hi folks. we’ve got a good show tonite. looking forward to your comments.

Soledad,
You do a nice job as anchor. Looking forward to tonight’s program.

Enjoy Your Vacation Cooper! Welcome back Soledad to AC360

whats up soledad, love it when you and erica run things, always turns out great.

Hi Soledad,
Can someone answer why Florida has to re-vote ? Both candidates were on the ballot and voters turned out in record numbers. What would be wrong with counting their votes as they stand, a re-election would be very costly and would seem unnecessary.
I understand MI because only Clinton was on the ballot. But Florida was fair and square just out of order…

Are you guys ready for the Caucuses?

Soledad,
Glad to see you back again!! You’re a great sub!

I don’t think Obama would ever agree to be on the ticket with Hillary unless he is the one running for prez!!

Cynthia, Ga.

Press fatigue over the democratic primary may not have set in yet but what about voter fatigue? The press could be a positive mediating force in this process if they stick to verifiable facts and not innuendos and rumors. Fact. The Clintons said Hillary must win both Ohio and Texas in order to continue the nomination. The Clintons did not win Texas. Barack garnered more delegates. The percent of coverage focusing on this fact is minuscule compared to the coverage of innuendos and rumors. Just a thought.

Hi Soledad, glad to see you in the anchor chair tonight

Just out of curiousity, I wonder if the democrats had a winner take all rule like republicans how different the delegate count would look right now? Since Hillary has won many of the big states, I suspect she would be in the lead. Although I think the whole delegate thing is way too complicated and I wish elections were pure popular vote - at least maybe this thing would be over by now!

I also wonder why it has not been noted enough just how close the race is in terms of popular votes. If you include Florida (& exclude Michigan) there is only about a 300K popular vote difference.

Hillary should remember all the days she and her husband stayed on the front page in a very negative light. The Aferican-American community was very supportive during a very difficult time for the Clintons. They won’t be so supportive and sit by while she attacks America’s possible first Aferican American President. Suppose she looses. How will she fit in. Supose she wins…will she really be able to recover, or will his (Obama) supporters decide not to vote. We could end up with 4 more years of what we have now. She could be responsible for handing over the white house to more of the Bushes!

The Obama Camp is screwing up lately.

Soledad, it is great to have you back!

Kevin, FL: you’re right. Obama’s camp is falling apart. this is more like a circus…

Obama has no choice but to go “negative” if you want to call it that. You have to be able to hit back in a fight. Otherwise it’s a knock-out…not a fight.

Barack shouldn’t have to defend himself for something someone else said. Nor should he have to stoop to the dirty tricks common to Washington D.C. insiders.

If Hillary thinks Obama is not capable, then why would she HINT that he would be a good vice president for her?

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

I think Obama is going to have to get ugly to keep his lead. Hillary is going to keep throwing everything at him. He is going to have to counter attack or she will beat him down and win.

Cynthia, Ga.

Hi Soledad,
I am hopeful Hillary Clinton will win tomorrow afternoon for cancuses in Wyoming.

I think he should he should fight back. I’m a Hillary supporter who’s willing to vote for Obam…. (I can’t say it). But I won’t vote for a whimp who’s not willing to fight the Repubs.

Juanita, Obama should be careful how he treats the first viable female candidate. The threats cut both ways.

As an Obama supporter, I wouldn’t mind at all if he called Senator Clinton on some of her issues. I wish people would stop thinking she is lilly white and innocent. Will Senator Obama be a perfect President? NO. Will Senator Clinton? She can’t even manage her own campaign, how is she going to manage the country.

So what are our choices?
A old guy with a bad temper?
A woman who plays dirty?
No thank you.

also welcome back Soledad, have nice you here tonight. And Anderson, enjoy your vacation…..

I really dislike Lanny Davis.

