In the past some employers lied to get the tax credit, turned in false ss# and other false inf. to get tax credit. We need checks and balances TO KEEP THE GREADY ONES FORM USING THE SYSTEM. I believe in order to come up with solutions to so many problems all sides HAVE to be heard. If Kerry is expressing his opinion, it should be ok. He did offer another solution. At least he didn't criticize, keep his mouth shut. All of you sideline quarterbacks take some time, write to your representives make some suggestions, form a group, have discussions, put your ideals on paper send them to the people in WASH>DC who serve YOU. Take an active part you are the government. We elect our officials then sit back and complain.

I do believe most of the very, very, rich could care less about the American people. They want more money, power, and FREE LABOR. This is our fault, get involved this is what our new pres. wants

Infrasture projects are not going to help people in the Technology and other private sector industries. We are losing our jobs in large numbers.

We need leaders that understand the over all "JOB" problem in this country. People in these fields/white-collar jobs pay the most taxes and when our jobs go there goes the taxes….

Senators need to work with PE to come up with a resolution. Our country is in a mess….

Idiot speaks to other idiot democrats and the socialist Obama pretends to be president! CNN is the proponent socialist network and benefactor of Obama drama!

I said that the Democratic party was imploding BUT all I got was wise as.s comments!!

Well…well…well….."Key Democrats" huh?

What a joke. These so-called "Key" folks aren't so key if they can't get their own BIG EGO heads out of their tight butts, I'm sure President Elect Obama will show them how to get a colon cleansing REAL quick.

The concerns of the dissenting democratic senators are reasonable and valid. I don't see the logic in giving a tax break that equates to just $20 a week in our paychecks. This is ALL the brightest minds in finance could come up with? What can you buy with $20 a week that will rapidly stimulate the economy? A new pair of shoes, pants, or a shirt can cost more than that. Milk, eggs, and bread are all over $4 in some places. Need I mention the cost of meat and poultry? And in case no one's noticed, gas prices are quickly rising again. $20 doesn't even get me a half tank.

As far as I'm concerned, that amount is just a slap in the face when these corporate executives are still living high on the hog. If the president-elect's administration found that giving people a lump sum of money didn't really stimulate the economy with Bush's stimulus (probably because most of us used it to pay a bill or saved it), maybe it's time to think of something else. If the whole purpose is to get us out spending the money at retailers and such, why not create vouchers or send out debit cards that can only be used to purchase consumer products like groceries, clothing, and gasoline? It benefits taxpayers because for a little while those needs are being met elsewhere, and it benefits retailers because they are selling their merchandise. I mean let's start thinking outside the box for once.

I think we can all agree that $20 a week won't make much difference in each of our personal financial situations, let alone begin to fix what's happening to the US economy. I will be writing my state's representatives tonight to say as much.

INFRASCTURE,,,,,,,,,,,,,DEALS,,,,,,,,,,,,TAKE,,,,,,,,,,,YEARS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,TO,,,,,,,,,,

GET,,,,,,,,,,,,PUT,,,,,,,,,TOGETHER,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,TAX,,,,,,,,,,,CUTS,,,,,,,,,ARE,,,,,,,,,,,

AN,,,,,,,,,,,IMMEDIATE,,,,,,,,,STIMULUS

If the subject wasn't so serious, this pathetic performance by the liberals, b4 Obama Hussien even takes office, would be the theater of the absurd.

I think that both the House and the Senate should listen to the prople. We voted Obama in as President to deal with economic issues. Therefor, Congress should, at least, try to implement his economic plan, including tax cuts for the public and incentives for businesses to hire new employees. If nothing else, moving forward with these plans evokes trust vs. the anger the recent billion $ bailout plans generated. Congress should spend more time trying to figure out how to take away the multi-million $ parachutes and bonuses and take care of the new economic stimulation package.

How can they not back a $9.60 tax cut for us hard working americans, this will get us right out of this recession (end sarcasim). When America voted Obama in we were looking for more then $9.60 a week, while he wants to give buisnesses $3,000 for making products nobody can afford to buy. Nortice how there is no mention of his tax increase on the "rich" Maybe he was too good to be true.

wow, a party that questions its leaders, it feels nice.

If they cut out the payroll reduction for lower-income workers, I'll be voting straight Republican next election…that $20/paycheck may not mean much to the politicians who earn four times as much as me per year, but when you live in a lower income, struggling working family, in an environment where companies are going years without raises and bonuses, that $20/check is another bill paid, and incredibly necessary to help us stave off debt.

tax cuts for the poor are always going to be 'smaller per person' because of the larger number of people affected. And if no one wants to stand up for our meager tax cut, we might as well let Repubs run the show…at least we KNOW they don't care about us

I think it's great there are going to be discussions, just as long as they don't take 4 months to reach an agreement. I hope they all realize they have to come to an agreement quickly. Infrastructure creates jobs which in turn create money for those people to spend to lift our economy, just as long as the infrastructure jobs aren't things like zoo exhibits, etc., but things like roads, bridges, sewer plants, etc.

I hope you all get what you voted for. Ha. …. Palin/Huckbee 2012

It is the CEO's and the politicians of this country who have screwed over the American people over and over again.

What else is new???

MikeH: there's been plenty of "in-fighting and petty squabbling" during every administration and in both parties, but that's not what this is. Take a step back, a deep breath, and challenge yourself to recognize what reasoned discussion and thoughtful compromise looks like.

