Interesting that Biden, the scrooge who gave nearly nothing to charity, wants us to be patriotic and pay more taxes. The democrats are mostly responsible for the financial mess in the mortgage arena.
Here is what the Investors business Daily says about it. If Countrywide sounds faniliar, it's the bank that gave sweetheart loans to democrat Senators Dodd and others. Pure democrat corruption here.

The untold story in this whole national crisis is that President Clinton put on steroids the Community Redevelopment Act, a well-intended Carter-era law designed to encourage minority homeownership. And in so doing, he helped create the market for the risky subprime loans that he and Democrats now decry as not only greedy but "predatory."

Yes, the market was fueled by greed and overleveraging in the secondary market for subprimes, vis-a-vis mortgaged-backed securities traded on Wall Street. But the seed was planted in the '90s by Clinton and his social engineers. They were the political catalyst behind this slow-motion financial train wreck.

And it was the Clinton administration that mismanaged the quasi-governmental agencies that over the decades have come to manage the real estate market in America.

As soon as Clinton crony Franklin Delano Raines took the helm in 1999 at Fannie Mae, for example, he used it as his personal piggy bank, looting it for a total of almost $100 million in compensation by the time he left in early 2005 under an ethical cloud.

Other Clinton cronies, including Janet Reno aide Jamie Gorelick, padded their pockets to the tune of another $75 million.

Raines was accused of overstating earnings and shifting losses so he and other senior executives could earn big bonuses.

In the end, Fannie had to pay a record $400 million civil fine for SEC and other violations, while also agreeing as part of a settlement to make changes in its accounting procedures and ways of managing risk.

But it was too little, too late. Raines had reportedly steered Fannie Mae business to subprime giant Countrywide Financial, which was saved from bankruptcy by Bank of America.

Posted by LarryG62 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When the economy goes south who are the first people who get hurt? Everyone who works or owns restaurants. People stop eating out.

Posted by maddymappo (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Mr. LarryG62,

Your blog comment is pretty nonsensical. Remembering what you were taught in high school how government works with the House, Senate, and Executive and how power is distributed.
You forget that the Republicans have been in power in both the Executive and Congress for the last 8 yrs. They have been in the Executive most of the time during the last 40yrs.

Only this January 2008 did the Democrats get power enough to override a veto (Bush was the king of vetos) and next year in January 2009, the Democrats will gain seats enough to override a fillibuster. The Republican party over the last 20yrs and more so the last 8 has taken partisan politics to the most vindictive and power play every seen since Andrew Jackson. As my grandfather says, the buck stops there and "THROW THE BUMS OUT".

Mr. McCain has been in the thick of it since the Keating Five scandel (and bailout by the American taxpayer), has promoted nonregulation throughout his career including his involvement with Graham.

Instead of cherry picking data out of context to make your point, you may want to rethink why almost 70% of the American public are unhappy with Bush and more than 80% are unhappy with a "rape the taxpayer" Republican Congress.

Posted by lucy2008 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are so many to point your finger at, including both candidates. I would say one more than other considering he has been there 26 years. What's he going to reform? Why hadn't he done it before? During McSame time in Washington there was a REp Senate and congress at the same time. Where was the reform? Where is John McCain, have you seen him since Keating 5? Where is the maverick that let his party choose his running mate. He's small and angry, just another brought Republican. He's turnd mean, senile and ugly just like all old uncles. You have to remember the good times to keep from getting angry. He's just old. He should retire and he an Cindy fly around on their jet and help others, that's if he can remember. He's lost his dignity and respect. Lie, lie, lie, and then lie some more. He scared the heck out of me with his choice of VP.Who chooses a nominee with no experience and under investigation. Now McSame has sent lawyers to shut the investigation down. Sounds familiar. More mess under the carpet. Will he reform that. Try investigating and getting to the truth. This is beyond sleeze. Same members on the investigative committee, 10 Rep and 4Democrats. Bias, unfair?? That lipstick should go on McSame, no power, no strength, no principals, no honesty, all that's left if mud slinging and hope something anything sticks. Tired of this old kind of politics. Rig us of Palin/McSame. He's senile, poor judgment, forgetful, nasty, and a big old liar.

Posted by lrogers (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I stole Joe Biden's lunch and ate it all. It was delish.

