Comments on: Obama On AIG Rage, Recession, Challenges

Also Tells 60 Minutes How He Is Adjusting To The Job, And His Family To The White House

[Sharonkathleen]

It does not surprise me that President Obama laughed. I did weddings for many years and have watched Brides laugh through their vows. I've seen this kind of behavior in many people, including my own grandmother whenever she was burdened down too much. It's a release. Looking at the grey hair on his head it's not hard to see that this enormous amount of responsibility he has taken on is having an effect on him. I'm glad that he can laugh.

[ginoson]

Stuck in the Campaign Mode???

I am a retired pilot. A normal takeoff would go kinda like this. After clearance for takeoff, the pilot flying releases brakes and adds takeoff power. Once reaching takeoff speed, the pilot not flying calls out V1....Vr.....V2..... positive climb. Pilot flying calls Gear up, Heading Select ,to steer the airplane to the required course set on the Flight Director System. OK???? Now, let's get to Obama's airplane. He's the captain flying the airplane(our country). He has had very minimum training in this job as captain, however, he has smoozed the company bosses, with his smooth talking and reading on the PA system, so he is allowed to take over the airplane as boss. His normal departure would go like this......Cleared for takeoff. Adds takeoff power, after releasing brakes. Once takeoff speed is acquired, his Co-pilot, Biden, another novice in the airplane, shouts out, V1...Vr...V2, positive climb... Obama shouts Gear up, Heading Campaign Mode. This is where it gets dicey. His airplane has been stuck in the Campaign Mode for 2 & a half years. He doesn't know how to get it into any other mode. Even his cabin crew(his cabinet led by Tim(Turbo Tax Specialist) Geithner are wondering what the Hell is going on. Just imagine being a passenger on his airplane, which you are. Would you be chomping on your finger nails and looking feverishly for a parachute to escape this madness? I think so. I just hope he learns on the job to fly this machine. Our lives depend on it.

[ChuckiePie]

Obama is a Great President. America is truly fortunate to have such a brilliant person in the Oval Office, especially considering the brain-dead dunce who occupied that office over the past eight years, practically destroying our country, economically and overseas.

Please visit my Blog:
"Conservatives Are America's Real Terrorists"
http://conservativesarecommunistss.blogspot.com/

[Pogo_Stick]

Speciallillie, I don't have any problem blaming everything on Bush if it makes the far left feel better. They are a bitter bunch and need the lift. However, considering the issues you mentioned, can you please tell me what Clinton did for mass transportation, energy, the environment, regulation,....anything? Do you realize under Clinton's watch, the Glass-Staegall Act was repealed? Do you understand what impact that had on the current financial crisis? I bet not. Can you also tell me how you think gas prices won't rocket higher under the watchful eye of Obama? Obama even said anything energy related will go up unde his policies. Can you explain Obama's energy, healthcare or education plan? C'mon, let's debate with some facts and stay away from the name calling.

[Pogo_Stick]

Bush was President during the financing fiasco so he has to take the blame. Republicans controlled Congress for 6 of 8 years so they have to take responsibility as well. But it is silly to think that Obama, Dodd, Frank, Conrad, Rangel and the rest of the Dems in key finance/banking positions don't have some responsibility. They were leaders in taking donations from Freddie, Fannie, AIG, Countrywide and others.... they didn't have any incentive to regulate these people and fought Republican attempts to do so. The Republicans screwed up by not forcing a vote on these regulations when they were in power to at least document where the Dems stood. BTW, the Dems weren't on top of the financial issue either when they got power in Jan 07. A higher priority was to find out if Roger Clemons was taking steroids.

