Comments on: Another Curious Obama Nomination

By: Goldman's Robert Hormats: a genocide problem? | Marc Gunther

Goldman's Robert Hormats: a genocide problem? | Marc Gunther — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:16:28 +0000

[...] and the issue is catching fire around the blogosphere. See this and this (from the FT.com) and this (from Matt Taibbi). Here’s the press release from the human rights [...]

By: gilleran

gilleran — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:23:55 +0000

I think we need to keep Gitmo open.

We need a place to put all our domestic financial terrorists.

By: Obama Aproval Rate Dropping – Is he too Conservative? - John McDonald

Obama Aproval Rate Dropping – Is he too Conservative? - John McDonald — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:04:53 +0000

[...] On the economy, there’s been a lot of money spent and no real moves to correct the reckless behaviors that brought us to the brink. In fact, its more like protecting the instigators from the consequences of their financial mistakes. From Paulson to Geithner, Goldman remains in charge of the Treasury – and Obama has made headlines by appointing even more GS alumni to high ranking posts. [...]

By: andygeiger

andygeiger — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:24:47 +0000

please… that’s not a waste of his time… he only goes on there cuz Bill has the bext crippy… wish i could have been there for that after-party!

By: sgtdoom

sgtdoom — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:25:55 +0000

It’s consistent with all his other appointments: Henry Kissinger as special envoy to Russia, Diana Farrell (the primo jobs offshoring specialist in North Am. – read the book she was editor of – OFFSHORING), also another Goldman Sachs alum, Laura Tyson (full-on supporter of NAFTA), Richard Holbrooke, Summers, Geithner (BlackRock – now could that be a play on Blackstone?), and lest we forget, Eric Holder & Chiquita?

By: mackenna

mackenna — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:54:16 +0000

I too was disappointed in Maher. You’d think he’d do a little background reading before he invites guests on.

Taibbi, you’re too modest! Talk over the little man the next time he has you on the show.

By: ndomino

ndomino — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:57:58 +0000

Yeah I agree. I always love it when you are on Real Time but that was bullshit. He didn’t let you talk for nearly long enough. I wish that show was more than an hour because no one ever really gets a chance to fully explore the topics raised in the show. You should have been given damn near the rest of the time to debate your article.

By: Strange Obama appointment « Later On

Strange Obama appointment « Later On — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:00:31 +0000

[...] Posted in Democrats, Government, Obama administration at 10:00 am by LeisureGuy Matt Taibbi: [...]

By: frankhope

frankhope — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:09:34 +0000

Andrew Cockburn of Counterpunch has also highlighted the appointment of Robert Hormats in an article titled "The Wall Street White House". He also mentions Michael Froman in that article. Froman is interesting because he has worked for former Goldman Sachs CEO Robert Rubin. He also knew Obama from working on the Harvard Law Review. According to Cockburn, Froman introduced Obama to Rubin. That's interesting because that may have been the beginning of the Obama-GoldmanSachs connection. It's no secret that GS was one of Obama's biggest political campaign contributors early on. (See my article "The Tom and Baracky Show" about an early GS event featuring Tom Brokaw and Barack Obama in May 2007.) Froman's current position is Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs. According to the "Who Runs Gov" website Froman hooked up with Obama back in 2004 when he was running for the Illinois Senate. I guess when you've been around that long you get paid off with two jobs instead of one. "In 2004, Froman heard his long-lost buddy was planning to run for the Illinois Senate. Froman called up Obama and offered his help, which Obama accepted. The offer of assistance would continue throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, as the Citigroup manager had a long list of New York finance friends who would be willing to part with some cash for the right cause. Froman helped to get Obama in the door, and even persuaded certain financiers, who had strong ties in the community, to support Obama."

By: robhaerr

robhaerr — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:05:55 +0000

Matt…Just saw you on Bill Maher. What a waste of your time. When are you going to be able to discuss “Bubble #6″ at length? Were you as disappointed as you looked at the close of the show? I knew he would have you on…then he does not interview you or let you talk….what a dick.