Hillary is being so disingenuous. The Nafta thing was totally blown out of proportion, and he’s ALWAYS said he would take conditions on the ground into account when pulling troops out of Iraq. That’s part of his stump speech “as careful getting out as we were careless getting in”. It’s just responsible.

I think the media is being nieve about Obama’s style. The American people are drawn to him because he brings hope for change in the direction this country is headed, we don’t expect him to lay down and let anyone walk over him. We expect him to fight back and fight back hard if necessary. When and if he chooses to fight back it’s not that he has somehow left his message of hope and change. His message of change is not how elections are won or lost, but by the hope and vision the candidate can bring to a country that has lost hope.

One thing I have to say though is that this whole thing is getting reallllllly old. Pretty soon, they’re gonna’ have to resort to mud wrestling just to keep our attention.

Delegates in caucus states should not carry the weight that delegates in primaries do. Caucus votes only represent a small portion of the state-you can’t even vote absentee as you can in a primary. Seniors and working people are disenfranchised.

Lorie Ann, that’s a good question. After all, the vice president is supposed to be ready to take over if needed. She’s playing pure politics, me thinks.

Would be nice if Lanny Davis would give his pre-determined talking points a rest and actually answer Soledad’s questions honestly.

Hi Soledad, We enjoy watching you! Don’t let em cut you off, this is your ship! To the point, Barack has nothing better to do right now except dig for anything. Hillary’s life is practically on record already how much more does he need to know? He’s finally getting ‘negative’ as he ’said’ he wouldn’t do. Oh well for him! Hillary 08!

That is right!! Obama needs to be held to the same standards as everyone else! He shouldn’t get off easy! He needs to learn to deal with it. Doesn’t seem he can!

Cynthia, Ga.

petty, petty, petty. Put the focus on what we the american people think is important. No one cares about petty issues like someone calling Hillary a monster. She’s been called worse than that. Move on. Get to what matters.

Hi! While Obama is expected to win tomorrow, I’m expecting a more competitive race there than expected. Who agrees?

well, margaret, not exactly–many voters did NOT turn out in Florida–last time we looked at the turnout it was way low, compared to the other contests (which are having record turnout). plus, there was no campaigning. not sure that’s fair. nor is it clear that NOT counting the votes of the 2 mil who voted in both contests is also not quite fair. and the cost aint cheap–25 mil for a redo??? seems steep to me.

Soledad how much preparation do you have to do before you on Live?

There should not be a do over. A do over would only upset the rest of the nation.

Paolo I agree..

Obama has lost his touch; I am off the boat. It’s time to choose someone who can withstand a fight.

Hillary is a veteran been around the world has an all star player bill clinton her husband and former president. Why can’t she raised just is much money. If Obama is such a rookie an inexperience, he sure giving her a tough time. Won 27 states out raised her….now the veteran has to play dirty to try to win the game.

Soledad, that is the first time in a long time I’ve seen a journalist actually push the shills off their talking points. Well done. You did yourself proud. Keep going!

great job soledad

I find it disturbing that the “pundits” are feeding into the Clinton rhetoric by saying “Is Barack Obama Capable of Fighting Back?” as lead in to news stories. Frankly anyone who is famialiar at all with the history of Chicago politics should be aware not only is Obama capable of fighting back, but he is more than capable of winning against John McCain and becoming a great president. This perpetuates the “fear and intimidation campaign of the “W” Republicans and the media is feeding into it.

Can someone tell me if its true that Obama is a chain smoker, but he hides it? I want to vote for someone who is not a smoker (sounds weird, but my friend was killed by a second hand smoker)

Could you comment on the Texas Caucuses? So far, these numbers haven’t been tabulated and released. Why is that?

hello everybody!
hope you’re ready for a good weekend!
and don’t forget to move your clocks forward.
spring forward….fall back!

soledad do you support the recount?

I would like to ask Jamal a question.
I read that Senator Obama had run ads in Florida on CNN & MSNBC for two weeks prior to the Florida Primary. How can you say he didn’t campaign when it is obvious that he broke the DNC rules and did campaign by running ads?

