Hello everyone - Would love to hear what you think of the compromise stimulus plan that has emerged tonight in the Senate.

It cuts some $100 billion in spending from the House bill (a big chunk apparently from education). This looks like a big enough compromise to get a few Republican Senators on board and win approval in the Senate. The President embraces it, but Speaker Pelosi and many House Democrats are angry about the cuts. What do you think? Thanks, D

Hey Anderson
Sleepless in Germany.Oh what a week,all this bad news,I think its time to get fear about our future.Tthank God its friday.I wish you a verry good weekend,enjoy the silent.Hardworkers get some rest.
Thank you for your work
Good night from Germany/Bonn

Hello Anderson, Erica, David Gergen, David in IN, Brandi, Michelle D.,
Rikki, Ashley, Minou, Chris S, Pati, Glen up north and best bloggers!!!
That is good news for everyone, I heard that $ 780 billion doing down from $ 900 billion, I hope that stimulus plan will pass soon this weekend!! I am begging the senators will yes that stimulus bill pass!

Where can I find a copy of the bill as it is to read?

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

Hey all! Just postin up what a miricle it is that there was an actual compromise!

oooooh, education cuts, i imagine there are going to be many upset educators out there.

you go the first comment tonite Mr. Gergen! Yay you! lol

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if Obama actually got to read the contents of congress' stimulus package to see if it meets what he wished was in it.

Seems "Drama" is synonymous with "Senate," doesn't it? Good evening bloggers!

Hey, everyone! So, this stimulus thing...looks like a compromise is in the works. Just remember that a true compromise leaves everyone unhappy.
I'd like to say, David, that in a stroke of irony; one of my old college friends is currently living on food stamps, so I'm sure that she is going to be oh-so-thrilled with the cuts being in education.

Hey Gergen, Anderson, Erica and ACBloggers, tonight's show is going to be good one

T.G.I.F Anderson,Erica
HI to Megan Dresslar , Pat Mc ,Brandi
Yeah deal is almost done great !
Only 60 votes neded to pass it's getting so hard to wait.

Hello Anderson, Mr Gergen, AC360 crew and fellow bloggers...

Mr Gergen what made them cut down on education? What do you think the reason would be? Isn't it one of the most important of the bill?

The president's original request was for 775 billion, so that is pretty close; the leadership of both parties have been through too many "wars" to get away from the same old fueds...there needs to be time limits on Congress...too many are still living in the twentieth century.

How is cutting money from education a good thing? That's VERY disturbing. Republicans don't have an eye on the future?

Any version of the stimulus plan will work 6, 9, 18 months from now. People need help now to buy food, pay mortgages, pay for gas. Give a stimulus check to taxpayers and you solve the immediate crisis overnight and save BILLIONS. Even if every man, woman, and child was given 1M (that would be less than 350M), or even 500K, as little as 250K, the taxpayers problems stop. We then have time to get jobs going, new energy programs started.... Only one way to stop the bleeding now, get the money to the people. There would also be 100% approval rating by the taxpayers.

looking at the ticker, there are only three GOP guys aboard? At least there could have been more of a response; an understanding that jobs come in all forms and shapes...

Hello David G.
Wow!!!! I agree with you!!!! I think that Democrats have to right angry at Republicans take tax cut....... I am disagree with Republicans take tax cut tonight!

Stimulus plan, bad with him, worse without it!

It sounds like they put a lot of the education funding back in right?

Good evening Cooper, Hill, Gergen, correspondents, contributers, panel, bloggers, staff, crew, and team!

Gergen, thanks for your question. I think there is a lot more pork in that bill that they could have taken out. I'm a student and I am offended by one senator's comment that this new bill "trims the fat." Since when is education fat?

Thank goodness the some Senators have seen the light.

Good Evening Anderson, Erica and 360 bloggers!

TGIF!

Wow Dana, Ed and Ali sounds like a serious show tonight.

David G. Cutting $100 billion is better than nothing. There's probably at least that much left in non-stimulus items.

David Gergen,

I'm disappointed to hear that education spending has been cut, but we really need this thing passed. Perhaps in the future they can get those education things passed.

But it's most important that we pass *something* so I'll take it. I'm pretty disgusted with the Repubs, though. Certainly no friend to the average American citizen.

I don't like the fact that they are taking away a big chunk from education. Big mistake I think. It might be a temp. solution but I think education is a subject they will have to return to later.

Thought of the opposition: If you can not help, dessarange, after the important is participate.

Wow it looks like they removed a few nickels and dimes from a bag full of twenties by removing some of the pork. At least that might get the bill passed.

another advisory panel? only jobs are for the washington crowd, what a joke!

Gergen, I think Democrats have made much compromise to meet the bipartisan levels set by the Administration, why are republicans so stingy in working to pass this? Do they think only of themselves, average Americans need this stimulus to be approved as quickly as possible. And one person's pork is another person's key to improving the economy. We are moving at the rate of the republicans.

The school cuts are about consturtion what does that include bilding of them or cuts to programs and teachers levels of education given in the classroom @ David Gergen

Good evening, Anderson, Erica, David, and bloggers (Meghan D, Pati Mc, Glenn, Ashley H., etc)!

David, I am disappointed with the compromise, to say the least. I am told, and according to my sources this information is accurate, that the current version of the bill allocates 42% to tax cuts. Top economists seem to agree that infrastructure spending results in nearly $.50 more on the dollar, rendering this version of the bill quite a bit weaker than previous versions.

As Rachel Maddow so uniquely put it, "We should inform the American people that they are being 42% punk'd."

@Diane...honestly, it would seem more logical to hand out thousands to the poor and working class–those who are more likely to spend it promptly.

I think that if cutting education from the bill will get it passed so be it, because I don't beleive the Presiden Obama will forget about education just because it will not be on this bill.

It is horrible that there are so many jobs lost, especially in one day! hopefully we can get some stimulus checks because i need some new technology for school! That will definately make more jobs, i am of cousrse a shopoholic.

Exactly what I was thinking Ashley-Hamlin, NY. When does education qualify as pork? I'm a student as well.

I guess it depends what the tax cuts are and if they will actually hit the economy, even as a liberal i saw there was part of the agenda in the bill.. thats just a sign of the house being the house... but we need to start injecting money into the economy or this free fall will bring us all down. We all need to keep in mind the forclosures are just the tip of the iceberg before we even talk about the million people who lost jobs in the last 60 days, there were 9 people in line to be forclosed on for everyone that already was.. so the markdowns further credit freeze as the banks try to value their assets. it is a scary time truly and i dont think this will be enough, another trillion or two in the next year will be necessary

Good evening, Anderson and the AC360 team! Happy Friday!

I just heard on CNN that the government isn't in the business of building schools...however, they are in the business of providing welfare to big business!

Why is education considered pork?

There shouldn't be no such thing as a stimulus.

The Gop wnts tax cuts to hepll buisness creating jobs i don't think it will benifit the poeple who make less money during the year .

850 million goes to Amtrak....and don't get me wrong, I like Amtrak. But they chose to cut money from the future of this country?

anderson how they figure building schools isnt stimulus last time i remember schools mdont build themselves

What percentage of tax cuts were in there before?

Hello Anderson, Erica, and best bloggers.
Anderson you sound a bit stuffy, hope you are able to rest this weekend.

As far as the stimulus, i don't agree with the education cuts. We need that to launch into the 21st century. That is one area definitely worth the fight, cut out some of those tax cuts.

@David Gergen: I'm relieved it sounds like this bill is finally getting passed. I don't blame House Democrats for being mad about some of the cuts. To think that items like Pell Grants were up for debate is ridiculous. Part of my education is due to Pell Grants. Obama and the Democrats are thinking what's good for this country long term, Republicans are playing politics.

Mr Gergen

For a compromise both sides would need to give some stuff up.Of all the places education?! That sucks! Of all the places to cut in a considered first rate country we tend to cut children out first and leave the money to adults?!I do not get it period.

Miranda

It's good to have a president who is going out to talk directly to the voyers and not having his message "filtered" by the media!!

This whole process has just begun and if there are not 60 votes the Republicans will just filibuster!!

I heard earlier on CNN that we are just BEGINNING w/ the job loss and it might get worse.....very staggering statistics and that it might be 1-1 1/2 years before it MIGHT get better

Nice tie, Mr. Cooper!

And the explanation about jobs losses are great!

All of you 360 newsies are doing amazing! I like the historical context that Ali integrated with the job losses. Without that context there isn't much understanding about the "why"s and the "how"s.

David, Other than Lindsey Graham who spoke about it tonight , how has Obama's speech effected Obama's position? I saw your concern last night after the speech and it is the one time I have hoped you were wrong. Were you?

Good Evening Anderson, David Gregen, 360 Crew and Fellow Bloggers -

I echo the T.G.I.F., Michelle.

David - While I am happy to see a bill that can pass the Senate, I'm disappointed that many of the cuts are in education. Hopefully, these items can be put through in a different bill. I'm sad to see the tax-cuts were kept in, but that's part of the compromise to get the Repubs on board. It will be interesting to see what the final bill looks like that ends up on President Obama's desk. Sounds like the White House is going to get involved when the bill goes to committee.

I dont get it, how can they say that building coast guard cutters are not creating jobs. Wow, ship builders, steel, plumbing, electrical, computers, marine engine... that is serious job creation.

David,
As a teacher, I am really sad about this news. I already feel like I am pulling teeth to go ask for some board markers. Isn't education the future? What are people thinking? We are very careful with money in my district, as I am sure most are. Very sad.

Hi Anderson, CNN team and my fellow bloggers, what a week we've had.

I feel bad for President Obama, he's working hard because he cares and for that he's taking a beating.

I'm wondering why we keep hearing that this is the worse economy since the depression when all the numbers were worse than now in the 80's under Clinton.

Republicans don't care if the poor and middle class kids get educations, they could care less. They want to cut out money to help build up schools, and educations. They even cut done college grants and funds for kids trying to get into college. If you think they care about our kids you are kidding yourself. My daughter in Law School and I am worried about whether she can continue to be funded to finish her degree. So now I have to worry where the money is going to come from to help with this, this is not good. Isn't educating our kids a good thing? Well McCain and his buddy Graham and the rest of those Republican fat cats don't have to worry about their kids futures

AND ANDERSON I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THAT STUPID WOMAN AND HER 8 KIDS.

Thanks Ali for information that so awful people have been lost jobs few months and years!

Hi David, I'm holding my fire in regards to the education being cut out. Why? Because I believe that the President and the Democrats could have a separate bill to address education. That is something that Obama is truly passionate about.

I couldn't believe the nonsense that was coming out of McCain and Vitter today. Classic!

Mike in NY, saw your comment on Cafferty!

Why does the government not do something to stop the layoffs? It would cost very little, really maybe just helping with benefits. (which could be paid through unemployment benefits as they would be used) If a company is going to layoff 10% of the workforce then why not mandate that the entire workforce reduce their hours by 10%. That keeps EVERYONE working at reduced hours. Retirees etc would not need to be replaced. There should be a regulation in place to insure that current employees get increased hours before hiring from outside.

Where are people going to look for jobs ? The loses are higher thani 34 yrs . it's crushing they are sending the jobs eleswhre so the jobs that did exsit here are no longer where are poeple supposed to lok next?

David Gergen, I'm really surprised the republicans forced the reduction on educational spending. Investments in education are the future of the country.

And on the other hand they wanted to lower the top marginal tax rate from 35% to 25% which would have added 3 trillion more in national debt over the next 10 years and totally hobbled the countries fiances.

So top income earners would get a great tax break and the weath transfer from the middle class would continue and the schools would crumble. What's wrong with these guys-don't they realize this didn't work before.

By the way, please whisper something in Anderson's ear each night. It's President Obama not Mr. Obama.

Building schools provides jobs... a lot of jobs. I dont get it. It is like the republicans want this to fail.

I am surprised they cut food stamps. There are 11 million unemployed that need this assistance, not to mention the seniors that lost their life savings.

I watched the circus in the senate this evening.

Senators who opposed this bill (McCain, Kyl, Shelby, etc) should apologise to American people for their opposition to compromise on the bill.

Two arguments they put forth – the great depression era spending and the Japanese experience in the 90's are flawed. Times are different and the situation and circumstances are different. The best and the only way to kick start the economy is by "shock awe" – targeted spending, and supporting banks to lend. When you put people back to work , things will improve. Right now, it is only the Fed that can and is capable of spending money.

Another argument by the opponents for the stimulus bill is the talk about "deficit" and passing the debt on to next generation. However, what they don't realize is that by doing nothing will have 'worse' consequences than that. If you and I can't survive this catastrophe, forget about the next generation ....

Get real guys!

Tax cuts uggh. Won't they ever learn.

Is it true that every dollar of the Stimulus Package will be borrowed funds? If so, who will we borrow the money from? At what interest rate? How many years will it take to pay off?

Republicans have a tricky definition of "pork," as it seems to include all spending that they find non-essential according to their ideological perspective. According to this perspective, some actually argue that the Dept. of Education should not exist in the first place, as they do not believe it to be the government's job to educate children. As such, slapping the "pork" label on education spending would be easy for many Republicans, as ridiculous as their argument may be.

