good evening everyone.. hope you had a great weekend. i spent my weekend getting certified in scuba for an upcoming planet in peril shoot. i think i still have water in my ears.

good evening Anderson, Erica and bloggers.

I just came home from my vacation this weekend….does not seem as exciting as learning how to scuba dive but vacation was fun all the same

Evening Anderson.

Guess Obama’s little overseas jaunt is in full swing and he is giving every major news anchor an interview. Seems like a photo op to me.

Cindy…Ga.

He said, He said. Yes, we will have a new President, but we don’t have a new one yet. I think the candidates should be a little careful with their words when we have troops on the ground.

lordy why don’t Bush and McCain listen to what it seems like everyone is saying

This is great news for Obama! This trip has been great so far!

Hello bloggers! Congrats on getting certified Anderson! You are too funny. Just keep banging your head, that always worked for me when I had water in my ears!

Old surfer’s trick - a little isoprypl alcohol in the ears will dry them out.

Vodka doesn’t work…

Maliki is no dummy….he is playing both sides of the game. Can’t blame him he doesn’t know who is going to win in November. Furthermore he is negotiating with the U.S.

I guess John McCain should be careful what he asks for. He kept counting down the days since Sen. Obama was last in Iraq and now it looks like it has backfired on him.

I would love for McCain to define what conditions on the grounds would be okay for the troops to come home. He can not define a win.

Remember, it was McCain who kept pushing Obama to go. I am very proud of the way Obama has appeared and has been received.

Wow, congrats Anderson!! Also, great piece on Friday.

Sounds like Obama is on the right page with the war. At least in agreement with the Iraq government.

Seems Obama’s trip is going well so far with no major gaffes.

Anderson, could you post the Obama message you received here

I can’t blame the Iraqi government for wanting the U.S. to give them back their country.

Good evening Anderson! Can you hear me! ..I’m so happy Obama has gone overseas!

Hi Bloggers! So what’s really behind the change in policy in Iraq? That’s the real story here.

When is Maliki up for reelection? This may be for his own domestic consumption.

Hellooooo Anderson, Erica, and best bloggers!
I agree with Obama, our troops will withdrawal until 2010 today.

Seems like Maliki is trying to play both sides of the coin to me. He knows they can’t protect Iraq without us right now.

So Anderson…where is the next PIP shoot that you had to be scuba certified for?

Cindy…Ga.

And Senator Obama said back in the primaries that he would be careful coming out as they were careless getting in.

Actually, it has been over two years since McCain has visited Afghanistan (the country that is on the Pakistan) border. By the same token as he said Obama should go to Iraq to see how the surge has worked, shouldn’t McCain go to Afghanistan to see the horrendous turn of events that the commanders on the ground and the soldiers are facing and describing?

Remember, it was McCain who kept pushing Obama to go.

exactly

yes, McCain’s calls to Obama to go to Irag, is working for Obama and McCain is now biting his tongue.

we’ll try to post the obama statment in a few minutes

@Cindy I’m back the world seems to love Obama. Your friend on this blog will allow my comment to you. Obama or Clinton will always be a better chose than McCain. Do your own research and stop repeating what you hear.

McCain has no one to blame but himself. He’s the one that put pressure on Obama to go to Iraq. Be careful what you wish for (or suggest) …

By my count (and I may be wrong) but its this the third/fourth time the Iraq government has said that they are ready for US troops to start pulling out?

Obama looks so comfortable with the troops, you can see they were genuinely delighted to see him.

Remeber this is a joint statement by Obama, Reid and Hagel who all sat in on the talks.

Hey Anderson, just logging in….did you get certified in a pool or open water? Where will you go for the PIP underwater story?

One thing’s for sure Anderson - you can’t beat SMART. Obama is smart and McCain is unprepared for these tactics.

David Gergen seems to be the sharpest person on your panel, whereas to me, Candy Crowly seems to be losing credibility.

I quite simply do not have the feeling that Obama is going to mess up on his own.

It’s possible that his political opponents might box him in or earn a victory, but as this goes on, my sense is that the guy can simply talk and listen without putting his foot in his mouth.

I will admit I find that’s refreshing.

