October 8, 2008
Posted: 05:14 PM ET

From
The $700 billion bailout may be taking more of a toll on congressional Democrats.
The $700 billion bailout may be taking more of a toll on congressional Democrats.

(CNN) — The nation's financial crisis and the subsequent $700 billion government bailout may be taking more of a toll on congressional Democrats than their Republican counterparts.

In a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll, a generic congressional Democrat beats a generic congressional Republican by 5 points, 52-47 percent. That margin has narrowed considerably from three weeks ago, when Democrats held a 14 point lead in a similar CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll.

But voters give slightly lower approval ratings to Congressional Republicans than Democrats. The poll shows only 34 percent approve of the Democratic leadership's performance, while 27 percent say the same for Republican leaders. Overall, more than three fourths of voters disapprove of Congress' performance.

“The public is essentially saying ‘a pox on both your houses’ to the parties in Congress,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Both the Democrats and the Republicans are held in extremely low esteem at the moment. Republican-leaning voters, however, finally appear to be coming home to the GOP. If the current generic ballot numbers hold on Election Night, congressional Republicans may not fare nearly as poorly as many observers expected a few months ago.”

Filed under: Congress


BJGT   October 8th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

"Behind every great fortune is a great crime." Balzac

J J   October 8th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

They are all full of it. Congress, the less than stellar presidental candidates they are all in it for themselves and they will do or say anything to get elected. Even Obama.

White-African(born there) American Military BRAT   October 8th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

If I remeber correctly the REPUBLICANs didn't vote FOR the Bailout until there was BILLIONS in B…S…. in it for them.

It went from a 4 page bill to a 400 page bill.

And Cindy McCain can go to H E double toothpicks. She is nothing but a PLASTIC PRADA BAG OF BONES.

karen   October 8th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Cindy McCain needs to get a grip! The Republicans have run the dirtiest campaigns in history! Her husband is the one who started this horrible mudslinging–so she has him to thank for this. Do you honestly think that the Democrats were going to sit idly by this time and let the Republicans steal the election like they did in 2004??
Enough is enough– so if she can't stand the heat –she needs to get out of the kitchen!!!!n I guess she is just upset that she is not going to be the "first lady"! Poor little rich girl!

sick n tired   October 8th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Anyone in Congress for the past 8 years Republican or Democrat should be worried!! They all had a hand in this and to believe otherwise would be breathtakingly foolish!!!

democrats /PA   October 8th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

i am one democrat that will not vote for a demo this year
iam all taxed out
all they want to do is tax

Brian   October 8th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

"That One" 08/12

Hispanic for McCain/Palin   October 8th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Do what's best for the country. Vote McCain/Palin!

CJ   October 8th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

The past is prologue: we cannot worry about the past failings of the Bush administration, but we must worry about the future of our economy and society. Although, we must reflect on whose administration brought us to our present financial condition. The Clinton aministration gave America one of its greatest increases in general wealth in some time. A fresh, Democratic face is needed. The time is now and not later to act!
Obama/Biden 08!

ber6964   October 8th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Vote smart Vote Obama!!

John   October 8th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Wow as an American living outside the United States I am both bewildered and disgusted by the McCain - Palin campaign of all smear no substance. It seems they will say and promise anything to win, which frankly comes off desperate.I am terrified at the prospect of Palin serving as President. Let us hope few Americans drink the McCain / Palin Koolaid.

kathy   October 8th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Real_Thinker October 8th, 2008 4:14 pm ET
October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I am going to investigate what government agency deals with violation of freedom of expression on-line.

*****************************************************************

Now that’s funny. If you don’t like this blog, why don’t you start one of your own.

sandee in Portland   October 8th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Both parties are at fault. Put term limits on these guys just like the Presidency. Then they won't be able to make a career out of it, like McCain has.

Gloria   October 8th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Question: The American People say over and over again, enough government, why are they interfering? Now all of a sudden the American People look toward the government to bail out Financial Institutions, bail out fail mortgages, bail out, bail out! Why is this happening?
I am asking what happen to accountability for Financial Institution and other institutions why does the government have to bail out anyone. Executives of each branch receives a good salary because of their knowledge, expertise - they are the ones who should be bailing out their institutions not the People nor the Government. Banks became very greedy they lended money to foreigners to purchase homes, they even went as far as giving out second mortgages in which these people turned around sent the money home to their countries and then fled the homes in the meantime, they are scot free and holding thousands of dollars explain this action.
The US even though the bailout will stay and yes people will continue to loose jobs and money will be tighter. Bailout will have no bearing on the economy all it will leave is being more and more in debt.
If all American's are serious that they want change in our Government then I ask do you want someone who has been around for a long time, who has had chances while being a Senator to make changes, sees the old way of governering and if you think McCain is the person, and you think Palin can move into his shoes if for any reasons McCain can no longer be President for illness or death, and YOu think Palin can run the Presidency then vote for McCain, if this is truly what Americans want then vote for the McCain/Palin Ticket and my God help us. If the American People truly want change and bring us into change not only in how people think, but change in the Congress, The Senate then Obama/Biddon is the ticket and God please guide them to bring the entire world together and let us all live in Peace. Obama represents change and represents the future of our children and grand children, McCain represents what is old and not working and I can't see him bringing us into the 21st Century.
Please check your soul and make the best decision not only for you but for your children and childrens for it might not be for us, but it will be for our children's children A better society, a better nation, a better american.

Albert   October 8th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

How soon people forget. George Bush, the dufus, has been the worst president since I started voting 60 years ago. He accomplished that with Cheney, Rove, Duke Cunningham, Delay, a Republican Congress, Senator John McCain, Gonzales, Gramm, and hundreds of other Republicans. Guess who McCain pals around with? Guess who's going to run the country if McCain gets in? McCain has a chip on his shoulder….I can see it from here! Look at his ugly campaign. He'd be a disaster.

Schneider (I) - CA   October 8th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I despise this bill and will not vote for any politician that supported it.

Jerry   October 8th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Nobody in office or running for any at large positions have ANY desire to give the government back to the very people to which they are constitutionally supposed to represent.

Ross Perot may have been a bit nutty but I sure believe his ideas of making elected officials accountable to those they represent… was an idea long overdue even in the 90's.

Lobbying and similar such practices should be illegal as should career elected officials. We the people all know this and want it yet how odd is it that nobody elected doesn't succumb to that easy money much less suggest it should be illegal?

Or make any effort to actually ensure we the people are actually represented without having enough money to buy and own them? We all work very hard to pay their very cushy compensation packages.

