Comments on: Obama says budget reform is not optional

By: Change - Yeah Left!

Change - Yeah Left! — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:50:20 +0000

He's going to cut every program which the LIBERAL LEFT doesn't consider important. It doesn't matter what's best for the country – Osama Obama is going to cherry pick what he wants and let his Dems put all the pork in that they want!

By: KLEE

KLEE — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:14:48 +0000

Oh, and I don't vote for a party, I vote for an idea, a vision!! I don't vote for "looks" I vote for competence & abilities. This left/right nonsense is just that -- nonsense!! people get off your blind horse and walk on the dusty road and get a feel for what is really going on in the world!

By: KLEE

KLEE — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:08:33 +0000

Go - Obama - Go!! I knew you were not the run of the mill "Politico" - so very glad that I voted for you...... as for the "nay sayers" sorry you can't come up with anything better than the same old "blah blah blah" - I haven't been so intrigued by a polititian in like "forever" I hope and pray that his every step in the quagmire he is wading into is blessed by the "spirit" of hope and renewal that we all need. The people who back him are there - knowing - what he must be going through and cheering him on!

By: Walt, Belton,TX

Walt, Belton,TX — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:06:26 +0000

The change is going to be in your pockets, folks, not in Washington, DC. Obama's geius financial team is the same bunch that helped get us into this predicament in the first place. The sh _ t is going to hit the fan and I'll bet Obama's got all his savings off shore!

By: MikeH

MikeH — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:03:54 +0000

Jessica;

This forum is too deep for you and you write silly things.

You need to go find your rabbit, Roger, and do some patty-cake.

That's not too intellectually challenging, and you're probably good at it.

By: Independent voter

Independent voter — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:58:41 +0000

President elect Obama is the bomb!!!

By: MikeH

MikeH — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:57:43 +0000

I think Obama should go through the ranks of Civil Servants and reduce the head count, by firing all the Bush appointees that have been 'Burrowed". That should save some money.

These Bush hacks are sleeper right wing extremist moles that are there to poison progress, get them out.

By: Evelyn, NY

Evelyn, NY — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:02:22 +0000

Egads, we've been in the sandbox for eight long years. Thank God we're changing hands. Tick...tock...

By: There's Always Tomorrow

There's Always Tomorrow — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:01:29 +0000

Hold on people, we'll get over Bush's recession soon.

By: Talia, CA

Talia, CA — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:00:45 +0000

Hey folks,

I suddenly realized that ALL of George W. Bush's pictures will come down in EVERY government building and Barack's pictures will go up. YES, I love it.

Yes, we could have a barn fire with the pictures they could burn of GW.

By: Seth

Seth — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:56:42 +0000

From what I have read, the seeds of the economic downfall were planted during the Clinton administration, coming to fruition under G-dub (obviously overlooked by his administration as well), so why is everyone so excited that he picked all of these Clinton people? Also, a Democrat controlled Congress and Presidency certainly will not mean budget cuts, and every one of you Obama supporters know that deep down. I do applaud his transparency and efforts thus far though, it's his ideology and the reality of his party that worry me.

By: JuanM

JuanM — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:54:51 +0000

More Washington insiders. Some-old-same.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:51:57 +0000

Wow! you guys still haven't realized what is actually happening in this country? This is bigger than all of us! He is and will be the man, because he was sent by the man . . . And Obama's job will be done when the man says so! It's deeper and bigger than all of us! I thought maybe after beating two political hardballs in the country, people would realize what was happening, but I guess they haven't looked through the proper lens to see the light. But I guess, if one lives in darkness, they can never see the light. Well, whether you all like it or not, the light is shining and you tried to do something about it, by not voting for him, but it was just too bigger than you– Obama is the leader that we need at this time, period! Nothing would have changed that. This was a part of his life journey! He was chosen. Be happy and summon a new spirit of love for yourself and the country. He needs all of us.

By: Ed E

Ed E — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:51:43 +0000

Go Obama!. Sounds like there's a lot of sore Republican losers posting! Let's hope that bitter republicans don't derail our hopes of changing for the good.

By: Texas Trail Kitty

Texas Trail Kitty — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:51:05 +0000

I love the way President Obama has taken charge. I look forward to seeing him do some real budget cuts and I pray that he can turn this mess around. We're with you Mr. President.

By: Jen, Cali

Jen, Cali — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:35:14 +0000

Wow, Obama! What a "novel" idea -- like no other president has EVER done that! It's your job, buddy -- and there's nothing extraordinary about YOU doing it !!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:23:08 +0000

He's going to fall from the pedestal and shatter into a million little particles.

By: dave

dave — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:20:05 +0000

How refreshing to hear a politician say he's going to get tough on the budget! Oh, no, wait. I remember now. They all say that. Then they go back to their offices and print money to pay people off. I'll be impressed if two months from now I'm reading a story that the federal budget actually decreased by 10% or more. I'm holding my breath, starting now...