I have a question for someone on the Clinton campaign or in the know - why didn’t Senator Clinton remove her name from the ballot in MI like the other 4 candidates did??

Can someone please explain where Hilary’s 35 years of experienc e come from?

I’m absolutely astonished that Soledad allowed Clinton’s former lawyer to restate the misinformation regarding Obama’s NAFTA position as it was expressed to the Canadian government. At best, this is MISINFORMATION, but more to the point, it is a Clinton “dirty campaign trick.”

Please get the real story out. Don’t let MSNBC be the only network that will accurately report the facts regarding this issue.

Watching the Democratic guests argue so vehemently against one another on CNN tonight, as eloquent as they are, have shown me once and for all that this race is beginning to damage my party. People are interrupting and angering one another with the fervor of those arguing across party lines. I fear what the next few months will bring, and see no peaceful resolution in sight.

Thomas, he quit when the race started, but chews lots of nicorette apparently.

soledad, why don’t you ask them “why is it fair to criticize clinton for voting for the authorization of the war; but at a time when obama wasn’t even voting!” it’s easier to look back and say i WOULD have done that…

Hiliary…will run as an indie..and really screw it all up! I think it will be her sure fire road to 1600 Penn Ave!

Carry On…

I think that Obama’s voters want him to fight back. He needs to show he will fight for us.

and who should pay for the recounts?

Mr. Davis, please respect your invitation to these shows and ensure the soundness of the facts you cite. In your past few appearance on CNN shows, your statement of certain “facts” have been so unsound as to bring your honesty into question. I do not know you, whether you are a liar or not. But you are beginning to look like one. Please, sir, if you have a memory problem, bring your sources with you to the show so that the hosts and your fellow invitees don’t have to constantly correct your assertions.

GB

Lanny Davis needs to ackknowledge that his team was the one reaching out to the Canadians, and stop spinning for this self serving campaign.

By the way, there are worse names to be called than “monster”…like, George W. Bush, Carl Rove, Ken Starr.

If Sen. Obama is going “Use I didn’t Vote for Iraq” EVERYTIME he speaks, but Nothing else, I think he risk being like Rudy Guliani..Every other word out of his mouth was 911. We are in Iraq now. What is HIS solution? I am sick and tired of hearing him saying “I didn;t vote for the WAR”

US Army Soldier

Hi Soledad,

I agree that Obama is going to have to fight back. In regards to selecting a VP, how much would it help Obama if he were to select John Edwards as his running mate?

Hillary is using “scorched earth” tactics and it IS ‘monstrous’. This democrat is ticked off!

If Barack doesn’t toughen up his counter attacks against Hilary, he will be perceived as weak and not as a statesman.

Soledad, you are good at this!

I ask again is Gloria Borger working for Obama…let’s get equal media hacks here

OK..they need to divide the delegates, give each Obama and Hillary each equal amounts and be done with it. Then noone has to pay for another revote. And both get delegates.

Cynthia, Ga.

Brent, Roseville CA:

Cause she is one smart cookie. That is what is needed. Not just someone with experience, but experience in playing the politics which take place in Washington. I applaud her for it because there are people in D.C who would eat Obama alive!

does jamal ever listen to the questions cause he never answers them, we know he is for obama, how about just answering the questions

Somehow I think that the “Monster” comment is a sign of how thinned skinned Hillary Clinton really is.Go by any middle school in this country and you’ll find “monster” not at the top of the line insult.So to make so much about the term is really quite lame.

kevin–hmmm i dont know
depends
today four hours, five
took kiddies to school, had meetings, then came in and started reading in. some days less

Soledad , I enjoy watching.

Anderson, get a good rest.

Cory,fl:

Thanks, I thought it was just me who thought Jamal was deaf.