Obama is presumptuous. He is not trying to avaoid it, he is feeding it.

Obama is on the right track!

Another technique to get the water out, stand on one foot (the side with the water) and hop up and down with your head tilted to that side. Eventually the water will come out.

Isn’t it their country?? If the Iraqi Goverment wants us to leave why shouldn’t we??

Wow! Anderson…. I am so exciting for you got scuba certified, is that your first time????

I never doubted that Obama will shine with this overseas trip. What will be interesting is whether McCain will announce his VP this week. If he does, what a great come back strategy to get attention back from the media.

I sent a message to the Obama campaign asking that they also vet David Gergen for VP. Just a couple hours later, they sent me a reply thanking me for my suggestion.

Obama is proving that he is just the leader we need on this trip. He is not like McCain…McCain has become “WHINER IN CHIEF”. All he has been doing is whine, whine, whine about Obama these past few days

Hi, everyone.

what does it really help if Obama admits that the surge has worked or not. American people wants the war to come to an end whether the surge worked or not.

Sounds like Obama is sticking his nose into things that it doesn’t belong. He isn’t the presiden yet……hopefully never. I hope he doesn’t start any problems McCain ends up having to fix.

Great point David Gergen. Obama isn’t President yet. He should not be negotiating.

Good evening Erica.

hey get off obamas back? he cant help the way he looks. if he walks like president and talks like a president he must be the president. mccain old and wrinkled

Was Obama really negociating…? I dont think so.

How’s it going Erica!?

This has been a horrible two weeks for the McCain campaign. His hopes of having Obama go overseas and floundering have exploded in his face. Instead Obama looks like Brad Pitt walking through a sorority house. The only thing that can make things worse for McCain is if he gets endorsed by Rev Wright.

Obama’s move to going overseas i believe was the best move he made all throughout his campaign. He’s showing the world that he is ready to take the role as President of the United States and that he’s not going to make moves and not just talk about making them!

This trip has absolutely blown up in John McCain’s face. He had the advantage on exactly one issue; Iraq. He lost that advantage today and probably the election.

No david we don’t have a president who is a negotiator…that’s been the problem!!

I disagree with David Gergen, I think he was merely reiterating what Malaki said publicly this weekend.

I agree with David Gergen. President Bush is still the President. Private conversations should stay private for now.

Races are won with focus and momentum … which Obama is seemingly building more solidly at this point than McCain.

Obama certainly is looking presidential, but not acting as one — namely thinking before he speaks. He should be more cautious in divulging conversations he is having in the Middle East. I’m disappointed.

…

I thought Maliki said something like this in the past. Either way it goes, the sooner we get out of this mess the better. McCain who?

Hey Erica

I just want to wish you a “Happy Birthday” hope you had a great one. and hey everyone.

Americans wants our Troops home, the Iraq People and Government want the Americans to go home, so why doesn’t John McCain and George Bush want them home. The President’s legacy is dependent upon a successful Iraq War and John McCain’s attempt at the Presidency is dependent upon an Iraq War (100 years according to him). Will one of them listen to anyone other than their own legacy?

David, I’ve asked this before and I still think this is important: Does Iraq think they will benefit from an Obama presidency? Are they changing their position to support his run for President?

Hi Erica! A happy belated birthday to you! Mine was on Fri., the 18th–not telling my age. lol.

Wow! David is so right. I never saw the releasing of the talk with the Iraq representatives as a mistake. He definitely has a point.

Why is anyone surprised by this? Obama has been acting like the president for months.

David’s point about Obama’s acting like a negotiator is well taken. We only have one President at a time.

Hi all! I’m late! It’s good to be back blogging with you! I agree, Obama may be over stepping his bounds, but he is right, we need to get out of Iraq.

I somewhat agree with David Gergen, but didn’t Obama note that there can only be one president at a time? It seems he’s aware his role is not to meddle in Bush’s business.

Well, the difference is Obama listens and understands what he is listening to. He isn’t pressing any hidden agenda.

It is so refreshing to see that Obama is living up to the perceptions of the leadership he brings to the table. This trip, will show all of us what has been lacking during the past 8 years; a leader who’s interested in solving problems and bringing people together. The future of the U.S. Presidency is Barack Obama.

