January 5, 2009
Posted: January 5th, 2009 09:05 AM ET

From

(CNN) - A senior democratic official confirms the president elect is planning a major speech on the economy Thursday.

Filed under: Barack Obama


No Hillary = No Obama   January 5th, 2009 2:05 pm ET

A $500.00 tax credit? It should be at least a $5,000.00 tax credit. Billions to bail out crooks and only 500.00 for the average American. This is "big"? Hardly.

walleye   January 5th, 2009 1:58 pm ET

To Sweetie who says: We need some brilliant conservatives to offer up a better way!

Yeah Right. We see what these brilliant conservatives did to our economy ( and rest of the country) the last eight years.

Gerda Edwards   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

Ummm...what happened to there being "only one President at a time"????

Why is Obama still mute when it comes to events in Gaza??? His zero experience in foreign affairs (among many other things) was an issue in the election that was buried by the lemmings who wanted "hope and change." So he comes out with his own economic package and delivers weekly addresses on everything under the sun, except the issues in the Middle East. He's a Post Turtle.

george in alaska   January 5th, 2009 1:53 pm ET

republicans should be overjoyed as obama is little by little revealing himself as simply a republican puppet. a $500 tax break? shades of deja vu, a devastated economy, purposely bankrupted government & w. what an absolutely perfect con job. my hat's off to you!

kevin-pa   January 5th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

You morons such as "proud American" even dont know what Obama is going to say but conclude he is going to deliver inspirational policy and it is going to solve all our problems. get a life man...

This is obama's patteren...give a speech written by a pro and do a something different...remember the talk on no lobbyist in his admin..remember talk abould public financing...remember his talk about NAFTA ....
Yes FDR inspired the whole america but he got things done..so it is too early to judge Obama but his track record does not look very roosey

JJ12345   January 5th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

HA January 5th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Simply put: Republicans this whole mess was your fault!!! So sit down be quiet and let the rest of us get some work done.
____________________________________________________
That is pretty short sighted. Both parties are to blame, ALL POLITICIANS ARE LIARS AND CHEATS. Yes, even Obama. What happened to all of his campaign promises that were on his website????

Brad   January 5th, 2009 1:31 pm ET

If he can give a major speech on the economy, why can't he make a statement on HAMAS/Israel? Are his HAMAS buddies advising him via his personal cell phone?

FreeNLovIt   January 5th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

If you are a politician and you have brain-dead for the past 8 years, U do not need to express your opinions while Obamabot is Prez, unless you have the solutions to problems.

Brain-dead = missing in action politicians...
Brain-dead = politicians that helped give a 5 trillion blank check to W

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 5th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

For those who have forgotten one of Obama's campaign promise let me remind you. Obama said he would keep Americans informed and the only way to inform us is by the media we only have to listen and understand. So put on your listening ears and then we can voice our opinions but we can't hear if are minds are blocked with negativity.

Judy from PA   January 5th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

I hope it doesn't conflict with the National Championship game.

FreeNLovIt   January 5th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

To Barack Wins..

We ALL dont deserve TAX cuts until we straighten out the economy!!! People sent the economy to HELL and they want tax cuts? That's irresponsible. That's like stealing an old lady's lunch and you're caught and you still want her lunch.

RZ   January 5th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

For "Barack wins and America loses"

"His style is great, however, his substance and his beliefs and ideology will bring our once great country on the brink of financial ruin."

NEWSFLASH...Bush and Company already have brought the country to the brink of finacial ruin.

You better hope that Obama can pull us back from the brink.

Kim J   January 5th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

Maybe he will provide even more details on his plan. So far we have cone to rebuilding roads, to rebuilding crumbling roads.

Citizen from NY   January 5th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Repeal or severely overwrite NAFTA, CAFTA and any other similar trade agreements, bring our jobs home and be proud of "American-Made" again, renew/rebuild our infrastructure, for starters. Maybe even close our borders for a few years so we "can clean up home," before we "open house" again.

Steph   January 5th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Dear Sweetie,
Brilliant and conservative shouldn't be used in the same sentence.

Apples for sale   January 5th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

It should be a great speech with the things we need to know to move our country forward.I guess Rush must be back today.The dittoheads have their usual Limbaugh talking points. Rush makes millions of dollars spreading hate, lies,and half truths and his mindless followers gobble up the garbage and try to spew it out to the rest of us.Just ignore these morons and they will stay at Faux news and have to preach to their choir.lmao

Joyce   January 5th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

If Obama does not give a speech and share his plans with citizens, he is accused of doing nothing. If he gives a speech he is criticized for overstepping his bounds. It is obvious we cannot please everybody.

In the meantime, why don't we all sit back, relax, and see what he's going to say. He's our only hope for the next four years, let's give him our support, and a fair chance!

Larry   January 5th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

What happened to ONE PRESIDENT AT A TIME ???
OK,if you are going to talk about spending money we do not have,Please tell me about what you are going to do about GAZA and MIDDLE EAST!!

HA   January 5th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Simply put: Republicans this whole mess was your fault!!! So sit down be quiet and let the rest of us get some work done.

Debby   January 5th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Good and the first agenda is to cut taxes for everyone including buisness owners so they don't have to lay off their help.

JA/TN   January 5th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

speeches are fine, but this stimulus must include checks to citizens, if you can the give banks funds to hoard, surely taxpayers deserve funds, that is where the economic stimulation should have begun, what happened to the forty dollar overdraft fees banks and credit cards where charging, and the bankruptcy law should be reversed, to favor the consumer, most credit card companies operate as pirates, well paid lobbyist will get what you want

Deborah Calimese   January 5th, 2009 12:32 pm ET

I don't know the political preferences of the people making comments on this blog. But in my life, my family and I need help. That is why I choose to wait and see what happens and pray for success of this Administration. Hate and divisiveness has gotten us no-where. it seems that if our political preferences are the single reason for wanting failure, I pray to each of you please help us who are not rich enough to be so lucky to have the luxury of such preferences. I pray for the success of this country and its people period. the sufferings and strain of lost homes and jobs seems to take a more important role right now.

