Despite a live presidential explanation Wednesday night, two days of testimony by top government officials, and an endless series of lawmaker press conferences, many questions about the proposed bailout plan persist. Below, we offer answers to some frequently asked questions:

Who is the bailout supposed to help? . . .

Why doesn't the government just buy vacant real estate? Wouldn't that be easier? . . .

Observers also make this point: The problem is confidence on Wall Street, and buying vacant properties would not address that.

"It 's not clear that the foreclosed real estate or even the mortgages still held on the banks' books will have the effect" of stabilizing the markets, said Ellen Seidman, a former director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. "Of course, it's not clear that buying up MBS will, either." . . . Full story (subcription only)

• Email this page

See all New America articles, appearances & citations from American Banker