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February 29, 2008
Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 2/29/08
Posted: 09:43 PM ET

Happy Friday.

What better way to start the weekend than an hour of live blogging with 360°.  As usual, we’ll open the blog at 10p ET and close at 11p ET.

Anderson has the night off but Erica is in the house and Soledad O’Brien is in the anchor chair.

As for content we’ll start once again with Prince Harry.  He’s heading home from Afghanistan and we’ll be sharing new pictures.  There’s also plenty of politics in the show as well as a mini-special on immigration.

That’s plenty to talk about so join the conversation at the top of the hour.

228 Comments
Filed under: Live Blog
228 Comments
Kim Jung-Hae ( Seoul. S, Korea)   February 29th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Finally I’m here for the first time. Good-evening , Soledad. Good-evening?? here in 10:10 a.m. There is a 14-hour time difference between Seoul and NY. Today I’m going to watch 360 till the end of it really for a long time. I am looking forward to tonight’s 360!!! Keep up the good work =)

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Great News that Prince Harry is coming back to UK( my former home) from Afghanistan

Lorie Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Prince Harry and every single soldier deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq should be thanked and honored.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Hi Soledad! Happy Friday!

I’m feeling sorry for Prince Harry. He looked sad having to go home. He’ll probably get attacked by the paparazzi now.

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Kim Jung all the way from Seoul welcome..

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Hello Erica, and everyone!
Finally He is safe at home from Afghanistan, I think he is not happy be back to war.

Michael, NC   February 29th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

wow. south korea, thats impressive. nice place

Wolfgang Dolz   February 29th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Anderson,

Thank you for mentioning Canada yesterday during your Prince Harry and Afghanistan piece. As a Canadian who watches CNN every morning and night, and often during the day at my university, I almost never hear mention of the Canadian troops in Afghanistan. Often the British troops, but almost never Canadian — maybe once every three or four months. We’ve only a couple thousand there, less than the eight thousand or so British troops, but we’ve lost around 80 men and that’s a fairly notable percentage. It’s, as I’m sure you know, because we’re one of the only few NATO countries willing to do the ‘bloody’ work.

Obviously, being part of NATO, it’s not about respect and admiration. But it’s still nice to hear that folks at least -know- we’re there fighting and dying. I’ve many American friends in universities to the south that don’t even know Canada is there.

So thank you for mentioning the Canadian presence in Afghanistan, Anderson.

Take care,
Wolfgang

Sarah, Atlanta, GA   February 29th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Poor Pirnce Harry, having to go home and not finish him time over there. It isn’t right.

Betty Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Harry is a wonderful example! He is his Mother’s son!

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

I would like to see CNN do some more coverage of the forgotten war in Afghanistan,

Lorie Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Prince Harry wanted to be with his unit. Why is that so hard for people to comprehend? I don’t think for a minute it’s a publicity stunt.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Wolfgang,
Anderson is taking night off tonight.

Whitney B in Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

It’s nice to know Prince Harry was treated just as any other soldier. But it’s horrible that the news of him in Afghanistan has been leaked. It is definately a security issue if there is knowledge of him there, so it is good he’s been withdrawn.
It is so weird for me to think that the only way he could feel like a “normal” person is while at war.

Dave B, Alberta   February 29th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

If the reporters kept it hush hush, as they should have, then Prince Harry would still be in Afghanistan where he wanted to be.
Why can’t the reporters kept a lid on some topics which I am sure they were as to do?

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Oh, that’s terrible that even while back home, Prince Harry is considered a target by the Taliban.

Darnell   February 29th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Soledad, Can we really blame Hillary, other Senators even the Brits and other’s who voted yes for the war in Iraq when the information that led them to their votes was false, misleading, and erroneous?

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Lorie Ann security reasons, the taliban can hold him ransom to get what they want from the UK government and they do not want to run that risk

Whitney B in Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Wolfgang,
you sound just like me! A Canadian university student who watches CNN during nearly all of the hours I’m awake!
And yes, it is nice to get a Canadian mention. The war in Afghanistan is overlooked too many times.

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Hi Soledad. You sound thrilled about your extra blogging duties. CNN makes you work for that paycheck! Have fun.

Tom   February 29th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

THANK YOU THANK YOU Soledad for subbing tonight!

Minou, New York City   February 29th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Harry could be targeted in England from now on…that’s horrible! I wonder how he’s gonna handle that.

Gina   February 29th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Too bad about Prince Henry having to return home, he seems like he really wants to serve his country, even if his life is on the line.

alma c   February 29th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

On the point that why would sending him to Irak be riskier than Afghanistan, could it have (in some way) something to do with the fact that Irak gets more attention? Would they have had an even harder time keeping it secret if he would had been in Irak?

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Dave B, I would not call Drudge a reporter. The name I would call him could not be posted on this blog.

Ryan   February 29th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Great to see you on TV tonight, Soledad.
Any new CNN Specials coming up soon?!

Mike, LA   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

And the sad part is the website that broke the news had to be from the U.S. Just another thing to make people overseas t dislike us. Sad.

JoeDuck   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Hi 360 - I know Prince Harry holds a lot of interest for people but it sure would be nice if the discussion could focus on Afghanistan’s troubles rather than his handling the international paparazzi blitz, including the one from CNN

Marcus   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Good evening Soledad! Even though they have you blogging and anchoring, you’re doing a heck of a job :) I think it was terrible that Harry had to leave Afghanistan, it’s safer for him but we all know that it was a passion to go out on the front lines and serve his country. Only time will tell if he ever gets a chance to don his army uniform in combat again.

