President Bush doesn’t seem to want to. The Congress can’t seem to agree. Hopefully Obama can help. I don’t think he can make it worse.

Is it a mistake for Barack Obama to take “ownership” of the economy more than two months before he becomes president?

Well it’s not like GW Bush is taking any “ownership” for the economy and he’s not even bothering to show any leadership either!

At least Obama is showing the nation that HE’S not asleep at the wheel!

Jenna
Roseville CA

No it is not a mistake, the markets are extremely volitale right now and we need to show investors some continuity. During this transition Obama’s action to take ownership offers that which we need most, calm, steady leadership.

In “normal times” maybe a mistake. In these times, a necessity for the people to know that there is much being done and by responsible people. It is something to grasp onto when things are looking bleak and long term solutions are needed, and quickly!

I think he’s smart enough to start working on reversing the bus from running full speed toward the cliff immediately and not suffer politically. I think there is a slight majority that understands that we are in so deep that he will need every second, in or out of office, to try to turn it around. I feel sorry for the morons who still think Bush is God’s gift.

He has no choice. Someone has to lead. When Bush stated several years ago that he wanted an “Ownership Society” little did we know that he meant that we would lose everything we own!

I don’t think it’s a mistake at all. SOMEONE has to.

He may not have a choice! Bush keeps handing bail-out money out like it’s candy!

The world, the markets, and the American people, need a booster in these challenging times…the President elect is presenting a strong image of confidence and “ownership” to provide that boost. Anything else would be perceived as indecision and weakness.

Hey, someone needs to get a handle on this mess. I just wish someone could explain to me why the “fix” to this crisis is getting banks lending again. I mean isn’t this the reason we are in the mess we are in now…too much debt. How can more credit fix a debt problem? Our country is in so much debt now that it’s going to take a century to dig out of this hole. Why not let the whole thing collapse and just start over with living within our means. All the money being thrown at the banks could be used to actually create or build something useful for this limping nation.

I don’t see it as him taking ‘ownership’ per se. I see it more as the Pres-elect showing the american people and the world that he will be ready to face the economic challenges day one of his taking office on Jan 20th.

He’s also smart enough to realize that the masses needed to hear from him. That tone of voice, his sense of calm and the trustworthy, humble demeanor he displays go a long way in restoring confidence.

He wouldn’t have taken “ownership” of this mess if the present administration hadn’t been trying to get rid of it, and he was bound to get it eventually. Why wait for things to get worse?

Jack, You’d have to define mistake… to step up to a challenge when the easy way out would be let it fall with the old Administration can’t be smart politically but I have the feeling this guys for real. Let’s hope.

Someone has to, the current president doesn’t look like he wants any part of cleaning up his own mess.

stand up and take responsibility is what we should all be doing its all our fault we in this mess. i am standing behind Obama i take responsibility you should too

Jack: The answer is NO. Time is of essence with the economy, and the sooner Obama is able to get his arms around this troubling economic bear; the better. Obama must move efficiently and swift if he is going to minimize the troubling effects of America’s economy. He can’t wait, because the worst is yet to come.

Jack, after 8 years of the Bush administration it’s refreshing to see someone take an active role in actual leadership. The country is facing some serious problems and it’s good to see the next President already at work.

The economic outlook for an increasing number of Americans is very bleak. Since the current occupant of the White House has done nothing nor is willing to do anything, it is well that the Obama team appear it is taking charge and at least making some plans. More importantly, they are communicating those plans to the people. It remains to be seen if any of this planning bears positive benefit to us but it seems as if he is trying.

he has to he has been part of the economy sence he became a member of cnogress he and his coharts have had the chances to make it better or not but this problem belongs to all those in the white house and congress

perry jones
council bluffs iowa

He might as well, if things turn around quickly, he will be seen as a hero. On the other hand, if things don’t get better, he can always say the economy was allowed to get too bad under Bush before he could make any changes. It’s a win-win situation for him and besides, didn’t we elect him to CHANGE this country for the better?

I am not sure he is truly trying to take “ownership”. I think he is attempting to walk a fine line between taking control and taking some leadership in the presence of a leadership vacuum. I think he is attempting to present his leadership by activating his team to be prepared to help in the background if needed and to be prepared to act quickly when he takes over. I guess I wish he could take “ownership” in the very near future.

Obama should do all he can to be a part of the bailout program immediately because of the ability of Bush and his cohorts to continue to make a worse mess of this economy. He has good ideas and capable people helping him. President Bush could lock him out but it would only make him look worse than he does now so he might give Obama more insight than he ordianarily would.

At least the president-elect is doing something. The elected president
doesn’t.
David

Geithner’s appointment was Obama’s key decision. Since Geithner is already assisting Paulson in fighting the credit crisis, a smooth transition is now assured.

Well, somebody has to before it’s too late. It’s a ship adrift with no one at the helm right now. God forbid George Bush “own” anything and if he did he would only make it worse then he has by ignoring it.

Jack: Obama is just getting his transition down before January 20th, and George W. still gets all the blame for this economy. President Bush will take the blame for the present day economy for at least the first year of Obama’s Administration. George W. Bush will take the blame for alot more than just the economy we are now experiencing.

