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February 7, 2008
Blog from the anchor desk 2/7/08
Posted: 09:33 PM ET

We had a great first night for our blog from the anchor desk.  Anderson read the blog during the program, saw all the comments, and was able to post a few of his own.

Tonight, John King fills in for Anderson.  The program will focus on politics, the tornadoes in the midwest,  Michael Vick’s dogs, and Britney Spears troubles.

Building on last night, please keep your comments focused on the content and context of the live program.  I’ll start posting at 10p ET and close the blog to comments at midnight.

Hope you watch, and join in the discussion.

124 Comments
Filed under: Behind The Scenes •  Live Blog
124 Comments
Fay, Vacaville, CA   February 7th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

Thanks for laying down some ground rules, hopefully the majority of the posters will adhere to them.

Jolene   February 7th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Hi John:

So, Mitt’s out of the race, or is he? What about a McCain / Romney dream ticket? You know, McCain’s strength with the Military and Romney’s strength on the economy. Hmmm.

So, what happens to Mitt’s delegates now?

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I think Romney did the right thing by stepping aside!

Cynthia, Ga.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Making it easier for Obama or CLinton? I think it is going to be easier for them with or with out him..

SeaMnky   February 7th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

john,

How much fun is it to play with the election maps?

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I Love that map he has but it looks way better in BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I think McCain and Huckabee should pair up! Maybe that’d help McCain with the conservatives!

Cynthia, Ga.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I think it is grea that is great that money cant buy your delegates!

Julie Aberdeen, NC   February 7th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Glad you’re in subbing for AC John. Good luck today. Glad we got to see some map work! The Jerry McGuire line was funny!

Ratasha   February 7th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Hey John,
Here’s my question. Is it really fair that Donna Brazille has more of say in this election than I do? The whole concept of super delegates is ridiculous to me. How are these so-called “super” delegates chosen? And what is their purpose? Politicians and party officials have opinions just like everyone else, and they also have their own agendas. Why do they get a “super” vote, while I just get a regular vote? Thanks, Ratasha
Annapolis, MD

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Do you think that the conservatives will end up backing McCain or just not voting?

Cynthia, Ga.

pat santoro   February 7th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Pardon me, but why do conservatives think they should be in charge of our country? Why not give the liberals a chance? The conservatives have had their chance to be captain of the ship and here we are sinking—- so I say, liberal is not such a bad word.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

why isnt he dropping out…there is now way that he could catch up I dont understand that…..

Renee   February 7th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

John love the new maps. I was just wondering we always thought Tom Foreman was Mr. Map. Have you bumped him from that title?

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

JOhn you are lucky it isnt as crazy as it was last night!

Sarah, Atlanta, GA   February 7th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

John, it’s good to see you in the anchor chair tonight :D

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

coincidental but fun: filling in on a day when there is major political news!

another remarkable day in a wild year .. but mccain’s challenges are still plenty.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

I agree with Pat!!!!!!

Larry   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

I don’t understand the huck bashing….sure he raised taxes as governor, but so did Reagan…sometimes you have no choice…..he was for the bush tax cuts, he signed the no tax hike pledge and he’s for the fair tax.

Dino Furgiuele, Mississauga, ON, Canada   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

John King like the virtual board can you take it out now with the dems…

very cool like the way you work things to make it simple

A/C done for dinner….can’t wait for you to be back at full throttle

Keep John King on board

Question? Is Huckabe or Romney looking for a loosing VP Ticket?

sorry about the sp check but we can’t have it all

like the live blog very cool

Dino Furgiuele
Mississauga, ON Canada
dinojf@rogers.com

Lee   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Thank you for subbing tonight. You are the election professional. Will you be the keeper as a substitute host?

John   February 7th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Hey John,

Time to talk about the Ron Paul Factor. After Huck and Romney gone, the real threat to the McCain Presidency is a Ron Paul third party run.

Time to talk about the Ron Paul revolution moving into phase two.

thanks,
John

Christopher K.   February 7th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

We see the conservatives of this country saying that they are not going to vote for McCain and, instead, they’ll vote for Hillary. While I say “go for it” and vote for her, I think that the majority of republicans will go for McCain. They may cry about his candidacy now, but they will most likely join him.

