MyDD :: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@!

Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@!

by kosnomore, Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:52:02 AM EST

"Senators Christopher Dodd, Democrat from Connecticut and chairman of the Banking Committee, and Kent Conrad, Democrat from North Dakota, chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, refinanced properties through Countrywide's "V.I.P." program in 2003 and 2004, according to company documents and emails and a former employee familiar with the loans. . . . The loans translate into money saved. For example, in Dodd's case, Portfolio calculates that "the lower rates save the senator about $58,000 on his Washington residence over the life of the loan, and $17,000 on the Connecticut home."
In the case of Conrad, he saved about $10,700 on a loan he took out for his $1.07 million home in Bethany Beach, Del. He also took out a loan on an investment property when he refinanced an eight-unit building he owns with his brothers . . . "

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.co m/2008/06/loans.php

I'm not a Democrat because it's cool or hip or John Stewart and Keith O tell me to be one.

I'm a Democrat because our values are BETTER than theirs.

And, those Democrats who don't adhere to our values need to be jumped on as quickly and strenuously as we jump on Republicans who sleeze up Washington.

TODAY, Dodd and Conrad need to resign their chairs. TODAY. And, Obama needs to call for it. TODAY. It's the right thing to do. And, it will prove to the public that we're not full of s#@!

UPDATE - In answer to several commenters' questions - - Senators on the committees which regulate the affected industry were getting favorable "VIP" mortgages not available to the general public. You have no problem with that? If it were Republican committee chairs, we'd be (rightly) screaming bloody murder. We need to be against corruption and favoritism, not just Republican corruption and favoritism. This is the type of thing that bites your you know what unless you nip it in the bud immediately.

Poll

Votes: 20
Results : Vote Link : Polls

Tags: Chris Dodd, Kent Conrad, Contrywide (all tags)

Permalink :: 65 Comments :: Post a Comment

Tips for keeping our side clean! (2.00 / 2)

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:52:35 AM EST

Re: Tips for keeping our side clean! (1.00 / 1)

Our side clean? Your not helping much with the crap you throw around here. Your "transparent" attempts at "policing our own" are obvious to all who take the time to read your thoughts.

Nothing like the fresh smell of turd in the morning to get the nostrils flaring.

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:06:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Always a pleasure !!! (2.00 / 1)

Have a nice weekend.
And, when we're getting hit over the head with this story, remember how you suggested the ostrich approach.
You either control stories like this, or they control you. I suggest we control it.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:10:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Always a pleasure !!! (1.00 / 1)

Control a nonstory by giving it legs on a well known Democratic blog? Your approach is a bit...eh...peculiar. Maybe the folks over at NoQuarter can help you break this "important piece of information".

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:31:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Then we disagree. (2.00 / 1)

But, as this develops over the next few days, just think to yourself, "Hmmm, what if Obama on Friday had said, 'I fully support the Senators, and believe there is no truth to these allegations, but I am committed to changing the culture of Washingon. Therefore, I suggest they temporarily step aside from their committee chairs while these serious allegations are investigated.'"
That's how you innoculate yourself from scandal. And, actually get points while doing it.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:36:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Then we disagree. (1.00 / 1)

So Obama should take advice from a person who wrote a "concerned" diary about Scarlett Johansson and Obama?

You really have no idea how foolish you come off. Keep up the good work citizen!

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:45:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Perhaps a song is in order (none / 0)

Bush murders soldiers for profit. McCain wants to wet his beak.

by awobbly on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:57:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Questions (2.00 / 3)

Did either of them actually do something wrong, and did their favorable treatment affect their congressional votes?

Merely taking advantage of favorable rates is not a damning offense.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:57:06 AM EST

Re: Questions (2.00 / 2)

I don't think we need to see a one-to-one reaction between their votes and their sweet heart deals to know this is inappropriate. The journalist is dead on -- these types of conflicts should not be tolerated from either party, Republican or Democrats.

