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[...] this entry » Filed under: Barack Obama • Congress • Missouri 54 Comments Permalink Obama, Biden to meet with economic advisers Friday Posted: 02:36 PM [...]

Historically speaking we already understand many of the reasons why the economy is in such bad shape. Many the same reasons have occurred in the past, enough with history repeating itself! History is there to be learned from, now that we have a President elect, who's intelligent enough to understand the difference between what's good and what's bad for an economy, there's hope. I wonder the number of economist who watched along the side lines, as President W. Bush's policies helped push our economy to the brink and said nothing! There's no quick fix, we know that from past experience. But, there is much a President elect can initiate immediately upon taking office! Having brains and being well educated are a "good thing"! Hold tight, real help's only a few months away!

Gary, we were attacked on 9/11 on Bush's watch, were we not?

Everyone on the panel has something to add. Be it economic experience or politicians trying things to rev up the economy...

Stop foaming at the mouth, right wingers. Obama is hitting the ground running and that is what this country needs.
Guess I can't be surprised by the hate though, as a psychologist I know that there are two things you can't change....mean and stupid.

Sorry, Gary..... you guys have the worst President every..... G.W. Bush!!! Hard to beat that! *LOL* Seriously....

Well at least he hasnt mentioned Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, And Franklin Raines. Those guys are three of the main offenders in the housing debacle. Even though they got very little blame from Anderson Cooper. {what a big surprise} yeah right.

The stock market has been going up and down for a long while and will keep this up (by going down probably) for quite a few years. The entire US economy during the Bush years (and before that, to be fair) has been a fake economy based on debt and spending far, far beyond means, and upon the trading of fraudulent derivative securities invented by the current Treasury Secretary while at Goldman Sachs. That fake economy of robbing the poor and enriching the bankers and traders is over–and every last one who participated in it should be jailed. The US has now got to get back to making things that people need and want–not trading worthless pieces of paper. This is going to be a painful transition–from a fake to a real economy–but the country will survive and prosper if the right decisions are made. Bloomberg would be a good Treasury Secretary–but not Summers or Buffet.

Hey Jack@ss Gary...wake up. No attacks! Did you forget 9/11 you ignoramous. Clinton briefed Bush on Al Qaida and Bin Laden. What did Bush do...picked his @ss and chuckled it off...NOTHING. Deregulation is what caused the meltdown...for your ignoramous intellilect that means the fox was watching the hen house. Republicronies pushed for deregulation...Bush is still trying to do it now.

All you ignorant people...stick your head in the sound and let us intelligent people solve this crisis. We'll call you when it's time to pick up your check.

When the stock market started tanking, McCain was still bouyed by the convention and the initial feelings of Palin. His fall was DUE to the economic collapse, not the cause of it.

I can't beliee what I'm reading here.....GIVE THE GUY A BREAK !!!!!

Gary– "Bush kept us safe with no attacks" ????

Uhm... I'm thinking of a pretty bad attack right now. Maybe September 11th? Does that ring a bell?
Why don't you go ask the families of the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives just how "safe" Bush kept them.

To everyone else complaining about the economy– Obama isn't IN OFFICE. Whatever is happening now is in no way his fault. Our economy is going down the tubes– we'll have to live with that for a while. But until January 20th, you guys have no right to criticize the President-Elect.

The stock market always falls when the White House changes parties. Always! It's caused by uncertainty, the enemy of a stable market. Add to that the financial events of the past 2 months and it's no surprise that the market is where it is right now.

"BUSH KEPT US SAFE FOR 8 YRS. WITH NO ATTACKS. "

Well, there was that one, but who's counting?

I get it, it was Clinton's fault. And if there are attacks in the first year of Obama's presidency, I'm sure it will be Obama's.

That's how it works, right?

Pile up the bailout amounts. This is what democrats want. Theya re coming up with another bailout for auto industry and it;'s unions. Socialism at it's peak.

The stock market was up nearly 1500 points in the 5 days going into the election. I suppose that was because Wall Street expected a McCain victory, even though he was far behind in the polls??? I think not.

Maybe you should look at some of the other economic indicators that have come out in the past 2 days, rather than blame the guy who just defeated your party. BTW, tomorrow is the jobs report, so we're probably headed down again.

