Anyone answering the phone at Treasury?
posted at 9:34 am on March 11, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Thank you for calling the Treasury Department in the Age of Obama. Due to our neglect in appointing senior positions, no one can take your call right now. If you are calling from the offices of our G-20 allies, please press 1 and we’ll send you 25 complimentary Region 1 DVDs for your inconvenience:
He has a reputation for being the archetypal senior civil servant professional, unflappable, and, above all, discreet.
But Sir Gus O’Donnell risked sparking a transatlantic tiff today with an imprudent remark about Downing Street’s relations with the White House.
The head of the civil service, Sir Gus said the handover to President Barack Obama’s administration was severely hindering preparations for next month’s G20 summit.
In an extraordinary blunder, the usually-guarded Sir Gus said no-one in the U.S. Treasury department was answering telephone calls.
He said it meant the Government was finding it ‘unbelievably difficult’ to hold discussions ahead of the meeting of world leaders in London.
Gee, I seem to remember when Barack Obama ran on the promise of restoring relations with the rest of the world. How’s that working out so far? The Brits seem unimpressed in the extreme.
When we last heard from the Obama team about their peculiar handling of Gordon Brown, they claimed to be too overwhelmed and exhausted from the economic crisis to pay attention to the niceties of protocol. The upcoming G-20 summit will focus on that very problem, aiming for coordination of action to rebuild confidence in Western financial systems. Is Obama now too overwhelmed and exhausted to work on that crisis as well?
This problem likely stems from the failure of the Obama administration to fill senior positions at Treasury. One might think that Geithner and Team Obama would make that a priority, especially in areas where phone calls might come from American allies looking to coordinate on policy. Now it looks as though they still haven’t hired the receptionists.
Administrations change in Washington every four or eight years, but the bureaucracy is supposed to provide for competent continuity — in fact, it’s the only good reason for it to exist. In my lifetime, I don’t think I’ve seen a transition this disorganized, this incompetent, and this embarrassing. (via Legal Insurrection)
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LOL.
“A gracious good afternoon….”
Doubt anyone in the whole Obama administration says that.
Verry Eenteresting.
misslizzi on March 11, 2009 at 10:11 AM
For the sake of but 10 righteous men, God agreed to deter total destruction given that the righteous flee corruption without looking back.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Easy, just install a phone tree:
NoDonkey on March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
No, I think the problem is he IS chewing gum.
Oink on March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Anyone heard from Peggy Joseph these days? We gotta pay her mortgage somehow…
Snowed In on March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
That is what scares me the most. The filthy liar is “exhausted and overwhelmed” with the ordinary business of the Executive Branch. What happens when the filthy liar has to deal with the economy, international relations, a two-front war, AND a major terrorist attack on US soil?
The man simply up to the job. Shame on all of you who voted this bastard into office.
highhopes on March 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
I thought of that the other week.
INC on March 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
She’s not working, retired with her savings gone to hell.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Click.
Hello. You have reached the [White House, Treasury]. Nobody is available to take your call right now…
The user’s mailbox is full. Click.
TheBigOldDog on March 11, 2009 at 10:14 AM
What I don’t understand is that EVERYTHING seems to be above O’s pay grade. Apparently he wasn’t aware that the “financial system” was in the job description as well…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIPA6wi99nc&eurl=http://www.theobamafile.com/ObamaLatest.htm&feature=player_embedded
“At about 1:40 in the conversation, Obama makes this unbelievable statement — “You know, I have more than enough to do without having to worry about the financial system.”"
(From: http://www.theobamafile.com/ObamaLatest.htm )
So it’s no wonder they can’t answer the phones… they have more than enough to do without having to worry about little things like the financial system. Oh, and if you love uhs, and uhms, and wells… THIS is the audio for you!
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Lol region 1 dvds…
voiceofreason on March 11, 2009 at 10:15 AM
I agree whole-heartedly. But we should be prepared for the very real possibility that the surgery and cure will seem a lot worse than the illness.