DC PRAYING

Barack wins and America loses   January 5th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Barack is all style and little to no substance.

Substance:

Failed in the Annenberg project – school standards actually were deemed to be the same or lower (his buddy worked with him on that – William Ayers)

No legislation as a State Senator
No legislation as a US Senator

Biggest achievement, is reading teleprompter's well and being very stylish and cool.

Reality:- Substance.

Flies in a big plane that is virtually empty to Hawaii, but is willing to punish all of us for consuming carbon fuel with his Cap and Trade tax and regulation policies (will be the biggest tax hike in our history – hello $6 a gallon gas).

Raise Capital Gains tax to 28% (good bye capital investment and jobs)
Raise Small Business payroll taxes (good bye jobs)
Increase Tariff wars with other countries (good bye jobs)
Raise Estate taxes (double taxation at its worst)
$Trillion dollar stimulus package that will artificially create jobs. What happens to all the families of these jobs, when the money runs out and they are given a pink slip. There is no way we can continue with the excesses of government spending much longer.

His style is great, however, his substance and his beliefs and ideology will bring our once great country on the brink of financial ruin.

B.O by any other name is still b.o.   January 5th, 2009 12:26 pm ET

Easy to give a speech saying, "I am going to give money to the less fortunate", but more difficult to solve the problems our current republican president, Clinton and Carter, and the other dimocrats in congress got us into. Adding more debt and more bailouts is not the solution, but then again, that would take a tough decision.

Still notice how easy it is for Obama to give a speech and talk about anything he can to point fingers at the Republicans, (easy to deflect blame), but he is only "present" as usual when it comes to voicing his opinion on things that there has not been a good poll for yet such as what is happening in Gaza. Somewhere along the line he will actually have to make an important decision. I can't wait for that day because it has yet to happen.

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

ran January 5th, 2009 10:53 am ET

Give $1 million to every citizen over 21 yoa and that will stimulate the economy overnight and at a lot less cost then the Billions being proposed now.
___________________________________________________

I say every taxpaying American.....I would payoff debt and shop...That would be great for the economy instead of giving it to banks and auto makers so then can deny consumer loans.....

Go and Hate No MORE!!!   January 5th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

@Patrick – Indianapolis January 5th, 2009 10:47 am ET
Praying for divine intervention is about as significant as writing a letter to Santa. The largest problem with you people is that you pray too much. Why don't you try doing something instead of wishing it away? I will bet you get MUCH better results. Praying does not equal progress.
****ACTS 21-22-And All Things,whatsoever ye shall ask in PRAYER....believing ye shall RECEIVE****

Scott L   January 5th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

@In Houston, TX

Democrats have owned congress for 2 full years. What planet have you been hiding on? Things were just fine in 2006.

Gas prices skyrocketed when Dems took over. When Bush announced lifting federal ban on off shore drilling oil prices plummeted. Gee, coincidence??? And yes oil was dropping before the economic meltdown.

Susie   January 5th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

J.P. If lowering taxes on the wealthy works so well, what happened? Seems like instead of taking those savings and investing them in growth (jobs) they took the money and bought stock, islands, mansions, and gave themselves huge bonuses...none of which did a thing for THIS economy, did it?

Taxes are the dues we pay to live in a civilized society. How else will your snow get moved, your trash picked up, your kids get an education, your roads and bridges be kept in repair? Some things the government is better at doing with our pooled money. Do they make mistakes? Yup–they should never approve money for war, and they should, right now, take a pay cut until people are back to work. But overall, I believe that taxes in and of themselves are not bad...the misuse of the funds is what hurts. Hopefully we will actually have some oversight and accountability with the Obama administration instead of the sneers and "so what" attitude of Bush whenever something was questioned.

Scott L   January 5th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

"Uhhh ummmmm errrrr ummmmm uhhhh errrrr ummmmmm uhhhhhh errrrr ummmmm"

Larry in Houston   January 5th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

Thank You Proud American for your comments.....I agree with both.
Houston, Texas

Alan   January 5th, 2009 12:16 pm ET

RealityKing January 5th, 2009 11:02 am ET

Tax cuts AND more spending!?

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..

Too bad "reality king" isn't living in reality. What did G.W. do to try and fix the mess he made? Un-regulated HANDOUTS to the banks to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. No strings. Just a "please do the right thing with the money." Which they didn't. Typical Bush reactionary failed response.

Now, Obama has to do it AGAIN and hopefully this time for the RIGHT REASONS, done the RIGHT WAY, so that the mess he's inheriting can finally start to settle out a bit and he can then strart taking steps to build our economy back up.

Trust me - this boss is anything BUT "the same boss" or YOU, Mr. or Ms. "reality" would be happy as a lark to see you got more of what you gave us the past eight years.

Susie   January 5th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

Anyone remember GWB on 9-12-01 telling America that the terrorists wanted to TAKE US DOWN ECONOMICALLY, SO WE SHOULD ALL "GO SHOPPING." Seems like millions did that, and for the last 7 years they have been building up the debt which is part and parcel of this economic meltdown. And Bush was right about one thing...we have certainly gone down further than anyone could foresee. I'm angry because we have never had an unpaid credit card bill, have far less mortgage debt that we could, on paper, afford, and we are now looking at possible unemployment for my husband, and a very early retirement. We raised our kids to pay their debts early, and they had no college loans, mortgages they can afford, and paid for cars. Too bad the rest of America is only now seeing the folly of Bush's admonishments...keep buying, don't worry about paying for any of it!

Leviticus   January 5th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

If you voted for GWB the last 2 elections... in all honesty your opinion means about -><- this much... Your credibility and "good ideas" are all for-fit for you have shown your judgment and it.. to be frank... sucks. thank you and good night.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   January 5th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Obama's plan is big and bold, because that's what the situation calls for. We are at the "go big or stay home" economic moment in history, and I'm very glad that Obama realizes that fact.

