Video: No, there was no deal on the bailout before McCain got there
posted at 4:13 pm on September 26, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | regular view
Skip ahead to 3:00 and let Carl Cameron explain it all to you. The RNC is sending this around to shoot down the Dems’ claim that Maverick singlehandedly destroyed America’s economic recovery, but there are better spokesmen for the point they’re trying to make than a Fox News talking head. Over to you, Paul Kanjorski:
Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) on Friday suggested Democratic leaders did not solicit enough input from House Republicans on the financial rescue package…
Asked whether House GOP lawmakers are right to believe they were slighted, Kanjorski replied, “I don’t know that we included them in enough, and that’s always a dangerous thing in politics. Remember, you’re dealing with egomaniacs. We’re all egomaniacs down here.”
Kanjorski, who faces a difficult reelection race, is a key player on the bailout package. He is chairman of the House Financial Services subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises.
Kanjorski said, “Now, what we have to do is open that door for the House Republicans, bring them on in and say, ‘Guys, you know, we can’t cast your idea aside.’ Let’s listen to it … I think we have to allow them to talk their idea out. We have to be willing to listen.”
As Ed noted this morning, if by “deal” they mean mustering enough votes to pass the bill, that’s already been reached. All Pelosi has to do is pull the trigger. As it is, and as Cameron goes on to say later in the clip, McCain’s going to point to the fact that the House GOP is now fully included in the negotiations when it wasn’t before as his singular accomplishment over the past 24 hours and thus something that made the inevitable deal that’s reached more likely, not less.
You must be logged in to post a comment.

















Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Harry Reid, you have just been owned!
TheHat on September 26, 2008 at 4:15 PM
ABOUT BLOODY TIME, GUYS
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Y’know how Homer strangles Bart and Bart’s tongues sticks way out and all? I hope that image fits the debate tonight between Homer McCain and Barry. He and his cohorts deserve total public humiliation for their behavior this week, even if they had been model Jeffersonian Democrats heretofore.
Akzed on September 26, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Every time Hume is on TV he’s been saying it with the money shot of saying, it’s sad to see the majority of the media bought the democratic party line hook, line, and sinker.
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Great…he got them to be included. What he needs to do is come out for their plan and get some of it included, and call the Dems out on the ACORN crap they put in it. He can turn this into a winning issue…put the Dems in the uncomfortable position of being on the side of Mr. 29% pushing a plan the majority of Americans don’t want!!
changer1701 on September 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Kanjorski has impressed me every time I heard him during this crisis and now even more so. The guy has some integrity.
TheBigOldDog on September 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Go John McCain, Go to Ole Miss and tell everyone the real story.
joepub on September 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Give a fool enough rope!
Now Luntz in on Fox saying that the American people are not wanting this bailout. Seems like the American public is mad at everyone for not getting a solid handle on this. So THE MANCHILD might not gain in the economic votes. He is saying that most folks do not like government handling this because they have failed at every turn. LOL! Imagine that!
freeus on September 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
McCain better make this case tonight, and forcefully.
RightOFLeft on September 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
I heard part of a report about this earlier and Cameron sounded optimistic that a deal would be reached. This was about noon or so, but the idea was that certain taxpayer protections would be included in the bill at the behest of Republicans.
I wonder if all of this would have been easier and more fair if it had not been an election year. {duh}
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:21 PM
And who’s going to change the talking points for MSNBC and Claire Miskaskell?
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:21 PM
I think when all is said and done, all the blustering put out by the media and the Democrats (but I repeat myself) will be so much noise.
I think people will see that their government, led by Bush and the Democrats, were ready to spend $700 BILLION of their money…
…until McCain stepped in and helped ensure a much better bill was crafted.
I don’t think the left has thought their complaining about McCain’s interference out well enough. Americans HATE this bailout idea. HATE IT. So, if and when McCain’s interference provides a much more palatable option, then wouldn’t he then receive the credit in the eyes of the people?
powerpro on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
freeus:
If there is no bailout or some kind of rescue plan and the economy tanks the people will from not wanting the bailout to being pissed one did not pass. That is why this is so politically difficult, they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Yes, everything would’ve been much easier if this wasn’t an election year.
terryannonline on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
McCain is getting his rear-end kicked in the polls. I’d say the public is buying the Democrat talking points fed by the media; McCain did go a bit too far in trying to call off the debate.
Unless he turns this around, and FAST, you can stick a fork in McCain.
Outlander on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Anyone from Utah? Need to call Reid’s office and DEMAND an apology from him for lying to his constiuents.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
I don’t know. I think the elections stimulate action.
