NY Times: Summers even less popular than bombing Syria

[MannyGoldstein]

Summers Pulls Name From Consideration for Fed Chief

Good article.

Mr. Summers had long been viewed by Mr. Obama and his economic advisers as Mr. Bernanke’s presumptive replacement

But sadly, Summers was even less popular than bombing Syria...

After weeks of opposition to his candidacy from an array of progressives, the president’s inability to rally Congressional Democrats on Syria persuaded Mr. Summers that his most important audience — the Senate, which must confirm a Fed chairman — probably could not be won over.

He concluded that the White House was also unlikely to overcome opposition to his candidacy from many of the same Democrats, who view him as an opponent of stronger financial regulation, according to supporters who insisted on anonymity to describe confidential conversations with him.

“Clearly Obama couldn’t bring his own most enthusiastic supporters to back him on an issue of national security,” one supporter said. “How was he going to corral them for Larry?”

Man, things have changed!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. We are finding our public voices, and not a moment too soon, either.

We must keep pushing!

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Push push push

Much pushing.

It will hurt.

We will win.

[Baitball Blogger]

6. Is it too soon to whisper a name...

Krugman

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Never too early for his name...

I would love to see him head up the Fed, but I understand he wouldn't take it.

Love your smilies! They're perfect.

[Uncle Joe]

9. + Infinity with a cherry on top.

[pnwmom]

15. Janet Yellen has an excellent name. She's known as a "dove" on the Federal Reserve

who's concerned about the Fed fulfilling its mandate on employment, not just inflation. And she was the only one of the Board who expressed concerns about the possibility of the 2008 crash before it happened.

There is no reason to go outside the board for a candidate when we have a very strong candidate already in the #2 spot -- except that bankers have a long tradition of passing over qualified women in favor of outsiders. She should be nominated and approved.

And Paul Krugman agrees with me:

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/the-fed-succession/

So what we have here are two highly qualified candidates, head and shoulders above anyone else I’ve heard mentioned and inconceivably better than the men who might have been in contention if that guy who ran with Paul Ryan had won. But if the final choice isn’t Janet Yellen, I think the president is going to have to offer a very good explanation of why not, or face a lot of grief from people who want to think the best of his administration.

[Baitball Blogger]

21. Good article.

I'll keep an open mind.

[joshcryer]

3. Obama always said to put his feet to the fire.

I guess we're just now getting around to it?

[Kennah]

4. I'll betcha bombing Larry Summers would score high in any DU poll

[Iwillnevergiveup]

5. This article

gives Summers waaaaay too much credit. He was part of the problem in the huge meltdown for heaven's sakes. Let's go with Ms. Yellen.

[delrem]

7. Remember, the problem isn't short lived.

Bush: Mission accomplished!

One week of 2 good news stories, good as they are, doesn't make a turn-around.

It makes for a lot of spin.
I figure the best chance real democrats have is to start now to campaign for an Elizabeth Warren presidency.

[quakerboy]

10. Clearly the quoted "supporter" completely misunderstands the situation

Syria is not an issue of national security.

A Summers nomination, on the other hand would be a genuine threat to national security.

And that's why Syria is unpopular and Summers less popular than that.

[MannyGoldstein]

12. Well put. nt

[Half-Century Man]

11. How popular is...

...Syria bombing Larry Summers?

[Rex]

13. Well I am happy Obama did not force the issue.

Like he could have done with Syria too.

[rhett o rick]

14. Good post "Real Manny". nm

[Starry Messenger]

16. Even my mom texted me tonight to say "fuck Larry Summers" and she's hardly a radical.

She also hates Geitner.

Edit: also loves Warren. You'll appreciate this Manny, she also texted "Our hope for the little people" in regards to Warren. <3 Starry Mom!

[SharonAnn]

17. With Summers' reputation of misogyny, many women dislike him.

[Starry Messenger]

19. That is true.

I'm not sure why her antipathy. I know she is really passionate about poverty, I haven't had a chance to ask her if her dislike is based on Summers and Geitner favoring the 1%.

[MannyGoldstein]

20. !!!

[yurbud]

18. Summers popularity should be somewhere south of AIDS and al Qaeda

If terrorism were defined by the scope of the destruction someone has caused, he makes bin Laden look like a vegan tree sitter.

[Safetykitten]

22. K&R

[gopiscrap]

23. I love it!

[grahamhgreen]

24. Kick