happy friday everyone.

a packed show tonight ... off we go

Good evening John, Erica and bloggees. Happy Friday!!!!!!

John, very cool nickname bestowed upon you by Larry King. Nice to see you back in the anchor chair

Hi, y'all! Good Friday evening. Looking forward to the program and blog.

Looking forward to it. Welcome! You are "among the best in the nation at analyzing political trends"

how come webcam is off? we r not allowed to watch John?!?

Hi John, good to see you!
Missing your magic map thingamagic yet?

Good Evening John and Erica,

We don't cling to just a small piece of history. We have learned and are taught the truth. Why do Obama and Wright keep pushing this theory that american people "cling" to the wrong things such as God, wrong history, guns, etc.

could some1 on here please tell me from what pbs show is this interview. I would like to c it in it's entirety.

Where is God in 9/11? And Wright says the "Chickens come home to roost". Is this how the Pastor told his flock where God is....

Wow!

I'm sorry, but I don't really care what Wright has to say. Obama has already made his position clear. Can't we talk about the actual issues?

yeah Minou, mayb Erica will get a chance 2 use the magic board while John hosts 360

Looks like John is in DC

Hello John,

Nice to see you. I don't think Wright will do long term damage to Obama's campaign. We've seen polls weeks ago and it shows that Hillary Clinton was hurt more.

@Jacqui Chan: It's Bill Moyers Journal on PBS. As they say, check your local listings.

I hope they do not show the chickens coming home to roust _ I have seen it 1000x

the interview looks like it's: Moyers

John – and others – why is no one playing John Hagee's remarks about God doing Katrina because of sin and that Catholics are whores. Why is no one pounding McCain like they are Obama. Remember Hagee, Falwell and the Keating 5??? you need to be fair.

McCain gets the best of both worlds here, doesn't he? He gets to be the good guy and the ad still airs.

In the same way Barrack Obama and Wright have different, independent minds, same as John McCain and the North Carolina GOP. At least we see McCain denouncing that party's capaign ad plans.

not a republican but I feel i can trust McCain.
If he picks Huckabee as his running mate it will be a nightmare!!!

McCain has a pastor problem, too. Looks like Hillary's the only one who doesn't!
One more reason to vote for her!

So is John in NY or Washington?

I really could care less about the Wright thing. We have been through this before.

Jacqui Chan...PBS show with Rev. Wright is on tonight, check your local PBS listings.

Stacy THANK U!

I watched the conversation with Bill Moyer and Rev. Jermiah right this evening. While I think his messages within his sermons are quite strong, I can honestly say I understand there is so much more to him and his words.

The nippets on YouTube did an injustice to the full message he was trying to convey. To Rev. Wright, Mr. Obama, their church and their followers, I apologize on behalf of me an my family that had looked at your words in disdain without knowing the whole story.

Again, I am sorry.

In his interview, Wright said Obama's speech on race in Philadelphia was a politician saying what he has to say.

I don't think we should hold Obama accountable by "Guilt by Association". However, shouldn't we take into consideration that Obama was very close with him. How can Obama, his wife, and children be influence in their views about what Wright has been preaching for 20 years.

Why doesn't the pastor just apologize for the remarks. Just say I am sorry for saying God D* America.

You are my hero, Congressman Tubbs

They can understand perfectly why he would stay. They don't listen or pay attention. As Wright said once people are told lies long enough, they start to believe them. I go to college in a small city that could be called a big town (majority white people) and I have heard some things from white Pastors that could be interpreted as racist. So please don't give me that "they don't understand" stuff.

I guess I should have said Congresswoman Tubbs – still my hero

Why is this raising it's ugly head again? I'm sick of all the spinning...I'm dizzy already! Rev Wright spoke..Obama disagreed..why are we still on this?

WOW she yelled at John King – uh-oh

Woah...Would Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones talk that way to Anderson?

John King,

It is true what Rep Jones says. The superdelegates have asked Clinton campaign about the Wright – Obama scandal. I heard her say this to Anderson and other CNN hosts over the past month.

Go AHEAD Stephanie Tubbs...Somebody need to Set these Media Goons straight..Sorry John King, but you had to take one for the Team...How they are going to Blame HIllary Clinton for this?

I thought Bill Moyers had a great interview with Rev. Wright. It really put the man into proper context. It's good to see there is still one responsible journalist around.

It's not about guilt by association – if a person claims to be a uniter and then goes to a separatist type of church – it shows an inconsistency between his acts and his words – that's what's relevant – also Obama claiming he never heard these statements (when he wrote about some of them in his books) is not credible

Huckabee was very honest today

I suggest that everyone read the entire sermon..then make an educated decision.