John
Alabama

He is more like a watch dog. ownership comes in January but you do not want a surprise

well jack it doesn’t matter if its now or 2 months from now we are still in it deep, in fact i think its a good way of showing to the american people that HE MEAN BUSINESS.

If he doesn’t who will. Our lame duck President is doing his same ole thing as he did in the previous eight years. He’s trying to sprint to the finish line and leave this parting gift to Obama. It’s a shame because folks fail to remember who got us here. When things get better, it’ll be great to hear the naysayers.

Jack,

He has to. No one has confidence in our current president, so Obama is doing what he needs to do. The problem is, when he takes up residence in the White House, this crisis will be the proverbial burning sack of well, you know, on the doorstep and he’s liable to get covered in it trying to put out the fire.

Just because Obama takes “ownership” of the economy doesn’t make this mess his fault. Someone’s got to do it and right now he seems like the only one working on it. America made the right choice!

Jack,
Did not realize he is, unfortunately, as someone needs to make
credible efforts and decisions. Bush/Paulson etc have been
diasters.
How long has it been when someone was sincere about
cutting costs, budgets of the the governrnent? How long has
it been when a politican wants to put middle class first?
Right now I just see it going from bad to worse, which it
will, but at least, with Barack Obama and team there will
be efforts to resolve.
It frightens me that Bush and company are allowed to make
any decisions concerning the future of our country.

I don’t he has a choice in the matter. Obama needs all the extra time that he can get to stop this economy from going over the cliff. Every minute they wait the closer it gets to the cliff. By the time he is sworn into office they should be up to speed and already have some plans implemented.

Yes, it would be a mistake.

Taking responsibility without autority to take action is a perilous course, doomed to failure by the capricious whims of the current administration. We have already seen a number of costly false starts by Paulson, who has yet to open the credit markets after spending over $500 billion purportedly to that end. If Obama supports such actions only to have the execution screwed up, he risks his credibility which is the strongest asset he will have when he does have the authority. His key task will be to restore confidence to the shaken psychies of consumers, lenders and investors. Credibility will be the key to accomplishing this.

Well at least President Elect Obama is doing something, unlike Lame duck George Bush. I say Bush step aside and Let Obama do his thing and save this Economy from the Busheconmics Disaster!

It’s the right thing to do. He’s doing everything within his symbolic power to get a plan ready to start to fix the mistakes bush has made lo these 8 years. You folks need to give our man O some credit — he’s been working hard and hasn’t even started his job!

It appears to be a “partnership” right now, but true “ownership ” won’t be his until he is sworn in. Granted Bush is doing absolutely nothing which is to be expected. I have great faith in the people of this country who voted Obama in and he will do whatever it takes to pull us out of this God Awful Republican Mess!

Of course not. If the economy continues to fall, it’ll be Bush’s fault, and if it goes back up, then Obama will be seen as our savior. It’s the usual Catch 22 that goes with politics. By getting involved early, if the economy manages to stablize before Bush leaves, Obama can still take credit!

With most of the world ignoring GWB at this point– it’s good to know somebody is trying to pay attention to where our billions are heading to. Paulsen and Bernake sure don’t have a clue.

It is a mistake for Obama to take ownership of the economy at any time. Why? Because the President isn’t supposed to micro-manage the economy. They are supposed to stand back and let the free market work because it does!

Cincinnati, OH

If Obama doesn’t take “ownership” of the economy NOW and help guide its oversight, it would be like waiting two months to contact the credit card companies after your wallet is stolen. As president, Obama will have to figure out how to pay the bill for the 700 billion dollar spending spree of the Bush administration in its final months in power and limit further damage to us taxpayers. Otherwise, efforts to save Wall Street will be futile because if Main Street shuts down and companies go broke, there won’t be any stocks left for them to trade.

Jack,

No, it’s not a mistake, it’s called leadership. It’s a quality we haven’t seen for eight years.

Robert
Forest, VA

Barack is playing his cards wisely. He is using this time to keep the people informed of his plans while not stepping on toes of current administration. We have to remember there’s a lot of issues in addition to the economy being handed to the next administration. I think the American people would be better served giving Barack the time to coordinate his entire staff now so they can help with all the problems at hand and he can be allowed due diligence in his preparations to focus on the economy.

Some may believe that it is inapporpriate for him do so as the President-Elect as it could give the perception that the current President is not in control of the situation. But,..George Bush is not in control of the situation so I think it is reassuring to the American public that some one is finally going to take charge.

He has taken ownership of the office of President-elect, which I did not know was a elected office (Please explain how) Just more smoke and mirrors to hide that he has no clue on anything. So let him take the economy now and in 4 years he well crash and burn.

The Republican talking heads are already blaming Obama for the current economic mess and if there isn’t significant improvement the fickle electorate will likely blame him regardless of the facts.

In other words it is more than likely half the public will be convinced he already has ownership of the economy with the other half hoping he takes ownership so he might just as well do it now.

The ownership you speak of is not enacting policy, as he does not have the authority, but rather calming nerves, instilling confidence, giving hope through viewing new possibilities, in this Obama has full ownership and thank God.

