by Calculated Risk on 12/05/2008 09:49:00 PM

Eric had to be inspired by the auto executives ...

Click on cartoon for larger image in new window. Cartoon from Eric G. Lewis

Update: It looks like the graph might have worked! From the NY Times: Democrats Plan Short-Term Rescue for Big Three

... Democratic Congressional leaders said on Friday that they were ready to provide a rescue plan for American automakers, and that they expected to vote on the legislation in a special session next week.

Seeking to end a weeks-long stalemate between the Bush administration and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, senior aides said that the money would most likely come from $25 billion in federally subsidized loans intended for developing advanced fuel-efficient cars.

By breaking that impasse, the lawmakers could also clear the way for the Treasury secretary, Henry M. Paulson Jr., to request the remaining $350 billion of the financial industry bailout fund.