Jared   October 8th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

I've often thought for the last 8 years, "Who get's fired when football teams don't win? Who gets fired when a business fails? Who is ultimately responsible?" Why is Bush still in power? If I mess up at work, I get fired. Time for some accountability on Capitol Hill. And time for those who voted for Bush to take responsibility. How easily they forget they voted for him, twice! America has finally learned from the hard lessons of the last 8 years. We just want what's right. No gimmicks. No warmongers.

fella from Chicago   October 8th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Nelson Mandela; President of South Africa until 81 years old.

Winston Churchill Prime Minister of the UK until 78 years old.

Gandi involved in India's independence until he was murdered at 78.

Only America has a problem with age. Other countries revere their senior leaders as having the wisdom to lead.

Mark   October 8th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Paulson's speech from start to finish enabled the DOW to drop 350 points - ending down 189. Everytime Bush, Paulson or Bernake speak the DOW goes into the toilet.

That's were our economy is going until Crawford's village idiot is back home.

Ryan Kr   October 8th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Joe six packs Sarah, Botox Cindy and Mcsenile have no clue what people 're going through in this nation. They keeping on talking about war, surge, funding troopers—who cares about this war any more except Bush/Cheney/McCain and their thugs?

Wise White Guy   October 8th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Yeah that makes sense because the bill that the Democrats approved of didn't have enough pork in it so the Republicans would not support it until it did. This was a Bi-partisan supported bill so no blame goes to either party. The only blame i put is on the Republicans for the insistence of putting garbage funding onto the bill. They did what they did because they felt strongly enough something needed to be done and quickly. Who knows exactly how bad things would be now if they didn't.

HD in NE   October 8th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

McCain just mispoke and called his fellow citizens…fellow prisoners.

He might be getting too old for the job!!!

LIP   October 8th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I'm listening to Biden for sure…remember when he said "Obama is not ready to be President".

SKF   October 8th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I was watching television about an hour ago and saw McCain misspeak at his rally.

He called 'fellow citizens' his 'fellow prisoners' in his stump speech in PA.

I think age is showing.

robin   October 8th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

I think we should all vote against the Dem and Rep incumbents who voted YES on the bailout bill.
That will send a very clear message and will certainly be CHANGE which is what they seem to be selling anyway.

Personally I think the only CHANGE we'll get is a dollar into a few pennies.

j. williams   October 8th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Franklain Raines and Obama….The American people want their $90 million dollars back…and to think that frankie is obamas chief financial advisor…you won't read that in the New York Pravda.

Still for Hill, but voting McCain   October 8th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

And none of the Obama supporters are asking Obama what programs he might re-think since the "BAILOUT".

He is still proposing paying for all of your college educations, your health care, increasing money to faith based organizations, ect.

Last night, Obama said he wants to double the size of peace core.

Wake up idiots…. WE ARE BROKE…….. Not only is Obama going to drive jobs out of the country in the middle of a recession, he is going to spend, spend, spend.

Are you people really that naive or are you all paid to blog? Just wondering…

Catherine   October 8th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

MCain is going to have to start playing hardball and naming names! (Raines), and start telling the TRUTH along with those names about what happened and who did it BEFORE bush was elected.
God help us ALL if we end up with a majority Democratic government! Reid could not us out of a paper sack!
This current mess is not a Dem or Rep mess, it is a haves vs. the have-nots mess! Obama certainly cannot clean it up in four years! And when he is not able to afford to pay for all of his pie in the sky promises to the American people, then he is out like Jimmy Carter!

Mike   October 8th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Give it a day or two. Flipper McFlop will say he was against the Bail Out Bill and it is all Obama's fault. Some Republicans are already spinning that fantasy yarn.

Peter (CA)   October 8th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I'm no big fan of Pelosi or Reid but did you not notice that the Republican leadership had a LOWER approval rating than the Democratic?
There are issues on both sides and in both houses. That is because over 90% of incumbents win. It's all about the money.

Dave—seriously, this RNC talking point of yours has nothing behind it. The issues we have facing us today probably started with the Republican congress under Clinton and became unmanageable when Bush came along with his "mandate" for change.

Remember how excited Bush was about "record home ownership" in 2006? This stuff has been going on for the whole time he has been in office.

Annie, Atlanta   October 8th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

@Real-Thinker. Are you kidding? Didn't our president just sign a bill last Friday to bail out wealthy businessmen who's companies tanked because of rampant deregulation of greed? The greatest Welfare for the Rich payout in our history! The socialist or communist argument relating to liberals doesn't work anymore.

David Venner   October 8th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Dear fellow Americans; please see YOUTUBE "DEMOCRATS DEFEND FANNIE/FREDDIE FROM REGULATION- 2004″. You will see Democratic Leaders defend Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae from all Republican attemps to sound the firealarm about BIG AND SERIOUS PROBLEMS in both Freddie anf Fannie. REP Waters,D-Calif said "there is no crisis-they are not broken", REP Meeks, D-NY upset with and verbally beat up on Regulator ARMAND FALCON, who basically said that there were big problems with Freddie and Fannie and that they urgently need regulation. REP Clay,D-missouri called Falcons and Reps Shays,R-conn., Baker-R-louisiana, Royce,R-calif, and REP Manzullo,R-Illinois meeting-"A POLITICAL LYNCHING" of Franklin Raines, CEO and Chairman of Frannie mae. Democrats at work in the House late 2004.

LIP   October 8th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Makes a lot of sense doesn't it.
After all, it was a Democrat named Clinton that started the snow ball rolling downhill and it was the Senate financing committee chaired by ranking Democtrats that wouldn't listen to Bush and Greenspan when they begged to get some oversight and now the chicken has come home to roost as they say

JOE KILOZ   October 8th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

w e,,,,,,,,,,,,need,,,,,,,,,,,,to,,,,,,,,,,,,pursue,,,,,,,,,,,,,m c c a i n' s,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

m o r t g a g e,,,,,,,,,,b u y up,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,g r e at,,,,,,,,,,,i d e a,,,,,,,,,,t o,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

s t a b i l i z e,,,,,,,,,,,,,,m ar k e t

Jill- IN   October 8th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I wrote to my Congressman in northern IN about 4 yrs ago to complain about deregulation and free markets and banks foisting bad credit products on young people, etc. He actually wrote back and said he supported deregulation, free market economy and anything else that Bush was for he supported. I have never written to my congressman since.

irony   October 8th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I want to take a minute to say to the "conservative base" that it was you who got the country in such a bind by electing bush twice. Obviously, you don't know how to pick a president very well. Four out of your last five presidents have been awful with bush being the worst of all-time.

Anonymous   October 8th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

When was the last time congress didn't approve their own pay raise. Seems like a good place to start cutting costs.

Arturo   October 8th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Ummmmm

Are you retarded? You must be. So you and others are willing to vote McCain in now to Set up Hillary for 2012? Really? You do realize that you Could vote for Obama and if you don't like his first term, then you vote for Hillary 2012?