Jack:

What exactly is he doing to take ownership other than filling out his leadership team? Any other president elect would be doing the exact same thing. If things go right over the next two months he’ll get the credit. If things go wrong, the Bush administration will get blamed. Seems like he has it pretty good.

Yes Jack, I think so. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
I don’t see how he can hurt - only help the situation. Is Bush going
to let him in? Does he just (ha-ha) nudge the legislature to make
some definite moves? I’m so glad we voted such a smart man
into office - just wish he could be in drivers seat right now.

Is it a mistake no, but it also really isnt a choice either, as President-Elect Obama gets ready to take office, he must come to the realization that he will be left with the unresolved issues of the last administration, it is great that he is taking an active role at the moment, but how he owns up to the situation will matter more once he is sworn into office I belive.

No it’s not a mistake, it’s possibly the shrewdest thing he can do. Not only does it demonstrate how much more competent he is than Bush but, more importantly, he is limiting additional damage being done to the economy between now and his inauguration. If he doesn’t take ownership now there might not be much ‘economy’ left come 20th January.

Jack: No. It would appears that no one is in charge of the economy now nor has been for the last eight years…..Obama needs to “grab the economic bull” by the horns…..now…..the last “bull rider” was thrown off.

Usually I would want the president elect to wait until he actually held the presidential post; but given the state of the economy and our country as a whole, I think there’s no time to waste. Obama is showing not only that politicians can take action but they should take action. Thank God America made a good choice.

Absolutely not! It’s refreshing and reassuring to see someone finally take a strong leadership stance. I don’t see why the nation doesn’t simply declare an emergency, kick Bush out of the White House and have an early inauguration. We’ve let Bush and company lollygag around and ruin this country long enough. I already consider Obama the president and I’m glad he’s stepping in.

NO! It’s time to have a leader, someone who takes responsibility for our mistakes, unlike Bush, who seems to be hiding with Dick right now.

it isn’t his fault for this economic mess that bush has created..bush bailout all the banks and wall street cronies to help them get more richer before he leaves office..bush is trying to used up all the funds to help out more banks before obama gets in..obama predicted a year ago that the finanical markets are ruined by excessive greed for the ceos not the workers..everyone is putting too much expectations or having doubts about obama but i believe when he gets in office, he may do more good for the country..i wish that people stop doubting obama’s success and learn to be patience for once….obama will do fine..

I don’t think Mr. Obama has a choice. Bush isn’t going to tackle it.
He doesn’t want to take the blame if he is wrong the upteenth time.
His administration has sure got us in a BIG mess.

I am not sure Obama is actually taking ownership but he certainly needed to weigh in on the economy. There has been a phenomenal leadership vacuum regarding the economy with no one else offering credible reassurance that the problem is understood and real solutions are being sought. President Bush has shown little or no genuine interest in the problems his administration largely created. Paulson comes across as confused, unsure and incompetent. Obama was right to step up and offer what reassurance and leadership he can, given that he is not yet the president. He appears to be the only adult in the room.

No! Shrub is not doing anything. I’m more impressed with Obama everyday. He’s already showing what a great President he will be.

When has President Bush taken the lead on anything that isn’t going to line the pockets of his oil connected family and his oil buddies? Never. And with Congress in a lame duck session, who else is there?

this idea of ownership is crazy. He should start now since we have had so many years of an absentee president.

Let him build his team and start the process. Imagine how great it would be to have someone actually working in Washington…. in his case off the clock for now…

It’s not a mistake. Obama is showing the leadership he should and that the electorate so desperately wants. He will have his proposals in place for the day he takes office.

W, as my father would have said, could “screw up a one car funeral”.

I don’t think he should take “ownership” of the economy right now. He may regret it later. There are many market closings and too much can happen in the next 55 days. Bush and Cheney and their greedy buddies own this mess. Let them acccept responsibility. President Elect Obama has every right to put his thoughts forward and alert the country about the current crisis and tell us what he has planned. Give the American people some hope and reassurance. Keep in mind though, Bush is going to do exactly as he pleases (or Cheney tells him to do) until 11:59 am on January 20,2009.

Obama said there can only be one president at a time and George Bush keeps fading further and further away, so somebody has to step up before this crisis becomes even worse. I think it can only help if Obama is innvolved now.

Someone has to do it! If not Obama, then who?

He’s not taking ‘ownership’ but, showing the people he’s preparing to hit the ground running… He also has to keep an eye on the store with Bush minding the cash register. Also I keep hearing the word ‘bailout’ and blame on the banks and borrowers. I don’t hear anything about the people who could afford thier home when they bought it but have lost their job and are now in a bind.. These people can’t get loans even if the credit market opens up.. Where is their help? Sorry, I keep forgetting Bush is still in office!

During this interregnum, the American people need to begin regaining confidence. A soon-to-be-President who actively works to improve the economy is an important step in that direction, no matter what the political risk.

Jack,
Repeat after me.Only one president at a time.Only one president at a time.
You get the idea?

Jack, it’s not a mistake. This mess is going to get dumped in his lap anyway in less than 2 months. Anything he can do right now to stop the bleeding is a great step in the right direction. Standing on the sidelines doing nothing will just make a bad situation worse. This is part of the Change We Believe In.

