No offense, but what is CNN's definition of a barrage? Does one Senator Harkin equal a barrage of criticism? Sometimes I think you guys write your articles to encourage a barrage of criticism from the posters on this website….Be it against Obama, Palin, or whomever the article might be about…

I say we vote for a third party next time around!

Why the senators are so dumb? This is not set in tone. They will modify it.

ha! alvino says 401k's are now worth 60% of what they use to be. That there is a smart left wing. Could have changed your 401k around mid last year when you seen the marketing falling. I did. And Im sooo not complaining. To bad your down. Barry can now give you your money back….thats whats its all about right? Just to have society to give you everything. Pays to play smart in this world and not sit on your lazy bum.

Can't we just all get along? LMAO

PRESIDENT-elect OBAMA WILL DEAL WITH IT. HE IS NOT

"YOU ARE WITH ME OR AGAINST ME" PRESIDENT.

HE IS MORE LIKE "IF YOU ARE AGAINST MY IDEA, WHAT IS YOURS".

Its funny…people are saying Obama is too "left-wing socialist liberal" yet the reason liberals and democrats are mad at Obama is because of some of his conservative leanings in his policy…before you critisize…at least know what you are critisizing…

> Be thankful for what you have. Just like us Americans. No wonder
> the rest of the world thank we are a bunch of fools.

Well said. The media is trying to scare the bejeesus out of Americans so that we'll support getting worked over by glorified thugs to redistribute our wealth to other people "for our own good".

Be thankful for what you have indeed. Envy is poison, and it will lead to the self-destruction of this great nation if we don't stop this madness.

Got a roof over your head, food to eat, and ready transportation?

Congratulations – you're better off than billions of other people.

Stop whining and claiming the sky is falling so that we must enact radical socialist policies that may indeed result in the twilight of the USA.

Obama has never had a real job, never started a company, never
made a payroll and always lived off the Govenment and donations.
He can't give any advice about what hard workers do or don't do
or how to create wealth. Don't give my hard earned money to a bunch
of loafers Obama.

>"Free handouts to those that don't even pay taxes." That's not
>socialism, that's pure capitalism. Did you already forget about the
>bank bailout?

What you describe is the complete antithesis of the free market.

I'm tired of people trying to blame the failings of the most economically interventionist US regime in 60 years on the free market, which is what is usually meant by "capitalist" as opposed to "socialist"

The free market would place the fraudsters on the curb, and the fraudsters would likely be going to jail rather than getting golden parachutes courtesy of taxpayers. That is, if they weren't lynched in the streets by angry mobs before making it to the prison.

Obama's plan is common sense, spending our tax dollars on America and Americans. Fixing our roads, schools, bridges, health care, and schools. We should be doing this already. Only in America there's too many morons that argue that this isn't basic common sense.

Tom Harkin is a smart and Good man, you should at least listen if he is airing concerns. I am a avid, Obama supporter, but he is not going tp do everything perfect, so when intelligent people speak up we should take a deep breath and listen.

Yes, tax breaks are a failure, because those stupid "average" Americans are simply not cultured and nuanced as we high-and-mighty vaunted pointed-headed liberals… WE and WE ONLY know how to spend their money.

I've often been flummoxed at how arrogant liberals truly are: "You're too dumb to have, keep, invest and spend your own money."

That unspoken belief (and all good "fellow traveler" liberals share that belief) is arrogant beyond comprehension.

This is a good thing. Balance of power, which is missing during Bush administration and led us to many disasters. Congress needs to oversight executive branch, put all opinions on the table and debate. Nothing wrong with it.

I think the fact that everyone is upset speaks well to how this plan works.

Republicans get the tax cuts they crave.
Democrats get the infrastructure spending they want.

Everyone is pissed that the other side is getting something, but ultimately, it seems like a well balanced plan that rewards work, rewards hiring, and creates direct investment jobs all at the same time.

As to the "those that don't pay taxes," there are sales taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, and all kinds of other taxes that get paid by people who don't meet the threshold for income taxes. Those that don't pay taxes are the people who got rid of the cap gains taxes… we should reward work every bit as much as we reward investment and not create an uneven playing field through our tax structures.

