First thoughts: That escalated quickly

Posted: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:18 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro

*** Boy, that escalated quickly: We predicted that the AIG bonuses story would lead politicians to begin channeling their inner populist. We just didn’t realize that -- to borrow a phrase from Ron Burgundy -- it would escalate so quickly, to the point that we're now talking about death and suicide. Indeed, yesterday’s reactions to the bonuses either resembled that journalist-on-journalist fight in “Anchorman” (“Brick killed a guy. Did you throw a trident?”), or one of those mob-violence scenes in “The Simpsons.” As the Washington Post recounts, New York Attorney General (and possible 2010 gubernatorial candidate) Andrew Cuomo said he was issuing subpoenas; more than 80 House Democrats signed a letter demanding that the money used to pay the bonuses be recouped from AIG; House Minority Leader John Boehner warned that there would no GOP support for future bailouts; and even Sen. Chuck Grassley suggested in a radio interview that AIG executives "follow the Japanese model … resign, or go commit suicide." The Post adds that an aide later explained that Grassley “does not actually want executives to kill themselves.” Well, um, thanks for the clarification. So it is no wonder Wall Street firms may feel the need for extra security...

*** The congressional lynch mob: Seriously, are longtime senators really advocating that people commit suicide? It's a lynch mob out there, and members of Congress seem to be carrying torches. This actually makes it that much harder for AIG to want to disclose the names of the bonus recipients (their lives could be in danger, apparently). Will President Obama -- who yesterday said, “I’m choked up with anger here” -- actually have to calm people down? What’s ironic here is that the $165 million in bonuses represent just 1% of the government money AIG has received. (What's nuttier about this financial crisis: that we're getting worked up over something that's less than 1% of an entire bailout, or that somehow $165 million has been reduced to 1% of ANYTHING?) What’s also ironic here: A Congress and a federal government that made it easier for trading derivatives and credit-default swaps are so angry right now. Of course, everyone wants to pile on the government for not stopping the bonuses or anticipating what was going to happen. But at what point is it totally incumbent on the government to anticipate all this? *** Clarification *** Our math failed us this morning; that $165 million represents one-tenth of 1% of the money AIG has received.

*** Gibbs vs. Cheney: Besides the furor over the AIG bonuses, the other big political news yesterday was the administration’s counterpunch to Dick Cheney, who has now twice accused the Obama White House of making the country less safe. "I guess Rush Limbaugh was busy," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in response to Cheney’s claims. "So they trotted out the next most popular member of the Republican cabal." Is Robert Gibbs' open disdain for Cheney acceptable to a president who promised to move beyond petty political squabbling? And does the president agree with Gibbs’ description of the loyal opposition as "the Republican cabal”?

Video: In a recent interview, Cheney says Obama has made America less safe.

*** A judicial sign: According to a scoop from the New York Times, it looks like the Obama White House will unveil its first judicial nomination this week, and the pick is intended to send a “signal” about the kind of judges the president will appoint. The pick, the Times says, is Judge David Hamilton -- a moderate from Indiana who worked for Sen. Evan Bayh, who happens to be Lee Hamilton’s nephew, and who has the support of GOP Sen. Dick Lugar -- and Obama will nominate him to serve on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. An official told the Times that “part of the reason for making the Hamilton nomination the administration’s first public entry into the often contentious field of judicial selection was to serve ‘as a kind of signal’ about the kind of nominees Mr. Obama will select."

*** Obama political operation picking up steam: We alluded to this yesterday, but the Obama political operation is beginning to pick up steam. Not only is his Organizing for America, which is housed inside the Democratic National Committee, deploying its grassroots army to support Obama’s budget (a campaign that's going to be MORE about winning over conservative Democrats than moderate Republicans), but the president will hit his first fundraiser (next week), he’ll make an appearance on Leno (on Thursday), and Biden delivered remarks thanking DNC donors (last night). Welcome to the permanent campaign.

