I am an Obama supporter, but it seems to me that your investigative reporting on Sarah Palin smacks of piling on. I realize that because she is relatively unknown that you feel a journalistic responsibility to inform the public about her record, but you seem not to also be doing so with Joe Biden. Are you assuming because he is better known that it is not necessary to examine his record. This kind of unbalanced reporting could backfire with unintended consequences, making it seem as though CNN has an agenda that favors Obama. This could make many in the public more sympathetic to the McCain campaign. I want Obama to win, but win fairly.

I guess I'm just dreaming, but I kind of feel it is the responsibility of the media to punish candidates, or other speakers, that engage in spin-only talking points. The people should be hammered upon until they learn that the only way to not get absolutely destroyed is to speak openly and honestly.

America is going to be eroded completely if the general public is driven towards candidates by emotional appeals to lies and deceit. Put some thought into the message this sends to young people. It's okay to lie, cheat and steal... as long as you win. This attitude and divisiveness is going to destroy the country if it does not end.

Honestly, Obama is trying to have a discussion about important issues but he is being drowned out with silly nonsense - which the republicans are very happy to do.

I guess the media is afraid of being shunned by the right... oh, wait, the media has been blamed for all the ills in the country for the last seven years. Wake up!

Is it true that to match Obama's 2nd economic stimulus check, Cindy McCain will be distributing free cases of Bud?

McCain is untrustworthy and by far the more risky candidate for president. I have lost all trust in the integrity of Senator McCain.

McCain says he is a maverick, but that time has long past.

In 2000 he stood up tothe Christian Far Right and called them agents of intolerance. Now, he embraces all of those agents of intolerance with glee.
In 2001 he stood against the administration in opposing tax cuts for the wealthy. Now, he wants to keep those tax cuts for the wealthy.

In 2002 he endorsed the Afgan invasion, but in 2003 he chose to divert resources from Bin Laden to invade Iraq.

He cannot be trusted to keep a position, and is too risky in dealing with serious foreign powers – friend or foe.

Barack in the big hole!!

Where is truth in advertising? If a commercial company makes false claims for its products, it must pull the ads. Why aren't either of these candidates responsible for truthful advertising? The Republicans particularly take such blatant liberties with the truth in their campaign ads. None of us can make informed decisions about the issues if we cannot get the straight talk from either candidate. They should be made to pull the ads that continue to proliferate lies.

Dizzy? I think the amount of blistering mania going on is hard to stomach. Bring on the dramamine! I've never read such hateful things. Governor Palin is not some evil monster. Republican, Democrat or Independent, we are all Americans. Intolerance, cuts both ways. Just when did it become ok to slice and dice fellow Americans. We can't have a civil debate when people are on the verge of implosion from anger. Yes, I'm dizzy and so very disappointed. We are more divided than ever, and that is beyond sad.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

No More Politricks & Part Line Rhetoric

It is time for the candidates & media to focus on the significant issues facing our country. Forget the lipstick. Forget the pigs. Informed Americans need to know what the candidates really stand for, politricks & party line rhetoric are a waste of everyone's time and attention ...

Dizzy and nauseous from the Spin.
And your POLLS are giving me a headache already.

XXO
Presley
Michigan resident, Obama supporter.

I'm looking forward to your analysis on our tax dollars. It would be nice to know if I'm going to be broke a lot more than I already am in the next few years. I just hope you don't have any news on the lipstick comment – I'm truly over that one.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

The spin is making me tired, its becoming a third job just to get the facts.

Maybe I should go out and buy a Palin Action Figure $30.00

HELP–I'm drowning! Can somebody give me a spreadsheet or something?

I have been outraged at the notion put forth by the McCain campaign that the Obama campaign is engaging is the worst smear tatics ever used in American politics against Sarah Palin. Has anyone heard what she is saying about Obama everywhere they have appeared since the convention. Everything Sarah says is demeaning and full of ridicule. Not to mention misreprisentive of his positions. Some one please call them or their spokes people on this hypocrisy.

