November 7, 2008
Posted: November 7th, 2008 03:09 PM ET
President-elect Obama met with his economic advisors Friday before holding his first press conference since the general election.
President-elect Obama met with his economic advisors Friday before holding his first press conference since the general election.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - In his first public remarks since he delivered his victory speech Tuesday night, President-elect Barack Obama vowed Friday that restoring the nation's economic equilibrium will be a major priority of his administration.

"I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead," he told reporters at the Hilton Hotel. "We have taken some major action to date and we will take further action."

Obama said that, if the lame-duck Congress fails to reach an agreement on a stimulus package before he takes office January 20, passing such a package will be his first move.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Economy • Obama transition team


Lora from NC   November 7th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

I agree that the economony is bad and that something needs to be done now but people have got to wake up. President Elect Obama has a lot of great well thought out ideas but people need to be realistic. He does not even take the oath of office until Jan 2009..... With that said, I doubt very seriously if his tax cuts will not take hold until late 2009. It still has to go thru the red tape called CONGRESS. The earliest people will see a tax break/increase will be when they file income taxes 4th quarter/ 2010. He is not going to take office on the 20th and solve the worlds problems on the 21st..... Wake UP People~

David   November 7th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

To Rob, Well said.

andrea proud army wife   November 7th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

All of you who post your nasty comments about Obama not being your president do not deserve to live in this country. It makes me sick. He is your president wether you like it or not. He was elected and that's the way it is.

Peter (CA)   November 7th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

The level of right wing hate around here is amazing.
The man is not even in office yet. Look, he is trying to do something to head off the crisis, that's more than can be said about the current President.

And about Bush.....you cannot compare 2000 with 2008. Obama won a clear victory; frankly, there is still some doubt if Bush won at all. Think maybe there were some hard feelings.
But, even given that, don't forget his ratings were in the 80's after 9/11. Everyone was willing to follow the guy. Then for the next seven years, he slowly but surely tossed it all away.
He abandoned the country when it needed him and has shown himself to be the poor choice many of us knew he was going to be. Why not give Obama until......oh, how about his inauguration before spewing?

frances   November 7th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

I would like to say that I have trust in Obama but I do not. He does not
have the knowledge or experience to be the President. We're in for a
rough ride.

unco   November 7th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

De-regulate the housing finance industry to make sure this sub-prime lending never again creates such a mess as it has. Have the guts to de-regulate unlike Bush. He didn't fight Clinton's regulations (yes more regulation was the problem, not a lack of it nor a lack of oversight, but had there been oversight, perhaps the government may have realized sooner what stupidity was going on) which forced lending companies to lower their standards and lend to people with bad or no credit, all in the name of increasing home ownership, the epitome of the American Dream as politicians like to say. It looks good when a President can say home ownership is at an all time high. Stop the games and the politics and do what's best. Stop trying to regulate the free market. If businesses could act in the free market and according to their self-interest, they never would have given out loans to those with bad credit. Size up Obama and do what others couldn't.

Hilary   November 7th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

To the Obama haters:

Get over it. Your guy lost. Move on or get out. Isn't that what you've been telling us Democrats for the past 8 years?

The man hasn't even been inaugurated yet and already you're blaming him for everything that's going on today. I guess we shoudn't be surprised by that though. You're going to look awfully foolish in 2012 when you're sitting there scratching your heads wondering why we haven't been attacked and you still have your guns.

Peter (CA)   November 7th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Wow....
Any reason why you chose that quote or do you just want to be contentious?

Hopefully you will also look in the mirror.

Becky, Midwest   November 7th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Pride before the fall, Stephanie, pride before the fall.

There is nothing to be proud of here. Obama will not unite the country. He's so under-experienced and under-qualified it's a joke! He won't change anything because he has to surround himself with career politicians. He's not my president, just like Bush wasn't.

jim   November 7th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Jeff from Atlanta ...

==================================
I just wish people would get this straight, CLINTON CAUSED THE BANKING FIASCO. It was a result of his administration forcing loans to those who could not otherwise qualify.
==================================

Well Jeff, I would say Bush proved your opinion is worthless by saying at the 2004 GOP National Convention .....

"Another priority for a new term is to build an ownership society, because ownership brings security and dignity and independence.

Thanks to our policies, home ownership in America is at an all- time high.

Tonight we set a new goal: 7 million more affordable homes in the next 10 years, so more American families will be able to open the door and say, "Welcome to my home."" ....

Bush takes the credit himself in 2004. Are you calling him a liar? For once, I think he told the truth!

Richard   November 7th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Obama is going to give away our constitutional rights with bills like this one!!!!!!!!

Obama's bill S2433 would require the U.S. to initially direct .7 percent of our GNP into the United Nations coffers for distribution as they see fit, for "food" to third world nations. Under earlier agreements this would evolve into a national tax on the U.S. with the UN attempting to levy this on all first world nations.

The U.N. would have the power to increase this rate of taxation.

The U.S. would be required to surrender some of its sovereignty over foreign aid by putting it under UN control. The bill would force the U.S. to sign onto the U.N.'s Millennium Declaration, which would commit us not only to "banning small arms and light weapons" but also to adhere to the International Criminal Court Treaty and the Kyoto Protocol.

Jaye   November 7th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Senator Obama will be a great president.
I urge the media to stand behind him and not nit-pick his every word.
Our country is in peril and we need to help him all we can.

Uncle Fester   November 7th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Rob November 7th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Hey! The stock market is up today. I want you right-wingers to credit Obama for that the way you laid blame on him for the past couple of days of the market being down.

Well?….

Crickets.............

Independent white female patriotic voter   November 7th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

All I can say is "the man is amazing". Never seen anything lie him in my lifetime! I know that our country will be better off in four years!

