to have a consensus that it will wrok. It seems less that there is partisan politics working, and more a legitimate difference of opinion.

I agree with you on lines of authority. If the chain of command isn't perfectly clear to everyone, it will breal down and fail. All these czars and special positions seem to greatly overlap cabinet responsibilities. How does that work? On top of that you have Biden who claims the role of chief advisor.

While listening to Anderson Cooper my husband asked why does Anderson keep saying "Barack"...he also stated he doesn't recall Anderson referring to the former president as "George". All I can say, "is out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks". Show respect Anderson address the President as such!!

David –
Let's be careful not to mis-represent the "I won" sound bite. Regarding the $800 + billion economic life ring that's in the works, success requires bi-partisanship – even IF the dems have the votes to go it alone. Maybe even more so given the long road we're on to overcoming so many ills.

SB

David,
Have learned over the past couple of years that your insights are thoughtful and contain reasoned, balanced opinions supported by facts. Look forward to your appearance on any part of the media coverage.... With regard to your new president my simple question is the gold standard - Who has better ideas than Barack? Maybe his ideas will not work. I am sure he doesn't know but neither does anyone else. These ideas are at least presented in as flawless a way as possible and may work. The job of Americains and indeed the rest of us in the world is to pick the side of enlightened, progressive, ethical leadership and then support it. There will be false starts and mistakes. Obama himself has stated that but for once in my short lifetime let's give hope a shot......

President Obama is performing magnificently!!

This young man as your President, married into this job with a litany of problems ranging from two wars, high unemployment in all fronts, unbelievable debt beyond belief even to the Red China and he is only trying to recover America and its people but as media, you are too harsh on him trying to find any mistake you can make a story for the day. When Bush went with his own agenda to create this chaos you are in today, no one made any effort to put him on the spot. As David said and I agree, in this short span as President, Mr. Barack Obama has done a remarkable job so far than any other president in your history. Therefore, guys/gals, in the media please back off and let him do his job, for he has done wonderfully well so far.
Just my personal opinion and observation and hope everyone is the same page.
Toronto

As I sit and read these comments on Obama, Bush, and the republicans, I am amazed at attempts to rewrite history, and then defend Obama from attacks. George Bush was attacked by the liberlas from day one. He attempted to work with both parties, but dems did everything they could to get in the way. He attempted to evacuate NO before Katrina but dems in charge refused his offer. Then congress argued about how badly he reponded, and yet they did nothing for future hurricane relief.
Now obama chnages his new directive on hiring lobbyists one day after making it, essentially saying he will follow it unless he doesn't. he is trying to shove a flawed economic plan down the throats of the republicans when he never asked any of them what they wanted until it is now time to vote. Let the bill be debated as is the American way, and let's have the opportunity to remove bad plans and strengthen good ones. Winning the election does not mean he gets to tell everyone what to do, no questions asked.
plan is terrible, let him defend it. If he can't defend it, don't say we are nit picking him, we deserve to know.

Dear David, keep up the good work. your the only one that is listening to what the people are saying. I wish President Obama the best and do hope it all works out well. by the way the hat you wore was awesome........wolf and anderson should only be half as cool.

I think Mr. President has started his job well, we should give him a chance to do his job for the country. It is not very easy to be the president of the United States, not only are being looked upon by the people here but people of the world they are all looking to the USA. I think its time for us as American to start respecting our president first. They all derseve the respect. All the political parties should unite behind the president no matter what he comes from.
What matters to me is that when someone become the president of the USA give him the respect his deserve.
May God bless the United States and may God bless our president.
and may God protect our soldiers.

Dems control all houses except the judiciary there's no reason he should not be able to get his agenda passed.

David, I always wait to hear what you have to say. I trust your wisdom on matters in DC. I am a big obama supporter, and I cannot imagine that ever changing. But I have always looked to your comments to get a true read on how he was doing in campaign, and now that we won, I will be continue to trust your wisdom.

David
Let's see, we haven't had a terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. So two of the first things (I thought he said he would be putting the economy first) was to close GITMO and totally ban "torture". I didn't like the idea of GITMO or the US using true torture. But in these times when your enemy doesn't even know what the Geniva Convention is, much less honor it, things had to be done and they produced the results.
I see a terrorist attack on the US by 2010 that will make 9/11 look like a prank. The three liberals that now run this country will be responsible!

time just disappeared, didn't it – from Sarah Palin's "wink wink" during the debate, to Bushes J. and Sr. departing on "the plane formerly known as Air Force One". is it actually less than a week since Obama was sworn in? twice? feels like it has been months.

i am pleased that there was action taken to stop interrogation at Guantanamo, as well as a review of detainee's cases. if a person is willing to die as a martyr for their cause, i shudder to think at the level of "interrogation" that would be considered "enough" to break their spirit. where do you draw the line?

and what about detainees who were innocent? i am sure there were NEVER any cases of incorrect assumptions, erroneous data-pattern analysis, or mistaken identity. if an innocent person can't or won't confess to something they are not guilty of, where is the limit on "crank it up a notch" until it's determined you really don't know, vs you just weren't willing to talk.

i'm not saying safety and security should be put at risk. but a review of certain things under a new administration is probably not a bad idea.

David,

how is this for a simple two step stimulus plan:

1) Offer business, consumers and investors (venture funds, etc..) a Zero Capital Gain Exemption on any capital assets, equities, homes or other appreciating assets if purchased with a timeframe (i.e between Feb and October) in other words, if you get out and buy a capital asset during the exemption period then on resale you would be exempt from any capital gains tax. This get banks, equity and pension funds and more importantly consumer buying homes and businesses, investing in startups and stimulating the economy. obviously it will affect the tax base down the road when the IRS does not collect the capital gains it was expecting but this plan will create so many new jobs and ignite the economy that new payroll taxes created by the growth will offset the loss of the capital gains tax.

option#2: give every american consumer over the age of 13 a pre-paid visa card with $1000 on it and an expiry date (90 days). This ensure that the stimulus will be used for groceries, gas, travel, restaurants and purchases (electronics, white goods, car down payments, etc). This insures that the stimulus funds get plowed right back into the economy in a short period of time and not taken by the consumer, tucked away as savings or squandered.