Education spending cuts are unacceptable. Same as the mom of the Octuplets being unemployed but can afford to have her nose and lips done. So wrong!

hi anderson&erica, david im really upset about them taking out the
funding for the schools construction that would have created more construction jobs in the cities that were hit by the levees and floods from last year. i can still see houses floating down the river. the republicans are really trying to be a throne in president obama side.

The Democrats should not agree to cut education out of the stimulus bill. But of course, the Republicans would be happy to cut it out because the people who need money for education aren't any of their rich friends, but are poor/middle class people who actually need it.

Really the only thing that should be in this bill is another modernization of FDR's New Deal. It seems a little extreme since this is a recession not a depression, but if that worked in the darkest of times, it has to work Now. I don't want to become an Oakie....

Anderson - you asked what I would like to see cut from the bill - the tax cuts. They haven't worked for the last eight years, so I'm not sure why the senators insisting on them think they will work now.

I think if Pres. Obama gives in too much to the republicans he is setting a precedent and they will always fight him to get their ideas into any bill he submits

Cuts should have come from the pork (STD, lawn maintenance, funding of foreign governments) in lieu of education funding. Bush never fully funded NCLB! I guess Obama will not either.

What is so bad is that we do not know where this money is going. They say , here. It could go there. I just really don't trust it is going where it should when so much is going on.

It seems like now its time for President Obama to engage in some old fashioned arm twisting (like LBJ) to get house democrats to go along with the cuts from the senate version. Does he have that in him.

Good evening Anderson! TGIF! President Obama is on his way!

David, I am grateful it will pass but I don't think most economists think that the ratio of tax cuts is going to be helpful.

Anderson,
How can one knowingly reject any educational programs? Cutting these equates to cutting our future!

We need to fix the housing crisis, and we need some answers on how the banks are going to perform in the next 12 months so that small business can start hiring again. I say these two as my top priorities, and I don't have a job right now! If I can figure this out as the priority, and I think a majority of America has figured this out, yet we are going to spend 1.1 trillion on very little stimulation.

Why not lower everybody's mortgage to 4%. That would be a practical way to give a large portion of the population extra money each month along with a psychological boost that the government cares about them

housing crisis education infrastucture energy technology health care job creation food stamps i dont think washington has a clue about whats going on they are not in touch with the communitys in the states the represent.

Hi – The stimulus bill does not do enough for small businesses. Here is a suggestion – Why woould the government not set aside some money to back the loans that the banks can give to small businesses? Again the suggestion is to give loans to small businesses than dole out money only to the select few big businesses who keep cutting jobs everyday.

What I want to know is are the buy American provisions still in the Senate bill? They better be.

Hey Anderson. Ali Velshi was just talking about what the other 350 Billion remaining in the TARP program should be used for. Why don't they just cust payroll taxes for the people and fund the government with that money?

Greg in Las Vegas

What should the stimulus package be? To give as much money as possible to the households of this country, cut payroll taxes too. The people would stimulate the economy not the greedy ceos.

I wish our elected officials would stop playing childish party line games. It's time they start voting for what is right for the country, and not for what the party leaders tell them.

Its just silly posturing really, one mans pork is another mans porkchop. so you might think building me a new road is outrageous and i might think supporting california's public employees is pork after all you dont need to make quite as much to buy a house there anymore, right? The problem was this big a package needed months to sort out, but we dont have time like that, this will jolt confidence in the markets, well until the next round of bad news anyway.....

We should all be in front of the White House right now with signs telling our elected officials to SIGN THIS STIMULUS PACKAGE!

What continues to frustrate me about the Republicans' insistence on tax cuts is that they seem to have overlooked the fact that a tax cut will not help someone whose job has been lost. If a person doesn't have paycheck, how's he going to get a tax break??!!!!

i can't beleive they cut the education part of the bill when states are suffering

We, the people voted for change. A long ignored need to develop our lower and middle class. The media and the Repub. keep trying to define what they consider change. The media is too focused on the scoop and not the people who voted for Obama. Had we not kept putting it off, maybe Katrina wouldn't have been such a disaster. And if the wealthy really have the ability to fix things, tell 'em to pony up. They're certainly still getting paid!

@Stacy, the debt from this stimulus will be getting paid off for generations. How can you say it's good long term? It's a finger in the dike at best.

great job as always anderson ,,,i think we are truely at a bad place for our country i dont think anyone knows what to do but thanks anderson for keeping then honest

Gergen....thanks so much for your insight. AC360 wouldn't be the same without you.

Anderson! Who do I tell that I don't want any stimulus money sent here to me in the Philippines like they did last year? I'm not flying back to spend it in the US and neither are the hundreds of thousands of other Americans living abroad.

What burns me is all the top economist, republicans and democrats, state that tax cuts will produce little to no impact. Mostly because as long as there is no spending inventory stays high. Until there is major spending there will be more layoffs.

What happened to the $15,000 homebuyer tax credit?

Obama;s getting fusttrated .At least he went out for the evening to let off some steam how nice ?

Hi Anderson, Erica, Megan, everyone blogging. Yes Megan, I think the Senate is working hard to work out compromises to get passage of the stimulus bill.

Dana Bash's report lays out the education provision in and out of the bill quite well. Question is school repair energy eff left in? Would like to see both sets of provisions on the screen side by side. (oh energy eff fed buildings...)

Listen to Ed Henry. It occurs to me that it is essential for President Obama to reach out to the country not just Washington and so I can see why he's visiting Indiana and Florida.

@CharlesJ: I wondered the same thing. The Republicans act like the Democrats want to thrown the money at silly things. Coast Guard Cutters seem like a good thing to invest in.

There is no guarantee that this stimulus bill will work! With that in mind we need to limit the amount we're on the hook for! There's no reason to allocate $900 bil. right now. We only need to spend where it's needed immediately!

Did the $15K tax credit for new home buyers along with the tax credit for auto buyers make it into the bill?

i am afraid that we do not have anyone who can extrapolate stimulus directly to level of recovery. i would think as each month passes and 500,000 more jobs are lost the stimulus should ratchet up. note our national debt is 10b which equates to $30,000 per american. i would like to see the stimulus referred to in these terms as well – cost to each american.

I'm disappointed that money for education was removed from the bill. Why do Republicans think that investment in people is pork?

I hope we really come back later and do something
about education. We are not preparing kids for today's
world with a top notch education. China, South Korea
and Japan offer college students money to go and teach
people english.

Wasn't it John Mccain during the presidential campain who said he don't know much about economics ?

Anderson,
Hi! Happy Friday.
With all the effort put into refining the stimulus bill this week, I hope it passes in the Senate. It would seem more productive for the bill to move forward–and to work further from there.

@Mike Syracuse, NY...BUSH Sr. was in charge when the market took a nose dive (not Clinton), and when my home's value plummeted 50%. Clinton was in office during propserity...and don't forget, Gore invented the internet (yeah, right)!

Hi Renee Y. Never knew another Renee until I was in college.

since when did they start calling a buglary a stimulus package

David, I don't like that education is one of the things that got cut and I was shocked to hear the senator say on our local radio that Head Start was pork.

I am sure that there is plenty in the package that could have been cut that is truly pork but, you know what I'm thrilled that both sides are talking. A bipartisan bill entails both sides giving and taking, if the gop wants to cut education to come on board so be it. I'm sure the dems cut something or didn't add something the gop wanted.

Maybe just,just maybe P. Obama's speech last night hit home to those who were in their own little world. We are suffering and we're they're constituents, we don't care about party lines we want a life saver line.

The best use of any Federal stimulus monies must be directed at lowering existing mortgage interest rates. If every homeowner's mortgage were given a lowered rate, the economy would feel the impact immediately. The middle class would be in the position to make purchases that are now being delayed. Every consumer oriented corporation from automobile manufacturers to the local coffee shop would benefit for the long term. An extra few hundred dollars each month would keep on giving.

They say they see the urgency and understand it, but do they really. I think the both, the Congress and the Senate should be denied their salaries and health insurance benefits till a bill is agreed upon and passed. Let them get a taste of the urgency first hand.

These Senators are severely out of touch with the real world. Why in the world would you cut/ remove any spending for Education?? A lot of schools are largly outdated and need construction for either repairs or new ones need to be built to replace them if their beyond the repair stage. Which stimulates the economy if you look at all the blue collar jobs that would be brought in to either fix the schools or build new ones.

As for the G.O.P. Senators who are trying to slow down this stimulus package...this is not the time to play games, we're suffering and trying to keep our heads above water.

I have a daycare business and for 22 employees in 2 centers I pay about 7000 in payroll related taxes. A cut in Payroll tax would allow me to immidiately hire another 3 to 4 or more people, and 18% increase in employment. At this time I would do that just to help the economy.

what about arts and culture grants???? or is that under education?
We need the arts....and help for our artists?

Hey Anderson, who do we talk to, to put these good Senators on unemployment compensation until they get something done.

It is real easy to delay passage when your still getting your paycheck.....

I want a straight up vote and I want to see the names of those opposing it....

This bill is a govt stimulus package not an economic stimulus-even the CBO says it;s not likely to work. It doesn't address housing or banks and is full of special interest and partisan projects. What a waste of money, goodwill and opportunity. This is discusting!

Hey Anderson, You want to stimulate the economy, give every family 6,000.00 to spend. Thats something you can sink your teeth into. You'll see a lot of consumer spending then. 300.00 or 400.00 is just enough to pay the light bill and the phone bill. Those kinds of things don't stimulate the economy. Harry in NC

RE Amy Holmes-anything, even $1 is better than what Bush every did for this economy. The critcism of the bill takes the focus off the author of the crisis.

Honestly – this bill should probably be twice as big.

Shame they took out some of Education my county here in NC just cust over 7 million from Education and that will be a loss for our children here and now that can't be made up. Worse since we are expecting them to pick up the bill at least we could give them the tools.

Happy Friday, everyone – not a day too soon! I think our colleagues in Washington will be working overtime this wkd

if there is no motivation to do any work, i know plenty of people in Spokane that would love to have a job. In this part of the country there is a great uncertainty about the economy because we haven't been hit as hard. But as the situation gets worse the problem becomes more apparent, thus Spokanites aren't used to this problem. They only hear about it. Anderson, you should seriously do some yelling and get people to work.

Everyone said if we did not do the TARP it would be a disaster, but look where we are at with that package...half spent and nothing good has happened. Banks did not lend, they bought or planned on buying planes, renovated offices and got bonuses. We need to invest in our national infrastructure that just got a D by the Society of American Engineers. This is a National Security issue, and infrastructure improvements benefit the nation. I fear we may have another failed bailout plan because all the pork that keeps getting inserted.

Wouldn't the numbers of jobs lost as a percentage of our population be a more accurate indicator when comparing today with historic job loss figures?

I am sick of the talk from the republicans about tax cuts. We've tried tax cuts and they don't work.

I am sick of those GOP senators. They had eight years to do what they are requesting and they failed to do so but rather to misuse the country resources. I see some of them lossing their jobs the next election. As much as I like the dems and the president, I think some of what they had in the bill did not make any sense. They gave the replicans a weapon to use against them.

Hey David Gergen
Thank you for your work.I wish you a verry good weekend.Enjoy the silent,take some rest. Good night.

it all becomes clear, REAGAN was in the 80's, clinton was in the 90's, there are a bunch of different indicators too many to mention, but we are off the charts in so many of them. certain ones yes equal the early 80s but some go back to worse than when records began, one today back to 74. but it hasnt bottomed out so the trend lines point back to what we have records of during the depression..

compromises must be made by all to get this done. im surprised the coast guard cutters were cut. or did i read that wrong?

coasties protect our shores and play a major role in fighting drug trafficking. $122M didnt seem like much next to $15B. i would think they would want to keep that funding.

Times are not great financially, but I say we all just PREVAIL. Let us be problem solvers.....

$500 for people with salary under $250,000 – what a joke. How about $5,000 for people with salary under $50,000. I have a Masters degree and I have worked 60 hours a week, and never made over $48,000 a year. I always have more cost of living bills then income. If I made over $100,000 I would not need a hand out – come on!!! Also – unemployment compensation needs to be raised, and extended. There is also a need for low cost health insurance for unemployed. Cobra is horribly expensive. There is a lot more people with no health insurance, with the high loss of jobs....and not just kids...hard working working poor/unemployed people.

The economy has gangrene the amputation should be cutting social security supplemental income effective December 31, 2009 all those who currently have this benefit to be continued but ending it this year immigration has to be involved too. Because illegals are not contributing to taxes and are sending US dollars abroad. It's an insult to our efforts for working hard abiding by the laws and having people come in to the country and feel entitled to receive and not give and I am Hispanic by the way!

Hi, Erica!
Good night!

The show is excellent … and everyone is talking slooow today!

Your foreign friend thanks!

Anderson;
We are buying a new home this year I heard that in this plan they are going to double the tax credit from $7500 to $15,000.00 for 1st time homebuyers under the FHA program is this true????

You know, bi-partisanship is a two-way street. President Obama has continually reached out and gotten nothing from the Republicans. That's their fault, not his.

Cutting education funding proposals never really sounds like a good thing, but is nothing new. (I suppose you have to keep an eye on over-priced leather furniture in administrative ed. offices too though). But good school programs will be cut because of lack of funding.

Bingo! It is done! Congratulations, Mr. President.