Video: Obama's appearance on Leno on Thursday will make him the first sitting president to appear on a late-night talk show.

*** Murtha in trouble? Something tells us that this story about Rep. Jack Murtha isn’t going away. The Washington Post: “A Pennsylvania defense research center regularly consulted with two ‘handlers’ close to Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) as it collected nearly $250 million in federal funding through the lawmaker, according to documents … and sources familiar with the funding requests. The center then channeled a significant portion of the funding to companies that were among Murtha's campaign supporters.” The question for key members of the House Democratic caucus is whether Murtha is going to hang around long enough to take down other members of his party with him, or if he ends up being tossed under the proverbial bus? We're surprised so many Democrats (particularly those freshmen and sophomore reformers) have stayed so quiet.

*** St. Patrick’s Day fun: At 10:50 am ET, President Barack O’Bama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with Ireland’s taoiseach (or prime minister), Brian Cowen. The three men then attend a Shamrock ceremony at the White House, O’Bama makes remarks at a St. Patrick Day’s lunch on Capitol Hill, and the president makes another speech at a St. Patrick’s Day White House reception in the evening. The National Republican Senatorial Committee also has some St. Patrick’s Day fun by releasing a Web video (entitled “Luck O’ The Dodd”) blasting Sen. Chris Dodd.

Video: TODAY's Meredith Viera talks about Obama's plans for St. Patrick's Day.

Countdown to NY-20 special: 14 days
Countdown to Obama’s 100th day: 43 days
Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 77 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 84 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 231 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 595 days

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Comments

Talk about the government putting up a Mass Distraction. Here we have politicians hyper-ventilating over a measly $170 million dolars in bonues while most of the $170 BILLION dollars congress and the president gave to AIG went to foreign banks!! So when you see Obama, Frank, Schumer, and On Grassley mugging for the cameras and blaming AIG for all of our problems, remember what they don't want you look at.

And, Grassley is an idiot. The world appears to have passed him by, just like many other old men and woman in congress.

Jared Bunch, Jackson Texas (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:28 AM)

Hey MSM, NBC and FR, enough of this nonsense about AIG depleting -emphasis on depleting- Obama’s political capital. This mess is just now starting to get resolved to the taxpayer’s advantage. So stop it with this “let’s create a crisis” media crap. I suppose you believe his inability to stop drunk driving, world hunger, cancer and A-Rod telling the truth will also derail his political agenda. What’s the matter Washington Post, nothing else to report?

Chuck, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:29 AM)

The AIG bonus money? Who cares? What happened to those billions and trillions the government has sent down the rat hole to bailout the banks and the insurance companies. Who's keeping an eye on where that money went? AIG bonuses are the distraction the government is using to keep the mindless voters of the country busy while we as a country are getting totally ripped off by our government.

Clarkson, Newton, NC (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:32 AM)

Obama Logic 101 (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:34 AM)

Murtha. $250 million. That's more then the AIG bonuses. And yet the media and our government representitives remain silent. I guess AIG is more fun to beat up rather then hold some fat old congressman responsible for anything.

Joey Earmarks (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:34 AM)

I'm not surprised at how outraged Main Street has become at Wall Street. These elitist socialite moochers have ruined our economy in their greedy quest to die with the most toys. When will we see these titans of greedy excess go to prison where they really belong?

Barack Obama is so smart to keep his campaign list and now use it to mobilize his supporters to support his agenda to recover America from the greedy excesses of Reagan, Bush and Bush. He's going to trash the repugnant ones in 2010 and 2012 as he keeps his army of supporters Fired Up and Ready To Go!

Wasn't that funny how Robert Gibbs pranked Chuck Todd on camera? Never saw any of the bushwhacker's dolts do that.

