Chrysler Sale Stymied

Obama just can’t get a break today. The Supreme Court decided in favor of delaying the sale of Chrysler to the Italian automaker Fiat and also struck down a challenge to the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, in a double-blow to the president’s agenda. Beyond Justice Ruth Ginsburg's one sentence statement that the car sale is "stayed pending further order of the undersigned or of the court," it is unclear how long the delay will remain in place as the court considers appeals from an Indiana pension fund and consumer groups opposed to the deal. The decision is a blow to President Obama, who hailed a declaration of bankruptcy as the best option available to both Chrysler and G.M. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court struck down a challenge to the U.S. military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, and had also cracked down on the influence of campaign donors on the nation's judges. Obama said he supports a repeal of the military policy, which allows the dismissal of openly gay servicemen and women.