Kathryn   February 7th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

can you ask John Rollins about Dr. james Dobson endorsing Governor Huckabee? And thank you for having Ed Rollins on your show and acknowledging Governor Huckabees presence in the race.

deb   February 7th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

And then there were 2??? Did you forget Ron Paul? If his speech today at the CPAC were allowed to be heard, there would be a landslide victory for the Republicans. If the Republicans want a conservative, a Reagan, they have one in Ron Paul. Why can’t the media let the American people choose their president instead of you choosing it for us? Wake up America!

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

I think for the republicans it isa 1 person race…isnt that obvious?

Marcia   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

John what do you think McCain cold do to sway the ultra conservatives; if anything?

Frank, Philly   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Ashame that Romney’s best speech of the cycle came at the end.

Julie Aberdeen, NC   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

It really is a good day for you to be filling in. I think there are more surprises ahead this year.

ashanty from nc   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Good luck tonight with the blogging!
Will Mitt’s delegates be split between the remaining candidates? Or will they be tossed?
Tell AC I hope he feels better :-)

Sympathizer   February 7th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

As an independent whose watched this race closely recently, I feel bad for Romney. So is all the money he spent essentially wasted? What will he do with all those delegates he has locked up to his own?

Alan   February 7th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Given the Super Tuesday turnouts of D’s vs. R’s, don’t the D’s have a significant advantage in November?

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

you know something that amizes me is why the republican are arguing about being a conservitive, why arent they arguing about the issues?

Annie Kate   February 7th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

So why are the ones dropping out - like Romney on the GOP side and Edwards on the Democratic side - not endorsing anyone? And what happens to their delegates - does the state party give those delegates new assignments or what? How does this work??

Glad to see you John. You’ve been really good covering the election.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Liam   February 7th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

John,

What will happen to the delegates that Mitt Romney has won so far?
Will they be allowed to choose the candidate they wish to support? or be split between McCain and Huckabee?

Thanks,

Liam

Kurt Nicholas   February 7th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

John, I’m watching the broadcast from Sydney Australia….John McCain will make a great candidate for the Republicans. As I am seeing first hand; America needs a President that conservatives around the world can connect with….but the right side of politics in countries like Australia and our friends in the United Kingdom is more aligned to moderate conservatism. McCain’s moderate stance is appealing.

Kurt Nicholas, Sydney Australia

Tom   February 7th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I hear everyone talking about how this is only a two man race in the Republican debate, how about Ron Paul, he hasn’t given in yet, maybe this will open up more votes for him. Give everyone an equal chance.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   February 7th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

John,

I am surprised that the Republicans are so divided in this election. I can’t believe they really think that Huckabee would be a stonger candidate in November.

Something tells me they don’t want anyone in the White House the GOP cannot control.

Jo Ann

Jamie   February 7th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hi John! What is your take on the whole Britney Spears drama? How do you feel about reporting on it?

CT   February 7th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

to the donna brazil question - well is it fair that bill clinton is a superdelegate, when we all know for a fact who he’ll be voting for? doesn’t that seem nespotic? if you’re talking about superdelegates deciding who our democratic nominee will be, first consider the background of most of them… most of these delegates are obliged to the clintons from bill’s administration. the whole system is seriously flawed, and gives so much room for a corrupted democratic convention. in fact, why not just call it the clinton convention?

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hey John, nice to see you filling in for Anderson tonight!

It was smart of Romney to drop out and stop wasting money on this campaign that he’s not going to win. Huckabee should do the same.

Charles Bright   February 7th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

John,

Always admire your perspective on everything. I have to tell you that it was a sad today as Romney left the race. It was probably his best speech in my opinion. John McCain, as bpth Gloria Borger and William Bennett pointed out, he is on this “holier than thou” attitude, where he thinks he can claim everyone else is negative in their pointing out differences between them and him; yet he engages in it more than any one else. It is eerily reminiscent of the “McCarthy era” where this man can make outrageous claims without any factual substance. If someone challenges him, then McCain simply attacks them as “unpatriotic and un-American,” while stating that he is above questioning his character.

