These CEOs just don't get it. They should all be fired and give that money back.

Good evening Anderson, Erica, and blogger! Hope everyone had a pleasant Thursday!

I'm really glad to hear that President Obama is cracking down on these big execs! Somebody needs to tell them what's what!

Hi, Anderson, Erica, team AC360, and bloggers!

Applications for unemployment insurance (in USA) reach higher level in 40 years; Obama endorses the first law of its mandate; Expected that the package actually stimulate economy; impeachment of Blagojevich; General strike in France; History loss in Ford.

Wow! I lost my breath!
Glad we have AC360!

Evening for everyone!

Hello Anderson and Erica, Good show tonight.

Good evening Mr.Cooper,Ms.Hill,AC360 crew and bloggers!

Good evening Anderson, Erica, 360 crew..another day, more jobs lost how much job loss this week alone?

Hey Anderson,

Man, talk about a crazy day newswise, huh? Busy, busy...

I hope they rip the bonus bonanza out of wall streets hands. Enough is enough.

That's OUR money! Do those CEOs with the fat bonuses happen to be Republicans? Hmmm...just a thought.

It's easy for politicians to call these bonuses shameful. If Obama can match his talk with action, I will be very impressed.

Where is the Republican outrage?? Time to shatter the myth that these people need to be given these ridiculous salaries or they will leave. These same people are the ones who don't want to give middle class people a decent wage.

Good Evening!

I agree MaryBeth. They should be fired and give the money back! I have seven friends who got laid off from their Wall Street jobs while the CEOs of their companies collect tax-payer bailout bonuses. I think AC360 should do a 10 Most Wanted for Wall Street CEOs. Take business away from those crooks.

Obama is headed down the right path craking down on those wall street ceo's that not where the money should be spent1

Hello,

This is like the City of Boston...city council members and the mayor approved a raise for themselves while asking the rest of the union employee to accept a wage freeze for a year or there will be lay-offs.

Hellooo Anderson, Erica, David Gergen, David in Indiana and best bloggers!!!!!!!
I agree with Obama, He is so angry at republican that was bonus crackdown!

The executives don't care what the President or anyone else thinks or says as long as they can get more in their pockets. They simply do not care.

Good evening Anderson, Erica, David, and bloggers!

Strong words from Obama. I like the strength in his words.

Hi Anderson, Erica and the Best Bloggers

This is a mess. This is what happens when there is no accountability.
All that money, yeah it washardly a bailout it was a Bonus for a job well done. Thank Sec of Treasury Paulson

It is so refreshing to see a lead of our country that is actually aware and willing to get involved and put a stop to these execs and their quest for power and wealth when the American people are suffering so much!

I am SO PROUD of Barack for speaking out like this. He has no fear of showing his backbone and it's about time these greedy CEO's get told what they have been needing to hear.

Good evening, Anderson!!
I absolutely agree with Mr.Obama about the bounus crackdown.
They are really greedy!!

The companies will have to pay back the bonuses that were paid out.

I wonder why the stockholders of these companies aren't revolting. Their stock value crashes whhile the Execs take bonuses.

Good evening Anderson, Erica and all Bloggers. The Pres. is staying right on top of things here lately. I think he is not to happy with the bonuses paid out on Wall Street. I think maybe they should consider CHANGE. Hehehe

Good evening Mr. Cooper. What is happening with these greedy individuals on Wall Street? Have they no shame? President Obama is doing the right thing with Secretary Geitner!

Good Evening Anderson and all bloggers

Boy, Obama sure seems to be stepping to the plate. It's about time somebody is paying attention. I'm so impressed with him.

Good Evening all! I am too very frustrated at this point but we need to understand that Paulson nor did anyone else in Congress put any stipulations on the money they gave out to walstreet!

Part of me is glad Blog is out, however, it does seem a bit unjust since they have no real proof. Shoot even police get paid while on trial although there are tapes to show what looks like wrong.

$20 Billion – A Down Right Shame. Irresponsible is to nice a adj. It is a crime = to Madoff. I call it theft or, at the least fraud. I thought the Car CEO's had lost their mind by traveling on personal jets and asking for money. These indecent people go spend it on their selves with no thought to their actual workers.

i agree they probobly are republicans they are wanting tax cuts for their own greed

Casey J, I'm sure they are from both parties. Crooks come in all walks of life.

Speaking of executives getting bonuses during bailouts...what about Blagojovich getting his benefits when he has been chucked out of his job? Anyone want to try to explain that to me?????

I want my money back right now!

CaseyJ, not a very bipartisan thought, is it?

Yes, Anderson, they lack decency. But unlike you or countless others, not everyone has a heart.

Anderson,

Please please tell me where the 750 Billion that we've already spent went. Who's house did we save from foreclosure, who didn't loose their job and who got 18 Billion in bonus money from the very funds.
I will never vote for a Republican again!

Drew

Hi everyone.....These CEOs are just plain stupid and don't deserve to be in charge of anything.......

Hi to Megan i think you are right on the money !

I think the republicans have mad another mistake by not voting on the stimulus bill.

Anderson, You may want to look into those executives from IBM, Motorola, Xerox, and Corning, who just visited Obama at the White House and who, according to the AP, earned compensation packages from $8million to $21million.

Anderson youre funny!
Obama feigns outrage at bankers?
Maybe he should also be outraged at people who dont pay their taxes!

I lost all hope with Obama when he picked that tax cheat, Geither!

Wall Street bonuses continues the Bush Administration saga that didn't provide oversight provisions with the first round of TARP funds.

Why Not make these banks/ Finanacial institutions who seem to have money to spare pay back what we gave them? and say to them Hey you have enough to give bonuses you don't need our money!

YOWZA..$18 billion and possibly more?! WTF!! People are loosing their jobs and these idiots get raises? That gets my blood boiling!!

@EJ: I agree. They don't care. And since no one has stopped them as of yet, I guess they figure they don't need to care.

@ Megan Dresslar – me too! I will be in line right behind you to collect my money. Then maybe we can have lunch.

These bonuses are just unbelievable. There are so many people that are loosing jobs now and they are having fun with our money. I am amaized that president Obama took a position about this...good for him...

It's nice that Obama speaks out, but it's what he does about it that counts.

Thw wall street ceo's should bailout the middle class and poor people to compenseante for the pain they have been going through.

Can Geithner or Obama call these CEOs and force them to give the money back? Like they did with Citi and their jet?

Its funny how the irs want thier money and penalize you for not giving it to them and they want to know where every penny goes and yet we still don't know where are money really goes

OMG! Who came up with this plan?

Hooray, President Obama...the Wall Street banker can't have their cake and eat it too...there must be accountability...it was great to see the President's passion for making the greedy come to terms with their own selfishness. God bless the President!

Good evening. The government should mandate that these execs give back their bonuses - after all, they really weren't earned in the first place. The bonus money should then be subtracted from the TARP money given to those companies and returned to the TARP fund for other companies that need it or families on the brink of foreclosure.

Good evening, Anderson and best bloggers

I must say that I agree with you, MaryBeth. I couldn't have said that better myself.

That's right bloggers!!!!
I know all of you want bring our money back. no bailout.... they are wasting our time to spend our money.

The fat cats on Wall Street should give back their bonuses. The bonuses were outrageous and disproportional in the good days. They are unacceptable when investors are wiped out because of them.

I don’t support pet projects in this time of economic uncertainty unless the supporters of those projects can prove to us citizens how they will create more jobs. I want this plan to pass and I’d support $850 Billion as long as jobs get created. I’m not a republican (registered Independent). I wouldn’t have supported this current bill either. I’m glad there will be other opportunities to fine-tune this before it gets approved.

Where are the guidelines that will prevent the CEO abuse of bailout money??? That is what I expect from President Obama. Not just condemnation, but accountability with real consequence, that will stop them from looting us, AND GETTING AWAY with it.

OMG, volcano monitors and artwork? The Dems are in a spending frenzy. Don't they understand that every dollar needs to be on job creation?

The stockholders have little influence unless they (mutual funds, etc.) own large blocks of the stocks. The key is the board of directors. In other words, people like us have to take our ethical barometers to another company because we're not going to affect change.

NO! I do not think this will stimulate any economy it seems like a bad joke to me really!

Why doesn't Pres Obama keep Congress from putting so much pork in this stimulas. I thought that he promised to remove pork.

Hi Anderson, Erica, David G., bloggers and anyone else who's out there. Hope you all have a great evening of blogging.

LOL. Blagojevich is hilarious. I love ow he's trying to play the martyr card without knowing he looks pitiful.

We better hope the stimulus package works. I'm not happy about it at all, but it looks like it's going full steam ahead.

if the taxpayers are giving money to these banks, then the compensation should definitely be regulated. how can it not?

wow, all those numbers tom is talking about – mind boggling. confused how some of it will help create jobs?

I agree with every item on Tom Forman's list. I'd rather have my tax dollars spent there than sent to wage war in Iraq - or on bonuses to Wall St bankers.

FINALLY Blagojevich is done! can you believe he tried to BEG for his job? LOL

Bipartisian i am confused by this meaning? please explain what tha t mean s for the stimuus package.

A quick addendum to the President's comments on the irresponsible Wall Street bonuses. Perhaps Mr. Obama was too gentle. I would also add the wrong-headed attitude of "arrogant entitlement" displayed by these greedy and clueless CEO's.

Jim Elswick

Good evening Anderson,

What a wonderful change that has come about that Obama will actually notice and do something about this abuse of 'bailout' funds. I think that such financial faux pas have been going on for far too long and it brings hope that someone with the power to change this sees it this way as well.

No I think this is a worse bill than the last one! I mean what is it doing for the immediate REAL problems?

Seems like more democratic bull to me!

Good evening AC and all you beautiful people!

Hmmmm I am starting to question this plan myself. The majority of it does sound a bit silly.

As soon as any private company asks for the government's financial help, they should be subject to their critical eye. This is not socialism, this is common sense. As a 22 year old, if I asked my parents for financail help, they would never blindly throw money at me without asking where it went. If these Wall Street companies don't like a prying eye, they don't need to be taking my hard earned money.

Anderson what I don't understand is why the Government doesn't have any authority to demand these CEO's either pay back the huge bonues or put it back into the Company. It is Government Money.

Good evening all. This is my first time blogging, though I read the blogs each evening as I watch the show. The corporate exs have really angered me. Not only did they take you, the taxpayers's money, but how many people lost their jobs so that these executives could get their bonuses?

Smart ppl who certainly have a much better understanding of the economy than most anyone came up with this plan. We have to trust that they know what they are doing. Pres Obama is obviously not the kind of politician who looks out for own interest or that of his cronies.

Bye bye, Rob Blagojevich!!

Of course all those items listed that Republicans are making a big stink about make up just over 1% of the stimulus package. Take out the federal buildings and it's less than 0.5%.

As an arts professional, I would also point out that the $50 million for the NEA is aimed specifically at preserving jobs in the arts sector and is easily the smallest item cited.

Do I think the stimulus package will improve our economy? I think putting people to work, stopping the hemoraging due to foreclosures, and paying back our deficit will improve our economy domestically and internationally. This stimulus package has many great ideas and still is a work in progress to find even better ideas for those that are not going to stimulate the economy right away, or have the biggest bang for the buck. A collaborative bipartisan approach to suring this up is my wish.

We are borrowing every penny, and for what? To maybe keep us moving until December... Too much spending... Where are the tax credits promised, how about breaks on student loans, better yet, let us deduct credit card interest... This bill only keeps the politicans in office long enough to run for reelection in 2010... It is selfish and a mistake!

Anderson,

Can you find me one person in Washington other than Obama who actually cares about this country. Is there anyone left. Clearly there are no Republicans left and from what I've seen, I'm not sure there are any Democrats left either. Please fine one person who actually cares and show us what this person is doing.... Please anyone!

Drew

All these jobs seem to be focused on money circulating within this country. What about the trade deficits that are damaging the US economy, is there anyting in the stimulus package that addresses that issue?

We need money in the economy now, now with tax breaks that will not help at all until at least April of 2010. The Republicans had their chance with the original TARP money and they wasted it by not holding the Banks accountable for where they spent the money. Plus the bill was full of wasteful Tax Breaks for Companies and Corporations that Republicans Wanted.

you,ve got to be kidding me – please pass the money down to the people and feed the roots

Why can't the government simply give each American 1 millions dollars and we can solve the economic crisis for just over 300 millions dollars.

I imagine the car industry will be saved quick fast as well.

is it true the stimulus money will come from China and India?

I am disgusted by this stimulus plan. I am having a hard time finding what is stimulative about it. It looks like a shopping spree, not a job creator.

if we do everything opposite of what the republicans did then we will be okay. i will go along with a democratic stimulus package believing that they really care about we the people.

I agree with MaryBeth that the execs should give back. I think any funding received should be minus with the bonuses were and an assignment of any bonuses they receive to be put back into the company.

Really, 4 BILLION dollars to ACORN... How does that stimulate our country.... This whole "stimulus" bill is nothing but PORK!!!!!! I wish everyone would just wake up and realize what is going on... Socialization here we come... You can't deny it!!!!!

That list of expenditures of the stimulus package? Every one of them puts money in the economy as fast as anything else! It provides jobs for scientists, glaziers, plumbers, artists, truckers, linemen, and hundreds of other trades. The $7.7 Big Ones for Federal buildings upgrades their energy systems to conserve and save money – that's the down-the-pike payoff. Get real.

