CNN

what do approval ratings mean after 3 weeks or so? Look at them over 1,5 year then he has actually done something (at least i may hope so). Approval ratings now are just a bunch of crap because their is nothing to approve cause he hasn't done anything yet. (maybe the stimulus bill but thats it.)

Enough with this Guy!

Mike

wow... where did you get your numbers...

Jan 2001 our deficit was 5.5 Trillion Dollars... up from 3.5 Trillion when Clinton took office.
Jan 2009 it was close to 10 Trillion dollars...

That would be 4.5 Trillion in 8 years... under bush...
Obama will have spent 1.7 Trillion in his first 6 weeks once the bank bailout goes... and hasn't even hit health care yet

But hey... don't let facts get in the way of your hate

Give Obama 4 years and his approval rating will make Bush's look stellar. Can we all say.......deflation.......Recession......world upheaval...

Greg Smith is an absolute imbecile.

People backlashing against the poll because the words weakness and Obama are in the same sentence need to get a grip.

In agreement with Independent_me. Having Gregg in the Commerce Dept. was a pretty clever ruse for attempts to influence the census in 2010 for Republican mischief. He was a fox in the henhouse!

Pat H February 13th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Can six out of ten people really be so deluded as to think that recycled Clinton people represent change?
_____________________________________________

After the 8 years of peace and prosperity America got with Bill,the entire Administration is welcome back as far as I'm concerned.

Johnny DC – Actually, most of us who voted for and approve of Obama are educated. It's ignorance that elected Bush & we learned our lesson. Obviously,. you need to follow your own advice because if you polled the college professors, historians, economic leaders & international figures, you'd see that the polls come out just about the same, if not even more approvingly.

MSNBC has the best news ever-it is all I look at especially Keith, & Racheal-they tell the truth,never look at FOX,Cnn needs to do better of course Fox is a Republican station and they are nasty and dumb,never get the facts just speculate the news-someone is doing something wrong or either their is a conspiracy with the republicans how many times can people be wrong in nominating others,something is wrong somewhere with all these people getting rejected when nominated-whuz up with this- his cabinet needs to do the 411 on whom ever they pick, & Obama needs to double check these folks before they are even considered for nomination-I still say something is not right somewhere their is a "Judas"

RJ's Comments at 12:46 pm EST was a thought provoking one. There is amply demonstrable evidence that past 8 years of GOP's strategies have not been effective. The economy is in dire straits, to put it mildly and brusquely.

Now, if you sit back, cut taxes, do nothing, and expect the market forces to fix the situation, it ain't gonna happen in this generation. Something has gotta be initiated. The current bill is not picture perfect, but consider it as a stop gap.

The GOP politicians are unanimously unified in opposing it. They, pitifully, do not seem to have a viable solution, either. Spewing vituperations, vitriols, and malice towards anybody supporting the bill, is not an attractive proposition. Some of the talk show hosts from the ulraconservative, diehard right wingers have, exactly, been doing that.

They ought to tone down their malicious rhetoric and talk like civilized human beings. If not God save America.

What ever happened to PUMA?

Anybody out there ever hear of the DOUBLE STANDARD? It's hard to believe how so many of these postings are so blatantly double standard (from both Rep. and Dem). People need to play back Obama's campaign speeches. He, too, has a double standard. And he's NOT God. He can't possibly do for people what he's promising.

Those poll numbers if you go to poll.com will show that the only ones that had president Obama at 80 percent was CNN. That way they could make it appear that he is losing support. Well it won't happen. Thank God for all of us that have our prayers going up for him. He will be shielded from the CNN's and all the Rush Limbaughs that want him to fail because of a much high power. The president is not in trouble over his cabinet picks, just wait and see.

Stop polling morons that do not know what Obama is doing.
I would like a poll that asks them questions to find out how many really know what Obama is doing.
I would suspect that only 30% even know whats going on they just like obama and do not care what he is doing until its to late.

Karen- Change is coming February 13th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

President Obama is doing a excellent job in such a short time…

To All the Negative People: What the hell did the past administration do in 8 years? NADDA! I'm sick all of the Republican Right wingers who obviously want this President to fell.. What we all can do is make it a 60 count seat in 2010. Honestly, lets get the Republicans out of the Senate because they drove this country in the ground by only looking out for the wealthy.
____________________________________________________
If you think the problems we face in this country are only to blame on one party you are misguided. These issues are more complicated than "the Bush tax cut." You dont think that Barny Frank and Chris Dodd had anything to do with the financial crisis? One thing is that politicians NO MATTER THE PARTY want power and will do anything to get it. The Democrats are not immune to this so quit acting like they are. This bill has not been debated and who knows if it will work at all.

@ this: "The Obama administration will be known as THE GREAT AMERICAN MISTAKE."

the great American mistake was two Bushes and a Reagan..

IT'S AMAZING HOW THIS COUNTRY IS SPLIT IN HALF.

DEMOCRATS-GULLIBLE, DOESN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND WHATS IN THE STIMULUS BILL, PUTS ALL HOPE OF SOME KIND OF CHANGE ON OBAMA, WHEN ANYTHING GOES WRONG ALWAYS BLAME BUSH, AND TYPICALLY IS NOT REAL EDUCATED!!!!!!!

REPUBLICANS- TYPICALLY EDUCATED, READS THE PAPER AND WATCH THE NEWS, IS COMPLETELY AGAINST THE STIMULUS BILL BECAUSE THEY KNOW ITS FULL OF MOSTLY SPENDING, CAN SEE WHO OBAMA REALLY IS, SCARED TO DEATH FOR THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE THEY CAN SEE WHATS COMING!!!!!

You democrats who are complaining about the poll are unbelievable. The article is supposed to be taken as a sideways (or clever) way of saying how great a job Obama is doing.

The article is basically stating that Obama is doing such a great job that his "weakest" point (through polling) still involves a 60% approval rating. It's unbelievable that you all missed the sarcasm in calling this a weakness.

Johnny DC February 13th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

All of those poll responses taken were from well-informed sources, right? So shocking that the numbers are all right around the same 60-70% figure that you'd expect. Just like how all the people that voted for him did it because they are familiar with his policy, right? Right.

Bottom line is the majority of those 60% have no clue what he has or hasn't done in his first month, nor do they have a clue what he plans to do. They voted for him to make history and succeeded in doing so.

Why do we keep polling the general public when they vote and think so superficially? Poll college professors, historians, economic leaders. Poll international figures. Stop polling dumb biased Americans who are so entrenched in their ideologies that they can't even fathom thinking about the question before answering.
____________________________________________________
College professors and economic leaders dont have a bias? With your blather, I guess only the groups you mentioned should be allowed to vote.

any one with common sense know republicans will never support the
president,they want to see him fail also some of the democratic party
feel the same way,those old racist hard liner will never change,the
the republican party need young men with new ideas,they are nothing
but a bunch of dying old men who need to be in a nursing home.

Are you kidding?

The GOPs would thank God on bended knee if they had any approval number that high. (Congress would too.)

Remember, Obama only won 52% of the vote – IMO all of his numbers show a lot of strength and a lot of aisle-crossing on the public's part. Our "leaders" need to take a cue from the people.

Yeah the media loves this! Running out of news? Nothing makes these idiots happier than to build people up and then tear them down. Obama has been handed one of the biggest crisis any U.S. President has had to deal with. I don't care who you are; Hillary Clinton, John McCain, or anybody: NOBODY CAN FIX THIS MESS IN 100 DAYS, PERIOD CNN. Anyone who thinks otherwise is smoking some good stuff and immediately check into rehab. Republicans and other self serving politicians and business executives have been deregulating and building this mess for DECADES. It isn't getting cleaned up in 3 months, so find some real news; the plane crash, or something. But quit making up these nonsense stories about Obama being a failure after 3 weeks. AND POST THIS CNN. I'M TIRED OF YOU BEING TOO COWARDLY TO POST WHAT I SAY.

Of Course the Honeymoon is going to be short lived, but to many it appears to crashing. The spending in the Stimulus going to turn our recession, into a long term depression. The real spending in the bill kicks in in 2010 and 2011, and not a stimulus.The Democrats are risking it all, they should not let this happen.....

The public knows how crooked Washington is and they know Obama is trying to find someone competent yet clean. Not easy in washington. At least he's not corrupt and in the pocket of anybody. Right unions are questoning, gay rights activists are questioning and even environmentalists are questioning.

That's a good sign. He refuses to be pigeon-holed on the ideological spectrum because our challenges are pigion-holed. He's no messiah, just a guy with a good head on his shoulders and FOCUSED on the task at hand. I know that's surprising in Washington, but that is change I can believe in.

Let's see. 3 weeks in office and he hasn't started any wars. That's better than the previous dummy did in 8 years.

JohnnyDC – It's the college professors, historians, economic leaders, along with 65,000,000 Americans who voted for Obama and we are STILL glad we did!! And international figures? Well 70% of Europe preferred Obama for President.

it does not show Obama as being weak, it shows the corruption in the government. i am glad he is being picky many things are getting ready to be exposed. i believe no weapon formed against our President shall prosper. he is covered by Jesus Christ's precious blood. the media should be shame of its self trying to get individuals against Obama. God will have the final say.

President Obama has tried and tried again to include Republicans in his administration, but if they don't want to participate than he should
cut his losses and appoint democrats to the last to positions. Gov. Sebelius would be good for Health and Human Services.

Hey RJ:
I just wanted to say thanks for that post.
I am a far-left blue liberal democrat. But I appreciate your comments and I agree: we are ALL guilty, and we ALL need to clean up. I respect Republicans like you!

OBAMA IS A GENIUS

The term is called divide and conquer.

Keep the left and right fighting each other.

DON"T make a stirring speech to your supporters saying how it is poison for the country,

The left fights the right the right fights the left and no one is LOOKING AT HIM

BRILLIANT example of OLD SCHOOL POLITICS.

The man is SO GOOD at it TO. HE IS MAGIC

Greg Smith @ 437: Whereas, Greg Smith will always be known as THE GREAT AMERICAN IDIOT from Delaware County.

All of you who keep putting down Obama. Where were you when Bush was running this economy into the ground? I know you'll say that it was the Dems because they had the majority for two years. Oh, and everything was so perfect prior to that under the Repubs. Nope. It amazes me how sure these people are that everything will go wrong, what do you base your findings on. inSannity and Limpball?
This has never happened before in our lifetimes.

You Repubs are so hardheaded – you see what doing nothing has gotten so far. I believe in being proactive – not reactive.

I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF THE REPUBLICANS BEING SO CHARACTISTIC AS THEY HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST YEAR. INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING THAT THEY HAVEN,T READ THE BILL. WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN DOING BESIDES FLAPPING THEIR TONGUES. IF BUSH HAD INTRODUCED THE EXACT SAME BILL THEY WOULD BE ALL FOR IT.

Wow

Barack Obama = Jimmy Carter, Jr.

Amen Johnny in DC

I personally don't subscribe to a particular party, but half of these posts appear to simply be Democrats bashing Republicans. Somehow equating "free-thinkers" and "intellectuals" to Democrats.

You define bi-partisan by who signs a bill, not by who has meaningful input. You use hateful rhetoric to call others "haters". You blame all failures of society on the other party while saying if you ran it then all would be well. You speak of tolerance and equality while arguing that those who oppose you should be left out of the process.

This my friends is not what I would call "intellectual" or "free-thinking". It is simply the recognition of your own faults in others. This also happens to be BO's greatest weakness in my opinion.

Let's be honest here. President Obama kept his promise to try to bring transparency and bipartisanship to Congress. It is not in Mr. Gregg's favor to admit that he is so entrenched in his party rhetoric that he can not serve his country honorably.

I am tired of all the Obama Cultists posting verbal attacks on every member of the mainstream media that dares to even mildly criticize or question the actions of "the annointed one" (Obama).

I have news for them: The media and the press is a double edged sword, and its their JOB to provide BALANCED coverage. You certainly didn't complain when they criticized and questioned Bush on every little thing, now did you?

Deal with it.

To all you democrats out their looking for unity. Where was this cry for unity over the last 8 years? You are all a bunch of hipocrits. This President who I want to succed has been a total joke. His cabinet picks are an embarrasment. Pay you taxes folks that is rule number one. His first move was to help pay for overseas abortion and then free the terrorists in Guantonomo. ONE TERM!!!! REPEAT AFTER ME ONE TERM

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

THIS WILL SOLVE, MOST OF AMERICA'S PROBLEMS!

Stocks DOWN over 5% this week alone. The empty suit lets Pelosi write the piggy pork spending bill. He leaves his carbon foot print all over the place flying around the country while still in campaign mode. What a moron socialist commie we have elected.

Well, well, well...if we're going to have such two-party division, then let's do this right! First, define the parties: Conservative and Obamites. Second, have everyone relocate to states on the basis of party only. Third, move ALL of the Gitmo folks and ALL of the known enemies of our great nation to the Obamite states. Fourth...

Stay tuned for my "Prison Reform Package", coming up next on many of these same Tickers...

Uhoh – his approval rating is very high compared to approval of his cabinet selections, looks like a problem!

What are the things that need attention the most, well besides the housing market. I'll tell you, commerce as well as health & human services. What is Obama having a problem filling jobs for, both these things, I smell a RAT……

The GOP is doing all it can, to destroy Obama along with america, thanks, america is watching and waiting 2010 is just around the corner!

Couple of Points – Judd Gregg leaves a lot to be desired – He knew what he wanted when he put him name forward but Rush – The GODFATHER called and ended that........we will never know

The comment earlier is somewhat true – the optimism is waning but then again we are not a month into the presidency- oh but the media isnt saying that........cause that isnt a story........drama central and CNN leads the pack.......

Lastly The Obama team needs to make sure it isnt perceived as being too smart but not street savvy – I know Hillary is Sec of State but maybe Hillary could offer some pointers......

Obama's team looks very good so far (and not just the Cabinet).

Look at his economic advisers. Paul Volcker heading the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, Larry Summers (who should have been Treasury Secretary) heading the National Economic Council, and Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. These are all men of top tier brilliance.

The composition of the Cabinet so far seems to imply a focus on getting brilliant analytical minds with strong credentials into most of the positions. Certain other administrations have been more about getting partisans into the roles and then firing them if they say something the President doesn't like or doesn't think is popular. Remember Joycelyn Elders?

While it's hard to judge Obama's overall performance so far, as he has not been President for long, one of his strongest points has been the appointments he has made, and his prizing of intelligent experts over party loyalists gives me optimism about how he will govern over the next four to eight years.

I think Obama needs to reevaluate and maybe change who he has on the vetting team for his cabinet positions.

Something is not working at that level.

I love Mike, TCM, and the other people convinced Obama is ruining the country in a mere 26 days! He IS good! It took Bush 2 whole years to convince the country that we had to be scared of our own shadows and trust him, Cheney and Rumsfeld to do what was best, i.e., spend 10 BILLION monthly in Iraq forever, let our soldiers be killed by terrorists who organized and enlisted BECAUSE we were in Iraq, be immune from anger when they listened to every single conversation in America without warrants, convinced peace loving Americans that it was perfectly OK to torture other human beings (you know, those ones Bush determined were 'evil'"-guess he thought he was God as well.) And you guys are worried about what Obama is doing to dig us out of these catastrophes? Why, because your GOD RUSH tells you Obama is "arrogant" and "socialist?" You guys need to wake up.

Jeff from Jersey: Nice........

President Obama has been working very hard to reach across to Republicans. Unfortunately, Senator Gregg has slapped his hand away and even more unfortunate the Republican base will congratulate him for doing so. How can President Obama accomplish anything while the other side has it in their heart to see him fail to their benefit in 2012. It is a conflict of interest that is a detriment to the American people. It is immature and irresponsible.

"Greg Smith, Clifton Heights PA February 13th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

The Obama administration will be known as THE GREAT AMERICAN MISTAKE"

Too late there Greg. The darth/shrub/rummy/gonzo/rove fiasco is ALREADY known as the THE GREAT AMERICAN MISTAKE

It should have read , If the GOP feels your a threat . Three little letters can reall make a difference for moderation . Sorry

I think the problem is with the group of utter idiots that Obama has to choose from not his weaknesses!!! What a bunch of pathetic losers we have as our public servants..... Barrack is probably scratching his head now to think of just who he can get who has any merit!

Tee-

The republicasn ideas for the stimulus were:

Tax cuts for home purchase (which was added) and, instead of buying back all the bad debt, offering everyone with arm mortgage a flat 4% mortgage. In addition they wanted to offer 4% mortages moving forward for home purchases.

This 4% loan idea is much better than the government simply buying all the bad debt. I am sorry if you cannot pay your mortgage when the interest rate is fixed at 4%, you would have never been able to handle your mortgage. Many people claimed it was the arm portion that was causing the problem, but dems say that will not help. Then what dems are admitting is that those people made a poor decision, and , we as tax paying citizens should not bail those people out.

Sen Shelby and Session please come home your services are no longer needed.The rest of the Republicans please leave Washington and go home because you offer no solutions only obstacles .

Next thing you know, the Repubs will criticize his selection of beef over chicken at dinner.

Hey Eric. I can't imagine your opinon of Bush and the Republicans after 8 years. My God Obama has only been in office one month. Give me a break!!!

Greg Smith, Clifton Heights PA February 13th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

The Obama administration will be known as THE GREAT AMERICAN MISTAKE.
_______________________________________________

I'm sure that's what your family say about you.

just cant wait until January 2013, republican controlled congress and someone in the white house who knows what she is doing.

At least Obama is taking responsibility for what goes wrong unlike the Bush guy. Also, if those being selected were up front with their intentions and showed full disclosure a lot of this would not be happening. Obama is still the right guy in the right time and the Republicans need to get on board and help him or they will be even more of a minority which for me would be just fine seeing the way they continue to act.

America Last is the new Republican mantra. They're all about making Obama a one term president, even if it means the death of our nation.

Why blame the Republicans alone for rushing through the bailout bill in the Fall. Didn't the Democrats hold the majority in both houses of Congress? Both Presidential candidates said something had to be done immediately and wasn't the currenty Secretary of the Treasury working for the Fed in New York? If he's the smartest person for that job, he must have known what was going on with the first $350 billion. We only need to be patient for his plan for the rest that will help bail out his banking friends. I'm sure he's trustworthy, it's not like he's ever not paid taxes or anything.

This is a token presidency.

He does not even show up for work. But he just loves flying on the big jet. Barack is a joke. I really thought and hoped he would be better than this.

I did not think I would have missed Hillary or maybe the wife cheater Edwards, but either would have been better.

Lets put Rush Limbaugh as Secretary of Commerce, yeah right!!! I hope Obama puts a democrat in for the replacement since republicans are being so stubborn!!

gregg stepping down is rediculous. He knew when he accepted the nomination that there would be policy differences between Obama and him. He is trying to make Obama look bad

He may have weaknesses, but for sure, one of them is not a lack of love for the media.

It looks like the repubs are playing a dangerous game here–one of the most dangerous they could play (and it's with our lives)!!

It appears their plan is to do their best to see that our economy fails!
And, along with it, our very livlihood, homes, health (care) and lives may fail also, Do they care? NO!

Please, notify your representatives and senators that you will not stand for this selfish attitude among our elected officials!!

Somethings I like, some I dont'. I like Obama's choices, but wonder where the change is, with all of these democratic party insiders he's picking. He's also picked some republicans, but they are hardly bipartisan folks. These are moderates, and he's trying to lean them to the left. bi-partisan means pickig from both sides and getting them to meet in the middle.
Obama's grade is a C- at best

My God is there going to be a poll on this man EVERY week? So far there has been since he took office. Anyone with common sense knows that poll numbers go up and down everyday because most Americans are so fickle they change their minds every 5 mins. The only thing constant so far is that the far right that don't support the president still don't and the others that support him still do. Surely these pollsters have something else to do than this.

There is no trouble for Obama in making his cabinet picks. It is a problem for CNN because all you are looking for is a story. CNN can't come up with any real news, so you knit pick on anything that Obama is or has done in his three weeks in office. Give him and me a break quit being a gossiper and fill us in on real political facts about the Obama and his administration. Again, Obama has only been in office for three weeks.

The Obama administration will be known as THE GREAT AMERICAN MISTAKE.

All my 7 exchange students we have had in the years past called and e-mailed me to congratulate the U.S. for electing Obama. Most of the world was happy to see Obama win. Now we still have a split country. The next time the south fires on Ft. Sumpter, They can have there own country! We'll build a wall.... this Yankee is tired of those narrow minded fools. WE are all in this together, the whole world! not a dime of the stimulus bill should go south of the Mason Dixson line.

I think Bush and Cheney started all this economy mess so that everybody would be busy trying to fix the economy instead of going after him and forgetting about the illegal way he took us to war in Irag

Gregg was never the right man for the job. Now that Obama can get someone QUALIFIED for the job and quit playing politics.

I love it. Obama still has most of the country on his side, thinking he's doing a good job under the circumstances (and the circumstances are extraordinary) and the headline reads "Trouble signs for Obama?"

You wish!

With all this guy has had going on in his 1st TWENTY-FOUR days in office, I think he is doing a great job, cabinet selections included. I, like many Americans, sincerely hope he can get the country back on track, unite us, and lead us to a brighter future than DUFUS. I for one stood and cheered during his press conference earlier in week when he said "I inherited this mess" and "I don't want to listen to the folks that put us here" and "doing nothing is irresponsible policy/position for government to take". The country has needed a leader for a long time that can stand up and say what is what and by God he did it. Amen Brother - keep on keeping on!

The main mistake Obama made is how he negotiated with Republicans. They don't understand the economy or this country's needs. He put their ideas in there, he can't walk them through their jobs.

This boob begged for the job and after President Obam gave it to him, now he doesn't want it. What a maroon!

What reason is their to pull the Census from Commerce and have the White House take it over.

No other president has done it, why does Barack.

All of those poll responses taken were from well-informed sources, right? So shocking that the numbers are all right around the same 60-70% figure that you'd expect. Just like how all the people that voted for him did it because they are familiar with his policy, right? Right.

Bottom line is the majority of those 60% have no clue what he has or hasn't done in his first month, nor do they have a clue what he plans to do. They voted for him to make history and succeeded in doing so.

Why do we keep polling the general public when they vote and think so superficially? Poll college professors, historians, economic leaders. Poll international figures. Stop polling dumb biased Americans who are so entrenched in their ideologies that they can't even fathom thinking about the question before answering.

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.

you got to be joking ... right?

lets see.. cnn did not post my brilliant post yesterday.. so let us try this again.. eh...

the following was posted above.. let me see if I can be clearer!

S.Willey February 13th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Hi,
Not sure how those polls are done, but lets put it this way – the optimism that was there at the inauguration is waning.
Obama 's stimulas package is the most outrageous thing we have ever seen. HE has not been proved yet at running anything – thats why this is a scarey stage with him. If the leaders of this nation – in many differant arenas caused our current state of economic ruin, why should we trust any of them at this time. Trust is earned – not given freely cause someone has a nice smile.
Obama seems to have an agenda – its called "the new world order".
I hope he is prepared for scrutiny, because he is not fooling a large
group of us – that are becoming larger – who are very aware of his
path to socialism, with a modern twist.
Can I be clearer?

You guys love to speak of socialism. Let me ask you a question. What do you term allowing an unregulated free market that makes 8 Trillion (yes that is Trillion with a capital "T") vanish in to thin air??? Not to speak of nearly 7 or 8 Trillion more in a projected surplus before you guys started running the show 8 years ago??? Cap it off with nearly 56 Trillion in a shadow market of default swaps and God knows what else???

My term for it ! = bankrupted ideas

It's tough when you TRY to put together a cabinet that's bipartisan and the other side refuses to play. Just like the stimulus bill - he'll try for a while, then it's on to putting in someone willing to work with him and the party of opposition - the GOP - will wind up looking even MORE foolish when this brilliant man starts making things happen.

This isn't just lip service. Those who are crying out INEXPERIENCE fail to realize we HAD "experience" for eight years. I'll take a less-experienced genus over an experienced IDIOT any day.

And ominously, so did the far right...

