Archive for the ‘Christopher Dodd’ Category
Posted by Larry Doyle on September 9th, 2013 9:37 AM |
As the 5 year anniversary of the demise of Lehman Brothers approaches, I would expect to see a steady stream of reviews of that critical period and interviews with some of the players involved.
Do not expect any mea culpas from those who brought our nation to its knees but let’s take a closer look at what former US Senator Chris Dodd has to say about those fateful days and his attempt to clean up a mess that he was party to creating in the first place.
The WSJ recently interviewed him regarding the financial regulatory reform legislation that has his name attached: (more…)
Tags: Chris Dodd, Chris Dodd interview with Dan Seib, did Dodd Frank end too big to fail, Dodd-Frank financial regulatory reform, lack of confidence in America, Lehman Brothers 5 year anniversary, unintended consequences, why is our economy so weak, WSJ interview with Chris Dodd
Posted in Christopher Dodd, General | No Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 22nd, 2010 4:24 PM |
Why am I so skeptical that Senator Chris Dodd’s proposed Financial Regulatory Reform (for overachievers in the audience, the link connects to the 89-page proposal) will truly change behaviors on Wall Street? For the very simple reason that I have seen no highlighting of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority within the proposed Financial Regulatory Reform. Strike you as a little odd? It strikes me that the Wall Street lobby is hard at work keeping its self-regulator, that being FINRA, right where they want it.
Against this backdrop, I was pleasantly surprised to see highly regarded Barron’s columnist Jim McTague reference that the proposed reform would promote transparency and accountability of FINRA. (more…)
Tags: accountability of financial regulatory reform, Chris Dodd, Davis Pol Summary of Draft of Restoring American Financial Stability Act ing, Dodd Prepares to Whack Wall Street, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, financial regulatory reform, financial self-regulation, FINRA, FINRA SEC TRACE, GAO, Jim McTague, MSRB, POGO, Report on Oversight of National Securities Associations, SEC oversight of FINRA, self-regulation, transparency of financial regulatory reform, Wall Street, Wall Street lobby, Wall Street-Washington incest
Posted in Christopher Dodd, FINRA, General, regulation | 2 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on January 6th, 2010 7:56 AM |
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Chris Dodd is the embodiment of what is wrong with American politics.
Why?
The incestuous relationship between Wall Street and Washington took time and willing participants. Career politicians willing to sell their soul at the expense of the American taxpayer are critical for this incest to truly develop. Enter Chris Dodd.
Who was one of Freddie and Fannie’s big money recipients? Chris Dodd.
Who received a sweetheart mortgage deal from Countrywide’s Angelo Mozilo? Chris Dodd.
Who received huge campaign dough from the Wall Street mob? Chris Dodd.
Now that Dodd’s flow of money from his incestuous partners at Freddie, Fannie, and other large financial outlets has stopped, he knows the gig is up. As the residents of Connecticut were preparing to fire him, he now pulls the classic, “You can’t fire me because I just quit.” No surprise. Quitters never win.
America may have been forced to bail out Wall Street, but they certainly have no interest in bailing out Chris Dodd.
Dodd will stand in front of the microphone, shed a tear or two, talk about his lifelong efforts of working for the people of Connecticut and America. He will have his fellow career politicians and partners in incest sing his praises. America will collectively vomit. (more…)
Tags: Chris Dodd and Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and Franklin Raines, Chris dodd and Leland Brendsel, Chris Dodd and Mary Schapiro, Chris Dodd career, Chris Dodd Democrat from CT, Chris Dodd incest with Wall Street, Chris Dodd legacy, Chris Dodd quits, Chris Dodd quitter, Chris dodd relationship with Angelo Mozilo, Chris dodd relationship with Freddie Fannie, Chris Dodd relationship with Wall Street, Chris Dodd retires, Chris Dodd will not seek reelection, why is Chris Dodd quitting, why is Chris Dodd retiring
Posted in Christopher Dodd, General | 15 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on November 11th, 2009 8:58 AM |
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) is in a fight for his political life. Dodd continues to trail his primary Republican opponent Rob Simmons in recent polls. More disturbing than the actual polls versus his competition is the fact that fully 51% of those polled do not consider Dodd honest and trustworthy.
What happens to individuals faced with a potential death sentence? Come to Jesus. Faced with the prospect of death, literally or professionally, individuals often will undertake drastic changes in appearance and demeanor in an attempt to stave off that deep, dark descent. In that light, I am never amazed by actions, statements, and positions put forth by politicians.
What is Chris Dodd’s epiphany? Dodd clearly smells the wrath of the American populace toward Washington and Wall Street. Few politicians have been more closely linked with these two worlds than Senator Chris Dodd. After a year’s worth of debate and discussion on financial regulatory reform, Dodd is now proposing the most sweeping and all encompassing overhaul across the entire financial industry. Is this a Hail Mary pass in an attempt to pull victory from the jaws of political defeat? The American Banker provides a wide angled view of Dodd’s desperation pass in writing, Dodd Goes for Broke with Tough Reform Bill:
A draft version of his bill introduced on Tuesday was so far-reaching it would pick a fight with virtually every entrenched interest involved in the debate, including community banks, large financial institutions, the Obama administration, House Democrats, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Federal Reserve Board.