AubieJon on March 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
These cigarettes aren’t gonna smoke themselves, darn it!
Snowed In on March 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
On the Phone Tree:
If you are a taxpayer, wait on the line we’ll be with you to collect shortly.
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Sorry, that won’t work because Edith Ann has just been appointed as a Senior Advisor to the President.
… and that’s the truth. Pffft.
turfmann on March 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Obama to Geithner: “You’re doin’ a great job Brownie….ah,ah Tim”.
Rovin on March 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM
She’s not working, retired with her savings gone to hell, AND no longer technologically updated to resume employment, not to mention maturely undesirable as “front desk” material.
Hopeless.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Can you imagine President Reagan making such a call? Or think of all the times President Bush could have called them. Barry’s skin is thinner than onionskin paper.
flyfisher on March 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM
They might have to. The new federal tax that just went into effect (+$6.10/carton) has folks swearing off….and swearing in general at ‘the Feds’. In a way both good things I guess.
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Obama will indeed be like Lincoln in one unfortunate way.
He will bring about and preside over the second civil war
Sugarbuzz on March 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I’ve been thinking it and praying it since… like last July at least! That and the one about coaxing the cockroaches out before you flip on the light and expose them. I’m thinking it’s time to start praying for hearts and minds to WAKE UP already! How blatant does this have to be to get people’s attention?!
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Steve Z on March 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
That will be his un-doing. I pray it doesn’t happen, but I’m not very optimistic. I think it’s coming and I think it’s coming soon. If Jugears bumbles it, there will be rioting in the streets. He will be forced to resign, but that leaves us with Biden. Dear Lord.
jewells45 on March 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Dave Ramsey just called Washington D. C. The Island of Misfit Toys on Laura’s radio show!!!
ROFLMAO
Michelle “My Belle” can answer the phone. Didn’t she do that in the Chicago hospital she worked at.
Dire Straits on March 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM
This is just one more example of what happens when the dog catches the car. Just not quite sure what to do next
mctowler on March 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM
flyfisher
I was just thinking that a bit ago. If Bush had something so stupid… not even made the call, just SAID IT, you know, off-camera with a mic that happened to be on… it would be FRONT PAGE HEADLINE NEWS for WEEKS! And follow-up stories about evidence backing up that he’d said it, and we’d STILL be hearing about it. Where’s this been?
Ah, the lovely sound of crickets in the evening.
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I kept meaning to ask around here if anyone else noticed Barry getting off Air Force One the other day, waving to the crowd, AND CHOMPING ON HIS GUM?? It was so tacky. (sorry- huge pet peeve of mine)
anniekc on March 11, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Tim was right and saved the banks.
He deserves respect and help.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Maybe not an extraordinary blunder. Maybe a “gaffe” by a politician who told the truth.
It’s 3:00 AM and the Citizen of the World’s phone is ringing. The first stop on the Peace Train will be England.
Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…Ring…
Steve Z on March 11, 2009 at 10:23 AM
President Biden…PRESIDENT Biden! AHHHHHHH!
Dear Lord, indeed.
flyfisher on March 11, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Name one. What did he do, exactly, to save one bank?
Give me a reason to respect and help.
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Tim was right… about what? What’s the plan? Has he given one yet? Sorry, I must’ve missed THAT one.
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Where’s “The ONLY man for the job’s” plan? America waits….and waits…and waits…
Matticus Finch on March 11, 2009 at 10:26 AM
BTW, when is O going to Europe? I heard something about that. Is he going to England? Maybe we can let the Browns know so they can pay him back with classic English movies on DVDs that won’t run over here. Just a thought.
UnderstandingisPower on March 11, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I missed that, but I don’t like to see an adult chewing gum either. It looks childish and I think that’s why it is so jarring and tacky.
INC on March 11, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Keeping Up Appearances?
