December 2, 2008
Posted: 10:43 AM ET
Obama is addressing the National Governors Association meeting.
Obama is addressing the National Governors Association meeting.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday told governors from across the country to work with him to "help design" a massive economic recovery package he hopes to sign shortly after he takes office.

"If we're listening to our governors, we'll not only be doing what's right for our states, we'll be doing what's right for our country," Obama said in prepared remarks at a meeting of the National Governors' Association (NGA) in Philadelphia. "That's how we'll grow our economy — from the bottom-up."

Watch the event on CNN.com/live

Plagued by rising unemployment, falling tax revenue and increased demand for state services, the governors were expected to press Obama for federal money to ease their fiscal strain.

All told, 41 states are facing budget shortfalls this year or next, Obama said.

"Make no mistake: these are difficult times, and we're going to have to make hard choices in the months ahead," Obama said. "I won't stand here and tell you that you'll like all the decisions I make. You probably won't."

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama


OneLove2008   December 2nd, 2008 3:53 pm ET

It is very easy to tear each other down.My Challenge to all the Anti-Obama pundits and naysayers is to keep praying for our Country.
Pray that God will give BO the wisdom to lead and restore the USA .
God Bless the USA

EW   December 2nd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

What Godluvr is trying to say is: Republicans need to change their opinion so Democrats can 'reach' across the aisle. They have to hand the Democrats everything on a silver paltter.

Soccer Nana   December 2nd, 2008 3:29 pm ET

empty vessel, go find some happiness please. Palin ran as vice president; stop trying to compare this hillbilly with Obama. It doesn't matter how much Obama paid for his suit – the fact is, HE paid for it; not his party.

You cannot compare a Columbia and Harvard education to six state colleges education (finally completed in seven years?).

Obama worked as a community organizer, a state politician, a US politician; and so did McCain; now, how does that qualify McCain to be president and not Obama? I don't buy the "war hero" bit at all; I know many real combat veterans who were POWs, so don't even go there. The fact is, absolutely NO ONE who is elected president of the United States of America has president of the United States of America experience BEFORE being elected. Just because you were a governor of a state does not mean you will be a good president – e.g, Dubya anyone? Based on what I have seen and heard of Palin, I wonder if the mayor's and governor's races she won were not rigged.

w.l. jones   December 2nd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

People give the president to be time to get settle in office and watch our businessmen roll up theirs sleeve and get this economic back on the road to recovery. You fellow have forgotten what business people have given there time and built the greatest civilazation with help from an understand leader the world every know.

Peter (CA)   December 2nd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Tulsa, paul (staunch moderate), and Matt (the good Matt),

Thanks guys. It's nice to see that logic does have a place on these blogs. I know I can only beat my head against the keyboard so many times before I give up on the pinheads.

Soccer Nana   December 2nd, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Virginia, our lame-duck president is quietly fizzing out. PE Obama is simply preparing for his new job. If he wasn't properly preparing himself you and the other naysayers would complain; he is preparing himself and his cabinet for 1/20/2009 and you all are still complaining – six in one hand, half dozen in the other. If you are so sick of hearing about the PE and his family, their children's school, the dog, clothes, etc; then all I can say is "go to the doctor". All the medicine in the world cannot cure your unhappiness with yourself. Learn to be happy and stop hating so much. Here, take these hugs and kisses, XXOOXX, and work at having a good day.

Tulsa   December 2nd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Since I dont work, I will be waiting for my bailout…….Man I love being a liberal. Thank you to those who actually work and support me, I am not lazy "just down on my luck"

SDunn   December 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

empty vessel December 2nd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Empty Vessel wardrobe – $250,000

Speeches to nowhere without a teleprompter – ????? (google Obama – asthma – teleprompter – gaffe)

Executive experience that Palin has compared to Obambi's – MUCH more.

Actually standing up to ones party, Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Actual accomplishments while in Government – Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Accomplishing much without the aid of the media, Palin always, Obambi NEVER, EVER as he is an empty suit.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when the world leaders are trying to get Obama to give uh, uh, uh, uh, well, uh, uh, uh a straight answer, no buddy it is not priceless, but SCARY.

————————————————————–
Jealous empty vessel?? Wish you were brilliant and intelligent like our next POTUS? Sorry not possible…..get over it

JuanM   December 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Let's see. The federal government takes and takes from hard working American, does not pay its own bills but gives billions to corporations. Yeah that sounds like change. Keep drinking the Kool-aid. You lefties and right-wingers are no different.

NY republican   December 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

@ MAri – on the contrary all the bailouts were voted for in Congress by a solid DEMOCRAT majority. The president cannot make law (yet) in this country. That only works that way in the Peoples Republics of …

Former Democrat   December 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Don't Tax Me Bro!

Mickie   December 2nd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

All of these republicans who accuse him of being a socialist for suggesting he would like to "spread the wealth" are now asking him to "spread the wealth" their way. I guess that makes them socialists now (LOL)!

NY republican   December 2nd, 2008 2:57 pm ET

It will be good to see the Federal Government FINALLY put up some cash to fund their Federally mandated but state funded programs. This will be a great boon to the north and north-eastern states. Thank you in advance Mr. President-elect. But remember talk is cheap and " The Whole World is Watching" !! Literally.

Bo   December 2nd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Matt,

Your're a cheezzer…..LOSER

FreeNLovIt   December 2nd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Last but not least, anyone who has voted for W twice, does not have the right to complain.

FreeNLovIt   December 2nd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Folks, the first step toward healing, is to acknowledge that there is a problem. The second step is to dream that you can fix it. The third step is to plan for it. The fourth step is to execute it. [At least Obama is NOT DENYING that we have problems. In the last 8 years, PROBLEM was not a word in a dictionary. We lived in a state of denial for 8 years. It's like being drunk for 8 years and not admitting you're drunk and need help.]

SDunn   December 2nd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Jeff from Atlanta December 2nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Obama's in so far over his head but at least he is smart enough to know it and select people that, although not change, can keep him from totally sinking. He looks like a deer in headlights. Let's hope that train coming down the tracks doesn't hit him and he makes some good decisions. So far his cabinet choices are OK, but his ideas on what needs to happen are totally off base. Let's hope these so called "great choices" can steer him in a better direction.
————————————————————————————-

What makes you such an expert? Maybe you need to run our country…NOT!

TJ Johnson   December 2nd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Be careful, governors. If Obama gives you anything, he will own you and our republic will be destroyed.

Godluvr   December 2nd, 2008 2:33 pm ET

P-E O.. is a wonderful Godsend, but he's not God!

He will be able to do some things, but he can't do everything. Remember, we still have Congress to contend with!

But this I do know: With God on his side, he will do ALL the things that need to be done. Get with the program people and surround him with prayers!

Be patient, CHANGE is on the way!

He who wants friends (Republicans) must show him/herself friendly!

LIGHT of the world is shining on US!

Get over it   December 2nd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

So, which states are you going to BAIL out with my tax dollars Obama???????????

Darell in WPB Fla   December 2nd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Tulsa: I dont understand you and the people who think like you do. Why cant you ever be positive instead of constantly trying to find everything and anything negative to say. Its really sad and pathetic.

nadine   December 2nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Is obama asking the govenors for help to fuel the economy because he really has no clue on what to do, this way, the fall goes to the govenors, and not him, hmmm, tricky move. Obama looks like the hero or disperses the blame if it doesn't work. Hey, what a novel idea, cut taxes and give the money back to the people — nah, that would be too much of a genius idea now wouldn't it. Cut taxes, everyone saves money, stimulate economy, because people have money. Nah, that is too easy, let's go more into debt, by using his all too familiar bail out package so that we go more into debt and owe to other countries, this way, we are in debt to others instead of rising above the issue ourselves — can we say brilliant — NOT!!!

