[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/25/art.obama.podium.gi.jpg caption="Obama has held two news conferences in two days and unveiled his dream team of economic advisers."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama is looking downright presidential these days. He's held two news conferences in two days and unveiled his dream team of economic advisers. He's acting presidential too.
As our Gloria Borger writes on CNN.com, "Not only is there a team, but there's also a plan." She says that Barack Obama is taking ownership of the financial crisis. He is ready to tackle it even though he has about two more months to wait until he becomes president. Obama is placing high priority on passing a second stimulus package, which will probably be much larger than the first one, to jump start the economy.
It's interesting to recall that during the Democratic primaries, Hillary Clinton derided Barack Obama as not being ready for the job of president. She claimed that while she had years of experience that qualified her to be ready "on day one," Obama had only "a speech" to bring to the office of the president. After Obama whipped her and won the nomination, his Republican opponent, John McCain, picked up Clinton's mantra, saying Obama had no experience and couldn't possibly be ready to assume the highest office in the land.
With about 8 weeks to go, Barack Obama is making both of them look rather silly.
Here’s my question to you: Is it a mistake for Barack Obama to take "ownership" of the financial crisis more than two months before he becomes president?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Beverly from New York City writes:
Someone has to show leadership. God knows it's has been lacking for 8 years. Congress is on another break, Bush is on his third world goodbye tour. Since this mess will be inherited by Obama, why shouldn't he act to instill market confidence? Who knows where we will be in 56 days if someone does not get the economy in hand?
Rian writes:
The history books tell us that Hoover did nothing while a lame duck. Bush is very similar to Hoover. If Obama acting now helps us out of the mess, good.
Larry writes:
I am a big Obama fan, but I was surprised at how he is portraying himself in the media lately. He is speaking as though he is already president. There is a danger here. What if the economy does not improve by the time he becomes president despite his plans? Will he be starting out a loser?
April from Hoboken, New Jersey writes:
He might as well. Bush certainly isn't.
David from San Diego, California writes:
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.
Bruce from St. Paul, Minnesota writes:
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.
J.D. from New Hampshire writes:
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.