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I am really looking forward to it next month for the G20 conference. When you have a diplomatic slight done to you, you will respond in kind. My guess is that Brown will do the exact same thing to Obama. No press conference, no state dinners, and I would laugh hysterically if he gave him his DVD’s back saying they didn’t work on his player.
txaggie on March 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Amateurs led by the biggest phony of all — the Dim One.
jdflorida on March 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Oh, didn’t you see the way he stood in front of the podium and said that he didn’t have any details, but he was working on it? That was obviously what did it.
Snowed In on March 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM
You should have gotten your talking points 45 minutes ago. Check your inbox.
Vashta.Nerada on March 11, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Sorry but some commenters here on this blog banned ya’ll from talking to me.
But I will give w and Paulson credit too because Tim stayed the course with their plan and it worked.
Just to be fair.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:31 AM
was right and saved the banks.
Oh my, “Tim”. Is he, like a personal friend of yours, or just a working associate?
anniekc on March 11, 2009 at 10:31 AM
God, Limerick, don’t even engage him.
hawkdriver on March 11, 2009 at 10:34 AM
“Tim” didn’t save anything. As head of the NY FED he had a primary oversight role that he failed to perform. Geithner’s complicit! That he was tapped for Treasury is an indication of just how inept and ignorant Obama really is.
flyfisher on March 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM
is(1) definition
is (iz)
so the liberals are still stuck on this question then?
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM
LOL! :)
Conservative_SAHM on March 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Yes, this one is the leader of not talking to me.
Scared of my words and reality.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Obama will surely speak publicly at some point during the summit. It will be interesting to see what happens with the TelePrompter.
BigD on March 11, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Possibility? Actuality.
That was then, this is now. There’s no reason to abandon the very gift that Providence granted, our Constitutional Government! Those who fought from within the Alamo were NOT Cowards, neither those who won victory for the Glorious Cause from which America was born.
Obama is the wrong man at the wrong time. Let HIM abandon the ship he never believed in while there’s a chance of conserving her Constitution. Impeach Obama for coercing unconstitutional legislation, even against the majority people’s voice documented by count in each legislator’s office.
Linking my response to Jeb Bush’s “Loyal Opposition” article in the Washington Times “Reinventing Conservatism” series, repudiate “reform” in favor of RESCIND unconstitutional legislation, rulings and programs. There is no need to reinvent the wheel.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:37 AM
You’re a paid troll and not worth the effort. If more of us got that, the intelligence level of the discourse would immediately go up about ten notches. Please go to the assisted living dayroom. They’re showing some great old Spencer Tracey movies on TMC.
hawkdriver on March 11, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Damn it! I thought it was Hillary’s job to answer the phones! She ran that ad saying that she’d answer the phone during the primaries!
~Prez’nit Obumbles
Damiano on March 11, 2009 at 10:37 AM
No old timer, I am “the” leader of the getalife revolt. You are returned to inviso mode.
hawkdriver on March 11, 2009 at 10:39 AM
is (2) to be or not to be
NOT still the question.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I know you are scared of my words but thought you were for freedom.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM
And her horrible performance abroad proves how well she hears, understands, and interprets reality.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM
They apparently can’t hire a protocol secretary either such as the woman who was on FOX yesterday and had been in such a position for the Clinton White House. Otherwise the embarrasing British Gift Gaffe might not have occured.
It’s worse than the Gong Show. It’s more like an elementary school play.
paustin110 on March 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Thanks for the laugh, getabrain!
BTW, we’re not laughing at you…oh wait,…yeah we are!
mossberg500 on March 11, 2009 at 10:44 AM
The Age of Obama:
Making the world love us again –
one snub at a time
jeff_from_mpls on March 11, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Yep, son, you are scared. I asked you to back up your stuff with details and you decide to take a swing in a different direction. You can’t back it up. You can’t name one bank ‘Tim’ saved. You can’t give one reason was ‘Tim’ should be respected or helped.
Hawkdriver: Sorry, I’ll be good now.
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Can you please explain to me why banks, like any other business, cannot be allowed to fail? Why should taxpayers be forced to pay for incompetence? Isn’t that the beauty of the free market – the best and most efficient use of scarce resources – meaning that competent bankers can pick up the business from incompetent bankers and make it better? Tim didn’t save the banks – he reinforced failure.