Watermann   December 2nd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

To all the ignorant people and "Obama haters". What the hell do you think the next President or his secr.Treasury is doing with all of the taxpayer`s money? They will not eat it for diner, they will spend it for the good of you. Now, let President-elect Obama start his job on January 20, 2009. By the way, what are you going to do for your country?

Mickey-Texas   December 2nd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

JD December 2nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

"Oh, Great Obama, spread your magic pixie dust and save us from ourselves! (Or, just buy a slew of new government printing presses and print up some more money…whichever works best)."==========

FYI JD…Bush is the one printing worthless monopoly money and has been since the war on terror. Just ask China. I hope you got your "Chinese" version of, "Rosetta Stone," online language courses!

RinFL   December 2nd, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Why do some of the people who are on this blog and others think that they KNOW more than people who have been trained in economics? Why are they not involved? What is their plan? have they even thought of one? why do they just re-spew information(?) that SOMEONE else told them on the TV? Worse yet is the conclusions that are made by people over things that may or may not happen. How can one be so certain about things in relation to something that has not happened? IF you could do that I think you would spend your time picking lottery numbers and not spewing.

kasera   December 2nd, 2008 1:56 pm ET

we all need a bailout because of the mistakes done by this ignorant president of ours. i wish i could just leave right now and let Obama hold the throne……………….

California Gold   December 2nd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

"That's how we'll grow our economy — from the bottom-up." Amen to that.

Gene   December 2nd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Looks like Obama is doing more to help this country before even being sworn in than Bush has done during his whole term.

People are asking where's the change? Here it is.. not only is he actually working to bridge divides amongst our country and the world.. he's also making sure that everyone in the country knows every step taken… he's leading in the spotlight.. not behind closed doors or out of Camp David.

Truth Hurts   December 2nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Soon Thanks to PEBO more Change will come to Washington.

Unfortunately, the Change will be coming from the pockets of the American people, and going to Washington so PEBO can spend it on his redistribution program.

PEBO knows what is good for you.

GA resident   December 2nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I wish he takes over as President today. It is like knowing what you are going to get for Christmas but still having to wait until the morning of 25th December to actually open it. We know Change is coming to America, but we can't have it until January 20th……….OUCH……

RealityKing   December 2nd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Our recession, or so-called "Crisis of Confidence", started this time last year with the MSM's corrupt election coverage. Not that there's anything wrong with that…

Citizen from NY   December 2nd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Do all those governors of the other states spend $32,000 upwards on a new rug for the governor's mansion like Patterson did here in New York. (Mind you, while calling for budget cuts, etc.)

PoliticoMike   December 2nd, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Did Obama show Arnold his arm muscles?? He may not be steroid jacked like you Arnold, but look who's on top!

Citizen from NY   December 2nd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Do the other governors of other states spend $32,000 upwards on a new rug for the governor's mansion like Patterson did here in New York?

No Hillary = No Obama   December 2nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Somebody needs to market the Talking Obama doll – pull the string and out comes speeches, promises, pontifications, lofty ideas – and some jive talk. That's the next 4 years, folks.

John Knox   December 2nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

What good comes from big govt bailouts? It means the govt takes more of your earnings. Nobody rejects a stimulus package because it was our money to begin with. Throwing money at a problem has never solved it just look at our public edu system–throwing money seems to have made it worse.

Political parties are not the nation's solution to economic duress. Spending money has never been a recipe for saving money–it's illogical and a mistake made by Bush and now quite possibly repeated by Obama. More of the same in 08 after all.

Sharon Kitchen   December 2nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I watched the first part of this meeting……..
Extremly well done.
Now on with the plans……….
Work begins.

Go Obama/Biden and staff

roy   December 2nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Get it straight:: The DEBT is because of BUSH. We had a trillion dollar surplus when he came to office….squandered!
Obviously we cannot stop all spending…..the Republicans, regardless of wht they say, HAVE made government bigger over the last eight years.
Obama's challenge is to slow spending to a reasonable level and get a handle on it to deal with the bad economy….then begin to whittle at the national debt.
AGAIN: Bush did NOTHING about the debt for the last 8 years…do NOT blame Obama for that!

cousin's obama   December 2nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Before i go to bed i pray for you and when i get up in the morning i pray for you again that God will continue to strengthen you and give you wisdom and understanding on how you will move this nation forward and also give you the understanding people that will work with you in achieving these goals.

YES WE WOULD PROSPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anna, Missouri   December 2nd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Laura, Boston—-it is always interesting how Republicans always say that they held Clintin's spending down. If I recall correctly, it took 42 Presidents to run up a national debt of 5 trillion dollars, and just one Republican President with the same Republican Congress that Clinton had to increase that debt to 10 trillion dollars. I know that you would like to blame it all on the Democratic Congress that has been in office for the last two years, but please remember that Bush never used his veto pen during his first 6 years of his Presidency, and it was the Republican Congress sending him all of those spending bills. After the Democrats took control, he even vetoed giving more children health care benefits that would have cost the equivalent of less than 3 to 4 months in Iraq.

As a recovering Republican, I hope and pray that the Republican party will at some point in the future allow itself to acknowledge the fact that it is part of the problem in Washington. It has to acknowledge that they abused their power, and by doing so, hurt all of us. Now is the time to join together and get our country back on the right course of history.

David S   December 2nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I would like to see more of this type of work. Get all the govs together and make sure they are on the same page. Let them share ideas in person. Make it one little happy Gov family.

PURPLE HEART   December 2nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

WHERE IS ALL THIS MONEY COMING FROM?WE HOPE NOT FROM OUR CHILDREN FUTURE.ITS A GOOD IDEA TO BORROW FROM CHINA AND THEN ASK FOR DEBT FORGIVENESS.OR SAY HIRE MORE STATE TROOPERS AND SEND THEM ON A BLITZ OF TICKETING WORKING AMERICANS AND USE THE MONEY TO REDUCE THE DEFICIT.WHAT ABOUT BORROWING FROM THE WORLD BANK AND THEN DECLARING BANKRUPTCY AS A WAY OF A VOIDING THE REPAYMENT?

JD   December 2nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Oh, Great Obama, spread your magic pixie dust and save us from ourselves! (Or, just buy a slew of new government printing presses and print up some more money…whichever works best).

cool onlooker   December 2nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

It's funny to watch California Gov. to shake hands in awe with President-elect now.

No matter what the opponents said in the past months, Obama always keeps his heart open to everyone.
That's real leader.