NOW OUR COUNTRY IS DOOMED. OBAMA WILL MAKE HISTORY TWICE.HE WILL BE THE WORST PRESIDENT TO CARTER.YOU THINK BUSH WAS BAD. BUSH KEPT US SAFE FOR 8 YRS. WITH NO ATTACKS. DEMS.AND REPS. MESSED OUR ECONOMY UP ,RIGHT ALONG WITH WALL STREET. DONT BLAME ONE SIDE. THAT WAS THE TROUBLE WITH THIS ELECTION RACE. IT WAS ONESIDED WITH THE MEDIA,PRESS ETC. COULDN'T TALK ABOUT OBAMA AND ASK HIM QUESTIONS OR YOU WOULD PAY FROM MEDIA AND THE RACE CARD..

The market does not like Obama. The 8 days leading up to the election we gained more than 1500 points on the dow.

After we found out who is going to lead this country, the stockmarket is crashing. We have lost almost 1000 points in the last 2 days and tomorrow looks even worse.

Its discouraging to learn that voters were more interested in making history then the economy of our Country. You can not tax your way out of a recession.

Yes, Yes and kick those wallstreet corrupt as_holes

YAY! President Obama and VP Biden are on their way to governing this country! Yippee! This is a banner day for America, Americans & the world. We are in the very best of hands now. After 8 long years of corruption and deceit, I can finally relax. Thank you America.

"OBAMA AND HIS TEAM ARE AHEAD OF THE GAME ON THIS ONE, THEY'VE BEEN MEETING."

Ughh ok.. Obviously these types of people are the ones Obama caters too.

I wonder what his plans will be to create even bigger government. 40% of tax dollars are currently going towards government programs. Why stop there, right?

One of my favorite political moments ever was when, during Billy Daly's ummm retirement from Commerce (so he could go to work for the Rockefeller's, who also own Walgreen's, which has profitted mightily under Mark B. McClellan and Medicare, Part Whatever), President Clinton called him "a man of reare effectiveness." Talk about tongue in cheek. I laughed so hard I almost peed myself.

Hmmm...the Chair of the Tri-Lateral Commission, a Bonesman, some Bilderbergers, a bunch of folks who orchestrated the takeover of the NYSE's board of directors, and several members of Clinton's cabinet, all working with a guy who promised to be my Senator for the full six years, then changed his mind, then agreed to accept public financing, then changed his mind. I wonder if that is what he means by 'Change'?

To me, a registered Democrat of 35 years, who could not even bring himself to vote this year, it simply means, "No, we CAN't!"

see everyone? already tackling our most difficult problems. you hateful republican diehards dont even realize ,yet, how lucky you are that most americans vote for brains over stoopidity!

Everybody should relax let Obama do this job.

these people from the past are those who readied the market for the mess it is today by pushing sub-prime lending. please kick them off and let the door hit them on their way out.

Sebastian – um, well, Mayor Villaraigosa brings only his point of view as the leader of the city with the largest economy in the state with the largest economy in the Union. Or perhaps his point of view as a prominent Latino. Or maybe his experience as a labor organizer. Or insight he gained as one of HRC's national campaign chairs.

Obama's the man. I'm white, 44, voted Repub fo rthe last 24 yrs...I don't care if a little green man was running this time...we needed new ideas, new perspectives, real intellect, great temperament, someone current with todays problems, technology, and more. Obama is it. He's the best presidential candidate I've seen in a long time...I'm just glad he didn't run for some other obscure party, because he certainly would have been snuffed out. For those talking about today's stock market, you're lost...incredible statements??
Obama started from the ground up and created a 650million dollar business that was run with perfection...with more product to offer than some current tech companies offering vaporware. Listen to some of his speeches, read his tax plan...learn and use some thinking skills instead of listening to Rush and Hannity banter..(btw..we've had multi-tiered tax plans for quite some time...I guess all those presidents are socialist including Reagan!)

Democrats have been complaining for 8 years. Republicans have been complaining for two days and the Democrats are already telling them to shut up? You guys better get used to this, because Republicans are going to do nothing but complain until they get their power back.

I took my money out in September, I knew Obama would scare the hell out of everyone with money.