Hey everyone,

Okay the talking needs to cease. Compromise...really...stop playing??? Call it what you want...people need jobs..stop playing and passed the darn thing and let's get moving forward.

anderson will senator ted kennedy make it to cast his vote for the dems

I think Pres Obama has gone further in reaching out that any president has done in the last 24 years. He is really reaching out. It is not his fault that the republicans can not see the light of day. As far as I am concerned they can fire them all.

@Anderson : Small businesses cannot get capital even through the SBA. The lender must approve and the SBA provides only a guarantee. Lenders don't like to do because the SBA/Govt. takes too long to cover bad loans when they happen. Guess what, nothing for the good operators of small companies who truly employ people.

No stimulus for those of us that actually provide jobs.

Good evening :
I forgot to add I think $500-$1000 is nothing for the people. How much would cover anything?

Thank you for having Willie Brown on tonight, the voice of reason!

politics vs. stability is the vote taking place in the senate, democrats have already voted for stability...republicans have yet to vote on this

I'm not quite understanding the focus on bipartisanship. At this point, we need a bill that works, not one that placates Republicans at the expense of the American people. I do not want to see a perfectly good bill watered down any more than it has been over especially the last week.

In regards to the tax cuts, what company is going to add employees when no one is purchasing their products? And as for the tax cuts for working people, that also doesn't put people back to work. People need confidence in order to spend money.

my concern is that even if we do get money flowing again and people back to work and spensing – that we will be spending our money again on foreign made goods and foreign energy. i know the top economists says this and that – but does anyone really understand this complex thing we call the global economy?

The package looks comprehensive, but also appears to be spreading the money too thin over too many different ideas. Yes we need money for education, but will that create the jobs we need? I believe the most important part of the package is the money for the new power grid, which is obviously under funded. Take a page from FDR and spend the amount of money needed to achieve a few great ideas that will bring America into the next century and provide the backbone of a new economy.

I agree with those who are calling for cutting the tax cuts out of the bill. Tax cuts only benefit the wealthy and I'm really sick and tired of the Repubs beating this same, old, tired drum. Tax cuts don't work. The wealthy only keep the extra money for themselves, it doesn't 'trickle down'.

Well Erica, here's the good thing. We joke about this in DECA all the time. At least they might be able to dress in Business Casual!

Anderson, you can't say the President isn't being Bipartisan. He is. The Republicans just want to be the opposition. The democrats have sacrificed so much in this bill. 42% tax cuts. What! The republicans just want to stand in the Presidents way.

Sorry, I am late, but I was "discussing" the cruelty of aerial hunting on Larry's blog.

I think you could make a case for almost anything that creates jobs, but the question is what types of jobs are they creating? Are they short-term Band-Aid jobs or long term jobs that will substantially change the job market?

I am glad they cut the water park; I don't understand what it was doing in there in the first place!

Good evening Anderson, Erica, The crews, and bloggers.

If cutting it down some would pass the stimulus plan faster, and no way else, I think it is what must be done must be done. I just hope that will drop the educational part, though. I just think education is too important to compromise.

Could they stop playing games and focus on how to make the situation better already?

And while the Senate is focusing on their posturing and public primping, more and more people wonder how they are going to keep their children fed, with each passing day.

Thanks for having "Downtown Willie Brown" on the show! Willie Brown is great!

Hi Erica! Happy Friday to you also. Why did this week seem to take forever? Glad I'm not working in Washington right now.

Erica,
They need to do overtime!

That does not make any harm to them and, perhaps, very well for us!

Pertaining to octuplits: How much does the invetrofertilization process cost, in general?

Instead of just blogging about the cuts to school construction, people should write to their congress people.

The problem with tax cuts are that when the economy is moving again and it is time to pay the bill, all the Senators and Mouse members who are up for election will not have the spine to raise them again!!

Evening folks.

Anderson, why do you seem to be placing fault with President Obama for the lack of bipartisanship? He tried his best and I can't help but wonder why the media isn't holding the Republican's feet to the fire for not responding in kind. You can't be bipartisan if only one side is trying to do what's right for the country.

Are the american people going to have any of this bill sent out like Bush did in a package. I am married w/3 kids. We could really use a check like we got last year. I'm lucky when I lost my job last May my wife got a job within 2 weeks. But we could use another check like last summer. Thank you Anderson and all the CNN news crew for keeping the american people informed.

Hey Anderson,
I keep hearing the republicans claiming that the stimulus bill is just more spending and will add to the size of government leading to a huge national debt. Where were they when Bush invaded Iraq. A war of choice which should never had been fought and resulted in over a trillion dollars of spending. I didn't hear them squauking about the cost of the war and it's adding to the deficit. I hope the republicans continue to be their partisan selves. Come the 2010 elections, the republicans will become an endangered species!
Brett

Joe Johns – AC360 Correspondent. Thanks for the $780 billion stimulus information.

Funny that the republicans call any spending on green technolgy or investments and education all pork spending.

But they fight to get more tax cuts for the rich and lower the top marginal tax rate from 33 to 25%.

McCain and the rest of these hoodlums don't get it. In 2010 Amercan voters should continue throwing the GOP out.

John McCain made a big mistake . He allied himself
with the wrong group of Repubs.

the president needs to reverse the bush decision to not allow us common folk declare bankruptcy.You have to stop working and make 40 grand a year or less to bk.Let those who want to bk and clean out the bad debt.They buy everything with cash and money goes back into the system.

Good evening Anderson and David:
I appreciate the concern of adding everything but the kitchen sink to the stimulus bill, but again lets not forget, 8 years, 8 years, 8 years of what has gotten us to this place.
Another thing that I don't think is emphasized is how many things we have lost over this time" the economy, health care, education, de=regulation to everything resulting in tainted food etc.
We have to invest in rebuilding this country. Some medical issues like the bird flu could be catastrophic to this country. If you look to history things like the plague etc. was also ignored by the Government until it was too late. I feel some of these issues are not discussed enough. We have lost a great deal over the past 8 yrs, and it is going to take along time to repair.

WOW these water landings are starting to become more common...they are giving a run for the actual airports...they might even want to add boats to these airplanes

Anderson: I just got through listening to sound bites from John McCain on MSNBC. Did he really say that the bill was too spendingand not enough tax cuts a few minutes after he said that everyone now realizes that tax cuts won't work?

'I don't understand why some paytaxeers" are against about Obama's insight project ....Where they proud when them money were used for killing children , making rich some managers ...etc

Anderson,

What is the problem with America spending money on things that are tangible? America is in trouble, both financially and physically... Here is an idea, lets boost one by helping the other. I mean truely, what kind of America do we have to look forward to if we dont have any jobs and have a crumbling national infrastructure.

~Nathan M.

why not use script: provide to everyone vouchers good for purchases of durables and non-durables; no cash or credit back. this way, a true stimulus to the economy. this can be in addition to tax credits, that are earmarked for specific sections (autos purchaes, a la Sen Harkin), making homes and business more energy efficient, etc. less pet projects to argue over; and fast input of dollars into the mainstream economy

Have they added tax cuts for utility or state incentives for solar systems. You currently have to declare these incentives as taxable income even though they come from state tax revenue or utility surcharges.

They need to work hard they want to take a vacation recess soon.
I wonder, if they dont pass this, will they still go on recess? Or will Obama make the stay?
I just do not think this will go through. There is too much push back by the republicans that believe ONLY in tax cuts. They do not want any spending because of the debt they created.

I wish this were an episode of Punk'd I t would be a bad joke but paging Ashton Kutcher a little humour please there's so much gloom.

Oh yeah...one more thing...Republicans keep talking about how this spending is going be on the backs of our children, but yet, they cut education funding for our youth. Are you serious?

I would like to here what the angry old mans plan is, John Mccain. I looked at this bill I can see that much pork, if anything its not big enough.

First time blogger here:

1. What are the programs being cut in Education as Pork???

2. Regarding the bailout for banks....why not set a limit on how long the banks can keep the funds in their hands. Give them 6 months to get the loans made or the money is returned to the government!

3. As an American taxpayer / citizen I am getting more and more upset with government officials that seem to think they have all the time in the world to sit around and 'discuss' the economy recovery while people are losing their homes, jobs, etc. If they can't do the job they were sent there to do, throw the bums out!! I live in California and being hit with a double whammy!

Thanks David in Indiana agree with me!!!! I hope so.... I wish they would pass this weekend...... *finger crossed*

Anderson – the bill is closer to 826 Mil – I heard earlier. So... not important but just a slightly different number.

Erica, our representatives are not doing us any favors. They should be working 24/7 (just like some of US do in our day-to-day jobs). There's no excuse to not arrive at a solution, soon (or even already).

Thought 'economic' of the moment:
'If you're feeling alone, abandoned, thinking that nobody calls you ... late a payment. "

What is wrong with the U.S. government is our own fault. We keep on and on giving out and we don't have to much to back our own up with. It will hurt us in the long run. Why can't people see this?

Will someone please tell John McCain and his GOPalin buddies that tax cuts don't help people who don't have jobs and businesses that are going bankrupt.
I guess he still thinks the fundamentals of the economy are strong.
Well, Country first to him mean the Country Club Set first
It is their policies that created the problems and they think more of the same is the right answer.
Responsible Republican governors support the stimulus but that doesn't matter to McCain and the GOPalins in the Congress

i don't need stimulus ,i need a 30 year fixed loan and a honest lender.

So I am not overly thrilled with the money being pulled from the education section. Especially because I happen to be a public-college attending part-time job student who can barely afford to keep going despite a high GPA.

Hill...what will we do without you next week?

Listening to the Senators debate is like watching kids fighting over a toy, can we send that lovely Mr. Ackerman fella we saw blasting the SEC to get this package rolling? I'm so sick of this mess!

Happy Friday, all.

A spoonful of bipartisanship is good enough right now–we need this thing passed. But why is it that the President and the Democrats are the only ones being accused of partisan politics here? The Republicans are digging in their heels and no matter how much compromise there is, the vast majority won't vote for the bill–so when the numbers lean heavily toward the blue, the Democrats will take the brunt of the criticism for refusing to be bipartisan–when the Republicans are being just as stubborn if not more. "We won't vote for this if you don't give us exactly what we want" is not bipartisanship.

By the way, Anderson–I heard through the grapevine that Kathy Griffin is coming back for NYE 2010–that is awesome news. I'm thrilled and will definitely be watching you guys next year.

This entire country is going down. Scary! Pass the stimulus so people don't end out in the streets.

A briliant idea i have thought of was to reiterate what Jon Stewart said on his show, yes Jon Stewart. We have lived in a society where trickle down economics haven't done so well. You go back to the medievil ages and they had tons of reforms in government! We should go the opposite way and have trickle up economics..

This stimulus bill should protect bank's deposits, release credit and provide jobs like lots of projects for construction and infrastructure, like Roosevelt did for the depression. Everything else we can worry about later. It is disappointing that Democrats used this crisis for their "earmarks" and Republicans used it for partisan blackmail.
It makes them all look greedy and not caring about the American people's pain.

Wow... all this fighting because of 100 billion when during the past 8 years the republicans took a one trillion surplus and created nearly a two trillion debt.

As the richest of the rich get their bailouts, everyone talks about the struggling middle class and the "upper middle class", but why is the working class never mentioned? Those of us that make 20,000 a year to 45000 a year tops? This day in age, not all of us have cars.

Hey Erica,

Regarding the Webcam....Couldn't see the guy you were talking to..no lights. FYI

This group sounds like the 42% of Americans that agree with the stimulus package. Wow! What happen to working your way thru school. I did and never borrowed any money. Three jobs and long nites. We do not need the government to bail us out. The jobs I had were minimum wage jobs. But I did what my forefathers did-do not depend on the government-government will fail you.

anderson will senator ted kennedy make it to cast his vote for the dems

That's what I heard.

The Republicans consider education to be a pet project? Wow. We're in trouble as a country.

tell senator mc cain to sell and donate one of his 11 homes to the economy to stimulate the economy who uses 11 homes and keep yelling tax cuts tax cuts

president obama extened his hand and the republicans clintched their fist this is why nothing gets done for the american people

The Senate compromise is smoke and mirrors!! No matter what they cut or revise – once it gets back to Nancy's Gang in the House – you know – the Dems that shut out ANY Republican participation – all of the pork they loaded into the original pkg will be stirred back into the pot at the taxpayer's expense.

As a 90 year old product of the University of Michigan and a former owner of a small corporation, I want to express my opposition to the whole "tickle down" philosophy. I think it is demeaning and insulting to all the hard-working folks who produce our goodies that the tax breaks should go to the wealthy – and that the over-flow (when they are through buying big yachts) will dribble down to those who worked to provide their riches.

I don't believe the "Trickle-Down Philosophy" will every work – the fat cats are too greedy. to let any more than a few little morsels dribble down to those below.

I think the whole idea of trickle-down is insulting. And I have lived through a lot since 1919,Lorraine, NC

Anderson, Didn't you ever watch "I'm a Bill" on Schoolhouse Rock?

Anderson

Will Headstart be receving any of the stimulus funding. I was trying to find out if our kids will be including the education fund.. I think that we fall under title one because we help children that live in poverty striken areas that are unable to afford child care or preschool for heir children.

Headstart is suffering as well. Because we are unable to provide the proper academic tools that our kids need.

Please Helpt me to understand how the education money will be distribute.