This is the first year in my life that I’ve wanted to vote Republican; and now that Romney has left the race, and Huckabee has been lowering himself to his less than usual high standards; I think I’d rather vote for Obama or even Hillary over McCain.

randy cook   February 7th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Anderson,

I just got home from our county republican directors meeting, and not 1 director supports McCain. The discussion about supporting McCain if he becomes the republican nominee, there was no support at all. This is a county party that worked to carry the county for Bush twice in a democratic county. Define traditional conservative and you will not see McCain and use in the same picture.

Gia   February 7th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Why Huckabee stay in this race?

Republicans are voting to Barack Obama to help him beat Hillary Clinton. Afterwards, the Republicans will ATTACK with what they must have been “digging out” on Barack – like they have done for years with Hillary – or, if nothing - they will concentrate on the “Wrongdoings” already known about him and overstate his lack of experience. Then, I’m afraid, I see: 1) “you guys” giving all the attention to the subject; 2) Brack’s momentum cooling off; 3) of course, the republican voters dropping Barack like a “toasted potato” on November 4th - I even wonder, if Mike Huckabee staying longer on the race is one more reason to give a chance for more republicans to go and vote to Barack. 4) The Country stucked in Iraqi for 100 years and the economy in disarray… continuation of all the “bad” of this administration. Finally, I wonder, what “you guys” will say then???

Sarah, Texas   February 7th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Miss the Coop, but King is just a good.

Wow, Mitt dropping out so sudden was shocking/surprising. For a while there it looked like Romney was doing good, and Huckabee was going to drop out, but I guess with politics you never know when it’s going to change. Although, they need to start talking more about the issues then defending themselves, or making themselves look better than the ohter candidates.

But, enough of the GOP, Obama for the win!

P.S. I want one of those cool map things that John King uses!

Dino Furgiuele, Mississauga, ON, Canada   February 7th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

John King you need to be on air through this election cycle and CNN needs to find you a spot in their rotation for the next few years.

A/C good call for John King to fill your spot to keep your viewrs and expand yourase….well done and thinking bigger and better maybe your own channel.

Cheers, Dino

Mississauga, Ontario

Kevin,FL   February 7th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

John King: When is NM votes be done with? and when will all the super tuesday delegates be counted!

Susan   February 7th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

I keep hearing McCain isn’t conservative enough, but isn’t winning the most delegates of the party suggesting to some that it’s what the party wants, and perhaps its time for the far right conservatives to rethink their positions?

Joe   February 7th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

As a perspective from outside your country, here is the most asked question in my circles:

“After what George Bush has done to your country over the last 8 years, why would anyone in the U.S. want to vote Republican in this election?”

Considering all the lies that have been told by this Government, and its complete mismanagement of the country’s affairs, most people believe that you will only get more of the same from any Republican candidate…..”Birds of a Feather”

So the question is really sincere. It might be a little rough around the edges, but it’s what people honestly believe from what they’ve seen.

Thanks

Joe

Brent   February 7th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Can someone explain to me a major contradiction I’ve been struggling with? How can John Mccain speak of staying in Iraq until success(whatever that means), including possibly being there for a century, then in the next breath talk about making the Bush tax cuts permanent. Correct me if I’m wrong but over the history of America have the public not been asked to pay much higher taxes when the nation is at war. At this pace with these policies how can America not expect to go bankrupt? Thank you.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I think that extreme challanges for the next president doesnt even begin to cover what they are going to face!

Marla Hoskins   February 7th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I’m not sure I understand why everyone feels that John McCain needs to court the conversatives. Didn’t he just prove that he doesn’t need them?

Maybe it’s the conversatives that should be courting John?

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

I can not believe that the little baby got thrown 100 yards and lived with hardly any injuries at all! That is amazing!! Glad you are showing this!

Cynthia, Ga.

Lilibeth   February 7th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Hi John, regarding Michael Vick’s dogs, I’m glad they’re being re-trained to be good dogs again. My question is how exactly this is done, and is there a danger that they will revert to prior behavior. Thanks.

Wes   February 7th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Can you explain why there is no mention of Ron Paul in CNN’s coverage? I know he’s a distant 3rd but he is still in this thing and is still a presidential candidate and as such deserves to be included in the coverage. Don’t you think so?

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   February 7th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

I am anxious to see Dan Simon’s report on Vick’s dogs and The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Those people are saints.

Coincidentally, tonight’s CSI episode was about dog fighting.