It's all pork! This is going the wrong way. Great Depression II coming up.

I love your show, and watch it 4 nights a week. But really, how many shows in a row do you have to cover this Haggard reject? Do that many people care about this guy??

Every single one of the items Tom mentioned do create varied jobs , materials and innovation. The total is a very small amount of the total bill. Tax cuts are a one to one ratio while spending is a 1 to 1.5 ratio. Also updating federal building will save $$ in energy costs.

The Republicans are playing politics for the 2010 elections plain and simple.

I don't that this bill is going to do much to stimulate the economy. The last one didn't and this one wont either...I really like President Obama and am very impressed that he is so adamant to get something done but I worry that it will work about as well as the last one.

I think most of it will stimulate the economy, but the pork has to go. And yes, pork was added even at the protest of the President.

Regarding the payout of Wall Street bonuses: Please remember to differentiate between the swine in management who are responsible for the current financial crisis vs. the average worker bee who depends on some bonus to cover the cost of living modestly day to day in the New York area. (For many, their base salary is less than their monthly expenses.)

I think that as long as these social programs have job creation measures, people need to let them go. My brother works for a state smoking cessation program that lost its funding and now the 10 people in his program are losing thier jobs. If the Federal funding for smoking cessation includes keeping programs like these open so that people keep thier jobs and the public health is better off, then I'm all for it.

People always want a quick fix! Guess what, THERE IS NONE!

No more Blagojevich he's miliking it for all he's worth which is nothing more than a plugged nickel i'm so tired of seeing him wine -wnat some cheese with that.

The goverment MUST bring back manufacturing to the US and they refuse to talk about it--that is sad

If wall street can lose a trillion dollars in one day and make trillion another then why can't they funnel some into this bailout since they are a big part of the problem

I'm a little confused, the gentleman who just showed where all the money was going in the stimulus made it sound as though money for the arts or for amtrak or to modernize federal buildings wasn't going to create jobs... um, all of those things require people working to make things happen, so they will create jobs. So, I don't get where he seems to think those are bad things? Even STD counseling will require teachers, classroom setups, extra educators, etc.

PORK, PORK, and more PORK. I thought this was supposed to be to help fix the problem that caused all of this mess. The housing problem is still here and it seems everyone is grabbing a hand full of the money and none of it is making it down to the people about to lose their homes. Yes we need work and we need home help but it appears to me that members of Congress are still thinking only about themselves. This is a time when they should be thinking about THE COUNTRY first. All they are doing is concentrating on what they can get for their districts. It all sucks.

I am commenting on the 825B presidential eco-stim budget package.
I believe the unseen/known reason the congress/presidential cabinet keep losing this war is... they won't listen to the little people! I thought it was a government for the people? I may be proven wrong... by our government!

Hello bloggers! I think it's time for a Wallstreet Czar to be named! Too much abuse of the bailout money. If I recall, even the CEO's of the Big 3 agreed to no bonuses....

Tracey – Boston, in all fairness, how much were the council people making? Ours were making less than $25,000/yr up until just a few years ago (the positions were considered p/t but weren't actually), so they were highly underpaid for their committment, while the union emplyees were (are) marking exhorbitant salaries.

Everything he just listed on the magic board is something that IS a job! Who is going to work on these govt buildings and teach the sex ed class? Robots? All of these things have to be done by people, accounted for by people, distributed by people. Those ARE jobs. And if you notice, the list of agencies and areas that are getting funds covers almost every aspect of our lives. Thats GOOD! Thats better than just sending the money to the banks. They seem to have just kept it.

With Wall Street and the banks so greedy and holding onto the bailout money why does the Federal govt not just set up it's own bank and start lending making interest for the tax payer. Let the greedy banks fall if they can not stop this big bonus problem and holding of the bailout $$.

The stimulus package is worth about $750 billion. The programs the Republicans are pointing to are only a small fraction of those. Why not explore the rest of the package and put them in context?

Why not explore the issue of how many jobs will be involved in those criticized programs? Don't people have to be hired to do the teaching about STDs? Don't workers have to repair the federal buildings?

WOW, give the pres his props for the wall street bonus comments, but it appears to be the same politics with the stimilus package.

Okay, so I'm an artist, like many other artists, who will benefit from the 50 million for the national endowment for the arts. That means I get to create my work, continue to exhibit and derive an income. So what's the problem?

How can ANYbody hold money spent on schools, education, and safe sex as POOR use of those funds????
CNN recently reported that 1,000,000 teen girl have clamidia and 25% have some form of an STD.
They should get together and file class action suit!

I really don't think that this package will work. It seems like an extension of GWB. The only thing that has changed is that Obama's pals will profit instead of Bush's. Same politics, different party.

Hi David Gergen! You're awesome. Be my teacher!

What jobs are coming of this stimulus? Just spending money does not help put people to work. Without sustained money flow, people cannot be paid; therefore, no jobs will be

@Kathy, Obama DID promise a bill with no pork. Maybe he should back that promise up with a veto threat if the bill doesn't remove the pork. Of course, that would take real courage to go agains his party. Let's see if he can walk the walk.

um...question...who would go ahead and get that jet now..? like, the economy is under a microscope, did you think you wouldnt get caught...?

The items in the stimulus package actually make a lot of sense. I think the modernizing of federal buildings includes "greening" of the facilities. When it comes to the environment, it is time to put our money where our mouth is.

on the other hand, more than half of these bonuses were withheld for taxes. I thought I read somewhere that Gov Peterson said the one decision made for CEOs to forgo bonuses cost NYC tons of money and put a big hole it its deficit

I think the fact that NO Republicans voted for this economic package shows that they are trying to make a statement to the new admin. Being a Repub myself, I was very disappointed by this vote and feel that they are still not getting that we (the country) want CHANGE.

Adding up all of the "questionable" items, it looks like $12BIL, at most...Yes, $12BIL is a real $$, but it's one-tenth of the "pork" ADDED on to TARP I. Some of these are "debatable" rather than outlandish (Amtrak, Fed weatherizing creates jobs AND helps long-term). The "bottom line"? Less than 1.5% of the total bill is waste. That would be a marked improvement.

Good for O! Those guys knew their goose was gettin' cooked on Jan. 20th so they stole the money, before the hammer fell. What goes around comes around. Get em Anderson.

Who needs movies when we have Blago, Wall Street exec and Congress.

The CEOs need to have the bonuses returned!

This is not a stimulus bill, this is a huge pork barrel. President Obama should be ashamed. He is acting like a kid in a candy store, but with our money.

What I see in the new financial stimulus package coming from the president actually holds some hope for helping not only get us back to a normal standing financially speaking, but also help to update America to remain on par with the rest of the Modern world.

David Gergen, How do those CEO's justify those bonuses and pay raises?

David finally has some better lighting! Thanks CNN.

You would think that wouldn't you, Anderson? Where are the PR people in all this? I just don't get it! Why the execs would think that America would just be ok with this is beyond me!

I've been watching with extreme fascination as President Obama has been doing a lot of things I've been wanting to see for years. His crackdown on the "Big Wigs" on wall street sent me jumping out of my chair. Billions of dollars in bonuses when their companies are failing is absolutely ridiculous.

On the stimulus bill I see it as a modernized and less publicized attempt at a "New Deal". The money that is being spent to have all these things done is going to require that someone to do it and by doing so, create more jobs for people.

All the money that the republicans is only about 10-12 billion out of 819 billion. The money needs to be spent.

What I don't understand is Who is coming up with these stupid Bills?

Some child in 5th grade can come up with a better solution to our problems so to me this is a very sad day!

I really Have NO respect for Congress or our Government anymore!

Anderson: I support this bill. Granted it is not perfect. However, it is a start. It is very sad to watch the Republicans do their best to jeopardize it. I have a question for them, however. Why should Americans believe their way is the best way, when for eight years we have had a Republican administration, who supported by their Republican members of Congress, led us to this place. Its time for them to step up and do what is right for the country – not for their own political gain. All Americans should contact their congressmen and tell them to support the bill.

this stimulus package is a BIG LIBERAL spending bill, nothing else,

thank god theres some sense coming back to the republicans

Feeling a bit pensive…was wondering, can changes be made to the stimulus package after the Senate approves its version? Or is the Senate the final chance to make changes? The country needs the money now, understandably, but there’s so many billions being tossed around like candy on Halloween. Sugar crashes are no fun…neither will paying off this 918 billion dollar stimulus package. How do we balance this dichotomy?

HI Anderson,

The wall street bankers definitely don't need million dollar bonuses. Its simply outrageous.

I understand that some items in this plan like the Arts money is to preserve jobs, but so much of it is so little about jobs.

Whats the difference between Senators who pile pork on a "Economic Stimulus" package and CEOs of failed companys who give billions in bonus money for superior job performance? Nothing.

Bonuses! Let's not forget the unemployment rate at this time. More jobs lost daily! Greed is a terrible thing!

These politicians don't get it, the best way to move money is to put it back in tax payer's hands. I am sure they can refund every tax payer at least 2000 dollars if they can give billions to projects that will not do much for the economy right now.

I hope the governor is really guilty, otherwise to throw someone out of office who has not been put on trial yet, and not yet found guilty and may later be found innocent is not a good thing to have done.

@David Gergen...IF these CEOs were truly "smart," we wouldn't be in this mess, would we? I'm convinced that personal PR and relationship marketing has more to do with CEOs getting their jobs than any skill set they may have.

Dana found bipartisanship? That's amazing!

The names of the companies, CEOs and bonus recipients should be broadcast on every news station across the country. They should be hanged, shamed, and pay for their greed. Anderson, can you please do a special to embarrass them? Thanks

Good Evening Darlene form Canada! Yeah Nice to have fellow Canuck on board tonight

I do believe the Stimulus Package will work. It worked for my wife and I last time as we used our entire $1500 towards a down payment for our first home. We would again use the money and stimulate the ecomony.

Is all this bailout money really going to save Wall Street and the Banks? Why not let the bigs guys fail, Seems the Small Banks would be the one to prosper. Is this just a failed deal?

Seriously! Obama, I'm in your corner, but how can you say 'shame on you' to the Wall Street corporate big wigs for bonuses if you are spending wildly on the stimulus package. There is too much fluff that has NOTHING to do with the economy. I don't get all the unwise spending?

There is some pork in the bill, but overall it will help our country get back on it's feet. It's a shame the republicans only know 2 words..."Tax cuts".

Well, what can Republicans say? That we should pay billions in bonuses? Even they have common sense...

Can those CEO's be fired w/o paying them parachuts if they are in their contracts

In my opinion since these CEOs can't get the job done and spend our money the way it needs to be spent and millions of ppl are losing their jobs...I will make them give all that money back and then fire them....I would also make sure that they are not allowed to be the CEO of any other company....

Time to fire the whole lot of them! The "Financial Elite's" need to be brought back down to earth. No more culture of excess greed! I hope we see some real action taken by President Obama and his administration.

$600 million to buy new cars for government employees?? Give me a break! Oink, Oink, Oink! Pork, Pork, Pork!!!

Only thing I havent heard about the new stimulate package will there be checks given to the people like last year?

Thank You

I am supportive of the president but have concern about much of what is being layer out in the stimulus package. I agree with investment in education, enegy, and our infrastructure but much of what you are reporting that's in package does not make sense.

The stimulus bill is simply a mechanism to force feed spending into the economy.It appears to me that the Democrats grabbed on to programs or projects that could achiueve tha quickly. I say..go for it!

How can bettering the crumpling infrastructure be pork? It's vitally necessary and it creates jobs!

Why not have Saudi Arabia help pay the bill in Iraq. They want us there so they do not have to give up there life style. Where are their troops or construction $$ that could help with the infrastructure of Iraq.

Can't the congress make just one bill with out pork??????????????

Why do smart people do dumb things?...greed...We are the dumb ones. We are the ones who paid their bonuses.

Wow Even Rep. siding w/ these ridiculous pay raises!

JoAnn: President Obama also called them on this during their meeting! That was reported on another media broadcast.

It's ridiculous that we have to babysit Wall Street in the first place.

Would love to see the governemnt freeze all of the bank accounts for all of the execs and board memebers that oversaw these companies over the past 5 years and take back the money that is owed and use that as part of the bailout.

How big of the bonus will be enough for them?
People is struggling just to get by these day.
What are they thinking, really?

Sorry, once you give them 350 BILLION dollars, they certainly *can be* told they have certain restrictions. Period. Otherwise, don't ask for money.

On the stim package – will someone explain that infrastructure is not just brick and mortar, it's also public health (i.e., tobacco cessation, lead abatement, STD education) – these initiatives not only create jobs, but also help others in the workforce to be healthier – increasing worker productivity and saving health care dollars!

Wall Street CEOs need to "feel the pain" they caused. I say make them pay back the $20,000,000,000 in taxpayers' money that they stole. If they want to get money, let them start lending and earning it!

As big as this bonuses issue is, if it becomes the scapegoat, our economy is not going to turn around.
Some of these banks were forced to take the money so as to keep lending, they might as well have sold more stakes to the sovereign weath funds.

Bonuses should only be paid when profits are pouring in!! What are they thinking?

Businesses have been living by the "Greed is Good" belief for a very long time, how can they change now?

President Obama appears to be using a double standard – shaking his finger at wall street execs for throwing money around while wasting billions in the name of economic stimulus.

