Good Evening Erica And Bloggers….Thank god its Friday!!!!!!

Erica, I am so excited that you are anchoring tonight. OMG the powers that be finally listened. You rock it girl. We know you can

You look so excited. You did awesome with Larry.

Glad to see you anchoring tonight.

Alright Erica! Looking forward to the show. This is a great start to the weekend. Make us proud…

Yay! Erica!

Erica great to see you in the anchor chair tonite. It’s about time.

Hi Erica, bloggers

Obama was quoted as saying:

“You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them,”

“And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations,” he said.

How dare he looks down at middle class Americans- His true colors are starting to show- We need to really be aware of the facts before the General Election takes place and loose to the Republicans. The Liberal Democrats and mainstream media are pushing for Obama without probing into his background and true beliefs - If these questions are not answered now it will be asked in the General Election and the Democrats will loose the election if Obama is the nominee

Looking forward to the show Erica !

Hey Erica good to see you anchoring! About time you’re Anderson’s sub.

Too bad it’s apparently such a slow news night?

Hello Erica, and Bloggers
Good Friday! That’s great see anchor Erica Hill!!

Erica,

I don’t understand the uproar. How can they say Obama is out of touch when he told the truth about everyday Americans like myself? It is sad that candidates such as Clinton and McCain are so out of touch that they don’t even know that what Obama said is true!

Obama’s statement might have been clunky, but there’s definitely truth to what he said.

OMG—You gotta be Kidding me…Does HE THINK HE IS BETTER than US? Who does he thinks he is?

Yes David, how dare Obama try to understand people’s frustrations in communities that have economic problems…. shocking, really.

Good evening Erica and bloggers! It’s Friday!!

The most distressing thing about Senator Obama’s comments is that he doesn’t seem to understand they were offensive - just as he didn’t get that Jeremiah Wright’s words were offensive.

Shouldn’t he be talking about “hope” and “change”?

Oh boy! not good news for Obama!

I can hardly believe what McCain’s campaign just said. How can McCain accuse Obama of being out of touch with the American people? McCain was out of touch when he voted against MLK Day and voted against sanctioning Apartheid in South Africa. McCain is the one that’s married to a Barbie Doll Millionairess. What is he talking about? Obama is grass roots and represents every American, Black, White, rich, poor. WOW. I’m in shock. There’s something rotten in the state of America.
Obama ‘08

It’s true a lot of people are Bitter about job losses, the economy, the soaring cost of every thing, But that does not mean every hard working person turns to GUNS, ANTI-Semite attuides-of which Obama hiimself should know about–ANTIPHATHY torward the world!! Because Obama has these attitudes, has grew up listening to them,does not mean all people are this way. Seems to me he’s been very happy to accept these same “Bitter” people’s money for his campaign-be it $5.00 or $5,000,- so he could at least speak to the American people with a little more respect!

“clinging to religion and guns” how can Obama be so general of all the people in PA?
Ironic of Obama especially since he clings to religion that is not the kind of role model preaching that is the norm.

Hi Erica,

I may have a feeling Obama’s comments may be taken out of context. These 2 candidates have to check their records as well.

So I guess no one’s taking the high road anymore. Such change.

I think a lot of middle class has become bitter. They have been getting hit again and again over the last two decades. They need a break. They need jobs that pay. They can not tax the middle class anymore because frankly, we can not afford it.

The reporter from Huffington Post who posted this story will look real foolish when Obama is the next President of the United States, and realizes that what he said is the truth.

Obama hit the nail on the head when he describes people as bitter. It just goes to show how ‘out of touch’ Clinton and McCain really are.

We have been ‘Bushwhacked’ twice now, and it is time for change!

PS - Great job Erica!

While the whole thing was offensive (especially since Obama was speaking to rich Californians and not middle-class Pennsylvanians) the fact that he included RELIGION in that list was the MOST offensive.

People don’t turn to religion out of bitterness!

Maybe anger and bitterness did play a part in HIS choice of religion (or at least that particular church).
Maybe that’s why he was so impressed by Reverend Wright

Why won’t he ever apologize for anything?

Yikes! That last sounds bite from Obama sounds like someone getting a little defensive!

Nice to hear how Obama really feels. He’s toast!

Erica……..it’s so nice to see you anchor the 360. You add so much to the show, especially when you smile because your face is so expressive and adds a lot to the theme/story you are describing.

Nothing against Anderson, but CNN, we want to see Erica more often.

OBAMA IS OUT OF TOUCH. HE IS RILED BACAUSE IT HAS BEEN RELEASED. DID HE REALLY EXPECT THIS FREE RIDE HE HAS BEEN HAVING AND EVERYTHING SHOVED UNDER THE RUG EXCEPT REV WRIGHT ISSUE. WATCH HILLARY SOAR AHEAD.