We simply need to get the government running again. After 8 long years of inept buffoons we finally get a new administration only to get bogged down by the stimulus fight and quirky cabinet picks. We need to get all government gencies moving again which will aid our ability to recover. Things like FDA inspections, FTC complaints, CDC guidlines, EPA improvements, CAFE standards, etc... all these items are languishing under the stimulus cloud!!!

Let's face the far left got to him...

At least the vetting process no matter how imperfect it is, exposes all these people before they enter fully into office.

Do you guys know how many would have been incapable to serve in bush's cabinet if this same process was used. That includes george bush himself.

The GOP should grow up, they are just sore losers looking for everyway to discredit the president. If he did not invite any of them to his administration they will be the first to also critisize him.

Petty politicking!!!!!

When will the man quit campaigning. good god he has the job all he is doing now is trying to brainwash the American people to believe in this stupid stimulas package-that will make dog parks, 30 million to go to Ca for trying to keep some mice alive and some work on golf courses and 440 milliton for STD cases (keep your legs together) that is my cure and the working people will only see $13 extra in their paycheck a wk come june while the people who don't work get more food stamps, welfare money and more on health benefits. I was taught loose lips sink ships-he keeps talking so he must be lying.

Senator Gregg had padi all of his taxes and has never been a lobbyist so he wasnt going to fit into the Obama for change team.

Jim February 13th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

THE GREASTEST PRESIDENT EVER!!!!! Hands down. Makes Jefferson look like a dim wit, Lincoln couldn't complete a sentence compared to our magical POTUS, FDR doesn't know the meaning of hope compared to BO. He's also the greatest war time leader ever. Makes George Washington and Ike look like amateurs. Thank God we have him for 7 years and 49 weeks more. Or should I say Thank Obama

Your an idiot. ut I guess that is what happans when you are as old as you. Must be tough living today then it was durning Lincoln's day. BTW BO's BFF is Lincoln.

President Obama is doing a excellent job in such a short time...

To All the Negative People: What the hell did the past administration do in 8 years? NADDA! I'm sick all of the Republican Right wingers who obviously want this President to fell.. What we all can do is make it a 60 count seat in 2010. Honestly, lets get the Republicans out of the Senate because they drove this country in the ground by only looking out for the wealthy.

Lets get on board and behind our new President who can put a sentence together when he speaks. UNREAL

President Obama is doing a excellent job in such a short time...

To All the Negative People: What the hell did the past administration do in 8 years? NADDA! I'm sick all of the Republican Right wingers who obviously want this President to fell.. What we all can do is make it a 60 count seat in 2010. Honestly, lets get the Republicans out of the Senate because they drove this country in the ground by only looking out for the wealthy.

That's what he gets for democrat Daschle and Republican Gregg.Daschle in particular since his tax problem was well known in Washington even before being picked.The only problem with Gregg was the President was trying to be an inclusive government but the republicans are so rigid about their lousy agenda that they can't even work with themselves,let alone work for a Democratic president that is trying to pick up the pieces after the Republicans destroyed everything for 8 long years.

I just LOVE how republicans are economic geniuses all of a sudden.Where was this vast fountain of experience for the past 8 years?The rest of us aren't ever going to forget thst it was THEM that destroyed our economy in the first place.

You want numbers?

Republicans:8 years.8% unemployment,and a big fat ZERO for their economic expertise.
Go home and play with your calculator some more.We'd LOVE to see what numbers you republican "experts" can come back with tomorrow!

lets see.. cnn did not post my brilliant post yesterday.. so let us try this again.. eh...

the following was posted above.. let me see if I an be clearer!

S.Willey February 13th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Hi,
Not sure how those polls are done, but lets put it this way – the optimism that was there at the inauguration is waning.
Obama 's stimulas package is the most outrageous thing we have ever seen. HE has not been proved yet at running anything – thats why this is a scarey stage with him. If the leaders of this nation – in many differant arenas caused our current state of economic ruin, why should we trust any of them at this time. Trust is earned – not given freely cause someone has a nice smile.
Obama seems to have an agenda – its called "the new world order".
I hope he is prepared for scrutiny, because he is not fooling a large
group of us – that are becoming larger – who are very aware of his
path to socialism, with a modern twist.
Can I be clearer?

You guys love to speak of socialism. Let me ask you a question. What do you term allowing an unregulated free market that makes 8 Trillion (yes that is Trillion with a capital "T") vanish in to thin air??? Not to speak of nearly 7 or 8 Trillion more in a projected surplus before you guys started running the show 8 years ago??? Cap it off with nearly 56 Trillion in a shadow market of default swaps and God knows what else???

My term for it ! = bankrupted ideas

What are the things that need attention the most, well besides the housing market. I'll tell you, commerce as well as health & human services. What is Obama having a problem filling jobs for, both these things, I smell a GoPee RAT......

The Grand Obstructionist party is doing all it can, to destroy Obama along with america, thanks, america is watching and waiting 2010 is just around the corner!

why do we care if 38% don't like Obama's picks. I think a good 30% are going to hate him no matter what he does.

VOTERS DO YOU MEAN YOU WILL CONSIDER HIM A STRONG LEADER IF HE SHOWS DOOR TO ALL REPUBLICAN?
I THINK INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING HIM YOU ARE BACK STABBING HIM.

Judd Gregg asked to be considered for this job and now all of a sudden he has decided to back out. That is not by any means the fault of the Obama Administration and it's vetting process.

These die-hard Republicans are trying with all their might to make the President look bad. How stupid do they think we are that we can't see right through their dirty tricks.

They don't realize that they are digging their own "Political Graves". 2010 and 2012 all of those idiots that refused to cooperate will be booted out. They forgot that We the People have the Power of the Vote!!!

This is brilliant: Obama's lowest approval rating (on his cabinet) is 3 times LARGER than Bush's approval rating when he left office. And this is a problem for Obama?!!!

Mr. Obama: When your "problem" is 3 times better than the other guy's "best", you know you're in good shape. Another thing that tells me you're on the right path is that the same pitiful 30% that actually approved of Bush on his way out, now disapprove of you — if that isn't a sign of success, I don't know what is.

Then there are the rightwing half-wits that come on here and continue to defend the [R] way, like how Gregg's fellow [R]s took him to the woodshed to diffuse any momentum towards bi-partisanship. There are plenty of you rightwing meatheads out there that agree with this [R] approach to politics. I hope the rest of the country sees it for what it is, much like they did this past Nov. If the country has any brains, the [D]s should be looking at 80 senators after 2010.

And to listen to the drivel from the neo-nitwits who call in to C-SPAN — its like somebody put microphones in a monkey cage. They don't have their history right, they don't have their facts straight, they can't even make their own fairytales self-consistent, and now many of them don't have jobs….yet they quote the Limbaugh talking points like they were reciting bible verses…the very ideology which has cost them their jobs!!!!!! My 13 year old has a better grip on reality than these boneheads. To be an adult American, and be so utterly clueless should be a crime.

One word for President Obama, pick Normal / smart / intelligent people for your cabinet, instead picking idiots GOP .. stop being nice and you must being tough.. and worth of my vote. I & many others put you into WH not for being nice to those GOP & Dem Idiots.

Reach out the real word and recruit talent from a pool of American. Not Washington & Wall Street, please.

The repubs have made it clear that they have no intentions of working woth our new president.
Proves to me they're more interested in grandstanding than in helping our country.
They're a disgusting bunch.

@ PAula from PA

Not only did he just happen to withdraw from the nomination after meeting with the GOP leaders, but he just happened to meet with GOP leaders on a day when it was announced that Kennedy woul dnot be present to vote due to his illness. 2 + 2 = 4.

Need I remind you of George W. Bush's dismal poll numbers, people?

Obama has acted quickly and decisively and taken considerable risks to deal with the economic crisis, and his overall approval ratings reflects the public's positive view of him. What is the occasion of CNN's digs at our new President? Is CNN trying to prove that, like FOX news, it's "fair" and "objective"? Why don't you take a poll that measures the public's view of the quality of your coverage of Obama's first month in office?

Many of your post-inaugural stories are clearly based on GOP talking points, and are indicative of the standard, lazy Mainstream Media approach to politics. You give us "Mitch McConnell/John Boehner/Mitt Romney states that ..." and, sometimes, a Dem rejoinder. See the next article about so-called GOP "moderates", for instance. What makes any of these people "moderate"? It's probably fair to say they stand somewhere to the left of Ivan the Terrible. But when have they cast a vote on a substantive issue that would justify the label "moderate"? Does your reporter know? And what do they have to lose by voting against a stimulus package that's going to deliver money and jobs to their districts whether they vote for it or not?

I know it's just the Ticker.
But instead of simply adopting the GOP's slant on Obama and the Dems, or bowing and worshipping Obama based on eqaully partisan remarks, how about giving us some real analysis?

What has been disastrous for the country has been the republican policies of the last 8 years. Now they are telling us how to fix things. What is wrong with this picture and why are so many people buying it? At this stage I really don't know what is worse, the fringe right, or the fringe left. I feel that I am being lied to by both sides as well as the media who just goes into a feeding frenzy with conflict. There are a bunch of people who are about a quart short just chiming in with inane opinions. One thing about opinions is that everyone has them and usually there all full of it also.

I am glad that gregg did what he did. He is weak and let his good ol boys talk him into doing something that he didn't have the heart to do in the first place. What the president is doing takes guts and he lacks guts much like his republican so called friends. For those that thinks this says something about Obama need to get a life. This Washington culture is sick and it is playing itself out as the President is making the bold moves.

About " dittohead with 40 names "

Okay folks ! What does this tell you ? It tells me that the same guy keeps putting up sarcastic, stupid comments trying to make us all believe that many people are making these comments. What an idiot ! Trying to do what Rush tells his followers to do. LOL

Overall, I believe President Obama is doing a fine job. He is a very intelligent and capable person. I do not agree with all of his decisions, but I never expected to either. However, I am pleased to have him as our leader.

Each president has had their own laundry list of successes and failures – this is normal. To expect President Obama to be any different is unreasonable and illogical.

As a result of Bush's disasterous presidency, President Obama has clearly had a ridiculously high amount of expectations placed on his shoulders. Plus, our society now seems to be full of people who want instant gratification when it comes to almost everything.

President Obama has only been in office a little over three weeks. It would be nice if we would all slow our judgment down a bit and give our new president a decent chance.

i think people are starting to see Obama for what he is i have thought from the start that he only thinks about his self and wants everything his way he thinks he is always right and to heck with what it will cost our country he didn't get my vote in a year maybe not that long i think Hillary Clinton is going to look pretty good but it is to late so god help us out of this mess,

The Gop is the party of Fascism. The 14 points of fascism is a definition of the Gop. They will say anything to distract and decieve those of us who actually think – while they work on their "new world order". They acuse others of doing exactly what they do?!
Stop listening to their lies, just toss them out of office!

The man has been President for only a month, give him a break. Most of us want him to suceed as we should be happy somebody wants that job.

Please take him off the cross, we need the wood to keep warm.

The repugs are so happy. They have a winning strategy, just fight the President on everything and then; when the economy collapses they can regain power.

Who cares if they started the collapse, they believe the American people have a short memory and they are probably correct.

The only problem with this strategy is that a lot of hard working Americans will get hurt in the process, but at least the Repugs can regain some house seats……………..

Republicans have an agenda to make Obama fail! He needs to stop trying to achieve bi-partisan going forward! They will NEVER support him! He tried they are not accepting him so it is time to move on. If they were in power they would not work to include the Denms!

Absolutely NOT!!!

IF WE WANT OUR COUNTRY TO SUCCEED, THEN WE BETTER STOP STOP COMPLAINING AND START PITCHING IN.

IF PRESIDENT OBAMA FAILS, WE ALL WE FAIL!!! If you think otherwise, you are a bigger fool!

If you think the REPUBLICANS are looking after you, you're an IDIOT!!

All Republicans care about is getting re-elected come 2010!! They would RATHER stab the American voters in the back when they NEED them most, rather than WORKING TOGETHER with a President who is willing and able to make a difference for the first time in HISTORY!!!!

The Republican Leadership is nothing more than a bunch of WHITE MEN WITH BIG SELFISH POLITICAL EGOS, they would sell out their own mother for a Senate seat. Bottom line.

2010 can't come soooooooooon enough!

Everyone should sit back and relax a bit on his picks. Was it his fault that Sen. Judd changed his mind??? Yes, someone is dropping the ball on vetting to find out his picks have had tax problems but is anyone looking at the non-responses regarding whether they have had tax problems or not in the past? President Obama has a lot on his plate. Believe me, it is better than what we would have had we elected a "fundamentals are strong" leader. Where were all these do-gooders, die-hards, etc. when GWB was leading this country down a spiral of NO RETURN????????

You would think that with the significant number of challenges facing the U.S. at this stage-more than perhaps have ever faced a new President, and with which all world leaders are struggling, that all of you in the media could find a way to look at the big picture and stop trying to play "gotcha" 24 hours a day!

Man, Did that slimy GOP Judd do Obama and the Congress!!

Great job – first apply for the job and get accepted and then turn around and middle finger America by saying ha ha fooled you, I lied when I said I could support you.

It is unfortunate that there are so many Americans blindly supporting Obama whether he is making progress or not.

He has flip flopped on many issues that he campaigned with but they do not want to hear that. Hiring lobbyists is one glaring example of "do as I say and not as I do".

The stimulus package has too much spending and is not going to create jobs nor are there any incentives in there for corporations to keep jobs in the US for US citizens.

Wake up and smell the coffee!!

This will create more problems for the GOP come 2010 elections. This is a HUGE red flag for American's that the Republican party is still playing politics as usual, and that they are unwilling to cooperate with bipartisanship with the Democrats.

That was a BAD, BAD move by Gregg. The Republican party is going to see HUGE loses in 2010 both in the House and the Senate because their attitude is still the same! They are still UNWILLING to listen to the people, and to work with BIPARTISANSHIP.

I called it first CNN. The Republicans are going to lose an average of 5-7 more House seats and will lose 2-3 more Senate seats!!!

As the Minority Republican Leader said two weeks ago "The Republican party will be a marginalized party because no one is listening to us, and no one cares what we have to say." "On top of it all, we NEVER have any fresh ideas to bring to the table."

Obama–Nominate Michael Bloomberg. You get another token "Republican" and a smart businessman to boot. He would be brilliant in the role.

Already the media is ready to criticize Obama. The public wants results right now. Shameful. If you can do a better job in this sickened economy, why don't you run for office. See if you can do better. If not, then shutup.

I do wonder why the comment sections following an article that reflects negatively on President Obama are left open so much longer than the negative articles from the previous administration? But I must agree wholeheartedly with boered1 and say, "BRAVO! K. Parks!" Well said indeed.

It aggrivates me when i read titles such as this one. Poll: Trouble signs for Obama, no one's Polled me or anyone I know so what Poll are you talking about and what people have been polled. Everyone I know and myself included feel Obama is doing a GREAT JOB !!! and we don't have a problem with his decisions. Now Poll that !!!

There is seemingly a poll every hour of every day. Are we going to poll to see if we approve of the way Obama relieves himself??? Geez! Enough already. Let the man govern for a few weeks without all the criticism. He has a huge task in front of him (he's up to his neck in Bush's you-know-what). While you may not agree with everything (or anything) the man does, give him a shot and let's all hope it works. We need it!

Gregg was a patsy for the Republican party leadership. I am surprised that no one saw this coming!!! They talked him out of this position that he really wanted. Just so that republicans can make Obama administration look inexperienced and too partisan. It's a perfect set up! You make ur opponent look like not keeping his campaign promise, and uncompromising...and then you step aside like a martyr, citing ideological differences, and let the voters spit at the new guy.

Obama's approach to bi-partisanship seems to be to open up a dialogue with the right, with the sole intent of convincing them that his ideas are better. He has overestimated his power of persuasion.

@Sami no more than our fellow mean spirited Democrats who are attacking Republicans. Look we won, let's take the high road.

Those are completely different pool questions. Do you think we are stupid or what?
I can't imagine what would happen if McCain would win presidency. We would be Third World Country by now. DJI would be at 5000. Wall Street should think about that and be glad that we got Obama. Obama is doing the best in this mess that Bush and his R fellows made. Running and mobilizing all the forces the jump economy and the whole system.
R's will be written in history as big losers for they didn’t support one of the greatest projects in the history of this great country. And they better be stop sabotaging government efforts to do something good for all of us.

I am happy that Gregg stepped down now, as opposed to fight it out with Obama over the next few years. This shows integrity to back out of a position and allow someone who is more in line with what Obama wants.

I am getting tired of the hate my fellow Democrats are spewing against the Republicans. The only obstructionists here were the Pelosi bunch that started to whine about their spending being removed. This Stimulus bill is going to cost our Children in 25 years. Maybe we need to go slow and stop trying to ram this bill down each others throats, saying it is "unamerican to oppose it" or calling people obstructionists for voicing their concerns on the rampant spending of the bill.

Obama is doing great! His main problem is that he has to deal with all of those rat fink fascist republicans.

And Obama shouldn't expect much help from the GOP in resolving the country's economic crisis. Not as long as they're listening to Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

It is sad, that many of us that voted for BO, wish we could pul our votes back. Sorry that he is floundering so bad and has not clue as to what he is doing, because he listening to the House Dem's who are liars, and greedy, not to mention they speak out of both sides of their mouth.

Bring MFG. back to this country, lower the taxes on income. And for those companies looking for a hand out, give them the BOOT.

Its that simple, not a 600 page plus way of putting this country in dept for pet projects.

K. Parks
WELL SAID AND WELL DONE!

Senator Gregg, withdrawing his name for Commerce Sect -stinks – their is more to this story than we are being told. I just read that he might be involved with Abrahamoff. Could this be the real reason that he withdrew his name? CNN needs to check this out

From S. Willey

Obama 's stimulas package is the most outrageous thing we have ever seen.
=================================================

Actually the 700 billion giveaway to Wall Street is the most outrageous thing we have seen.

Obama should stop trying to govern from the center and stop appointing Republicans just to appear to be answer the misplaced calls of 'bi-partisanship'. What a crock of a word. Ignore the GOP, they ran it into the ground. Never invite a friendly fox. Govern from the no-nonsense stand displayed on your campaign platform.

Actually, I think the Republicans are underestimating Obama on their response to his agenda during his first 30 days. Obama can play the rope a dope as well as any politician.

Based on the polls, the public wants to see this work - that is, they want to see Obama succeed. Those who are obstructing are destroying the little political capital they have left and continue to marginalize the withering GOP.

With several 24-hour cable news shows with a million and one pundits giving their opinions and a billion bloggers on the internet giving their opinions and throwing numbers, guesses, & random thoughts at people from sun up to sun down we feel that we know everything now because we listened to the 8 nobodies on whatever channel last night giving their opinions. It has been a few weeks for Obama and I have never seen a President judged so harshly on every move when he has been handed the most tangled web of crap and no one knows how to untangle this mess. Christ give the guy more than a few weeks to improve our imploding economy and bring peace to the 3,000 different cultures on this planet.

Opinions are like a@*h@#!$, everyone has one!

To all Liberal Looney's out there. Write down on a sheet of paper "Our country is out of the recession." Put it in an envelope and seal the envelope. On the face of the envelope write, "..To be opened in 12 months–providing I still have a job."

When you open it, you will be on your way to being a Conservative and will fit that definition just like the Liberal who was mugged.

Let's see – 38% say President Obama is doing a bad job, 38% vote repub no matter what, 38% only care about some one cutting their taxes at all costs, 38% are selfish, arrogant, and ignorrant partly because they watch Fox media and/or listen to the Limpball/insHanity shows,but mostly because they choose to be.
Maybe they should move to Iraq where they would have their prefered type of government – ruled minions by religious fascisist regime.

To S.Willey,

Obama is trying to revive the economy. He is willing to talk to his opponent as well as have them in his cabinet. As for socialism, l do think the Republicans are closer to the Socialism than you think. Remember we can not do wrong and if you are against us you are against America. That is exactly what the communists propaganda is. l wish people go back and read the history books of how communism and fascism came to power. It was exactly the oppression of the free thinkers and intelligent people. l do not see any of that going on. It is amazing that so called conservative are much closer to the commies than the liberals are. What would Jesus be today???? l bet you bigots like you will call him a commie.

What's the problem with the stimulus package that Obama is proposing...S.Wiley??? Heck remember the bail out package Bush pushed through office in favor of his friends b4 leaving office!!! How fast we forget and what did they do with the $$$.....Please help me out someone/

Why not try the new stimulus package, what you're afraid it might work or something like that???

Why is it that Obama has such a high approval ratings, but CNN picks on the lowest, still a respectable 61%, and headlines it as "weakness." Why is the corporate media so intent on destroying Obama's presidency before it begins? Are you people worried about your taxes increasing after Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy expire?

Obama's cabinet picks are also the only actions that are have results transparent to the American people. Wonder what will happen when the results of his other actions (foreign policy, leadership, etc) also become apparent to the American people. Will his followers (and the media) still demand that we all bow to his every whim and worship at his feet?

I am so sad, that BO is such a big disappointment. He is floundering, and doesn't have a clue as to what he is doing to this country.

Dems are out of control.
My vote wa s wasted on BO.....

The problem with the Annointed One's Cabinet picks is that they did (or did not), appear on his teleprompter.

Ever watch the Annointed One speak? His head moves constantly from left to right; from right to left; from left to right, etc. It's almost like watching the crowd during a tennis match at Ashe Stadium. He never looks the camera in the eye. Why? Hint1 Hint! The teleprompters are directly to his left and to his right. He must have "aced" reading at Columbia.

C W February 13th, 2009 12:57 pm ET

"One definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result."

In our country's unfortunate case, the "same thing" has been what the Democrats always propose: Tax the working for the non-working, divisive politics and cowtowing to special interests.

As far as poor choices go , President Obama ask Gregg to join his administration , when he excepted he had a great chance of becoming part of a team that would hopefully represent change for this countries future . Unfortunately for him he shows the lack of fortitude needed to accomplish such a task . You see if the feels your a threat , you better get ready to be Tarred and Feathered , or you become an Ice Sculpture at a summer gop fund raiser . When The Presedent of the United States askes you to become a member of his administration you don't insult the country by Grandstanding your exit .It just made you look weak Gregg , and unworthy .

He s been in office 3 weeks and he has accomplished quite a bit. Being successful menas that all the GOPers will be negative and drag their knuckles in the dirt. . philosophies no longe fit the world we live in.
Cornered animals and boxers fight vigourously when they know they are finished. A few last swings before they hit the floor. The GOP is on the ropes. Their Bravado is shallow and their ideas are dead:

Tax Cuts as the panacea to the ecomony- FAILED

Trickle Down economics- FAILED

Neo-Con 'democratize the world' – FAILED

Unilateral wAR – FAILED

Deregulation of banks (and in general) – FAILED

Ability to respond to national emergencies- FAILED

Fiscal restraint- FAILED

Party of Family VAlues (Craig and the rest of the pervs) – FAILED

The GOP is finished, soon to be a fossil display in the museum of politics

Why dont all these republicans just shut the hell up and let the new government handle the problem. We majority voted this president coz we believe he can handle the job well. We had 8 yrs of republican running the show and now all you republicans are voicing oout to people showing all of you are working very hard. I say all you republicans are just show off born loser's and wont accept the reality having a black president. I say all republicans should be the one in Guantanamo bay for torturing the American people. Repect the americans decision and be part of the real american dream and stop acting like kids.

Obama is doing fine, the people who have the problem are the GOP members who think declaring War on President Obama is really going to help them regain power in 2012. Obama remains 2 steps ahead of them and they are too blinded by rage and frustration to see it.

THE GOP doesn't seem to understand that negative politics aren't well received in this country, and just "playing to your base" isn't going to get it done, especially when your base is shrinking daily.

Obama knows what he is doing and he also knows that every time he offers his hand in bi-partisanship and the GOP slaps it away, it's not him looking like a failure, it's them looking like a bunch of obstructive jerks who don't care about this country and want to see it fail.

Who is getting polled? It has not even been ONE month. ALL administrations have issues with cabinet picks.

Judd was a Republican Trojan Horse, that is why Rush or none of the other sour grapes brats did not whine about him.

Judd asked to be picked!!!