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 5th, 2009 12:11 pm ET

@Brian, I suspect God has bit more talent than Obama.

ARB   January 5th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

RAN.....THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NEVER CONSIDER THAT BECAUSE IT MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE. THEY LIKE TO LEAVE EVERY CITIZEN SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS.

J.P..   January 5th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

David of Silver Spring, MD wrote:
"It is a fallacy perpetrated by Republicans that lower taxes mean better economy."

Really? OK, so then you won't mind if the government taxes you at 100 percent? Basically, you'll work for free and give everything to the nitwits in DC to spend for you, since you seem to regard keeping more of YOUR OWN MONEY as a "bad thing."

If you think government "'shovel ready' projects" are the only thing that moves our economy and keeps us all prosperous, I have to wonder why the government doesn't just hire ALLLLL of us? Right? The same government you derided under eeeeeeevil republicans is now the saving grace of humanity and suddenly now "employer" to us all... woo hoo! A government powerful to give you everything you want is also powerful enough to take it all away.

Churchill once said a nation that attempts to tax its way to prosperity is akin to a man standing in a bucket attempting to lift himself up by the handle.

Looking forward...   January 5th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

W took us from the largest ever budget surplus to the largest ever debt. Let's hope we can recover from that leadership.

yellow dog democrat   January 5th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

TO the poster(s) who continue to ask "who is John Galt" the following is taken from Wikipedia entry - all you gotta do is ask....\

John Galt is the heroic main character in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged. Although he is absent from much of the text, he is the subject of the novel's oft repeated question, "Who is John Galt?", and the quest to discover the answer.

As the plot unfolds, Galt is acknowledged to be a creator and inventor who embodies the power of the individual. He serves as a counterpoint to the social and economic structure depicted in the novel. The depiction portrays a society based on oppressive bureaucratic functionaries and a culture that embraces the stifling mediocrity and egalitarianism of socialistic idealism. He is a metaphorical Atlas of Greek mythology, holding up the world.

sg   January 5th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

In Houston TX – Obviously you're drinking Kool-Aid. The Wall Street Journal did a time line on the finacial mess we're in now and it points back to DEMOCRATS. Bill and Robert Rubin set the stage for this mess back in the 90's. If your party was so smart – Why didn't Barney Frank and Chris Dodd take the bull by the horns and fix everything when they came into power a few years ago?? They turned a blind eye to it and said everything is OK.

susie   January 5th, 2009 11:56 am ET

I thought Obama was going to sign the tax cut bill on Jan. 20th., why is he changing is mind?

richard rohde   January 5th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Proud American set a new record using idiot 3 times in one quasi-sentence and spelled it correctly each time.

Brian From Fort Mill, SC   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

RealityKing January 5th, 2009 11:02 am ET

Tax cuts AND more spending!?

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..
---------------
I would agree with you, except for one thing. The first "boss" created such a huge mess that the new "boss" has to clean up that mess first.

And sometimes, cleaning up a mess is a messy job.

charlie in maine   January 5th, 2009 11:49 am ET

George Bush and his team thought that Government was the problem and worked to make it so,

Barack Obaba and his team thiink that Government can help and will work to make it so.

This is change I can believe in.

PS If I were a Bush fan I would also think that speaches can't help. But as an Obama fan I know they can.

New Yorker   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Brian from FM, SC – Yes God did say "Let there be light" but too often those in darkness want to shut it out. I hope you are not elevating Obama to the place of Messiah as some have done. There are those who don't trust him because he considers some important scriptures "obscure" and does not consider valid the rights of the unborn.

PoliticoMike   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

It's in funny how all those were worried that Obama would be raising taxes and not do well with the economy and come to find out, the guy's plan includes 40 percent of tax cuts for all!

Go eat it, McCain/Palin/Plumber!

Brian From Fort Mill, SC   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Former Obama Voter January 5th, 2009 9:46 am ET

I don't want to get stuck with Biden if Obama is impeached or forced to resign… can we have a do over?
----------------
In a word... No.

Lisa M   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

How about you get that money back from the banks that you already gave to them. They obviously didn't use it appropriately and should return it.

Next up. IF you must give someone a bail out. How about the American Taxpayer? Believe me the man on the street will do a great deal better with this money that the banks or the auto manufacturers will.

What would you do with $25,000 for single or $50,000 for a couple?

For a lot of people, this would pay off most of their debt. Give them a little for shopping( may be a new car!).

Wouldn't this free up some credit and help the auto manufacturers?

Trickle down doesn't work. It just pours into the corporate bigwigs' pockets.

get real dude   January 5th, 2009 11:41 am ET

To: Patrick – Indianapolis

Oh ye of little faith...you have not because you ask (Him) not. Some- times our prayers go un-answered because we ask amiss. I will give you particial credit though, faith without works is dead. [ What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.] (James 2:14-18 ESV)

In Houston, TX   January 5th, 2009 11:40 am ET

Obama ran a national politcal campaign on hope. He won that election. And now, to this very day,the gop, the repblicans and the conservatives are HOPELESS.
You conservatives have such a dire vision of the future now that your party has been voted out. You, who's policies have gotten us into the disasterous position we are in now predict doom if we take on opposing policies. And you do everything you can to crush the hope of the people that supported him. (i.e. "that's not the change I voted for")
Well, let me tell you something. Just like the GOP campaign for the presidency, this will not work. Yes, Obama gives a good speech but it is the content of what he is saying that matters. And it is the content that you republicans willfully ignore and you wonder why the American people are getting away from you.

Rajendra Ram   January 5th, 2009 11:40 am ET

SPREAD THE WEALTH!!!!!!!! I understand a lot of black people are quitting their jobs and apply for welfare with some excuses.