(more…)
Tags: American banker writes Dodd Goes for Broke with Tough Reform Bill, Chris Dodd, Dodd, Dodd lags in polls, Dodd plays populist card, Dodd's epiphany, Fed and FDIC lose power under Dodd plan, financial regulatory oversight, is Dodd's financial regulatory reform purely a political ploy, Obama plan on financial regulatory reform, poll sindicate Dodd not honest or trustworthy, polls in CT, populism, Rob Simmons, Senator Chris Dodd's financial regulatory plan
Posted in Christopher Dodd, Federal Reserve, General, regulation | 5 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on April 28th, 2009 12:15 PM |
The intrigue involved in Bank of America’s takeover of Merrill Lynch goes well beyond standard Wall Street negotiations. Did Fed chair Ben Bernanke and then Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson break the law in the process of pressuring BofA CEO Ken Lewis to complete this bank merger? Bloomberg’s Jonathan Weil has easily distinguished himself amongst all journalists in aggressively addressing this topic. Weil pulls no punches in writing One Nation, Under Banks With Justice For No One.
Lewis, as CEO of Bank of America, possessed material non-public information about Merrill Lynch and was obligated by law to release that information to his shareholders. Lewis unequivocally maintains Bernanke and Paulson pressured him not to release that information which would have potentially derailed the merger. Why didn’t Lewis get Bernanke’s and Paulson’s position in writing? Did Lewis ask for it in writing? Did Paulson and Bernanke knowingly avoid a legal quagmire by not contractually committing in writing to increased government support for Lewis’ acquiescence?
Weil provides a clear expose of this situation. I commend him! He writes:
The spectacle of Ben Bernanke and Henry Paulson running roughshod over Kenneth Lewis and his minions at Bank of America Corp. raises a pivotal question for all Americans: Is the U.S. a nation of laws, or a nation of banks?
Let’s start by examining the facts disclosed last week in a letter by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo while taking pains to present the actions of each player in this drama in the fairest possible light. (more…)
Tags: Andrew Cuomo's investigation of Bank of America's takeover of Merrill Lynch, Bank of America takeover of Merrill Lynch, Barney Frank, Ben Bernanke, Christopher Dodd, Hank Paulson and Ben Bernanke pressure Ken Lewis, jonathan Weil, Mary Schapiro, Merrill lynch taleover by Bank of America, New York AG Andrew Cuomo, SEC
Posted in Bank of America, Banking Institutions, Barney Frank, Ben Bernanke, Christopher Dodd, Economy, General, Henry Paulson, Moral Hazard, Wall Street | 5 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on April 1st, 2009 1:51 PM |
Any salesperson on Wall Street is always faced with the question as to the nature of his book of business. Meaning, not only what type of business he transacts but even more importantly, with whom does he do business. While there are many fabulous salespeople on Wall Street, sales managers are forever reviewing account coverage assignments. Given these account reviews and changes, I always maintained that there was not a lot of “security” in the securities business. Ultimately, a salesperson is only as good as his book, meaning the depth and breadth of relationships.
Putting a twist on this coverage model, it appears as if Senator Chris Dodd has a problem. Aside from pure partisan politics in the midst of an economic tsunami, Dodd’s personal relationships with many financial companies has run its course. I do not mean to say that Dodd and these individuals may not maintain an ongoing relationship, but the fact is a number of financial firms which supported Dodd over the years are either bankrupt, merged, or wards of the state. (Freddie, Fannie, AIG, Citi)
Bloomberg reports:
The Democrat has less than half the campaign cash he had at a comparable point in his last re-election bid, when he faced far fewer hurdles. Last year, he emptied an account built up largely through financial-company employees’ donations to pay for a presidential run; now, he has to replenish his coffers even as the firms his panel regulates struggle with losses and back away from their one-time champion turned critic.
(more…)
Tags: AIG, Chris Dodd, Dodd's campaign cash, Wall Street campaign contributions
Posted in Christopher Dodd, Wall Street | 7 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 25th, 2009 9:46 AM |
Like it or not, Goldman Sachs is widely considered to be the preeminent risk manager in the world. I would never blanketly endorse Goldman Sachs nor every one of their transactions or employees. Anything but. I am sure Goldman, like every institution in every industry, has some bad apples who will and have made some bad, if not outright illegal, moves. If so, the proper regulatory authorities should address, investigate, and if need be prosecute. I am here to write on a different topic. Goldman Sachs does not want Uncle Sam as a business partner. Whether Goldman wanted government money last Fall via the TARP (Troubled Asset Recovery Program) or not, the firm very clearly wants to return those funds soon.
Goldman Sachs is currently working with government officials to return $10 billion in TARP funds by late April. The firm will look to make this return after the U.S. Treasury completes its first round of bank stress tests. Other smaller banking institutions are looking to do the same. (more…)
Tags: Banking Institutions, Barack Obama, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Chuck Schumer, counterparty risk, Goldman Sachs, Harry Reid, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, TARP, Warren Buffett
Posted in Banking Institutions, Christopher Dodd, Congress, Democratic Party, Obama Administration, Wall Street | 7 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 19th, 2009 12:36 PM |
Senator Dodd did not exactly fall on the sword for the Obama administration as Bloomberg reports, Senator Chris Dodd Blames Obama Administration for Bonus Amendment.