Mr. Davis just brought up the Obama NAFTA position being flip-floped in Canada. It has been reported the Clinton camp did the same thing. Why is the MSM not discussing this hypocrisy.

why do people think the wyoming caucuses are going to change any thing?

Why didn’t voters in these two states just refuse to vote in protest.

Hillary is same ole polticis as usually

Soledad,

In answer to Thomas about Senator Obama smoking… he did when he was younger but stopped before entering Harvard - it’s covered in his book Dreams From My Father.

This is great! People should know all they can about all of the candidates. This is the most important hiring decision the American people have to make.

I voted for Obama, and I don’t regret it. He has been far more presidential than Clinton. She has decided that she doesn’t have an argument with Obama on the issues, so she has resorted to pulling comments out of context, and fear mongering.
I am really disappointed in Hillary.

Hello Soledad - Nice guys finish last. Hopefully that is a myth. I hope that Obama will come across as direct and stronger without being negative. He’s smart and mature and I hope he continues to shine in that way.

i am sorry but why would you believe a guy who says one thing and then his advisors indicate that he is just appeasing to the crowds….forget the obama man.

Lanny Davis is misrepresenting many facts — is he doing this on purpose or is not aware of what is actually going on or what has been said previously by his client?

If McCain gets “testy” with reporters, what is he going to do when another country ticks him off at 3am???

i think that all Obama has is a “charismatic” touch to politics… i have watched this/these primaries for quite some time and STILL do not know what he means by change… (other than the obvious fact of not being Bush) <– can we stop bringing up the past?

and as to McCain having a temper… i just watched it on cnn and it didn’t seem all that much of a temper???

i don’t know… you tell me. please!

Soledad, why are we to have any respect for comments from Lanny Davis? He is one of Bill’s cronies and has made how much money from his association with the Clintons?

He is repeating the Canadian/NAFTA story from 4 days ago. Meanwhile, yesterday the Canadians verified Obama’s version of the incident.

If he is going to be a pundit he should keep current.

GARY! Your back! Let’s hear from you.

joe: no gloria isnt working for anybody but cnn

One thing is for sure- SNL will have a Hillary “Monster “skit tomorrow.

Hillary is a MONSTER, she will DIVIDE the country just like she is DIVIDING the party. If Hillary is the nomination then john McCain is the next President

It is amazing to witness the volatility of elections in recent years. In addition the polarity of these events and how relatively close they have been is historic. I just hope that the process and integrity of voting is never compromised.

Soledad, I respect what you are doing; but why are you being so easy on these Obama supporters?

Hi Gary!
Please come to blog!!!!

Pat,NYC:

I’m a Hillary supporter but I would still pay to see an SNL “Hillary-Monster” skit! lol

I think the states should have to pay for the revote. It was their choice to waste the funds for their primaries by breaking the rule knowing that doing so would cause the votes casted to be null and void. The states need to take responsibiliy for their decision and not expect the DNC to bail them out. I hope the voters of Michigan and Florida will change their leadership based upon this situation.

I think I can cast a vote this year. Ralph Nader. I am sick of this fake democracy.

calling someone a monster is not very presidential - another sign that obama has no clue how to be a president. training on the job.

What is CNN the democrats party talking head, how can you say with a straight face that what happen between John McCain and the NYT reporter was him in a temper , Soledad O’brien no wonder you lost your show it’s obvious you have no integrity and if you are subbing for a show again I will not watch. Why is it you are taking about a candidates wife’s addition, and you have never done a show on a candidates problems with drugs, the lower you guys on the left , the lower the right will go and sorry but if you can mention in your hour show a drug problem with a candidates wife 5 to 6 times the right can do shows on the candidates problem with drug and not pills but crack and coke, I don’t know who you people think your fooling.

If Hillary wins, the democrats lose.

Gary, Welcome back to the blog! Are you getting the hang of it now? Thanks for the reminder!

lostfigs
haha everyone is deaf ive discovered
if they dont like the question.