King of the Britons on March 11, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I know that the media made big hay out of other governments thinking the Bush Administration was misguided or worse in the war, but I sure can’t remember any foreign official openly saying so early in the Bush years that they were too incompetent to even answer the phone. These guys are just embarrassing.
Off to work. Good day all…
hawkdriver on March 11, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Wait just a gall darn minute, the Fawning Press said that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (peace be upon her) was a multi-tasker who could bounce a grandchild on her knee while whacking her gavel on Newt Gingrich’s head.
Well if she’s such a multi-tasker, then I say we demand SHE answer the gall darned phones.
One ringy dingy.
jeff_from_mpls on March 11, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Your tax money saved them and they are still in business. Citi will post a profit for Jan. and Feb.
The bush depression is saved so enough with the doom and gloom. It worked. Be happy.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:47 AM
A group of us (led by the Hawk) agreed to a “ban” on getalife yesterday. We’re hoping the movement grows so that this coward doesn’t continue to hijack thread after thread…
Keemo on March 11, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Keemo on March 11, 2009 at 10:48 AM
So ‘Tim’ didn’t save them then? I did? Nobody asked me to give the bank a loan. The Fed took my money without asking. Take your Fed and shove it.
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Keemo on March 11, 2009 at 10:48 AM
The freedom for you but not me is not working.
Keep trying , some are not scared to engage me.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Well if she’s such a multi-tasker, then I say we demand SHE answer the gall darned phones.
One ringy dingy.
jeff_from_mpls on March 11, 2009 at 10:47 AM
America’s Grandmother is too busy arranging for the Air Force to fly her family members around the country, she can’t be expected to answer a phone.
Bishop on March 11, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM
It’s not about you, it is about our country.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Hey Sir, saw your comment as I was heading out. Hope you’re well. News: Might have to deploy now for the RIP/TOA. 3 months maybe, not sure anymore.
BTW, exchanging with that guy is going to get you about as much satisfaction as carrying on a conversation with a tipsy warrant officer at the o-club. And I guarantee the warrant would be making more sense than him. hooah?
hawkdriver on March 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM
This is crap.
Every new Administration starts out with a number of 90-day and 120-day appointments that it can use to install senior people in the agencies prior to their confirmation or to employ junior-level staffers immediately while they are being vetted. I enetered the Reagan administration on a 120-day appointment and it took all of two weeks from my initial interview to the day I started. My temporary appointment was extended three times before I was made permanent.
There is simply no excuse for this incompetence at the Treasury Department. NONE.
rockmom on March 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM
I vote that getaclue be allowed to stick around.
Bishop on March 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Hail Caesar!
(Ok guys and gals, I’ll join the ban now…sorry took a day off to kick some puppies.)
Limerick on March 11, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Heh. Good question. I suppose the answer is each person’s to self-realize.
Conservatives are determining their number right now. While we stand our own ground watching from our home distance, the technique utilized anciently by the messenger was sack cloth and ashes and being on the short end of the stick. That was then. For “now” results to do better avoiding the bullet, “now” must still work from the requirement platform. Stand by the principle and the messenger of the principle. Save yourself by saving your nation.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I find little hope in your analogy. If I recall that story corretly, the ten could not be found and the cities were destroyed anyway.
MikeA on March 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
It’s worth its weight in comedic gold.
mossberg500 on March 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Team Obama is too busy slinging mud at their ‘enemies’ to have time to fill positions. When they can find people who’ve actually PAID their taxes.
GarandFan on March 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I’ve emailed the White House 3 times and have received zero responses! Obama doesn’t care about me. I’m a white male.
apco on March 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Thank you. I know you are not scared. My words never hurt anybody.
Yay, freedom for me too.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Gus was teh topic of the morning phone call at VLWC, LLC. Gus has a history and a past and they are looking into it as we comment.
Criticize the reforms at Treasury that will benefit the people? You’ll pay for this, Gus.