John Galt in Colorado   January 5th, 2009 11:29 am ET

WHO JOHN GALT? Would someone please answer the question? Before it is too late......

D-MI   January 5th, 2009 11:27 am ET

kevin-pa:

Right, because FDR's speeches- talking directly to the American people- had NOTHING to do with raising the morale of the country during the Great Depression...

You right wingers are fun... you know nothing about history, and when you do, you completely misinterpret it...

JIM IN PA   January 5th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Sweetie= Liberal – 1 Generous in giving; bounteous. 2 abundant; lavish; a liberal reward. 3 Of based on the liberal arts; a liberal education 4 characterized by or favoring policies of reform and progress and generally opposing conservatism or reaction 5 not bigoted or prejudiced; broadminded. 6 not resteicted to the literal meaning.......... Conservative – 1 Adhering to and tending to preserve the existing order of things; opposed to "CHANGE". 2 A political party or philosophy "THAT FAVORS THE STATUS QUO and is critical of proposals for "CHANGE". Sorry sweetie, change has come to america. no more conservatives. FORMER OBAMA VOTER= You never supported obama, but if you did thanks for the vote. your "ONE" vote relly pushed use over the top.

Stacy from Leesburg VA   January 5th, 2009 11:22 am ET

We need to get people to work. Offering tax incentives and breaks to companies that put American workers first is what we should have done in the first place instead of offering breaks to companies that send jobs overseas. Rebuilding schools and the infastructure of this country is also a good way of getting out of work people back to stability and out of the Great Recession. PE Obama has a solid plan folks, let's listen and make informed decisions.

Bridgette-PA   January 5th, 2009 11:16 am ET

"kevin-pa" – Did you ever think that his speech on Thursday could be an outline of what he plans to do to stimulate the economy! I know we have heard it before but let's also remember he's not in office yet! At least he's being "open" which is more than I can say for our current Prez. You sound so bitter by telling us what we already know. I thought you moved to Canada by now! Get lost, loser!

"Former Obama Voter" – Don't worry dear. There will be NO IMPEACHMENT OF OBAMA nor will he be forced to resign. Also, I'd rather be "stuck" with Joe Biden any day than have gone through the past eight years of Bush! You may also buy a one-way ticket to Canada!

Richard A. Spomer   January 5th, 2009 11:15 am ET

Well he needs to be inclusive of everyone on a significant tax cut as soon as possible. Even if it looks like opening the spiked and letting money flow, then turn around and raise taxes at a later date.

Irritated in Fl   January 5th, 2009 11:15 am ET

We all know that Obama is nothing BUT speeches. The inexperience and lack of leadership abilities in Obama is going to be the coup de gras on our nation. What in the hell were you people thinking?

Mike, I represent the youth   January 5th, 2009 11:14 am ET

To Mike, I have seen the youth because I live in the range (under 25).

Guess what... this young group is so much worse than the middle aged group right now.

Amazing sense of entitlement and arrogance exist here with the microsecond attention span.

Believe me, all Obama has to do is make sure everyone under 25 gets an Iphone or Blackberry with unlimited text and internet and the youth will vote their lives away...

sg   January 5th, 2009 11:14 am ET

Yawn!! Obama doesn't seem to have an original idea. All he's doing is regurgitating failed New Deal junk. Obama supports making it easier to unionize. Look what that's done to the American auto industy. Notice how the foreign auto manufacturers in the US are not struggling as bad as GM, Ford and Chyrsler. In addition, this will kill small business in this country.

pam Eugene OR   January 5th, 2009 11:13 am ET

Former Obama Voter... BULL pucky!
You have been on the blogs for over a month now asking for a redo. I don't believe you voted for Obama or ever intended to support him. You,
FORMER OBAMA SUPPORTER are a Republican hiding behind a false screen name.

Sharon Kitchen   January 5th, 2009 11:09 am ET

The "road" to recovery.........................yes.

Dan   January 5th, 2009 11:09 am ET

What economic speech and what for. He likes to talk and give speeches. There is no action. He wants to make good impression about him but he is hollow. He does not know and he has no experience to achieve anything. We Americans will realize soon what a big mistake it is to put him in the white house.

Clark From Biloxi   January 5th, 2009 11:09 am ET

Kevin, he can't do much until after the 20th of January... he's not trying to win your vote, he's trying to keep us informed. Get over it!!!

dittohead with forty names   January 5th, 2009 11:08 am ET

Lets see,what should I say till I get my daily talking points from my savior,Rush"the oxyman"Limbaugh?Yes I know,All Democrats are evil and will turn us into socialists by the end of the day.

Dp   January 5th, 2009 11:07 am ET

This one goes out to Kevin-Pa and to those who thinks like him, we only have one president at a time in this country so until people stop throwing shoes at the president we have now BUSH, I would rather hear what the president to be has to say. He's not even a day in the White House and you're soo quick to throw BUSH'S mess In his face, give the man a chance and by the way, over 200,000 people gathered to hear him speak when he crossed the waters during the elections and not ONE shoe was thrown ha ha, give this man a chance, that's all I'm saying to eveyone..

Cher   January 5th, 2009 11:05 am ET

Sweetie, we have been waiting 8 years for some "brilliant conservatives" to set things right. If they exist it seems that no one was holding them back from speaking out. We didn't hear anything from the campaign other than to keep doing what they had been doing (which obviously wasn't working). If the "brilliant conservatives" have some miraculous ideas, I wish you would share them with us.

LIP   January 5th, 2009 11:05 am ET

This is hilarious.
The guy that ran on "change" is now doing what Bush tried several times. Only this time we aren't talking about chump "change", we are talking about a trillion dollars of, you guessed it, Pork Barrell "change". Where is the costume Obama was wearing while running for President, because it sure isn't the one he is wearing now?

RealityKing   January 5th, 2009 11:02 am ET

Tax cuts AND more spending!?

