Hi Jack, yes, I’m surprised by Sen. Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama. Anderson has asked the question of whether endorsements matter with voters, and when we hear the results of upcoming primaries and caucuses, I guess we’ll find out the answer to that question. Personally, I take endorsements with a grain of salt.

Thanks,
Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

It’s got to be politics with the Kennedys. They seem the type who are loyal up to a point- then if the friendship gets in the way of their political gain or advantage, the politics win out. I don’t know them, so it’s just my viewpoint. Powerhouse families seem to work from a point of not just personal stuff, but also power and money reasons.

Jack,
I’m not suprised at all about Senator Kennedy supporting Obama. He probably reminds him alot of his brother! Plus I would imagine that he like us is tired of all the things that Bill has said.

But I really don’t think it matters who endorses a candidate. I mean it doesn’t make me like or dislike someone because of who is backing them. And I think it’s that way for everyone. The issues matter more to me and what the candidate plans to do to change things around.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

I was surprised by the Kennedy’s endorsement but I do not think the endorsements will have much effect on the campaign especially among those too young to have witnessed the Kennedy admiinstration and its tragic end. To them, the late President Kennedy is a name in a history book and the idealism he brought with him to the White House an abstraction.

Endorsements give the candidate more free press time but very few voters vote for a candidate because someone or some union endorsed that candidate. We make up our own minds based on our own observances and not what someone else with a famous name says.

AnnieKate
Birmingham AL

This is interesting because when Caroline Kennedy announced her endorsement for Obama, she basically referenced him as having the same sense of hope and inspiration as her father which, in a small way, touched me. When Ted Kennedy announced his endorsement of Obama, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was necessarily a good thing since Ted has had his share of controversy in the past.

Well, you know what they say; never mixed politics with friendship so here’s a great example.

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

Anderson i thought it was shameful that Senator Kennedy abandoned his friends the clintons. As i listened to the senators speech taking shots at the clintons it was shameful. I thought Ted Kennedy could have waited to make his endorsement and done it with a little more grace and tact. My mom and I discussed it and she said she would still be their friend but with a long arm. Thanks anderson for being objective and fair about the race issue.

Rodney
Florida

Hi,
I was wondering if the Kennedy’s were going to endorse anyone. Given the fact that JFK was a change agent himself, I guess I am not surprised that his family formally endorsed Barack Obama. I will be curious to see if it has any impact on Super Tuesday. It will not affect my choice personally, but I know so many people are on the fence that it may sway some people.

I have to say that I am disappointed in Ted Kennedy’s decision to endorse Barack Obama. I have to believe that this one will really sting for the Clintons. Not only has there been a warm and enduring friendship between these two familes, but when Bill Clinton was president, he took the extraordinary step of ordering naval ships to search for JFK Jr’s body and his wife and sister-in-law after their tragic plane crash in 1999. He took some heat for approving the expense and resources, but he stood fast in his loyalty to the Kennedy family. The same cannot be said for the Kennedys.

It’s really a shame that they seem to think they have found the reincarnation of John Kennedy in this man. I see an earnest individual, capable of giving rousing and compelling speeches, but one who has the thinnest of resumes and one who has not been tested in the political arena. It seems that many are jumping on the Obama bandwagon. I am not among them. It is also important for this process to play out and for the voters to have their say. It is the American people, not CNN or the Kennedys, who will determine the Democratic party’s nominee. While this is a blow to the Clintons, it need not be a death knell. I think the timing of the announcement was artfully designed to coincide with the upcoming super Tuesday primaries.

I have fond and treasured memories of John and Bobby Kennedy. They will be in my heart forever. They did inspire me and make me a better person. But I am not looking for someone to replace them. The simple reason is that no one can ever replace them. They were special and unique. So I will content myself with wonderful and nostalgic reminiscences, but I will vote for the person who can best lead the Democratic party to victory.

Jack,

Why no mention of the endorsements of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Robert Kennedy Jr. and Kerry Kennedy?

The media used to refer to Edward Kennedy as an embarrassment to the Democratic Party, like he was the crazy drunken old uncle that you should hide in the backroom. Now all of a sudden he has great credibility. What has changed?

Even as an Independent voter, I have found CNN’s coverage of this schism to be more than biased. Even Geraldo’s coverage of this issue was more fair and balanced than CNN’s or MSNBC’s coverage.

You are doing a disservice to your viewers.

