Paul Krugman on Jack Lew

[Mass]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-moyers/watch-paul-krugman-on-jac_b_2450500.html

The Secretary of the Treasury is not now going to be somebody who does deep thinking about the economy. There are people the president can call on for that, including outside economists, including Joe Stiglitz... including myself," Krugman tells Bill.

"What the president needs right now is a hard-nosed negotiator. And rumor has it that's what he's got."

[pnwmom]

1. Sounds hopeful. nt

[calimary]

2. Well, if Paul Krugman looks on it as such, then it works for me.

[Politicub]

20. x2

[Cha]

3. Thanks Mass

That's what I've hearing, too.. about the.. "hard-nosed negotiator".

[freshwest]

4. More good things from Mass.

[bluestateguy]

5. Tough negotiator is definently what is needed in the Obama Administration

Every president has weaknesses, and negotiating skills are certainly this president's soft spot.

[1StrongBlackMan]

11. Who do you think was negotiating ...

for the Obama Administration in 2010 and 2011, when we were running around talking about "President Obama is a weak negotiator" and "Is the worst negotiator ever"?

[rhett o rick]

6. Hey what's up? Jack Lew is a Democrat. nm

[RC]

9. Is that a first?

If not, it's a short list.

[octoberlib]

7. Lew has an impressive progressive background.

I'm pleased with this pick.

[bluestate10]

17. He has been on the staffs of some Progressive legends. nt

[closeupready]

8. yeah, but ... his PENMANSHIP!!!11!! No, no, no -

he won't work - he doodles his signature. I mean, we'd have to look at that on our dollar bills!!11!!

[Jennicut]

24. As someone who had to get "help" for my handwriting in elementary school,

I love the fact that his signature is essentially scribbles. I am not alone in my horrible handwriting skills. I prefer typing to writing.

[sheshe2]

10. More good news!

[Hekate]

12. Thanks for the input, Dr. Krugman

That's a man whose opinion I respect very much.

[ReRe]

13. Well, if he's good enough form Krugman...

... he's good enough for me! I did get to see the full presser introduction of Lew today. It was really allot of fun. Many laughs, especially about his signature. He got a good round of applause, seemed like a full minute to me. Thanks Mass for Krugman's words...

[Mass]

14. Seems the opinion from the left and Wall Street is the same

Lew only spent three years on Wall Street. He does not know the beast.

Not surprising from Wall Street who would prefer a guy that is part of the pack. More surprising from the left, but it seems to be that he is not interested in Wall Street, so he wont try to change it.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

15. what a weird syntax...."is not now going to be" ?

[Mass]

18. It's a transcript from a TV interview (video at the link). That is probably why.

[bluestate10]

16. Lew is a certified Progressive who will protect Social Security and other important

social programs. Republicans hate Lew so much because he has been a proven fighter for social justice.

[mountain grammy]

19. Thanks, I feel a little better. Sen Sanders doesn't want Lew, but gotta trust Krugman too.

[pam4water]

21. Scratches head.

[Curmudgeoness]

22. I am glad to hear Krugman say this.

I was concerned with this pick, but Krugman knows much more than I do. I bow to his knowledge and experience.

[mucifer]

23. The fact that Lew has WPA art in his office is pretty cool!