I didn't notice - was smoke coming from Geithner's ears during the Warren announcement?

[gateley]

I hope so. :evilgrin:

[babylonsister]

1. Why would it?

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gd-SA_SLXHi7CpdgzNYvnrx9jzGwD9I9QLSO0

snip//

Despite her many critics on Wall Street and in the financial industry, Obama says that both he and Geithner agree that Warren is the best person for the job.



Of course, that could be bunk, but he'll never tell. ;)

[gateley]

4. I don't believe it. I think Geithner was basically presented with a fait accompli and

told to get on board. It's hard for me to reconcile someone who's Goldman Sach's and AIG's darling with someone who is welcoming a consumer advocate into the fold with open arms, especially someone who grilled him during oversight hearings.

She's hip to his tricks and I think that makes him nervous.

I shudder to think who Geithner would have chosen to fill the spot had the decision been left to him.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

7. one HUGE part of the economic puzzle has always,

is currently, and will always be, consumer confidence. If the average consumer begins to suspect that we have all been had, that the real estate gaming cystern was set up solely to profit the top execs at Wall and Pine, that the FDA and Consumer Products Safety Board are more concerned with profits than with safety, that outsourcing and moving jobs of shore was a planned attack on the middle class, then the whole system begins to collapse. Already, people are moving out of the stock market, because computerized trading makes it a guarantee that the big guy, with AI programs, instantaneous access online, can and will take advantage over the average schmo. People saw the big guys get bigger, while their 401Ks became worth shit. They saw pyramid schemes that took in the middle class, and they saw the Bush admin, and now the Obama admin seem to protect the biggest fish.

By appointing Warren to her new post, Geithner's job becomes easier, because for the first time in 12-15 years, the average joe actually has a voice in DC. Who could we rely on before? Chris Dodd? Joe Lieberman? Ben Nelson? pshaw.

Seriously, if Warren can do what she has been tasked to do, not only does the middle class win, (or at least gets a replacement tank of fresh air, while the rescue squad starts its dive to the bottom of the lake on which we sit) but the entire nation can have more confidence in our system.

[onehandle]

2. Geithner is in charge, so probably not. nt

[gateley]

6. But I'm thinking (hoping?) she'll have direct access to Obama so at the very least

he can hear both sides of an issue. I don't trust Geithner.

[RaleighNCDUer]

8. Besides, she's from academia, not Wall Street or Washington.

In her world, free access to information, sharing information, have always been vital. I don't see Geitner being able to squelch her ideas and recommendations without it coming out to the public.

[lillypaddle]

3. You're hoping for conflict?

How productive.

[gateley]

5. How presumptive of you. And wrong. I'm glad that a TRUE consumer advocate

will be in this position. It's my sense that Geithner has been more concerned with his friends on Wall Street than with the American people. But if I'm incorrect in that assessment, by all means enlighten me since you apparently know the motivation behind everyone's statements and actions.

[lillypaddle]

14. Well, I guess I based that on your statement

to the effect that you hoped smoke was coming out of his ears. Sorry if I was prematurely judgemental -- I guess I'm just feeling somewhat overwhelmed at some of the negativity around here. I tend to want to be opitmistic for a change ... my bad. or my good. no offense, really.

[gateley]

15. It's just that I really don't like Geithner -- right or wrong -- so I was just

kind of gloating because I know, regardless of the official line, he's not thrilled with Warren being there. Not very mature, granted, but definitely not a desire to see any disharmony.

I understand about the negativity. Sometimes it seems as though Every. Single. Thing. draws negative, pessimistic comments. If there were a headline that all the Tea Baggers and GOPers had disappeared off the face of the earth the response would be = "doesn't matter, plenty of corporate Dems to take their place" or something like that. It's tiresome. But sometimes I think it must be a sad way to live -- being so negative all the time.

Anyway, thanks for the post -- :pals:

[dionysus]

11. +1

[bullwinkle428]

9. I hope it becomes a moot point after election day, as Geithner gets shit-canned!

:evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin:

[gateley]

10. What makes you think that? (Don't get my hopes up!) nt

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. I think that was smoke coming from your pants.

Geithner's supported Warren for the job.

[gateley]

16. They SAY he supported her. He says he supports her. Initial reports said the

opposite. What else is he supposed to say? Do you honestly believe he's thrilled she's there?

Nice response, by the way. Very kind.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

18. I believe that Tim Geithner's a better person...

then the slimeballs attempting their character assassination against Tim Geithner.

I think Elizabeth Warren thinks so too.

[gateley]

20. He may be a good person but it seems as though his allegiances to Wall Street

are stronger than to the American people. Otherwise why would he meet more often with a Goldman rep than with the House leaders?

I'm not attacking his character, I'm questioning his actions when they appear to be more in line with the For Profit GOPers than with the Democratic values. I don't think we've benefitted as much from his decisions as we maybe could have with someone like Elizabeth Warren's.

I feel she's got our back. I don't get that sense of security from him. Do you?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

21. Um, maybe because that's his job?

You are attacking his character. That's exactly what you're doing.

You haven't got any real reason to be against him, so you just attack his character.

[gateley]

22. That's not my intent but if you want to see it that way, have at it. nt

[librechik]

13. he looked rather tight-lipped, but I think he bowed to the inevitable.

Now the question is, how much help will Warren get from her new supe? If Geithner really is a good guy, this appointment could be his opportunity to get things done he can't do himself because of who he is.

But I have never seen any indication from him that he is anything but a tool for Wall Street and the Banks, so what is it he wants done? Not anything Warren wants, would be my best guess. So this is all about the stronger personality. My bet's on Warren, but guys like Geithner have a habit of tossing mouthy women under the bus, no matter how correct or efficient or well-placed they are. (see Brooksley Borne; direct Geithner involvement in her underbusing) Warren could be boxed in by the 2 characters who tossed Borne (Summers and Geithner) All the best to her, I hope she can overcome those two a*holes.

[gateley]

17. I have the same sense of him --

especially since I read that he's seen that he met with somebody from Goldman Sachs more than he's met with any of the House leaders.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

I also agree that I think he had to acquiesce to this decision. Obama had to do this for his base, plus I think he really wants to do what's right.

I'll check out Brooksley Borne - although I'm sure it'll disturb me. :7 I've heard that Warren is strong (although I also heard she wanted a 'special adviser to the President' position but wasn't given that).

The good thing is that we out here are keeping an eye on things as much as we can, and making ourselves heard. :hi:

[kentuck]

19. He's not a Democrat.

He's a Wall Street insider. He's not on our side. He is on their side. Just because he whispers in the President's ear does not necessarily make him a good guy.

I can't believe anyone here would completely trust this guy? They are either very naive or very stupid.

[eleny]

23. Funny you should ask

But at the time I thought he looked a little more pinched than his usual pinched self.