How A Frequent TTAC Commenter Nearly Became CEO Of General Motors

Selim Bingol, GM's PR bigshot, may not "negotiate with terrorists", but he nearly wound up working for a terrorist sympathizer who was active on terrorist message boards: Bingol's former client Ed Whitacre recommended the man as GM's next leader. Automotive News reports that Whitacre originally wanted Mark Reuss, son of a former GM exec, to become CEO. In the end, GM got Dan Akerson. So how to explain the TTAC connection? First, a preface. TTAC is committed to providing a positive experience for the commenters, provided they adhere to the commenting policy. Furthermore, we know that plenty of our readers work in sensitive positions within the industry, and their anonimity is extremely important. However, Reuss ended up outing himself. Reuss' s often snarky comments fit TTAC well. Likewise, Reuss would be a perfect fit for the top job at GM. Aftrr all, what's good for North America should be just great for GM. A youthful, knowledgeable, quick-witted Reuss definitely trumps an Akerson, who, according to Whitacre, was openly contemptuous of GM and their products – a charge commonly leveled at TTAC. Imagine that, a TTAC reader occupying the executive suite at General Motors. One can only snicker at the idea of a Manchurian Candidate or sleeper cell planted deep within GM to help undermine the evil labor unions, hard-touch plastics and Voltec R&D programs. As the son of a former auto executive myself, I know what it's like to visit Dad at the office and be awestruck by the magnitude and complexity off what goes into putting cool cars on the road – and the desire to fill Dad's shoes one day, working in the greatest industry on the planet. Just remember Mark, we are not an evil monolith dedicated to bringing down the RenCen, even if your PR guru thinks so. Reuss is young, and a frequent TTAC commenter can still be CEO. By endorsing him, we may have diminished his odds under the current regime, but there is always hope for a new one. Care to comment, nadude? from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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