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

I would just like to say that long before Mr Obama was around I watched the press drilling Hillary about running for president.she made comments with a smile that she was only interested in the people of New York at the time.I would like to say that Ted Kennedy shows you lose a little when you get older.Vote for Hillary.I think that our country and other countries will not be sorry.I think she is a great lady.Remember ladies first. Mr. Ed from Mich.

“Developer linked to Obama arrested”

What kind of headline is this? Obama was not linked to this guy, he worked for a few hours on the file. The headline is misleading, like “Swiftboat” etc.

Rick

Ted Kennedy is like Bill Clinton; if you stay around long enough your face alone gives you some credibility, even though trust and honor never have been your strong points . Both Ted and BJ are like bad pennies. Without term limits, one of them will never go away. Bill, he just has to “be” for people to fawn at his feet. SO I guess my point is, who cares what the Kennedy fam. thinks? They are tax-and-spend Democrats who believe in big government. How hard is that to accomplish? Why don’t some of the Kennedys try to actually lower our federal income taxes while still spending whatever they need to get re-elected.

Today, I witness the most shocking thing- I watched Kennedy turn on what appear to be friends in order to ‘go with the crowd’! As an African-American Woman, I am not in support of Mr. Obama I feel the substance of his speeches and the changes he has declared- whatever those may be are not enough for me and my family to support. If anything, my vote is split between Hillary and John. Now, that the bomb shell has been dropped in what looked more like a Sunday-come-to-meeting service, I am more determined to help either Hillary and John win! Mr. Kennedy, disappoints me. I always felt, and was told that the Kennedy’s were people who stood next to and behind their friends. Today, proved wrong. I am preplexed about how the Media has coddled Obama, ignored Edwards and killed Hillary’s chances. What is more disturbing is in a debate you are to question your opponet get under his/her skin to make them look less favorable. I watched and listen to the media dennouce Hillary for doing that. IS the media giving him a free pass?!? As soon as anyone questioned Obama, they were deemed racist! Don’t you think we are all old enough to know the difference between a good debate and racist remarks/undertones. Apparently the media doesn’t know they are the ones who are starting it and keep it going. I guess race bating makes for good news! . So much so, you create panic and anger with rumors and 1/2 truths. For me and mine, we vote for the person who will carry our burdens, who will fight for us; WE vote for someone who has the same heart as us and will witness our struggles and is willing to make them better! I like others, are seeing the democratic party playing into this game. And we are going to lose. IF we can’t question a man about his ‘changes’ or what he exactly is going to do for the country (and if he could use his words and not others) then why is he in the game?! It seems to me (and others too) we have given Mr. Obama a pass because we do not want to look like racists or that we are picking on him. If he is nominated, what in the world do you think the Republicans are going to do? At this moment in time, the dirty ads, campaign tricks are going to get worse. How then will you shield him? Are you going to call them foul, racist etc. Well, I am going to sit back and watch what the republicans do and laugh at the Democrats. People are thinking that because they do not have such a strong pick of republican candidates that Obama will slide in with a win. WE thought that when Al Gore went up against that guy! And we thought that when Kerry was running against the same guy! Guess what happened!!
I am sad to think that in this next Presidential election, I have to vote Republican and that really hurts my heart.

Jack

It makes a difference. The name Kennedy is the closet thing we have to royalty in America. It has to be a stinging rebuke to the Clinton’s, this endoresement didn’t come from just anybody it came from the Kennedy’s the closest thing we have to royalty in America. Maybe more troubling the Clinton’s is the notion that the name “Clinton” in time will mean no more to America than the name “Bush.” Obama win or loose can can live upon the memory that ony in America can African-American who grew up without a father on the mean streets of Chicago can become a lawyer, a Senator, a wonderful father and be given the keys to Camelot. That is the America I dream about.

CNN, I did not see you cover Toni Morrison’s whole hearted endorsement of Barack Obama. (It was in the NY Times) Morrison’s endorsement of Obama is another slap in the face for Bill, the nation’s first black president (not).

Once again, may I remind you that your reference to “the Kennedys” or “Kennedy endorsement” needs to be clarified that Ted Kennedy and his niece, Caroline, is by no means an endorsement by all Kennedys. Not all Kennedys think alike.