In Obama We Trust!
In First Read We Trust!
In Chuck Todd We Trust!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:35 AM)

It may be that the bonuses are monly 1% but you are missing the point First Read. The people receiving them should be fired not paid extra money. The hubris of the CEO is amazing. Remember the spas, the hunts, and now bonuses. True congress is over reacting but it seems shame does not work for these people.

Cuomo is on the right track with AIG fraud in that they lacked the assents to back the insurance they offered. This is the underlying aspect. No bonus but rahter perhaps legal fees to eat up the bonus? Hold the next set on funds until the bonus funds are returned? Why not?

RichardinDelmar (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:36 AM)

Chuck, although Obama promised a change in the political landscape, it's hard to get riled at his administration when you have a former Vice President, go outside the boundaries of an ex leader to denounce your successor as someone who is endangering American security and safety. I think that's going over the edge and deserves something, and at least mockery is more noble than what I'm sure they'd like to say.

Debra, Austin, Tx. (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:36 AM)

I don't care what side of the political aisle you are on. What Grassley said was over the line. As to Cheney? He is behaving as a political operative would, not a former VP. It should be no surprise to him that he will be treated as he behaves.

newdayDawning (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:38 AM)

As for the AIG bonus flap, the proper response would be:

"I do think the lady protesteth too much!"

pat huntington ny (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:39 AM)

Sorry it's the $165 million !!
After running the company into the ground
Bonuses of the $165 million ??

Is there ANY Circumstance in which they WOULDN'T gotten bonuses ??

What if they had MADE Money ??
How big would the bonuses been ?

It's a Wall Street 'Culture of Corruption; that has been exposed

WHY Should Taxpayers subsidise THIS ??

We OWN 80% of AIG
BREAK IT UP
Create 5 or 6 different insurance companies, each of which could be allowed to fail in the future

Otherwise, the bail out is for nothing
(or almost nothing)

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:40 AM)

Dunno how "loyal" the opposition is. Does extending the olive branch mean that we're not gonna out the bad apples? We need to respond strongly to the kind of charges being made. We also need to look into possible crimes this clown committed!

Auntie Fascist (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:40 AM)

*** Gibbs vs. Cheney: Besides the furor over the AIG bonuses, the other big political news yesterday was the administration’s counterpunch to Dick Cheney, who has now twice accused the Obama White House of making the country less safe. "I guess Rush Limbaugh was busy," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in response to Cheney’s claims. "So they trotted out the next most popular member of the Republican cabal." Is Robert Gibbs' open disdain for Cheney acceptable to a president who promised to move beyond petty political squabbling? And does the president agree with Gibbs’ description of the loyal opposition as "the Republican cabal”?
____________________________
Janeen Garafolo, Margaret Carlson, Eleanor Clift, Stephanie Miller, Rachel Maddow, Arianna Huffington – No nonsense, honest and at times very very funny. AND, smarter than just about anyone who is a lifetime member of the good ‘ole boys club known as the GOP. These women are independent thinkers, who will not for one second hesitate to call out the fear mongers in this, the new era of McCarthyism.

Peggy Noonan, Cokie Roberts and all the blondes on Fox Propaganda – uptight, boring, deceitful and quick to believe all the BS the GOP throws their way. I don’t see any independent thinking with these women. George Will, Krauthammer, etc. – they speak, these women listen.

I guess it’s not nice to go against the conformity of the GOP. It gets you labeled all kinds of bad things. Un-American, socialist – the usual stuff. Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity were brainwashed years and years ago. In their youths. And now John King. It’s very evident. The GOP loves them. Conformity to the core. Just the kind of propagandists Dick Cheney and Co. need. You can’t start a war without them. Or lie and try and cover your a$$ like Cheney did on Sunday. And in case no one has noticed, many in the media are more than willing to be a helpful assistant.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:40 AM)

FR if your going to jump on AIG...well how about the 32.8 million of dollars the Citi chief got last year thru till Jan. 09 ...

A merican
I nsulting
G ang

Does anyone hear the rug being lifted and the broom being positioned on this mess?