The president has a right to be upset. Taxpayers are being stuck-up by these financial terrorists. They have created our economic demise, but are so entrenched in greed until it's their drug of choice. Make them give back 20 Billion of the money that has been given them.

Anderson...good coverage about the wall street bonus. If wall street says that their bonus are significantly lower than previous years...oh..so bad.......fire them!!...lets see what they feel without job.

Talking about "Wall Street Banks" and their bonuses won't motivate the bankers not to take bonuses. It's too vague. Name the banks by name, and name those that didn't take bonuses, so consumers may decide where to put their money.

I remember many within the public forum saying there should not be any bailouts for those on the verge of bankruptcy. The euphoria of bailouts seems so far gone.

The former President asked for $700 Billion with no plan, no transparancy and the Republicans gladly vote for it. We now have a President (Obama) who offers transpancy of the bailout, a plan and all Republicans oppose it. It's all politics!

When our country collapses, I hope the media will be held accountable.
The media destroyed our republic.

Anderson, there is no reason for the executives to change. There are no meaty provisions for accountability attached to any of the taxpayer dollars they receive. Congress is also out of touch with America's crisis or they would include accountability measures when they hand the money out. The pigs have been at the trough so long they're drunk. And this stimulus package has gone so far afield from our real issues as to be totally meaningless. What are these people thinking?

Considering the last bail out only helped people on wall street, or so it seemed. Why did the republicans not seem to want to help the democrats do something to help put money into the economy?

Amen Amy!!Management is st helm of this crisis .The little guy is allways struggling to make ends meet they don't need bonuses.

Question: Have we as Americans lost touch with the concept of shame.??? If I were one of these execs, I would be too ashamed to take a bonus or perk, because I did not do my job effectively...Or are they busy blaming someone else???

thats appalling, the stimulus package has nothing to do with creating jobs to help the economy. They didnt have any pork in the bail-out for the big banks, but when it comes to everyday people, why does Congress throw in so much pork?

Why are all of the GOP pointing what they call "pork" in this stimulus package. Let's go line by line of the Bush stimulus package. Yes, the one that if didn't the world was going to end!

Greed has alway been apart of our democratic society, but what makes this time different is the fact that very people are ashamed of what they do.

I believe that thinking outside the box is a great way to address the economical problem. Try something different for a change.

When will people in the media ask the republicans this major question: Why didn't your tax cuts from 2000-2006 create the jobs that you republicans promised? It seems to me that the major corporations who benefited from the Bush tax cuts are the same Big Businesses that are laying off all the people.

If people aren't working whose going to get the tax breaks?? The rich of course. The republicans want to decimate the middle class and then all of us will have no health care, maybe die early, our kids will have to join the army because there are no other jobs. With republicans we will be a 3rd world country. All they have are old worn ideas that have hurt the country. Even Reagan had to backtrack and raise taxes, because of what he did to economy as did bush sr.

Anderson, the banking system needs a remedy that this nation just received – new leadership! These executives are the same ones that drove the companies to the brink of collapse. The condition for tarp is that leadership needs to be evaluated and time for accountability. No bailout is going to help without this.

Clearly, opposing Republicans are on the wrong side of the tax cut vs. spending debate because tax cuts serve mostly to incentivise recipients to save and are primarily counter-stimulative.

In contrast, when government spends, every single penny is infused directly into the economy. It makes little difference where or how the money distributed, jobs are saved and new ones created. As worker’s use salaries to consume, demand for goods and services is enhanced and the long climb out begins.

To whatever extent the Republicans prevail, this stimulus gap is widened and the program becomes less effective.

Yes why are these financial institutions being held responsible?

They should all be held to be condemed for anything they do and why is our Government NOT taking responsibility for their own actions?

We as AMericans did speak and loudly we said NO to the first Bailout and yet they did what they chose to do!

Now we see what the results are! So how does anyone in Congress expect any respect from us at all?

What a surprise that greed and abuse is chasing so much money! These bailouts are being crafted by the same old corrupt partnership between lobbies and Congress. We haven't seen anything yet!

Why can't the government handle their money like a business? I use a Show Me the Money standard so for the stimulus package how about What is Cost of the job, How many jobs will this create, does it make sense by being a project we the people, not a select few actually can benefit from? Let's work from the ground up not the top down. Working class people need jobs!

The Republicans are not just playing politics. They have deep concerns about where this money is being spent. This isn't partisan politics. What about dems keeping Republicans out of the construction of this bill altogether? Where did the small business tax breaks go? I am a small business owner and I recall a lot of discussions during the election from both parties about helping small businesses. Where is the help in this plan?

It's important to remember that CEOs of the big banks DID NOT get bonuses this year!
If you want banks to recover they need to be able to keep top talent, these bonuses were paid out to employees that the banks want to keep for the long term.

Hi Anderson and Erica
I don't see how improving Federal buildings will get the economy moving right now. We must find a way to have one voice to encourage Washington politicians to stop pushing their individual agendas!

Get rid the pork in the bill that has nothing to do with stimulating the economy. Make it simple and cut taxes so i have more in paycheck to spend on a weekly basis.

Evening for everyone!
Hi, Anderson, Erica, team AC360, and bloggers!

As someone who works in the arts, I can tell you that $50 million to the National Endowment for the Arts will create and save many jobs at nonprofit arts organizations. And I'm sure the same can be said of some of the other types of spending that are being criticized in the stimulus plan.

Getting money flowing in any form works for me. Whatever those folks in washington do, they just need to do it. I just hope they make sure we don't hear about CEO's cramming half of it away in their pockets on CNN next year.

Hello David Gergen you are the voice of reason at Cnn .

maybe President Obama should win over Republicans covertly, like he tried to do with that July episode or whatever.

Roland Martin is absolutely right! Fat Cats who get public funds/bailouts should have to answer to the public! Taxpayers

You want my money, I can put any restriction on it that I want to -period. That is how it works. You give them the contract and they sign it or walk away. "My Way or The Highway" should be the mantra. This is holding people responsible.

What Congress should understand is that we the people will hold them accountable for any loan given out where we hear they blow our funds on crap. They better do something and they better do something quick if they want to keep their seats.

The President has set a good example, now the Dems on the hill need to follow his lead and WORK with the Republicans. This is not a game, it is deadly serious. INFRASTRUCTURE!!

A360 Team:

It is laudible that our President is letting the Wall Street bonus boys have a peice of his mind, but, is what they are doing really any different than taking 850 billion of OUR (taxpayers) money and our childrens money to fund more programs that cannot be sustained longterm and will not contribute to the GNP in anyway. We're mortgaging what is left of our future for a bunch of feel good programs we can not afford. When will we live within our means? Where is the change? Mr. President – 'No we can't' Please don't make our problems worse stop digging. Please?!

At first blush, it seems questionable that some of the programs, mentioned in your report, to receive money from the stimulus bill will get the economy on the right track and get people working. I would like to hear from our elected officials exactly how they think these programs will benefit Americans. Perhaps, you could ask them. You know, keeping them honest. Then, maybe, we'll have some answers. I doubt it, though.

So Mike in NY: you don't think artists, musicians and stage actors add to the economy. Ask Broadway how there plays are suffering. To create stimulous you have to get all sorts of people back to work not just construction workers.

Are any of the money going into renewable energy, building "green" infrastructure as Obama promised?

What's all the conservative criticism of things in the stimulus package like millions of dollars for daycare and headstart, or improving federal buildings etc, etc. Where do they think all that money would go if not create more jobs for daycare workers or headstart teachers –and in the process allow more women to got to work because they have childcare–sounds like a two-fer to me. And wouldn't contractors who renovate Federal buildings be able to hire more construction workers if billions of dollars are going to be spent?

Re: the financial meltdown and subsequent bailout mess. Why not just give each taxpaying family one million dollars. This would allow people to pay their debts, go on vacations, buy cars, buy–buy-buy. Let's see if the trickle up effect goes into play because, by now, we know that the trickle down theory doesn't work,

PS Anderson I love your show and your panelest. Keep up the good work. I sure hope President Obama can fire the jerks (CEO's ) and get any monies back that they have been given.

President Obama promised America two things during his campaign: (1) that he would create jobs by rebuilding our Nation's infrastructure, and (2) that he would attack pork with a surgical knife. And we all - even Republicans - cheered for this cause. It is very unfortunate that in what may become the most significant bill of his presidency there is little delivered on either of these Obama promises.

I hate to say it but in some way i can see why the Republicans are being a bit hesitant about passing the bill. I am all for education in every form but how is volcano research going to help our failing economy?

I am happy to see President Obama is going after the CEO's and keeping them from abusing the bailout money.

Who said they were smart? They are arrogant thieves that should be in jail for what they have done to this country. Why are they still in charge? At very least they should be unemployed with their assets siezed so they can see first hand what they have done.

I have aways been a Dem. I would have voted against the stimulas bill.

Thank God Blago is out. He is really seriously in his own universe.

Roland Martin – does the same apply....if you receive a handout from the government (Welfare) should you be required to open your home and refrigerators and show that those funds are being used to take care of your family and children?!?!?

The hill of beans seems to mount to more bogus bonuses ...

I definitely think the economic recovery package needs work, but I can't understand why republicans want more tax breaks to stimulate growth. What do they think businesses will do with the money? I think they'll do the same thing I'd do with it...hold on to it for dear life. I think they are stuck in the Reagan era. What worked then may not work now.

I am outraged by the Wall Street bonuses using taxpayer money . I encourage the President to be more aggressive. His remarks indicate that he will be having conversations with a view toward making Wall Street responsible in the future. What about the past? This reaction is inadequate. These payments should be reversed. Make them return the money. This is the only appropriate measure. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Vick

definitely agree, with manufacturing in america, instead of just reducing capital gains why not target 0% for any domestic manufacturing investment for say 10 years or untill we are making things other than debt, or money from money, wait we arent makeing money from money anymore....

I agree Janine....in this country you are innocent until proven guilty and nothing has been proven yet!

I think that Congress and the people with their hands out for our money will be very surprised at how we respond to this whole mess, fed up is all I can at this point! Fed Up!

What is with the nightly reporting on Ted Haggard? I am so completely over this story. Next!

I am disappointed in the stimulus bill that is working its way through congress. There is much to much of "pork" and not enought job creating allocations of the money. This is not what the President campaigned on.

does anyone really care about Ted Haggarts sex life????

I don't think we should give another penny to anyone. why dosen't our so called leaders take the billions and trillions they are handing out to people that are already filthy rich and divide it among the hard working tax payers, since we are the ones paying for all this. you then would see our economy burst wide open. it makes me ashamed of the people we have put in office. there is no difference in either party. our own government is so corrupt. it is all about who can get the most money.

Two weeks ago,the board of Mill Mountain Playhouse, a non-profit professional theatre in Roanoke Virginia, informed its staff on a Tuesday that the doors would close its door on Friday. The company was so much in debt that they could not even offer severance pay. The staff would have to rely on unemployment.
Theses are friends and colleagues of mine and the first I personally know that have been affected by the recession. These are working people who have mortagages and families. The resident designer just welcomed his second child this past Fall. They are artists, yet they are also real people with real jobs. That extra money from the National Endowment for the Arts could have helped them weather this rough period. The NEA is NOT a pork project. Are people who make a living from the arts any less deserving than someone who works in a factory or a shop?

Frankly, I find it incredible that the Federal government has the audacity to chastise private industry about excesses – are you kidding me! The Federal government has been all about excesses for decades and the latest Recovery Bill is just another example. Spending what you do not have and borrowing against the future and leaving the future generations to pay just the interest forget paying off the borrowed trillions. To use you own words about Corporate America – talk about tone deaf.

i feel that updating federal buildings is a good thing. Some one has todo the work. these jobs will be here and not overseas.. take us back to CCC jobs where the government improves itself and the country.

President Obama is on the right track, now if we can do something about all those congressmen and congreswomen.

Most of the lawmakers do not know what they are voting on,
the just vote the way the lobbyist tell them to .

In the next election lets vote out all these leaders democrat or republican.

As a small business owner, I would never get a bonus if my business was near bankruptcy. It is appalling that Wall street will take my taxes, and reward themselves for their failure to run their business. If I fail, I will be out on the street!

I have to say – I don't really get the fascination with this Ted Haggard guy. He's not inspiring. He's not exciting. He's not even honest. I don't get it.

The cars the government buys for itself are American-made cars. Of course it helps the economy! CNN, you guys need to stop calling everything pork. It's not all pork!

Give every American 1 million dollars and we'll solve the car industry problem, stop foreclosures and the hungry will have food to eat. if the lottery winners spending is any indication, most will spend this money within a year.

Good evening all!

Got 2 words for CEO's = common sense. As for Blago, my heart is broken that he has to go since I am minus 1 comedian who can actually make me laugh without even making sense.

Rob Blagojevich is gone. Everyone knows it now except him. He is so delusional it is a shame. Maybe when he stops getting his pay check it might hit him that he has been fired.

Thanks Michelle and Pati!!!!

Hellooo David Gergen.......
You are my favorite fan analyst CNN team...... I enjoy your comment today.... I agree with you......
Can we bring our money back and not to make bonus crackdown?

$800 Billion for TARP, $2 Trillion given to an industry that the Fed will not say who, now another possible $1 Trillion. All we are doing is screwing the next generation. Until people are taught to live within their means, this issue will come back again in another 10 to 20 years.

