David Gergen & Ben Stein were great on Larry King Live tonight.

Barack Obama’s statement from IRAQ is a statement from an elected Senator from the US on a congressional trip. I expect him to relay the feedback to his constituents. This is not usurping the president as we need to demand candor from all of our elected officials. David seems to be forgetting as the Bush team has, that “WE” are the people in “We the People”

Have you all forgotten that McCain said Obama needed to go to Iraq because he hasn’t been there and isn’t up to date with foreign affairs and now that he is there you all act like he is interferring and Mc Cain is now saying things about it when he was the one when Obama beat Hillary that he said he needs to go there. Don’t hear anyone of you bringing up what he said.

I am surprised Iraq has anything to say about anything. It is an American show. Iraq is a occupied land. The US can tell them to do anything. Don’t ever believe the Democracy bull….

They should redeploy to the Iran Iraq border and look to the UN to take over.
I wonder how many of the World’s problems could be solved with beefed up border security.

Please check your reporting. It was reported tonight that Obama intentionally did not speak with the prime minister in Iraq about troop withdrawal or a timeline. Your show made comments he made a mistake about speaking about his conversation with the prime minister with the presss.
Please double check your info because it appears he never had a coversation with the prime minister regarding this point.

Thanks

What is wrong with this statement. I can’t disagree more with your panel regarding their statements that Obama overstepped his role. It sounds like to me all he did was repeat what the Iraqi gov’t was saying publicly.

I think it’s great that Senator Obama went to Iraq. At the very least, the troops there could use the support.

I vehemently disagree with David Gergen and Gloria Borger’s view that Barack Obama is meddling with role of the sitting president by discussing a troop withdrawal timeline with Maliki. I believe that there is a bias on Gergen’s part because he’s looking through the window of a former presidential adviser. What has happened here is simply the compatibility of Obama’s judgement with the aspirations of Maliki and the Iraqi people. Obama never claimed to hold brief for the sitting president neither did he claim to be in a position to take any action on the US government. Realistically,it seems that the more we watch Obama’s campaign stategy play out it just seems to expose the ineptitude of this government vis-avis its impact on its political lackeys.
As for Ms Borger I fail to see the so-described tradition driving her sentiment even the at expense of the freedom of self -expression. A golden American but democratic value.

Obama is not only ignorant but a fool also. Black, white or any other colour I would not want this man ruling over me. It he is elected into office it is truly the end of the US and the “free” world. He’s one scary character. That said, sadly there is little choice for president and the vultures who have waited for the fall of the US from superpower status are closing ranks. Though I live in Canada (and thus have not been fooled by his charisma and empty words0, what happens south of the border has far-reaching implications, financially and economically, in areas of security and other key areas.

I’d like David and Gloria to explain further why Barack stepped over the line in reporting on his talk with Prime Minister al-Maliki and to explain how the presence of two additional senators on the trip and as signatories on this report will impact how it is taken.

Anderson,

David Gergen (who’s opinion I respect) made a comment which criticizes “Barack Obama’s statement” . He suggested that Sen Obama is trying to negotiate US Policy in Iraq which is outside his authority. The only statement that I see is one put out by the entire congressional delegation, which includes Sen Hagel and Sen Reid. Is that not an appropriate and traditional communication? Am I missing something?…..

I’m sorry… am I [are we] supposed to find something wrong with his statement?

His entire statement makes sense, and it’s time others start realizing that.

Is the join statement by all three U.S. Senators the one which David Gergen is saying is an example of negotiating and a misstep?

What sounds like negotiating here? Nothing really. May be what he said about Iran? But he also has been making “statements” about Afghanistan and Pakistan entire trip that we need to focus. What sounds like negotiating here? I respect David Gergen great deal, but will have to respectfully disagree here.

Did HRC only suspend her campaign to play out the Demo Convention?

I don’t think I’ve quite ever seen a press release from a CANDIDATE before - facts are nice to know but Obama needs to be careful not to give the wrong impression that he’s in charge of diplomatic negotiations now or other countries will be confused as to who they are suppose to talk with.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

I think this statement clearly affirms what Senator Obama has been envisioning all along for Iraq. I must also say I am proud of the decisions the people of Iraq have made ( from statement made by prime minister Al-Maliki). Coming from a nation where there are many tribes, I know tribal issues will always exist unless the people decide -On Their Own- to change how they co-exist for the better of all the different tribes. Once they decide to work on their issues - I think they will be able to combat terrorism from rogue militia. Setting dead lines helps people make up their minds and take responsiblity - fast. Lets not forget, human lives - American, Allies and Iraqi soldiers are being sacrified - there is no room for sleeping on issues until whenever Iraq is ready to take responsibility. SOME BODY has to see these things and speak up - especially for the soldiers.