Wow   November 7th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

J.- Michigan- Linda32 – Faith Restored – Laverne – Red, Red WHINE!! – Eff Off – Mark L. – america wins – XChange – Chris – Charles Atlanta – Jessie Jay – stephanie
_____________________________________
"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. "

- Benjamin Disraeli

ben   November 7th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

What is the real cause of our economy collapse? Wall street has always been corrupt and greedy, yet our economy remained strong. Politicians have always been lackys of big business and many have been criminally corrupt, yet our economy remained strong. The war in Irak was costly and so was the war in VietNam, yet our economy remained strong.
There are two reasons why every thing went to hell. Major companies sent th bulk of our manufacturing to foreign countries. Steel,clothing,tecnology, auto manufactures can produce products far cheaper by taking advantage of lower wages. FREE TRADE allows them to ship every thing back to the U.S without paying any kind of tarif. Let me tell you something you may not know. Take dodge pickups for example, every dodge pick up is made in Mexico AND they pay no profit tax to the U.S. They are percieved in the same manner as if they were a foreign company. Our govt. doesnt even have the right to examin their books!!!!!!!!! What I am saying is this FREE TRADE allows all manufactures to do the same.To make matters worse, Chrysler can show a tremedous loss and deduct this from their taxes
while the reality they do not have to show a tremedous profit for pickups made in Mexico. Think of how many thousands of Americans lost their jobs over this double whamy big business slapped them with.

tjp   November 7th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Change he promised?? Some mantra as he recycles the same old faces and ideas. Even throw in a Kennedy or two while your at it; those folks never had a job in their lives. America, prepare yourself for just more of the same... Obama will be the final straw for this country as we currently know it.

Honeybee58   November 7th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

As a JFK-Republican, I had to laugh out loud today when I read of Obama's cabinet appointments. He's going to "fix" our economy by signing on all of Bill Clinton's staff people! Now there's some change! LOL

Mike   November 7th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

To "Welcome to the Obama Show":

Look who's the teacher and who's the student, you ask?
You're absolutely right, Obama's the student and he has the humility to know that he will succeed to the extent that he surrounds himself with and learns from the smartest people he can find.

That's very different from Bush who surrounded himself with cronies and incompetents who either tried to dismantle the agencies they were appointed to (EPA), or were simply too ignorant to manage them (FEMA).

Stamp   November 7th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

It is time to stop this partisan bickering. Obama was elected and the PEOPLE have spoken. Either be proud to be an American or go elsewhere. Obama is the American dream he is hope he is what everyone's ancestors dreamed of when they came to this country (voluntarily) regardless of where they came from. He may not look like many of you but his story is the same. He is as American as apple pie, as am I, our slices just run a little darker.

Roberta former Alaskan   November 7th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

I'm so glad Obama was elected. He has all along told people this country wouldn't be fixed immediately. He has all along said he would raise taxes for some while giving breaks to others. He isn't all pie in the sky, speaking out both sides of his mouth like so many others before him.

I'm hopeful for our government for the first time in a long time. If he can't do everything he said so what? Who among us can? At least we know he will try.

Myles, New Orleans   November 7th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

(Vicki) what rock did you craw from under? Oh, the one Sarah Palin came from under. Did you make the same mindless comment when Bush was president, or when Clinton, or the Older Bush. Ever President changes the White House when the take office so why does it matter what he spends or how he arranges it. Oh I'm sorry you He's not the usual President that your use to. Get a life, people or losing there jobs, and homes and your complaining about what he will do to the White House. Hate and Igonorance. Wow.

Spread the wealth!   November 7th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I hope he gives us a lot of $$$ for voting for him.. har har!

I think we should be taxed %100... then the gov't can decide, based upon our needs, how much stimulus we should get back?

what do you guys think!? awesome huh?

Uh huh   November 7th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Ain't gonna happen kids. He's already backing off and soon it'll be evident that he lied to you to get elected. Relax, this isn't the only fib he told. He also lied about getting out of Iraq in 16 months, about who would actually get a tax cut or pay more (look out J. – Michigan!) and I'm sure there's more.

paul (staunch Moderate)   November 7th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Please focus on the economy. So many of my co-workers have already lost their jobs. Mine is on the brink. The country has the highest unemployment in 2 decades. The only thing that will get the economy rolling again will be to put people back to work so they have money to spend. Handing folks another $600 won't do "squat" to get this country moving forward.

Well, at least the markets closed UP after his press conference.....

GARY   November 7th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

TIME WILL TELL YOU NAIVE OBAMA SUPPORTERS.

Will, Arkansas   November 7th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Awww... He looks like a puppy.

stephanie   November 7th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

i am so proud of Obama and Biden..I feel our credibility in the world is restores..I feel confidence in our govt and trust he will make the right decisions with a group of talented smart and sensible people around him..he will do what is right. What a relief and a pleasure to watch presidential news conferences again!! i like this mutt!! he's like me!!

Anna from GA   November 7th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I love his style of slow and steady vs. rush and crappy (i.e. Bush, McCain)

ran   November 7th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

It will take some time but we are going to get our country back. Obama/Biden is the way back with the support of us all. It isn't going to be easy but we can do it if we all stand together on this one this time.

Independent for USA only   November 7th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Some out-of-touch GOP Oil-CEO supporters cannot forget their failure. That's so sad.

FreeNLovIt   November 7th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

A new research or a new development can BOOm our economy. About FDR, the guy is incredible. He must have been sent from heaven. I cannot believe that with all the turmoils and depression, the guy has a SMILE on his face and he LOVED the challenge.

Yeah, three things will help us: a little prayer to God, a little GUTS to stop doing the same stupid things and Guns.. to remind us how free we are...

Like Chris Tucker (black comedian says) says, only in America, do you go hunting on a FULL Stomach!!

Nothing ever changes   November 7th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Some of you need to get over it, get a life and get on with your daily business. This back and forth solves nothing, let the man get into office then judge him on what he does. I supported Obama but make no mistake, if he doesn't do a good job at helping rebuild this country I will vote him out of office in 2012.

Right now there is not a lot he can do other than talk, let's see what happens after January 20th.

Florida Joe   November 7th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

At least our President elect was able to conduct a news conference without sticking his foot in his mouth....Haven't seen that in 8 years!

Independent for USA only   November 7th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

President-elect Obama is acting excellently. He knows the priority of this great county very well. I believe that we will retrieve our correct path toward the great strength under his leadership. Glad to end the terrible Oil-CEO only era! God bless USA!

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 7th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I'm a Mutt Too!

English, Welsh, French, German, Swiss, and American!

Are you?

FreeNLovIt   November 7th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

We dont need WWII or wars to get us out of this MESS. We need to grow the economy with new JOBS. We need to be creative and innovative in our creation of jobs. We need the FUTURE...

