Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

  • Advertisements

Obama discusses credit cards and puts staff to sleep

By Jimmy Orr / April 23, 2009

White House National Economic Council Director Larry Summers nods off while President Obama talks to the press after a meeting with officials from the credit card industry. CEOs from Visa, Mastercard, American Express and the credit card divisions at about a dozen of the largest banks were invited to speak with Obama about high fees and predatory lending practices.

Enlarge

Sometimes President Obama is just bo-o-o-ring.

Skip to next paragraph

Don't believe it? Ask Larry Summers, the president's top economic adviser.

The two appeared together this afternoon in the Roosevelt room following a meeting with credit card executives.

It didn't take long for the president to speak before Summers zonked out. In fact, it was almost as though the sound of Obama's voice put Summers to sleep -- instantly. The White House pool report provides the play-by-play.

"One thing to note is that Summers appeared to be nodding off near the beginning of Obama's remarks. And then he DID nod off, doing the head on the hand and then head falling off the hand thing. Photogs seemed to be having a field day. All other officials in the room appeared fully awake."

Topic

What was President Obama talking about? Don't know. We fell asleep reading the pool report.

Thankfully, Monitor colleague Ron Scherer is still awake. He tells us that the president told the head honchos of several credit-card companies that he wants them to change their ways -- as in more competition, simpler cards, non-abusive interest rates and fees, and tighter monitoring of credit card companies.

Click here to read his story. We're going to bed.....

-----

Before you go to bed, follow us Twitter! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

E-mail

Read Comments

View reader comments | Comment on this story

Photos of the day

02.13.12 »

What happens when ordinary people decide to pay it forward? Extraordinary change. See how individuals are making a difference...

Charlie Weingarten pictured during a Common Threads cooking class in Los Angeles. The program, one of many projects started by Mr. Weingarten, aims to teach children to love healthy cooking and eating.

Charlie Weingarten finds fresh ways to champion selfless acts of philanthropy

A member of a philanthropic family founded Explore.org to inspire selflessness and lifelong learning.

Become a fan! Follow us! YouTube Link up with us! See our feeds!