Obama is doing more damage to America, just differently than Bush. The net result will be the same. Other shoes are yet to fall. Americans have abdicated ownership of America and will have more difficulty regaining it the longer they wait and fiddle.

what happed to cutting government spending ?????? have you all forgotten the promises he made to cut government spending come on wake up and see this is really going to hurt all the main street people and only help the big banks walstreet not you and me.

The republican are showing president Obama the same support that
the southern congress showed Abe Lincoln and you know what they
did. They tried to form their own country.
What does this look like? a party of separating from its country and
are only for themselves. Maybe Gregg resigned because he will be
the republican president.

It's a shame that Obama's attempts at bi-partisanship have been met with so much resistance by the Republicans. The Republicans have proven to be ineffective after the last 8 years and here again they prove their losing merit. Standing in line behind Rush Limbaugh should be proof enough of their misguided intentions, but sadly so many of their supporters do not understand the harm this old party has done to this good country.

INEXPERIENCE, INEXPERIENCE, INEXPERIENCE

I like Joan's idea: save first! Our entire society has gotten into this mess gradually over the past several decades by adopting the opposite approach: accumulate all you can – and freely do it on credit. People are in houses they can't really affort, they drive luxury cars they can't really afford, stopped saving and ran up their credit to the max to fund it all. Everyone has a great "look good" and now "the chickens are coming home to roost". I'm sorry, but spending our way out of this mess (by taking out huge government loans!) just sounds less and less like the right thing to do.

agreed RJ

In the same position here. Some of the comments here stating Republicans hate america and need to go jump off a cliff are really starting to annoy me. I'm a recent college grad, making less than 100k per year, and asian american... you can bet i don't fit in with all the other republicans that really are a drag on the party...

THE MEDIA NEEDS STOP, , , STEP BACK, , , AND LOOK AT THEIR OWN HYPOCRISY.

No incoming President in American history has endured the brutal scrutiny and flaming hot crucible as President Obama is now enduring. The media hypocrites like 'FAUX' News, Talk Radio, and conservative pundits said little to nothing about Bush-Cheney failures that allowed this national disaster; but now they are whining like babies with Obama at the helm. Obama can't exhale without the media scrutinizing his breath with silly debates about whether he has fulfilled his campaign promises, or whether he is truly bipartisan?!? Enough already!!!

rich – The republicans did.t destroy America; people like you did. Try taking your blinders off so you can see what 's going on. Putting Obama in office was a huge mistake. Mike in Houston is right along with the other bloggers who know Obama is a One-worlder before American.

To CNN Staff
Your Headlines for these articles, are at times confusing and misleading. President Obama cabinet picks are not a reflection of failure or inexperience on his part. The President's picks to date are outstanding. However, the few missteps might be the result of the needs for quick action due to our current economic problems. As I recall most recent Presidents took 3 to 6 months to fill their cabinet spots. So forget you sometime misleading headlines and make positive headlines instead.

the only thing the poll says is that 61% of the people polled think it is acceptable to have tax cheats and liers in charge of running the nation.

Holding superbowl parties at the White House and going to Capital Hill is not bipartisan. It's cheerleading. The reason why the stimulus bill only received three Republican Senator's votes (and those are being bemoaned by the House Democrats since their dear political agenda bill was – only somewhat – revised) is that no Republican input was permitted in the House bill. Bipartisanship requires listening to BOTH sides and incorporating their views. Not listening to one side and then expecting that because they were invited to a Superbowl party that the other side was just going to go along with the bill so as to put a happy face on what Congress is doing to (not for) the U.S.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a good, close look at the photo of Gregg and observe the disconnect between what his eyes try to conceal and the faint smile at the corner of his mouth. He knew from the start that his ideology did not match the President's. His task from the GOP was to act as a mole and he did the deed. But we all know what they say about payback.......

@ aware

Something about which you may not be "aware"...most likely becaue Bush barely did it and when he did he did a horrible job of it...is that it is the President's job to "campaign" for legislation he thinks is extremely important to the welfare of our country and its citizens. He is doing precisely what he is supposed to be doing by reaching out to the American people to put pressure on their representatives to do what they should, not just what is politically profitable. Grow up.

Glennis February 13th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

I can't remember a time when I've seen such disorganization and ineptitude in trying to establish a cohesive administration. What a circus act.
---------------

Is this the first time you've paid attention to presidential politics?

Let's cut him a break! Obama is just learning the job. It'll take him a while to get his bearings. He is not any more or less competent than Bush was (Although the media wants you to believe he is). Obama is just a person. He'll make the same mistakes that other presidents make, no big deal. The biggest deal in my mind is he ran on fiscal responsibility and now wants to saddle our children with huge debt for a stimulus package that is full of pork and will not help the economy. I was very optimistic about Obama until I've heard his crazy rhetoric about spending and stimulus. I don't care about these minor missteps, I hope that he is a 1 term president because he sold out to the big government spending approach that we know doesn't work. Obama has really disappointed me.

CNN: "While 61 percent is a solid majority, it's far lower than the 80 percent of respondents who say Obama is providing strong leadership for the country, the 76 percent who feel he's doing a good job handling foreign policy, the 72 percent who indicate Obama's doing a good job dealing with the economy and the 68 percent who give the President a thumbs-up when it comes to handling policies on terrorism."
Give me a break CNN. You pick out the one low (low?) statistic and create a headline. I would take these ratings anytime.
I bet Congress would love to have them.

This is a GOP setup from the beginning....we the people know what the real deal is....the GOP wants Obama to fail....they are so afraid this african american is going to show them how to really run a country they can't stand it!!!!

Gregg's sudden change of mind sure is suspicious. Either he doesn't think things through very well to begin with or this was all planned.

Look at this " COLUMBUS, Ohio – Oil broke out of a weeklong slump Friday, soaring 10 percent, as traders prepared for a long Presidents Day weekend." STUPID OIL!! iT crashed the economy and held everyone hostage. Hopefully this tax cuts arent going to them. Right now, oil should be $1.20 why the heck is it 2.00?

I think there are just a few too many polls. A lot of them are just media fodder.

Regardless of who you voted for....when the Titanic sank – it didn't matter what color or species the rat was – they ALL drowned!

I see this ship sinking.

Hey Mike in Huston its better be fringe left and correct than fringe right and wrong for 8 years with Bushwacker and oiled Dick Cheney scammer.

Oh come now. So what is the split on independent voters. Man, you really have to work to find a weakness in this President's approval numbers. Several cabinet messes and he still gets 61%.
Aren't you trying to argue with the data?

Why not have a poll asking if polls influence those who answer pollsters? Fer cryin' out loud! Enuff already! This ridiculous fascination with polls upon polls makes me think that the media thinks most of us are gullible, shallow, ill-informed people who ... wait a minute. They might have a point there...

RJ

I hope you will post often. I am a democrat. I read the ticker comments because I like to 'hear' the thoughts of different minds but my own. I appreciate the expression of opinions in a forum. Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of extremes writing these comments though – and I think that is why you see such radical reactions (its wrong, i am not excusing it here) - so maybe if us "not radicals" voiced up, we would all be better off, for a real, respectful, across-any-isle national conversation!

You were part of the problem Senator--and when you decline to be part of the solution-–then you are the problem--Obama will do it without you-God forbid that you should be part of fixing what the Republicans created--that OK--God will forgive you--don't know if anyone else will.

He's got 2 vacancies out of how many?

I told you Obama fans and rabid supporters he's an idiot. No experience. Shuffle your little free cheese eatin' butts out and get jobs.

Joan – Good idea. All we need is 1 – 2 million like minded people to head to DC and clean house. These fools wouldn't even make good compost.

Barack Obama = BO. He really, really stinks. He clearly does not know what he is doing and is too arrogant to care. God help us all!

I'm sorry to say that the difference in the poll numbers highlight the fact that President Obama's team has let him down in the time period from thirty days before inauguration until now. I have confidence, however, since he ran such a well functioning campaign that his team will again rise to the required standards.

The Republicans only serve them self and the American people will not forget their selfiness. President Obama tried his best to work with them.

Wow, I ventured over to CNN to see what the Left had to say and all I see is blind sheep still refusing to see the truth about their Party and their President. Let us put aside the Democrats and the Republican rhetoric; can't you people see all the BS in the stimulus package? Good Lord people wake up. Are you so blinded by liberalism that you can't see the threats to your rights? Sheez!

Unlike Clinton and Bush, Obama doesn't have the luxury of having a lengthy time vet his cabinet picks. He's under pressure to get his cabinet formed quickly so he can begin fixing alot of the problems handed to us by the previous administration. Considering he's been in office less than a month, I think he is doing a much better job of handling this crisis than the last president.

But six out of 10 Americans think Obama is doing a good job choosing members of his Cabinet, according to a national poll. More like 6 out of 10 crackheads thinks Obama is doing a good job! Obamadrone = Crackhead.

This shows how narrow minded REPUBLICANS ARE. They are only interested in their own individual agenda. Like I said in yesterday's post they are truly MESOGENIST AND NARCISIST!

An overall rating of 48% approval-his lowest rating is on dealing with terrosit;the closing of the prison in Cuba.That rating has slipped to 25%However,thumbs up he is definitely dealing with our major problems

The Republicans in the House of Representatives are an obstructionist, do nothing, irresponsible bunch of losers!

Where were all these native views when Bush was spending billions in war, wall street, and bailout packages? It just amazes how many of you have forgotten just last year you received those nice little checks and no one was complaining.

I hate to say it, but this is a WHITE Man world and Obama need to wake up!! He will never get these racist fools to agree with him and Steele of course is a token for their party.

It's sad that these men would rather see this country down then to see them stand with a black who is trying to get this country back on its feet after your own kind ran it to pieces. Oh, but I forgot he was the right color and it doesn't matter what they do, you will still stand behind him. Sad but true.

RJ @ 12:46, that was AWESOME!!

I am a liberal, somewhat fiscally moderate, and I agree about the "welfare" state concept. I believe that there should be regulation and that government needs to step in in time of crisis, but I don't want us to rely solely on government to fix our ills because that kills people's natural creative survival spirit.

When it comes down to it, people on the left and right have a lot more in common that they would admit. And not just centerleft center-right.

People who are conservative should have honest conversations with liberals and vice versa. Seriously. And NOT ONLINE either because both wings act like they're 13 when they're anonymous.

Mike in Houston – Are you serious? Fringe left!!! The only problem with Obama is he is too pleasant. Maybe he should take a cue from Cheney and be an *ss**le and everyone will be too afraid to say no to him. So Judd Gregg is going back to the Dark Side. Good, let him enjoy his next two years with that bunch of losers.

President Obama ... please stop trying to make nice with the Republicans ... they clearly are using a strategy to make you look back since they lost the election .... go forward with Democrats who will support your agenda and are more aligned with working to get this country back on track under your leadership.

It never ceases to amaze me how the media wants to judge Obama in every step he takes. Let the man do his job and stop this insanity of micro-managing his performance. We need the media to contribute to comsumer confidence not keep it shattered by making everything into an issue.

you'd think all Americans should want the president to succeed, If president fails the nation fails Just like the war and 8 years of disasterous policies be careful what you ask for.

We thought we were electing FDR, but more and more it is looking like we got Jimmy Carter

Obamas plans are disasterous for this country.A little late repupublicans you beat to to it. Saying Obama plan will fail is like telling a broke man thats lying in the gutter,that if he gets up and tries to help himself he might fail.

Why on earth is it Barack Obama`s fault that men he expressed faith in hid vital information from his administration. The fault lies with men who should have been honest and forthcoming about their ability to accept these positions in the first place.

no Mike in Houston Republicans are not standing by Obama because he represennts the people not the money and republicans have three mantras, big oil, big religion and rush anything that falls outside this is considered leftist.. well the facts are we are a left of center country and it is time for those who represent us to learn that.

As for Gregg, he admitted yesterday that he changed his mind after talks with the RNC.. so basically the RNC (who get their marching orders from Rush Limbaugh) told Gregg to drop out or else they would attack him like they are doing Spectre and the representatives of Maine

idiots

Why is Barack trying to steal the Census?

Dems please tell me why this makes sense to you. Be honest.

When the rubber meets the road, Senator-–it is all about you first-–and some people you gave your word too--and the American people second--you are a coward, sir--and I'm being very nice with my language.

Once Gregg found out that the Sec. of Commerce position would not longer be allowed to re-district, he stepped down. Typical repug that will do anything at all costs to rig and steal an election. Who cares, anyway? President Obama is the best person (Saviour ) for our country right now.

cnn why do you always make up these questions? well i can make up questions like is cnn losing its ratings,or is cnn in financial problems?or is cnn filing for chapter 11? then conduct phony polls to back that up.

@Jim February 13th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

THE GREASTEST PRESIDENT EVER!!!!! Hands down. Makes Jefferson look like a dim wit, Lincoln couldn't complete a sentence compared to our magical POTUS, FDR doesn't know the meaning of hope compared to BO. He's also the greatest war time leader ever. Makes George Washington and Ike look like amateurs. Thank God we have him for 7 years and 49 weeks more. Or should I say Thank Obama
____________________________________________
Either you're very sarcastic, which would be funny....or you're a very troubled individual.....If you base "GREATNESS," solely on one's inability to lead, make effective decisions...and be knee deep in corruption, racism, and all things unAmerican...then, Obama would be the best, hands down.

CNN are you kidding me with this article. You are saying he is in trouble with high approval ratings for EVERYTHING he is doing. Just because the 61% approval isn't as unbelievably high as his other numbers you call this a bad thing? He is so popular and doing such a good job your only dig at him is his 61% approval rating for selecting his cabinet?!?! LOL That is still a very good number. Give me a break!!

I wish instead of posting some of these negative comments about the new President who only took office a few weeks ago we would try TO SUPPORT HIM AND HELP TO GET THE COUNTRY OUT OF THIS MESS THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS PLACE US IN.

I feel so sorry for the people on this board who are so blinded by their beliefs that they cannot be open minded and read from a variety of things to make up their own minds – Mike in Houston, TCM, Ken,Connor and others who are biased by the GOP. Please stop being so narrow minded!! What are you even basing your statements on? Why don't you listen to the economists and history before making such irresponsible, statements that are not backed up by fact. Thank God your party did not win. The GOP is turning into a far right group made up of not so brights who do not value education, intelligence or the professionals who know more about the economy then we do!

Jim you are as insane as the rest of the people who think like you. Your ready to annoint this man as the great savior who will fly in and save us all. Man, get off the crack. How can you prfoess to be an American when you tear apart one of the greatest Presidents in Jefferson who was not only one of our founding fathers but a deeply principled and devoted man. To think that this country was not founded with God in mind is ridiculous. To tear down Lincoln is also a shame. Man you Liberals should pull your heads out of your nether regions and wake up. Your so called tax and spend Democratic party is going to ruin this great country. Commander in Chief he is not, he is going to do the the Military the same thing that Clinton did, tear it apart. You guys refuse to remember 9/11 but if your going to blame someone for weakining this country lets start with him. Obama is no savior and time will only prove what type off President he will be, but with what he and the rest of the liberals are forcing down our throats it won't be long before we all choke. Then lets see who you guys blame for this fiasco.

Obama's support is so strong, one has to wonder what on Earth the republicans hope to accomplish by playing spoilers. The economy is too precarious for business as usual, and yet these scheming right-wing nut jobs continue to play their partisan, ideological games. Grover Norquist stated that they are already running for 2010 and they're going to run against the stimulus package. Isn't that sweet? The ecomony's going down the tubes, people are losing their jobs and their homes and their health insurance, and Grover and the GOP are looking to score political points instead of offering solutions. And no, the same old tax cuts for the rich are not a solution.

I sincerely hope these jerks get trounced again in 2010. Maybe then, they'll finally learn that the country is no longer falling for their elitist economics and tired old politics of "I've got mine. To hell with the rest of you."

Wouldn't you quit if someone offered you a high level position and then subsequently stripped you of all your responsibilities and left you with little more than an office and a name plate?

Obama is a clown and his administration is a circus. Why should the Repubs back what they know is wrong? Just because the Obamabots can't think for themselves. This country is now a joke.

This whole thing smell with the odor of Republican vengence.
First – all Republicans vote against his (the President) stimilus pkg. in both the House and Senate. Next this cute timing on the part of Gregg to withdraw. Just a quirk of fate? I don't think so.
They are out to get even and satisfy the extreme right of West Texas. Right little George?

obama is a fake and has no idea what he's doing. That's why he's a puppet.
he is on a power trip and really does believe that he can walk on water. Good God America, what have you done.

Please don't refer to him as being wishy washy or having some ploy. You and I would not stand for this admistration taking away a task (census) that you are responsible for and answer only to the President for. They are skirting the Constitution just like the previous admistration did with the Patriot Act. People should be livid over this blatant act but looks like the media is ignoring the fact it's unconstitutional.

Jackie,

If you quit spending then the economy quits growing. The economy is contracting and when spending stops, business closes, jobs are lost, even less is spent, we can't support our population. Will children be worse off with an economy that cannot support our standard of living or will they be worse off paying off the debt? Remember that we already have debt and it can't be paid off if everyone stops spending and there is no tax revenue.

Also I had to respond to your post specifically because the amount if $789 billion or $789,000,000,000. You wrote $789 trillion or $789,000,000,000,000. I know they're unfathomly large numbers but your number was not the real number.

"It would seem the Republicans don't give a hoot about the country, all they care about is being in control"

TO BLUES BROTHER – THIS COULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO DEMOCRAPS -WHOOPS, DEMOCRATS. THEYARE THE ONE IN CONGRESS THAT ARE BEING DEVISIVE AND CONDESCENDING.

President O is giving the republican party a chance to try and right the wrongs of the past 8 years....but, nooooooooooo, they want no part of it.
They are not going to help recover our country from the horrible mess they created, and they are not going to let President O make the needed changes.
They are now officially obstructionist.
And as far as all the naysayers of the stimulus package – how many of you have lost your jobs your homes and have no means to support your family? My guess is NONE.

I believe in fast talking drug abusers that are selling rightwing politics rather than used cars.Wish I could find one that sells cars too,oh thats right he does have car sponsors.

Just goes to show you that you can't depend on Republicans to help out or solve a problem.

Obama tried to be bipartisan, to hear different views, the Republicans refuse to do the same. It is a shame really.

THESE OLD DECREPTED (WHITE) REPUBLICAN MEN NEED TO SET DOWN SOMEWHERE..THEY ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT THEIR GRANDKIDS FUTURE HECK THEY ARE READY TAKEN CARE OF. HOW SOON WE FORGET IT WAS THE REPUBLICANS THAT GOT US INTO A WAR THAT HAS COST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OVER 1 TRILLION DOLLARS AND STILL GROWING AND FOR WHAT??? ANYONE!!!! JUST AS I THOUGHT...THEY LIKE MOST JUST HATE THE FACT THAT "THEIR"PRESIDENT IS NOW A BLACK MAN AND IT'S KILLING THEM SO THEY REVOLT...BUT HOPEFULLY THEY WILL BE VOTED OUT AFTER CAUSING ALL THIS MESS...IT'S REALLY SAD SOME THE THINGS YOU HEAR THEM SAY LIKE THEY ARE REALLY SURPRISED BUT THEY WANT TO HELP BUT ALL THEY ARE DOING IS HURTING...JOHN MCCAIN SHOULD NOT BE REELECTED THIS NEXT TERM AND GOOD CHANCE HE WONT...AS WONT OTHER REPUBS.....

I think that was done on purpose. I think Obama tried with the bipartisan stuff and now it is time to move on. Now he must use his power to get all the Republicans out. Because they are just there to cause disruption. They have no ideas except tax cut anything outside of that and they don't know what to do. Get over it.

1. Judd Gregg accepted nomination before White House pulled the Census Bureau from the Commerce Dept to the direct power of the White House and Rohm Emmanuel. First they want to appease the general public to say that they have bipartisanship in the cabinet, then they take away a critical responsibility from you. Same old political trick. It was a mistake for Gregg to think that he could serve impartially without political agenda from the top (WH), from the left, and from the right. It was a mistake for Obama and his advisors to think that the disguise would work. Those who love to pile on personal attacks without any substance of knowlege about the political significance, read and learn before you speak as authority.
2. No man is perfect. I dont want to exagerate a bad gamble on Obama's part to discredit his good intentions in other matters. But the public should not be snowed.

why dont some of you try to turn a greedy , selfish nation around in 30 days. I didnt think so!!!

All Republicans seem to have lost their minds – frantic over losing power! And mean about it, as well.

Mark my words! Nothing will stick to this Teflon President; besides these current problems in choosing his cabinet, some of whom are tax-challenged, there is the Second Amendment Constitutional problem that nobody seems to know or care

Mike in Houston: What in the heck are we in now??? A prosperous nation?

"While 61 percent is a solid majority, it's far lower than the 80 percent of respondents who say Obama is providing strong leadership for the country, the 76 percent who feel he's doing a good job handling foreign policy, the 72 percent who indicate Obama's doing a good job dealing with the economy and the 68 percent who give the President a thumbs-up when it comes to handling policies on terrorism."

Dude, I don't wanna pick on you guys but since you guys are comparing this to the overall rating, make sure next time you interview over 1200 people next time, O.K? Hey, that's your poll last time and if I'm correct, that poll was how he's handling job, not his mistakes and quite frankly this is a blue print of not how powerful he is, but how balance he is. Listen, you think people remember when we invaded Iraq compared to Bush cabinet picks? I got papers, I got papers, LOL!!

anybody know what look like south side chicago ? even the cops scary go there

Typical politics, who really cares. Obama is a political animal just like the rest of them in office. He needed a Republican toy to show off to the media and then when he became aware that he might be giving too much power to his toy he pulled the plug. Not surprising that Gregg would jump ship when he was informed that the job he got hired for was no longer his, but he could keep the title.

Obama is clearly a guy that wants everything to go his way. He has and will continue to fight both parties because of this. In the end it won't matter. History has proven a million times over we could put squirrels in office and the country would recover.

President Obama Back away from the Republicans Sir,They are not Trust worthy! they will stop at nothing to try and destory you they are slimeballs they are not worth your time.

Most of America believe in "Loose Change"... That is just about the only Change they will get....

Joan – Let's spell "parties" correctly, first.

The first hour in the oval office you seemed to think the war should be ended ,everyone would have a home,food and a job so the ones writing this crap are the losers .
No matter what the situation they turn the words around to make it sound as if Obama is the fault , he is falling ,failing what ever word they can dream up.
Why blame President Obama it took 8 years of that Bushwacker and the well oiled Dick scammer to put the country in this mess and all the while the Republicans to the day Bushwacker left the white house thought he was doing a great job .
Obama we are behind you all the way and for 2012

Wow! This is not really even a story is it. It's like drummed up news. If the worst thing that you can say is that 61% of folks think he picked bad cabinet picks that's still pretty good numbers!!

One tax cheat gets a post. The other tax cheat steps down. The 3rd person(the bi-partisan choice) Obama is set to stab in the back by taking away the census from that post's list of duties and turn it into a partisan affair. I definitely would say Obama isn't doing the best at the moment when it comes to his cabinet.

Clearly, a 76% approval was not sustainable. As soon as a chief executive makes decisions, some people won't approve and approval ratings will fall.

Unfortunately, so much of the discussion around our current problems is Democrat vs Republican. The American people have been grossly ill served by both parties. Monied interests have significantly corrupted our politics-perhaps to a level not seen previously in our history. Gaining and maintaing power is the priority for our politicians – and the country suffers because of it.

Obama came into office largely because of a rejection of 8 years of Bush(53% is hardly a landslide)....and Bush(a terrible campaigner) came into office largely because of a rejection/fatigue with Clinton. Obama's campaign strategy of hope and change without much detail was both deliberate and masterful.

The important question is whether the great campaigner can(Obama) become the leader we need in these difficult times. Much too early to call.

So every one can be happy , why not bring back BUSH as Secretary of Commerce. This way all a..s h...s are happy.

Hey Dems I have a question for you.

Why is Barack trying to steal the census?

Give me a reason please.

This whole article reads like it is being stated with 'tongue in cheek'. It compliments the size of the support and then says it is a weakness. It gets really tiring to keep hearing criticisms of Obama that are more creative than with substance.