California is broke.Do you think we have a big illegal immigration problem? The rest of the country has no of how bad and how much it costs this state.

President Obama is the best thing to happen to the United states and the world, and people should give him a hand up. Nothing will happen with the unemployment problem or the economy until there is a bit of unity among American politicians. Obama himself said, " that he wasn't going to be bi – partizan in his choices for members of his administration, " but somebody should remind Republicans about that not – so – little gesture. Is it a case of sour grapes on behalf of the Republicans because they lost the election? This is for the American people, and the USA should stop helping places like Iraq and Afghanistan, and spend the money on their own people. They get no thanks anyway, and all those billions for Israel? Taxpayers money should be put to better use – FOR AMERICANS!

@Stacy, I agree. Are we supposed to believe that the Republicans never have to compromise or make concessions?

@Mike: I find it hilarious how the Republicans are all of the sudden talking about leaving debt to our children. They didn't seem to have an issue with that for the past eight years. Yes, the bill is good long term. Education improvements, infrastructure repairs, these are things our country desperately need. And yes, they will create jobs. Or should we just let these things continue to crumble? This is what Obama ran and won on.

Hi AC, AC360 crew and chatters,

I don't think the economy is just depressed, on the other hand, it partially grew weakly upon sub-prime credit industry which advertises consumers to live beyond their means i.e. unnecessary card balances, non-residential second home mortgages etc.
In addition to the recovery bill which hopefully will pass the senate. What's the regulation for credit industry? and the second TARP should be budgeted toward small business loans, giving tax credits for business owners, providing low-rate interests to encourage grass root commerce which eventually will rebuild consumers' confidence.

Have a restful weekend, everyone.. i'm so looking forward to 50ish span over the midwest.

i totally suport education – but until we get everyone, including government workers onto a national health plan vs a government paid plan, and off of government retirement plans and alongside the rest of the population who count solely on a strong social security system, we will not be able to benefit for all the savings of scale that exist, and only then will people who vote their conscience vs to protect their public tax payer paid benefits.

Cannt see that much pork.

Listen I'm Tired!!! It's there job to get this done but I don't know what they are waiting for. Pleople are living in shelters,in soup lines,nit working,unable to feed their kids,going so low that they turn to take there own lives and have no were to turn. I don't care what the problem is but they need to fix it. Because of them we are here.

Hi All,
Can you believe out of everything stuck in that bill they chop down education, then cannot figure out why we cannot compete in this world!!

I don't understand why the education mondy was deleted from stimulus. President Obama campaigned hard on this project. What a battle today. McCain and Vitter were down right defiant in rejecting the stimulus bill. I am one those who recently lost my job of 13 years and even though this may not be perfect I am willing to give it a try.

i cant say im surprised at the education cuts. i think the whole education system needs to be revamped. it is antiquated and does not serve all the students. i think the schools should be forced to comply with already existing laws prior to getting more.

Once the stimulus leaves the house and is put into action, I believe the announcement of it being passed will stimulate the economy – whether or not it is watered down or not. I'm contemplating buying a house or a car, but want to see what incentives will come about from the stimulus.

Go higher education...this is why education should be funded!

Pell grants allow more people to afford college.

There needs to be some regulation on what the Senate or the House adds to these so called bills. it baffles me to hear that money was ADDED to the bill when everyone is clearly worried about spending.

Yes, Belinda, and others echoing the same sentiment, tax cuts during an economic crisis such as this are thoroughly ineffective as the money spent on such cuts is needed for immediate job creation through infrastructure spending. There is a time and place to discuss tax cuts, but this isn't it. Republicans are simply trying to force their philosophical views of the way in which the economy should run by using this crisis as a launch pad.

To Patrick in Michigan - I heard earlier today the Senator Kennedy was flying in from Florida for the vote.

Anderson - Looking forward to the President and First Lady's "Date Night" story. Glad they are keeping up their tradition - I think it will help him keep his sanity. I really like the "mix" of stories on 360.

Mr. Gergen you reconcile it by putting the people first before you agendas regardless of political affiliation some things are above that like homelessness, unemployment, and skyrocketing debt for America to foriegn countries.How's that for motivation to reconcile.

Mr. Brown I live in California and the railway you speak of is not only going to be a huge debt to our state(controlled by one private company on their terms), and will take a long time to build, we need to repair our Amtrak and railroad tracks that exist already so we can avoid another train disaster.

Anderson- please find the names of the Senator's serving self interests first/personal pork and not the American people?!For when, by being informed, it comes for re-election we can vote them out.

Thanks,
Miranda

Good evening. It seems many of you are very relieved to have this pass as we are told it will avert disaster. What do you actually think it will do. The credit markets are still near frozen and the fed is printing new money at rates not seen in years. This bill needed to be either 4 times as big or not passed at all. Simply not enough to spark innovation or stem the bleeding. Especially, the tax cut portion. Im not trying to be divisive, but a realist. I feel like Bush and Pelosi were just telling us the same thing when they demanded that Tarp pass. It is not a popular reality but, we are broke and China will soon stop lending. Whenever someone tells you the sky is falling and a decision must be made ASAP, RUN

Gerry I agree with you the rich get all the tax cuts The Gop should be thrown out .

Anderson the answer to your question is college is becoming
less affordable for large segments of the population.
College grads earn more money and more opportunities.

Regarding your picture tonight;

Harry Reid's Prayer

Obama who art in the White House,
Brilliant be thy Game!
Oh here you come,
With a package done,
For America’s Great Recovery!!

I'll agree that there are some things in the stimulus that can wait. But, is there one Republican that doesn't have tunnel vision. They are so busy yelling tax cuts, the can't look at the big picture. The way I see it, infrastructure, health care, education, food stamps, housing, are all interdependent in some fashion. They each are apart of the whole and if one piece is missing, it slowly affects the welfare or function of the others.

We elect these people to look out for our welfare and the welfare of our country, but all I see is bunch of 2 year olds squabbling over a cookie to see who is going to get the largest piece while the people of this country get left with the crumbs (if we're lucky).

Why don't we the public just give President Obama a chance to do what has to be done. This problem was't created overnight nor will it go away overnight >I did't hear this much talk from the public when President Bush set and done nothing to let this happen. So let's be fair this President has only be in office for 17 days NOT 8 YEARS...

As of this morning some of the education cuts were in special education and early childhood education. If you have a child with a need with early intervention, such as speech which goes hand in hand with reading and writing development, kiss that good-bye. The cuts were not just in "building" costs. All students will suffer from cuts in education–we have suffered with eight years of higher demands with continued cuts and our system shows the effect of that!

Just an FYI, news reporters keep saying education is hiring but the school district where I work is seriously looking at laying highly-qualified teachers off.

I don't support the Republican position that it should all be in tax cuts and not in projects. When all is said and done, I want to be able to point to projects that were built with the "stimulus". I don't want to see it just flow through the ecomomy in a couple of months with nothing to show for it. If our children will be paying the bill, why don't we leave some great public works for them to enjoy and put people to work in the short term and longer term. This was the lasting result of the New Deal. Dams, libraries, roads, museums and public buildings were built by Rooselvelt programs that we can still use and enjoy the benefits of.

Janine: It one hundred thousand people go out and spend that extra 20-40 dollars, it is the quickest way to get dollars into the economy.

Where does Senator McConnell's 4% 30-year fixed-rate mortgage re-finance proposal fit in the stimulus bill?

...or is it a seperate issue?

What are its chances of passing?

hello Everyone,
David, i'm happy the Stimulus bill looks like it will pass–i appreciate the Senators dilligence. I'm sorry tho' that education always gets chopped.
I have educator friends here, many in borough schools, like Brooklyn. Crumbling buildings, outdated textbooks. And wish the tax cuts not quite so big. Don't understand John McCain's statement "Sad day for the country." He's said "country first." People are hurting. A compromise bill seems "country first, ideology last."

Hello Anderson,
I have been watching as the economy takes a downward spiral, and Congress, especially the GOP losers squabble over this recovery bill. They are living in a bubble and do not quite understand the problems of everyday Americans. Those unemployment numbers are not the true numbers. My co-workers and I (about 9) of us were laid off in November. We do not show up in the unemployment numbers because we are not eligible to apply for unemployment bebefits. We were given a severance package, and cannot get unemployment benefit until we have used up our severance. So we will either get jobs before it runs out or we will show up in the numbers in the next six months. Meanwile our families are concerned about what is going to happen to us in the next six months, if we do not get jobs, which is not likely given these awful jobless figures. I guarantee you my senator will be hearing from me, if he votes against this Recovery bill. I would urge these congress people to think before they sink themselves. The ballot box is still a very powerful, powerful voice in this country. The GOP will continue their downward slide, if they do not stop the road block they are putting up in congress. Mr. Michael Steele tahe note.

i agree with you lynn there is to much old school blood in washington we need term limits in congress fresh blood fresh ideas and we need accountability

Coast Guard Cutters would appear to be an excellent investment. It creates manufacturing jobs in shipyards and the USCG has ancient ships. It is something we actually need, unlike bee insurance or resodding the Capitol Mall.

Evening Anderson, Erica, and crew.
As a college student, I'm definitely worried about the performance of banks. How can those that need to take loans for higher education keep going to school if the banks now refuse them loans? I'm facing this situation for the first time, and I'm skeptical that this stimulus plan will be able to boost banks across the country.

A nobel prize author made refrence to the country going into a great depression it's scary !

@Jim in Fresno...You are absolutely right! Everyobody talks about 80-90% of jobs being created by small businesses, but small businesses (especially in the state of California) get shafted–especiall when it comes time for our "leaders" to put the money where their mouths are!

The Senate Democrats cannot possibly be considering passing this so called latest compromise on the Stimulus Plan. 42% Tax Cuts!! When expert economists state this is the least effective method for positive turnaround. And Education taking such a hard hit! And then John McCain has the nerve to still lead the pack of criticism. Stop letting the Republicans dictate the direction recovery needs to go! They’ve apparently decided in secret behind close door meetings they’re not going to support anything.

Hi Anderson,

You know I have been watch this mess in the Senate go
on all day..John McCain got up in front of everyone and shot off his mouth about what should be put in the pkg and what should be taken out . Does he not remember that he lost the election
because his plans "sucked" . Also wasn't it he who said while
on the campaign trail that the goverment and jobs were "fundamentally sound " Please... does that not tell anyone
about how he should be thown out of the discussion completely !!!!
He even said he didn't have much knowlege in economics so has he all of a sudden gotten educated since tjhe election. !!!

I don't think the Repubs are working for us. They are killing us very low. What Pres. Obama needs to do is srep back and let the chips fall where they may. Because this is not his fault it's the Repubs. BUSH and all the rest

Anderson, I think we have to control Banking First. We have to also make sure that these banks hire former honest mortgage brokers and real estate agents to assist with restructuring loans. Have Fannie and Freddie do the same.

We should but a bulk of the money in Infrastructure, invest heavily Entrepreneurs, Technology, Biotech Companies, Manufacturing and Creating Manditory Educational Programs and Schools that will get people off of Welfare.

I don't think the Repubs are working for us. They are killing us very low. What Pres. Obama needs to do is srep back and let the chips fall where they may. Because this is not his fault it's the Repubs. BUSH and all the rest.

love ya anderson.You do a great job.By the way,the bankers are going to vegas to borrow money from the mob and attend a home forclosure seminar where they can buy more bad debt.Fire em all.

Good evening Anderson. How about we have options and create true bipartisanship. Democrats can take advantage of the the socialistic transfer of wealth in Obama's tax cuts for incomes less than 200K, and republicans you opt out and give your tax cut to any large company of their choice. Seems like a win/win to me. Who could complain about that?

Hello all. I've heard many economists across the board say the amount we need is much higher to generate the outcomes everyone is seeking. I fear this won't be enought–due to rep's whining we have shrunk it–but Obama will be blamed!!!!

Heads up!! We are headed into a depression if the congress dosnt stop fighting and pass that bill. Yo broke yor economic leg in 1929 -1932 in the great depression the first time the same thing is happening now. President Obama reminds me of FDR and the new deal!!! The republicans are only good fo rfilling their pockets, while the democrats allways wanted to improve things making america more efficient ann productive. If you dont know how you broke your economic leg the first time you are bound to do it again. Im 17 years old and even I can see through that.

Anderson- This so called stimulus is pretty much all pork!! it should have extended unemployment benefits, money for unemployed workers to have health insurance, and rebuilding our infastructure. I do think money for pell grants,etc shold be increased but that is not really a part of an emergency stimlus bill. There is still very little to rebuild roads and bridges. Both are in terrible shape. That would create jobs as well as provide something tangible that we actually need!! Eventually this bill will come due and how are we going to pay for it all!!! Oh and how about accountability this time...remember before, Pelosi, Bush, and Paulson, all said the TARP must be passed immediately and how there would be accountability. Ya Right!!!! Looks like this is a TARP II.

I would like to know who is supporting these 14 children. From what I hear all the anger is because she and the original 6 were on welfare and now there are 8 more?

A tax credit/rebate will not stimulate the economy. Give the $500 or $1000 to the taxpayers now and let it turn over several times which will create jobs, sales and taxable transactions which will stimulate the economy. Ed Nelson

Since education isn't getting as much money, I guess my college tuition won't be going down nxt school year. I hope the president can address education more directly if education isn't getting as much money.