Thank You Rep Tubbs-Jones!

Yeah Tracey, When Anderson comes back we should blog in and tell him to take care of this and defend his college!
I have seen her speak on 360 b4 and she was very sweet and likeable mayb we caught her on an off night?!

as you can see, this is an emotional issue. and the tension between the two congresswomen reflects the tensions between the clinton and obama campaigns.

Tracey – I think Congresswoman Tubbs Jones would (and possibly has) talked to Anderson like but I could be wrong. Although the way she was with John, she was like that on Colbert Report as well

I much prefer to hear from Rep. Norton at least she seems civil

I have already seen the sound bite from Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC). It sickens me that a respected member of congress would come out with such a foolish statement just to try and end Hillary's run for nominee. Well I feel I must now gather people to go to my congressman and complain about blacks voting for Obama only because he is black and him letting it go without comment is ruining the Democratic Party. All fair play.

FLDS question, John or Erica, is mental abuse enough to separate a child from the parents or must it be physical? Has this been discussed?

Happy Friday, everyone!
How 'bout John's new pic?

Oh but Rep. Jones your candidate brings up the issue all the time!! That's what makes me sick about her! And I'm a little concerned about electing someone who consistently bashes her competition. What's it going to be like for 4 years if she becomes President? More bashing? No Thanks! I'll take Obama and if not then it will be McCain!

Well done to John King on keeping a straight face through that.

Tubbs Jones is certainly ... emphatic.

I'm always interested in what Holmes Norton has to say.

You haven't even scratched the surface on the Hagee issue with McCain. He preaches end of days theology. Thats the real reason he is such a strong supporter of Israel. He wants the US to make a pre-emptive strike on Iran to bring about the Armageddon. McCain says he courted Hagee's endorsement because of his strong support of Israel. Hagee doesn't believe in a two state solution, he believes in the "greater Israel" and is against land for peace. You people at CNN want to do so much coverage on Reverend Wright maybe you should donate half the amount of time on Hagee instead of your ten second blip about him. My guess is there would be many people outraged at many of his comments.

Tracey – yes, she would speak to Anderson that way – she appears to be frustrated with the media spin that's been going on for the last two months – every time something unfavorable comes out about Obama – Clinton gets blasted for it and gets painted as the "do anything" to win candidate – the media has been horribly biased and it has been Obama's campaign playing the race card and she's obviously tired of it – as are millions of Americans.

I watched the conversation with Bill Moyer and Rev. Jermiah Wright this evening. While I think his messages within his sermons are quite strong, I can honestly say I understand there is so much more to him and his words then what we have seen.

The snippets on YouTube did an injustice to the full message he was trying to convey. To Rev. Wright, Mr. Obama, their church and their followers, I apologize on behalf of me an my family that had looked at your words in disdain without knowing the whole story. And Thank you Bill Moyers for educating so many...

Again, Mr. Wright, I am sorry.

Your absolutely right, John. It's also an emotional issue here on the blogs

I thought you were going to laugh for a minute there, John.

The pics were a great idea

Hillary doesn't have a pastor problem because I suspect, from her statements, she doesn't have a pastor. I also had a period in my spiritual development where I felt nature was a reflection of God and internet meditation posts were sufficient spiritual nourishment. We are all on different paths to God. It is best not to judge people by what denomination or level of belief they have.

i understand the frustration everybody involved in this camapign season feels but everybody paints hillary as a bully and obama's a victim but he slings the mud just as well as she does.

btw- john are you left handed, random but i don't think there are any lefty anchors on tv right now

@Erica, the pic is very snazzy, but I'm a bit bummed for Jeffrey Toobin. He got pic dissed!

How can Jame C. say that and get away with it? We are NOT a Monolithic group...Not all blacks vote for Barack...Congress Clayburn needs to speak for himself. SEN Obama Needs to take blame for some of this too and RACE card has being Played on the CLINTONS, and I am a 30yr BLK African American. SEN CLYBURN needs to check himself before he speaks such IDIOTIC messages. He is ALSO injecting RACE for this and further causing racial division.

Representative James Clyburn should understand that the initial comments that Bill Clinton made in SC about his observation that Jesse Jackson also won in SC. I think that the media over blown the comments. They were on TV all the time and talked about all the time by the pundits.

So I can see why Bill Clinton has been frustrated by hearing all these comments given his record on race. Bill just let it build up and he made some crazy statement in philadelphia. But we should understand Bill Clinton being senstive to the attacks over the past 4 months on him by Obama and his supporters.

SO lets be fair in this. I see both sides....