Obama's mistake was to reach out to the republicans at all.They certainly didn't reach out to the opposition during their reign of power. It's become obvious that the republicans are going to sit in opposition of the white house no matter what in the hopes that our country slides further into crisis so that they have better chance to regain the presidency in 2012. As an indpendent I can't see any way I can vote for the reublicans again in the future. Their party is rediculous and is quickly becomming irrelevant.

What we are seeing is that Obama talks it up good but backs his words with half hearted actions at best and I won't even get into his oppointee flops (three in a row)!
He claims to do his homework but his actions show someone who has no idea what his people are doing behind him ( talk to he head of Caterpillar...OOPS!) and someone who himself has no idea what needs to be done other than what comes from another prepared speech.
He is well intentioned but needs to back off the parties and photo shoots and get to work himself and do his homework, he's looking like a Bungling Bush after only three weeks!

The truth is that Obama did NOT do a bad job picking cabinet members. His aids DID. If you think Obama vetted people personally your crazy. He has his hands full as it is. Obama is probably mad as heck with his aids over this. Gregg made a good choice. If he can't be part of Obama's solution then he is just in the way.

Obamas poll numbers are significantly higher at CNN than all other polling shows!! Go to Real Clear politics.com polls to see the averages of all polls that have been taken. CNN wants to spin all stories to a liberial view point.

Perhaps the President should consider appointing a less visible Republican for Commerce Secretary, if his main goal is to bridge the partisan divide. I have a good Republican in mind, one with topnotch executive experience as a former governor and long-time state auditor: Former Governor Arne Carlson of Minnesota. Arne, however, is hated by the party's rightwing for his liberal stance on social issues. But he remains a Republican, though the party has kept him on the sidelines (and he'll be on the sidelines perhaps forever, especially because he endorsed Obama in 2008!). But..."bipartisanship" doesn't mean El Presidente has to appoint a rightwinger to his cabinet to give it a "bipartisan" face. Mr. President, if you're reading this – please consider Mr. Arne Carlson. I'm serious, too!

When you don't take the time to properly check a person out , you make mistakes. The President was in to big a rush to have all his men and women in place before taking office, well thats how mistakes are developed and the wrong person choosen.

MAD, I don't think anyone us have given all the former Presidents the opportunity you suggest hasn't been given to Obama. For one, I doubt any of us were even around much before Woodrow Wilson.

Second, you made the same mistake Obama made about a minute into his Presidency. He's only the 43rd person ever to hold that office.

The change that President Obama promised during his campaigning for the White House will not be a reality until the Democratic Party puts the breaks on Nancy Pelosi. She has been the biggest Instigator that has caused probably the most bipartisanship between the two parties. Oboma speaks of change within the house and the Senate, if you ask me they should lead by example and the rest will follow.

Poll: Polls show Americans intelligence being insulted!

What did you expect from a guy with no prior executive branch experience at any level being handed the presidency after serving less than 1 term in office as a senator. You can't wing it Obama. If you don't have a clue selecting the team how you do have a clue when calling the plays. He might be a great speaker, but were not getting details of how he will fix anything. They spend a lot of time worrying about Republicans and Rush Limbaugh. If Obama had confidence in his plan he would say here it is and if it doesn't work fire me in four years.

Like Obama cares about the 'common man/woman' Whatever! Wake up people!!

Pushing dog parks when people are without a job or home. What a horrible joke!

I THOUGHT IT WAS COUNTRY FIRST AND NOT PARTY FIRST

Like Obama care about the 'common man/woman' Whatever! Wake up people!!

Pushing dog parks when people are without a job or home. What a horrible joke!

I can't imagine what the American people want. It seems that whenever Obama makes a selection regarding his cabinet someone always had a better pick. Since he was handed the biggest mess in our country's history (financial, political and in world affairs) he has made a strong stand in each area only to have members of his own party (once they finish primping for the camera) doubt his sincerity and the Republicans–well they certainly know better than anyone–just look what the left for this man to clean up. I am also fed up with Wall Street and their antics. They too can't quite decide what they want–I blame much of what has happened to these folks who appear to be the most jittery people on earth-get a grip! Finally I am most dissapointed in our CONGRESS! These folks should not be permitted to be in office longer than two terms and should not be entitled to health care and life-long pension after their two year term has been completed. I can invision the American Middle becoming very tired of all of this and somehow revolting with an emphasis on Congressional term limits and perks that are not earned.

RS

Hmm, how do I say this politely without sounding like a racist. Obama needs to stop picking the w/p for his cabinent. These people are no good. Had they been Black or Latino, these folks would be in jail right now for the crimes(tax evasion) if society allowed them to go that far. I think from now on he should pick blacks, latinos, asians, and koreans. Leave the w/p alone right about now. The majority are not clean cutt. Also, leave the Republicans alone. They got us into this mess and I could not trust them to get us out of it.

Where is Bozo? Has anyone seen Bozo? BOZO, are you in hear? Boze?

I am going back to my corner......

Enough with elections already.

Time to back up our President for the good of the country!

We have this new prsident for less than a month and I do not know why the tv, media, cable folks focus so much on such short term results.
Guess what, these short term focus in the life of the wall street, the half hour tv shows, where we seem to address issues and solve them majically, is the cause of many of our problems.

How about if CNN does it's own critical review of what you have done in the last month and have the readers rate you folks?

How about using your great minds to think critcally and focus on long term solutions and give the president and his team some breathing room to address our pressing issues and have them develop solutions>

You might do some real justice to all of us. Take the lead and see if you can get the other sources to follow.

Thanks

You have to love the way Obama kept saying that he has inherited the current economic problems. A sign of a true great leader, to blame it on someone else.

Funny, I don't recall Bush saying he inherited the mess of 9-11.

Considering that Bush's approval rating was in the low 20s when he left office, I don't think a parced 60+ approval is anything to get worked up over.

Obama is the least equipped presidential choice that the United States has ever elected. It is pitiful to observe the weakness and his inability to 'lead' as this country has seen since the inauguration.

This man has no concept of what he is doing or how this economic
situation should be handled. Just because obama believes in unbridled spending, does NOT mean that he will succeed.

In addition, that obama does NOT support nor demand that the stupid LoH, Pelosi, conduct this stimulus package plan in a bi-partisan manner, is an outrage.
This and all Obama's hundreds of 'hollow promises' will cause this country to hit rock bottom.
Obama can not be trusted; my opinion formed early, from the gitgo.

One term repeat after me one term

LETS GET RID OF BOTH PARTY'S AND START ALL OVER AGAIN.

LETS SAVE FIRST AND SPEND LATER........THAT WOULD BE A NOVELTY FOR AMERICA.....................

THE GREASTEST PRESIDENT EVER!!!!! Hands down. Makes Jefferson look like a dim wit, Lincoln couldn't complete a sentence compared to our magical POTUS, FDR doesn't know the meaning of hope compared to BO. He's also the greatest war time leader ever. Makes George Washington and Ike look like amateurs. Thank God we have him for 7 years and 49 weeks more. Or should I say Thank Obama

Rhetorical question. Obama can't control if Gregg is a 2-faced flip flop, or
if appointees were dishonest on their tax returns.

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

The late Dr. Adrian Rogers , 1931 to 2005

senator gregg is an idiot !!!

Some people are not being fair to President Obama. What I want to ask you all, how long has it been since President Obama in office? Please give him a chance to do his job. My recommendation for you all is to pray for him to do a better job than our last President and for our country. Stop being so negative and unfair.

All the liberals want to do is spend someone elses money....that is a fact.

What about all the lobbyists in his cabinet.

"Lobbyists had Bill Before Lawmakers Did"

Where is the change?

go ahead don't print my thoughs because they are true.

I am Probama, but I think his Cabinet selection process has been atrocious.

After hearing Judd speaking last night we are better off without him. Sounded like a drunk to me.. we dont need a wishy washy person to hold an important position.

The GOP screwed the American people yet they are acting like it was the Democrats fault.

Obama dont pick anymore republican's........They sir do not have good intention's.
They do not want you to succeed.
Sad but true

i highly doubt that 6 out of 10 people can name any three obama cabinet picks. "uh... clinton...uh uh the tax cheat guy... uh.. " so i guess that 6 out of t10 people are still simply blinded by his light.

You people are always too worried about polls. Revisit these things two years from now when we are in the grips of a 2-3 year old recession. Ruling by poll is stupid. Leadership is born of having a moral, logical core; creating a plan that makes sense and following the plan despite criticism. Compromising your principles is the art of a Congressman. Obama aims to please everyone and will end up pleasing no one. The Grand Porkulus Giveaway will cost us trillions and help few. You wobbly centrists will regret that you voted for this political novice and economic neophyte.

How naieve do the Republicans think we are? Gregg just happens to withdraw after meeting with top GOP leaders? Give me a break. The Republicans continue to play their partisan games while forgetting that they are Americans and that America needs us to come together to solve problems.

used to you would find one or two bad apples in the barrel, now you are lucky to find one or two GOOD ONES.

Obama is a clown.

Suzanne Schecker said it best.

WHO Cares, he was put there to try and undermind Obama and when he saw that he could not do so, he got out the GOP knows it....

Republicans would die for the unprecedented popularity and trust the American people have in Obama. He is a great leader and he is doing a fabulous job for the whole 3 weeks he has been President. He is going to be one of our greatest Presidents and it scares the hell out of Republicans.

The more the Republicans lie and whine – the more it shows how scared they are. They know they are going to lose their seats in 2010 because they betrayed the people they are supposed to represent.

Just watch how these same Republicans will grab every dollar of stimulus money they railed against and voted against – they should refuse it if they are so against it- but of course they won't – hypocrites and liars all!

The more I see of Obama the more I realize what a profound America made in placing him in the highest office in the land. He is shallow, petty, a Marxist, and very mean spirited.

I love all of the first time voters who are in here now now saying that Obama is being over-criticized. Well, obviously they are just getting in to CNN and politics because they sure didnt see all the negative articles and comments about Bush. BUSH, BUSH, BUSH, its all they have to defend their less than stellar performance of their chosen one.

Obama: Quit wasting your time with republicans. They have only one goal, and that is to destroy you at all costs. Including destroying the US.

What a waste of time the poll is. I bet if you asked those polled who Obama nominated, less than 20% would be able to name the people.

Lets see, how can I put this? Leave My President Alone and let him do his stuff. I am sure we will good hands the entirety of his 8 years!

Oh, by the way lets don't forget that Obama said transparency.....I think he needs to look that up in the dictionary AND THEN FOLLOW THE EXPLANATION..DON'T YOU??. He also said that he would clean house IN GOV, and what did he do he hired his cabinet without even knowing what they were hiding...Tax evasion.....So no vote for you Obama in the next election. Joan PA

You really haven't gone to the kitcen table to get your 'real polls'....
President Obama's ratings at the table are much higher...in addition, should the stim bill go through...and people start 'feeling' the benifit (both in buisness and personal) he will go even higher.

I think it's amazaing what he has accomplished as a fairly new face in politics.....do i think he is the Messiah of the country..absolutely not...but as a team he can take the voice of the people and move it forward.

This Admin. has been a disaster from day one. President Lincoln put together a great cabinet and this President’s cabinet is a joke. The congress is a joke. This time in our history will need an experience leader, not a leader that only knows how to give a campaign speech. The blame for this circus falls on the corrupt MSM for carrying out this scam on the American people.

Apparently Chris Matthews isn't doing his JOB right now, of trying to make sure the Obama Presidency is a successful one!

Yawn...ridiculously high approval ratings aren't news...news is controversy and somethign to argue about or throw in the other side's face. I'm beginning to think the media's nonsense is almost more transparent than the GOP's.

Poll shows Polls weakness!

listening to David Gergen last night, i agree President Obama should nominate a well knowledge & fiscal responsible businessman instead of a DC politician to this post. after all, it's for the commerce and one with grounded business experience makes a great fit!

CNN should conduct 100+ polls on what viewers think of them, are we entering the media poll frenzy century?

This is a reach at best; to compare the responses to the Cabinet selections versus the other questions and suggest that there is weakness doesn't work

Hi,
Not sure how those polls are done, but lets put it this way – the optimism that was there at the inauguration is waning.
Obama 's stimulas package is the most outrageous thing we have ever seen. HE has not been proved yet at running anything – thats why this is a scarey stage with him. If the leaders of this nation – in many differant arenas caused our current state of economic ruin, why should we trust any of them at this time. Trust is earned – not given freely cause someone has a nice smile.
Obama seems to have an agenda – its called "the new world order".
I hope he is prepared for scrutiny, because he is not fooling a large
group of us – that are becoming larger – who are very aware of his
path to socialism, with a modern twist.
Can I be clearer?

I'm sorry I votes for Obama. USA, please forgive me.

America was founded on work, moral principles and freedom lovers.
America today is evolving into an immoral, lazy, nanny state.
SAD.

Why cant the secular nanny-state lovers find a country that fits their bill instead of trying to destroy this one?

just sayin

Please don't label him wishy washy. How would you feel if you are given a job to do (Census) that the Constitution cleary states is your responsibility and you answer only to the president, only to have this administration skirt the Constitution and take that away. Please, we should all be up in arms over this usurpation of power. I t reeks of the things that Bush did with the Patriot Act. This administration is starting to look like W's in its treatment of the Costitution (what was it W said..."it's just a God d@#n piece of paper"). The two party system is a sham and too many are buying it hook, line and sinker.

He has to clean up Bush's mess and what a mess it is-so give the man some credit and he can't do everything at once-you see them republicans are doing their some of them at least to down the man-and we will not fall into their trap-,like he said things will get worst before they get better-because of BUSH-CHENEY- and all them liars in the congress, I am still with the president and things will change, we need to get our money back from them crooked CEO's who spent our money for themselves make them put them billons back,now that will ready make us all happy. Just keep on praying for prayer do change things-plus I put my faith in no man. PEOPLE THINGS WILL GET BETTER.

CNN stop making news with these ridiculous poles. Your job is to report news, not manufacture it.

Give me a break! You guys are ridiculous with your polling. P..L..E..A..S..E. Give the man a chance to pick some good people that he can work with. It is not easy even to hire good office staff. President Obama needs to take his time and pick good people.

#44 has never held any office long enough to get a feel for personnel. He’s been campaigning like he is now so he will plummet in the polls and the big liberal media who made this guy will not be able to cover for him this time next year.

Not his fault the Dems raise taxes but apparently don't pay them!

Glennis February 13th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

I can't remember a time when I've seen such disorganization and ineptitude in trying to establish a cohesive administration. What a circus act.
__________________________________________________

What I think is a circus is those Republican (namely McCain and the southern freak) clowns fighting like children about this bill. The problems with our President administration is not his fault. Folks should have been honest with their President.

Change in America..NO change...Spending the money we don't have AGAIN..No accountability from anyone in the GOV as promised by Obama...and lies from the media is the NORM of our lives. Lies from Wall Street..CEO's out of control and corrupt still faces us daily.

Obama is not what he seemed to be and he will not get re-elected. How can you vote when the American people cannot even find the bill or read the bill or tell their senators or congressmen what they want.

PORK...........PORK..........PORK.........and more PORK...WHY??????????

Joan in Phila

now I'm mad.. the republicans had copies for weeks.. but to lazy to even read it.. drama of yelling NO one could have read it when they had weeks?? Only a few pages changed which they got copies as soon as everyone else..

Oscar goes to Bill and his republican party for best drama in the white house..

nothing but lies from them..

to lazy to read for the American worker.. just wanting to fight and take the lazy vote of No .. on our lives

This is a sad reminder of how partisian Washington is. Obama "reaches across the aisle," only to get his hand slapped. Pelosi and Reid are exacerbating this partisianship by not making the same overtures as Obama. The Republicans are driven lock-step (out of fear, perhaps) by their wing-nut media "overlords" like Rush Limbaugh. Courage is only to be found in the middle, and too few Democrats and too few Republicans are brave enough to meet Obama there. Sad days ahead until they grow up and put America and Americans first.

Mr. Gregg... your party nominee was on a bus calling "NO SURRENDER". Now, your country called for your service, your president called for your service. WHY ARE SURRENDERING AND HIDING??????????

About Gregg, whatever his stated reasons for withdrawing, he also has a staffer under criminal investigation for accepting a bribe from a lobbyist. Hmmm....

Why do liberals continue to look past the fact that our economy started to tank AFTER their beloved party took control of Congress in 2006. My guess would be because they also think Barney Frank is a genius!

how long did Mr. Bush took to complete his cabinet members? 3 months=90+ days.
because the current president is popular with people so we have 789 billion polls per day on his A-Z...

Rulle of thumb is subtract 30 percentage points off any liberal in a liberal poll.

Did the Republicans threaten him also? This sounds like a relationship that has gone sour. The RNC: You're not leaving me... If I can't have you no one else will!

The 35 % or so who give him negative remarks are likely to be hardcord Rush Limbaugh listening Republicans, who are never going to like him. That is predictable, and thus not exactly news.

Enough already. What a ridiculous article.

When you reach across the aisle, there is nothing but garbage.

Considering the hundreds of hours that have gone into vetting hundreds of candidates, the Administration is doing a fantastic job of selecting noteworthy and highly qualified Cabinet, advisors, and staff. The fallout for various causes is a small percentage and only significant because the media makes it so. The cawing from the Republicans is only to be expected , a reflex action, and can be ignored. I remember quite a few problems with nominees of other Presidents, some for much more serious reasons. Not all issues can be foreseen or uncovered in advance–let's move on.

I think President Obama is doing a fine job and trust him to work hard for the American people. The high poll numbers seem to indicate a similar approval in general. Godspeed Obama.

WE TOLD YOU SO!

OBAMA WOULD BE A BUST!!!!!

I wonder how much of the 1,000 plus page stimulus package the president is really aware of? Has he read it all and does he understand it all? He seems to be traveling around pushing this package so much, when does he have time to study the package? How much input has he actually had regarding this package? I think the package stinks and is absolutely wrong for the country. When can I read all this public information? Where is the transperancy? I thinks that the president was untruthful when running for office. He seems to be doing everything other than what he really said.

3 weeks into the office......and still trying to mend the ways of Washington and work with the Republicans. In the real world, new employees get 6 months of probation before we make a judgement call on competency.

WOW! READING NEWS COVERAGE YOU WOULD THINK OBAMA HAS BEEN PRESIDENT FOR 3 YERAS OR MORE INSTEAD OF A FEW WEEKS.

@LIP: How many people did you poll, 2?

What do you expect from a repub?

The repubs almost 100% negative vote on the new stimulus bill is just a stupid attempt at trying to sink obama's efforts to bail us out of what all the repubs caused by their actions and/or inactions.

Enought is enought!!!

CNN and the MEDIA NEEDS STOP, , , STEP BACK, , , AND LOOK AT THEIR OWN HYPOCRISY.

No incoming President in American history has endured the brutal scrutiny and flaming hot crucible of national and international media as President Obama is now enduring. Yes, there are a few in the media that understand the NEW President needs to be cut some slack until his cabinet leadership team is fully in placed. But most of the media and especially FAUX News, Talk Radio, and conservative pundits are acting like a bunch of whining, hypocritical babies. The media hypocrites said little to nothing about Bush-Cheney failures leading to the current national disasters. Now it seems like Obama can't exhale without the media scrutinizing his breath with silly debates about whether he has fulfilled his campaign promises, or whether he is truly bipartisan?!? Enough already!!!

THE TALLER THEY ARE, THE HARDER (and faster) THEY FALL!

Gregg had a private meeting with the Republican Klansmen and made his announcement following the meeting. The Republicanasauras' are having such a hard time with a black man in office. It's really a shame. They would let their country fall into the pit of hell just to ruin one man. Shame on you.

It's funny you left wingers are all against CNN for this column, yet this is your network. Maybe CNN is just stating the facts, and you don't want to come to the conclusion that this may actually be true. Well, believe it, and I commend CNN for actually stepping up to the plate and reporting the truth. Maybe some of you Liberals should tune into FOX if you don't like the way CNN is covering this. I pray Obama can get us out of this mess, but with the way things are starting with this stimulus bill and all of these potential cabinet members dropping out.. it doesn't look good.

I think he made the right decision. Yes he wanted the job, but why would anyone want a position like that only to be told that he really wouldn't have been running the position and he would have to act like a puppet. I say he stood up for whta was right and did the right thing. So far all I've seen is that with the exception of the three rogue republicans, only the democrats are allow to make the decissions as to what is good for this country. It appears that we are headed towards a dictatorship. Obama is Pelosi's puppet!!

RJ – you are as much of a Republican as Obama is a Capitalist/Patriot, which means you have never been a Republican in your life. Fool.

Yeh Bhadwa laal hai
Bulle ka baal hai

Yeh bhadwa hastha
Bulle ka basthaa

Don't you in the media get tired of spinning everything that isn't conservative so negatively? It took eight years of Bush baby to get us in this mess. It's going to take some time to get out of it. Give him a break. You and your right thinking corporate bosses sure gave Bush many chances.

Here is one decision hopefully all of us will agree on – Senator Gregg stepping back from his appointment to be Commerce Secretary. Senator Gregg is showing true courage & American pride by simply stating he can't support President Obama's financial policies and politizing the censys, therefore should not be in his cabinet as President Obama needs those folks to be 100% committed to his causes. Hopefully we ALL agree on this – President Obama is the President and it's his way or the highway as it should be for ALL Presidents.

What puzzles me is this – President Obama wants to politize the Censys by bringing it under the control of the Whitre House – and NO public outrage over this????? Can you imagine the uproar and furor if President Bush tried this.

This is why we have such a HUGE divide in our wonderful country – it's okay if a Democrate does this but not a Republican? Guess only Dem's can have it both ways

I think his cabinet is top notch...Judd was the weak link I thought. I am so glad he stepped down from consideration. But Judd...your reasons are questionable, did you not pay attention to the election of the last 2 years and understand Obama's policies and ideas. Or is there something else you are hiding?

As long as the American people are happy with his strong leadership, who cares about cabinet picks? Look at what the better 'vetted' Bush picks did to this country?

15points below his 76% approval rating, CNN are you kidding me? 15 points. This is your idea of trouble at the polls. I am sure every politican in the U.S.A would love to have those poll numbers. Even 15 points lower that 76 %.

Bush and his cronies put us here. It amazes me that anyone would expect an administration that is 3 weeks old to fix everything, do everything perfectly and be totally right about everything. Short memories of who/what occupied that office 3 weeks ago.

The clueless wonder!!!! Did nothing right, screwed up everything and and believed he was right all the time. Yep... bring him back. Let him finish the job!!!!

Obam wants it his way or the highway. The Republicans have reached out and are trying to work on a bipartisan basis but they have been slapped in the face by Obama.

Gregg left the position AFTER he became aware that OB did not have the faith in him to perform the positions duties. So OB took the census(one of the main duties of Commerce Dept) and put it under his control b/c he knew Gregg would not intentionally tilt the census to allow redrawing of districts which would ultimately insure Democratic control of the govt. and use our tax dollars (the census helps direct what & where our tax dollars go). It is like the president of your company prmoting you to vp but then saying you are going to answer his calls and schedule meetings not perform the normal vp duties. it was an insult from BO and nothing more than an attempt to APPEAR bipartisan.

Republican & Democrat are labels not positions. Conservative and Liberal are positions. The Repbublican failures over the last 8 yrs are are due not to conservatism but rather the failure to adhere to the party platform of conservatism. Conservatism-self reliance, less govt, conservative values.

The Republicans are not being obstructionist but only now realize the reason they lost power was they failed to stick to their platform and if they don't get back to it soon they truly would go extinct. Their recent actions to stop this big ol pork package OB is shoving has finally restrored some of my faith in the party. I HOPE they continue to stand for their constituents. Democrats are not trying to "SAVE THE ECONOMY". They are using their new found popularity & scare tactics to push their liberal social agenda which they have not been able to do for the last 20 years. That is why most Democrats/Liberals support the plan. Not to save the ecomy but to push their constituents agenda. I can't fault them for pushing their constituents agenda but I can fault them for lying and selling it under the guise of job stimulus.