Jo Ann

Jason from Weatherford, OK   February 7th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

I agree Marla! He isn’t my pick, but he is obviously getting the majority of the votes FROM REPUBLICANS! I really don’t understand all the fuss.

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois   February 7th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Marla, I don’t think that anyone is asking John McCain to court the conservatives but when you claim to be a conservative you should act as a conservative would, otherwise don’t call yourself a conservative; call yourself a moderate.

Lilibeth   February 7th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Hi John, regarding Michael Vick’s dogs, I’m glad they’re being re-trained to be good dogs again. My question is how exactly this is done, and is there a danger that they will revert to prior behavior. Thanks.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Joe,
I agree with you completely and I think that is why the democrat turn out is way up we are concerned and I know speaking for myself that I dont want another republican!

Sophie   February 7th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Hi John,
You have done a great job throughout the entire Election coverage. Nice to see you on again tonight.

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

What an amazing story about the baby. I am happy to hear a good story for once come out of Tennessee.

Raquel, Dominican Republic   February 7th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Oh Gosh!! What a day for you, John!! But tell me, how long did it took you to master the election maps??

Terri - Winnipeg Canada   February 7th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Oh my gosh..another multiple shooting. Guns really need to be banned, aren’t enough people dying from bullets in the war…let alone back at home in your country!

barrie   February 7th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

John,

Thank you for doing the blog again, tonight.
Now, I will get to know you better and what you do with that cool map.
So sorry about Romney dropping out because it is just more confusing .
I’ll keep watching and listening to AC/360.

Huma from New Jersey   February 7th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

I think McCain is too old to be the president!!

what happened to anderson today??

well, you are equally entertaining John King!

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

I had all of eight mins of practice the first night i used the map board .. but it is a fascinating way of getting to the places that decide close elections.

i hope it helps makes it more understandable …….

as for romney .. he thinks he has a future and doesnt want to be blamed for mccain losing if that is how it turns out.

but while it helps mccain a great deal, mike huckabee is still in the race. almost impossible if not impossible for the delegate math to work for him …but he will be a factor

paul williams   February 7th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Your reporting is beyond bias in favor of Obama. I guess Hillary Clinton raising an impressive 4 million dollars in 24 hours is not worthy of mention on your propram. You were, however, quick to report her 5 million dollar loan to her campaign. Shame on you John. I strongly suggest you go back to Journalism school and sit up front this time on the day the lecture on objectivity is being given.

Kenneth   February 7th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Conservatives are the past. This election will be driven more by the young. Young people are getting more involved in the political process, voting and getting their opinions and issues across in various mediums and in more forms than the conservatives. Will young people vote for McCain? In the video footage tonight I can’t help but notice how old he appears. Whether Hillary or Barrack wins they both look younger and more vibrant than McCain. His age is going to be one of his biggest liabilities going into the general election.

Lauren-Stuart, Florida   February 7th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

What a week it has been John!

Sadly most of the news has been heartbreaking with the tornadoes in the midwest. My prayers go out to everyone effected by the tornadoes. Although I shed years of joy when I heard the little 11-months miraculous survival!

I am glad to hear that there are some people with kind hearts and willing to gives Vicks former dogs a second chance. Fighting dogs typically never get a second chance. Even though these people who train these dogs do. People who profit off harming any form of life deserve no second chances because they lack empathy, integrity and morals.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I think what they were thinking is an understatment!

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

How do you forget that there are cameras in a police station?

Dino Furgiuele, Mississauga, ON, Canada   February 7th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

John King put the board all the way out to the Dem Party Vote?

I like to see the variety of out comes

You need your own show

Dino Furgiuele
dinojf@rogers.com

sarducci   February 7th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

The late shift. Politics.
Good to see action on the board, first thought:
So this is how the “economic stimulus package” works: we all get a check in the mail with a note saying, “hey have a good time, do spend it, it’s your money go do what you want with it.” Where do “they” get the money to send to us? AH, the good old treasury says, “don’t worry, we’ll print more!” What does that do? It continues to dilute the value of a dollar, puts more kindling on the fire of future inflation and runs up the deficit. Eventually we all get a bill for the face value of the “stimulus” plus interest and by that time I’m sure there will be some penalties.
Bad News Bears.