Had Gore been Prez, we would have been SOooooooo into the future.....

es   November 7th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

and to top if all off...he wants ANOTHER stimulus check to go out!! Didnt he said he wants to stop or reduce government spending>??
Does anybody else sees this?!

We may indeed be in more serious trouble with him in office.

you all did it......thanks

SW,OHIO   November 7th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Some of these comments are really pointless. Our new President elect is looking out for all of us. It is time for the bashing to stop and work together so our country can move on. UNITE AND WORK TOGETHER AS ONE NATION UNDER GOD, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   November 7th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

LOOK AT THE PICTURE AND YOU TELL ME WHO IS THE STUDENT AND WHO ARE THE TEACHERS.

A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaron   November 7th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Well Ricky..BARRY just so happens to be your PRESIDENT...so get use to it and show some respect

Helen, NY   November 7th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Obama has no experience whatsoever and it is showing now. He is bringing tons of advisers and he does not know what to do. White house will become a training ground for him. What a joke.

Reality   November 7th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Boot Penny Pritzker from the economic advisors team.

Sherry   November 7th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

The same people who started attacking George Bush the minute he was elected the first time and made his job impossible for 8 long years are mad because we're calling Hiimself on his errors. Well, the worm will turn!
The market went up a little today, but don't worry, it'll go down again Monday. As long as people know he's going to make them pay twice as much for selling stocks when he's in office, they'll continue to sell off, and the general trend will continue downward. But first he needs to learn the difference between corporate and capital gains taxes – he doesn't seem to know the difference.
And remember, retirement accounts are invested in stocks, so BO's tax policies are likely to lessen your retirement money.
Bo and his sheeple want us to unite now that he's in office.
Domestic Unity My Butt – DUMB!

abc   November 7th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Paul Krugman is a great choice!
both Clinton & Greenspan have planted an optimitic ideology that Wall St. won't be greedy which contributed to the current economic problem but it was President BUSH who did NOTHING in... about... 8 years. eight long years, absolutely nothing until September 2008 when the Tsunami hit.

Jack   November 7th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

It's time that citizens pay their fair share after all I pay a greater percentage of my livable wage in taxes than any rich person in this country.

If I have to pay 30% of my wage with nothing left over after my mortgage, food and basic transportation, then why shouldn't Cindy McCain pay 30% of everything over her mortgage, food and transportation (on one house and car).

Gene   November 7th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

RJ is a mathematician...

Lets see... $50K a year to every working american.. about 200 million working Americans...

That's 10 Trillion dollars.. about 14 times what we set aside for the bailout....

But if you did want to give an equal amount to every working American instead of bailing out the institutions and getting the economy moving again.. each person would receive approximately $3500.00.

If you'd rather have $3500 than an economy with some backing... it's all you. Try not to spend it all in one place.

Tim   November 7th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I just wish people would get this straight, CLINTON CAUSED THE BANKING FIASCO. It was a result of his administration forcing loans to those who could not otherwise qualify.
-------
Gosh, that's interesting because, you know, the Republicans continued that policy well into the Bush years. If it was so bad, they could have reversed or otherwise changed it when they had control.

Jessie Jay   November 7th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Presidential, presidential, presidential! Just watching and listening to him brings hope to your heart. We will overcome, despite the mad rantings of the hatefilled Rush Limbaugh and his ilk.

jim   November 7th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Senator Obama did not create this mess and I would not want to be in his shoes right now. I believe America picked the right man for the job.

US is now in a deeper hole than before because of the loan predators Wall Street and just plain greed.. CEOs in these big corporations should be able to take a cut in salary when asking for taxpayer money and not just the employees alone.

What are they going to do for the taxpayers?

They have got to cut somewhere but why is it always the little guy. One CEO salary in a big corporation will most likely cover 20 jobs. But they rather keep the guy with the piece of paper than to keep employees working. They seem to forget that the employees are the ones that go out and buy homes, cars and other things to keep America rolling.

Lee Iacocoa had a pretty good idea when he cut his check down to a dollar salary. Corporations have to prove the cuts they have done in order to get taxpayer money.
Dont know if Lee have any ideas to bring the crisis around but he surely made some deep cuts and went lean before he ask for a handout for Chrysler.

.

EqualBranchesofGovernment   November 7th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

First economic move.........Remove all holdings of NewsCorp (NWS) and ClearChannel Communications (CCU)....From the Federal Employees Retirement Fund!!

Dixie AZ   November 7th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I have trust in this mutt who inherited the best of both worlds. The world seems like a great place since the election. Decent.

Jimmy   November 7th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Let's see the depression lasted from 1929 until 1941.
It took twelve years and WWII to get us out of the depression not FDR.
Great job FDR!

So far I see the same old faces being picked for Government positions under Obama. So much CHANGE.
Let's bring back Robert Reich, great pick if you're a socialist.

Billy J , TX-   November 7th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Ricky is icky

arc, Lugano CH   November 7th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

ricky November 7th, 2008 4:20 pm ET
Whatever BARRY! Go back to the slums of Chicago where you did so much to help the community ( yeah right ). I hope your gone and outta my sight in 4 years you worthless CON MAN!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Go back to your red state one-horse crap town where your brand of Poor White Trash intelligence is recognized as something of value.

And to think some poor woman went through labor to bless this world with 'ricky'.

Spencer/Virginia   November 7th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

For you Obama Haters:

He hasn't been inaugarated. Take a chill pill. He's just informing the people of what the #1 issue is. God forbid if McCain would have one. The man openly admitted he doesn't know much about the economy. How are you going to fix something if you don't know how it works in the first place.

Billy J , TX-   November 7th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

INFRASTRUCTURE rebuilt in all of AMERICA. Problem solved. Work for everyone. If we had some really big infrastructure projects the work it creates directly, and indirectly will certainly help a big chunk of the economy get back on track!!!

Let's git er' done!!!

Betty   November 7th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Why doesn't he take the money that he has left from his campaign and help the economy. Another stimulus package, come on!

Rob   November 7th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

To everyone who's telling us to give the man a break – Wait a minute! Hold on! We were all led to believe that the second The Annointed One was elected that all of America's problems would cease. War would end, the economy would turn around, the angels would sing. As I watched his "Sermon in the Park" and saw all the people crying, saw Oprah looking dreamy-eyed, saw Jesse bawling (maybe because he was upset that it wasn't him up there), I just wanted to wish I was there with my bible so I could go up to people and ask, "I'm sorry, it's tough to follow along. What chapter of Revelations are we on?"