This is the real face of corruption, it's not bribery or outright illegality, but subtle benefits in the gray areas. The more we can do to eliminate these influences the more our laws will reflect the will and best interests of the people.

I think the internet and campaign finance reform are a large if completely incomplete step. Let's make a commitment to continue this fight unabated.

by such sweet thunder on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:09:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Agreed - I am truly saddened by how (2.00 / 1)

"our" side is demonstrating in these comments the same commitment to protecting "our" people as we've suffered through for 7 long years.
Can't we do better than them?

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:14:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Whatever (none / 0)

You also had a problem with completely innocent e-mails being traded between Obama and Scarlet Johannsen.

Your deep concern over ideological purity borders on illogical.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:29:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Again, when the MSM is out to get you, (2.00 / 1)

you don't give them any ammo. Particularly stupid ammo, since they live for the stupid sound bite accusation. You stay away from young single girls that talk to the gossip columns about you. You stay away from folks accused of insider deals.
It's called being pro active rather than reactive.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:39:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What do they need ammo for? (2.00 / 1)

They have you.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:40:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

ZING!!! (1.00 / 1)

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:46:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No, I don't think so. (2.00 / 1)

Until I can be shown that this is was actually given to them not because they were deemed good loan risks but because someone was influencing them, I will NOT stand up for rumor-mongering, whisper campaigns, and fake ideological purity discussions.

If Democrats are involved with corruption, they should go down. This? This is nothing. The record is made, and will still be there if anything further is dug up. In the meantime, stop trashing on the reputation and career of people for whom you have no proof of wrongdoing.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:33:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Any semblence of shady real estate deals (2.00 / 2)

need to be fully investigated.

by parahammer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:57:50 AM EST

I totally don't understand (2.00 / 4)

They saved some money on their mortgages because they had good credit? I don't understand and you didn't explain it. What did they do wrong?

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

by X Stryker on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:03:47 PM EST

I totally don't understand the problem, either. (none / 0)

Same here. The implication seems to be that they got amazingly preferential treatment, and in exchange for that looked the other way regarding Countrywide.

However, I don't know what "looking the other way" was done. Countrywide, like VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER MORTGAGE LENDER, was making all sorts of loans with higher debt to income ratios and more esoteric terms than had been done in the past, mainly due to the increased securitization of the mortgage industry. They were (as far as I can tell) doing nothing illegal, nor was there any great push to change the rules of the game to increase oversight or put increased restrictions on lenders regarding he types of mortgages that could be offered.

And on another note, was this "VIP" program solely offering preferential rates to people in Congress, or was it (like VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER TYPE OF SIMILAR PROGRAM) offering the best credit terms to people with excellent credit and substantial assets. If the latter, then what's the issue? Especially if Countrywide's offerings were generally comparable with other lenders at the time.

Countrywide's problem wasn't that they were "more corrupt" or any such thing, but rather that they were A) a very large lender, and B) like most lenders, were pushing the envelope of their risk models beyond what should have been done (which, again, was an effect of the increased securitization of the mortgage market over the last 15+ years as well as the removal of many of the Depression-era restrictions in the banking industry). But I've noticed that political blogs and political stories in general reflect a limited knowledge of economics and finance.

Now, if someone can show that Countrywide gave them some amazing rates or whatnot that were available to no one else except key Congresscritters and similar influential folks, that would be a different matter.

by synchronicity on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 08:04:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

If you can offer no proof of actual corruption or wrong doing, you have nothing. You have stated that they refinanced their mortgages... is that now illegal? You should probably quit while you're ahead and delete this diary.

Bush murders soldiers for profit. McCain wants to wet his beak.

by awobbly on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:04:05 PM EST

Why do you want to burden Democratic party (2.00 / 1)

with dead wood like this? It was also amazing to see progressive Democrats selebrating the congressional victories of DINOS from MS and LA.

