Indeed, we can't resist any banker interview split-screen with Obama. Who, we wonder, is going to get the audio feed?
The story so far:
- No one should be pleased with the salary cap. (Surprise surprise).
- No one has brought up nationalization for us yet. (Uh huh).
- Overpaid for Merrill? Well, no... not really. *Clears Throat*
- On strong arming by the government to close the Merrill deal: They said "We strongly advice you that it is not in your best interest or the country's best interest to walk away from this deal."
- How do you justify the Merrill bonus move: I wasn't personally aware of the details, we were aware that there was a bonus plan, but, given the pending litigation, that's where my commentary ends.
- "We execute better than anyone." (Ahem).
This interview is impressively soft. No follow-ups of notice.
- Why did you fire John Thain? "I almost feel like that's ancient history..." (That's it? I suppose that's to be expected).
- No regrets over acquiring Merrill? Not long-term. As soon as we can shed this TARP saddle, we will be in great shape.
- More money from the government? Categorically, no.
What fluff. Wow. "What's the most important thing you can do to improve your business..."
Bleah.
Obama, thankfully (yes, I said that) has intervened and cut off Lewis. Phew. That was getting embarrassing.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:45AM
lewis is gay
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:48AM
Maria: Did you overpay
Lewis: Well, you could kind of say that. But it'll work in the longrun!!
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:48AM
reminds me of those softball 20/20 interviews with barbara walter. all they need is the fuzzy lens on the money honey to make it complete.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:49AM
Big O is gonna get the audio when he comes on. Too bad he shouldn't be on screen in the first place.
This administration is already making the same mistakes that the Bush administration made in the first days of the crisis. Stop talking every day! Come out with a plan, stick to it, and wean the market off of waiting for your every move. We're trying to get back to business here....
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:50AM
ugh. he's doing terrible. take him off the air.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:50AM
he looks like he could use a drink.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:50AM
God could this guy be less impressive? Dimon makes Lewis look like a retard.
Posted by NAS Keflavik boi , Feb 06, 2009 11:51AM
@3 -- they already smear the lens with mayo for the money "honey" -- she is hitting the wall big time and oughta pack it in before they start calling her the "money soup chicken"...
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=soup+chicken
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:53AM
o's got it right. his salary should be def. capped at $500k...
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:55AM
Lewis' "score" is already on the scoreboard. 'Nuff said.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:57AM
"Categorically" they will not need more government money.
That should utterly kill the shorts - at least until they take more money from the government.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:59AM
it's no wonder the economy is in the shitter. all you wall street fuckers do all day is watch TV.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:59AM
i think you guys are being too tough on him. i'd feel better as a shareholder after hearing his interview.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 11:59AM
Lewis : "We will NOT need further money from the government"
Ok dude, career on the line officially.
Posted by Private , Feb 06, 2009 12:03PM
Why does Ken look exactly like Bobby Bowden?
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:04PM
12 - and what fucking job do you do so terribly that you sit around and read wall street blogs. go pound sand you quailfluffer.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:13PM
"Geitners plan is not doing anything to remove the troubled assets" - Joe Lavorgnia on CNBC
Posted by NAS Keflavik boi , Feb 06, 2009 12:13PM
"Quailfluffer" -- I'm appropriating that --it's a keeper!
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:14PM
my new rule - sell, no matter the level, whenever BHO takes the mic.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:22PM
Lewis: "we didn't cause the Lycans to rise, market conditions caused other assets to fall relative to them . . . Scotch, Scotch, Scotch . . . I love scotch, down down down, into my belly"
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:24PM
Liesman just explained how Lewis was revising history regarding the decision to go after MER.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:28PM
Confused and befuddles as usual. He needs to get the boot. He mad a huge mistake buyin ML and can't even admit it.
He is still talking about the fact that the bank was profitable in 2007 and 2008. At least MB smacked him by saying but now you own ML which had a $15bln loss..Duh???Now how will you make money???
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:28PM
@19
Actually that worked somewhat with Bush. Lick your wounds, you are probably heading to the poorhouse with that tactic.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 12:43PM
Ken Lewis made me gay.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:01PM
can't someone throw together a picture of KL holding an orange baby with Mozillo's face with the baby's hair on fire? Please!
Posted by Anal_yst , Feb 06, 2009 1:25PM
what a doosh
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:26PM
Isn't the operative phrase supposed to be "UNcategorically"?
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:32PM
@21 why doesnt the world see this?? it is so fn obvious that the guy is lying.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:34PM
@24 so you think he is cute???
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:44PM
@7 Of course Lewis is a retard. He went to a state school.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 1:51PM
30 = pathetic douche.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 2:02PM
Ken Lewis has just eliminated all access to dealbreaker for all employees.
RIP
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 2:31PM
OKAY......#8......and the urban dictionary.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 3:14PM
"It's been painful ... I am still as convinced as ever that strategically this make sense," Lewis said in the CNBC interview.
If that is not enough for the board to fire him then nothing is.
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 9:18PM
just watched the video.. sorry dealbreaker not available at work (*)#(!@)
it will be a miracle if bac has the same leadership come Q2! (@32 - spot on buddy!)
@8 - well said mate!
Posted by guest , Feb 06, 2009 9:52PM
ken lewis: both a serial diluter of the firm, someone who would buy any asset at greater than market, and a reminder that the test scores in Mississippi rank 52nd in the Union, behind Pr and Guam
Posted by guest , Feb 07, 2009 2:30PM
Banker of the Year? Try Asshole of the Year.
Posted by guest , Feb 07, 2009 3:50PM
@30, I must be extra retarded, I went to two state schools, UNC & UVA.
....and I wouldn't wipe my ass with your Fordham diploma.
Posted by guest , Feb 08, 2009 12:26PM
watch lewis be out of bac 6 - 12 months.
Posted by guest , Feb 08, 2009 12:46PM
EP when you say "Obama, thankfully (yes, I said that) has intervened and cut off Lewis" is that
a.) sarcasm bc as a blogger earning in the top 1% you benefitted so much from the Bush tax cuts and you really do not like Obama or
b.) does it mean that as a blogger earning in the bottom 1% you really like him bc you benefit from his social programs?
I'm just sayin...what do you guys at db pull in annually? Just curious.
Cheers,
Tanned Bnker