Relative to tonight’s (Monday) discussion on the live blog, Barack Obama is doing nothing more than what I would expect of any Senator visiting Iraq.

I’d like to know if Iraq thinks they are bolstering Obama’s posturing in the upcoming election by changing their position regarding the withdrawl. What is the real motivation for the policy shift? Does Iraq want Obama in the White House (as opposed to McCain)?

That three pointer says it all…..

It’s about time that someone with a vision for peace rather than profit took a look at Bush’s Not-So-Excellent Adventure. The sooner the U.S. leaves Iraq, the sooner that country, the United States and the American economy can recover from the disaster of eight years of Neo-Con authoritarianism.

I think that Al- Maliki is relieved to finally be dealing with someone from the U.S who exudes common sense. Having to deal with war mongers like Bush and McCain is enough to scare the hell out of anyone. Obama is the right man for the job of restoring peace and respect to the United States of America.

The Media Created Barack Hussein Obama As Americas Presidential Candidate By saying He’s A Rock Star And He Can Be President. The Media Started This Campaign Two Years Ago And All The Sheep Fell In Line And Said How Wonderful He Is, BULLCRAP !, WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PERSON EXCEPT FOR THE RACIST AND ANTI-AMERICAN And Criminals That He Has Associated With, i.e.. Resco, Rev. Wright, Fahrakan, who is Muslim, Williams Aires, The Palestinian Professor That Was A Palestinian Militant. AND WOULD NOT WEAR THE AMERICAN FLAG UNTIL ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF MAY and Barack Hussein Obama who has a Muslim name ! I think it is important for the Mayor Bloomberg to know that before he misleads the public about Barrack Hessian Obama’s Religion by saying hr’s not a Muslim, he should know that the child carries the religion of his father, unlike Judaism whereas the child carries the religion of the mother. Therefore Barrack Hessian Obama is a Muslim.

It is so nice to watch an American leader in a foreign country that doesn’t embarrass the USA.

I don’t believe that Sen. Obama overstepped his role as a US Senator and as a Presumptive nominee to release a statement with the beliefs of the Iraqi government. I don’t believe that this is presumptuous, I believe that he is simply telling the American people what they need to know, and the opinions of the Iraqi government are important to this process.

Listen to this, John McCain Made three trips to foreign country’s in the last month and not 1 member went with him from the media compared to the dozens that will accompany Obama when he go’s to Iraq. Another bit of news is that the media gave Obama 114 hours of coverage compared to McCains 48 hours. The Media is trying push this fraud, ( OBAMA ) down our throats. If the Media could get a store they would do it at the expense of there children, there SCUM.

Is it really that taboo to say that Iraq wants the US out by 2010 if they are also saying it publicly?

Seriously, let’s not kid ourselves. He didn’t reveal the entire conversation.

I was thinking of something very interesting, was Barack Hussein Obama BORN with that name or did he change his name to a Muslim name when he got older. People like Fahrakan wasn’t Born with that name nor was Malcum X. Where is Obama’s birth certificate, the People would like to see it. His real name is probably Willie Johnson. I’m going to do some research and see what his name means in Arabic.

Thank God! It appears that finally we have someone who is interested in giving us some information without it being issued through a $5,000 plate dinner to the real “elitist”. Remember, in the beginning we were trying to impeach Bush because he was not bringing home the troops and now we have someone who is responding to that request to bring home the troops. Also, Barack responded to McCain’s internet countdown by going to Iraq, etc. Now there is fallout from that. My, my are we ever going to please the kiddies! Oh and by the way, Barack has not made “his first mistake” by giving information from a “private conversation”. He is sharing information with the public back home whose sons, daughters, wives, husbands, etc., are being killed and mutilated and frankly these people are quite interested in when this ill gotten “war” will be over and since the commander in chief does not seem interested in “negotiating”, it’s nice to know our next President is.

Does Iraq want Obama in the White House (as opposed to McCain)?

Yes.

Given the amazing progress in Iraq that Sen Obama concedes is taking place, should we not question Sen Obama on whether he still considers the invasion of Iraq a “strategic blunder”?