David, I don’t think Obama was negotiating. Negotiating implies a back and forth with an agreement that is followed.

kim-chicago:
Whatever the current President’s perfomance may be that doesn’t give Obama the right to step out of line!!

Just when I praised David…
All Obama has done is issue a statement summarizing what they discussed. He did not negotiate. He clearly said himself “there can only be only one President at a time”. Do not blow it up over the proportion.

Obama is only repeating what the Iraqi wants…….don’t blame him!!!!!

Yes, McCain got his wish. David Gergen is wrong! Obama was clarifying the issue because the Bush Administration was trying to hide the truth of what the Iraqis want. They want us out.

Obama has been right all along.

Okay , so Obama admitted the surge is working. What is so big about that? Can we get McCain to admit that we never should of started the war in Iraq?

What is a win? If we have already won, then why do we have so many trips still in Iraq?
What proof does McCain offer that he knows how to win a war? I know he is old, but what war was it that HE won?

I enjoy hearing the facts, but the poor OPINIONS of those agaist Obama, I could do without.

I agree with Gergin. Obama has no right over there trying to do anything concerning this war.

Cindy…Ga.

Obama has made a point of saying that we have one President in office and that he is on this leg of the trip as a Senator.

Yes, David Gergen
I agree with you, John McCain and Bush never change their mind our troops to bring home, McCain want our troops to stay in Iraq.

I’m wondering if maybe the Bush Admin. is not trying to hold up on a withdrawal date as a tactic to keep people wondering out of fear. They probably should be preparing to concentrate on Afghanistan.

Who is McCain going to chooce to be his vp. Mitt is my pick.

I am so excited that Obama is beginning to change the US image around the world…..not an easy task. I feel hopeful for the future of our great country. Obama said the trip to the Middle East and Europe is laying the foundation for his presidentcy but its doing so much more.

Obama is not negotiating he is merely reporting what he and the other Senators were told.

David Gergen said it best! Obama overstepped and made a major mistake by going pubic with what Maliki said in private to Obama.

I’m not sure Obama is negotiating, he’s simply listening and telling us what he heard. that is not negotiating.

To panel on the staff - Obama is on a fact finding mission - he found out that Maliki wants us out of Iraq.

Everyone has been wondering what Obama would look like on a the international stage. He looks smart, confident and ready to listen. Thank you Obama. We need you.

Go Obama!

I can’t understand why David Gergen & Gloria Borger are implying that Sen. Obama is negoitiating witht he Iraquis when he went there with a very well discussed and long time public position of withdrawal in 16 months.

I usually don’t blog much but I had to log on to say I LOVE DAVID GERGEN and I agree with him 95% of the time. He is right as usual tonight

I think David Gerken is dead wrong. The American public has made it clear that we should get out of Iraq. The President disagrees (this is also well known) so he is not qualified to negotiate the views of the American public. I think it is completely appropriate that a potential future President should let the Iraqi government know that he agrees with the wishes of both American and Iraqi citizens.

If McCain doesn’t let us know this week, it will look desperate. Personally I think its Romney.

Why won’t McCain wait till the convention to anounce his vp?

Bobby Jindal could be the perfect vp, despite his age… infact he should help McCain, the age would balance out!

I have to disagree with David Gergen regarding Obama’s comments from Iraq. I don’t see it at all as negotiating, he simply reported what the Iraq PM. had to say which was already published in a magazine overseas. He is on a “fact finding ” mission & that was one fact that was important to relay to the people back home.
Love David & rarely disagree with him!

Evening AC, Erica, 360 staff and bloggers.

Wow that was a unexpected blow for McCain. I didn’t see that coming that Iraq would side with Obama. This race is so interesting. Can’t turn away for a moment.

Scuba… you are brave. It looks and sounds awesome but for some reason must have a fear of not being able to get air. But then again, I was in New York this weekend… way too hot in the city…and there was no air so maybe Scuba would not be so bad…

Well, if the strategy should be for McCain to wait until Obama names his VP, it will be the waiting game for sure. If McCain knows who he wants for VP, I see no problem in him announcing early.

On the Obama vp side, I think it is going to be Hillary folks I just feel it.