Hey give them a break. We need to know why things didn't work the last time and these people from the past can help us steer clear of any road blocks we may be facing. A transition team have to work on both sides so hey we are for the good.

For all those who does not understand, the point of using people from the past is because they are aware and knowledgeable. They understand the system. In order for him to make great informed decisions, he must surround himself with people that are informed. Who are better informed than the people that have already been in the White House. Yes, he has offered new politics, that is because he does have fresh new ideas. However, he is not an island, so that means he has to surround himself with people that he will be able to work with.

Why is Granholm on the panel? Are they going to ask her what she has done in Michigan so the country can go in the opposite direction? Please close the door before she shows up.

For all those who does not understand, the point of using people from the past is because they are aware and knowledgeable. They understand the system. In order for him to make great informed decisions, he must surround himself with people that are informed. Who are better informed than the people that have already been in the White House. Yes, he has offered new politics, that is because he does have fresh new ideas. However, he is not an island, so that means he has to surround himself with people that he will be able to work with.

Please people, give him an opportunity to prove himself. People believed in him that is the reason he is the 44th President of the United States of America. He did not just win, he won big. As he said in his speech, "I will be your President too" and the is going to be regardless, so please, let's give him a opportunity. The man that is responsible for the stock market today is President G.W. Bush, the President that I supported 8 and 4 years ago, yes the President with the less than 30% approval rating.

What do we see when we look at President Obama, do we just see the color of his skin or do we see a man that presents hope? I see the latter and I hope you will look through the same eyes that I am looking through and that millions of other Americans are seeing through. Give him a chance.

Mikey- were you slamming the Obama/Biden supporters who spread hate speech and falsehoods against Bush? Is Obama better off now under Bush's economic plan than he was 8 years ago? Would the countrys economy be better off if people like Obama hadn't pushed so hard for sub prime loans for lower income folks who could not afford the payments? Also for you Biden supporters, do you realize that if Obama is elected to two terms Joe Biden will be 74 years old before he is allowed to talk to anyone again?

It is a pleasing feeling to know we now have a President Elect who will be honest and trustworthy and not send innocent gallant committed military personnel to war for reasons not justified. Also to have people surround him that are the best of the best notwithstanding issues that may arise that will not be easily conquered but approached with intelligence. This is a time that may return America to past prominence with exceeding accomplishments. I and others look forward to this. Please confront the young people with teachings of sacrafice for education accomplishments and building good credit achievement for allowing credit so the need for illegal practices aren't so tempting in life.

OBAMA AND HIS TEAM ARE AHEAD OF THE GAME ON THIS ONE, THEY'VE BEEN MEETING.

Higher Education: I hope this is what you're trying to attain, because your comment was ignorant. And btw, you cut the holes to big on your white sheet, we can see your face.

...and narry a socialist among 'em!

The mob mentality is just amazing.... so YOUR candidate didn't win... I can count several time MY choice of candidate has not been elected. THAT is what this country is all about – differing opinions.

Why don't you take a deep breath, walk around the block, and appreciate the freedoms & rights this country provides... then when you are ready to be a rational person voice an opinion.

Stop the hateful rhetoric already, it only makes you sound narrow minded and pitifully uneducated.

And CNN, why don't you try posting this instead of leaving all my comments in moderation mode?!

what are those CEOs doing and those people from the past? I want change, not a return to the past and not the people you spoke against in your speeches.

I hope someone thanks him for tanking the stock market.

BUSH IS STILL RUNNING THE COUNTRY AND HAS RAN IT FOR 8 YEARS SO IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET MAD GO DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE, HE WILL BE THERE UNTIL JAN 20TH AND HOLLA TO HIM WHAT A IDIOT HE IS AND MAYBE WILL FEEL BETTER, REPUD.... BECAUSE YOUR PRES BUSH SCREW YOU NOT OBAMA!!!!

Higher Education is simply trolling; obviously there is a significant number of African Americans who are working their butts off.

Well, the stock market doesn't seem to like Obama. Hopefully, Obama can do half of all the things he promised....except for raising my taxes, that is.

"My 401K is down 10% since Obama was elected."

It is amazing you would say that, let me ask, what was it 4 years ago? Did Obama have on impact on the decrease you faced a month ago? I think not. This is the issue with our country, someone has to always be the scapegoat. Let's stop that and begin taking responsibility for our own actions. He will be the President whether anyone likes it or not, the American people have spoken. What we all need to do is focus on making our country the greatest nation and get back some of the respect that we have lost from our friends and allies around the world.

