Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 2/5/09
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Wow, talk about passion tonight. Between the President's speech and the chewing out of the SEC folks, it's getting a bit exciting!
I totally agree with our president something need to be done.. This seperating the country need to stop....we need to do what's best for everybody not the few...Dem. and Rep need to come together and do this thing... Make us prowd of our elected officials... if the people dont have any jobs...thier will be no money to spend and in turn the businesses will not be able to hire and no one will be making money...the rich, med-class or poor...Stop the BS less get to work.
The job losses are not just numbers...they represent the faces of REAL people facing REAL problems involving the very basic needs of living and providing for their families and/or themselves.
Thanks GOD !! That is a President! Tell them the Truth Sir! Yes we need to cut some of the stuff in the bill but lets make sure there IS a bill in time. This is NOT a GAME as our President said!
President Obama is truly speaking for the American people. I enjoyed his empowering speech tonight because it made me realize how much we need this stimulus package. The economy is laying flat on its back and we need this CHANGE to get back on our feet.
I am watching President Obama on AC360. I think the President is trying to get something done. WHY would the Republicans keep giving opinions when things have gotten so bad because of them. They need to wake up and shut up and let the President do his job for the people.
Confused in Iowa
Why are the Republicans willing to spend a $Trillion dollars in Iraq, yet wont spend a $Trillion on Americans, when we need it? People are hurting, times are changing. Republican Lyndsey Graham (R) SC is a disgrace to our country..
Good evening Anderson. You're going to be busy again tonight.
To David Gergen – why are you so gloomy about President Obama lately? You used to be supportive of his energy and hope but it seems like you can't find anything to be positive about lately. I can. I love his ideas and how hard he's trying to get the Republicans to help him do what's good for America. If only they would try as hard to work with him.
Agree 100 %...President Obama has to make a stand somewhere if he does not do it now in the early stages they will use that as weakness and use it against him in the future dealings...
The Republicans are not going to be happy until they give the country another 8 years of their "old antiquated policies" and put us all in the poor house (if we are not there already). If they continue this behavior they are going to suffer the wrath of most of the country that has any common sense. Rome burns while they fiddle!
Stimulus program moving too fast? Too slow? It's moving too stupid and irresponsibly. Use monies that will be spent within 3 to 18 months, tax break for home purchace, and tax breaks for middle class and business. Stimulate with intelligencee, and integrity .
Just because Obama said he wants to be MORE bipartisan, doesn't mean he has to be bipartisan all of the time. He can still improve on the climate without caving to the Republicans completely. The problem with being a "bridge" as he is, he will actually anger more people than if he were much more one sided. The peacemaker usually has no friends, because no one truly feels they're on their side. Doesn't mean it's not important, just lonely.
I totally support the actions of our president. He's fired up! Ready to go! He's fired up and ready to work on the behalf of the American people in a way that will revitalize our country in a new way. Old politics is gone. Let's work together and get it done.
Just curious....who is paying for this Democrat retreat? How many taxpayer dollars were spent for the President to take his little jaunt on Air Force One to the retreat? At a time of financial crisis, is there a reason these folks couldn't have a retreat right in Washington DC? And these folks have the audacity to lecture CEOs of corporations about their pay and perks. Seems maybe a little more looking into the mirror would be appropriate.
Understanding the slippery slope, that helping one person with their mortgage will encourage thousands of others to let theirs slip too, doesn't change that fact that helping Banks does not help people – at least not directly.
We used to have usury laws in this country, but typical consumer rates today are usury by any historical standards. We need legislated interest rate caps, not just for prime rate customers or interbank lending, we need caps on consumer credit rates. No owner who occupies their own home should pay more than 5% – second mortgages or equity lines should not exceed 8% and credit card debt should cap at 12% – these affordable rates will encourage borrowing but more importantly, the legal cap will generate confidence the people need right now.
Americans need jobs. Congress needs to quit playing games and do something that will help put us back to work.
It is amazing how it is alright to spend trillians of dallors in a war in Iraq but there has to be this big debate to spending just a fraction of that. when it comes to doing something for the American people.