Oh Joy, Sniffit has singled me out again.
Stuffit, Sniffit

President Obama is a hypocrite. I voted for him, I had great hope for his Presidency, and in less than a month as President he has convinced me that he was lying about almost every promise he made during his campaign. He wants to hold hands and sing kumbaya with the Republicans who got us into this mess. I don't know if Obama is naive, on the lobbyist’s payroll, or the Presidential version of Joe Lieberman. We Democrats elected him, and I am certain we are looking at a 1 term President. So, Mr. President, prove me wrong. Do something for the people of this country. Get the former lobbyists out of your cabinet. Stop nominating tax cheats. Help people stay in their homes. Get universal single payer healthcare going, and get rid of the Republicans. The Republicans have re-payed your inclusive overtures by making a fool out of you. Do you get it yet? I'm not very hopeful anymore for a President who gets so many things wrong in his first month in office, and who seems intent on helping those who don't need help, while ignoring those who do.

I don't believe these so called polls–Are only the blue states being targeted?? Only Democrats being called??

Where was the bipartisanship when Bush was in office? Nothing has changed, except the other side is complaining now. Obama will not be able to change that, as amazing as people think he is.

In four or eight years when a Republican is president, the complaining will switch side again. Get use to it people!!!!

I would rather have a Bush cabinet. You may not like them policy but at least they were honest and not a group of thugs, tax cheats, and wives of rapists.

It was a mistake for Obama to push for bipartisanship; most Republicans (save three) have done everything possible to hurt bipartisan efforts, which is definitely hurting our country. But most Republicans just don't care about our country.

reaching across the aisle becomes do it my way
bring troops home becomes send troops to Afghanistan
transparency becomes control the media and ram agendas through
no lobbyists become use lobbyists
hope becomes fear

Obama administration look like Bush administration

My My it's been 4 weeks and we are still talking about the GOP
as being something other than what they are stupid.. Mr Obama good try but let those clown go

Obama and the democrats promised the citizens of this country the ability to view the bill for 48hrs before they voted. Obama promised clairity . . . . transparency – thats the word. Now we actually expect Obama to hold true to his word. If they vote today, the news will focus on the outcome, but we will also focus on the total failure of the democrats and Obama to keep his promise. The largest bill ever and we the citizens cannot view it before it is voted on? Gregg expected to join the team and come to an agreement, however I'm sure it was Gregg that realized there would be no agreement, only the ability to follow Obama and the other democrats 100% of the time and Obama would be able to claim he has Republicans on his team, however they are not able to make any changes to his policies.

Mike in Houston wrote:
Republican aren't standing by Obama because Obama's policies are fringe-left and disasterous for the nation.
=============================================
Doing nothing is diastrous for the nation. 8 years of war spending on a pointless war is disastrous for the nation. Wake up.

20 million new voting Democrats by 2012 projected with illegals becoming citizens and and 2010 census.What a glorious day for Rush Limbaugh and his followers.I love this news,its the end of the line for rethugs.

OK kids, out of the sandbox! The Nation is in a mess and we ALL have to work together to get out of it. This requires adult behavior, thinking, and some mutual respect. Lets ALL listen to what the other guy is saying–and let it sink in. Both parties have some good ideas. Both have some bad. Both parties have tax crooks. Both parties were asleep at the switch for the past twenty years, blinded by partisan policy.

What we need is more real patriots–and fewer party hacks. Commentators on both sides must moderate their inflammatory statements. We are talking about the survival of our Nation and our way of life.

Stop the whining.

We have to do SOMETHING–and do it now. We will make some mistakes. But lets get on with strengthening America.

What is clear to me in the matter of Judd Greg is that the Republican party is afraid of a succesfull Obama presidency, because it will mean another democratic win in 2012. So we should all expect continued obstinacy and political sabotage from the republican party rather than cooperation with the democrats and the White House. I am sad that a basically good man like Sen. Greg took the cowardly road by capitulating to the republican leadership who have embarked on an obstructionist agenda rather than helping solve the horendous financial mess they created over the past eight years. It is clear who bears the brunt of the responsibility for Washington Partisanship.

You guys are pulling up the carrots to see how they're growing.

Obama is trying to reach across party lines! What a novel idea..
Clearly the right wingers are not capable of such a thought..comprimise..
I glad this guy is out and now.. who does that,??? Obama was very clear there would be spending long before elected.

Obama has tried to reach out to the red side and well if they liked bush so much hows that working for them and this economy?????

Does anyone learn from history and mistakes?

Lets try something new be adults work together!

All this article shows is that 61% of the people polled are complete morons.

"Four weeks into his administration, President Barack Obama is still searching for secretaries of Commerce and Health and Human Services...61 percent of those questioned give the president a thumbs-up when it comes to choosing his Cabinet..."

It has been one month and he has selected multiple people with legal issues into various positions, and a few people who have stepped down or declined the offers, what-have-you. He's STILL looking for people to fill spots even a month after he became president. And let's not forget about how much talk of a "smooth transition" there was.

Simply by definition, he can't be doing a "good" job at filling cabinet seats if things keep backfiring and causing problems. That, folks, is what we with any sort of thinking skills or brain power at all call a "bad" job. Whether it's his fault or not - which it is, for choosing these people - the fault lies on him, because he's the one appointing them in the first place.

Personal to Mike in Houston:

Disastrous for the nation?!?!?!?!

I'd like to see your missive on the last 8 years!!!!!!!!!!!

See what happens when you take the earmarks out of a bill? The Republicans won't vote for it!

This country is perfect for everyone to live on . I love this goverment . I am a Democrat. OBAMA is the best for this country at this time. I wish the best wish for Him . I love the way he talk in the public .....very strong and good delivery speeches . I do not like the right wing or the left wing . It make all things bad. We had to fix these problems now. Forget the right wing or the lefl wing . We work together .......for this country

Of course Obama cannot intelligently pick proper people for his cabinet. A community organizer from Chicago does not meet people of cabinet level quality. And unknown to all the sycophantic Obama supporters who write on this site that is what Obama was before he got elected to the senate from Illinois. He was a community organizer from Chicago. He is shaping up to be a complete failure..

Listen, I get that you Republicans love any oppty to criticize the President. However, in the case of Judd Gregg (or however you spell it), HE bungled it, not President Obama. Give me a break. The guy lobbys for the job, practically begs for it, then has a crisis of conscience a few weeks later? What I think is that he only wanted it because he thought he could control the 2010 census. The Dems and the Prez, not having been burn in a barn, knew better and removed that responsibility from the Commerce Dept. Although he says he didn't withdraw for that reason, I find it more than a little suspicious that the withdrawal came just a cpl days after that announcement was made. I feel for Obama in that some of these cabinet picks haven't exactly been forthcoming with what's hiding in their closets, but Judd Gregg made a mess of this all on his own and it's his mess to own.

To all Democrats: stop blaming the republicans for "the mess". Blame it on the American people. I was originally from the East, and one thing I can say for sure, the Americans lack a general sense of control. Learn one thing in life – too much freedom is not good. I have learned years ago that there is lack of sacrifice in this country especially when it comes to wise spending. There is also a lack of respect for each other and an abundance of spoiled attitudes. So, it is about time to start the change INDIVIDUALLY, and maybe this country can still be saved. By the way, start from being humble and stop thinking America is the "greatest nation". In my opinion, that is not so.

The Country is already a disasterous. You don't know Obama's policies is going to work or not. How can you possibly say that the Republican's aren't standing by Obama because of policy????
Republican's cut your throat to spite your faces, We will overcome. America is shameful.

REX: Wow! Did you make this stuff up all by yourself, or did your buddy Rush tell you this crap? Just wondering.

Both are not in trouble .... However, the country is in trouble .... but, who cares!!

I get sick and tired of the mainstream media trying to tie stories into their own idea of what the prevailing opinion is.

Case in point, the Gregg withdrawl. Gregg wanted the job and then backed out. Despite this I still saw stories that tried to bring it up as an issue of "vetting", even though it had nothing to do with vetting.

Now this story follows a similar tack. It tries to paint a 61% approval as a "weakness". It does this because the media has arbitrarily decided to cover every possible angle of the exact same story.

They did the same thing with Palin and they do it with every other politician. I saw hundreds of stories about Palin's silly clothes. It was so over the top, that it was more of a joke on the media than Palin. There were tons of possible stories to run on Palin, but it was the clothes that got more airtime than all the others combined.

They do it out of pure laziness. Why spend time researching an actual story when you can rewrite someone else's story from a different angle, adding maybe one little piece of new info to make it look original.

We are probably better off with this guy out of the cabinet. First he accepts the job, then talks with his fellow Repubs and decides the job is not for him. We dont need wishy washy people. We need decision makers who will make a difference.

He is making identically the same economic mistakes that sunk Carter. And like Carter, Obama, despite his good intentions and the media's torrid, slobbering love affair with him, will wimper out of office in 2012 with approval ratings that will make Bush look popular by comparison.

To punish those who create prosperity via investments and then whine when there are no jobs, is like executing all farmers and then wondering why your stomach is growling.

Gee Wheez Media! The guy haven't been President for 30 days, give him a break. We're just lucky somebody took this horrible job after what the Bush Administration left at the door step. Unfortunately he also left his republicans friends in Washington who are devoted to keeping things the way they are. At least we have a President who is in touch with the American people and trying to fix this broken country.

Take him off the cross, we need the wood to keep warm.

This is nuts! The country is in trouble, hence why would I be fooling around on this site in the middle of the day when I should be working? It seems the right wingnuts get their marching orders from a radio broadcaster that is a drug addled loon. When this mess really afflicts the pocketbooks of the extremely wealthy, then all this obstruction nonsense & socialist fearmongering will stop.

???? THIS GUY ASKED FOR THE JOB... THEN SAID HE DID NOT WANT IT............ REPUBLICANS HAVE NO IDEA WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY WANT........ THAT'S WHY INSTEAD OF WORKING TOGETHER WITH DEMS ALL THEY DO IS COMPLAIN... THE BILL IS MOSTLY A DEMOCRATIC BILL.. FINE... THE REPUB BILL......... 430BILLION IN TAX CUTS.........FOR WHO.........

Wow. The anti-Bush CNN is writing bad things about Obama?

This issue isn't about Obama. Some people, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity or race or gender have a problem with being honest to pay taxes and when they get caught, then they get regretful and weepy and all that crap. It is a human failing.

As far as Judd Gregg, he should have never agreed to the call from Obama. If Juddy had been honest with himself, he wouldnot have suffered these irresolvable differences, what ever that means.

I wonder if Bush's picks came even close to this kind of scrutiny.

Obama has given in to the far left Democrats on spending , ignored Rebublican ideas, and called it an effort to compromise.

He could have saved the day and been a real hero of change if he had just put a stop to individual income taxes for six months. That would have been a real stimulus plan.

Blah, Blah, Blah
why not change it to 51%

Either way we will trunks the Sara Palins and the Jindals in 2012
they have'nt got a prayer.

i am a proud Rep and we see Rush Lim and Sean Hannity as our Party Leaders. Sarap Palin will be our candidate in 2012 to lead the revolution of washing our the educated and elites from Washington.

We Reps do not believe in Education – just God and guns killing Wolves in cold ice.

@ TCM

More complete gibberish from you. Fact: you have not the first clue what socialism is. Go ahead, give us a working definition without wikipedia or otherwise looking it up with the internet.

May the GOP – RIP ( or not ). The GOP does not have short term or long term memory, THEY GO US IN THIS MESS !!!!!! In November America said 8 years is enough and elected not selected President Obama. Republicans policies have proven disasterous to the nation and the world as a whole. GOP – RIP ( or not ).

does anyone else realize that the Obama bill is the same as what the last 8 years was, Spend, spend ,spend. Do not count on this bill creating jobs, just more debt to China. Born in America owned by China.

We should all be glad Phil Gramm didnt get in with McCain.I see he made Times most wanted list of crooks today.

People are getting wise and starting to bail form the Democratic Party.

Oh for pity's sake – the media is so desperate to push the "Obama is slipping" narrative (being fed to them by Drudge and the GOP) that they pull out a 61% approval rating for cabinet picks as "evidence?" Give me a break.

Wake up and smell the java, CNN. The vast majority in this country support the President's efforts, and attempting to tear their efforts down isn't doing anyone any good, except for a minority of whack-job Republicans, who would rather see us all go down in flames..

That Geithner pick was the most imbecile and idiotic move ever. The guy speaks and market crashes, and this is the guy that needs to inspire. He doesn't answer questions. Guess what the reminds me off? Bush Administration. Oh and his cockiness is sickening. He picks people that don't pay taxes. Brought the whole Clinton administration back after calling or campaigning for CHANGE. And yesterday he picks as his drug czar a guy that comes from a city where drugs roam free and out of control. Insane!!!

Ohh and by the way I voted for Obama.

Clearly, a 76% approval was not sustainable. As soon as a chief executive makes decisions, some people won't approve and approval ratings will fall.

Unfortunately, so much of the discussion around our current problems is Democrat vs Republican. The American people have been grossly ill served by both parties. Monied interests have significantly corrupted our politics-perhaps to a level not seen previously in our history. Gaining and maintaing power is the priority for our politicians – and the country suffers because of it.

Obama came into office largely because of a rejection of 8 years of Bush(53% is hardly a landslide)....and Bush(a terrible campaigner) came into office largely because of a rejection/fatigue with Clinton. Obama's campaign strategy of hope and change without much detail was both deliberate and masterful.

The important question is whether the great campaigner can rise up above the partisanship and become the leader we need in these difficult times. Much too early to call.

come on cnn.you can do better than that.obama at 76 percent approvel.you must be hurting for news.this is GREAT NEWS AMERICANS VOTED FOR CHANGE AND OBAMA IS TRYING TO GIVE IT TO THEM.SO MOVER AND SHUT UP.

IS IT ME, OR DO YOU GUYS NOTICE THAT THE MEDIA IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO DESTORY OBAMA AND THE "CHANGE" MESSAGE WITH THE HELP OF THE "TALIBAN" REPUBLICANS?

I think that after the election and inauguration, the republicans and the media have decided that they have to destory him. I think they are really scared of him and have decided to spin as much negativity at him as possible. I also think that we Americans need to REALLY stop listen to their garbage. THe media are trying to brain-wash us. We cannot allow this! Be selective and research information on line as much as possible. We have to take back our country, stay informed with facts, not spin and help this president help us. Change won't be easy when you are fighting the FEAR of change.

Don't become sheep!

Go to informative websites and give yourself your news!

Also, boycott the networks by not watching their shows, reading their papers and visiting their websites.

LET'S TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY!

It is time to say enough cum-by-yah, and disreguard most everything the Rush Limbough led GOP has to say. They have already admitted to wanting this administration to fail, no matter what. Just look at what their tax break to the wealthiest 1 or 2 %, and their concept of deregulation of the market have done to our Country the last eight years.
Get a team of centrist Democrats that will support the President, and get started on getting us out of the mess the Bush/Cheney administration has left us.

Eight years of the most corrupt adminstration in the countries history,
the worst economic situation in decades which may take decades to overcome,and there are people expecting miracles to appear in weeks.Strap yourself in for a long bumpy ride folks.There will be mistakes made,poor decisions in choices, but to keep on the same old path would lead straight into the abyss.

I feel the Gregg departure was a failed attempt by the GOP to make Obama look bad. The GOP need to stop their political posturing. A lot of Americans are fed up with that.

Repubs are famous for redistricting areas by using the census numbers. That happened a lot in Texas. Obama was smart to pull that power so widely abused by the GOP.

The Gop still has a hang over from the Bush days and can't shake it... they seem to be like sheep following one another

Obama is turning out to be the biggest fraud this country has ever seen in the oval office.

Sharon- Obama was supposed to be ready on DAY 1. Or is it day 31?? Day 41?? This is the Democrat version of "Mission Accomplished". He wanted the job- He asked for the job. Now it's time for him to do the job. No matter what the mess was, he said he could handle it.

Or is he just another smooth talking carpet bagger politician?

OMG! Mike in Houston – Do all you Texans think alike? Are you that naive? Republicans do not want President Obama to succeed regardless of what the majority of the American people want and said so November 4th. Do you understand the importance of the word "majority"? The American people asked for bipartisanship to get us out of the mess partisanship caused. Obama has tried to be bipartisan and the GOP has knocked the olive branch out of his hand. Your fellow Texan BUsh and his GOP cronies got us into this. Wake up! Please wake up! Gregg injured himself and the GOP more. We Americans see how he played Obama. It is sad to you people down south never seem to get it. People are losing jobs, homes, lives over this and all you can think about is "fringe'-left"? What is wrong with you?

Ol' Hollywood Barack is going to find out why it took a Carter to get a Reagan.

From George,

"Obama has been in for less than 30 days. In that time, he has shown his contempt for the reasons behind Gitmo"

Ummm...it couldn't possibly be because torture is against the Geneva convention could it????

Seriously, what is wrong with people like you? Is it jealousy, mental illness, sadism, what?? How can you with a clear conscience support the torture at GItmo? How can you take such an extremist view that would make bin Laden proud?

Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and the rest of our founding fathers would be so dissapointed in you.

LIKE BOB MARLEY'S SONG SAYS. THE RICH GET RICHER, AND THE POOR GETS POORER.

STOP THIS NONSENSE REPORTING. STOP IT NOW. Why is it necessary to pick, pick, pick until you find a NEGATIVE angle on EVERYTHING? WHY? The majority approve of Obama's performance. The man's been in office for LESS THAN A MONTH and he's already undone a huge amount of eight years of damage - he's already accomplished more positive for the nation and the world than the opposition accomplished in their last four administrations. FIND THE TRUTH. REPORT THE TRUTH. STOP BEING PURVEYORS OF EVERYTHING THAT ***YOU*** THINK IS WRONG. THE WRONG, IN FACT, IS YOU.

Poll: Trouble for Gregg cabinet acceptance?

Amazing. Gregg backs out and the GOP sabotages Obama and CNN reports this as an Obama weakness. CNN: that is YOUR weakness!

Ignore the left wing liberal media and their pet polls.

Repugs, you lost! Now get out of the way while we fix America. The country is clearly no longer "center-right", otherwise McSame and that awful woman from Alaska would be in charge and we would be continuing our plunge into further ruin. Face it Repugs, there are no longer enough ignorant Limbaugh-dupes trained to look the other way while greedy CEOs plunder our treasury in the US.

Three weeks in facing the range of challenges the president is doing a good job. You seem to be looking for perfection here. He has shown competence so far and the public supports his efforts so this article is a non-issue.

could you spin this any more negatively?

I bet most presidents would kill to have these approval numbers at this stage.

Give him some credit!

"I am a democrat, and I am starting to dislike Obama approach to governing. You can not appease them. Please stop trying.... Eric"

I totally agree. Remember Clinton's first few months in office... he tried to appease republicans and that nearly derailed his presidency. Clinton became a great president after he learned to fight back. Trying to appease republicans is like trying to fill up a bottomless pit.

Some of u people here just kill me. Here this guy ( Obama ) has been in office for 3 1/2 weeks and already some of you are saying these things, but Killer Bush and his criminal buddies have run this country in the ground over the last 8yrs and none of you and the media has said anything bad about that idiot bush. 2 wars, thousands dead, billions of dollars stolen, hurricane katrina, banking system collapse, housing mortgage melt down, kidnapping people from their home land, torture, exposing CIA names when their undercover ( Valarie Plum ), invading another country, calling people terrorist when they knew they were not, justice department cover-up, firing people b/c they wouldn't go along with lies, stealing elections (2), and with all these criminal things, some of you don't see nothing wrong with that, it's just Obama fault. Lets be real here, if its WHITE its alright, meaning when a white guy does it its ok, look the other way.

he cant find anyone who hasent cheated on there taxes

For pete sake give the man a break and let up please. It seem as thou the media and Repubs want the President to fail. As long as the Repubs want money and hand outs to the rich all is okay.

President Obama is bold and honest enough to at least attempt to keep the public informed while the Bush Adm kept things secretly.

No the President is not God but at least he is trying to do Godly acts to save this country inwhich the Repubs have destroyed. And, now they do not want to work with President Obama because he is looking out for the future of this USA.

I believe his attempt at bipartisanship is nice, but the gop and it's immovable positions make it rough- when it comes to tax problems, millions of Americans have them. Let's just get on with it.

Is it really that difficult to fill the two Cabinet positions with qualified Democrats? Or is it just that difficult to find two Democrats that have actually paid their taxes?!?

What about Obama's basketball buddy? Obama wouldn't even let his own kids go to schools managed by Duncan. 17% of 8th grade students reading at grade level, in favor of gay only schools, and serious corporal punishment being handed out by teachers. Arne Duncan is a joke.... so is Barry's judgement.

One word:

Disorganize.

To the hypocrites crying out that we're critical of Obama....he wanted the job...so he's getting the load. Be a man and take it.

It certainly seems that the Obama supporters are out to muzzle dissent. How dare anyone speak out against the great St. Barack, who was elected with less than 55% of the popular vote. Remember, it was not unanimous.

I hope Obama succeeds. We'll all be better off for it. However, that does not hide the fact that he has had some serious problems in vetting picks for some of the top jobs in this country. Far more than we've seen in any previous adminstration – Dem or Rep.

It is not "picking on him" to point out this problem. First and foremost, Obama is now CEO of USA, Inc. and its chief spokesman. One of the key ingredients in success for this position is to chose as your staff those who are most qualified and have the highest ethical standards. If you can't do that, or your picks coninually show up with problems, it undermines your credibility and ability to do your job and represent yourself to others (Congress, Heads of State, Corporate leaders, etc). Again, hopefully he'll overcome this before the damage gets too severe, but this is not a good sign thus far.

Anyone see this article today?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1877351_1877350_1877330,00.html

O'bama's not governing, he's still and already campaigning for next go around.

CNN I DON'T GET IT! YOUR BEGINING TO SOUND LIKE RUSH LIMBAUGH MORE AND MORE, IS THAT WHY YOU KEEP POSTING ON SARAH PALIN SO MUCH TO US.

You know going into a job that you might not agree with what your boss does, but that ishow you work as a team, with different ideas. I think he was setting Obama up. He said he was interested, knew what the stimuls package had in it and still wanted the job, now after talking with GOP leaders he changes his mind....where I come from I think I smell a skunk in the hen hous.

@ Barbara

Pray all you want...if the past 8 years aren't evidence enough for you people that God's not listening, then I don't know what is.

2/13/2009

We all understood that it was going to be hard for anyone who
became President to undo the mess Bush created. You reporters along with the Republican Party are the biggest problems, the Republican Party does not want Obama to look like he is doing anything right no matter how right it is. I would like to now where all these Republican do goodies the last eight years, not one of them
stood up to Bush or went public about the wrong he was doing not even the Justice department. Our America is not America any longer,
the Republican Party is a problem and so is the news casters.
America need to join together not create problems so it takes longer to recover.
We have had problems with every Republican President for the last 60 years, not one has left America better off they have dug deeper holes for us, they helped create the slums while raking in the big money.
I am not a Democrat or Republican, I am for the person. I did not vote for either of the Bush Presidents because I knew they were liars
stealer's cheaters but daddy buys their way out of some really horrible things they have done, Bush W. had never even earned one "C" all his years in school, daddy bought the kids grades, reserves grade "C",
College he was kicked out of for drug and drinking parties, daddy paid four million dollars so Bush W. could walk at graduation, Bush W. failed at every business venture, I knew this but all proof is lost, way back when he ran for Governor, Chaney came up with the IQ test of
96 for Bush W.
Shame on the Republican Party and newscasters, we need to ;be real Americans not greedy users

It is almost impossible to find one good person when you are picking from politicians. It is impossible to find enough good people to fill the cabinet.

His biggest weakness? How is it Obama's weakness when he has set unprecedented ethics standards which are now creating an issue when the dirt gets dug up on some of these guys. Look, that's what happens when you set a precedent like that for politicians. Your going to find some who may be the best for the job from an education and experience standpoint but that doesn't mean they are saints. So if you set the rule there like Obama did then you are going to have to realize that your pool of choosing the right person for the right job just got exponentially smaller. Then there is the Republicans who want to do everything in their power to see this man fail period. That is their agenda. Nevermind the country and people losing jobs and their homes so long as they make Obama look bad. They had their chance to show the American people that they aren't just saying "no" but had real alternatives and good ideas but they blew it with their only suggestion being the dead horse known as "tax cuts". It's time for them to realize this is their one chance to work with a president who really wants bipartisanship so they need to put the grudges aside and help make things happen as that is the only way they are going to increase their political stock.