Implementing both options simultaneously, drives a flurry of investments which avoid future capital tax and ensure the money is spent in a fashion which really would stimulate the economy and be able to be measure in real time based on timing of use of pre-paid visa card and use of the proceed based on existing tracking software built in to the Visa card charge processing center.

its like hybrid food stamps with an expiry date. What a novel idea. perhaps the bean counters should run a simulation and came to the same conclusions i did. I call it the Kerry Theory for rapid and controlled stimulus with full accountability.

your thoughts?

Kerry

We are still not able to fully take this man seriously enough to be tackling the day to day, increasinlgy important issues of the American people. We all agree that we voted him to be the youngest and the first African American to be the President of USA and thereby the leader of the free world. But how he will execute the toughest decesions and rightfully...it all remains to be seen. We are all watching things as if the stage is been captivated by a brilliant magician performing the most charming magic and we all seem to be under a spell, as if this a true fairy tale...its hard to contain this realty especially during one of these worst times and what we are used to the past eight years...All we can, is hope for the best and adjust to the good news that comes by as it comes by...and at this time we can wish him all the best so that he can deliver the best for the rest of us....

the world is watching and waitinf to se what obama will do in his time. im from jamaica and the caribbean is waiting to see how this mark in history will affect us?

I have the greatest respect in the world for David Gergen and these comments respect the same clear thinking and wisdom that I appreciate so much.

Poor Obama as the fullest plate of any Pres. I have known in my 61 years on this earth. How he is manages so very well is unfathomable to me. I do wish pundits and political reporters wouldn't put him down as being ill-humored or whatever wording they use.

He's busy trying to save the planet, kind of a huge job.

If President Obama would like to really stimulate the economy he might consider giving individuals a $500,000 tax deduction for 2009 and halt payroll tax deductions until you hit $500,000 in 2009. That puts the money in the hands of the people who will make new purchases and drive demand which will be guaranteed to create jobs. The people that will be paying for the bailouts might actually see the benefits of it where it counts the most, in their own homes, with their families. Providing refunds of $500 or $1,000 for people who need it to pay of existing debt is great but it does not stimulate the ecomomy. That money is already spent and does not create new purchases and new demand. I think a stimulus package should be more than just putting lipstick on a pig but a substantial increase in available cash to the consumers that drive the ecomony.

David–

I hope if anyone on Obama's team have any questions about how to handle anything in these early days they have enough sense to ask you! You make more sense, with no partisan posturing, than anyone else on TV, on any network. I learn something every time you're on. Thank you.

Mr. Gergen, your comments are always worth reading. However, if Obama is the man everybody says he is, intelligent, well organized, visionary, decisive, why all the questions about management and organization? Most of your questions are commonsense ones. Why is there a view that they are not obvious to the President and his advisers?

It seems to me more and more that the 24/7 news cycle is one of the best of things, and, one of the worst of things. It creates the need for spinning out news with the attendant multitude of questions and angles which have no relevance. CNN is a prime example of this. Paralysis through analysis is what ensues with tangential, repetitious and irrelevant comments in an attempt to fill time. I am hopeful you will lead the charge towards more deep seated analysis and commentary, instead of the blather which comes out of most CNN programmes.

This is unbelievable! President Obama is actually full energy into trying to fix problems he inherited and starting from teh night of his inaugeration, the criticisms started!

The noted historian Arnold Toynbee wrote some years ago that the middle east was a tribal society whose tribes have been at each other throats for centuries and who will not stop as long as they have the means to fight. If you take away their guns and bombs, they will fight with sticks and stones. The only way the fighting will cease is when they have had a belly full the carnage. For the rest of the world to think they can impose peaceful solutions to this festering sore, is folly and we have more important things to do with our resources.

George Mitchell is an excellent choice for Middle East Envoy; he is half Lebanese, speaks fluent Arabic and understands the region far better that any other US diplomat. Add to this his proven record in Northern Ireland which was exceptional.

I'm fond of CNN, your work is impressive, you're all on top of the latest & greatest, most of us respect the CNN-media which is why it was very disappointing to hear Mr. Anderson Cooper refer to our President as "Mr. Obama" (on 1/23/09) not once but twice. Let's remember he's not just an "elite" he's our "President"! Please show our President the respect he's entitled. Thank you.

Just a thought, if all took just two minutes to remember the Past President's arrogant, rigid, my way or the highway, spend spend, war war, corporations not citizens brand of leadership, they would instantly realize the change that's come to America. I wish Canada had an Obama !

The first week was very good!

- Rules strict of transparency to the USA administration;
- Freezing the salaries of its officials in the White House;
- Banning the activities of lobbyists for officials of the Government;
- End of the Guantanamo prison in a year;
- Prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in interrogation and detention of prisoners;
- White House 2.0 (Videocast weekly and blog, on the website of the White House).

If the remaining weeks are at the same pace, there is hope for Americans (and for us neighbors).

Obama is faced with multitudes of problems, a fact he acknowledges at every opportunity; he has also at every opportunity made it clear for Americans not to expect miracles. He has assigned experienced and intelligent people to key posts in readiness for tackling the issues. That there are not many CEO's amongst them is besides the point. The current economic mess and previous economic scandals (remember Enron?) are also to a large extent created by CEOs. Nobody knows the future, but a good or bad start plus other parameters yet unknown are a indicators of what the future will be.