No, it’s not a mistake. Someone had to step up to the plate and take ownership, as the “leadership” of the Bush Administration has been lacking, at best.
The risk now is that some will start to blame the Obama Administration for the continuing decline of the economy.
A President just can’t catch a break these days.

NO! He is a NATURAL BORN leader…

Someone has to step up and he has the skill set to do it.

We only have one President at a time. By abdication, that needs to be Obama, or else we won’t have any President for the next two months.

It’s important that he has begun to show the markets, and we citizens, that he has a quality team in-place and a plan to address this dreadful situation.

Isn’t it great to have an intelligent and articulate President-elect coming into office.

It give one hope.

By doing so, he has taken more responsibility for the financial crisis than George W. Bush has.

Although I wasn’t aware Mr. Obama had taken “ownership” (which sounds more like a republican talking point than reality), I think investors need to know someone is working on the problem. Even though Obama is not in office yet and is not to blame for the mess, his actions might provide some emotional stability to the markets and the economy overall.

Bill D.
Champaign, IL

Jack,
President -elect Obama has to take ownership of this situation since congress and dubya doesn’t seem to know which end is up. When congress is giving grief to the auto industry for requesting $25 billion while at the same time pumping hundreds of billions into banks without questions, someone has to step in and REEEEEALLY shake things up.

I don’t know Jack, it doesn’t seem as though our newly elected President has much of a choice. Today Paulsen’s tells us about his new scheme, and the current President seems not to give a rats behind about America at all! He seems to want to run fast away from the problems he has created. But if our new President is able to right this economy he will be a hero and the new FDR. That is a pretty nifty legacy.

No–everyone knows its Bush’s fault . Its great that we finally have a President that really wants to work.

He can’t “take onwership”. He’s not yet President. What he can do is artriculate his plans, show us and the world who he’s puting in place to impliment those plans and pray we don’t go over the clift before he has the authority to actually do something. When the market started it’s collaspe we saw a lot of scrambling around attemping a quick fix. None of which has appeared worked.

One hugh luxury he has now is he has some time to formulate a cohearent plan and adjust it as needed before taking action.

Since our current president is MIA, someone has to do it, Jack, and since he’s already being blamed for the economic downturn, why not.

It’s not important if Obama “takes ownership’” now . It is more important for all of our government to get off of their lame duck and holiday recessed butts and take intelligent and non partisan action

It is outstanding leadership to take responsibility for a problem no matter who is to blame. Obama is a refreshing change from denial and arrogant dismissal of major problems. You can only succeed if you step up to the plate, and not just fire someone on your staff and say you chose the wrong person.

I think we all have to take ownership of this economy. It’s health or lack of it is, in the end, all of our doing. We are the ones who have used our credit unwisely, have pushed for more government services and benefits in one breath and tax cuts in the next. We’re the ones who understand so little about economics and how our capitalist system functions. We pushed the banks to make loans to people with low incomes so they could buy houses they couldn’t afford. We are the ones who thought real estate could only go up in price. Honestly, I don’t want either Bush or Obama to “own” the economic situation. If we don’t all realize that we are at the root of the problem, we will have learned nothing and will make the same mistakes again.

NO because the current administration gave up on the American people long ago.

Yes because the last thing we need is more confusion and bickering in the government. Giving ammunition for political posturing is far from productive.

Overall, I cant see how increasing the number of intelligent people working on the problem is a bad thing. The current administration would do well to accept any and all comers for assistance and ideas. This is a time where standard party ideals wont cut it, on either side.

It is one big mistake with the same idiots that got us into this mess still calling all the shots and he will end up getting the blame. Let’s face it it doesn’t take a PHD- it doesn’t take a GED to figure out that letting the Bush administration has NO idea what it is doing and is moving to put as much bailout money into the hands of its buddies on Wall Street and give Obama a nice Christmas and New Year’s present of a hole that is so deep it stretches all the way to China-no pun intended.

If Obama had been smart he would have waited 4 more years before he ran for president. Like it or not he is stuck with what he was elected for. Personally I think he should have let the Clinton’s win. We have the same people running the country in his cabinet so what difference has it made. Obama will just become the token Martyr when the depression hits. It is coming jack and no amount of money that the treasury pours into bad lending institutions or poorly managed big business will modify their behavior. Greed is a very evil and nasty thing. It is all over but the crying. Obama’s picture will be right next to George Bush under the failed presidents list in the encyclopedia. They both are victims of the same United States ignorant Congress. Face it Jack. You can not be a great leader with incompetent politicians making decisions for the country.

Jack, President Elect Obama needs to take ownership of this disaster right now because it is painfully obvious the Bush Administration is simply running out the clock and counting the minutes until they can leave. President Bush checked out months ago and Hank Paulson effectively punted to President Elect Obama during Congressional Hearings. The lame duck Congress just wants to go home and open Christmas gifts and come back next year refreshed and ready with a new majority. It is not gridlock in Washington; we are now officially ‘dumb-locked’. Although President Obama does not have the authority, he needs to step in because no one else is willing at this point.

