What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-30-09

Fright Night?

Recent stories about missing children - along with a few urban legends - have made Halloween a stressful holiday for many parents. Is trick-or-treating still safe?  Is it still fun?  Would you buy one of the new GPS tracking systems designed to keep track of your kids? 

 

Last Place!

CNN has dropped to last place among the cable news networks.  Is it because their primetime programs lack opinion?  Is "just the news" just plain boring?  Tom wants to know which news channel you watch and why.  PLUS: Conservatives are still the biggest ideological group in the country. 

 

Financial Friday!

Tom breaks down the week in economic news and makes sense of all the mixed data.  Despite signs the housing market is recovering, we may not be out of the woods yet. M. Hanson Advisors Managing Director Mark Hanson joins Tom to share his spooky housing forecast.

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-29-09

Clunker Program

The economy grew 3.5% in the third quarter - a sign some say marks the end of the recession. But will it last? Also, the “Cash-For-Clunkers” program ultimately cost taxpayers $24,000 per car. Should they extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit?  Plus, the White House overstated the number of jobs created by the stimulus!

 

Millionaire Tax

Speaker Pelosi unveiled her health care plan today. The bill dropped the “Cadillac” health plan tax but includes a “millionaire tax”! Plus, IBM is going to put an end to co-pays at the doctor's office as a way to encourage employees to get checkups and stay healthy. But does that really make sense?

 

Photo-Op?

President Obama made an early morning visit to the Dover Air Force base to honor the return of 18 fallen soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week. But some say the trip was really just a photo op.  Was the White House trying to distract the media from Obama's indecision about sending more troops to Afghanistan?

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-28-09

Another Bailout?

In order to prevent future taxpayer bailouts, a proposed compromise between Congress and the Treasury would allow the government to seize and break up troubled banks.  Is the bill going too far?  An, GMAC says they need another bailout!

 

Wrong Track?

A Wall Street Journal/NBC Poll found a majority of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track.  And only 23% said they trust Washington to do what's right!  But with all the negativity toward the government, why aren't Republicans seeing a bump in approval ratings?  Plus, do the American people really support a public option?

 

"Too Big to Fail"

New York Times reporter and author of ‘Too Big To Fail’ Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Tom to give us the true story behind last year’s financial crisis and how it could have been prevented!

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-27-09

More Government?

Caterpillar just announced a permanent layoff 2,500 workers.  Didn't President Obama say the stimulus would allow the company to rehire some of its laid-off employees?  Is this just another example of how government involvement only raises the deficit?  Meanwhile, Barney Frank says the Democrats are trying everything they can to increase the role of government!

 

H1N1

Are you worried about the H1N1 virus?  Are planning to get vaccinated?  A massive shortage of the vaccine is causing a huge delay for those who want the flu shot, and officials are blaming the drug makers.  Was the danger of the flu a bunch of hype, or did the government just completely drop the ball on a very serious health issue?

 

Enemies List

Just released ratings show CNN has dropped to last place among the four cable news networks. Doesn’t this fly in the face of the White House's war on FOX News and its primetime opinion programs?  Plus, like FOX News, the Chamber of Commerce says the organization has benefited from being a White House target.  Is Obama’s un-Presidential behavior backfiring?

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-26-09

Housing Help

It seems the first-time homebuyer tax credit has helped the housing market, although some reports show the crisis will continue to be a problem for years to come.  Should the government extend the tax credit program? Plus, some homebuyers are suing mortgage providers because they’re not getting the government help Obama promised.

 

Health Care Waste

A new report says the health care system loses $800 billion a year on mistakes and fraud. Shouldn't the government focus on preventing waste in the health care industry?  Plus, even Nancy Pelosi is warming up to the 'opt out' provision for states that are against the controversial public option plan.  Are the democrats closer to passing health care reform?