[speciallillie2]

Smart people don't write ignorant, misinformed information. President Barack Obama inherited the debt from former President George W. Bush. No one really knew the depth of insanity the Bush and Cheney Administration placed upon us through laws that were for the rich and power to succeed and the working class, middle class and poor to be driven into the ground and then past on to President Barack Obama. At least he is trying to clean up the mess that he inherited. We can't sit back and wait for change. For change, action must be taken; whether it's popular or not. The question for all the smart people is "why didn't you speak up and against Bush when this was happening to us?" You didn't because you either trusted the crook or you gain off our backs! We are the most hated country in the world; we are disrespected not because of our current President, because "smart" people other than US citizens saw through the Bush administration. They shook their heads, laughed behind our backs, increased gas prices from 89 cents to $4.69 on my retirement check. Do the math. My income didn't increase but the gas to the store to purchase food, to pay my bills, to visit where I live there's no mass transportation, in fact ZERO public transportation. This all happen under who's watch and what is the family business for the Bush's "Oil" Who is more anti-American than Former Vice President Cheney who hide behind a wheel chair to avoid having to stand up and look his the new President in the eye. Cheney refused to give President Barack Obama respect in acknowledgement. Now he goes on TV to try and put fear into the terriorist game; so unAmerican of him. However, he can't run away from the fact that he is "related" to President Barack Obama....they are distant cousins; thanks to Lynne Cheney discovery! So, all you smart people, shut up and go back to school to learn "truth" and stop spreading lies, misinformation and hatred and for some racist undertone remarks!
I support President Barack Obama and I want him to succeed and if it means by spending more of our tax dollars to clean up George W. Bush's mess, then by all means do it, wipe the slate clean and let's move forward and to NEVER,EVER get into this mess again. Put laws in place to put an end to legalized robbery of the American People.

[speciallillie2]

Hi Everyone,
President Barack Obama has only been in office 60 days and is attempting to clean up the mess President George Bush did in 8 years. Please give our President the respect in support or constructive criticism that will help our Nation to become what it once was, a powerful and respected Nation. Not a Nation that is hated by almost every Country in the World.
Reminder, our President inherited this mess, this billions of taxpayer debt and common sense would be to clean it up, we must spend our way out of it; fix systemic problems, put in preventive measures and do so that is "fair" and "equally" for all Americans. Why not lift up the "poor, disadvantaged and disenfranchised"; why not assist American homeowners whom were tricked by the subprime thieves; and why shouldn't the rich get off their high horses and step down and bare some of the burden by offering to donate some of their tax breaks to the poor, the disadvantage and disenfranchised....however, they won't therefore, someone has to help bring equality amongst all. For years with little oversight and regulations that began under Clinton administration and abuse by the Bush administration - deregulation is the culpit that has nearly destroyed our Nation; and whereupon the rich has enjoyed their status quo lifestyle; it's not going to make the rich poorer by increasing their taxes which really isn't increase for they're enjoyed for years ridiculous tax breaks...to pay their share and help make the United States of America whole again. Any big business, wealthy person complaining about having to pay their FAIR share increase taxes, we the American people should boycott them, not allow them to ever be granted a "bail out" and post their names, companies on the wall of shame. It's time we stop being a Nation of Greed and be a Nation of Respect and Dignity!
Stand up for our Country; put aside your partisan; support our President and stop worrying about whether he should smile or not; for what he really should have said was "I am smiling/laughing to avoid crying" for the questions, suggestions, attitude of many is so ridiculous and ignorant that you better laugh or smile to keep from crying....
I too smile when approach with ignorance! It's only been 60 days people! Instead of complaining, what in your wallet to pull us out of the George Bush Administration Hell hole that we are in?

[velma179]

I enjoyed the 60 Minutes interview Steve Kroft did with President Obama.

Kroft is an even tempered man who doesn't attempt to "lead" an interview subject, he always seems neutral as far as projecting an opinion or expectation of an answer.

There are so many TV "celebrities" who have specific agenda's -- more to boost their personal ratings, than to ask simple questions and let the interview subject have the "spotlight".

Kudos to Kroft, 60 Minutes and CBS

[wyzguy11]

At this point in Dubya's first term he was already planning his vacation to Crawford, TX while his chief terrorism head, Richard Clarke, was warning him of the Al-Queda threat. He wasn't given the time of day because he was a Clinton hold-over........9/11 happened!!

Sorry GOP given a choice.........I'll take a bad economy over a 9/11 anyday!

[aheadace]

Just cool as hell smile and all Rowdy just loves him she said so yesterday

[aheadace]

It sure as hell is this mess was caused bu the Republicans and BUSH

[ladiga]

CBS interview was self serving and arrogant. The President was gracious to Steve Kroft and answered all the questions with great comprehension. As the media wants simple answers to complicated questions the media does not serve the public well. Surely all of you including Steve Kroft are smarter than that.

