How could you be so shameless when you said Clinton campagin
spread this pastor’s video. Shame on you.

David,
I too am tired of all of the childish squabbling. It seems that every time we turn around the candidates are fussing back and forth about things that doesn’t even matter in the long run. They seem to be more worried about bringing the other candidate down than they are about what is happening in this country. They all need to grow up and get back to the real issues at hand.

I want to hear in much more detail how they plan to turn this country back around and get us back on the right track. Enough of the name calling, hair pulling and eye gouging! They really need to get back to reality! They aren’t the Three Stooges but how they are acting right now we may want to start calling them that!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

I second that!! Preach it brother!!

You, in the media, are the ones putting out headlines such as “CINDY McCAIN - CAN SHE REALLY BE THAT PERFECT?” and you want the public and candidates to focus on issues?!

The reason the Democrats are mired in squabbling is that the Clinton campaign is running an old style political campaign. Race and gender matter to people who are stuck in the 80’s and partisan politics matter to those who are stuck in the early 90s.

That should have been the lesson of the Ferraro brouhaha but Penn’s statement yesterday made it clear that they still don’t get it. Much of electorate has moved past the politics of the 90s but the Clintons insist on fighting an “old fashioned” political campaign.

Unfortunately, Clinton supporters cannot frame arguments any other way — they can’t help it, that’s their frame of reference.

In the meantime, why hasn’t the media actually looked at the legislative records of any of these candidates when it comes to economic issues? As you say, there’s more to economic policy than tax cuts; where have they been these past 5 years? Why did Hillary Clinton reverse her position on the bankruptcy bill after telling Elizabeth Warren (Harvard professor and expert on bankruptcy) that it would be disastrous for families and women? What was Obama’s record regarding economic issues and what else has McCain done besides reverse his position on tax cuts?

If you want a clearer story from the candidates, why haven’t we seen more actual investigative reporting in this area.

Hi David, no, the squabbling is no fun…it never was. Frankly, I’m really getting sick of it. The candidates have been so focused on winning the next state that they have lost their eye on what’s going on here. Yes, I would like to hear their specific plan for the worsening economy. I was thinking of another debate, but no, I think we’ve heard enough debates. How about get a CNN reporter on the scene of the campaign or wherever they are, have them ask the question, and get complete, detailed answers. If their explanation is too long, they can post it on their respective campaign websites and we can browse through them at our leisure. The economy is a complicated problem and I expect a thorough, elaborate, and methodical solution.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

I believe the two canidates do need to be more specific in what they would like to do. I was at a Hillary Town Hall meeting here in Lorain, Oh. She would like to get a grip on the credit card problems most of use face. She would like to end the interest hikes that apply to past purchases and make the new interest rate apply only on new purchases. That would be a great step to start helping real people out of sticky situations. But I strongly think people should also look into their canidates history, see what type of person they are. Ken Star got out all the dirt he COULDN’T find on the Clinton’s. But what do we really know about Obama? Why is knowbody reporting or telling us about one of the hugest political scandalls of all time?

In the Toni Rezko Trail, a native of Syria, going on right now in Chicago, the prosecution has wire taps of conversations that took place in Rezko’s office. Many of these taped conversations after 2004, when Obama was a Senator representing Illinois. Ironically, in the Prosecution’s evidence, “Senator A’ is present in many of them. It raises questions in my mind who is ‘Senator A?” Aren’t there only 2 Senators representing Illinois? Flip a coin and take a guess, I’ll take heads on Obama. But I bet that coin has heads on both sides.

I’ve been watching the story of Syrian native Toni Rezko. We are missing the whole story on this political “fixer” and who is the one financing this machine. Obama has been involved with Rezko since 1995! An Iraq billionaire, Nadhmi Auchi, has been the source of Rezko’s funds for dirty work. Auchi is also investing in a nuclear power plant in Iraq. It is interesting that Bush’s Energy Plan passed by two votes. Barrack crossed over the isle and voted in favor of Bush’s plan. It brings questions to my mind if there were any foreign interests involved in Obama’s decision.

Passing by two votes is quite a happening for Barrack. When the Illinois House passed a River Boat Gambling issue by two votes, Barrack instantly stood up and said, “I’d like to change my vote to No!” He stated that he pulled the wrong handle and wanted to vote NO on the issue. Did he miss the yes handle and accidently pull the “Present” handle on issues like porn shops, strip clubs, and schools being across the street?? Did he do this 129 times by mistake while in the Illinois House for 9 years? May 2nd, 2007, he stated “Maybe he didn’t use his best JUDGEMENT!” Yet he says we need to trust his JUDGEMENT.

Barrack is running his campaign saying he doesn’t want to run negative advertisements. He wants it to be about the issues. People are now saying Hillary is running a negative campaign. Just wait for the Republican Machine to get a hold of Barrack, will people still say that Republicans need to quit mudslinging, or will they have voter’s remorse because they never researched their candidate? I urge that everybody look through the speeches of Change, and Hope, and Grandstanding and really ask themselves, “Who is Senator A”?

Amen!!

It’s funny, but you folks in the media are the ones that keep stirring the pot. You all hang on every word someone says to see if its racist! This is insane! Clinton and Obama have held 20 debates and I have watched or listened to most of them. I know where they stand on the issues and I know how they intend to govern. What more do you want, they can only say it so many times. This whole process has and will take too long. It should be one national primary day in late spring, get rid of the ridiculous and antiquated conventions and let the nominees battle it out to election day!

Good point!

Very well said.

Still, Hill-A-Bee’s unwarranted attacks cannot go unanswered.

I think Obama will be the first candidate to get back to the issues.

After all, he’s in the lead.

And the election prospects for November …the Three Stooges!

David

Frankly I lay the bickering problem at the foot of the media. If reports of these squabbles would be ignored by the media then then they wouldn’t spread so fast and furiously.

I think the media forces the candidates to spend way too much time defending useless comments and propeganda from the opponents. The real issues have been lost.

I’d really appreciate it if you would run another debate and stick to the topics. Don’t address the name calling race/gender issues. Don’t let the questions address them and let the candidates know that they would be cut off if they threw any darts at the opponent that didn’t refer only to the topic of the question.

Perhaps it could even run with a 5 minute delay so that these comments could be edited out, or hey how about bleeping them out. Then we could really tell which candiate talks about the wrong things most.

Just an idea.

Okay, how about this one…

To get an idea of who would run best against McCain, how about a Clinton, McCain Obama debate now. Interesting thought .

Let’s get over the natty squabbles and talk issues. Only issues.

color of ones race or religion hasnt fixed anything in the past nor will it be significant in the future. lets focus on what we can change not on what we cant..the issue of race is distracting from the real american issues in this race

David
Quit giving Obama a free ride. Do you guys ask these candidates the tough questions. Obama is more interested in seeing Clintons earmark requests not about the weak dollar and the price of oil.
Obama speakes about his opposition to the war, he was not in the Senate at that time. I would like to see what he would do after he has talked to the commanders on the ground.