You Hillary supporters are not to bright! John McCain is NO MAVERICK!

Pat Howells   October 8th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I believe the Democrats are as at fault as the Republicans, but my party more so. Why is Democrats more on the receiving end of Fannie and Freddie? Also, I want to know more on Ayers, and Acorn? It seems to me we deserve to know just how Obama is connected?

Rob   October 8th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Laura -

To pose the question back to you - if (God forbid) Obama win/steals his way into the White House…

It's 2011: Simple question:
Are you better off today than 8 years ago? 4 years ago? 4 weeks ago?

Answer: NOT AT ALL! YOU THOUGHT IT WAS BAD IN 2008! LAURA, THIS IS FUTURE LAURA! DON'T DO IT! YOU VOTED OBAMA, AND EVERYTHING COLLAPSED. YOU HAVE NOTHING! YOU'RE BROKE BECAUSE OF TAXES. BUSINESSES COLLAPSED. WE WERE ATTACKED REPEATEDLY. WE MADE A MISTAKE PUTTING THIS FOOL IN OFFICE!!!

Laura - Heed your future self's warnings! Stop before it's too late!!!!!

santo   October 8th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I am canadian, this is the first time I email CNN. love your work. Can not understand how the media and the public are not on Palin and the way her children are treated during the campagin. She has her 10 daughter being a mother with the newborn, check it out , the kis is always holding the kid. Today the pregent one is standing for more than one hour. What is it with you americans.

Mark R   October 8th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

This whole mess started when Clinton changed the CRA.

When he opened the door for banks and basicly told them they HAD to give loans to people they KNEW were not able to pay.

So,, Bush is to blame,, I think not, take a good look at what has happened int he last two years under Democratic Congress rule.
Look back 6 or 4 years ago, the economy was not in bad shape, we paid a lot less for gas, heat, food, under the last two years, we suffered.

Not because of Bush, but because of the Dems in Congress

winner   October 8th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I meant to say DODD and FRANK in my last blog. Even we make mistakes in the heat of the moment.

Please do your own research america. That's all I ask. Don't let the anger of an unpopular war sway you to vote against someone because it's "his" party. No one can look at John McCain's record and say he isn't different than GWB. Who do you want dealing with the REAL issues we are facing? A newcomer or a person who has seen war, dealt with issues and taken stances. Yes he looked bad for being a little angry. Wouldn't you be? I mean the guy has given his life for our country. Now some guy , or that guy, or whatever you want to call him is trying to say none of it matters. IT DOES MATTER. If you were a patient and had cancer. If you had a choice who would remove you cancerous tumor. Would you choose the newly graduated Doctor or the one who has done so many surgeries that he can really give you a chance. I am a fairly young surgeon and I would recommend to you every time, take the one with the most experience! Our lives are on the line here, too. Trust me. The way we live is dependent on the vote we cast. Think before you act.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co   October 8th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

America needs to think about this bail out it's wrong. First of all let say 5 years ago the market was at 9400 everything was ok gas was cheap you could get a home loan and had a job. Now it is back to 9600 people are acting like the world is comming to a end. The stock market is making a rejustment because it was over price do specutlation. housing prices are to high along with everything else.

Debby   October 8th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I am not surprised this Dem. congress has the lowest approval rating and Reid and Pelosi are worthless. These numbers will keep dropping in the weeks to come.

bob in L.A.   October 8th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Hopefully these poll numbers will change or at least the Dems can take controll of enough of both houses.
If you agree with McCain on the war- your business. If you agree with McCain on health care, you must have a good company plan. But, last ngiht John McCain proposed buy mortgages, adjusting them to current market conditions and giving new loans.
First, this is being done with tax dollars, Second, why would anybody PAY thier mortgage, konwingthey can lower the cost of thier home by defaulting? and third, That house that lost 40% of its value and is now sitting next to your, just brought the value of every house in the neighborhood down! Thanks John!
Still think the Republicans have answers for Joe Six Pack?

Bruce   October 8th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

The problems are not that some of the regulations were changed the problem is that for the last 8 years the Government did not even try to inforce the regulations that were still in effect. Bush was so eager to make things LOOK GOOD they never looked to see what that BIG SHADOW was behind the WALL ST. He was trying desperately to keep things going smoothly until after the election. Too BAD that things fell apart a month or so too soon.

Now John has to face the fact that his fingerprints are all over this right next to Bush's

Why are we really here - Rushton Lakewood, CA   October 8th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Don't fall for the rhetoric that the issue is due to fanny and fredie…

We are where we are because of .com bust. The greed then was just moved to a different sector of our economy. Think about it…in the late 90's the dot com boom shattered. There were still alot of $$$ available in the system generated from fabricated value of various web site etc…so greedy investors began to put $$$ in construction and the housing market and we saw unprecedented increases in housing prices (another fabricated value increase). I bought in 2001 at 200K and in 05 my house was worth 650…this was fake money and EVERYONE abused the system (except me :) )

Because we have been running this country on fabricated value for at least the last 10 years it's no wonder it would catch up with us.

The best thing to do for the Country is to WAKE UP and call a spade a spade. The value of business, property etc need to be re-valued…I understand this would weaken the dollar for a period but we need to re-adjust the scale to have the real opportuntity for true growth.

Going green is a solid business model for the Nation, it will provide many jobs and a cleaner world for our children.

Obama will take us there …he has the vision

So tired of it all!!!!   October 8th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH… that's all I hear!!! No matter who get's elected, we're ALL stuck with their decision, their choices, the taxes, it doesn't CHANGE a thing.

These people don't look into the interest of the American people they only want the power to screw us all.

It's easier for us to jump of a bridge then wait until the day when our lives will be stable and back on track…………………

irony   October 8th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

to winner: it is you are = you're. Same mistake on a palin sign today.

Rob Johnson   October 8th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

While I'm a fairly liberal Democrat, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not happy that my party went along with this bailout, and they deserve some of the blame for it.

However, it was the greedy, shortsighted mindset that Republicans have promoted since the 1980s that is the root cause of all this. When I was a small boy in the 80s, I could have told you that our rampant greed and "pay for it later" debt addiction would lead to this.

Our entire economic system has been unsustainable for some time now, and it's finally come home to roost.

Sara   October 8th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Barney Frank
Nancy Pelosi

Need I say more? How's that for leadership.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 8th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

To Real_Thinker: The truth hurts doesn't it? Just tune into Faux news so you can find out how to think, because the ability to do so has not been cultivated by you at all!!!