Higher Education November 6th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

If there are jobs to be created, African Americans, you need to excel beyond that GED; oh I forgot, you have "Affirmitive Action."
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You sound like an elitist, racist snob. I am African-American and have worked in corporate America for years. I didn't get where I am with Affirmative Action. I got it through hard work and determination. Oh and FYI, a Repub came up with Affirmative Action. Nixon wanted African-Americans to have an opportunity to succeed. I thank him for that.

Brarack, wake up.

Rahm Emmanuel is an insider. He is abrasive, divisive, and and a mean-spirited partisan. He also has a notorious foul mouth. If you are serious about moving the country beyond partisanship ... you picked exactly the wrong guy.

Obama '08. Yes We Did!

More donors
More volunteers
Better strategy
Better campaign organization
The most votes in history – 5,000,000 more that Bush in 04

President Barack Obama is the most respected politician in America and perhaps the entire world. All the whining and doomsday predictions can't change that. While all your silly comments are entertaining, they do nothing to move America forward.

Criticism of our government is your right, but please don't slander America and its President! It's simply not patriotic. Please find out the truth before you start spreading lies over the internet.

..and to the idiot who said Palin has a higer IQ than Obama. Please give us a break! LMAO at that one.

Higher Education,
Most lawyers and doctors I've encountered are idiots who couldn't solve problems and lack real intellect. They mostly follow a script and recipe to make money without actually accomplishing much. Arrogance is usually the common trait. I'll match my intellect and reasoning skills against most I've met any day...

"Stock Market Dissing Obama November 6th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

My 401K is down 10% since Obama was elected.

I'll never be able to retire at this rate. I'll be wiped out in 10 days at this rate. It's all because he's raising taxes next year.

He's got to do something or we are all in the soup."

HEY – GUESS WHAT – G.W. BUSH IS STILL OUR PRESIDENT – DON'T GO BLAMIN' THIS ON OBAMA WHEN OL' GEORGIE BOY IS STILL RUNNIN' THE SHOW !! TAX RATES HAVE NOT GONE UP YET & YOU PROBABLY WON'T EVEN BE AFFECTED UNLESS YOU'RE IN THE ELITE $200K + PER ANNUM CATEGORY....

my last comment didnt get posted so let me "tone it down" (even though i cant believe some of the rude/hateful/ignorant posts that make it when mine dont)

to the all the morons talking about the market taking a dump after obama won – where have you been the last 2 months!!! did you already forget the october was the worst month EVER for stocks. they are jsut continuing the trend they have been on for some time now. I guess you didnt read how Australia and Japan had a 2% increase and China a 6% increase in their markets just hours after Obama won.

Stock Market dissing Obama-

Are you serious?Your K401 was dissed by the Bush idiotic policies from economy to Iraq.Your partisanship sucks, and all the US ellected Obama because he is better in solving the economic crisis-10 million spread, and not the one supreme judge majority that Bush got.Shame on you.

You people with the negative comments about Obama will never be happy about anything. You are big babies just because you didn't get your way. Obama is president-elect. GET OVER IT!!!!

Look at all the whiners on this blog. "Obama's made my 401k go down", "he's killing the stock market", yada, yada, yada. This country is in such a mess, that you are not going to see instantaneous results. Bush dug America into a huge hole, that we'll have to work our way out of in time. Obama has nothing to do with the Dow Jones dropping right now, investors are just having a tough time making decisions during this precarious time. If you haven't seen the jubilee from around the world, then you haven't been paying attention. Obama will move steadfast and sound in making decisions that will affect the American people for years to come, and I, like a lot of others who are optimistic and hopeful, know that things will get better and that are brightest days are ahead. 'The Fake Will Fade'

that's right president Obama...ready on day one.

no 6 week vacations in Crawford TX for this guy.

"Clear": The market may have crashed 10% after Obama was elected but do you remember what happend in September BEFORE the race was declared to be over? Obama wasn't elected then. so what was the excuse for it? You haters are sick and twisted. Just don't kno whow to accept that the man may actually be on to something good! Sad.

