What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 3-31-09

Car Incentives

Would letting GM file for bankruptcy actually allow the company to survive in the long run? And after President Obama unveiled incentives to jump start auto sales, Ford and GM are announcing even more offers to entice car buyers.  But will these incentives make any difference?

 

"Pay for Performance"

The House is considering "The Pay for Performance Act of 2009" which would impose government control on the pay of all employees of companies that received bailout money.  Plus, polls show most Americans don't hold President Obama responsible for the bad economy. Pollster Scott Rasmussen will explain the difference between the "populist" and "political" classes.

 

Home Prices Plunge

Home prices around the country are hitting record lows, and banks are beginning to walk away from foreclosures.  Tom takes a look at what's going on in the real estate market.  Plus, computer worm Conficker is set to strike tomorrow.  Is your PC safe?

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-30-09

Taking the Wheel

President Obama asked GM CEO Rick Wagoner to resign over the weekend.  Are you comfortable with the government 'taking the wheel' of the US auto industry?  And is this latest move really their last chance?

 

More TARP Money?

Tiny Tim Geithner said "the market will not solve" the economic crisis - in other words, the government is the only solution.  Meanwhile, TARP funds are quickly running out and much more will be needed.  What's next?

 

"I Quit!"

AIG Executive VP Jake DeSantis quit last week over the infamous AIG bonuses.  Will more execs at America's biggest financial companies follow suit?  Plus, will Obama's middle class tax cut become just another broken campaign promise?

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-27-09

FBN Anchor Brian Sullivan fills in for Tom toda

 

 

Sounds good, but…

Some big banks say they'd rather pay back the TARP money.  If they do, they can avoid what happened with AIG and pay their employees without any congressional scrutiny.  It sounds good, but would giving the money back to the government really be better for taxpayers?

 

7 Ridiculous Roads

Many states are anxious to start spending the stimulus money, but it seems some of their plans aren't really necessary.  Are projects like new bus garages, building suicide fences and educating the homeless really going to stimulate the economy?  Plus, Infrastructurist.com editor Jeb Reed will talk about the 7 most ridiculous new roads being built in America!

 

Easy Money

States all over the country are using tactics like issuing more traffic tickets and enacting transit fare hikes to generate revenue.  But isn't that just another way to tax the lower and middle classes?  Plus, NJ State Sen. Ray Lesniak tells Brian why sports gambling should be legalized in NJ.

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-26-09

Spencer Hughes is in for Tom today.

 

 

Record Joblessness

President Obama held the first ever internet town hall from the White House today to address Americans' concerns for the country.  Meanwhile, this week jobless claims hit an all-time high. How is the failing economy affecting lifestyles and relationships?

 

 

 

Tent Cities

Homeless "Tent cities" are beginning to spring up across the country -- seemingly because of massive job losses.  President Obama even addressed the issue on Tuesday.  Is the bad economy really to blame, or are people like Oprah blowing this story out of proportion?   

 

 

 

California Killer

Four veteran police officers were gunned down in Oakland, California last weekend by an ex-con who is also suspected of another murder and a rape.  So why are people holding vigils for the shooter?  And how did the parole board lose sight of this guy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-24-09

Spencer Hughes is in for Tom Sullivan

 

Unprecedented Powers

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner wants the authority to seize more than just failing banks.  He wants to be able to take over other shaky companies like insurers and investment firms too.  Is that a good fall back plan or a slippery slope?

 

 

Desperate for Money

Across the country, officials are proposing all kinds of taxes just to cover the cost of government operations.  Are Americans expecting too many services?  Are we raising our kids to rely too heavily on the government?

 

 

Buy American?

The U.S. has decided to save money by buying from China the billions of AIDS-preventive condoms it now sends to foreign countries.  But that move will cost 300 American jobs.  In this economy what's more important, saving money or saving jobs?

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-23-09

Scott Allen Miller is sitting in for Tom today.

 

 

Laughing Matter?

President Obama laughed about the economy last night on "60 minutes."  Is he losing all credibility?  Plus, Tim Geithner laid out the details of his trillion dollar plan to save the banks.  FBN's Peter Barnes joins us to explain.

 

 

Bad Advice?

President Obama and Congress want to stop big companies from spending money on big purchases and lavish parties, which is bad news for the hotel industry.  Shouldn't our leaders be encouraging people to go out and spend money?

 

 

Teen 'Sexting'

Obama economic advisor Christina Romer is "incredibly confident" the economy will turn around.  Are you?  Plus, are teens who take part in 'sexting' actually engaging in the distribution of child pornography?

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-20-09

Smart Move?

Considering the economic crisis, was it appropriate for President Obama to appear on The Tonight Show last night?  Plus, the President has apologized for his Special Olympics gaffe -- will he go easy on the next pundit who makes an insensitive remark?

 

Wall Street Worries

Why would any qualified, talented employee stay with a company like Citi or AIG if retention bonuses and salaries will be denied or clawed back?  Tom explains why Wall Street is worried.  Plus, TALF begins today and hedge funds want nothing to do with the Fed's program.