Real_Thinker   October 8th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

TO ALL OBAMA WELFARE BLOGGERS:

VOTE AGAINST ALL DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND ALL DEMOCRATS IN THE CONGRESS THEY ALL ARE GUILTY OF RUIN OUR ECONOMIC LET'S START WITH OBAMA-PELOSI

Jordan from Phoenix   October 8th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Last night David Gergen's word black is the first instance of direct mentioning color of a candidate on your chanell. Is it not obvious that he is a McCain's surrogate and subliminally sticking that issue straight into our eyes. Now it is going to be a real issue, no matter how much Obama tried not to become. It was shocking to me that he used that specific word instead using word 'race', moreover he repeated it by saying 'blackness'. His hiden agenda was to really start that issue and maybe radically change the course of the campaign. I know that CNN plans to get him as a news anchor to keep party ballance, and he was pretending to be independent all these days, but this act clearly shows his strong bias no matter what is the truth. I will be dissapointed if that person who subliminaly propagate hate stays on your, only really politicaly balanced chanell. David is no better then that sheriff with Pallin in Tampa, Florida. It is a new, hidden, campaign from McCain to mud Barack on caracter issue. It is really, really scary. If they do it to him they will use the same tactics against all of us, Bush proved that.

Real_Thinker   October 8th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

TO ALL OBAMA WELFARE BLOGGERS:

VOTE AGAINST ALL DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTITIVES AND ALL DEMOCRATS IN THE CONGRESS THEY ALL ARE GUILTY OF RUIN OUR ECOMOMIC LET'S START WITH OBAMA-PELOSI

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 8th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Persoanl to Dave:

The Democrats had numbers only forthe past two years; the GOP blocked evrything and Bush wouldn't sign-it or would veto it, anyway. Now, who do you blame?!

Tony   October 8th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

McCain has nothing else foing for him now. When he has no record of his own to run on, his only option is to revert back the republican rule book.

Attack, accuse, smear, distort and LIE, LIE, LIE!!!!

This should surprise no one. He is sinking and his hopes for ever being president with him.

We will see this and many more lies for theremainder of the next four weeks.

Very sad!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 8th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Punctuation correction - sorry

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I, and 6 other adult members of my family, will be voting early (Oct 16) for THAT ONE

Independents all - and proud of it.

Independent, white woman   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

This is not a partisan problem, this s an American, or better yet a global problem. We Americans need to be very responsible about who we elect into office and as our representatives. Washington is full of politicians, and they are for the mos part power and money hungry. We need to start getting a little more involved in our politics, as Obama recommends. He has not taken money from Lobbyists and as he puts it he doesn't owe them anything once in the white house. We can elect him and hold him accountable to make the right choices to grow our economy and keep us safe and make sure that our national security is well intact. I believe tht Obama is new enough to Washington but not too new(or cluless like Palin) to the point where he could help us move forward. I trust him, I believe he is the man he claims to be and will do the things he says he'll do. At this point Mccain is too old, too angry and too grumpy and Plain is too clueless. Thanks but no thanks!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

How about the GOP stepping up and admitting that all the permissible, economically, stimulating action was called for by Bush 3-1/2 years ago, and despite being warned what would happn, the GOP got in lock-step with the business Genius, Bush, and lead us straight to economic hell!!!

Greed is not good   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Republicans and their Gramm-Leach Bill for deregulation…along with McCain's friendship with corrupt bankers such as Charles Keating are to blame.

Fact check yourselves first before spouting out your neo-facist propaganda.

carol   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Face it Republicans you and your "Dream Team" are both really losing it……..McCain is unstable and a liar and Palin is dippy and also a liar.
I had no idea Cindy McCain could even speak…..she looked like a scared school girl last night…..walking behind hubby, her hands behind her back and not stopping to shake hands or talk to people!!
Still, it shouldn't be surprising really, she is just as ignorant as her husband.
Shame you have such a pathetic ticket……getting really nervous now and anything goes…right….heck….gosh darn….get back to ya!!!

Mike in Sacramento,Ca   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

We are in deep and over our head on this….there is no magic way out but to work though it and try not to let this happen EVER AGAIN.
Pointing at the other guy is not going to fix this.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 8th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Cindy McCain attacks Obama, what a joke. When they find her son Andrew McCain who was CEO of Silver Bank responsible for it's failure I guess she will start stealing drugs like she did when John McCain aka Keating 5 were underinvestigation, she claim it was because she couldn't take the pressure. Why didn't the Honorable Senator McCain warn investors, he had to know because his son quit Silver Bank 2 months before it's calapse.

irony   October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Today, mcsame called Americans his "fellow prisoners." He has got a screw loose.

Michael   October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Well, apparently there's more than one McCain in the famiy who doesn't read the newspaper. Cindy is right, this is the dirtiest campaign in a long time, but it's because of her husband's tactics.
She is a liar, and should be ashamed of herself. And their children should be even more ashamed of her.

JF   October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

A side-note to all of you "rant-and-ravers" - could you at least see fit to use spellcheck…and maybe a DICTIONARY…before you add your tirades to the forum? You lose a good bit of credibility when readers have to scan your message at least THREE TIMES to get the gist of what you arer trying to say!

sempdog   October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Stepford wives don't have minds, so whatever Cindy McCain says doesn't really amount to much,to much,to much,to much.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 8th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I and 6 other adult members of my family will be voting early (Oct 16) for THAT ONE

Independents all - and proud of it.

Chris from STL   October 8th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Be strong guys. You did the right thing in voting for this bill. Any member who did not support this bill, has no clue whatsoever about economy, and indeed is unpatriotic!

Tony   October 8th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Why is this?

The republicans were in charge for 6 of the last 8 years and bare the most responsibility for this mess.

Is tehre any end to these whiny republicans?????

Roberta Duffey   October 8th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

On the bail out situation I did not understand anything Paulson said.He was talking over our head on purpose. Someone needs to fire him now……………

Real_Thinker   October 8th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

TO CNN THE NUMBER ONE OBAMA WELFARE BLOGGER NEWS IN THE COUNTRY:

I am ashamed of CNN and how it has become worse the MSNBC.
I used to respect their Journalistic skills before this elections. But now every time you try to express your opinion against Obama. They shot you down. IF CNN IS PRO-OBAMA Please let me know so I do not waste my time in viewing your channel or internet page

I am going to investigate what government agency deals with violation of freedom of expression on-line.

Dave   October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

TO ALL MY FRIENDS….LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE……..FYI only.
George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years.
The first six the economy was fine.
A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high–14,000 +
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!..

But American's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes–we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted ;
2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;
3) Unemployment is up to 5.5% (a 10% increase);
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices still dropping;
5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~
$2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!

YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE..AND WE SURE GOT IT! …..
REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES, ONLY CONGRESS….
AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS!!!!
JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?