Here is a perfect example when you don't have a filibuster proof majority……IT'S CALLED : GRIDLOCK
(in other words: nothing gets done)
if the Repubs don't like it..then it doesn't make it to his desk

I'm glad that Democrats are finally realizing that their "perfect president" isn't so great after all. Won't be too long before we everyone likes him as much as they like Bush.

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY IN THE H.E.L.L IS EVERYBODY TRYING TO TELL PRESIDENT OBAMA WHAT'S RIGHT OR WRONG WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN TELLING BRAIN-DEAD BUSH-WACK HOW HE HAS SCREWED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will take what is offered to me with a smile and be thankful for that.

Government loan money to the bank which is taxpayer money from the beginning and now they want to complain about how to distribute it back to us.

The stimulus will help me curtail the food issue and that is just about it. How can you help America when they are hungry? For me the money will go toward food and nothing else. I can't afford to buy anything else when the food is high.

Like the gas for one, driving came to a near halt when it shot up to $4.00.

Gas go down for months but not food.. What gives?

I accept the opposition of some provisions in the stimulus package. What I will like to see rather than politicans "blast" the plan, work with the president to improve it. That is what grown-ups do. Sit down at the table and find something that works.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, BABY !!!!!! THATS "WHAT" PEOPLE NEED ! IF PEOPLE ARE WORKING, BEING PAID A FAIR WAGE, THEY THEN HAVE SOME ( SOME) money to spend, and not need a stingy small stimulus …get the infrastructure jobs going..get the auto makers building better, green, energy efficient cars…get more teachers in our school, especially the gifted and handicapped, and the poor..tax CHURCHES, they seem to be doing fine building mega giant churches, taking big bucks away from people who need the money for themselves, by using "guilt" to get them to shell out even more money to the tax free churches..Raise taxes on "luxery" items, most of us main street folks cant afford them anyways, and those who can should be taxed more..KEEP PEOPLE IN THIER HOMES !!! kinda hard for afamily who has lost thier home, to even get work, now that credit is checked to even get a job !!!
thats my input anyways..now y'all can attack me too..

Obama's most dangerous enemies are those from within the Dem Party.

Watch for constant squabbling between Reid, Pelosi and the Obama team.

I'm just curious. Who made all these people economy experts all of a sudden? They are mostly to blame for this country being in the toilet as it is. Obama has an idea and they get to attack? I think they need to sit down, sign on the dotted line and see if it works or not. I'm sick to death of all the talking and the talking and the talking while we, the real American people, keep suffering!

And this is the one's that Obama will have to be leary of. The one's in his party. Kerry could not win the election when he ran. So here we go.

He's right. I can't see that tax credit being much of an incentive to hire more employees that they weren't already going to hire anyway. Even at minimum wage it will cost over $15K a year per employee. Subtract the credit and it still leaves over $12K worth of work that needs to get done to even break even on a new hire.

Maybe, MAYBE it would have a marginal effect where the numbers are close and the employer just needs a nudge, but other than that, it will be handing out money for employers doing what they would have done anyway. Worst case scenario is that the employer would hand out OT to existing employees to get the job done which could arguabley have a better effect than adding to payroll. That credit money could be better spent on something that would have a more concrete effect.

Aren't our forefathers geniuses for instituting this system of checks and balances.

Gone are the days of the Bush dictatorship and of the vice-president "really gettin' in there with the senators and makin' good policy changes [in] support [of] the president's agenda that will make life better."

I wish our Senators would study the issue before they just shoot from the hip. These Senators should take some tips from our New President management style to take the time to understand, evaluate, consult with experts, review options, make a decision and then communicate it.

John Kerry's response is the words of a true socialist.Don't give incentives to companies to create jobs. Create more government jobs so that government can control it.

John Kerry's response is the words of a true socialist.Don't give incentives to companies to create jobs. Create more government jobs so that government can control it.

and rightfully so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney and the sheep that followed

and rightfully so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney and the sheep thta followed

So John Kerry didn't get the SOS job now he's going after the PE? Where was he during the last 8 years? Where was he during the Bank bailout fiasco? John we are not stupid!!!

Hurry up and send me my 9 dollars a week tax cut !

WHO DARES QUESTION THE MESSIAH!

$20/paycheck. Wow. That won't even buy a tank of gas.

and so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney…thank god

It's funny seeing just how clueless the Congressional Democrats are. Of all the proposals Obama put forward to jump start the economy, ithe only one that can potentially help the economy and create long term viable jobs IS the tax breaks to businesses. One can argue that $3,000 is simply not large enough, which I agree. I think instead of just $3,000, Obama should simply suspend all corporate and capital gains taxes for one year. That way you put money directly into the hands of businesses to update their equipments, retain that employee who otherwise may be laid off, etc. That's how you jump start the economy. The rest of the stuff, including building "roads to nowhere" or create government sponsored "green jobs" (whatever that may be) are ineffective with at best temporary effects. Yet, business tax break is the only thing these Democrats oppose. What a bunch of baffoons. God help us.

