Fox News Channel Interview - Transcript

Interview

Fox News Channel Interview - Transcript\

FOX NEWS CHANNEL INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR JOHN CORNYN (R-TX) VIA TELEPHONE INTERVIEWER: BILL HEMMER

SUBJECT: AIG BONUSES

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MR. HEMMER: In the meantime, though, we're getting more reaction to the clumsy stimulus rollout, coupled with doubletalk on the AIG matter. It's all got the Treasury secretary, Tim Geithner, in a hot spot right now, the center of a firestorm -- at least three members of Congress already calling for his resignation this week.

With me now for reaction on that, Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas. And Senator, welcome back here. Good morning to you.

SEN. CORNYN: Good morning, Bill.

MR. HEMMER: What do you think the fate should be for the Treasury secretary?

SEN. CORNYN: Well, you know, the problem is that Tim Geithner is home alone at the Treasury Department. There are 17 senior positions that have yet to be nominated, much less confirmed. And I think more people are asking -- I'm asking -- where, Mr. President, is the plan? Where's the focus on the number-one priority, which is the economy? You know, it was back in Bill Clinton's candidacy for president where they were -- you know, said it's the economy. And I would say, Mr. President, it's the economy. Where is the focus? Less attention on appearing on Leno, less worrying about March Madness, let's get with the plan. Let's get people in place to execute the plan. And I think we'd be in a better place.

MR. HEMMER: So you're -- just to be clear on this, Senator, your criticism is directed at the White House, not the Treasury Department?

SEN. CORNYN: Well, of course, the Treasury Department works for the White House, works -- Tim Geithner has been the only person who has been nominated and confirmed to a senior position at Treasury, yet they're the ones responsible for trying to get the economy back on track, together with the Federal Reserve. So I'm -- I think that's one of the reason for the confusion, because there seem to be no priorities, no focus, and a lack of attention on job number one, which is to get the economy back on track. That's why I think you're seeing all of these miscues and mistakes.

MR. HEMMER: Well, you had some strong words on the floor of the Senate yesterday, and you called out the president on that. What's your beef there?

SEN. CORNYN: Well, it's what I've discussed with you this morning. I think it's just the lack of focus. What kind of message does it send when the president appears on Leno and the president's more concerned about making his picks for NCAA basketball tournament?

MR. HEMMER: Well, what you said in part, Senator -- you said -- I'm quoting now -- "he seems to disdain or at least have very little regard for the hard work of governing." What's the suggestion there --

SEN. CORNYN: Yeah, that's right.

MR. HEMMER: -- that he's leaving others to craft the legislation, he sits on the sidelines? That's pretty strong stuff.

SEN. CORNYN: Well, I think -- I think what we've seen is that, you know, we've seen a continuation of the campaign, but campaigning and governing are very different. And I think it takes hard work, and it takes rolling up your sleeves and getting focused on the number-one priorities. And I just am not seeing that from the administration.

MR. HEMMER: You know, there's been a lot of rage about the bailout for AIG. I don't know what your position is on it. But do -- does every member of Congress bear some responsibility for this?

SEN. CORNYN: No, because basically Republicans were frozen out of the conference committee, and basically, you know, very little Republican support in passing the stimulus. Senator Dodd has said he inserted these provisions in the stimulus bill which protected these bonuses. There may be some reasons for that. We really haven't heard them. And I think, of course, the president signed it. Now, he and others have claimed they're outraged that this all is happening, but you know, they need to look in the mirror at who's responsible for it.

MR. HEMMER: Well, Senator, thank you for your time this morning.

SEN. CORNYN: Thank you, Bill.

END.

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