The race card issue is getting old and the whining that comes along with it .

I have seen Tubbs-Jones in the past and she was very professional inher support of Hillary. I think maybe everyone, even the superdelegates are just tired.

you know bloggers...Rev Wright is a real person.....He was in the military..served our country... Catholic priests and even Clintons own pastor praised this man for his good works toward his fellow man

again I urge you to read the entire sermon...I have....it will change your mind

I agree with Kathy, who said that she's sick of all this spinning – so am I ! And finally some focus on Bill Clinton's comments and the backlash from them. Rep. Clyburn is absolutely right in his assessment of the Clinton campaign. It's about time a brighter light was shone on her and her surrogates, who all seem to share a very combative posture whenever they appear on CNN, whether it's Lanny Davis, Terry Aucliff, etc.

I can't believe it's taken this long for the media to talk about the potential drop-off of African American voters from the democratic rolls, if Hilary Clinton wins the nomination. It's called alienation, for a certain portion of voters.

Rep Clyburn is playing the race card right now – the media is talking about Obama's difficulty winning the "white working class vote" – and Rev. Wright's speaking out now reminds people of his anti-white statements – as a result, the Obama campaign has Rep Clyburn come out and throw mud at the Clintons – that they are splitting up the party and causing racial divisions – his statements will not intimidate Hillary into dropping out – but he may intimidate some fearful super delegates to prevent them for going for Hillary.

Ironically, Bill Clinton won because of strong support from African Americans. I don't know if he's forgetting that. As I always held, if his wife loses the race if race became the issue, the Clinton camp has nobody to blame but themselves.

I think Clyburn's (sp?) charge may be overstepping. This can't be helpful.

I love you Rep Jones. Thank you for not being bias... Thank you....

I love you.

I think both Hillary and Obama have been nasty. No one more than the other. What's the big deal? It's an election. That is what happens.

Hillary does not believe that the race is bigger than her!

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones, please stop yelling at us. When I hear supporters of Senator Clinton, I often feel like I am expected to think what they tell me to think. At least with Senator Obama's supporters, I feel as if I am being offered something for my consideration. Thank you.

Can we drop the whole race card and the whole poor white nascar vote garbage and get to some real issues. I almost dread hearing the same two subjects every day.

Obviously there is a lot of truth to what Rep. Clyburn said. He's not the first one to say it.

I heard the entire GD sermon and it is just as bad as the clips they have been showing over and over again; at times worse. He uses religion as an excuse to talk against the government and not in a constructive way.

Moyers did a softball interview. His leading questions served only to give Wright a platform to make excuses for the damning things that he and Obama have said.

Sue Polinick>I sincerely believe we are all good and want to do good. The problem comes when we open our mouths, thinking with our egos before we think with our heads.

Got a question....which news media network first aired the "snipits"

Michelle- I agree with you. I meant that as a reflection that she doesn't wear her religion on her sleeve, but seems to keep it in her heart-where it should be. Tying oneself to a specific-sometimes radical- path within the public eye would only serve to harm those in that same path as well as the primary media target. Whatever McCains or Obama true spiritual belief, these ties have harmed them in the public eye.

We will never be satisfied. Neither Wright nor Obama can do anyhing else to give you the true meaning of himself, his beliefs, and his Church. If you didn't get an answer out of Obama's race speech, Wright's PBS interview, then just don't vote for him. Quit using this as an excuse. IT's OLD.

Thanks Mr. Wright for letting us see you without media bias.

Michelle, Just a reminder but Hillary does belong to a church, has a pastor and attended that church as recently as Easter, unlike Obama who can say when he was last in church?? Does anyone know? He was in the V. Islands this Easter when all the flap about Rev. Wright was going down, (he publicly supported this man, while denouncing the sermons that he never heard?) instead of attending his church.

Michael..more ppl like you need to speak out ...I totally agree

What has Hillary done to "destroy" Obama??? All of his problems are self inflicted – Rev. Wright, Ayers (the terrorist), Michelle Obama's finally proud to be an American, Obama's bitter – clinging to guns, religion and antipathy – these are all self-inflicted. The Dems have no political courage and that has caused them to be out of power for a long time. Blaming Hillary for fighting a tough fight is ridiculous – if she wasn't fighting hard, people would say she is a woman and is not tough enough to be President.

.
I saw Clyburn earlier today on cable news. I find the assertions made by Clyburn sickening and an example of negative campaigning, not to mention race baiting, that have been levelled at the Clinton campaign. Now seemingly brought out today on behalf of Obama. Now who’s doing the ultimate negative campaigning? There is no more maligning comment against Hillary than that put forth by Clyburn. It is preposterous.

