I've debated whether I wanted to post anything on the current economic crisis since the situation is so fluid that anything posted will probably be outdated in a matter of hours. Be that as it may, I've decided to post a few items that give a snapshot of opinions and concerns as of Saturday night, Sept. 27th, 2008.
- William Kristol - A Genuine and Immediate Crisis - Kristol cites the European Fortis bank crisis as ominous. I've never seen a major commentator [Kristol] in such virtual panic mode. - The man on the street is apparently getting scared, too. - The U.S. Mint is temporarily halting sales of its 1 oz. gold coin because of soaring demand. A sign of how scared people are.
- Rasmussen report - Support for bailout plan now down to 24%
- Newt Gingrich wants Treasury Secretary Paulson to resign - Newt has strong words. He says Bush doesn't understand the situation; Paulson's arrogance is unending and he should resign
“But it’s probably impossible, without the president getting a new secretary of the treasury, to get to a good deal. Which I think’s just tragic, and bad for the country. We’re taking an immediate tummy ache, and we’re in danger of turning it into cancer.”
Arizona's John Shaddag doesn't think much of Sec. Paulson either.
- Rich Lowry reports (8:27 PM):
Just talked to a friend who is plugged-in to all this who wants a deal
and has tended to think all along that there will be a deal. Now he’s
not so sure. He thinks the wheels are coming off. House Republicans
want their insurance as a mandatory thing rather than an option, while
the House Democratic caucus is imploding and pulling the deal far to
the left. It’s getting ugly. [my emphases]
- Dems packing the meetings with more negotiators than requested