The truth is the yutz hasn't even taken the oath and he's shown that his version of changes involves his Chicago 'pallies', paying back favors, and making sure him and his posse are taken care of before he sees if he can get around to helping all you fools who voted for him.

Jeff from Atlanta   November 7th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I just wish people would get this straight, CLINTON CAUSED THE BANKING FIASCO. It was a result of his administration forcing loans to those who could not otherwise qualify.

Read about it in the NY Times, you know that democratic newspaper.
Google this : stephen homes ny times sept 1999

And I did not vote for Obama, but I am willing to sit back and see what he does and hopefully he succeeds. I would gladly admit I was wrong about him.

But after watching his press conference, he looked like a deer in headlights and has ever since last Tuesday night. I don't think he really understood what he just took on. I wish him luck.

Linda K.   November 7th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Can we ease up on the hatred here? The election is over and we're all Americans.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 7th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

THERE IS ONLY ONE PRESIDENT AT A TIME PEOPLE SO COMPLAIN ABOUT AND TO GEORGE W. BUSH UNTIL JANUARY 20, 2009.

axt113   November 7th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Stimulus is intended to fuel demand, recessions are primarily the result of a decline in aggregate demand. Raising taxes on the rich is not a detriment because the rich tend to defer consumption for the future while the middle and the poor tend to consume immediately the ides of Obama and Keynesian theory in general is to use the government to fuel demand, by getting money into the hands of those who will consume and to have the government promote programs like work projects and investment in large scale like the national infrastructure. As a result the rise in Demand and consumption means companies will produce more, and hire and invest in more production in ordder to keep pace with demand. As a result you spend your way out of the recession.

Dawn   November 7th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I heard the whole press conference, I heard the exact same thing when he was campaigning. if he can get this going after the 20th of January and the ones who have been complaining you recieve a check and to Michigan the home of the auto industry and if they get a jumpstart to get green cars out on the roads and cheaper.

President Bush done nothing for this country, accept getting us into two wars. President Clinton left his Presidency with a surplus, President elect Obama has a deficit. I guess you still believe that terrorist, socialist crap that was done during the campaigning..

Every state in this Union is hurting, now you McCain/Palin fans, see what happens in the first 100 days

Bless this country

JUAN C AR LOS   November 7th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

enough,,,,,,,,,,,godman,,,,,,,,,,bailouts,,,,,,,,,,including,,,,,,,,,,,the,,,,,,,,,,,,

auto,,,,,,,,,industry,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ENOUGH

DaProfessor   November 7th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

A message to "it begins"
The campaign is over! You and the other right-wing extremists can stop lying now and distorting the facts of everything.

The truly intelligent people are laughing at you neo-cons. Your buddies Bushy and Dicky drove the Untied States into a near-depression and took the country into a war based on a now obvious lie.

McCain, the puppit of the so-called Conservatives kept up the constant patter about losing the war if we pulled out of Iraq. Sad to see a Senator become so senile.

Facts .... We are no longer in a war in Iraq. We are in an Occupation, and you cannot win or lose an Occupation. Now the people of Iraq want us out of there on a fixed timetable. Those are the facts. Take em and stuff em!

XChange   November 7th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

>So the Next Stimulus isnt really going to give us a boost, its going to keep us right were we are now. Those that normally will owe taxes will keep it to help pay for the extra they will owe from the first stimulus. It really defeats the point.

This is not an attack on Obama since this was clearly a bipartisan decision, but I hope that this highlights the fact that there's no such thing as a free lunch. I should note that this applies to both Democrats and Republicans--you can't cut taxes if you don't cut programs, and you can't keep spending (and printing money) forever. At some point, we'll have to make some hard decisions about priorities, the same way we make such decisions on a personal household level.

Numerous readers on the CNN website have commented about having to cut many things out of their life (some of which are important, such as medicine), and CNN itself has run similar stories. The government never seems to have this problem though-if they need more money, they simply borrow it or print it. The reality is that this can't go on forever.

For Republicans-continue to push for fiscal responsibility. Losing track of this key issue has made a lot of people angry-this party used to be the leader in this area. If you fail to do this, you'll have a hard time every convincing the American people you are sincere.

For Democrats-accept the fact that although your core mission can remain the same, you will HAVE to convince your party (from within) that it's okay to say "no" to social programs that are broken or not working, and it's okay to acknowledge that life isn't always fair and some of us will be rich and some will be poor. If you fail to do this, your financial policies will be your downfall (and you'll take the country with it).

Dem to the End   November 7th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Poor bitter bitter McSAME fans. WE had to suffer through 8 years of BUSH, can it already. YOUR GUY LOST!! Let's not forget BUSH stated the BLEEDING on Maintstreet. Don't blame Obama for wanting to try again to get this mess under control by offering another stimulus package....which by the way was already set to go by the BUSH admin. I say NO tot he package, but hen again, I'm not the President responsible for the well being of America!!

Charles Atlanta   November 7th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

to ricky,
You're just a racist with no brain!!

ANGIE   November 7th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Haters the more you bash our future President and say he will fail that will only make him stronger, Remember the bashing you did in the Primaries HE WON the Bashing you did in The General Election HE WON, so keep bashing President Elect Obama THAT WILL ONLY MAKE HIM STRONGER TO PROVE YOU WRONG

Ryan   November 7th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Some of you are so quick to find excuses to criticize him because your candidate lost. That is fair, but for yours and our sake give him some credit and pray that he does a good job. This is a chance for our country to take a better approach and much better direction. Give him some time, he is a brilliant man who will put the best possible people around him so that he can get the job done....right.

ricky   November 7th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Whatever BARRY! Go back to the slums of Chicago where you did so much to help the community ( yeah right ). I hope your gone and outta my sight in 4 years you worthless CON MAN!!