HE BOO BOOED BIG TIME AND HE KNOWS IT

grasping at straws comes to mine here Obama supporters! Obama is a ego maniac and very arrogant.! We in small town America have figured this out more then a month ago! His rock star status and fame just went to his head and let him show us the truth of who he really is! The whole Rev Wright issue only confirmed it. What the O-bots and the media doesn’t get or the DNC for that matter doesn’t get is it is not about Rev. Wright or his views, as wrong as they are. It is about how Obama handled that issue which was so reveling. It was the same with the Canadian issue. It wasn’t the issue as much as the lies and smooth smug answers and never taking responsibility that we find unfit in a Presidential candidate. Well it is the same over and over again. Under the bus, Typical white, didn’t know about statements, Ok knew about but not there, Only 5, Ok dozens, Ok general trend, I would have left but retiring, No meeting took place, ok a meeting took place but not about NAFTA, Ok NAFTA was mentioned but no talk of campaign rhetoric, on and on it goes! Farrakhan, Avery, McCulkin, this list is getting rather long isn’t it? NOW WE HAVE BITTER SMALL TOWN LAZY WHITE FOLK WHO ARE GUN TOTEN RELIGION LOVING RACIST

where is anderson?

I don’t follow…according to Obama, the day I moved from a big city to the middle of a corn field, I went from being open-minded and tolerant to being a gun-toting racist? How did he figure that one?

America is a country of many faces and many different lives. Words do have a way of hurting feelings and no doubt Obama’s words did hurt some people.

You realize that, as members of the media, you have control over what stories have an impact right?

Roland you rock

Candy - love your comment about “being in a bubble”. If the media can admit it, why can’t the candidates?
When’s the last time any of them shopped at WalMart?…

Hillary’s response to Obama’s frank talk about Pennsylvanian bitterness was nothing short of Shakesperean. She should foget the political arena and get into acting.

Hi Erica, nice to see you in AC’s desk, but we still miss him.
Obama seems to keep putting his foot in his mouth. I find him very arrogant and insulting in a very suttle way. I thought he was going to bring people together but then he seems to insult them at the same time. I think Hillary has the best plan and she is a tough lady, I glad she didnt buckle under press to leave the race.
Go Hillary 08. No Obama

Hi Erica,

Good to see you as anchor.

It’s amazing to me that everyone tries to explain away politicians bald faced lies by rationalizing and defining words or saying they “mispoke” but when Obama speaks the truth everyone jumps all over him. Good grief! Yes, sometimes the truth isn’t pretty.

There’s polygamy and there’s serial polygamy too…it seems to be a human tendency down through the ages. As Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun”.

Have a great weekend.

I agree with Roland…..it is amazing how people rely on religion when things are bad but not as heavily when things are good. As someone who has attended church all my life I have seen this over and over again

YES!!!!!! Erica at the helm !!! I have been waiting for this !!
Erica you are the greatest . You are doing a great job . Look out Anderson !!!

Yes, Brian…..
I agree with you . never change……….

The current criticism over Obama’s Pennsylvania comments will only serve to embolden current supporters or non-supporters in their support or opposition. Nothing more or less.

Hillary and McCain do not speak the truth to people. They flatter people for their own gain. At least Obama speaks the truth. America has gotten so used to lies, that the truth shocks them.

Wow, Obama never ceases to amaze…things that he says! How he turned the whole Wright mess around on how whites are racist Now, people are so bitter that they turn to guns and racism! That is hilarious! And, really…what was so horrible about the Clinton years~we had prosperity, peace, and a surplus for our government! Did everyone forget about that.?

Obama screwed up this time and I tihnk he knows it.

I am shocked that what Barack Obama is being criticized for this. People might not like it but this kind of thing does happen in rural America. I live in rural America and find that maybe you the media located in urban areas don’t understand what it is like here. There is a lot of resilience but there is also a great deal of frustration. Could someone use the term “bitterness?” I would say “yes.”

How refreshing to see Erica holding the gavel tonight!

Oh Randi Kaye is doing the News and Bulletin…..I had wondered who would do it if Erica finally anchor. It’ ladies night for sure in the NYC studio

Erica,

Wonderful poise as an anchor.!

If Obama becomes the nominee after his comments, for the first time in my life, I won’t be proud of my country….

LOLLLLL

Gretchen you are completely misinterpreting his comments. It seems that Obama’s main mistake here is making nuanced statements instead of the simplistic talking points our country has been fed the past seven years.

i loved what obama said it is the truth! we americans are tired frustrated by the broken promises given to us by previous adminstrations. McCain is truly out of touch and the “elite”. And hillary loves to take things out of context. it kind of shameful. basically saying you guys aren’t upset and frustrated about losing your homes and jobs, you have a positive attitude. get real!

You’re doing great Erica! My only complaint is that Anderson isn’t there with you for the friendly back-and-forth bickering.

Hi to Randi too.

Glad to see you anchoring Erica!

Extra time for Erica!
Excellent!!!

Obama’s right, of course. The issues he mentions are staples of rural political sentiment and have been for a long, long time. I don’t see that he was looking down at anyone, just expressing some truth that some people don’t seem to want to hear.

Patti,
Anderson is taking night off, he will be back to work next Monday…..

Hi Erica,
so happy to see you finally hosting and doing a great job, AC better watch his back or it’ll be EH 360.
The poligamy thing is sick, thoae poor children and women

There was an interesting article about Obama this week in Time magazine. Seems when his mother died he was not at her side. Who knows the real story? I can tell you I was at my father’s side. I don’t see an excuse for not being there.

Obama is more in touch with the American people, middle and lower incomes alike then any of the other two candidates.