Like itor hateit.Heres how it really is. h ow many times have we heard seen or experienceda big line for a movie the movie is dimwitted with clever special effects. It never stops the public as much as we like all us human beingsare so smart from going back and back again to waitin line.So what could all this mean in relation to Obama"s stimulus package.Do i think he"s wrong for it.This answer will surprise you Ithink he is a bit wrong but like Hollywood the public gives him no choice . i in his postion would probally do the same. We shold use the money tohelp find away to keep utilities lower and help Joe the disabled. whowrote his message above. Thathe only way Icanseeit.

i have never seen a nation that whines like ours. dam.

Its shocking to hear what are republican mouthpieces trying to say what should be done about the economy. The last eight years have shown us just how good republicans are at running our economy. You all need to just shut your mouths and take a good look at the mess you have created. Also, dont go throwing Bush under the bus. You guys wanted him. He was your dream candidate. He was what you all felt reprented the embodiment of your party. Claim him!

There nothing here, move on Idiot republicans. I think George needs help packing. 12 more days folks

Allen – "George W. Bush not only had this much authority, but he also claimed much more than the Constitution granted him."

This lie is sore, and it gets sorer. Look, son, if you know for a certainty that Bush exceeded his Constitutional authority then make your case in court.

You will set yourself apart from every leftist judicial organization, such as the ACLU, and be a paragon among men. You'll also have every leftist dumb enough to draw a breath singing praises to your name.

But, until you do so, and are successful, may I kindly invite you to keep your foolishness to yourself?

Harkin is only one of those who should have retired years ago and cannot except any kind of change. Their to old and to set in their ways. However given that I do hope that Pres. Obama hasn't forgotten that he promised that seniors on social security will not have to pay taxes on their social security. They need the extra money for their medications, food, and keeping a roof over thier head.

Scott L-

Since you are right wing supporter of the most socialist president ever ( George W. Bush), this may be difficult for you to comprehend: our 401k plans are worth 60% of what they were a year ago. You really screwed us by electing the most inept individual as president since Hoover.

It seems to me that Obama is having more problems out of member of his own party in congress that he is with Repthiglicans.

Fienstein, Kerry, Conyears and now Harkin……………who is the next Democrat on the list to come out with a big foot in his or her mouth?

The IDIOTS!!!!

"Free handouts to those that don't even pay taxes." That's not socialism, that's pure capitalism. Did you already forget about the bank bailout?

I knew that McCain would not be any change and I didnt expect Obama to be any real change either,I now I see him as the Globalist he truely is.One world government here they go.Ron Paul was right.I would have voted for Dennis Kucinich or Ron Paul,but the owners of the media made sure they never had a chance.

I think the dems should all get together for a big hug…and Obama could lead them in a song….wake up! The honeymoon's over!

Well we got rid of the Republicans for not being able to resolve anything, we can get rid of these "do nothings."

PE Obama's plan sounded perfectly alright to me, of course it's not going to appeal to everyone on both sides of the isle….but he has to do what is right for the country as he and his economic advisers see fit.
Nobody said this task would be easy, but it has to be done so those who oppose it will have to get on with it and go with the flow.

BWAAAAAHHHHAAAAAAA! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Can't wait for the inauguration if it is this much fun already watching this machine implode!!!

The horrible part of all this is that all of America suffers for it, not just the kool-aid drinkers that voted for it.

Instead of debating all this junk we should be asking how he and Congress are going to lead us out of this mess. I tell you a welfare state and spend, spend is not the answer. We should be demanding that he provide adult leadership and shout down special interest groups, the ACLU, NAACP, black and white racist group and do what is right even if it costs him the next election. If some of you are so short sighted and think that we can get through this without some pain – shame on you. Oh, I get it let the other person hurt, not me. Or maybe it is “time to get even because I have been wronged and repressed” – bull – you don't know what repressed is – go live in Russia or some other welfare state – you will find out. Be thankful for what you have. Just like us Americans. No wonder the rest of the world thank we are a bunch of fools. Oh, by the way I believe now that he is not so liberal after all. So goes campaign promises.

I'm afraid to say this but what the only thing that will defeat Obama is the cynical Dems and Republicans that refuse to acknowledge that this nation requires a new direction!

citizenmateo, don't be so naive. Reagan's influence on American politics is alive and well. He consistently ranks as one of the best Presidents in history. "Trickle down" economics is apparently alive and well if Democrats are opposing that part of Obama's plan. Maybe you're the one who needs to do some research.

nobama is probably goin to fail and the repubs are goin to put you bottom feeding nobamacrats in your place. you praise and worship that clown, he got americas hope all riled up on "change" and he aint goin to be able to deliver it, so, HA!!!

bring our food prices down, milk is still 5 dollars a gallon in most places, i'm afraid 500 dollar tax cuts won't help this major problem, you can't put money back in the economy when you don't have any, i've been without health insurance for 3 years,and some people have never even had any, we've wasted trillons of dollars on a useless war and yet the republicans and some dems. begruge us even the 500 dollars, well, i say just give mine to them, maybe they can get a few extra cups of what ever it is they drink.