 

Net Neutrality

Every time you make an online purchase the retailer collects information about you.  But are some companies going too far?  Should the government prevent private industries from tracking what kinds of products and services you like to purchase? Plus, should AT&T and other internet access providers be allowed to manage internet traffic

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-23-09

War on FOX

The Obama administration sank to a new low yesterday when they tried to exclude FOX News Channel from an interview with pay czar Kenneth Feinberg.  Even the competing networks objected!  Will the White House war on FOX backfire? And why is Obama getting involved?  Shouldn't the President be above this nonsense?

 

Asleep in the Cockpit?

The pilots of a Northwest Airlines passenger jet that missed their destination by 150 miles say they were in a heated discussion and simply got distracted.  Tom says they fell asleep!  How common are cockpit naps?  PLUS: Existing home sales beat forecasts and saw a big jump last month.  Is the housing market really recovering?

 

"When in Doubt..."

Tom pays tribute to comedian Soupy Sales, Jay Johnson (The Goldline.com Guy), and composer Vic Mizzy.  Plus, Jeff Bell, author of "When In Doubt, Make Belief", sits down with Tom to discuss his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and how simple logic can ease most fears and anxieties.

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-22-09

90% Salary Cut!

The Obama Administration wants the seven companies that received the most bailout cash to cut the annual salaries of their top 25 executives by about 90 percent from last year.  Is this fair?  Will the best talent from these companies jump ship? 

Tom wants to know what you would do if you were getting a 90% pay cut.

 

Medicare Money

Yesterday, the Senate rejected a measure that would have permanently prevented Medicare payment cuts to doctors! The bill – cleverly excluded from the health care reform bill – would have cost us $247 billion.  What does this measure’s rejection mean for Medicare patients?  Also, are Democrats using tricks to mask the actual cost of their reform plans?

 

Tragedy in Florida

A body found in a Georgia landfill is believed to be that of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, a Florida girl who disappeared on her way home from school earlier this week.  Mark Fuhrman, former LAPD Detective and author of "The Murder Business", talks to Tom about the latest developments and how media attention can affect the outcome of missing persons and homicide cases.

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-21-09

Falling Out of Love?

President Obama’s poll numbers are slipping lower.  Are some of his supporters falling out of love with the President?  And are creating enemy lists, attacking Wall Street and speaking at lavish DNC fundraisers just making matters worse?  Plus, now Obama wants to help small banks and businesses.  Will more spending turn job numbers around?

 

Presidential Indecision

The President has yet to make a decision about Afghanistan - why doesn't he have a clear plan?  Is Obama's indecisiveness making him look weak?  Shouldn't the Commander-in-Chief show more leadership?  And if you were a soldier in Afghanistan, how would you feel about going to work tomorrow?  Ambassador John Bolton joins Tom.

 

Rising Tuition

Despite the recession, the average public college tuition has increased 6.5% to $7,020.00.  Why isn’t the Obama administration pouncing on universities for continuing to raise their prices?  Plus, the TARP watchdog says the program helped, but Wall Street hasn't changed their risky behavior and we’re not getting our money back. 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-20-09

Fundraiser Obama

President Obama is in NYC to attend fundraising events for the DNC - including a $15,200-per-person dinner that will also be attended by some of the Wall Street execs under fire by the White House!  Is Obama a hypocrite for criticizing bankers' huge bonuses and then taking their money?

 

Too Late?

A recent poll shows 57% of Americans support a public option.  Will healthcare reform ultimately include the controversial provision?  PLUS: According to the Washington Times, the H1N1 vaccine will arrive too late to help most Americans who get infected this flu season.  Was all the pressure a waste of time and money?  Did you get the shot?

 

Medical Marijuana

The Obama administration has decided not to prosecute medical marijuana users and suppliers, yet Los Angeles’ top prosecutor says he's going to crack down on the city's "pot shops".  Is it possible to separate those who are allowed to use marijuana from those who aren't?