Larry Davis, I see why you are a former Clinton lawyer you don’t believe your own words either

hello all!
one political note..
when we covered the recount in 2000, we never thought we would see another political story of that caliber in our lifetime. 2000 was an amazing story, but the 2008 Democratic nominating battle is incredible too. There is just no way to figure how this is going to play out!

Maybe that power hose trigger wasn’t being pressed on. Our corner wash has water coming out lightly until you pull the trigger. Hope so.

Thomas:

From Iowa; Obama quit smoking when he decided to run for prez; that was deal with Michelle. She told people in Iowa that if we caught him smoking, let her know.

People seem to be overlooking the fact that Obama IS a politician.
He has never inspired me in any way.

Do overs? What is this….third grade?

I thought CNN hired fair and balancd people…give Hillary a break

I have a idea. Why don’t Obama and Hillary come to some kind of agreement now and run together. Obama can set himself up if he does take the VP ticket for a run in 2012 or 2016. If Hillary and Obama are serious about uniting dems start with themselves and quit trying to make each other look incompetent.Will you talk some sense into them Soledad, Please!

Jason from Riverview, Obama has plenty to say its just as a Clinton supporter you chose to hear only what you want. Have you noticed Hillary keeps talking about NAFTAgate when Obama, Canada and the memo says there was no such NAFTAgate.

If both candidates would like to have delegates for the DNC, then they should pay a portion of the dollars needed for the new primary. If they don’t then let the Superdelegates do their job and decide the candidate to run against McCain for President.

Micheal I have to disagree.. If Obama wins The Democrats lose because the GOP will rip him apart.. Hillary Clinton already know how to fight the GOP Obama is just to new,

Soledad o’brien:

Looks like someone is taking his first-baby-steps to becoming a politician… “Just ignore the question and it’ll go away.”

If voters don’t like attack ads why do they respond to them,they just encourage more attack ads, pretty sad that the press is goading Obama to attack back, its so childish. the candidates should promote themselves. just imagine going to a job insulting the people in line behind you.

Clinton and Obama are both politicians and they both have good and bad qualities. I don’t trust anyone who says that they never made a mistake or have never made a bad judgment. I have more respect for people who are willing to recognize and admit their mistakes. The voters just have to decide who they want to take a chance on.

Soledad - beautiful and talented as always! Good to see you hosting AC360 tonight.

tommy
even hosing down the 2 and a half year old
is sick
without the power on

Senator Clinton is talking out of both sides of her mouth: “Barack Obama is not qualified to be Commander-in-Chief! But…we may be on the same ticket together” If he has the experience and qualifications to be VP, then he has the experience and qualifications to be President. Isn’t that why you choose a VP?

Solidad-We heard you snicker when he mentioned Rush Limbough.

hillary has been acting a Monster!!!

I’ve noticed the Obama people are real good at changing the subject suddenly. HMMMM……

Barack Obama is just the kind of change we need. Hillary Clinton has proven she cannot effectively run a campaign without negative attack ads and it is time for a change. The Clintons do not equal change–just more of the same. Hillary’s behavior has been erratic. Is that who you really want answering any phones??

Soledad, I think Hillary has sided with republicans. Is she going to switch parties?

tommy –i was snickering because he REALLY wasnt answering the question. was hoping he’d get a little back on topic.

Tommy, it’s hard to mention the name Rush Limbaugh without snickering or gagging.

I think name calling by either side is counterproductive and childish. It doesn’t accomplish anything. People resort to name calling when they have run out of ideas.

To Stephanie from AL and Thomas,
At the beginning of the campaign, Senator Obama was chewing Nicorette and had promised his wife, Michelle, that he would quit smoking. You said he quit smoking at Harvard. Maybe he quit then, but he has been smoking up until he began this campaign according to him. So someone is wrong here.