Cinton and Obama have difficulty debating the issues because they are so close together in the way they think. Their supporters have GOT to STOP all the race and gender baiting. That is the surest way to put another Republican in the White House. C’mon Dems, let’s grow up!

David,
I admire and respect your analysis.
You give a very balanced opinion and it is neither liberal or conservative.
I am glad you are asking the candidates to focus on the matters that are very real and daunting and the mess that they are going to inherit.
Praveena

I think Obama really needs to divorce himself from his church,
the clip shown of his ministers service last night shows the minister as an extreme racist. It gives me serious doubts about Obama morals since he attends the church and refers to the minister as some sort of uncle.

Thank goodness someone has said it. I am truly dissappointed in both candidates. Please let’s get back to the issues. We need help and we need it NOW! All this fighting is foolish…what should have been an election about Pride and Acceptance has become an election focused on Racism. Think about it we have an African American man running against a Woman….we should be embracing this historical moment. Now instead of going down in history for all the right reasons it will forever be remembered as an election that was full of nastiness. One where we have seen supporters left hanging in the balances for simply having an opinion. This is sad, sad, sad! Barack and Hillary, please go back to being the Role Models that I know and believe you both are. You are a dream ticket the sad reality is that you don’t know it!

Ha - it’s easy to blame them both, but the hard truth is that Hillary is the one that has reduced the debate to this level by continually blasting attacks at Obama. When he tries to play clean and stay above the fray how is he rewarded? With losses in key states.
We, the American voters, are partly to blame for not rewarding the candidates for better behavior. Period.

And who else? Oh yeah, the media. When nightly news and pundit ratings are going through the roof because we are all tuning in to get the details on the latest mudslinging.

Fine. Blame all three. But don’t blame Obama. This was NOT the campaign he wanted to run.

Wise up, America. You are being played.

Aw, David, you’re no fun. Why change how things are done after so many years of successfully doing them?

I truly don’t believe the candidates have any details of the ideas they throw out. They simply tell us what they think we want to hear. And that message changes from state to state, even.

McCain isn’t going to change his campaign to reflect his weakness on the domestic issues any more than Clinton or Obama are going to change theirs to reflect their weaknesses in foreign policy. McCain can continue to run on the idea that if he focuses on Iraq we’ll forget about how things are here in the US. Clinton and Obama tell us we’ll leave Iraq when they take office but they can’t make that happen either. So all sides are focusing - sort of - on what they know best.

And I blame the media for not doing their job. They let these candidates slide with non-answers. What I wouldn’t give to hear a reporter (or even moderator at a debate) say, “That’s nice, but would you please ANSWER the question?”

I don’t expect the candidates to be proficient in all aspects of domestic and foreign policy. I do, however, expect them to surround themselves with people who are. Rather than hear about their ideas - which we know they cannot implement unless Congress agrees, so really they’re nice ideas but not reality — I’d like to know who they would put in their cabinets to ensure a solid, well-rounded “committee” that can address both our needs at home and abroad. And can that “committee” bring the ideas to fruition.

And a strong, mature adult will come clean about their weaknesses and how they intend to shore them up.

Hit the nail on the head here David!

Frankly I don’t think the candidates are doing much squabbling. I think what’s happening, instead, is that comments made by a few people associated with the campaigns have been blown way out of proportion by a press that’s struggling to keep politics in the forefront. Clearly there are people with screws loose supporting both candidates; the press needs to stop giving them a forum.

So true and thank you for bringing this up. Voters want real answers about issues especially as bad as the economy is at the moment. The current primary race is bound to cause turmoil when we do get a nominee if they cant come together and unite the country. The old saying “Cant we all just get along” enough mudslinging already after all this will happen once a nominee is decided.

I am soooo tired of this race!!!!! Someone end it and put us out of our misery!!!! i am a life-long democrat and used to be excited, but all this has me all fed up. I am over it!

I wish they would stick to the issues. All of them have supporters that have views that they don’t necessarily agree with but the opinions of those supporters have nothing to do with how the future President is going to handle poverty, the economy, immigration, education, the war and the list goes on. Stick to the issues please.

I whole-heartedly agree.

I’m tired of the verbal-assault tennis. One lobs a comment and the other hits it back over.

Can we get back to the issues?

You echo the feelings of all of us who are concerned about our economy.

Is it too late to start a David Gergen for President campaign ?
What about an Obama Gergen ticket ?

Well said sir. Hopefully they will hear you.
I recommend you to be the next chief of staff (experience and good judgement)

Leave it to you to show it simple and smart. Enough of the same speeches and catch phrases… The differences between them, that voters really need to know, lie in their detailed plans. Let’s hear it and we’ll judge characters based on substance, instead of associations. As always, I look forward to hearing more from you tonight!

Great article. I totally agree.

Yes, that makes sense but only if the Media would focus on that instead of 5,000 articles about Ferraro and Wright. and whatever other dumb scandal du jour The reason the candidates have to keep doing this sniping is because its the only thing that gets covered. Perhaps if the media really worked to present the ideas and plans of the candidates and discuss that instead of whatever dumb statement comes out of someone associated with the campaigns we may get somewhere…

David, I couldn’t agree with you more regarding the infighting between the democratic candidates. What is the purpose of this childest stuff? I think perhaps, they are simply reflecting the mentally and attitude of the nation. Lets all watch as they shoot themselves in their collective foot at the expense of the countrys future. And maybe a candidate will come along to make sense of all this BS. Dave C. Michigan

The next President is in for one heck of a term. We have enormous problems left by the current buffoon at 1600 Penn. The war is not going well and is bankrupting the country. Our fighting men and women are in desparate need of rest and rebuilding, and the world knows it. The bitter pill on Iraq may not be a discussion of whether or not we should stay, rather can we stay. Other more important missions are being neglected while that quagmire continues.

As for the economy, real problems exist. Our consumer based ecomony has maintained itself on an ever spirally debt load of our citizens and government. We are approaching the end of that story now with our financial institutions in ruins. And with the rising undemocratic forces in Russia, we are on the brink of a new cold war.

Finally, our trading partners continue to feed our addiction to cheap credit. They protect their economies through the use of dollar pegs, piracy and unfair importation practices (not always in the form of tariffs, but just as effective). The next president will have to make sure our companies have a shot at exporting before we allow importing into the US. Protectionist or not.

One thing I am grateful for is that I did run for president. The next President will face some of the most difficult challenges since Roosevelt.

David,

You always hit the nail right on the head. I perfectly agree with you. It’s rather unfortunate that we have not yet seen in any of these candidates, one who has the guts to tackle problems at home and abroad at the same time. We have Senator McCain with a pre-cold war mentality, and Senators Obama and Clinton acting as if all our problems are centered around healthcare and Iraq.

If we do not get great minds like David Gergen (my hero) to provoke healthy thoughts to redirect these candidates to the real issues we are facing as a country and leader of the world, we are going to be in deep trouble.

I totally agree about these comments and that is why I am supporting Senator Obama. He has and is attempting to run campaign where the issues are the focus, however since the Clinton campaign has lost its edge, the Obama campaign has been forced to play defense against all sorts of political attacks.