Why can’t we just terminate George Bush’s job and give him
an early buyout like we do for bad CEO’S.

Can’t really blame Obama for trying to get this lame (duck) Congress to at least get something going before he takes over the problem. He’s going to have to deal with the mess left behind. So far, none of the money they’re throwing around seems to be helping the folks who really need it. The banks just sat on it, Paulson has ignored his directive, and Bush continues to be unhelpful. At least someone’s poking at the problem.
Mark
Tempe, AZ

I can understand the president-elect’s desire to get the ball rolling but what’s the sense? He can not impact anything. In his own words, “There is only one president.” Conversely, he could have the cabinet level folks meet, create an abatement, and be ready to go on January 20. 2009.

Watching Bush this AM or was it yesterday with Paulsen, the man can not even form a proper sentence!!! Obama is not taking “ownership”, he is being a brilliant leader and trying NOT to let Bush screw things up any worse than they already are!!! After watch Obama this AM it is amazing what a brilliant, well educated leader sounds like again!!! America, you did good!!!! God Bless Obama and his team–they will need ALL of our prayers for a long time and we the American middle class will be very thankful!!!

This is like asking if it would be a mistake to call the fire department if your house were burning.

No. I think he’s doing the right thing by doing what he can as soon as he can.

Of course, the ironic thing is that Hillary said she’d be ready on day one.

That’s about 60 days LATER than Barack Obama!

You know the saying (Got to do what you got to do).Good for Obama even since it is not his mistake,he is willing to step up and take it on.And I believe he will do a good job

It would be a mistake “not” to take ownership. He needs to have his team and his plan of attack ready to go at the moment he takes the oath of office. Bush is just counting down the days until he can slink out of town. He can’t be counted on to do anything of substance before leaving office. It’s all on Obama and he knows it.

The answer is NO. Bush and his cronies are so out of touch with the regular people and could care less about their problems. Someone has to lead this country out of this mess the current administration has caused. Too bad he can’t take office today.

It is absolutely amazing Jack how most of the people commenting on your articles and questions are totaly ignorant. Bush is not handing out bail money, he is the current puppet of the Congress and House (democratic control I believe). They started this mess with the bailouts, and they will not rest until we are so far in debt that we will never dig out. Obama will not make any huge changes. I remeber a campaign based on real change, and what does he do? He names old time politicians to important posts. Some change. Don’t expect any other type of real change with the economy either other than counting how much more in debt you are.

john,winter haven florida November 25th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Jack,
Repeat after me.Only one president at a time.Only one president at a time.
You get the idea?
——————————-
I agree.
The only problem is that George Bush is not acting as president, so if Obama steps in, then there truly is one president at a time!

No. It is a good idea since he can learn more at this time than after he has taken office and the legislative process gets involved.

It is not a mistake it is typical extremely smart politics by Obama.

The markets were collapsing by the day and George W. Bush was AWOL. Had he done nothing the situation could have got so out of control by Jan 20 that his presidency was doomed before it had even started.

By taking “control” - but not actually giving any realy details or substance - he has successfully stemmed the tide while leaving himself plenty of room after Jan 20.

Just brilliant - again!

Mistake? More like a disaster in my opinion! It’s like being a quarterback having to replace the one that got benched for poor performance in a game you’re losing 30-0. Sure, you’d like to play, but you’d really rather come in to start the game rather than mop up. No one ever remembers who made the mess, just who tried and/or failed to clean it. Mr. President-Elect, my advice to you would be to stand on the sidelines, hold the clipboard and wait for this game to mercifully end.

No, its not a mistake!
The current President seems, to me, to be handling this financial crisis with “kiddie gloves”. Time and money waits for NO ONE! The global markets will not stop because we are in a transitional moment. So, if Bush will not take the helm, then he should step aside and let the President-Elect take the helm now!

With the Bush gang currently driving the economy they appear to be simply saying “Let the Lord take the wheel”, so someone has to try and keep some stability until 2009.

The best the world can hope for right now is Dubbya will take the next couple of months off and go on a vacation or back to Texas.

Imagine that Barack Obama is able to get legislation passed soon after January 20.

That’s more likely to happen if he starts now, behind the scenes.

By law he has no “ownership untill Janurary 20th 2009. He can put people and policies in place to take effect at that time. That alone will give the confidence to get us to that point. It ’s going to be a long, hard road before we are “back on our feet”. The next two months will have to pass before we can start the journey.

Obama is not taking ownership, but he is showing the kind of president he will be.. He showing leadership already, just think of what great things he’ll do when he’s in office. Oh yes, Obama made one mistake, the phrase is not ‘One president at a time’ the more accurate phrase is ‘No president at this time!’..

This maybe 2 months before he becomes president, but if he expects to make things better in the next 48 months,he”s already way behind. Head start isn’t only for pre-schoolers.

May God be with him

Who else is going to take ownership of it?

He has to do what he can .Nero (AKA Bush) seems to be fiddling while Rome burns-as usual.

Are you kidding? They need some one with some brains up there now since there are a load of incompent idiots running the show.