1/20/13   December 2nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

To Tulsa:

Lets not get our liberal diapers in a bunch……I thought you liberals were all about love, peace and happiness. I think your diaper need's a "Change-ing"

boered1   December 2nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Can you say record breaking budget deficit!?
_____________________________________________________

I CAN and have said so for the last three years.. where were you then?
The fact is we have been in a recession for over a year now and will be in one for at least another year.. (which is close to the definition of a depression.. 8 consecutive quarters in a recession). If the republicans had not gotten us into debt so deeply by their invasion of Iraq based on falsified.. err "flawed" intelligence we would have the money NOW to fix our problems. Instead our children are already in debt to pay for the stupid WRONG ILLEGAL Iraq war and we have to further increase their debt to fix the economy the republicans broke (they have controlled the presidency for 28 of the last 40 years or about 3/4 of the time and that makes them responsible as the dems only had a veto proof majority for 6 years total in that time). So stop whining about Obama he has a LOT of Republican crap to clean up and needs support more than complaints

Michael, Houston Texas   December 2nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Laura Boston, President Obama was given this mess from 8 years of your party's bad decisions. So if you wanted to be pissed at someone, be pissed at GWB and his crew. So what is Obama supposed to do, nothing? Then you and all your idiot moron friends will be screaming that he is doing nothing. Laura, let me ask you a question? If the economy continues to fail, and millions of people lose thier jobs, who is going to pay for all the unemployment benefits, healthcare, police officers from crime rates going up, food, untilites and all that you get to enjoy at a decent price today but will no longer be able to afford? You, me and the rest of America who pays taxes, that's if you or me still has a job. So knock it off with that stupidity that falls out of your mouth. And RealityKing (should change your name to King of the Morons) so the deficit today is the lowest ever? Or balanced? Sounds like you still have a problem calling an African American your leader as you expressed in past post.

JuanM   December 2nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Obama is smoke and mirrors, nothing more, nothing less. I'm sorry to tell you right-wingers and left-wingers this but it's true. He picks and chooses what campaign promises he wants to follow. He keeps Gates and appoints Hillary even after he admitted that her "credentials" were suspect. Then when some small minded reporter calls him on it he brushes it off as rhetoric. Nothing has changed people. The government takes and takes, does not pay its own bills and gives billions to corporations. Both the Dems and Repubs approve as well. Democrats and Republicans are both in it for themselves.

Trueman   December 2nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

This is what a leader does: he listens to the people, to what they want and what they need, and makes decisions for the people's greater good. Bush only listened to his advisors and lobbyists, all special interests that don't speak for the common man.

Obama has come closer than any previous president to actually going door-to-door speaking to each citizen individually… and he's not even in office yet.

To everybody that complains about Obama's spending: if spending is what the governors want, what the people want, and what it takes to fix the economy, who cares if it increases the national debt? Will this economy fix itself for free or something? Do you know something that the Obama economic team doesn't? Please, do share!

geecee827   December 2nd, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Face reality, people. We need to create work in this country and our infrastructure is crumbling. What better work can we do than to help rebuild it. Roads, bridges, tunnels, levees, schools, prisons, let's put our workers to work!! That's what we pay taxes for, isn't it? And this is work that cannot be outsourced. Unless you want to bring Chinese workers over here!!! We pay taxes to keep our government working for us, building roads, schools and all the other infrastructure projects that make our lives better. We should give back to every State so that ultimately, it is us, the taxpayers, who benefit from the projects. Isn't that really why we pay taxes in the first place? I'd rather the money go to rebuilding our cities, and states, than go to fighting a useless War.

Cheese and Whine   December 2nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Republicans would prefer to build bridges in Iraq than in the States.

George Bush has more than doubled the deficit in 8 years…where have you been? Now is not the time to start your crying. Fact is that if there isn't a lot of stimulus…we are going to be in another DEPRESSION and I don't mean the type you went through when you were 17 and just being hormonal.

Kate   December 2nd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

what? Palin is palling around with a terrorist?

Kathy in NC   December 2nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

President Elect Obama has to be visible now. George W has no intention of doing anything for the rest of his term. America needs to see real leadership. Leadership that is intellectual and sound. Unlike the last eight years of "fly-by the seat of your pants" leadership. I agree with several others, if Obama were MIA there would be great critisim of him. What can President Elect do any worse than what has been done over the last eight years? All you people talking about spending have you forgotten this current administration has spent more money than any other. What do we have to show for it? We have worn out our military, strained relationships with allies that would have alievated some of the burden on us. Come on lets be fair here. Give Obama the same time and patience you gave W.

Bridgette-PA   December 2nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

OBAMA HATERS—–Do you really plan to blog nothing but hate over the next 8 years? Yes, 8 years! Get over yourself and start writing and bashing Bush for bringing this country to their knees and then knocking it to the ground face first! Write down 5 things that Bush has done in order to help ALL AMERICANS. JUST 5. "BETCHA" won't, because you can't! Stop blogging, your disgusting to AMERICANS that are praying for a better United States.

Eric in Texas   December 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Dr. Mimi Delacruz,

I must say that your comment was the dumbest thing I have read on this blog in a long, long time. Do you remember 9/11? I think the "evil" was here long before anything that Bush did. Do you remember that Bin Laden attacked the World Trade Center during the Clinton administration?

You may not like Bush and that is fine. But please people, stop linking every single thing that is wrong in this country and this planet to Bush. China had civil rights problems BEFORE Bush, Iraq and Iran had issues BEFORE Bush (ofcourse the UN was to busy talking money from Saddam Hussein on the oil for food program to step in prior to Bush and stop it. Why kick out the cash cow?), Russia was a bully BEFORE Bush. Our economy was headed for doom BEFORE Bush (see every independent economist, not political one, who links the economic problems to policies established during the Clinton administration. Also see that OPEC helped push the world economy down with their greed and lust for more money). So get over yourselves people. I agree Bush has done alot of stupid things, but more things factor into our problems than one man.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 2nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT OBAMA IS A VERY SMART MAN AND THESE GOVERNORS BETTER BE AWARE HE'S LISTENING TO EVERYTHING THEY SAY BEFORE ANY DECISIONS ARE MADE. IN OTHER WORDS "SHOW ME THE BEEF".

G   December 2nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

People act like they are going to get a big bill in the mail and ask to paid the debt it does not work like that lol. Maybe if people were more proactive and took an interest in what their government is doing with their money instead of just complaining something would change. Change comes from the people not the government like it used to be and let's not forget that this hugh debt and mess is owned to Bush not Obama. He just has to clean up the huge mess Bush is going to leave behind and that is defintely not his fault.

irish   December 2nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

You liberals are luniatics!!!!!! How can we spend money that we do not have ??? Please answer this question. If you maxed out your credit card do you think they would let you borrow more on the same credit card. NO!!!! they won't, until you paid some of the balance down. Yes, we need to put people back into the work force, but it has to been done carefully and with alot of thought. Not spend, spend, spend. that is not going to help the common American worker. Because once you put them to work, the goverment is going to tax the hell out of our paychecks because of all these bailouts and such. Do you think you can still survive even if you have a job. All you Obama supporters do not give one crap about this country. the only thing you care about is getting a handout, which I might add, you think Obama is going to provide. Your dead wrong. I also keep hearing over and over again out of his mouth and Joe Biden mouth is that they are going to make changes that we will not like. What is it exactly that he has planned that all Americans are not going like ?? Wonder what it is. What's the big secret. Tell us know, so we can prepare for the worst.

Wendy NC   December 2nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Paul in Oregon:
Repub governors don't need a bailout?

Where have you been? Ahhnold has been begging for money to bail his state out because Calif is in serious trouble. With the drop in oil, Palin's state has lost millions in revenue and the value of their permanent fund has crashed with the stock markets, so with no state income tax, they have no other income.

The states are all in this with us, everyone is suffering so please don't try to tell me the Repub governors are more fiscally responsible.

masgap   December 2nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

The country is sinking and Obama has to rescue that first. Then he will tackle the deficit. 8 years of no government and leadership will take time to fix

Democrates will be in power for 12 more years. thank god!