XChange   November 7th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

>Get Done imigration bill Dear Mr.President…I'm counting on you…help us to get a chance to have a legal status here in United States Of America,I would be proud to be American but I can be American only if I have chnce to have legal status here…

I'd love to have you as an American-I'm sure you'd make a fine American-but it doesn't get to the root of the question of why you believe it's okay to commit a felony by jumping the wall in the middle of the night. I believe that anyone who wants to be in this country should be in this country, but you have to follow the existing laws and come in the front door. Laws that make this more difficult should be dismantled, but the fence that keeps others out should remain.

White Christian Mother for Obama   November 7th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I dont like this stimulus plan thing… I started doing our taxes to see where we will stand. Usually we get a refund. We still get a refund but I was reminded of something. We have to pay back the $2100 we got a few months ago!!! Which lowers our refund. The economy has gotten worse… more have lost jobs… many will owe taxes and the pay back on the first one is due and they will either owe more back or get less of a refund.

So the Next Stimulus isnt really going to give us a boost, its going to keep us right were we are now. Those that normally will owe taxes will keep it to help pay for the extra they will owe from the first stimulus. It really defeats the point.

My best idea would be to delay the first stimulus for another year, and give another stimulus for two years delay. So pay off the first one in 2010 and the second in 2011

Otherwise I dont see the purpose. Many wont put the money into the economy.

Jim Pachikara   November 7th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I hope Obama and Biden don't plan to just hand money over to GM and Ford. I like GM a lot, but I don't understand why they make such bad cars. They just don't match up to foreign cars. They know it, the american people know it... and no one wants American cars anymore. If it wasn't for the thousands of US citizens that they employee I would say not to help them out that they should be on their own.

But since I want my Corvette eventually, I'm sure they are going to help them out, but I at least hope they tell Ford and GM to make better cars if they want to stay in business.

Hardworking lady   November 7th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Critics need to sit down. Obama is doing exactly what he said he would do. He is tackling his priorities as he outlined in his campaign and he isn't taken a single moment for granted. He certainly could have taken the rest of theweek off like McCain but instead he has chosen to jump right in and work hard to fix our ails. He hasn't ceased to amaze me in the last 2 years.

WIlly Brown   November 7th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Our (tax) economy (tax) is (tax) our (tax) first(tax) concern(tax).

Jacqueline for Obama/Biden 08!   November 7th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

"It Begins...," you've never heard President Obama say that he would get the troops out of Iraq in a month, so stop lying for emphasis. It's time you let go of your anger and insecurities and start to respect him for who he is, the 44th President of the United States.

katarina   November 7th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Get Done imigration bill Dear Mr.President...I'm counting on you...help us to get a chance to have a legal status here in United States Of America,I would be proud to be American but I can be American only if I have chnce to have legal status here...

Rosa   November 7th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I watched Obama's speech and he really nailed it. I have no regrets voting for him, being a registered Republican. I have 100% confidence, he will turn the economy around.

XChange   November 7th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

>It's ashame how many people are waiting for him to fail. It's okay though, Obama, you already knew it would be like this, keep your head up! You will remain in my prayers.

I'm not waiting for him to fail, I'm waiting for his policies to fail. I'm sure Obama is a fine man–I never did support the personal attacks on him (or any other candidate). Nevertheless, I believe his agenda is heavily slanted toward socialism, I think that this is an afront to our founding fathers, and I believe that history shows these policies will ultimately fail. I just hope our country isn't hurt too much in the process.

XChange   November 7th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

>I just hope the Secret Service keeps track
of some of the Whack Jobs that make seditious comments
on these blogs.

>Their motivations are obvious…………'

And what's not seditious about the socialism Obama supports?

Proud to be American   November 7th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Get it done Mr. P.... I am counting on you :0)

Crue   November 7th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

spreading the wealth is a fantastic idea!! Hmmm, but how come Obama has never done it himself?

just me   November 7th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

doesn't he look good sitting in that spot? he sure did earn it.

Mike   November 7th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Ian and It begins. . . what planet are you on? Time will tell but there is still some business of a Lame Duck session under Republican control before Obama is even sworn in.
So quick to judge and there is nothing to judge so far. Take your blinders off and breathe deeply. Try to relax and stop hyperventilating.
A more steady hand is ready to take over 01/20/09. Until then, your flapping gums are just that, flapping!

Rob   November 7th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

And at the top of that priority is making sure Barry and his pals are well taken care of. Then, maybe he'll look into helping the peons he duped to voting for him.

Kurt   November 7th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I just hope the Secret Service keeps track
of some of the Whack Jobs that make seditious comments
on these blogs.

Their motivations are obvious............

vicki   November 7th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I would like to know what his plan is for refurbishing the white house. and how much money is spent on this. With all the cleaning people and such at the white house isn't the things that are already there good enough? Wouldn't it be a better idea to maybe put this money to better use! After all we don't get all new stuff because we can't aford it . So why do they when the economy is so bad , seems the money could really be spent better!

butternj   November 7th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

One President at a time. Jan 20th is Barack's turn. Bush is still making a mess out of things right now over 1 million jobs loss within 1 year? GOP's don't complain to the president to be. Make your complaints to the one in charge now. After all, you did vote him in. AND YOU VOTED FOR HIM TWICE.

Obama Supporter   November 7th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

"I would say to please give him a chance, you gop/rnc neo-cons are so mean, you want him to fail for no reason. You are very bitter and need some psychological help, maybe you need some counseling to help you get through the fact of having a black President. I will keep you rnc/gop neo-cons in prayer because healing WILL take place in Jesus' name, and I say Amen to that."

AMEN TO THAT!

Obama Supporter   November 7th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I already knew the moment Obama won the President Elect people would begin to criticize his every move. Let the man do his job!

It's ashame how many people are waiting for him to fail. It's okay though, Obama, you already knew it would be like this, keep your head up! You will remain in my prayers.

bridgette   November 7th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

The crazy extreme right will never give him a chance. They are already campaigning for 2012. The reality of is they are afraid he will be a good president and they want to get the jump on the negativity. You don't run a campaign the way he did and not be a great president.

Charlie   November 7th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Now comes the tough part......saying what you are going to do versus talking about what you want to do

John S.   November 7th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

It begins... November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Already trying to downplay the promises made during the campaign. I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month. Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? Time will tell.