First, David has good points in this peace of wrtting. Lets not forget that obama's presidency will not be perfect. there will be some downs but one thing we have to keep in mind is that he has the correct intentions for the country. Republicans and democrats " we as americans" did not vote for him mainly on our moral views but we did because we thought he was the best at gettting us where we need to be economically and foreign affairs. so, ppl judge him based on what he will or will not do in terms of the economy and the war on terror. I have confidence in MR Obama as a leader and I am sure we will be better off 5 yrs from now than we are today. lets support him cauz we need major change in this country. some of the decisions might be hard to make and some will not workout as we hope but one thing is for sure...we cannot leave things the way they are now and hope for better future.

What's up with obama telling the press room...I'm president...I can do anything I want.....susan malveaux reported yesterday on cnn....that's not a good attitude for a president to have....to me it sounds like a power play...why can't presidents act normal....they need to stop acting like power lords

mr. president i have an idea. i work at a job were you have guys that have been on the job for 30 and 40 years. they want retire for differnet reasons. there are alot of jobs out there to be had if people would retire. give them incentive to retire. take away the penalty for taking retirement early. lower the social security age to about 55. social security want even be around when i'm old enough to get it, i'm 27. trust me our generation will come up with something just like yours came up with social security. if alot of older folks would retire we have more then enough jobs. one last thing please don't tax the hell out of the single man. everyone is talking about tax cuts for families but i'm single with no kids and suffering too. i need help too.

I would like to provide an example of how this financial crisis affects individuals who have been fiscally responsible. We have had no issues with paying our mortgage, yet we wanted to take advantage of the lowered mortgage interest rates and refinance. However, in lieu of the foreclosures and quick sales in our area, our home has depreciated >300K!!! Therefore, we are unable to refinance due to we now owe more than our home is worth.

In addition, we are attempting to open a small business (which will provide at least 30 new jobs). Although we have excellent credit and show the necessary capital, yet we cannot get approved by the banks for the loan! OUR money can bail out the banks, but WE cannot benefit from their BAILOUT by getting a loan. I am not sure what they are doing with the taxpayer money, but they definitely are not loaning to the taxpayers.

Jennifer from Florida

President Obama's biggest initial problwm will be the partisanship of the House Democrats...and the Republicans (most of them) will be biding their time, looking for an opening. I fear that the lack of bipartisan leadership skills that has been consistently exhibited by Speaker Nancy Pelosi is going to let him down. President Obama may want to change things, but the House Democrats don't...not really. They have already demonstrated that. All they want to do is to be in charge. I hope that he doesn't get bogged down referreeing disputes between House Democrats and House Republicans. Nancy Pelosi is not up to it and that's not his job.

I don't think that the Senate is going to be the real problem.

kevina porch January 23rd, 2009 6:53 pm ET

It’s so strange to see how many folks call themselves”Americans” yet cannot for the life of themselves, sit back & let ” OUR” President do his job. All I keep seeing and/or hearing : is constant criticism and what is the president gonna do about this & about that.

Your post is very very funny. For 8 years we have heard nothing but constant criticism but now that obama is in you think everyone should just keep their mouth shut. Although I did not support Obama I do hope he is successful I did not support Bush either but I do realize that Bush keep the country safe so he was a success. Obama we will see, but remember the far left did every thing to trash Bush, and most of what they said was out right lies, if you do a little research you will find that out for yourself. And yes I will give him criticism when requried. The main thing I think he has done wrong so far is tell people he will close Gitmo in 1 year. Bush was trying to figure out how to close it and still keep us save. So obama saying he is going to close it in one year is false. I have no problem with closing it but lets tell the truth about it. As for torrture well if you look at his order he really didn't change much. So good luck to him but tell us the truth.

Barack Hussein Obama got off to a terrible start. Already he is selecting Timothy Geithner for Treasury Secretary who hasn't paid his taxes. He is just another thug like his other close personal political friends William Ayers terrorist, Jeremiah Wright who Obama did call his close personal friend, Tony Rezco Convicted felon/slumlord and Louis Ferricon muslim hate preacher just to name a few. He definitely does not have any integrity. I believe he will release all the detainees at GITMO. His foreign policy will follow in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter. I am sure that National Security Expert Peter Bergen remembers Americans being held hostage by a terrorist country for 444 days. This is what we have to look forward to.

Brenda...about that 16,500 you get each month. Would you consider a short term loan of 3,500 to me? I could pay off my car and not worry about the excessive interest I still owe. I could use the carpayment money to double up my land payments in north eastern Oklahoma. I am purchasing the land from an individual who isn't going to foreclose on my mortgage. He "gets it" and understands hard times. I would be willing to work out reasonable interst on the loan, and in the event I am laid off soon, which is very likely, my unemploymnet payments to me will still be enough to cover all the bases for the time of the outstanding loan, make you a couple of extra bucks, keep gas in my chain saw long enough for new lodge poles to be cut for the new tipi I'll be moving into soon. I would go to the bank for a loan, after all they have plenty of my tax money now, but they want stellar credit and unreasonable interest rates, and well, who knows when they will be bought up by some even more unscrupulous lender. I think we all might be better off just helping each other out, and let the CEO's of this world waller in their own country club crap. So what d'ya say. Interested?

Well david, i agree with u at all.

Come on, Gergen, give me a break.. Smooth, flawless. Are you kidding me?? The first action he took as president was to see to it that rights were extended to terrorist prisoners. It's a shame that a bunch of blood thirsty, murdering savages took precedent over the American people. We deserve better than that. Also, I think we are up to 5 or 6 executive orders in 5 days. The last 5 presidents issued a total of 2.