You may not agree with What I say but don't forget I am a Democrat

by indydem99 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:57:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 2)

Countrywide's VIP program was a mortgage loan refinancing program available to people with excellent credit and substantial equity. If Dodd and Conrad took advantage of this program, it was because they were good credit risks. This program was available to the general public including sitting senators.

You need to remove this diary or lose any credibility.

by zadura on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:13:34 PM EST

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 3)

Getting favorable rates from a mortgage lender who offers it is not in of itself a offense. Many banks offer preferred customers a rates with reduced fees and points. Which is what happened here. Also if you look at the dates of these loans they happened well before anybody was aware of Countrywide's sub-prime mess ( time of loans in question 2003-2004)

Unless you or anybody can show proof that because of these loans Conrad and Dodd gave something back to Countrywide in the way of political favors there is no story here. This is the same type on innuendo that folks tried to put on Obama and his real estate purchases.

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

by jsfox on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:17:05 PM EST

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 2)

This is not even remotely the same as the Obama real estate thing. This is about committee members receiving something from people in the industry related to their committee. Totally different. Not everything relates to Obama.

by JustJennifer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:23:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

I beg to differ. Yes thy are not the same type of transaction. My point was trying to create a issue where there is no apparent one based on a real estate transaction.

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

by jsfox on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:38:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed (2.00 / 2)

We all get treated differently depending upon where we stand in the pecking order. I, for instance, pay 0% on all my credit cards. I also pay a flat 8.50 for a stock trade. At several nice local restaurants, I get seated immediately without a reservation. My mortgage is VIP, and I have given no-one any special favors for any of the above. It's the way the world works.

And not to put too fine a point on it, I think Dodd should be investigated - but in turn. There's the matter of 37 articles of impeachment to hold hearings on ahead of any Dodd mortgage investigation.

Sheesh

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:27:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Saying "impeachment" and there's more (2.00 / 1)

important things to investigate is the mirror image of a Republican saying "there's a war going on!" every time you question a Republican misstep.
Neither excuse corruption and favoritism by elected officials.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:56:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Saying "impeachment" (none / 0)

It's ridiculous to equate these stories with the impeachment issues. Ludicrous.
Ridiculously ludicrous!

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:08:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 2)

Yeah, I think giving special deals to members of Congress who sit on committees that regulate your industry doesn't pass the sniff test with me. We are supposed to be better than this shit but sadly I don't think we are.

by JustJennifer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:21:31 PM EST

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

What special deal? Show the proof! This is innuendo, nothing more.

Bush murders soldiers for profit. McCain wants to wet his beak.

by awobbly on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:25:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

OK, but when this is all over TV (2.00 / 1)

radio and Sunday talk, and 4 days or weeks later we're playing catch up ala Wright or Johnson, don't say I didn't warn ya'!
This is the type of easy to understand and easier to resent mini scandal that has real legs.
If we really want to win, we must police our own, and show we're serious about ethics in government.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:46:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: OK, but when this is all over TV (none / 0)

That's ridiculous, first of all, there is no proof of any "scandal".
Hell, my parents and half of my friends refinanced higher interest rate mortgages at the same time (2003/2004) and saved lots of money with the new lower interest rate. What's the big deal?

by skohayes on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:56:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

They got favorable rates and points were (1.00 / 0)

waived and underwriting standards were loosened.
The media is going to go nuts with this.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:17:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They got favorable rates and points were (none / 0)

The amount of the "points" waived on one loan was 3/8ths of ONE point, saving about $2000 and 1/4 of ONE point on the other loan, which was worth about $700. Anyone who knows how to negotiate a mortgage refinance could have done the same thing.

OOH, he got a $2700 break on the loan, that's scary. I'm sure the media will be all over this as soon as you e-mail it to them.

by skohayes on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 02:40:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Only $2700 ??? (2.00 / 1)

How much kickback is acceptable to you?
I think one penny is too much.
It's corruption, and youre excusing it, 'cause they're on our side. That's wrong.
And, I'm not emailing it anywhere - - Josh Marshall of TPM is already front paging it. Or, is he a DINO / DLC / neo con / troll, too?