I am amazed at how over the top everyone gets when a comment is made. The over analysis of every single word someone says is ridiculous. We are so overly sensitive and concerned with being too sexist, too racist, or too whatever the topic might be, that immediately everything is taken out of context and exagerated to the millionth degree by the media and both sides of the aisle. McCain makes a comment, its immediately construed as attacking Obama on his race and his patriotism. Obama makes a comment about pigs and lipstick and its immediately sexist against Palin. How old are we, and isn't this getting just plain ridiculous.

The bottom line is, both of these candidates need to start TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES that matter to the future of this country. Obama keeps trying to, but everytime he does, McCain's people, who by the way are acting like a bunch of 12 year olds, start whining about this or that. Is it because they have nothing to talk about regarding the issues? I image so. They still haven't spelled out ANYTHING they plan to do to turn this country around. All they do is bash the other guy for his roman pillars and his community service. Seriously, HOW OLD ARE WE? Time to grow up people.

I don't think I've been this angy with television news since the hosting of a debate by Charles Gibson. I've been watching Larry King's show and for the first 30 minute he could talk about nothing but lip stick on a pig. And this was immediately after two of his guests had expressed their desire not to talk about this and to discuss some more serious issues. His show was starting to resemble the Jerry Springer show. Please tell me your hour is not going to follow this theme. Is it CNN's oblective to enterain us or inform us...... currently your doing niether. Just keeping you honest.

Why would any woman vote for an self confessed adulterer. When he was on active duty – that was a court-martial offense. Navy cover up.

Why did Joe Biden make the polarizing statement of Clinton being more qualified than he is? Doesn't such comments shift the debate and awakens the ill-feelings of the voters who backed Clinton?

If the media was really interested in focussing on the issues, they would not report the smear ads, or comments taken out of context . All the programs have been saying the candidates should be focussing on the ISSUES. If you truly meant it, you would shut them out until they did!!

Obama has made an incredible speech on education policy. Not a word on this. Why? Because McCain hasn't got an education policy and media sources only report if they can "even" out the coverage.

I simply cannot believe that, with the anniversary of 9.11 tomorrow, the media and any political party is giving a minute's worth of coverage to a comment about lipstick. It makes me sick; it makes me fearful for our future as a country.

I wish the election was today so this ridiculous "he said, she said" talk can be over. When is the media going to start taking control? I want to be informed, but what am I being informed of?

Speaking of issues, let's talk about energy. A high level manager for Anadarko, an oil/gas exploration company, showed me a graph which clearly shows that drilling for offshore oil in the US is not the answer. The US is the largest, gluttonous user of energy of ALL countries worldwide.
The only way to solve our energy problem is to find and actively support alternative energy solutions, not drill for the paltry amount in the US that wuoldn't be available until years into the future, anyway.

Cate,
Let me summon the muse of Paine (not to be confused wit h Palin),

"These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."

What facts are being lost? Perhaps simply this; we have lost the fact that we have lost faith in our government, which does not mean only a loss of faith in our elected officials, but a loss of faith in ourselves. We fail to recognize our flawed pride in tearing down the greatest authentic hope for resolving this conflict we call America since RFK.

We continue to promote and assume a consumerist version of life, liberty, and happiness without taking any responsibility for our own actions; without any desire to reach out to those less fortunate; without a modicum of desire to stand behind that which is true, even in the face of adversity.

What have we lost? We have lost site that we are all racist, sexist, elitist, homo-phobic, religiously obtrusive pigs with lipstick unprepared to extend a hand to a neighbor losing his house, a sister who cannot die with grace and dignity because of no longer honorable medical profession, a child who will never be taught what it means to think for herself, and on. Why? We are not interested in the facts. We are interested in selling the latest marketed Britney Spearsesque, bad Catholic school girl attire, gun totting Sarah Palin action figure. Oops, I did it again.

What has been lost is the fact that we don’t want the facts, we don’t want change. We want celebrity and sound bites. So yes, let us chant USA USA, but let us forget why we may do so.

What is the most important Financial, Legislative and Executive issue that Sarah Palin has had to address since she has been office?

How does that issue relate to most common issues that governers of the lower 48 have to deal with on a regular basis.

I was caught up in the McCain/Palin Rally today in VA. They blocked traffic and one thing that I noticed is the lack of racial diversity. I noticed that there very few (none) young people. Adn I don't mean people that go t high school. The 20 and 30 something crowd. The ones I say were holding Obama signs.

