Hey Anderson, Erica and all...

So you all have pics of Obama and Hillary's meeting huh!? Can't wait to see them.

Cindy...Ga.

good evening everyone

So much for a closed door event! Gotta love technology.

I am excited to see them together tomorrow at the rally!

I think it was very generous of Obama to give Clinton $2300. I don't think I would do that

Hi all, there you go...Obama is paying off Hillary's debt...even put up $2300 of his own money....

Does Obama really need Hillary's help in getting money!? Seems he does great on his own.

Cindy..Ga.

I was glad to see the meeting between Clinton and Obama. This shows the party of working to win the White House.

If truer statement has never been said than the one Senator Clinton said about her supporters being passionate and his supporters being passionate.

Hello Anderson, Erica, everyone.

It's good to see Clinton and Obama playing nice. I can't wait until they go fully public tomorrow. Unity is on the horizon.

Now they are family, last month they tore each other apart?

At least Hillary will get her debts paid...

Hellooooo Anderson, Erica and best bloggers!
Wow! I am surprised Hillary and Barrack in the picture! I am glad that Obama donated Clinton 2,300 dollars! I am so exciting for them!

HILLARY needs help getting money... Obama is the one to do it

The Obama's made more than $1 million last year. I think he can aford the $2300.

good to see them getting together to fight McBush

I didn't even realize the winning candidate helps the losing one pay off debts!

So $ 2300 thats the amount Obama is allowed to give? Not more?

I am confused why Obama is obligated to pay off her debt. However, it is nice he is.

I wonder how many of Obama's contributors who are poor feel about him using their money to pay off Hillary's debt?

I hear you, Lorie Ann...makes it hard to feel too trusting!

I think that it was good of Obama to give Hillary 2,300 to assist in paying off her debt. I think that Hillary suporters should just move on already.

I think it's politically expedient for Obama & Obama supporters to do this but I can't help but resent the Clinton mindset that her 18 million supporters are for sale. I wonder how those supporters feel about being for sale?

Mike, that's the maximum he's allowed to give.

is this meeting really a surprise? we all knew this was coming eventually, it was just a matter of time.

I was a diehard Hillary supporter but am now wholeheartedly supporting the democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama. This country cannot survive another 4 or 8 years of a Republican president. I think it's great that Hillary and Barack had this meeting today and that they're both working towards healing the Democratic party.

I can't wait to hear Obama and Clinton to join unity together tomorrow night!

It not a matter of affording the 2300 dollars......Obama by no meas needs to help Hillary who totally dug herself into debt. I was just a nice thing to do

Evening.

I think that it will be mostly white female supporters of Clinton that will go with McCain. African-american female voters mostly went with Obama as they are still dominated by African-american male leaders in their communities.

Gary, he paid out of his own money. the money he earns. He is not allowed nor would ever use money from his donors. He can ask them to donate to her, but he cannot donate their money.

I don't think Obama can legally give money donated to him, to Hillary. He can ask his own supporters to contribte to her.

I wonder if Clinton will get appointed to Obama's cabinet if he takes the Presidency?

Hilary Clinton, Attorney General... it might work.

Minou – no one is allowed to give more then $2300. Obama gave the max he is allowed to give by the rules

Lorie Ann, I don't think they are family. She needs her debt paid off and he needs the votes. It is as simple as that.

Shannon, he is not obligated to do it, but most do try and help. I saw on Larry King where they were talking about some of his big donors will help. I'm sure they won't be able to pay the whole amount. Her supporters will probably help because they feel so strongly about her.

Isn't $2300 the most any public citizen can give? You, me, anyone?

Two strong personalities. This should be an interesting time.

I confess, Gary, the whole money exchange thing here feels odd to me...but then I didn't realize that (apparently) it's fairly commonly done...?

Sorry to me it seems like he is trying to buy Hillary's supporters, my vote is not for sale.

I don't think Obama even needs the Clintons, and I do not think she is sincere. She just wants to get her bills paid. God help him.

Obama is not the first to help pay off debt. It's actually something that happens a lot.

Clinton would make a good Attorney General. Perhaps not such a good VP though...she's a little to controversial.

Do you think there's enough time to mend the Democratic Party before November?

Aww seems of Obama, This my first blog tonight

I wonder how Hillary really feels about having to accept Obama's money to pay off her debt. I think deep inside Hillary must be
hurting very much.