What is an employee "bonus" anyway? I always thought it was given if you went above and beyond your job description or if a company did so well it could afford to reward its employees. If a "bonus" is automatic or worse, if it is given even when the company is bankrupt, isn't it REALLY just a raise in pay??? The government should just say "you've just had your last dollar from us".

If a company was mismanaged to the point that they had to ask for a hand out then why shouldn't the lender be able to set the rules?

I agree with President. When you get taxpayer money you should be accountable and responsible. The same should apply however to welfare. If you take welfare you should undergo drug testing and agree not have children until you are able to provide for yourself.

Haggard is victim of his own preachings and our society's narrow ideals. We need to open our minds and let people live without having to worry about being themselves and talking about sexuality.

As a democrat, I’m a shame of the Democratic Party right now. They talked about change the last two years and yet they lowering themselves to the Republican Party level (deceitful) by adding non sense things into a stimulus package that’s suppose too help the people. I just want to say thank you Anderson because your show was the only one that totally broke it down.

@carlo This is not funds from TARP this from the $819B stimulus package

I think the stimulus package will help get the economy moving. I am disappointed that democrats put in some projects that will do little to stimulate the economy. I don't want to go into debt to pay for condoms and STD education. Hopefully the Senate will get rid of these worthwhile projects that don't stimulate the economy.

Roger Rutschman

I sit here watching tv about this new stimulus bill and the Wall Street bonuses – absolutely sick to my stomach. Was Congress so ignorant that they never saw Wall Street thumbing their noses after they received the bailout? You had to know it was going to occur.

As for the bailout bill – Please don't pass it. We can't afford any more. Permanent tax cuts that put money into the working man's pocket is the best solution to stimulating the economy. Why is this concept so difficult to grasp??

Bonuses are a terrible way to spend chinas money!!!

I think the Republicans need to be schooled on the concept of compromise...Obama conceded two or three points in the bill–I haven't heard a Republican yet talk about what they like about the stimulus bill–give and take...not take and take and take...

The problem with the bill is the pork for stuff that doesn't matter. By the end of February we could have $5 million unemployed people. With increase unemployment we will be generating more unrest for people. What surprises me is that with all of these unemployed people that they are not protesting in front of the White House.

will other country's be allowed to bid on stimulis programs,and will legal citizans only be used in projects?

Ceo's are just reaping and benfiting from this i can't take any more people being out of work it should be the other way aroungd .

Corporate Officers are so used to stealing Americans blind, they dont think there is anything wrong. We must tax their bonuses at a rate of 98%

Nice Casey J – I agree with you re: Marketing + PR. Same way President Obama was elected, not on his stellar track record. Although he has my backing now that he's Pres. -

Should President have ability to make the bonus cuts... Absolutely... I just received notice from my Mayor that he is implementing a 10% pay cut in my salary and eliminating all paid holidays... All without my approval even though we have a contract.

I am very encouraged to see the President and First Lady Obama bringing their kids. Maybe they are not doing this as an intentional action – but as the right starts in on the left and so on – seeing an american family bring their kids to school was a huge piece of video tape. This first african-american president is inside the biggest bubble – most security and on and on... but that video and photo said they are just like me or us. Anyone see where I am going there...?

I am so shocked to see the comments on this blog.
I have been a business man for 35 years. And yes I make a decent living because I have worked very hard.

It is obvious to me that most of the comments come from the have not's that if they do not wake up to what they are doing to their own lives will never make much out of their lives.

If you really think all this spending is going to do anything you had better go back to school and study economics a little more closely.

These bail outs have been proven time and again by many countries to NOT WORK...Wake up people.
You are sealing your own doom.

This is so predictable. The media leads with the story of 18 billion in bonuses for Wall Street executives and you people eat it up. When the real story is the hundreds of billions in payoffs that make up this so-called "stimulus plan". The only thing this plan does is line the pockets of the people that got Obama elected. You voted for it.....You got it!

Anderson – It was mentioned on your show that President Obama's desire to hold the banks accountable for handing out extravagant bonuses to top executives smacked of socialism. Ideologues who suggest this need a reality check. When taxpayers ask the banks for money, the banks have the right to set the conditions. If the banks are asking for taxpayers' money, should not the taxpayers have that same right?

Rod Blago is acting as if this is a criminal trial, it's not. This is politics.....sorry.

On the surface one might not see how these provisions would stimulate the economy but they would give jobs to people when you think about how they would be done, who would do them. Even teaching our young people about how to prevent STDs which is epidemic would create jobs in solving that, among other health related problems. If we can do something for Iraq, we can do something to help ourselves.

The actions of these CEOs are despicable, they are holding our country hostage? How are they different from terrorists?

It's a wise desicion to cancel the bonus for the topmanagment in the financial sector after this melting-down.

One aspect of a bonus is the fact, that the surplus of honoration could be understood as an act of activ corruption. The employe is fixed to do everything to get this bonus. And that is not always the best for the economy as we all can see now!

"he should back that promise up with a veto threat if the bill doesn’t remove the pork"

ABSOLUTELY, Mike!!!

@Chris, how did you feel about the last "bailout package," that was pushed by the Republicans? DO you support that because you are a Republican? I hope not...

@claire: I just have another question: Why are the same CEOs still in office if they brought their companies to bancruptcy? It is just unbelievable...

I process payroll and there are some individuals whose gross income is based on bonuses alone. How do they determine of this wall street bonus issue which individuals receiving excess bonuses vs salaries based on bonuses alone?

I think wall street is ridiculious and I'm sure their wages are inflated. I'm not defending them by any means, but I just want to throw that out there as some reasoning for this issue. Maybe I'm nieve.

I think that President Obama needed to show feeling , especially when it comes to this subject of deceitful, selfish, greedy CEOs that outrages so many
People can easily become agitated when people in power don't seem to realize the struggle average Americans go through daily
It is outrageous that these same people are receiving such substantial "bonuses" and yet are laying off thousands of people
These are the type of people who should be fired... not Rod Blagojevich

The items cited are only examples of the pork, not a comprehensibve list. More than 25% of the $800 billion is estimated to be non-stimulus in nature. That's $200 billion. Not trivial.

yes belin, the money will come from foreign countries in part, we used to buy our own bonds but now only about half the rest comes from overseas, thats why you hear that were borrowing money from the chinese and the arab world to buy foreign oil....

only 54% of people voted for obama. that means just under half of the country doesn't want spending bill. i think the dems could care less about bipartisanship. it's their chance to hammer through what they want and reward who they want.

As for the stimulus, sure there's pork in it–that's politics. But I think the naysayers are missing the point. "Pork" creates jobs. tax cuts diminish gov't revenue (good) and will only slow layoffs in this recession. We have to create buyers of goods and services first, then ease taxes.

If the Republicans are going to act like this when a concerted effort for bipartisanship was made by President Obama, I say its time to just ignore them. There failed economic policy's of the last 8 years are what got us into this mess, tax breaks don't work!

On the bailout-
money to the national endowment for the arts is displayed as a waste of money, that's wrong, we artists need jobs too. Roosevelts WPA put thousands of artists to work on public buildings.

Does the Blagojevich debacle affect the larger public? I know it's sensational news but it seems so minor a blip.

President Obama today tols the Wall Street Banks their bonuses were "shameful". The proposed Stimulus Plan is equally "shameful". As far as I can determine, there is little if any true stimulus in this pork filled proposal. Volcano monitoring, STD education etc.... Where are the jobs? What is in this for the average working (or unemployed) American?

Anderson,
Hi!
I'm very glad the Blagojevich trial is finished–I didn't really expect it so soon.

Any day now, Blagojovich is going to end up having his own theme song. He sure looks like a tv sitcom to me. Good Lord. We will be hearing about this forever.

If the Governor has so much to say, why not say it. Is there a gag order to speak?

Anderson, That's what they all say!

I am a conservative and want to give my two cents. I am angry that my tax dollars are now into the hands of some failing company's executives' boat, massive house, fine dining, etc. I am glad that the Illinois Gov is out of office as he is delusional. I am against the current form of the Stimulus package due to the non-job building inclusions. I like Obama, am glad he is President, and have hope that his leadership will steer our country forward...the way I look at forward, of course.

Kudos to Roland Martin. He really nailed it when he compared a court bankruptcy to this bonus mess. The federal govenrnent is giving these bailouts from taxpayer money and we have every right to ask questions and impose stipulations.

I would enjoy seeing a names of the CEOs and banks published. It is merely a sign of the self centered greed which tends to be so popular on all levels of our soceity.

Blago has reached a Joe the Unlicensed Plumber level of annoying.

The stimulus package? Reprehensible! $10 billion in PORK, which doesn't exist anywhere so we will have to print it up, and without having any impact on getting the economy moving again. PORK for liberal agenda items. Politicians lining their pockets in the name of helping others. The president should be as angry at this as he is about Wall Street executives giving themselves undeserved bonues. Conveniently hypocritical.

How exactly is pouring more money into the economy going to help?

Oh, right. We're letting those CEOs get even more bonuses.

Has Blagojevich ever been evaluated by a psychologist? That would be fun!

I saw Blagojevich's whole press conference and I'm still amazed at how good he is. So is it a new talk show for him now?

why is no one outraged at the billions we have spent in iraq?? how is that going? hmmm how about the billions that were somehow lost when we took over? get a grip, righties, care about people instead of wars of choice. when you lose your job and benefits, you will cry the loudest.

As to the Wall St Banks – NATIONALIZE them and put the bankers on the GS pay schedule with regular government employees.

The President is worried about the wall street bonuses and their accountability...where is the accountability for the bailout bill? There are billions of dollars in special earmarks in this bill that will not stimulate the economy, but will make a lot of voter districts very happy. Unfortunately, the rest of the country will have to pay off this debt for decades.

It's somewhat nice to know Blagojevich was ousted. Could you imagine the corruption if he had become a precendent?

I totally support him continuing to pursue his interests and causes, but even if he was completely innocent, and he behaved this way, it would seem incredibly shifty.

Blagojevich is no different then any other politician...its all about favors and unwritten deals, the only difference is he got busted...and we are yet to see clear evidence of his shenanigans

Anderson,

As a tax paying citizen, I am really glad to learn that Prez. Obama plans to crack down on the avaricious and shameful wall street executives. These folks have no compunction about spending billions of dollars on bonuses when America and it's people are reeling in this terrible downturn which was precipitated by unbridled greed and unregulated, unaccountable practice of capitalism.

Hope to see this payback down to the hard working, honest tax paying citizen.

Indira

Hi Anderson, Erica and everyone else!

I'm glad Obama isn't pleased by these CEO's either. I hope he can get through to them.

Are these financial people oblivous to the rest of the world? It makes no sense for executives who's company is failing, to get a bonus. If it were anyone else, they'd be fired.

I find it odd that Obama said initially that people who made $200,000 or less would see these refund checks now suddenly it has been revised to $75,000?

Well that is sad because most people who make up to $200,000 are one parent working the other stay at home so they need a break at this horrible time too!

anyone making $75,000 or less pays so little in taxes that they will be given more money then they actually put into the system, so how exactly is this helping?

I don't understand how anyone could question whether the President can stipulate how the private sector uses this bailout money. Sure, it would go against America's free-market principles, but I do not remember hearing any of those CEOs refusing government money because it violated their "capitalistic values". If they are going to accept our money then they must also accept our President's stipulations to curb corporate greed.

I applaud the Illinois Senate for holding their elected officials accountable....One small step.....

The stimulous package is also about the long run. If all you do is plan for a short stimulus, we'll end up in the same boat. Why can people not see that this is also seeding a future economy?????

This is so embarrassing for Ill. First Repub Ryan goes to jail, so we vote in Dems. Now Dem Blago gets impeached. Time to go back to Repubs?

Hey – I work in state government doing energy policy. The 8.7 billion to modernize federal buildings has a lot to do with making them more energy efficient, which is greatly necessary and will create jobs.

Also, if you don't think federal buildings need to be modernized, take a walk through the halls of the Dept. of Energy across from the Smithsonian in DC. It's horrible.

I'd love to hear David talk about what will it take to increase bipartisan support of the Recovery/bailout funds?

Ha! The only IL legislator who voted for Blagojevich was his sister-in-law in the House. I wonder if she'll visit him in prison or counsel her sister to get a divorce.

evening, bloggers!

That rule needs to be changed. If any government official is convicted of corruption they should lose their pension.

That is PORKS.!!!!!!!!! 100%
Not help to the economy

When people criticize others for purchasing a jet that in turn hurts others. My home town relies on those purchases. Over 4600 people have been subject to lay offs. The government needs to quit dictating how they spend their money. Why don't these politicians get rid of their private planes? The Obama team is disgusted? Well, knowing that friends and family members are out of a job; I am disgusted.

The Wall Street execs are just like the GOPs and some dems. they're all out for themselves and to heck with everyone else.

Evening Erica

Wow! Charlene, I like your thinking.

@Robyn, small business (which is responsible for 90% of job creation) will always take a backseat, AND "small" consumers like you and me are treated the same. We're all pawns.

I seriously doubt the President will sign this stimulus with "pork" in it., but for Congress to test him and put it in is waste of taxpayers time.

This idea might be way out there, but why doesn't Congress pass a Bill to tax the TARP Bankers' 2008 bonuses at a special rate of 100%. Their money can go right back into the pool where it belongs!

The political process needs to go vegetarian.