YOU PEOPLE ARE MISSING THE MAIN REASON WHY SOME DEMOCRATS ARE COMPLAINING . . .

People like John Kerry and Tom Harkins who are complaining about the $3,000 tax credit for businesses are really not that oppose to it. The tax credit is designed to keep businesses from shipping American jobs overseas. Obama & Biden promised this on their campaign and the Democrats never complained at that time. What the Democrats "really oppose" is Obama & Biden's strict adherence to NO EARMARKS in the stimulus package which leaving the Democrats furious.

Both the Left and Right (especially the Democrats) were looking for a train load of pork but are shock that Obama & Biden are sticking to their NO PORK stimulus package. So the Democrats are using the tax credit (something the Republicans like) as an excuse to lampoon the Obama-Biden economic stimulus package.

I expected for arguments and concerns raised about any economic stimulus plan. The more, the better so that hopefully at the end, the president will be able to learn, and acquire all the information he needs to make the best decision for this country. I don't want the next 4 years to be like the Bush administration, where the citizens knew nothing about anything, and then suddenly 2 million jobs lost, stock market crashed, and now college students like myself are left with little means to pay for tuition.

Harkin needs to wake up.

Once sworn in President Obama needs to go in and shine his shoes on some Congressional butts and put these do nothing idiots in their place. Still waiting on YOUR plan Harkin.

@Scott,,,"Free handouts to those that don't even pay taxes…" I didn't read anywhere that PE Obama wants to give free handouts to anyone; he does, however, want to cut taxes for those of us that are working.

WAKE UP SCOTT

I understand oversight and I understand we can't just give Obama a blank check. But I think he understands it too. People on the hill are going to have their objections but we can't let it stop the ball from rolling. Obama is right. We need a strong economic stimulus package and fast.

Some of you are having difficulty understanding what democracy and bipartisanship is. It is about dialogue, conflicts on contents and a compromise. This key role of Congress hasn't been a part of American gov't for so long it seems strange hyped also with the media's desire for controversy through their use of hyperbole. (barrage).

The Democrats need to fall in line and support their President!

To Scott L(oser) & Sara the DUMB American,

You guy and your thoughts are DEADER than reagan.
Get a grip. Give the guy a chance.

You guys don't have a clue.

Obama is far from left wing. Look at the RECORD and what he has said
publicly. Do your homework before you talk out of your browneye

M

Trickle down economics is when Gov. gives tax breaks to the rich (big oil )ext..Am I right? Tax breaks for the hard working Americans that are suffering are the people that make this economy thrive.This tax break would give us extra money to help now when we really need it, at the same time, this money would go right back into the system to help the economy , RIGHT? maybe just more disappoinment because of oversight and strict accountability. Can't get their hands on our tax payer dollars!!!

Sara for America wrote:
"The public has never granted so much authority to someone with so little experience in the history of the world."
************************************
Huh! Where have you been? Every newly elected president had this much authority, and not one of them had any experience at the job. Very few of them faced the difficulties that Obama faces, and very few of would put their place in history on the line in order to straighten out the mess that George W. Bush and ten years of a Republican-led congress left us.

George W. Bush not only had this much authority, but he also claimed much more than the Constitution granted him. Too bad he wasn't a leader, to make good use of his stolen authority.

This is a wake up call. All the old headS in Washington all act the same wheter they are Democrate or Republicans very evil to the poor. They didn't have any problem giving our taxes dollars away to the fat cats of Wall Street that didn't need it. I was never for the Bailout for them becasue I knew it was the trick of the devil. NO BAILOUT FOR THE POOR AS USUALLY. From here on I hope all the CEO GET THEIR PAID BACK FOR THE MAN UP STAIR (GOD) ! Don't mess with God's love one which is the poor!

Okay people, lets take a step back from the way George W Bush did things. So Sen Harkin disagrees with parts of the stimulus plan. Will Obama attack him? Challenge his patriotism? Will he be blasted on some moronic radio show? No he will not.