I left the empty baggies; he seems like a recycling kind of guy.

Posted by OhTheHumanity (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McSame.. how original..... OBAMA... check his past to see where he is headed.. AYERS, REZKO, WRIGHT, ACORN. A radical group, a terrorists, a racists and a criminal. He surrounds himself with the pillars of society.

Votes PRESENT on tough issues, votets with his party 96+% of the time. He has NOT ONCE crossed party lines to accomplish anything.. or actually accomplished anything except taking TONS of money from Fannie May and Freddie Mack.. I am glad to know that we ALL are going to be paying taxes for years to cover those losses.

2005 McCain warned of this exact issue and tried to get legislation passed to protect us. The democrats blocked it and where was Obama the Savior??? In the back pockets of Fannie May and Freddie Mack. It was his meal ticket!

Posted by tbastian (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear LarryG62 ,

Thank you for an intelligent post. It is most unusual for WP.Com

I agree that lending was too lax. You could get a home loan with a "drive by" appraisal and debt to income ratio of over 50% without any questions or even proving income. It was a house of cards and all the companies cared about was closing the loan and selling it off quickly. Someone got stuck holding the cards. Unfortunately it is the American tax payer...

But Obama's freinds got REALLY rich so I guess they can be Patriotic and pay more taxes for the rest of us...

Posted by tbastian (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Biden is an idiot, and thinks we are. Sure, I went to college for 4 yrs, am paying off student loans, I don't mind paying way more taxes than I already do, for the guy who refused to go to college, and is now working at Big lots. He is a socialist jerk, Hey, how about donating to charity, you cheapskate, I do that too!!

Posted by swinko05 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Democratic candidates are great for women. Remember the roaring 1990's under Clinton?

Republicans say they are for trickle-down economics for us, and then they turn around and give millionaires and corporations every tax break in the book. Hooray for Joe!

Now, it's a pity newspapers are unable to print what McCain called his own wife - in front of reporters - some months ago. (Hint: Rhymes with "stunt.")

If Cindy has any dignity at all, after John loses in November, she'll dump him and fast!

Posted by JC505 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What an ignorant remark swinko05. YOU are not the one who would be paying more taxes if Obama is elected. But you will if McCain is!

Posted by darby2 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear LarryG62 and swinko05,

Why do you wish to perpetuate blatant lies? Oh I forgot, you work for the Palin-McCain campaign. Never mind.

Posted by wes1155 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LarryG62, Ah yes, CLINTON DID IT!

We can file that one under "America, the GOP thinks your stupid".

In 2001 9 percent of all mortgages issued were subprime. That number jumped to 40 percent in 2006.

The problems with the housing market were increased by the flow of cheap money from the Fed combined with the development of a huge unregulated part of the mortgage market.

Who controlled Congress and the Presidency during that period?

Who controlled the Executive oversight function during that period?

Hint: Clinton didn't do it. Try George W. and his rubberstamps in Congress.

Posted by JPRS (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Today the Fed added at least another $500B in debt to what is already a hemorraging deficit. I'm tired of candidates pandering to voters by saying they are so clever they won't have to raise taxes on the average person. We all know what that means. Even if they only raise taxes on "the rich" or "big business" those increases will most certainly be passed along to the rest of us. Our economy is really messed up and in order to truly reform it we are going to have to endure some painful times. I would rather hear the honest truth at this point...

Posted by muserella (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dinco05 Did you ever consider that some people don't go to college because they can't afford to. Or choose not to because they work the trades. I'd say it's time for you thank your God for the opportunity and develop some humility. And grow up while you're at it.

Posted by pesull (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so biden is turning into a girly man, lol...

Posted by DwightHCollins (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a phony-baloney this guy is, its patriotic to raise taxes, Hey Joe, it would have been patriotic to go into the military when you were dodging your way around the 5 deferments you got while Sen. McCain was in a cage.... Now thats' patriotism

Posted by rh843 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been trying to go on some site to contact Joe Biden about this visit to Sterling. Isn't it interesting that it was NEVER publicized? Also I as an Independent voter might have been interested in what he had to say BUT again no information was available publicly except to the Democrates. I also work- Hey, Joe, you certainly didn't address me a working woman who is soon to apply for Medicare benefits, YOU needed to come at a time when I would not lose work time. Sorry but if you wanted a vote you probably lost it.