Christopher Meyer, CT   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

I can’t believe The Drudge Report for leaking the Prince Harry story. Like Harry said he just wants to be a normal young man. Now I see Matt Drudge the same way as I do a paparazzi!!!

Tiffany Jones   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Can someone tell me why the media is choosing our next president? For months the stories have been so slanted in favor of Barack OBama that it is no longer a case where you are providing news, but you are creating/shaping opinion. In truth you are doing Barack a disservice, he should have been thoroughly vetted while running against Hilliary instead of delaying a close examination of Obama until the general election.

Tiffany Jones (Pasadena)

Paolo   February 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Hi Everyone,

Regarding those Clinton and Obama ads, it would be interesting to see one of them use that when McCain is running. Who thinks so? What would you think McCain’s response would be?

Brent, California   February 29th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Hi Erica! Hi Soledad!

Hillary’s fear-mongering TV spot is just one more sign of the desperate tactics of a desperate candidate. Shameful!

Oscar,south carolina   February 29th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

I’m 17 years old, And I’d disgusted with these political ads by Hillary and obama.

Tom   February 29th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

where is Erica?

Sarah, Atlanta, GA   February 29th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Hilary’s ad is just ridiculous and so is Obama’s response ad. They are both acting like little children on the playground.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Hi Soledad and folks,

Wolfgang, right on. I’m another Canuck who’s glad we got some recognition for our efforts and commitment.

Apparently Harry was exposed by a media guy named Drudge. Is there a way he can be held culpable for that?

JoeDuck   February 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Wow, comment approval every minute! Soledad you are a better blog moderator than most of the Silicon Valley guys I know. This idea of a lively discussion along with the program is great and I hope you keep it up.

Mary R in Massachusetts   February 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Soledad:
Regarding the right judgment on terrorism and foreign threats — shouldn’t you mention that Sen. Rockefeller endorsed him today? He knows about all the threats as head of the Intelligence Committee. When he says Obama is the one he trusts, his word should mean something!

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Me either, I could believe my eyes! Michael…..

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Well I think the Hillary Clinton new ad is brilliant, i know some people will see that as fear mongering.. but its true we need a tested person in the White House, a president who can make a split second decision, an experience president, we already have an inexperience president in the White House, and look how the country is going.. Oh and BTW don’t ever count out a Clinton..

MP   February 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hi All! First time on the blog! Really enjoy 360! Soledad I have followed you for a long time. So good to see you this evening.

Carroll   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Sen. Clinton is shown taking the 3:00 a.m. phone call wearing a suit and jewelery. How long did the caller have to wait on hold waiting while she was getting ready? Or does she sleep in a pants suit with necklace?

Malcolm   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Your coverage of Prince Henry’s deployment seemed to have missed the point almost to the very end.

The issue was not his safety - at least, not his safety to any greater extent than any other soldier’s safety. Iraq and Afghanistan are both dangerous, and anywhere he was deployed would put him in danger.

The issue - and the reason he has been pulled out - is about the safety of the other soldiers and the security of the mission.

Prince Henry constitutes a “high value target” for the Taliban. Once they knew he was there, and once they determined where he was, it would change the dynamics and make his base a primary target.

Whatever one may think of the Afghan War, and whatever one may think of the royals, the fact that he wanted to be a real soldier, not merely a parade soldier, speaks well of Henry of Wales. He is (and I will dissent from the previous comment) his father’s son and his grandmother’s grandson.

Darnell   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Soledad, Is the Media choosing our next president? I echo Tiffany Jones in a earlier posting. Something is wrong with this picture.

deborah Bridges   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I hope Hillary doesn’t have red lipsticl on at 3 a.m.

Terri - Winnipeg Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Welcome Soledad….nice to see you on AC360!!

Hilary needs to sell HERSELF and not make Obama look bad.

Positivity is more attractive than negativity any day. She’s running scared, too bad, because she has a lot of good qualities and it could be a good race…but she’s making it into this big negative forum. Who needs that? We have enough of that in our lives…bring on the people who will do things, not just smack each other down.

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Candy looks cold!

Arthur, New York   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

lol i would like to point out that first obama used someone else’s words, and NOW he used someone elses ad!! what next!!

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Tom,
Erica is coming soon on blog.

pamela white   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

George Bush and his minions have hit us over the head with the “fear factor” for eight years. We know we live in a dangerous world; September 11th is never far from our minds. We will never forget it, nor will we forget the fear-mongering that led us into a war that left thousands of Americans dead and maimed; a war without merit. Hillary Clinton has taken a page from Karl Rove’s playbook . Shame on you, Hillary Clinton.

Liz - Ontario, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

It’s a pleasure to hear Bill Clinton talk. Even more so than Obama.

Dino, Toronto, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Soledad blog about blogging. I would be interested the experience

Who was Drudge’s Source? Can’t we dig up some dirt on Drudge?