Hi everyone.. hope your having a good night.

What amazes me about this Texas ordeal is that the FLDS and the LDS church are so similar. I live in Idaho, and the Mormons here live and govern by control - REQUIRING their members to turn over their W-2’s, so that the church knows how much many they make and take their 10%.
I would love to see a comparitve study of these two. Brigham Young and Joseph Smith were huge polygamists…why isn’t this similarity being reported on?

Cherie, yes, under Clinton the country as a whole did very well, but globalization hit many small towns hard.

Erica, I think Obama’s speech has been grossly misread. For example, If there were more jobs and there was no nafta, less Americans would blame immigrants (legal or not) for taking their jobs. That explains Obama’s point on anti-immigration sentiment.

Erica, great seeing you in the anchor chair! You’re doing a terrific job.

Stacy, I could not have said it better.

Great Job Erika

Sen. Obama’s comment was played in full context and it’s quite different, however, people are bitter about jobs going overseas, loosing their homes, gas prices. Let’s see who was sitting in congress for years when this happened?

Erica…I just really hope the media does not blow this thing out of proportion and reports on it truthfully. If you read the whole transcript of the conversation it makes perfect sense what he is saying. Clinton and McCaine are just hoping the media makes this much bigger than it really is.

Some of these comments really worry and disappoint me, there is such polarization towards each candidate that I think democrats are forgetting how similar they are on the issues. This is my first time being of legal voting age, and I began following this election with the hope of a “dream ticket”, and it seems thats out the window now.

There is noting elitist about what Obama said. It is an accurate depiction of what small towns are like. I know; I live in one.

Erica, I see you are handling the anchoring extremely well.:) You always were and you are a great anchor.:) Glad to see you’re on full-time tonight.:)

hi everybody.. great to have you with us tonight.. no better way to start your weekend,eh?

Hey Erica,
I always thought cnn was under utilizing you.
Good to see you at the desk!

WOW! Erica! You are doing a FABULOUS job. You go girl! So happy to see you in the anchor seat. And tell the candidates we want to hear about the issues—that’s i-s-s-u-e-s, just in case they haven’t heard about those. THAT’S WHAT WE CARE ABOUT.

I really don’t think that what Obama said was worded properly, however, I believe him to be right. These people ARE bitter. Why wouldn’t they be? Maybe it wasn’t worded eloquently, but it is the truth.

At least he didn’t say he was under sniper fire…Obama will top Clinton.

Obama probably could have chosen a better way to express himself, but the core of what he said is true.

It’s really good to see Erica in the anchor chair tonight.

I think Obama should have used the word: disillusioned instead of BITTER. I mean, who wants to be thought of as BITTER?

However, I am really glad he said what he did : )

I second that CJ

Renee, there is an excuse, my mom died suddenly with out warning. It happens. When my dad died I was in Germany and could not get back quick enough.

Hi Erica: Thanks for anchoring tonight! Looking forward to the show. I would love to see a picture of this so-called “bed” that is used to consummate these spiritual marriages. This whole story is so unbelieveable.

Hi Erica. So wonderful to see you substituting for Anderson. Nothing against Campbell but I think you should be the first one to fill in for Anderson. If you remember that’s waht Anderson did early in his career at CNN. He was a sub for everyone.

I don’t understand what the uproar is all about. Senator Obama just spoke the truth. I too am tired of all the promises politicans make just to get elected and NEVER make good on them. I was born and raised in WNY and got tired of waiting for Senator Clinton to make good on her promise of jobs only to blame it on Al Gore for not getting elected President. So I moved.

Hey Randi…..you joined the live blog! Way to go on the Wal Mart story by the way. Way to Kepp Them Honest!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sen. Obama came for a modest one parent family home. Does that sound like elete? His mother died when he was very young and had health issues which she experienced getting help for like ordinary Americans like you and me. you can’t make millions, sit in congress for years and watch this economic crisis unfold and say you are in touch, no those complaining are truly out of touch. This happened during their watch.

Why is this even a issue. The government has let people down for far too long and it is showing right now with all the jobs gone and still going making it hard for americans. If i were in their shoes I would be mad as hell too. when people go through hard times they tend to turn more to religion. So why is this a issue when barack told the truth

Mr.Watkiss is great, he’s so passionate when covering this story.

Hey Erica

Im so glad they finally finally got you to host the show!!!! I must say you have great energy! All the best!

Roland is UNREAL, Obama could tell us the world is purple, square, or green & flat & Roland would agree!! Really CNN do we have to be subject to such Bias in your contributers?

I read the huffington post story re Obama.

People need to read the whole article & listen to the whole tape. As someone who would vote Nader. I found what he said was true.

People don’t trust & are upset with the government. People are frustrated, people are questioning who is Obama.

you are all doing it again. Listening to the sound bite and no getting the whole story, then form an opinion.

Bitter mean unhappy, mad it has a lot of meanings. I’m sure they are not happy about having their jobs shipped over seas.

Renee…

I don’t think it is fair to speculate on how Obama felt or did when his mother was dying…I think that is rude and incensitive. Can we be respectful of anything these days? I’m glad you were able to be there for your father, but people handle grief differently.

Hi Randi!!!
I am glad see you!!!!! welcome to AC360 show tonight!