He didn't say he would be out in a month or could he fix the economy in a year or even longer. In fact, he stated that it would take many years, maybe even a full term or even longer.. He also stated he would end the war in Iraq in a processed time. All you people can wish to state either the facts or mistortions. Obama has place his plans for all too see. It was there for everyone to read when they wished. Given time he will fix this economy and bring some of your men and woman, husbands, mothers, sons and daughters, back home. Your country can be great and respected again given the time he has asked.You have accomplished something historical. Don't let it end now.

Charlie   November 7th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Now comes the tough part.....saying what you are going to do versus talking about what you want to do.

Rob   November 7th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Hey! The stock market is up today. I want you right-wingers to credit Obama for that the way you laid blame on him for the past couple of days of the market being down.

Well?....

Bruce   November 7th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

He is notr running the country now...it is still Bush so do not expect things that he wants to do to be done now.
As he said Presdient bush is still in charge....

CanIcallyouJoe   November 7th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Yes, it is top priority and you know exactly how long it would take to draw up a good rescue plan for it. There must be loads of unrelated data to consider and the impact of all the Bush-ites withdrawing their war profits from the reserve and moving it to whichever country they built their escape mansions in.

Also, @ J.- Michigan at 3:13: Careful man. $80,000 is a lot of money to some people. I only make $18,000 a year working forty+ hours a week. Congrats on your success, but don't take it to heart if someone calls you out for making what they would consider "rich" money.

Soccer Nana   November 7th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Wise leaders make wise decisions; that means they DELIBERATELY choose those who are to "work" with them. Give the President Elect time to wisely choose his cabinet.

It begins. . ., the man has to establish his cabinet BEFORE he takes office in 70 plus days. Be patient.

Question: Did the present adminstration "fix" things?

SDunn   November 7th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

It begins... November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Already trying to downplay the promises made during the campaign. I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month. Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? Time will tell.
------------------------------–
First of all he never promised to get Iraq out in the first month, only Hillary promised to start removing troops in 60 days. Also he never said everything would be ok right away. He said it would take some time! Get over yourself. He can't take a magic won and pretend he can wish this mess away. What a joke.

Chris   November 7th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Obviously, Obama understands the economy very well

1. He knows that things are so messed up, the economy will take a decade to come back if we do nothing artificial.
2. We have to tax someone to inject money and capital into the economy. Since the rich are not taking action, it is time for them to start paying their fair share, and carry the economy by paying just a little bit more.

Soccer Nana   November 7th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Wise leaders make wise decisions; that means they DELIBERATELY choosing those who are to "work" with them. Give the President Elect time to wisely choose his cabinet.

It begins. . ., the man has to establish his cabinet BEFORE he takes office in 70 plus days. Be patient.

Question: Did the present adminstration "fix" things?

Andre   November 7th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Is 'It begins' silly?? He hasnt even been sworn in as yet. Calm down.

indiePA   November 7th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I wish him well, but it's not going to be an easy task. One thing that you don't hear from very many in either party concerns the enormous amount of taxpayer money that goes into the education, healthcare and incarceration of illegal immigrants. This runs into the billions of dollars and must stop! And there is NO WAY that social security should be paid to illegals as a result of their work in the U.S. What don't they understand about the word ILLEGAL??

rj   November 7th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Why not give everyone $50,000. Still would be cheaper than giving wall street a bail out.

Donkey Party   November 7th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

How's this for name calling? It begins, you are a douchebag.

Jeff from Atlanta   November 7th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

To J Michigan,
What is fair, you pay 28% and higher incomes pay 50%?
Or is fair everyone pays the same percentage.

I thought fair was equal, not I pay more because I was smart, fortunate, hardworking, or whatever and you were not.

Fair would be we each pay the same dollar amount regardless of how much we make. I do not get any more protection, parks, roads, or anything else more than you for what I pay.

So tell me again your definition of fair.

This should be good?!?

David Newport, OR   November 7th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

He hasn't even taken the oath and already he has put more thought into any decision than the present administration has in 8 yrs. Sit back doubters...watch and learn. This will not be fun for either side of the aisle, but it must be faced if we want our children to have a future.

LyonsPhilly   November 7th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Can't please all of the people all of the time................
A watched pot never boils..............
At least wait until he's inaugurated..............

Good grief.
VULTURES!!!!!!!

Richard   November 7th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

they have 750 billion dollars to try to fix the ecconomy how bout give it back to the people and let people use it to pay for there houses insted of the gov. giveing it to the banks let the people give it to the banks and pay off there homes in the process.

Larry Schlueter   November 7th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

If you need to talk about something you seem to have no knowledge (paying taxes) then spend a little time looking for facts and not so much time on writing comments. I see the comments continue from the democrat people showing their lack of knowledge.

Chad   November 7th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Wow! He's not even sworn in and people are already expecting miracles. He's a president, not a savior that can make it disappear.

Charlie Bradley   November 7th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

For "It begins" he never said he would end the war in a year. He said that there should be a definite time table for ending the war, unlike the current administration's open-ended policy on the war. I say President Obama is on the right track: taking care of home before taking care of foreign affairs.

E.J. FROM NE.   November 7th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Flat tax the rich 20% no loopholes for them. Git started on the energy program and stop all our hard earned money from going overseas. Stop companies from sending all the work overseas. Like vise gripes going to China building a factory over there for 17 million when an upgrade here in Nebaska could have saved 450 jobs at a cost of 3 million.

XChange   November 7th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Are you out of your mind?

>Some people are upset the Obama is going to tax the wealthy. I say great!!! It's long overdue. They have NEVER paid their fair share in this country, while the rest of us pay 28%, etc. I only make $80,000 a year, and I have to pay 28%. I say get rid of the rich folks tax shelters, loopholes, and everybody pay their fair share. It's about time!!!!

I'm an active duty military member, but I also have a small business on the side and made just over $200,000 last year in my household. Note, however, that both my wife and I work nearly 90 hours a week to do this. Since nearly half of our pay is going to pay for all of those folks who say they can't succeed in life, why do I bother? I mean, perhaps I should just close my business and be satisfied with what I make, since you're going to punish me for being successful.

Get a hint...life isn't fair, and don't try to pretend that it is. Some of us will be rich, and some poor, and you can't legislate wealth. You'd think the Democrats would have figured this out after centuries of recorded history showing otherwise.

Brian - Columbus Ohio   November 7th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

And we're borrowing this from who?