If the trajectory of positive change continues in Iraq, it appears that Sen Obambi will have been wrong not only on the surge but on his opposition to the war from the outset.

I disagree strongly with David Gergan–my favorite and most credible speaker on television. Obama AND Reid and Hegel only repeated what was said publically by Al-Maliki and his spokesperson and was being reported all over the internet and cable television all day.

They did not negotiate as Al-Maliki had already said the same in the German magazine last week.

McCain wanted Obama to go and to learn. Well, he isn’t liking what Obama learned. Be careful of what you ask for.

What do you think McCain would have reported had the roles been reversed and the response favorable to McCain?

As much as I admire David and Gloria, I respectfully disagree with both of them. As far as I remember, each time Congressional deligations go on fact-finding missions, statements are reported. I highly disagree that Senator Obama is negotiating. A statement is not a negotiation. For what reason would or should we, the American people, pay for these missions, if it is only for the personal gain of information for those on the fact-finding missions without statements being released. It appears that this is what Barack Obama and John McCain both are seeking ismore information , which will ultimately drive the direction this country heads in terms of international concerns.

I read the Statement of Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel and it states “We found a strong, emerging consensus on a number of critical points.” Where is the negotiation Mr. Gergen is speaking about and how/where is Senator Obama overstepping his bounds? The memo obviously states that it was a statement from all three Senators and not just Senator Obama. I don’t get it..maybe a way of getting a new storyline started?

I must agree with most of the other posts on this blog. I usually respect David Gergen’s remarks a great deal. But I am confused on his remarks this evening. I heard Al Maliki’s spokeman discuss their government’s desire for a definitive withdrawal by 2010 much earlier today…..long before the Senate members on this trip put out their statement.

I think Mr. Gergen and Borger need to look again at their remarks….
They are incorrect. In my humble opinion.

How easily do we forget! Those of us baby boomers remember how Ronald Reagan negotiated with the Iranians the release of the 400 hostages in Iran behind Jimmy Carter’s back. I cannot believe how these “so called” seasoned journalists/media stars go on the air and utter such statements as if it is the first time that this has happened in U.S. history. They very conveniently forget what an American president-elect or candidate did some 35 years ago. I don’t think David Gergen would have forgotten this as he appears to belong to my age bracket, more than Georgia does. .

I agree with David Gergen and Gloria Borger. Obama and the Senators did cross the line. It is one thing to consult and gain knowledge and facts, it is another when you issue a statement indicating that you have come to an agreement with the military leaders, embassy team and the Iraqi government on a timetable.

Some may be impressed that Obama just showed the world he’s a true leader. But to me, he just stepped on some toes to get ahead and that is not behavior I’d expect to see in a leader.

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

Barack ( the middle name (s) are OFF LIMITS ya know ) Obama can go to the moon and back, let alone the middle east and such.It won’t make any difference. This man has a very short time of of dealing with the workings of OUR country. He has only a gift of gab a a lot of rich ,delueded, people feeding him money.I surmise that you really can buy the presidency of this great nation. “Alla be praised” …… I guess?

I totally disagree with Davis Bergen, Who suggest that Barack Obama’s joint statement of the facts on the ground based upon what they are seeing, is Self serving…David it’s time for you as an old school playa to get out with the former administrations as well .It’s people like you who have manipulated the thinking of this country’s politics for too long..Stupid Bush can’t make a statement about the seriousness of his BLUNDER so why in the world would’nt an elected US senator speak about what he sees!! Bush Crossed his line in Isreal when he entered this campaign and showed NO respecr for the Office of Presidency and he deserves no better than what he himself have shown..Complete Stupidity…. David your Fired!!!

Forget about whether it was “over the line.” What about the content???

Have you heard a so much foreign policy strategic direction (not tactics, like the surge) in nine paragraphs.

This is not a sporting event…there are no timelines in war.

We should get out of Iraq as soon as it makes sense; on US terms and with experts leading the way not a community leader from Chicago….this is politics at its best.

Maliki, the Iraqi Ambassador and the Sunni VP all made the same statement “US withdrawl by 2010″. It was televised. CNN did not show it however MSNBC did! What is wrong with Gergen and Gloria? These comments were out in the world before 360 aired! OBAMA, HAGEL and REED are just repeating what has been out in the media ALL DAY LONG! Wake up CNN!

Can a US Senator not go on a Government paid trip and make a political analysis of the situation on the ground? He is absolutely doing the right thing! Speaking of the right thing, did you see the Soldiers joy on their face with his presence? How about their sad faces when McCain was there? Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-less Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (L-D-R-S-H-I-P). The Soldiers have it, do the Leaders of our Nation. The answer is yes and no. Obama = YES McBush = NO Photo op, humbug!