Today on MSNBC, I watched Ted’s niece, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, endorse Hillary, and she and other Kennedy’s are actively campaigning for her. Here is the story:

http://www.observer.com/2008/todays-kennedy-endorsements-obama-2-clinton-1

Last November, Robert Kennedy Jr. endorsed Hillary Clinton (here it is again on MSNBC):

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22024587/

Please correct this — every show on CNN tonight repeatedly is running this story as an endorsement by the Kennedy family and that simply is not true. I personally would prefer an endorsement by Robert Kennedy Jr. over Ted and Caroline any day.

I have spent all evening writing CNN about this matter. This is unbelievably the most biased story line I have seen CNN run with since last week’s attempt to flag Bill Clinton as a racist. No wonder good people are no longer interested in serving our country in a political arena. Please return to unbaised and comprehensive news reporting. I miss the old CNN.

Why aren’t people questioning the hypocricy of Obama saying he is running as a Washington outsider and hates lobbyists and then aligns himself so closely to those who are Washington and lobbyists through and through when it comes to Teddy Kennedy and John Kerry. Having to use these folks to get the nomination (if Obama does) will be draped on Obama’s shoulders by the GOP big time.

Reply to Rick @7:21

Tony Rezko may turn out to be a bigger issue than it is now for Barack Obama. Three yrs. ago the Obamas bought a double lot from Rezko, EVEN THOUGH Rezko was under federal investigation at the time. The Obamas couldn’t afford both the house and empty lot next to it, so they did some backroom dealing to put Tony Rezko’s name on the title of the vacant lot next to the house. It was kind of a gray area whether or not this was legal. Now a few days ago, Obama is giving back $40,000 in political donations that can be tied to Rezko. You call that ‘only knowing the guy for a few hours’?!

This primary season is full of interesting subplots. Edward Kennedy supporting Obama is one of them. If Hillary Clinton does win the primary it would not be impossible that they are sailing together again. Just remember that Pres. Clinton and the senior Pres Bush have worked together and even are seen playing golf. If Obama wins the primary it will be interesting to see what happens. Good review of events, Jack! Iris Staub

Any future Kennedy who decides to run for president might face a lot of the same criticisms that Clinton is facing with respect to a few families monopolising American politics - especially if Clinton actually wins.

Hopefully he’s not being quite that cynical.

Angela, Ottawa, Canada

I’m at a loss to understand why the media is so agog over Caroline Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama. Would you be making such a big deal if Amy Carter, the Bush twins, et al started giving endorsements? Not to mention that Ms. Kennedy’s ad nauseum claims that various candidates are “inspiring”, uniting” and “like my father” have grown quite tiresome — think of John Kerry in 2004 for one example.

And as far as Senator Kennedy is concerned….if Obama wins the nomination, the Republicans will use the Senator’s endorsement against Obama in the general election. They’ve done it time after time with great success.

You’d think the Kennedy’s would finally figure out that their endorsements are the death knell for presidential candidates.

Mary
Illinois

Maybe Sen. Kennedy did not want to be the first victim of change if Obama gets elected. Obama claims he would change Washington and getting rid of old coots in the House and Senate could be a great start. I was too young to know JFK, but my Mom really liked him. I only know of his legacy through books and the media. I would take Caroline Kennedy’s support over Ted”s. All I remember about Ted is the trouble he has gotten into.

Where I live people will vote for the candidate that Edward Kennedy DOESN’T endorse.

Edward Kennedy and John Kerry are on our NO NO list. We have no respect for either senator.

This is the same senator kennedy who was the reason democrats went along with - no child left behind - and the same senator who maligned carter - diminishing him enough to make it easier for another feel good candidate.. reagan.. great record.

There never was a Camelot and Caroline Kennedy is as outdated as her Uncle Teddy. We are not dealing in fiction here, we need the best candidate and if the Democrats fail us the Republicans will win by default.

I think Ted Kennedy is afraid of what a Hillary Presidency means — it will overtake the Kennedy dynasty. He has been looking for a way to shun the Clintons and he found the right avenue… the so called Bill “race card.” Is Obama so great, with only 4 years in the Senate to get the endorsement? I dont think so!! YOu are correct, this is personal…… he is scared of an enevitable Hillary/Bill presidency. Shame on Ted!

I was stunned when I heard Sen. Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy
endorsements. So much for frienddshipsand loyalties. At least both could split the endorsement. Although, Senator Clinton received endorsements from some of Robert Kennedy’s children. At least they showed character and loyalty. Of course the media didn’t bother to show great coverage. That’s OK, People are watching and listening very carefully. We’ll see what happens on Feb.5.