The Republican spin is that tax cuts will resuscitate the economy. I used the last one to pay bills, to a bank credit card. I'm sure many others did too. Nothing indicates that taxpayers will do anything different this time. Even if the funds are spent on goods, most are made in China. Check anything that you bought lately. We are already going to give China lots of money to pay off the loans. Forbes ranked the recent Presidents and prosperity in this country on 7/21/04. The top four, in order, were Clinton, Johnson, Kennedy, and Reagan. The myth of tax cuts being a panacea is just that, a myth.

How about recessions? 2001-2003 (G.W. Bush); 1990-1991(G.H.Bush); 1980-1982 (Carter/Reagan); 1973-1975 (Nixon/Ford). Any patterns here? These are facts, not spin. Look them up. Republicans have had many chances. you be the judge of their economic wisdom!

reguarding the numbering of job losses: numbers are abstract and are hard to relate to emotionally and intelectually. better to couch the number of job losses more concretaly as it was done earlier this evening. one of your reporters compared the total number of job losses during this recession to the total number of jobs in the state of maine. boy ! that made me think.

I' m Glad they are investigating the doctor who implante the embryos in the woman who had the octuplets that is crimanal . The money she has to pay for those kids 14 i think it's nuts .Whose going to pay for this ?

Anderson

I loved having Mayor Brown on your show you should have him more often(S.F. Resident), he is one of the smartess, more savey men I know and I can tell you one thing he know Politics and how to get things done. He was a great Mayor in S.F. and highly thought of.
I hope you have him on often.

A lrarge spending – a shock and awe treatment to economy and targeted spending should work in the present condition.

China just approved a 500 billion stimulus package few weeks ago .... Chines market is already up around 15% since the announcement. Their import of steel and coal increased dramatically in the past few days!

I agree, John McCain is either a fool or suffering from some mental ailment. He proposes his own bill (which was voted down) that was strictly tax cuts and no spending, and then in the same day says that Obama's tax cuts won't stimulate the economy! Which one is it John? I didn't vote for Obama, but I'm sure glad I didn't vote for McCain either.
Brett

@Fay: They certainly act like they don't. And the media seems to think it's only bipartisan if Obama reaches out. The House Republicans didn't give him one vote. Now THAT was partisanship.

I wish the stimulus bill was defined more to the public. Not all of us go home and watch C-Span 1, 2, &3. There needs to be more public intervention or else how will we know what is best for us? We may not vote directly, but these elected officials represent the ideals of the people. Majority is a powerful tool, we can't have that stripped from us.

California isn't the only state facing major issues. Michigan's unemployment rate was still terrible before the other states began to follow during the crisis. I believe the unemployment rate here is near 10-11%. Way too high. With GM trouble, its just gotten worse.

It is not like anything we have ever had to deal with. It is new territory. I agree we have had problems in the past. This is nothing like what we have had to deal with in the past. People have their savings at stake. This is Billions of dollors , not two dollars and the 80's. You have to admit, it's pretty scary!

I really dislike the use of the term pork, I don't find it really explains anything, it is used more often as a way to not explain.

I think the democratic should go ahead and pass your their own stimulus bill,because all the republicans want is to kill the blil. So pass your bill and let the republicans fillibuster and kill the dreams of the american people.God help our country

I tend to see it as Candy says. Things get complicated in the Senate, recall Sen. Collins comment about thorough, painstaking comprehensive look at the stimulus bill.

"Politics is the art of the possible" a very good pt by David Gergen. and good to note Harry Reid's role in leading the compromise.

Interesting to think of the Senate as a band with roving allegiances as Amy Holmes says but I think that goes to the complicated work of dealing w/ legis pt by pt.

I agree w/ Willie Brown ed spending employs people instructors, admin, staff, and lead to employment for students. I'm glad to hear Pell and Ed Grants are in the stimulus package.

Hello everyone:

Happy to see that they are taking their time. Understand the sense of urgency, but we didn't get here overnight and what concerns me most is that if this stimulus pkg is unsuccessful and the funds have all been spent even stretched out over a period of time, what will happen then?

If the major goal of the stimulus package is job creation, then building and updating schools would certainly fall in that scope. To say that this falls out of the scope of the federal government baffles me when $100's of billions have just been dumped into saving big business. You won't find personnell in school districts taking lavish trips on the taxpayer!
You want 21st century...build 21st century schools. You want projects that can begin immediately...most distircts are ready to build several years in advance.This brings work to engineers, architects, and many small businesses that work as sub-contractors, not to mention all the sales for materials! This would impact every state in the union.

Anderson,
Why does Amy Holmes keep refering to Pres. Obama as Obama. This is disrespectful!

Faye Dockter

First time blogger here:

Helloooo Faye!!!!
Welcome to Live Blog tonight..... enjoy join blogging tonight

@Jo Ann...I love that Schoolhouse Rock "I'm a Bill!" It's very cool. I think I never really understood until I saw that (and that was just last month).

@Anderson...There are twenty-five voters in our home, from all over the country...and we are watching your show...and would appreciate it if you would let Amy Holmes know that she needs to address President Obama as President Obama...and not Obama or Barack....and we would appreciate her showing some respect to the leader of our country.

If you want us to continue watching CNN...you need to get your commentators in line.

Anderson I have a question why is it so hard for your republican guest to call President Obama by his proper title? Just now Amy kept calling him Obama. When are they going to show the president the proper respect. I would like you to ask them that question.

I am so frustrrated that of all things education got cut mout of this bill. Fries me. NO repuplican voice speaks for me!!!!! I'm offended by that!

Amy Holmes need to address President Obama as that and not "Obama" she is been disrespectful to the President. I feel the next time Amy call him by his last name you or any of CNN's anchor personnel should call her out on that, the President have earned the title.

Please tell Amy and others to refer to President Obama as "President Obama", and not just Obama. Such disrespect. I never heard anyone refer to President Bush as just "Bush"

RIGHT!! Business!! IN VEGAS?! They should come to El Paso for the conference..lol

David Gergen - I'm glad the White House is going to be involved in "crafting" the final bill. We all know who is going to held responsible if the bill fails (which hopefully for the good of us all, it will succeed) – so why shouldn't President Obama have major involvement over what's included and what's cut - keeping in mind he needs the support of Congress to pass the bill.

Anderson - Apparently what's happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas anymore. Thanks for "keeping 'em honost."

@ Lorraine Miller: Thanks for paving the way for other woman. When you were born women didn't have the right to vote. What is the most remarkable moment in women's/American history for you?

in comparing the loss of jobs per month, comparison should be viewed in %, so as to provide a more definitive picture of the severity of the bellwether months. how does the % of jobs lost, (against the total workforce) this jan, versus the % of other years 'worst' months?

I want the stimulus packet to have something that will allow us to see immediate effect, although I know it has to be very small.

'The stimulus package is not perfect', says President Obama.

Anderson,
Although not perfect, you (personally) believe that the package will minimize the current problems?

A 'compromise'??? It's even bigger than the boondoggle from the House. And this is ONLY THE FIRST MONTH of the new administration.

The government is th most inefficient 'job creator' out there. That will be obvious over the next several months.

A prediction? How about 10% inflation by end of 2010, 20% by 2012. Where else will this phantom money come from?

I hope they great this sotred ou tthis weekend and the remaining votes gets passed there is enough suffering .
Have a great weekend everyone! Megan.Lori Ann, Brandi
Anderson please get some rest !!!

Just to prove I don't appear to favor the Republican efforts – I believe the $500 & $1000 'Stimulus Checks' are just as useless as the ones we rcvd in early 2008 – why? If I am unemployed or I am now a part time vice full time worker, I'm not gonna go out and spend that check!! I'm gonna use it to pay bills to make it through one more month or save it to survive a little bit longer! Wake up political "Leadership"...

Hi – hope I"m in time to get posted this time; missed the last two nights by trying to post too late. Who else besides me wonders why the heck money for public transportation isn't considered good for the economy? Living in a rural area, I know that if they could take the tracks originally built to transfer grain out of all these little farming towns could also be used for passenger trains, the economy in my county would definitely surge. Just think: people looking for work could match up with people ready to hire, even if they didn't live nearby, and not have to worry about the wildly fluctuating price of gasoline. To me this is just "duh", not rocket science. Do the Repubs think public transport is communist or something? What gives?

Vanessa – Thanks. Glad someone else sees this plight.

This Vegas thing makes me sick. Granted, a few grand isn't anything to these people. I just love how you can give them that money and your average citizen the same and one will be productive with it. Why are we rewarding CEOs with cushy vacations when they are bad at their jobs? It's not so much about money as it is the principle.

What happened to the support that the stimulus was going to give to the elderly and disabled? I don't see that in today's revision of the package?

Anderson did they keep the tax break for anyone that buys a house this year? I know they were talking about adding it in. Also is there anything in there about dropping the capital gains tax?

Are there any white collar and jobs that women tend to hold in the package?

Well, look. Rates are really low in Las Vegas hotels right now–even ones like the Venetian. And, on the bright side, they are helping keep union members working in many different types of businesses throughout Las Vegas. (That's the best excuse I can think of.)

C'mon folks. Vegas, like the rest of the country, can really use the money. Casinos are going bankrupt and workers are being laid off. The conference is very important to Vegas' economy. They need more money.

In vegas the house always wins, while the mortgage holder loses.

I really shouldn't be surprised by anything the bankers do anymore, but I guess the fact that I can not only still be surprised but also sickened is a good enough sign. Were these people dropped as babies? What is wrong with them?!

I want to see much more productive infrastructure spending! Strict buy American provisions! and money dedicated to hiring and retaining teachers!

Key Infrastructure like CA high speed railway, energy grid revamp, new green energy power plants (nuclear or other), repairing our interstates, bridges, and dams. And do this with Buy American!

I would like to thank both partisan groups for having an open-mind on this stimulus plan. I pray we as a people appreciate the seriousness and consequences this stimulus plan possess. Now it's our turn as citizens to impliment our personal responsibilities, disciplne, self awareness and our place in the road for a healthy economy.

I'm sick of the darn republicans. All I know is that a bill better pass and get us out of this mess. Or some crap will hit the fan and when it does everyone will be to blame and we will all be screwed!!!! When I view the stimulus package I see what's essential to the country. Like the President said, change won't happen over night!! So lets pass the bill and get the ball rolling!

It so sad on our part because we knew they were doing that all along. Those big companies will take what we will give them.

These banks think we can just keep printing money as fast as we can to save them. It's pathetic that there are excusses about keeping jobs, and seeking the intrests of the people. I could care less if a man who i've never heard of that makes billions of dollars of money a year loses his job. That's his problem, these companies just need to learn how to stick it to the man and say "sorry, but you're fired!"

My husband and I are the lower middle class with a health profession job and my spouse an aircraft mechanic. We now have two of our children who are now jobless. Both have families. We have made our one son's house payment for the past 6 months to avoid foreclosure. Now another son lost his job. Does not our GOP leader's realize my story is repeated nationwide. Parents helping their adult children survive, keep food on the table for their grandkids. How is giving someone a stimulus when they buy a new car or house going to stimulate the economy when people don't have a job to buy the car or house.

In general the problem with large BILLS both house and senate, is that they are too simply written in language which does not really control to outcome of the bill. Look at the poor control of the TARP money. This bailout legislation should be written in small focused pieces not mashed into one large misunderstood bill.
History repeats itself when we have ignorant people writing the rules that they do not understand. If these representatives would read about what occured during the depression they would be aware that they are doing things which did little to correct the depression problems. They are repeating bad history.
Just because these representatives were rich and could afford to run for a federal office doesn't make them the most knowageble authority to construct legislation. Just look at TARP.

Love your informative and live show. Watch you every evening. I am all for the stimulus bill. I am all for alternative energy and that must be one of the items on the bill. Also the banking industry must have money immediately but must also have an account of every penny spent. I think all of these are needed really fast!!!!!!!!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? One place I never care to ever visit.

If everyone is so upset with the corporations who are taking trips to Vegas, why aren't the same congressional members angry with themselves for spending about $100K on their "retreats" this week and last?

I know that Amy Holmes is a republican and as such, is very crude - typical Repug. Barack Obama is the President of the United States. He won 53% of the vote. He is not an acquaintance nor a friend of Amy Holmes. She is not even affiliated with President Obama's party. She should, therefore, afford the President some respect by addressing him appropriately. During her appearance tonight on Anderson Cooper 360, she kept referring to the President as Obama. Where is her sense of decency and respect for the President? I never heard her refer to George Bush as 'Bush' and if any deserved to be disrespected, it was George Bush.

As a woman, without a clear source of income, can do this?
How she can give a child (ups… 14 children) need?

Missing rules for artificial insemination. More stringent measures for physicians should be imposed.

I love that the Obamas are still doing a date night.

Greetings to all! Las Vagas?? I need a bailout,35 weeks unemployed and now I hear the slush fund for education was tossed.I was hoping for some job retraining with some of that money...Who'll bail me out and send me to Vegas???

We need help! Hello republicans wake up and here what the American people want. Stop whining and work with the President and
get this economy moving. We tried it your way for 8 years and look where we are now. Let's try something else. It can't be worse than it is now

In my opinion, this stimulus package does little to create jobs in the private sector. There is plenty of money to extend benefits to the unemployed, which is all well and good, but how does this bill help them get back to work? This package does more to benefit the government than its citizens. I, for one, will not sleep better tonight.