I believe too much media focus is being given to Sarah Palin. Fueling the fire if you will. I tune in wanting to hear about real issues, only to learn about the increase in "palized" glasses, palin dolls and lipstick wearing pigs.

How about more information on where she stands on the environment and animals? About how she not only fought to have polar bears removed from endangered list but also beluga whales and that she also authorized Chevron to dump billions of gallons of toxic waste into the Cook Inlet, waters off her very own state.

Anderson,
with all due respect to you but the news media will keep on reporting the slander that comes with elections it ever fails, A few hours you all in news land report on the Issues and then it's back to what not what the American people want to see and hear but the negativity of the election it happens in every election cycle I believe this year more so then in previous elections including both the 2000 and 2004 election years. In my opinion whoever refuse to speak on Issues and every little comment will be spinned into one side is being sexes or racist then there should be a blackout within all the news media because if the Issues and their plans on how they want to help the American people is not being answered then it's not Important to the American people or in our best Interest both Sen. John McCain and sen. Barack Obama should be held to explaining their policies leave the gender, race and age out of it because if we don't it will never be about the Issues. The news networks should cut the head off the snake or put blinders on the horses and have them focus with the Issues. The news is their lifeline to the American people and the news should never be told when they can ask questions and if they are being accused of being racist or sexes they should be held to explain to the American people how is the news media being racist or sexes against anyone body. So in closing let me say it is you in the media can bring change also to this and future elections.

I am non American, nor do I reside in The US. I however follow CNN, and of course the political going ons as it affects us here in the Caribbean directly. Having said this I now have a question... the Republicans speak repeatedly about " Victory in Iraq." What is their definition of Victory, and what does victory mean to the US? (besides obviously reducing their "war budget)
The republicans speak of soldiers' resolve to stay in Iraq, I assure them for every ONE soldier saying so (on camera) there are an equal amount questioning their presence in this foreign land.

you people have got to be kidding me; For 19 months, people who do not support Obama, has had to listen to the news media , talk about him like he's GOD. Now someone new comes on the campaigh trail, and you have the nerve to complain because the news, has been talking about her for less then 2 weeks. Obama, knew exactly what he was saying, just look at the faces in the crowd. McCain, does have policies for everything, but because you support Obama, you just refuse to listen to it. Grow-up already.

I feel that as journalists you should know the difference between fact and fiction. Instead you constantly high light the nonsense and the dirty tactics instead of looking at FACTS and POLICIES. The McCain has said nothing about their stance and what they hope to do if elected. The fact that many of you (journalists) are pursuing Palin makes me and many other ask why? Why all of a sudden is she a priviliged one, hands off this did not happen with Hillary. Many of us watch and wait for logic instead we get opinions from people who love the republican party and democratic party no facts. Statement was made regarding education, sex taught in kindergarten that WAS NOT THE BILL it was to teach them how to protect themselves against pedofiles (thank god for Katie Couric who set us straight) When ads are out right lies why are they not PULLED? Come on Mr. Cooper stand up and report the truth not what you feel the public wants to hear( what we want to hear is the truth). How sad for this country if what Palin believes is turned into law we will be back to back room abortions, and everyone will have to blame everything that happens is gods will. Sad state of affairs we are at.

I have lost all respect for John McCain.

Obama is trying to talk issues, McCain is trying desperately to change the subject...

If the McCain campaign is afraid to let her face the media, how is she going to face the various world leaders?

The phase I'm getting tired of hearing is "can we get back to the issues." The fact is the term "issues" means different things to different people. For some, it's social "issues" for others it's economic, foriegn policy, education, and yes character and bias of the candidates. To me when a candidate says "can we get back to the issues" that's code for O.K. you got me, now can we move on?

I have a question to the media.

Why you guys don't talk about Joe Biden? He's Obama's VP.

The problem with us Democrats is that we're terrible politicians. We need to play less defense and start playing some offense. Yes, it feels very much like "Alice in Wonderland" lately and yes this whole "lipstick on a Pig" thing is ludicrous. We all know it, even the intelligent Republicans know it. Let's say it how it is. Would the public have taken so lightly Palin's competence if she would have been a young, good looking, male Republican governor of Alaska? It's time for Democrat's to stop arguing about the issues Republican's want to be arguing and its time for them to punch back.