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Ugh…Jesse Jackson…with his hand out.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Cavuto and Newt spelled it all out clearly and simply last night. One would have to be a liberal crook to not get it.
… too bad we are dominated by liberal crooks.
Damiano on September 26, 2008 at 4:25 PM
powerpro:
Led by Bush and the Democrats? Bush is the president, he is trying to stall an economic downturn of extreme proportions. It is worth noting, that the Democrats have been working on this deal for awhile and it is not hurting them in the polls, the Republicans are the ones who are hurt.It is not really fair, but that is what is happening.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Anyone from Utah? Need to call Reid’s office and DEMAND an apology from him for lying to his constiuents.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Good luck getting through, Reid is from Nevada.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Can we squish Harry the Bug now? Rush calls him Dingy Harry and it fits. I feel creepy just looking at his picture.
Mr_Magoo on September 26, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Get that preacher from Kenya down to Ole Miss right now!!!!
AubieJon on September 26, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Why is Jesse Jackson protesting the bail out? Just now on Cavuto.
Is he no longer a democrat party loyalist? Did he not get his cut of loot? Was he left out when ACORN was put in? Has he not endorsed The Obama?
rockhauler on September 26, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Blinky’s coming out soon…veil the television or it will burn your eyes.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Republicans can not force any kind of plan on Democrats. They do not have the votes. I don’t care what Newt or anyone else says. In the end the Democrats will pass a bill and if it calms the markets and the economy does not tank in a really really big way, they will get the credit.
Republicans need to get as much input as they can, they need to try and keep the earmarks out if they can, but in the end it would be political suicide to not support a rescue plan of some kind.
I just hope they can come up with something most people can live with.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Doh! Knew that…tired.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Now do we all climb from our bunkers, dust ourselves off and cheer?
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:30 PM
I imagine Jesse Jackson is not happy with the bill for the same reason ANSWER and their anarchist friends are against it.
strange times.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Not yet. Maybe on Monday.
phronesis on September 26, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Harry Reid is so unattractive it is almost sad. Almost.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:32 PM
I think I need to take a shower…feel slimy.
It’s not everyday that you are on the same side as Jesse.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Until the MSM reports this to the indies and the undecideds, it is only for consumption by the already educated.
It’s Allah’s way of giving us some good news today.
csdeven on September 26, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Kudlow gives me hope
Dudley Smith on September 26, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Dammit, what good is that link button?
http://tinyurl.com/4zhhls
Dudley Smith on September 26, 2008 at 4:33 PM
naaa I gto food, water, the BF and a bunch of jerky. I ain’t coming out!
upinak on September 26, 2008 at 4:33 PM
That phrase is disturbing. Nuff said.
geckomon on September 26, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Not yet. Maybe on Monday.
phronesis on September 26, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Alright, but I’m getting tired of wearing these football pads and eating ancient canned dogfood.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Harry, you’ve been story telling again! Do you even know when you are telling the truth?
fbcmusicman on September 26, 2008 at 4:35 PM
No weapon/ammo?
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I was just reporting what Frank was saying. I get there has to be something passed, but apparently Frank has had one of his dial groups watching some of this unfold.
For those who think these polls are suggesting there is a need to stick a fork in McCain, I give you John F’ing Kerry! Who claims he served in Vietnam. Just saying.
freeus on September 26, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Republicans are getting their butts kick on the economy, because every time the dems lie about deregulation causing the melt down, our leaders just bend over and take it! They should bring up the dems being in bed with fannie and freddie every time their interviewed, and forcefully call them on their lies about the socialist bailout.
mtbunji on September 26, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Yes. Bush and the Democrats.
Look…I get there’s a crisis. I know this is a big problem. But I reject the solution put forward by Bush and Paulson.
There are other solutions besides what Paulson is offering up that don’t require soaking the people to this extent. $700 Billion? A random number per Treasury. Some of this money to go to leftist special interest groups.
People are acting like it’s this $700 Billion or bust…when by their own admission, they don’t know if it will work or not. So why then wouldn’t people consider an option that protects the taxpayers?
God bless the House GOP for doing what they can to ensure that the people are protected and I’m thrilled to see that McCain isn’t going along with the Bush/Paulson/Dodd/Reid/Pelosi boondoggle.
powerpro on September 26, 2008 at 4:38 PM
I hope McCain stubs his toe or something on the way in to the debate, so that he’s good and angry by the time he starts on Obama. He needs to eviscerate this bumbling poseur, and show him for the empty suit he actually is.