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois   February 7th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

The Shot of the Day was ridiculous! I can’t imagine police officers acting in such a irresponsible way. As Tom said, that one definitely merited the “What were they thinking” title!

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

kennith!! I agree when I hear conservitive it make me think prehistoric…well maby that is an out reach but seriously I thought our country was about change and innovation, and how can you do that with thinking of the past?

Kevin,FL   February 7th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

John: Is the Delegates awarded to clinton and obama the real delegates or is that just a estimate?

Julie Aberdeen, NC   February 7th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

That map is my favorite part of the political broadcasts. It really does make everything much more understandable. I call it the political telestrater. You’ve mastered it now since those first 8 minutes! First half hour has gone very well.

Stacy   February 7th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Hi John. I love your map board. I hope you had fun getting intimately acquainted with my state (Missouri) on Super Tuesday. And thank you for pronouncing it right.

Jason from Weatherford, OK   February 7th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

You make a good point Kenneth. The young voters (myself included) will make a huge impact on the election this year; however, it is not wise for young people to automatically pick Obama because of his appeal or Hollywood-factor. I believe that the country needs change, but we need not be too hasty about following a great speaker. I love his ideas, but we can’t overlook Clinton’s record AND passion.

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

it is true ron paul remains a factor.
his vote count has not given him enough delegates to be in contention for the nomination. but he is an energetic debater and as the race goes on it is possible there will be at least one more on the republican side.

he and senator mccain are so at odds on the war, i would bet the mccain people do not plan on giving him a convention role if mccain does in the end become the nominee. but those are decisions still down the road a bit.

Invisibelle   February 7th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

I saw a graph of who voted on Super Tuesday, and not a great deal more young people voted for the democrats than the republicans. I believe the youth vote is still over-rated…even the Obama girl didn’t bother to vote!

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Dog fighting is such a cruel thing, it was hard to read and look at the pictures about the Michael Vick case.

I am happy to hear that these dogs are doing well and are going to good homes. I can’t even imagine what the dogs have been through.

This is hopefully the begining of their new lives.

ashanty from nc   February 7th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

It is so sad to see that some of these dogs can never be adopted because of their past. The folks at Best friends are doing a terrific job of giving these animals the love and attention that they truly need! Thanks so much for reporting this story!

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   February 7th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

John,

You always do a great job with the map board. What did the anchors do before all of this technology?

Jo Ann

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois   February 7th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I don’t understand how anyone could possibly mistreat an animal like those adorable dogs! A lot of individuals say, well Vick didn’t kill a person or anything like that, but in my opinion if you could mistreat a defenseless animal and be so brutal and cruel to something that can not defend itself, than you could easily do that to a human. A person who is violent , does not exclusively treat animals violently, but has a potential of abusing a human. Every time I see those dogs and hear the stories about the mistreatment and horrendous acts, I think that the penalty Vick should receive, should be very serious.

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

That was so sad!! I am glad that someone took those dogs so they wouldn’t have to be put to sleep! Thanks for showing us that story!!

Cynthia, Ga.

Kevin,FL   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Please CNN stop with the Britney segments! we all know she needs help.. Leave her alone let her get her help peacefully without a media storm.. i dont think you or anyone else would want to be bothered the way Britney has!

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

so i am a creature of washington - a political guy.

but it is great to see the david mattingly and dan simon pieces - heartwarming human stories.

Wilmer   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

John,
Good to see you tonight less about Vick please to many people care to much I hate the fact that people pick and chose what animals they should care about but honestly animals are animals do dogs hurt any less then cow remember DECOW like COW family Guy ;P

Invisibelle   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

John, I’m not a Ron Paul fan, but I did see that he came in second in the Louisiana caucas…why was this not covered with any importance?

Michelle Fischer- Lafayette IN   February 7th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

John,

I just turned on 360! Nice to see you, you and Anderson are my Favorites!! Hope he gets to feeling better!!! Anyway, I have the Volume down on my T.V. right now, but I am so relieved that the dogs that Mr. Vick had in his fighting ring are being taken care of! They certainly deserve that!!! I agree your map board was Incredible!!
I know I want to work at CNN some day!!!

rj   February 7th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

thank you Jason, we need more americans to re-think these days ahead and not be influenced by the media,
it is evident that the mass media has joined forces to eliminate Hilary from this race
think america

S, Minneapolis   February 7th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Okay, the 360 blog hates me, but I don’t hate *it* (YET). ;) This is my fourth time trying to comment…

Anyway, John, congratulations on your engagement! I’m wondering whether you prefer anchoring or reporting from the field.