I'm sure there's an unspoken agreement that Obama help Hillary with her dobt, and Hillary helps steer her supporters to Obama. No one's in this out of good will.

If cameras were not allowed in that private meeting, aren't you stepping over the line by "sneaking out" cell phone pictures?

Yes, I think the Dems will be ok by Nov

People won't think that Obama is trying to buy their votes. It comes off like he's just trying to do a nice thing.

How does this work, with Hillary no longer in the campaign, how can she ask for money to pay off her campaign debts?

MInou,
Yes, of course..... Remember it have rules, can allow give to Clinton, also Hannah, I disagree with you......sometimes can or not to give her campaign to donate.

Christine- It is customary for this to occur once a presumtive nominee has won... they assit in paying off the others debt and get introduced to the others supporters- drawing the party together, not buying votes.

So if you some of you are correct, the only way Hillary's debt gets paid off is if all of his donors contribute to her campaign....how much does she owe? Does the "debt" include what she "loaned" the campaign?

I think Hillary would be great in the cabinet, definitely on the short list for Attorney General.

Anyone else think all these meetings and the donation Obama has made is hinting towards Clinton being the possible VP?

First time bloger here. Anderson, I love you as a reporter because I honestly don't know what party you belong to and frankly it doesn't matter. In other words I appreciate the unbias journalism. I can't believe that Hillary has the audasity to beg for money. I have personally been bombarded with emails to contribute. I responded back that I am an out of work real estate agent in Florida right now and asked if she would like to contribute to my campaign to pay my bills.....
Haven't heard back... probably won't....

Can someone explain to me why Obama is expected to pay off Hillary's debt? Isn't that sort of the risk you decide to take in this kind of election. Maybe it's always been done before but never really talked about. It just does not make any sense to me – why would you assume the debt of someone who spent a year or more running you into the ground – the debt that made her attacks possible.

Hey Anderson! I'm a first-time blogger and am really enjoying your coverage of this political season! Just a question – when did you get involved in politics for the first time?

@Brenda–November is a long way away. There's enough time for the party to mend, self destruct, and then mend again.

I think there must still be a lot of him vs her mentality around that money will not resolve. I really wish those people could and would move toward larger, more communal concerns, but anger is addicting, 'my team' is aaddicting. It's hard to move beyond that.

Hi Bloggers! For some reason I feel that closed door meeting held a few weeks back between Obama and Hilary was nothing but a "you scratch my back; I'll scratch yours" meeting. Thus, they are together campaigning now and Obama is helping pay back Clinton's debt.

Christine, That is exactly what it is. Obama is buying her support. She never seems genuinely enthusiastic when she is talking about him.

First time commenter, but I've been watching the show quite often lately.

How much does Clinton still owe? I really admire Obama giving his own money to her – it's a great gesture of unity in the party (one that we really need).

Christine-

I don't think he's trying to buy their support. I mean, they're rich right? He can't really wave a few bill in their faces and have them salivating like Pavlov's dogs. But I still understand where you're coming from.

No one wants to be bought. People want candidates to earn their respect and their vote. My vote's not for sale either.

Hi everyone- I am glad Hillary is getting some help from Obama

It has happened a few times that the winner pays the loser's debts, but usually just a few hundred thousand dollars...nothing of this magnitude.

I am one of her 18 million supporters and I am not for sale – I will not be voting for Obama – I feel he is an immature, inadequate, unqualified candidate for the highest office in the land. If he is all of sudden so in love with Bill Clinton & wants him campaigning for him & wants his ideas, what the hell – Hillary has all of that and more...without a teleprompter, he can't speak.

Frankly, I am so sick of Hillary. I am white woman and I really think she is so upset beyond words that she lost. I mean, she is acting like a sore loser. I think this whole 'unity is a farce' ... in her eyes. She would do anything to be in his shoes. Barack Obama has done everything to appease her ... as if she was spoiled child or a unsatisfied rich wife or something ... gosh, I just wish she would go away.

If it was a closed door meeting, is this audio/visual piece actually allowed to air?

I agree with you whole-heartedly, Ray. Not only that, I don't think Hillary would have done the same for him the shoe was on the other foot. Instead, she and Bill would find a way of getting around that.