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-19-09

Balloon Bust

The Balloon Boy's parents are facing charges for their alleged hoax last week.  Are misdemeanor charges enough punishment?  And did they have reality TV accomplices?  Was this all part of the Heene family's plan to sell a new television series about their adventures as storm chasers?

 

War on FOX

The White House has escalated its war on FOX News - is picking a fight with FOX a smart move?  The administration has also come down on Wall Street compensation and health insurance companies.  Is the Obama administration right to look at bank executives' pay and the health insurance industry's anti-trust exemption?

 

Medical Marijuana

While the Obama administration plans to issue a new, more-lenient medical marijuana policy, Los Angeles’ top prosecutor is cracking down on the city's ‘pot shops’.  Is investigating controversial medical marijuana distributors a good use of local and federal resources?

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-15-09

Bribing Seniors?

The Social Security Administration says next year there will be no cost-of-living increase, so President Obama wants to give a one-time payment of $250 to millions of seniors.  Is this gesture really a $13 billion bribe to get support for Obama's health reform?  Plus, bailed-out insurance company AIG is set to give out $198 million in executive bonuses.  Is that fair?

 

Record Foreclosures

Foreclosures hit a record high in the third quarter, and the commercial real estate bubble looks ready to burst. Should the government extend tax credits and other housing recovery programs?  Plus, the state of New York wants to seize private property so a development company can build an NBA arena.  Is it worth the sacrifice if the project creates jobs?

 

War on FOX?

It looks like the White House has declared war on FOX News. Communications Director Anita Dunn has now called the network "a wing of the Republican party".  Do attacks on FOX News make the Obama administration look petty?  Tom weighs in.

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-14-09

Lone Republican

The Senate Finance Committee passed the health care bill yesterday with the support of Olympia Snowe (R-ME).  Is she becoming the new "maverick" of the GOP?  And will the final bill include Snowe's public option "trigger"?  Why are unions and the health insurance industry against this bill? 

 

Rush and the Rams

NFL officials and some team owners don't want Rush Limbaugh to own the St. Louis Rams because they believe he's made "divisive" comments in the past. But if the league is so concerned about its image, why do they employ and promote so many ex-cons?  Plus, do attacks on FOX News make the Obama administration look petty? 

 

Common Sense!

The Delaware first-grader who brought a camping utensil to school will not have to fulfill a 45-day stint in reform school afterall. Does “zero tolerance” in the classroom make sense?  PLUS: A mom is arrested for washing her child’s mouth out with soap!  Are laws intended to protect children making it harder for parents to do their jobs?

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-13-09

Baucus Bill Vote

Members of the Senate Finance Committee are expected to vote today on the Baucus Health Plan. Will the public option find its way into the bill? And what impact will the sudden opposition by the health insurance industry have on the bill’s success?

 

Windfall Profits Tax

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is advocating a windfall profits tax on insurance companies to help fund health care reforms, but will class warfare tactics further infuriate ObamaCare opponents?  Plus in the next election, will attacking Pelosi rally the GOP base and win over independents?

 

War on FOX?

It looks like the White House has declared war on FOX News. Communications Director Anita Dunn is now calling the network "a wing of the Republican party".  Do attacks on FOX News make the Obama administration look petty?  Tom weighs in.

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-12-09

Job Creation

Since the beginning of the financial crisis, many on the right have said the increased tax burden is stifling job creation and hindering a recovery.  Even the White House is considering a tax credit for employers who hire new people.  But, is ‘bribing’ employers the answer?  How do we create jobs and jumpstart the economic recovery?

 

Housing Recovery?

The so-called housing recovery may not be a recovery at all.  Many serious risks still lurk for folks including a growing number of high-end home foreclosures and the expiration of the tax credit for first-time buyers.  Should the government step in again?  Plus, why did the insurance industry flip-flop on the Baucus bill?

