Comments on: David Gergen: Focus, candidates, focus

By: Jon

Jon — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:47:52 +0000

It's amazing to see how much negative sentiment is being spewed by Obama supporters. I couldn't agree more with your call for the candidates to stick to the issues but when the Obama campaign labels everyone who differs with them a racist it will be hard to change the dialogue. I read that both camps are planning to ramp down the negativity so hopefully that's a start.

By: FrequentFlyer of IL

FrequentFlyer of IL — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:13:29 +0000

David -

I agree with you point urging the candidates to focus. However, I hope that the rest of the media share in this sentiment, and quit feeding the monster.

All of the coverage of the "race" factor, the Pastor factor, the Ferraro factor only continues to perpetuate the non-issues that shouldn't be part of this campaign.

I would encourage the media to focus on the FACTS as well, and share with the American public DETAILS about each candidate's platform as well as the experience they bring to the table.

I end with this – lets get EVERYONE to focus on what is critical to this Presidential race, and leave the petty squabbling coverage to the tabloids.

By: Paulette

Paulette — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:31:04 +0000

Here's an idea. Why don't you guys ask the questions of the candidates and focus them on specific issues for specific responses. Set another standard and move away from the spin and telephone calls from their campaigns. This might help citizens as we make decisions about what the candidates have to offer our nation as potential leaders.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:57:12 +0000

Well, gee David, since it's your buddies in the media that thrive on all this stuff, maybe you should be asking them to be grown ups. I don't see the candidates focusing on this garbage – it's the media who keeps asking them to respond to this or that and then dissecting their answer trying to find something racist (but never sexist) in it.

I'd love to see some good old fashioned journalism – you know when the media presents the facts sans opionion and without all the drama, thereby allowing the American people to make up their own minds.

Maybe y'all should ask yourselfs, what would Walter Cronkite do??

By: IA

IA — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:51:20 +0000

I completely agree with David; folks lets get back to debating the real issues, and not get distracted by all these side shows.

By: Dr. Taruna

Dr. Taruna — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:38:13 +0000

Mr . David,

As always fair and logical.

Just wish the media stops their dirty games of going on with the stories that are so irrelevant and try posting more positive stuff..i guess they are trying to make big bucks as election years come once in 4 years and that one time they sell with all this crap.

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:34:59 +0000

David, I have great respect for you and totally agree with what you said. However, exactly how can the candidates get back to the issues when the media plays every little soundbite over and over and over? One of Hillary's surrogates says something and every political pundit on tv is questioning whether it was racist or not. Someone on Barack's campaign calls Hillary a monster and it gets repeated and replayed and talked about over and over. How exactly can the candidates quit bickering when they are having to constantly do damage control because of what gets reported. Is all of this pertinent to the campaigns? I think the media bears some responsibility in this "tit for tat" that is going on.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:32:19 +0000

Mr. Gergen, I really like your opinions most of the time, but
You most be kidding me. You said that McCain wants to see for himself what is happening in other countries! Well , I got news for you.
The people of this country can see much better than him, and what we see is not very pretty. Things can not look worst that they are and here in USA things are getting worst and worst. The tragedy of all is that this administration does not know how to fix the mess they created. It's going to take a miracle to go back to what this great Nation was. Our dollar,our credibility,our jobs, our friends in the world, are all almost gone. The press felt in love with Obama and it reminded me of 2000 when they felt in love with Bush (the likeable guy, unifier, the guy they wanted to go drink a beer with) and see where this good guy has taken the country to for the last 7 years..down the drain! I want someone with experience and someone with a purpose in life.. not a dreamer or a warmonger.... I want my country back and prosperity. Thank you.

By: zanne

zanne — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:27:16 +0000

I guess maybe you took the critisism that you were "too easy "on Obama to heart.
Anderson, I have always thought that CNN was " fair and balanced'...
tonight's coverage made me wonder. It is not necessary to repeat the history of " dirty politics" and it's coverage. I think that that this is truely the message of Obama, and what the American people want. Enough already.