I totally agree with Eddie and Jo Ann/Ohio.

I cant believe Caroline and Ted Kennedy backed Obama. I am even more suprised they would compare him to JFK. A great orator, visionary and unifier. At a time when the country was spinning out of control. As a woman of color, a LATINA, I am still waiting for a way to connect to Obama. And if I as a person of color born and raised in Chicago CANNOT find a connection with Obama how is white america and the rest of the world going to connect with him. Because we must ask ourselves, do we want a figure head or a leader?

The Kennedy’s just got on the Obama train. They dont want to be left out just in case he becomes the candidate after super tuesday. I HOPE NOT! I think they are sell outs. If you could turn on your friends, the Clintons, for popularity what would you do to your country.

People say if we elect Obama America would look like a society that is no longer rooted in racism. So, you are telling me we will give our country to an inexperienced man of color to look good around the world. Ridiculous! The goal is to take the BEST QUALIFIED candidate and make HER our PRESIDENT and allow HER to change the face of America around the world. Let Obama go back to Chicago and DC get a MORE experience and see you 2016.

To the Kennedy’s give it up. Your time is done especially Mr. Kennedy still living in JFK’s shadow and Caroline what does she do?

Isn’t everyone allowed to have an opinion?

Who cares about the Kennedys?

Through them out the door together with the Clintons and the Bushes!

New leadership to America!

Clean up the Old Politics - let’s have a new Democracy in our Future!

ML.
New York, NY

A very sad day when someone turns their back on friends. Ted has fallen for the mountains made out of, not always really acurrate, mole hills. Ex….the Jesse Jackson comment was made before the primary results were in and in response to a questions by reporter about how he thought Obama would do…..taken out of context.
Obama himself brought up race with the crude remark about saying he wanted to see if Bill could dance. I think that was insulting to blacks.
I do not think that he is the Kennedy people all over the country are really thinking about, and I really do not remember that as such a such a great time..and it was a sad ending. Inspiring as it may have seemed.
I do not respect Ted enough to change my mind and if Obama is the nominee, I will vote for McCain as he is a true hero and his actions speak louder than words.
Hillary has paid her dues and is not being given the respect she deserves nor her husband.
I have yet to really read or hear attention given to all the issues and sub issues that the candidates plan to address. I hope the next debate has pertinent questions for answers needed to be heard by voters.
,

I don’t think it matters. Who is Ted Kennedy these days anyway? What real influence does he have and does his opinion matter? I trust in the American people to decide for themselves without reliance on the opinions of the Kennedy’s, Oprah, John Kerry, etc.

Not sure what to think, but I’m sure that the Clintons are far more mature than they are being given credit for. I, for one do not look at the endorsements someone gets to me its what they themselves say, do and stand for that determines who I will vote for.

As they say, “Always keep your words soft and sweet… Just in case you have to eat them.” When you take sides you have to be prepared for your choice not winning, so if I were making endorsements I wouldn’t burn too many bridges.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

I was Glad President Clinton stood up for his wife, Sen. Kennedy needs shot down once in awhile he’s alway’s opening his big mouth. I don’t think his endorcement will matter anyway Hillary will win. Obama doesn’t have the experience to run the country we’d be in worse shape than we are now!

CNN has been very biased over the last few days with coverage for Obama. It means nothing to me that the Kennedy’s endorsed Obama but rather solidfies my deicsion to vote for Hilary-she doesn’t need the endorsements.

I’m just curious about Obama’s free pass. CNN would have had the Resko arrest boldly in the headline, had he been associated with Hillary. Why do you twist her every move, and paint her in such a negative light, but only show the positive side of Obama? Shame on you CNN. Fair and balanced? I think not.

Perhaps Ted Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama will, in fact, help Hillary Clinton. I think Ted Kennedy has done a great disservice to the Democratic party by jumping in the middle and deepening the divisiveness.

I also can’t help but note that Obama talks about getting away from the Washington status quo, yes he keeps getting endorsements from some of Washington’s longtime senators. What a sad day for the Clinton’s to get slammed by Ted Kennedy who seems to shift with the political winds.

I am really sick of listening to CNN reporters’ and guests blather on and on about the “powerful Obama coaltion” while at the same time disminishing Hillary Clinton’s strengths and her overall lead in key states. CNN has got to start getting some balance, or else you are going to be producing the same kind of “fair and balanced” news as Fox!

