This ought to be a very interesting test case for
Obama. Democrats love them some organized labor because it's a fairly large voting block. Scott loves him some Fiat because of the Alfa possibility. Obama needs the deal to go through, but the UAW may try to get Dem support to force it. Fiat has absolutely no real stake in making the deal happen without the concessions.

Very interesting, indeed. Will Obama be forced to attempt to help the unions? Will he abandon them and hope they've got a short memory in 2 years and then in three/four? This would mean he needs to let the free market solve something - an anathema to Democrats everywhere. Or will he intercede to save the unions and cost the taxpayers even more money?

Yes, I must admit to feeling very conflicted about this whole thing. We'll see.

On the plus side, if Fiat gets what they want, they'll be a better company for it and maybe Chrysler's quality will actually go up. Still won't get to the level of a Toyota, but maybe it'll get out of the cellar.

The best thing that could happen to Fiat is to build cars in the US. Italians have always had very real problems with build quality, and likely always will. From what I've read, it's just not a cultural priority.

The US worker, when not overseen by a union boss, does not have this problem. Like the old TV commercials, they're expensive, but worth it.

Portuges Water Dogs for all! Too bad he said earlier in his election that is was going to be a shelter dog.

Aren't they not supposed to accept gifts? The dog was a gift.