.
March 24th, 2009
07:30 PM ET

Live Blog: President Obama's Speech 3/24

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg] Here's your chance to weigh in President Obama's speech. What would you ask our panel?? We want to know. Please tell us in the comment section below. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment posted if you follow the rules: 1) Please keep it short 2) Don't write in ALL CAPS (no need to yell) 3) Use your real name 4) No links 5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated, PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)


Filed under: Live Blog • T1
soundoff (1,030 Responses)
  1. Gus

    What is the problem with the Republicans? They gave George Bush 8 years to destroy the Economy, and they want president Obama to fix it in a little over 60 days.
    Give me a break!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm |
  2. Dennis

    Why can't Obama put blame on bush after only 60+ days, but bush was blaming clinton after bush was in office for 2 terms, and the republicans didn't say anything

    March 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm |
  3. mike - moreland, ga

    I think Paul is wrong about the pace, I think the administration can keep up the pace. The real question is can the talking heads keep up with the pace?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm |
  4. vanessa from silver spring, MD

    Extreme Makeover is not a cheesy show Anderson.lol.

    POTUS is not overexposed. I enjoy seeing him everyday.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:29 pm |
  5. Michael

    Look this President wants best for this country. It will take time and change to get the job done. Nobody likes real change. Change is good.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:28 pm |
  6. Jeremiah

    My question is hypethetically lets say we do nothing is there gonna be a debt for future generation ? and republican please stop critising those who are critiscising n let them show us how much they want to spend on the badget n how much they are planning to bring back on the Debt cmon they must have sumthing thanks Anderson

    March 24, 2009 at 10:28 pm |
  7. Vicki

    I agree that president Obama is taking on a lot at one time. But wouldn't it help if so many people were more busy trying to help than trying to find fault before the plan has even been tried or for that matter released?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:28 pm |
  8. Rich

    No offense Mr. Gergen......but it is time to remove the "tax-exempt" status of institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton etc. I would like to see how much of their endowments were invested in AIG!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  9. Barb from CA

    What is the Republican's take on all the assault weapons the USA is illegally selling and smuggling to the Mexican Drug Cartels?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  10. Rikki, Fargo, ND

    President Obama has to do so much because not much of anything got done in the last 8 years...He has a lot of work to do and according to Alex, only 4 years to do it in..so of course he has to take on a lot!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  11. DJG

    One thing no one is saying, the FDIC is not in the White House. Geithner wants Political control over private business. This is a power grab to put all financial Institutions under the White House and totally under Obama’s control. If Obama wants financial instruments to be directed somewhere, Obama will have total control do make them do it or He can just take them over and do it himself.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  12. Martin

    I teach in a title 1 school, can we talk more about the education reform? Can some CNN (as well as other) people realize that their on camera make up costs more than an entire year of school supplies for some of these kids?

    Education system needs help, otherwise, who will run this country in 30+ years?????

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  13. Cessy, Chicago

    Anderson....you said that this administration need to front more people...the president being overexposed...have you noticed that the president enjoys being in the limelight?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  14. Robert

    over exsposed what ,get out and let the people see he is working not just talking.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
  15. Angel Manners

    To Calvin: you're right, to quote Axel Rose.."All we need is just a little patience"

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  16. Mike Syracuse, NY

    @Nancy, what exactly do you think Obama has already accomplished other than to spend more money in 64 days than Bush did in a year?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  17. jane issa

    Obama's speech was conscious and forward-thinking, a sharp contrast to the fear-factor addresses we're used to.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  18. Vanessa, TX

    Of course POTUS is tired! He's done so much in only 60 days..i think we need to cut him some slack..he did say, its gonna take time..

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  19. Bridget, TX

    Hi Ali Velshi, I'm shocked and thrilled you are blogging with us. I just love your reports and Summits because like P.O you explain the economics for us layman.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  20. Sharon S

    Maybe Obama should stay in the White long enough to at least hire enough people to cover all positions! Are there not many positons in his staff missing as of yet?

    To me that would be a great concern not going on talk shows and constantly in front of a camera! I think he could go down in history as the most overly public President we have ever had!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  21. Valery Bisong

    I think Alex s'comment of `a one-timer´ is too early on, for nay sayers.
    Val--Canada

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  22. Ruth Slade

    In response to Alex's responds to the way President Obama addressed the press concerning AIG and being a one term president: President Obama has been backed, boiled ,grilled and fried over the past 60 plus days. I think it is time for him to finally say "OUCH". He is human.... WWACD ( What would Alex Castellanos do?)
    Ruth
    Delaware

    March 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
  23. Drew

    AIG stock is at 1.39. It has received $173 billion in bailout money. If AIG is too big to fail and the company is such a priority in terms of American economic policy and taxpayer money, why isn't everyone jumping on the stock which, by any sensible estimate, has to bounce back based solely on our apparent commitment to making AIG work.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  24. Bill

    I think the admin. is doing what is necessary, but should have spent a little more time on the fine print of the stimulus as it relates to the AIG bonuses. President Obama isn't perfect, but I predict he will be fine, because he has a long term vision. My prediction is that he will be re-elected as people realize this over the next few years.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  25. Andra

    If, President Obama economic plan is so bad. Why haven't the Republicans come up with a better one. The (Republicans) are so quick to judge, but they can't come up with a better solutions.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  26. mercedes

    I feel that the media is very critical I rather have my president envesting on the people of this country than on war. We need to fix health care – education and energy. We also need jobs. Do you have other ideas?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  27. Linda LeClaire

    I think President Obama answered the question about "not getting angry soon enough" honestly. He has consistently responded to difficult situations from a higher level. He doesn't dwell in the anger like many of us seem to do.