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..

phil.c   January 5th, 2009 10:58 am ET

the person that wrote that prayer cannot equal progress is either a complete moron or getting close to that. how can a human being say such a thing. nothing can be compared to prayer.
if not why during the inauguration of an incoming president of the u.s a chapter in the bible must be read and prayer offered for the new administration? if prayer aint impo why is that a tradition here in the states? fools that doesnt know anything. u better get on ur knees and start praying otherwise ur children unborn will bear all these mess.

yellow dog democrat   January 5th, 2009 10:57 am ET

We are but a mere "blip" on the scale of time....enjoy the ride...learn your lessons and grow people-- who knows what is next, if anything! It seems we've come a long way baby but still the prime evil aggression and fear are rampant in man-kind-I get sucked in everyday and find it very draining....especially when some of the posters are so "mean"!

Oh yeah the tax cuts are for working families and folks making under $250,000 and $200,000 respectively not for the rich and famous...for us guys who keep on truckin' cause thats our only choice - maybe we can buy that new refrigerator now? - also I here that the business end of tax cuts will not be immediate...for those crying "what is your plan" if you have one, and if you do – please submit it!!

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 10:55 am ET

I will be praying for you Patrick in Indianapolis.....

Nimi from NY   January 5th, 2009 10:54 am ET

The Republicans better come with a solution than blockage the Country's agenda. Be a solution to the problem and not part of the problem. If this past election didn't tech you Republicans anything, you are bigger fool than anyone thought.

Brian From Fort Mill, SC   January 5th, 2009 10:53 am ET

kevin-pa January 5th, 2009 9:48 am ET

This is funny.. Hello PE Obama, the elections are over!! giving speeches does not matter any more. what matters is getting things done. speeches got you elected but speeches wont end iraq war, speeches wont get the economy back on track, speeches wont stop terror outfits trying to kill us.
-----------------–
Actually, speeches do serve a purpose. The first step is to explain in detail to the American people what his vision is, and what he plans to accomplish. Then, once he gets our attention and/or permission, can he effectively act on it.

Remember: Even God himself first said: "Let there be light", and THEN there was light.

opy in canada   January 5th, 2009 10:53 am ET

I agree Sherrol, this is the beginning of the transparency that PE Obama spoke of. Part of the Repug's problem was secrecy and the country didnt know what whats going on.

Yes Obama makes speeches but they are informative as well as inspiring because the people of the U.S.A. are fed up with secrecy and lies. If everyone works together including (hopefully) the Repubs, this will get done and again your country will be great and respected.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 10:53 am ET

kevin-pa = Hey Idiot Obama isn't the president, shouldn't you be directiing your Idiot comments at your sitting President? Oh I forgot to say Idiot.

ran   January 5th, 2009 10:53 am ET

Give $1 million to every citizen over 21 yoa and that will stimulate the economy overnight and at a lot less cost then the Billions being proposed now.

jfs Memhis, Tn   January 5th, 2009 10:52 am ET

Sweetie.................

Your side have had 8yrs to create this HELL !!! ANYTHING will help correct this mess you folks have gotten us into !!! Just as billions sounded HUGE in the 30's .....trillions sound BIG now. But given inflation etc. this is no more larger than the mess the Republicans got us into in the thirties. Just think of how RICH this country is !!!! As an example: How many Trillions of dollars of property value exist in CLEVLAND, OHIO alone ???? Not to invest in OUR country rather than the RICH and foreign countries right now is NUTS !!! Funny but the rich Republicans who have fed off of the elected Republican Officials coming from the conservative POOR will be lost with this current change in leadership. Take it from this 60 year old moderate Republican............who voted for Obama..........The Republican Party is not what it was under Regan or Eisenhower........you need to stop your complaing.... either get on the Bandwagon...or help change the Republican parties' current disaster. THAT IS OF COURSE IF YOU ARE NOT RICH...anyone can find problems in life; the truely valuable folks (and there are few) FIND SOLUTIONS. Have at it.

phil.c   January 5th, 2009 10:52 am ET

yes speeches can heal the land and restore our sense of decency both economically and internationally. martin luther king gave a speech that had a generational impact that turned around events in this country that no govt policies has ever done . speech can insipire and give hope, hope brings enthusiasm and then leads to achievements and breakthroughs. all ya haters of obama shut up and be wise. pray for him.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 10:51 am ET

Excuse me but don't we still have a sitting president? What is this Idiot being paid for?

Patrick - Indianapolis   January 5th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Praying for divine intervention is about as significant as writing a letter to Santa. The largest problem with you people is that you pray too much. Why don't you try doing something instead of wishing it away? I will bet you get MUCH better results.

Praying does not equal progress.

Mike from Florida   January 5th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Rupublicans are pathetic. No offers of solutions only whines. Jesus buck up people and do some work to improve your country. The greatest generation has forgotten sacrafice and commitment. Don't worry the youth will pick up the ball and correct years of failure and incompetance.

Scott   January 5th, 2009 10:44 am ET

Why don't Obama just wait till after the 20th when he's officially the President than he can make all the pretty speeches he wants to.

Sharon, MN   January 5th, 2009 10:43 am ET

Sweetie January 5th, 2009 9:51 am ET

We are in financial Hell and I don't believe for one nano second that we can spend a Trillion Dollars on Pork Projects and be out of this Hell.

We need some brilliant conservatives to offer up a better way!

I pray daily for Devine Intervention from what is currently planed…

It will completely shut us down, without hope for recovery for Generations!
------------------------------
Wow, from what I understand, it took brilliant conservatives to screw everything up for the past eight years. I doubt there's any real conservatives out there. Let's give the new guy a chance. Your clowns had eight years to screw everything up already.

Robin   January 5th, 2009 10:43 am ET

It's time to stop talking. You won Mr. President. Now is the time to get to work and live up to all of those promises you made.

Sanity has returned   January 5th, 2009 10:43 am ET

We need spending cuts as well as tax cuts. No pork or special projects for cronies. We need long term jobs programs. Rather than road projects, how about light rail projects to reduce traffic? Good Luck Obama, I have a feeling you are going to need it. Look for road blocks in Congress on both sides of the aisle.