This is change we can believe in?

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:40 AM)

Robert Gibbs is such a joy to watch as WH Press secretary after listening to the liars that the bushwhacker had up there lying to us constantly? I loved how he answered the Darth Cheney question, such a brilliant diss on the secret assasination squad leader and his fellow repugtnant ones.

When will thge Congreessional lynch mob actually get some of these Wall Street criminals behind bars? I could care less about the phony outrage when they do nothing to get rid of these criminal hypes.

I can't wait for Obama to start picking judges to replace the activist rightwingnuts that the bushwhacker appointed. About time to restore faith in our justice system for us regular folks. I can't wait to hear the repugnant ones squeal about him appointing judges. I trust his lawyer's education and training way more than the bushwhacker's.

In Obama We Trust!
In Bush We're Busted!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:41 AM)

FR: "So they trotted out the next most popular member of the Republican cabal." Is Robert Gibbs' open disdain for Cheney acceptable to a president who promised to move beyond petty political squabbling?
-----------------------------------------------

The corporate media would just love it if the president allowed himself to be a punching bag for creepss like Dick Cheney. Cheney defiled the United States Senate by telling one member to "go ... yourself." Funny how the media wasn't at all upset by that.

I thought Gibbs reply was great. He's a refreshing change from Bush's robot-like press secretaries.

Houstont (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:41 AM)

Where was all the furor about AIG and others during the last 8 years. All of this bad regulated behavior on the part of banks and the market was allowed to be completely free-form by the BUSH administration.

Everyday we find out something else that George Bush and his merry band of Republican liars have done to our government over the last 8 years.

I can see why they are in deep denial. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

And to make it even clearer is the fact that Cantor, Boehner, Limbaugh, Grassley, Blakeman, McConnell, Steele, Blackwell, Cheney have nothing constructive to add to this growing problem makes them very empty indeed.

I would like the whole shallow, self-serving bunch of Republicans to just disappear!

Andrea, New York City (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:41 AM)

Happy Irish Day:

Have you noticed that Rachel Maddow doesn't seem to have difficulty getting guests on her show. She treats them with respect (letting them answer her questions without interruption), asks questions that are issue relevant, (as opposed to gottcha questions) then genuinely thanks her guest for appearing. On the other hand Chris Matthews (and David Shuster) have the same old panel of opposing pollitical hacks. Chris and David let them fight for 10 minutes, followed by another panel, maybe including Pat Buchanan. When will the producers and management of MSNBC recognize that quality guests will avoid Chris (and David Gregory)when only gotcha questions are asked? Gotcha questions are sooo last year.

President Obama's test for dealing with AIG is how quickly his economic team can break up AIG in little pieces, fire senior management, and stop the bonuses. Tim Geithner may be smart as a whip, but public speaker, he is not: bold and assertive, he is not. With these shortcoming, Larry Summers or someone will need to step forward and break up this monopoly. This simply is the President's test.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:42 AM)

What's wrong with AIG giving out bonuses??? After all, it was LAST YEAR's contract. So, using Obama's argument for the omnibus spending spree: It was last year's bill so that makes the earmarks ok. Just consider the AIG bonuses another earmark we taxpayers have to pay for.

Obama Logic 101 (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:34 AM)

THIS IS DUMB LOGIC. Get off the earmarks that are mostly for good causes and realize that AIG is giving bonuses to the ones who made this huge mess thanks to PAULSON and BUSH

Nj (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:42 AM)

The AIG bonus money is another distraction from the President's agenda. The reality is that perceptions do matter and this amount of cash paid to non-performing top performers fuels the public's outrage AND the media's need for a gotcha item.

Let's not get too bent out of shape about this matter. We have much bigger fish to fry.

I suspect that one more mis-step by Sec. Geithner and he will be history. He should have been aware of this and put a stopper on it before it happened. He's clearly an insider and that may be his achilles heel.