By making such attacks, the Clinton campaign hopes to weaken a campaign that has attempted to play the game in a different way. The Clinton campaign has found some recent success by attacking Senator Obama and creating another campaign based on fear and negativity. The largest problem is that we, as voters, have enabled this. We decry candidates who play dirty but then allow them to have such success. It is time to start putting our money where our mouth is and vote for a different approach. Let’s get back to the issues instead of the incessant negativity that the 1990s campaigns are trying to once again play.

Come on, Gergen, the media aren’t going to cover the issues. The candidates take shots at each other because it keeps them in the news and relevant. If all they started talking about was the issues, you would stop covering the race with any major attention. You report the horse race and “controversy” just as much as every other reporter, so stop grandstanding.

Dear David,
My son is a school teacher in the San Francisco Public Schools and today pink slips were mailed out to some teachers due to lack of funds for school teachers. This is just one of the many critical economic issues facing us in the near future. I had hopes for this election and a new Democratic administration coming to Washington. I don’t know what is happening in the primary race between Clinton and Obama. I tend to think Clinton’s advisors feel free to say anything in order for her to get elected. But as is being noted now in the media her remarks will damage Obama if he is the candidate and is damaging her reputation also. I can’t bear the thought of race being an issue. Clinton seems so much like a warrior and spoiler that it is hard to remember she is a woman who may need some support. I hope people like yourself keep on speaking about the need to address the issues. I don’t think we can afford a Republican president at this this time.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Eugenia Kinney
Episcopal priest in the Diocese of California

David, you take our pulse and get a correct reading. The economy is (underline) on life support. You tell us that the candidates need to get serious about real problems and tell us what they will do if elected, and we all agree.

Who tells the candidates to get serious?

Jane, Portland, OR

I’m with you Mr. Gergen, however, in as much as you admonish the candidates, you should absolutely blast the news media, whose inane tabloid questioning, agenda backed reporting, and tabloid gotcha tactics force the candidates to become nothing more than Hollywood celebrities fighting for air time before they get old and boring.

I am amazed that someone like Obama’s pastor was named to and to this day sits on the Obama campaign’s African American Religious Leadership Council (which means he holds a similar role to Gerry Ferraro did on the Clinton campaign).

THANK YOU, Mr. Gergen!! I just hope the Clinton and Obama campaigns are reading and heeding this.

My husband and I have shared exactly this same set of thoughts with each other at least a dozen times in the last month or so, and we’ve both wished we could figure out how to send the message “It’s the economy, stupid” to the two Democratic candidates’ camps. BOTH of them. Two supposedly very smart people — Penn and Axelrod — are working furiously to enable the Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and two more supposedly very smart people — Clinton and Obama — are going to let them, if not actually abet them.

At this point, I’m going to have to hold my nose to vote for either of them, but I will support whichever one is the nominee. For me, the two biggest issues are the economy and the war in Iraq, and no matter how bad these two are tearing each other down over stupid stuff, either is better than four more years on our current path. I am not sanguine, however, that there are enough like me to preventing the Democratic leadership shooting themselves in their collective foot.

They need to come together for the Democratic party. They need to stop the infighting and move ahead with focus - I couldn’t agree more. With all their millions of supporters, I don’t think it’s ever fair to put another’s comments on another individual, even if they are part of their campaign efforts (ie Geraldine Ferraro). And it certainly shouldn’t be put on the front page of CNN or other news sources. I also don’t find it fair (for either of them) that the media take comments out of context or put a spin on it. Their comments or others.

While McCain now has the time to bring his party together, the Democrats should be doing the same in whatever way possible.

I know all too many people who have had enough. We want the Democrats to take back the presidency. Most people I know, if Hillary is the nominee, they will be voting for her and vice versa for Barack. Let’s not cause such a divide that they’ll start voting for McCain. Come on. Enough already.

Let’s start talking about what really matters.

Primary elections do not hurt a political party and this election has been a remarkably clean one. The candidates are competing for the most important office in the world. It should surprise no one that their backers occasionally go off the deep end. The press picks up the trivial and the frivilous and then blames the candidates for the way the campaign is being conducted. Let the candidates go at it. Both are intelligent, capable and responsible people which is far more than can be said of the so called journalists on cable TV whose admitted attraction is conflict and to hell with a serious consideration of the issues.

David Gergen wins the prize for the most rational person in the USA for these suggestions. The candidates are beginning to look completely disinterested in solving the most pressing problems we have.

David,

I think both Hillary and Barack (I favor Hillary) ARE talking issues in their stump speeches. Would more detail by both be better? Yes.

The problem is that the media pick up on these “off the field” remarks and run with them drowning out any message the candidates really give in their speeches. Whatever is broadcast from the stump speeches are the responses de jour. How about giving us more of the substance of their speeches. This important election should be more than the old “60 Minutes” Point-Counterpoint segment.

I counldn’t agree more. I would love to see the commentators and pundits drop anything related to age, gender, and race and start asking candidates and their surrogates about the issue that face us all.

Thank you. Here’s hoping the campaigns will heed your wise advice. I live in PA, and I long for these candidates to spend the next six weeks focusing on the serious issues and concerns that face this country. It’s time for the grown-ups to be on stage, not these whiny brats that seem to grace my newspaper and television each day. When I was a young girl, my mom used to make my brother and me “kiss and make up” when we were ugly to one another. I don’t expect Clinton and Obama to take it that far, but civility could go a long way toward landing a Democrat in the White House in November. If they keep this up, I fear the Bush debacle will continue for at least another four years. The only thing that will be different is the face we see in the Oval Office.

That’s what we Democrats get for allowing the media to choose our two “finalists.” Face it, they did. And that’s why this Democrat is probably going to vote for McCain - provided he doesn’t pick a right-wing VP!

David:

You are 100% correct. These two need to be put in the ” time out ” chair. Let us get back to the issues. We now have a fake upswing in the stock market as the Fed throws cash in, to bail out some of these mortgage banks and lenders. It is all fake, but as was discussed in your ” Extreame Challanges” program we only do short term solutions. We need long term economic policy discussed. It took many years of bad economic policy to get to where we are now and it is going to take just as long to get us out of it. Our slide did not happen over night.

Now Congress has vetod the 1 year ban on “earmarks”. I wonder why!! This is how they all get re-elected, by bringing ” goodies ” back to their voters.

Maybe you, Fareed and Anderson should make them watch your program ” Extreame Challanges”. Over and over and over again. I say you three for a tri-presidency.

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

I hope both Barack and Hillary will get their campaigns back on track and stop bickering. The cheap shots their surrogages and they have taken at each other are diverting their attention from the real issues you’ve listed. I need a president with a reasonably-long attention span. Is there a candidate out there that has one?

In regard to McCain’s position that our current financial crises can be managed with lower taxes and less regulation, I would assume by “lower taxes” since he’s Republican he’s talking about lower taxes for the big corporations. Interesting concept that’s never worked. I’m still waiting for the trickle down of the Reagan era to reach me. In regard to less regulation, isn’t lack of regulation what got the real estate and mortgage industries into the fixes they are in right now?