Hi. I'm an Obama supporter and I can't wait for the debates because I believe that Obama excels in that area than Mccain.

PIGS AND LIPSTICK: A serious Republican issue???

Republican claims that Barack Obama’s remarks about pigs and lipstick were directed at their Vice President nominee. This seems to be a bit thin-skinned and totally baseless when placed in the context of what he actually said.

On the other hand, if Rudy Giuliani were their VP nominee, there may be room for law-suit considerations or, at the very least, fist-fights after school.

C'mon everbody, let's get back to the issues and get serious about this campaign.

David... Denver, NC

This campaign is becoming much to do about nothing if the candidates do not start addressing the issues.

Ugh! CNN, have you forgotten that Senators Obama and McCain are the presidential candidates? Enough about Sarah Palin. She's not running for president and should not be getting the press coverage you're giving her. Yes, she's cute and perky, but If you're not going to give Joe Biden the same amount of coverage time, then stop it. Unfortunately, it seems you've become more like the National Enquirer than the "real news leader" I used to thin you were. Follow your own "Keeping Them Honest" philosophy and get back to reporting real news. We don't care about bulldogs and lipstick, hockey, and pigs...report on the real issues in our country. Oh, and while you're at it, can you tell us what's going on in the Middle East and the rest of the world too.

PS-I just heard David Gergen say it's like a side show. Yeah for him!

I was beginning to believe that the last eight years would have sharpened the intelligence of the average American Joe. Yet today, the headlines are exploding with lipstick on pigs and poll numbers turned upside down.

Christ on a stick–we deserve what we got from the last two elections, and we'll deserve what we get come November, I suppose.

It is true about the lies, half truths, and so on. I read today on the web from a woman in Alaska in Sarah's home town where she was Mayor that she had a sports complex built but the town did not have the ownership of the land for the right of way for the utilities and the roads in...it has cost them well over a million to try to get this for the town and they are still trying to settle..in the mean time, Sarah went on to the Govenor position and on the Bridge to where? The she lodged a lawsuit against our white house when they deemed the polar bears an endangered species because evidently people in Alaska like to hunt them?? I am lost in the muck by now.

What I am sure of is that I am for Obama and I hope the campagnes both get back to business and honest business and all the garbage.
Forget the media, forget the lipstick, it is the votes we want, and I know Senator Obama can do it if he gets his energy and fighting spirit back within himself. Fight Barack Fight....Do not give up the fight...or your audacity to dream

Enough! Please no more crud about lipstick. Anderson- I never want to turn your program off- but COME ON. No more l-word! Stick to your normal awesome programming!

I cannot wait until this Sarah Palin interview airs on Friday. It has been two weeks since we've even heard about her and the lady has not sat across from any reporter to discuss these issues. No she is not the no. 1 name on the GOP ticket but the USVP does have some major responsibilities that effect our country.

About this tax talk...OF COURSE THEY ARE GOING TO RAISE TAXES!!!! WHOEVER WINS HAS TO DO SO IN ORDER TO REPAIR THIS WEAK ECONOMY! Duh...we learned that in 8th grade economics people!!

I believe I have heard Obama actually use the pig lipstick comment a while ago. Way back when Hillary was still around. Anderson, why don't you show us that footage and tell Palin to get off her high horse, everything these days that is said is not about her. She isn't all that if you ask me. In fact, EVERYTHING that I stand for could not be more opposite then her. I am a Mom of 3 and I wear lipstick and I will not vote for her and McCain! I was for Hillary bigtime! But Obama won me over at the Dem Convention!

what is the difference of Palin And George Bush ..LIP STICK ALSO A SKIRT...AND BETTER LOOKING

This is the another pathetic ploy by the McCain's campaign to divert attention from the issues (the economy, jobs, healthcare, etc) – they should be ashamed of themselves.

Is it true that Sarah Palin has charged the state of Alaska $41,000 so she can work out of her house?