[olyboy]

Who cares what this guy says? He'll say anything, it's what he does that scares me. He sounds so good, but he's taking us down a path that takes away any incentive to work hard.

[nay5]

PRESIDENT Obama, I thank God you are trying to do the right thing. You said at the beginning you will not be a perfect president. You are a human being who happens to love the USA and we know you are trying to do your best to clean up this mess we are in. We as a people need to PRAY PRAY PRAY! A huge percentage of citizen have forgotten to pray to God because they are in their own greedy selfish cruel world. We need to keep praying that you as our leader will continue to listen for God's direction so America can stand straight and tall once again. Continue to love the people and keep us informed. This presidency is like a marriage. You are going to have some good days and you are going to have some bad days. But in the end, we the people will still be standing tall right by your side, President Obama. PRAY AND BE PATIENT for the change!

[hungry1968-15]

TJ217,
You would follow President Pelosi,VP Reid ,side kick Obama and tax crook Geithner right off the side of a cliff wouldn't you?
Posted by specialty8 at 2:28 PM : Mar 23, 2009




Rather than follow the conservatives into needless war, a ruined economy, and a deeply divided country?

Really -- what's the difference between the conservatives plan to kill America, and following someone off of a cliff?

[ymmiT1]

Respect is something one "EARNS" by their actions. So far the -fence stradding-back peddling, give them all more Billions in aid and all talk President has not earned respect, I must respect the office-but not the office holder. He'll get it when he earns it!
Funny how when it's Obama that's attacked there is an outcry of "You have to respect him he's the President" GWB got no such respect. Double standard?, I think!!

[specialty8]

TJ217,
You would follow President Pelosi,VP Reid ,side kick Obama and tax crook Geithner right off the side of a cliff wouldn't you?

[perimeterreader]

I am amazed that the President said he was not surprised by the rage against AIG, although I suppose it would not come as a surprise to the President since he has been bad mouthing businesses since he took office. Clearly businesses are the pariahs for the day.

I am stunned that he has asked lawyers to look for a way to get out of paying bonuses that were included in a bill that he signed into law. It seems like he is begging for someone to do an intervention on his administration. Some see an agenda being worked, I see a President that cannot even figure out what the agenda is supposed to be.

I have heard many say they were tired of being the laughing stock of countries around the world and wanted a President that would bring dignity back to America. So we have a President that gives DVD's as gifts to visiting heads of state and then thanks others for inviting himself to be his guest at the White House. Unfortunately, these illustrate that there is a lack of understanding on basic protocol. For those countries not ticked off at the coarse or amateur treatment, I think they are laughing out loud at the American people for giving leadership responsibilities for some one who is so clearly unprepared to lead as an executive. He has embarrassed us on multiple world stages, good job.

On by the way, how are those NCAA brackets doing? Seriously, can we get an adult in leadership, please.

[rjdeb]

I bet our congressmen are happy that these AIG executives got their bonuses. This takes the attention away from our congressmen getting their cost of living raise while the rest of the country is losing their jobs or making less money. Big f'n deal that some "return" their raise, here's what you do to show the people that you represent, TAKE A PAY CUT !!!

[appalledviewer]

Did we not learn common courtesy at the lap of our nannies and moms? How can you show utter disrespect to the president of the united states? Disagree with him if you must but use diplomacy. You were so utterly quiet and repectful of an administration that created this mess and in less than 70 days you expect deliverance and criitcal of efforts. If you have/had an answer, why not offer it 9 or 10 or even 7 years ago. You allowed a man to steal an election twice and then allowed him to take you to the brink of distinction and have the nerve to show contempt to someone trying to take the knife out of your back. Shame on you, Kroft, the look on your face and the inflections on your wording to the President was disgraceful. The nerve to call Cheney the vice president, at least refer to him as the ex. Like he did such a good job. The media has emphasized racial crimes and broadcasted them to the world instead of ignoring them or asking for punishment for the perpretrators and you are no better. We know you are trying to sabotage the President's efforts instead of putting the American peoples welfare first, the pen being mighty than the sword,you think.