It's funny seeing just how clueless the Congressional Democrats are. Of all the proposals Obama put forward to jump start the economy, it only one that can potentially help the economy and create long term viable jobs IS the tax breaks to businesses. One can argue that $3,000 is simply not large enough, which I agree. I think instead of just $3,000, Obama should simply suspend all corporate and capital gains taxes for one year. That one you put money directly into the hands of businesses to update their equipments, retain that employee who otherwise may be laid off, etc. That's how you jump start the economy. The rest of the stuff, including building "roads to nowhere" or create government sponsored "green jobs" (whatever that may be) are ineffective with at best temporary effects. Yet, business tax break is the only thing these Democrats oppose. What a bunch of baffoons. God help us.

We do not need in-house fighting AMERICA need all of US working together. We the people together we stand and divided we fall, let put AMERICA first, she has been last for eight years. Greed did this only thinking of self anything goes. So lets get this together , thank God AMERICA has a thinking (1/20/09) President . Come on Democrats show the world how it is done without GREED. P.S. Republicans also, it is called team work for country.

pg — are you that closed minded that your chosen one cannot be questioned????

What is it, afraid that he really doesn't have all the answers like he promised you Obamo-aid drinkers.

And by the way,,, so will the rest of us remember in 2012 if Barack doesn't deliver on what he promised .

pg — are you that closed minded that your chosen one cannot be questioned????

What is it, afraid that he really doesn't have all the answers like he promised you Obamo-aid drinkers.

And by the way,,, so will the rest of us remember in 2012 if Barack doesn't deliver on what he promised .

Mike H: You are right…Dems are like herding cats they will infight and argue…however I prefer that to the goose-stepping Repubs that fall into line like sheep and get us into the situation we find ourselves in. It may be a messy way to govern but the end result HAS to be better than we have gotten over the past 8 years

MikeH January 8th, 2009 3:01 pm ET
And so begins the in-fighting and petty squabbling that defines the Democratic party.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As opposed to Republicans who followed their leader blindly as he waged an illegal war, murdered women and children, and imprisoned & tortured innocent civilians. That's a true Conservative 'Patriot'. Bravo. But to you and your kind Iraqi women and children aren't human beings, are they Mike? You’re a Conservative ‘Patriot’ too.

Nice to see the senators, that have ZERO experience in the business world, telling us what will and won't work.

If we could get a handle on corporate taxes (currently the 2nd highest in the industrialized world), you'd see enough money come back onshore that we wouldn't need this stimulus business.

Why do you think offshore accounts exist? Because Uncle Sam doesn't want a piece of the pie, he wants ALL of it. Nice to see Obama embracing trickle down economics. If the gov't would let that concept work and quit screwing with it, we'd see a whole different economic landscape.

This is not petty squabbling, this is scrubbing ideas for the best plan. It’s called intellectual discord. You might not recognize it because it has been missing for about 8 years.

MikeH January 8th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

And so begins the in-fighting and petty squabbling that defines the Democratic party.

What you term as 'in-fighting and perry squabling' can be called diagreements and discussions, something thorougly missing with the Republican presidents and Republican controlled congress in 2001-2006. All this is fine as long as they have a good plan at the end.

As long Congress takes action then it's all good.

If they fail us again, well, then, we'll just have to vote these old,
do-nothings out of office when their terms are up for re-election.

John Kerry wants another "Big Dig" he can bring home so nitwits will keep voting botox big hair back into office.

Mike H, you are obiously a sour grapes republican. What I see in this piece is just honest discussion between people of the big economic issues. We need discussion and a lot of it. This is something the Bush administration never did because they were to self centered and narrow minded.

What, is it starting already?

I thought we would have to wait until at least January 21st to see the Democrats start eating themselves.

Bon appetite!

That's right MikeH, it was so much cleaner the [R] way, when the tyrant-in-charge could dictate to his compliant [R] congress without fear of feedback, discussion or analysing different approaches….and the minority [D]s were labled unpartiotic when they tried to do so. Yes, your way was also much better back in the 1770s, which is why your political ancestors decided to take the easy route and stay true to the British dolt-in-charge of that day. Thank God our forefathers and the balls to in-fight and squabble us a new glorious country! You, MikeH, are one proud neo-moron.

I don't get it – how is hiring someone NOT creating a job? Whatever.com. And as far as tax credits, that's money going directly to consumers on a regular basis, through their paychecks, by lowering their tax obligation. That will definitely help me and my family members. I don't agree with these Dems at all.

Charles Atlanta,
good point…when the repubs controlled both houses, the operative phrase was "rubber stamp". What repubs and neo-cons in particular do not understand is that while the concept is good, senate dems have the right to (and should) challenge the proposal if they do not think to be in the best interest of the country. Obama is a grown man and can take the heat, something the sitting president was unable to do.
Yes, Mag, discussions and debate on the congressional floors will hopefully produce a better or more effective bill. I also agree with Kerry re: infrastructure. FDR had it right; economic conditions now are similar.

It seems to me that several members of the Democratic Party have suddenly found out something fascinating…they have a spine. Who knew???

The problem is that some of the same people who sat quietly in a corner and said and did absolutely nothing through all of the Bush Administration's dealings are now all of a sudden finding any reason to complain about Barack Obama's plans. Give me a break! This kind of partisan politicking and grand-standing is exactly why Congress can't seem to get anything done and why it has the approval rating of a piece of lint!!!