All of the name calling and pointing the finger is not going to solve anything. It certainly won't help the economy. We have a President that is trying to help bring us out of this mess. Stop being so critical! Don't you realize that if he fails, we fail. He's trying to help us. If he is a success, we are a successful as well. All of the negative things that are being said about him really saddens me. On the surface, we've come a long way. America's biggest problem is not the economy, it's the hardened hearts of the people that live in America.
When our hearts and attitudes change, we will see the change we so desperately want and need.

Mike in Houston, Obama is not a Liberal. Republicans are not standing by Obama because they want him to fail, the end. I want Obama to continue extending a hand of bipartisanship to the Republicans because we have to realize that change does not come easily. These old antiquated white men (Democrats and Republicans) are use to things being a certain way, and their ideas will simply have to die through re-electing new leaders.

Did the sky fall? If no. Who cares. In my list of prioritization, we are all still ALIVE.

THESE POLITICIANS WERE VOTED FOR BY THE PEOPLE TO BEGIN WITH, THIS ISN'T AN OBAMA PROBLEM. GET REAL.

Hey little Markie (12:49). Wow, you've memorized Limbaugh's talking points. Congratulations. Now back to reality, with a couple of questions for you: (i) have any of the [D]s in your list been convicted of the offense you so carelessly charged them with? and (ii) you surely don't want me to respond with the much LONGER list of [R]s who have actually been CONVICTED for real crimes recently, do you?

The intellectual bankrupcy that goes along with being a rightwinger is just stunning.

I'm sorry but 76% think he's doing a good job handling foreign policy? He hasn't touched foreign policy. If people are naive enough to think that talking about Iran for 20 second is foreign policy then thats too bad. He hasn't touched on Sri Lanka, Congo, Sudan, Georgia, N. Korea.

During the campaign he said presidents need to be able to multi task, well that means handling both foreign and domesitc issues. Not just handling multiple domestic issues. I'd love to hear him say what the policy of the gov't will be with regards to these issues but I doubt we will any time soon.

They are about themselves and their money. They hate the children so they fight against educating them, well American children not the children of Iraq. They hate the sick, well the American sick not the sick in other countries because they run to help them. Tsunami–Katrina. They don't want Obama to do well and how do I know, well they say that they want him too.
Hey Republicans this is American Love It Or Leave It as I have heard all of my life from you haters. You are a sick bunch and I hate you too. I wish I could run you all into the sea like the pigs in the bible that you claim to live by.
Never give in Mr. President. NEVER

Maybe Obama has learned that Republicans are the cause of this horrendous mess we're in so stay away from them. We don't need more of their obstructionism, especially in the Cabinet.

Please.....this is Gregg's fault. Obama tried to cross party lines and make decisions for America. Gregg simply bent to the Repubs wanting to make a circus out of this. What happen to Country first? They are looking out for their right to GERRYMANDERING!!!! Where is "America" in that?

Mad,

I totally agree with your comment. The man has been president less than a month and he's being hammered on all fronts for some events he has no control over. People Rome was not built in a day and this mess we are in didn't manifest itself over night. This economic mess we are has been cooking for decades and is the result of greed and carelessness instigated by corporations, bankers, politicians and yes us the everyday american people. It is not one political parties fault we are in this mess, but its going to take both parties and every independent/moderate to get us out of it. Everyone wants that silver bullet or magic cure that fixes everything. Guess what people, it doesn't exist for the economic crisis we are in. It's going to take sacrifices from us all and above all cooperation. Unfortunately I think the society we live in today has forgotten the meaning of those two words. Give our, and I repeat that word our, president more than a month before we condemn every effort he is making to better all of our lives.

It's amusing that so many liberals praised CNN polls when they liked the results, and criticize when they don't like the results. Obama is slipping. The Kool-Aid isn't as sweet. I don't want my $10,000 to go to saving the Marsh Mouse or a waterpark in Louisiana.

If liberals feel sorry- feel free to cut a check from your $$$. I pay my bills- leave my wallet alone!!!!!!!

We've have been lied to more by Obama than any other President. He already broke all his campaign promises.

What's really amazing is that there are still 61% who approve of the picks. Three of them have failed to pay taxes, which is compounded by the fact that one of them is now heading the treasury. One of them has a pending federal investigation for corruption, and he seems to be the only Obama appointment who hasn't received a get a waiver from the so-called new ethical standards. Finally, Gregg drops out because after Obama selected him, he decided to strip him of one of his major responsabilities and has utterly failed to compromise with any ecomnomic measures (And holding meetings and listening to the other side is not a compromise, you have to actually modify your proposal for it to be a compromise).

Who would want the Job,when the census beureau has been removed leaving you as a Figure head over a Department ,under Obama.

Don't get me wrong. I'm and Independent but voted for McCain. I was Ok with Obama winning. Two reasons I voted for McCain was my deep fear of Democratic spending gone wild and Obama's kissing up to the Clintons. I have been hoping Obama would keep his word on working with "everyone" and getting rid of the good old boys political games in Washington.

It becomes more and more clear to me that was a false promise and the only "change" coming to Washington is socialism.

I admire Gregg for standing his ground. Apparently when he wouldn't support the mega Pelosi Pork spending bill, the ability to "disagree" was not reality.

I am a democrat, and I am starting to dislike Obama approach to governing. You can not appease them. Please stop trying.

64 percent feeling the President's doing a poor job when it comes to choosing the top members of his administration.

Why would CNN and any body else believe the Repulicans will say he is doing a good job when they are doing everything in their power to help him fail.

Good for Gregg...he saw the light. Government is not the solution to our problems..... Government IS the problem. Unfortunately, our President is taking us down the same failed paths tried before. Spend, spend, spend, tax, tax, tax.

Since niether party has a a super majority in many years it is both of their faults. 8 years ago the democrats were doing the same thing the republicans are now. But when you got Ried not even listening to other senators ideas about how to stimulate the economy what do you expect. Instead of giving a valid reason he has his press secretary attack the guy football career. Both sides need to reach across the aisle not just the republicans.

Stories like this are written so you keep your jobs...its a lot of baloney. I bet more than 38% of the country has no idea what Commerce means. Why not tell it like it is; Gregg was a flake. Your next story should be about who is really qualified and why.

Who cares at least he isn't lying or putting us into an unwarranted war, or wire tapping us, or rallying up the religious right, or ignoring a national catastrophe... at least he is doing something... not everything is perfect and nor shall we judge... you do the president's job and then come back on this site and tell us all about your plans for the future.

Go Obama!!!

Maybe Obama's ratings would come in a little higher if the media didn't spend so much time asking 'is this troubling news for Obama' or 'is this a sign of trouble for Obama' . Maybe Obama's ratings would come in a little higher if the media didn't give so much time to the GOP to spout their oppositional rhetoric, without asking them to back up their flimsy talking points.

Dem's slam Republicans because they are right, but Republicans can't slam Dem's because they will be called mean; it shows the sensitivity of the Dems's.

Obama lies and its OK because he is a Dem and obviously can be trusted. Bush says what his predecessor said, and its ends up being wrong and its Bush lied and is responsible for everyone else believing the same thing, even when they said it before Bush.

To Mark...get over already with the sarcastic "Republican" comments. Two words for you and your Republican talking heads "Sorry Losers'!!
There will never be bipartisanship on anything because of the Republicans unwillingness to let go. We had 8 years of utter chaos in Washington led by an incompetent "talking head". Move on....tired of the Morals issues....The Republicans have had enough on their own side from religious leaders etc that have soiled their image.
Get a grip and move on!

He wasn't "reaching out" to the Republicans... He was trying to make the senate fillerbuster proof. Very manipulative man!!

MAD – THANK YOU..you have hit the nail on the head..I could not have said it better.

The President's approval numbers show beyond a doubt, that 70+% of the American people are NOT paying attention to ANYTHING !!! They, along with the media are apparently TOO DRUNK on Obama's Cool-Aid to notice.
Can't wait 'til they come out of their drunken stupor, and realize that we've tried Obama's "cure" in the late 60's and 70's. It didn't work then, it WON'T work NOW !!!

OMG: 25 % of the public does not think Obama is doing a good job.
That's about the same percentage that thinks the earth is flat.

try picking good people that don't have a tax problem

I also would like to mention the fact that another way to help the economy would be to have representatives and senators join the rest of us in paying social security taxes and contributing to a pension fund as we have. Maybe if they join the rest of us taxpayers they will do a better job with "our" money.

I also very much agree with @Suzanne Schecker. The Media is doing a number on all of us...anything for ratings.

There is something wrong with CNN reporting. It is like their Best political team. Always late in reporting news and their headlines never match the content. Always negative press.

He's been in office 3 bloody weeks....this is getting ridiculous now and people are getting angry about it CNN

American companies that have grown too big – a good many have failed. Let us hope and pray our government does not get too big!!!
We pray for wisdom.

It takes team work to save AMERICA!!! Not just one party! But we the AMERICA people are the ones hurting , you all still have jobs, but not for long if you do not pull yourselves together. Do you all have something better than the stimulus package? All I am hearing is complaints from you REPUBLICANS no ideals this is why we voted you all out of power, get over yourselves and think about the people. The old ones did not work,new ways are needed change is good for AMERICA.

61 % is NOT a low approval rating for cabinet picks or anything else!!

Obama with great ratings is his own worst enemy setting the ratings bar so high that CNN chooses to give him a poor headline in comparison to HIMSELF. A poor CNN choice for headline:

"Poll: Trouble signs for Obama over Cabinet picks?"

Polls do not tell the whole story. How many of you have been called to take these polls. And with the lack of numbers to how many people they ask, do you really believe that most Americans think Obama is doing a great job? If you do pull your heads out of the sand and take a look around. How can anyone say that he is doing a great job? He has only been in office for 4 weeks, how can you or anyone rate him yet as doing a good job. He hasn't even done anything to comment on. All you people do is complain about each other and either party. I suggest that each and every one of your grow up and start thinking about what you can do for your selves and not what the government can do for you. Or is it that you all want to live in a Welfare nation?

Choosing a cabinet staff is what it is ,some will fit, some won't. This President like any other President will make mistakes and blunders, that's the human in him, okay. But what really matters is that, he is trying to reach across parties, of which Bush never really tried to do. What the media should be reporting is the way in which Judd Gregg waited and used the stimulus as a excuse to bail out.

Ah, crying and complaining about the Republicans. The Democrats have a 70 seat advantage in the House and are two votes shy of filibuster-proof in the Senate. Sorry, but the Democrats are in charge. You don't get to point fingers at Republicans and blame a minority party with almost no power in government for your failures. You get to take responsibility for your actions now.

And, before you say "obstructionist Republicans," the Republicans haven't blocked ANYTHING so far this legislative session. They can't in the House, and nothing has come up in the Senate where they could keep the party together to do it. Last I checked, "obstructionist" means actually blocking something, not just casting a vote against it that fails to stop it. If a "no" vote is obstructionist, Democrats were obstructionists long before Republicans were.

Yep, Mark a CIRCUS LEFT ON HIS DESK FROM YOUR REPUB BUNGLER IN CHIEF!!!!! Of couse bush is resting in Texas..it takes a lot of work to destroy a country!!! You repubs are a laugh a minute..Guess who got their butts beat in the election??? why, it's the repubs..seems they've forgotten that...but will be reminded in 2010!! and in 2012 when all you have to run in your party is "Joe the Dumber" and CariBoo Barbie Palin!!! You repubs don't realize when you've been REJECTED!!!

What a shock – Democrats are thinking about America First and Republicans are still in sour grapes mode and thinking GW Bush was unfairly picked on.

The Democratic Party is the future. The Repugs are the past.

The government has been siphoning money from the Social Security Fund into General Fund for years (bankrupting no only my child’s future but my mothers and mine as well). Yet not a single person is standing up now screaming about Obama said a word.

The government has wasted multitudes of taxpayer money (which we don’t really have) going to war with Iraq (who didn’t attack us on Sept 11). Yet not a single person is standing up now screaming about Obama said a word.

W. Bush had free rein for 6 year of 8 years he was in office and not a single republican stood up against him as our government not only increased in size by historical proportions but as our national debt skyrocketed. Yet not a single person is standing up now screaming about Obama said a word.

In America abortion is LEGAL (whether I agree with or not). The back door for many people who disagree is to DEFUND any project that has ANY thing to do with abortion instead of going through PROPER channels to make it illegal. That is a great injustice to the law of the land we live in.

Obama has been in office less than 30 days. Just because he forgot his magic wand and lost is ability to snap is finger to make things work he is a poor president. After 8 years of GOP ramming their religious beliefs down my throat , killing our good and honorable service people and destroying our creditability around the world I’m willing to be patient a bit to see what Obama does.

I have found from posting on these tickers that CNN puts out what it wants to put out and nothing more. It may make it sound like a negative thing when it is actually going to be positive. In a yahoo poll on Tuesday, with over 54000 people voting, the stimulus package was given a resounding no by 63% of the people.

Obviously CNN is hand picking the people it is polling.

Is support of 60% of the American people a "trouble sign"? Give me a break. CNN is trying to define the news, not simply reporting it.

Sen Gregg had a chance to influence policy working for a great leader who listens well and is determined to be bi-partisan. The fact that he refused the job after he accepted is only indicative of his lack of character and the fact that his Republican buddies got to him.

ADAM:

Those who are conservatives...do you honestly believe the only people who have morality issues are democrats???How nieve can you be..Just wait a minute the wind always turns and blows in the other direction.

Right Rich – You will become more broke by trying this!

Amazing how a person is in the office for less than a month and such coverage is done. I would not wish this on anyone. I think the Gregg thing was a Republican ploy anyway.

Let's see: Obama's lowest approval rating (on his cabinet) is 3 times LARGER than Bush's approval rating when he left office.

Mr. Obama: When your "problem" is 3 times better than the other guy's "best", you know you're in good shape. Another thing that tells me you're on the right path is that the same pitiful 30% that actually approved of Bush on his way out, now disapprove of you - if that isn't a sign of success, I don't know what is.

Then there are the rightwing half-wits that come on here and continue to defend the [R] way, like how Gregg's fellow [R]s took him to the woodshed to diffuse any momentum towards bi-partisanship. There are plenty of you rightwing meatheads out there that agree with this [R] approach to politics. I hope the rest of the country sees it for what it is, much like they did this past Nov. If the country has any brains, the [D]s should be looking at 80 senators after 2010.

And to listen to the drivel from the neo-nitwits who call in to C-SPAN — its like somebody put microphones in a monkey cage. They don't have their history right, they don't have their facts straight, they can't even make their own fairytales self-consistent, and now many of them don't have jobs….yet they quote the Limbaugh talking points like they were reciting bible verses…the very ideology which has cost them their jobs!!!!!! My 13 year old has a better grip on reality than these boneheads. To be an adult American, and be so utterly clueless should be a crime.

We shouldn't be comparing apples and oranges. There are two new elements at play here, high standards and bi partisaship. If President didn't care about any of this, he simply would have picked any tom, dick, harry, mary, jane, and alice!

If the honeymoon wasn't over whe they took this poll, it will be once the American public gets a good look at what the Democrats just bought in the spending bill. Even Nancy Pelosi doesn't refer to it anymore as all about "jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs", admitting yesterday that this is pent up funding for the Democratic social agenda. I think they tried to make up for 8 years in one fell swoop!

like people believe what they spin, LOL.

google democracy now and

get real information and perspective!

ditch corporate media like plague!

The Rush-publican congress is taking a calculated risk in raising the partisan nature of debate and discourse right now in DC. They have perceived their role as purely the designated obstructionists to most anything proposed by Democrats.

To spend the last two weeks pointing out the problems with 2% of the stimulus package while US jobs and infrastructure are bleeding is no less narrow minded than they way in which they've "led" the US through a pro-business, pro-Wall Street, pro-wealthy set of policies that has brought the US to near economic disaster. Well over 50% of the stimulus, 470 BILLION in fact, is a tax cut... a push back on the AMT. And yet the GOP would rather let families move to unemployment lines, foreclose on homes and watch companies while they point out the speck in the Democrats eye.

Keep it up Rush-publicans. Your ideology and approach are becoming more distasteful every day you take to the airwaves.

As a concerned citizen at these troubled times, I question Pres. Obama's integrity on choosing candidates for the positions that need to be filled. The first two candidates had to "bow" out because of personal problems(actually "dirty") problems, one not paying for his taxes like a good American should and the other for political dealings he has had in the past. The third candidate removed his name from being chosen due to not having confidence in President Obama's policies regarding the bailout money. It is very disturbing to me that President Obama does not do his research of a candidate "before" he appoints him to that position. This is not good politics. The president is not getting my vote for helping our economical woes. He talks a good talk but that will not do the job. I think he needs to do a lot more homework before any more damage is done. Hoping that he settles down, I am Gabriel

I cant believe i'm saying this but... i Miss Bush

I am very nervous about the Obama administration and have a bad feeling about this country.

All we keep hearing is, "look what the republicans and bush did". I feel like the administration and dems are still running on this. They use this excuse to ignore the negative side of the stimulus, spending, war etc. 2 wrongs don't make a right. Looking to the past is not going to help this country, it only helped Obama get elected.

time to move on.

Republicans do have a plan and it is more tax cuts for the wealthy, just like the bush administration did and that failed. So we should adopt a plan that has already failed? We are in deep do do right now and it will take extreme measures to get us out of the hole that the repugs got us into. It seems to me that job creation is a means of getting money into the pockets of the people who need it so they can again start spending on things they need and want and that will precipitate companies ramping up business and hiring more people, buying more computers and get our economy out of this mess. That is what Obama wants to do. And in doing so fix our infrastructure and attend to domestic programs for the people of America. This country was sorely neglected during the last 8 years.

Take the Census Bureau away from the Commerce Secretary and this is what happens. Obama and his boys what to make sure the next census figures allow them to gerrymander and give the Dems addititional districts to allow ACORN to cheat in. Soon Obama's popularity poll % will read 61%, then 50%, then 40%..... In 2012 they'll be a cry to "vote the bum out of office".

Partisanship is alive and well in the American public. The Obamaniacs continue to blame Republicans and their supporters for everything bad.
Obama picks Judd, Judd quits over policy, and the Obaks blame Judd, not Obama who showed a lack of judgement; if you blame Judd as a Repub as usual, then BO showed naivete and inexperience. . 2 other candidates for the adminstration had to drop out yet 61% approve of how BO is doing? How many of those 61% actually gave it some thought? Me thinks they just gave a kneejerk thumbs up response because they want to be seen as supporting Obama. Yet the guy still has 2 post unfilled!!!
Democrats have a problem with BO's stimulus bill and also help hold it up yet the Obaks rag on the Republicans. Yet BO promised he was the right man to bring the nation together.
The Obaks are going to continue to get angry and lash out as long as they still persist in the myth of BO as another JFK, MLK or Lincoln. He isn't and what you are seeing is Washington realilty. If you disagree, then we need to see BO do something worthy of a MLK; instead, we're seeing just the opposite. Stop cannonizing this guy until he actually does the deeds to deserve it or else we will hold him to lofty standards, which apparently the Obaks hate. Go figure that one out.

The Republicans should not expect to vote against everything & then share in the benefits. I was an independant & voted for rep. in the past never again they are stupid & selfish

On election day 2008 Barack Obama won the Presidency with 52% of the popular vote and 68% of the electoral votes. Three weeks ago he took over from the worst President in the history of our country.

The Republicans should remind themselves of these numbers and get in line with the rest of us or risk being relegated to the back water of politics for the next several decades.

Mark–

You have only given Obama less than a month to "fix" problems that have been in place for years, inside institutions that have been doing things a certain way for decades. Surely you can't expect him to be the Messiah? Give him time to work with these institutions. He's trying to turn a river with a stick at the moment; he hasn't had a chance to add more sticks to the dam yet.

RJ–

Well said. Thank you for such a thoughtful comment.

I think Rush Limbaugh is running the Republican party. I think Sen. Gregg got too much pressure from Limbaugh and the Republican party. Obama is trying his best to get along with the Republicans, but they just want to destroy our nation and do everything they can against Obama.

This is non-story at this time!!

Obama is a salesman not a leader! Get his face and voice off of TV ads! It is time to stop campaigning!

It is all his fould by putting so many rivals in the game.
it is gust not posible.
His mistake Obama.
maybe people like Clinton are a good pick, why all the media was focust on the Clintons that they forgot abuot the rest off Obama picks

RJ February 13th, 2009 12:46 pm ET: Thank you for your post. I wish more Republicans would stand up and say Rush & Hannity don't speak for me.

Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzalez, Henry Paulson, need I continue??? Lets not get on Obama's picks. At least Obama's failures in the cabinet picks are being weaved out early, before they can do any damage. Whether you think about it like this or not, this is actually a good process. Expose the weak early, so only the strong can join his administration.

Hey, Rex, it's you dumb Rednecks and your Buffoon- in -Chief that's got us where we are today..down the shi##er!!! And you Repubs are just like a BAD VIRUS..you keep on GIVING MISERY!!! Thank the univiserse we finally have an intelligent man in the Presidency...not like YOUR president who is like you Rednecks that can't string two coherent words together..and by the way..lest you forget...Judd Gregg ASKED for this job!!! Another Republican FOOL!!!

Obama said that he was surprised by Gregg's withdrawal in an interview with the State Journal-Register:

"It comes as something of a surprise, because the truth, you know, Mr. Gregg APPROACHED US with interest and seemed enthusiastic.'

Obama ia salesman not a leader! Get his face and voice off of TV ads!

CNN has Obama at 78% – nobody else does

Again, who and how are we going to pay for all this? I would go bankrupt if I followed the "spend" philosophy. And remember it was not just the repubs that got us into this...over the years its been both sides. And I don't know why people are thinking O'bama is any different from the rest of the clan...he's a lawyer and his lips move too!

OBAMA NEEDS TO SHUT UP AND DO HIS JOB! STOP COMMENTING ABOUT EVERYTHING AND EVERYTIME SOMEONE SNEEZES! HE IS MORE INTERESTED IN THE POPULARITY OF BEING PRESIDENT INSTEAD OF THE POPULATION HE WAS ELECTED TO SERVE! THE FIRST 100 DAYS ARE NOT UP AND ALREADY I AM SICK OF HIM! AND BY THE WAY: MR OBAMA YOU SHOULD BE KISSING BABIES INSTEAD OF OLD LADIES! I THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE LEARNED A LESSON ABOUT TALKING TO STRANGERS WITH THE JOE THE DUMP PLUMBER INCIDENT! SHUT UP! PLEASE

For all his charisma, intelligence, inspiration, and everything else Obama has going for him, he seems to have one glaring weakness: he can't shake himself loose from the Washington insider crowd when it comes to staffing his administration. Starting with VP "I've been here since Gerald Ford" Biden, right on down the line. The Cabinet issues are just nipping at his heels now, but if he doesn't start thinking outside the Beltway, sooner or later this is going to bite him in the buttocks.

Another good Obama nomination (Obomination) coming up – David Ogden as Deputy Attorney General of the United States.

His record?

In addition to making it harder to prosecute those who sell images of child molestation and rape, he sought to ensure that pornography can be easily distributed and readily accessed in almost any medium or location.

Fought cases in Puerto Rico to allow Playboy to broadcast explicit programming on TV.

Represented Philip Harvey, a man who runs the nation’s largest mail-order pornography shop out of North Carolina.

Has sued to allow sexually-explicit content to be transmitted over the phone.

Claimed in court that there is a constitutional right for pornography to be kept in firehouses, (to the joy of female firefighters – not).

In 2000, sued to allow pornography to be accessed in public libraries.

Another good choice Obama – not.

Saying this Bill could bring financial disaster,is like telling a broke man you will become more broke by trying this.The republicans already destroyed the country,not surprised they dont want someone to fix it.You would think they hate america.

I think he got out while the getting's good...

Wow. Even in a positive poll, CNN finds a negative. The media, CNN included are complicit in the self-avowed Taliban Republican tactics.

They parade the Republicans across the TV day in day out, and all the American people hear them saying is "No." They have not put forth one coherent idea. Now they say they have found their voice.