 

Columbus Day

It’s Columbus Day but in many schools, the Italian explorer is no longer considered a hero.  In fact, lesson plans are starting to include discussions about how unfairly he and the early settlers treated Native Americans.  Has political correctness gone too far?  Or is it time for teachers to talk about the darker side of Christopher Columbus?

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-09-09

Nobel Sur-Prize

President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize this morning, but for what?  He hasn't really done anything yet - in fact the deadline for nomination was only 11 days into his Presidency!  The GOP and even some liberals are surprised.  What was the committee thinking, and was their rush to award Obama an embarrassment to the Nobel process?  Do you think he deserves the prize?

 

H1N1

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wants everyone to get swine flu vaccines and says they're "safe and secure".  Will you get one?  Also, new government guidelines will require airport staff to quarantine people with H1N1 symptoms! At the very least they'll question you about your health and take your temperature.  Meanwhile, the WHO says it may take years to lower the H1N1 pandemic alert...

 

Second Stimulus?

With US unemployment at nearly 10 percent, Democrats are proposing more relief programs to help struggling Americans.  Extending tax credits for first-time home buyers and expanding COBRA benefits for laid off workers are just a few of the proposals on the table.  But with a budget deficit that's tripled in the last year to $1.4 trillion, how will we pay for what looks like a second stimulus package?

 

 

What's on the Tom Sullivan Show 10-08-09

*******Spencer Hughes fills in for Tom ****************

 

"Get a Job!"

Recent figures show many in the US have been out of work six months or longer.  Spencer can't understand why people think they should wait for the perfect job opening to come along.  When you have financial responsibilities, should you just take what you can get?  Plus, thousands in Detroit line up to receive stimulus money.  Are we relying too much on the government?

 

Is this Justice?

A Wisconsin couple was sentenced to six months in jail for relying on prayer to save their dying daughter instead of taking the 11-year-old to a doctor.  The girl died of a treatable form of diabetes - does the punishment fit the crime?  And, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wants everyone to get swine flu vaccines and says they're "safe and secure".  Will you get one?

 

"Whatever!"

Philadelphia public schools are required to provide breakfast for their students - regardless of family income.  Aside from those kids who really need financial assistance, is it necessary for the schools to make sure kids are eating before class?  Spencer says this is really just a case of parental laziness!  Plus, a new poll reveals the most annoying word...

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-02-09

Chicago No-Go

Chicago has lost its bid to host the 2016 Olympics, so it looks like the President’s big trip to Copenhagen was a bust.  What does this surprising outcome say about Obama’s international rock star status?

 

Late Night Blackmail

David Letterman has admitted to sexual affairs with staffers after a CBS employee tried to extort $2 million from The Late Show host.  How ugly will this scandal get?  Should Letterman lose his job?  Tom weighs in on this bizarre story.

 

Financial Friday!

The jobless rate rose to 9.8 in September, but is it really much higher?  Plus, is there anything the Fed can do to avoid inflation and a double dip recession?  Lebenthal Equity Asset Management President James B. Lebenthal joins Tom.

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 10-1-09

Mandatory Vaccinations

Are you going to get flu shots this season?  Some health-care providers in NY are protesting their mandatory vaccinations.  Will the government force other groups to get flu shots?  Plus, FL Rep. Alan Grayson refuses to apologize for saying Republicans "want you to die".  After the outrage over Joe Wilson's 'You lie' outburst, is Grayson getting a pass?

 

Condoleezza Rice

The US and other world powers are in nuclear talks with Iran, but will the meeting in Geneva accomplish anything?  And, what should happen next in Afghanistan?  Will a change in strategy hurt our credibility with Pakistan?  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice joins Tom to discuss the latest developments in Iran, Afghanistan and more ….

 

What Revolution?

Contrary to popular belief, most stay-at-home moms are not part of the so-called "opt-out" revolution.  The census found the majority are not moms who left high-powered careers to raise their families, but mothers who never actually joined the workforce.  Should more women put their careers aside to raise their children?  Plus, the latest in the Jaycee Dugard case.