18 year old voter from Jersey   January 5th, 2009 10:40 am ET

David, the trick to his 40% tax cuts, is he'll be giving them to those in the lowest tax brackets, meaning those who pay minimal to no income tax anyway. Wanna know what 40% of nothing is? NOTHING!!!

don't worry. He'll increase your taxes =)

Laverne   January 5th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Oh Sweetie.......that's the problem, the republicans have not come up with a better solution so far and will not unless it is someone elses idea that they steal. Obama is giving a speech to the American people so they can hear from a LEADER, because our current president is under a rock. If you really want to do something with all that negative energy trying praying for your leader, I am sure that is too sensible for most of you. Please get over yourself, Obama is the 44th POTUS and you should get use to it. Thank God Obama has tough skin or else he would let some idiots like the ones who post on this site get the best of him!

Joan in Raleigh   January 5th, 2009 10:39 am ET

I feel like, lets give Obama A chance to get in the white house, before we start , commenting on what he should do and not do, He is walking into A mess, and I hope the American Public is not expecting him to change things overnight, It took years in the making on why we are in this mess, and Its going to takes years to turn this thing around. My faith is not on what Mr Obama can do, Its is what we are going to do to change our situations, ours life, our childrens futures and Generations to come, 1 man cant do it all.....so Lets just give Him A chance, and stand by his side, and wish him the best.
cause If you Listen to his speech that night, Its is going to take all of us.......

TexAnnie *-*-*-*-*   January 5th, 2009 10:38 am ET

Sweetie, yeah your "brilliant conservatives" are what got us into this mess in the first place. Pray all you want, but it's going to take action from our government to get something done. BTW, a similar plan is what saved this country from the last great depression, so do a little research before condemning something you obviously know nothing about.

carol   January 5th, 2009 10:33 am ET

What a load of doom and gloomers on this site today, give PE Obama a chance for God's sake, he's not even in office yet and already he's being demonized!!!!
Hell, we endured 8 years of Bush and his mess....give the man a break for heaven's sake, lets see what he will do and stop being so negative about things that have not even happened yet!!!!

karen-phoenix   January 5th, 2009 10:31 am ET

Obama has the best of best working on the economy and he truely knows what he is doing!!!! Read "Audacity of Hope". The man is brilliant!!! We, the American middle will be renewed!!!

Joanna   January 5th, 2009 10:28 am ET

We need his leadership. There has been a serious lack of it the last 8 yrs. Thank goodness the adults are home again. Party is over, sense will be restored!

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis   January 5th, 2009 10:25 am ET

I see the corruption has started in this prospective administration. I am referring to Richardson's withdrawal. You can kiss the good old USA good-bye. Here comes Darth Vader.

Dan in Michigan   January 5th, 2009 10:25 am ET

Wow...such negativity. May I remind everyone that since he's not president yet, he can't actually DO anything...thus the speech to prepare everyone for what he WILL do.

Also, I do seem to remember for those that know history the colossal mistakes made by Hoover to sink us further into depression and how FDR's New Deal helped eventually pull us out(with a final jolt from WWII). Also, if you don't think his plan will work, may I hear your suggestion for a better one?

Otherwise, it sounds pretty good to me: pay for projects that are ready to be worked on thus giving companies work whom in turn now have money to employ people and purchase raw goods. The people, when employed, will have money to spend on consumer goods. With increased spending on consumer AND raw goods, major sectors of the economy will be stimulated pulling us slowly out of recession. And in the meantime, no tax cuts for any millionaires who don't need them! Sounds pretty good to me! But like I said, those with better suggestions are welcome to step forward. Since the PE has brought people on his team from all sides of the spectrum, I'm sure he's hearing plenty from the right on their ideas too.

Is it just me, or is that a BIT of a step forward from just standing there and saying "I'm the decider"?

Rufus - Atlanta   January 5th, 2009 10:24 am ET

It amazes me the comments in here. You all dealt with with 8 years of Bush terrible performance and running of our country! U.S. is now a shameful nation around the world! Bush tried to get rid of medicare, we're in a recession, our troops are still in IRAQ and still we have no reason why, but to use some lame excuse about protecting our freedom when they should be at home protecting our freedom! Yet you all won't give Obama his first 100 days due??? WOW! He's inheriting George Bush's MESS, so give this man a chance please and know that this MESS isn't his fault!

NEL E BELL   January 5th, 2009 10:19 am ET

swell, he going to tell us things suck and he can fix it with a ton of money.Fact, the money he is going to spend is another loan, he calles it investment but, thats like George Bush, telling us lets go fight a war on the credit card.I don't care how he packages this loan, our children will pick up the tab on and even higher debt on their future. One question I'd like to ask him is this, If the stimulus plan doesn't pan out, what comes NEXT. I'll venture and answer. The Republicans will let him spend like a teenager with and inheritance so they look like fiscal conservitives in four years. ;-)

Ms. Williams   January 5th, 2009 10:19 am ET

All I have to say in response to all of your comments is BUSH! Whatever Obama does will probably have us a lot better off than how BUSH is leaving us.

god bless the us   January 5th, 2009 10:18 am ET

So Obama is going to issue a statement. That's pretty cool. Though it is a speech, he is at least going to inform the public of the seriousness of the current situation, what he plans on doing, and what the public should expect to be his next course from action.

It's like a mini state of the union.

If obama will become anything, he will be the most "open to the public" type of president.

Oh btw, asking for divine intervention to rescue the economy is just as ineffective as asking for divine intervention to help mccain win. The economy is going to be solved by the good works of man helping his fellow man in god's teachings.

Remember, this collapse was 8 years in the making with spend spend spend conservative policies. Not to mention the tax cuts for the rich that rewarded them for moving over seas or lay off workers. Not to mention the millions made in raising gas prices where the typical worker had to stave off purchases just to get gas.