It sounds like a healthy discussion. Everyone seems to be working toward the same end, which seems to be rare in politics. The only real differences are how to get there. I doubt Obama will get a rigid on this. He knows when to compromise.

Okay they think some things won't work. Speak to the America people and tell us their ideas; don't do things behind close doors; Have these Senators spoken with economist or is this just their thoughts? given these guys helped to get us in this mess, I want to hear ideas not just rhetoric;

to MikeH:
can you read?!?!?!? i mean, seriously…

"None of the senators…thought the opposition to these provisions would derail the bill but suggested many meetings would be needed…[for]…an agreement."

…seriously, CAN YOU READ?!?

Imagine that – and no Republicans left to blame for when the economy tanks.

Barack will listen and they will find some common ground. I can't wait till inag day!!!!!

It is Jimmy Carter II all over again, they have the congressional maindate, but can not agre, in the meantime the American citizen, is jobless, homeless, and starving….

This is a good discussion. No one can have it all their own way. Compromise, working together, bi-partisanship, planning…. I like this.

Let's be clear. Every U.S. Senator that sat around for 8 years has NO CREDIBILITY with American citizens. Democrat or Republican.

1. You allowed George Bush to torture citizens and non-citizens
2. You provided no oversight of the executive branch as they napalmed the entire economy.
3. There was no action when the federal government abandoned thousands after Hurricane Katrina
4. You happily let the Bush Administration's attorney general fire federal judges who didn't follow their marching orders
5. We are in endless wars spread over half the planet which doesn't like our strong arm tactics

SHUT UP. Let Obama do what we voted him in to do since you were ccontent to sit around and eat off the public dime for most of a decade

I need to make a corection, that is 8 bridges in the downtown area alone. Thanks

Sen. Kent Conrad agreed. “I think it’s unlikely to be effective,” the North Dakota senator told CNN. “If you think about it, business people are not going to hire people to produce products that are not selling. Who is going to hire in the auto industry if you give them a $3,000 credit to make cars that people are not buying?”

Newsflash to Sen. Conrad – people aren't buying because they don't have money to buy.

The Republicans have their own in-fighting. I would rather see the money go to infrastructure. Living in a city that has 8 just in the downtown area that spans water, I'd rather get these retro fitted for earthquake and brought up to code. I think we need to create jobs.

Obama is trying to make good on a campaign promise and that's great, I applaud the effort. When that promise was made, we were not in the mess we are in now. I think he should use his perogative to change his mind.

Obviously, the package needs work… it has to begin somewhere, and the PE has begun the discussion. I'm sure Obama is open for constructive criticism and discussion. That's the best way to build a better stimulus package.

Obama put their minds to work. They have been asleep at the wheel long enough.

one very important thing not mentioned in the article is the $500 gift obama wants to give nonworking people. notice the dem leadership doesn't complain about that – hey, they're pretty smart you know.

this is the slickest vote buying ploy in US history – letting those that work and pay taxes pay for the dems $500/vote campaign

I think John Kerry is a little hurt about not getting the secretary of state position.

Hey MikeH. You like Palin? I bet you do. Your probably a winner

Was it Will Rogers that commented "I don't belong to an organized party: I'm a Democrat."

At least we don't have the blind, trunk to tail, follow the leader into the Dismal Swamp like the past 8 years. Discussion is a good thing and shows a healthy democracy!

I think John Kerry was deeply hurt, about not getting nominated for the secretary of state position.

VOTE HILLARY 2008!

1) I agree with Charles Atlanta – this is a sign of checks and balances, a sign that the fears discussed during the campaign of an unchecked White House with democrats controlling both branches are not true. Democrats will argue with Democrats

2) In this case, I would side with Obama over the congressional democrats. By giving a Tax Credit for employees to a business, it encourages them to bring jobs back to America, rather than send them overseas. It's all fine and good for the government to hire, but the beauty of Obama's plan is that it encourages private sector growth in addition to the public sector employment. We already learned that putting a lump of money in one place doesn't work – the multi-prong approach will help now, and in the future.
American businessmen don't care where their workers are, they care about profits. So sending workers overseas is more profitable, so they do it. With this kind of tax incentive, it will make them think about having the jobs here.

Good for John Kerry. Lookit, when you add up the cost of hiring someone, a $3k tax credit is laughable. It's a JOKE! Let's consider cutting corporate taxes (we have the 2nd highest rate) and I like the idea of getting a tax break. Yeah! Let's stop collecting income tax for six months and Federal sales tax. Betcha that gets the markets flowing. But then, the rats in gubmint would lose the power they covet.

I'm not a big fan of John Kerry, but he makes a good point. Obama needs to start taking Republican and Clintonian/neoliberal economic ideas with more than a few grains of salt… Look at where catering our economic programs to the needs of business since the Reagan "Revolution" has gotten us!

The Democrats in Congress need to be careful, they better NOT start the infighting!

We, the People, elected Barack Obama, and elected the Democratic majority to help him do his work.

WARNING: Do Not stand in Obama's way!

hahaha…checks and balances….I believe Obama's belief is, "Checks and more Checks…" Just keep aprintin'

The problems with libs is they love to look for a problem to justify their cause; no problem? Create one…so, once the republicans are gone, they'll start feeding on each other.

Can't these jerks express their objections in private? Why do they always blurt it out to the media only to backtrack within days or hours even.