Since Obama’s transistion team in already “on duty” much more than Bush’s team has been for the past 7 or 8 years, it makes sense for him to be ready officially on day one doesn’t it? Still with one President still “in charge” Obama doesn’t have any real authority to do anything but keep preparing…..I for one am getting tired of people still trying to “get some proof of Obama’s birth records” released or “unsealed” as they say because they think he is not a native born citizen.

Yes he should the automotive industry needs this government loan
as soon as possible and hopefully save it i am so tired of listening
to these so called experts on your shows that this industries problem
is its legacy costs,but never mention that countries like Japan pays for
their citizens heath care costs i wonder why that is never brought up
by the main media.why do you think these foreign auto companies
come here so they dont have to pay for health care.where is that level
playing field. In my opinion the current administration doesn,t give a
darn about the blue collar worker.
lenny, murray ,ky

No threr is only one President at a time, even if he isn’t the best we have to offer. For a Constitutional law scholar he is being very arrogant about this issue. He should stick to the promises he made, as I am starting not to beleive in him anymore. Let Bush decide what to do untill January 20th like the law requires. I don’t even like G.W. Bush .

I taught George Bush is still the President. I guess he don’t care about the people who put him in office. That’s ashame.

UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Bush still has his adminstration working and Obama would be accused of interference or working at cross purposes. Obama should use his position as a Senator to rally the leadership in congress, and be ready when he is sworn in.

We have but ” One President At A Time “…….
This is Geo. W.`s mess , and the country knows it ……
If the republicrooks think we`re stupid enough to let them turn this financial crisis into something it`s not , ( melt down happened on Obama`s watch ) well , they`ve really missed the boat . We are not going to let them use that same old shell game , …..
The GOP , seems to be missing the point , and the outcomes of the 2006 , and 2008 elections . WE the people are fed up with their sloganeering , Joe the plumbers , hockey moms , nascar dads , Joe six-packs , and yes , Sarah , dumb as a rock Palin too……
So , Jack the answer is ” NO “…….

It’s a shame Obama can’t be sworn in this afternoon. The current occupant of the White House is permanently out to lunch and has left us up the you-know-what creek without a paddle.

Hi Jack:

Things are changing so fast, I don’t see how he can.

Ron San Diego

I don’t think Obama has taken control or responsibility for the economy. The media in an effort to fill their 24/7 coverage is trying to force that responsibility on Obama now. The media wants something to report and write about.

Obama has merely set up his team so that they will be ready when the time comes. This prep is so that his administration will not be a shock to the current system.

Bush is wasting no time doing as much damage as he can in the remaining days of his failed administration. I guess he thinks he’s putting icing on the cake, completing his legacy. Sadly, he has no idea what his legacy is and probably still thinks he’s the greatest leader of the free world. He is; if you define it as leading us into the chasm.

No, it shows that Obama has more back bone than W. who has never taken ownership of anything.
Finally the buck has stopped after going and going and going and going………

Jack , It’s kind of like when you are to senile or you do not have the capacity to make the right decision’s you have to have a power of attorney.Well Barack Obama is Bushs power of attorney.

Obama has to take the reins.

Bush is staying on the sidelines, regardless, Obama will inherit the good or the bad.

Our Dear Jack,

It shows the character of the man. He is sticking his neck out to give the nation and world confidence. The reality is George Bush can screw up a heck of a lot in the next two months and there isn’t anything Obama can do to stop him.

Pelosi is the only legal authority to rid us of George Bush and she is apparently ignorant of the duty.

Barack seems to be not taking ownership but outlining his strategy to fix the economy and thank God someone is because bush is doing his best to ruin the economy and enviornment as much as he can before he leaves office.

I agree with the “Only one president at a time” idea. But since we haven’t had a real president for the last eight years it’s time for Obama to take the reins from that idiot as soon as possible. Bush needs to get out of the kitchen now before he adds to the mess.

No. Someone has to take charge. All Bush and his cronies are concerned about is how much they can loot from the from the tax payers before they leave office.

Jack,
Since our current President and elected leaders collectively threw their hands up on NOV 5th. I say that President-Elect Obama is correct in trying to set the tone and attack the problem head on. Even as a President Elect he makes history!

Someone has to take responsibility for the mess we’re in; it may as well be someone who has an idea of how to get the situation resolved. At least he’s not standing by scratching his head in wonderment. I admire and applaud his go get ‘em attitude.

The sooner the better! Bush is obviously out of his element when it comes to responsible leadership, and Obama already weilds more influence than the President-in-absentia. It’s like we’re the victims of a car crash, and we have to wait for the union EMTs to show up before we get attention.

Someone has to step up cause as far as bush is concerned he can’t get out of there fast enough..There is still enough time for him to screw up more stuff before his departure from the white house..Can’t get called much worse than a lame duck..

He will have true “ownership” when the baton is handed off to him in January. In the meantime he needs to keep “warming up” for the handoff and setting the stage for a smoth track ahead. Stay off of the track until it’s his time. However, he must give the impression that he will be ready to meet the mess head-on.

It may not be smart,but since Bush has mentally checked out someone has to do it. He’s in a terrible position, but he has the courage to step up, for thisd he has earned my respect.