I’m getting very tired of whole bunch. Democratic candidates that can’t stop focusing on name-calling. Republican cadidates that don’t have a clue how real Americans struggle to survive financially on a daily basis.

As a well-known comedian has said, “Oh GROW UP!”

Wouldn’t it be positive if instead of using statements by members of the campaigns, narrowly interpreted and taken out of context, to attack each other that the two or even, gasp!, three candidates would sit down and discuss in detail what can be done to improve or solve the serious problems confronting us. Is it possible that one of them would be big enough to acknowledge the value of another’s ideas or concede that in certain areas that one or the other may actually be better equipped to deal with a problem? No one candidate can be the best in all areas. What is the harm in admitting that? I am a political talk show junky but I resolve to turn off any show from here on in that is simply focused on the horse race or the attacks as opposed to the detailed solutions offered by the candidates.

Let them keep squabbling, it will give McCain more ammo, and let some of the dirt on Obama get aired without him being blamed for it. I’m sick of everyone treating the dems as the answer. Higher taxes, higher gov’t spending, and less inteligence than John McCain on foregin policy are not the answer.

McCain at least admits he’s not an economic guro while the others seem to think they have all the answers. We don’t need Carter 2.0 in office(obama) we need a strong leader.

Agreed!

Yes let’s turn our attention from the fight on the deck of the Titanic. Unfortunately it’ll never happen. I’m convinced the only thing that is keeping the ship from going under is this election year. I can’t recall a major election season when the market or the economy was bouyed because neither party wanted it to effect their seats and standing. I feel bad for whoever gets the prize cause the bottom will drop so fast everyone will be scratching their heads wonderng what happened.

I think that we do need to get back to the issues. However, we are still, believe it or not trying to get to know the candidates. The information about Obama’s minister has created a issue with his judgement. There are things that we need to know to be able to make an informed decision.

You are right, both campaigns need to move away from race as much as possible but lets face it, Race and Gender will be part of this campaign due to the candidates running. We just need to focus it constructively.

Tamara , Stone Mountain, GA

David, I agree totally. The squabbling has taken front seat to the issues that American’s are facing today. I really hope the nomination process for the democratic party will straighten itself out soon….right now things seem to be stuck in limbo…we need to move forward.

As an aside, you offer constructive and truly unbiased perspectives!

Even our founding fathers knew that “It’s the squabbling, stupid” that wins elections. Jefferson and Adams went at each other so hard that it took 30 years before they made up. Plans are good but they are just plans. Implimentation is what really counts so we have to wait. In the meantime, we all have to listen to what matters most to the most,…”Whose got the best gatcha.”

Ditto.

David,

I agree that there is a disconnect right now between the Democrats and the American populace. Every time I hear Senator Obama speak I feel like a parrot. I keep repeating, “who”, what”, and “how”, to his constant assertions of unity, hope, and change. Senator Clinton is pushing nothing more than thinly-veiled socialism, in her stump speeches. Senator McCain may have some work to pull the conservatives in, but at least he is actively giving details and strategy.

The bottom line here David, as you expressed in your post, is that America is facing real economic struggles that could potentially implode us. Obama is black (and that is an adavantge for black voters), Hillary is a woman (and that is an advantage for female voters), and John is old (an advantage for seinors who vote in high numbers).
Now that is established let’s talk about who is going to make the tough decisions to tighten the country’s belt and get us on a path of fiscal responsibility again.

–Bryan
Nashville, TN.

Why should they talk about the issues?, all the young people who back obama like its some sort of fashion style dont care one bit about the issues. They hear a couple rap songs and now obama can do no wrong, so why should he talk about the issues and his plan, ESPECIALLY when he doesnt even know himself. Face it this whole election is media driven (as always) and is a popularity contest (as always)

I simply cannot fathom the lack of interest to vote for clinton and perhaps get a spiritual “3rd term” of the bill clinton campaign given our economic and foreign policy crisis. you’d THINK a successful two term president who’s number 1 priority to eliminate the federal debt would be a great asset to white house leadership, but no…. rap video 1 - rational logic 0

game over

Is that the change that Obama preaches!!!

David Gergen is right. The problems this country faces are enormous. I haven’t heard Barack or Hilary discuss the sinking dollar or the war in Iraq in depth lately. The debate has been reduced to bashing the other candidate, instead of offering America some “solutions” to restore consumer economic confidence and world respect.
Forget race and gender and the personalities of the candidates; it appears while they search for new video and audio to disparage their opponents characters, the economy is going up in flames and the war in Iraq wages on. This is craziness and it doesn’t look good for the Democrats or the country for the forseeable future.

absolutely! What everyone on the street is saying! And the media is not helping with dissecting every move and word that is said by the candidates

Hillary has shown some strength in slowing Obama’s momentum by attacking him and now he is pushing back.

Hillary will do whatever it takes to win and she should. She if far more experience than Obama, however she lacks his charisma. Senior Dems see Obama as an once-in-a-lifetime force and a money machine that could churn dollars out for all kinds of campaigns. They’ve abandoned Hillary in favor of his good looks, fancy speeches and the green backs he’s proven to bring in.

The Dem leadership needs to stick with its original horse and let Obama gain more experience in the Senate. He is too ambitious, as he was in Illinois, and he needs to produce as a Senator before he goes after the loftier title of President. His ambition is self-centered and borders on hubris.

Mr. Gergen, I too agree, How do we let them know this? The media continues to report the mess, and hype it even more. I am ready to stop watching CNN for that very reason hype!!! If they are not on the issues don’t report it.

Example, the mess about Obamas Minister, what does what he preaches have to do with Obama, furthermore it was in 2001 and this is a country where we have freedom of speech, Obama cannot control what this man preaches, Martin Luther King was a preacher who preached about social issues, so what!! An educated person listens to everything thats how you learn. The most notorious terroist group of our time the KKK and they are still here preaching and participating in government…no one ever report that.

The media has a responsibility to its audience also, dont report that nonsense.

It is the news media that showed the Ferraro comments ad nauseum after they appeared in some obscure California newspaper. It is the news media that repeatedly shows Pastor Wright’s inflammatory sermons when only the people in the church have seen them. Then the media, after running these stories day-after-day, complains that the candidates are not focused on the issues that concern Americans.

What hypocrites!!

Please start covering the news and stop trying to create it.

I concur that the presidential candidates should speak up and give us their thoughts about what they, as President, would do under the circumstances that grip the nation - BUT - and that is a very BIG ‘BUT’ - the way that Hillary is not going after her superior opponent concerning ‘her’ achievements during the presidency of her husband, when it is a mute point that she was not in on the ‘inside’ the oval office, leaves much room to be able to get the the point of what the opponent thinks. Someone needs to tell her to sit down and shut up, unless she can speak about real instances where she played a pivotal part in any of the conversations and actions taken in the oval office.

Barack Obama needs to have a chance to get his thoughts out in front of the public (read ‘voracious news hounds’) without the constant criticism and bickering from his inferior opponent.