Those who think Palin is president material says it all. Cmon America

we will get better just like the Clinton years but it will take time. Irag is a joke!!!

Arariel   December 2nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Apparently Palin has a high debt in Alaska…

babefrank   December 2nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I am so pleased to see President-Elect Obama taking the bull by the horns and delving into the problems that he will be encountering as President. I love his partnership attitude and his willingness and ability to bring in those who opposed him and work with them to further the interests of our country. What a genius and a great President he will be.

Silence Dogood   December 2nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Obama: ""That's how we'll grow our economy — from the bottom-up." Showmanship is telling whomever you are with what they want to hear.

What will he say to the top-down corporations that gave him so much money? He will need to betray them or lie to us again.

Always question your leaders. Keep them honest.

silver bells   December 2nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

no bailouts.

t   December 2nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Obama is doing a wonderful job despite what either one of us have to say negative about he.

Obama:)

Ghost   December 2nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Wowsers. Umm, in case you guys haven't noticed, the bailout is already a done deal. With another probably on the way. I actually agree with you guys. I would've let the banks fail myself and ain't too big on the auto industry. But it has become a case of either help them keep folks employed or put alot of money into unemployment, cause the rolls will be fat.

Not to mention that this deficeit we are sitting on didn't start in January of '09. You people should be thankful that you have someone coming in that wants things moving BEFORE he gets into office.

Susan, Macedon New York   December 2nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Let's see..big government and big spending..who does that sound like? Oh yeah, the Bushies! At least Obama is spending the money on the country and not putting it in his rich friends' pockets!

If future generations are saddled with debt, they can thank the Republicans and the Bush Administration! They're the ones that caused this mess with their de-regulation and greed. Obama is spending the money to help get the country back on track.

He also plans to stop a serious drain on our economy by getting us the hell out of Iraq and making the oil rich country pay its own bills!

Obama also has the right to attend events such as the Governor's conference. Where is Bush anyway? Shouldn't he be there ?

Susan

Rob   December 2nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Obama will always be a child playing at a man's game, though some people haven't caught on to that fact yet. His crazy supporters, who seem to love Obama more than normal people love their mothers, will be the last ones to wake up.

It's going to be hilarious when the love affair eventually ends. Then the same people who told us Barry was some kind of magical redeemer will have to start finding excuses for what went wrong. 100-1 they start saying the nation is just ungovernable! Something stupid like that.

Ray Fisher   December 2nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Instead of bailouts and loans, I'd suggest government backed guanteed minimum return bond issues for our states and infrastructure improvements. This will provide a return on investment to local individuals, businesses and government while achieving the goal of rebuilding America. America must take a stake in our nation instead of borrowing from foreigners!!!

Emmanuel   December 2nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Where are all the naysayers and preachers of hate? We told you so that Obama is the ONE so next time listen to US and leave the voting to US. This guy is not yet President or sworn in can you imagine? I hope it's not too late for President-Elect Obama to get us out of this republican economic and social mess.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   December 2nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Obama's not president yet, but his choices, his focus, his measured pace are just amazing. He will be a good leader. Perhaps one of the great leaders. I for one am in awe of him even more than before the election.

God bless you, Barack, bring us back to what we need / want / must be…the most admired nation on Earth.

Vic of New York   December 2nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

The trick will be to ensure that monies to states is directed toward infrastucture and strategic development and not siphoned to pay off pensions and exisitng debt.

Ted:Canada   December 2nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Canada Advisor to Obama

Auto Industry Problem – We have it up here as well!

Here is the “Catch 22”

1. The three companies are competing against each other so at least one and possibly two will fail automatically. So whatever you give them at least half the funds are wasted. The problem world wide is there are too many auto companies as such – the “pie is not that big” hence the primary reason for failure.
2. Secondary reason for failure is NOT car size or model. Everybody knows that Honda, Toyota and Nissan have more reliable cars that is why they these North American factories are doing better.

Suggestion.

1. When they submit their plans see if you can get them to amalgamate thus protecting old brands for repairs but also trying to create a more reliable auto under a singular brand
2. Immense danger that the car of the future will be a “non-gas” auto – they need to be one of the first or they are dead in the water. It will happen in less than two year – even though the oil companies are dropping their gas process – this time around the change is “FOR REAL!

t   December 2nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I'm so glade that your opinion only matter within yourself.

Obama is doing a wonderful job……

LaJuan   December 2nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

PJP wrote:

Why can't this man be quiet until he is actually in office?

We all know it's just a matter of time….. BUSH is done he certainly isn't meeting with governors. OBAMA and his administration are the only ones stepping up to the plate! Get over it your guy LOST.

imobro   December 2nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

When Americans are employed we all prosper, city, state, federal taxes
are paid. Our jobs have shipped over seas for lower wages, less taxes paid, and with NAFTA and GAT no import, tax. There are many things that impact the financial hole we are in. I say GREED mostly and the deep lack of concern for ALL PEOPLE. We are the government, we can do something about what is going on. Write your congress person, get involved instead of sitting on the side line and criticizing our leaders. They have to fit many pieces of the puzzle together, no one person has all of the answers . Don't always complain, write yours representatives offer your suggestions, form a group, get some ideals, do something constructive instead of making hateful and ignorant comments. You'll feel better because you are doing something constructive.
american Citiizens are

Jeff from Atlanta   December 2nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Obama's in so far over his head but at least he is smart enough to know it and select people that, although not change, can keep him from totally sinking. He looks like a deer in headlights. Let's hope that train coming down the tracks doesn't hit him and he makes some good decisions. So far his cabinet choices are OK, but his ideas on what needs to happen are totally off base. Let's hope these so called "great choices" can steer him in a better direction.

Veronica   December 2nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Laura, boston, your comment makes no sense. Yes, Clinton left office with a surplus and a manageable economy. George Bush had virtually the same congress yet he ran up the largest deficit in American history and spent more than any other president in history. You guys need to stop trying to shift the blame. You can't have it both ways. Either the Republicans had something to do with this "horrid" economy or they didn't.
In the meantime, you don't know what Obama is going to do, because you haven't been listening.

David Goldman   December 2nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

IT'S GOING TO BE AMAZING TO HAVE A

PRESIDENT WHO IS DEDICATING TO HIS NATION

& PEOPLE, A 100% OF HIS MIND, HEART, BODY & SOUL.

AND WHATS MORE ALL ARE IN INCREDIBLE FORM.

HAVEN'T HAD ANY OF THAT LATELY !!!

Addicted   December 2nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I worship Obama…where is my Kool-Aid?

Truth Hurts   December 2nd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Soon Thanks to Barrack "I Inhaled" Obama, more Change will come to Washington.

Unfortunately, the Change will be coming from the pockets of the American people, and going to Washington.

Truth Hurts. And so with the Barrack Obama National Sales Tax

Marnie   December 2nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

"We are the ones we've been waiting for."

This is the rhetoric gullible peeps go for…..unfortunately, everyone wants America to CHANGE, that our constitution is "fundamentally flawed", that our anthem is too "bellicose". Be very wary for what you wish to change, b/c it might just be irreversible. We have had 7 years of terror-free time in our fine land…..and this cycle is about to change. Weakness is like a bullseye. The enemy has very good aim.

Bale Owt   December 2nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Let's wait until Obama takes over in January & the unwashed send him their gas,mortgage,& other bills that he said he would take care of during the campaign.BTW, did anyone ,including the media, that during the Bog 3 execs hearing in DC that the congressman asked ALL those who flew commercial to DC to raise their hands & noone did? Recall,if you will,that there were FOUR at the table & NO ONE did.That included the PRESIDENT of the UAW!!!

