Yes, indeed - I am being a bit supercilious, but what WOULD former Sec. of Treasury James A. Baker have done in the unlikely event he found himself in the situation facing Tim Geithner?
I have posted twice in recent months against Mr Geithner, and I wont go through all that again. But in this very short diary-commentary a few blunt truths must be uttered. Follow me along...
Mr Obama and Mr Geithner have reversed the old idea of being both strong and rather quiet about it. Their byword may well be:
SPEAK STRONGLY AND CARRY A SMALL STICK
For that is how it is coming out. Can you friggin' imagine a Secy of Treas. milquetoasting AIG and others in the NY financial community the way Geithner has, and today (Monday) Obama joined in. He will "try" to get the money back. Well thanks a lot Mr Pres. Where were you when it was being handed out -- a member of the US Senate as I recall.
The present impasse is Obama's first really weak moment, and it's a bad one. The very obvious and most unfortunate weaknesses of Treasury are being highlighted with every cable news cast. Obama just goes from weakness to weakness in the matter of discipline to the Bail-ees, and aside from big words, I see but Nothing going on.
Used to be a leader would see a problem, devise a fix, then tell the general public what is going to happen.
COME ON PRESIDENT OBAMA, SHOW US WHAT YOU CAN DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Meanwhile, a very good move would be to accept Geithner's resignation.)