As ususal, Republicans are playing politics. I am no rocket scientist, but I can't see how doing the same thing the same way can yield different results. If tax cuts worked to improve the economy we would not be in the financial crisis we are in now. Clearly the Republicans do not care about the country as a whole. The only people they care about are the people who will benefit from capital gains tax reduction. I am not one of them. I am still employed, thank God, but the rest of the country is suffering and it is time to try something new. If tax cuts didn't work in the last eight years, they won't work in the next four years.
Americans need help while republicans play politics. This is discusting and they should be ashamed
Stimulus/Spending. Tomato, tomato. Ashton needs to punk Anderson, and make us smile.
I was all for bipartisanship. But it takes two to dance that dance and its obvious the Republicans can't follow that beat.
Congress must take their time and do it right the first time. They got us into this mess by NOT doing their jobs. We the people didn't get us into mess, our egotistical self absorbed elected officals did. Watching you at CNN, you folks are being sucked into his web and seem to root him on instead of reporting the facts especially wolfie boy
Good EWvening Everyone,
I think it is time that Pres. Obama I got the fire in his belly again. Congress needs to come together and get a good bill passed to help the American people. People are hurting and the american people are tired of all this bickering by congress.
Anderson,
I think the President is right, we have tried the old way( republican) for eight years, it is time to put the people first and not the party. Get this bill pass! It's time for Lindsay Graham to retire!!
York, PA -We need jobs and money for small businesses
Obama has thrown his weight behind this bill and it will pass in some form... The question is what need be sacrificed in order to get it through fairly intact... For instance, Obama’s tax plan is not an area he can give in... It would be suicide to compromise on something that was so central to his campaign... Republicans are faced with a choice, sit down at the table and give input, or, refuse to show up and have no voice at all... Sadly, that’s what’s needed to change direction when conservatives are on the receiving end...
Mr. Anderson,
I am a dislocated worked from/since Nov 2009, I was a worker where my tax deductions were very high because I am single. I am over 50 yrs old and never owned a home, I have been a single parent and still a single parent, I lived from paycheck to paycheck. I have unemployment pay and Cobra wants to drop me because I cant afford them. President Obama sees me he know I need help, he is trying to say to those that are not desperate to see me. I and others like me and those w/ small children.... the streets are not what he wants for us.
Thank you for your time i know how valuable it is.
about the stimulus package, if you want to give a stimulus that will work. give every person in the u.s. a check for $10,000.00 and 75% of that money will be put back in the ecomny with purchases of cars, furniture,remodeling, and down payments for housing.
that would be cheaper than bailing out poorly ran banks and auto industries.
@John we are facing the biggest deficit in this country's history. We are going to have to spend trillions to get us out of this mess the last administration, GOP control put us in. Either spend more or sit back and let every business close its doors, every employed person lose his job, everyone but the blue blood live on the streets because none of us would be able to afford an apartment, or kids would starve and go without healthcare.
I still sayall the politicians should go without pay until they can agree on a stimulus package that is beneficial for the majority.
Did you hear that last night the GOP'ers voted to dump the entire stimulus bill and replace it entirely with tax cuts (mostly for the wealthy) because that worked so good for the past eight years.
They just don't get it!!!!!!!
@Mindy, If they already have identified $100 billion to cut, that means there's at least that much pork still to go. The issue is pork not tax cuts. Per a Gallup poll, only 38% of the public supports this bill as it is. Get the pork out and he'll get Republican votes.
Hey coop. Republicans are like children, give them a piece of candy and they want the whole bag. They like to see us in this financial mess. They created this disaster. Thank You republicans.
Judy
anderson said 'smackdown'! lol where is duane johnson aka the rock!
I think the Republican are wrong for holding up he stimulus package. Americans are hurting and we need jobs, health care and better education for our children. The President that we, the american people voted for in November is doing the right thing. He gave the republicans a seat at the table and they stabbed him in the back . I really think it's hard for them to get behind an african american leader who can get the country back on it's feet. It time to stop being selfish and think about the future for our children. And we want change!!!
What is wrong with you people? President Obama has done everything possible to reach out to republicans. They had their minds made up as soon as he was elected that they would vote against him at every turn. He did what he said he would do, and they unanamously rejected his graciousness. So now, the President has to move forward. No matter the outcome, he will be given either blame or credit. I completely trust his judgement. I can assure you if a republican had been elected, there would be no attempts at bipartisanship. And, as far as all you media and other critics, since you have all the answers, you run for president and fix the mess that has been left to President Obama.