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:08:43 +0000

Obama uses the term "Office of the President-elect" to let everyone know the difference and that he is not the President. He knows that with all the preparations he is doing that there are those who will criticize him for trying to take over as President as there are some on the blog already doing. Of course there are GOP's who don't want him to succeed and will jump at calling him down for not being ready. Weren't they saying he was not ready to be president? I don't think McCain or even Hillary would be getting ready to take over the office as Obama is now doing as it takes a lot of energy and "smarts" to do all these preparations. While his opponents were busy criticising him, he was quietly carrying on his agenda for change. Forget Hillary Clinton running for president in 2012 or 2016. Age will catch up with her.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:08:19 +0000

The fall from the pedestal is going to be debastating! You people are placing all your hopes and dreams of Utopia on your Dear Leader. Wait and see what it feels like to elect the American Hugo Chavez and then sink into the misery and agony of Socialism. If you all had any dendrites left in your cerebrum you would know that all this country needs is Reform of Democrat-led initiatives such as the Community Reinvestment Act, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And of course harsh punishment of abusers such as Democrats Dodd, Frank, Pelosi and Reed.

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:56:21 +0000

YES WE CAN BRING THIS COUNTRY BACK FROM THE ASHES OF BUSH'S FAILED POLICIES. YES WE CAN.

By: anonymous in Big D

anonymous in Big D — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:53:39 +0000

Absolutely bull! The man is so full of himself, he's going to ruin us all! I cannot believe the number of people sniveling after his every word (which says nothing more than we already know). He thinks the American people are stupid. Well, the ones that voted for him sure are questionable. Unfortunately, when its too late, we will all be in a hole!

By: Another Jimmy Carter

Another Jimmy Carter — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:51:25 +0000

Micromanagement will not work, Mr. Obama. Learn the lesson from Jimmy Carter.

By: sue

sue — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:48:15 +0000

Steve – the first step to fix Social Security and Medicare is for Congress to STOP raiding the funds from it to pay for other things they want to pay for.

By: Richard A. Spomer

Richard A. Spomer — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:45:18 +0000

Watch out for the excessive pork that will be added on, for the good of some Democratic or Republican ticket name Sayers!!!

President-elect Obama you are in charge of the budget that so many will want to increase taxes in order to fund additional programs. You are the far left liberal that will be seeking a centrist point on the budget
And you will want to be smooth like former President Clinton when it comes to budgeting!!!

By: GARY

GARY — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:30:16 +0000

Obama is all talk and you naive morons will soon find out.He has to pick the Clintons staff because they are the ones with the know how. thats your by's big Change. What a joke.

By: SDunn

SDunn — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:26:23 +0000

david November 25th, 2008 3:31 pm ET hope obama has the spine to make the tough decisions and cut, cut, cut then cut some more. states, counties, cities need to do the same and now. obama needs to move faster, announce plans faster, announce appointments or potential appointments faster. if i was his drill instructor, i would be hollering in his ears "move, move, move!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David, President Bush is still the President in case we haven't forgotten and what exactly is he doing right now??? Sitting on his behind. There's only so much the Pres-elect can do right now.

By: Line item Veto anyone?

Line item Veto anyone? — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:26:05 +0000

What Mr. Obama is claiming to be able to do is a "Line Item Veto". Congress has refused this privilege to every President. The President must accept or reject a budget bill in its entirety. Congress will NEVER give this up simply because it is how they get re-elected to their Senate and House "seats for life". Mr. Obama knows this. He is just telling us what he wants us to hear, yet again. Empty talk, Empty promises, Empty suit. It all leads to empty pockets.

By: Sherrol in Canada

Sherrol in Canada — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:23:38 +0000

Amen! Exaclty what is needed...........

By: Tulsa

Tulsa — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:23:28 +0000

inat2 November 25th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

does he need to give a speech EVERY day? Geesh.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Actually, since he came out with his economic team 2 days ago, the DOW has had it's biggest 2 day increase in history.
YOU IDIOT.
Why don't you at least get your facts straight.

By: SDunn

SDunn — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:20:27 +0000

Independent November 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET Obama will go through the budget page by page, line by line? Well, duh. It's his job as President! The question is whether he can submit a balanced budget… And just by looking at his position on the bailout, I'm incredulous that he can do so… --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And I'm sure President Bush did just that, right? Give me a break.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:19:35 +0000

Repub or Dem...this mess is huge and I give President Obama full support in trying to fix this mess. He has come into a situation that will take some time to turn around and for those who doubt Him step aside and let Him do his job.

By: Obama08

Obama08 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:16:36 +0000

Everyone saddles this on Bush, I like what Obama is doing but realistically Bush is not the only one to blame. I blame Dems and Repubs in Congress. Just always remember be skeptical but respectful and politicians are all crooks in one way or another.