Chris from St. Louis   November 7th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

That speech and the press conf were not that emphatic, pres. elect Obama. I'm sure you will get better ...

america wins   November 7th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

i'm so glad that i have witnessed the election of this brillant man. God bless him and his team as they get America back on track again.

jd   November 7th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

No problem he’s got this. He’s a thinker you just don’t go out on a football field and play without having the players and the plays to execute

proud american   November 7th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

for the record he Never said he would get us out of Iraq in a month
GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT !
GEEZ, You people are so full of hate

Vegas   November 7th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

J.- Michigan

If you pay 28% of 80K you need to have your accountant arrested... he's taking you to the cleaners... you should only pay 28% on any amount over 74K. You would pay 15K for anything below the 74K... and being married, owning a home, interest, childcare, school, gas and about a thousand other deductions would eat that up...

johnrj08   November 7th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Ian, robrubin and it begins.... Why don't you guys go wash your sheets and pillow cases and get them ready for your next meeting.

Mark L.   November 7th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

It took FDR to bail out one failed GOP Administration (i.e. – Herbert Hoover), looks like it's President-Elect Barack Obama's turn to bail out another failed GOP administration.

The Republicans are LOSERS and CROOKS –
1. Herbert Hoover – Great Depression
2. Richard Nixon – WaterGate Scandal
3. Gerald Ford – Pardoning 'Tricky Dickie' Nixon for his WaterGate cover-up.
4. Ronald Reagin – Iran-Contra Affair
5. George H. W. Bush – 1990's Recession
6. George W. Bush – Unjustified War in Iraq, 2001 / 2008 Recessions, etc.

Frank   November 7th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Why don't we just give this stimulus money to Walmart, Nike, and the makers of big screen tv's and cut out the middle man?

Sherry   November 7th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I watched the news conference. Would somebody tell BO that small businesses don't pay capital gains taxes, they pay corporate taxes. A business owner might coincidentally pay capital gains taxes, if he/she owned stock in a company which he/she sold for a profit.
The stock market has been tanking ever since the polls showed BO in the lead – the only time they came back up was when McCain took his brief lead. BO needs to tell the nation that he's not going to raise capital gains taxes, so that people will quit selling off before he gets in office and raises them. I realize that he's not likely to do this, since he doesn't know the difference in the two types of taxes. But then he's never run a business or done anything else practical.
When he gets in office, the stock market will likely be at depression levels, and there will be very little selling and buying of stocks, so the government won't get ANY money from this source.
All you people that voted for BO are SO smart!

Chip Monk   November 7th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

He may get us out in a month, but he's not Commander-in-chief until after he's innaugaurated on January 20, 2009. Start checking your calendar sometime around February 20, 2009.

CJ   November 7th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Its refreshing to hear a smart, common sense approach to this situation. And it must be hard to be a sore looser and acting in the "I know you are but what am I" manner that some people are engaging in. The man was just elected, he has an entire team of, wait, DEMOCRATS and REPUBLICANS who are actually capable of making a SMART decision for this economy. He's not downplaying anything. He just reiterated that he will do what he promised in his campaign. Get a better excuse to start hammering the man.

Tiffany   November 7th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

"it begins..." Already trying to downplay the promises made during the campaign. I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month. Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? Time will tell.

____________________________________

Dude are you serious?!!! You know what? I was going to give you a mouthful but I don't think you brain can process it all.

For everyone else...give him time. He's not in office yet and yall are already setting him up to fail. Until I see you in the white house, I doubt you can tell him how to run things. He's the next president so you can either deal with it and become part of the solution or you can leave the country...stop whining. Problems will not get solved overnight...

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   November 7th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

There are too many tax loopholes that only the rich can really take advantage of, especially if they have "good" tax lawyers. The government has kept raising the minimum amount you have to have to file your medical and other LEGAL write offs. Eliminating some of these loopholes should be the first priority in tax reform.

geraldine   November 7th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

J. Michigan – you don't have a hint. An undeniable fact is that under George Bush the top 10% of income earners and corporations in this country have accounted for over 90% of the government's tax revenue. Not complaining here – that's the way things are – but don't demonize those that pay for your roads, military, police, etc. Let's be clear – it's not you in your tax bracket.

Impartiality   November 7th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

If you make $80K, you don't pay 28%. I make much more than you, all from ordinary income, and I pay about 28% (plus, of course, social security, medicare, 7.5% state sales tax, property tax, gas tax, etc., etc.). Don't be envious of the wealthy

Matt   November 7th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

A month come on be realistic and like he said people he is only the President Elect.... there is only 1 president and until January 20th that is President Bush...after that is when we will start to see change from his administration....

MR. CANADA   November 7th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I noticed the stock market was going down as he talked

Old White Guy for Obama   November 7th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Hey 'It begins..." (again).

He's not the president yet. Your buddy is, so NOTHING will happen for a couple of months.

Give the man a chance to screw up. I think he's already done more work than Little George has, and the election was this week.

Eff Off   November 7th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

TO: it begins...

SHOVE IT!!!!

Your lame azz choice of a prez didn't win. Go hug your blankie, and suck a thumb in a corner somewhere.

People like you belong in the sewers with rats and crap.

Sean O   November 7th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Each time President elect Obama speaks, he seems so in control and so presidential, his policies are what he ran on, relief for the working families of America. GO OBAMA AND GO USA.....

Red, Red WHINE!!   November 7th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

The GOP cry babies can cry all they want. But the horrid state of affairs has their man serving as the current president. Let's see:

Our country is attacked while they are in office
Our country treats the constitution like toilet paper with them in office
Our country is not liked by the rest of the world with them in office
They murder around 4500 of our men and women in an illegal war
We get a record deficit, when they were left with a surplus
And it all leads to this economic crisis (thanks to deregulation!)

I'll go with anything BUT the GOP from now on. With politicians like them, who needs terrorists?

MR. CANADA   November 7th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Was the dow going down as he was talking?

SJC   November 7th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

To It begins:

You said:

"I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month."

No mindless exaggeration in this statement is there?

You also said:

"Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? "

Unlike George Bush who promised "no nation building" and the promise to unite the country not divide.

Or Unlike your hero Ronald Reagan who promised to shrink government and bring surpluses.

Of course you were never a "dupe" in who you voted for!

