« February 2009 | Main | April 2009 »

Closing Arguments: U.S. Heading in Right Direction?

March 30, 2009 11:55 PM

In early October, a record low 8 percent of Americans said they believed the country was heading in the right direction.

By January -- just before the Obama inauguration -- that number was up to 19 percent.

It has now climbed to 42 percent, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released at midnight tonight -- some 70 days into the Obama administration.

So what do you think? Is America heading in the right direction? Or are we still off-track?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" anytime on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 30, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (91)

Closing Arguments: So, Does Satan Exist?

March 26, 2009 11:16 PM

There has been no shortage of opinion about tonight's Face-off debate.

Now, you have heard both sides of our panel sound off on the matter.

Perhaps you had an opinion to begin with.

Maybe one of the panelists has changed your mind. Maybe not.

But now we want you to know what you think: Does Satan exist?

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 26, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (427)

Closing Arguments: Grading the President & Press

March 24, 2009 11:01 PM

So what did you think of the President Obama's press conference tonight? 

Was he asked the important questions?  Did he answer them? 

Do you feel more confident in the economic system after hearing the president speak?

Our Chief Washington Correspondent George Stephanopolous gave an A- to both the president and the press.

Tonight, we ask you: Is he being too easy on them? What are your grades?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 24, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (97)

Closing Arguments: AIG Makeover Just Lipstick on a Pig?

March 23, 2009 11:16 PM

The New York attorney general said earlier tonight that 15 out of the top 20 bonus earners at AIG have returned the payments -- worth a combined $30 million.

At the same time, the beleaguered company -- which has received $170 billion in bailouts -- is trying to give itself a makeover -- changing its name to AIU Holdings.

So tonight, we ask you: Is it worth it? Can the rebranding possibly change the public perception of AIG? Or is the company's reputation forever marred?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 23, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (31)

Closing Arguments: Outing AIG Execs a Danger?

March 20, 2009 10:31 PM

The Connecticut attorney general today released the names of 11 AIG executives subpoenaed to appear before that state's banking committee next week to answer questions about compensation.

Earlier this week company CEO Edward Liddy said he feared for the security of his employees.

And now, word of a bus tour tomorrow to protest outside the Connecticut homes of top AIG executives.

So tonight we ask you: Should the executives names be made public? Or is there legitimate reason to fear for their safety?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (44)

Closing Arguments: Taxing as a Weapon

March 19, 2009 11:02 PM

The House today overwhelmingly passed a 90 percent bonus tax for companies that needed $5 billion or more in bailout help.

The Senate is considering a 70 percent tax that would apply to companies that received $100 million or more in taxpayer help via the government.

And President Barack Obama said he looks forward to receiving a final bill that will send a "strong signal" to corporate executives.

So tonight, we ask you quite simply: Should lawmakers use taxes as a weapon to punish?

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 19, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (78)

Closing Arguments: Geithner's Future

March 18, 2009 11:15 PM

Amid all the finger-pointing and AIG outrage today came calls for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to step down because of his handling of the insurance giant.

One Florida Republican called the entire Timothy Geithner experience "a disaster."

The president, however, is standing by his man -- for now.

So tonight: we ask you: Should Geithner step down or does he deserve the public's patience?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 18, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (53)

Closing Arguments: Risking YOUR Own AIG

March 17, 2009 10:58 PM

From taxing those big bonuses to simply taking them back, the race is to find a way to punish AIG executives who have needed billions from taxpayers just to stay afloat.

But some financial experts are waving a yellow flag of caution -- reminding the public that an attack on AIG is an attack on a company they own 80 percent of.

So tonight, we ask you: Would you like to see the bonuses recouped at any cost? Even if it renders AIG incapable of paying back their bailout?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 17, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (44)

The Breakfast Wars

March 17, 2009 7:27 PM

David Wright Reports:

The breakfast wars are heating up and hyper-caffeinated these days, as New England-based Dunkin’ Donuts gets ready to battle Seattle.

“Dunkin’ beats Starbucks,” DD president Will Kussell boasted to “Nightline.” Dunkin’ is now the consumer's number one choice both for coffee sold over the counter and coffee beans packaged in those little foil bags. 

Dunkin’ has just launched a new $100 million ad campaign aimed at luring more Starbucks customers over to them.

The economic slowdown has played to Dunkin’s strengths. Fast food typically does well in recession, and at Dunkin’, the emphasis is on fast: in and out in under 5 minutes, and usually under $5.

Dunkin’ customers pride themselves on being low maintenance, regular Joes.  They tend to be the type of people who’d prefer not to speak Italian when ordering a cup of coffee.  Small, medium and large are just fine, thank you.

At Dunkin’, a cup of coffee will set you back $1.39 – for a small.  Starbucks is considerably more expensive.

Business analysts say price is one reason why the recession has hit Starbucks so hard. 

“In this environment, certainly it's tough to get people to spring for the $4 latte,” said Timothy Calkins, a clinical professor of marketing at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. 

The Seattle coffee giant has been forced to close hundreds of stores and lay off thousands of workers.  The stock price is about equal now to a venti mocha latte.

Dunkin’, meanwhile, is growing.  Officials at the privately-held company say sales have grown consistently 5 percent per year.  Dunkin’ opened at least 800 stores in 2008.

“This is a time period right now where people are looking for comfort,” said Dunkin’ executive chef Stan Frankenthaler.  “Familiar foods, nostalgic foods, comfortable foods, flavors that bring back good memories.”

Frankenthaler took “Nightline” behind the scenes at Dunkin’s top secret test kitchen.  Among the chef’s latest creations are a breakfast sandwich that’s sort of like an Egg McMuffin, but made with waffles and with the maple syrup baked right in.  According to Frankethaler, the New Yorker magazine called it “lowbrow brilliant,” a review he’s proud of. 

“I love that," he said.  "That’s perfect.  That’s exactly what we want to be.”

In recent years, Dunkin’ has tended to emphasize the coffee more than the doughnuts.  The company already underwent significant belt tightening, as America tightened its belt during the 90s’ obsession with low carbs and zero trans fats.

Now, though, the doughnut is back.

“Nightline” viewers are getting a sneak peek at a new doughnut due to hit stores tomorrow.  All we can tell you here is that the pink icing is so thick you can just picture how it’ll cling to your arteries.

Dunkin's advice to the diet conscious?

"Well, we have Munchkins," Kussell said.

Company officials believe that, during the recession, people are more eager to count their pennies than their pounds. 

March 17, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (18)

Closing Arguments: How to Punish AIG?

March 16, 2009 11:02 PM

We reported earlier tonight that it may be too late to stop some of the $165 million in AIG bonuses, despite the backlash many Americans are expressing toward the insurance giant.

But all of the rabble-rousing aside, if the contracts dictating these bonuses cannot be rescinded, what action do you think the government should take to signal the outrage?

Tell us what you think.

And follow "Nightline" on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline

March 16, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (122)