Yes, I agree also, we need to set term limits for the Senate and House. There needs to be some new blood mixed in with the old so maybe we can get some fresh ideas.

Although, by the looks of some of the people in office now, it will be very hard to get any qualified politicians that have a functioning brain cell beyond power tripping.

What happen is vegas, not only stay in vegas isn't it.

Well, it is so sad that banks' people still do not get it.

What would be so terrible if the banks failed. The deposits are insured. Wouldn't it be better to end Reaganomics once and for all. Instead of big huge banks we could have smaller, more flexible and comptetive regional banks.

Finally!!!! Christian Bales tell the fans saying apology, he made a mistake bad things to say.... Now I accept his apology......

Now what is the real reason these bankers are going to Vegas?! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

i can't beleive this all business no play trip can't be done at a Holiday INN

I'd be perfectly happy with no tax cuts. What is 500 over the year going to really mean? And this notion of the tax credit for buying a house. OK, so people who can refinance this might help and people who HAVE money might be able to pick up a cheap house, but who else is going to be buying houses? Where is the money from?

Yet, there are those people out there that think nothing should be done. I can't see that working, but they are up in arms about the debt being incurrred. To be honest, I'm getting more and more confused.

I feel for those 14 children. If this mother crashes and burns they will all be split up into foster homes!! That is the biggest tragedy to me. Maybe the doctor who planted the eggs should be al least partially responsible for provif=ding economical support.

Why can't some of these big executives from the banks stay at some low cost, one or two star hotel instead of these expensive places on our dimes? If they want to stay at these five star hotels they should pay for it out of their own pockets.

@Stacey, don't forget that only Congress can spend money. The 2 biggest deficit years under Bush were the last two, when Dems controlled Congress. True financial conservatives have been complaining about the debt all along.

It is unfortunate that we have very little new blood in the congress and senate, so although the president and the american people want change, it can't happen with all these old geezers, stuck in their ways, clueless about their constituents and don't care about most Americans.

Why isn't building or modernizing schools considered part of the infastructure investment that we need for our future. This was considered a priority in the campaign, so why do the Repubs think it is so easily dispensible.

What's pathetic to say is that you can make a great interpretation of Hamlet out of this stimulus package mess......

Wow, Bank of America, who knew??? I am certain that if any of you have had experience with them, you would agree that they will eventually take over. Weird and unfair practices.....

Please let the President do his job

I'm a retired Navy Chief and consider myself an independent, but watching Fox, CNN and CNBC the last couple of days, you feel like you are in two different countries. I whole heartly beleive we need a stimulus package but how many jobs is a $500,000 dog park in Chula Vista going to create and for how long.? I just use that as an example of all the pork that is in this bill from both parties. People need to remember that this is not the annual budget. It should only inlude items that will help people now.. Both parties got us in this mess. Love your show AC.

Left, Right, Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Republican? ..... Whatever hapened to American? The stimulus numbers being thrown around are so mind boggling to the average American, the views so diametrically opposite, the confusion overwhelming. Hope and change? Feels much more like fear!

Wow! I cannot believe the Senate. As a member of the United States Coast Guard, I don't understand how 122 million for protecting our boarders from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers is considered "fat". I guess that the Senate did not do their research for this bill to see that some of our cutters are more than 50 years old.

To keep it short, its time for President Obama to stop trying to have a bi-partisan bill. Bi-means two sides. He is trying but the Repubs are not. So where is the bi-partisanship? We the American people are behind him 100%. We will vote against those who play with our future. After 23 years I was laid off my job. But I cannot receive unemployment benefits because I received a severance package. I along with 8 other people do not show up in the unemployment stats.

It's disrespectful for Amy to keep calling the president simply "Obama".

Also, the republican party have become so extremely far right and so used to getting their own way by any means no matter how foul that this is no time for democrats to be making many concessions. Democrats should be friendly and offer cooperation, sure, but eight years of the Bush administration has left the country, the environment and the middle and working classes in terrible jeopardy. Policy must REALLY change, and republicans will not want to help accomplish that even if their policies and philosophies have damaged America and it's people. Until they are ready to acknowledge things like giving even more tax cuts to the rich will not help and their stop offering ridiculous things like their alternative all tax cuts package they are hopeless.

Compromise is not always a good thing. To be honest even as a moderate conservative i am shocked that the bipartisan thing has been pushed so hard. Are they aware they have clear maj in the house and senate. Seriously, the folks voted to give you a shot. Not a convoluted try to please all shot. I personally dont agree with the bill but the Dems have every right to put out the bill as they want it. I dont believe they couldnt get 60 votes with the political capital they have. Unless they wanted someone to share the blame.

Anderson-

I'm not buying it are you?

I like Mr. Cumming who said we get furious.

While people are living under bridges for the inability to pay on their home, bankers are looking forward to premium digs a The Venetian?!

Las Vegas represent and picket!

The would be 5 million to your economy- is it worth the price of your fellow citizens, and perhaps you, being evicted with no home?

Not to mention that money would not go to you but in the end back to the bankers.

Miranda

I am happy it is through, but concerned about education taking such a hit. It is, in fact, one of the last areas that should be affected.

I'd love to go to Vegas on the taxpayers dollar too, unbelievable. It wouldn't kill them to stay in something other then a 5-star hotel, why do they not understand this?

As far as the stimulus package goes, I do not doubt that President Obama will bring education back up at a later date. Education played such a huge role in his life, I can't see him allowing the senate to cut so much of the dollars towards this unless he plans on bringing it back somewhere else down the road.

Crisian Bale is more to Batman or Terminator?

The stimulus bills of 08/09 spend as much as all of the individual income taxes collected in 2006.

Forget the Senate bill.
I prefer putting a one year stop on income tax and let us buy cars, houses, heathcare, education with our money. Create small business and jobs.
Better plan.

i don't think the Bale/Phelps apologies are geniune...it's all about 'keeping face' in the media

Oh, Christian Bale, don't apologize...I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time. We're not done professionally.

Anderson thank you for showing us the Obama's going out and just have a good time. I hope Michelle helps him to relax and put the countries worries behind him for a couple of hours at least/ Love it.:)

Any stimulis plan being passed now could be called an experiment, which later will need to be altered as the situation warrants. Even the "socalled" experts are divided what the appropriate resolution to the economic disaster is. The public needs to be patient. Tax cuts alone won't do as the Republicans are trying to promote. There are many people who still waiting for Regean's trickle down solution to work for them. It's time to try something new and work it out as time proceed.

First the bonuses then thousands of dollars to spend at the strip? What are these wall street firms thinking when everyone else are losing their jobs and seeing their homes foreclosed?

Thank you David for the question....though I appreciate the process, very long process, that has been going on, I am disappointed in the lack of working together by more people....I feel the republicans have revealed tonight they are furious about loosing control, very stubborn and dedicated to blocking rather than creating....and ..... this is not an education bill....I feel the best way to get me to spend is give me money directly...How simple....I believe many of the fortunate and well off truly do not get we are facing a great change in the working class becoming destitute. Working hard was supposed to have given us a greater return, but it has been sucked up by greed and indulgence, which has been going on in every culture, forever....

I didn't know that Christian had an accent. ? The remix of him and the little boy who was on drugs from the dentist is hilarious.

So Christian Bale apologizes. Shall we take bets on when he enters anger management or rehab?

Anderson,
I'm happy the Obamas have a date night. Everyone is so busy these days so for the Obamas to make time for a date is wonderful. My husband and I haven't had a date night forever! We should find the time though!

Thank you, Stacy; that was exactly my point.

Susan, you raise a great point–"pork" has become an umbrella term and gets more vague by the day.

I'm a huge Obama supporter, and I'm annoyed by all the whining about his title. He is not being referred to by his last name any more than Bush and Clinton were–we don't stand on ceremony in this country. It's polite to address him by his title, but it certainly is not necessary. He's a public servant, not a monarch.

Education always seems like the last thing on every Republican's mind. It has taken a hit for the past 8 years now, it is time for a turn around. This idea that teachers have what they need to teach is outragous.... When is the last time that they have been to a school, talked to a teacher, or had a child in public schools. I don't know the answer to any of these questions, but by the looks of things it has been a while.

Christian Bale is more to Batman or Terminator?
Christian Bale, that dirty mouth, huh!

Hey David. Seems like the bill is pretty tame to me. I'm a moderate generally but it seems like there is not much new thinking there especially in terms of energy independence. But what do I know, I'm only a taxpayer. (Or a former one actually.....you have to have income to pay income tax).

Sorry to see education take the big hit, somewhat short sighted, when there are other things that are much less "important".

Peter
NCLB Provider

Oh boy!!!! oh no Christian Bales!!!! too much bleeping!!!! not good day for me to hear that!!! LOL

Just to put things in perspective, 3.6 million lost there jobs. If you took the $780 Billion and divided it evenly among the people who lost there jobs they would roughly get $215K . So say we only gave them $50K in the form of a interest free loan, with a 15 year time table to pay it back. The rest of the 150 million or so of us that are still working would STILL get $4000 each, better than the last stimulus check we got.

Oh Christian Bale, you have given me so many videos for my iPod. .....

OMG! Men are losing jobs more than women!

Stop talking about that chick with the kids! There are too many people in the world, and we don't need anymore....(-_-)

I have a propensity to think one of the octuplets might develope a serious case of crustophobia later on in his/her life.

Please do not give anymore publicity to the woman who has now brought 14 children into the world. I think there is currently a trend in America for women to produce mucho babies. Maybe we have Angelina Jolie to thank for this. Children are a life time investment and deserve the best of care and nurturing. Angelina probably has no problem finding nannies and other support in raising her children. She does this world a disfavor to present parenting as an assembly line activity. I think this young mother has swallowed this Angelina hype hook, line and sinker. Please check out the results of children raised by mama baby factories. We have a population problem...a world exploding population problem.

Anderson & other news folks can report on AIG and other such companies until they are blue in the face (and reporters' should). But I believe these people simply do not care.

They have probably been on many more trips than we know about & doled out millions more in secret bonuses.

Hello everyone - Thanks for your many comments tonight - Members of the House and Senate should all sit down and read them this weekend, especially your strong support for education. My bet is that after some hard, tough, contentious negotiations next week, Congress will pass and the President will sign a major stimulus plan. It may not be enough to jolt the economy, and some of it will be wasteful, but my sense is that it will definitely help.

p.s. a couple of you asked about Senator Kennedy. Senator Reid was first seeking to have him come to the Senate tonight but with the final vote postponed, Reid will now see if Teddy can come on Sunday. The vote could be that close!

Ha! Anderson I love it,

President Obama said he hadn't had a cigarette on "the White House" grounds. So whose grounds has he had one on? : )

Of course more men are losing jobs than women. Women are paid less than men. Companies can get the same productivity for less expense by keeping their female employess and laying off the men. That's a no-brainer.

The solution momentary is a professional requalification. Those who lose their jobs must go through training and retraining. Only then can find another activity and take a new wave in modern competitive labor market. The unemployed can’t be expecting new opportunity to occupy the same place he occupied before the resignation, because that same wave, or better, that function may cease to exist. Whoever wants to return to the labor market should recycle, seeking a place in another area or branch of activity, it is essential, it must be prepared.

In Brazil, my husband is giving training in DOT.NET to who only know Cool: Gen, a programming language so specific.
This is a good solution: help colleagues, before they lose their jobs.
Today is you that help, tomorrow you can be helped.

I am so proud of ND Senators Dorgan and Conrad not siding with Democrats to pass the Stimulus Bill. In fact, I have a letter from Dorgan that he doesn't agree that we should push money that won't be monitored!

How's she going to pay for all those babies? Same way you people are with your stimulus packages . . . that's '3' in less than a year! And still, the work needs to be done so that all you mouthpieces can sing, "America", as though all this new paper means something. But now you have some little girl to focus on as though one girl making too many babies is the problem while it is y'all printing up money as though it's just that easy to fix things. Life is so nice having something pretty to listen to telling me what a screw-up we are and how 'my pretty' has all the answers I need.

Andy of Sierra Vista, Arizona

I love, love, love this show. I think the panel is always awesome, and the questions they get are pretty good too:) I also really loved the Planet in Peril series. It was good to hear a bit of news from around the world tonight, Australia, Antarctica, etc. It would be great to see some more in-depth international stories now and then because I know that would put AC's knowledge and experience as a foreign correspondent to good use too.

For example: How do average Iranians really feel about Americans? How's the war going in Iraq? How's the war going in Afghanistan? What's happening with Darfur? I'm not suggesting that Anderson go to these places, just that I'm sure someone's telling them, and I'd love to hear AC and the panel's perspective on some of these issues.

Just a though. Keep up the good work!

16 kids? guess who paid and will continue to pay for it.?Us .She has medical and medicare and will be on welfare forever.I'm a nurse.The end bill is in the millions.

We're hearing all the talk about how the banks who got TARP money are or are not spending it. But, I've heard nobody aay anything about how all these banks are raising everybody's interest rates on their credit cards. What were "fixed" rates are being raised for reasons totally unrelated to the relationship the client has with the bank in question. And purchase rates are doubling on accounts in good standing for people with excellent credit scores. That will NOT encourage spending, which as we are told, what is necessary to stimulate the economy.