Would any company outside of government pay a CEO who works out of their house–or brings their young children to work? Is there a MALE CEO in the country who could get away with this? Is this what is meant by "family values?"

How can Republicans defend Palin giving away $1,200 to everyone in Alaska when the rest of us are sending our Federal taxes to Alaska when the state has a budget surplus from the pure coincidence of exploding oil prices? With per capita spending of $16,000 in Alaska–compared to $4,000 for illinois–makes it seem like Alaska is the WELFARE State.

Why do we bother to vote when it is the electorial college that decides who the winner is???

I know I'm not the only one who wants the answer to this!

The media is not interested in focusing on the issues. Obama was trying to talk about education today and all anyone wanted to know was his thoughts on Lipstickgate! The truth is the Repubs are worried about the debates. Obama will kill McCain in them. McCain can't even pronounce some of the world leaders names. (I'm not kidding. Look it up!) Joe will destroy Palin in the debates. He knows more about everything Washington DC, whereas Palin is an expert on dressing a moose.

The bottom line is this: It was shown on CNN that there are people who will benefit financially from a McCain presidency and those who will benefit from an Obama presidency. I see the people in the crowds that McCain/Palin attract. I am not being elite but they don't look like they are rich. Therefore, why are they there wasting their time on a team who are only going to hurt them more in the pocketbook or wallet? Palin's pretty face won't pay the gas bill!

It is alredy becoming painfully obvious. The Obama group is showing their inexpereince. Barack himself cannot not divert from his script or he is totally lost. His staff is finding it hard to adjust on a day to day basis. Is this the possible staff he will use in office. If so let us all think about the advisement he will be receiving. Is this truly the group we want making the day to day decisions. On last thought, during the Bush adminstration how many key decisions was Dick Cheney credited with? How abought Gore or even Dan Quail? Sarah could easily turn out to be a pretty good diplomat for our foreign affairs. Easily more acceptable than Joe Biden. Oh yea one more thing her ability to handle a firearm should also keep her out of the media for accidentally shooting a fellow hunter.

WEBMASTER: Please submit revised edition. thanks.

The problem with us Democrats is that we’re terrible at being politicians. We need to play less defense and start playing some offense instead of getting tangled up in this nonsense spiderweb.

Yes, it feels very much like “Alice in Wonderland” lately and yes this whole “lipstick on a Pig” thing is ludicrous. We all know it, even the intelligent Republicans know it. Let’s call it how it is. Would the public have taken so lightly Palin’s competence if she would have been a young, good looking, male Republican governor of Alaska? It's time for Democrat’s to stop arguing about the issues Republicans want to be talking about and time for them to punch back.

Question:
What would happen if McCain becomes ill before the 11/4 and can no longer run? Who will be on top of that ticket? Palin? If so, who would be the VP pick?
Same with the DEMs VP pick – what if Biden no longer can run? How would a new VP candidate be picked?

I can't believe the amount of young women reported to be switching to John McCain., because of Sarah Palin, they obviously have not thought it through with the possibility of her ending up President.
A President who would choose a Supreme court who would overturn Roe v Wade, a President who would invoke her right wing Christian values on the schools, libraries and every other segment of American living. 'we all know that abortion is still legal because the majority of people are not against it, particulary in regards to rape, and incest.
She has admitted she knows nothing about the War and there are two of them now. She knows nothing of foreign affairs. These things must be considered if she is a heartbeat from the Presidency. And her views on energy are drilling in the pristine areas of Alaska and our Gulf of Mexico. She is a puppet of the oil and gas industry and we aill all suffer. I sincerely hope that her false sense of security for all does not permeate any further among our young voters and the general population. Sarah Palin is frightening and John McCain is a fool. He has denigrated American women who voted for Hillary by trying to replace her with Sarah Palin who is miles apart from Hillary in every aspect of her being.