Randi Kay is a Brilliant Anchor I always enjoy her segments

Dorothy, White Salmon, Washington:

Obama needs to start fighting back cause it’s starting to look like the Nicorette is laced with Ambien.

How is Hillary DIVIDING the party? They are very close in delegates, but it seems that Barack supporters and the media (prior to OH,TX primaries) want her to quit already. Why is that?

Great report on Cindy McCain. Very interesting. Looks like she’s been through a lot. I appreciate learning about the candidate’s spouses.

i just dont feel comfortable with cindy… she looks like a first lady, but i’m not sure if she could fit the mold…

Cindy’s eyes give me the creeps…. (plus she looks too much like Anderson Cooper)

I like Randi Kaye, she is best reporter in the world! and I am so enjoy watch her so lot on AC360!

ashton: what mold?

Are we really going to start calling him out on rumors of when or whether or not he quit smoking, at what point did Americans forget about the issues and started focusing on the candidates facial reactions and campaign commercials.

Lostfigs, I agree about Cindy McCain’s eyes–she looks like she could shoot lasers from them–but in no way does she look like Anderson!

Cindy has a very plastic exterior. She doesn’t seem approachable.

I loved Randi’s piece on Cindy McCain. I thought it was going to be a smear piece but it actually turned out great!

Cynthia. Ga.

Hi Solidad

Good story on senator McCains wife.

Cindy has a Stepford look to her, but that doesn’t mean anything about her personality and what she could/would do as first lady. It’s good to learn a little bit about the candidate’s spouses - since they will be representing the US too.

We don’t need to bash Cindy MCain. The McCains, Clintons, Obamas and all of us are not perfect.

Cindy McCain story was interesting. Got to give her credit for letting it be told. When it comes to politics we often forget that the politicians are just people not to be up on the perfection pedistal. Good story.

Maybe this piece on gang and inner city violence can remind Americans that there are more than enough wars and terrorists to fight on our own soil before we start searching the rest of the world for them. We know exactly where they are; in our own cities and streets.

Thanks for the smoking issue, I’m glad he quit while running for prez I wish he would have done it earlier for his kids sake though not just because he was running for prez.

I suddenly have a whole lot more respect for John McCain learning that he has sons in the military and one in Iraq!!!!! I live in Arizona and didn’t know any of that!!!!

I agree, Chad. Let’s focus on the issues.

wow, i feel so bad for this family.

Wow - all these negative comments about Cindy’s looks. I think she’s a beautiful woman. Let her be.

my prayers are with the family that lost their son to gang violence.

This is a such heartbreaking story–it’s so awful to hear that these innocent, promising kids are being cut down, leaving their families devastated.

I would like to see Soledad interview Cindy McCain like she did with Michelle Obama. That would be interesting to see her speak live.

EJ-I too think she is a beautiful woman

Love Cindy Mc! Soledad that snickering is too funny!

A heartbreaking story. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and anyone else touched by gang violence.

My Heart go out to the Shaw Family. May your son rest in peace. God Bless You. Stay Strong.

Mrs. Shaw is correct, gangs are terrorist. This is the war we should be fighting.

My heart goes out to the SHAW family in the loss of their son. This violence has to stop!

Gary T: We will all just pretend we haven’t heard about all those CNN parties down in NOLA.

Thanks Soledad and Gary..Always a pleasure..Keep up the good work.

Lorie Ann, Buellton,Calif.

Unfortunately, the gang violence is all too common here in California. How heartbreaking to loose someone. It’s always interested me on what motivates news coverage to certain missing persons or homicides and not to others. This is such a tragedy for that family. My prayers are with them and all the other families who live with this fear on a daily basis.

Soledad,
Good story on Cindy McCain….Very informative.
I have been wondering why she is the only candidate’s spouse
who is always with him at every speech and every appearance that
mcCain makes? I hope that she will be a plus for him. I really wish
them the best and for them to keep up their momentum, together.

Soledad, great job as usual and thanks to Gary for the daylight savings reminder.