Fox news first aired the snippets -

I really don't understand why Bill Clinton reacts and says the things that he does. I know that he says Obama's campaign has played the race card, but i have never once seen any evidence of this. I have seen Hillary play the gender card though. Am I missing something?

The beach where the man was attacked is the same that we take our kids to and play in the water & swim. My dad walks there every day as well. Just goes to show you that nature is nature and you can't take safety for granted, even when it's the beach across the street from your house.

50 bullets? Now that is too much. And these cops were cleared? Is that justice? I don't think so!

Don't you think the Bell story deserves more then a brief mention. Maybe if we did not just have 20 plus minutes on Rev Wright story (so over it) we could have had it

Are shark attacks really so rampant that they require a segment on the national news?

i wish we had more time for that – both congresswomen are thoughtful and feisty.
and i can see you all are having a healthy debate, too.

SEN Obama is having a Bad week..loosing to HIllary Clinton, Then REV Wright Speaks...so to counter it, SEN CLYBURN come out and speak and speak this MONOLITHIC nonesense...How dare him? NOT ALL BLACK folks support Obama or will support him. I think that is so monolithic and actually uneduacted to think we all are going to vote for him. He needs to look into the fact why so many in the Black community are getting harrassed by other blacks for supporting Hillary Clinton; Yes I have being harrassed and being called traitor...SEN Clyburn Look into that before you spew the nonesense.

I find it ironic that that issue of race comes up before North Carolina primary; Obama's campaign knows what works and by injecting race before the primary, they will divide the democratic party even further. Sorry, but race has been emphasized by the media and will continue to be a hot button issue, until Obama is out of the race. Nobody is cheating anyone, Obama is proving his unelectablability by his own words, actions, and associations. You can blame the Clintons for Obama's downward spiriling campaign, but Obama is doing fine bringing this plane down on his own.

Someone mentioned Huckabee earlier. He actually sounds very reasonable to me. He's a very likable person.

Stacy, sharks and politics kind of go together, so it's a good fit:)

America is not perfect. It may be the best on this earth, BUT IT IS NOT PERFECT. Why can we not admit to our flaws? Racism and waging an unjust war are not things to be proud of. We need to fix our mistakes. Hating Rev. Wright is not the fix–its more evidence of our inability to accept criticism from others or admit our faults. This does not bode well for us as a nation.

Hillary has done nothing to hurt Obama.

Obama hurt himself:

– Obama had an very bad debate performance in PA
– Obama made negative comments about small town voters
– Obama started off his political career at Ayers house and hung out with shaddy characters.

Hillary didn't bring these up and it is not her fault.

the webcam is really exciting tonight, enjoy watching the sunset background on the big wall. At least the live blog is lively tonight

This FLDS polygamy issue teaches authorities, as well as everyone around the world to be sensitive to such cultures, even if they are morally wrong. I'm not saying we uphold such cultures but approach them with more caution, prudence and sensitivity.

casey..but forming an educated judgement out of "snipits" is just wrong and unjust

I guess shart attacks are more rampant than a young man getting shot at 50 times and killed by "New York's finest"

OH Lord, the shark haters are having a field day!

Jason, thanks for your comments. I think we all need to support the candidate that we believe will do the best job, regardless of their race, religion or gender. Can you imagine how much better shape this country would be today if we all thought that way?

erica likes to make fun of my inferior blogging abilities.

Those poor children. I didn't realize how much power our government has.

John you are doing a great job joining in on the live blog. We all appreciate it when any of the 360 team gets to join in

I think John should get a couple points for blogging, he blogs more than Anderson! heh!

@Lisa: True. Though I suppose I was looking for something a bit more substantive. It's a big world out there–lots of important news to report.

well said Jane

Sharks and Politics. ... I love it.

So sad when animal lovers are taken down by a creature they are smart enough to respect...

Regarding the cops in Bklyn: cops risk their lives every time they leave their homes. they do it for us.
When a cop tells you to freeze you do it. You don't challenge a cop. They have to make decisions in split seconds when they are out there. I can't stand it when people act like the criminals are victims!

To Thore from Chicago...Here! Here! Agree completely with your comments on NC primary and Obama. Well done!

John King – you are doing fine with the multi-tasking of blogging and hosting

Don't feel bad John...sometimes Anderson doesn't get a chance to say Hi... We appreciate your efforts... Now Erica...where are you?

I hate when there is an animal attack because many people fear and hurt animals as a result.
Of course I feel horrible for his fam

Sharks? Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water...

Aww, John - you're funny. You know what I say - the more bloggers the better!