Mari   December 2nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

@ Reality King: you do realize that ALL the bail outs are Bush's idea! ??

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA IS BRILLIANT! Building the Economy from the bottom up, will help tremendously. All Bush-GOP have ever done, is supported the so-called "trickle down economy" which has NEVER worked!

GOD BLESS YOU, BARACK OBAMA!

Patvi   December 2nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

You couldn't ask for a better president.

Maggie   December 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Folks, we're in such dire straits right now, it'll take a year or two to even see daylight economically speaking. You know the metaphor of Rome being destroyed in a day, but it took centuries to build it up? Well, the next administration has a lot of building to do. Lucky for us, Obama is choosing people with the chops and cajones to get the jobs done as quickly as possible.

We're not going to see anything happening overnight. I wish we could because I'm the verge of losing my job and finding another one won't be a walk in the park. We faced the same thing after the Reagan/Bush years in office, we're facing it again after the Bush/Cheney years. The economy will turn around, hopefully quickly.

Good thing for us that Obama is farsighted enough to realize that he's got to put the right people in the right places at the right time and hit the ground running.

Latina for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Latina for Obama December 2nd, 2008 10:58 am ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Its ok President Obama,I trust you.

Marc   December 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Translation of the event of today between PEOTUS Barack Obama and governors of states of the USA for dummies:
If the current crisis was so simple to solve that it won't take more than a semester of the new POTUS' term to solve it, then the Economy woulnd't be the big issue that it is today.
More than just the obvious, BHO isn't the POTUS until 01/20/2009. But he's not waiting to that day (which is over a month yet to come) for sitting with anyone who will either work with him to solve this crisis or, deliberately and very un-americanly (if such word exists), will stood in the middle of the way like a rock, doing nothing and complaining that he isn't doing. So he sits with those people and tells them the truth: 'You won't like all the decisions that I'll make', and then he adds: 'So what WE can do together to get out of this hole the country is now?'

MS   December 2nd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Many of these states have big governemnt programs like government health care. Let's first admit that big government programs are a mistake, elimiate them and then we'll talk about helping.

empty vessel   December 2nd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Empty Vessel wardrobe – $250,000

Speeches to nowhere without a teleprompter – ????? (google Obama – asthma – teleprompter – gaffe)

Executive experience that Palin has compared to Obambi's – MUCH more.

Actually standing up to ones party, Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Actual accomplishments while in Government – Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Accomplishing much without the aid of the media, Palin always, Obambi NEVER, EVER as he is an empty suit.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when the world leaders are trying to get Obama to give uh, uh, uh, uh, well, uh, uh, uh a straight answer, no buddy it is not priceless, but SCARY.

Ken in NC   December 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

CNN why do you not post my contribution to this blog? I have seen post that are both positive and negative posted here and my comments are no better or worse than others posted and never contain profane language. Please stop being so controlling on what you call free speech.

BS not Maverick   December 2nd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

NO GM FORD Bail-out.

82nd Airborne Division   December 2nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Jim said:

Just wondering how many people complaining about bailouts and deficits rejected those economic stimulus checks they got in the mail.
_________________________________________________________

Right on Brother how soon they forget!!

drew   December 2nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

States get money from Feds regardless of what party happens to have the white house or congressional majority. All Obama is doing is talking to governors to make sure federal money is spent wisely per the individual states needs. It's the whole "efficient gov't" concept yet all the haters seam to read the headlines and cry socialist.

David   December 2nd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz December 2nd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

I LOVE MY NEW PRESIDENT ALMOST AS MUCH

AS I LOVE MY SONS.
———————————————————————-

LOL. wow, just wow!!!

Jackie in Dallas   December 2nd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Lauren,

Some of the problem about the management to worker ratio is that noone seems to want to BE a worker…they all want to be managers. So what do you do with a senior worker bee who wants to continue to rise? You make him a manager bee or lose his experience (or her experience) to the competition.

Only now, all the worker bees are in India, China, Malaysia, Mexico, etc. And they are HAPPY being worker bees. Between our unions and their unrealistic demands, our own personal unrealistic goals, and our attitude of looking down on "workers" versus "managers", we now have an unbalanced work force.

Don't know what the solution to that one is, except possibly, stop making "work" a four-letter word, and start appreciating those that make versus those that manage.

David   December 2nd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Well, first off you need to scrap your carbon tax idea that will skim $5 trillion from taxpayers just as a way to further control us.

Winchester   December 2nd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I never knew conservative republicans had so much hate in their system. I am amazed and disappointed in my fellow countrymen for acting the way they are acting about President-Elect Obama and his appointments to his cabinet. I never liked George Bush from day one but he was my president and I gave him the respect he deserved. For the life of me I do not understand all the hated for Democrats. Look, you guys had it for 8 years, take a vacation and see what happens over the next four years………….If not strokes and heart attacks will overcome conservative republicans…………

Lynn   December 2nd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

You right wingers, although entertaining, need to give the guy a chance. Cheese Louise! He hasn't even been sworn in yet and you claim he has failed. Chill. He is just getting a look at the big picture to see what he is up against. You know, gathering information from many different places, the thing Bush NEVER did? Oh, never mind. You probably still think Bush isn't responsible for this recession, so I won't try to reason with you.

And you call yourselves christians, and pro-american. LOL. I only hope that your co-workers at your next job (created by Obama) give you more of a chance before claiming you are a failure.

Tulsa   December 2nd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

1/20/13 December 2nd, 2008 11:38 am ET
Who hasnt he promised money to……..cant wait to see the deficit this guy racks up. How come all you liberals are not complaining about alll the spending he is planning on doing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
You my friend are an idiot and an a$$. I have never seen one single constructive comment from you. Are you devoid of ideas? Can you think for yourself, or do you just repeat everything you hear from Limbaugh or Fox "news"?
You want to see deficits? Look at what the war in Iraq is costing. How has Bush paid for that?

johnny   December 2nd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

1/20/09. Can't wait!

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz   December 2nd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

I LOVE MY NEW PRESIDENT ALMOST AS MUCH

AS I LOVE MY SONS. BUT I THINK HE HAS BEEN

MISINFORMED. HE KEEPS SAYING "WE HAVE ONE

PRESIDENT AT A TIME". MR.PRESIDENT-ELECT, WE

HAVEN'T HAD A PRESIDENT FOR 8 LONG YEARS.

WE HAVE HAD AN IMBECILE & CHIEF, WHO HAS SET

THE WHOLE EARTH ON FIRE. OUR EVIL HAS WOKEN

& STRENGTHENED THE EVIL ALL OVER OUR PLANET.

Jim   December 2nd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Just wondering how many people complaining abouut bailouts and deficits rejected those economic stimulis checks they got in the mail.

Tulsa   December 2nd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Laura in Boston,
Wake up girl. When have you ever seen a President or more so a President elect ask to speak with the Governors? Don't you see that he is asking them what the States need to improve their infrastructure and thus create jobs at the state and local level.
This is EXACTLY what he said he would do all during the campaign. Yes, there will be debt. The last 8 years saw to that. Almost unanimously, economists agree that we will have to deepen the government debt in the short term to stimulate the ecomomy and create jobs. After that, the bad news is we will have to cinch up our collective belt and pay higher taxes, cut waste and learn to live within our means. Nothing Mr. Obama hasn't told us already.