I feel bad for the return Harry is going to get from the Photo Hogs

Brendan Betz   February 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Hey, first timer, but i watch AC 360 all the time, n CNN is the first thing i turn on when i get home From school, i guess u could say i watch it religiously !!! I think it is safer for Harry to go home, however he is a citizen of England and should be treated like one, right? He is just a soldier to his mates, and he should be treated as they would be.

kevin h , Montreal CA   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

while the election is important, there are important issues that we need to deal with in this country now! –it’s as if we are putting things on hold until
Jan. What if the dems. lose :(

election by media? - GA   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I think Clinton is fighting one battle at a time, and typically Obama jumps on her bandwagon with the same type ad.

does he have an independent thought of his own?
He mirrors her posiiton of EVERYTHING to play it safe.

the only thing he differs on is what posiiton to take with regard
to talking to enemies of the United States. But he clings to every
position she takes.

Maybe these Obama followers will be big enough to acknowledge that they made a bad initial decision and have time to acknowledge the truth of this serious situation.

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Soledad is awesome!

Patrick Sims   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I want to know why the phone rang 5 or 6 times on Clinton and Obama’s campaign add and know one answered it???? I’m sure McCain would have answered it on the first ring.

Tolu   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

So glad to be able to join you guys live - im normally the person reading ur comments after the show! im awake in london (its 3:17am) waiting to go get ready to fly out to nigeria hence my rare chance to catch the show live rather than my ready fix via the podcast! loving the report soledad - im well proud of prince harry! keep up the good work…

Hugh   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I am a Brit who can’t vote in the US elections but I have to ask why is ‘experience’ such an apparently attractive asset in a Presidential candidate? It would appear that the ‘exprerience’ of the Bush/Cheney dynasty has only served to:
1 - undermine the independence of state intelligence agencies (intelligence warped to provide reasons for going to war)
2 - Get laws (like the Patriot Act) passed to reduce personal freedoms on a broad brush basis (as opposed to targetting the effort). The Patriot Act is the very kind of legislation EVERY politician secretly wants..no one dare pass such laws in the past. Why has no candidate made it a mission to repeal such legislation?
3 - ‘Experience’ has led to the amassing of huge revenues by the Military/Industrial complex, part of which is Haliburton, formerly led by Cheyney.

Experience simply means the knowledge of how to abuse (as well as use) the Washington ’system’.

A fresh approach is long overdue.

Liz - Ontario, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Arthur..I agree with that…even his book’s title is an “inspiration from his minister.:-)

Borkay   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Thanks for the Show, Love it!
Prince Harry should be given the chance to serve his country. He want to be treated like any other British solider. Thanks for your service Harry! I know your mother is Proud of You!

S.Litombe   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

I am 14 and hope to make an impact in the world one day as other great American Citizens from the past. I think the job that Obama is doing is miraculous and he is going to definitely win. That is if he gets Ohio and Texas. As a fellow African American I think that this shows how far the African American Community has come.

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

I agree with Liz too.
I like Bill Clinton too.

Jesus Espinoza   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Obama is winning because he is associating Hillary with the failed policies of both Bush administrations. She needs to remind America of the millions of jobs created in the 90’s and record surpluses!

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

JoeDuck, Soledad is too busy anchoring to moderate blog comments. Your praise should be going to a behind-the-scener.

JEAN CARL VOLTAIRE   February 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Hello Soledad how are you doing ?
Why all the media give Obama a free ride ?

soledad o'brien   February 29th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

hey folks
yes blogging while anchoring–seems to me to be a little like applying makeup while driving. hope everyone will forgive my lack of capital letters! i agree–pretty pathetic to find normalcy and a break from the paparazzi when you go to WAR! and yes, he does look pretty angry. just being sarcastic about the blogging duties, stacy–love filling in for anderson.

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Thanks for showing both “Phone Ringing “campaign ads. Sen Obamas looks eerily familiar to Hillary’s. They even use some of the same footage. They did the same in Wisconsin with the “Debate ” ad. ……and they wonder why they get accused of plagerism.

Nicholas   February 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Hello Soledad, This is my first every real blog. I am surprised that no one has asked Hillary Clinton throughout the many interviews and debates how she plans on dealing with the small minded leaders of the world, many of whom are in areas currently in crisis and require the immediate attentiion of our nation. These leaders who tend to view women below their own status, may be defiant to goals and will simply defy and escalate the turmoil simply because solutions come from such an independent thinking woman, Will are negotiations fall on deaf ears simply because of the backward views of many of these belief systems. How does Hillary plan on approaching this unique situation.

Elizabeth Foster   February 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

I think its good Prince Harry was willing to go fight. I don’t see any Senators or anyone on else from Capitol Hill that’s for the war sending their child to fight.

JoeDuck   February 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

People here seem to want the news to censor themselves when reporting on royalty at war. Where would you draw this line? CIA renditions, war crimes? I’m more comfortable in a world where reporters….report.

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Lol the Biker Video was awesome.. sucks to be the thieves

Minou, New York City   February 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Soledad, you have a lot of heart, soul and passion..and it all shows up on camera!

Mia   February 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Why don’t you tell us that the American Media blow off Price’s Harry cover!
I personally think this is disgusting.

Lorie Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

I find the Las Vegas ricin incident very unnerving. What a disaster that would be for Vegas if it was released into a major hotel.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Michelle Pierre, Marietta Georgia   February 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

It’s kinda crazy to me …we have democratics attacking each-other …I believe they should just focus on the issues …the economy, the war, healthcare, peace, and getting those republicans out of office …And in response to the comment of the ads …I believe Clinton and Obama are both bold enough to use that when McCain is running. I believe McCain would defend himself by calling it crazy and non-professional of a leader.

Ted, YVR   February 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Good evening Soledad

Apart from US, Canda and Britain, what other countries send their troops to the front lines in Afghanistan?