Roberta Duffey   October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

You are asking the question is the reason Obama, is not further ahead. Yes it is because he is black. I know there is still alot of racial feelings out there. But in today's world they are a small amount. I feel Obama will win by a small margin. If and when Obama goes into the White House he will have to go to work immidiately. They will expect more from here because he is black. Beleive me if he does not show improvement in the first 4years he will not get a chance for the next four. I honestly beleive he will do fine…

Sally from Cali   October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

McCain doesn't have an original idea in his head. His mortgage buyout plan sounds like an idea that Hillary Clinton was discussing the day after the bailout that goes back to the original depression era.

McCain, get some fresh ideas and stop slinging mud (it's getting all over you).

John in Ohio   October 8th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

McCain voted for the bailout bill.

McCain voted for the bailout bill.

McCain voted for the bailout bill.

Jerry   October 8th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

It not about trust!!! We elect them and ONLY GET THE CHANCE no sooner than every four years during which they prove to us over and over they will vote with ZERO accountability to WE THE PEOPLE. Our only recourse is to vote in the next one/crook who will never do anything to give the government BACK TO THE PEOPLE.

Watching the debate and hearings over these huge bailouts and bankruptcy where they talk about "transparency" without realizing they SELDOM ever show they proposed legislation to the very people who they are supposed to represent, much less take into account the very wishes of the people who elected them, unless of course, they are tossing huge wads of lobby/bribe money at them.

How stupid can America be? We have a huge debt problem and the financial/insurance industry's house of cards is tumbling so we print even more imaginary money to borrow to 'fix the problem'. Totally beyond belief. Stop deficit spending and run the business of government like the rest of us in business have to run our own or face jail.

Who with any common sense gives one rat's rump if we stop encouraging the money changers that would love nothing better than to see even more citizens become enslaved and/or indentured to the money creators and lenders who have never done an honest days work in their whole life, much less actually produced anything with their own hands?

Stop the bogus bailouts which certainly appear to be nothing more than our elected officials legally giving back a small portion of the huge lobby/bribe monies they have accepted thru the years.

Yeah, they are all laundering money and making it law that WE THE PEOPLE work to tangibly produce what they've long since banked. Next will be all of our real property and it surely seems that's well under way.

Vigla   October 8th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Still for Hill, you are about the only Hillary supporter left voting McCain. Give it up already. Old news.

hooverguide   October 8th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

No one connected to this financial extinction level event is held at any level of esteem, certainly not high esteem. For those who saw it coming and lined their pockets or looked the other way, may you reap what you sow.

Allen Mayo   October 8th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Why is it when big corporations go under the people on top get fat bonus check when their business has failed. They shouldn't get a thing. Plus all our job are going overseas so whos going to pay the taxes.

Vigla   October 8th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Um, Darko… Clinton had a republicna congress for 6 of the 8 years he was prez. Where have you been?

Also, anti-regulation is a Republican thing, not a Dem thing. Quit trying to blame the Dems for deregulation that Reagan and the Bushes endorsed.

UMMMM...   October 8th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

still for Hill? I don't think she wants anything to do with you… vote for the old man haha

The smart Hillary supporters have come to the right side… be a maverick and do the same.

God help us? God help you

Laura   October 8th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Hey Brian from Canada,

I have friends who live in Canada and they love it. You must be living in the wrong part of canada. But you do have health insurance.

Mike   October 8th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Brian from Canada, please move to Texas. You're not wanted here.

WOWWOW   October 8th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

W H O ' S,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,B E E N,,,,,,,,,,,,,,T H E,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,M A J O R I T Y,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

P A R T Y,,,,,,,,,,,,,,F O R,,,,,,,,,,,T H E,,,,,,,,P A S T,,,,,,,,,,,T W O,,,,,,,,,Y E A R S,

A N D,,,,,,,,,,,G O T,,,,,,,,,,,,U S,,,,,,,,I N T O,,,,,,,,,,,,T H I S,,,,,,,,,,,,M E S S

American Education - Lakewood, CA   October 8th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Since we are cutting rates…lets cut rates for all student loans and provide a 1 or 2% max for all student loans.

Education is the REAL FUTURE for America. It's time we put our money where our mouth is.

Brian   October 8th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Corruption is rampant. Wall street bailout to be administered by Wall Street execs? Capitalism has outlived it's usefullness. Regime Change!

mike   October 8th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

If they think that the republicans didnt know about the economy the six years prior to the dems getting in your just an ignorant person who dont know politics its a tactic for job security to promote blame after the fact its be played in ever term, presidential they usually start a war "hence" iraq but this time it back fired terribly and were pay the cost…..

Mark   October 8th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I'm just glad that my mortgage will be paid off in 11 months.

Still for Hill, but voting McCain   October 8th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Maybe people are finally waking up. I sincerely hope that Republicans hold their seats in Congress. We can all kiss our butts goodbye if Obama, Pelosi, and Reid have total control.

McCain missed so many opportunities last night. McCain should be linking Obama to the Dems in Congress:

-Dems were wrong on not regulating Fannie and Freddie.
-Dems were wrong on Offshore drilling. Gas prices have come down at least $1.00 since the ban on offshore drilling was lifted.

McCain should be pointing all this out EFFECTIVELY. McCain should be pointing out the Obama never breaks with his party unless it is to vote for the Bush/Cheney energy bill.

Obama is a joke. God help America

ohio   October 8th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

we shouldnt give that money to white house crooks

Laura   October 8th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I blame whoever is in charge at the White House, REPUBLICANS. It starts at the top.

karen-phoenix   October 8th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

40 year long republican for Obama/Biden!!! "That One" was wonderful last night and gives me hope for a better tomorrow for my grandkids!!!
God BLess Obama/Biden!!!

Sharpen your pitchfork, light your torch... and meet me at the Capitol   October 8th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Wreckless Robin-Hood affirmative-action mortgage lending is what got us to our current state. Still want to blame that on Republicans?

Bad credit? No credit? No job? No problem. Got welfare or the right skin color? Congrats! You're a new home owner! Sign right here and we'll give you a home that we'll have to foreclose on after five years because you won't be able to pay the mortgage. Again, still want to blame Robin-Hood Affirmative Action mortgages on Republicans? And do it with a straight face? Good luck with that.

"Bailout Dems" will pay heavily in this cycle. I'm a conservative and I'm even voting AGAINST my Republican respresentative, SOLELY because he voted to give a trillion dollar bailout to the very buffoons who screwed up in the first place. This is called "rewarding bad behavior" and it's completely anathema to the most basic of economic fundamentals. Which is why we will be back here in this same predicament in fewer than ten years… you can set your watch by it.

darko   October 8th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

We slap it right in front of your face that the Democratic leadership is at fault for the mortgage meltdown and you still deny it or amazingly throw the race card.