The key to this transformation in the way the two candidates approach the issues that are becoming more unsurmountable each day is for the ‘voracious news hounds’ to focus on the problems, and then only respond the the answers that each of the candidates give - and not stand back and become a part of the bickering themselves. When the mike is turned off and the lights are cast on someone else for the answers, maybe - just maybe - the candidates will get the idea that answers are what the American people deserve to get - and not the bickering.

I do think we should stay with the issues of the country and highlighting who the candidates are affiliated with are part of that and news that should not be avoided. We are backing off our support of Obama based on his affiliation with his racist preacher of twenty years. We would have never known if it were not exposed to the news, the news industry over the past years has become much more respectful and balanced and is needed to keep govt and it’s ways on notice that “WE THE PEOPLE” are watching! We need to know where we are going and a candidates affiliations are important because it gives the American People/World a peak at their hidden values that they don’t express in Public. I am white and tired of racism in our world, we do not need a candidate who commits to follow those who promote further discrimination. We need to help each other prosper regardless of race or wealth. Do we have a candidate who promises that?

I agree with your commentary, except the Democrats problem is that they, unlike Mccain have not scored a nomination yet. Does that restrict them in any way? I don’t know. But it is true that I’ve been longing for my choice, Barack Obama, to step up to the plate & start exhibiting “Presidential” leadership - type behavior. Yes, someone needs to take the high road here & go for it. I really hope that Obama will begin this soon.

LS for Obama - Missouri

Dear David,
I thought I was the only one thinking that way! I was excited at the beginning of this race, now , I am so tired of all those childish arguments those candidates have. I think we need to let them know that that’s not the way they can lead a country, tlak about the issues and don’t attack people on matters that are personal and have no relevant impact on how to serve this country.
Have a good weekend!

Zola

Amen… David.. You are always spot on… Someone was saying they read an article today about the recession may be as worse since World War times.. Yikes… I saw the headline on CNN about people getting desparate and buring their homes…. Scary times..

You are correct, David. But a question to you and your colleagues at CNN and other news outlets: Why do you consistently report and comment about the tripe, trivia, and off-the-wall statements? Can no one exercise any editorial control over the trash talk that is broadcast and printed around the world each day? Your broadcasts flash from one breathless reporter to the next, stumbling over themselves to be first on the beat of the inane. Why is it that every time television broadcasts a statement by McCain, Clinton, or Obama (or anyone else) there is no follow-up question by the reporters present that challenges them to go beyond their present, inadequate positions?

That’s why I have always dis-liked the debates, very childish. I hate to see (mature?) adults putting each other down, extremely childish. And we are supposed to vote for one of these children? If they would all just focus on answering our questions without putting down the others, it would show better character.

While I wholeheartedly agree with the above comment, I must point out that the media perpetuates this petty squabbling. I think the candidates would prefer to talk about the issues at hand, but only get airtime when they get caught putting their foot into their mouth, and then the camera rolls watching them squirm. This is not journalism, just an attempt to sell news in terms of viewership, clicks and airtime.

I have noticed that during the last several debates, the media had outlined the topics “the public wants to hear”, then refused to give airtime to any other issues, hence all debates have resulted in the candidates having to answer the same questions over and over. Its as if the media want us to accept the pre-packaged answers the candidates make, then shift our attention to something that sells- “he said, she said” politics. Unfortunately, these petty quarrels are exactly what drive the masses to vote.

When Hillary Clinton only wanted to discuss the details of her plans to fix the economy and end the war in Iraq, the media was all over her for being boring and allowed Obama to use the media to race-bait in South Carolina.

Now the media is calling for an end of something they started? All the press had to do, in all honesty was not to publicize these exchanges as much as they do.

It takes two to tango. Let the candidates stay on the issues and watch Hillary win this thing easily.

Out with Granny Dobbs! In with David Gergen!!!

Finally, someone who can present a case clearly, logically and dispassionately without resorting to disingenuous, outraged hissy-fits.

In addition to enjoying the delivery, I agree completely with the ideas presented in this opinion.

Thank you, David!

David: You are right, the squabling does not do anyone any good But you have been very positive about Barak’s so called “inspirational speeches” - give me a break Mr. Gergen - when did you call on Barak to tell us exactly what he will do - he is EMPTY, and you are praising him as inspirational. Hillary has been giving us her vision and plans, and you said, she is squabling. Be fair.

David:
Thank God for your statement! I hope someone bring your comments to both of these candidates attention. Especially in the Clinton camp. They are stiring up bad feelings between people in this country, at a time when we need to be united as a Country. Talk about trickle down affect… it is affecting us regular citizens from different backgrounds who have been getting along until this mud throwing started. It appears to me that the Clinton’s so bent on getting into the White House at all costs.

Jannette

Hear, hear! It would be so nice to have a government that would stop worrying about the rest of the world and actually take care of stuff at home. Maybe if our government would stop poking it’s nose in other government’s business so much people would stop hating and blaming us for all their problems.

Amen. Finally some maturity and rationality. If the candidates would stop focusing the importance of the personal attacks, sexism and racism games perhaps the people would be able to make a solid reasoned decisionon who do vote for. It is time to pull the Democratic Party campaign out of the gutter. The whole world is watching.

David raises some very good points. I could not tell you what any of the remaining cadidates would do to make America better and stonger. I would hate to think Hope is all we have left.

Ditto, although the media figure into the problem as well. Whether we’re talking about the news or the political advertising, it’s all presented in sound bites that in no way deal with the complexities of the very serious issues we face. There really needs to be a forum for a detailed and serious discussion of just what the problems are and why they are difficult. I’m not talking detailed solution papers because, frankly, Congress will deal with that level of detail. What I’m looking for are detail explanations of all sides of a problem that shows me that the candidate actually understands the issue and has the courage to admit that the “other side” has legitimate concerns. And, can they provide the leadership to make difficult and often painful choices.

David

I agree to a point. The policies and programs of all the presidential candidates are of vital interest to me. I am also deeply interested in their character. Some of the back and forth between Clinton and Obama is political name-calling but some it reveals character flaws that helps me see the type of person each candidate is.

I am absolutely horrified at the sermons of Obama’s pastor. While I do not always agree with positions of my church, I would immediately leave a congregation where a pastor make such hateful statements from the pulpit. Obama has been a member of this church for many years and is reported to be close to this pastor. This information aobut Obama is extremely concerning to me and makes me wonder, what else to we not know about this man.

Finally, the voice of reason… and yes, the candidates do need to focus on issues, not superficial elements and responding to those speaking supposedly on their behalf.

The American public does deserve, however, transparency, integrity and full disclosure as well. This includes, release of Hillary’s tax returns, Bill’s White House papers, Sen Clinton’s New York earmarks, and Mr. Obama’s explanation of the Resco real estate transaction.

All’s fair in love, war and politics.

With all the important issue’s like steroid use in baseball and our polarized can’t pass a bill without lobbyist paying out some money democratic process. I guess theres not enough time for our crippled leadership to address and fix the real issues important to American’s like the housing market, gas prices and runaway inflation. From time to time our Democratic process has to be renewed by the blood of patriots. I guess we just haven’t spilled enough for the rest of America to stand up for what we all hold dear and shake the filthy bloodsuckers out of our leadership.