It seems like the Repubs have been spitting in Obama's face and not trying to work with him. The only thing I have been hearing is about tax cut tax cut tax cut. Well, where are the jobs for these tax cuts to be anything????
Evening Anderson! I don't agree with David. Pres. Obama does want to be bi-partisan. However, this speech was needed. You had members of the Rebublican party in the Senate today bashing him unfairly. He needed to remind them that he is the boss wanted by hte American people. I voted for Obama, not that Senator from S. Carolina. Point, blank, period!
i agree with you Megan I don't understand it either .
The replubican, i believe are trying to slow down this process, waitting for the Economy to get worse so that they can blame it on the democrats and President Obama. While they are thinking politics, the american people are suffering. WE NEED HELP.
@Mindy...I disagree. In order to get the representatives to ACT like adults, you have to start treating them like adults. That requires our leader (Obama) to take the reins and be the first to set the example, treating the children (reps) like adults.
Finally!!!!!!!! My President is on fire, he's right, this is not a game.
The Republicans have to get off the "pork" nonsense. It seems to me that they are just using this to delay. They don't plan on voting yes for anything other than their plan.
I would like to see Americans go to the Senate and stand outside and demand they stop posturing for their runs in 2010 and 2012 and get the peoples work done. I took economics in college I believe in the first week we learned that stimulus is spending not tax cuts. When Republicans talk tax cuts you know they are not talking about the middle class or the poor
It's a shame that the Democratic Congress remains unable to do what is best for the country. Pres Obama is right to push to get something done and hopefully will be able to do so, but his colleagues undermine him by trying to push every initiative they've been unable to get for the last eight years. We need to get people back to work, take care of those who have lost their jobs, keep people in their homes and give business the tools it needs. The Chinese have one advantage over the US. They can make a 30 year plan to achieve their goals. Ours plans are at best changing every 4 to 8 years. We don't have a chance. Take energy – as soon as we were held hostage in the 70's, we should have developed a long term plan for independence. It'll take years, but we still can't do it.
It's about time President Obama gets tough with Republicans. Republicans are out to play games while American people are suffering. Now is the time President Obama.
Hey Team-
I believe President Obama did what was right, it is not all about strategy, why does it always have to be that, it is good to question, yet it gets to a point where not because you are Democratic or Republican, that it is just something that needs to be done.Mrs. Pelosi has her claws in to the money in the air to make no mistake about that so President Obama needs to be careful if not he may have to de claw her claws of money and be willing to take a hit on her "support" which hopefully giving her the benefit of the doubt is good for all American people not just the Democratic agenda.
I am not hearing the same "constituents" complaining about holding the bill up for overspending as is where's my job?!
Miranda
It's time for change. That's what we voted for! We are looking for viable solution that will help us get through this. People ARE hurting! This no time for egos! We ARE falling apart! If the republicans have a better solution...lets hear it! If not let's get on with some movement. How much proof do they need? Until they end up unemployed?
President Obama is doing a a great job. The senate need to stop playing polictics with the America people.
Congress is definitely moving too slowly to pass the stimulus package. President Obama has it right. Let's join him and get this over with now!!!
Three cheers for Obama and his speech tonight! Finally there's someone who will speak up for us whilst Congress diddles around with their political games, and all the while, "Rome burns."
Everyone who has a republican senator representing them needs to call the senator's office and tell them:
Obama's logic makes sense! Pass this bill!
Glad the Pres. took the gloves off. He tried the bipartinship route and the Republicans gave him the finger. Time to get tough. It's a gamble, but I think he has the people's support and the Repub's are gonna end up with egg on their face. Bold action is needed now...go Pres., go !!!
the time is up, and I cant say I would blame the Presidents frustration with the elephants in the room. The people have spoken when they voted. The elephants never have been bi-partisan, the president has tried to work with them, they are the partisan problem. Amen to moving on and getting something done without them if he has to. when have the elephants ever crossed the aisle???
Do what you think best Mr. President, youve got my support and all the people I know.