Here is what will happen. Obama and his people will listen to the concerns of the Senator. They will not address them all but they will be respectful and agree where they can. Eventually Harkin will vote for the stimulus and it will be better for his input.

That is what the founding fathers had in mind and although the Bush administration represent the pinnacle of straying from this ideal Obama will be returning to the process.

And here is the kicker: He will listen to Republicans too!

Now that is change I can believe in.

Put people back to work by creating jobs by building infrastruture, that we need,. finding ways to make enviroment friendly electicity, make efficient electric cars etc. These are all needed anyway, why not do it now. This will not create much of a deficit anyway, because it will replace people collecting unemployment insurance to people paying taxes. People who are part of the problem [unemployed] will become part or the solution [employed].
Reducing taxes only increases the deficit. If we don't care about the future than large deficits don't matter I guess.
I am a tax payer who is employed at this time. I want to be part of the solution. If I become unemployed than I would like help. But because I am employed than I wnat to be a Helper.

T

I am 100% disabled however, have refused all bailouts till now and will refuse this also. People on disability should not accept any bailout since it is targeted to boost the economy of which we are simply a drain. I'm hoping those who don't need any money will refuse any bailouts.

After rolling over from 2001 thru 2006, and playing dead from 2006 thru 2008, now the Senate Dems. are going to grow a pair?

I suppose they are trying to make up for not taking on Bush! Maybe they just want to say that they actually accomplished constructive during this decade. Impeaching Bush and Cheney would have impressed me a lot more than this.

Anyone with a brain should have concerns about spending that much money yet there are also concerns about what if we don't spend that much money!!! I don't understand why the money can't be broken in phases and targeted to specific areas and timeframes with measures of effectiveness so if it fails to acheive goals, then pull back and try something else. However it pans out, we must take action and fast. Along with this vital issue, action to reverse the deregulatory statutes should also begin immediately so not to perpetuate our challenges. The lending rules, SEC, Wall Street, etc… must be reregulated quickly to reverse the disaster!!!

Scott

We woke up by electing "fairly" Obama, instead of McSenile & Witchcraft Barbie of the North!

When dubya put the reaganomics in effect on steriods we have destroyed economies all over the World! The bush crime family
started with a 128 Billion surplus in 2000. Where are we now??

Free handouts to Billionaires (AIG) is your cup of tea instead!
Come'on Scott your my fellow American and I respect how you
feel, however the FACTS have no emotion!

Obama is "Jonny Come Lately"!

the american people deserve a stimulus plan of $10.000 per member of household. tell the car mfr. to decrease the price of their cars and lower all the prices, after all, the mfr. didn't pay, but 30 cents per hour labor cost overseas. we don't need trillion of dollars to stimulus our ecomomy…….cut all the cost of goods and foods and that will do it. it doesn't take a brain……cost of oil has gone down, that was the main reason everything has gone up…bring it down, down, car mfr. will have a steak party, the people will clear the car lots..stupid. cut all the pay salaries and checks, get down to basic…. cut all the high cost…., stop talking about it… just do it….

why should all these rich s.o.b's in Washington care if all us poor peons starve and get put out of our homes? How long has it been since one of them took their last $50 and try to buy enough groceries to feed a family of 4 for a week. Do they care if we can no longer afford to send our children to collage. NO… they are members of the US Senate & Congress. Big goverment paychecks, good full coverage insurance. How could we, the American voters ever think the people on Capital Hill would work with Obama to help us. Guess our votes didn't count after all!!!

Now that is "change" you can believe in….LOL!!!

Already a battle going on…..and he isn't president yet!!

Democrats complaining no surprise there. The more they complain the worse they look and they wonder why they haven't won elections lately. alot of them better remember without obama they wouldn't have gotten re-elected or elected this year. Democrats get into power and it goes to their darn heads. Pelosi is a idiot, Reid is dumber then sin and the rest are only looking out for their buddies in business. If they keep on playing this game the people will continue to hurt financial and mentally. So go ahead democratic congress mess up and believe me you will turn some of us to vote against you next time.

Hey Socialist Harkin, maybe it's because trickle down economics is a fact of our economy…..two-thirds of it. When consumers cut back, the economy shrinks and jobs are lost…when consumers spend, the economy grows and jobs are created. At least Obama is 'open-minded' enough to see it. Stop being so closed-minded and maybe you'll see it too.

OK Bob you may be right.