Have not read any blogs that suggest that a very
good bailout would be the forever faltering Social Security Fund; which has been mishandled in the past....Also a change in the age for retirement age. I understand that it has been extended. In these times we are in a bailout and a lowering of the retirement age to 55 does not seem unreasonable.
Also a forgiveness of student loans for older..past forty=five.. students who have had to redo their lives due to unemployment.

David,

Well done. I'm glad we still have those that still insist on reporting the actual news and when putting their personal and professional opinions into the light, are doing so in a respectful manner. We must move on from these times when people seem to only look at the headlines and ignore the details. Mistakes are inevitable, and the ability to recognize and act towards resolution are what we need. President Obama may be popular, but he is not perfect, and I know that he realizes that as well. That is why I voted for him, and will continue to support him as our nations top executive.

Love your program Anderson but why are you still referring to Barack Obama as MR – shouldn't you now be saying PRESIDENT?

We acknowledge president Obama good job so far. But he has not given the nation a program or a tactical or detail plan that will specifically solve the immediate housing problem or create 500,000 emergency jobs within his 100 or 120 days in office. The goal of Obama administration at this time is to consult people outside his cabinet that does have answers that will end house foreclosures problem and create 500,000 emergency jobs within the next 100 or 120 days. I am sure I can be of great help in this regard with guarantee. The amount needed is only 1% of 360 billion of his stimulus plan to solve the house foreclosures and create 500,000 jobs to kick start the economic again.

I've notice that our new No Experience President has set a High Value on having High Level Experienced People in the Crucial Positions. Interesting! Sad Thing is President Obama already has made mistakes because of His Own Personal & Political Lack of Experience. This Will Be A Long 4 Years!

I agree with David's assessment. Obama in his heart of hearts truly wants to be like a Reagan or a Lincoln, in his desire to some how transform America into a different nation while capitalizing on the fervor and sentiments of the changing immigrant demographics in this country, where Whites have become a minority majority. Unlike previous President's, this country has given Obama challenges in almost every issue, the largest of which is the economy. If the economy does not improve with his spending plans by 2010 in a definitive manner, then it will be hard for him to gain credibility on his plans.

His win in this election is a true testament to how most minorities and immigrants voted for him in record numbers and for most of the generation Y folks, he is the new symbol, as for the most part their experiences and lack of understanding of history is paramount. Most people who vote are moved by the surface and not as much anything significantly intellectual as in an election cycle, it is more about the power of a mesage. Hillary, although was visionary in her own right, came across as too focussed on specifics and Obama had nothing but rhetoric while reading a bunch of books, and for the most part playing it safe.

So, the Country gave Obama what he wanted, the Presidency, as this is what his destiny is and has been aching for this long, meticulously planning his every move. Now, it is his time to deliver to the people who gave him a chance (than constantly asking everyone to sacrifice and pitch in) and saw light in his message. Let's see if he will improve something or sweep himself/revel in Bush's mistakes/unpopularity until 2012.

Gergen's pieces invariably leave me unsatisfied, in the same way that a typical Time or Newsweek analysis does. Spread the praise and blame around as "fairly" as possible, but always stay within accepted boundaries.

He's also a faithful practitioner of a recently enacted rule - be as effusive as you can, and then some, in lavishing praise on Our Great Leader. Really, David, do you and other Establishment types really expect politically savvy people to believe that BO is making all these decisions himself? I'd be willing to bet a fair amount of money that most of his appointments and policy initiatives were decided by "consensus" a long time ago.

I dont have a clue about anything. But its all gravy.

I have just one question and I have not heard mention from Barrack. I am wondering if he will Free Leonard Peltier. I am wondering if he will avoid the issue like previous presidents.

Peter Atkins
Ontario Canada
Member of the Mohawk Nation

How about creating an economic stimulus package that provides either direct $$ to all housholds who are renting and allows everyone with a residential loan the opportunity to modify their loan to a very low interest 40 year fixed rate?

Change and Hope are only slogans and cannot solve our nations problems. Obama and big government will only add to these problems!

This is 3 days of heaven. President Obama worked for America! We have been without real leadership for years and the look at the mess. I have slept well knowing President Obama is at the helm. I do not know why he was willing to take this job after Bush and Cheney did so much damage to America, maybe it was Airforce One or possibly just a good man. Wow what a change already, someone watching over our country. Democrat's and Republican's support his stimulus and nominees. We have spoken for President Obama's ideas.

Help us, CNN, to understand the banking ballout...and how about an alternative. We (the taxpayers) are going to underwrite giving more and more money to huge corporate banks who have badly handled their customers' money and made poor decisions, right? Isn't this sending good money after bad? Could we skip Bank of America, Citibank, Chase, et al, and give the money instead to hundreds (even thousands) of community banks who have been good stewards of our money and aren't part of the problem? Could we help community banks buy the assets of failing corporate banks...bust up the debts and loans into manageable chunks? You just know community banks would be more likely to infuse their capital into local businesses, and provide customer service to their customers (refinance, work out payment plans). We need to put banking back into the hands of banking professionals who use good judgment and make responsible and realistic loans to people, with payments they can afford to make. Let's forget "top down" stimulus and try "bottom up" for a change.

We're in real need of understanding this financial crisis' impact on every-day, "real world" situations. So... I can't believe all the uproar over new turf for The Mall. At least this bit of spending will put some people to work...you've got the turf growers who will get a sale, the landscaping companies who get the job will hire crew to plant the turf, equipment might need to be purchased (if they can get a bank loan) or leased. Hey, it's not a long-term job, but we shouldn't discount short-term jobs for people who need them. I'd rather see money spent on blue-collar service jobs rather than putting more into the hands of white-collar money-changers who will continue to mis-manage it. And you know the price of that executive's rug....that much money alone could have paid the salaries of several people with families to feed and mortgages to pay.