Megan I hope they get together over weekend and come up with stimulus bill they can agree and pass in the senate too. "Finger crossed" I know it's kind of suspenseful. Also I agree the job losses that Ali reported are terrible, puts a lot of pressure on congress.

The solution momentary is a professional requalification. Those who lose their jobs must go through training and retraining. Only then can find another activity and take a new wave in modern competitive labor market. The unemployed can’t be expecting new opportunity to occupy the same place he occupied before the resignation, because that same wave, or better, that function may cease to exist. Whoever wants to return to the labor market should recycle, seeking a place in another area or branch of activity, it is essential, it must be prepared.

C'mon. Lay off the guy about his smoking. If it must be mentioned, at least give him some credit for trying to quit. It's far from easy.

But with all the incredible problems going on in the world and this country, President Obama's personal peccadilloes should be the least of your worries. It's certainly mine.

Kathy .... my sympathies.

These republican senators are all multi-millionaires living in their own la-la land. They have absolutely no clue what is happening out their.

Miranda has a great idea. Flush them out and start another wall of shame on 360!

Anderson
happy to hear Christian Bale admitting he was wrong to flip out the other day. It takes a great man to admit he was at fault! Christian is such a brilliant actor though!

stacy the difference is this: if its national debt to promote the agenda of their constituency the top few %, then its ok to trash the future with debt, but the idea of doing something for the entire nation is against their nature, its sad really, and they are placing a bet things WILL get worse and want to flip the house to put the president in check mate for 2 years, its sad really, but they are willing to put the future of the nation in jeapordy to regain power

anderson,

more men are losing their jobs than women because they get paid more. the companies save more money getting rid of the men.

Well, that's nice that Bale apologized. He did sound like a jerk.

i'd rather see someone buying a house get a credit over someone that over bought a house and ended up in bankruptcy. At least the people who buy houses will also be spending money to buy things for it. Those things bought will help businesses and so on......

I definitely agree with Bridget of TX. Pres. Obama is working so hard and cares so much. It is depressing seeing him getting beaten up
when he's trying to be bipartisan.

Good weekend to all 360 staff.

Good one Erica...Bobyonce?!! I LOVED THE FLOOR CREW DANCERS...I think you all should start a blog! and a fan club!!

Why is it that everyone's so upset with Bale? Hasn't everyone had a bad day? If I was him I would only feel that I had to apologize to the people or person at which the rant was aimed. Nuff said.
And get off Michael Phelps back already America. Here's a guy who proves smoking a little pot for recreation doesn't mean your some low life bum. Ohh do you think he'll be smoking crack and injecting heroin next? When will people realize that pot should be legal and cigarettes should be outlawed. It's obvious to any intelligent person which is worse on your body.
Brett

The moment of union is and the whole world thinks so, but the Republicans do not.

The United States (and other countries that suffer in scale) require an aggressive response of government against the economic decline. Obama is right. This is the most dangerous crisis since the Great Depression, and could easily turn into a prolonged decline.

Maybe if we had more women in the House and the Senate we could get more things done.

I made over 180K last year, have become more conservative in my political views, but am completely willing to let PRESIDENT Obama try his stimulus package. I can afford to send my child to college, am pretty secure in my profession/work status, but really worry about the declining state of our economy for the middle class and young Americans who are not being appropriately educated and later employed. I'm not surprised by Congress but as usual am very disappointed! The President still has my support.

Why are we pushing this bill so quick without measures to ensure the money is being spent fairly and wisely! What money will North Dakota get with record snowfalls we receive and the potential flooding that lies in front of us????????I am an American who served their country honorably and chose to live in North Dakota, so don't forget the little people who grow all of your food!

As to our blogger who asked if Sen. Kennedy made it back, they included him in the roll call for the last amendment vote.

The concern that education spending would be considered "pork" was addressed by the Rep. Sen from Maine who is voting with the Dems. She said, some items were being removed from the bill that can be deferred to the regular appropriations bill. The strategy is to just get the price tag down low enough so they can get the 60 votes they need right now.
It's a tactical move so they can pass the bill and forward. It is not an indicator of long-term strategy. Do you think this is a smart move, David?

The work of women depends not only the demand of the market and their skills to help her, but also derives from a complex articulation of personal and family characteristics, UNFORTUNATELY.

Republicans are just finding ways to block the stimulus bill. They can not admit the fact that they lost this past election. So they stir things up to look that they are united per se.

The President will accomplish his goal of bi-partisanship even if he only gets 61 votes for the Stimulus package. No one can expect this bipartisan change to take place overnight but President Obama has done an excellent job in extending his hand in trying to get the support from the Republicans. He will get more Republicans on board as he continues to do what he is currently doing. Respecting people and being upfront with them. Now there are some who will never work with him (Ex. Mitch McConnell and others) who is closed minded to anything that the President has to say. However, I believe that there are some Republicans who are interested in working as a team to make it better for the people

I read to day, the national census states there are actually 11.4 million unemployed projected to reach almost 15 million by june.

C'mon... You guys really should leave Obama alone about the smoking issue. While I've never smoked, from what I understand it is incredibly difficult to quit and causes much embarrassment to many smokers. He doesn't want to smoke, and we shouldn't make his life any more difficult while he's trying to quit.

I am not surprised that women will eventually surpass men
in the work force. Women have to work outside the home
in this day and times. Besides women now are 52 % of
the population.

Why do Republicans have so much disregard for education. I personally do not think we have needed an educated population more. America has really dumbed itself down.

Unless I misunderstood there is no mention of aid to the energy crisis that we are having???? We really need to do something about our dependence on energy.

i would like to see a ton of money go towards building factories top build – or build better – the products we import, clothes, appliances, electronics and cars. (short list) buy american can not be part of the bill as it would conflict with trade agreements but americans can buy what they want – we need – to want to buy american.

I think the Obama admin. has done well with getting the votes for the stimilus package considering the opposition party. kudos President Obama.

I wish the mother of 14 children all the luck in the world. I am sure she loves children but needs a dose of reality. Even if she eventually earns her Master Degree, her salary will not support that many children. I understand it was her decision and with all decisions we personally make, we also have to take responsibility for their outcome. I hope she can make it on her own as unlikely as it seems.

For goodness sakes!! Why bother President Obama about his smoking!
With the mess this country is in and the weight on his shoulders.. looks like you could ask more important questions! He is probably struggling to quit and if you keep on ... he'll should just put himself an ashtray in the oval office and smoke all he wants.! Get off it!!

As long as a woman is able to do her work at home, be a good wife, and a good mom I dont see why she cannot compete with men?

are you interested in the mom of 14, or have you had enough? just curious...

We have more than had enough of the woman. Thanks for asking!

Anderson the mom of the 14 kids has a plan it's called get yourself a TV show and write a book!!!

The bill is 93% spending and only 7% stimulation. It stimulates the Gov't and not much else. It amazes me that when they say things like the waste is only 18 billion dollars and takes up one page of this bill do they realize how stupid that sounds to us in the real world. You give 18 billion dollars to housing the homeless in this country and the problem might be solved. All I see up on the Hill are elected officials who were too lazy to dig into the details of this huge bill but when the nation started to ask questions they decided to try to read the bill they were pushing. Shame on all of them!

I'm not really interested in the woman herself, but interested in the doctor.

Had enough

He hasnt smoked on the white house premiss doesnt mean he hasnt had a smoke..........and can we please skip he baby machine...ugh

HAPPY FRIDAY Anderson, Erica and all Bloggers. That mom with all the kids is a few bricks shy of a full load Anderson. Raising one daughter almost drove me crazy. 14? AIN'T NO WAY.

"There is plenty of money to extend benefits to the unemployed"

Really, where? Nothing but a deadline extension.

In four years, it will be interesting to see the answers to that age old question "Are you better of now than when Barack Obama became President?"

I think more women work (vs. staying home for their kids) because of the greedy "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality we have fostered in the U.S. The best thing about all this economic fallout is that people are learning to be happy and thankful for each other, spending more quality time together (at home) and spending less $ going "out" in order to entertain themselves.

feet to the fire. nice!
i think the stimulus bill needs to be passed, but i do agree that there are far too many projects for the house to be effective.

@erica,

im tired of hearing about her, but ill keep listening until i know the safety and well-being of the children are ensured. that is the most important issue to me at this point.

A conference at a 5 star hotel in Las Vegas is going to cost much less than having one at a 3 star establishment in New York. It is possible to stay at a 5 star establishment, like the Venetian, for as little as $120 a weeknight from Sunday night through Thursday night – typical conference days.

The money that comes to Vegas does not stay in Vegas. The Las Vegas economy is a part of the U.S. domestic economy. What makes having a conference in Las Vegas worse than having one in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles? Especially when the true costs will probably be less.

Erica,
This mother is synonymous with exaggeration, then would not be bad to have more.

Senator McCain just need to go somewhere and sit down...it is embarrassing.

I think John & Kate Plus 8 started this multiple craze and the show lets everybody think that those with multiples will be taken care of with sponsors and such. They work hard to do what they do!

Personally Erica. I have had my fill of mom of 14. Its sad and sick at the same time. I raised one and had my hads full.

Why is gender even a debate? This is 2009 A.D., right?

Erica, I have had enough. I heard on another news station tonight the talk of social services. Leave her alone. She has 6 and obviously she has been taking care of them, so just let her be.

I think.. Erica....I would like to know how this woman plans to take care of the babies...other than that I could care less...this too will pass I just hope her 15 min are soon up

I made over 180K last year have a fabulous and secure career, am able to send my child to college, and have become more conservative in my political views. And yet, I am still willing to let the PRESIDENT try his stimulus package. I am not surprised by Congress but as usual am very disappointed in their acts of partisanship and opportunism. I'm still behind the President.

Had enough.

Erica,

I'd kind of prefer if we didn't give this woman so much attention. Attention is what she craves and the media should deny her that. She did something kind of obscene in my mind (using children to feed her own psyche) and the less we reward that, the better.

@Erica: I am sick of the mom of 14! Please stop giving this woman airtime! To think that we're talking about her and not, say, our troops in Iraq is absolutely shameful.

I think this mother of 14 is desperate for attention. The country seems to be turned off by what she's done. So of course we should ignore the coverage of her. Let her go back home to her 14 children and raise them on her own with no attention and no help.

So what if the President had a cigarrett. If you had to deal with all those haters, you would probably have a couple yourself.

@ Erica: The lady just had all these babies and she is doing interviews with Ann Curry. Enough already.

I do hope that all the children grow up healthy though. Seems like all those fertility drugs could be bad for them.

please don't even show the interview of the mom with 14 kids...you are making her a star this is what she wanted.

Erica, I had more than enough of the mom of 14 by the time nmuber 8 was popping out!

Erica, I think I'm done with Octo-mom–she seems too happy to be in the spotlight–shouldn't she be recovering somewhat from her pregnancy?

Son is the best thing in life, you identify its features in it, you realizes that he is a yours evolution, but the parents must be able to create them with everything a child needs (emotional and material).
As a woman, without a clear source of income, can do this?
How she can give a child (ups… 14 children) need?

Missing rules for artificial insemination. More stringent measures for physicians should be imposed.

The mother of 14 is doing interviews for money...

Erica ~ I've had more than enough of 8 baby lady

so who paid for the huge hospital bill of the octoplets

Too bad for the government workers in California who have to take an extra day off to help balance the budget. They should be using their time volunteering and giving back to their communities instead of walking around in a picket line.

This young woman is sick. Get her out of the spotlight.

i have had enough of this woman she is crazy who needs 14 children i would jump in front of a truck lol

Missing rules for artificial insemination.
More stringent measures for physicians should be imposed.

I am a mom of five, three of which are triplets. We had no fertility and were very shocked. I was asked about fetus reduction, but I could not. However, I am a true believer of choice. I think she may have made some comments taken out of context. However, I know the time and energy that is required of mulitples. I hope some people do step up to help her out.

Erica, I have had more than enough of the "baby maker!" That fertility "specialist" should be held responsible. If he or she thought this was such a great idea maybe he or she should help raise those kids.

Erica...Totally had enough!! I think that it's terribly that she is seeking some sort of fame or publicity for these kids...and yet she is getting it every time she is on the news.

I wonder Does she can care of 14 kids at once one day?

I am sick of that woman. She's obviously in need of some serious help and shouldn't be raising any children. And the doctor who implanted the multiple embrios thus putting her and the babies life in danger should have his license revoked.
Brett

I've had way more than enough of that baby making machine. I love kids and appreciate every parent that is a big part of there kids lifes, but there comes a time when someone with a brain needs to say enough is enough! Like a doctor maybe!!!!!!!

Erica,
This mother is synonymous of exaggeration, then would not be bad to have more.

I heard that Nadya is in talks with TLC for a show.

I'd like to see the babies next week – and what they look like in a few months.

I believe this woman is being selfish and had the children for the wrong reason. I mean one can love children but this woman is looking for attention. And of course she's getting the attention for all the wrong reasons!

Having 8 babies when you already have 6 would still be news...even if you were married.

Just wondering if the $15,000 tax credit for purchasing a home supposedly in the bill is really a tax credit or just a loan. The current $7,500 "tax credit" eligible only to first-time homebuyers has to be paid back! That is not a credit, that's a loan.