I draw your attention to this section:

“First, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our armed forces, more effective Iraqi security forces, the decision by the Sunni Awakening to fight ‘Al Qaeda in Iraq’ and the cease-fire by Shiite militia, violence in Iraq is down significantly.”

The extra 30,000 men and Petraus’s fight/hold/build tactics (formally, :the Surge”) were among several things that went right at once in Iraq.

First, the Sunni’s switched sides, but that happened in August 2006. By December 2006, when the surge was announced, Ramadi and Fallujah were largely recliamed. Do clocks run backwards?

Second, al Sadr has delivered on cease fires. They fight in Basra, they don’t fight in Basra, none of our extra 30,000 troops are there.

We must clearly differentiate “violence is down” from “the surge is working.”

Why theConstitutional anarchy? Isn’t the President responsible for establishing foreign policy?

Sen. Obama’s trip abroad makes him come off sounding very presumptuous and arrogant. He is not yet President and has crossed the line, thus I believe this will turn out to be very detrimental to him.

I think David Gergen overstepped his bounds.

After reading reading their statement I see nothing wrong with what they said. Although I respect David and normally agree with him but on this both Gloria and David are 100% wrong. He has handle himself very well & is making me very proud.

I totally disagree with your assessment of the statement of three senators on a fact gathering mission. There is no negotiation going on here but a summation of their observations.

The press has been too obsessed with looking for a ‘gaffe” or “mistake” and you have bought into it.

I think the American people and the people of the world will appreciate the clear, honest comments made by the three bipartisan Senators.

One would hope that you and the CNN staff would be as concerned about the errors made by the McCain campaign and give equal criticism of both candidates.

This is an on spot example of doing things completely differently. Instead of secretiveness with questionable agendas, it is refreshing to see a “glass house” style. This is what it will take to stand before God and each other and honestly take back and re-establish the honor of our country and restore our relationship with the world. Go Obama!

I agree with the writer who pointed out that he is speaking as an active and articulate Senator. He is NOT usurping, he is revealing his style. Given MORE authority, he will DO more, and hopefully continue to include us all in his “glass house” policy.

I find Mr. Maliki’s sudden embrace of Senator Obama’s position on withdrawal of US troops from Iraq curious. Didn’t Mr. Maliki just recently meet with the Ahmadinejad, president of Iran over the past few months….I am wondering if that meeting was a turning point for Maliki, and this striking and public demonstration of support for Obama? I feel we must be wise and cautious in assuring we elect the best President to address the monumental challenges we face as a people and as a nation whether it be Obama or McCain. Also, I am starting to feel the media is trying to force Mr. Obama down my throat recently and, although I see some positive qualities in Mr. Obama, as an Independent voter, I don’t believe I will respond well to that tactic if it continues. I believe both candidates deserve and should be given equal time in the “unbiased” press and media and that doesn’t appear to be happening. I am one who believes in fairness!

If Senator Obama conside the invasion of iraq a strategic blunder now. I really do not want him as the our President for 4 years.I feel Our solider done a wonderful job over there.If we would have fought in the Afghanistan war frist Then we may have had to move our troop to iraq to fight there now. What really happen if we leave to soon and have to go back again under Obama. as President. Would he really want to do that if it should happen since he wants to withdraw our troop now.I would like to see No more wars of any kind. But we are going to be helping these different countries out. That may or may not mean we have tobe in some kind of conflict with other nations.

Don’t call it a “gaffe” for the sake of calling it a “gaffe”. He knows he is not the president but he is still a U S Senator and it is his job along with Reed and Hagel to give feed back about these things to the people who are paying for this trip. The TAXPAYERS. So please calm down and stop waiting for him to make a “mistake”. He is doing just fine. No matter what Obama does he is going to be critized ,so go ahead and do your thing B.O. (If Obama was the same person with white skin he would be 20 points ahead of McCain) and you guys know i’m right.

David: You are starting to twist information like everyone else on CNN. I expected you to be different. I know you worked on Bill Clinton’s campaign. This is a different nominee and a different time. Please be sure of your facts. Other blogs say things entirely different.