Deb   November 7th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Give it a break It Begins...he has not even taken office yet. Also, the troops will be withdrawn from Iraq in a responsible manner and the second economic stimulus package was part of his campaign promise. Try and remember that inaguration day is January 20th, until then he is a President-Elect.

Tiffany   November 7th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Once again "It begins..." – when did President Elect Obama ever state he would fix the economy and get out of Iraq in a month? It took us years to get into this MESS...You are hilarious!!!

Vince   November 7th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Obama never said anything about removing troops from Iraq in a month. He set a target of 18months to begin the withdrawl. He also said he would do it responsibly, which I interpret to mean it could take longer depending on circumstances.

THE O   November 7th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Off topic but it feels so good to have a president with brains.

It Begins, please get some help   November 7th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I would say to please give him a chance, you gop/rnc neo-cons are so mean, you want him to fail for no reason. You are very bitter and need some psychological help, maybe you need some counseling to help you get through the fact of having a black President. I will keep you rnc/gop neo-cons in prayer because healing WILL take place in Jesus' name, and I say Amen to that.

ohio   November 7th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

"it begins"....you have no idea what you are talking about and it is sad.

ANGIE   November 7th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

FAIR TAX CUTS FOR EVERYONE! NET NET !

becky   November 7th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Obama has said all along that it will take time to climb out of this monstrous mess handed to the people of America by the current adminstration.
Those of us who UNDERSTAND the current crisis know that it will take time and hard work.
When Bush went into office the economy was sound and the budget balanced. Wow, he was lucky after all, but through his enormous incompetency he has squandered the future of our children and grandchildren.
I voted for Obama based on intelligence – we just couldn't take another four years of less than intelligent thinking in the White House.

California Gold   November 7th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Congress has been put on notice. That means both side of the aisle are put on notice. Fair enough.

Laverne   November 7th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Obama is the President Elect, he has not taken office YET. There can only be one president at a time. You voted for George Bush and did not complain for the most part until trouble hit your pockets, you can be more patient. What person in their right mind thinks Obama can fix the world in 3 days let alone 4 years. One of you are just looking for any reason to critcize this man. If Obama being POTUS bothers you that much, there is always, Canada, Europe, or IRAQ. Take your pick!

Faith Restored   November 7th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I love watching the spoiled brat immaturity of the GOP as all their bluster is brought to light and lies they told are being shown as the major reason our country stood up and said hell no to them this time.

Don't pat yourself on the back too quick   November 7th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

In the aftermath of its warm, fuzzy glow, tears of joy are shed and proclamations made by people on their knees, hands clasped, looking gratefully skyward in thanks, sobbing women on the View, cry elation for a supposed landmark election for Civil Rights, an historic campaign for the first Black President.

While Farrankan describes Obama as the “coming new Messiah” David Gerber on CNN likens him the “Jeremiah to Martin Luther King’s Moses” (huh boy…)

As Oprah Winfrey triumphantly proclaims “America did the right thing”,

I seem to be the only one to notice that
• gay people still aren’t allowed their constitutional right to free speech, to call their unions marriage, nor right to Taxation with representation and have legal marriage, that
• the most qualified candidate, a woman, was dismissed in a media blizzard-smear campaign of misogyny, lies and phony polls, had to
• beat her opponents in 21 consecutive debates, still loses to the most unqualified candidate in history simply because he is a man. He voted 131 times "present". We needed a Madam President, not a mr. present.

He got more votes, for and against, than any other candidate in history. Americans remain divided more than ever.

It’s time now for the corrupt Obama to return the favors to his corporate hedge-fund backers for the 90% of his raised 700 million, (oh, you thought it came from small donations on the internet? Ha, ha). They still own America (and Obama).

Rahm Emanuel, the most contentious frontman Obama could hide behind,...tsk tsk...

Now delusional with a new sense of equal rights, America remains a hypocrisy ruled by corrupt corporate bigots.

Heidi From OKC   November 7th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

It begins... November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Already trying to downplay the promises made during the campaign. I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month. Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? Time will tell.
Barack is not even the President yet. Not to mention he said getting us out of raq would take 16 months.

Debby   November 7th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

No kidding about the economy Obama. My guess those taxcuts won't come anytime to soon which would be a smart idea.

change is in the air   November 7th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

he isnt even in office yet...give the man a break! at least he is trying to make changes for us...which is ALOT more than we can say for our current office holders!

Ian Minneapolis, MN   November 7th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Man I hope he is everything he claims. I voted for him and I love him now, but if he doesn't prove it, there will be angry people out there, especially me.

Linda32   November 7th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

It begins...
It sounds like you never read his policy. Go read the, I'm sure you will learn something.

Bingo   November 7th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Just finished watching President Elect Obama's first press conference. Is it just me, or did anyone else get the impression that it was a scripted event with the reporters asking predetermined questions in a predetermined order? Seemed odd that after answering one question he would look down at the lecturn to select the next reporter's name instead of looking up at the audience to see which reporter had his/her had up. Then his answer sounded like scripted talking points that didn't exactly match the quesiton. Struck me as strange.

Gerald Asare   November 7th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Hear Hear, Mr. President – elect has spoken and let all who hear listen

Alex @ VA   November 7th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

What concerns me is that CNN showed the DOW Ticker during his speech, and as President-Elect spoke the Stock Market lost 100+ points. I think it took away from the speech, and was distracting.

Out of courtesy to the President-Elect CNN shouldn't have shown that. It made it like the stock market was tanking during his speech. It was like the markets were reacting to what he was saying. Or was it?

Linda32   November 7th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

President-elect is so integillent! We will be well served.

Ian   November 7th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

If the economy is his top priority, why is he urging congress to print even more money out of thin air. Inflating the money supply is only going to cause higher prices!!!

robrubin   November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

The economy top priority? You don't say!

It begins...   November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Already trying to downplay the promises made during the campaign. I thought BO would fix all this and get us out of Iraq in a month. Or was that just campaign lies to dupe people into voting for him? Time will tell.

J.- Michigan   November 7th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Some people are upset the Obama is going to tax the wealthy. I say great!!! It's long overdue. They have NEVER paid their fair share in this country, while the rest of us pay 28%, etc. I only make $80,000 a year, and I have to pay 28%. I say get rid of the rich folks tax shelters, loopholes, and everybody pay their fair share. It's about time!!!!

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