Dusty on March 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Wait just a gosh darn minute!
Doesn’t Obama have some in-laws living in the White House or something?
Let grandma answer the phone, and be done with it!
jeff_from_mpls on March 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Nada “0″ bama.
The wheel exists to be in motion. Impeach.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
See what I mean? Posters here just cannot pass over his comments as they would a headline on a news web site that they consider ridiculous. Wake up folks. Quit giving getalife and his merry band of pederasts what they come here for: division, in-fighting, and distraction from the topic under discussion. He is the stereotypical teenager living off schadenfreude. Giving him the capability to disrupt the discussions here are a source of endless hand-rubbing glee to him.
TASS71 on March 11, 2009 at 10:58 AM
getalife you said not 3 days ago the banks were insolvent. Youre not even consistent in your idiocy.
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
jeff_from_mpls on March 11, 2009 at 10:57 AM
The Treasury is not in the WH.
The vetting process, lobbying ban and pay cuts to serve our country has slowed down the process.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Thanks for manning up and talking to me but Tim’s plan is working.
Bush depression saved. Now Tim is discussing the G20 meeting with the President.
Tim is a busy man and doing well.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Thank you. I know you are not scared. My words never hurt anybody.
Yay, freedom for me too.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I don’t say that for you personally, I just don’t like the idea of banning anyone here.
Of course it also doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to treat you like the One Trick Pony clown that you are, considering most of your talking points are devoid of any intelligence or insight.
Bishop on March 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Good to see you here as well hawkdriver. So you may have to go back for about three months? You know, I almost envy that – I kind of would like to get back into the fight sometimes. Three months would be good enough to satisfy that urge. Well, if you have to go, stay safe. Do you know where you’ll be? Bagram? Arguing with getalife cannot be any more frustrating than arguing with some of the other folks around here.
King of the Britons on March 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Except that Obamas not following the lobbying ban
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Maybe the White House should have hired a few more personnel specialists instead of 10 “new media” people and 30 lawyers and an opposition researcher.
rockmom on March 11, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Hey Boy King? Ever heard of an answering machine? I’ve made it easy and found the perfect message until you hire a receptionist.
Knucklehead on March 11, 2009 at 11:04 AM
And I note that they have had time to nominate an Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at Treasury, but not an Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions!
Thousands of Obama worshippers are dying to work in this Administration. But Rahm Emanuel prefers to spend his days attacking Rush Limbaugh.
rockmom on March 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
There will be more waivers to get folks in the Treasury.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
The only competent people in this Administration are the two Bush holdovers, Bob Gates and Sheila Bair.
rockmom on March 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Getalife, your posts have really just descended to nutty harmlessness.
Sort of like the cartoons in between clearing boards on Ms Pacman.
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Yes. Destruction follows warning. This world’s reality doesn’t exist in “happily ever after,” rather, battles between moments of peace.
For me, our Constitution is the pearl of great price, a gift from Providence to be respected and protected. We have it. Application determines results.
maverick muse on March 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Tim looks more relaxed today and the doom and gloom has stopped on CNN.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Obama should have appointed Sheila Bair as Treasury Secretary. But we all know he hates white women.
rockmom on March 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Chuck Schick on March 11, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Just an opinion on what I see.
Perfectly harmless.
getalife on March 11, 2009 at 11:09 AM
TASS71 on March 11, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Eh, the thread has usually been pretty well commented upon before getaclue opines, basically because he has trouble keeping up with even simple concepts that most others consider easy to understand.
He fires off his “Bush depression” line, gets his scabby butt handed to him, refuses to offer any meaningful evidence when prompted and then disappears back to his World of Warcraft gig.
Bishop on March 11, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I did once but when the first drop-down option for what you wanted to talk to the filthy liar about was “congratulations” I quickly realized that these were not serious people. Otherwise, being able to gush over the filthy liar’s ascendency to the job he is unfit to hold wouldn’t even be an option, let alone the first choice.
highhopes on March 11, 2009 at 11:10 AM
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