Tonight is McCain’s chance to take his message over the heads of the media. If he can’t make a decisive showing tonight, it may be all over for us.
petefrt on September 26, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Get this, Meme Pelosi is claiming now that BARNEY FRANK was the one saving everyone’s bacon! She is saying HE was working this bill in a BIPARTISAN MANNER! Really, that must have been some news to THE ONE since he is claiming it was HIS bill! LMAO!!!!!!!!!! And remember Rush saying Barney went off both in the meeting with the President and in that news conference.
These people have no shame!
freeus on September 26, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Spirit:
Yes, the elections stimulate action, but they also make it more difficult for these people to work together. And every now and then they need to do that.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:40 PM
My sister-in-law, a native Arizonan who’s still wavering on who to vote for, had McCain’s temper as one of the main reasons she didn’t/doesn’t want to vote for him. I’m still waiting to see it in action.
TEAR HIM UP MAVERICK
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Sick Sick Sick…
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Don’t hold your breath or you’ll pass out. How about a drinking contest? Down a shot every time McCain says “my friends.” Down two shots every time he mentions “reaching across the aisle.”
You’ll be unconscious 20 minutes into the ‘debate.’
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I’ve listened to this on the morning show.
Of course, the left wants to say there was to blame the GOP for “no deal” just to say they’ve tried.
Pa-the-tic.
madmonkphotog on September 26, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I fully expect Mac to hammer Oloser, especially when you consider that the topic is foreign policy. If Opopo tries to veer-off into the economy, McCain should ask him why he doesn’t want to discuss FP.
Obeepa is still the stuttering fool who doesn’t work well without a teleprompter or an issue coach, he has a very high chance of looking like the goofball he is.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Why don’t you think Maverick will make his case tonight?
FiveWays on September 26, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Heh. You keep expecting, Excellency.
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 4:44 PM
powerpro:
I hope the GOP gets all the taxpayer protection needed in this thing as well. However, this bill is not just a gift, nor are they just throwing money at the problem. They are acquiring assets for sale at auction. There is a very good possibility of some return on the money. Probably not as much as it should be, and it is not the only way it could be done..but no matter how it is done, it will be expensive. That is just a fact. Either that or we just let it collapse. And if we do, I think the Republicans will get blamed, whether they deserve all the blame or not.
This is something that always amazes me about people, they think the government is wasting money, unless they are the ones the money is being spent on. So of course people will say they do not like the idea of a big bailout, that is like asking them if they like the idea of amjor surgery…but they like the alternative even less.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Could Harry Reid have been speaking of Obama when he referenced that a “certain person came to Washington and then the wheels fell off” per Rush Limbaugh’s description of the meeting?
geckomon on September 26, 2008 at 4:45 PM
You mean Nevada?
Larry Kudlow has an interesting explanation of what the House Republicans are bargaining for.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/
This sounds like a better plan than Paulson’s original plan, and doesn’t give taxpayer money to ACORN. They can throw a bone to Obama about the bankruptcy judges setting interest rates. Democrats probably won’t accept all of it, but there’s a lot of bargaining room here, and a serious, more conservative market-oriented plan. With this out on the table, McCain and the other Senate Republicans can go back tomorrow and start brokering concessions on these points, possibly splitting the difference on some, with the threat of a filibuster if ACORN or anyone else except the Treasury gets any profits.
You’ve got to hand it to whoever thought this up in the GOP House side. McCain said in his RNC speech that Republicans must return to their principles. This is how it’s done.
Oh, by the way, the bottom didn’t drop out of the markets yet. Dow Jones +1.10%, S&P 500 +0.34%, Nasdaq -0.15%. I wonder if something about the deal leaked to Wall Street…
Steve Z on September 26, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Reid said on Tues. this deal cannot happen w/out McCain.
McCain calls his bluff. Comes to town. Works w/GOP house members and gets them into the process.
Now Reid says, McCain performed seagull mngmt. – fly in, sh*t all everything and flys out!
So which is it, Harry? We need McCain’s leadership. “No one knows what to do?” Or we don’t?
McCain is getting it done. Harry wouldn’t know how to lead his way out of a paper sack. What a douche! And no one cares what THE ONE has to say. No one has even looked in his direction for leadership. What does that say about who has respect in the Senate and who doesn’t?
JAM on September 26, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Oh there better damn well NOT be a stimulus pkg. attached to whatever they come up with. Pelosi is shameless- this is going to end in a blood bath if the Dem’s keep coming out and lying about all the “heroic effort” they’ve put into this for the American taxpayer. Their fans don’t even frickin’ PAY taxes!
anniekc on September 26, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Wow, if they get half of that I’ll take back everything I said about the House GOP.
phronesis on September 26, 2008 at 4:48 PM
I accept that challenge. Thought you’d never ask.
petefrt on September 26, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Great…. Bishop Beyond HotAir Doom!