I am fascinated that in this Election, NO one, not CNN, MSNBC, FOX or anywhere else I have read or watched have put any time into the paradox that the Republicans raised during the convention. The night Palin is introduced to the crowd, Palin's family is praised for her UNION husband. The following evening John McCain uses the working class link of Palins husband as a UNION member and yet as he takes to his request to HELP me, he assails the UNIONS. If any Union member in the country gives any support to the McCain ticket you must be out of your mind. The Republicans have clearly used the working class mantra of a UNION member to enhance their message, yet in the same breath have thrown the virtues of what UNIONS have meant to the working class under the bus. This clearly hypcritical message is classic Republican strategy at its best. WEDGE politics. If you want to this country to continue it class warfare, please vote for McCain and while doing so, make certain that you continue to purchase goods make in Sri-Lanka. YOU cannot have it both ways.

I'm really impressed with the fact that AC360 has barely mentioned pigs with lipstick tonight. Kudos.

I love to see some news anchor defy the odds and say we are not going to discuss smear ads and things that don't matter. We would all like to see more reporting on who talked about the issues today and who didn't. Come on Anderson-you be that guy. The media can almost shape what the politicians talk about by putting a topic out there. If Anderson says that we will see on 9/11/08 and 912/2008 who actually talks about the economy , then the next night Anderson can report on who did and who did not, then that would put the new media in the right place to dig, scutinize, cirtique and make the candidates address the issues.

I am a hockey mom, I resent being called a pit bull. All hockey teams have a pitt bull mom and no one likes them. They yell at young players and name call them, the coaches and the refs. The majority of us hockey moms want our kids to have fun and learn to be a team player but the pitt bull moms could care less about the other kids only their own.

Why would any woman vote for Obama? McCain is a man we can trust. I voted for Hiliary but now I am McCain all the way with my money and my time.

Let's face it. Obama made a big mistake. he should have choosen Hilary. If he would have, this race would be over. He need to come out and start slinging the dirt that all Americans are waiting for. The Facts!!!!! Then we will see the true face of evil. The republicans will show there try colors and that is the promotion of hate and seperatism.

Thomas Jefferson said that the media is a crutial part of democracy. yet, the republicans are attacking the media. has the republicans forgotten about FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

The goal of GW and the GOP since they have taken control of this contry has been to control the media.

Remeber when you could turn on a local news station and see real reports reporting real local news. Remeber when you could change channels to avid watching commercials. now, every news station reports the same storys and every station cuts to a commerical break at the same time. Thakn GOD for DVRs... Palin would pray to that and say it was meant for Alaskans.

Why does it seem that American voters have the attention spans of gnats with ADD? As an American expat in Bangkok I have the advantage of seeing this race as "outsiders" see it, and the overall reaction to support for McCain is shock. How can "mainstream" American voters support a candidate/party that directly and continuously goes against their own interests and prosperity? Because Sarah Palin is an unknown quantity (whose party seems determined to keep her that way, btw)? Ridiculous! You would think that, after 8 long years of this abuse my fellow Americans would wake up.

As far as I am concerned, there needs to be more scrutiny on Sarah Palin. Why is someone whose record shows her to be the Queen of Earmarks being touted as a reformer and a maverick? Why is the press buying that she was against the Bridge to Nowhere when the record obviously shows that she only stopped supporting it once the money no longer existed? Will Charlie Gibson actually have the stones to ask her real questions? WIll you, Anderson (should you get the chance)?

Just some of the facts being lost:
McCain healthcrare plan is a large tax INCREASE for workers.
McCain is intent on NOT returning the social security SURPLUS (3T over my working life time from income UNDER 100,000) to those it came from.
McCain will NOT say what he will do in Iraq, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan
McCain wants to keep supply side tax cuts AND add other tax cuts - where are the incentives for alternate energy, etc. coming from? Where is the change?
The current economic crisis is NOT caused by ear-marks - these are a tiny percent of the budget and, since they return Federal $ to the states, can actually help local economies. The press need to question why he thinks ear-mark reform is the "fix" for the currrent economic crisis.
On the other hand, Obama is addressing the structural issue: beginning to reverse supply-side in excess that is pooling unproductive wealth; his tax and healthcare policies shift back to rewarding work and productive use of capital.