Hello David Gergen,

i must agree with annie kate on this one. i dont expect the president to get everything right or to have all the answers at the moment the questions arise.

he is still human, what i expect from him is to do his best with what he has to work with, and i entrust our newly elected president with that power. not blindly of course, but i believe he wants to be everything that people expect him to be, he doesnt want to let anyone down. this is a completely irrational desire, but if it keeps him ticking and it drives him to make the best decisions he can for the people, so be it.

as always, it is a pleasure hearing from you and i am so glad you are still on ac360! i was so afraid we would not be seeing you anymore.

I do appreciate David Gergen's opinion and his cool hat!

President Obama has worked hard since his election to prepare for this week. He seems to be genuinely interested in doing a good job and including as many voices as possible. He also seems to be someone who welcomes input. So, if anyone has a better Idea, just let him know.

That's a changewe can live with.

David,
Thanks for a great post, our news feeds are a little limited here in Iraq so I use this format a lot to get the unvarnished opinions of people like you, and those who comment, to get a feel for the mood of America that I wouldn't otherwise get. I wanted to say that I have seen so many "nay-sayers", mostly talking heads, (on other nets) giving the President a hard time over trivial things like; what the first lady wore, the vagueness of his speech, or the fumble with the unnecessary oath. So thank you for remaining objective and laying out the situation rather than your yea or nay on Pres. Obamas efforts, you are dead right that it's going to be tough battle to move this economic and foreign affairs ball uphill again from where fmr. Pres Bush dropped it. Would be nice to hear more of the power players get behind the stimulous plan, or adding something positive to the discussion rather than just saying it won't work! Thanks again, Sgt Soulia, Iraq.

David,
speaking of change, remember Obama with a paint roller in his hand
on the morning before The Day? H.R.H.Prins Willem-Alexander of
The Netherlands, soon to be King, said: I look forward to meet him,
but I don't think we are high on his list." Wim, The Hague, Holland.

Why not give small businesses a tax cut? They will invest in projects that have a return. Politically-minded lawmakers invest in projects that have a return at the ballot box. Since Obama claims to have so much faith in the people, why not give them a chance to get us out of this crisis? The cronies in DC (repubs and dems alike) are too wasteful and corrupt to be trusted with so much taxpayer money.

Obama is a joke. His administration smells Shakespear.

Mr. Gergen,

President Obama has really hit the ground running. And it really it encouraging to me as well as others. And this may be a bit early to say this but to me it really feels like he is giving us the hope and working on the change that he promised during his campaign. I'm really excited to see how the next four years unfolds for our new president and our country!

What strikes me is the lack of faith which shrowds the heart of a supposed "faithful country". No president can wave a magic wand and make everything better, but the fact that we have someone who understands the problem, and is making honest, conserted efforts to remedy it should bring relief. For 8 years we watched as Bush excluded us, took away our rights, fanned the flames of hate around the world, and made us less safe at home, but now we have someone who's different. We have someone who I and millions of others think has our best interests at heart, so give him a chance will you!! You are a great writter Mr. Gergan, and very well informed on what's going on in our govt., but try to be alittle more optimistic and patient yourself, and stop trying to use key words and phrases to make us "less" patient and optimistic. We have too much crap to deal with, so don't be like faux news, but be like the journalist of old and be objective, but do it in a way as to not bring us down, but lift us up.

I am a Republican and I really proud of the good start President Obama is off to. What a breath of fresh air and competence.
We are all in this together so we need him to succeed.

Instead of wasting time trying to figure out when the president is going to act on the financial bailout it is best to go out and actively do something to bail yourself of the financial mess. Deliver pizzas, start a business or do whatever it takes. That is what I am doing not sitting there waiting for someone to solve my life.

If you want the easy/lazy way out then Obama could increase taxes or request a big donation from all the Hollywood bigwigs that showed up at the inauguration like Oprah, Bruce Springsteen etc. and use that money to advance the bailout for those most suffering. How much money is in the bailout for Pelosi's home state of California and Hollywood movie and recording business is what I would like to know. I don't expect Obama to be any better than Bush in solving the financial problem so I am not holding my breath. It is up to the regular folks like us to get us out of this mess and it will take time for everyone to get their house/home in order.

he is off to a good start! abortions,Guantanamo bay, what is he going to do with those psychopathic terrorist killers when they get out???they will prolly be very well taken care of..AT THE WHITE HOUSE! all i can say is good luck for the white christian man! because if ur black or a Muslim "terrorist" ur fine......

It's really depressing when the media is so pessimistic regarding President Obama's actions....With the way his campaign was run, why not believe that he has a bigger plan in mind that is for the benefit of the Country. As a person that actually thinks before he acts, we should give him more credit....

So you are going to take a Partisan approach to looking at his first few days, and NOT a far reaching approach, and Looking at ALL of the potential consequences to his Actions and Words?

This is the SAME type of Rhetoric Spewed when FDR, upon assuming office, Took us into the Great Depression, that lasted more than 10 years. Apparently you think that BHObama is smarter than FDR? Cause ALL of this spending will lead to ONE THING, Higher Taxes that the Middle and Lower classes CANNOT AFFORD right now.

And do not try to argue that, "The Rich will have to pay their fair share", cause they ALREADY DO, paying 40% of ALL taxes when they Only number at 5-10% of the population.

And you think that Closing Guantanamo is going to Engender the USA to those who want to see us Terminated? That is BLIND to the Realities of the Universe. They will view this a being WEAK.

B.Hussein Obama has Failed in his first three days, and just wait for the RESULTS that will show the US to be much more vulnerable while being in a Deep Depression that will make the one of the 1930's Look like a game of "patty-cake"!