$3000 for each hire? Not for each "new job"? Doesn't that mean that you make more money if you keep laying people off (or firing them) and re-filling the same old job? Nice!

Shame on them, we all need to stick together now, well how is that going to happen, if the own Party is critizizing PE Obama already. That makes them look bad, and gives the GOP just what they want, fuel for their fire to dump on the dems. Shame on them.

Perhaps the Senators could nbck up the "uselessness" of having extra money in everyone's paycheck by setting an example and forgoing their 5 000 dollar raise!!

@MikeH,

Where did you ever see an actual working democracy without infighting and petty squabbling? If you think you did, you didn't know what you were looking at. Debate and unwilling compromise (aka infighting and petty squabbling) are the only way to have a working democracy. If you don't see them, what you're looking at isn't a democracy, it's a tin-plated dictatorship posing as democracy.

Fine. work it out but please no earmarks!!!!

If you Democrats would have had this kind of immediate resistance and questioning of George Bush with Iraq we probally wouldn"t have 4000 American lives lost. Keep it up Dema Repubs just need only sit back and lick there chops and buy time before power is restored to them,

Hey Johny Kerry- Bitter much??

thank goodness this guy did not get any of the positions he wanted.
Can you imagine him as SOS… geeeeeeeeeees.

see not all brown nosing works

We will remember the obstructionists during re-elections.

From what I have read of the stimulus there will be no need for anyone to work – with free health care,free housing, handouts to everyone that does not work, food stamps for all, day care for the children, free education for all. No need for more jobs just print more money or borrow it from who ever. This is really the change Obama promises.
When do i start receiving my checks?

Who do you have to know to get a comment accepted??

Oh oh. Obama will have to do another poll to find out what he thinks before he can respond .

Where were these Dems when George W. Bush rolled right over them. They have the nerve to speak out now, when the country is behind Barack. Good luck in their next election.

Obama's a smart man and so is his team. They already know that everything in their package is not going to be approved. It's called "Politics".

Infrasture projects are not going to help people in the Technology and other public sector industries. We are loosing/have lost our jobs in large numbers.

We need leaders that understand the over all "JOB" problem in this country. People in these fields/white-collar jobs pay the most taxes and when our jobs go there goes the taxes….

Senators need to work with PE to come up with a resolution. Our country is in a mess….

Well, well, the Dems just keep on going. Let me guess, they want that 1,000 dollars I said that whoever can make my boy cry, huh? LOL!!

Hmmm, gotta say, not a bad argument, pretty good one. The money can be used in many ways, there's no dispute about that. but how you wanna use is based on many, many opinions…

I say pick the Sooners and boom baby! Tax cut coming all the way, LOL!! …I forgot, only if you win, LOL!!

One thing Obama had better realize (although I'm sure he knows this) is that he is not going to please everyone, especially trying to be a consensus candidate. I wouldn't run for President if someone paid me to. Could any of you imagine Palin settling these kinds of issues?

Tax cuts are poison to Dems!

The fact that some dems don't like some proposals and some repubs don't like others tells me that overall it is probably going to be more effective.

That's the first thing that idiot Kerry has ever said that makes sense.

CAN YOU SMELL HATERS? I CAN, THIS IS THE FIRST OF MANY DISSES OBAMA WILL RECIEVE STRICTLY BECAUSE HE'S OBAMA, IT'S A SHAME. JOHN KERRY SHUT UP YOU ARE JUST MAD THAT YOU DIDNT WIN AGAINST THE WORST PRESIDENT OF MODERN HISTORY. CAN WE BE UNIFIED JUST ONE TIME IN MY SHORT 26 YEARS OF LIFE.

The Democrats are always putting up a front …then giving in. Remember Kerry was one of the first to throw his support to Obama. I have to think that he will back our new President in every fashion.

Obviously, he isn't going to appease all of the Democratic Party all of the time. Nor will he appease all of the Republican Party all of the time. The man was elected because he "may" be the only politician in recent history that understands the answers lie somewhere in the middle of the isle.

Your headline and story don't jibe with each other. In what sense did these senators "blast" Obama's proposal? Sounds more like criticism of some elements to me. Enough with the sensationalism.

John Kerry is only steamed because he was not selected as Secretary of State.
I don't hear any of them providing any suggestions either.

Change.

This stimulus plan is a big fat turkey and poor economic policy. You don't need to be a Harvard PhD to see that.

Any democrat that votes against Obama…we should GET RID OF THEM. Now that they have the majority, in fighting will cause MANY voters to move away from the Democrats should they not be able to make progress because of their own selfish egos.

We're watching.

Democrats shoveled money away to the banks,AIG,Auto Industry,and now when it comes to a Tax break for the American Small businesses who employee real American people( american people who don't make enough to contribute hundreds of thousands to their political campaigns) they Balk. A trillion Dollars Obama could give every american Tax payer $5,000.00 or more if he just limited it to those who made under $200,000.00 a year. Can not say thats a good idea,spending money we do not have.

Good Leaders are not Frightened of getting their hands Dirty….
Obama…. Talks about what other's should do for him… All he did through out hgis Campaigne was Criticise others…..
Get down in the Mud Mr Obama….

Kerry is not one of my favorite Dems…..but it seems that Kerry is RIGHT regarding the tax cuts.

WE NEED JOBS!