Hey Erica, I am from rural Pennsylvania. I am bitter because of such agreement like NAFTA caused me and my family out of our home. Second, how can the Clinton’s feel the pain of working class Americans when Bill Clinton getting money from the Colombian government to lobby for yet another agreement which will hurt more Americans.

Obama stands in front of cafe drinking San Franciscan, and tells them that rural communities in the midwest are all about guns, religion and because their are bitter they have become xenophobic, this from a guy who church is telling it’s people that the government is injecting them with the AIDS virus, bring drugs into the country to imprison them , and controls them through the America of The KKK,A, this guy is unbelievable and not in a good way. CNN stop being Obama apologists.

Dear Erica,
What Senator Obama said is true. I have been bitter for seven years. Our anger is real. Everyone has to remember the have and have not comment from Mr. Oil man Bush. And now we are the have nots. Many of us are. The Clintons are wealthy and are in many lobby peoples back pockets. They have become corrupt. Then there is McCain really. Roll back the tax cuts, give everyone healthcare instead of taking it away, then get the neocons off of your foreign policy and we
will think you at all care. Really Hillary and John you are completely out of touch. Go Obama tell the truth it will set us free.

Erica, I like to know what senator Obama thinks of the Iranian government.
Please ask him this question.
Thank you

Obama is the very intellect that surpasses that of the Clintons and McCain. It seems like they are knit picking as immature adults would do over words that are on the elementary school level. Meaning, Obama spoke clearly and concisely. They have tried to twist his words which makes them look stupid.

Thanks CJ.

Erica, you’re going to anchor and blog?? You GO girl!!

You are “raising the bar”, so when Anderson returns, we will expect him to be able to do the same- no more excuses. ha!

I was born in suburban Philadelphia and have lived through economic good times and bad times. I suspect that I am not much different from most Americans who know that things change and you have to adapt. We are proud and not looking to Washington for a magic pill, but we do seek respect and consideration for our hard work and taxes. We are not bitter as Barack Obams seems to think, we work hard and hope that our leaders will work hard and respect us and treat us accordingly. If Obama believes that you cling to things like guns or religion out of bitterness, are we to understand that is why he clings to his church and Rev. Wright? And if so, why is he so bitter? He seems to have had a pretty good life, by most Americans standards.

Teresa maybe he wanted to be real instead of politically correct.

Well said Eddie

I’d hope this would be the end of Warren Jeff’s sect. But I’m afraid that they will all go underground.

Well, Here we go again…The past two month’s we’ve been hearing from Michelle Obama, Rev. Wright and all the controversial statements. Barack saying what he never heard, maybe heard………(Lets just give a Speech)

I think were past the speech giving days. These are Obama’s words and the way Obama see’s us. (We the People) Obama’s electability is drawing to a close”……..His responce tonight seemed to dance around the issue as usual…….

mcain do not care about middle class people mrs clinton is really rich and tell lies now tell me who are they to say what we fell. its tru some people depend on god some people depend on guns to rob kill and steal from people and some people just blame other for no jobs in this country but the real thing is we need to blame our goverment. He spoke the truth remeber he says he will all tell you were he stand and he will never tell u what u wont to here. the other two is just playing politic of old Go OBAMA Change The World

Erica, Are the kids talking to the investigators any now? I sure hope so, it would be nice to be able to lock this up and take those child molesters off the market.

Roland does his homework. It’s what journalist do before commenting on something on blogs and other media. I love that he is a responsible journalist.

People are bitter and this is news.
When people have to pay so much money at the pump and can’t afford to put food on the table, that’s a problem.

Yes Hillary and McCain we are bitter for losing are jobs to NAFTA and now CAFTA and you want to spin this on Obama about looking down on people.

You are really desperate, to say the least.
I should say bow out gracefully Hillary and McCain does not stand a chance in H E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS of a chance to be president.

Obama the United States next President!!!

Hi Yvonne! These statements can only be attribuated to Obama not to his friend, mentor and pastor. When all the pieces of the puzzle are in place, we will really get to know the real man.

How can they call it a church? It’s sick!!

Mike, If your unhappy about this, would you also be surprise to learn that Hillary also supports Offshoring and Outsourcing jobs to India.

It’s not about the BITTER, its the fact that he insinuated the folks of Pennsylvania are too upset to think straight! We aren’t talking about Cave men, these are real people who have more in life than their Guns. Religion, and suggested Racism!

I cling to religion because I love Jesus, not because I am bitter about anything!! What is this man talking about? Growing up black and in rural Ohio, all I have ever known is leaning on religion not only in the bad times but in the good as well! Obama needs a reality check! Oh wait, i thought he was a believer as well? hmmmm

Hi Erica,
Glad to see you finally anchoring!!! Now you’ll get to see what it’s like blogging and anchoring like Anderson. By the way—-a wonderful start. You should have filled in the entire week.

Hi CJ
Me too. I agree with you…….

Hi Randi, nice to see you posting on the live blog.

@ ORIN: lets see where real gets him.