JDC says:

"Change" means recycling the has-beens, Hmmm?
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Nah... I just heard another political strategist make a very good point.

New, fresh faces are great, but for the economy I DON'T WANT to see new faces... we wanna see people who are experts and have been around the block a few times, even though the president himself is a young and inexperienced fresh face himself.... perhaps, that's probably an even bigger reason to get these older guys.

As for all the people putting down Obama and trying to predict what kind of president he'll be-two days after election, no less– NONE OF YOU KNOW how the Obama presidency will turn out.... so stop being negative and give him the chance that you didn't give him in the voting booth.

He may suprise you.

I am excited look like we have a leader gearing up to lead us in the right direction ..... go Obama!

I'm not convinced that Hillary wants a position in Obama's cabinet. I recently recall her saying she intends to stay in the Senate, and that is where she will have the most impact in implementing the health care plan.

To 1/20/09

Do you not think that McCain supporters are physicians, attorney's, nurses and teachers; that's what makes you so upset huh, because a "McCain Supporter" could very well be your doctor or your attorney.

Get a clue, you couldn't carry my briefcase!

The govenor of Michigan? Are you kidding me?

Has anyone been to Michigan lately.....that is the "economy" he wants to give the rest of the country?

And whomever keeps writing for Obama and Joe Biden to cap interest rates that banks can charge on credit cards....

You really should have done some research before casting your obviously misinformed and ignorant vote....

Joe Biden...senator from Deleware for 25 years......have you noticed where you mail all your credit card bills?

Yeah...I will be counting on Joe Biden to take on the banking industry!

I like the make up. You have quite a few people who can provide historical perspective along with a lot of bright young minds who will be able to chart a well-guided path to the future.

Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway and Eric Schmidt of Google alone are a formidable team.

l gladly voted and volunteered for the president Obama, and he has not been a dissapointment, so far. A ramarkable acceptance speech, l did not hear him saying that he has a mandate, but politely invited people who did not voted for him to join him in rebuilding America. As an independent, l have a single advice to the Republican Party: Break away from Rush Limbough, Sean Hannity, and the Bill O'Reighly. Be more creative and bring in more people and minorities. To president elect Barak Obama, l wish good luck and smooth journey. God Bless our Nation.

Peace

It's A Shame & Higher Education blogger : Your a Shame!

I think Barack has already paid more attention to the economy, since elected, than Bush did in 8 years.

"Change" means recycling the has-beens, Hmmm?

Mr. President Congratulations to both you and Mr Biden on winning in the election!

Now it the time to lower the Maximum Interest Rate for Mortgages, Bank Loans, and Credit Cards! By lowering the maximum rate on these interest rate that almost every Americans use in their lives, you can give instant relief to all American who are suffering from mounting debt, by cutting their monthly costs! Hopefully you will lower Mortgages to a maximum of ten percent, Bank Loans to a maximum of twelve percent, and Credit Cards to a maximum of fifteen percent!

This will be a huge challange???? This will be no PICNIC. The economy is tanking rapidly. Every month seem to be borrowing from peter to pay paul. Its gotta stop! I am in automotive, we are dieing out here. Obama should give Amnesty to IRS owers to boost some revenue, like Clinton did. Hurry up we are drowning !

Don't forget to keep Dobb and Franks they did a great job with the Banking and Housing market we would not want to change a thing!!!

Penny Pritzker is known as "Subprime Queen" – root of all subprime-related instruments. Its sad that Obama has given her a seat at this table.

Mr Biden, where are the toasters you promised? Don't forget to tax Oprah. Please.

Higher Education

Please explain........

However, perhaps one of the most astounding and previously unknown tidbits about Sarah Palin has to do with her already dubious grasp of geography. According to Fox News Chief Political Correspondent Carl Cameron, there was great concern within the McCain campaign that Palin lacked "a degree of knowledgeability necessary to be a running mate, a vice president, a heartbeat away from the presidency," in part because she didn't know which countries were in NAFTA, and she "didn't understand that Africa was a continent, rather than a series, a country just in itself."

Clearly Barack Obama means business – he's is not wasting any time – that is what the country needs – someone who is responsive and ready to take on the most difficult challenges – with brilliant minds around him – I feel more secure already!

