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.
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- Use the Bloomberg command
NH BLG_DEALBREAKER <GO>
to access Dealbreaker
lewis is gay
Maria: Did you overpay
Lewis: Well, you could kind of say that. But it’ll work in the longrun!!
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.
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….
ugh. he’s doing terrible. take him off the air.
he looks like he could use a drink.
God could this guy be less impressive? Dimon makes Lewis look like a retard.
@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
o’s got it right. his salary should be def. capped at $500k…
Lewis’ “score” is already on the scoreboard. ‘Nuff said.
“Categorically” they will not need more government money.
That should utterly kill the shorts – at least until they take more money from the government.
it’s no wonder the economy is in the shitter. all you wall street fuckers do all day is watch TV.
i think you guys are being too tough on him. i’d feel better as a shareholder after hearing his interview.
Lewis : “We will NOT need further money from the government”
Ok dude, career on the line officially.
Why does Ken look exactly like Bobby Bowden?
12 – and what fucking job do you do so terribly that you sit around and read wall street blogs. go pound sand you quailfluffer.
“Geitners plan is not doing anything to remove the troubled assets” – Joe Lavorgnia on CNBC
“Quailfluffer” — I’m appropriating that –it’s a keeper!
my new rule – sell, no matter the level, whenever BHO takes the mic.
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”
Liesman just explained how Lewis was revising history regarding the decision to go after MER.
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???
@19
Actually that worked somewhat with Bush. Lick your wounds, you are probably heading to the poorhouse with that tactic.
Ken Lewis made me gay.
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!
what a doosh
Isn’t the operative phrase supposed to be “UNcategorically”?
@21 why doesnt the world see this?? it is so fn obvious that the guy is lying.
@24 so you think he is cute???
@7 Of course Lewis is a retard. He went to a state school.
30 = pathetic douche.
Ken Lewis has just eliminated all access to dealbreaker for all employees.
RIP
OKAY……#8……and the urban dictionary.
“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.
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!
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
Banker of the Year? Try Asshole of the Year.
@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.
watch lewis be out of bac 6 – 12 months.
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