The Obama Presidency

**Gooch** · 20 Mar 2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Thief Silver

I'm confused, since they're already mid processing of a bill to tax 90% of those bonuses.

House already approved it.

First, I doubt it will end up as a 90% tax. Secondly, these guys already got their money, their prior bonuses aren't subject to a clawback, the same bonuses that were generated off of false profits. Thirdly, we're in a recession now, bonuses will be low to zero for many people anyway, so they're threatening to tax the lowest bonus base in recent memory.

And then why this outrage over $120mm or whatever was paid out in contractual bonuses that were long known to be paid out by Obama, Dodd, the Dems, everyone who was involved in the AIG bailout when $170 billion has already been handed out to the counterparties of AIG, essentially paying off AIG's gambling debts? The banks on the other side of those gambling bets get bailed out, yet no one screams bloody murder of that, rather Obama and crew would prefer to redirect the public ire towards the bonuses paid out that comprise a small percentage of the bailout money paid. This is typical politics and Obama is a typical politician. I see no distinction between him and Bush at this point.

**Andrew** · 20 Mar 2009, 09:48 AM

Obama on 'Tonight Show' Discusses Economy, Makes Special Olympics Joke

President Obama sat down with Jay Leno on Thursday for a late-night TV interview that spanned a range of topics -- from the economic crisis to the presidential dog -- and even, at one point, featured the president joking that his bowling ability was suitable for the Special Olympics.

The bowling comment was a reminder of his poor performance on the lanes last year during one of his campaign stops. Obama bragged to "The Tonight Show" that he recently bowled 129 on the White House alley.

"It's like Special Olympics," he said.

Biden's contagious.

**Yoshi** · 20 Mar 2009, 09:58 AM

Take away the teleprompter, and he's an idiot. I wonder who writes the teleprompter stuff so that he can pretend to not be an idiot.

**Razor Ramon** · 20 Mar 2009, 10:36 AM

It's not that he's an idiot, it's that he's just a normal guy when he's relaxed. It's been such a long time since we've had a prominent political figure act like himself when he's not on the clock that we forget these are normal people. Our politicians beforehand were just like it and I'd rather have a president who can be himself in a relaxed situation than one who is always on the puppet strings.

That said, that nigga needs to go back to work. He's doing this because his popularity is dropping and he rather have a silly time than go on an interview with an accredited reporter. Don't fuck up my paycheck because you want to bail out AIG. I understand why it has to happen but I don't understand why they're being given money with little to no oversight.

**Yoshi** · 20 Mar 2009, 10:43 AM

Sorry, I don't want a "normal guy" as the most powerful man in the world.

**Razor Ramon** · 20 Mar 2009, 11:03 AM

You'd rather a mouthpiece sit at the helm while others make his decisions for him, all the while he shows no leadership, personality, or insight? Come on, man. You're not this naive. I didn't vote this guy into office, either, but I like that he has an opinion that's his own.

**Mr-K** · 20 Mar 2009, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Yoshi

Sorry, I don't want a "normal guy" as the most powerful man in the world.

Just who in the hell do you want? What do you want?

**Yoshi** · 20 Mar 2009, 11:06 AM

You just described Obama perfectly. He is the mouthpiece and has shown no leadership, personality, or insight. I know exactly why Hollywood loves him. He's a great actor when someone else writes his lines.