You know there’s a problem when a former CEO of a major American company says American CEOs are probably closer to the Chinese premier than they are to President Obama.
This morning on CNBC’s Squawk Box, the hosts and guest were discussing the upcoming visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to meet with President Obama and a number of American CEOs. They were explaining how there may be mixed messages and difficulties with the premier meeting with the president, and then business executives.
Host Joe Kernen then posed a question to guest and former CEO of Honeywell, Larry Bossidy, and the following exchange occurred:
Kernen: “Is the President in a good position to speak for the private sector and for the CEO?”
Bossidy: “No, no connection of the two.”
Kernen: “No! … Who’s closer to the CEOs, the Chinese premier or, or our president?”
Bossidy: “Well, probably the Chinese premier.”
Kernen: "I think so too, unfortunately."