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Dino, I believe Drudge picked up the story from Australian and German newspapers. Apparently not many people noticed those initial reports. Who knows who leaked to the papers?

Christopher Meyer   February 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Those two ads are hilarious! Shows a lot of creativity on Obamas part! :-)

Troy Garner   February 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Obama should have responded to Clinton’s commercial,” It wouldnt have taken me 6 rings to answer the all important “RED PHONE”

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

That’s a freaky story about that guy hospitalized and finding that toxin in his hotel room. Who was this guy anyway?

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

The best night on CNN in a long time! Great job ladies!

JoeDuck   February 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

@stacy - ha - that makes more sense. But I still think Erica and Soledad rock, and are much prettier than Anderson Cooper (no offense to AC).

election by media? - GA   February 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Brent of CA, from your blog it appears that you too are one easily influenced by whatever the media feeds you. you are using the very same words the talking heads used.

it is not a fear-mongering ad.
it is the truth.
if you had these two candidates for a job who would you choose?

i say if Obama was family or you needed to do someone a favor you would choos him. But if you were looking out for the good of your firm, you would choos Clinton for the helm and you would choose Obama to come up the ranks as he learns the ropes.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Every time Hillary touts her experience she shoots herself in the foot. She’s trying to sell something that most people want to avoid - more of the same old same old.

If her campain is an indication of her executive ability the value of her experience is doubtful.

She hadn’t planned past Feb5. - a naive presumption. You can’t run a lemonade stand that way, let alone a country.

Brendan Betz   February 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

As another comment, didn’t Clinton’s husband our former president have about the same amount of experience as Obama? Just asking

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Michael, the fact that the ads were the same is kind of the whole point. Clinton did a fearmongering ad, so Obama took that same ad and hit her back with it by making it positive to him.

Paolo   February 29th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

By the way, I have to admit that Obama’s response was effective. He didn’t want it to about just answering the calls at 3.00. To him it is about answering those calls with the best answer.

Barrie   February 29th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Soledad,
Good to see you hosting 360…..
You and Erica are doing great job, tonight.
Hope, Anderson has a great week-end knowing he has left
360 in good hands.
b

Arthur, New York   February 29th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

“Christopher Meyer

Those two ads are hilarious! Shows a lot of creativity on Obamas part! ”

more like shows alot of plagearism on his part

Susan   February 29th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Soledad,

What’s up with the “several pets” found in the hotel room? Apparently, a dead dog was discovered among them.

Also, is there no maid service in the hotel?

Brent, California   February 29th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

election by media: Actually…McCain would be answering the phone in my world.

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

How do you balance it all? They require you to blog while preparing for segment? Thanks for making the news easy to swallow.

election by media? - GA   February 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Hugh, in trying times experience is everything.

‘you dont mind having someone who is inexperienced during a time when you have time for that person to learn. But right now, there is way too much to second-guess at.

You need experience more than ever!
You also need proven commitment - not someone who missed votes for more than 100 times.

Joseph   February 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Is it fair to ask which states Obama can carry in the General Election that Hillary can’t, and vice versa?

It seems that he risks losing Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and potentially California, but she has a better chance in those states. And she should be able to hold on to most of the Kerry States.

Doesn’t that make her more electable?

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

I didn’t know Ricin exist, you learn something new everyday

soledad o'brien   February 29th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

blog about blogging
okay
i enjoy it
sorta challenging to do it during a live broadcast, when normally i’d be reading up on upcoming intv’s. but i enjoy talking directly to viewers. and patrick: that’s what i noticed about the obama add–7 rings (more or less for clinton ad, three for obama). interesting change in the obama ad i think. and the voice too.

Christopher Meyer, CT   February 29th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

*Arthur, hahaha, you’re totally right!

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

I wonder Ricin can kill anybody like poison? or can’t breath own?

Janet   February 29th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

I live in Las Vegas and am very concerned about this story (of course). I was thinking that maybe this individual who is in the hospital for ricin poisoning might have been trying to sell it to someone. It’s kind of odd that he had ricin and a sample of the castor beans it comes from. It seems to me like he was going to show where it comes from and what it looks like once it’s made, and that it just all went bad and he got sick. That’s my take on the story. Janet from Vegas.

Christopher Meyer, CT   February 29th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

My cousin lives out in Vegas and I am worried that there is some sort of terrorism link to this…

J C   February 29th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

hey Soledad
in the ricin story. has anyone asked when he rented the room.
if he was checked into hospital on the 14th.

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

How did Hilary get away with calling a countries tradition dress or garb a “costume”?

Barrie   February 29th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Think the international bloggers are so interesting.
and more and more every night, too. Keep on letting us hear
from around the world.

James Reeves   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Hi Soledad., l am a great fan of yours as well a big fan of andferson, wolf, l watch cnn all day about 16 hours a day l am disabled home up late love cnn.
I think that Prince Harry is a hero, he did not have to go to war in such danger.
But his love for his country and concern for men he is in charge of is great.

I think he is safe at home but may still be a target in Britian hope not.
I would like to know who ever leaked info on line to tell where Prince Harry was. Was information allowed to be out on line or did some one screw up for Harry, curious to know

James Reeves
Trenton, ( Quinte West ) Ontario, Canada

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Soledad, I was being sarcastic about your blogging too. Dang these Internets and their easy misinterpretations! ;)

Jan MI & CO   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

For Dino, Toronto, Canada asked Who was Drudge’s Source? Everything I’ve been hearing say Drudge got it from an Australian women’s magazine article.