"I really don’t understand why Bill Clinton reacts and says the things that he does. I know that he says Obama’s campaign has played the race card, but i have never once seen any evidence of this. I have seen Hillary play the gender card though. Am I missing something?"

nope

Aaawww John, you're doing so great!

It's a freak accident but so frightening.
I feel terrible for this man's family

Thore from Chicago ~ then McCain would become President?

Dawn>This must make you feel very uneasy. I would go back but I doubt I would ever go in further than my waist.

Hi John. I always enjoy the magic board. You are an expert. I've worked with Smart boards in schools and they are tricky.

Sharks, yuck! Another reason not to swim in the ocean. I feel very sorry for this man's family.

Please: respect for sharks - we're the interlopers in their territory - don't blame them for that.

I just can never get my mind around how someone is here one minute and gone so senselessly the next, No matter how it happens My smypathies to the Martin family

Wow, first the fires and now shark attacks. San Diego was my favorite city to visit; I think I might have second thoughts about jumping into the ocean at PB, next time.

That's why I only like pools and not open water! Great White – I don't care what color....I don't think I would like to meet a shark!!

Thore-PB? Pebble Beach isn't near San Diego (or Solano Beach), unless I'm not translating PB correctly.

thank God the attacks are so rare. to hear dr graham describe the power of a great white leaves you more than a little aghast.

i love to swim in the ocean. that .. gave me a little pause.

Not to leave you out Erica. I always appreciate your upbeat attitude and professionalism. How cool is it to be able to converse with you guys!

Hmmmm, I've always wanted to get close to a shark while I'm in a diving cage.... I still want to!

PB is Pacific Beach, I grew up in that town!LOL Yes, we will have to keep a better watch on the kids when we go to the beach this summer.

Minou,

The point is Bell was NOT a criminal. When a person dressed in regular clothes who doesn't identify himself as a policeman says freeze while I am walking down the street at 4 in the morning, sorry I will try to get away as quickly as I can. Yes police men do risk their lives "to protect and serve," but that doesn't make them above the law.

I'm with you John. Love to body surf... I had no idea that they hunt sometimes in shallow waters....Too bad overfishing and other environmental problems force them to.

Michelle, I so agree!

Crime is always worse when the economy is sick

Lisa – Ft. Lauderdale: I have to agree with you, but the media helped him along by hiding his negatives. If these things had been exposed from the beginning maybe voters would not feel like they were mislead.

Everyone blames Fox for showing the negative clips, but those that condemn Fox have not shown what they believe to be the positive clips from that same speech. I challenge them to do so. Fox is running the entire speech on their website. Everyone should watch it.

John, I agree. I wish we could watch the two congresswoman every night and for longer segments. They are feisty and honest.

The Chicago murders leave me at a loss for words. I cant imagine what it's like for these families who are literally caught in the crossfire. I applaud the Holts and am in awe of their strength.

what can be worse then innocent children being murdered?
These poor families!
Why doesn't the federal government protect these children?

@Michelle

You are so right. The live blog is the greatest. These people are on the pulse of national and international news and responding to YOU & ME whether were are stuck in an airport or in our PJ's in our living rooms.

This Rocks!!!

obamas problems are all self inflicted so why are we not aloud to talk about it..............everyone seems to think is ok to talk about the clintons there is a BIG double standard here..........

DAnne, the "innocent" guy said he was going to get his gun from the car. Turned out he didn't actually have one in the car, but how can the cop know that? I'm very sure he did identify himself ...

True. Michael. I hope the economy improves.

I love animals, so I also have sympathy for sharks who are forced inland by overfishing. But, I tell you. I saw "Jaws" when I was in high school and that did it for me...no more ocean swimming. Maybe I need therapy...ha!

My heart goes out to the families. The Holts are inspirational and I hope that they do keep going and are joined by more and more families to end the violence

Remember when Anderson did the mentos and Coke experiment?

have a great weekend everyone .. thanks for sharing some of your friday night with 360.

Nite all! Happy week end to the best cable news team and bloggers!

I agree, Erica. We can't even imagine the stress, fear and pain many families endure on a daily basis.

good night everyone!

Prayers to the family of this Gentleman. Such freak attacks are horrible and the harder to accept and deal with.

Only the police and the men who were shot knows exactly what the facts were. Kudos to the judge who had to sit and sort out the datails. All were long term detectives with many years and no bad records. On the other hand some of the men involved had criminal histories. Being an officer in this day and age takes more cuorage than ever. God Bless them.

1500 bottles of Diet Coke, 0 calories!

Great show & blogging John & Erica! night..