By: RGB in MN

RGB in MN — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:11:26 +0000

All smoke & mirrors. He does not have line item veto, he will not take on the government unions or cut government jobs, so all he can do is ask for them not to spend money and then sit on the butts doing nothing.
If he wnat st make a statemen, cut fedral jobs, cut federal worker benefits. Practice what you are preaching in the private sector while you are there in the public sector. FREEZE GOVERNMENT HIRING!!!!
Sallie Mae adding 1100 jobs in a down cycle is ludicrious.

By: JDC

JDC — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:10:59 +0000

We hear this BS every time a new President comes in, and government continues to grow like a cancer.

By: Swampy

Swampy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:09:45 +0000

The Office of the President-Elect has existed since 1964 and is authorized under the Presidential Transistion Act. Learn the facts before you post your stupidity.

By: I'm Not Missing The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska

I'm Not Missing The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:06:48 +0000

And meanwhile back at the ranch, George is still trying to fugure out how to be president. So much for cowpie diplomacy and the likes of him!

By: BJ

BJ — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:58:32 +0000

And after he gets done reading the budget (how many volumes is it now?), what is he going to do? Remember, there is still no line item veto...he either accepts the entire budget, or rejects the entire budget...

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:57:29 +0000

Dear Mr. Orzag.........FIX SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE!!!!!

By: Z

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:50:53 +0000

Update on AIG Loan:

The rate on the bridge loan was reduced to 3 percentage points over 3-month Libor from 8.5 points over Libor – currently 5.24%, compared to 10.74%. On the unused portion, AIG now has to pay 0.75% interest, down from 8.5% in the original deal.

I want this deal for my mortgage with my bank. 8.5% interest rate down to 0.75%....wow....that would get the econmony running in no time if everyone had a rate below 2 percent. How about everyone's credit cards too. The Feds would not have to bail out anybody.....most loans would not fail but the banks would only make a tiny profit.....wow just a tiny profit.....hmmmmmmmm

By: Z

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:50:24 +0000

By: Washington Observer

Washington Observer — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:48:59 +0000

This is a joke/ 85% of this country's budge is in defense, social security, and other entitlement programs. Unless Obama is willing to attack these issues (which he isn;t) and budget cutting is reminicient of Jimmy Carter who also promised to go line by line in the federal Budget with its millions of line items. This notion of budget cuts is window dressing and disingenuous. My, how quickly Obama is learning to play the DC stay in power at all costs game

By: Independent

Independent — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:48:54 +0000

Obama will go through the budget page by page, line by line?

Well, duh. It's his job as President! The question is whether he can submit a balanced budget... And just by looking at his position on the bailout, I'm incredulous that he can do so...

By: peter pan

peter pan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:48:41 +0000

Hey idiot democrats, what are you going to be saying in one year about the economy and barack obama? i'm sure you will blame the republicans, even though you will have been in-charge for three years.
post it, you guys will never post anything when it is negative about the dems

By: John Q. Cynic

John Q. Cynic — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:46:49 +0000

Obama is moving ahead responsibly with the professional management of his transition team, and this gives the majority of Americans, a picture of his skill as our leader. It's one reason why I voted for Obama. The president must read voraciously if he wants to understand the details, and Bush has openly stated that he doesn't read the majority of documents he signs, or dismisses, depending on his adviser's accounts to the contents. That's not good leadership. I'm glad Obama is our incoming president, he's the right man, at the right time.

By: Mike, Syracuse NY

Mike, Syracuse NY — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:46:47 +0000

DJ, just what is the man getting done? He's named some of his cabinet nominees just like every President before him has done. That's Being President 101. He appears to have picked qualified people so far (HRC excepted), but it remains to be seen if they can be team players or all act like a bunch of prima donnas. It's way too early to say he's great or he's bad. It's like an NFL coach preseason. He's done a good job at the draft, but the team hasn't even suited up for the first game yet. You're predicting he'll win the Superbowl. It's a long season.

By: Mikey

Mikey — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:37:41 +0000

Earth to Dave: Republican Administrations have incurred over 80 percent of our entire national debt – most of that with GOP controlled congresses.

Obama's actions are not what you expected because you believe all the BS about him being the most liberal being in the history of the universe. I expect that he will continue to confuse right wing nut jobs like you while disappointing some ultra liberals.

Obama is a liberal leaning pragmatic moderate. Liberal ideals, but practical solutions. Anyone who read his books and policy statements and listened to what he actually said understands that. Idiots who get their information from Limbaugh and Fox news will never get it because they are selectively avoiding balanced information.

By: wwf

wwf — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:35:19 +0000

No comment from the Office of the President-Elect! Interesting

By: Wait...What?

Wait...What? — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:32:06 +0000

We are all witnessing Obama put the Republican party on it's death bed. It's only a matter of time before America pulls the plug.

By: david

david — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:31:01 +0000

hope obama has the spine to make the tough decisions and cut, cut, cut then cut some more. states, counties, cities need to do the same and now. obama needs to move faster, announce plans faster, announce appointments or potential appointments faster. if i was his drill instructor, i would be hollering in his ears "move, move, move!"