Posted by thoughtfulconsideration (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Today during his press conference, Obama was more focused on the economy and more presidential than McCain. McCain is short sighted and acts like he knows about the economy and "maverickly" makes statements like "The "fundamentals of our economy are strong" and if president he would fire SEC Chairman Republican Christoper Cox. McCain realized that the President can't fire Cox, so he amended his statement (again) and said he would ask for his resignation. McCain acts impulsively and attacks Obama, while Obama consults with prominent Economists, holds a press conference and takes questions and answers from the press. He decides to put the country first before his politics concerning McCain. Today is one time McCain should have agreed with Bush. McCain seems like he's a couple of steps behind. I like the way Obama took his time and evaluated what was going on with the economy even when he talked about it from a global perspective.

Posted by MILLER123 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thoughtfulconsideration (anonymous):

First, you should know that Biden spoke in support of issues that affect working women of all ages--including you, who are soon to apply for Medicare benefits.

Secondly, though I agree that the event could have been better publicized, you certainly can't blame Biden himself for the publicity and timing of the event. I have a feeling he's not the one in charge of his own schedule these days. Many of the people in attendance at the rally were obviously there on their lunch breaks--they may have been taking long lunch breaks, but they were able to put in their day at work and still find time to get there. It's all about priorities. If the best reason you can come up with for not voting for Obama/Biden is that the campaign held a rally during working hours, then you might want to change your screen name, because it doesn't seem like you're really interested in giving the thoughtful consideration required to make an informed decision.

Lastly, information about the rally was sent to people who have signed up to receive e-mails from the Obama/Biden campaign regardless of political affiliation. Being an independent voter does not preclude you from visiting the Obama/Biden website and signing up to receive those same e-mail alerts. I'm not a registered Democrat, but I am an Obama supporter and I have chosen to receive e-mails from his campaign.

If you'd like to contact the campaign online, you can do so at www.barackobama.com. I certainly hope you have another chance to see the Obama/Biden team in person.

Posted by greenbean74 (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Those making derogatory comments about Senator Biden in this blog show their ignorance. Biden is a transparently honest statesman who has worked hard to improve the lives of all Americans. He was the primary architect of Clinton's COPS program (Community Oriented Policing Services), which drastically reduced crime rates all over this nation and also put 100,000 more cops on the streets. Bush terminated this program and its funding.

Biden has also been this country's most trusted spokesman by our allies--or former allies. While Bush and his goons have been alienating our international friends, Biden has served as ranking member and then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It has been a really tough job, as Bush seems to have sought out ways to turn friendly countries into opponents. If you have unfriendly comments to make about him, make sure you check your facts instead of just spewing out ignorance and hate!

Posted by wolfstan (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Biden's support for amending the Equal Pay Act to rectify situations like the Goodyear screwing of Lily Ledbetter clearly shows which candidate really supports women and economic issues affecting women.
McCain voted against the bill, stating that women simply needed more education, proving that he has 1)has no understanding of the economic impact pay discrimination has on women, and 2)he has zilch grasp of the needs of women voters. He picked Palin as v.p. in desparation, hoping to collect some of Hillary's disappointed supporters, but his impulsive move simply shows he's not a man of thoughtful, rational thinking. Then, of course, Karl Rove is the key man is McCain's campaign, so there's no end to the voter manipulation, wedge issues and spin.

Posted by Chinkapin (anonymous) on September 19, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many times did Old Joe tell everyone the OB should have picked Hillary?

Posted by Funnyguyva (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Finance Director of the City of Wasilla, Alaska revealed the truth about Sarah Palin ..." people can talk everything but the accounting books always speak the truth:
“During her 6 years as Mayor in Wasilla, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.” In addition, “She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million -- only $15 mil of which she spent on the construction of multi-use sport complex, which 7 years after she left the office is still in litigation”

Posted by tanyasbw (anonymous) on September 23, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McCain new plan for America
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation...

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation...

Posted by tanyasbw (anonymous) on September 23, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So if the books always show the truth, why are we bailing out the banks and wall street? You sir are no gentleman.

Posted by Funnyguyva (anonymous) on September 24, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)