I think the first 72 hours have been packed with action that has been well thought out. As always, I will listen you to David but not always agree. Thanks for always putting some things into perspective.

David,

The feds gave away 350 billion and lost it. They don't know where it went.

Remember Enron? There were laws implemented to address such events.

They need to take a business management approach to the TARP and the bailout.

Tell them to get CONTROL over the process. The Obama economic team should follow the principles behind SOX, implement some accountability and planning behind the economic rescue. Get a set of objectives and measure performance.

Just don't give away our money. I'll be writing a check on April 15th.

Hello! Is there a reason that 60,000 people were ignored today in San Francisco? Can you explain the black out on a position that television networks do not approve of? Is your greatest fear that Sarah Palin might be right? Don't believe me, check it out at EWTN.com.

David,

Great article, but I think it's a bit early to describe lines of authority as 'tangled.' Let's give these folks a chance to sharpen their pencils, get to know each other, and get their offices in order. I don't think we need to be extensively patient, but give them more than 3 days.

Rick, OH

Obama can kiss off his hopes of getting dozens of Republicans on board in the House : if Obama has less living people to deal will the money required to support, educate and defend, the economic demands lessen. Abortion for whoever wants it (English speaking or not) makes the major problems vanish. Less immigrants; less healthcare, less spending;less undesired races, less racism... wow all with the swipe of a pen.

David,
The Question on the stimulas plan is Who is going to get it? the Rich who squander the money or the poor who have learned how to use what little they have wisely. The Government has given Billions to the Banks with no accountabillity- I'm one of the poor- unemployed for 2 years I can pay off all my debts & pay my bills ahead for 4 years with $20,000.00 & I could account for every penny spent. The last " Stimulas " package last year I got nothing, nada, zilch zero because I didn't make enough money in 2007 yet I have paid taxes since I entered the work force in 1983.

Habeas corpus set them free and they will be dropped where they were picked up or their country origine. In the other hand, those who are hidden and supported OBL will be killed if they prevent justice to do its course and to quote a blogger, " no prisoners this time"

Somehow, at the end Congress must end this war too if Al Queda is no longer a threat to US and its allied.

President Obama will end the War in Iraq because there were no WMD, and no link of Saddan to 9/11. He must settle the issue of statehood in the Land of Palestine so Jew and arab extremist can settle for peace, unity, tolerance and forgiveness and that issue is the center of jihadist violence mouvement in the muslim world. He must also develop democracy, freedom of religion, market economic in the middle east to fight poverty, disease ,ect in order to ease the mind of many in the region . The only loser in this conflict is the people of Christian faith. Ooops!, forget Vatican.

No question, the economic situation is more important in the mind of American than for a 250 muslin/arad supporters caught in the line of fire and were lucky to be alive on top of torturing them to seek whereabout of OBL and its supporters.

Many died in 9/11, and somehow they deserved justice , President Obama.

--------------------------–

I get that Obama has been in office a few days. However, there are immediate problems set to occur for public school districts all over this country. If he does not act now, it will be too late to help. Most states are feeling the economic times like every other American. The need to balance the budget is becoming the focus. The states are quickly seeing the fastest way to save money is to not give it to the public schools. I am a teacher in Arizona, and every week it seems the district leaders are sending out e-mails about massive cuts. I searched on-line, and these cuts our occuring nation-wide. The latest figures the state has sent to my district shows that we will be receiving $5.5 million less for next school year. The talk is going to half day kindergarten and a four day school week. Not to mention an increase in class sizes and the termination of staff. 85% of a schools budget goes to staff. If my district is already $5.5 million in the hole before the first day of school next year, where does that put student learning? How does eliminating the education from the generation that could learn from our mistakes, and really help fix this problem make any sense?

Frankly David I believe your assessment is correct and that he has made a fine start.
I have one objection to your well constructed article. Before Obama was elected the Punditry including yourself were questioning whether he was tough enough to be President. Then when he says "I won" to his republican colleagues, who are proposing unacceptable changes relevant to the Tax portion, he is putting himself at risk. No way he had to do it sometime, and that was as good a reason as any. Also he did see he would meet the republican caucus next week so I see it all as stick and carrot which is the right order. I challenge republicans to try and filibuster on this... the Voter will crucify them and so will Obama, and the democrats.
The Holbrooke , Mitchell appointments send one of the best messages re the future direction of American international policy I have heard in a long time. Too long!!
The government should sue Merrill and its CEO re the bonus issue $3/4bn is 7% of thier 4th quarter loss. How can you pay bonusesn when the company might be going bust!! They should be forced to pay them back.
Regards,
Hodgson.

Razzle,Dazzle Obama !

It's been really only 2 days, the 1st one doesn't count ..
and we've already seen change.

Wait until Obama's administration gets the phones and computers working, and hits its stride.

It's been 8 years since we've had competent leadership.
We're about to see outstanding leadership.

While I generally agree with you, I also think you missed a larger point.

Yes, Obama faces serious challenges. Yes, he will make mistakes. Yes, there will be opposition.

People are tired of petty partisan quarrels that lead to nothing.

As long as Obama continues to strive for success, continues to be optimistic, continues to adapt to new facts, continues to be civil and respectful – in short, as long as Obama puts country ahead of party, policy, campaign promises, and personal interest, he will have strong support from the American people.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress better start putting country first by getting things done.

It is indeed a historical moment in time. Still let's not forget how President Obama first started out. He went to school. He studied. He went to College. He studied. He was not afraid of obstacles. He was not afraid to take the chance. Challenges only make him stronger and more determined. So lets push forward with education. Yes, saying we can be anything we want to be sounds good, but lets not forget what it takes to be that person in that position. Educate, educate, educate.

The best thing President Obama has done in the first three days is to piss off the Pope.