Ok who is dressing like Tina Turner?
upinak on September 26, 2008 at 4:49 PM
The GOP needs to call the democrap’s bluff. Agree to the Paulson plan in its entirety, then when the bill hits the floor, every Repub votes present.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:49 PM
He’ll do the best he can in his usual, low-key, bi-partisan fashion. He may very well win the debate on points – possibly even slam dunk Bambi.
Won’t matter. On Monday the spawn of Joseph Goebbels and Lili Riefenstahl will proclaim Bambi the winner. Their vid clips will show Bambi’s best moments and McCain’s worst. By Monday nite the Idjits will look up from their feed troughs and conclude that McCain is a bumbling old fool, then switch the channel to watch Entertainment Tonight.
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 4:50 PM
When will it be time to start using this ?!
.
.
Carl, you magnificent bastard.
AeroSpear on September 26, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Thanks for the run-down.
Thank God for these House Republicans!
petefrt on September 26, 2008 at 4:53 PM
The Obamaniacs have been working so hard at lowering expectations for the debate that it may have the op[posite effect.
Let Mac hammer him on his do-nothing style and remind the public that it was HE who brought the GOP members to the table so the public doesn’t get raped.
pugwriter on September 26, 2008 at 4:54 PM
FINALLY ONE OF THEM SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
Brat on September 26, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Maybe we’re not the stupid party after all.
phronesis on September 26, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Ok who is dressing like Tina Turner?
upinak on September 26, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Limerick agreed to be Feral Boy, and I thought we had someone else who agreed to be a cat or something; I of course am the leader who gets to drive the Yugo Interceptor, but we still need a Gyro Captain.
We are only planning on living in a world which has not yet begun to reestablish society, so no Aunty Entity yet needed. Since there are many here who believe we will all be living in a desert hell by next Thursday, we need to move fast.
Can you shoot a crossbow from a fast-moving, souped-up rocket car looking thing?
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I don’t think Bush or Paulson either one would have a problem with changes in a rescue bill. I think that they had to deal with the Democrats who are a majority and they had to come up with something the majority would support. If the GOP can make changes in the bill in spite of their minority status and the bill still got the job done..I don’t think there would be any problem getting Bush to go for it. I read or heard somewhere that he would go for whatever they sent him if it could work. I think he just wants a solution.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Why the pessimism?
FiveWays on September 26, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Why miss the opportunity to improve it?
phronesis on September 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM
No crossbow, but I have guns. And swords.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Let Mac hammer him on his do-nothing style and remind the public that it was HE who brought the GOP members to the table so the public doesn’t get raped.
pugwriter on September 26, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Remind the public that Obacko and the dems were about to tax the ever-lovin’ bejaysus out of them to support “Wall Street” types, and that he (Mac) thought it prudent to find a solution that didn’t hammer average Americans.
There is a narrative yet to say and points yet to be made; this game is far from over. I’m coming out of the bunker despite the doom being screamed from the rooftops.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Lots of people believe the MSM machine when they have no other evidence available. But millions will be viewing tonight, including a lot of undecideds. They will make up their own minds.
Loxodonta on September 26, 2008 at 5:01 PM
John… John McCain, you there? (he hangs of every word I write, you know)
I want BLOOD tonight.
Enough of this placing daisys in the barrel of a gun. Dang it.
kurtzz3 on September 26, 2008 at 5:03 PM
The Repubs.MUST stand firm against it the way it is and force the Dems to pass it thereby locking them in with BUSH!
Then McCain runs against the Congress AND Bush as a champion of the taxpayer. Oh, and let’s hope Obama votes YES on this shit bill and you can now weld him to Bush.
If it loses the election, so be it. Obama then tanks the economy and then the Repubs. slay them in 2010/2012.
If McCain convinces the Dems to fix the bill so it is acceptable to Repubs. and Americans he gets credit (later blame possibly) and looks better for the election.
Sapwolf on September 26, 2008 at 5:04 PM
No crossbow, but I have guns. And swords.
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Hmmm. Only sawed-off shotguns are allowed and half the shells in your pocket need to be decayed and useless.
Do you have a short-sword that you are willing to hack up to make it look like a chunk of sharpened pig iron?
If so, welcome aboard. You can man one of the perimeter flamethrowers.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 5:05 PM
McCain should just blow away Obama about his talking smack at the meeting. What a little gangbanger right in front of the President. And then tell him he needs a timeout and to go to his room.
Obama is an arrogant maggot.