Michael: that's what I was thinking, but I don't think so. She would be too controversial as a VP. She would be good in the cabinet or some other major role. I don't think she is a "number 2" type personality.

I hope this helps get the party on the right track...straight to the white house, looking forward to the rally tommorrow

I am hoping now that all the passion for these two great Americans can be focused on putting Senator Obama in the White House.

I hope HRC isn't the Veep, the position is almost beneath her and she would do more good in the Senate.

Why do they have these types of meeting behind closed door, I would think that they would want the media play.

Hello everyone! My first time here. I'm from Germany, so obviously this is all totally different from what I'm used to back home when it comes to Elections. Why is there are $2300 max? Hey Anderson! Love the show.

Wow he is so good and an expert at symbolism to write a personnel check for $2300.

welcome to the live blog tonight, everyone.

Why is Obama paying off Hillary's debt when he could be helping the hundreds of flood victims in his out state. He still IS the Senator of Illinois isn't he?

hey erica

Brianna and Christine, I don't agree with either of you. It is not a matter of votes for sale.

something about obama donating to her doesn't seem right. as a candidate of change it doesn't make him look good but rather as if he is buying out her loyal voters. besides shouldn't the DNC do something.

I agree, the Clinton are always thinking about the political future.

David hit the nail on the head. They have to create party unity if Dems want to win the White House.

I believe Hillary is sincere in her efforts to get Obama elected. But HE has to gain the support of her fans all by himself – she doesn't have the ability to hand them over to him.

It annoys me that Obama thinks he can "buy" her supporters by helping pay off her debt. I don't like him – AT ALL.

@ Michael Froseth

No way – won't ever happen.

This is more about negotiating a salary and perks for her "duties" on the campaign trail, which - btw - is something that helps her get back into the Democratic "fold."

Obama's money machine surprised the heck out of everybody–This financial aid to Hillary is "High Politics."

I watch your show every night, I'm big on the computer thing , this is my first time, just wanted to say I enjoy the show very much, keep up the the good work.

the whole meeting also seemed very contrived – I don't believe for one second that they really like or even respect each other

I'm sure Senator Obama won't pay her full debt but will help. I am certain his small donors and those from the internet will not be asked.

Well, just because it's a closed door fundraiser doesn't mean that whoever attends can't take pics or videos.

As a Obama supporter i dont think obama should pay of Hillarys debt because even though near the she knew she couldnt win she was still running up debt besides he will need all the money he can get to fight McCain

Barrack and Hillary were friends before the election and they still are. I don't think there is anything wrong with helping out a friend who is in debt. Right?

I guess this speaks to the deal they made. Help me pay my debt on Thursday night I will campaign for you on Friday afternoon. Seems like it would have been more effective in the opposite order.

Jax, yo're right. If the situation was reversed the Clinton's wold be saying "Barack Who?"

I feel the same way, Maria. She just doesn't sound like she believes what she's saying. He sounds way more enthusiastic about her and Bill than she does about him. I really don't think she thought she would lose the nomination.

I'd much rather see some town hall meetings begin. I want to hear McCain and Obama debate.

Sue, shouldn't it be about the politics ? Why give your vote away to the opposition?

Amina, it was just explained that he had to be the first one to donate, so his supporters would follow and donate to her as well.

I'm thinking the gesture by Obama will help Hilary pay off her debt. It will be interesting to see over the next few days if she gets a bunch of contributions.

It looks both of them are tyring to put the primary behind them and neither want to burn any bridges. Which is smart...

It's all too early for me. I support Obama, and can't help remembering that her sizable debt comes from her unwillingness to step aside. Why should Obama have to pay for her self-indulgence? Maybe the McCain supporters should pay her debts.

Sam, it's a symbolic gesture.... how do you know he didn't already donate a huge amount to the flood victims?

good evening everyone.. sorry for being late.. a lot breaking at the last minute tonite.. so we've been re-writing the broadcast at the last minute.. in fact we are still writing it.. and sort of playing it by ear how much time we spend on this meeting..

It was a great start for the both of them. It was also a very polite gesture that Barack handed Hillary some much needed funds!!!
I'm sure his backers will follow suit!

