It's an inconceivable idea. After years of Republican bashing of the scheme that George W. Bush cooked up, and Obama had to reinterpret to put some curbs on a Wall Street Giveaway, the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), with the Obama amendments, has worked.
74% of the money has been returned to the Treasury, along with billions in interest and billions more in stock options that the Government still can cash in on. With AIG's stock sale coming up shortly the returned amount will be closer to 80%. Considering that institutions under TARP had until 2017 to repay, the program is well ahead of schedule.
Democrats should be touting TARP. Mr. Obama saved the economy by putting the limits on the program and requiring serious change in the boardrooms of places like GM and Citigroup. The media, which blew the numbers way out of proportion back in 2008, also owe a few features, if not an apology, for blowing it that badly. For my complete take, see my personal blog by clicking on the graphic for "Sorry, Republicans. TARP Worked."