For S.Litombe. I truly hope you are able to reach your goal. If you follow the lead of “other great American Citizens from the past” and those to come, be true to yourself and honest with others all the while keeping yourself informed by doing your own research and thinking then I believe you will obtain it and make a big difference.

Best of Luck!

Whitney B in Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Nice to see so many Canadians blogging. Good to know I’m not the only Canadian CNN-addict!

Tom   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Soledad, hopefully we will know better about a Democratic nominee after Tuesday. Will you be on on Tuesday night? This must be so exciting for you to be covering this historic election.

Gretchen   February 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Nicholas, many of the countries I assume you are referring to have already had female Presidents and Prime Ministers. We’re among the last to give women the right to vote, serve in the military, and hold the highest political offices. I’m sure they’re having a good laugh at us and all our talk about the position of women in their countires.

Sarah Bradley   February 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

what about who was in the room befor him and if it happened weeks ago who has been in it since?

Liz - Ontario, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Arthur…agree with that one too…plagiarism all the way to the White House

ERICA HILL   February 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I’m here Tom — this seems to be my night for tech issues. Each time I try to post, my browser give me a “URL not found”.

When the rest of Harry’s unit returns, Is I’d be interested to hear how they felt about him being outed. As we’ve tlaked about, it isnt just Harry’s safety at risk, but that of his entire unit. I’m sure they have some chouce words about all of this.

kevin h , Montreal CA   February 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Wow, as if sanjay does not have enough to do as a brain surgeon, but now he is trying to figure out the ricien scare in las vegas—smart smart guy

Quanda   February 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I think I missed somthing from that story. How many night was did he stay in that room b4 he got sick

Jim, Phoenix, AZ   February 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Arthur, it was a response ad, so they chose to use similar footage to establish exactly what it was in response to. The fact that the footage is nearly identical and the way the rebuttal is presented emphasizes how ridiculous the Obama camp is purporting the Clinton ad to be. They’re making fun of the Clinton ad. Learn how to interpret these sorts of things before screaming out “PLAGIARISM! PLAGIARISM! PLAGIARISM!” like an automaton.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Canada has had a woman Prime Minister.

Heather in Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I think there should be a crack down on Illegal immigrants but not to the point of throwing them out. I just think they need to start paying their fair share in taxes.

jodi54   February 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Among all the important stories being addressed here this evening, I have to mention how funny it was that CNN dragged the Aussie out at 6AM Baghdad time to comment on British royalty. He must have loved that!

Disappointed not to hear any more of Michael’s delightful Aussie slang, though.

jodi54
Los Angeles

Sarah Bradley   February 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

wow if she has been here ten year why havnt they tried to apply for citizenship?

soledad o'brien   February 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

well, i spent all day preparing-
but it’s interesting to hop in on the political discussions (or just read in to what folks are contributing)
and for who asked what docs are upcoming: one next mo on martin luther king, another on the state of black people in america, and another katrina doc

Dino, Toronto, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Thanks for the info Stacy

Soledad I like the analogy of blogging and driving. Don’t worry about capitals letters.

I haven’t got spell check on this comment section and without it I am back to grade two.

Love the Ads from Clinton and the counter Ad from Obama….throw the pasta against the wall and see how much sticks

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Would McCain answer the phone or his speech writer?( Teleprompter or answering machine?)

Nick   February 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Hopefully, someone will follow up on the ricin story better than they did the anthrax scare. Last i heard of it they tracked the anthrax to some guy, and than everyone stopped reporting on it. Please don’t let this be in just a 24 hr. news cycle, and forgotten about when the next celebrity freak out occurs. This is the important stuff.

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

We really do need a clear and set Immigration Bill,

Minou, New York City   February 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

what people need to understand : there’s no simple applying for the work permit or green card. You simply CANT just apply and then get it. You need to have a solid sponsor and the sponsor has to prove, that no American can do the job of the immigrant.

Bo   February 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

hey erica, do you remeber covering katrina in D’iberville Ms, I was able to help you guys set up shop to shoot in a hard hit area of town, just curious, all is well here but we are still recovering too slow. Would love for you guys to do a follow up story on us down here in Katrina Land on the Ms Gulf Coast. Thanks

julie   February 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Hey ladies,
I agree with a blogger about doing more on Afganistan.
Also, what is this about the Clinton campaign wanting to challenge the democratic voting process in Texas? I see a common thread running through the Clinton campaign from the beginning- - Arrogance!

Brendan Betz   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Will bill endorse someone?

Brad a/k/a Mr. Erica Hill.....Omaha, NE   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

ERICA……wherefor art thou ERIKA? I hope you guys are having fun without King Anderson there! Soledad, I have always liked your reporting and miss you in the morning!

Renee   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

soledad, are you having more fun on docs vs. the up at 4 am for the morning show? You and Bill S always look like you are having fun.

soledad o'brien   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

covering the election has been amazing. really interesting, especially to work with bill schneider cover exit polls–the most interesting part, i think. although i would love to know how to work the magic map that john king gets to work. i think that would be good job security!

Christopher Meyer, CT (http://myspace.com/hismerecry   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Finally we see immigration back on the news! Thanks Soledad and CNN!

Tyler Phillip Torres   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Awesome, Bill Richardson’s coming up. He’s definitely got to be at the top of the veep list for both Barack and Hillary.

