President-elect Barack Obama criticized the government's oversight of the financial industry today...saying they'd been "asleep at the switch." Obama commented after naming his choices to head the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies.
The president-elect blasted investment managers and corporate executives who put their own interests ahead of clients and the country.
He's vowing to bring openness...and accountability...to financial markets.
Obama said Americans are crying out for what he calls "adult supervision" of some industries that have lost their way.
And he cited the alleged Ponzi scheme run by Bernard Madoff as a case in point.
President-elect Barack Obama is defending his choice of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration.
The selection brought objections from gay rights advocates who say they're troubled by Warren's support for a California ballot initiative banning gay marriage. It was approved by voters last month.
Obama told reporters in Chicago that America needs to "come together," even when there's disagreement on social issues. He also said it's "no secret" that he's a "fierce advocate for
equality" for gays and lesbians - and he said that support will continue.
Obama pointed out that a couple of years ago, he was invited to Warren's church to speak, despite their disagreement on some issues.
The president-elect says a "wide range of viewpoints" will be presented during the inaugural festivities.
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