Obama is not negotiating. When speaking with Maliki he didn’t bring up troop withdrawl, but afterwards Maliki made his own statement about what the Iraqi’s want. That’s not negotiating.

On Obamas trip, I don’t feel he was wrong by saying Maliki agrees with his time table. McCain has been saying Maliki said the surge is working for months now, Bush went to Israel and took a swipe at Obama, I thing Obama’s statement was accurate and eye openning for the american people.The surge working or not working is a non issue, in my opinion, we should not have been there in the first place.Since we are, we don’t have the credibility around the world, to be able to act against Iran as easily as if we hadn’t invaded Iraq.

There is no way that Obama and his multitude of advisors did not consider every aspect of his statement. I believe that it is being misconstrued for political purposes. Malaki has not been secretive in his desires. What do we expect them to be talking about if not the condidtion and wishes of the Iraqis?

There is nothing in Obama’s past that suggests he can take the lead on an issue and hold his ground on principle, a quality required of a president. He does know how to game the liberal media. But the job he seeks should not a popularity contest.

David Gergen..
Does Iraq think they will benefit from an Obama presidency? Are they changing their position to support his run for President?

im told we’ve now posted the obama statment on our web site

Hi Anderson. Wow David Gergen made a great point about not negotiating in place ot he president. I’ve felt a little nervous about all these campaign trips abroad. Do non-incumbent presidential candidates generally make a lot of trips to other countries during campaigns?

Senator Obama is there as a part of a Congressional delegation. Did Senator McCain not meet with some of the same people when he was there?

Why is okay for McCain to say or do something and it wrong for Obama. The world do not want another Rome and we are becoming just that. If they do not want you in their country get out . We won the war long time ago. We have the best troops in the world and they can be proud. It time they stand up on their own two feet. And give us some of that oil. (lol)

i feel so bad for those lil’ girls families

I hope the killer(s) is caught soon.

i think david gergen raised an interesting point about the obama statement.. read it for yourself and decide.

I appreciate what Obama is doing. I don’t think he is meddling at all. What I’ve seen has made me proud!

Firstly, there was no negotiating (no give and take, just conversation). Second, I sincerely doubt George Bush, or any one in his administration, holds much respect overseas at this point in time. It’s natural for foreign governments to treat Bush like the lame duck he currently is (on the way out the door).

i just wanted to point out that david gergen is so perceptive and he is really one of the greatest assests to CNN

With the price of gas what it is, we really don’t want “Dolly” to hit Houston.

Hi Anderson & the lovely Erica.
Cant’ wait to see your new piece Anderson. Hope you will have it on your show.
Senator McCain should learn from this. It seems Senator Obama’s overseas visit has been a huge success. I can’t understand why anyone would think it would be anything but successful. Senator Obama is too smart to screw up. I can’t wait for his visit to Europe where he’s very popular. I hope he visits us in Canada too where he’s very popular. His brother in law, Konrad is Chinese Canadian which is soooo cool.

“Whatever the current President’s perfomance may be that doesn’t give Obama the right to step out of line!!”

Obama is not going to be able to catch a break, he will be hammered when he does good and when he does anything else. Step out of line…here we are in a war started with lies and you say step out of line! At least he is “stepping out of line” talking about ending it..

My hearts to granparents who lost their grandkids, I hope they have to cope their grandkids, it is so sad for them in Oklahoma.

Here we go with hurricanes again I live on the gulf coast and we have to go through this every year.

I’ll say first that David Gergen is my favorite “talking head” on CNN. However, I disagree with his comment that Obama made the first mistake of his campaign when he made public what Maliki said (troops out by 2010). Gergen says that Obama should not be cutting deals…he’s not the President; that this sort of talks are never made public by a President. Exactly !!! Obama is not cutting any deals, he is not the President; Obama just quoted Maliki. Let’s not forget Obama is still campaigning. Also…how don’t we know that Maliki wanted everyone to know that? He’s probably tired of being treated like a puppet by the Bush Admin. Anyway….I think Obama is managing that “fine line” pretty good…..he does look presidential, but not presumptious.