But ask the people who are hurting in everyday America? They want and need help.

Thank you for your concern. This president in goodwill reached out to the Republicans and they spat in his hands.

Here is what I want the genuises at CNN to ask every Republican that appears on their shows? Ask if they will accept the money given to their states or not?

Follow up by asking them if it was just pure political theater for them to try to get their voice back, on the backs of suffering Americans.

And note to Americans suffering in this dismal election, especially those with Republican governors. Demand to know where the money is going to be spent. Republicans in their zeal to see this president fail, will not inject the money into the areas that will get people working again. They will put it in useless programs so they can say the plan failed.

The Republicans say they've found their voice, but it is time for Americans who are suffering to find theirs and make it heard.

Obama is GOD MAN, so let him be or deal with GOD

LIP February 13th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Hell, I did my own poll and with a fairly diverse group of people and they all just laugh when anyone mentions Obama's cabinet picks. First thing that comes up is how well the Democrats seem to be at avoiding paying taxes on the huge sums of money these "poor" people make annually.
I'm thinking CNN needs to do a better, more thorough job, of polling the people
**************************************************************************
Who were the people you polled? The participants in My Big Red neck Wedding?

Amazing. Nobody has had a chance to read this bill. The democrats are hiding what's in it. The media is being controlled by obama so we only hear what they want us to. WHAT DOES THAT SOUND LIKE TO YOU?

Wake up America.

@Mike, it's amazing that you use a Republican Senator as an example of someone trying to get the stimulus money when they voted overwhelmingly against it. Are you paying attention at all or do you just get up every morning blaming Republicans for everything?

3 cabinet appointees have withdrawn, and in each case more careful work on Obama's part would have uncovered the issues before he named the in the first place. This is why you shouldn't elect someone with no experience.

Would someone please educuate these people. Their ignorance about socialism is astounding. They must have missed that lecture.

Looks like B.O.'s inexperience, incompetence, and total lack of sound judgement is FINALLY starting to become apparent. Welcome to reality, people! It's going to be a LONG four years.

I have to know which 6 people you keep calling on these polls. all the people that I have talked to in Iowa are scared with what Obama and his administration is doing with our future, our kids future and our grandkids future. He is so inexperienced in chosing people he seems like an inadequet boss with little hiring experience. Then the people he picks, a guy in charge of the treasury that cant pay taxes, then picks others that dont pay their taxes either, then picks a person, but takes away the things that his job is suppose to do. Obama and his administrtation sounds like a micromanagement team that doesnt understand teamwork. If you are going to run a true poll, then get a true cross section of those who are not blinded by the Obama smoke.

What did you expect from a totally in-experienced person put into the Presidency by the media? They did not vet him properly, and now we're seeing the results. For him not to know what Daschle was like before he became President really showed how little he knew about reality in politics.

You posters can say all you want about not being fair, far right, etc., but this is just the plain facts.

Christina has it right. And for those who don't know the quote about insanity, it goes like this:

One definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.

In our country's unfortunate case, the "same thing" has been what the Republicans always propose: Tax cuts for the wealthy, divisive politics and cowtowing to corporate greed.

Don't know if the Republicans will ever learn ... Thankfully, the electorate didn't fall for it again in November.

You people forget that there are 11 Democrats who oppose the stimulus. You are willing to take $13.00 on your paycheck and get a $400.00 check for your 800 billion. Are you stupid? I guess so!

you people just wait and see...turn a blind eye to the stupidity going on in washington and from the messiah...see how you like him when it will take a wheelbarrow full of money to buy a gallon of milk when this inflation hits from this stupid bill......the only positive in this disaster is you liberals and your media will get screwed also.

I think President Obama should take the dm bill and say the hl with the republicans. If things don't go right he will be blame anyway.

Oh me oh my the slleping sheep who voted for this twit are realizing to late they made a mistake.

I forsee the polls for your messiah slipping even further down the slippery slope once people see what his real intentions are. I also forsee his polls numbers declineing lower than GW Bush's. Who knows maybe even lower than Congress's

Gregg is a punk. He knew he was gonna back out to show that Obama's administration is weak. Well I got news for you, America doesn't like the GOP. You can keep trying to keep finding faults with Obama, but know one is buying into that. The GOP doesn't get it! They are still behind the times!

Just because they can the repulbicans are showing their true love for this country. Let's see how long it will take them to get reelected? If you people vote these clowns back in the senate and house again you are crazy. We are suppose to be trying to get this country back on track but we are fighting now among ourseleves for nothing.

The title of this posting is misleading. To have a 61% approval rating on cabinet picks after having four people withdraw is amazing and far from being a sign of weakness

it's silly to charge this administration with Greggs' decision to withdraw. a thinking person would know, this has nothing to do with policy differences and everything to do with the fact that his vacated senate seat would be replaced by a democrat. senate republicans obviously got to gregg and convinced him to decline the invitation to join an ambitious administration. truth is, they want a filibuster. for those of you who have no idea what that is:

A filibuster, is a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body. An attempt is made to infinitely extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay the progress or completely prevent a vote on the proposal taking place.

these clowns want to stall bills that would benefit the people; greggs withdrawal has less to do with a political epiphany than it does with fear of democratic success.

Let's not forget that Judd Gregg asked for this job. He must have known his philosophies were different than Obama's. Why the sudden change of heart? Something to hide? A ploy to make Obama look bad? Just not that bright? In any case, as a NH resident I am glad he's not running for re-election!

Rex: I gather you want Bush and his cronies back in power so that America can continue spiraling downward. Imagine, Cheney feels that America is more vulnerable than ever to attacks (yeah!, because he has more time to go a huntin').

Now that Obama has given the other side plenty of rope,they have done the obvious,they hanged themselves.Now that thats over with time to move on.

Headlines like these make me despair of CNN. The story is obama has a 70+ approval rating and the headline is...a sign of weakness? He handled Daschle well–short of nominating him in the first place. But Gregg pulling out is more symptomatic of Republicans who simply cannot believe that they would be better off to work with Obama than against him. Taking the long view it will be to their detriment in 2010. If I were a Republican voter I would be furious right now at how the voice of conservative American is getting pulled into the ditch by a leadership that has decided that the best way to deal with a popular President is to stonewall him. Can we please please please have intelligent political journalism? With the economic meltdown at least one of the networks will be a casualty, more and more it's looking like that will be CNN.

Mike February 13th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Too much too early……thats what Americans are demanding…..and the biggest hurdle Mr. President got right now is the corrupt senators who are pro special interest and large corporations, with big fat belies which are far from being filled. That is why they have a clear opposition to the money allocated for the actual needy people. Here's what a Republican Senator is thinking right now "789 Bill dollars, how can i get my cut, lets oppose it for now, and set the right price for my vote!!!"
____________________________________________________
So how do you explain all the democrat special interest in the bill. They are not looking for republician votes, they have the votes they are looking for political cover.

Tee,

The republicans asked for tax cuts. Let's face it the recession of '82 was much worse than this and Reagan's tax cuts worked. Interestingly it took congress 8 months to debate his cuts. Obama won't wait eight weeks for debate on the largest spending bill in history.

Spending $800B to create $4M jobs is a joke – that's $200k a job.

Instead of blind support for Obama I wish some of you uneducated democrats would wake up an realize you are flushing our future down the toilet with blind, uneducated support.

Mike in Houston, (darn shame we share the same first name in the same city) are you serious? And the Republican policies have left this country in great shape???? It is the Repulican polices that put us in a catastropic place. Now is President Obama's plans the best ever?. That is debatable. But his plan is far better than any plan the current Republican congressional member has at this time. All these guys have been around pre-Obama and have done nothing but wreck this economy. Your guys, the GOP, are grandstanding right now which is ignorant because they will pay in 2010. We the American people will make sure of that.

Our president is doing the best job he can, given what he inherited from the previous Republican administration.

It is a shame that the GOP would rather let this country sink than to be on board to help Americans who are suffering.

Their constituents are not having problems...after all, they were taken care of for the last 8 years!!

Gregg "courted" the job because he knew that the Census Bureau fell under the Commerce Department; therefore, he would work to disqualify or not count the hispanics and many other minority groups in the Census.

The Obama admnistration removed the Census Bureau from under the Department of Commerce; hence, it would not benefit Gregg's true agenda.

I knew it was "something" other than the lies he told. Busted!!!

Hispanics and all minorities take note; the Republicans do not want you counted.

It's so interesting to me that we (all of us) have given 43 men the opportunity to build their cabinets, get their new administration up and running, make a few mistakes, etc., etc., etc., as the new President of the United States.

But for some reason, the 44th man isn't getting the same opportunity. At least without every newscaster (White, Black, Hispanic, Liberal or Conservitive.) beating his brains out about every little thing. (I.e., Other people's failure to pay taxes. Not asking enough black reporters question during his FIRST press conference. Ticking off the Congressional Black Caucas with his SECOND Commerce Secretary pick. Mentioning ultra conservitive radio and TV personalities TOO much for liberals radio and TV personalities taste, etc.)

Why do you suppose he's not getting the same courtesy as the other 43 received. I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count.....

By the way, this is something we have lived with all our lives. Having to do 150% to others 100%. (Even amoung our own people.) I've just never seen it played out on every TV and radio station in America.

I want to watch the news but I to the point of stopping, because unless President Obama figures out how to walk on water, no one will ever be satisfied. Oh, sorry. No even then. Republicans will complain that he's showboating.

This is a no win situation for him but what's really awful is that, thanks to all the complainers, it's becoming a no win situation for America.

Could you please just give the 76% of us (who have some belief in the President) a break....

You can chisel this in stone...within 6 months the great pretender will be exposed as the fraud that he is. Obama will become a poster boy for those who screw up royally. They might even coin the term "I did an Obama" to show total lack of intelligence and ability!

Now is the time for Obama to give up trying to work with these neocons, give them the finger, and go about the business that the people of the country want.

President Obama's cabinet slection process has come under serious question and rightly so due to the number candidates who have withdrawn their nominations. But I don't think it is a question of his judgement as much as his approach to monitoring his vetting process. I will give him the benefit of the doubt given the economic situation we continue to deal with.

Sousley – you're just an Obamabot. It was Obama's 'my way or the highway' that caused Gregg to step down – he didn't want to blindly support all of Obama's policies and Obama got rid of him, pure and simple. And good for Gregg.

@Independent_me

February 13th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

It seems as if Judd went after this post for the Census. Once that was removed from the Commerce dept., he was no longer interested. Controlling the census would have allowed the Republicans to manipulate the census and not count minorities. This would affect re-districting, thus benefiting them.

I agree totally with you. That is the only reason he wanted the position in the first place. He thought the President was going to let him make all the decisions when it came to the Census. Sorry Charlie!! not this time.

George: Your analysis of Obama's first 30 days is all wrong. And you seem to forget that it was the George W. Bush Administration and the Republicans who created all these problems Obama is trying to fix.

In other words, if George & Company hadn't been so incompetent and naive, our country wouldn't be in this mess!

And don't give me that "Bush kept us safe for 7 years" crap: 9/11 happened on his watch, less than a month after reading a memo that said al Qaeda was determined to attack the U.S. using airplanes.

George W. Bush and all of his supporters should be ashamed of themselves!!!!!

Perhaps CNN ought to place more of their talking heads on the unemployment lines like the rest of us instead of beating the news to death by incessant gibberish. And, the republicans ought to grow a set before they offer their "expertise" on the economy instead of hiding behind their leader's obstructionist ideals. How much has the war in Iraq done to destroy our country at $500 billion plus per year and who was in charge when our great congresspersons signed that blank check????

The media and the republicans are insulting my intelligence each and everyday!

Okay CNN ....you are starting to sound like Foxnews......American's are standing by Obama, his policies and cabnit picks....

keep polling and spinning.....who cares?

No one is listening to the media anymore, anyway.

We wanted change,....we got it. Let him do what we elected him to do.

Thank goodness Sen. Judd Gregg work up and smelled the coffee!!!!!

I definitely agree though, we need to unite as a nation, republicans and democrats alike are in desperate need of some serious couples counseling. Kill the labels that divide us and just shake things up already. Whites and Blacks, Red states and Blue states, Republicans and Democrats, time for a new way of doing things, come together and settle your differences and start compromising on a happy middle ground already, I am so sick of this BS.

Wow...

Honeymoon is slipping fast... along with his numbers...

He should be around 30% by end of year... and still falling...

It's a shame some will still have his back... even though he's already broken nearly all his promises... will spend us to oblivion... on programs that aren't going to help avg. Americans.

Oh well... no shock... Just hide your money and hang on

no wonder President Obamas polls are dropping with all the
negativity from media and the low down republicans
They just mire themselves in the quicksand more every day with
their ridiculous rants ..ie..Lindsay Graham, John McCains lap puppy is rather disgusting to watch ..acting like a spoiled child with his contiuous crazzzzy rants
Not one of them have tried to work with the president except the 3
who came out and supported the bill
Could they do any better pleaseeeeeeee
*THEY made this mess* over the last 8 years so please spare the
americans from listening to your negativity
Keep it up pretty soon the quicksand will suck all of you in
No one is really sure how to fix your mess but at least the President is trying

He is hiding something, he owes taxes from his income that he did not pay, just like Tom Daschle. Barack Obama did not get us into this mess. The Republicans did. Barack Obama is trying to get out of this mess. The Republicans are afraid they will lose their kickbacks and underhanded monies from their underhanded cronies.

Gregg and tcm?

Stop with the divisive comments. We are all Americans and need to be apart of getting our Nation back on track for our futures!

Any liberal/Democrat that is now persecuting CNN for actually reporting facts should be ashamed of yourself!

Well poll this! An empty cabinet is better than what we've had. I sympathize with the president that he is trying to govern from the middle in order to achieve unity for the country, but it's apparently going to take both parties a while to grasp the concept of "cooperation". He's doing alright, trying to change the way Washington operates the way he said he would, but it's a bit of a rough haul.

Gregg bowed out because he couldn't sell Obama's socialist agenda. I know the Dems have a problem with morals:

Geithner- tax evasion
Daschle- tax evasion
Killifer- tax evasion
Richardson- corruption
Franken- tax evasion
Rangel- tax evasion

Bush is in Texas and Obama's running a circus. Why didn't we vote in Moe, Larry, and Curly.

Dems- get over it!!!!! He said he would fix it, so it's put up or shut up time.

Seems like from the poll of bloggers, President Obama's approval rating is still very high.

I've left this message 4 times and don't know why you guys are not printing it.

Talk about selective polling! When will CNN report Rasmussen and Gallup's poll which has the stimulus and Obama's rating much lower than the one they are reporting. CNN, do responsible reporting, or are you just another NBC? We know that NBC is in bed with the Obama administration because GE is eagerly awaiting government contracts as a reward for propping up Obama. How is CNN benefiting on one sided reporting? except lose moderates or independents who can see through all the smoke and mirrors.

It is sad to watch the ruination of certain aspects of what should be a shining moment in American history. Finally, our neighbors to the South have elected a competent President; with a clear message being sent to Washington by the People. The Republican Party is absolutely unpatriotic in this regard. Very Sad Indeed.

We should start the impeachment hearings today , BHO has broken every promise except closing Gitmo, that has not really happened either. Wait until you all actually learn whats in democrat porkulus bill

Well the alternative was to have an aging McCain with Palin to back him up.

I would rather Obama have his mistakes now in the midst of the mess he was left.

Glennis:

Where have you been for the last 8 years? Ineptitude? Surely you jest.

At least President Obama tried to be bipartisan. The Republicans are trying to sabotage the Obama's presidency...true Americans will not let that happen. Sorry, he still has a great approval rating.

Glennis February 13th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

I can't remember a time when I've seen such disorganization and ineptitude in trying to establish a cohesive administration. What a circus act.
****************************************************************************
You can't?

cough, cough, Harriet Miers, Gonzales, Rumsfield, cough, cough

I ca not djuge the man yet . this is a start for what we all wanted "change" . I learn to trust Obama's decision and judment . I ma pretty sure he knows what he is doing. those taxes issue were nto discovered by the american people but but his cabinet. they are the one;s that pointed the issue to congres-senate. Think Guys. all those "politic as usuaa" are being taking out one by one. Obama you better believe this gus is not stupid and i am refusing tho djuge a guy that has only be in the office for 3 weeks . Republican are laughung about his pick. I will rather have those picks that what "theirs" that put this country down. they should not have anything to say a this point

Seriously!! Republicans are acting like 2 year olds! WAA We lost!! WAAAAA!! GET OVER IT!! you are so STUPID! clearly you guy (bush) messed up us BIG time. He probably screwed our nation for years to come!! Republicans need to shut up and help us fix this mess they made! cause if they were actually monitering company and regulations, Wall Street would probably not have collapsed, and so many jobs would NOT be over seas!! Republicans are HORRIBLE people! every single one attacks me for being an Obama supporter!! they are so Vicious! I did nothing to them and they were horrible to me! Well Republicans will all end up at the right hand of the Devil!! UUGH! i cant believe i voted republican once!!! GO OBAMA!!!!!!!! WOOHOO! now i can dance say i won!! eat it John McCain!! woohoo!!! who cares about BiPartisonship! They didn't do it why should we!

It is interesting to discover how many of our distinguished leaders seem to have some kind of tax problem. Considering what has taken place so far,,,,,,,,i am led to believe that there is not an honest, truthful one in the whole bunch. I now wonder if HONEST ABE himself was really honest. Is it impossible to find a legislator that tells the truth at this time. Is it impossible to find a legislator that does in fact pay his taxes like the rest of us do. Evidently, America is in more trouble than we are led to believe.

Voting today for the package that will indebt all of us for many years is stupid. And you can't fix stupid.

Welcome to the real world, where people scrutinize every inch of performance, media outlets blow their opinions out of proportion, and no one is aware of the big picture.

For all of those who relish in criticizing President Obama for things that are beyond his control, why don't you run for President in 2012. I'm sure you would be a perfect president. We should be grateful that a person of Obama's intellect, character and integrity even wants to dedicate himself to helping clean up the mess left by the Bush administration. We really don't have any idea of the severity of the mess we're in and to have President Obama, someone who can talk to the American people with clarity and common sense is a blessing.

I see the world changing ffor the better ever so slightly since President Obama took office. Imagine, Mugabe has agreed to power sharing (NEVER BEFORE)!. Cuba and Venezuela are laying off the man; so are many other world leaders who used to berate and humiliate Bush et al. Let this Republican go about his business. He was probably not worth it anyway.

Please post this CNN . You seem to be very one sided in what comments you allow as of late.

As Republican, I take offense to some of the comments here.
While some members of my party have their collective heads up their (censored), some of us do not wish for the country or the president to fail.
A lot of us think Limbaugh and the like, are complete morons who need to have a gag shoved down their throat. They claims to speak for all, but trust me, a majority of us would be happy if they just STFU.

What we true Republicans do not want to see is a welfare state emerge.

I'm not rich by any stretch of the imagination (I make less than $100k per year) and I did not make foolish financial decisions when the "me too" idiots were spending money they didn't have.
So I take great offense at the "spread the wealth" crowd or the people who say all Republicans are unpatriotic and should all be jailed.

And if you want to know "who" caused this financial mess, most of you need to look no further than you mirror.
There is no who or they, just us. We're all in it and we all contributed to it in one way or another.
And only WE can fix it.

I happen to think it was a case of brilliant calculation...

"See! We tried!"

reaching across the aisle becomes do it my way
bring troops home becomes send troops to Afghanistan
transparency becomes control the media and ram agendas through
no lobbyists become use lobbyists
hope becomes fear

The public and the media need to start looking frankly so we can judge this new leader. Keep him honest and we will have a better leader.

Question Authority!

Republicans have no credibility, they only care about destroying this country:

The root of our recent problems is the mortgage crisis. It was caused by Republican legislation which deregulated the banking and investment industries. Because of that deregulation, banks and financial institutions made billions of dollars worth of sub-prime mortgage loans to unqualified people. Thanks to the Republicans, those mortgages were then traded in bulk on the stock market and were purchased by brokerage firms and large banks.

I find it very fishy that Gregg pulled out so late in the game. Rumor has it that he campaigned to get nominated for the position and didn't back off until the GOP met with him.

HMMMMMM.

Let's face it - the republicans are not going to take responsibility for the disaster they created. If they support President Obama now, it's the same as admitting that they screwed up for 8 years and put us in this sinkhole that just keeps getting deeper and deeper.

Obama has a lot of fix, and there's no way to repair the economy and the nation quickly. It could take years. It could take two administrations to undo the damage Bush and the republicans created.

Obama is killing our economy. How could anyone support him right now?

Nevermind. I work with people who still think OJ is innocent.

Blind loyalty.

These "Ticker" postings from their inception certainly gives CNN a chance to fire up those who wish to remain anonymous when hurling insults, mistatements, and otherwise ridiculous comments. You do not see this type of journalism anywhere else when thoughtful dialogue is encouraged (well, perhaps Fox News.)
You say they are reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Who is doing that service for you, CNN?
Real names should be REQUIRED with thoughtful analysis of the days problems. I shudder when I read the hateful comments allowed to appear. In my opinion YOU contribute greatly to undermining the success of what President Obama is trying to do and for that matter what many of us are hoping to achieve~regard for the state of our country, allies, and non-allies to render hateful dialogue useless . People venting at home, in a bar, at a party is one thing. CNN providing a 'hate forum' is counter to what you should be trying to do. We need solutions. Please rethink your "anonymity" comment policy and provide us with palpable citizen analysis that gives way to real discussion. There are many people in our country who would like to be part of the solution. Try not to play to the lowest common denominator with anonymous postings. Let's all be accountable for our words and actions

Thank you, Jody Delwiche Santa Rosa, CA

TCM – is that the action plan Rush sent out today????? Fortunately most american have a brain and can think for themselves. and to Mike in Houston – how many hypocrtical repubs will take that stimulus money and SPEND SPEND SPEND. I look forward to their explanations regarding that!!!!

It would seem the Republicans don't give a hoot about the country, all they care about is being in control. If they new anything about economics, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place!

And as far as leadership, Palin is the best they can offer and she's not fit to run the moose lodge.

The hard reality is that only partisan Republicans will try to find any fault in Obama over cabinet selections. Democrats and Independents want to concentrate on these people ... cabinet members being in office and getting to work.

He nominated a qualified latino ... Obama won't loose political points for that.

He nominated a well respected, decent member of the Senate ... he won't loose many political points for that.

He nominated a conservative fiscal Republican ... who pursued the job but then back out on his own accord. Obama won points for that and Judd Gregg lost points.

Has everyone forgotten that laughable statement from GWB "You're doing a great job Brownie"?? 'Nuff said.

This was pure gold for the Democrats.

Think about it :

Obama does what he pledged by appointing a very conservative senator to his cabinet. He shows to the American Public that he kept his promise and reached out in a bipartisan way to help the country.

Gregg DOES NOT ANSWER THE CALL FROM HIS PRESIDENT and removes himself from the position once again showing Americans that Republicans care much more for their own party than they do for America.

This will turn out very well for the Democrats when 2010 & 2012 show up.

I think that President Obama is sincere and well-intentioned in seeking GOP consultation/cooperation – after 8 years of suffocating partisanship, this is why we elected Mr. Obama rather than Sen. McCain. So, our President agrees to sink or swim with leaders from both sides of the aisle. However, the unfortunate result is that most of the GOP smells blood in the water – every untoward event (many of which weren't Obama's doing) becomes a reason to blast our President with the same tired labels we didn't believe in November. It's sad to see some of the comments here showing how some people are buying into the GOP rhetoric – what rational person really believes that doing the same thing (tax cuts only, most for the wealthy) that created this disaster is now going to magically solve the problem? Refer to the oft-sided quote about the definition of insanity...

The President has done enough 'reaching across the aisle'. Senator Gregg probably never intended to serve in his cabinet. This entire situation sounds Karl Rovian to me.

Mike in Houston, so far the Republican ideas of the last 8 years have not worked so well have they! His policies are not fringe left nor are they disasterous for the nation. What is potentially disasterous is to do nothing OR continue with the path of the last 8 years.
Perhaps a better idea to you and others like TCM, is to give the man a chance and put the country ahead of party.

