Today:

The Bush administration is examining a range of options for providing emergency financial help to spur a merger between General Motors and Chrysler, according to government officials.

Over the past year:

Every now and then I meet someone in Manhattan who has never driven a car. I used to wonder at such people, but more and more I wonder at myself.

Last campaign season:

People used to complain that selling a president was like selling a bar of soap. But when you buy soap, at least you get the soap.

Earlier this month:

GM said in a statement Friday that bankruptcy protection was "not an option."

Last week:

One of the biggest boosters of the American auto industry said Tuesday that he was bailing out of his large stake in the Ford Motor Company — a stinging no-confidence vote that raised the anxiety level in this city over the deepening troubles of the Big Three car companies.