The very legislators who rushed through the Stimulus Bill, which included provisions to prevent AIG-like bonuses, are now railing and pandering as never before. Who are these politicians? Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Chuck Schumer, and many more. Treasury Secretary Geithner Vows to Recoup AIG Bonuses as Lawmakers Express Fury. Geithner himself feigned ignorance of his knowledge of these AIG payouts.
What do we learn from this sort of political circus? (more…)
Tags: AIG, AIG bonuses, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Chuck Schumer, Citigroup, Harry Reid, IMF, JP Morgan, Nancy Pelosi, Northern Trust, Obama Administration, stimulus bill, Tim Geithner
Posted in AIG, Bailout, Barack Obama, Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd, Citigroup, Commerce, Congress, Economic Stimulus, Economy, JP Morgan, Nancy Pelosi, Obama Administration, Wall Street | 6 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 16th, 2009 4:17 PM |
A loyal reader shared with me a recent posting from former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Earlier today I cross posted a piece from No Quarter in which Reich was less than complimentary of Secretary Geithner. Well, let’s see what Mr. Reich has to say about President Obama’s economic program: Is Obamanomics Conservative or Revolutionary?
Prior to delving into my thoughts and commentary on Reich (or anybody), I always find it useful to consider the perspective of the writer. In regard to Mr. Reich, let us not forget that Robert Reich Excludes White Male Construction Workers from Obama Stimulus Plan. Utilizing that perspective, Mr. Reich would be considered to be more than slightly left of center. Additionally, in considering the Obama economic plans, I think it is critically important to incorporate the economic plans and agenda of the Democrats in Congress. These Congressional leaders have a major influence in this process. These Democrats, including David Obey (D-WI), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Harry Reid (D-NV), Barney Frank (D-MA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Steny Hoyer (D-MD) amongst others are major players in the stimulus, budget, and Omnibus bill that have come down from Congress. It is not totally clear where the lines are drawn between the White House and Congress on all the economic issues. That said, let’s see what Mr. Reich has to say and then critique his assessments of Obamanomics. (more…)
Tags: Barack Obama, Barney Frank, cap and trade, Chris Dodd, Chuck Schumer, David Obey, Democrats, Education, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Obamanomics, Reaganomics, regulatory structure, Robert reich, Steny Hoyer, taxes, Tim Geithner, universal health care, vouchers
Posted in American Consumers, Barack Obama, Christopher Dodd, Chuck Schumer, Commerce, Congress, Current Affairs, Democratic Party, Economic Stimulus, Economy, Education, Employment, Equity Markets, Nancy Pelosi, Obama Administration, Real Estate, Republicans, Risk | 4 Comments »
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 9th, 2009 3:35 PM |
A great American and loyal reader (thanks FL) shared a report recently produced by not-for-profits Essential Information and The Consumer Education Foundation. This report, Sold Out: How Wall Street and Washington Betrayed America, has gotten little to no attention in the general media. What a shame. I find of particular interest the fact that a number of the currently discussed regulatory changes are directly addressing the points highlighted in this report. I personally view these proposed regulatory changes as substantiating this report and adding credibility to its effort. For the naysayers in the audience, I would ask you to review the report and reconsider your assessment.
I was struck a month ago by the incriminating statements put forth by Senator Chuck Hagel and CIA head Leon Panetta, which I highlighted on February 16th in Legalized Bribery. Those statements bluntly indict our massive system of lobbying, political fundraising, and the quality of those running for elected office! In light of that article, I am more and more convinced that our elected officials have turned their offices into massive for profit machines at the expense of our public well being.
I commend the authors of this report, Roger Weissman and James Donahue, for taking the time and making the extensive effort to expose the truth. The full report, 231 pages in length, spares no detail. In studying it, I found the information and analysis riveting. Let me try to summarize it for you. (more…)
Tags: Arthur Levitt, California electricity crisis, CFTC, Chris Cox, Chuck Hagel, Citibank, derivatives, Enron, Essential Information, Fannie Mae, FDR, Freddie Mac, Glass-Steagall, greed, James Donahue, Leon Panetta, media complex, Merrill LYnch, off-balance sheet accounting, Paul Volker, Phil Gramm, President Clinton, regulation, Roger Weissman, The Consumer Educational Foundation, Travelers, Wall Street, Washington
Posted in American Consumers, Bank Failure, Banking Institutions, Barack Obama, Business, Christopher Dodd, Chuck Hagel, Chuck Schumer, Congress, Credit Derivative Swaps, Current Affairs, Democratic Party, Economy, Education, Equity Markets, Fannie Mae, FINRA, Freddie Mac, General, Housing Crisis, Insurance Industry, Leon Panetta, Lobbyists, Obama Administration, Rahm Emanuel, Republicans, Reputation, Wall Street | 14 Comments »
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