As for the Wash Post lament about the loss of political capital re this, GET A LIFE and do some real reporting about health care, the budjet, foreign policy, the mortgage fix. OUT OF THE BELTWAY and into the WORLD!

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:42 AM)

Politicians especially GOP are such amazing hypocrits railing against AIG considering they received millions of dollars in campaign funds. It's always when the proverbial s**t hits the fan do they all of the sudden show such comtempt for these greedy CEO'S AND corporate America in general. Grassley bringing up suicide is beyond believe. Maybe if these politicians grow a spine 25 years ago including Clinton regulations would have prevented the mess we're in now. Due to the GOP demonizing regulations as Socialism and their other pathetic right wing dogma we would not be in this mess now. Would we? Furthermore, if we throw these CEO'S in jail, maybe it will act as a deterrant to some in the future.

Juan,FT Lauderdale, Fl (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:43 AM)

Obama Campaign e-mail list vs. The Tea Party's sweeping the country. Winner? Not even close. The Tea Party's in a rout!

You haven't seen activism until you've seen angry taxpayers.

Tea Time (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:43 AM)

Phil Gramm are you laughing?

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:43 AM)

Obama might have screwed up on the distribution of AIG bonuses. NY's Attorney General Andrew Cuomo will be issuing subpoenas to carryout full transparency regarding this situation.
http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/03/did-obama-screw-up-on-aig-bonuses-.html

Sam, New York (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:45 AM)

Andrea, New York City (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:45 AM)

That's all Obama knows how to do: make speeches (as long as he has a teleprompter) and campaign. Well, and spend money.

If his ideas and solutions were so great, why would he have to try so hard to sell them?

B.S., Virginia (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:45 AM)

Grassley isn't alone in voicing outrage over the $165 million in bonuses at AIG, which has collected nore than $170 billion in federal bailout funds. "With millions of Americans out of work, staying up nights trying to figure out how to make this week's paycheck last until the next, wondering how they'll make the next mortgage payment or pay the overdue tuition bill, these executive bonuses are beyond outrageous," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) - joined on this one by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) calling the bonuses "appalling."
*****************************************************
Stop the rhetoric and go after these theifs and criminals! Recoupe OUR tax dollars! Seize thier homes, cars, jewels ... EVERYTHING! Throw them out on the curb! Give them a pair of swets', flip-flops and a cup to collect alms! That's it! Oh and tax their alms!

Rafael DeJesus, Roswell, GA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:45 AM)

Seriously, are longtime senators really advocating that people commit suicide? It's a lynch mob out there, and members of Congress seem to be carrying torches.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Oh yea! well what about the Republican feigning all this hubla starting with Limbaugh, stupid Hannity et al causing the President's number to drop?
There slogans, hat's, playing cards, bumper stickers, and other paraphernalia such as...
• Socialism chains we can’t afford
• Got a birth certificate
• Obama-namics the change I have left after paying your bills
• God’s given us a Savior I’m looking for a president
• Go green abolish the IRS… (so how will democracy thrive?)
• Piece keepers keep the peace’s ad with a gun (their version of the Left-wing Radical Democrats in power) Our Second Amendment Rights are under serious attack.
• I voted for a hero not a handout, bring our troops home send the democrats( hypocrisy)
• RUSH IS RIGHT — Limbaugh 2012 ( that would be utter disaster),
• 1.20.2013 Obama's Last Day, (ain’t gonna happen)
• LOVE Your Country.FEAR Your Government!,
• Obama bin lyin’
• IMPEACH OBAMA”, WORK HARDER — Democrats Want To Spend Your Money,
• Obama Lied... The Economy Died.,
• Comrade Obama. U.S.S.A. "Change" We Can't Afford, I'd rather keep my guns, freedom, and money... You can keep the "change!",
• O.B.A.M.A. One Big A-- Mistake, America,
• Socialism: A Great Idea 'Til You Run Out Of Other People's Money( isn’t that what the Fat cat republicans have done to America as of now)
Now I realize impeachment has been on the table in previous regimes since our country’s inception; so I really only chose to differ, as the slogans along with issue of guns is troubling. These republicans are planning a second Boston Tea Party. With their stance on gun control I fear anarchy and chaos.