 

Airline Security

The TSA denies a recent report that President Obama is trying to end the pilot gun program. However, the agency has stepped up security checks at airports and created more regulations for smaller planes.  Tom talks airline security.

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-19-09

Bonus Tax

Congress will vote today on a 90% tax on bonus payments given to executives of any company that received more than $5B in federal bailout money. Plus, Tom looks back ten years to the beginning of the financial crisis and the "Commodity Futures Modernization Act".

 

Sen. Dodd

The AIG debacle may cause Sen. Dodd, Tim Geithner and others to lose their jobs.  Can "Tiny Tim" turn things around?  And, Tom gets to the bottom of the confusion over the Dodd Amendment.  Plus, Tom talks to former Rep. Rob Simmons of Connecticut who plans to challenge Sen. Dodd next year.

 

No Longer Taboo?

A new study found that more babies were born in the U.S. in 2007 than in any other year before.  It also found that births to unwed mothers hit an all-time high of 40%.  Is having a child out-of-wedlock no longer taboo in America?

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-18-09

Claw Backs

Should the government claw back the AIG bonuses?  AIG CEO Edward Liddy testifies in front of a House committee today.  Tom will break it down.  Plus, Is "Tiny Tim's" job safe?

 

Not "Shovel Ready"

States have the stimulus money and are ready to spend it.  But the Obama administration wants to make sure it's spent "appropriately".  What does that mean?  Also, those "shovel ready" projects aren't quite as ready as the President thought.

 

More Airport Hassles

President Obama is quietly ending the federal firearms program that allowed pilots to carry guns on airplanes.  Is he risking public safety in the name of anti-gun ideology?  Plus, last week’s “American Idol” castoff Jorge Nunez joins Tom, and Juliette Huddy gives us her take on this year’s competition.

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-17-09

AIG Bonuses

The outrage over bailed-out insurance giant AIG continues - it turns out the controversial "executive bonuses" aren't only going to executives!  Plus, Sen. Grassley (R-IA) says AIG execs should either resign or commit suicide!

 

Looking for Loopholes

Wall Street is scrambling to find loopholes around tough federal caps on compensation.  Is the Obama administration driving the best talent away from American banks?  Plus, Tom celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

 

Is the U.S. "Self-Indulgent"?

Justice Thomas says Americans are "self-indulgent."  Is society's obsession with praising our kids actually hurting the country?  How do you protect your child's self-esteem without turning him into a selfish brat?  

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-16-09

More AIG Outrage!

After receiving massive bailout funds, insurance giant AIG now wants to give its executives $165M in bonuses -- even Rep. Barney Frank is outraged! Plus, is President Obama at war against the richest 1% in the country?

 

Small Business Money

President Obama and Secretary Geithner unveil a plan to increase lending to small businesses.  Plus, Fed Chief Bernanke says the recession will probably be over by the end of the year -- what do you think?

 

The Tax Guy!

Bob Meyer, The Tax Guy will join Tom live to answer your pressing tax questions.

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-13-09

Spencer Hughes is filling in for Tom Sullivan today.

 

Congressional Pay Raises

Congress is quick to criticize pay raises for CEOs, but they're still going to get their automatic raises despite abysmal approval ratings.  Do they deserve it?  Plus, President Obama's poll numbers are falling.

 

Supermercado de Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart is about to roll out "Hispanic-focused" supermarkets complete with Spanish-language signs and bilingual employees.  Does this kind of pandering encourage or discourage immigrants to learn English and assimilate into American society?

 

Friday the 13^th!

Today is Friday the 13th - Do you believe it's an unlucky day?  Then, if you found a bag full of money -- would you do the right thing and report it to police?  Plus, a recent report says over a million kids who live with relatives or friends should be considered "homeless"!

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-12-09

Spencer Hughes is filling in for Tom Sullivan today.

 

Failing Grades

Economists are giving failing grades to President Obama and Treasury Secretary Geithner, and are skeptical about the administration's plans to rescue the banking sector.  How are you dealing with the constant economic doom and gloom?  Is all this bad news stressing you out? 

 

Just Look Busy!

With massive layoffs and so much uncertainty in the job market, one business coach says the key to keeping your job is to learn to LOOK busy!  What???  Plus, the state of Minnesota is planning to pass high school students even if they fail the graduation exam!  Spencer wants to know what’s going on... 

 

Broken Promises

Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol has broken off her engagement to the teenage father of her baby.  Why is the liberal left up in arms?  Plus, critics say singer Rihanna should just walk away from her boyfriend Chris Brown after he beat her to a pulp last month.  But is it that easy to get out of an abusive relationship?

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-11-09

Tides Turning?

Is the tide turning on President Obama's popularity?  Even some liberals are starting to voice concerns over some of his policies.  Plus, a recent poll reveals that 53% of Americans now believe we're heading into a 1930's-like depression.

 

"Cap and Trade"

Tom explains the "cap and trade" plan and how it may cancel out the tax breaks the President promised to the lower and middle class.  Plus, the House has secretly scrapped their plan to become "carbon neutral"!