People keep thinking that by pouring money into the top it's going to somehow trickle down to the common consumer. Well it doesn't work. You can bail out, give tax breaks, create corporate welfare and ask big companies to hire more and output more product, but if the average consumer is too poor to afford their product it's not going to help one bit.

SAD SAD   January 5th, 2009 10:17 am ET

For those who are stil living in the Prez Bush era of lame duck where everything got to metldown b4 any move. This is a new administration coming with the smartest economic brains in the world. I dont know about the conservatism and dont spend wait till we all fail strategy of the GOP. The GOP are stuck in the past and they will never take responsibility for anything. pork barrel or beef barrel they ran this country down for 8 straight yrs of supposed "CONSERVATISM" This country need to jump start and move on. All over the world everyone is trying to jump start their economy by spending for economic recovery...here we see the GOP brain deads saying its big Govt. Big spending..not suprise at all.

MaryanneAZ   January 5th, 2009 10:16 am ET

Sweetie, if Conservatives had any answers to our problems, then they would have been elected. You're hoping for something that is not going to happen. Right now, we have an incoming President and a new administration. If you find someone who shares your values, then get behind that candidate in 2012 and help her win the election. Until then, help or get out of the way! Criticism and cynicism has never solved anything. Donate to a local food bank. Make a difference!

AJ   January 5th, 2009 10:15 am ET

And the talking heads wait with bated breath, hardly able to contain their adoration...

Rick in WA   January 5th, 2009 10:15 am ET

David you are wrong. Tax cuts always help the economy IF they are accompanied by spending cuts. It really is not the Federal government's job to "invest" in schools and roads. That is the job of the State and local governments. The Federal government's job is to ensure the national security, provide for smooth commerce between the States, and negotiate treaties with other nations. Trying to manage the affairs of 50 states and a couple of territories centrally is simply not efficient.

Ray Fisher   January 5th, 2009 10:14 am ET

I'm hopeful that President Obama's speech will include announcing our new Hydrogen Economy, replacing all gasoline automobiles with hydrogen fuel cell automobiles by 2020. This move would boost our economy by injecting $trillions in the form of new automobiles and related infrastruture maintaining American funds within our economy plugging the empty hole of OPEC and spurring entrepreneurs and innovation. By simply announcing a shift and a goal away from our oil based economy with a specific direction it will generate an economic boom not seen in over 100 years. Now is the perfect time as American auto companies are failing to provide an avenue to retool making fuel cell autos with less parts, zero-emissions, less maintenance overhead and greater flexibility within the industry. America in short could use a new super-project to boost our economy, our manufacturing industries and our morale!!!

MaryanneAZ   January 5th, 2009 10:14 am ET

In case we've forgotten, this is the role of a President - to inspire and lead a Nation. We've not had this from our President in 8 long years. Obama's greatest strength is his ability to inspire and motivate people to take up the mantle and follow his lead. There are over 69 million people who did just that and voted for him. Thousands worked around the clock to get him elected. If our PE can inform, inspire and lead us out of this economic mess, then I'll be hanging on his every word. I'm very impressed with the plan to have a reverse layoff measure built into the corporate tax relief plan. If firms re-hire laid off employees, then they'll get tax credits. What a great idea! Companies need incentives to re-hire the American workforce and get our economy moving forward again. I think we're going to be very impressed with our new President if we can let go of our election disappointments and focus on the future of our Nation. Donate to a local food bank today. Make a difference!

CR, Philadelphia, PA   January 5th, 2009 10:14 am ET

Thank God Obama has a hold of the purse strings now. Have you seen Obama's shoes. We will not spend one red, white and blue penny that we don't need to spend.

God Bless America and our pocketbook, too!

Dan Kuzniar   January 5th, 2009 10:13 am ET

Someone said "the speeches are over"... now it's time for everyone to roll up their sleeves. The leadership we have chosen will pave the way, but it will take a concerted effort by all to make sure these plans are implemented properly.
The stimulus package should way heavily in the mortgage sector.

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 10:12 am ET

Kevin-PA – Obama is just outlying his plans. There is nothing he can do about the issues you stated.....WTH

adam   January 5th, 2009 10:10 am ET

Just sit back and let this thing get moving, everyone with the brilliant ideas on this blog have NO REAL ideas , just critiques. This is the president the AMERICAN people voted into office, lets get behind this guy and be TRUE AMERICANS, the time for bickering and what if's are over. Remeber that being Republicans and Democrats instead of being AMERICANS is what got us into this MESS and we wont get out of it doing the same garbage and hating one another.

-Adam T.

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 10:10 am ET

Former Obama Voter "ye of little faith".....Your life must be really dismal

Pat   January 5th, 2009 10:06 am ET

ANybody study how the Roman Empire fell? Debt got too big. What is our GDP and how much is the Federal Debt? LEt me see upwards to 1 trillion dollars in handouts. The dollar becomes worthless on world markets. Oil shoots back up in price etc.
Oh did anybody notice states are cutting "shovel projects" from their budgets as they have hit hard times with their tax and spend policies. Guess what all Obama is doing is saving jobs not creating new ones.

Gail   January 5th, 2009 10:05 am ET

Former Obama Voter January 5th, 2009 9:46 am ET

I don't want to get stuck with Biden if Obama is impeached or forced to resign… can we have a do over?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Grief people = at least let him take office and then see what he'll do. I feel so sorry for you. Hey, we all had to live under the horrible Bush Admin these last 8 years – let's give Obama a chance before we condem him.

BB   January 5th, 2009 10:05 am ET

Sweetie – it's nice that you copy and paste the same comments on every post. It saves us the time of reading your pure trivia.

Gail   January 5th, 2009 10:03 am ET

We need some brilliant conservatives to offer up a better way!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yea we've seen what the 'brilliant conservatives' do for our Nation – basically NOTHING for us – everything for themselves.