The Kennedy endorsement is not just an appeal to voters, it is a strong pressure on the Democratic Party machine to swing toward Obama and the future and away from Clinton and the past. He is an insider inviting Obama into the tent.

To Eddie@8:34, Nicely said!

I have been a loyal viewer for many years because I always thought that CNN gave an un-biased view on politics. I am now realizing how wrong I have been. I have been waiting for hours now to see your interview with Hillary Clinton (you have given McCain, Rommey and Obama each much air time this evening so far and nothing from Sen. Clinton.) Are you that biased? Plus, you have been touting this endorsement by the Kennedys’ as if it was the second coming of Christ! REALLY! Ted Kennedy is 76 years old and so the status quo in Washington! I remember John F. Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy so I am appalled that Ted and Caroline Kennedy would tarnish their JFK and Bobby’s names by coming out for Obama. I also do recall Sen. Obama stating something that he was going to get rid of the status quo in Washington and he even referred to Hillary as the status quo. I gues the endorsement from Ted is going to change his mind? As for Obama’s ties to Rezko - how come Obama was accepting campaign contributions while Rezko was turning off the electricity in his slums in Chicago? How come Obama did nothing to stop that and how come he wrote letters on behalf of Rezko. Why did Obama get to buy a house and plot of land from the Rezko’s for so below market price? I think there is something more to his just 5 hours at the law firm. But, you reporters will never really ask him about it, will you? Aren’t you suppose to question him on his record as you do with Sen. Clinton? I am a life long Democrat but I will never vote for Obama! Never!

I also will stop watching CNN since you are so biased in your coverage of the candidates!

When are the people going to decide who will be the next president or democratic nominee-when will the MEDIA get back to reporting news and NOT commenting on it-we don’t really care what you think -we want to hear you ask questions that matter on issues and needs of the people of all the candidates and stop grilling Hillary on what is unimportant or taking care of Barack as you have been for months now-Senator Hillary Clinton is the only one ready to be the PRESIDENT of the U.S.A. and here’s hoping that most people do not watch you or pay attention to your repetitious one-sided “infomercials” for Barack Obama-the candidate for changing the “old way of politics” who accepts Ted K.’s handout but is going to make a change -right. You did not report accurately this event today-some of the K family did endorse Hillary Clinton. The most important thing is that Hillary is someone who is about issues and people and getting the job done and that is what she is focused on and you fail to report those events-just the gossip!

VOTE for HILLARY CLINTON the only person to be the NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!

Anderson-you did such a good job reporting the horrors of the flooding of Katrina-what happened here that you and your organization has done so poorly accurately reporting the news of these candidates in a fair and unbiased manner? SHAME on you!

I have commented on this recently, but I feel that CNN, and especially 360 has pretty much endorsed Obama, and it really upsets me. I have been following closely since the beginning of the primaries, and most recently it seems as though all the questions are slanted in favor of Obama; talking about race versus gender, the Kennedy endorsement, and even tonight when Clinton did not appear on 360… It all seemed to be more than slanted news. I have relied on CNN for a long time to be the anti-Fox news (aka, ACTUALLY fair and balanced), and I really love Anderson Cooper 360. I wish you (the 360 team) would take a more convincingly neutral position on the democratic candidates and not further polarize the democratic party between Clinton and Obama!!!! Thank you.

It seemed odd to me that as the news pundits were talking about the Kennedy endorsement of Obama, Caroline Kennedy’s endorsement was heavily overshadowed by her uncle. Many spoke of Ted Kennedy and would say after the fact, “oh yes and Caroline came out of her private life to endorse Obama.” Another woman doesn’t matter to Ted Kennedy.

It seems that all Ted Kennedy wants is to exploit Obama’s craving for support such that he would overshadow what Caroline so thoughtfully said. Instead, of hearing what Caroline said, we see an angry old man on a stage that he sought so that he can attack Bill Clinton publically. This is all the news can focus on. We saw more clips of Ted’s angry voice than what Caroline said. In fact, if you missed what she said, you will never get to see it . Ted focused more on his personal attacks toward Bill Clinton than he said in support for Obama.

I am struggling with how having the first female to run for the office of President of the United States is the ‘past.’ These are ‘code words’ for a man who has not supported womens’ issues until or unless he was forced to do so to keep his Senate seat. Now, he is coming public and taking advantage of Obama to use Obama’s momentum to further his own cause, that of Ted ragging on Bill.