 

Lowering the Bar

Several states are considering loosening gambling laws and raising taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and porn. Are legislators lowering the bar to bring in a few extra bucks?  Plus, is the recession causing Americans to dress more modestly? 

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-10-09

Merit Pay

President Obama's education agenda includes a 'merit pay' system for teachers.  Why are teachers' unions opposed to that?  Should the best teachers be rewarded with higher salaries?

 

"Cap and Trade"

President Obama's "cap and trade" plan would tax polluters to encourage them to reduce carbon emissions.  Tom will explain what the plan really is, and how it will affect those big tax cuts the President promised the lower and middle classes.  Plus, the House has secretly scrapped their plans to become "carbon neutral"!

 

Stem Cell Debate

Yesterday President Obama reversed Bush's policy and expanded funding for embryonic stem cell research.  He says sound science and moral values can work together, but conservatives disagree.  Is stem cell research necessary or morally wrong?   

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-09-09

Is Your Money Safe?

What happens if your bank fails and is taken over by the FDIC?  Do they have enough funds to do their job, and is your money still safe?  Plus, "Time Geithner" was on SNL this weekend asking for solutions to fix the economy!

 

Time to Buy?

Investors from all over the world are purchasing foreclosed homes at deep discounts.  Is this the time to buy up these bargain houses?  Plus, "tent cities" are popping up all over the country.

 

No Religion

A new study found that more Americans are saying they have "no religion".  What's going on?  Plus, President Obama is reversing Bush's policy on funding stem cell research.

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-06-09

Tick, Tick, Tick...

So far President Obama's message has had a negative impact on Wall Street.  How much time do you think the President should get to turn the economy around?  Plus, is the President lost without a teleprompter? 

 

Empty Cabinet

Three more people under consideration for positions in Obama's administration have withdrawn their names, including potential nominee for Surgeon General Dr. Sanjay Gupta.  Why has it been so difficult for the President to fill these posts?  And is all this confusion slowing down our economic recovery?

 

Economic Predictions

Is fear driving down the prices of otherwise solid companies?  Some say the ups and downs of the economy can actually be explained by an analysis called the Elliot Wave Theory. Tom talks to financial forecaster and president of Elliot Wave International Robert Prechter.

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-05-09

“Real Change”

In his first six weeks, President Obama has proposed some controversial policies -- even some liberals are starting to question his plans.  Is this the "change" -- and the Obama -- everyone was expecting? 

 

 

 

Obama-Care?

President Obama speaks at the White House Forum on Health Reform.  How does he plan to overhaul the health care system, and how will it differ from the ill-fated Hillary-Care?

 

 

 

Housing Mess

Critics of President Obama's housing plan say it simply won't work. Tom goes back five years to see what caused the housing mess and who ignored the warnings.  Plus, former Countrywide Mortgage president Stanford Kurland is buying back some of the company's bad mortgages!

 

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 3-04-09

Rush Job

Democrats are having a field day with Rush Limbaugh's recent comments about President Obama's policies.  But did Rush really say he wants Obama to fail?  Now Limbaugh wants to debate the President!  Tom weighs in.

 

 

20% Drowning

A new report finds 1 in 5 homes are now underwater in their mortgages.  Can President Obama's housing plan stem the tide of declining home prices?  Plus, Tom defends the $10M men of Merrill.

 

 

Affordable Healthcare

A group of medical doctors is trying to find creative solutions to the healthcare crisis.  But regulators say some of their cost effective ideas are in violation of insurance statutes.  Tom explains.

 

 

 

 

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-03-09

Defending the Budget

Today Fed Chief Bernanke, OMB Dir. Orszag and Treasury Secy. Geithner are defending President Obama's budget proposal.  How will the market respond to their testimony today on Capitol Hill?  Tom will break it down.

 

 

PR Ploy?

Citigroup has announced a plan to help unemployed homeowners make lower payments on their mortgages.  But can a 3-month reduction in payments really make a difference, or is this just an effort to garner some good PR?  Plus, will TALF actually help thaw the credit market?

 

 

"Sin Tax" Solution

Several states are now considering raising taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and porn and loosening gambling laws in order to bring in more revenue.  Are you willing to pay "sin taxes" to stimulate the economy?

 

What's On The Tom Sullivan Show 3-02-09

"Destroying Our Wealth"?

The market continues to slide, sinking below 7,000 today.  What needs to be done to turn things around?  Plus, Tom explains why some economists believe President Obama and Secretary Geithner are "destroying our wealth".

 

 

Another $410B!

President Obama will sign the $410B spending bill despite its thousands of earmarks.  Is he breaking another campaign promise and putting politics before the economy? Plus, Tom remembers radio legend Paul Harvey.

 

 

Cigarette Logic

Tom talks faith, weight loss and more with FOX News Radio correspondent Todd Starnes, author of "They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick."  Plus, does it make sense to use cigarette taxes to pay for healthcare?