I can't believe that Blagojevich went on DL Hughly as well. He didn't miss a beat.

Hey Erica!

Businesses are preemptively laying off people now. The problem with giving them tax breaks is that the majority will just sit on it. It will not stimulate anything or save any jobs. However, giving tax breaks to the lowest tax bracket will be spent on things like bills and food.

It will be interesting, if Blagojevich gets indicted and goes to trial, whether he will get a fair jury. Especially since he's been doing the media blitz.

Call it what you want, but If the exec of banks don't want to be told what they can and can't do with the money then give it back. Hand outs should have strings attached.

hmmm... cow, steak, pork... will there be any crow ?

The Republicans and the CEO 's are both guilty of placing their political and personal welfare, ahead of the dire situation of America.
They need to be fired and stonewalling politicians should not be reelected.That is the only language they understand.

well, Blagojevich is certainly a well-rounded public speaker at home in the spotlight. has he ever been at a loss for words? or poetry?

@Mike, between 2000-2006 the economy DID grow. The recession just started in 2007. Hmmm, who took over Congress then?

This afternoon I check on TV ON CNN I was watching on Situation Room, there was breaking news , It's says that Blago ousted and removed his office today after senate vote says Yes all 59 senates.

I was just wondering if any would actually "CALL OUT" Obama for the simple fact that he WOULDN"T hire a lobbist.....Guess what he did.....His reason???????? Why doesn't the media do it's job and show the DOUBLE TALK Obama has done????

I wonder if Blagojevich will Call Out some people soon????? He sure does "Loves" to talk.... Can't wait for that....,.

It is like it always as been workers let go from there jobs or take a cut in pay managment keeps there pay and get a bonus. I was always told that you get a bonus when your company does well not when the need help to stay in business.

The 'so called' Huckabee Fair Tax HAS to be instituted!!!
WAGE controls, especially on executives.
PRICE controls, especially on interest rates.
OUTLAW credit cards – let organised crime handle loan sharking and usury.
If everyone lived within their incomes, everybody would have a job.
Lending for housing and businesses, ALL lending should not be allowed to exceed twice of prime!!!

Obama wants change to come .It's all about working together and making the economy grow again .The republicans need to not take aand take when will they stop acting like kids and do something logical.

So...it seems like the Republicans are fighting for tax cuts so that
all the Wall Street executives who have paid themselves 18 million
dollars in bonuses can get a further tax break and keep even more
of the TARP money

Hey...Erica is in the house!

Sam- Tell us More. 'Wall Street' is such a general term, it's hard for us to make a judgment when the wording is so broad. Does 'Wall Street' mean all banks too?

The pork in this bill is only unnecessary spending...
Therefore the way to save a bad economy is run up debt on projects we don't really need and then pass the problem on to the next generation?

Change we can believe in?

Hi, Erica! Good to see you on No Bias, No Bull tonight!

Erica, eating crow is for people who have some humility.

David Gergen is right, after the 700B bailout problems, you'd think Wall Street Banks would be more sensible about bonuses. Anderson, this was the point in your question too.

I think Obama reaching out to Republicans, working the phone? to Capitol Hill will help bring about more bipartisanship. Good to know as Dana Bash reports that is some bipartisan coming together on the Wall street bonuses.

Roland is right about members of congress sticking to their own philosophies.

Over how many companies, employees were those bonuses spread?

Both parties have done wrong by the American people which have led us to where we are today. Something has to be done about the greed on Wall Street while millions are losing jobs. Also, this Pelosi stimulus bill is a bunch of nonsense spending and won't help this mess!

Ted Haggard and his wife are both living in denial.

Erica, I'd bet there will be crow soon.

Have we ever heard the exact evidence and seen proof of the crimes they impeached Blago for? I know its about selling the senate seat, but what else have we seen?

that's a good one Erica

Well people if you expect these people on Wall Street or in Congress to relate to you or me you better think again!
They are all so lost and corrupt at this point they can never again relate to a normal working American!

Greed is one of the Seven deadly sins and it seems to be the biggest in America at the moment!

We the US taxpayers should be the worlds largest bank in the world and let the free markets work. When i need money, i borrow from a bank. Why should it be any different for a large bank that needs $10 billion. Lets loan money to those that qualify (assign banks a credit score) and draw up contracts just like a traditional commercial loan and charge them interest. If they default we can seize assets, charge penalties and apply the same rules that they enforce on us. Why give them free money. Somethink STINKS!!!

I don't think this stimulus package is going to work. I think it has so much junk in it that has nothing to do with New Jobs . It seems it's more of the same old thing.....of trying to PLEASE certain groups . I'm afraid for our country to go this far into debt. Some of this stuff in this so called stimulus package isn't for our economy, we should wait till America can get on it's feet before passing anything except if it can really Boot start our economy. And can anyone tell me what the HURRY is to pass this.....Everyone needs time to study it and think about it before we go this far into debt, maybe they are trying to push it thru....too fast. Also 4 Billion dollars for community groups like ACORN.....this is silly.

Also, if people are that mad about these execs then we just won't lend the money ever again. As the saying goes "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."

Here we go Ted Haggard. Why the fixation with his sexual orientation. Let it go.

they got citigroup to back out of buying the jet, but I've heard they are still paying the Mets $500M to have their name put on the new stadium. Anyone know if this is true? I'll really be disgusted if it is.

Good evening Erica!

Thx God it's about time that someone come along with the rest of this beautiful country and expose these people for who they really are. Thx u Mr. President!

Anderson,
great plug for D.L. Hughley's show! I'm a fan of the show! That should be an interesting interview with D.L. and Rob Blagojevich!

Hey Erica love the way you and Anderson lighten it up every now and then..Helps us deal with this depressing news we get all the time

Haggard...seriously....who r u kidding? someone should tell this guy he is gay. its difficult to watch

I'm not sure i understand what the problem is. With the exception of the 7.7b Federal Building Upgrades (which literally means sound construction projects) the total of the projects in Tom's Report comes to a staggering 0.39% of the entire package.

If that report outlined what House Republicans are seriously pointing to as "flagship waste" then CNN and everyone else should laugh them off the island. They're simply nitpicking and grandstanding. After 8 yrs of far-right leadership, the realistic republicans have no idea what they are supposed to do. I guess it feels natural for them to just be oppositional.

The feeding frenzy seems more a media blitz than an historical epic.

There will be a lot of crow. The more partisan these republicans become, the more they disconnect from independents and their soft-base.

Thank you Roland, for clearing up the nonsensical criticism that oversight of how the banks spend our HARD-EARNED tax dollars is socialism. We've already allowed them to privatize the wins and socialize the losses, at THEIR request, but they–TRUE TO FORM–decided to steal our money (it IS ours after all), instead of using it to fix the problem THEY caused. I enjoy Anderson (we share alma mater), but as a staunch liberal, Roland, YOU THE MAN!

Erica Good to see you on the blog tonight Why is it called pork? and the ceo's should eat crow

Hi Erica....... Love your show..... keep up the good work !!

I voted for barack but this stimulus sounds like somebody let nancy pelosi loose with the federal checkbook!

They should enforce the remainer of the monies fall under the new rules what will be setup under President Obama and /or those who are extreme, request the money be returned; it is appearent that the money was not needed in the first place if they can spend it on all the bells and whistles and not use it for what it was intended.

Bravo to Roland!!!!

It is unbelievable that Republican politicians don't get it . . . their way of doing business has not been good for America . . . it has certainly been good for them personally, but it is so obviously not good for America, the average American worker and the majority of American taxpayers . . . in my opinion, the type of behavior that they insists on continuing to display is downright unpatriotic

Can we make it mandatory that some of these politician and CEO's have to "life swap" with an ordinary person for 6 months. They can't use their money, friends or contacts but work within the real world. Make them find a job in a high unemployment area, work within the system to get healthcare, find assistance to pay a delinquent morgage, bills,etc.. Do you think it would change anything? I wouldn't mind playing CEO.

ex-governer of Illinois is the crow....

Cute , real cute Erica

Jeff, Thanks for the Blago info on the webcast!

This stimulus package is the biggest joke I've ever seen. Millions of Americans investing their hard earn (tax) dollars in something that will never pay off in the end. Mr. Madoff has nothing on our politicians, this bailout is the biggest Ponzi Scheme ever......

Hi Erica! cow,steak, pork, crow, will there be any spinach?
Barf~I'll take the veggies. i just hate eating my friends.
Are you going to do the story with Gary Tuchman and the anti-Obama state of Texas? That is so embarrassing! I love pres. Obama

Yes Erica,

I feel in the end they will all be eating a lot of crow! LOL!

Hey Erica,
Why don't we hear how education is covered in the stimulus package?

Erica, there will be that and so much more. I'm with EJ, talk show has to be in the works.

4.8 million claims (not including the currents stats) ... It seems the pain is just being felt by farmers, workers, and the unreported claims.

Blago–I almost feel sorry for him...of course my husband always says I could find something nice to say about the devil...

did the past few years of tax cuts creates jobs

I am, as most are, appalled by the bonuses Wall Street is awarding its own this year. Point-of-fact, however: Roland Martin is wrong to claim that these bonuses represent a betrayal of the public trust by investment banks that voluntarily took public money and then stuffed it into their own pockets. The major investment banks were, as is well known, compelled by the government to accept bailout money so that the weak would not be made weaker by being singled out for help in the bailout process. What the banks have done is irresponsible, but where there is no choice whether to take government money, the taking of that money cannot be the primary ground of criticism concerning the business decisions made by still-private firms.

what is all the uproar about?? the bonuses the wall streeters received was possible because the TARP basically said (between the lines): "go ahead, take as much of a bonus as you like; don't sweat it, it's not a problem" and now the people who wrote the TARP are "outraged"??

I have faith that President Obama will get these folks that is getting bonuses with our money.

@Cherry B, I love all the CNN analysts but David G. Roland M. and Ali V. are my favorites. I love how all three tell it like it is but explains it on all levels. They're not #1 for nothing:)

We are moving forward with a stimulus packabe that I believe was flawed from its inception and contains spending that will not add jobs. The congress should seperate the bill into two catagories, one that adds jobs and one that is normal subsidies. This package even contains money for Amtrac who has never made money in 40 years and requires a subsidy of about $290 everytime someone boards the train. It is a pitty that at a time like this we have a bill written by the speaker of the house and not by a bypartisan group.

all the money the world lost, is a payment for things to come.
they didnt want to tax us openly, so they got it this way.
what a joke.

What I don't understand is why people aren't "outraged" about how congress has/or will try to spend our money..... Everyone is sooo outraged about ceo bonuses etc..... But why aren't they upset about Congress and how they are trying to spend "our" money??????? Government hasn't "Ever" been able to go a good job with our money so why do you think it's going to work this time????

Hi, Erica!
Good night!

The day isn't the most encouraging (at least for me), but we will move on!

PS. You look great in green! Super stylish!

I'm a republican and voted for Obama. The congress needs to get their head out of the sand, and especially the Republicans. They need to be a part of making decesions and not just sitting around like a bunch of cry babies.

Erica,
You honestly think a politician is going to admit their mistakes? Good luck on that one. I would like you to find me one politician who actually read the whole plan. Just one.

Even though the bonus's on wall street were paid at the wrong time .... i.e. in the heat of a recession and gov't bailout syndrome. I have very serious reservations about any branch of the gov't dictating paymemnts tmade in the private sector. As Ed Henry said "socialism" . Be careful some day it may be your check that is dictated by the gov't.

@Minou, BLAGO reminds me of Dan White (and he looks like him, too). Seemingly coherent and in control but open up that mind and there is trouble inside–a time bomb ready to go off.

Suddenly conservatives are alarmed at the deficit the stimulus package would create. Where were all these conservatives when Bush was running up the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars every year for the war in Iraq, during a time of tax cuts for the wealthy? Those tax cuts didn't dig us out of the hole then during a growing economy. Why would they dig us out now under a nose-diving economy?

@Taylor: If the Republicans are going to act like this when a concerted effort for bipartisanship was made by President Obama, I say its time to just ignore them.

The Dems DID ignore their suggestions. That's why the bill got no Rep. votes. Obama asked for suggestions then said they wouldn't get what they wanted because he won. Is that bipartisan?

2/3 of stimulus package? Wasteful while we're losing jobs/homes. I applaud Pres. Obama for his crackdown on CEO's. Don't stop there. We're scrimping/saving while oil company execs/employees are using limos, expense accts, dinners, etc. to jet company execs around the world, while gasoline prices are going up daily from pure greed. Frugality needs to be an American team effort. Bring Jack Welch on board.

I stand behind our president and I'm sure he means to do well by this stimulus package;
However myself who has studied vast and deep into this economic situation for a long time can tell you that this 650 page stimulus package which I have actually read will do very little to bring any relief to "We The People" anytime soon enough to be of real help.

In other words, it's a bit like trying to bail out the Titanic with a bucket
( with several holes in it ! ) Help ! S.O.S.

Girard, Rochester,NY.

"The People" are living on "Pork and Beans" because the government and big company ceo's have been stuffing themselves with "Pork and Bonuses" for too long.

Anderson, We need to support our country & pray that this stimulus
package does the job!

Blagojevich is not the hero he is trying to make himself out to be...trust me...But I still feel that Fitzgerald's high profile press conference might make it more difficult to get a conviction.

hey erica

how about that endowment to the arts – thats a great idea

Um I have to say that when you cut millions of jobs but then turn around and purchase a jet that does not say anything to me but GREED!

one jet might help your town but all those people who LOST their jobs hurt their families, children, schools and the whole state!