Erica its good to see you. But help me understand this, what is it with America. This campaign is going to sideline the US from the world stage if you can crucify someone for saying something like people get bitter when poor governance does not deliver and if this can hurt more than landing in a shower of bullets lie or mortages are personal mistakes so take responsibility when the whole world say no take a moment, America might be loosing touch with the future if they cannot see the touch in Obama as a solution for US and also the world. We need a fresh start world, US do not let us down with theater and drama from old school.
M. Nyenye, Madrid Spain

Great job Erica, looks like it is a tough night for you.

I am so glad that Hillary didn’t listen to all these left wing liberal looneys calling for her to get out of the race. Obama and his wife are condescending elitist. Thank god for the most exciting democratic primary in our countries history. This Obama is being vetted and he needs to be. I am much more concerned as an American of why Obama sat in his church for 20 years listening to hatred and not saying anything about it. Then defending his mentor and spiritual advisor. He will never be President of this country. His wife was never proud of our country until her husband was running for President. It sounds like a lot of bitterness there. As democrats I hope the lefties will realize that our best chance at the white house is with Hillary.

Why ask the big city analysts about whether or not the small town Americans are offended. Go ask them they are the only ones that can give you a real response. I posted a small town America response but evidently it won’t be approved.

@armod, I read somewhere Obama’s mother passed away of cancer in 1992, so he wasn’t that young. I dont know if he was there or not but I spent the last month with my father when he was dying of throat cancer.

Is that really Randi Kaye blogging? Aw, no picture?

What Obama hasn’t figured out is that small towns is what makes a America great and if their bitter a least they don’t turn to crime and hand outs from the government, it wasn’t small town people that lived off and still do welfare maybe he would respect them more if they only wanted the government to enslave them with all their government programs

Rasul Nasir> To be fair, Obama didn’t use his superior “intellect” and turn the other cheek or ignore them, he decided to respond back defensively and just as immaturely. I don’t find any of the candidates to be perfect, but as voters I think we should learn to hear objectively instead of hearing what we want to.

Barb, you are really taking what he said out of context.

What amazes me is that the American public is actually considering McCain or Clinton given what this leadership and thinking has gotten you into. While Obama’s comments may have been harsh and may not have sounded Presidential, may have hurt some feelings. Unfortunately for rural America, he is correct. By the way let me qualify myself, I’m a huge right-winger to almost the point of being anti-liberal. Obama however will bring change, maybe not what is loved by everyone, but change none the less and that is what most want to see. Being that I’m a far righter, you probably don’t want to hear what I think should be done to Jess.

Erica, your the best, we are your biggest fans in Canada. We are also friends of John Roberts Aunt and Uncle….Greg

Good Job Erica, keep up the good work. One day you,ll get your own show…….Erica Hill 360

Happy Friday, bloggers.
Sorry for getting here a little late. Thanks for all of your nice comments — you guys are the best!

It’s my first time watching the live webcam. And that’s so cool that we can see behind the scenes. Ms. Hill is doing a great job tonight, and I love the live blog.
Marcus

For the past 8 years we have had those in charge of our country say time and time again that they care about us, however their actions revealed something different. We should be tired of picking the “wrong candidates” because we are paying the price today. An honest politician is a hard find. Sen. Obama speaks to us like adults and he does not sugar coat it. We are in a significant economic crisis some say recission and it feels like it to the majority. many of us are looking for a candidate who really does care and really will correct the situation instead of watching us suffer, loose jobs, high gas prices, let the oil folks get record profits, make it harder for our children to go to college, ship our jobs overseas. We are tired and want a change we have been in this situation too long and no one is listening. We need someone who really hears us and will fix the problem. It won’t happen over night but I want my children and their children to have a great future and that’s not happening now.

Hi Megan, good to see you tonight.

Erica, why must you tease like that? Now we all want to know what the not-for-air captions were.

Erica your doing just fine tonight. The commentary from the political analysts tonignt are very good. Candy Crowley’s comment that the media and the politicians are ina bubble, I can relate to that. Gloria Borger and Roland Martin also made exciting comments this evening. The PA primary is getting closer and the races of the two contenders are narrowing in margin. Well April 22nd will give us the results.

Robert good for you, unfortunately there are millions of Americans who are struggling and are afraid of being laid off because companies like York peppermint patties are shipping their jobs to Mexico aren’t going to church praying for a miracle and their financial situations to change.

Jobs are going overseas because most American people want the most money for the least work. I watched a show called “Big Ships” about the port of LA. Most containers come from China and go back to China empty. Makes ya think don’t it. Instead of going after the torch maybe we should stop buying everything from China. Just a thought.

Obama has BEEN out of touch! He has a white mother, black father, and calls himself an African American! Why not call himself a Caucasian? He’s confused and definitely confuses me!
P.S. Erica, you contribute a lot to 360! I enjoy your genuineness!

Great job Erica, You should have your own show.

Hi Erica,
It seems to me that the powers of be finally heard us and you are in the seat. Congratulations.
As for Sen. Obama, this only fits a continuous pattern: Rev. Wright, Rev. Meeks, Ayers, and without meaning the remarks of Michelle Obama.
I have said it before, and I only believe it is becoming true, Senator HRC is actually more electable than this man who gets his foot into the mouth every other day.
The way he is trying to spin it out is to blame his opponents: Neither HRC nor John McCain told Sen. Obama to say those words at gunpoint. Yet trying to lay the blame on others, only and dodging the issue at hand, gives not only John McCain an issue but other interests an issue to run on.
Yes Sen. Obama, you just wrote off the rural vote and the NRA vote.