So Much for the concern from the Party of Chaos!

In reality given the constant bagering coming from the chotic republican "Party of No and Know Nothing" does make it much much harder for the nation to quell their anger.

Chuck Todd why do accuse The President as a Zen Master. Yesterday's-- “I’m choked up with anger here” statement was a very sober, illustrative way of the President's ability to remain as cool as a cucumber and sly as a fox. A leader has these unique abilities to quell a situition as well as display the outrage.
I'm cool with that!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:48 AM)

I certainly hope that Andrew Cuomo indicts a bunch of these AIG bigwigs and gets them sent to prison for a long long time, and takes their illgotten gains and returns them to us the people who were ripped off.

I'm so glad that Obama is President as he is so much better than his arrogant ignorant predecessor. Just watching him do conferences and answering questions so intelligently, so unlike the bushwhacker, makes me glad that I voted for him twice (once in the primaries once in the general).

I'm also glad that Chuck Todd replaced David Gregory as WH Press Secretary. He is so much better at asking good tough questions and he is far more Liberal than Gregory. Gregory has become nothing but a triator as he now kowtows to the repugnant ones. He should be sent to Fox or CNN so he can schmooz with his repugnant ones pals. He has wrecked Meet the Press with his guest list of repugnant ones rather than good Democrats.

In Obama We Trust!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:48 AM)

Cheney is a washed-up old has been, & he should just keep his mouth shut, & just sit in a corner and keep counting all the money he made from the Bush/cheney war in Iraq.

gepa (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:49 AM)

Obama is way too thin-skinned about what others say about him. Obama spends way to much time be critical of individuals he disagrees with. It seems to have consumed him. Rather the brush off Cheney's remarks, Obama through his mouth-piece Gibb has to make snarky comments and get down in the dirt to try and discredit what was said. Someone acting "Presidental" would just brush off the comments by Cheney, Limbaugh, Hannity, or whoever else, and just move on. Not Obama though. He's always on the attack.

HJ Kenyon, Wittman, Tn (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:49 AM)

Debra "Chuck, although Obama promised a change in the political landscape, it's hard to get riled at his administration when you have a former Vice President, go outside the boundaries of an ex leader to denounce your successor as someone who is endangering American security and safety."
-------------------------------------------

Cheney's attacks on President Obama were almost as shocking a breach of etiquette as his obscenity-laced attack on a US Senator. Neither Clinton nor Gore criticized Bush in his first term.

The tradition of outgoing presidents and vice presidents not attacking their successors is an old one. But the media isn't upset that Cheney violated it. Obama cannot possibly prevent "petty political squabbling" as long as Cheney is around to open his pie hole.

Houston (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:50 AM)

Last night Larry Reich suggested giving the AIG trade group to North Korea for a buck. Great idea. Better than yours Sierra, lol

RichardinDelmar (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:50 AM)

You have to wonder how this is playing in Minnesota ?

It seems obvious that Al Franken won the election

Norm Coleman is CLEARLY Delaying the inevitable
Is Norm Coleman denying Minnesota it's representation in the Senate ??

From the Politico:

'...GOP eyes Bush v. Gore to save Coleman seat

A state court could rule any day now on Norm Coleman’s challenge to Al Franken’s 225-vote lead in Minnesota, but the race may be far from over no matter what the judges say.

Top Republicans are encouraging Coleman to be as litigious as possible and take his fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if he loses this round, believing that an elongated court fight is worth it if they can continue to deny Democrats the 59th Senate seat that Franken would represent.