I think it is ridiculous that any of the democrats are making criticms at all! I am so tired of congress and its lack of understanding, or that matter care for our citizens,

First, I didn't even vote for Obama, but he is our leader, and at the very least each and every citizen should make a committment to support his new ideas in hopes we call all achieve sucess.

Second, the democrats have had a hold of this congress for quite some time. They have chose to go vacation, to continue thier own salary increase, to blame the administration for problems, they show boat issues instead investigating and addressing.

I am ashamed of Wyden, He used a be concerned with people now apparently, he is more concerned with making a stand on a very small aspect of the plan. Get a life, move on, to more important things.

Ron $20.00 a check is pretty big deal to lots of people. From young families to the elderly, its gas, its food, and its heat! If its too small to do anything come back with an innovative proposal of your own that makes an impact and puts some cash and tax relief in Americans pockets today!

Well, let the discussions begin – this is what we all need, and a better plan in the end.

I'm still waiting to hear the "change" that we were all promised. So far all I've heard from Obama is the same old Clinton people and the same old tax and spend blah, blah, blah…

trouble in paradise???

I truley think President Elect Obama should be put on trial for inciting a public riot. Worst case scenario, he's inciting the entire world thinking the US is in the worst shape ever and is boarding complete collapse. Best case scenario, he's doing that same thing to millions of American's (and others) foolish enough to believe him just because he's the President (elect). He's making it sound as horrible as he possibly can so that A) he gets all the money he wants to spend and B) when things become any better at all he'll be standing tall at the top taking the credit.

Hey Sen. Kerry, a $3000 tax credit is to act as an incentive to help create jobs here – one of many other incentives! So, let me get this straight; you'd rather the government allocate $3000 per head and invest it in a job creation program?
Well, first of all I believe that's what the infrastructure investment portion of the stimulus is supposed to achieve.
Secondly, show me a "job" that costs $3000 to create or keep and I'll show you a job that was outsourced to India way back when.
Third, I wonder how many trillion dollars your stimulus package would have to cost!

Sometimes I just can't stand these attention hungry democrats! Unbelievable…

Good. Bring back check and balance of power. It has been missing in Bush administration that led to many disasters.

John Kerry , please don't be BITTER because you did not get the nomination for Sec. of State. Grow UP!! You lost 4 years ago, and I understand why. You did not have a chance John!!

Buckle up folks – the Left is gonna rise and slam the rest of us into the ground so they can push their ultra-liberal agenda and turn the US into the Socialist dream they so desire.

Could John Kerry be a little sore because he did get the SOS job? I guess the only way he can be heard is to oppose Obama. In some instances, the dems may prove to be more of an obstacle for Obama than repubs.

Jerks….
It amazes me how many people constantly criticize and block this man.. and THEY THEMSELVES HAVE NO SOLUTION.

If you dont have any solutions, or anything meaningful to bring to the table but negativity and resistance to ideas… Stay your ssa at home.

Obviously, direct investment is the better solution for job creation long-term, but with less credit available for companies to meet payroll for the foreseeable future, why not at least try and influence personel decisions with the tax credit? If it doesn't work, so what…it won't cost anything if employers didn't hire and claim the credit. To the extent it works, great! Sounds like a good idea to try it.

While I disagree with some of the senators, I'm glad they are debating the issue. If some of the Democratic senators disagree with Obama, that will force him to seek bipartisan support from Republicans.

Most of Bush's problems come from a congress that wrote him blank check after blank check, along with his refusal to use veto power for the first five or six years.

I hope that Barack Obama uses his veto pen when necessary, and doesn't rely only on Democratic support.
If he shows that he can get Republican support even when he has a Democratic majority, I'd call that change I can believe in.

Tell me I'm not dreaming! Kerry saying maybe "no" to the Promised One? Perhaps Kerry is smart enough after all to know Obama and His Magic Twanger will go down the tubes shortly. Obama is all dreams, no reality. Empty suit!

Kerry and Wyden have good points. Supporting investment in infrastructure not only creates jobs but increases the overall productivity of the economy for years to come. The payoff will be exponential rather than a one time boost.

Further…by the same token a $ 5 000 a year raise won't do anything to stimulate the economy either…perhaps these Senators shpuld set an example and turn it down as well…

I would much rather the tax credit be given to businesses given the poor and inefficient record our federal government has in disbursing public funds.

And so begins the in-fighting and petty squabbling that defines the Democratic party.

For some people $ 20.00 per pay check is a big deal…The Senators have lost touch with the real struggles of Americans. Typical partisan bs. The Senators should be reminded that PE Obama has a plus 70 % approval rating will they have a 28% approval rating.

Time for all the mandarins in the Senate from both parties who sat through the years that lead to this economic crisis to step down and let the younger generation take over their own destiny.

I have to agree…. The $1250 or whatever I got last year for my family was spent and then gone. I just don't think that giving everyone a one-time, small slug of cash does anything. For a business to be comfortable to start hiring folks, there has to be a prospect of an ongoing, increased cash flow.

How dare they criticize, they should be taken behind the wood shed.

BREAKING NEWS………Obama is not Perfect??? What??? Empty suit with no experience coming through.

FYI- Obama is not the first black President. He's the first bi-racial President. Not an opinion, just a fact.

revised

Excellent, this shows the Democratic process at work.
When the Senate, and Congress can look at a plan and find better ways to make it work, then you have total buy in from all parties.