EVERYBODY NEEDS TO GET REAL HERE!The truth really bites! Guess what, I live in a major Metropolis and I get bitter too every time I look around seeing yet another job outsourced.The facts are, it’s not a crime or slamming or looking down on anyone. Turning to religion (if you have one) when things are rough is just a fact of life—nothing stereotypical about that. All the “pie in the sky” promises are what voters fell for with BUSH and look how that turned out.Who promised some hundreds of thousands of jobs years ago in their Senate run and some 30,000 jobs were lost? PIE IN THE SKY Shakesperean acting. I agree with you Sharon.

Erica…..this is the kind of show I love. The ones that have been so great you feel like the show is almost over and then you realize you still have another half hour of show to watch……..tonight made up so much for the rest of this week for this viewer

Now you know how a one armed paper hanger feels Erica… lol

adrain_andrews> I think you will be gravely disappointed if Obama wins. No one is going to be above politics, no one is going to have every campaign promise fulfilled, the state of the world isn’t going to miraculously “change” . Thats reality.

Roland admitted tonight, like many have suggested for a long time, this story will be played by how the media spins it, and if Bitter is going to be the headline, then the real issue will lose it’s place in the story!

tomorrow, Barack will convene people who are willing to listen to him, give a speech and say that not what he said, what he meant - not looking down on those people in rural Pennsylvannia. What he said is not what he meant. Way to go Barrack - you are good at parsing words.

OMG! I can’t believe Gary Tuchman got somebody to talk to him. lol

Yup! Stacy,
Randi is live blog right now……

Grasping at straws come to mine hearing Hillary attack Obama.
It’s amazing how she can twist words to get an applauds. I guess she can feel Pa. slipping away.
GO OBAMA !!!!

I just don’t understand these women who share their husbands. It’s just wrong…

Hello everyone,
I believe that Obama’s words where taken out of context. I for once in my life believe that we have a chance to get our country back on track. We need to get Bush and Clintons out of office and get someone who can work with all and not just a few. We can look back and see that our jobs and health and happiness has went south. McCain can’t remember much about anything. He is so gunhoe about this war, as is his ” buckin buddy Bush” that never mind about our country and what it is becoming, But I can here it now. “Let’s get er done”
Clinton has the same problem with memory. I won’t even start on her.But I know one thing, I am sick and tired of the old old Gov. and there lies. I WANT CHANGE!!!
And last but not least. “YES WE CAN”

I think alot of these polygamist wives are brainwashed. It’s so sad they way they live.

Hey Erica. Were you nervous tonight?

Tina, there are people from small towns who are on welfare too.

Barb, ditto on that one.

This is great! I remember talking about the consenting women in polygamy last night, and this segment is exactly the mentality that I was referring to. Nice job AC360!

Hey! How do we get OUR head shot on here, like Erica?

@Stacy: I agree, Erica needs to read those “not-for-air captions since she has now sparked our attention. Afterall, it is Friday and all!

Randi is the co-anchor tonight! This is definitely going to be a great way to end the 360 newsweek!

I especially love it when Randi gets involved in the “Beat 360″ and “What Were They Thinking”- actually anything that is considered funny. She has a fabulous sense of humor and her face shows it. She tries to suppress her laughing, however her body does a “bobble” thing and you know if she was not on-air she would be laughing out loud with us!

You are among the best Erica!

The Obama statements were made in a private fund raising meeting amongst the rich elite of San Fran. This was a closed door meeting not meant for public consumption. Obviously, someone in the meeting didn’t like what Obama said and was recording on a cheep cell phone thus the poor recording quality. My o my I am so disappointed in my man of hope. What nerve!

OMG–how do they live like that?

CJ
Same as you too…….

People have enough problems without being called names.

Now you are seeing the real Obama!!!!!!!!

He makes sure he has time off….goes on vacation…….

Why did he have to go to the other coast to talk about us??????

Just a after thought…..

Oh, it’s an ego boast for the man big time! Gary Tuchman does such a good job on this topic!

Gary, how can you do this interview with a straight face? The question really is….are the women having sex with each other or is that unwelcome in the culture? Just asking…don’t kill the messenger.

whoa close up on Erica’s face web cam operator……showing all Erica’s gorgeousness

Of course many people who have lost their jobs and their financial security are bitter and angry- and frustrated and feel helpless- I am an independent person and do not count myself as an Obama supporter- but what is wrong with what he said? Its sad to see how the truth shocks us….

HAHA i can see the camera operator likes having fun…by zooming in on Ms. Hill’s face. This is fun watching on TV and on webcam.

Senator Obama stood by his words. He did not shy away and yes, people are bitter not just rural America about high gas prices, loosing homes, high food prices, loss of jobs, high education, loss of pensions that have been rewritten while getting rid of the older pension system. Yes a lot of us are very upset!

I wonder how homosexuality is treated within the polygamist community. Talk about being oppressed. I can only imagine it would be a living hell. On the other hand, I wonder if homosexuals are encouraged to leave or just simply shown the door; that is, if they can ever get a hold of their own thoughts long enough to figure out they’re gay. Food for thought…

Sara they are brain washed..most of them have more than likely been in their situation since birth… after awhile all you hear becomes truth, and the only truth.