Obama doesn’t look so enlightened to many women who can see right through that ploy. Ted only cares about Ted. Longevity in the Senate doesn’t make him a saint, and one doesn’t have to go far to find the many events and circumstances that taint Ted’s life AND career.

It also seems odd to me to see people invoking John F Kennedy as being channeled through Ted Kennedy. Make no mistake about it, Ted Kennedy has never rivaled his brother’s short life. Ted may have outlived them all, but he can’t hide that he is an angry man who stole the thunder of his niece to chastise an old enemy.

P.S. PLEASE stop calling this a “Kennedy endorsement” as if it were the entire family!! Right now the kennedys (like much of america) are divided between the two candidates and I don’t see 360 saying anything about that! Be fair and balanced, Please.

I have never before “blogged”. I’m a virgin blogger. I’m also one of those silent, under-the-radar, voters that made the media blush and stutter because of their arrogant predictions for the “upper-tier” candidates.
Even the highly polished and high performance horsepower of the Clinton race team, seems just a little too flashly and overfunded, just because you have to win the race at all costs. Obama, on the other hand, seems to bring the young, underdog, and extemely talented racer, and good sport, to a level that we all do relate to.
Knowing that Senator Ted Kennedy has endorsed Obama, is truly a statement that even some old guards still have hope for change, and that change is seen in a young man with lofty goal, and a drive for all of the rest of us to have them too. He is passionate, and communicates that passion in a way that is been unispired in several generations. Geeez,,,,,, even if that is a bad thing, you have think it is something we all must think about.
Let’s all take a really hard look at who is who, and who can really lead us into very difficult and trecherous times ahead. We need a leader who will surprise(and please) our enemies by stern, but diplomatic dialog. The Kennedy’s (wether you like them or not) have always been ambassador’s for peace and good will, and for taking care of home at least as generously as you take care of foriegn homes. Fear is the unknown. Predujice is the unknown. We can have neither if we want to move forward to a healthy and prospurous period for our future generations. I think the Kennedy’s see that in Obama, and after some real inner-debate, I am supporting Obama. Not that anyone other than myself and the few around me really care, but I guess this is just a blog, and no one really cares anyway, this is just a place to vent……..Hmmmmm I really like this internet thing.
JPW…….

I wonder if Teddy’s endorsement is that great. His history of winning presidential primaries is not that good

Maybe the Kenedys (Ted and Caroline) are a little jealous of the Clintons: The Clinton Dynasty could take away the limelight the Kenedys have enjoyed over the years.

Chintana, Honolulu, HI

If Obama is really honest about change in Waashington, why is he aligning himself with politicians who have been part of the scene for so many years and such a part of the problem? Obama is definately not another JFK or Martin Luther King. He is still wet behind the ears in politics. I think your reporting is very biased against the Clintons. Give me a break, look where Kennedy came from, gang ties, politics and sex scandal.Just one of the “good old boys”. It is definately time for a change, I vote for HRC.

Michelle Obama said that “it is time for black people to wake up” what is that suppose to mean? and what if it were Hillary or Bill who said it? I am sure that there would be great cries of outrage immediately being broadcast over the airwaves. It is sad to say that the once trusted and prestigeous news media has so lost its objectiveness and credibility to the point of being shameless in their clamor to anoint Barrack Obama to the idealist throne.

CNN, you didn’t mention Ethel’s endorsement. It was in the NY Times today. Quote below.

A year later, near the end of Mr. Obama’s first year in the Senate, Ethel Kennedy asked him to speak at a ceremony for her husband’s 80th birthday. At the time, she referred to Mr. Obama as “our next president.”

“I think he feels it. He feels it just like Bobby did,” Mrs. Kennedy said in an interview that day, comparing her late husband’s quest for social justice to Mr. Obama’s. “He has the passion in his heart. He’s not selling you. It’s just him.”

