THE BIG QUESTION — Dec. 5

The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.

Today’s Big Question is:

Have the Big Three made a strong enough case for a bailout?

See responses below from Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook, Libertarian Party Chairman William Redpath, NDN’s Dr. Robert Shapiro, and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Joan Claybrook, president, Public Citizen said:

The Big Three came to Washington, D.C., this week, hats in hand, seeking even more taxpayer money than last month. At least this time they made a stronger case. Read the full response

William Redpath, national chairman, Libertarian Party said:

The “Big Three” are back on the Hill, and this time the question is whether they can make a strong enough case in order to receive billions of dollars in taxpayer-backed loans to save their companies from bankruptcy.

Despite all the trappings of a truly repentant lot of CEOs who just got a bad shake (this trip, they substituted their private jets for hybrid cars), there is no case that they can make that will be strong enough to justify even $1 being used to prop-up their failed companies. Read the full response

Dr. Robert Shapiro, chair of Globalization Initiative, New Democratic Network said:

In a remarkable spectacle, an Administration with a sustained record of economic blunders and failures finds itself aghast at the mistakes and mismanagement of U.S. automobile companies. Imagine Confederate General John Pemberton, after leading his forces to an historic defeat at Vicksburg, dismissing his cook for squandering the rum rations. Read the full response

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) said:

No.