FACTS:
Carter signed the Community Reinvestment Act - bad mortgages started
Clinton wanted to curtail it, but backed down to Dem congress pressure.
CRA was given MORE power by groups like ACORN, led by Obama! and Frank and Dodd.
GOP forced an audit that revealed EVERYTHING wrong with Freddie and Fannie and these mortgages.
Dodd, Frank, and mulitple dem leaders flat out ignored it (it's all over youtube)
Investment banks bought mortgages from Freddie and Fannie that were supposedly AAA prime = dependable mortgages.
Dem induced housing market busted and all the paper became worthless. Banks failed and we're left holding the ticket.

Amazingly…we have the very same people who caused this mess trying to clean it up! Would you go back to the doctor that botched a surgery? NO

Shawn Barney   October 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Hello this is my first time blogging…… but I think that George Bush did screw up the economy but it wasn't all him….. Bush couldn't have screwed it all up by himself…… he had to of have helped from the congress. We need to get things going and i think that Bill Clinton should have a say in this financial crisis because our economy was through the roof when he was President of the United States

Obama/Biden-O8

LIP   October 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

There is this constant littany of McCain and his dirty politics.
Has anyone stopped to think about the fact that once Obama was done trashing Hillary, he began his attack on McCain and his age and also his health and also his belief that McCain and Bush were joined at the hip on all policies. Once Biden was chosen, he continued the mantra of accusing McCain of just being a poster child for Bush.
It must be very difficult for someone who has given his soul and his life's work to trying to reach across the aisle and establish repoir with the other party only to find out that he is back inside his bamboo cage unable to defend against the constant attacks. I guess if you tell a lie often enough, pretty soon everyone will begin to believe it. I believe that is what Obama has accomplished and little else

ines   October 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

In the end the GOP will take the fall for all of this. The reverberations through congress will be felt for years to come.

Lucy   October 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I am not too happy with either party either, but I definitely think that we need to get rid of every Republican who voted for bills that caused this mess…like the Gramm-Leach-Blilley bill of 1999 (Phil Gramm). A Democratic Congress will be easier for Obama to work with than those whinny, firger pointing, "nothing is every my fault" Republicans.
Even Dr. Phil says you have to admit your mistakes before you can correct them.

Americans need to keep up with what their government is doing from now on. We need to make sure we keep the good politicians and get rid of the bad ones. Bush Jr. in just 2 elections has destroyed our financial world. Bush Jr. and the Republican policies have actually cost us close to half of our retirement money. It is expected to take 10 to 15 years to get back what we had. Bottom line folks….we were robbed blind. Ask questions from now on and don't trust anyone. When in doubt, vote them out!

Ryan - NYC   October 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

John McCain really needed to “check” his attitude at the door before last night’s debate. His body language spoke much LOUDER than any thing he had to say. Throughout the entire debate he appeared to be a very CONDESENDING, DISREPECTFUL, ANGRY, BITTER, DISGUNTLED, ADGITATED, DISSHEVLED, RUDE, GRUMPY OLD MAN. McCain’s body language took away or down played a lot of really good and valid points he attempted to make. But because of his poor attitude his words were over-shadowed by his body language and a lot of his ideas did not come as he would have liked to the audience.

DoasHElikes   October 8th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

If "That one" wiil come to power, we'll turn into nation of crap!

winner   October 8th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

You read this here first. Democrats remember in November that I wrote this. You are going to lose. CNN and MSNBC are fooling you guys AGAIN. Once, shame on you. Twice, shame on you again. Three times, Your a bunch of fools!!!!

The polls are skewed and there are too many good people in this country to allow socialism to occur. Trust me. You will lose.

Suzie - NJ   October 8th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Send a MESSAGE Loud and Clear - VOTE EARLY in the States that allow IT. Enough is enough. Let's not wait 27 more days to send John McCain and Sarah Palin pack'n.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   October 8th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Ryan: Thank God. Hopefully someone will be able to keep our first socialist president in check. I think he is leaving office here in January. This is a failure of both parties: Republicans for their policies (or lack thereof) and Congressional Democracts' oversight the past two years (or lack thereof).

Brian from Canada   October 8th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Good Luck America you are about to begin an era of Socialism just like we have here in Canada.

High Taxes

High Regulation

High Government growth

Good Luck, it doesn't work here, and believe me it will drag your economy down. The real losers will be the people of the US. The only winners will be

Obama , Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

I thought the American people were smarter than that. Good bye free capitalist hello Barack Obama.

Good bye US as a world leader in the economy. Hello socialist.

McCain 2008 Palin 2012 Hillary 2016

Chuck, Tennessee   October 8th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

The economy has been wrecked by the mentality that everyone should own a home, whether they can afford it or not. Both parties are to blame. As voters and taxpayers, we MUST insist that our leaders cut spending, balance the budget, and develop plans to take care of entitlements and our national debt. Only then will our economy and our dollar begin to return to their former status. We should begin by voting against ALL incumbents, whether they are Republican or Democrat.

Slim Shady   October 8th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Am I the only one that thinks Obama is shady as heck? It seems like all of the people who comment on the Ticker are huge Obama supporters. Is it because he is a Democrat? Dang that guy is shady.

irish   October 8th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

CNN where is my post. You constantly blow them out!!!!!!!!!

Stop blaming republicans only. Both the Democrates and Republicans are to blame for the mess we are in right now. Anyone who voted for this bailout will loose my vote. There are alot of angry American's that will vote these clowns out because of that.
So stop blaming just the Republicans

Laura   October 8th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Enough!!!

Simple question:
Are you better off today than 8 years ago? 4 years ago? 4 weeks ago?

McCain's have 8 housed, 13 cars, and more. Of course they're out of touch. Give me yours shoes I'll run a garage sale and help out people in need.

Sweetie   October 8th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

We are MAD!

Can you imagine how fast we will fall completely if the Left Wing Nut Job in Training Pants, who is the puppet of the Left wing steals this election?

We won't have ANY CHECKS and BALANCES in place!

Our enemies will be taking us over with a Weak Economy and a Weak President.

I'm already morning life as we once knew it in this Great country!

McCain/Palin-08

Kara   October 8th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

The Republicans in my state are trying to save their own butts. They've cozied up to Bush for the past eight years. Now they can't back away fast enough. I say, the heck with all the Republicasns.
I'm voting Democratic right down the line.

mitch   October 8th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

it's the republicans fault. they caused this mess. i'm independent ,and i wont be voting for another republican for the rest of my life! they are trying to destroy my country.

jerry   October 8th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I really wish we would all stand up to the Democrats and Republicans…puttting our differences aside…and DEMAND results from them.

How many of us would hire and pay someone like these characters who failed miserably in doing their job?

How many of us would keep our job if we FAILED TO DO OUR JOB?

Why can't we all demand results? Why don't we VOTE THESE characters out of office instead of letting them hang on to their job year after year after year?

Are we all FOOLS? Do we like to be insulted by these people?