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 02:45:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: OK, but when this is all over TV (1.50 / 2)

You do alot of this "policing our own" crap and very little of anything else. Personally, I think you're intent is pretty transparent.

Thank you for your concern though. NOT.

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:02:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Dude, but I've been, like, you know, (2.00 / 1)

CORRECT !!!
Don't you wish Obama had dumped Johnson and Wright BEFORE all the stories, so it looked like he was in control and in front rather than reactive?
This story has legs. It's simple, easy to understand and fits into the "corrupt Washington" meme. I'd rather Obama deal with it today, not next week after 5+ days of negative press.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:20:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No (none / 0)

The ruckus over Wright and Johnson said more and worse things about the people who brought up the "scandals" than about Obama.

I'm glad things played out like they did, so we can identify the intolerant and the "overly concerned."

The issues have been worthwhile for, if nothing else, picking up the rock that some of these carrion-eaters have been hiding under.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:36:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 2)

Thanks.

I think there are a lot of Democrats on this site right now who don't understand that loyalty to values NEEDS to trump loyalty to individuals in the political process.

I do find it deeply upsetting that we have many Democrats pulling the same B.S. as Republicans, and having no qualms about accepting favors from the mortgage industry. It reminds me of my friends who would tell me that Republicans and Democrats are the same people, but that Democrats lie and hide who they are.

No candidacy is more important than the right to vote.

by hornplayer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:44:21 PM EST

Thx for getting it. (1.00 / 0)

I detest "loyal bushies" who make excuses for allowing NOLA to flood and people to drown.
I will detest any "loyal" Democrats who engage in the same double standards. Aren't we BETTER THAN THAT ?

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:49:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 2)

If anyone here actually believes that members of Congress don't get preferential treatment then I don't really know what to say. And if we continue to refuse to believe that any Democrat might be engaging in this type of behavior then we are as bad as the Republicans and we deserve everything we get.

by JustJennifer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:53:06 PM EST

What's amazing is not just the denial (1.00 / 0)

but the hostility and name calling.
What became of the "reality based community"?

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:23:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

They should resign and Obama needs to call for it (2.00 / 2)

Hope and change should not be business as usual. Country wide is a very corruput company and these senatots totally failed in enforcing regulation.

Countrywide's political action committee gave $10,000 to Sen. Christopher Dodd's campaign. Now, why Dodd, you may ask? He's from far away in that cute little place called Connecticut.

Ah, well, when he's not running for president and thanks to the new Democratic majorities in Congress, Dodd is chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which has regulatory authority over home lenders such as, well, will you look at that, companies like Countrywide.

You may not agree with What I say but don't forget I am a Democrat

by indydem99 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:53:26 PM EST

I'm so disappointed by the lack of outrage (2.00 / 1)

among the commenters.
It really doesn't bode well for when we control all branches of government.
I want to win because we're better, not because it's our turn to be abusive and corrupted.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 12:59:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm so disappointed by the lack of outrage (none / 0)

I'm so very very very disappointed in the pretend inability to understand the difference, and the amount of pretend outrage and concern expressed by this diary. VERY

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:12:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm so disappointed by the lack of outrage (2.00 / 1)

Have you investigated this story and come up with proof that there is nothing to it - or are you just knee jerking for the fun of it?

by JustJennifer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:15:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Deja vu. Deja vu. (2.00 / 1)

Denial and name calling, followed by grudging acceptance, and then auto corrective action too late to avoid days of bad press.
This is Wright and Johnson redux.
And, again, it will look like we're caving in, not leading.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:26:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama never "caved" on Wright (none / 0)

And he didn't have enough invested in Johnson to make it worth fighting over.

The only "redux" is your faux concern.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:37:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I did some digging and found (none / 0)

this from Dodd's spokesman:

"The Dodds received a competitive rate on their loans," spokesman Bryan DeAngelis said in a statement. "They did not seek or anticipate any special treatment and they were not aware of any."