    I appreciated the president "taking a deep breath and counting to ten" before getting angry. Maybe we all could follow that example a bit more. I'd like to see less anger and more action. Anger is an easy emotion, but unless we get back to work it doesn't help anyone!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  28. xtina, chicago IL

    People who get overly sensitive about someone saying Obama is a one -termer need to know that ONE PERSON said that. Relax. People said much worse about President Bush.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  29. Cristy Kirssin

    Obama has done alot in 60 days, If this is an example of what we can achieve, we are in good shape for our future.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  30. JohnD

    We keep hearing that AIG is "too big to fail", however, no one seems to be talking about the 900lb gorilla in the room.

    Specifically, that AIG is a consequence of an unregulated global conglomerate. Is one of the potential solutions to this "too big to fail" behemoth splitting it up into smaller National divisions as a way to mitigate risk and reduce exposure to a this seemingly impending catastrophic failure?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  31. Lydia from VA

    I completely agree with Cameron on Ed Henry's question. The one time you get to ask the President a question, and that's what you want to know? Why the President takes time to formulate an appropriately angry repsonse to the stupidity at AIG?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  32. Claudia

    I didn't think that he really answered the few direct questions that he got. He seemed to just go on and on with his talking points. Also I was very disapointed at the end when I saw the large monitor he was reading from. All the "tele-prompter" talk is starting to ring true and it bothers me.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  33. Vallary/ Atlanta GA.

    I was touched by President's comment on how he felt personally about the use of stem cells. Even if his belief is against it (I surmise) he would sacrifice his belief for the good of mankind. "No greater love than this for a man to lay down his belief (life) for his friend"...

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  34. carolyn cee yah

    ALI v. why do you not help these folks understand about the banking,
    and the diference between aig with handles insurance, cassualities,
    pensions and oil tankers, ships, jets.

    has nothing to do with a $2.50 cent atm charge thats as far as the
    average american can think.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  35. Dave

    Getting this country back into economic shape is like putting an object in orbit: if you achieve only 95% of orbital velocity, the object still falls back to earth. If we don't correct all of the fundamental structural problems in our economy, there will be no recovery. The President is correct in tackling energy independence, education, and health care simultanously. After decades of ducking these problems, this may be our last chance.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  36. Tom

    GOP hyperbole and press frustration is showing. Obama goes around them both directly to the American people and they don't like it!

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  37. Judy RI

    I think Pres Obama spoke honestly and sincerely to the American people. You could see that he is as troubled about the economy as we all are. You could see it in his face when responding to ?'s. I think the American people and the media should lighten up on the Pres. After all, he has only been at the helm for 64 days. Come on guys, give the man a chance to prove himself before critisizing every move he makes. I think Ed Henry over reacted with his answer from Pres Obama and it certainly showed. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK PRESIDENT OBAMA AND CNN

    March 24, 2009 at 10:25 pm |
  38. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    The President is on the job, and yes, he has a lot on his plate; however, he will get the job done to all of our satisfaction.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  39. Mando in Texas

    The mess happened because of LACK of regulation. These companies were not about to curtail themselves. A non-bank FDIC-like agency is very much needed. When the cat is away, the mice (rats) will play........and play they did. Yes, more regulation is needed no matter what the republicans say.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  40. Susan - PA

    I love our President's persistence – it's positive and feels productive.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  41. Dennis

    Compare obama first 60 days to bush's. Bush was already at camp David.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  42. La Mujer

    What's this word cloud thing?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  43. Pete in Winfield

    What was with the reaction to the shanti town question? It came off like he was put off but the mention of this every increaseing problem.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  44. Saundra Holman

    Hi Anderson,
    Pres. Obama is an educator; I wish he could (as shown by his March Madness Picks) have a written plan that will explain what he wants from us. We Americans are visual people and need to see the plan. Saundra Holman, Falls Church, VA

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  45. Terry L. Montgomery

    this country has been going in a downward spiral for a long time the former adminastrations have been able to cover it up. now the Obama adminastration is uncovering the mess.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  46. Earyll

    If private industry wants government money,and the government is "OF THE PEOPLE " then why shouldn't the people control the company that they have to help?

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  47. Bill

    Wisdom tells me that, unless we have a better economic plan, we need to get behind the President's plan until we get one.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  48. Emmi Haddock

    everyone seems angry at the AIG executives who were given their bonuses – but the congress signed off on that. there should be more disdain for the congress not paying attention and making reactionary decisions.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:24 pm |
  49. Jane

    One of Obama's most important traits is that he thinks before he speaks. Ed Henry should know that by now. Shooting from the hip is a cowboy response from the previous President.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:23 pm |
  50. Brenda

    On AIG I know outrage is the emotion of the week, but I am not so outraged by the bonuses. These people were asked to stay at a job they knew they would lose eventually. They could have left in 2007 before the economy got so bad. At the end of their current assignment these people will join the ranks of the unemployed. Can you imagine listing AIG Financial Products as your last employer on a job application. These people may never work in the financial industry again.

    March 24, 2009 at 10:23 pm |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21