Also, the special coming up next sounds interesting…

Steve / Ft. lauderdale   February 7th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

I want a president with great judgment. Based on everything to date I would say that Mr. Romney has great judgment and that Mr. Paul and Mr. Huckabee have very poor judgment. Are they stupid, can’t they see that they will not win and that they are “making a mess” of the party?

Raquel, Dominican Republic   February 7th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

When are you guys talking about the democrats voting abroad??

Also, where’s Anderson? Anyone.. anyone?

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Invisibelle,
I am a young voter that didnt vote in the primaries for two reasons, 1 I just moved to the state of alabama and didnt have time to register here in time, and 2 I cant decide who is better clinton or obama, but I am voting in the “big One” and I will be voting for wich ever of them wins, I think the democratic party favors the younger voter and I think that is when you will see the big difference not in the primaries!

Peter Murner   February 7th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

In light of Romney bowing out of the race and McCain inevitably getting the Republican nomination it seems that the Republican Party is leaving the station not only without its base but also without any real difference between itself and the Democratic nominee. This leaves many people who would vote Republican, no matter what in most cases, to either sit on their hands or actually vote for a true conservative Ron Paul. Ron Paul is the only candidate in the race who has true conservative credentials, and a realist grip on the ills of our country. The Constitution is what made our country a beacon for the world to emulate and if either of the Democrats or McCain are elected we can kiss everything that the Constitution stands for good-bye as well as our national identity. A vote for Ron Paul is a vote for constitutional, human, individual and states rights. A vote any one of the other candidate is a vote for big business, big government, big taxes, and big war.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   February 7th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

How can anyone in their right mind want to be involved in dog fighting? There are no words to describe the disgust I feel towards those people.

I agree with Dr. McMillan, Vick got off easy.

Jo Ann

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

back to politics, because i see several questions about the romney delegates:

because he “suspended” and did not quit outright.

so he keeps them. it is largely a technical issue but he would have them if for any reason mccain faltered and romney decided to resume his campaign. but that is very very very unlikely. it is more to preserve the option and preserve some leverage for discussions at the convention.

tradition is to release them at some point and ask them to support the candidate in line to become the nominee.

Kate   February 7th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I truly believe Michael Vick deserves all of his punishment and so much more. I am a HUGE animal lover and to see the condition those dogs were in, what he put them through and how he murdered so many, makes me feel horrible inside. I hope to one day have my own type of animal shelter and let me just say, if I ever meet someone who beats, kills, or torments animals for no reason they will go down and hear a piece of my mind (it won’t be nice). This story is very touching to me and I was happy to see that some of the dogs are receiving loving homes and the ones that cannot go to homes are receiving the love and care they need. Thank goodness for people who are taking care of these dogs and for people everywhere who are animal lovers.

elisa   February 7th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

John,
Hope you’re having a nice night.
I know that it’s your job to report the trends of voters but you always say that the young people love Obama and I want to point out that, as a 21 yr old college senior, I know a lot of people who can’t stand Obama. We also consider ourselves rather educated and the young educated vote is supposedly not for Clinton, either.
I absolutely love CNN’s coverage of this election and I think you all deserve a lot of credit for being able to be coherent all thru Tuesday’s coverage. I am a bit of a political junkie and this is the most interesting election of my life. Someone said at the debate last week that there has never been an election that he or she could vote in where there wasn’t a Clinton or Bush on the ballot. There hasn’t been an election in my LIFETIME where that wasn’t true but I don’t think that means that Clinton can’t bring change. I’d like your opinion on this.
Thanks
Elisa

PS Congrats on getting married!!

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois   February 7th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Is there anyone who is watching the coverage of the paparazzi following Britney? I mean come on, something has to be done to stop these people from hounding celebrities like this. It is ridiculous! Why are there not charges being brought against these paparazzi? This goes beyond freedom of the press…this is violating Britney’s Constitutional rights!

deb   February 7th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

John,

I agree that Ron Paul does not have enough delegates to win the nomination. But I also know that the media has been biased against him. Had he been given the coverage the other candidates were given, the American people would have been able to make their own choices. Shouldn’t we be allowed to see ALL the candidates, not just the ones you decide we should see?