By: Aida Gurwicz

Aida Gurwicz — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:26:57 +0000

David,

CNN should change your title from Senior Political Analyst to Senior Obama Apologist. I found your attempt to whitewash the Wright fiasco tonight on Anderson Cooper's program startling. I was slack jawed when I heard you say that white America does not understand the black church. What don't we understand? Is it the part about damning America or that our government conspired to infect black men with aids? Or maybe we don't understand that we earned 9/11 in return for state sponsored terrorism against Palestinians, aka our support of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East? Shame on you!

By: Madeleine-Maryland

Madeleine-Maryland — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:24:26 +0000

I couldn't agree more. However, the press is charged with informing the public. Perhaps they could start doing a better job of educating and informing the public about more pressing issues.

By: Joseph Moody American in Singapore

Joseph Moody American in Singapore — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:14:15 +0000

The Disconnect issue you rase is ' on the money'
They all need to pound on the issues not on eachother.

Will some one please tell me why on Sept 12th 2001 Jerry Falwell can say that americas liverals and gays brought on September 11 and several years later Rev Wright is condemed for connecting our history of ill advised support of right wing fascism as responsible.
which is a more reasoned and base on the public record than Falwell's hate message

I believe both pastors used a phrase simular to 'we brought thisdamnation on ourselves.'
The both are potentally guilty of blaming the victim which is offensive.

By: Seth

Seth — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:10:35 +0000

I agree, they need to focus. But do americans any of these canidates have any original thoughts or ideas. They have their political clowns telling them what they should say and what financial focus they should have. All of these canidates have had lived in the lifestyle of the rich and absurd. If they had to live a day as a middle income or low income person they would they would give up hope to. When you get everything done for you everything seems possible. I dare any of these canidates to live a life for a month stripped of their luxuries and join us in the screwed society that they have placed us in. I love my America, but I am sickened by what these wise politicians have done to this once proud country. Our education is horrible, neighbors don't no eachother any longer. And our politicains squeeze as much money out of us as they can. SO ALL YOU POLITICIANS BE PROUD AT HOW QUICKLY YOU HAVE SUCKED THE HOPE OUT OF MOST AMERICANS!!

By: Shelley

Shelley — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:09:29 +0000

It is very difficult to think that neither Barack or Michelle Obama have heard the words of their "Reverend" before. After hearing his comments, is little wonder why Michelle Obama is only now proud to be an american? Anyone who thinks that Obama is running a "race free" campaign must be watching a different campaign than the one consuming the American people today. unfortunately, not only Obama but the media have made this campaign about race by forcing Hillary supporters to walk on egg shells with what they say or face the wrath of the "racist" title.

By: dct

dct — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:04:32 +0000

Mr. Gergen I respect your position as a reporter and with that.. I also respect my point of few. I am a person, black, American Indian, yellow, white, should make no difference. This country is founded on equality for all not for the people with the biggest platform. Why is it? that reporters and pollers divide and continue to make segregated columns of people? Isn't every person in the United States equal? Is not every vote equal? Why are there demographic studies done by race, color and gender? What difference does it make? We are all American citizens, I challenge you to respond to this question, and can you tell me, why this is so important for the public to know the divisional studies? Do you think it is helping or dividing it, if you think it helps, I would like to know why

By: Peter Haines

Peter Haines — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:02:32 +0000

David,

Just watched a segment of Ac360 as was again impressed by your sane, balanced, objective point of view, What really irritated me was AC and his determination to make the side show the main story. FCS, we have real problems to deal with. AC is going to chase me to MSNBC, He really is like an irritating little terrier that won't stop yapping.

By: Carol

Carol — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:01:43 +0000

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!

By: tms

tms — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:57:56 +0000

AMEN.

By: Jorge

Jorge — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:55:08 +0000

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.

By: kathy

kathy — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:53:25 +0000

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