As a businessman, the credit crunch is primarily the cause of the ecomony being stiffled at this point. There is no money being lent by the banks which have used our tax money to bail them out. The banks are using the funds provided by us to purchase other banks , (Wells Fargo / Wachovia) rather than lending to keep the businesses moving. We must convince the lending instuititions to do thier part in loosening the credit requirements for private projects.

I also was forwarded directive from the Department of Defense / NASA postponing the requirement of all workers on Federally Funded projects to be cleared through the E Verify program. So Much For the Protection of The American Taxpaying Citizen!!!

I have still to hear anyone point out the details in this stimulus plan that will directly affect these unemployed workers besides tax cuts and food stamps.

Perhaps the government should take over the banks. Seems to work pretty well here in Canada.

I have a 4 year college degree too...and I'm quickly learning the value of it! The best part is that when I was in high school we were told that there would be a plethora of jobs that would be waiting for us we graduated and they would all want to hire us North Dakotans!

Taylor, I agree that the 8 years of Bush economics has been a disaster. I hope Obama will continue listening to Republican's. If he does and they don't react positively the American public will notice and through them out in two years.

Roger Rutschman

Oh boy more layoff people all companies!!! Ouch!!!!!!!!

There are no work hours in retail! A store gives its employees work hours according to how much they make each day (simplified).

Caterpillar's business model is going south because of the slowdown hitting international markets more than anything. There is virtually no (major) business that is insulated because we're in a global decline.

More than anything, they need to be held accountable. That should include paying back ALL bonus money since it actually belongs to the American people. They make more money in 1 hour than I do in a week collecting unemployment since my lay off. Plus they get a yearly bonus that is more than I can even pray to make for the rest of my life.

Hi Megan, i don't think my first comment got through. I don't think Obama is taking Republicans to task about the bonuses, mainly he's looking at Wall Street compensation practices.

I wonder if Catepillar would be poised to hire more if the stimulus package passes soon?

i do not think any bonuses should be given to anyone in the companies that are accepting bailout money which is paid by taxpayers. my entire retirement is invested in stock market and at present time i have lost over $100,000 dollars in the past year.

We will not stimulate our economy if we send all jobs to India and China. Every store in this country sells only Made in China stuff. If you want to buy something Made in USA you have to spend hours to look for it. I bet that when you go to store in China you will not find that many consumer goods that are made in USA. What king of fair trade is this? We have this global crisis because our consumers do not have money to buy this junk made in China. We need to buy made in USA products only and keep our jobs here.

@ Gary in Canada: Let the mob run the credit card business. I thought they ran the buy here, pay here stops and pawn shops already.

The job market looks dismal. I was hoping that the stimulas package would help my kids to get jobs. I'm talking to them about grad school instead.

Thankfully Jeff Toobin answered my inquiry. So IF they find Blagojovich gulity he MAY lose his benefits? At least there is that.

Thanks Jeff.

Hi Erica,
Please report on Manufacturing,
This will bring back jobs

Anderson,
Why till now there is no lay off in senate house and congress?!!!!

smart by obama to play nice cause it looks like the republicans threw us under the bus

I bet that everybody has friends that lost their job in the last couple of months. I wonder what's going to happen with these people in the next few months? It's going to be very tough for all of us...

Daniel, absolutely. We've already seen that businesses either sit on tax cuts or take it an invest it for their own benefit. Tax cuts have some place, but what I hear from republicans is that they are the answer. If they were the answer we would not be where we are now. Have people forgotten that?

how about the other end of the working mans pay scale, how can some janitors (read-essensial service) get payed 23 bucks/hr yet others get only minimum wage. Same with maintenance mechanics, some get 40/hr at the big three, yet at tier 2 & 3 plants they make 15 to 22/hr. additional benefits are another topic

My 41 person moving company is down to 8 part time workers. If we don't get money from the stimuls plan into the housing market problem I won't be able to keep those 8 people employed either. Real money must go to real people!!!

@Mike, between 2000-2006 the economy DID grow. The recession just started in 2007. Hmmm, who took over Congress then?

A recession just doesn't hit out of nowhere without any previous signs or troubles in the economy. It got worse in 2007 but you don't have to be an economist to know that isn't when the troubles started.

C'mon Anderson! Make them honest! Pulled Pork is always better!!! Please don't cave like the mainstream media!!!! Make Pelosi, Dodd, and Frank honest for a change!!!!

Ted Haggard, how can he engage in sexual acts successfully on drugs? You'd think that the drugs would considerably diminish performance. Obviously, I don't know......

It might be interesting to calculate the cost of removing Blagojevich's name from all the public places it is plastered in IL like the Tri-State Tollway open road tolling. Since any elected official is only in office temporarily, (some more temporarily than others) we tax payers do not need the expense of feeding an ego or promoting the next campaign. Maybe stopping the practice nationwide would be a "change" we need.

Mr. Haggard, Denial isn't a river in Egypt.

Have a good night everyone 1
Anderson Erica and 360 team always a pleasure to blog with you.

Can someone explain to me what a heterosexuals with complications is? Does that mean a straight man that reads/watches porn? Clueless here.

Ted, I think the main concern should be what you like or don't like about yourself.... not what you like or don't like about any other person.

Why does Haggard struggle with not being gay? Either you are or not...and it's OK...I don't understand this denial...

How about the trickle up theory? We'd all be better off...except for executives who give themselves massive bonuses.

I don't want to hear about this Haggard guy masturbating.

ok I have to say this I really don't care about some corrupt preacher and his sex addictions!

Really there are more important things going on in this country!

This guy has to deal with this on his own!

I don't get the Republican objection on the federal buildings - the idea is to improve energy efficiency. It creates jobs now and has a long term payoff by reducing future energy costs. To me, this is a smart choice!

Jo Ann you are right, they are both in denial. I am sure their are others out there that do the same thing.

UGH, Ted Haggard aggravates me in ways that I never knew could be aggravated!

Ted Haggard and his wife are in SERIOUS denial about his sexual identity and his therapist seems to be encouraging it.

Mike–even though the recession started in 2007, it is what went before that created the enviroment for the recession to occur–it didn't just marterializeww the minute that Dems took control of congress.

I think Obama is sincere in trying to be bipartisan. Pelosi and Reid however don't want any of it, and are loading this bill up with what THEY want. Obama will have to draw the line and keep his promise of no pork, or accept that Congress is the real President for the next 4 years. This is his first big test.

a guy runs into your office ,the banks need 800 billion, this is the same guy that worked for the banks that paid him $400000000 ,, will they take a cheque?

It is all good the president signed the pay-equity law, sends a good message. But how many women out there dont have a clue what their male counterparts earn. People dont go flashing their pay stubs.

Your a heterosexual with homosexual "implications" and I'm a Democrat with Republican tendencies (independent). LOL!!!! Oh, Lord. This guy is so messed up.

I can't believe (in the U.S.) we're so "open" that we can now talk about "masturbation" on primetime broadcasts. My God, I MUST be getting old!

@Craig, I think government should step in when the private sector has turned to the government for bailout money. If they had handled their problems without thought turning to the govt. for our money the govt. wouldn't have a say.

PS Can i apply for a Bailout?

i wonder what it would be like to be in Mrs. Haggard's position. whatever the details of his sexual orientation and activities, it appears as though they had a strong, close, intimate relationship. they are still together as a family unit. they have obviously worked through some very difficult issues together. interesting.

Haggard is a phony! Give me a break. I have news for his wife, he's GAY!
Next story~

I'm pretty sure I heard Obama at least once, saying that he wasn't going to allow lobbyists to influence him, well this bill has "Lobbyists" written all over it, and I haven't even seen the half of it yet.

Yeah David in Indiana...
I wonder that republicans won't vote that bill package for people..... I am concern our money to lost or lose our homes like that........

Oy! Haggard and Blagojevich are both trainwrecks!

You know, the kind where you tell yourself you won't watch as it happens, but you do it anyway...

Hi, instead of bailing out the backs and wall st. How about bailing out the little guy and forgive everyone credit card balance and mortgage. That would be like hitting a reset button and then everyone would have the money to spend on new items again and get the economy going. This would work great. Ted, Flushing,NY

Yeah back to the real news!
Why are there no layoffs in congress or Government?

why are they not taking pay cuts? No bonuses?

C’mon Anderson! Make them honest! Pulled Pork is always better!!!

I looove pulled pork. It's been a long time since I've had that. Darn this economy. I want some pulled pork, steak fries, and baked beans.

What is the deal with haggard? I mean come on this is getting ridiculous in my opinion.

Ok question if your child asked you for $350,000 bucks, and you were dumb enough to just hand it over and they came back for more in 6 months, would you investigate before you handed over your money again?? you would ask the first time, This is why the government and people have a right to demand limitations on pay and bonuses unless and until they are independently profitable again, (period)
I want to know how the folks that think this is ok, feel when they go to the grocery store and see someone useing food stamps then see that person get in a cadillac or lexus outside the store, please explain i want to understand if you have different reactions to the two situations

Please! Enough about this idiot Ted Haggard. Why are you enabling him? He obviously enjoys the attention–I don't. There are more important stories to discuss.

I'm with you Maureen! Where do I pick up an application?

Funny how Sarah Palin wants to go to that dinner in Washington this weekend because Obama is going to be there.

Hello everyone - we are all stunned by those $18 billion in bonuses for Wall Street execs last year - the same companies that lost $35 billion and came hat in hand to Washington.

MaryBeth raises a good question tonight: can Washington do anything? Answer: yes, the goveernment can certainly pressure the firms not to pay the bonuses. Bank of America is reportedly moving in that direction, so that those $4 billion that Merrill Lynch promised its execs last December won't be paid this February as promised (something apparently causing outrage among the Merril folks). Ultimately, if the govt invests more in these companies, it can fire top people, as it did when it essentially took over Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.

With public outrage so high at these excesses, key now is to watch how Obama tries to crack down when he announces his new plans next week. Thanks for joining in tonight.

Honestly, I think Haggard is bi. I know a loooot of gay men, and everyone of them would cringe with disgust at the thought of touching a woman's breast. Obviously Haggard had plenty of sex with his wife..

So is Hagard now accepting of all people and does he believe that God created us all Gay, Hetrosexual, black, white, etc. ?

Something about his apology is just not sitting right with me. As a alledged man of God, he should have known not to judge, hate, blah, blah, blah. Seems to me that he just wants to be back in the money.

He wasn't thinking about his little boy, why should anyone else? What a horrible apology to that guy. .

I agree with others, Four nights of Ted Haggard is too much. What about some info on Afghanistan and our troops. We've forgotten them.

Haggard is ridiculous! A heterosexual with "complications?" Who is he trying to kid?

Our maybe they threw themseles under the bus if this works whats a new name for a old party

It was encouraging to hear President Obama comment on the Wall Street Bonus payouts. We couldn't agree with him more! We hope CNN AC360 will publicly post the names of the people that voted to award the bonuses and the people that accepted them.

thank You Betty I feel the same way can we move on?

I am sick of corrupt preachers we know most religious leaders are just human! OK! enough said let them deal with their own demons we have a crisis in America pay attention!

It seems like Haggard is being very honest about what he did and did not do. Maybe a little too honest.

It makes me terribly sad that if the man is gay, he feels for whatever reason that he cannot admit it. This is what this country has created for people. It is so sad. Live and let live, people.

I really want to hate Haggared but i just feel bad for him, no matter who you are or what you believe sexuality is a complicated issue

Of course he's in denial JEEZ ...I can see this to be a funny skit for SNL this weekend..Blago, Palin, Haggard

What kind of therapist is Ted Haggard going to? He's gay. The only complication is that he's in denial.

Renee: I think is deciding if he is bisexual, lol

Thanks Genevieve....we seem to pass over the news of train wrecks more quickly than we do the personalities that flash in the pan.

I was a bit surprised at how unflinching the Larry King interview was. I was impressed.

Onto Haggard, I don't know what exactly he hopes will come of this media blitz. It seems a little unnecessary. I'm beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in his own ordeal, as it would certainly be easy to exploit.

As for this line about being a "heterosexual with homosexual tendencies," he needs a new therapist. In English, that's bisexual.

The worst thing Haggard did was to condemn people for their choices when he was making similar if not same choices. To judge others so harshly has bomeranged and I think he has already suffered enough.
I feel sad for him as he is struggling with something that appears to be a personal challenge of choice, temptation, and preferences.

On the otherhand, I also hope he is not staging compassion for himself and having moved people before is doing it again by using the media and acting.

Please don't waste your time and mine with this disgraced preacher who can't decide whether he's gay or straight. Why give him even one moment in front of the camera? Don't we all have more important things to be concerned about?

It seems as if Haggard is saying what he can in order to get around the situation. Whose to say that a few years from now the same sort of scandal won't happen again. I think that's a fair assumption, looking at his record.

-Joe

Haggard is the perfect example of how twisted one can become if they let religion rule their life. His repression of his homosexuality is sad. He can't even admit it to himself. At his age, he should at least be able to admit it to himself. Very sad.

The hugh bonuses paid by companies asking for government handouts is beyond outrageous. I would like to see Congress pass a law retroactively taxing those bonuses at 90%, and at the same time making them NOT tax deductable by the companies that paid them. I doubt they would have the courage to do this, but it would certainly be an appropriate response.