I think that it was total bias that the NYT wouldn’t print McCain’s op-ed but did Obama’s. Did they make Obama rewrite his op-ed?

Cindy…Ga.

Brian
I don’t think he was stepping out of line. He wasn’t trying to negotiate anything. I think he was just restating the Iraqi’s position…big difference.

I read John McCain’s rebuttal. He did not meet their literary standards and did not have the substance they needed. It is impossible for McCain to tell anyone what he considers a “win”

What right does the New York Times have to tell McCain what to write. Did they tell Obama?

McCain is right…the media is all over Obama and barely covering him. That is totally wrong!!

Cindy…Ga.

Cindy: There is a big difference between what goes on an op ed page and on an editorial page. McCain wrote an editorial on Obam’s positions rather than an op ed page outlining his own.

thanks for the bday wishes, bloggers! and happy belated to my fellow cancer

i was just thinking the same thing. obama is all over the media unlike mccain. i’m not really sure what i think about that. i guess it’s not quite fair.

Why doesn’t McCain go to some other major newspaper to publish his editorial if NY Times rejected it?

The problem was that McCain’s piece was just an attack. It had nothing about what his plans were. It wasn’t a rebuttal, but an attack.

As for the trip, McCain did not invite the press. They are also harder on Obama. The response to that is usually, we already know McCain.

I read Obama’s statement. There was nothing new in it from what he’s been saying. The Times is definitely biased.

Sorry but Obama just generates a lot more interest…not just nationally but globally.

The Times should publish the McCain Op Ed. The race for the presidency is happening now… saying they published prior pieces over the previous years is not fair. Sounds like bias to me for sure.

I think that the New York Times had every right to ask Sen. McCain to define victory in Iraq, but they did cross a line when they asked him to include or discuss (however) timetables, etc. in Iraq. People deserve to know what victory in Iraq means to Sen. McCain since he says that is when he would leave if he were president.

Op-Ed pieces are for the generation of ideas, not the spouting of rhetoric. I’m an Obama supporter, but I’d truthfully like to read a piece by McCain that wasn’t clouded by reactionary rhetoric.

And Happy Bday Erica!

Uh, yeah, Obama is getting A LOT of coverage. Media needs to balance it out. They are not bias. Just fascinated with Obama and he gets lots of criticsim and scrutiny.

The New York Times is not a public paper they have every right to have standards, McCain did not meet them.

I think the media is more biased toward McCain! Jennifer is very wise and being truthful! Obama is more exciting! McCain is trying to manipulate the media! And please media don’t be a pawn in McCain’s hands!

Good point AC, yes, McCain HAS been in the DC scene for years! He should know how the system works.

They asked Senator McCain to add more information than that what he had already put out there and gave him questions to answer that would make his op piece fresh and new but he chose not to. They were actually trying to help him.

I mean it’s not necessarily biased if he didn’t have anything new to say. I would have to read the statement, but if he doesn’t have anything new to say than why publish? Granted, we’d also have to look at Obama’s statement too and see if it’s a repeat of something we’ve already seen.

David I really like your insight that you have given in this election year. But I disagree with you about The Obama comment. McCain was over there and was not a problem. I seems like the media wanted to go to Iraqi and hoped that Obama made a mistake and it has not happen so you have find something. I voted for Bush both times and was attacked by my own race for it. But at the time that Bush was the best thing for this country and now I believe that Obama is the best.

Interesting concept about Obama getting the elite status, leaving McCain as the little guy. However, people do tend to favor the underdog, and McCain has proven he can come back.

Mary H: There is no reason the NY Times should lower their standards to publish a partisan piece when what was requested was something of substance. If McCain could come up with something substantive, I’m sure they would publish it.

I hope all people in Houston will be safe in shelter, if dolly hurricane hit in Texas….

I’ve mentioned this on a previous blog but I believe the media is clearly favoring Obama. Just look at the media coverage of his trip to Iraq. I don’t remember McCain getting as much attention on any of his overseas trips.

The press needs to give both candidates equal time. No matter who we all vote for, we still are a democracy and must be given every side of this election.

Well, McCain kept daring Obama to go overseas. Now he’s there. Hasn’t worked out too good for the republicans has it?