Wow, the web camera must like Erica! Those were some up close shots! Fair game, we want to see up close shots of everyone now!

People need to know that the person who brought this story out is or was an Obama supporter. So you really can’t blame Clinton or Mccain.

Erica,

No need to post this. Just wanted to say that I am very happy to see you hosting tonight. I will have to tivo it as well. Kind of interesting to see you doing on the fly edits on the webcam. You look very nice tonight as well. So as they say “Break a leg” and kick some butt. I want to see more of you.

Well, again you Obama people trying to twist what the real facts are — this is an extremely large Blunder for Obama and will likely cost him votes with many Americans. Let’s put the puzzle together between Obama’s Gun and Religion comment, Reverend Wright, William Ayers, Rasco, and the comments by Michelle Obama — it is all starting to fit very nicely — this is one person I do not want in the White House. It seems Obama tries his double talk depending on the crowd he is in front of. Hopefully many Americans will see the light before it is to late. Don’t get me wrong I used to be a HUGE Obama Supporter, but I finally started to doubt him about 2 months ago. He is extremely superficial and very inexperienced. Also lately I have noticed Obama DOES NOT have the pulse on the AVERAGE AMERICAN PERSON. He cannot fool me anymore, and I will vote McCain if Obama is the Dem Nom. You same bloggers I see on almost every different article bashing Hillary — saying the most VILE things. I have really lost any faith I have in the Democratic Party and I am starting to side more and more with Lou Dobbs. YES, CNN and MSNBC are VERY, VERY in the tank for Obama and most Americans can see this. If Hillary would have made this Blunder she would already have been out on a rail to Never-Never land. Boy, I sure would like to see some fairness by CNN and MSNBC. Also CNN keep Roland off the air — he is so one sided that many of us are really ready to up-chuck. THAT TYPICAL WHITE MALE from Michigan

Will you post this, please….

The reporter that wrote the Huffington Post piece is an Obama supporter and gave 2300$ to his campaign. SHE said SHE was bothered when SHE heard the comments on Sunday….she waited a couple days to file the report, but it bothered her and she felt she needed to get it out. That tells you a lot….he’s got such a big chip on his shoulders. Along with everything else that has happened with him and seeing more and more about his political past…it’s rather disturbing.

Erica, I feel that people who believe in Polygamy should be left alone by the Government. If that’s the life they want to live, fine. Every man and woman has the right to decide their own destiny. As long as kids are not being taken advantage of let them be Polygamist.

after these negative comments from OB we are seeing what he is really all about. about bloody time I say. do not make excuses for his verbal display of insults to not jst small town amercins but to all amercians who cannot afford ot live in the elite marin county. i giuess he can converse with the wealthy mioch better than he can with the poor and middle class. SEEMS LIKE WHAT HE REALLY BELIEVES IS SPOKEN TO THE WEATHLY AND WHAT HE TELLS THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE POOR WHAT HE KNOWS THEY WANT TO HEAR.

Obama was responding to a question about his ability to woo rural voters–or lack thereof. I think he completely missed why he is struggling. Perhaps he is unaware that most rural Americans are employed by small businesses and farms paying taxes on the personal income tax scale. He is proposing to raise those taxes by a fairly hefty amount at the top end–where those concerns are paying. That will cost us jobs, homes, farms. So, while I do understand what he said and did read the entire context, I do not think he heard or understands what the people of Indiana and Pennsylvania are trying to tell him. He is not connecting out here, and it has nothing to do with any of the reasons he suggested. It has to do with where he will hit our pocket books.

What amazes me about this Texas ordeal is that the FLDS and the LDS church are so similar. I live in Idaho, and the Mormons here live and govern by control - REQUIRING their members to turn over their W-2’s, so that the church knows how much many they make and take their 10%.
I would love to see a comparitve study of these two. Brigham Young and Joseph Smith were huge polygamists…why isn’t this similarity being reported on?

Sometimes I dont think polygamy is so far different from current society where couples marry, divorce, remarry-new spouses, divorce, and remarry. Aren’t modern couples just switching partners? Been there, done that, want someONE different.

Kind of like legal polygamy? ” What God has joined let no man ( legal system) seperate?

I’m Canadian and I’m offended by those words, who but America excepts as many immigrants a year and I’m talk talking about the illegal kind, if he wants ant-trade and anti-immigrant sentiment go live in Europe which I have for the last 10 years there are reasons why the unemployment rate of most Europeans countries immigrant populations are around 50 % and America’s are under the unemployment rate of 5.1% at around 4.2% and Europeans don’t care for guns or religion. Isn’t he the person who was trying to justify his pastor racists sermons just a couple of weeks ago.

To John:
The fundraiser was not with elitist. There were housewives, military spouses, regular working people and middle class. There were 400 people in the room. Please read for yourself and not listen to those trying to spin this. He told the TRUTH!!!!

Mary,
I agree with you…..

Thats a great question, I wonder if polygamy’s lure is in sexuality or religious belief. Valerie “X” is unbelievable…how could she even hint that the atrocities at this compound were a result of the law. Disgusting.