Vivienne   December 2nd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Laura from Boston – Barack Obama hasn't spent a dime of the American tax payers money on any bailout as yet. The man responsible right now is your current president BUSH! You are right generations to come will have to carry this load. This mess remember isn't the mess caused by Barack Obama… This is the mess created by GWB.

Recognize!

paul (staunch Moderate)   December 2nd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Stimulus Package to the states for "ready-now" infrastructure projects would create jobs. It would also give those workers money to spend. That means Income Taxes going to the states (who have it) and feds, sales taxes going to the states.

Yes, the debt we have already incurred will take decades to pay off and adding to it will take longer still – but consider the alternative: Continuing to flounder around, putting more people out of work which means more people drawing unemployment, more people on Medicaid, more people defaulting on more mortgages, more people declaring bankruptcy, more people eventually onto the welfare rolls.

And guess who pays for all THAT? You, the taxpayer….

Somehow I don't think that is what anyone wants.

82nd Airborne Division   December 2nd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Lead, follow or get out the way!!

A simple message for all you pessimist who come here too whine and complain!

True Americans overcome adversity through hard work and humble
determination!

IF your scared say your scared, but you can at least give the man a fare chance at trying to implement his political ideals!

Army Strong, you sniveling Civilians!

Bush Lives!   December 2nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

What about our current President? Isn't he doing anything?

All these people complaining about the deficit Obama's going to create. What about our current deficit? What about all that money we've been pouring into Iraq and private contractors? At least with economic stimulus incentives here, some of that money will stay in USA, eh?

Dempublican   December 2nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Some people just never learn. Neither are they ashamed of the trashing they sustained in this election. On November 4th the Americam people overwhelmingly rejected the useless Republican politics of tearing down opponents and the dismal incompetence displayed by eight years of Bush and Cheney.

The likes of PJP should just zip it as Team Obama works to clean the mess that will be left behind when Bush and party retire into the backwoods of Crawford and oblivion.

This is a new day, new thinking and new leadership by example and taking responsibility. It is now for the people and by the people as was originally intended.

Our leaders are once again answerable to us!

David   December 2nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Obama is right about having to make tough choices. Some things will need to be cut and that won't be popular for those affected. I'm glad to see him working with Governors.

RealityKing: Yes we will have will have record deficits in the short term. We already have that and we can't just make huge cuts in spending when the economy is failing. The money spent creates jobs or at least slows the rate at which jobs are disappearing. Remember average citizens are significantly slowing their spending so Government spending helps keep some money flowing. Don't forget that cutting taxes also creates deficits. We all want services: defense, social security, roads, schools, etc. They're reasonable things to want but many don't seem willing to pay for it.
VAT? Yes other countries have them. We don't. I haven't read any articles about a VAT being proposed by Obama. I guess you're just making cr*p up and then complaining about it?

Kentucky   December 2nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Why are people criticizing Obama about our debt? I'm sure Obama will put us in debt a little more, but in case you don't know, our first 42 presidents put us in debt, but yet our current president has doubled what all 42 of those have done in just eight years. So if you want to talk about putting the country further in debt, take a look at the current administration. Our country is so pathetic right now and some people think we're going to get out of this mess without spending a single penny. Take a look at the big picture and stop criticizing just because you don't like him.

kenny   December 2nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Paul from Oregon

41 states will be or might be in the hole by next year. I'm not a Palin hater but she'll have budget troubles just like all the other governors by next year. She'll be in worse shape because Alaska's revenue is largely dependent on oil and oil is sinking big time. That might be good news for drivers and you Paul but not good news for Alaskans.

rm   December 2nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

@ 1/20/13, Laura, Boston & RealityKing:

Please share with all of us your plans to lead this country out of the ditch that your boy Bush drove us into. You can start with this misleading war that we spend billions of dollars on a month. Thanks, can't wait to read all of your detailed ideas.

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

@ Laura, Boston

The only reason you don't want to believe in this change is because it's going to work and you can't stand that your precious neocon Republican thug-machine won't be taking credit for it.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   December 2nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Paul in Oregon…"Pals around with terrorists?" You are an idiot. Obama did NOT pal around with any terrorist. Palin and McCain tried to push that off on voters before along with the "socialist" tag. At least Obama has the courtesy to not be offensive, and wants to work with all the leaders of both parties to get this country back on track.

dwh   December 2nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

This is for all of the nay sayers who are already bad mouthing President Elect Obama. Look into the mirror, and ask yourself "what am I doing to make things better?" If you can't answer that questions legitimately, then shut up. Let the man do what we elected him to do.

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

@ 1/20/13

We're not complaining about what he's planning on doing because it's well thought out and completely and utterly necessary to fix the problems he has INHERITED FROM THE REPUBLICANS. This economic mess is absolutely the Republicans' doing and trying to shift the blame based on what Obama is doing to fix it is compeltely ignorant. We wouldn't have the current insane federal deficit if it wasn't for Bush, his wars and outsourcing by big businesses.

And keep in mind…ALL analysts said McCain's plans would result in a federal deficit of $2T to $5T more than what Obama said he planned to do if elected.

EJ in Texas   December 2nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

@ Tulsa…I AGREE with you 100% I used to get angry at it but like you I just laugh at the stupid that comes out of most of them.

Jenn   December 2nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

PJB, Someone needs to be an adult and act like a president. Looks like Geroge W. bailed mentally a while ago, he is golfing mode already.

karen-phoenix   December 2nd, 2008 11:52 am ET

Did any of you watch the opening statements of the Govenors meeting? It is NOT a bail out!!! It's a way of putting people back to work! People work and people pay taxes and the government gets paid back!!!! NOT so with the Wall Street bailout that just shored up the rich friends of the Bush administration!!! We need WPA, CCC and TVA programs and America will work and pay taxes and a lot of the programs will make money and pay for themselves and possibly pay back the mess Wall st. made!!!

Baze   December 2nd, 2008 11:51 am ET

Obama will have to draft a legislative article that contractually binds these Governors into using the money for their states in the means they were intended and nothing else. This will create more strain on the legislative branch and put a stronger dimple in the separation of powers. This could get ugly as the executive and legislative branches wrangle for authority.

layo24   December 2nd, 2008 11:50 am ET

@PJP.
If he didn't say anything, you'd proabably one of the first to question his his silence, either way there'd be no pleasing you.

America will be free again   December 2nd, 2008 11:48 am ET

To: PJP, 1/20/13 and the rest that are as clueless as RealityKing…Your Buddy Pres Bush has gone on vacation and he seems not to have any idea of what he will do next(not that he ever has any) Governors are meetin in Philly and President elect and current president were both given positions to speak ask Bush why he didnt go there and what happened to the National debt for 8 yrs.
If you talk about spending and didnt mention Bush then you might has well go play video games cos you have no idea what is going on. Bush made all this huge spendings and nothing to show for it except Iraq

paul (staunch Moderate)   December 2nd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Yep… Now that Wall St and the major banks have been bailed out, and the Big 3 have gotten some major "help", the GOP now say "Enough."

Well, the economy is not going to jump-start itself. Not as long Wall Street continues to over-react to every little announcement by every little economist around the country. Look what happened yesterday: It becomes an "Official Recession" – something the average Joe-the-Plumber-on-the-street has known for more than a year – and the idiots on Wall Street panic and sell, sell, sell.

If there is to be any kind of stimulus package it needs to go where jobs will be created, not simply sustained.