What Obama needs to do is state his position but not take ownership till he is president right now obama should be focused on his cabinet. Then again if he dose everybody will know what he will do from day one.

Of course it is! Bush has totally checked out and is hoping that by the time of the inauguration he will be forgotten and Obama will have assumed the blame. Obama needs to stay as far away from Bush and his mess as possible.

If we had a competent person leading the government I would say no. But we don’t and we need someone to show leadership. He can’t actually enact anything but he can give us all something to look forward to and maybe that will be enough to get us to January 20th. It’s a comfort to listen to someone who cares and appears to really want to fix this for everyone - not just Wall Street.

according to the right wing bloggers and yackers, Obama already HAS “ownership” of the recession so he may as well try to take command of the situation and start to turn things around.

to hear those ideolog squirrels, it’s been “George who?” in the White House the last 8 years. it’s all all been the Democrates fault.

It is not a mistake if done with the right tone. Obama has to take charge and be on top of what is happening in our economy and get ready for action the day one. So he needs an economic team to watch everything happening now and device strategies to be implemented when they get the authority. That will send a clear signal of his comittement and his readiness to handle this gigantic task or recovering American economy.

- Nuwan from Houston, TX

Let’s get real. If he did nothing, the press would be all over him for doing nothing. The problem is, he can make no impact until he is the guy in charge. King Bush will not let it be known that Obama is the one leading us out of this mess that King Bush put us in……Remember, Clinton got us out of the first Bush mess ( thank God it was only a 4 year mess) and Obama needs to get us out of this 8 year 2nd Bush mess

Bush was in Kentucky today wooing the troops and smurking while he said it was the right decision to invade Iraq when he did it and it’s still the right decision and we will come home with victory while the man that isn’t President yet is at least concerned about what’s going on in our country and with the economy. The mistake was made 8 years ago when the Florida Sec of State gave the election to Bush.

He should take ownership. Although it is not his problem, Obama has got to do something positive to get some redemption for the the miserable actions of his congress (Frank,Dodd, Pelosi and Reid). Since Obama will get credit if our economy improves, he should shoulder the blame if it doesn’t. Americans are in for a terrible ride in the coming months and years, with zero relief in sight.

Jack ……. there is a vacuum of leadership in the White House. It takes insight, leadership & confidence to know when to take action. Obama is displaying a keen understanding of the situation.
Like the “Gambler” said …. know when to hold them, know when to fold them & know when to play them.
Thank God the U.S.A. now has a leader with intellect & judgement.
Ken from Canada

Jack, good question!!

In a word, “Absolutely!!”

This is a HUGE problem the country is in and one that, regardless of party or personal, still has plenty of downward pressure and time to run.

The smart thing for him to do, and he does appear to be smart, is to gather his team, watch, listen, plan in semi silence, get sworn in and THEN come out with all feet on the ground.

Things are still developing (bad things) and while someone ELSE is STILL responsible, allow them to do what they can, IF they can and take the heat for any continued falls in the market. Because I DO think there are falls ahead!!

Oh, and Jack . . . . WOW, do you have lots of liberal responces to your subjects!! I’m dead center and STILL almost afraid to post here. But thanks for the opportunity. Have a nice Thanksgiving.

Bob

Jack:
Obama is the one who is showing leadership. Where is Bush?

Somebody has to take control. He is trying to do what he can, nobody believes anything that comes out of the Bush administration.

It’s called “leadership,” a quality sadly lacking from the current administration for the last 8 years; which seems to have confused rhetoric, mixed metaphors and gibberish with reality and lucid speech.

Should Obama stand on the shore and watch the people drown? Who “owns” the financial crisis doesn’t matter now. What matters is who can do something to help all the hurting people. If anyone can do it, he can.

Joe in MO

No mistake at all! Here is a guy who takes ownership of some serious stuff that George W. left in his wake. Notice that W. isn’t doing much of anything to accommodate the changeover which is good but revealing. Obama is the new FDR and the economic swamp left to the new president is just as compelling as the Great Depression for FDR. Note also that Obama isn’t blaming Bush even though plenty could be heaped in W.’s direction! The man is a true leader who will figure out a way out of this mess! The buck stops with Obama as it never did with Bush but the lower hapless workers got the blame with Bush, in everything!

He is not taking ownership of this problem. But as a refreshing change to the current administration, the President-elect is being proactive, delegating a strong and experienced economic team to analyze this crisis, talking with the current administration to make sure that the crisis is relatively contained, then going behind the scenes to get Congress on board so that a comprehensive and far-reaching economic stimulus package can be passed into law shortly after Jan 21st, 2009. He has very little time to waste…

Yes, very much a mistake. He would have all the marbles, but no control over them. the current admistration would see to that.

Jack: Obama should get enormous credit for stepping up to the current crisis and begin working the solution. While we wait for our currrent president to take action, he heads for Peru and proclaims progress in Iraq. We should give Obama huge praise for managing with dignity and determination while respecting the delusional man currently residing in the White House. Hats off to Obama: brillant!

No. Somebody has to at this point, and since he will inherit it anyway, it might as well be now. In case you didn’t notice Paulson standing next to Bush this morning, I would have to say that he has about had it. He looked like a squirrel trapped by a cat, a nervous breakdown due yesterday.

