Tom Sullivan Radio Show

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-14-10

2010-01-14T13:29:00.002-05:00

Haiti Help

It looks as if the US will be leading the massive recovery effort after Haiti's deadly earthquake. But considering our own financial crisis, is long-term aid to Haiti an investment we should make? Are we obligated to help our neighbors? Tom will have the latest.

"Responsibility Fee"

President Obama has unveiled a new bank tax. The "financial crisis responsibility fee" is supposed to help financial institutions pay back TARP money. But if most of the deficit is related to bailouts of the auto industry and Fannie and Freddie, why aren’t they paying this new "fee"? PLUS: more bad job numbers, and even worse foreclosure numbers.

"Amish Exemption"

Obama is trying to convince House Democrats to back the more moderate Senate health care bill. But will even more costs be passed on to us? Tom talks health care including the Amish exemption and the Massachusetts factor. Plus, Conan continues to bash Leno and NBC.

What's on the Tom Sullivan Show 1-13-10

2010-01-13T15:24:00.000-05:00

Earthquake in Haiti

Tom talks to 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley about the impoverished island and its national hero Wyclef Jean. Then, Bill Canny from Catholic Relief Services will tell us the latest on the relief effort. And, Professor of American and Caribbean Studies at NYU, Millery Polyné will fill us in on the history, politics and culture of the island.

2 Million Jobs?

President Obama says the stimulus saved or created 2 million jobs. But is it true? Not only is there little proof that the stimulus created jobs, new studies show tax incentives probably won't either.

Amish Exemption

The Democrats are working out the final details of their health care bill. One particular item makes Amish people exempt from buying health insurance. Is that unconstitutional? PLUS: The latest on the health care debate and the NBC Late Night wars.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-11-09

2010-01-11T13:23:00.001-05:00

Reid's Racial Remark

Republicans want Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to resign over racial comments he made about Barack Obama before he became President. Democrats and the Black Caucus are standing by Reid, but would a Republican get the same pass? PLUS: the Census forms include the word “Negro” on them. Is “Negro” an offensive word?

"Cadillac Tax"

The largest hurdle in the health care negotiations seems to be the Senate bill’s “Cadillac tax”. President Obama, who was once against the tax, is now trying to convince labor leaders to get behind the levy on expensive health benefits. Is Obama committing political suicide by taking on the unions?

Late Night Shakeup

NBC announced over the weekend that they're cancelling "The Jay Leno Show". If Leno returns to late night, what happens to Conan O'Brien? Should Conan move to another network? Would it be a career mistake for Leno to return to his 11:35 timeslot? Tom weighs in.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-8-10

2010-01-08T13:21:00.001-05:00

Steady at 10%

Disappointing jobless numbers may be even worse than they appear. Tom explains why the unemployment rate may become a big problem for Obama and the Democrats come November. Plus, President Obama will announce new funding for clean technology manufacturing in the hopes of creating more jobs. Will this be clunker-of-a-program from the White House?

Trouble for "Tiny Tim"

Treasury Secretary "Tiny Tim" Geithner is accused of telling AIG to keep quiet about payments it made to banks when he was the head of the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Former Lehman Brothers VP Lawrence G. McDonald, author of the bestseller "A Colossal Failure of Common Sense: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Lehman Brothers" joins Tom to weigh in.

"Depression Ahead"?

How can the Republicans win the support of a very angry public? RNC Chairman and author of “Right Now: A 12-Step Program for Defeating the Obama Agenda” Michael Steele sits down with Tom. Plus, will 2010 bring another massive economic crash? Harry Dent, author of “The Great Depression Ahead”, joins Tom to share his forecast for the coming year.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-7-10

2010-01-07T13:24:00.001-05:00

"Shocking" Report

National Security Advisor James Jones says the report on the failed Christmas bomb attack will be ‘shocking’. Tom’s not sure why the government’s failures are considered shocking to anyone anymore! PLUS: U.S. officials learned of the bombing suspect’s extremist links while he was en route to Detroit. So why wasn’t action taken while the plane was in flight?

Trouble for Tiny Tim?

Some say recent unemployment data suggests employers will begin hiring again, but others believe we're not out of the woods yet. Do you think businesses are ready to hire new employees? PLUS: Geithner’s New York Fed told AIG to keep quiet about bank deals during the financial crisis. Is "Tiny Tim" in big trouble?

Orszag Love Child

White House Budget Director Peter Orszag has gotten himself into a little baby-mama drama. Just weeks before he got engaged to an ABC financial reporter, his ex-girlfriend gave birth to his love-child. Should the right back off Orszag? PLUS: was Brit Hume out of line when he suggested Tiger Woods turn to Christianity? And, disturbing audio of a drunk school bus driver.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-6-10

2010-01-06T13:46:00.001-05:00

Dem Departures!

Three high profile Democrats have dropped their plans to run for reelection this November. Senators Dodd (CT), Sen. Dorgan (ND) and Gov. Ritter (CO) join a handful of Democrats who have recently thrown in the towel. How will these developments affect the President's agenda and the future of the party?

C-SPAN Challenge!

C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb has asked top Democrats to televise the final health care negotiations. Are they shooting themselves in the foot by refusing to allow TV coverage? Also, President Obama is meeting with key house Democrats today. Will he be able to convince the far left to concede major parts of the health care reform bill?

Thanks Chris Dodd!

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd’s overreaches on banks and credit cards have had a dramatic impact on the consumer. Tom explains why Dodd’s tighter regulations have made your life more difficult and why we should all be saying good riddance to the outgoing Connecticut senator.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-5-10

2010-01-05T14:10:00.001-05:00

California Bailout?

California is running out of cash and asking Washington for a ‘bailout’. Will the federal government cough up the dough? Meanwhile, California truck drivers say new "green" rules will put them out of business. How do states expect to recover if they keep chasing out business? Why can't leaders connect the dots?

New Security Strategy

Ever since the Christmas bombing attempt, the White House has been trying to convince the country that they’re serious about airline security. Today President Obama will unveil his new strategy to make air travel safer. But aren’t tighter regulations meaningless if other countries refuse to comply?

TV Transparency

Mary Schiavo, former Inspector General of the Department of Transportation, joins Tom to share how she would improve airport security. PLUS: CSPAN CEO Brian Lamb is asking top Democrats to televise the final health care negotiations. Will Obama, Pelosi and Reid agree and keep their promises of transparency?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 1-4-10

2010-01-04T13:04:00.001-05:00

Will it Help?

New airport security measures start today, but will body scanners, increased screening and stricter rules be enough? Won’t terrorists keep finding new ways to get onto airplanes? Does the Obama administration even care about security? How can we improve the “No Fly” list?

Census Time!

The Census Bureau kicks off its $300 million campaign to get a headcount of the nation's residents. Will you participate in this once-a-decade hassle, or do you resent the intrusion in your life? And what’s really behind all those highly-personal questions?

"Asset Bubbles"

Fed Chief Ben Bernanke says we need to be open to raising interest to "pop asset bubbles”. Is it time to raise rates? And what impact will raising rates have on our recovery? Can the economy remain stable without the assistance of huge taxpayer-funded bailouts?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-31-09

2009-12-31T13:18:00.001-05:00

****Spencer Hughes sits in for Tom ****

“Systemic Failure”

A preliminary report on the failed Christmas airline attack will be sent to President Obama today. Just what did the CIA, the National Security Agency and the State Department know about Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and why didn’t the National Counterterrorism Center put all the pieces together?

Promises, Promises!

It’s that time of year again – when people take a hard look at themselves and start making New Year’s resolutions. Did you make any for 2010? Are they realistic? Why are they so hard to keep? And why do we wait until the beginning of a new year to lose weight, quit smoking or get a new job?

News of ‘09

Spencer looks at the biggest news stories of 2009. Which was the most overblown – Balloon Boy? Tiger Woods? Susan Boyle? Which was your favorite? And what about stories the mainstream media missed? We’ll go over some of the news stories you SHOULD have heard more about in 2009.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-30-09

2009-12-30T14:22:00.001-05:00

**** Spencer Hughes sits in for Tom ****

Warnings Ignored

Former presidential candidate Ron Paul says the US gets attacked by terrorists because the we are "occupiers". Meanwhile, former VP Dick Cheney says President Obama is pretending we aren’t at war. Is Obama taking terrorism too lightly? PLUS: If we had intelligence about a possible airplane terror attack, why didn't we do anything to stop it?

NYC Terror Scare

The FBI was called this morning to investigate a suspicious a white van parked in the middle of Times Square - an area where thousands of people will gather tomorrow night for New Year's Eve. After this scare and last week’s near-disaster on Flight 523, are you nervous about traveling or being in large crowds? Do you still have that post-9/11 mentality?

"R-U-Buzzed"?

A free I-Phone application from the Colorado Department of Transportation allows you to determine your own blood alcohol level before you get behind the wheel. But is it reliable? And can it give some people a false sense of security? Spencer thinks this is a bad idea.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-29-09

2009-12-29T14:49:00.001-05:00

Body Scanners

Is it time for full body scanners at airports? Rep Dan Lungren (R-CA), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee and chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees the TSA, will join Spencer to discuss how to make airports and airplanes safe from terrorism.

Closing Gitmo

It turns out the Christmas Day bomber was trained by an ex-Gitmo prisoner. Still the Administration insists on closing Gitmo. Today an official said the camp was dangerous because it was used as an al-Qaeda recruiting tool. Does moving detainees to another facility -- on American soil -- make any sense?

War on Fat

The California trans-fat ban goes into effect Friday. Since the state and federal government pays for the health care of so many people via Medicare and Medicaid, should they have some say over what the unhealthy masses are eating? Or is the government over reaching?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-28-09

2009-12-28T12:17:00.001-05:00

******Spencer Hughes sits in for Tom********

Homeland In-Security

A 23-year-old from Nigeria nearly blew up an airplane flying from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas day. With all of the precautions put in place since 9/11, how did this guy make it past security? Did the suspect have accomplices? And, after her original statement that the airline security system worked, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is now admitting it failed miserably. What needs to be done to keep terrorists off airplanes?

No Church?

President Obama is catching heat for not attending any kind of Christmas services. Is it imperative for an American president and his family to go to church, or are his critics just looking for another reason to attack the President? Spencer says many AWFUL people go to church routinely while many GOOD people never do, and asks - when was the last time you went to church because you WANTED to go??

Bad Parents?

Best-selling author Larry Winget will join Spencer to talk about his new book which is bound to ruffle a few feathers – “Your Kids are Your Own Fault”. Spencer agrees and says he knows what the problem is with kids today -- “It's the PARENTING, STUPID!”

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-23-09

2009-12-23T13:03:00.001-05:00

Early Christmas for Dems?

The Senate health care bill will probably pass on Christmas Eve. Did the Republicans give up too easily? And, was Sarah Palin right - did Harry Reid's bill include the so-called “death panels”? Also, what impact will this bill have on the 2010 elections? Tom has the latest on health care.

Spring Hiring?

While sales of existing homes rose 7.4% in November, U.S. new home sales fell to a seven-month low. What does all this mean? Can the housing market recover in 2010? And are consumers ready to start shopping again? Plus, “Tiny Tim” Geithner says employers will start hiring in the Spring.

Cyber Security

Cyber attacks are becoming more common against both businesses and the government. Do we take online security seriously enough? Cyber security experts Mark and Mike Menz join Tom to discuss this growing threat. PLUS: Can we trust personal alcohol breathalyzers before we get behind the wheel?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-22-09

2009-12-22T13:53:00.001-05:00

Nasty!

The health care bill is bringing out the worst in Washington. While Sen. Graham is calling the Democrats’ bill “sleazy”, Sen. Whitehouse is linking ObamaCare opposition to “birthers”, fanatics and Aryan supporters! PLUS: Tom says Nebraska isn't the only state that got a sweetheart deal! And, being a “Guido” at the Jersey Shore is about to get a little more expensive!

Lend, but Don't Spend!

The President met with the CEOs of several small banks today to convince them to back his financial regulations. Obama is asking them to lend more, but he still wants them to conserve money. What’s a small bank to do? Also, home sales increased by 7.4%. PLUS: States are running out of unemployment funds. Tom says get ready for higher taxes!

Tarmac Delays

The Obama administration will begin fining airports for tarmac delays and imposing a 3-hour limit on passenger waiting time. Do you think this new penalty will prevent people from being stuck on airplanes for hours on end? Or, could this measure actually cause more problems for already frustrated passengers?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-21-09

2009-12-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

Sweetheart Deals

Thanks to some late-night concessions and payoffs, Senate Democrats passed their health care reform bill in a cloture vote. Republicans say the “cornhusker kickback” and other sweetheart deals caused a sudden change of heart among ‘moderate’ Democrats. Tom runs down the list of disgraceful Senate bribes.

79.9% Interest!!!

To get around new credit card regulations, one subprime issuer is offering a card with a 79.9% interest rate! Has the government’s war on the credit card industry backfired on the consumer? And, according to USA Today, new toll lanes on free expressways ease congestion and improve travel times. But do tolls on free roads discriminate against the poor?

Tarmac Delays

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-11-09

2009-12-11T12:28:00.001-05:00

Fed Salaries Soar

The number of federal employees earning six-figure salaries has grown significantly during the recession to a whopping 19%! Instead of cracking down on businesses like Goldman Sachs, shouldn’t politicians look at the huge paychecks and benefits they’re giving government employees?

Dose of "Reality"?

Does the MTV reality show "Jersey Shore" intentionally exploit negative Italian-American stereotypes? Would MTV air a show that made other ethnic or minority groups look so bad? PLUS: one of Tiger’s "mistresses” fessed up on the "Today" show. When will this all end? Will Tiger quit golf?

Good as Gold?

A week ago gold was hot — but today the price has tanked. Phil Flynn, Energy Analyst and General Market Analyst with PFGBEST, joins Tom to explain why gold looks less glittery in the eyes of investors! Plus, former Fannie Mae official Ed Pinto tells Tom why Obama’s mortgage modification plan isn’t working.

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

2009-12-10T13:47:00.001-05:00

Awkward!!!

President Obama accepted his Nobel Peace Prize this morning, and then vigorously defended the war in Afghanistan saying "evil does exist in the world." Will Obama’s speech – which sounded A LOT like George W. Bush – enrage the left? Or will he get another pass?

Tax Crazy!

European leaders Gordon Brown, Nicholas Sarkozy and others are considering new taxes on frequent-flier miles, bank bonuses and business transactions. Will these new these taxes find their way across the pond? Plus Karl Rove, former Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, sits down with Tom to discuss all things Washington DC...

The "New Normal"?

This year's foreclosures will reach a record 3.9 million -- up from 3.2 million last year. Clearly the Obama administration's housing programs are not keeping people in their homes. Are we looking at a ‘new normal’ where people give up the American dream of owning a home?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-9-09

2009-12-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

TARP Extension

The Obama Administration will extend the TARP program until next fall, but some in Congress want to continue the crackdown on Wall Street. Some Democrats say a new transaction tax would help prevent the next crisis. But will more pressure on Wall Street wind up hurting Main Street?

Senate Health Deal?

The Democrats have come up with a sorta-private public-option compromise. Does finding middle ground on the issue of a government-run insurance option mean we’ll see health care reform by early next year? And will this new plan cause 10 million Americans to lose their employer-based insurance?

Tiger's Troubles

The Tiger Woods story just won't go away! Gatorade already dropped Tiger - are more advertisers going to follow suit? Why would Tiger risk so much? And how did he get away with his alleged serial cheating for so long? Tom weighs in and wonders how long before Tiger checks into rehab!

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-7-09

2009-12-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

Climate Controversy

Climate-Gate has cast a dark shadow over this week’s Copenhagen summit. Is the controversy enough to sink significant climate compromise? Will any major changes come from the summit or is this just one big show with an even larger carbon footprint? And what impact will significant climate change regulation have on American industry?

Healthcare Hurdles

President Obama seems worried about getting his health care reforms passed. Will his own party be able to compromise on issues like the “public-option”? Is Obama Care doomed? PLUS: Earlier today, Harry Reid compared GOP opponents of health care reform to supporters of slavery! How will history judge the health care vote?

Escape from Washington!

Washington politics apparently took a toll on former TARP inspector general Neel Kashkari -- he literally ran from Capitol Hill to a cabin in the woods! Tom will explain. PLUS: Beverly Moglich, author of "Memoirs of a Navy Brat: A Girl's Adventures During the Depression and World War II" joins Tom to share her startling memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-4-09

2009-12-04T13:12:00.001-05:00

Progress!

The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 10% in November! And, a day after the White House Jobs Summit, President Obama hit the road to ask “Main Street” what he and his administration can do to help create jobs. Are Obama’s recovery efforts working? Also, should unused TARP money be used to fund another stimulus? And how do we help the "under-employed"?

Tiger's Troubles

Reports say Tiger Woods is doing some fancy financial footwork to silence his mistresses and keep his wife from jumping ship. His wife Elin stands to get a ton of money if she stays in the marriage, but is she really in a no-win situation? Tiger's troubles raise many interesting questions about infidelity, prenups and the cost of celebrity.

"Conspiracy Theory"

Is the Pentagon controlling the weather? Is the government lying about 9/11? Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura thinks so! He’ll join Tom to talk about his new TV show “Conspiracy Theory”. Also, FOX Business Anchor Brian Sullivan sits down with Tom to talk about Dubai's debt crisis and the impact it may have on our economic recovery.

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

2009-12-03T12:56:00.001-05:00

Tom's Jobs Summit

Today's White House “Jobs Summit” is supposed to generate ideas to create more jobs. But, Tom thinks most of the White House experts are pretty clueless, so he’s holding his own jobs summit with the real experts -- the audience. PLUS: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who is hosting his own job summits, will share his thoughts on how to spark real job creation.

Four More Years?

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is on the hot seat today as lawmakers grill him at his confirmation hearing. While he is expected to get the votes he needs for a second term, it won’t be easy as the Senators will surely compete for ‘tongue-lashing’ of the day! Should Bernanke get a second term at the Fed?

Bad Behavior!

The party-crashing Salahis have refused to testify at a hearing today -- and so has White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers! As Tom predicted, fingers are now pointing at the White House for last week's security breach. Also, new information on Tiger Woods' escapades, and Chris Matthews apologizes for calling West Point the "enemy camp".

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-2-09

2009-12-02T14:02:00.001-05:00

Obama War Strategy

Last night President Obama unveiled his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan. What do you think of his strategy? Was it a mistake to set an exit date? Are 30,000 troops enough? PLUS: Chris Matthew opens his big mouth again…

GM CEO Resigns

Why did GM’s Fritz Henderson really resign? Was it long overdue? Is this a good development for GM? And what role, if any, did the White House play in Fritz’s surprise “decision”?

Tell the Truth!

The truth always comes out! Tiger Woods and the White House party crashers are learning that lesson the hard way. Should both Tiger and the Shalahis have told the truth from the start? And, how could Tiger Woods be SOO dumb?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 12-1-09

2009-12-01T15:02:00.001-05:00

Scott Allen Miller sits in for Tom

Afghanistan Plan

Tonight President Obama will address the nation about his plans to send more troops to Afghanistan. Democrats are already blaming the need for more troops on lapses during the Bush Administration. Did Bush drop the ball when it came to Afghanistan? Scott says let’s move on and focus on how to fix this mess!

Cop Killer's Clemency

Gov. Mike Huckabee has come out to take responsibility for commuting the sentence of suspected cop killer Maurice Clemmons. Are right-wing bloggers being too tough on the former presidential candidate? And how will this tragedy affect Huckabee’s chances for the White House?

Reality Show Fodder?

Alleged White House party crashers Tareq and Michaele Salahi claim they have proof they were invited to last week's state dinner. But as more information emerges, it appears the couple may have been taking part in a TV stunt. Is our reality show culture getting dangerous, or is the investigation into this incident just "Obama Derangement Syndrome" run amok?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 11-30-09

2009-11-30T15:32:00.001-05:00

Scott Allen Miller sits in for Tom

"Name and Shame"

The Obama administration has announced they'll “name-and-shame” lenders who do not help struggling borrowers readjust their mortgages. But is Obama pointing the finger at the wrong people? What about the credit card companies? Congress? Or himself? PLUS: Will a crackdown on the credit card industry hurt holiday sales?

Afghanistan Surge

Tomorrow night President Obama will make a prime-time speech to announce plans for a troop surge in Afghanistan. As expected, people on the Left are against sending more troops into harm's way, but even folks on the right calling for a withdrawal! Is it time to bring the troops home? Scott says "maybe"...

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is under heavy scrutiny over last week’s mysterious, late-night car crash. Should Tiger give in to the demands of our TMZ-society and spill the beans on the accident or is he better off staying mum? And, are local police ignoring a possible case of domestic violence?

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 11-19-09

2009-11-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

Reid's Bill

Harry Reid and the Senate unveiled their health care reform bill last night. Will moderate Democrats stop the measure from passing? What new taxes and regulations are buried in the bill? And what will it cost you? PLUS: the American people say "tax the rich", and Jesse Jackson plays the race card.

Time to Step Down?

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner got an earful while testifying before the Joint Economic Committee earlier today and was even asked to resign! GOP Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas said all of Obama’s recovery efforts have been a complete failure and Geithner should quit!! Does ‘Tiny Tim’ need to step down?

"Power-Hungry"

In an effort to lower the state’s electricity demand, California may ban 'power-hungry’ TV sets from store shelves! But will this move help ease California’s energy woes or will it further hurt the Golden State’s less-than golden economy? And if the ban passes, which appliances will the 'green police' target next?