The stock market lost about 10% after Obama was elected president. This should serve as a warning to his economic team. If market is down, you will not have wealth to spread.

Wow...after Tuesday's historic moment...look how the world is reacting!!!!!! I am so excited...in just two short days of the hsistoric event!!!

1. The dow has plunged.
2. Hammas has lobbed 35 missles at Israel.
3. Russia is moving missles to Poland's border.
4. Obama begins pay back by selecting all of his friends for positions.

Wow...this is wonderful....I can't wait!!!!!!! Does anybody know when the next "speech" will be?????? That will help me!!!!!

Where's Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Rev. Wright...?

Clueless, typical, MUST surround himself by others to give himself a leg up!

Obama will simply be a "cardboard cut-out," doing absolutely nothing, simply dictating.

Higher Education November 6th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

If there are jobs to be created, African Americans, you need to excel beyond that GED; oh I forgot, you have "Affirmitive Action."

**********************************************************************
I bet you are a high school drop out. You are an insult to all races in the United States of America. Go hide in a cave for the next 8 years, your brains is from the 18 century...sad!

My 401K is down 10% since Obama was elected.

I'll never be able to retire at this rate. I'll be wiped out in 10 days at this rate. It's all because he's raising taxes next year.

He's got to do something or we are all in the soup.

Rachel – I would love to see Hillary in Obama's cabinet, as well; however, he may need her in the Senate to help push his healthcare initiatives through.

This apears to be a really strong balanced list. I especialy like the mix of academia, business, and political experience. This is a great first step.

Nicole, I am not sleeping better these days...but I have newborn twins that keep me up all night. Seriously, Smart group of folks advising on economic matters. A good cross section of business and government. Tell him what he needs to hear, not what you think what he wants to hear! The truth, that sets us free!

I'm not black or a minority – but I'm crying too! What a great time (even though its a tough period) for our nation and hopefully the world.

I don't know what the mayor of LA brings to the table ... enlighten me please!

This president-elect and his transition team mean business. I'm glad to see them treating the issues facing the country with the speed and seriousness they deserve.

I LOVE OUR NEW PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT, IT'S SO GOOD TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR GOVRENMENT ONCE AGAIN.

This is the very first time since I was able to vote in the 1960's that I feel actually connected to the President – both historically and inclusively! Its a great feeling – If I feel this energized I can only imagine how widespread this feeling is and that will go a long way to support our new President and his team.

You need more folks from industry Barack .... too many politico types.

All the CEO's behind their names. Isn't this what Obama was fighting against through his entire campaign these big money maker interests. Like Obama said he can sell anything. LOL

If there are jobs to be created, African Americans, you need to excel beyond that GED; oh I forgot, you have "Affirmitive Action."

As ever, very smart move.
Always on the right track.

It's amazing this guy has so much discipline!

I think it's fitting that we have so much rain to clean the slate and get the gears working!

Is anyone else sleeping better these days???

Wow it been a long time ... Finally a President talking about job creation...After the election. HOPE IS MAKING A COME BACK.
THANK YOU EVERY ONE FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORT IN ELECTING BARACK OBAMA OUR PRESIDENT.

Wow.....Now you see how strong our voice truly is when we speak as one.....Only we will be able to change our country..And with a president like Barack Obama..(who hears our voices, and who see us) we will
be able to leave behind that Gov't that serves the few for a new Gov't that serves ALL it's people...AMEN

Lets go! President Obama Very Impressive how Fast hes going to work!!

He is bringing out the big guns. The economy is a big problem so he will need the best of the best to help him.

Great leaders know that they must have the best minds around them.

Biden will spend the next 4 years putting wreaths on gravesites because obama will not need or want him for anything else, especially advice.
Biden was played bigtime.

That's a good thing and this needs to be their top priority.

Hey – first thing – get more bandwidth for change.gov – I only get server error messages!

Interesting. I am waiting on the cabinet. Until I see Hillary's name mentioned by Obama for a possible cabinet position I dont think I will be truly happy but oh well.

LET'S DO THIS!

A lot of awsome talent there! Maybe we can finally get out of this rut and make some progress!

It appears that the President-elect has some powerful and experienced individuals on this board.

As learned a long time ago...a great leader is one who puts the right people around him. Looks like a great start......!