Steven   December 2nd, 2008 11:47 am ET

At some point people on these blogs have to recommend solutions and not just point out the problem. If you say bailouts are bad, please provide a better solution. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Kin   December 2nd, 2008 11:47 am ET

Oh just put the US Mint on overdrive and print paper money until we bailout everybody…including the taxpayers…America has fallen….

Virginia   December 2nd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Excuse me, but who is STILL President of the US???? And what can Nobama do now, since he has no POWER YET???? It is bad enough that we will have to put up with him for at least 4 years, so why doesn't he just go away until then. I am sick already of hearing about him, his wife, kids, schools, pets, clothes and parties. I dread 1/20/09…..

The Oracle   December 2nd, 2008 11:46 am ET

hmmm…..Sounds like sour grapes to me……I'll bet none of the Obama haters on this blog were screaming about fiscal responsibility while the repubs were sellings our grandchildren's souls this last 30 yrs or so….

thanks, but no thanks   December 2nd, 2008 11:44 am ET

How on earth the Republicans blame Democrats for the bailout is beyond me. Most of Republican in Congress kept on pushing for deregulation of the bank, auto, and housing industry. We do need regulation, we do need a tight budget, and for sure we need those religious nut jobs out of our government. We need an effective government…..

Tracy   December 2nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

December 2nd, 2008 11:00 am ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
So basically…..

Obama had no specifics and really had nothing to say. Why show up just to play President?

Where is his brilliant idea to create jobs by having the unemployed make solar panels for all the foreclosed homes?

NatV, NYC   December 2nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Eagle had landed… Obama is not the President yet, but acting as one already: Federal Reserve can print more money and bailout everyone and everything.

kenny   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

the truth is the only way we will ever get out of this financial crisis is by spending a crap load of money. jobs have to be created and money has to be circulated because thats the way our economy is structured. not doing anything would wreak the economy more. you might not like it but money has to spent because the reality is there isn't any private money out there.

Jaye   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

So, we see Arnold Schwartznegger in line for a handout –
Wasn't it just a month ago he was campaigning for John McShame…telling everyone how inexperienced Obama is, and that John McShame would be a better president?
These republican politicians have no shame!
The answer to the state's going broke problem is RAISE TAXES STUPID!!!
You cannot run any state on bare boned tax rates – you run your campaigns on "not raising taxes" then run to the government for a hand out.
Wake up people and raise taxes!!!

Italy   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

I told you so !!! whit out Hillary he can't do is job, poor looser.

alreadytiredofit   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Why is it that all of the people who got rich by screwing up the economy don't have to cough up the money to fix it???? When are these people going to held accountable! We don't have ANY money to keep bailing everyone out!

Jackie in Dallas   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Getting ourselves out of the mess we are in is going to take hard choices, sacrifices, and compromises. President Elect Obama is a realist who understands that. While each of us is facing our personal crises, be they big or small, HE has to deal with all of the crises. He's preparing people for reality, guys, not going back on promises. In his acceptance speech, he said as much. I'm willing to give him the opportunity to make things start to work again — but he isn't the Great and Powerful Wizard, he's just an intelligent, capable man.

America demands answers   December 2nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

To:RealityKing Bailout the banks
Bailout the auto industry
Bailout the housing industry
Bailout the States

Can you say record breaking budget deficit!?

You are as clueless and Sarah Palin..
There is an all time record already from you beer friend Pres Bush and all you mentioned above give all the thanks to Bush for those and you altimate "MR.DEREGULATOR" You know who…

Steven   December 2nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

PJP: Because if he's quiet, who will fill the void obviously left by the current president?

Gaylon Barrow   December 2nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

No comment. I got no problem with him dressing the Governors.

1/20/13   December 2nd, 2008 11:38 am ET

Who hasnt he promised money to……..cant wait to see the deficit this guy racks up. How come all you liberals are not complaining about alll the spending he is planning on doing.

Vinson   December 2nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

"Why can't this man be quiet until he is actually in office?"

1. because if he was quiet, PJP, YOU'D be the first one complaining that "the president-elect is hiding when the nation is in an economic crisis. where is his leadership? shouldn't he be more proactive?"

2. the current situation demands PROACTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING NOW. he needs to hit the ground running on 1/20/2009, and this is a part of it.

I'm sure that if McCain won and he was doing the same thing that Obama is doing now, you'd be praising McCain for showing "decisive leadership."

PJP = HYPOCRITE

Laura, Boston   December 2nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

This certainly is not the "change" anyone wants to believe in.

Our great-grandchildren never mind our children and grandchildren will still be saddled with this debt many many years to come.

Bigger government and bailouts is not the way to fiscal security. It makes us more beholden to countries like China and Japan who own more of us than we do.

I also don't think Obama plans on balancing the budget. Clinton did because he didn't have the circumstances of such a horrid ecomony and he had a republican congress which held his spending down. Obama isn't going to have either of these circumstances.

paul oregon   December 2nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

at least all of the rep. governors wont be needing a bail out. they have there states in top ship shape. just ask gov. palin of alaska according to her on the campain trail thanks but no thanks if alaskan
want something they will do it them selfs. besides im surprised
palin would even want to be in the same room with someone that
pals around with terroists according to palin. alaska has to be so proud of palin.

Lauren   December 2nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

Obama talks about creating jobs on a state level. What about those state workers who have lost thier jobs? If it falls the way it has in Ohio, state employees will be cut, and private companies will reap the benefits.
I blame our Union for allowing this to happen, but there is no doubt in my mind if Ohio gets any federal help, it will go to private companies, not state workers.

Now granted, it may create jobs, but only for those who smooze with the politicians.

Plus, many states are just like the Big 3 auto makers, very top heavy on the management scale. For example, we hae 3 full time managers where I work, and only 4 full time non management people on our staff. Figure that one out?

Barack Obama works for the future..   December 2nd, 2008 11:30 am ET

**
Reality-PAWN… can you say……" BUSH"….!
**

Faith Restored   December 2nd, 2008 11:29 am ET

No Ria…something wicked already did come…8 years of Republican socialism which now has driven our country into a deep recession. Guess what…we are STILL ON BUSH'S WATCH!

You haters kill me with the snide against Obama but like you and your ilk proved during primaries and campaigns up to the election, can't and won't take any responsibility and blame and excuse to the level of being delusional to the extreme. If your way of life and entitlement is being threatened…you better take it up with a fella named GW Bush before he skips off into the sunsent to live out the rest of his days without worry or care.

Tulsa   December 2nd, 2008 11:27 am ET

lol…. you right wing nutjobs keep me laughing all day. THANKS

kenny   December 2nd, 2008 11:27 am ET

you don't have to be a Obama supporter to know that money has to be spent to help our failing economy. you might not like it but jobs have to be created and the only way to do that is to spend money that we don't have. if you don't then America fails.

Laverne   December 2nd, 2008 11:26 am ET

To Reality King: Obviously you do not understand the economic crisis this country is in and is facing. I betcha you don't have a better idea because you don't understand the facts. And by the way, we have already hit record breaking budget deficits and record breaking debts.

Tom in Delaware   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

Hey Libs, where's your dog-pile on Sarah Palin?

Oh, that's right, Alaska is operating on a budget surplus, that's a tough one to smear.

PJP   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

Why can't this man be quiet until he is actually in office?

lovable liberal   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

Yep, it will take a big deficit to stimulate the economy enough to break the downward spiral. The alternative is worse.