Sarah Bradley   February 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

I cant wait to see what Bill Richardson has to say. I think that we need to get theese guys on a pathway to citizenship asap!!!!!!what bout the little girl she is an American citizen…is she going to be able to go to school in Mexico?

Megan   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I agree with you Kevin in Fla.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Michael, someone should tell McCain’s writers that “radical islic extremism” sounds like “the department of redundancy department.”

Sheikh   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Soledad or Erica Hill, what is your view on the candidates immigration policies?

Janet   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Las Vegas is going to cover this story locally, but I don’t know if will stay on national news. We had another ricin scare here in vegas 5 years ago when a man injected himself with it. That story kind of went away and we never heard anymore about it. Janet from Vegas.

Lorie Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Could the exodus from Arizona be from the construction industry slowing so badly that the jobs are drying up? And not an immigration issue?

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Quanda   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

ok does the US want immigrant or not? How much money did they say AZ will lose if the immigrants move

yeah, p.s.   February 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

p.s.,
yes, Soledad, you rank right up there.
We truly appreciate your talent and your total attachement and knowledge of all that you do. We miss you on the morning show, but when you turned up doing specials, we were very pleased to know your talent is being so appreciated.

Have a great year!

Tyler Phillip Torres   February 29th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

I don’t think Bill will endorse anyone yet. He knows he’s better off waiting for a clear nominee to approach him for vp

Minou, New York City   February 29th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Sahra Bradley: It’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get your green card. It’s even harder to get your citizenship.
You can’t just apply for it.

Liz - Ontario, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Jim..the point is that Obama should have come up with the add first ..I mean with the ideea of an add..

Brent, California   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Bill Schnieder is the BEST when it comes to analysis. Love watching election night returns with Bill and Soledad. :-)

Brendan Betz   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Bill is a great speaker i hope he endorses OBAMA!

Sheikh   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Soledad or Erica Hill CNN should hire me, I can work the magic board like John Kinggggggg

Heather in Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I love that interactive map that Mr. King uses. I would love to have technology like that at my University!

carmen   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

“Hilarious” that in the Hillary ad she was in her pant suit and full make-up when she answered the phone at 3 in the morning, and wearing glasses …LOL

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Soledad..stick with the exit poll stats. They are fascinating and all your luck, the Magic Board wouldn’t work or have tech. issues.

Glad to hear about your upcoming documentaries. Sounds like something to look forward to.

james   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Kevin from Florida. we do have set Immigration laws. The problem has been that the federal government just has not gone out of its way to do what they are doing now. and now with the states acting on their own, well, federal law gives states and local municipalities the right to make and enforce their own law.
AS for me, the less tax money spent on people who are not US citizens means alot. 200 closings of hospitals in the southwest US in the last four years because of giving free healthcare for undocumented workers is not right for the american people

David&Greg   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

In response to Jim from Phoenix,…do we really need a reactive president or a proactive one?

soledad o'brien   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

you know im gonna ask him who he’s endorsing.

Dino, Toronto, Canada   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Lot of people should watch other news source from many countries to get a round view of the world.

Who are the moderators? What is deemed offensive by the moderator?

Joan Perry   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

When are people going to wake up and see this race is about race. Are African Americans voting for Obama simply because he is African American? Certainly seems that way. Just the fact that people are being threatened or forced to do so, says everything. So much for voting for the best canadate, the most qualified, the most experienced. Forget everything that Hillary has done for the Latinos and African Americans, this elections is not about who can do this best job for all.,Although it should be.

Raquel, Dominican Republic   February 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

election by media?, I think everybody here has a favorite, okay, I’ll grant you that. Their only human and can pick however and whoever they want. You are a Clinton supporter, that fine, good for you. Some people may be for Obama, that’s good for them too.

I just think that at least THIS blog is way to talk about the news, not a campain forum so, support and root for anyone you like but dont go bashing on other people just because you dont agree. Its everyone’s right to pick for themselves.

Ryan   February 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

can’t wait for the new docs - especially the katrina one - always do great work on those, thanks for the info

Renee   February 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

@ Lorie Ann: I think so. Jobs are drying up and communities are saying enough is enough. We have gangs invading the community and folks are being shipped home.

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Eric, true. Did you see the speech he gave to an audience obviously from teleprompter placed in the front of the crowd?

Betty Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Mr. King is very very smart!

robin   February 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

in talking about the illegal immigrants. What about the homeless can they work those jobs until they find something better. I’m sure a lot of them want to work

Mark, CA   February 29th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Whenever those of us who are privileged to live in an area of the world where there is relative comfort and the experience of prosperity, it always provides a deeper perspective about our lives when we can put ourselves in less-than-comfortable situations across the planet and with people who struggle through war, poverty and the poor of spirit. Good for Prince Harry for wanting to experience a larger sense of life! Let’s pray he brings it home with him as his mother, Princess Diana, did years ago. Bless him!

Tom   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Soledad, how do you like covering the politics, are you a politics junkie like Candy? You seem very good at it.

ERICA HILL   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Hi, Bo. I remember D’Iberville very fondly — everyone I met was incredible and your strength so inspiring. I’d love to come back. Glad to hear there is some recovery… but not that it is slow-going. What are the major areas lagging behind?

I havent made it back down but I am hoping this move over to 360 will give me the chance to follow up some of the stories in D’Iberville, Biloxi and Gulfport that we covered after Katrina.