Do you think these people in Congress think we're STUPID?

The answer my fellow Americans is YES!

Jerry

irish   October 8th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Don't forget that ACORN, when all this sub prime leading was going on Threated to sue the instiutions that would lower the standards so people could get into houses. Obama's name is all connected with ACORN. Look it up

Greg   October 8th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

This bailout was a mistake, just like voting for Obama is going to be a mistake too.

AJ   October 8th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

For the first time ever I did not vote a straight Democratic ticket this year (absentee voting.) I am disgusted with my representatives who voted for the bailout plan. The only member of my national congressional delegation that did not vote for the bailout package was an Independent. Having Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee makes almost make me physically ill. I did not vote for president at all. The election cycle that started out with such hope for me has ended in disaster. I hope Obama proves me wrong when he is elected but I’m not holding my breath.

Back To the Drawing Board   October 8th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Reality is a bitter pill to swallow. Don't worry John, just call up Guilliani, Romney, Huckabeast and the rest and they'll tell you how it feels to lose.

The Dems will be winners because Barack is going to the White House and Hillary is going to be a powerful force in the Senate.

The next time John, don't run such a sleazy campaign and maybe people will take you seriously. Also, when you say you want to put Country First, then do it. Don't select the Sarah Failins of the world and expect America to embrace someone so green.

Obama/Biden 08

Gringo   October 8th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

The bailout stinks to high heaven. Dem's and Rep's took the opporuntiy to show their true colors again! They tacked on more garbage earmarks on the back end of this and raised the cost to each and everyone of us some more. And the bill still doesnt address the fundemental issues at play. folks, they suckered us again, shored up the speculators who are laughing all the way to the bank. Their lobbyists will be in force to protect both parties and keep getting their lackeys re-elected.

And you know what, most of us will be to blame because we cop out and vote for the do-ntohings that we sent last time and the time before and we refuse to push for a viable 3rd party! IMO, thats what we lack, a viable choice between the lesser of two evils, we are shafted into either Red or Blue, Dem or Rep and we smile as we punch a ticket that the electroral college will ignore if the Beltway and Supreme Court deem it necessary.

Flippin lemmings….marching towards socialism (you do realize we took the first step last week right?!?)

Alex   October 8th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

There's one more way to win….hopefully the voting machines will malfunction or the Florida "chads" can fall McCains way. Hopefully, history won't repeat itself.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Betty   October 8th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Republicans like to say "well the democrats have controlled congress for 2 years" but what they DON'T tell you (and there is always this caveat with republicans) is that for 2 years they have filibustered and vetoed to keep themselves basically in control. The democrats do not have enough of a majority to override a veto. So basically the republicans have had total control for 8 years. Yet republicans conveniently blame everything on the democrats. What a joke. Come January 20 we will have a democrat congress and democrat president and we will GET THINGS DONE!! No more filibusters!

BT   October 8th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

DEREGULATION! McCain said it over and over again - "I favor deregulation".

Shirley   October 8th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

The vultures are lurking….most of them have an "R' behind their name.

darko   October 8th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Run this poll again AFTER the mainstream media reveals the detailed story about the following and their affects on this crisis:

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
ACORN and Obama's involvment as their attourney
Senator's Dodd, Clinton, Frank and Obama and Countrywide
Senator Frank and his 'Lover' at Fannie
The link between CRA, Fannie, ACORN and Dem Senators
Fannie & Freddie's contributions to Dem Senators as a result of their voting.

I'd say only 25% of Americans are aware that a Democrat socialist program pushed for the last 20 years is the root cause of this problem. Those at fault need to be exposed and removed.

Charles Garrett II, relative the late Pat Garrett   October 8th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Sir, the 5000 dollar health insurance credit. When doing taxes that adds up to only a couple hundred dollars,,,,how can that pay for Health Insurance,,,I pay 400 a month for my wife and I,,,I am retired D.O.D., and Disabled Vet

irish   October 8th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

First of all, anyone who voted for that bailout bill is not getting my vote. There are alot of angry Americans that will not vote these clowns back in because that. Weather they are Repulican or Demcrates. They are both to blame for what has happened to our economy. So stop blaming just the Republicans!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CitizenAJ   October 8th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Most of the blame falls on the republicans who controlled the congress for 6 out of the last 8 years. They ran a muck with the government having total control, legislative and executive branch. Neither party is offering strong candidates at the congressional level but the republicans ignored the people and did not mind the store during their run. I agree with the poll, the democrats get a slight edge but they need to get off their rears and represent their constituents, ALL of them, not just the most influential.

Carolyn   October 8th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

The Republican Senators and Congressman have "rubber-stamped" George Bush's plans for the past eight years. They all need to go.

Joe   October 8th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

To whom it may concern. The republican party has been trashing our government for as long as i can remember. Nixon and water gate, Reagan and Iran contra, Bush lies,murder,war and every one of them as flushed our economy down the tolet. Democrats; Carter`s energy plan destroyed by Reagan,would have us energy independant by now. Clinton surplus buget, destroyed by Bush, and crusfied for concentual sex. When we get back on the right track, the GOP will just convince you,we must have family values, and step back in and destroy America again.

ltd1974   October 8th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

CNN POST THIS

Republican need to fix this the mess I guess they are paying the price.
I AM VOTING FOR THAT ONE

Julie   October 8th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I'm voting straight Democratic this year. It's time to clean house, cleaning out George Bush's collegues and backers. I'm sick of all of them!

j. williams   October 8th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

no brainer….all the responsible parties BARNEY-DODD- MAXINE-SCHUMIE-OBAMA (the biggest special interest recipient from Fannie Mae)….but being typical liberals they just recite the democratic mantra -RACIST- and let's blame bush….dumbocrats…

dave g, minneapolis   October 8th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

[“The public is essentially saying ‘a pox on both your houses’ to the parties in Congress,” noted CNN Senior Political Researcher Alan Silverleib. “Both the Democrats and the Republicans are held in extremely low esteem at the moment."]

Absolutely true. This is why BOB BARR is seeing his numbers rise. People are fed up with the two parties, especially when they both go against our wishes and vote for a bailout. BOB BARR is against these bailouts. .

jerry   October 8th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

To Jennifer in NY:
where have you been the past 10 years or more.
Pres. Clinton bowed to pressure from Dems to pressure big mortgage lenders to offer low income owners housing…whether they could afford the payments are not.

Then, Rep. offered legislation to scrutinize the housing/mortgage industry (aka Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) BUT, Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Chris Dodd, who chaired important oversight committees who were suppose to watch these entities, said nothing is wrong and don't worry about things…low income families deserve nice homes (even though they couldn't pay the mortgages).

If you want to blame Congress, put it on Clinton for signing this crap into law…and then blame Frank and Dodd for NOT DOING THEIR JOB.