I believe the problem is not about the candidates not focusing on the issues. In fact, they have been talking about the issues, including economy, in more details than ever. The major problem is how little the media, including CNN, are talking about the issues. You can actually find the candidates’ plans on those issues on thier websites. They are quite in details. But, I have never seen any news coverage, spending more than one hour, dissecting their plans in depth.

Are you kidding David? Last trip for McCain was a photo op when he had a security group and bought a couple of rugs. Those little trips to Iraq are so bogus. Real life is the 12 soldiers who died in two days recently.

It’s plan and simple for this independent: Hillary gets the nomination, I will be voting for McCain. Barak Obama gets it, he will get my vote.

I believe there are many independents who think the same way.

Of course, this is not about the Clinton’s bashing subject only about the Obama’s ideology, so who has a right to question it. He is the media’s “golden boy”. Let’ s pass it. Next!!!!

Mr Gergen and Mr. Cooper, why do you guys sound like you are sitting in Obhamas boardroom and advising him what to do to bring Hillary down. It’s time that you all profesional guys act in a professional manner and not be bias to one candidate.

I so agree with David and I respect him and am always very interesed in hearing what he has to say. As a democrat who likes both Democratic candidates, I am ashamed at how this has evolved. There are a number of factors. There is no way on God’s green earth that the Clintons don’t care about African Americans, that is just absurd. Just as the black community has been champions for Pres. Clinton, the Clintons have been champions for them. We have to be honest and report that Sen. Clinton really started all of this negative energy when she started losing. Her campaign didn’t seem to have confidence in her experience and the fact that many people do like and trust her. Obama tried to take the high road, and was told he wasn’t tough enough. I think it’s time that the DNC stepped in and said, you are killing this for us! Focus on the issues, and let the chips fall where they may. Set a date and whoever has the most delegates at the end wins. Case closed, leave the negative attacks for the Republicans. With friends like them who needs enemies.

I agree. Gender, race and all this sqaubbling is not the issue. Maybe it is because neither Clinton or Obama have secured the parties nomination. I want to here what they are going to do with our failing economy now that it has taken a turn for the worse since they first decided to run.

I have been voting for almost 40 years now and I keep hearing the same old thing. We need to do this or we need to do that. Let’s here more detail about how they will do it. Everyone knows the country has problems what I want to hear is how do they plan to fix it.

Louie

David, this bit with Jeremiah Wright has absolutely NOTHING to do with “bickering”, as you call it. Senator Clinton did not bring this out–FOX News did. Further, this association with Jeremiah Wright goes right to the core of who Obama is. “Spiritual adviser.” “Sounding block.”

No, Mr. Gergen. This is FAR beyond bickering. This is scary.

The media is feeding this.

I think that the media has hightlighted the squabling among the candidates.

Frankly, I am tired of it.

We are in some of the worst economic times in history and a bad war and all the media is reporting on is who said what to whom when.

Shame on you the media. What happened to responsible reporting.

All of the major news avenues have turned to tabloid reporting. Where are the Cronkites, Lippmans, Brinkleys and Huntleys?

Yes, we need to know the character of each candidate, but we need to know their plans when they take office more.

But, I forgot, presenting the real facts and news don’t sell.

David, your level headed, impartial insight is amazing. You’d get my vote!

To whom it may concern:
I am sick and tired of CNN reporters bad mouthing the Clinton campaign. Do you thrive on slinging mud? Out of the three candidates. Hillary is the only one smart enough to be president, even though she is not a profit, minister, or movie star. If we were all as impressed with Obama as he is the world would be in good shape.
Nadine

Mr. Gergen,

I respect you too much to believe that you have any faith in these candidates breaking with decades (centuries) of political tradition.

You know all too well that what matters most is nearly always overshadowed by what sells that day.

David I agree with most of these peoples comments it is the media that keeps fanning the flames so the campaigns must answer at whatever costs. Look what happened to Obama when he didn’t fight back before Texas and Ohio he got slammed. Both parties need to stop trying to dig up dirt on their personal lives, their friendships, their religions those are private matters and the media needs to stop reporting on them. I understand they are public people running for the highest office but let them run on the issues.

I think voters should know what they plan to do while in office, how they are going to get the dollar back up, jobs, gas, the housing crises as well as how the US is now being viewed by the rest of the world.

I am a Obama supporter he might not have the experience as John McCain but he brings a freshness and optimism back to the voters and sometimes that is better than experience. With Clinton and McCain they are so embedded in the way politics is now I don’t think they can learn any other way. The saying goes you cannot teach old dogs new tricks and I feel with Obama because he isn’t so ingrained in the old style politics he can.

Please all media do not report on any more negatives on any candidate so they can stop bickering back and forth and let the voters hear what they need to hear to make a logical choice in the Primary as well as the General Election.

The three contenders, Obama, Clinton, and McCain are all senators who don’t know a thing about managing a city or a state thus they avoid substantive issues and stick to their confort zone of name calling and mudslinging. I feel sorry for our country because none of them are qualified to answer the phone at 3 am in the morning.

It would be nice to get some adult leadership. Like TV, the politicians are trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator. And, after all, in a country in which a favorite sport is wrestling, maybe this is what we deserve.

I typically vote Republican because of the hope of mature leadership, but George Bush has fixed that notion. I would vote for McCain but the war in Iraq is such an unmitigated and counterproductive mistake, I do not see continuing that policy. I am truly lost in this election. Whichever way I look, I see ineptitude. This is too great a country to settle for what the Democrats and Republicans are offering.

Mr. Gergen:
The economy, the wars, health care, the environment, the future… One candidate is trying to address these, but the headlines always seem to be about his position and standing both an African-American and in relation to the African-American voters. It is not he who is creating these situations for himself. Until we drop the labels, and stop appealing to the lowest common denominators, reporting is becoming more and more like the Jerry Springer Show. And unfortunately, you in the media know that we like it.

Recently, when the Clinton camp started hurling negative comments at Mr. Obama, the press claimed Mr. Obama needed to learn how to “throw a punch” and how to “throw a counter punch”. Now that he has done just that, he is being criticized for not focusing on the issues. Make up your mind.

David,

I always enjoy listening to your analysis, because it’s always very clear and fair. You’ve correctly stated the urgent need to have all the candidates address in much more detail what they will do to help our economy from spiraling out of control.

In my humble opinion, whomever decides to tackle this most difficult issue first will gain justified credibility among the voters and strengthen their chances of winning the presidency.

Let’s hope they read your articles.

Sincerely,

Vicki Venza

There is no solution to the economy, as long as decisions are made by ideological calculations, arrogance and political calculations.
Hillary Clinton and John McCain have just been doing that.
Because of such calculations they took us to the war
and still following the same track.

When the leadership starts making decisions by reasons, economy will settle down. You do not have to read the economic proposals of the candidates. You have to ask whether the candidate will make decisions based on reasons. If the leadership is committed reasons then his/her proposal will correct itself and economy will be back on tract.