With Judd Gregg exposing to the public how Obama wants to control the census for his own dirty political gain, I'm certain that opinion of his cabinet picks as dropped further. Everything is dropped for this guy, he's turned out to the authoritarian Socialist that McCain and Palin warned everybody. But no, you had to vote for the "cool" candidate who talked street on the stump. Enjoy your change, cause you'll get nothing but pennies from this administration.

Too much too early......thats what Americans are demanding.....and the biggest hurdle Mr. President got right now is the corrupt senators who are pro special interest and large corporations, with big fat belies which are far from being filled. That is why they have a clear opposition to the money allocated for the actual needy people. Here's what a Republican Senator is thinking right now "789 Bill dollars, how can i get my cut, lets oppose it for now, and set the right price for my vote!!!"

Its simple guys, no rocket science....by the time Obama will end up buying the votes in Senate all the money will be finished.....this is how politics works...even if Obama wants to do some good....Senators will not let him..our Senate is corrupt lets admit it! ...so Good Luck Barrack you will need it big time....

I wish the republicans on capital hill would get in there with susan and spectre, and start talking out differences and coming up with ideas of their own instead of saying i refuse to do anything involving this bill the economy will fix itself. People are ignorant when they have the fat salaries that they get up on capital hill, I mean look at Bush's response when he talked about the price of gas last year, it was such a laugh.

What's interesting is from this poll of bloggers it seems more like President Obama has a 90% approval.

Interesting.

Republicans and their supporters never cease to amaxe me they would rather the country fail then have President Obama fix; vote these idiots out 2010 so we can get soem things done in this country. All of you complaining about the bill are just like the republicans ; know how to complain but do not know how to develop a plan/solution. President Obama has done more good for the country in four weeks then most of these repubs have done throughout their entire career.

How can we possibly say things are going great with the economy. We are bailing out mistakes with money we don't have!

Guys, it is just a simple distraction. No matter how many times, something happens with these nominations, it is not obama's mistake. It is always the nominee's mistake. So much for the smooth transition? I can become good commerce secretary. I did not know that, we have so much problem finding a right guy for commerce secretary. Any one remember Jimmy Carter? Dejavu all over again

Another right wing "wuss". No backbone when it comes to what is good for the country vs. his party. I didn't question his motives before but I am greatful he is enough of party yes man to at least not done more damage than create this stupid debate.

I commend Obama for attempting to find potential cabinet appointees by looking at their experience and areas of expertise.
There is always the chance that an appointee might not fit the bill.

Our former president filled his positions by selecting those he owed favors to!

Glennis,

You obviously weren't watching either President Bush's or President Clinton's Cabinet building. Obama is a master builder compared to those three!

I would like to thank the current administration for pushing through a stimulus package the will have zero effect on me. As a working American living paycheck-to-paycheck this stimulus package will do nothing to improve my quality of life. Myself along with many other vets rely on the VA for our medical care. Now that is in jeopardy because of the funding cuts. I can't wait for Obama and his 3 ring circus to be run out of town in 4 years. I just hope that we have a country left by then.

And again I ask...who and how are we going to pay back the 789,000,000,000,000...I know if I didn't have any money, I couldn't -wouldn't spend more to stimulate my household. It would cause more of a disaster in the homefront. But I forgot, the gov has our resourses to pay for some of the DEMS lame projects. I have no resources, so I do the responsible thing...quit spending.

So being said, why do the DEMS think it's OK to spend other peoples money for paybacks and pet projects...totally irresponsible.

Gregg was a plant. They were hoping to sneak in some control over the 2010 Census but Obama wasn't stupid enough to let them, so Gregg backed out and the GOP spin machine is trying to turn it into Obama's mistake. Nothing in DC is more transparent than the Republicans' silly games. What's amazing is that they just mindlessly keep repeating what they want their minions to believe and the minions dutifully regurgitate it...all without realizing that it does not work on the majority of the country anymore. Check the scoreboard guys.

@TCM..hahahaha...good one.

@CNN Title for the Article...Bad one..i mean, every poll is still good after you have spent two weeks trying to bring the man down...

I believe what the real problem is, is that we have a real president now and, folks will not be able to get away with stuff they use to because, nobody was watching. Times have changed and the truth is coming out, this president is serious and are going to take care of business. See, I believe they are giving him a hard time because, they don't want the truth revealed on themselves. Obama said it right, he walked into this deficit, he didn't create it. People are making it seem like he is doing all the wrong things but I will say this, for a person to stand up and say they made a mistake instead of trying to keep it hid, deserves all the respect and support from the American people, it should show folks that this guy isn't to prideful to say he is wrong or made a mistake. I will take honesty and humbleness over the Good Ole' Country Bot syndrome any day!

Congrats to America! America deserves a better one who can shoulder the great responsibilities facing this country. America needs independent thinkers not followers of dead ideology in this period.

OMG. I don't remember this much scrutiny for Bush during his first 6 months! We are entering a Depression people! Let's focus!!

The obama administration is a reflection of the American people. Nov 4th, universal sufferage spoke. What purpose does this poll serve? This why we need people like Rush to break the votes down for people who are naive. 90% black voted for Obama. I see only two halves so far in his cabinet while majority are whites. The American people chose 'Change ' and inexperience over experience and Confidence. The people(53% who voted for Obama ) are responisble for all of Obama's screw up too. So far republicans have been generous enough to give him free advice on the internet for Valentine but arrogantly tells Blair that he should be told what he needs to hear not what he wants to hear. Well take this...screw...!

Since when did bipartisanship mean, "come over to my side"? That seems to be what Democrats expect Republicans to do (and visa versa). Bipartisanship means compromising sometimes and, hopefully, consensus once in a while. Politicans and every day people like you and I all seem to have come to the conclusion that we have to agree on everything in order to work together. It's simply not true. It's this "us vs. them" attitude that's one of the biggest problems in this country and both sides are to blame.

it took cheney 4and ahalf years and bush 3 and ahaif years to get the country in the mess its in its going to take pres. obama a while to get it back on track so much for trikle down

He just penned legislation that will spend 20 million to bring Palestinian refugees to the United States. You are telling me 68% of Americans are O.K. with this?

This poll indicates one or more of the following:
1. The Media is doing a great job, Americans are well informed; however, they are also terribly stupid or suicidal.

2. The Media is doing a terrible if (not criminal) job of getting the facts to the people.

3. Obama and Americans are deeply religious and feel the need to speed up the apocalypse by growing their own suicide bombers right here so they can reach Heaven sooner.

4 The Democrats and the Media are so thirsty to push this last bastion of freedom into the abyss of communism, that they will pave the way for the progenitors of suicide bombers to administer their craft here on our shores.

Oh yah # 5. I am a red neck who needs P.C. training. (remember you thought this the next time something goes BOOM!!!! )
(So I can say told ya so.)

Picking the right Cabinet members is like picking the attendants at a wedding: the chemistry has to work, and the focus should be on the main characters (in this case President Obama as the groom, the US as the bride). I like a lot of the staff and Cabinet President Obama has selected, and it isn't unusual to have some faux pas in the process. At least a lot of the crucial players are in place.

Oddly, I think the main problem is also the strength of situation. President Obama is searching for strong people, people not just from his own party and in his comfort zone. He's looking to hear different takes on the situations that arise, and that will give him varying ideas and opinions. That's good for his decision making, but difficult to get in the right mix. Remembering that it took both President Clinton and President Bush more than three MONTHS to fill all those slots, and they still had turnover during their terms in office, the fact that President Obama has already got the major part of his slots filled and approved is quite indicative of his ability to organize.

I think it is time for the media, and the people of this country, to cut just a little slack for our new President. The job he took on is a lot more complex than the one he was running for, due to the economic meltdown globally. The stimulus package and the problems inside this country are not just ours, they affect people globally. It may mean he actually should slow down just a little and consider the affects of what he has done so far.

Will Republicans never give up on including ACORN and socialism and Muslim in any post about Obama? If you actually read the Newsweek article, it states that Bush was the one doling out socialism the past 8 years. Yes, your beloved Bush, the war criminal.
Republicans aren't standing by Obama because they are Republicans, plain and simple. It wouldn't matter if he were the reincarnation of Reagan, they would refuse to support him. The whole party is terrified of him actually succeeding, and their party going away. They are terrified that if they support him, they become even more irrelevant than they are now.
Instead of wanting the best for the country, which, in the long run, makes everyone popular, they'd rather play semantic games and strut around as if they had nothing to do with the failed policies of GWB, or that they don't have a clue what to do either, but because Democrats want it, it must be evil.

The obama administration is a reflection of the American people. Nov 4th, universal sufferage spoke. What purpose does this poll serve? This why we need people like Rush to break the votes down for people who are naive. 90% black voted for Obama. I see only two halves so far in his cabinet while majority are whites. The American people chose 'Change ' and inexperience over experience and Confidence. The people(53% who voted for Obama ) are responisble for all of Obama's screw up too. So far republicans have been generous enough to give him free advice on the internet but arrogantly tells Blair that he should be told what he needs to hear not what he wants to hear. Well take this...screw...!

MNP February 13th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

C'mon people. This President was left a HUGE mess to clean up. It's only been a month he's been in office. Meanwhile, the republicans (most of them) aren't trying to embrace bipartisanship one bit. If there's someone to point fingers at, it should be the majority of republicans.
___________________________________________________
Why is it then if the democrats are so bipartisian that the republicians were not allowed to offer amendments to the house stimulus bill. Why did the white house take the census the day after Gregg accepted the post.......Both sides are partisian, it is mostly lip service.

I can't remember a time when the opposition party went so far as to sabatage the establishment of a cohesive administration. What a circus act.

TCM, thanks for the little blast of right-wing paranoia about the media.

Yeah, you know, Obama has made some mistakes in this process. At least none of his appointees seem to be future war criminals.

I say Obama should keep picking the same type of people... The more people Obama appoints, the more we can collect all those back taxes they conveniently forgot to pay. If we appointed every Democrat in America, maybe there would not be a budget deficit.

The Republicans didn't abdicate there responsibility to their constituents to govern because they lost. Obama opened his hand to them but what was in it wasn't something they could agree with. Bi-partisanship means you sit down and negotiate. Pelosi was having none of that and is the biggest block to bi-partisanship. Reid only did to get the 3 Republican votes he needed. If they didn't need them, you can be sure the Dems wouldn't even ask the opinion of the Republicans. So the Republicans if they are not inclided in creating legislation, can only filibuster it. If you want to call the obstruction go ahead but to me it is the only way they can get their point across. They should try to block the next two Democratic pushes, the Fairness Doctrine, which endangers free speech, and the suppression of the secret ballot in union voting.

spineless conservative repubs. willhave something to look foward to in 2010 thanks to the internet

If the republicans and democrats don't start working for us instead of continuing their stupid games for political gain, we might as well
all throw in the towel. These people, in both parties are more interested in blaming each other and gaining glory from it than they are in fixing the problems in this country. It's really a shame that their selfishness may be what finally destroys America.

6 out of 10? Everyone's either a tax-cheat or former lobbyist... that's not change we can believe in.

He caved into the sour leadership of the GOP in the House and Senate. McConnell and Boehner offer nothing but failed leadership. The younger, new Senators and House members of the GOP need to rally against McConnell and Boehner and offer America a working party of unity and willingness to help America out of this crisis rather then fight jsut because they are the minority party.

This is yet another sign of Obama's inexperience and overall weakness as a leader. Coupled with the Democrats in the House and Senate (who were completely useless over the past 8 years), it spells disaster for this country.

Pickins are so low because the corruption is so high. It's really to the point where an honest man can't survive anymore. Real sad.

LIP a nd Mike in Houston,

Perhaps if you and the media, and especially Republicans had kept as close scrutiny of Bush's White House as you do President Obama's, we wouldn't be in this mess.

All of these incidents, Richardson, Daschle, Geithner, were all investigated to cause humiliation to President Obama. It couldn't have been for the sake of integrity because they would have called Bush and Cheney the liars that they were. There deeds were much more atrocious than not paying taxes that are now paid., and should no longer be a matter of contention.

Gregg, is a different story. He never intended to stay. I think it was another plot by Republicans, to bring shame to The Obama Administration. These are a group of hateful people, who feel that this is their country, even though their ancestors came from somewhere else also. Except for Native Americans, we're all descendants of immigrants.

The media has to continue creating drama where there is none, to keep viewers interested. But Republicans were elected to serve the interest of all people. They should be fair and balanced – not fickle and petty.

When 61% of Americans think Obama has done a great job picking his cabinet, I suspect they do not actually read what has been going on. I mean...tax cheats galore!!!

It seems like the GOP has made nothing bad decisions.

Before the election plopped an idiot onto their ticket.

We saw through that...

Then after the election they said, well we better get a black guy to lead our party too.

We see through that...

Now they are trying to block any efforts made to benefit the economy.

We don't have time for this!

Obama is strictly a puppet for the far, far left wing. He goes where they tell him to go and he says what they tell him to say.

To Mike in Houston
who said: 'Republican aren’t standing by Obama because Obama’s policies are fringe-left and disasterous for the nation.'

What you said is what they are using as excuse, and since you are beliebing in them...
Face it, even before they knew about the Stimulus plan and other acts of the new presidency, they were against them all. It's not politics, but simple damage control: They can't dettach themselves from the presidency that created the whole mess and can't let that a new approach succeeds in healing the wounds GWB left behind on 01/20.

Come on CNN, just admit that you have backed a clown for the last 2 years and you have egg on your face.
Hillary was right when she said that her and John McCain had a lifetime of experience and Nobama had just a speech.
And he is still making speeches. Can't lead, all he can do is lie.
Thanks for my $13 a week you fool. What a joke. Thank God I wasn't one of the sheeple.

hahahaha "The fact that Obama has had the highest confirmation rate on cabinet picks than any President in the last quarter century is a deeply troubling development for the White House...poll says"

Comedy!

@ LIP – I've done the same thing. Ignore SNIFFET, he's inhaled too much obamagas and it'll take a total meltdown of the country before he'd consider looking at the incompetence of Obama and cronies.

Yeah, everyone should take a poll.....devise questions, ask a diverse group the exact same questions...keep the variation out...and you'll see that over 75%-80% disagree with Obama's performance so far...

Yeah, Sniffet, I already did a poll, and with an engineering and mathematical background...stats are cake...so, your statement is trite hater dribble....facts don't lie, dude...folks don't like obama.

How about some real, solid reporting CNN?
Your old polls, looking for any little spark to ignite controversy is just yellow journalism masking as real news.

Judgments about Obama's successes and failures as president are only temporary snapshots made in the heat of the moment. Because none of us REALLY has the gift of prophecy, such judgments are also premature (PREMATURE, dagnabbit!). I say that both the rosiest AND the direst predictions will really miss the mark.

Of course, we all see what we want to see to see. From reading comments here and elsewhere, we have some people unwilling to admit that there are problems, while others (there are more of them, I would say), can't wait to pounce on any negative thing and are quick to pronounce Obama et al a complete failure. Whoa, dudes!

I am still perplexed by the screaming about socialism. If you think Obama is REALLY a socialist, you need to look it up, people, because you don't know the definition. Of course, a reliance on the "wisdom" of Limbaugh and Hannity is not going to provide the intellectual clarification you need.

I think LIP is right ... CNN should just use his polls for all their future stories. I wonder just how many folks in LIP's polling still have their front teeth ... I'll bet it's fewer than the number of them with rifle racks in their pickups!

I think that president Obama is doing just fine! He is running into your typical partisan politics!

Obama has done more to help this nation than Bush/Cheney did in 8 yrs. When someone raises their hand ,looks the President in the eye and gives his word to do a job, it says more about them when they turn tail and run. As a former Marine I wouldn't want Mr. Gregg in a foxhole watching my back. I always thought something was up, he went from wanting to abolish Commerce to wanting to run it. And to put when the Cencus was taken away shows the Republicans had some re-districting scheme up their tired sleeves. Who needs to worry about Terrorist when we have Republicans willing to take down the country, without the promise of 72 virgins.

No Gregg bowed out when he realized Obama's plan to move the Census to the White House so they can change it over to "sampled data" instead of actual. Upon doing this, and instantly turning Illegal immigrants into citizens, Rahm and Obama will redistrict congress so that there will never be anything but a democrat majority in the house.

They are working to make sure that main stream America no longer has a say in our own government.

Obama has been in for less than 30 days. In that time, he has shown his contempt for the reasons behind Gitmo and, therefore, panders to radical the Islamic community and world opinion; shown his contempt for the unborn; thinks money (wherever it comes from) will solve problems; wants out of Iraq but to dig in in Afghanistan; does not like pointed questions or disagreement; wants to interject himself into the census and radio programing; and now says the stimulus package will generate 3.5 million jobs.
The man is a con-artist and half of the country blithely supports him. He is not leading; he is dictatcing. He is not unifying; he is trying to reshape this government in his image. He is not bipartisan; he is purely for the liberal democrat and their goals/values.

Obama's choices: Have tax problems.

Bush's choices: Completely incompetent.

You got what you paid for. An enexperienced politician that has no idea how to run a county. Also, no one will report about him taking the census from the Commerce Department and giving it to his cronie Rahn Immanuel. You think that might have thrown up a red flag? Has Cnn reported on it? You do the math. But oh that wouldn't make a good story.

Mike in Houston
What are the republicans policies? As I watch the debates about the stimulus plan, the repubs keep saying they have a better plan, but never say what that plan is. Just like the election. The only thing I see them doing is putting bad spin on the democratic plan. Doing nothing , saying nothing will be disasterous to this nation.
Face it, the repubs needs to step into the 21 century in order for this country to progress. If tax cuts were the anwser we would not be in this mess I WOULD BE WILLING TO LISTEN IF THEY JUST SAY SOMETHING!!!!! THEY HAVE NO CLUE!!!!!!

A Sousley writes,

"This in no way is Pres. Obama's fault, this is Gregg's fault."

Hey Einstein – read much? Obama extracted the Census from Senator Gregg's role of Commerce Secretary – a clear signal that Obama and his cohorts didn't want a white republican in charge of the next Census.

Sorry, but Obama the dictator owns this failed nomination!

Yes the Dashel and Gregg nominations were a bit of a fiasco. Tack up two points for the Republican war machine effort to diminish Obama’s extraordinary popularity.

Unfortunately, rather then negotiate and this force many compromises with the democrats, the Grand Old Party has gone senile, and in their last throws befor death, they are leashing out in any and every pathetic manner at their disposal, even if it means severely hurting the United States of Americans in the process

It will take a few more years and another two land slide losses of the Presidential elections, for the Grand Old Party to finally retire its old ways, scorched Earth politic, and to find legitimate purpose.

President Obama forget this bipartisan thing. Extend your hand where you can but obviously the republican have one agenda, " Your Failure!!!" so please just handle your business and jam your agenda down their throats. The American people have spoken so democrats get it togeher!!!!

I never thought I would say this but, I can now see why Pres. Bush treated the media the way he did. They are children.

He's still campaigning. Of course, it's the only thing he's ever done. He should start paying attention and govern!! He wasn't elected to stump. He very much likes listening to himself.

The biggest problem in picking the perfect person for a job is that there is no such thing as a perfect person. Sometimes one's greatest flaws are overlooked for the sake of propiety and superficial morality..

Republicans are stuck in the 1980's – just look at the last election and their solutions to the economic crisis. They're one trick ponies with no new ideas and no ability to look outside the box.

Obama inherited a horrenous mess. He's been in office less than 1 month and has done a great job considering the circumstances. He's still got pretty overwhelming support – even with the republican anchors tied around his neck.

I'm proud of the President and the job he's been doing – and apparently so are the majority of Americans.

These guys are such amateurs. We all lose with Barack.

Thank God for re-elections.

Just why does Obama HAVE to prove anything. As far a I am concerned, he can pick anyone he chooses--- he`s the PRESIDENT.. Following Bush, anyone is an improvement----

This whole Gregg thing was planned – how lame of the GOP to resort to such tactics. It simply shows they continue to have nothing to offer.

That’s funny; the right wingers on this board keep saying he will be impeached soon, and that he is already going to go down as the worst president in history. Perhaps they are reaching a little too far. Of course these are the same people who brought us the Bush and Cheney show! Keep yelling guys; maybe you can bring his approval down to like 74%.

well Bush supposedly had the dream team around him and look where that took us

Trying to be bipartisan has it's draw backs. Gregg, what a cop out. I don't thing Obama wants a bunch of cabinet seecretaries that minic his every move or word. He wants secretaries that are going to tell it like it is wheather it follows what he wants or not. That is called leadership. I think Gregg was getting heat from the Republican Party, what an opportunity lost, to have a differing point of view placed into the discussion, how un-Republican. Would everyone be happy if he had filled all the Cabinet Posts with no problems only to sit back and see only one point of view represnted in the cabinet.

YAAAAAWN

Gregg: more of the same.

CNN, this is soo self defeating. PO won the election. All that are fair minded and have followed your daily ticker and other news reporting, know that he was not corporate media'spick. But he is President now and our country is in a financial weaked state. To get out of this mess we all will have to come together. He is just three weeks in office and everyday (EVERYDAY) your network try and find something no matter how big or small to critize him. Where will this get us all collectively? All thisdoes is further stir up raw hatred, devision and contempt. Unfriendly nations need lay in wait because our selfishness, greed,racism will consume us all. You don't have to kiss his a$$ but don't let your constant demeaning and undermining reporting get our nation's a## kicked.

Picking a Republican was definitely a mistake, so I can understand people's frustration. Obama may want to be bipartisan, but most Americans are sick and tired of the GOP and the mess they've gotten us into.

It appauls me that no one recalls that two of the major players in the era leading up to the current economic crisis are leading this country today. They were Senators in "key decision making positions" with plenty of "experience making the hard decisions".

The facts on the ground ... They have offered NO details on their plans to help this economy other than spending money. THAT is ALL either of them and the leadership at the helm now has EVER come up with to solve the issues facing this country.

It is unfortunate that those who have ideas that don't involve spending money without a plan or accountability are thought of as not caring for the people of this country. The truth is, we care more about ALL of us – those with AND without the means to support themselves.

Unless this administration with the handout mentality wises up, the 20th century depression will look like a walk in the park compared to where they are leading us.

An administration that cannot provide a plan with any details after four weeks is not one reflecting the leadership or intellect this country needs to go forward in a direction that will stimulate any economy.

I bet TCM will never be honest and tell us what he or she does for a living,other than post right wing comments 24/7.

I agree with A Sousley 100 percent. Gregg is either simply a flake, or he was in it to do damage to Obama. Either way, it's Gregg's fault and it says more about him that it does about the administration.

The Repubs Are acting Like Spoiled Brats And the Leader is THAT ONE (John McCain and Rush Limbaugh )Michael Steel is a Tool......And the thought of bipartisanship is not on the Menu.....American People are Watching You

This is just playing bipartisanship for the sake of appearances – there is no change in Washington, just more of the same.

while Obama's reaching across the aisle is admirable, he's received precious little cooperation from Republicans and it's just as well Gregg bailed as he would have been problematic. B-bye Gregg, go back to the scheming other side – who are no doubt livid they lost power.

Well, LIP,

when you poll rush, hannity, oreilly, krauthammer, and rove.... laughing is PROBABLY the reaction you'll get..... duh...

Good grief! Obama has been in office for well less than one month! Are you folks crazy? Nothing changes "overnight" - give the man a chance!

Well, LIP, when you poll rush, hannity, oreilly, krauthammer, and rove.... laughing is PROBABLY the reaction you'll get.....

yes, its a huge mess Obama inherited, HOWEVER, many people were expecting miracles and nothing is going to change overnight or even a year from now. ALL these politicans are out of touch with the regular person, look at the stimulus, it is helping the average person HoW? Tax breaks for NEXT year, nothing for NOW, they should have divided the money amongst all taxpayers and sent us a check. Instead, we are wasting money AGAIN....

Someone on hear tell me what the Republicans have done the past 8-12 years, besides a war and a recession. Come on, tell me. You can't. All of the greed in this country sadly belongs to those who run it. The politicans, big business, and the oil companies. Things are getting tougher and they raise the price of gas again. To me, the republicans would rather destroy the country than work to fix the problem for everyone, not just the rich.