Amina TN:

I do not believe this is a "buy out" on Obama's part, I believe he is leading by example, how can you ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself?

people are getting upset with Obama for helping Clinton but Clinton supporters would be mad at him if he did not help her. Obama is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't

Obama is playing it smart on another level–if Hillary's campaign debt is too heavy it's going to make her next run for the Senate that much harder. From that perspective, Hillary is not selling her supporters to Obama, "Pres. Obama" is helping to insure that he doesn't have a Senate who can filibuster him to death.

Well, it doesn't sound to me that the crowd was that excited!

Tonight may explain why Obama opted out of public financing, in order to get more donor $ for Hillary.

Tiffany, finally a voice of reason. People forget that they have the same agendas and really respect each other. or they just missed the debates...

That's alright Anderson, I know you will get the facts and the story out there!

I'm going to add my voice that I can't wait for the big rally tomorrow at Unity.

Also, I think that if Senator Clinton spoke like she is speaking now at the end of the race, this wouldn't be a big of an issue.

Nice panel tonight as well.

Between the money that Senator Obama's big money people and Senator Clinton's ardent supporters – she will have enough to pay off the debt.

Lorie Ann, I want to see Barrack and McCain debate as well.

Has the Democratic Party ever been as divided as it appears to be now?

Obama and Hillary...two great leaders paving the way for ALL Democrats to take our country back...United we stand, Divided we fall!

@Maria: re: " Frankly, I am so sick of Hillary. I am white woman and I really think she is so upset beyond words that she lost. I mean, she is acting like a sore loser."

I think you are wrong in thinking Hillary is any kind of a sore loser. In truth, I bet she is amazed she made is so far and so strong. If you listened to her speech on leaving, she was more than gracious, kind, grateful and thankful. And there was no mistake what direction she wanted the election to take even without her.

keeping track of david gergen is like "where's waldo" – but he's always there for us

I agree, Hannah. If Hillary had won it would be pointed out that his awesome record-breaking fundraising could help pay off her bet...and since he helped put her there, he should help her out of it.

We had to great candidates running and two firsts.

Larry, Obama opting out of public financing doesn't help Hillary raise 0ne dollar. He did it for himself.

Does anyone know when the debates will start?

David Gergen is one of my favorite contributors to AC360. And he and Anderson have some pretty funny banter every so often.

Speaking of presidential debates, is CNN going to do any with Obama and McCain? I would definitely look forward to hearing them debate each other.

Hillary clinton has shown so much grace and professionalism.
Great lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you Hillary. For those of you asking why should he help to retire her debt maybe you should be better informed because that is something that is always done .

why doesn't everyone of hillary's supporters show their support by giving her a $1.00.That will retire her debt, but i believe her support doesn't go that deep.

Bella: if she had won, she wouldn't have had to pay his debt.....because he doesn't have any!

I agree with this panelist. Obama would be stupid to discount the women's vote.

There are a lot of words to describe Hillary Clinton and in my opinion "grace" is not one of them

I really love our country and proud of America. I don't feel any need to "take it back". It was never gone.

Mike: what's wrong with that? Why limit yourself to $85M when you can raise twice that much?

I was a hillary supporter and don't like that she is going to campaign for him!

tom, i thought the same thing... with 18 million supporters, it would definitley help

Just because a quarter of Clinton's supporters are planning on voting for McCain doesn't mean that they will actually vote for him in the general election. There is a LONG time between now an November.

Well, that's a good point too, tom...her supporters should certainly (and may be doing so) help her pay off what she owes.

(hit enter too soon!)
... remember, tho, many have met the cap already

I don't think she needs a dollar per supporter. I mean, she's got plenty of friends in Washington who can help pay down her debt in much larger incrimants.

Hi Anderson and Erica. First time blogger as well. You all are the real no spin zone as far as I'm concerned. I love the way Obama is deferring to Clinton. Smart man. And, yes 2300 is the most one can give.

Tom,
A lot of Hill's supporters have already given their max. amount. I think some polls showed that Obama supporters are more likely to donate multiple times in small increments, whereas Clinton supporters are more likely to donate all $2300 at once.

Erica, I doubt that her internet donors have met the cap yet.

Erica: are ppl only allowed to donate $2300 total? You can't donate $2300 one time...and then a different amount the next time?

The Clintons have made millions since they left the White House. They can pay Hillary's debt. I will not donate $.01 toward her debt.