So, the issue is that of honesty and trust, not that of economic policy or vision.

Mr. Gergen,

Thank you for your well-constructed points. While clarity from a candidate should be standard practice, today Citizen A is lucky if h he or she receives a remotely similar message from Candidate X as does Citizen B in the next state. But that’s modern politics, and probably historical politics too.

What IS becoming apparent in the increasingly vitriolic Clinton/Obama is that the Democratic Party comes second, and the Candidate comes first. And at this point, the main culprit in this unseemly, Party-shredding process is Senator Clinton.

For all the accusations that have been leveled at Mrs. Clinton through the years, and for all of her impressive personal and professional gifts, her determination to win get - but not necessarily win - the nomination at any cost is breathtaking. And not in an admirable way. What one hopes is the Low Point - Geraldine Ferraro’s blatantly racist remarks, after highly inappropriate recent outbursts by President Clinton which have stunned those of us who previously would not have believed him capable of harboring) - is lower than not only what one expects of Mrs. Clinton but also what the Democratic Party stands for - at least on paper. The fact that Mrs. Clinton has allowed these remarks to pass with only a mild rejection of them, (or in the case of her husband, no rejection at all), send the very clear message that she in fact supports the tactic if not the sentiment. That, under any circumstance, and especially in the wake of Lee Atwater/Karl Rove-ism, is repellant. It is also destructive to the Party, as John McCain rides out the slugfest while taking copious notes and filling his campaign coffers, and diminishes Democratic hopes of winning the White House in November.

In the past few elections, it was popular to blame Ralph Nader for sinking the Democrats. This November, no matter who is the candidate, it may well be appropriate to blame Hillary.

Joe D
New York City

Yesterday Hillary Clinton apologized to blacks AGAIN. When will Barack Obama apologize to Whites for the outrageously racist comments made by his pastor Wright? Why is there ALWAYS a different standard for him and his campaign?

Thank you David..There are differences.

Sir I think you need to be off the Anderson Cooper show because since the SNL, Ohio and Texas primaries he has shown his true colors. He is a Clinton supporter. He is not fair and balanced. See how is is blowing up the Rev Wright issue and down played the Farah issue. Anderson will loose his credibility soon. He is not fair. I like both candidates but he is balantly siding with the Clintons undercovered.

Let’s find out where and when all of the petty squabbling began. If I can recall, it began when the Hillary campaign was accused of not putting up a fight prior to the Ohio and Texas primaries. The “kitchen sink” was picked up by the pundits and now democrats may suffer a malaise and not vote or worse yet place a vote for Bush jr. What a shame. Democrats let’s take the election from the pundits.

I am so disappointed in you. Your bias against Hilary Clinton comes out in every comment you make. I have always respected you as a fair commentator. Your bias this week with the Ferraro and Rev. Wright situations has destroyed your credibility to be a political commentator. My 25 years of CNN are ending. I will be watching other commentators. I am also disappointed that Anderson and Walt do not address the bias issue you are presenting.

Hurray for the mature voice of reason! Thank you, David. You are one of the few people on CNN whom I respect. Not worth watching but for those like you and Roland Martin.

We have all races and people of different genders dying,and fighting for us the american people. If they can get along why cant our government,and politicians.I dont care white,black,male or female,who becomes president,I just want the one who is going to keep their word,and do right by all americans.

David, you nailed it. You are one of the few people on TV worth listening to. Your media friends are a big part of the problem. They want entertainment; crossfire type sparks to juice ratings. They don’t seem to want to do research on the economy, how NAFTA should be changed, what they think of the NAFTA Super Highway, why we should punish Cuba for doing the same things our Chinese friends are doing, what would they actually do about our broken borders so that they can ask intllligent questions. How can we have gone through 20 debates run by the best of the media and the Isreal-Palestine issue never came up? I will suggest a question. What do they think of Jimmy carter’s use of the word apartheid in regard to the Palestine situation?

Thank you, Mr. Gergen, for your insightful and highly fair and balanced commentaries. I always enjoy listening to you. I am a regular viewer of Anderson Cooper’s program. I’m from Canada. But I have to say I was absolutely sicked by tonight’s program ( March 14 ). I have just scanned Anderson’s blog, and am simply amazed at the level of intolerance and inability to grasp what is happening here. I could imagine this level of hysteria if Barack Obama had made these comments himself. But watching tonight’s program, I don’t know if I would have noticed any difference in the nature of the coverage. I can scarcely imagine what the difference would have been, in relation to the reaction I saw, and the vitriol I have read in the blogs adjoining the program. During the course of the first half hour of the program, we saw the same excepts being repeated again and again, almost in a brainwashing fashion. Why was that considered so necessary ? And why is it that many people seem incapable ( or unwilling ) to acknowledge that these statements were made by someone else and had nothing to do with Barack Obama, any more than Hillary Clinton had anything to do with Geraldine Ferraro’s comments ? And has anyone had a chance to note the astonishing coincidence of the release of these dated videos at this particular time ? As a Canadian, I often wish we had a leader as great as Barack Obama. It therefore makes me sick to my stomach that there is such a nakedly transparent and concerted effort to destroy this man. America surely is a greater country than this. Thank you for allowing me to share my comment, Mr. Gergen, and keep up the fabulous work.

David..
You are correct in that no one seems to want to focus on issues and leadership ability. I watch mainly CNN and MSNBC and, unfortunately, you can go from show to show and hear the commentator or host ask the same question - over and over -”Should Geraldine Ferraro step down from the Clinton campaign” or “Should Reverand Wright remain part of the Obama Campaign” or similar nonsense. Each host asks the question like he or she just thought of it, like it is a critical news item, and like we should care. If you attend a live rally both Obama and Clinton are attempting to provide substance, engage in Q&A, prepare and distribute policy statements. Much of this information is lost in the blather we hear over and over. The media, and in turn the public, will get the level of discourse that it demands. To date, some of the most interesting and objective commentary on the election has come from SNL.

David, I always respect your opinion, but was disappointed tonight when you loosely quoted Michelle Obama saying “Michelle’s quote that she isn’t proud of of America.” Her quote was: …..for once I am REALLY proud of America. Sometimes I’m hungry and sometimes I’m REALLY hungry…sometimes I’m bored and sometimes I’m REALLY bored. Sometimes I’m angry and sometimes I’m REALLY angry. Please pass this information on to others…the REALLY part of this quote is REALLLLLLY important.
Thanks for the good work you do.

This is to inform you that there is going to be an online petition to have your show off of CNN because it seems to favor Hillary Clinton and your line of questioning to Obama was disrespectful. Black America is seeing all this negative coverage of Obama either being a Muslim or a radical Christian on the part of CNN particulary AC360 is alarming and we have had it. I THINK CNN OWES OBAMA AN APOLOGY OR AFRICAN AMERICANS AN APOLOGY FOR TARGETING ARICAN AMERICANS BECAUSE THEIR VIEW OF AMERICA IS DIFFERENT. SO SHAMEFUL BUT THERE IS GROWING ANGER IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY OVER CNN’S COVERAGE OF OBAMA VS HILLARY AND MCCAIN!!!! SHAME on you Anderson AND I THOUGHT THIS WAS 2008??????