Recognizing that no plan is ever perfect, the first time out the gate
helps everyone to understand, that debating the properties of
the economic plan is a critical issue on everyone agenda.

I am very pleased with our future outlook.

Especially now that everyon realizes, we have to make change to go forward. The old ideas and doing business have failed.

Wall Street let us all down, and in turn we let ourselves down, by not using common sense.

2009 is the time for everyone to get ther Finances in order.

My goodness, here we finally have a President that can think, and a Congress of the same party, and now that Congress is going to fight our New President. May have well kept the Bush…..Give me a break, you bumbling idiots….

Slow news day? She's so last year. Get a new subject.

Excellent, I shows the Democratic process at work.
When the Senate, and Congress can look at a plan and find better ways to make it work, then you have total buy in from all parties.

Recognizing that no plan is ever perfect, the first time out the gate
helps everyone to understand, that debating the properties of
the economic plan is a critical issue on everyone agenda.

I am very pleased with our future outlook.

Especially now that everyon realizes, we have to make change to go forward. The old ideas and doing business have failed.

Wall Street let us all down, and in turn we let ourselves down, by not using common sense.

2009 is the time for everyone to get ther Finances in order.

Amazing, John Kerry is an idiot no matter who is president.

No legislature is perfect…..if anyone from either party objects they should OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE……just sitting around bashing a plan is NOT constructive and will not help move this along….we all agree we need SOME KIND of stimulus. Make it work people! This is why you were elected……remember??

Palin is so egotistical and has absolutely no reason to be.

6 months after she loses the governorship, she'll be in porn.

This legislature has had 8 years to share in the sins of the administration and just maybe the next election should forget party lines and just concentrate on voting out anyone in their job longwer than 4 years. Get rid of the wood that won't support anything but their own egos.

Rewarding business's for employing Americans is an EXCELLENT idea. Perhaps it would need fine tuning to appease everyone but it's an idea in the right direction. I've watched over taxation of business's destroy my home state. We are slowly watching it destroy our country and a good majority of politicians are only concerned with themselves instead of the entire country.

I have to agree with Sens. Kerry and Conrad, but only insofar as how a $3,000 check will affect the economy.

A $3,000 check however has a bigger effect on the psyche, and WILL lead to more hiring.

What's this?? Congress questioning a president, especially the all mighty P.E. Does this mean congress actually has a lot to say about how the economy will work?? I'm just curious why it's all Bush's fault when congress has so much influence, of course if things don't go well for P.E. you'll just say it's all Bush's fault, don't you dare blame congress or P.E.

Give me a break. Use your English skills better. I'd hardly call this "blast" the proposals. That's how problems happen, the media gets to be the drama queen in its reporting. disagree, trying to work it out. This isn't a suspense novel, you know.

Isn't that why there's a committee? To hear all sides of the issue and make changes as needed?

Can't the media concentrate on some positive and uplifting stories once in awhile? Like getting some confidence to people? The historic upcoming inauguration that the entire world will be watching instead of putting down Obama before he even gets sworn in?

I'm really getting tired of the overused drama for some stories.

I disagree with their belief that a $500 tax credit won't help. They keep saying that part of the problem in the economy is the frozen credit markets. This partly due to people not paying off debts. I for one would love an extra 500 bucks to pay off some credit cards. I think direct relief to individuals will help people settle debts. The credit markets are also vital to improving the economy. Plus I'm more inclined to trust the recommendations of the economic experts in Obama's cabinet (whom both Republicans and Democrats lauded), than some random politicians in the Senate.

None of the stimulas packages and bailouts have apparently worked so far. Why should anyone believe that another one of this magnitude will work? Obama basically said it won't help as things are going to get worse, so why do it? Perhaps the money would be better spent in another way or, I know it's crazy, not spent at all. I'm not crazy about the size of the deficit and the direction that all these spending packages are sending our country. This is a global recession and our country has made it out before just fine without all the government intervention.

The Democrats and Republicans in the Senate and House need to get a grip. They are equally responsible for this economic mess as President Bush, especially if they've been in office the past 8 years. They had better get off their ideological behinds, stop behaving as if they are the only ones with the right answers and start comprising to get this country back on track. And to the PEOPLE of AMERICA, it is time we put our respective representatives in the House and Senate ON-NOTICE, Democrats and Republicans! Either they start working their sorry behinds for U.S. (the AMERICAN PEOPLE) (not major corps, lobbyists, unions or their cronies = major campaign donors) or they are going to find themselves unemployed as public servants come their next election. It's not just money that gets their behinds elected to office, they also need our VOTES. The 2008 elections proved that. It is up to us folks, government of, by and for the PEOPLE. We need to EXERCISE our POWER via our VOICE (e-mail, call respective reps), make our DEMANDS clear; and if they do not listen, VOTE THEIR BEHINDS OUT OF OFFICE — especially those yahoos in the Senate!

I would not give tax credit to employers. Better to spend on infrastructure. Everything else is great in Obama approach.

Seems like the cool-aid is wearing off . Better make another batch Barrack.

Guess they will give up their February vacation even though more than 6 week in a row without a week off might be overtaxing to these overworked public servants

I'm afraid I may be on the verge of a break down. I agree with John Kerry.