You have got to be kidding?? What is Obama thinking when he was off his notes- tongue & cheek about "lipstick on a PIG" codeword for WOMEN!! Give me a break- insults all women feminist voters!! Stick to your notes OBAMA- don't use made-up tired comments- He is sounding more BIDEN-like everyday!! The Hillary supportors are still looking & not impressed by his hidden slurs against women!! Play it smart in the future & stick to your notes and not off the cuff-kinds of comments slacking in brain energy- I believe he has lost the women vote with comments like the last quote-"LIPSTICK on a PIG" Please apologize for this comment to the American women- NOW- Kev in- KY.

It seems all the talking heads on CNN keep saying that Obama "must keep talking about McCain and the issues," and not address Palin.

Well, guess what – when Obama unfortunately used the very old and used-by-plenty-others metaphor of "lipstick on a pig" (does the expression really need explaining?), HE WAS TALKING ABOUT MCCAIN'S POLICIES!!! Not even about McCain personally, and he was NOT TALKING about Palin (NOT "shooting down," as y'all keep quoting Nixon).

I wish CNN would stop referring to (as Anderson Cooper just did) "that lipstick business." Obama IS TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES important to the American people, and the future of the US. You just keep spinning out all the garbage that the McCain campaign is putting out. Obama is NOT "focused on Sarah" as Bay Buchanan just said – y'all just keep saying he is!!!!

I thought the "bridge to nowhere" was George Bush's "education plan"

Obama is finally showing his true colors....No credibility & empty rhetoric. I'm praying everyday that the media's messiah goes down in flames ones and for all.

Joseph, Michigan

I guess, people should ask what "change" John McCain did in this last 26 years, if this is not a "lipstick on a pig". A country requires leadership to govern with impact. And, leadership is not about executive experience. Neither it is about how well one served the country. It is all about education, taking responsibility and mobilizing people, as a community, towards a new vision. Once a leader, always a leader. Leader know, as Gandhi said, "you have be the change to see the change in the world." There is a trace of leadership in Obama. And, Biden. Is there an evidence of leadership or socio-political change in McCain? Ill-educated republicans know the answer. Even John McCain knows this. His choice of Sarah Palin is to attract conservative aged republicans, who takes few doses of viagra or cialis to come to see McCain-Palin address. Look at the way McCain and conservative male republicans enjoy whean Ms Palin speaks and see the demographics of people coming to there. I just wonder who is dizzy with this excitement.

Are kidding me, the Truth about Taxes is correct. That is GREAT REPORTING. WAY TO GO ANDERSON AND STAFF... GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK....

The problem is, the republicans will say that is not the truth.

Somewhere there is a republican watching this progam denying what you have just reported.

Dear Anderson Cooper, please read this email.
I must admit that I am very dissapointed about the amount of coverage and free ride governor Palin has been having and the media is playing along withit. I have come up with a few questions I would like Senator Mcain to respond to. Before that let me introduce myself. I am I nurse, a job that I enjoy very much and which has alot of responsibilities, literally dealing with peoples lives on a daily basis. My question is, Does my service to the country mean less that someone in the military perhaps? Does the fact that Mccain was a war hero mean that we all should bow down and kiss his feet that he is the only savior of mankind? Ler me tell you something, the real heros are the teachers, bus drivers, maintenance workers, community organizers, youth leaders, in other words ordinary people that drive this economy and yet they dont keep reminding us how they have suffered for so many years.
Another question, Why has Mccain never criticized George Bush, I would like him to answer this question, Do you think George Bush is a good President? I have not had anyone question him that and yet when it comes to real issues people are willing to get stuck in the mud where the pigs with lipstick are swimming.
I also want to know why Mccain is nervous to let his daughter(Sarah Palin) face the media on her own. What are they scared about? They just want the media to play along on her pop side and yet leave so many untruths slide by like the stray talk express. This is a woman who is planning on being the vice president and she is being protected from the media like I have never seen before. America wake up demand answers even so this time.
The obvious plan for the republicans is to get Obama off his message of change which we have identified with throught this compaign. The more we focus on Palin the more champagne bottles the republican clan is popping. The message from the Dems should be hammering Mccain on the economy, The war in iraq(note the elephants are focusing on the surge not the mess itself), Education,
how to help a common mwananchi(citizen in swahili) make through a day of high gas prices, food and other things. Clearly I dont see how a man with so many houses he cant even remember, can claim to understand the plight of the ordinary, Citizen.