Andrson,
Ted Haggard needs to come to terms with who he is. Like I've said before, the truth will set him free. He's obviously not comfortable admitting that he is gay or bisexual. It's a tricky issue. Ted keeps hiding behind the bible...

Erica I enjoyed your intvw w/ Jeffery Toobin good question about implicit acknwldgmnt of slicing and dicing, quid pro quo

Megan, I agree w/ Jeffery Toobin, Blagojevich was all on his own, no lawyer, and shld have been more deeply involved in the process to address the impeachment articles. I do feel he loves the people of Illinois, as he said, and wants to serve them. He seems to have been overexuberant in some ways, but a better defense would maybe have saved him.

On the bonuses on Wall Street, I agree w/you that is a lot of money, a stunning amount as David and Anderson said.

I am thinking that the good Pastor Ted Haggard is a closet gay man and is in huge denial. At the very least he is bi-sexual. And I think that he has no reason to be ashamed of it. The only thing he has to be ashamed of is lying to himself and his family. His wife loves him dearly, that is plain to see, but my goodness, its time to get out of the closet and deal with real life. There is nothing to be ashamed of just because your hardwiring happens to be different from most.

Ted Haggard is a hot mess, and should be ashamed to be in public. His wife is dumb as two left shoes, and should have left him.

Renee, sorry I meant He is deciding if he is bi-sexual, sorry

Enough of Haggard please!

Ted H., you are a sick man and I feel sorry for your wife and kids.

I CANNOT believe that ANYONE believes you can go from having sex with men on the side to not.....IT DOES NOT HAPPEN!!! He is lying!

Everytime Ted and his wife categorize his gay "tendencies" as being a mental disorder or that it is a result of confusion they are insulting the entire gay population. Obviously his opinion of gays has not changed.

50 million is a pittance as far as this bill goes and the arts are just like small businesses. They aren't talking about movie stars. It is for the artists who make the same or less than many of us, yet let that voice go out and we lose part of our culture and our civilization. It isn't just actors, but musicians, stage hands, extension arts centers, and much much more. It's still about keeping jobs.

I am saddened by the actions of Ted Haggard, but thankful we serve a God who is forgiving and who asks those who believe in Him to forgive. Ted's wife is one strong woman – and I'm sure some people may feel she's a doormat but I disagree, she believes in her family and in her God.
He is still struggling and has to make a choice but she stands firm in her faith in God!

It is interesting that Haggard can now "dismiss" his homosexual tendencies like a smoker can dismiss a cigarette craving. Maybe someone will come out with a homosexuality patch.

Mr. Haggard is truly an amazing man. I believe everyone has a black cloud, and it you ask for forgiveness from yourself and God, you will be blessed with God's love, grace and forgiveness. Thank you for having him and his wife on your show.
May God's love and grace continue to be with this family

Wow-trying to figure out Haggard's wife

Ted mentioned what his therapist thought was his sexual orientation. The answer that matters is what you think Ted. And if you prefer men, god still loves you. What is so wrong with loving? Allow yourself to be authentic-it's ok.

OMG! Minou~ You might be right! Of course, he's bi~sexual! I am so glad we can diagnose this on the 360 blog!

I think it's important to realize that Reverend Haggard appears to be saying whatever it takes to return his life to the way that it was. You cannot have a psychologist tell you what your sexuality is. As a gay male, you must come to this realization on your own. He may never reach this conclusion. Acceptance is own of the hardest stages of starting to love yourself. Just ask Clay Aiken...

I don't believe the former pastor. I don't believe he isn't gay and that he is anywhere near completely healed. Over three decades of thinking secretly about men, doesn't just go away by praying to Jesus and seeing several psychologists.

Anderson, we're not so much talk about Haggard as much as talking about the fact that we are sick of talking about him.

David G.... you bring us back to what's affecting most people.... at least in the US.... I'm not sure that what affects the US really affects the majority of world citizens...

I support the economic stimulus package. The so-called "democratic add-ins" focus on improving the "American" situation which was sorely neglected by the previous Republican congress and president. Shame on all the "Republicans" who voted "no" – are they so insensitive to our people's plight that they voted to let us continue to wallow in their already deeply dug trenches!

Probably looking for a book deal.

It is people like Mr. Haggard who are only hurting the situation. To say that homosexuality can be fixed is outrageous. Take a look at the movie Prayers for Bobby. A true story about a mother who tried to fix her son who ended up killing himself because of it. Maybe we should look towards acceptance of the GBLT instead of trying to "fix" them.

OK, get off Haggard. It was all on King already. I have so little interest in some man's sexual struggles noted only because he was a famous pastor. Spare me.

A very simple thought – my opinions are neutral about mr Haggards actions. I am filled with respect for him that he's being frank, open and gracious about his actions.
Its what should be "Americas" road to forgiveness for him.

Does haggard get money for appearing on these shows. Enough is enough. He says the same thing. Frankly, I don't care

Why is it that when i get a loan from a bank i am required to abide by the rules of the bank and everything is monitored very closely, however, when the banks need our help and we borrow them money and “no one knows” where the money ($350 BILLION) went. WAKE UP PEOPLE, WE’VE BEEN SCAMMED!!!

Minou your right lets move on, there are so many more important things to talk about

Why does he think that he is not gay? If you like men, then you just like men. Plain and simple.

The new "stimulus" package is politics as usual. It's outrageous. The fact that Washington is trying to bail out anyone with our tax dollars is questionable at best.

this is so wrong to present such a false image of yourself and to propose that someone else should do the same, read a script and be right? what? today? so the script is right and we are not

The reverend 'sbehaviour is disgusting, but we should forgive him and pray for his recovery.

Not only he is in denial, he is downright lying. Isn't lying another sin in the bible ?

Heterosexual with complications???
Yikes!

I don't believe a word of what Haggard is saying.

I think the Ted Haggard story is really interesting because I was at New Life Church in the summer of 2005 for their youth summer conference called Desperation. I saw him preach one of the Sundays he was there. He seemed totally honest but we all have hidden sin in our lives. I think that when God is working through someone like that, the Enemy is going to try to attack you anyway he can in order to stop that. The man is only human and there is no sin that is too big for God's mercy. Just because he was a pastor doesn't mean he is perfect. My prayers are with him and his family.

Is anyone else sick of all this? Time after time these people come out apologizing that they did something as sick as this, and then people in the church, including the accused, preach against it in the pulpit. Does anyone else think that this screams of the utmost hypocrisy?

I pitty Ted Haggard. He has yet to reconile his homosexuality. He is very effiminate, that is for sure. He said he wanted to please God. How about being honest with himself? His wife is in such denial, as are his children. Has he no shame?

Ted Haggard is operating from a privileged standpoint. He's being courted as if he invented the cure for cancer. He's just a weak repressed man in denial about his sexuality.

So did Ted Haggard go to a bunch of different counselors until he heard one that was willing to tell him that his homosexuality is a psychological problem? He doesn't have any psychological problems, he's just gay. And if he's gay, so what?! Accept who you are and move on.

Why doesn't Ted Haggard admit that he is a besexual man instead of insisting that he is heterosexual man with complications.

Homosexual attachments......do you get that in emails? Maybe THAT'S my "problem!!!"

David Gergen, I hope President Obama uses every tool he has to hold the companies feet to the fire on the bonuses. They are making a sham out of the generous handout they got.

gonna have to wait and see what the wife says

I think Ted is hoping all this attention will lead to money. On Larry King he and his wife kept saying they want to tell their story. Tell it for money, I assume. And you can bet he'll be using the money to pay for more male prostitutes sooner or later.

There's nothing wrong with having trouble accepting your sexuality, although it's unfortunate and sad. However, his attacking gays and lesbians in his preaching was hypocritical and despicable.

Anderson,
I am surprised to see that you have stooped to reporting this type of story – to give this guy a platform for his sensationalism is only rewarding him for his sick acts.
I came home from a long day – hungry for news – There has to be a more newsworthy story – please!

I think the whole issue with Ted Haggard is a real life issue. But many would rather compartmentalize his behavior and explain it away as "denial". He should be given credit for even attempting to come to terms with something so complex in one's life.

What a great forgiving and loving family

I cannot believe the coverage on Haggard right now. It's ridiculous, but of course, it's this trend right now, you know?

Its funny that the CEOs of wall street get a bail out and someone like me who served in the military for over twenty years and now disabled can only receive 80% of his social security. Who needs the help ? People in the same situation as me. Unable to work and earn more money. I thank GOD for what I have. It seem rather odd that these CEOs get billion dollar bonuses and billion sin bail out money. They get the gold mine and the american people get the shaft.

I guess Ted thinks that the devil made him do "it!"

Would someone explain the bi-sexual thing to me? Can you really be true to yourself if you are bi-sexual or are you always fighting yourself at one point or another?

Of course I want to forgive Ted Haggard. But I can't help but wonder how many youngster are still hurting from something he said or preached to them.

Mr Haggard is in total denial of his sexuality. Picture this: if you are in bed with a man on one side a woman on the other and you stilll have arousal either side you turn, you are then a BI-Sexual man...Period Acceptence is the start of all healing.

Minou: I think Haggard is bisexual as well

@ Joshua T – As the ex-wfie of a gay man, you should not be so quick to judge Mrs. Haggard. Juse because someone is gay is no reason to turn on them. Think before you speak.

...and I'm a straight-acting, bi-male trippersexual with occasional manageable complications.

Are people out there really interested in this whole Haggard story. I'm sure not. Why do we care?

Cow, pig, crow … I think we are too high on the evolutionary chain. We should be talking about cockroaches

I think If Ted wants to say he is suppressing thoughts he can do it. Straight men suppress thoughts of lust toward women when they are married. There is no difference.

Let him work through his troubles.

the Reverend is gay, his wife needs a real man, but who cares

I really wish that Ted would recognize the pressure and inability to be real with the Gospel. I'm not hearing any real Living Gospel coming though his experience. He sounds like he is still covering up his real feelings. ... I'm a gay male and I fight these battles everyday.... I don't find a whole lot of comfort in his statements...

IMHO, sexuality is a personal and an intimate thing. He doesn't need to prove anything to the world but to himself and to the people who is important to him. He doesn't need to show or verbal about it either. I hope he finds happiness towards his journey.

Watched Erica's Live webcast for the first time. I think it is awesome if I know how to access it more.

I heard the excerpt of the Ted Haggard’s interview; you can’t help but feel sorry for the guy… I think he is in denial; it is truly a fundamental perception he has instilled in his mind about homosexuality and cannot truly accept or love himself for all he is. Unfortunately he is a carbon copy of a lot of evangelicals going through the same unnecessary mental trauma...

Haggard is a compulvise liar. He lies to himself, he lies to his wife, he lies to his church... I hope people who watch this realize how stupid it is to condemn homosexuality. We're in 2009. Get over it. A person's sexuality has nothing to do with their character.

Wish there had been more reporting on the equal pay legislation being signed and less re: Haggart (who is "interested in public speaking")

I am so glad to see some national coverage of Peoria, IL and Caterpillar. Both of my grandfathers worked at Caterpillar and the corporation is the heart and soul of our economy. (It's also nice to see John King standing in East Peoria in front of the Illinois River.)

I don't really care if Ted is gay or what? Any good news out there to report....Thanks.

Ted.... You are well versed in telling us how your therapists define you.... How do you define you? Heterosexual with complications – Oh, Please! You sound rediculous!

Haggard needs to walk away quietly.

re: Haggard: It's sad how this man is exploiting his family and immediate situation for his personal gain. This is an obvious prelude to a book he secretly planning to write. Being gay isn't evil; hypocracy, maybe.

The wall street industry was a huge contributor to Mr. Obamas campaign. Does anyone truly believe that this "anger" with the CEOs is nothing but a show to demonstrate to the American people that he is really watching out for us?

Hi AC, team AC360 and news chatters,

One of the thing that i admire about Haggard's family was how supportive his son is. If you ask me, it is alright for him to be gay ( though he denied it ) but to hear from Grant Hass, say that he can have fun on side sound much too selfish and self justification.

I can't believe this guy can't admit to himself that he's at the very least bisexual! *shaking my head*

Haggard, forgive him, but don't forget him. I find him hard to listen too.

There are so many people out there like Haggard...he is the only one that gets attention...And I think that we should discuss more about equal rights for gay and lesbians than about Haggard and his false dilema...

Is Ted H being honest with himself??? If it's just about himself then why all the fanfare for the fans??

Yes Anderson...to answer your question...I do think Ted Haggard is in total denial.

As a gay man, i know that Ted is not honest with himself and his family or everyone else.

Where is the gray area between being a heterosexual and a homosexual? Why are people defining it to fit their own needs?

Give me a break! He’s GAY. A therapist doesn’t know how any person feels inside. I love these “therapists” giving him wrong information. Their licences should be taken away–they’re just making it more difficult. And, sexual feelings and “relationships” are two different things.

Teds response to the caller who was Gay ... " we need to read scripture and come to our own conclusions" . True... through reading we will conclude. I'm interested in knowing where Ted , as a potential forgiven leader in a new congregation, stands ?
I feel that he's is too vague with his answeres. How does God view the practice of "Gay Marriage" and Gay single relationships ?
We must lovingly accept gay freinds in our churches but cannot compromise on the lifestyle

Jana, Indiana, I agree Haggard and his wife aren't the first to live in denial about this subject and they won't be the last, but sooner or later it all comes out.