I own my business. If I want to hire a new employee for my business, it will cost me at least $30,000 in salary per year and that is an entry-level position. The only thing the $3,000 tax credit will do is reduce that cost to $27,000. My sense is that an employer who was going to hire a new employee anyway will get a benefit from this proposal. An employer will not decide to hire a new employee just so that the business can get a $3,000 tax credit.

How dare they criticize Barry! Don't they know he's the Annoited One? Smite them down with lighting Barry! Turn them into a newt!

Ok? So this is gonna be a long 4 years. The tax cut was a promised proposal from his campaign and he is keeping it. Why did they not speak out then. And how do you get republicans to sign on without tax cuts? Oy, a long 4 years indeed.

twenty dollars a week on my pay check will not make a difference at all. with the cost of food still high maybe if it were at least fifty than I would agree.

Well, we all know Kerry is bitter for supporting the PE and not getting a position.

They can blast like they want to; this is a free Country. PE Obama will have VETO power as POTUS!

What's this? Suddenly Congress has a better plan? Well where the heck have they been all this time?? C'mon Congress. When Obama says we need to act fast, he means ACT – not spend more time nitpicking and stonewalling.

A dynamic and positive president will not go over well with the vulture has-beens in the Senate. Hopefully he stands up to these moron also-rans.

Think before you blast! We the body politic have given Iraq 100's of billions of dollars, pouring it down a desert hole for nothing while Americans starved. bush and his buddies profited highly from their stocks and no-bid-contracts while more Americans went into poverty than the great depression.

If we can't take care of our own, but everyone else, what does that say about us?

Our live and world need tending, so lets cut the crap and tend it – NOW

They obviously have never needed $20 more a week to apply toward medicine or groceries. Must be nice having lifetime high salary and all the benefits we pay for them to have. I'd rather have $20/week.

How will making schools 21st century enabled, developing electronic medical records, and making buildings and homes more energy efficient jump start our economy. People need jobs so they can KEEP the homes they have, energy efficient or not. And budgets in states all over the country are being cut, so making buildings more energy efficient will cost more before any results are realized. I knew we were in trouble before HE was elected, and now I know we are….God help us all!

Sorry Kerry. You are frustrated you didn't the Sec. of State gig.

One of the defining characteristics of most Democrats is a firm conviction that they know better than you do how to spend your money. It's refreshing that Obame does seem to be as wedded to this misconception as most.

When he becomes president will that be the end of the blue signs?

Give him a break…We don't want a zombie president surrounded by corporate stooges and disconnected from the common man…That has been the greatest failure of american presidency in the past 8 years.

John Kerry disagreeing with Obama. This must be a dream. He seemed to be in love with Obama during the primary season. What happened? No job offer?

Wow. The Democrats are already blasting Obama's proposals. Does John Kerry think he is a Republican? I think Obama needs to beat the living daylights out of the Senate Democrats.

Wow, Dems are trying to ruin this majority in record timing!

Many of those who threw away their vote on this guy will resent it.
America choose a guy with a lot of rethoric and zero experience.
Asking us to tight our belts and sacrifice for the rest while he won't even give his Blackberry away "so he can keep in touch with the real world" , well , WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD MR PRESIDENT ELECT !

Well, this is fine. Debate and dialogue is how we end up with the best plan in the end, so long as it's not just partisan political posturing. To often it is though. Just look at the comments on this blog.

Sounds like another round of "Democrats shoot themselves in the foot, again".

This is unbelievable we have lost 2.5 million jobs this year and the democratic senators oppose this are they that stupid or didn't they get enough attention from their parents.

Come on, guys. He's not even President yet and you gotta start shooting down his ideas?

Bush-bashing in 3… 2… 1…

Barack Obama – The Uniter

Time to put up Barry. Sit down with these people, your own cohorts by the way, and explain to them your plan. Better yet, place your hand on their forehead and heal them of their confusion over accepting your ideas.
It'll be good practice. Have a nice chat with these friendly enemies before you sit down to talk with terrorists. Remember that, BO?

As the Wealthy continues to argue…..the Poor continues to struggle.

well kerry guess you need to start thinking outside your little box.. you and your ilk are as bad as the republicans who can only chant cut taxes you seem to only be able to chant give away more money. Luckily our President elect can see beyond the little worlds created by the two parties and start coming up with new, different ways of working on a problem. this is change I believe in!

idiots

Well, split it. Northern companies get the tax credit and the Red State do not get a tax credit.

Sure John. Why try to save the current jobs?

OK, Kerry – on what do you base your statement that a tax credit to companies for each employee they hire won't work? Is what you say simply because you say so?

I'm so sick and tired of politicians and others in power who make statements without providing proof or examples to back up their claims. Just because they say so doesn't make it true. Here are a few examples:

"Free trade is a net benefit to the US."

"Outsourcing jobs to foreign countries creates more jobs here in the US".

Huh? Where's the proof?

What's the matter Senator Kerry, Obama too centrist for you? Guess what, not all Democrats are extreme left liberals. In fact most of us are like most Republicans, we lean to the middle and giving businesses a tax break to hire people sounds good.

IMO, those who lean to the extreme left are just as nuts as those who lean to the extreme right. Close minded, stubborn and exclusive.

It's about time we have a President who doesn't lean to any extreme, it's called balance.

See….more proof that Obama is not ready. God, where is Hillary? Please let them swap places.