Dear AC 360,
I find the “statement” a finely balanced document recognising the importance of each sovreign states (US and Iraq) legislature in particular.
Personally, I am particularly encouraged by the basic consistency of the statement and the extended content ( “refinement of position” go on Media have a field day with that if you dare), much of which was in the public Domain but ignored almost completely by the GOP who talk surge and “no timelines” only. Will all concerned please during this important time of the election concentrate on all that needs to be done to end the war, “with the horrible euphemism of sucessfully” TO EACH SOVREIGN STATE.
Is President Bush in his last months suddenly realising that talking to people like ( North Korea) actually achieves more “success” than either fighting or brandishing military might?
Also, as long as the US or anyone other nation ignores Hamas ,Palestine and Hizbollah, Lebanon there will be no end to the war on terror.
Enough of war, talk please, and be fair to all sides which means the US cannot lead (involved yes) any middle east peace talks. They do not trust you period!
Regards,
Hodgson.

Senator Obama is refreshing. He approaches everything politically from an intellectual and common sense standpoint. The pundits, like Gergen, regurgitate their points ( no un intended) which make no sense to the American people only to their ilk. I respect Gergen, but his analysis if off. That’s a shame. He is usually very thoughtful.

McCain should be happy that his ignorant statements are not featured news. He is credited with be the “expert” on Iraq, etc. but seems to be challenged with many facts, such as which countries boder Iraq. This is what happens when an Annapolis student graduates 894th in a class of 899. The man is intellectually challenged and we have already had that the past 8 years. Obama acts Presidental, looks Presidental and actually has the intellegence, judgement and “grades” to be President.

I am proud of his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

I know we have the best politicians money can buy, but I don’t want Oprah buying my president! And I don’t want a president who will put our troops at risk by going on a photo-op for his own ego when it only gives the enemy strength against our soldiers! Soldiers die when we back withdrawal before we have finished the job. We did it in Viet Nam, so haven’t we learned anything? Can CNN be fair to anyone but Obama?

This is all nothing but a crock!!!!! All these politicians are out for one thing, and that is to get what they can and be bought by whoever pays the most. It’s nothing but a big power trip at the expense of our country. Why do we disagree on who should be in there cause it hasn’t made any difference in years. The two parties are so much alike that you can’t even tell the difference anymore. If it wasn’t they would not allow big business to sell our country out the way they have. It is more important to see who we are voting for in congress however as long as they belong to one of these parties, it makes no difference either.I wish we could have someone else to vote for, but the problem is…all it does it take away from the lessor of two evils… Obama would probably get elected by mistake and that would really be a disaster.

Obama is out of his league. He should start with leading the Boy Scouts of America for his OJT.

wow…. okay you run a story that Obama get too much coverage - and then you run some more stories that maybe he just might make a misstep.

Obama - went (remember that McCain suggested), listened (very unusual for a politician) - and that is what he said he was going to do, and then told us what he heard.

So instead of praising him for doing what he said he would do - you stretch yourselves to make non-news into some news about Obama missteps? And then you say that Obama gets too much coverage? What candidate would like this kind of coverage?

Thanks Senators giving the American people updates from congressional trip of your fact finding Blessing to everyone !!!

Mr. Gergen - watching you during the primary race I thought you to be a true analyst: very insightful, slow to attack or assume, which is why I was surprised at your assertion, as stated above, that “Barack Obama made the first mistake of his trip…” Have you, too, succumb to the ‘gotcha’ game that most political panelists play as of late? Where was the mistake? What did he negotiate? All day, it was publicized what the meeting was about and that Obama played a listening role. Obama spoke after the Iraqi official stated the nature of the meeting. Give me a break. All he did was reinforce what we already knew to be the particiulars of the meeting: Al-Maliki’s pre-meeting wish for a timetable - excuse me, Time Horizon. If McCain speaks of his meetings, he is a foreign policy experts - if Obama, he’s stepping out of place and trying to negotiate?

You people are watching Obama like the paparazzi that this political season has turned you all into. Gloria couldn’t wait to throw her hat into the ring after your comment, least she not be in the game for one more round. [Who will be the first to spot Obama's mistake - ME, ME, LET IT BE ME!]

Wow, I think I am most surprised by you because I have a great deal of respect for your opinions. So, please, I beg you to stick to the facts and please don’t stoop as low as the rest of your colleagues. Wait until the trip is over and then make a calm, education analysis.

I don`t understand why,you think Obama cross the line.His statement was just fine.mcCain wanted him to go Iraq just for this very reason.To say he made a mistake, and the media to talk about him.Senator Obama is doing for the people of the US,and I respect him.