Comments on: Anderson's View: On the road with Obama

By: Juan Perea y Monsuwé

Juan Perea y Monsuwé — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:03:35 +0000

Hello Anderson,

Greetings from a fan from the Netherlands, hope your recovery is swift and you remain in good health.

I thought it was great the other week, you were the only one raising critical questions about Reverend Wright in a direct head-to-head with Senator Obama. The overall tone has been very kind on him, even if he contradicts himself a lot.

I just wonder if his unifying speech on race didn't portray himself as purely the black candidate of race... polls in Pennsylvania shows, Hillary Clinton leads 56 – 30 now and his 9 point lead in North Carolina has vanished, just 44 – 43 now.

But before, he always marched in the states and closed the gap. Yet now it seems to be the other way around, and he might have lost his momentum, cause the workers in these states want concrete plans and solutions, Senator Clinton seems to offer.

By: barbara

barbara — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:03:17 +0000

"Be honest about what you see, get out of the way and let the story reveal itself". Anderson Cooper, I'm holding you to your word, tonight, I will be watching and I will make a judgment about your reporting, whether you practice what you preach. And I am not trying to be mean or rude, your words are powerful, and that's the way news reporting should unfold. You see, I believe the words we speak and adhere to form the basis of our character. When we speak and say one thing and our actions display the opposite, it causes confusion/////////dissonance/discord. So please lets not have anymore of that from the media on this subject of race and religion. Whatever questions were not answered for some people who are discontent because they feel Sen Obama did not distance himself enough, please direct them to him. This is now a personal matter between him and his former pastor. I want to hear more about the issues in this campaign, i.e. how are you going to revive the american economy, how soon can we realistically get out of Iraq? I expect an objective piece on Senator Obama and I personally don't like to hear reporters feelings about the matter. That's just me, because I'm a journalist myself and I strive to report the facts as objectively and unbiased as possible because I respect my audience enough to draw their own conclusions from the information I've presented. I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight. And by the way, I call myself a cancer thriver, not merely a survivor, and you are too!

By: Tracy in San Diego

Tracy in San Diego — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:01:40 +0000

Will you please start asking Obama the tough questions rather than throwing him softballs? This country is in true crisis and our next leader must be more than a dynamic politician. Words are important but actions are critical. Months and months on the campaign trail and Obama has yet to show much substance. The fact that he demonstrated good judgement as an Illinois senator voicing his opposition to the Iraq war is fantastic but his lack of judgement associating with Rev Wright is more telling. I strongly doubt if Obama had been a U.S. Senator when Bush declared War against Iraq he would have had the political courage to vote against the war. He couldn't even stand up against his own church leader until he was forced to do so for political advantage.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:00:31 +0000

Anderson:

I thought you've been off because you were headed for the middle east...wow, was I wrong. I'm glad to see you're up and around and hope you're feeling better.

Stitches or no stitches, you're still the best looking reporter in the business.

Take care of yourself.

Kim, Bolingbrook, IL

By: Phil, illinois

Phil, illinois — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:59:36 +0000

I hope you're doing well, Coop.

Take care of yourself.

By: kim , bloomfield MO

kim , bloomfield MO — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:58:59 +0000

Looking forward to seeing your show with Senator Obama. I really cannot understand all of the fuss about what his former minister said. You do not dictate what other people say or do or think. This is still FREE America isn't it. Senator Obama has already said numerous times that he did not agree with it. If everyone walked away from a friend, family member and yes even walked out of Church because something was said we didn't agree with, it would take care of the obesity problem, cause there would be alot of walking. Let it go. Listen to his message. I know he still has my vote.

By: Meagan

Meagan — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:58:20 +0000

one more thing...i thought we seperated church and state years ago, so why is this even an issue?

By: Gadi

Gadi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:58:19 +0000

Anderson, I wish you all well, I had a similar surgery myself a few weeks ago.Mine was on the top of the nose.The doctor here in Ottawa, made a great job, and I am fine now.

I watched the entire Obama speech , also printed out the transcript , and read it again...to my opin ion it is a wonderful and courageus speech, with all the personal( electoral) risks that Obama took upon himself...he went on the fine line between finger pointing , znger and asking for regret and forgiveness.Most importantly he mentioned to all the racism is still embedded in our life, we need to face it, and continue to try and resove it.I pariase him for being so forceful in delivering such a speech.

By: karol sausen

karol sausen — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:58:15 +0000

Hi Anderson,

I love AC 360 and Obama. In fairness to Obama, it's important that you to end the endless loop regarding Rev. Right and focus on what Obama, as president, can do for the USA. TONITE, DARE TO BE DIFFERENT AND DISCUSS THE POSITIVE & NOT NEG.
Thanks
Karol

By: angelo

angelo — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:56:43 +0000

Hope you feel better.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:55:51 +0000

I heard Senator Obama's speech. I know it is hard for some people to believe, but unless you are black, you cannot know how hard it is in america to catch a break. Everywhere you go, people see you as a black person, regardless. That is why we try sooo hard to fit in. To dress nice, to have nice things, so that people notice those "things" instead of the color of our skin. You can not expect us to just forget about all the injustices that were done to us and our ancestors. We didnt make all that stuff up, it happened here in America. Now dont get me wrong, I would not want to live in any other country in the world, but it is very hard for blacks, especally black men/boys. Obama is lucky, in that he does have white family members. However, when people look at him, they dont see that he is half white, they see A BLACK MAN!!! Never mind he is a Harvard graduated, never mind he is a successful lawyer, never mind he is a US Senator, he is STILL just a BLACK MAN.