Don't blame Pres Bush…he tried several times to get these guys to do their job and they refused to listen to him because THEY DON'T LIKE HIM…and, they had good friends and campaign contributors give them money, money, money.

So, get real and learn the facts instead of blaming Pres. Bush.

jt

frodo   October 8th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

What do you mean "common-sense regulation that deals with 21st century market realities"?

Come on…. like what? Neither McCain nor Obama have a clue. They don't understand the economy. Even the Economists don't understand it. If it was understood, everyone would make money on it and it would never crash.

cindy blaker   October 8th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

We citizens should bailout our government? I was not asked if I wanted this expensive war…I signed nothing saying I would pay for this war debt…who asked you?

Bush and his gang ruined our economy with this war debt. I cannot pay my own debts.

This is my battlecry when I blog up the steps of the capitol: Who asked
you?

Clarise, MA   October 8th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

The next president of the United States will be tall, tan and handsome. His wife will be a fabulous first lady, and America will shine again.

Obama/Biden 08

Truly American   October 8th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

It is funny how people are so misinformed. This mess IS a democratic problem. Barney Frank in all his wisdom actually killed legislation that would have curbed some of this problem.. It does not get enough press.

McCain should hit them harder on this stance. Do Nothing Obama did exactly the same.. NOTHING…

Good Luck America.. With a dem controlled congress, and pres everyone should take shelter.. Let the sheep run around totally clueless..

Lee   October 8th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Barney Frank and Chris Dodd both need to be tarred and feathered, then sent to jail. Same with Nasty Nancy and Hapless Harry!

McCain warned about the Fannie Freddie problems over a year ago.

McCain - Palin 2008

Rob   October 8th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Jaye, you (sir or ma'am) are the one who's scarry. You and everyone else here who toots the Obama horn. He's inexperienced and a failure. A failed community organizer and someone who's voted 'Present' over 100 times. And you have the nerve to bring up skin color. IT IS THE DEM SIDE THAT IS BRINGING UP SKIN COLOR! You all, with your race mongering, your support of illegal voting practices like ACORN and that stuff going on in Ohio. Standard Obama playbook - when faced with the truth, cry racism, the dolts like you and the press will eat it up.

And CW in PSL - a great president at the helm? Obama? Please either check your medication or stop taking as much - you are clearly delusional.

President Obama - The 2 scarriest words in the English language today!

rh   October 8th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I would love to change shoes with you for a day.. I would go on a shopping spree..

King Obama   October 8th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

It is encouraging to see that my disciples are all on the same page chanting "That One" with one voice.

It's good to be the king. :-)

Praetorian, Fort Myers   October 8th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Kick the whole mess of them out.
And keep Barack Hussein Obama and his extreme left (shielded as middle of the road) agenda from taking power in the White House.

Richard   October 8th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Liberal CCN viewers are appalling. Watching paulson right now and all I see are messages coming into Rick Sanchez from liberals making fun of the way he speaks. Idiots!! Paulson studders…the mand studders!!!!! nothing to make fun of! there are plenty of smart and brilliant people who studder!

stupid cnn liberal viewers! n n n n n n n n n nobama! ok, make fun of that!

Independent for McCain   October 8th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Voters ask yourself, you want to be tax more or tax cut during this tough times? Obama tax increase and McCain tax cut?? you choose.

Rick   October 8th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

According to a Rasmussen poll, 59% of us (including me) would vote out the entire Congress if we had the opportunity.

Even at that, it's not entirely the Congress' fault. Bill Clinton sign the big deregulation bill in 1999. The Fed cut interest rates too low for too long. They aren't controlled by either party. and, in general, the President gets too much credit when the economy goes well and too much blame when it doesn't. For all the ranting and raving on these boards, no one has made a coherant arguement as to how this is all Bush's fault - though he's not blameless either.

RapidRay   October 8th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Bottom line…
….any positive effects from the rescue bill is going to be a bragging point and any lack of progress is going to be the kiss of death for incumbents.

With 27 days to go, the odds are that there's going to be a major falling out of some of these "career politicians", but don't be full of joy. Our choices are pretty limited as to who will replace them.

Independent for McCain   October 8th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

DEM control the congress, that is why they are to be blamed for the crisis happening now, why REP? That is why we need to have a check and balance in the govt, if not it will be a blank check to the DEM. McCain should have the experience to be our next President of the Great USA!!

A Stoner   October 8th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Well, I cannot take my anger out on my Senator, he is not up for re-election this year. Grrrr. My representative did the right thing so i sent him $25.
I think our constitution needs to be amended to allow people from other states to block other states congress critters, basically we need a veto power against some Senators and some Representatives. like Murtha, Frank, Dodd and others that have become complete imbiciles in congress, but for some reason they cannot be voted out of office. Another option would be to term limit them. Senators to 2 terms or 12 years and Representatives to 3 terms or 6 years.

JL   October 8th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

It's incumbent that it will take it's toll on. The frustration and disgust by most americans is bipartisan.

Nice try to sway things your republican way, though, CNN.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   October 8th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

This is not a good year to be a Republican or Democrat…….in fact this is not a good year to be a "politician….period."

VOTE CHANGE.. GO OBAMA 08   October 8th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

When I first heard about the "Bail Out" - I began reseraching and learning more about the plan. After reviewing and understanding how it was designed, I became extremely concerned. The plan just did not make financial sense and to add injury - keeping the same people in charge was beyond me. Personally, I feel our economy will recover but many hardworking families will suffer. The Bail out was never the solution.

the Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   October 8th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

We need to get moving on this economy thingee so that the people can put it behind and bring out the bright days and sunny skies once again.

Why doesn't someone in the Main Stream Media ask Obama to explain why he was against the war in Iraq when most of the intelligent people in the US and British thought it necessary.

Where did this junior state senator from illinois get his information to make the call? Or his he just Monday morning quarterbacking? A sport that he is quite good at.

John   October 8th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I'm retired and have been since 2006, and was blessed to reitre at the age of 54, I had to modify my expenses and living coditions to be able to retire, in the last 9 months I have seen my IRA take a $174,000 nose dive, what are my options, and what will the bail out and/or candidates do for me?

bridgette   October 8th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I never thought I would say this but I actually feel bad for the Democrats in Congress. For almost twelve years Republicans controlled all of this mess and now they are the one's that is trying to fix it.

Tina   October 8th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

This disaster was created due to years of deregulation that allowed Wall Street to run wild (FNMA and FHLMC got caught up in it on the tail end).

Time for some common-sense regulation that deals with 21st century market realities.

That One 08

Steve   October 8th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I'll bet a billion dollars, four years from now the democRATS will still be pointing the finger at Bush and the repubs for their lack of solutions.

Hussein Obama / Biden 08

leapfrog