Personally, I hope this is followed up by a popular movement to end diplomatic relations with the Holy See after 25 erroneous years. President Reagan was responsible both for that violation of church and state separation, AND the gelding of funds for Family Planning Clinics – information about options tarred as necessarilty pro-abortion.

Can the media devote some time to discuss about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Nearly 6,000,000 million people have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict. Larent Nkunda has been arrested as far as what is being reporeted; however, many questions need to be answered.

Why is he going to Kigali instead of Kinshasa, or the Hague?
How can the Congo be sure that Rwanda won't let him loose later on, soon as diplomatic relations are no longer good?
Isn't this a way of giving a break to a war criminal?

Why haven't they arrested Bosco Ntangada also, knowing that there is an outstanding ICC warrant for his arrest?
Does this mean that Congolese should "thank you" the Rwandan army?
For how long is the Rwandan army going to stay on the Congolese territory?

IF OBAMA GONE SEND A MONEY PACKAGE HE NEEDS TO SEND 4 OR 5 OF THEM PRISONS IS GETTIN OVERCROWDED CRIME RATE IS UP

Hillary Clinton is a jackass, just like her husband. Obama won't do any better than anyone else, He's not the messiah like all this misbeguided folks think he is, plain and simple

Ohh, too many questions too soon . A little wait and watch will rather be good. For analysts. For Obama. For America.
Expect the good start to unfold many things really better.
Obama's sincerity of purpose, positive outlook and honest try may work more than what is expected now. Just he needs a little time before being 'judged'.

It seems the crucial questions is:

Are they team players or loose cannons.

President Obama's greatest challenge is the mood of the nation toward his recovery program. The days of instant gratification are over as is the Era of Irresponsibility which we have enjoyed and exploited for many years spanning several administrations. We must face facts that we have only ourselves to blame yet our new President dare not risk another "Malaise Speech" as when President Carter dared speak the truth and was abandoned by our nation. Our best course of action is to rebuild our nation upon a cash foundation shunning the convienence and juvenile tendencies of our sinful credit callousness. President Obama cannot speak the truth for fear of political suicide yet it doesn't negate the facts that to recover we must first admit we have a problem. Then we can embark upon the slow road to recovery yet it musn't be a fast road else we risk another economic meltdown. The slow but reliable method to a firm economic foundation is simply to save our money and borrow off its capital thereby ending the free-spending ways of our past. We needn't concern ourselves with the future if we allow the past to recur!!!

David, some us who worked and prayed for Barack Obama to become [POTUSA] are not surprised by the the smooth and flowless manner in which the campagn process and the victory of 11/04/2008 was achieved.
I am writing a book on the electoral process,I need a publisher, please advise. Congratulations [BO/POTUSA]

Anderson Coopers,your coverage is very good and I watch the programmes regularly on CNN International. President Barack Obama has done well so far, thanks to the Power Of God Almighty. The four days of his Presidency has given hope the the American people and the rest of the World.

I am from East Africa, had my education in the USA ,1st as an AFSI, exchange student at Buchtell High shcool in Akron Ohio, lived in the family of an African American, 1969/1970 and had University Education in USA.

I would like to write a book on the election of Barack Obama as the 1st African-American President and would like to talk to the President before I do it, how would you advise me ? When you next have an assignment of travell to East Africa, let me know so that I may meet you and talk about my book project. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you can. If i get to travell to the USA one of these day I will contact you.

hi dave i think barack should give joe biden to keep close watch on putin visa v georgia ukiane hi anderson vince cork ireland

Ok here are my two cents ... We have some serious issues to deal with so here are my hopes ..1) members of congress and the senate recognize this and check their egos and personal interests at the door .2) We all , every last one of us take our elected officials to task for putting up road blocks they work for us after all and should be representing our greater interests .3) To all those out there still bitter about the results ..get over it and fast we need constructive opinions and goodwill if we are going to get anything done ..become an asset to the collective !
Oh no I've said to much ..I haven't said enough ....

David,

You pointed out in your excellent book, Eyewitness to Power, that a substantial number of people from the Nixon Administration went on to become Secretaries of State, Secretaries of Defense, Treasury Secretaries, White House Chiefs of Staff, etc. in subsequent Administrations.

I fear that unless those who committed violations of our laws and Constitution (wiretapping, denial of due process, torture, etc) may themselves become leaders in some future Administration.

For this reason, I think it is vital that President Obama should instruct the Justice Department to investigate the wrongdoing of the Bush Administration and indict whoever needs to be indicted.

Any response from you on this question on CNN or other venues would be appreciated.

Lets give OBAMA a chance insted of slaming him hes gona be fair and tell the truth thats what we need thats why we voted for the man are goverment soon well be for the people,unlike the past goverment system,who wore for the richest,and lied and covered things up ,hopefully on day theyll answer for all theyve done.

JC in Los Angeles-that was very well said.

I watched CNN this afternoon run what could only be described as a "Commercial for Obama"... and the election is already over.

The clip was presented as "News"

I doubt there is much that is newsworthy here in Gergen's piece.

When will we hear what most Americans are waiting to hear,What will the Governments response be to America's 2nd Katrina. The Mortgage Crisis. We heard for a long time that this is what led to this great economic crisis and again Government is slow to respond and then its response seems inadequate (sound familiar).. We don't have people on rooftops we have them being kicked out of their homes. The government must stop foreclosures now if that means buying every mortgage about to foreclose then do it. All these great programs announced to assist mean little if none of the lenders are doing them nor does it address the damage that was done to the credit report so the people wont qualify anyway. How long before these so called experts understand that first you must stop the housing catastrophy. By buying the mortgages you inject money into the banks, which in turn stops the declining value , establish consumer confidence promote jobs. It would also show the rest of the world our leadership and reestablish confidence globally. Since the mortgage crisis was blamed for this why are we using stimulus incentives for everything but. Mr President maybe you ought to recruit a few real experts from those of us who know how to stretch a buck, make do on little , look and listen and understand that whats being proposed may be good for the long run, but how much longer is our government going to have another failed response.