Christopher Meyer   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I wish I knew how the magic plasma map works too! It’s so cool!

Sarah Bradley   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Joan,
I am a white woman and I am voting for Obama..I dont think this has to do with race…

ML Holmes Oklahoma   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Why is the CNN TV favoring Senator Obama? Most of the blog entries are against Senator Clinton. I would not, could not vote for Senator Obama because I have thoroughly research his professional and political life and he certainly is not the clean-cut candidate he wants people to believe him to be.
Hey, it is great to hear that some of the illegal immigrants are going home. Here is SW Oklahoma, they were everywhere looking for work, even looking through my windows to see if I were home. Oklahoma has also passed laws so I hope they go back across the border. Here we do not have enough jobs for our own citizens.

Mia   February 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Illegal Immigrants… I’m furious just by the thought of giving them amnesty and support!

What about the LEGAL Immigrants (some of them who already US Citizens) who are waiting years just to be united with their kids?

I know a woman (US Citizen now) who is waiting 5 years already to have her son with her in America because of the Visa Numbers! What about that!

i'm just sayin.....   February 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

i dont think because you voted against the war and got lucky that it is proof that you are a leader; you need more than than that.

bringing people together?
What has he done to bring the waring, fighting tribes in Kenya (his grandmother’s home) together?

he is on a world stage and has yet to mention and raise the suffering of these people to the forefront. Kenya is where his daddy’s mother still lives.

wake up people. . Talk is cheap. . Proof of your grit is better.

Jim, Phoenix, AZ   February 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

The exodus from Phoenix and the rest of Arizona is a direct result of local policy on illegal immigration and employers. The Phoenix sheriff, Joe Arpaio, has what seems to be a personal vendetta against illegal immigrants moving into his jurisdiction. He recently implemented a policy that allows police officers to inquire about the legal status of people detained for criminal charges, which isn’t too many people, but the fact that he made this policy official is scary to local immigrants, legal or otherwise. There are a lot of cases of families moving away who are mostly legal immigrants but who have one or two members who aren’t here entirely legally. That, and the job market has really slowed down here.

Renee   February 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Holy Cow! Is that Richardson? That facial hair. The only one that can do facial hair is CNN’s Wolf B.

Nick   February 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

How could anyone oppose a fence? Seriously, i don’t care if you quadruple border agents, if you don’t have a smart fence you don’t have a secure border, period.

Heather in Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

I like Gov. Richardson. I would have voted for him if he hadn’t dropped out by the time the primary made it to CT.

James R Temple   February 29th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

I just saw the segment about the family who is moving back to Mexico because of the new job laws. They have been in the US for 10 years but the parents don’t even speak English. BYE BYE!

Josh   February 29th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

IMMIGRATION…

BOTTOM LINE…if they want to come America they need to be fluent in the American languge. They need to register with the proper officies and lead productive upstanding lives. If they are arrested for the slightest infraction they need to be immediately deported back to there home country. Security gates need to be placed at the boreder on the International bridge.

America needs to come together…it is slowly falling apart. I am terrified of what it will be like for my children when I have them if America continues on its spiral down.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Michael, no I didn’t. His sound bytes on CNN are all I can handle.

I did watch a couple of Republican debates. Gave me a mental image of them shuffling in a circle chanting “Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan” and then kicking back with a stack of John Wayne movies. It’s a little scary.

mariquita   February 29th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Just when I thought I was getting burned-out from all the political news, there comes along a weekend episode like this. Today’s (it’s 11:46AM, Manila time) line-up is a nice balance of international and domestic, political and non-political stories.

You’re doing good, Ms. Soledad! It’s nice to see you in the anchor chair again.

Cynthia M. Genato
Makati City
Philippines

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Bill should have run WITH the beard!

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Yes, I agree with Bill, a fence is not the answer. However, I don’t think any of us know how to secure the border, it’s way too complex and confusing to me.

Paolo   February 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Just a thought: with Texas and Ohio were originally solid pro-Clinton and tightened up considerably among the 2, do you think it would have made a difference if these states came ahead of Louisiana, the Potomac, the caucuses etc?

What I have seen here is that February was demographically favourable to Obama (except perhaps Wisconsin) and as a result, momentum will go his side in succeeding states.

Stacy   February 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

“That’s a non answer, answer.” Way to go, Soledad!

Mary Holmes Oklahoma   February 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Each and every llegal immigrant should go back home. Each one who crosses the border without the proper papers is a criminal.

These people have simply over populated their family and country resources.

Kevin,FL   February 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

No amnesty please that will just encourage more of them to come over!

Sarah Bradley   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

I agree that a fence isnt going to work, if they dont build a taller ladder they will just go under…wich they already do in some places…

Mohammed   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Why is American media so worked up about price harry. who really cares, we need to be worried about our own war problems in Iraq!