Erica,

Well I've had enough of the Mom. She obviously needs counseling and so do the MDS who impregnated her. That's who I want to hear more about. From the moment I heard that she was single and had 6 other kids, I wondered what kind of MD would have done something so unethical, stuipd and dangerous. The MD who did the in vitro should have his license revoked. He should have said "NO", find someone else.

As a woman, without a clear source of income, can do this?
How she can give a child (ups… 14 children) need?

The octuplet's mom is geoing for a master's in counseling!?!?!?! Good God, the last thing we need is her as a shrink.

Sorry, but I work in the field. I can't imagine what she's thinking.

Hey, Erica! I have a twisted fascination with this crazy mother, this is a 14-car pile up. But if you were to move on, I guess I could too.

This chick is rediculous. For some reason I think she should get a psyche screening or something.....I can't beleive that she doesn't have to pay a dime for the treatments of those eight souls while tax payers have to pay for stupid things like this when we could be spending air time on better topics such as explaining more about the stimulus bill.......:(

This woman is an idiot..how is going to obtain her masters' while raising 14 chiildren!!!!

I am so glad that they are investigating the doctor of this woman. She is crazy! When is she going to have the time to go to school with 14 children? How is she going to provide food, shelter, clothes for these children? She was a mom of 6 kids already so her dream was already fulfilled. I guess she is going to hold them through the hunger.

i actually probably would watch an reality show on her and see how she takes care of all those children .

Ah, she was recently divorced. Someone has attachment issues....

"And that is selfish?" What is selfish is having eight tiny babies where there could be huge health complications and mental issues.

Shame on our "public officials" by the poeple for the people! Should be! By the government for corupt and the Greedy! We lost our savings now our jobs and businesses ultimatly our homes and cars, In the mean time Billions go to the corupt without punishment! Why do the same politicians who who messed everything up get enabled to make the problem worse! Very sad...............................................

The auto industry is the most vital industry and jobs creation in the U.S. yet I do not see one thing in this stimulis bill that will put one auto worker back to work. If the Govt. would send out 2.5 million vouchers of $10,000.00 ( 25 billion) It would put EVERY auto worker and supplier back to work tomorrow! With full employment in the auto industry. The Govt would get their 25 billion back in taxes in 2-3 years

I don't care if he smokes if I was him I would with all that he had on his desk when he walked in to the whitehouse. Not cool on Bush's part

Lifeling dream to have 14 children without a job and planning to go to college to pursue counseling? Wow! Anderson, send her to me and i'll give her counseling myself!

had enough erica, it seems to make nervous just thinking a milk, diapers, and the health issues to come for the children, and the solomon guy sperm donor should pay child support.

Watching Anderson's Story on the bankers going to Las Vegas' Venetian even though their banks have taken tax-payer dollars, i thought I would point out the Oakland Marriott City Center is available for $199 per night and it is directly connected to the Oakland Convention Center(98,000 sq ft of convention center). If these "execs" do not want to incur any more tax-payer wrath, perhaps they can change thier reservations and book their "meetings" at the Oakland Marriott. While I certainly can't speak for the Chairman of Marriott, I am sure he would throw in some extra chocolates for each evening's turndown service. And then, maybe these execs could take a wonderful tour of Alcatraz and thinking of that, maybe they could even stay there for life!!! I hear there are room available!! Would't that be poetic justice!! Perhaps, they could even have a sleep-over on Alcatraz and invite the AIG folks who went to the Squaw Peak Resort...Oh, sweet dreams for all!!!

Anderson, if she was married for 12 years, and her oldest child is 7 – then why is a "friend" the sperm donor and not her husband?

@biba: I completely agree. This behavior should not be encouraged.

made over 180K last year, have become more conservative in my political views, but am completely willing to let PRESIDENT Obama try his stimulus package. I can afford to send my child to college, am pretty secure in my profession/work status, but really worry about the declining state of our economy for the middle class and young Americans who are not being appropriately educated and later employed. I’m not surprised by Congress but as usual am very disappointed! The President still has my support.....Do you know I have a degree and appalled by this statement. It is because of you who has your head in the clouds and doesn't realize that what we midwesterns are growing through with not getting the money we deserve! I am sorry I served my country for 9 years, have a Bachelors and I barely make $30,000 in a job in North Dakota where Cost of Living is actually higher than other places...So, Get over yourself!

Dang, wanted to add....Pell Grants help me KEEP my job as a teacher. I have two jobs, but losing teaching is a severe loss. It's not pork. This country will really spiral down if education on all levels weakens.

Anderson, Erica,

She meant she had them all implanted because she felt they are already babies and was not going to discard any of them.

hello everyone- I'm probably a lone wolf here but here's my two cents
The federal government only supply's 4or 5 percent of education funding
through mandating programs to the states. Education is primarily paid on the local level. All this fear of any reduction in education funding is really unfounded, unless it's about a specific pet project. Case in point
this bill is supposed to be a economical stimulus package, not a spending bill. Spending on education,health insurance, and all other social projects should be debated in separate bills and passed on their own merit.This should be a clean bill with only items that would stimulate our economy in the next 18 months. My wish list would be repeal of all corporate income tax, instill a flat income tax or the fair tax
two years of stimulus checks for households under a certain income
and a federal clearinghouse bank to buy and hold the bad debt the banks have on their books allowing them to start lending again.
I enjoy your show Anderson. thanks

I just hope the children are healthy mentally and physically.

People aren't just judging her based off how many kids or the fact she is doing it as a single mom. She also doesn't have a good income source. Especially at this time, in this economy...

Anderson-

Poor Ms. Suleman and she is not at the hospital with her kids she loves so much-right...she is doing interviews!

I know of no mother with one let alone many that would be any where else but the hospital right now looking and caring for the newborns.

I feel a media blackout coming on.

Miranda

Anderson,

Will the different categories (Environment, Education, Infrastructure Investments, etc) of the stimulus package be phased in at different times or will all of the categories be implemented at once? Please advise.

Thanks,

Ted

Since when is it un-American to disagree with an economic stimulus bill. If they do not believe it will work why should they vote for it.

Who is paying the hospital bill for the new mother of 8?

Evening Anderson, Erica, David, 360 Team and Bloggers! Indeed something is better than nothing...sad to see education cut though. I just wonder if during the time it takes to see positive results from the stimulus bill, how many more will lose their homes, their jobs, go hungry, become depressed? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sound pessimistic...I really am hopeful for the future...I just think it will take a long time before we start to feel some relief in the economy. Guess we all will just have to buckle down and do the best we can.
Anyway, good night all and have a great weekend.

good evening everyone.. good discussion tonite... you are right.. people should use the correct terms when mentioning the President.

I will also point out, because a lot of people seem not to know this.. that when discussing the President, on first reference one says "President Obama" but on second reference one can say "Mr. Obama."

But clearly just saying "Obama" is not correct.

Well Anderson, Erica and all Bloggers, I hope you have a nice weekend and see you all MOnday night. I vow not to turn on the TV all weekend. I have had my fill of Congress.

Good night all.

I do not know what the think about the octuplet mom.

Anderson and crew -

Have a great weekend, make it fun!

Miranda

I think what she did was selfish. I don't know how she will be able to care for them properly given that she does not have a job and has to live with her parents. I could care less how many kids she has or wants; however, having kids just because you want to without considering the repercussions is both dumb and irresponsible.

i sure hope society can get to a point where the male-female gender issues become less of an issue. having spent a lot of years in male-dominated professions, i've learned that some people handle differences better than others.

Anderson, Erica and 360 Crew. – Good show tonight. Good mix of news/stories. Hope you all have a good weekend. And thanks for all your hard work –

Fellow Bloggers - Good comments. Good night and I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Thanks for a great show Anderson! Have a wonderful weekend and please get some rest! xo

Good gawd people if he wasn't a smoker before, after this first 2 wks in office and dealing with the press and the republicans, he should definately be a 2 pk a day kinda guy !!!!

Erica, I'm with Bethany–more interested in the doctor. I hope he's investigated and has his license revoked for implanting six embryos–particularly in a woman under 35, as she's in the most fertile age group and I believe the guidelines would recommend no more than two. Six is ridiculous.

She's clearly a little off–eight in the womb would be too many whether she was married or not. She's grasping at straws.

Vanessa, glad you mentioned that. That report in Erica's news bulletin that caught my attention. I'm glad the Obama's found time to go out on a date too. Although, I think generally Presidents and First Ladies do a lot of that.

Megan, thanks, it's important the Christian Bale made an apology. He seemed genuinely embarrassed.

Anderson, I don't know, the Nevada economy could probably use a 5m convention, but bankers running wild in Vegas on Tarp funds could be a public relations problem. It's like the whole economy is grounded. Bad banks in trouble, bad infrastructure grades

Erica, I think I am more interested on how the kids are doing and will be doing in the future, not much on her.

She said it's a gamble, I totally do not get her. I do not think she really has a clear idea what she has done. I mean, she think she does, but apparently she does not.

Let the Mom of 14 get on with her parenting and her upcoming TLC show.... sponsored by Pampers and the U.S stimulus package.

Enough already! It's the weekend TGIF.

Wow,
David, if Kennedy does come to vote, it will be the most awesome thing ever!! Loves you.

Amy 's lack of respect for the man and the positions speaks volumes about her.

I fail to understand how you can have responsible commentators like David Gergen and Ed Rollins and then political hacks like Amy

Obama's campaign slogan was yes we can but with this recovery plan the sick, elderly and poor are left out and those who have enjoyed prosperity are the ones who will recover. So it is still we and them not all! This recovery plan will fail and we and them will feel the pain!

Don't worry, Anderson, your interview with Obama rocked! Have a great weekend, everyone! Sweet stimulus dreams!

@ Erica, just like what you said it's the sheer number of 14 children whether it's a couple or a single lady. Especially right now it's a clear example of how difficult it is to pay for children, even more so if she wants them to go to college, how in the world?! Good luck to her though, she has her hands full!

I know many of us are desparately needing help, but it scares me that our government is trying to rush the bill through. It makes me wonder what they are trying to slip by us? I haven't read the bill, but it sounds like a lot of non-stimulus related spending from what I've heard. Stimulus checks in the hands of the taxpayers seems like the best solution. Does anyone know if that's still in the bill, or just tax cuts?

My grandmother had 20 children and adopted 1. Having so many children was kind of common in the past. I don't understand why people make such a big deal of it right now.

Good night Anderson and Erica, have a great weekend!

Hello Anderson and Company:
Bankers Partying in Vegas, huh:

I just got my CitiBank statement and the interest rate doubled from last month. I definitely know who is paying for the fun – twice – thru the interest rate plus from the Bale Out that I contributed to.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Thanks for a great show!

Good show Anderson, Gergen, Erica and ACBloggers...have a good weekend

Good night Anderson, Erica, David Gergen, David in IN, Brandi, Michelle D, Ashley, Chris S, Minou, Mike in NY, and best bloggers!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!!
Have a great weekend!!!!
See you next week!
Day of the shot with our pres. Obama and Anderson taking interview!!! great shot!!!!!!! funny Anderson!!!!!!

Anderson,
Have a good sleep at work and have a great weekend!!!! See you next week!!!

Good Night Everyone!

Great Show!
Have a good weekend!

cam_canada

Good night, Anderson, Erica, David Gergen & bloggers. Love to all–have a great weekend and I'm hopeful that we'll at least have had a successful Senate vote when we're back here Monday night. <3

Goodnight, Anderson and the AC360 team. Have a great weekend and be safe! See you all on Monday!

Anderson, I thought the interview was great!!! You & President Obama are my number one. Cool on cool. Smoking.... President Obama...is not cool!!

Love you guys and I am praying for you!!

have a great weekend!

That was good.. with the cigarettes...it didn't look doctored...hahaha

I saw that on Jimmy Kimmel it was classic.
Anderson those are not Presidet Obama;s
hands.

Education has gotten the short stick for quite a while. Having personal knowledge of the unfunded NCLB Act, I can tell you allot of school district resources were used in order to comply with this Act...at the expense of other areas. FUND IT or FORGET IT!

Hope everyone has a great night and even better weekend! As always, thanks, Anderson, Erica, and David for an exceptional show. See you guys next week.

i did catch that President Obama said he hadnt smoked on the grounds. lol

goodnite all! have a great weekend!

Have a great Friday night everyone! Have a well rested and great weekend. We will miss you next week Hill!

Erica,

I am more interested in how the babies is doing and will be doing in the future, not much on the mother.

The beat and the shot is funny. So, no floor crew tonight?

Have a great night and wonderful weekend everyone!

Anderson, Erica, David and all, have a pleasant weekend of fun doing what ever and make sure to stay on the bright side! <3

No interest in the mom of 14 … Hope she doesn’t spend the food stamps on peanut butter products.

I am pleased to see that there was some actual progress today in the Senate. Let's hope Senator Collins, Specter, etc. can convince a few more of their "party before country" colleagues to support the bill. Remember, it still will have changes made before it's all said and done.
I am furious that Speaker Pelosi (and whomever) loaded up the House version with such blatant non-stimulus provisions that it turned into an embarrassment for our President. While I applaud Mr. Obama for letting the Legislative branch to do their work without him breathing over their shoulders, I am more than displeased that they showed no fiscal restraint.

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