David I agree whole heartedly, there is too much gravy and not enough meat and potatoes.

Unfortunately the “entertainment ratings” seems to drive the sensationalism engine driving news organizations today.
Oh for the “equal time” days when candidates would be able to speak for themselves and be judged on their own rather than “sound bites” and news editors and anchor filters.

David,
You are by far the best CNN has to offer. You are fair and balanced. Wish you could work on Roland, Jack, Jemal and a few more.

Thank you David for your wisdom, you are smarter then any of the WHITE men on CNN, on TV, let’s stay focused on the issues.
My Pastor whom I love dearly, sometimes he gets real radical but because he teaches Gods word so well and his views are his I remain there to hear Gods Word.
Come on CNN ENOUGH!!!!!!!! Gas is almost $4.00 a gallon I make $12.00 an hour what am I to do????? maybe I should cut the cable and watch movies.

The focus really needs to be on the economy and the war. This big discussion about Rev. Wright’s comments is ridiculous.

Are people really so scared that Sen Obama could be elected president and “stick it” to white people the way black people have had it stuck to them throughout the history of this country? Good thing for those folks our potential black president is actually part WHITE and part Black & was raised by his WHITE mother and her family. Sen. Obama’s identifying as a black man is a function of the race issues in this country not a situation that he created.

Because of the dynamics in this country on race, white people need to understand that many blacks cannot exhibit BLIND patriotism to a country that has so often mistreated them and reminded them daily that they were “less-than” when it comes to their position as citizens in the nation. Most black people love this country, they just aren’t blind to the reality that most of the time this country hasn’t exactly LOVED them BACK.

If this country is as great as many of you think, let’s stop talking about race, gender, spreading nasty rumors about who is muslim (as if there is something wrong about that) or spreading the fear that if a black man is in charge he’s finally going to equal the score for what has been done to black people in this country for centuries (’cause that’s really what the arguments about Rev. Wright boil down to!)

Let’s talk about the real issues like the economy and how we’re going to compete in a really competitive world market in the future when we’re behind in terms of the education and the health of our citizens already. How America is going to create a plan to be competitve going forward and stop looking in the rear view mirror admiring how great our past accomplishments were.

Let’s talk about who has a plan to take us to the future while not forgetting both the accomplishments and shortcomings of our nation’s past!

David,

Thank you for your passion for true jouralism. Please tell me
is it Rev Wright’s style of preaching or the content of his sermon that is troublesome? I did not understand Rev. Wright to say “God damn” America; I heard him say “God damned” America, referring to the war, the floods, breakdown in our families, and our children that we have suffered. Some of us may not agree with his style of preaching, but few of us will say that our country is not having a crisis in our Judo-Christian faith. Are thinking people saying that the good old boys network of white men don’t control this country? It is this divisive political network that gives poor white people “racism” instead of jobs and education. With this manipulation poor Whites focus on “hate” instead of becoming a part of the movement for change. First, poor Whites were told that Blacks were taking their jobs through affirmative action, now they are being told that the illegal workers are taking their jobs. Many Whites are recognizing that powerless Black people are in the same boat with them.

A country that sends all of its jobs out of the country and whose food, drugs and even water supplies have become unfit and unsafe have mega domestic problem. Our foreign policies have become the worse in recent history. Surely, we all know that race matters in this country and many White scholars, politicians, and people of many faiths have stated this fact. It is my understanding that Rev. Wright’s Church has taken its practice of Christianity beyond the walls of the Sunday service and has done a great deal of work in the community. It is very Christ centered. The media is driving this divisive story by repeatedly showing Dr. Wright’s inflammatory sermons and avoiding the real issues of the economy, the war, health care, drugs, the education system and pedophilia. The Spinners and the media will not be able to keep the truth from thinking people forever. Much of electorate has moved past the politics of the 90s.

I agree with your point. The candidates need to be allowed to discuss and present the issues and what their plan is. I also say that a big part of the problem is the media. Just as you’ve said this here you need to pass this along to your colleagues and adhere to it yourself.

David, I hope the candidates take heed of you sage advise.

However, if they don’t Anderson you need to invite them on your show and give them a Biloxi slap down the way you did with Mary Landrieu.

Please just give us the issues and plans to correct the mess we are in.

What are you talking about, you are one of the guilty ones.

Mr. Gergen; I admire you’re calm of reason on Mr. Cooper’s CNN show tonight, it was very much needed. Your calm lends credibility to the words spoken by you. One may disagree with your political affiliation but, one concurs with the standards of the man. The particular episode was rancid, the sensationalism offered by Mr. Cooper, As a History major and College graduate, who comes from a multi-culture home, Mr. Cooper’s journalistic passion, brings concerns for many, it comes across as bias and confrontational in the attempt to push the story. One may presume that is the problem; Pushing the story. Many are, and should distance themselves from this rhetoric; as well as many should seek to understand historical utterance by this Reverend. (His spoken words are reflective of past issues; his conviction is one of a past needing to be corrected and reconciled in the context of today’s sterile politics.
One is pleased how ever, by the historical facts you and Mr. Rollin Martin offered to the viewer about the different historical views of the (a) American experience, as seen through the lenses of African Americans (blacks,) seen through the eyes of Latinos (all encompassing,) or those which differ from the views of White America, we must understand each other and be more tolerant. It is not about patriotism; or anti-religious, anti-America as Mr. Perkins wishes it to be. Mr. Perkins as a surrogate and as a pundit concentrates his efforts to use the words of the Reverend to inculpate Senator Obama as “guilt by association” this leads many to ponder what agenda is purported by the news cycle and many. Your repeated cycles of this episode does not impress the intellect. One does not inculpate Senator McCain for the utterance made by one Minister; he was standing right next to, as the Senator sought his support. Or those of the radio announcer impugning the stereo typical Arab/Muslim; (connotation being Terrorist) when He inference the name “Hussein;” even though many know it is Senator Obama’s middle name.
Well! If the intent was to give Senator Clinton’s candidacy a life line, well you have, by keeping this alive.
It is so sad, but all are within a melting society of divided citizen by race, color, religion, and social economics. Does anyone desire a new political delicacy? Or does the discourse in political life give the multitudes life? What happened to: the mortgage crisis of middle class, the rising prices of gas at the pump, an economy in recession no one wants to believe it’s occurring. What about the next looming conflict being goaded with Iran?
These are the concerns News Journalists…Speak to these issues, force the dialogs not this sensationalism.
Respectfully
Jorge.

AMEN.

The media is to blame for fanning the flames of this latest controversy. Why keep airing the minister’s comments. Obama has made it clear that this minister does not represent his views. So, move on, please, no more coverage of this minister.

Don’t give the negative messages the light of day in your nightly news coverage. I think at some point, the media has to take responsibility for keeping the negativity going.

We want change. Obama can ride out this latest storm and get back on target, talking about the issues that matter to America. He still has my confidence and support!