Thank you, David. You always seem to have your hand on the pulse of American sentiment. It is SO hard to maintain patience with these Republican obstructionists but, I sincerely hope President Obama does not give up trying to work together.

David: I enjoy your perspective tremendously and always look forward to hearing your perspective.

I think it's important to make a clear distinction with regard to your remark, "more questions than answers seem to be swirling around Barack Obama", that these questions have much more to do with the extreme nature of the global economic crisis than they pertain to questions regarding his ability, intelligence, leadership skills and the quality of the team he has put together. Which is, perhaps your very point.

It seems quite clear that Americans have elected a man of clear vision and purpose who has really hit the ground running in his first week in office. He has accomplished a great deal already in a very short space of time.

Patience is ultimately required. A quick fix is, not possible. It took years to produce the financial disaster that is now unfolding. However, it seems to me that many of the economic plans that are being proposed have such wonderful long term benefit on so many fronts that having the resolve to stay the course is imperative.

In addition, the new website, "recovery", that allows people to track the money that's being spent is a fantastic idea. Truly, he is changing the relationship between the people and his office in a way that is transparent and provides a real and direct voice to the people.

I wish we had that type of leadership here.

Your objective keen insight is a credit to CNN and politics in general. It is refreshing to hear your positions that are not tainted by a Republican or Democrat based ideology for the sake of being Democrat or Republican. May President Obama promote a similar approach to getting things done in the Capitol, and we will witness the true Change he based his campaign on. He has gotten off to a rousing start.

Wow, I am surprised how naive Mr. Gergen has become! Obama's initial steps on Guatanomo are at best procrastination fluffed with words to pacify the mindless left. The same problems will exist after the "commission" studies the issue.

His declarations on "torture" which really refer to the way we have interrogated people since WWII, will have an instant, and accumulating detrimental effect on our intelligence. Our enemies will simply use Obama's weakness as a period to re-group from the beating they have taken during the Bush years.

But of course the Euro crowd will like us a little more....so it all kinda balances, right??

Dear David,

Bush's foreign policy approach created more sparks in terror, and he compensates with the Surge to balance this out. US involvement in support one-sided Eastern leaders leads to more hate, more terror attacks etc. At this point India is seen as a trader of policies of the west and selling out his eastern counter-part Pakistan.

I truly have faith in the fact that Obama's approach in foreign policy will balance terror attacks down, retrieving US Army and lower Surge spending.

A very interesting person to discuss my mentioned views is Michael Moore.

This is black and white proof of the ignorance and hypocrisy of democrats and liberals. You've screamed about what Pres Bush did or did not do, but can't stand a little criticism of your so-called leader. God have mercy on us. You want patience, you got it, I and many others hope and pray you can live with yourselves.

Why can't the announcers on this station and other refer to the president as "president Oabama? Stop referring to him as Obama, he is the president whether you like it or not.

Total disrespect of the man and office of the presidency!

Dan F. Grahan

It amazes me that in such a monumentally important week, all the mainstream media can only focus on the negative or spreading pessimism. We all heard a message of optimism, hope and inspiration this week, and a call for us to "put aside childish things", unite and work together to restore this country and our world. Why can't the media report on the fact that the inauguration pumped $2 Billion into the Washington area economy these last few weeks – a clear indication that people will spend if they care enough. Why aren't we hearing about how the small businesses thrived, and what we can do in our local communities to spur the economy in a similar way. Why aren't we hearing more about what other Cabinet members were up to this week? Why not report on the infrastructure projects that can be started and how the Republican and Democrats are working with their constituencies to lift the spirits and economies for the people who have voted them into office? So much real news to talk about, and all we hear about is doubt, pessimism and petty scandals. Such a shame when one considers what we are all capable of doing and being when properly inspired...

ya know for all that it's worth !

im happy that he gets to keep the ( black berry) as 2 years ago in washington, they had that shooting at that school campus' and the washinton lady cop was shot, to death, and the one girl snuck into the bathroom and was able to tex her mother who was at home , "' and the mother alerted the police. and also remember' barack oboma has to let down his wife and kids, and i think if he has to , he will cash in his vetro from entering the WHITE HOUSE he ( wont ) everybody has to keep the hope & prayers and everyonce in a wile' ( through a congratulations to him, ) on how he's acheeving ( PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ) will change AMERICA" YES WE CAN

Mr. Gergen,

Thank you for your thoughtful observations.

Supporting the positives, but suspending judgement on the implementation and follow-up seems a healthy attitude for an objective observer at this point.

I would differ with you a bit on the bipartisanship issue. While I agree that the Congressional Democrats may be allowing their resentment over past tactics from across the aisle show a bit too much in their rhetoric, I find it appropriate for President Obama to respond to the aggression of the GOP with a clear reminder that he has the mandate from the electorate, not they. Once that is clearly understood, he is in a better position to invite their positive participation and call them on their obstructionism. I have little doubt that he will do well at both.

I'm reminded of his briefing from General Petraeus during the campaign, and his firm but respectful assertion of control over that moment, as well as how he set the atmosphere for the positive exchange of views that ensued between them. I knew then that he was the right man for the job.

He well understands that when people have an opportunity to understand that he has listened to and respected their positive contributions, he will be able to join forces with them on the common objectives which will always be there. I expect him to always be respectful but firm.

David, love your blog. Please write more!

Has it ever been explained by anyone on the Obama team how they will impose "strict oversight" on the stimulus package? That seems like quite a job. A needed job for sure, but a huge job.