Sapwolf on September 26, 2008 at 5:06 PM
…so…interpreting from Cameron-speak:
The Dems came in with a half-assed, “gimme da money” “proposal”, chock full of back-hand money to key Democrat operatives…the Republicans show up expecting something based in protection of taxpayers money, sound banking principles, and caution…naive, no?….
…the Dems expect their majority will ramrod this tarbaby through, acting for tall the world
…and then there’s something about sausage-making…Carl must’ve missed lunch to file this report…Freudian….
…then, Bill Sammon appears on screen and collapses Harry Reid’s house of cards for him, the word “set-up” being used….
…then, Carl recaps, including a bit about how Mr. McCain actually brought folks together….
…update has more about Obama on the phone…that geek likes phones more than a teenage girl….
…FoxNews…fair and balanced…and wordy….
Puritan1648 on September 26, 2008 at 5:07 PM
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 4:50 PM
This debate will have abnormally high viewership tonight though. I don’t care how Mac does it, I just want him to win the debate.
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Go ahead. Don’t invite me to your party, then tell everyone that I refused to show up. Fancy Nancy is such a bad kitty.
Angry Dumbo on September 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM
I’m watching McCain flying down the hallway and practicallt running down the stairs and I’m thinking, “Dang, I hope I’m that spry at 72!”
Mr_Magoo on September 26, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Sapwolf:
Run against Bush? I voted for Bush and the truth is he does not deserve to be treated like that by his own party. If McCain makes a point of running against Bush all the time, it could cost him support from a lot of Republicans who still admire the President.
When this thing happened, Bush had to act. He had to go to Congress and get a bill. His Secretary of the Treasury had to work with people like Reid and Pelosi because they are in the majority. They decide what gets voted on, what even has a chance of passage. Bush was more interested in coming up with a workable alternative than he was in playing games. That is what Presidents have to do sometimes. Congressman and Senators are one of many, of a pack, they can hide behind their party membership..but a president has to stand alone.
Bush has said he will sign any bill that comes to him, if it can meet the goals of staving off collapse.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Th narrow 5% to 10% that will decide the future of this country will not be watching the debate tonight. They will get their debate news from the Drive-Bys.
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Reality, my friend.
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 5:19 PM
She would if she knew how to use it.
m064404 on September 26, 2008 at 5:19 PM
You had me at “flamethrower”.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 5:20 PM
I don’t share your view. I agree with Rove actually.
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 5:22 PM
You had me at “flamethrower”.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on September 26, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Yessssssssss, the group is growing.
I don’t suppose you would be willing to talk TexasJew into giving our little clan an oil rig, would you? He claims to be in the oil business and we need something to build a wall around and defend, no to mention fuel for the flamethrowers.
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 5:23 PM
I don’t share your view. I agree with Rove actually.
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Linky, bitte?
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 5:24 PM
?
Spirit of 1776 on September 26, 2008 at 5:26 PM
What did Rove say?
Bishop on September 26, 2008 at 5:29 PM
German for “link, please?”
ManlyRash on September 26, 2008 at 5:30 PM
I saw this linked at Instapundit under the heading A Pox on all their houses, from Jennifer Rubin:
The House GOP wants to be heard, which seems fair. But even with a weekend to mull it over it seems they have two major hurdles to pass. First, do they have an idea that is better and remotely workable? Rich Lowry has serious doubts listing a few problems with their scheme: “it’ll be hard to price the insurance; the only real up-side for the taxpayers will be the fees; it doesn’t address the capitalization problem or anything about all the bad debt clogging the system (a lot of this stuff is already insured, but no one wants to buy it because of the panic gripping the market). ” Second, in the real world you have to get others to go along and I see no one — not the Treasury, the White House, the Senate GOP, or the Democrats in either the House or Senate — showing the slightest interest in a radical transformation of the plan from a bailout to a private insurance pool.
As the CNN report just noted, Hank Paulson has already rejected a private insurance scheme so the point of this isn’t clear. Is that fair? Should others have listened sooner? Unkown and utterly irrlevent. It would seem that if they “want to be heard” the House GOP stalwarts should start saying things that are feasible, constructive and doable.
And as for Harry Reid, he has not covered himself in glory as it becomes obvious what political blame game he is playing. Unfortunately for Reid, too many people saw and knew what was going on to keep up the pretense. At some point when the Republicans come around to make a deal he’ll need a new excuse as to why McCain didn’t have something to do with that development.
Terrye on September 26, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Hah… I’m more a “Steel Dawn” kinda guy… more swordplay!
Romeo13 on September 26, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Hint: Harry Reid only lies when his mouth is open.
GarandFan on September 26, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »