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David Gergen was an American political commentator and advisor who served in the administrations of four U.S. presidents, providing insights and guidance on various political matters. Born on May 9, 1942, in Massachusetts, Gergen held significant roles in both Republican and Democratic administrations, showcasing his ability to navigate the political landscape across party lines. He was also a professor of public service at Harvard University, where he influenced a new generation of leaders. In addition to his academic work, Gergen was a senior political analyst for CNN, contributing to public discourse on current events until his passing on July 10, 2025.
Well, it's certainly going to help in the short-term. If you're working for the State of California right now and you got one of these notices saying you're about to be laid off and money comes into the state, there's a reasonable chance…
Not in my judgment. It seems to me that, if you put aside the question of whether this gave needless offense to many by calling us a nation of cowards, if you put aside the question of whether he should do this as attorney general speak…
But Ron -- but Ron, I hope -- do you agree that a lot of people would look at that and say chimpanzee, baboon, Obama, they're trying to link all those together?
However, if the administration does move forward with forcing lenders to renegotiate mortgages downward, there are going to be a lot of conservatives who are going to say that -- what's called 'cram-down' is a terrible idea.
The government has got to grow. That's the only -- it's the only institution we have left to help put some -- put some steam back in this economy right now.
Well, that's exactly right. And I think, on this one, the administration faces a very painful dilemma.
Not exactly, but I think it's realistic. The more people look at this plan, I think the more they understand it does a great deal -- and the president is to be congratulated for -- for as far as it goes -- it does a great deal in to help…
The Obama Administration is trying to use this crisis in the economy as a way to change the way we approach energy and the environment, to reform healthcare, to bring big changes in education.
I think the other part of this, though, that we have to recognize, as Andy said and as David Walker said, the hole we're facing and the sort of the lost economy over the next three years is about $3 trillion, according to the Congressional…
The administration believes that they have to tackle the housing as part of this.
Whether we need that kind of huge public works program to really get us --
What it will help to do in all likelihood is make the downturn not as steep.
This bill will help relieve some of the suffering. For example, if you're unemployed and you've got to go pay for health insurance under your COBRA plan, that can cost you over $1,000 a month.
Well, it's certainly going to help in the short-term. If you're working for the State of California right now and you got one of these notices saying you're about to be laid off and money comes into the state, there's a reasonable chance…
The real issue for him on this Afghanistan question is what he's trying -- what's the mission?
All of the polls suggest, Anderson, that the president's travels over the past few days have actually strengthened support for the measure.
The bill does require the president's economic advisers to report back, I think, every three months on progress on jobs.
Yes. All the polls suggest, Anderson, that the president's travels over the last few days have actually strengthened support for the measure.
For the fact that a -- that a man like Judd Gregg could not go in, for the best interests of the country, and work for -- in a -- in a Democratic administration and would be treated like Benedict Arnold, it's not that people were trying to…
Are there some hotheads in each party who would like to destroy the other party and see it as war? Yes, there are.
It underscores the political culture in Washington and the philosophical divides is a -- deep, deep divisions, which the election of Barack Obama has not yet healed.
Surprised, disappointed, found it another embarrassment for the administration, but a bigger embarrassment for Judd Gregg.
For the fact that a man like Judd Gregg could not go in, for the best interests of the country and work for in a Democratic administration and would be treated like Benedict Arnold.
What they need there is what the Commerce Department has traditionally had. They need a CEO in this administration.
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