It is so amazing how you people are being brain washed by the media. They report to you how they want you to think and thats what you do. The clintons are blamed for everything from weather problems of global warming to beating up on poor Barak. You people are giving this guy an absolute free pass on all the issues. You don’t even seem concerned about the qualifications of being the leader of the free world, a superpower. Your just going with how he makes you FEEL. I have never seen such an easy run for the white house everyone else has had to do their time and pay a price. This guy is…. a fairytell he’s got all of you spell bound with his looks and smile. Hell he could be the antichrist and you wouldn’t know it because you don’t stop long enough to really judge the man. All you hear is hope with a MLK want a be oritor and your hooked. Start asking tough questions and stop being taken with this guys charisma and style. At the end of the day he is no JFK and the republicans will eat him alive when all this hype is over. If you guys spent nearly the time really looking at this guy than you do blaming the clintons it would be a good day. Bill Clinton is not the enemy, what happen to frustration with the republicans and their policies. I have the feeling that if he took all of your suggestions that you would still find a reason to hate the clintons. They are questioned no matter what they say or do, it’s disected and analyzed to death until they spin into something bad. The media took clips of clinton statement to make it sound racist because thats what they do. This is not a perfect process and no political campaign is. This is a contest and people are in it to win. ITS NOT PERSONAL they don’t hate Barak this is just typical politics and if poor old barak can’t handle this, then he dam sure aint ready for the republican machine and bin laden and all the worlds problems falling his shoulders from day one. I would see his charisma and style then, when he starts aging three times over in just the first year of office. Come out of fantasy land and get real. Hillary is already playing varsity barak needs more time and go through the process just like everybody else, he aint no body special and he is no JFK.

Thanks
Rodney

I remembered the Clinton years as if they were yesterday. Things were good, so good I bought a house with very little money down and I still live in this house. I am not going into foreclosure and I have only 9 years left to pay it off.

I love Bill & Hillary Clinton. They are real people. Yes Bill Clinton has made
mistakes but that mistake did not cost one life. He has not done anything that any red blooded American male has not done or want to do. They were the first President to invite ordinary Americans to the White House and to National functions, put minorities in high office.

On a personal level, I like George Bush but he is a terrible President. His personality does not suit this job. One should be able to change course if things are not going well. George Bush cannot admit his mistakes and move on. He is going forward no matter the consequences and the results are here for all to see.

On another note, Ronald Reagan was a terrible President, although listening to the press and some conservatives he was the best thing since slice bread. But I lived under Ronald Reagan. He overhauled the tax code and cut taxes for the rich and let the middle class pay more. My taxes was raised under Reagan and that is a fact Shaun Hanity. Before Reagan we could write off the interests on car loans and interests on our credit cards. Reagan took that away from us. To me that is a tax increase. Plus he was anti workers and unions and didn’t care for the poor, even his son Ron Jr. and Patty Davis, his children said so.

Now back to the Clintons and Barack. Obama is all talk. Pretty boy with beautiful teeth and smile mimmicking MLK. This coutry is in so much trouble right now; an endless war, weak dollar (Canadian dollar tops US dollar), hugh deficits, lack of jobs and good paying jobs, lack of affordable health care. We need a tried and proven leader that is why I will vote for Hillary not Obama. I have not heard much from him what he can do to change this situation.

George Bush campaign on changing Washington, he was going to united us. Look what his change has done. Barack Obama cannot change Washington. much. It is what it is. Senator Clinton has the experience to make it better for all Americans. I understand a lot of blacks feeling the pride of seeing one of their own elevated and I am sure that time will come. Now is not that time. The Repbulicans will beat him.

Remember when Howard Dean won the democratic causus in Iowa and while giving is acceptance speech, in expressing his exuberance, screamed and said “He Ha”. Well the Press criticized him and told democrats to look for a new candidate. They listened and found one in John Kerry. What a mistake. They, the Media and the Republicans “swift boated” him; they said he looked more French than American, they even hinted that he always married into money and was living off his wife. They said his Purple Heart and wounds from Vienam was fake and that he was not even at the event he claim he received his injury. I watched in horrow that an election that democrats should have won handily went to Republicans by more than a million votes. It was brutal.

All of Hillary skeletons are out of her closets a long time ago. They have falsely accused her of everything under the sun. With Obama, I am sure the Republican dirty trick machine is working full time on his “swift boat” to plant doubt in weak voters mind. I have never taken advice from any one whom to vote for. That is a very personal matter - no newspaper editor or anyone else is going to tell me whom I should vote for. I vote strickly on the issue and how it affect my personal life and the future of the Country.

Having said that

Sounds like sour grapes to me — the Hillary/Bill Clinton camp would have given their eye teeth for the Ted/Caroline Kennedy endorsement. Now, the attacks on Ted Kennedy will surely begin anew, this time by disgruntled Democrats.