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:25:44 PM EST

Well, if his paid spokesman says no problem . . . (1.00 / 0)

Come on.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:27:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

BTW - "did not seek or anticipate (2.00 / 1)

any special treatment and they were not aware of any . . ."
Parse that, will ya? He doesn't deny they GOT "special treatment", does he? Just whether they sought, anticipated or were aware of special treatment.
Would you accept that from a Republican?
Then don't accept it from someone who could drag us down, either!

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:30:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

man, how dare they... (none / 0)

...give slightly favorable rates to respected members of congress...

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:38:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You just admitted it ! (2.00 / 1)

You're NOT supposed to give "slightly favorable rates to respected members of congress" who regulate your industry.
Don't you see that? That's the definition of corruption and favoritism!
Yikes!

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:43:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No... (none / 0)

You're supposed to give favorable rates to people who meet the qualifications for favorable rates.

Wealthy, respected, law-abiding congressmen are included in that list, but don't make up the entirety of that list.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

by Dracomicron on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:47:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You just admitted it ! (1.00 / 1)

Are you serious? I'm starting to think this is all snark.

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:48:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (2.00 / 1)

Sweet Jesus. We now have to stop whatever it is we are doing to research whether allegations that that Dodd got a good interest rate, why he got a good interest rate, how he got a good interest rate, and when he got a good interest rate, in order to prove he's not a crook.

But first, DEMAND HE RESIGN!

Bush and Cheney? Not so much.

Sorry. naht gonna duit

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:27:29 PM EST

Denial is not a strategy. (2.00 / 1)

Tolerance of inappropriate behavior is not a vote getter.
Just sayin'.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:32:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

LOL!!!! (1.00 / 1)

No way. No how. No McCain!

by spacemanspiff on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 01:37:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

I don't agree with the demand he resign.

by JustJennifer on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 02:21:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

From his chair NOT his seat. (1.00 / 0)

Should he really be shepherding lender / borrower relief legislation at this time with this over his head?

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 02:47:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: From his chair NOT his seat. (none / 0)

He should be forced to sit, BUT NOT ON HIS ASS!

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:11:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

NONSENSE. All mortgage companies have programs for people with better credit. When i finished my residency there was a special program so you could mortgage 105% of a new home. They called it the MD program and is no different than what the senators got. Credit and credit rates are a function of ones ability to pay the loan off.

david

by giusd on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 02:37:46 PM EST

Re: Dodd and Conrad: If we're not full of s#@! (none / 0)

This seems somewhat shady. However, just because this isn't a loan program available to the general public, that doesn't mean it's a special deal that only these two people got.

The story suggests that Conrad did, in fact, get special treatment solely because he is a Senator; but the critical question is whether he KNEW he was getting special treatment.

Say I go down to the bank and apply for a loan. The loan officer checks me out and decides I don't meet one of the requirements, but the bank president comes over and says "Steve M is an important person, give him the loan." If I have no idea that conversation took place, have I done anything wrong?

Also, an update to the post suggests that Dodd may have received a $3,000 benefit, at most, which makes it kind of pointless to worry about.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:45:23 PM EST

You mean a $3000 kickback is okay? (1.00 / 0)

Really?
What's bad? 5K? 10K? 100K?
I though one penny is bad, if it's a bribe.

John McCain says he would stay in Iraq for 100 years? That's crazy talk!

by kosnomore on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:38:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You mean a $3000 kickback is okay? (none / 0)

Frankly, I'd be happy to find a legislator who will take one penny as a bribe. I could use one in my price range.

My point is more that it's very, very unlikely that Chris Dodd is risking prison time by doing legislative favors in return for a mere $3000. Investigating these matters more deeply is fine, but you've badly overjumped the gun with a call for them both to resign.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:06:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You mean a $3000 kickback is okay? (none / 0)

Today's McBlogging points have been exposed!

by xdem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:13:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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