But, I'm factoring into my "Petty Squabbling" opinion that, for reasons not made fully clear, Howard Dean skipped the Kaine DNC chairman appointment meeting, for reasons made somewhat clear Dianne Feinstein first opposed then approved Leon Panneta, and for reasons really obscure, Eric Holder's appointment was being opposed.

This 'In-Fighting' takes its toll on the nation. It's one of the reasons the Democrats didn't secure the Presidency that they won back in 2000. Imagine America after eight years of Al Gore instead of George Bush. Boring maybe, but certainly not the disasterous plunge into the abyss we are in now.

The Democrats have got to buck up and knock off their ego-driven nonsense. We all have to make a sacrifice and work together to repair this country. It's our price to pay for letting George be president.

Hmmmm… better remember which side you are on, Dems… many of you voted with Bush every inch of the way. You pushed through the bail out for the BANKERS on Wall Street… now you have to get sanctimous about proposals to lift up the little man? REALLY?

None of you are in office permanently… there WILL BE another election! And we, the People, have spoken. And that is that we want exactly what Obama has promised!

Sounds like some in the President – elects party, want to keep the earmarks. That, "how you goin to cut me in attitude ", has no place in this stimulous package. Stick to your plan Mr. President – elect. The average guy needs you to do that!

Not sure I agree with the "wording" of this article.

It makes it sound as though there is turmoil in the party and that Senators are bucking Obama. What this really is is a difference in approach.

Let's be clear that if members of Congress … House or Senate … start to feel their oats and interfere with the progress that President Obama is working to bring us, the body politic will come down on them like a ton of bricks.

Well, democrats have always been quick to raise our taxes but have never like cutting them. If we the American people have to live within our means, than so should the government.

The best stimulus plan would be for the elimination of all payroll taxes and simply have a federal sales tax. Also stop all foreign aid until this nation can get back on it's feet. If some country feels the need for our money, let them hold a telephon and people can donate it. Don't know about the rest of you but I'm certainly am tire of seeing the money I earn taken from me without so much has a thank you Scott only to be given to someone whose too lazy to get off the couch and get a job, or to welfare moms who pump out babies every year as a means of a pay raise not knowing who the father's are? Give me an HURAH here… The government now appears to want to run the auto industry, heath care and wall street, name one thing that our politicians have ever ran successfully other than their mouths?

Good answer, Alexrod.

Congress appears to think "this is their Holloywood"

CONGRESS TERM LIMITS . . . 12 YEARS, NO RETIREMENT!

They'll work then!

It's funny that the only problem they have is with TAX BREAKS?

We're potentially giving the Prez elect a big enough check that he can sweep every program in his (socialist) agenda into a so-called recovery package from the get-go. The public has never granted so much authority to someone with so little experience in the history of the world.

Good Lord.

I trust Obama and Axelrod… I do not trust summers, he is a free market fundamentalist who has pushed us into this… I still wonder why Obama picked him and his understudy as Treasury Secretary… I'm hoping it's so big business won't lash out against him… We will see…

For the press complaining about no details, this is exactly why. Obama is trying to be bipartisan and reflect the desires of a cross section of voters, but Congress especially the Senate is stck in egomaniac partisan politices. What are these Senators actual credentials as economists??

Voters are going to watch who votes against tax break for middle and working people as the Congress pads their pockets with a $5 000 raise which will also increase their pensions.

Uh-Oh…tough guy now! LOL!! You'll make Andrew Jackson proud…hmmm, no, still early to say that, LOL!!

Why does this not surprise me??? I think Obama's going to have the biggest problem with the democrats two biggest egomaniacs and thats Reid and Pelosi. I listened to the man today and he spoke with one mouth, not out of both sides of his mouth like most politicians do. He told it like it is and I hope he takes his stimulus package to the people and let us speak.

What's this? The man isn't even in office yet and some of his fellow party members are starting to get buyer's remorse? Surely these politicians didn't buy into the propaganda that this man was some sort of all-knowing genius in every field of endeaver ? #!

If they have a better plan lets hear it.

NO KIDDING!

Free handouts to those that don't even pay taxes and raising taxes on small businesses.

You think that $20k raise on a President of a 10 person company is going to come from their pocket? NO WAY! They will cut bonuses, reduce raises, and nix 401k plans. A lot of companies are already revising their 401k match amounts.

WAKE UP PEOPLE! You really screwed us by electing this left wing socialist liberal.