I was very glad to hear of the endorsement from the Kennedy Family. JFK, like Obama, was young, very well liked by the younger generation, has a goal for America, and most of all, not jaded by Washington! I love the Kennedy Family and I wasn’t even alive for that experience! I felt the pain of everyone in our country when I learned about JFK! To know that our government is that corrupt! So to Ted, thank you sir! To Obama, keep the dream alive!

Hi Jack,

I am not surprised by this endorsement. The Kennedys play by their own rules and don’t know the meaning of loyalty. Ted sees the Clinton’s faltering campaign and waning power and is simply doing what a sycophant does, latching on to the next good thing. I just hope that as Obama gains these types of allies he is able to keep his integrity.

Projecting a “sense of hope and inspiration” is NOT enough. Every president and presidential candidate has done this on some level. We don’t need an inspirational speaker sugar-coating us and raising false hopes. We can get that in Sunday sermons at church. We need someone to “be real” with us so we can get to work–not talk and dream about better things. We need someone with political saavy and know-how in U.S. and world politics. We need someone with experience. Hillary has done her time. She brings with her a brilliant mentor. She’s worked with and learned from the best. Let’s take advantage of Hillary’s know-how and put O’Bama in the oval office when he’s a bit more seasoned.

The endorsement of Ted Kennedy doesn’t mean much other than the fact that the fading star [or stars] of the Democratic Party are looking to leech themselves to the newest Democratic celebrities. After the tragic end of JFK and RFK the Kennedy family has attributed to American society more in gossip and scandal than in constructive change and discourse in American politics. Teddy’s son railing against America doesn’t necessarily buck up with the pro-American optimism of his family’s fore bearers. Teddy knows this and knows the only way to continue the political viability of his family’s name is to trade on the allusion and memory of Camelot long since passed, that may arguably may have never existed. This is news only because the media still reviles in the fantasy of Camelot. Obama could have gotten a much better endorsement; lets hope his association with the Kennedys don’t point some affinity for their improprieties.

Jack, Anderson and the rest of the “best political team”,

I am not impressed with recent endorsements. I have two concerns with the Kennedy’s endorsemnt of Obama. First, Sen Obama has been claiming he is about “change” from the status quo. Yet he actively sought and acccepted an endoresment from a political figure so entrneched in “staus quo” ranking that it defies my imagination. Second, I am deeply concerned with the notion of the Kennedy’s “passing the torch”, “anointing a candidate”…language and images of these contradict the notion of democracy and create images of a monarchy/dynasty. I am so disllusioned with this whole endorsement thing. And one final note, I am not planning to tune into CNN coverage anymore. I really sense that your coverage is more about shaping opinion rather than reporting the facts. I will regret tuning you folks out because I do have respect for Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer. I hope the next set of debates in CA stay on the real issues.
Marian
Wyncoye PA

response to Election Coverage Article: CNN.com users react to Kennedy backing Obama.

After reading the comments made by people from your Country, I am saddened. For people to say that the only reason Barack is getting support is because he is black, and that the reason he won South Carolina is because 50% of the voters were african american is totally racist.

I could easily say the only reason Bush won was because of his father. Secondly because more then 50% of American voters are white. I myself am Canadian. And I would love to see Barack as your new President. For those of you who says he has no experience. He can’t do any worse then your current President who is a complete Dumbass. And to think that you guys voted him in for 8 years. Seriously, Bush wouldn’t be able to do anything if it were not for his advisors and writers.

To start a war in Iraq on the basis they had Weapons of Mass Destruction is ok. But I have yet to see any report that says they found any.

Whether the endorsement by the Kennedy’s help Barack’s campaign or not. Americans as individuals are the ones that ultimately make the decision. Whether they want to take the Kennedy’s input as something valuable, that’s perfectly fine.

As I said, I would love to see Barack in the White House. Cause a country who needs change, need to start by changing.

Regards,
Shannon
Alberta, Canada

I listen to all the comments regarding Carolyn and Teddy Kennnedy’s endorsement of Barak in the Democratic race but I never hear of Robert Kennedy jr, Kathleen Kennedy and Kerry Kennedy’s endorsement of Hillary. You seem to think Teddy and Caroline Kennedy are more important but at thye very least Governor Kathleen Kennedy, RFK jr, and Kerry Kennedy to me are equally important. Their LA Times Article should not be ignored while Caroline and Teddy’s endorements are stressed on the air.