Proud Democrat   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

Reality King

Record breaking deficits – Yeah thanks to Bush/Cheny

Spread The Wealth   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

I'm taking my money out of the Stock Market, Savings, etc. and hidding it at home. I have no confidence in this obscure man Obama who has asked that his birth certificate be sealed! Who does that???? he's a public servant not a autocratic ruler of some Middle Eastern nation!

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 11:22 am ET

@ RealityKing

That's a soap box, not a throne. And yes, we can say "record breaking budget deficit" and we have the terminally inane George W. Bush, his Iraq War and the Republican trickle-down economics lie to thank for it.

Your turn.

monica, rochester ny   December 2nd, 2008 11:22 am ET

I suppose you negative posters have been happy with the past 8 years that have gotten us into this huge disaster. Obama hasn't even gotten started and you're already complaining. Your comments therefore have no real crediblity. I hope you'll join the rest of us in wishing our new President success. Afterall, we'll be the ones who benefit.

LyonsPhilly   December 2nd, 2008 11:21 am ET

A lot of people won't like the decisions he makes. It's like when your mom gives you medicine you don't like, but it's good for you. Obama,give us tough love.

Living in a Republican state   December 2nd, 2008 11:20 am ET

Unfortunately, it seems to me as the Governor of South Carolina Mark Sanford doesn't have a clue as to what goes on in his own state, so why ask him about the country?

We, being 9th in the nation in HIV/AIDS cases, the South Carolina government just cut a program called project F.A.I.T.H which was the only AIDS prevention program that we had in the state, yet we need to get back to our values. Not to mention the homeless rates are soaring through roof, which has gotten worse instead of better since he has been the Governor of our state. Did I fail to mention that his mansion sits in between the Salvation Army shelter and the homeless shelter and the park where the homeless stay through out the day until the shelter opens back up at night. Our education levels speak for itself, we're always rank in the bottom. Depending on the district that you live in here in Richland county where the Governor resides determines the quality of an education a child receives, but he wants to get back to basic conservatism.

Oh, did I forget to mention that African-Americans are the majority and not the minority here in SC, but they still fly the Confederate Flag on the state house grounds.

So, please tell me CNN was it worth the time to get this governor's perspective on President – Elect Obama? Come to the great state of South Carolina and check out for yourself. You might see things in a whole new light.

I just pray that the citizens of this great state will take heed to what Virginia and the North Carolina citizen and turn this red state blue in the next elections, We seriously need a change here in South Carolina.

Leah   December 2nd, 2008 11:13 am ET

What do you mean? This man is a hero, the Chosen One.

RealityKing   December 2nd, 2008 11:13 am ET

VAT or value-added tax, it's been used for decades to pay the bills and sustain the gigantic growth of socalistic governments around the world. And it's change Obama believes in.., whether you do or not.

Ria   December 2nd, 2008 11:13 am ET

"probably you won't" something wicked our way comes…..

Rockford   December 2nd, 2008 11:12 am ET

"I won't stand here and tell you that you'll like all the decisions I make. You probably won't."

No doubt about that I'm guessing

RealityKing   December 2nd, 2008 11:08 am ET

Bailout the banks
Bailout the auto industry
Bailout the housing industry
Bailout the States

Can you say record breaking budget deficit!?

The big O   December 2nd, 2008 11:07 am ET

Glad to see Mr. Obama's character continues to shine. This is a constancy that I can appreciate.

GaVoter   December 2nd, 2008 11:06 am ET

Spend, spend, spend…
And yet history shows that governments do not create jobs.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   December 2nd, 2008 11:06 am ET

Now that's straight talk. Everybody's in a pinch these days, so everybody's got to take a look at trimming some fat, finding where they can remove some wasteful spending, tighten some belts, but spend money on things that make sense and find ways to generate revenue. Once average folk are working again, then we are going to start seeing some turn around in this mess.

libssuck1   December 2nd, 2008 11:02 am ET

Oh here we go already, Obuma is trying to tell the country he can't deliver his lies. What would you exopect from a lying lib, you saps voted for him, you got him! LOL!

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 11:01 am ET

I KNOW ONE GOVERNOR HE WON'T BE LISTENING TO…

Tracy   December 2nd, 2008 11:00 am ET

So basically…..

Obama had no specifics and really had nothing to say. Why show up just to play President?

Where is his brilliant idea to create jobs by having the unemployed make solar panels for all the foreclosed homes?

Neal   December 2nd, 2008 11:00 am ET

Man Obama is proactive.

Mike   December 2nd, 2008 10:59 am ET

More taxpayer money going out the door to help the liberal states.

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 10:59 am ET

"If we're listening to our governors, we'll not only be doing what's right for our states, we'll be doing what's right for our country,"

This is completely incorrect. If we listen to our people, we'll not only be doing what's right for our states, we'll be doing what's right for our country and our constitution, that is what should have actually been said.

It is no mystery that the senators of the United States are not accurately representing their people as seen in their voting this past year, especially for bailouts and the like.

Barrak Obama is going to change nothing, John McCain was going to change nothing, and Hillary Clinton is and was going to change nothing.
The only person that was fighting for real change in America was Ron Paul and he was cast out as a lunatic, however now he appears to be a lunatic that knew exactly what was happening with both the Foreign relations of this country, why it is viewed the way it is by terrorists and also the Economic situation that no one else seemed to foresee and thought would be predictable and easy to overcome.

I foresee a whole lot of wasted time and resources in the next 4 years, not too different from the last 8. The only thing that changed was names on office doors.

Joyce Becker   December 2nd, 2008 10:58 am ET

President-elect Obama is correct there will be hard times for all of the states and we will face it together and come out ahead, not to fear as we certainly can do it.

Latina for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 10:58 am ET

Its ok President Obama,I trust you.

Thankful American   December 2nd, 2008 10:57 am ET

So, all of the states that were fiscally irresponsible get a bailout and the states that operate in the black (such as Indiana), in effect, gets penalized by not getting any federal money?

Obamalism is a joke.

FL for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Look at him go! That's my PE!! He is already reaching out, listening, and working with governors across the country to get our nation back on track. Every day I am more impressed with PE Obama. No, he is not a "Messiah" to me, but a highly-qualified, intelligent, and hard-working President…one the likes of which we haven't seen in a very long time. I wonder if Gov. Palin is at the meeting…or if she's still campaigning in Georgia??? If I were an Alaskan, I'd demand she get her tail to that meeting and help their failing state!!

Scott NYC Independent   December 2nd, 2008 10:55 am ET

For all those that have been anti-Obama; when in your memory, your parents or grand parents memory has a "President -Elect" ever met with all the Governors of the country. the 44th President is building a coalition government, of the people, for the people and by the people. This is the country we live in and can be proud of that fact when it is run right as it was intended to.

Seth   December 2nd, 2008 10:53 am ET

What's the punchline? We told you so…

bababear   December 2nd, 2008 10:50 am ET

I have been really impressed with Obama, in his diverse picks and his willingness to seek opinions from all sides of the fence. The one thing that seems to be consistantly said about him is his ability to listen, absorb and then make the decision – and take the responsibility. That takes a very intelligent, confident and strong personality. I pray that this continues. No one can know everything – the wise know this – therefore they surround themselves with diverse experts in order to get the best information from all sides to make the best decisions. Obama seems to understand this quite well – unlike the current president.

President Obama   December 2nd, 2008 10:47 am ET

Obama is so presidential. He puts all those who opposed him and spoke so ill of him to shame with his humility. They look like complete idiots who opposed him and now sit begging at his feet. Better him than me because I would have them eat my _ _ _ _.

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