And in pushing a possible Supreme Court conclusion, Republicans are raising case history that makes Democrats shudder: Bush v. Gore.

Coleman’s team says the different methods Minnesota counties use for counting absentee ballots violated the Constitution’s equal protection clause — echoing the same 2000 Florida recount case that effectively handed the presidency to George W. Bush. By making a constitutional case, Republicans are already looking ahead to federal court.

“The Supreme Court in 2000 said in Bush v. Gore that there is an equal protection element of making sure there is a uniform standard by which votes are counted or not counted, and I think that’s a very serious concern in this instance,” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “I’m not making any predictions, but I wouldn’t be surprised” if it ended up in federal court.

Democrats believe Coleman is just running the clock, delaying the inevitable.
See also

* JournoList: Inside the echo chamber
* Obama meeting: Budget crunch time
* VP: Obama's job harder than FDR's

“He’s lost the election. What he should do is save the people of Minnesota a lot of money and allow them to have a representative here,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told POLITICO. “I mean, everybody knows that he’s lost the election. Talk to anyone who’s watched the proceedings the last week or two.”...'

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:52 AM)

Since campaigning is about the only thing the Big O does well, it's not surprising that he is once again back on the campaign trail. Of course, he won't let aq little thing like running the country get in his way-how much time did he spend in the Senate after he won that race?

He may have a harder time mobilizing his troops than he thinks he wiull have to move on his budget plans, however. Given that support for it is in the thirties, and eight Democrat Senators have stated that they will not debate the budget if 'cap and trade' is included therein, it looks like he might be handed a major defeat by his own party.

No wonder he yearns for the 'good old days'.

Of course, a professional campaigner is just what the country needs right now, isn't it?

The dog caught the mail truck-that doesn't mean he wants to deliver the mail.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:53 AM)

Pretty hard to take Congress and the anger they have towards AIG seriously when that goofy little woman pelosi is screaming about geting a fancy plane to fly home every weekend.

Typical stupid goofy Liberals....
They will bring this great country down.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:54 AM)

Second thought: While watching one of the Republican starategist, it dawned on me that he was SUPPORTING AIG!! How dumb is that!! The republican "cabal" is all dressed up and no where to go.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:55 AM)

These CEO's of these large corporations believe they are above the law, and the rules of Government do not apply to them. These CEO's do not care who is our President now or in the future. The only way to end their greed is to shut them down quickly. These CEO's only have one rule. That is the power of making more money for themselves only. This is their addiction! Take away their money, and end their "economics of greed." President Bush, President Obama, and every President before them never had the power to economically control these CEO's. These CEO's are too ruthless, sneaky, and clever to care about what the people want in life. Their ethics, morals, and economic thinking does not allow for this. Their lawyers are complex, cold, and they take no prisoners economically. That includes the Federal Government!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:55 AM)

That our beloved Congress is up in arms over AIG is hypocrisy at its best.

These are the same folks who couldn't find a way to stop their own pay raise. Sorry people. If we have to cinch in our belts, take a pay cut, do what it takes to keep our jobs - you do the same. Otherwise we will do it for you and vote you out the next time we can.

Jan, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:56 AM)

Someone help me out here because I guess my memory isn't quite what it used to be...

Who was the President back in September 2008 when the Government first stepped in to bail out AIG?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:56 AM)