I do not think Obama enjoys sitting on the sidelines while the lame ducks throw money at Wall Street in an attempt to solve the financial crisis. Who can blame him for exercising some sort of attempt at control? Personally I really admire his ability to resist the temptation to say what he thinks and to try to do what is logical. After all, political correctness is much more important than our economy, our security, and our future.

I don’t feel He’s taking ownership at this time. I do think a defensive posture with a agressive offensive team in place, and aware with the facts ready to go on day one. He’s also aware that Bush is doing nothing, and making adjustments as he goes. We will have to wait till January 20.

Better to be safe than sorry. At least he will be ahead of the game and handle the situation right away.

Oops, I should have added this also.

Does any President-elect have the right and athority to “take charge” BEFORE he’s sworn in.

Seems to me that the Consitution, which so many like to stomp on, might be a wee bit of a problem there unless we just plan to ignore it once again.

Myself, I always get nervous when two people are driving the car . . . even if it IS heading over a cliff.

Jack,

TPTB, through Paulsen, are just about done with sucking the life out of us.

I don’t believe there’s anything President-elect Obama or his economic team can do at this point. The economic collapse has been planned for some time and is coming to fruition.

There is no money left. Only huge amounts of debt that we, our children, our childrens’ children, their children ….. will never recover from.

http://www.mikeruppert.blogspot.com

namaste

I don’t think he is taking “ownership” of the economic disaster. I think he is displaying strength and leadership by addressing the matter in a way that keeps folk from jumping from buildings. Mr. Bush will own this disaster until January 20 when he will say “See Ya” and head back to Texas.

No it’s not a mistake, Jack. If Obama doesn’t take ownership in the economy now; the mess could be worse than it already is.

Somebody better before Bush and his gang give all the “bailout” money to their Wall Street buddies. Obama needs to have lawyers all over everything that Bush, Poulson, and Kashkari are doing as they again loot the national treasury.

Obama is limited as to what he can do until he is sworn in as President. But, how much more damage is the Bush Administration going to do on the economy, before Obama takes over? I guess we should not be surprised that Bush and his followers don’t have a clue and could care less about the American people.

Obama should not take ownership of our financial crisis yet.

What he is doing, he is doing correctly…..he is gathering all the information and opinions that he needs……bringing the Best of the Best into his Administration…..

and he is developing a game plan so that after he is sworn in to office and inherits this disaster….he is prepared to hit the ground running.

Bush broke it, Bush own’s it Jack!
Obama won’t take onership until the first bill is signed by his hand.
We only have one president!

I really don’t know if he should “take ownership” but America needs a leader who will step up and not be afraid to say his mind…. We have been needing this for the past 7 1/2 yrs. So far, all his finiancial cabinet looks great, too bad Pres. Bush didn’t ask some of them for their opinion.

The United States has elected the right man. He is not interested in playing political games but is going to place the good of your country first. This is being made more and more obvious with each passing day. He will need the help of the Republicans to get thigs going in the right direction. I just hope that he can inspire the whole country to pull together. This includes the GOP.

Jack, no it’s not a mistake. The real mistake was electing George W. Bush on a second term. If Gore was the president, the USA was going to be in a much better position to weather this financial storm.

I predict that Obama should get this all fixed by the first year in office. Obama is the best thing that could have happened to my friends south of the boarder.

God bless the USA.

No, it’s not a mistake for President-Elect Obama to take ownership for the serious financial problems we have in this country.

First, whether he does so or not, the right wing will blame him for what’s going on. They’re already calling it the “Obama Economy”.

Second, he’s ready. His team is about put together, he has the energy and the wisdom to do the job. No, he can’t wave a wand, but he can get to work and give it his best shot.

Boise

If his solutions are knee jerk reactions like the first bailout package, then no. Acting fast only works if you are right. so far no one seems to have a comprehensive solution that works. He needs to assess the situation before acting.

No matter what his course, he can’t win, it seems.

He is being criticized for stepping up to the plate before he is actually sworn in. Yet one major “fears” of his opposition was that he would not be able and ready to take over.

So, what the devil do the American People want? A President who can hit the ground running? Or one who walks into the White House without a clue? (Uh, haven’t we had that?)

And besides, SOMEONE has to take charge! The current President seems to be spending all his time pardoning felons!

Jack,
Obama has no other choice but to step up and take ownership of this financial crisis, the other guy has bailed out on us. The mistake was re-electing that idiot in the first place.

January 20th can’t come soon enough; it will be a celebration not just for Obama, but an end to the Bush disaster.

He has to take charge now. The stock has run out of the barn and waiting for the barn to burn before closing the doors won’t do any good. Let him toss out people and ideas now, before he takes office, and get the feedback and hopefully some good suggestions on how to help the economy get back on its feet..

He may not have had the keys handed to him yet, but he owns it already. It’s in his own interest to do what he can to stop the slide. If things get worse by January 20, he can’t just say “no thanks” and go back to the senate.

No, because everyone is looking for somebody to step up to the plate and we know Bush is just trying to slip out quietly after he made this