GOP, a.k.a the Republican party, did not fare well in this years elections. Lost the White House, and lost majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Could it be that this Grand Old Party is just that? Old? GOP to be saved by youngsters?
The US senate failed to give support to the proposed $14 bn bailout plan to the struggling US car industry. ‘We were three words away from a deal’ said Republican senator Bob Corker. He has been a key negotiator on the failed package, and he is now blaming the White House, saying it undermined attempts to reach a deal. But why should American tax payers save this industry who sends it’s beggars in a private jet? Will Bush finally get one thing right?
Hillary Clinton is Barack Obama’s nominee for the post of Secretary of State. This is a high profile job, one very much suited to her, but what will become of her even more famous, ex-presidential husband Bill? How will he adjust now that the tables have been turned, to a life in the shadows of his wife? Will he get involved or tell her what to do? Will he try to influence her decisions to favour his charitable work? Can Bill be happy in the shadows?
George W. Bush has been speaking to the media, stunning a whole lot of people when saying ‘I hope they feel that this is a guy that came, didn’t sell his soul for politics, had to make some tough decisions, and did so in a principled way.’ Really? His approval ratings are lower than those of Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal, and his politics and decisions criticized by many, but he insists he will leave the office with his head held high. Bush has just a few regrets…
So it’s official. Barack Obama has named Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State, making the worst kept secret in current US politics public. And he really couldn’t have picked anyone else, could he. She has it all; experience, connections and the know-how. Great news for the US and for the rest of the world. No surprise I am an avid supporter of Hillary, I just don’t know why. Best of both.
I went shopping today, in order to do my bit to counteract the global crisis and help the ailing retail business. It was really hard! Even though most shops have a mid-season sale on, it was difficult to part with much money. It seems most shops have adopted the same tactics; mid-season sale and cheap advertising to attract customers, and keeping stocks low to avoid not selling out. Digging their own grave?
To me it seems like a slightly desperate act to lower the VAT by 2.5%, as it is reportedly expected to be in Alistair Darling the British chancellors pre-budget speech. In my mind it is just going to reinforce the idea that buying worthless crap is really the meaning of life.
But, at least this is a stimulus package that will reach the consumer directly and not have to filter through banks as cheaper lending. Will desperation save us all?
For all of us who wanted Hillary Clinton to win the primaries and be where Barck Obama is now is hoping and praying that he will appoint her as Secretary of State. That must be one of the strongest teams the US has had for a long, long time. Let’s see what the recent past has brought the world. Barack + Hillary = a better world.
They tried to keep it low key, but soon enough, the world heard about Barack Obama’s meeting with Hillary Clinton in Chicago. It came as no surprise as he would have been mad not to ask her to join his administration, with her experience and good bipartisan relationships. Hillary Clinton has extensive foreign policy experience both from her time in the Senate and from being a former First Lady. Hillary as Secretary of State?
Mervyn King, the Bank of England’s governor, has warned that ’people should be concerned’ about the difficult times ahead. He said that interest rates might have to be cut to an all time low below 2 percent to help Britain’s ailing economy. Mr. King even indicated that the Bank of England was prepared to cut rates to 0 percent – or ‘whatever level is necessary’. A stark warning to Britons.