To the Point
The Federal Bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the federal takeover of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac was necessary because their failure would "affect the ability of Americans to get home loans and other consumer credit and business finance, and a failure would be harmful to economic growth and job creation." Was the Paulson plan necessary? Will it work? At what cost? Also, Can Sarah Palin transfer her huge popularity rating from Alaska to the lower 48?
By Lawrence O'Donnell • • 1h 0m ListenTreasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the federal takeover of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac was necessary because their failure would "affect the ability of Americans to get home loans and other consumer credit and business finance. And a failure would be harmful to economic growth and job creation." Was the Paulson plan necessary? Will it work? And at what cost? Also, Governor Sarah Palin could not be more popular in Alaska, but how will she play in the lower 48?
Treasury Secretary Paulson speaks at a news conference announcing a federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as Federal Housing Finance Agency Director James B. Lockhart looks on September 7, 2008 in Washington, DC. Photo: Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
In this episode
2 storiesFederal Take-Over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Led by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the Bush Administration seized control of the country's two largest mortgage finance companies yesterday.
Read the story22 minPalin Injects Excitement but Questions Still Remain
Governor Sarah Palin could not be more popular in Alaska, but how is she playing in the lower 48? Post-convention polls indicate a surge in Republican enthusiasm for the McCain-Palin ticket , but will Palin strengthen Republican appeals to the all important swing voters who will decide this election?
Read the story26 min