McCain is right. Obama is the same as any other politician. He even has the sweet talk down pat.

Cindy...Ga.

I am a Hillary supporter, now I will vote for McCain. I supported Hillary because she is the best person for the job, McCain is second best, and Obama third. Why would any intelligent person hire the third most qualified person for a job when you can hire the second place candidate? And it doesn't matter WHO tells me whom I should vote for.

What's the purpose of disclosing your strategy? Isn't that like telling your enemies what your next step is?

Obama knows that money will buy the election.

Gary, it isn't the country we are taking back...it is the Democratic party we are going to take back.

John McCain is a hero and served his country honorably. Obama never felt it necessary. McCain has the experience and judgement to be President.

I love how they keep pointing out that Obama wrote the check out "himself." He would have to sign it "himself" anyway...what's so special about him writing it "himself?"

MaryJane in Maryland, That is the way that I feel. People should vote based on the candidates accomplishments and character and nothing else.

now that an idea tom. was it 18M voters she had make that $2 ea;

There are as many republicans coming out for Obama as for McCain and now Colin Powell...this couldl get interesting!

I'm a Clinton supporter. I made up my mind early on that McCain is not what we need right now so I will be voting for Obama.

MaryBeth, I figured it meant that it was his money instead of his campaign's... but it does sound odd, now that you mention it!

ALL This is is a publicsity stunt for Obama!!! To try and win over the her votes.

Tom,
I agree with Bloggers........some allow maxium donates to her campigan and her contributors to her debt pay off.

I think Hillary should have gotten out of the race when she ran out of money, then she wouldn't be in the position.

If 10% of 18,000,000 reach there limit then she would have $414 million dollars so very few of them have met there limit.

It amazes me that they call Senator Obama an elitist. He' not married to a millionaire. He made is money through hard work and luck from writing two best seller books.

There's another good reason for the Obama campaign and Sen Obama himself to contribute to the Clinton campaign at this point. It's been such a hotly contest campaign, they've been such close competitors, that I don't see how Sen. Obama could not help Sen. Clinton pay her campaign debts. Also, They're both Democrats..

I am a democrat but John McCain was a hero 35 years ago and he still is!

There is a HUGE difference between Hillary's plan for the US and McCain's.... how can any Hillary supporter all of a sudden agree with all of McCain's politics?
I don't get it.

There are many democrats coming out for McCain and will let everyone know when the vote in November.

For what reason does the Obama campaign think that women who support Hillary can "get over it"? The only way in which we will get over it is if he loses to McCain.

They just gave them a pass. They said that Obama camp is not making comments on McCain's age but they are. Can you please hit a little hard on the responses thanks

I am one of millions of Democrats that will be voting for McCain!

Obama has my vote. I have always watched McCain, even before he ran for President in 2000. I would have voted for him if Obama had not come along. Obama seems more real as a person and not just the same old-same old politician. Watch the way he interacts with his wife and daughters, you can tell that he is there in the day to day living of his family and doesn't just bring them out to win an election.

Cynthia, You don't have to have money to be an elitist.

I think it interesting that Bush didn't care about the "welfare" of the North Korean people when he alienated their country by putting it on the Axis of Evil.

I admire John McCain for NOT using his son's deployment in Iraq as a campaign strategy. THAT'S truly honorable.

Did McCain hear that Pres. Bush had talks with North Korea? Senator McCain thinks it was such a bad when Senator Obama mentioned having talks with prepartions.

I can't wait to see N Korea blow up their nuclear cooling tower!! I love Christiane. She is great!

Nigh Anderson and all.

Cindy...Ga.

melinda, melissa, melanie – first time bloggers.. welcome!

Multi-party negotiation with N. Korea seems to have worked. Obama said today it was direct U.S. negotiation and it was good.

This election is proof that we need some serious campaign finance reform.

Oh Wow!
North Korea have been cancel nukes today............ I was surprised. Thanks Christiane for reporting from North Korea about nukes.
Good night Anderson, Erica, best bloggers! Have a great weekend!
Have a great night! Sleep tight!!!!!!!
See you next Monday.

Multi-party negotiation with N. Korea seems to have worked. Obama incorrectly said it was direct U.S. negotiation.

Hi Anderson,

Nice program tonight! See you tomorrow.

Good night Anderson and Erica.