I do think, however, that Haggard has a family that is willing to stick by him through all of this ridiculousness.

Haggard is certainly still in denial regarding his own sexuality, but I don't think he in any way is aware of this. If anything, he seems to think he has overcome his denial. But his aversion to the word "bisexual" is an indicator that he still has a deep-seated issue with any orientation outside of stringent heterosexuality.

Let's stop with the moral indignation, Anderson. My husband (and many of your Yale and Dalton friends, Anderson) did 20 hour days in high stress FOR YEARS before making 7 figures on Wall St. Few people can do these jobs – that's why they get paid what they do. NONE of the losses in his bank came from his group and his bonus is down 78% (and, btw, his bank has taken 0 TARP funds). Here's what happens if you pay 0 bonuses: we foreclose on the house a few down from you in Quiogue, NY, Anderson, and the value of YOUR house plunges far more than the 20 percent it already has. We know. We've had it on the market for months. The entire NY economy would bottom out if you paid bankers 0 bonuses.

We need to work Americans, not the 12 million illegals over here now. Enforce the laws and fine those who are breaking the law out of business.

Ted Haggard reached more hearts tonight than in all the years on the pulpit. I believe Jesus said, "Let he who has no sin, cast the first stone." The honesty, humilty and sorrow he has expressed should inspire us all.

Must be a full moon tonight - Blago, Haggard and now Sarah Palin?!

Retool Ted and get a new job.

What happened to "practice what you preach"?

I don't care what Mr. Haggard does behind closed doors, but don't preach to me one thing and LIVE another.

Greetings,

Ted Haggard is not being forthright about his sexuality; I believe he is under pressure from his church.

Good evening everyone,

Well, for me, being gay or bi or whatever is o.k.
He is just being what he is at the wrong place and wrong time. With his position, people will be absolutely interested and expected him to be clear of what he really is. And yes, he is in denial.

I think his wife is quite a strong women to be in her situation and still be able to do what she does.

...I meant to say that Haggard is lucky and blessed to have a family that sticks by him...(my head got ahead of my typing fingers )

Regaridng Haggard and his wife–martial love should not be based solely on the sex–it is a union between two people who are committed to building a life together and weathering storms. It seems they have weathered the storms well.

I have no respect for Haggard. I'm a gay man and I do not believe you can be heterosexual with gay attachments. He cheated on his wife, took drugs, then got up and preached to many people. These people looked up to him. Many people trusted him. How can you respect a person who does this?

Conflict? Ted Haggard isn't in a conflict! He's a moronic man who wants redemption where he doesn't deserve it! He's a hypocrite and a coward!

I was a little disturbed that Mr. Haggard never apologized to the church volunteer that he masturbated in front of. He just seemed so concerned with what would happen to him (Haggard) if it got out. He could have at least apologized.

Why all the attention on Haggard? He has problems, granted, but I'm sick of hearing his blatant "teasers" for the documentary. Who cares about his sexual predilections any more than anyone else's?

Spending so much time on this subject is beneath you, Anderson.

Move on.

It occurs to me that God may have more of a problem forgiving those who are making a buck off Haggard's troubled life than he will have in forgiving Haggard himself. I find it curious that we should all dwell on this man's personal tragedy.

I don't know why, but Haggard's uneasy smile during the entire interview with LK suggests to me that he is lying.

I think the whole issue with Ted Haggard is a real life issue. But many would rather compartmentalize his behavior and explain it away as “denial”. He should be given credit for even attempting to come to terms with something so complex in one’s life.

@James: Well said. Seems like so many people form opinions first before understanding the complete situation.

ted hagggard pretty much told everybody he was gay in preaching if you listen close enough to sermons

'Cured of homosexuality?'

That's both improbably and just plain dumb. You're born the way you are.
There's no denied what you are, and Haggard is no exception.

these statements about Haggards sexuality sound very much like they are stated in a way that he, being homophobic can accept. I wonder if these therapists are also eve angelical. the man is bisexual or gay; he needs to accept this . No need to sugar coat it! he needs to open his mind to the idea that God does not discriminate due to ones sexual orientation. By repressing his sexuality he has only betrayed his wife and family and caused mistrust among his community. I wish he would use this experience to teach the eve angelical community that God loves gays and homosexuality. this is not a choice or negative way to live. Perhaps this is his purpose and way to serve God.

Why can't Haggard just admit that he is bisexual?

David Thanks so much for your information on the Bonuses. So glad to hear it! And I hope Obama cracks down on them hard. Thought there must be something Government could do.

In my neck of the woods, a heterosexual man with homosexual attachments is referred to as being on the "down low". Apparently he no longer has to be on the "down low" since his wife appears to approve of his homosexual lifestyle.

Haggard's wife can never admit that he is gay even if she wanted to because it would mean that her entire marriage was a lie.

He has grown up with these feelings.

One is born as a Homosexual or Bisexual or Heterosexual.

I really think that if he does not come out and accept that he is a Bisexual man, the repercussion will be huge

Haggard needs to get real with himself! He is what he is!

Just don't preach anti homesexual than go do it in your spare time!
Live and let live!

Haggard probably would have done better to just admit his orientation and ask his congregation for forgiveness....as well as members of the gay community!

it's so refreshing to see a family accept one another as they are. they are going through so much . support , reconciliation,forgiveness,understanding and love are needed during their journey to wholeness. his wive,and his son marcus, are true examples of how to live the gospel of Christ.

A person's sexuality doesn't bother me but listening to Haggard makes me grind my teeth. It's like the CEO's saying they are not greedy, they just have a greedy attachment to money..

the difference here is that most people don't have to work through issues like this in public. i would imagine it makes it more difficult.

I feel sorry for Ted Haggard. He is trying to be a good man and is gracious, but he is not being honest with himself. His homosexuality is biological , he should not have to hide it and our society should not shame him nor should his church. He has no control over his biology, poor guy has to stay in some kind of closet all his life – it's a sad sad shame on our society.

Erica...it is a little early! I'm still not sure I'm over the 2008 election...I can't even bring myself to think about a 2012 campaign yet!

"but cannot compromise on the lifestyle"

I must clarify for everyone. Being gay is NOT a lifestyle. A lifestyle is a choice.

A psychologist to talk about Haggard? Why? To diagnose him? Whether someone is gay, straight, bi or "conflicted", it is really up to no one but them to decide what they are. Non of us can say how he's feeling or who he loves, and as with any sexuality, it's insulting to try.

Good evening. Has anyone in our higher offices considered giving a large sum of money to tax payers (over the age of 21) to pay off their debt as a way of stimulating the economy?

David Gergen,

Really, you were stunned about the 18 Billion... Really. My guess is, it's a lot more then that. Here's another total surprise for you. Our congress give money to companies in ear marks and they give the same money back to the congressmen as contributions. Surprise, surprise, surprise.....

The word "elite", unless negated, should never be used to describe Sarah Palin.

Great conversation. Enjoyed it immensely.

Have a restful evening Anderson, Erica, David, Jeff and crew. You deserved it. Lots of info tonite.

See you tomorrow! Nite nite!

This poor former evangelical leader is gay and should sit down and not continue ministering when he is so obviously torn between two minds. He will confuse so many of his followers.

Ted is looking for an excuse to start another Church, he is looking for easy cash now.

Whoa, Too Much Information! This is really ridiculous! I bet their kids are totally embarrassed that their parents are discussing their sex life on national television. Thank goodness they are not my parents!

The gay community must be so offended by Ted Haggard. I'm straight, and I fume everytime he talks. Calling his "homosexual attachments" a "crisis" is nothing more than using religion to hide his insecurities and closed-minded ignorance.

He ain't cured! What a public farce!
Have a pure and holy week-end everyone!
XOXO

with the amount of teenage suicides pertaining to coming out, why can't Rev Haggard use his talent for good.. i.e. MCC church, or writing a book and donating a percentage to PFLAG or GLAAD..Seems a waste to think he can"pray away the gay".

I'm worried that Republicans won't vote for the stimulus package too Megan, I hope Obama and the Republicans can get down and talk to each other, some work to be done. I worry about the money lost in the stock market, I was sorry about drop in the markets today and losing our homes too.

So my understanding is that Haggard was gay or a homosexual or bisexual or had homosexual tendencies but he's better now? Gee, I didn't know it was a sickness.

too much talk about haggard. i didn't watch larry king because i didn't want to see the interview. why do people go on these media tours when they are promoting a book or tv show?

Ted Haggard is still going through the "What will 'they' think if I admit I'm gay" phase!

You do not have to be gay to recognize that Ted Haggard's story changes with every new revelation. He said he never met Mike Jones initially until he couldn't escape it. Now, he still thinks about men but is not compelled to act on these dark thoughts. What is dark is that he continues to condemn gays, while lying to his wife and family. What is apparent by listening to his wife and son is that even they do not believe he is straight. He is gay – so what? Move on.

@ Jo Ann – I totally agree, something about the entire interview just didn't seem right or sincere.

Haggard having relations with both genders means he is bisexual, simple as that.

I wonder if his wife knew this before she married him or he "cover up" his bisexuality from his wife? If it is the latter, then he should be ashamed of himself. This goes right along with someone who is gay or lesbian marrying a "straight" person who is not aware of the other spouse's sexual preference. It is neither fair nor right to do this.

The whole coverage of the Ted Haggard story was written from a very non-Christian perspective. I understand that many people are not Christians and offering that perspective is only right and unbiased. However, being that this man is a Christian man and has a completely different world view than a non-Christian, I think it only unbiased to bring in another therapist with a Christian world view. I was disgusted by a number of the things said against a man who has humbled himself in front of the world to share about an extremely humiliating secret he had and is now getting help for.

I'm not sure I buy into these therapists' views. I agree with Anderson in his question/comment – it can't be healthy for Haggard to repress his actions. There's always an excuse or double-standard when it comes to religion

I think it's tragic that Haggard is still calling same sex attraction a sin. That's horrible.

Thursday's Shot? Who knew there were two singers who loved wearing hats with a propeller on it. What a small world! NIght all

Good night Anderson, Erica, David Gergen, David in Indiana, Michelle, Pati and best bloggers!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!
Have a great weekend........
I have plan to go somewhere tomorrow night!!!!
See you next Monday night!!!!
Day of the shot with Aretha's hat so cute!!!! That is so cute shot!

Anderson,
Have a great long sleep at home after work...... Take care...... See you next Monday!!!!

With all that is going on in this world- who really really wants to hear
about Ted Haggards' problems and past sins. I watch your show
almost every night but tonight turned it off along with Larry KIng.

LOL! thanks for the shot! brilliant!

@ Joann, she said that she has some suspicions but never thought they'd manifest

Ignore this guy Haggard and take on those Bankers

I loved Aretha Franklin's hat at the inauguration. It reminds me of my church. People need to stop hating.

I love the bow.

LOL – love that parody of Aretha. Very funny.

Funny.......love the hat!!

Wow, that guy is great. At least I recognized what he was singing

Dear Anderson,

I believe marriage is for life, and when you find the one be faithful and turn to each other for support.

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

Maybe, she was having a bad hair day...

You go, Bob!
Goodnight everyone!!!

Goodnight everyone!

Greg Sarnicky is GREAT!! I am almost on the floor! Between Ted Haggard and this impersonator (and Bob), this is the 360 comedy hour!!

Thanks Bloggers! Have a wonderful Friday!

That was a hilarious shot of the day! Haha.

Have a great night everyone! See all of you tomorrow.

Why would a psychiatrist compare being a homosexual trying to be a heterosexual to being a cat trying to be a dog? Doesn't it make more sense to compare a heterosexual trying to be a homosexual?

Anderson,
I understand that Aretha's hat was in demand in England. Those gals in England like hats like that! She sang great though, didn't she! Thanks Anderson. Goodnight and thanks for keeping me informed!

ha "Beautful Bob" musta made his mama proud

Good night Anderson. Erica, David and bloggers! Have a great night and a wonderful Friday! I knew it was only a matter of time before someone made fun of Aretha but I wasn't a fan of the parody! Great show and conversation tonight guys! Looking forward to floor crew Friday!

Anderson – can you sing like Aretha? Sing us a little something.

Someone pulled the inflating chord on Aretha's hat – I knew it was inflatable.

That shot tickled my fancy~ sweet dreams!

Hey, hats are "in" this season. Don't knock it (or mock it) Anderson!

Busy and fast show tonight. Nite all!

HI Anderson I have to say God bless Presidente Obama!!! In fact those CEOS in Wall Street should be taken to court, give back all that money and have a good taste of law because they tried to still tax payers money!!! I truly believe the world needs a couple dozens of presidents like Obamas.

Funny funny... thanks for making me laugh! Sweet night Anderson and Erica...

David Gergen, great to see you here on the blog, and thanks for mentioning us bloggers and even me in your post last night. I always appreciate your comments and analysis. Thanks again.

Good night Megan Good night everyone

I don't think there is a therapist out there who listened to Mr. Haggard tonight that wouldn't say he is gay. He needs to become true with himself and move on with his life as a gay man.

Sure seems like the House and Senate are following right along behind Wall Street... lets add some more pork to this barrell! 335 billion for stop smoking campaigns... 650 billion for a call center so people can call in to figure out how to work their digital tvs.... Like most working people out here, I can't afford a digital tv!!!