Welcome President Obama! I have complete faith in you and your policies.

Truely... truely   January 5th, 2009 10:01 am ET

Thank you kindly President elect Obama for the open communication that you continue to provide us with so often. I love your integrity thus far. Hope Malia and Sasha had a wonderful day at their new school! I'm sure they will adjust just fine. Hope and pray that the things go well for you and your entire family. Love you all.

Galen   January 5th, 2009 9:59 am ET

I'm fired up! Lets here how, he plans to fix this countries, worst economic troubles, in the last 20 years.

Personally, I say, he should explain how we will end the war in Iraq, that costs 10 million dollars or something like that a week, cut other government programs, that don't work.

I'm excited!

Concerned Democrat.   January 5th, 2009 9:57 am ET

We don't need a speech or lecture on the economy.... WE NEED ACTION!

We are in the middle of the financial crisis and the Obama team is going to be spending outrageously more than any other previous President on the Inauguration parties.

That is sending Americans the wrong message and as a Democrat I am extremely disappointed that Obama would not be more sensitive and cautious about the lavish spending.

People across America are losing their homes and job on a daily basis. We are struggling to keep food on the table and his LAVISH PARTYS is telling us that he doesn't care!

That is not the change I expected from President Elect Obama.

Sweetie   January 5th, 2009 9:51 am ET

We are in financial Hell and I don't believe for one nano second that we can spend a Trillion Dollars on Pork Projects and be out of this Hell.

We need some brilliant conservatives to offer up a better way!

I pray daily for Devine Intervention from what is currently planed…

It will completely shut us down, without hope for recovery for Generations!

kevin-pa   January 5th, 2009 9:48 am ET

This is funny.. Hello PE Obama, the elections are over!! giving speeches does not matter any more. what matters is getting things done. speeches got you elected but speeches wont end iraq war, speeches wont get the economy back on track, speeches wont stop terror outfits trying to kill us.

David, Silver Spring, MD   January 5th, 2009 9:46 am ET

I hope reports are wrong that the Obama stimulus plan will be 40% tax cuts. Tax cuts did nothing to help the economy during the Bush years, and Republicans will fight tooth and nail to make any temporary tax cut permanent, portraying Democrats who want to let a temporary cut expire as favoring higher taxes.

It is a fallacy perpetrated by Republicans that lower taxes mean better economy. All it's really meant is smaller investments in the public good–schools, roads, environmental protection, etc.

If the Obama folks need "shovel ready" projects to spend money on, I'm happy to let them fund the rest of my home renovation.

Former Obama Voter   January 5th, 2009 9:46 am ET

I don't want to get stuck with Biden if Obama is impeached or forced to resign... can we have a do over?

Sherrol in Canada   January 5th, 2009 9:42 am ET

Hold on to your seats everyone, it's going to be an inspired one!!

I'd imagine PE Obama might be advising of his economic recovery plan, along with trying to dispel the fear most people are experiencing towards Wall St and Main St. He'll also try to leave folks with a sense of hope and belief that his plan can/will work. The media refers to this as 'confidence'.

A very, very tall order and one which, if successful, will pave the road to recovery. What the American people (including businesses) need to realize however, is that Obama and his administration can provide the means, but they are the ones that must follow through with borrowing/lending, hiring/spending etc, to make it work.

Virginia   January 5th, 2009 9:39 am ET

Not even inaugurated yet and feels comfy speaking to the nation–sounds like he isn't sure he still has fans out there, as he did on his big speech night before the election. Save the speeches for when you are the prez and what you have to say might matter.

tim   January 5th, 2009 9:36 am ET

My fellow Americans I have never had a real job, never made a payroll
never started a company or ran one but today I will tell you how it all works.

Sally   January 5th, 2009 9:28 am ET

But ... but ... "we only have on President at a time".

Goodson   January 5th, 2009 9:26 am ET

President Bush have released more statements supporting Israel against the Palestinians in the past 10 days than he had regarding our sinking economy in the past 10 months.
Someone else has to take on the economy ---PRESIDENT OBAMA

16 Days To Go   January 5th, 2009 9:23 am ET

Good...a president who will talk directly to the people. Transparency as he promised.

Funny how the media is now saying how PE Obama is appealing to Republicans by outlining tax breaks for mainly small business when PE Obama stated that constantly throughout his presidential campaign.

diana   January 5th, 2009 9:21 am ET

Lets see whats done about Franken dont believe it was done according to Americas system it was crooked....................then lets see whats done about Blago appointment to the Senate since he was told not to appointment anyone he seems to think hes above the law......I am so sick of hearing about how crooked the Democrats are they have to change or its going to be a very short four years...so far all we have is Clintons staff in the White House ...... He wasn't a very good President and now its a repeat not a change...............funny how promises are made and not kept...............NO CHANGE

proudliberal-independent   January 5th, 2009 9:19 am ET

did bill and hillary say he could? you all know the clintons pushed richardson out, dont you?

Barack Obama   January 5th, 2009 9:18 am ET

The fundamentals of the economy are strong.

Nobody Asked Larry But...   January 5th, 2009 9:17 am ET

President-elect Barack Obama: keep it straight, keep it simple, keep it honest, and demand that all parties to the economic recovery plan(s), including you, our future President, be accountable for any/all action taken. After the last eight years of the most dishonest and corrupt administration in our nation's history, we, the American people, and the world, deserve better. God luck, and God speed.

Independant Vet   January 5th, 2009 9:13 am ET

GET READY AND SEE HOW MANY MORE FLIP FLOPS HE WILL DO BEFORE HE IS EVEN SEATED . ASK REID FOR LOOKS AS IF HE IS THERE LEADER.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 9:11 am ET

DC-4-MO Great story your family and millions more like them is the reason why Mr. Obama ran for president. Your son is a very bright kid.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 9:07 am ET

Thank You Mr. Obama, you would never know that we still have Idiot republican sitting president still in office.

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