By: skm

skm — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:55:15 +0000

Dear Anderson.. I hope you are ok. I heard about the surgery.

Well, you are certainly giving a lot of time to this candidate..
But we know he lied. and is now trying to recover the derailed campaign and candidacy.

I hope you have a day with Hillary? That would be nice to see right on the heels of this.

By the way, I read this in one of the Blogs, and it captured what I was thinking, so I quote:
Obama’s speech yesterday in Philadelphia had a similar effect. He had been expected to dispel, once and for all, any question that he sympathized with the hateful, racist anti-Americanism of his pastor, Jeremiah A. Wright. Instead, he failed to break with Wright, and used the occasion to attack his political enemies and to revisit a frayed list of racial grievances. For Obama, this is the beginning of the end.
His supporters are crowing about what a triumph the speech was, how historic and how groundbreaking. The hype and hyperbole are a sign of the deep insecurity they rightly feel about what was revealed today. Senator Obama 1) did not apologize; 2) did not break with Wright; 3) did not provide a way forward. He did not quote the Bible even once—quite astonishing, given that religion is at the heart of this affair.

Here's my add: And he doesnt say the pledge of allegiance....

Anyway, be safe.. be well... and I hope to see you on Day with Hillary. Come to think of it, it would be far nicer to see you on CNN than Worlf Blitzer.. and of course Hillary!!!!

Thanks.

By: EJ - Ohio

EJ - Ohio — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:54:46 +0000

It'll be good to have you back Anderson. I hope you did get a lot of well-deserved rest and we all wish you a speedy recovery.

I was moved by Obama's speech. As he said he's not naive enough to think that 1 speech or 1 election cycle is going to cure all of society's problems regarding race. I think Barack has done all he can regarding Wright's comments. I personally was happy that he did not disown his pastor or his church. American who attend church know that the church is like an extension of your family.

It was a very honest and powerful speech. It really makes one think about the relationships in their life and how race has played a part in those relationships – whether they've been positive or negative experiences. I not only admire the way Barack can give a speech but I admire how he actually seems to reach deep within himself and try to search for answers so he can reach out to others. I wish Obama all the best. He truly is a unique individual who has so much to offer America. The neat part is that he actually believes "we" have more to offer to ourselves. Oh – the audacity to hope...

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:54:14 +0000

People in America are so nasty and cruel; judgemental and always ready to execute somebody – and all live in glass houses and need to sit down and be quiet.

That's why we're in the mess we're in today; stop acting like you're so righteous. How quickly have we forgot about the bed sheets, the KKK and and hangings that my people suffered. Try living through 400 years of that and see how much anger you won't have when it's over.

Why should Obama disown his pastor; I don't see anybody disowning their people who wore those bed sheets, hung us from ropes and raped our women??

By: Paris

Paris — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:54:11 +0000

Leonard, Obama is being held accountable for his own action and not Wright.
Lack of judgment, and ability to standup to someone who has no respect for this nation as a whole.
Obama must be accountable for his choices for the past 20 years.
Oh, lets not forget he lied.

By: purplegummiebear

purplegummiebear — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:52:50 +0000

Hi Anderson, I'll be praying for you. I'm writting to tell you to use vitamin E cream after the stitches come out will help it not scare. I was in a car accident 3 years ago and the windshield shattered and some of it hit my face. I was a mess, but I used vitamin E cream and I have no scares. Thought I'd pass that info to you so you can get some and try it. And don't scratch it nomatter how much it itches.

By: Dahlia

Dahlia — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:51:49 +0000

I am so very tired of the naysayers. They are the ones who did not even listen to the speech. They already had their minds made up before one word came out. They are the ones who are not willing to put the negativity behind and move forward. They are the ones who could care less what they leave their children. This is the most important thing–get off your high horse and stop acting like you are sinless. You are not Jesus Christ and we are all full of sin. Obama acknowledges he is not perfect and neither are you. So stop with this crab in the barrell mentality. When one is almost to the top, the rest of the crabs are grabbing & pulling him/her back down. Let someone achieve something and be happy for that person. Show your children or any person that you can be a big and better person.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:50:54 +0000

Anderson, lets ask Obama about; why OBAMA STANDS BEHIND SPIRITAL ADVISOR WRIGHT!
“Wright is like an uncle you love and respect” This is a man who believes the U.S. government formulated the HIV virus to commit genocide against blacks and that it is also responsible for the 9/11 attacks.Rather than break ties with his demagogic, anti-American pastor, Barack Obama used a speech on race to excuse his behavior and sweep the controversy under the rug. Passing the buck is not very presidential. In a major speech Tuesday, Obama condemned the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's shocking verbal assaults against the U.S. dating back to 2001. but in April of last year, Obama was quick to demand Imus' ouster for making a racially insensitive remark.

How does Obama consider someone a Mentor and friend for 20 years and not know their hateful racist values and character?

By: r carpenter

r carpenter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:48:37 +0000

I support John McCain and favor Barack Obama as the democratic nominee.

Obama's live speech today to end the war in Iraq on day one truly shows me he lacks experience to be commander in chief.

Does he think that terror will go away on day one also?

What about the "expert" commanders on the ground, does their opinion get overridden that easy?

By: Paris

Paris — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:48:07 +0000

Anderson, please ask Mr.Obama to explain his response on Imus vs. minister Wright. He said “Imus wouldn’t be working for me” why the double standard?
Obama can’t even defend us from his minister let along terrorists?