As someone who lives in the “blue collar” area of the Mahoning Valley, I can tell you that Sen. Obama’s comments about the collective attitude of this region were absolutely true-I see it every day. There are less and less jobs, and more and more people are withdrawing into religion, paranoia, racism and arms. I’m thankful that we have a candidate that sees the truth and doesn’t sugar coat it for us, like the national media. Perhaps the Obama Campaign should be dubbed “The Straighttalk Express”

Erica: Great to see you anchoring tonight. You add so much to the show every night - love those clips between you and Anderson! They are fun and you have such funny lines and expressive mannerisms! I waited a few minutes before posting my indignance and shock at Obama’s comments, so I could see if you would be as effective an anchor as I anticipated, and you are!

Thanks Obama - those statements are so arrogant - calling small town people embittered, religious fanatics, gun swinging, intolerant/misunderstanding of immigrants, and blaming free trade for all of America’s woes. Don’t those statements imply “uneducated” as well as “without class” or at least, the right class?
I’m surprised he didn’t add “beer swilling”. It would have been the perfect stereotype!
Ironic that someone who has suffered from stereotypes would be so quick to fling them about. Perhaps he was simply playing to his audience (fund raising purposes), who were certainly not from small towns or out of work! I thought Obama was great initially, but we still don’t know very much about him. On http://www.viralvideochart.com, tonight there is an interesting segment again presenting some unflattering things he has written about whites! I wonder which Obama is the real one!

We hear ya — Ken !!

I haven’t taken anything Obama said out of context, He says, word for word” they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment” For those who don’t understand what antipathy means, here is what the dictionary says….Antipathy is dislike for something or somebody, the opposite of sympathy.

Obama has lived a life of a poor man. He knows what it’s like to have to pay off student loans, live under a broken house and dream of success. Let’s be honest America. As a Hispanic AMERICAN, born and raised in Wisconsin, I’ve lived and still live in a life he explained. I’ve seen the people that don’t vote because they say that all politicians promise the world and get to office only to stick them the shaft. To this day I get people staring at me as if I’m an illegal immigrant. Try walking into a super market and when you go to check out, your asked if you speak English or if you’re going to pay in food stamps. I’ve served this country four years in the Marine Corps, have a BS in CIS, working on my MS, and own my own business. Yet I’m looked at as an illegal immigrant. I have had my house shot at while the driver screamed “go back to your country Mexicans”. I grew up in a house were we had to turn off the lights and walk around in the dark, while we looked out the windows in search of people vandalizing our property. The shocking part, I’m 29 and all this happened in the 90’s. Walk in my skin color for a day…

Hi Erica!
You’re doing an amazing job tonight!!
I love to see you anchoring the show. You rock girl!

I don’t understand how Obama can say something like this when it seems for the past few weeks he’s been distancing himself from blacks to court the white vote. He did not attend the State of the Black Union in New Orleans and he didn’t attend the MLK Memorials in Memphis. Both times he was campaigning, yet Clinton was able to be present for both events.

Obama is just like his cousin Cheney. Arrogant and dangerous. We are not bitter gun toting religous demagogs who make excuses. We wake up everyday go to work to provide a good home for our Families. He only speaks to the Elite turns his back on the Black Community only to use them when neccesary. He is trying to buy the election with his elite bundlers stacking his campaign. Who and what will he owe if he becomes President. Judgement he has none Wright,Ayers,Rezko, all excuses. He never faces a question and gives a real substantive answer he blames evryone and changes the subject. If we are to save this Country with all that is at stake in this election we need to get him out. Pennsylvania North Carolina, Indiana and the rest of the states to vote can help to keep him out of the White House. We don’t need another arrogant jerk in the White House like Bush and CHeney. Do the right thing and Vote Hillary 08

Casey Jones> Haha gay polygamy? That IS an interesting thought. Somehow, I think that would work out fabulously :).

Obama’s offense is like his bowling - weak. Watch the polls swing towards Hillary, despite the media’s attempt to back up Obama’s elitist comments and to change the subject from the true talking points about Obama’s historical blunder. Smart voters know jobs are coming back and will be revitialized as we embrace the global economy, lower health care costs, and reduce taxes for corporations and the households who believe in saving and investment in the global economy. Obama’s plan to double the capital gains tax - double taxing our corporations - is probably not in the best interest of job creation and the American’s who invest in the financial markets - about one half of American households have money invested in the markets for their savings, income, and retirement. Obama’s speech sentiments about the middle class remind of the Cyndi Lauper’s song - True Colors - of Obama’s viewpoint of the middle class are becoming clear, although I don’t think Cyndi mentioned guns and religion. Time to cling to my guns and religion and contemplate how undocumented workers are taking my jobs away through free trade agreements because American is losing its competitive edge in the world economy. It is going to take a real leader to get us out of this mess, regarding our current economic and world status. One thing Obama is uniting, is working class families against liberal elitism.

Naked woman reflection?? Erica!! LOL

YAY ERICA!!!!!!!!!!! It’s about time…we were getting really worried…
You are doing a fantastic job…i hope you are the permanent sub-anchor tonight! You were great with Larry too!

WELL KEN FROM MICHIGAN. I too am a typical white male and I agree 100% with what obama said because its the TRUTH