Thank goodness Karadzic has finally been arrested. Anderson, do we know if he’s going to be tried in the ICC or in a national court system?

It would have been fairer to have someone from the NYT on to comment on their decision. Just having two partisans on does not shed any light on the issue - rather, it just furthers the controversy.

For some reason, I expected Karadzic to be older. He definitely needs a buzz cut. I’m sure he will get one where he’s going…..

Looks like a massive hurricane swirling in the Gulf.

I am so relieved that former Serb president already arrest!!!!! Thank you!!!! He will be in jail right now of his war crime against next door.

The New York Times set a standard and McCain couldn’t meet the standard, in this case.

It’s not unusual to have to rewrite an essay. It bites, but happens in academia all the time. What I read the NYT editor to say was that McCain spent more time rebutting Obama instead of presenting his own resolution to the arguments he made against Obama.

Obama’s presense in the region will at least raise troop morale. A lot of these guys don’t identify with the war but rather with each other and I think its good when they become grounded with America…feel like they are part of the country they havn’t seen in months (years-depending..)..those who support Senator Obama can get that from his visit.

McCain never dared Obama to go overseas. He challenged him to go! Obama wants to quip about policy when he hasn’t even been to Iraq. Might as well let Fred down at the bagel shop make the call. He’s got just as much experience as Obama on the subject matter.

Since when did McCain became the underdog and Obama the elite. Obama is more interesting and McCain is boring. The media goes where the buzz is. Obama has the buzz right now.

Divas on the race track

Putting the former Serb president in jail doesn’t seem like enough punishment to me. And yet, the death penalty would be an easy way out.

We live in Houston….its not a hurricane yet and it is a bit south.

Well it was real and nice.. Erica and Anderson have a great night. I am looking forward to more of your planet in peril programs Anderson, I really enjoy them and find your reports to be to the point and straight forward. Thanks.

We certainly don’t want to say hello to Dolly!! Would be great if she passed on by!…

Oh no! ouch! not good day for both ladies to fight each other in the car race……….

Let’s hope that Dolly ends up just being a lightweight storm and not a hurrican.

Man…I hope Dolly passes right on by!

Night Anderson and Erica!

Cindy…Ga.

If the NYT won’t publish McCain’s OpEd why even bother with them or any other official newspaper? Sen. McCain has a web site doesn’t he? The fact that the article exists is well known. Publish it yourself–Isn’t that the point of a blog? If “they” want to read it, they will Google you!

Good Monday evening. The shot of the day..Guess the driver wanted fast food, real bad. Jack in the box take note..Night all.

I still don’t agree with David Gergen on the fact that he thinks Obama was negotiating a deal. He simply put a statement out with the senators travelling with him. Doesn’t sound like a deal to me.

A new drive thru?! Pretty scary!…Well, for the first day of the workweek an exciting show! Good Andy and Erica. Until tomorrow. Rest easy folks! Holy cow Batman!

Anderson , great coverage tonight.I especially liked the dog barking when Dana was speaking,was he agreeing or disagreeing with her?

I would never go near that place again. If I remember he went right back the next day to the coffee house. Anderson, have fun with the scuba certification!!!

Come on Anderson—”Kapow!” We know you used to watch those old Batman re-runs on cable!!

Good night bloggers! Thanks for an interesting show.

Good night Anderson, Erica, best bloggers!!!!
Have a good night!!!!! Sleep tight!!!!
Wow! he is so lucky and safe when car plowed in the restaurant! day of the shot! he is so miracles!!!!! See you later!!!!!!

Goodnight Anderson Cooper & Erica Hill.

Hopefully Dolly will not be a threat–be prepared Texas.

Thanks Erica. Hope your day was as good as mine.

Take care all. Night Anderson–can’t wait to see you scuba dive.

How can a joint statement by all three U.S. Senators be considered a negotiation misstep? It seemed like a summary of facts and findings by three listeners and observers. What am I missing here, Mr. Gergen?

McCain should be cautious on what he asks for, when he talks about media bios. At the moment the press are giving him a huge pass by not coverring him as much as Obama. If they do cover him as extensively all his daily gaffes will be on the MSM

Night all. I’m sure there will be more of the same to comment on tomorrow.