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

I hope that Britney Spears gets the help that she needs before it is too late. If not for herself, then for her children.

Brian Persaud   February 7th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Aren’t these nightly Britney stories only adding to the situation?

Lauren-Stuart, Florida   February 7th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

So sad about Spears. I really try not to pay attention to the news about her as I don’t want to support the paparazzi profiting from her unstableness or that shady “boyfriend” of hers who is enjoying all this way to much.

Invisibelle   February 7th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

If the media would ignore Brittany, would she go away?

Wes   February 7th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

No wonder Britney is considered mentally unstable..look at what your paparazzi does to her..if it were me, I’d be on top a building taking out anybody with a camera…she should move out of your country or your country should create a law to protect people from that kind of harassment. It’s pathetic.

Kevin,FL   February 7th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Why Not Let Wolf Host AC360 sometimes lol that should be interesting

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

I can’t believe all the stuff that is going on with Brit! I just don’t see why her parents don’t go and kick all of those hangers on out and take care of her themselves!

I am SO glad that we get to see Toobin!!

Cynthia, Ga.

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

to S in Minneapolis: first, thank you.

as for preference — tough question.

360 has a great staff and it’s a fun show. i always joke it is like driving a rental car.

but i love travel and meeting people and this year in particular is a fascinating political story …………so i have fun anchoring and need to get better at it, and i love reporting in the field. i get a good mix helping fill in for anderson and wolf so it works out.

Jolene   February 7th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

What I would like to know is if Vick helped in the arrest of any other dog fighting rings? I cringed when I saw the video of the two dogs fighting! What a horrible way to make money, it’s so wrong.

Rob (Virginia)   February 7th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

While it would never happen, Britney needs to be “yesterday’s news”, leaving the cameras focused on someone else. I’m sure this following gives her some sense of “high”. If that were removed, she might be forced to battle her real demons.

Renee   February 7th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

can brit just be Baker Acted in her state? In FL we Baker Act.

rj   February 7th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

yea .where’s ac tonite?
anyone knows

Kenneth   February 7th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

To the people wondering why Edward’s didn’t endorse Clinton or Obama: If you want to be a vice presidential candidate it’s best not to show favor to either lead candidate until you’re sure of who’s going to win. Romney would be smart to do the same. McCain’s old and he may not last 4 - 8 years. From a strategic standpoint there’s a good possibility that McCain’s #2 would become Prez if McCain wins. The Presidency is tough, look at Bush before and after he became President. McCain already looks like he’s been President for several years.

Sarah Bradley   February 7th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Elisa,
I agree that it has been clinton or bush in our lifetimes, and I agree that Hillary promotes change just as Obama…I think that a females perspective in the whithouse wouuld be a major change I think that anything but a republican promotes change!!!!

Mike Reynolds   February 7th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Tonight you went through a hypothetical scenario focusing on Romney, demonstrating the inevitability that he could not defeat McCain, even if he won all of the remaining states. Shortly after that demonstration you asserted that McCain, “isn’t in the clear,” as Huckabee vows to stay in the race. That doesn’t make any sense! What makes you think Huckabee has more of a chance than Romney? I think it would be interesting to see a similar demonstration focusing on Huckabee’s so called campaign?

Cindy   February 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

John,
Thanks for using my Beat 360 comment!!

Cynthia, Ga.

Lee   February 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Hey, John, you and Tom Foreman are great with Beat 360. Come back tomorrow night.

john king   February 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Mike, you hit the dilemma of a political reporter and perhaps i wasn’t very articulate.

there is no reasonable scenario for a huckabee nomination in terms of delegate math. but until mccain clinches officially, i live by the anything can happen rule.

Gabrielle, Denver   February 7th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Cindy,

I thought that you Beat 360 comment was clever, it was better then the one I posted!

Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois   February 7th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

John, thanks for filling in for Anderson tonight! A lot of people have said Anderson is ill and if he is I hope he gets well soon! Thanks for participating in the live blog tonight John! You are a trooper!!

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