With all the hype around this story I for one would like to see protest around the clock outside there office.These greedy bass-turds have been on the gravy train for so long they just can't help them selfs,like it was our gift to them for screwing us.It is high time the tough talk to turn into tough action.Time heads of these CEO's who are so in love with the dollar,greed,slackers across the pond,we are paying people that do not live in the US,our tax dollars are being sent to people and banks all over Europe,don;t ya just love it,we can't take care of our own but we shower the brits ,who f-up.Boehoner don't worry the Dems gave you a chance to work together,to fix the problems left by LIL BUSHIE,you don't have to worry the dems don't need you or your cheerleaders,Cantor,Rush Shawn,Sanford,Palin,Steel,and the rest of your obstructionest party.I heard these about it only being 1 % of the money that we already have given AIG,well Chuckie,170 million maybe isn't alot to a big time reporter in DC,but on mainstreet thats not tip money.Maybe you should get out of town more often,maybe put on your painting cloths and walk thru a small town hit by bizs closing and home less people.Your prospective may change.Would MSNBC please list the salary's of your reporters?Maybe we would understand then,why they don't seem to understand how bad it really is.To all the wing-nuts who are all whinning about Obama going on Leno,whaaaaaaa,it's a new day,just because your party is living in the 50's that is not anyones fault,but yours!Yesterday we saw Stanford call on the white house to call off the dogs,and this morning the the RNSC put out a web cast blasting C,Dodd.I would say the gloves are off,and you light weights better crawl under your desk's and cry out for your mommy.Chaney is the most lieing repuk i've Ever seen,Dickie,don't go over seas,the cuffs will be slaped on,and we the people will say SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:57 AM)

AIG misuse of funds. This is what happens when you rush things through without taking the time necessary to construct a proper bill. This is what happens when no one is allowed to read legislation before it is signed into law. Remember how much of a hurry Obama was in to get that money out to AIG? This is what that gets you.

Then Barney, Schumer, Grassley, Obama, Durbin, and others stand their all offeneded that someone (AIG in this case) didn't do what they wanted them to do. Eh, guys, you didn't tell them not to do those things. Next time, don't be in such a rush and get the legislation right before you sign it.

Outraged (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 9:58 AM)

"A Congress and a federal government that made it easier for trading derivatives and credit-default swaps are so angry right now." DingDingDing! WE HAVE A WINNER! Nice job, FR, of pointing out that deregulation which came directly from many of the same people who are so incensed. Maybe they're hoping that outrage over AIG specifically will keep people from noticing what a collassal failure deregulation and trickle down economics have been.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:00 AM)

So much anger and hatred towards AIG. I guess I'm going to have to start calling you a "Nation of Bitching".

P. Gramm - Helotes, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:00 AM)

Am so tired of the media constantly throwing stones at President Obama, yourself included Chuck. You are supposed to be reporting fairly but throw a negative into everything our President does and says.
Regulations must be put into place immediately to stop the financial insitutiions, etc raping of the taxpayers. They should not receive one more cent until there is control on how these funds are spent.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:02 AM)

Sam - New York -Obama might have screwed up on the distribution of AIG bonuses. NY's Attorney General Andrew Cuomo will be issuing subpoenas to carryout full transparency regarding this situation.

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Well I'm so glad we'll know exactly how our money was spent. Maybe Cuomo can then turn his attention to the transparency on how the government supplied AIG with all that money without our government having any control over how it was spent. As a start, he may want to give Senator Schumer (NY-D) a call and ask him why.

J Moorehead (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:03 AM)

I like AIG bonuses. I also like cheese and the beach.

mikey furlong, long island, ny (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:04 AM)

The AIG bailout money has left the building (and apparently the country too). It looks like Obama choked while trying walk and chew gum at the same time.

Elvis, Eugene, OR (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:05 AM)

Darth vader Cheney needs to realize that his credibility has been in the tiolet since he's the number 1 cheerleader of the neocons who used 911 for their own nefarious/fascist attempt at weakening our constitution and making a powerful executive branch that almost did away with check and balances. These were the same individuals who got their initiation in the Nixon administration. Why would anyone with a brain take anything he saids at face value. The only think left for them is to lie and manipulate history to somehow fit their sick agenda.

Juan,Ft Lauderdale,FL (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:06 AM)

To B.S Virginia-- Your story is getting so stale, you say Obama makes speeches with teleprompter,"what politican doesn't?" if your so smart how come your not president..

gepa (Sent Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:06 AM)

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