Bo   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Erica, D’iberville, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis are still ver\y far behind, a lot of the coast area is still without water and sewer and people are not able to move back yet, Biloxi has recovered much quicker due to the gaming industry, Despite the recovery efforts, biloxi still had 11 million visitors last year due to gaming. The surrounding cities are still suffering due to the fact that fema has raised the flood levels to high for people to rebuild homes. All in all we are taking the recovery on day at a time

Brendan Betz   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Bill is a very personal kind of guy, likable and HE SHOULD PICK SOME ONE !!!!!!!!! :-) haha

Saera El Paso, TX   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

on citizenship- according to my world history teacher, who is a former INS agent, the wait is about 30 years to obtain citizenship. my father was able to get it in seven years, but only as a result of getting a student visa and having the best grades he could manage…

Christopher Meyer, Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

*Joan, I agree race doesn’t have a thing to do with the race, same with gender. Wouldn’t it be such a dream if they team up this fall? (and of course win) :-)

Tyler Phillip Torres   February 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Nice try Soledad. I like that he thought it was so funny he snorted

Sheikh   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

That Bill richarson interview was hilariousssssssssss

David&Greg   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

I don’t think going after back taxes is feasible or practical. Let’s talk voluntary registration or compulsory deportation.

Nick   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Good going Solidad, you were pretty tough on Richardson. Keep em on their toes!

Paulita, El Salvador   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

LOL!!! HAHA! WAY TO GO, SOLEDAD WITH GOV. RICHARDSON: THE NON-ANSWER, THE SNORT!!! VERY SPONTANEOUS AND FUNNY.

Maureen T   February 29th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Great to see Bill Richardson! I wonder who he will endorse? :)

Jay, Ga.   February 29th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Joan Perry,
Thank you for that post.
If we have not learned the lessons of Martin Luther King, we will vote because of a person’s color.

If we have not learned that MLK said that the measure of a man is where he stands in the time of controversey and not where he stands in a time of comfort, we will change our superdelagate vote from Hillary and put it to Obama because he is the more popular.

If you felt Hillary Clinton deserved your vote before the Media elected Obama then why isnt it deserved now?

Christopher Meyer, Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

In response to Pres. Bush’s comment about gas prices yesterday- OF COURSE GAS PRICES WILL BE $4 LATER THIS YEAR. They are only going to go up every year until we run out of oil! How could he “not heard about it” LOL

james   February 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

JIM IN PHX your local police department and the mayor there looks like they had a change of heart about inquiring about someones legal or illegal status because they lost an officer to an illegal.
Congrats to the legislature and russell pearce for passing the new laws and the governnor for signing it. I think that came on after the people of your state voted overwhemly last november to pass three voter innitiated stuff against illegals. Oklahoma and Georgia have these laws. and NOW kansas, arkansas, missouri, indiana and a few other states are looking to adopt the same laws.

carmen   February 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Hey Holmes … what don’t you get? Most bloggers favour Obama, most polls favour Obama, most voters favour Obama, most contributors favour Obama. I guess that makes Obama the favourite?

Brad a/k/a Mr. Erica Hill.....Omaha, NE   February 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

He’s locked up for Clinton….he just wants to see how far the Obama magic will last before he commits! That means with a strong showing in Texas and Ohio for Obama, Richardson will come on board. Nice interview with him Soledad! I laughed when you asked him about his snort laugh!

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

I agree Brendan Betz. It would be nice if the former candidates would endorse a candidate already. What are they waiting for?

Brent, California   February 29th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Eric: As a Conservative, I hated the way all of the GOP candidates pandered to the right by invoking Ronald Reagan. The only who came close to espousing Reagan-esque qualities was Fred Thompson and look how far that got him? Living in CA, he was out by the time Super Tuesday rolled around for us so that didn’t leave any of us out here much of a choice.

Arthur, New York   February 29th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

jim, ik that it was a response to their complain, but thing is, they still basically copied their ad. and EVEN THOUGH, it’s a response, its still to an extent plagiarism.

Gretchen   February 29th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

i’m just saying…He didn’t vote against the war! He wasn’t in the Senate until years after it started. He was on the sidelines, Monday Morning Quarterbacking it. Now that he’s in a position to do something about the problem he’s complained of for so long, he still isn’t doing anything about it. He’s like the guy sitting on the couch screaming at a television set. Hold a hearing or something.

Brad a/k/a Mr. Erica Hill.....Omaha, NE   February 29th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

citezenship doesn’t take 30 years. I work with a guy that did it in less than 2 months!!!!

Christopher Meyer, Connecticut   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Soledad great job blogging and doing the show!

Maureen T   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Soledad, it’s great to see you filling in for Anderson and you blogged a little more than Mr. Cooper! :)

Michael   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Erica, you going to dance tonight?

Alan Parker   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Why is it that the Federal government refuses to take care of the responsibilities that the Constitution assigns them yet triples efforts and budgets for things specifically designated for local control. The borders are worse than swiss cheese (demonstrated by you just completed segment on the revolving door) and the Department of Education forces the “No Child Left Behind” that more than triples the paperwork, time, and required effort for our classroom teachers.

Lorie Ann   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Thanks Soledad and Erica..Yes, at times blogging is like putting on makeup while driving..Watch out for those stop signs….

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Jolene   February 29th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Soledad: Ever consider running for President? Just wondering.

Jan MI & CO   February 29th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

For those of you that it matters to my family is primarily white (Irish/Scottish), my son is a carpenter who has seen (and still does) a LOT of construction jobs going to illegal Mexican citizens, three of my six grandchildren and their mom are Mexican being the 4th or 5th generation to be born in the United States from someone illegally crossing the border. This is a sensitive subject that is discussed in our family subject albeit out of the little one’s ears.

That being said I have to say - I’m sorry, I have seen and felt the impact of the numerous illegal aliens in our country and do not understand how many of them leaving our country will hurt us.

John McCain says on his website that he will make the southern border states responsible for their border. How? This is a bigger problem then a handful of states can handle.