I want somebody to tell me what the job of a VP is and will be when they get into the whitehouse? In the present administration, I can count how many times I have seen the VP act or happen for anything concerning this country. Isn't this a concern to anybody, that they same thing will happen if McCain is elected president?

The fact is simple, Palin is a pawn in the Conservative Christian game. If you like her for those reasons, you are playing into their hands. All of you republicans/ Palin supporters out there, mark my words, there will be NO legistative changes towards your conservative moral values. Bush did the same thing and how many changes did me make for you? NONE. They want your vote and then will dump you on the side of the road. They will dump you just like all of us 41 million uninsured voters, just like our education system, just like unemployed factory workers, just like Katrina victims. They don't care about these issues. They care about money in their own pockets. Please try to use your brains and not your bibles. Come on people, the republican party is in line with big oil and corporations. Are you people watching the tax comparison??? Don't let math scare you. Let me break it down. Obama is FOR the middle class, McCain is for the weathly. We need a change!

Actually, I think this is a very good thing. Unfortunately, the media never vetted properly, and he was never seen under intense pressure since he was never given tough questions, or rattled. He always controlled the race.

With the change of the momentum in McCain favor, you can see he is rattled, and depressed, and obviously mad he is no longer the "new and clean" face of politics.

I think this shows a negative attribute of Obama, something I honestly do not believes reflect good on him – He does not look Presidential, and was way too cocky before.

The joke is on the left wing media, they are creating the wild goose chase by focusing on all the side tracks just to get higher get ratings. If they report on the issues it becomes boring and they loose viewers. While they are doing this they are causing Obama to go of his message and in so doing they are going to cause their darling to loose the election. The Republicans is playing the media like a fiddle and laughing all the way to the polls ,,,haha

I'm very disappointed in our so-called democratic process this year. Ideally this would be a contest of ideas. in the absence of ideas, we have mudslinging and lies. Palin is a publicity stunt and it's working as long as it keeps the candidates from talking about their platorms.

I used to think McCain was a good person and, while I am an Obama supporter, I would have been fine if he ended up being president. Not anymore. If he is such a maverick, then why is he pulling out all of the same campaign tricks that republicans utilize at every election? Why hasn't the media punished the McCain/Palin campaign for trying to pull wool over the eyes of Americans with one distraction after the other? Why hasn't Palin actually talked about how she stands on issues instead of us finding out because someone had to research what they are? What is McCain's position on technology and scientific research funding? What is his position on censorship- of any kind? Obama's been trying to talk about the issues, but it seems that most of what I hear from McCain's campaign is how he served in the military and loves his country. Well, so have a lot of people!

Why are we talking/hearing so much about the "Palin"...isn't John McCain the candidate???? How much emphasis have we placed on Dick Chaney these past eight years? Yes, the VP is a very important place in government, but....campaign trail???? Every clip I see (on any of the news channels )of the McCain trail has Palin speaking more than McCain himself. What's up? Does he have nothing to say...is he too tired.... If SHE's running for POTUS, then the Republican party should say so. If it's McCain, then let's hear what HE has to say. My candidate is trying to inform the American people of his stand on ISSUES. The other party seems to think we're holding a beauty pageant. Can Sen. McCain talk (for himself) on the issues??? If so, LET'S GET IT ON!!!

Anderson,

Thank you for talking about the taxes tonight. Let's please stay focused on the issues. I want to know more about leadership style. How will each candiate approach global warming, the economy, creating jobs, healthcare, etc. Give us details. We are begging for it. Not this soap opera distraction. We are not stupid, we need information about issues that matter. This should not be People Magazine, this is the news. Give it to us.

A pig in lipstick...... Palin called herself a pitbull, an agressive, nasty, scary breed! Just like the repubilcans now and then.

Don't be surprised if Obama drops Biden like a rock and begs Hillary to save him. He is weak and knows he can not beat McCain-Palin. Biden is gonna come up with some family issue as a reason to bow out. If Obama does that, he will lose all credibility with the American people. Poor Judgement?

I have completely lost my respect for the repulicians. The hypocrisy in this party is pathetic. I wish the media would do more on exposing all these lies they are telling. The people need to know this.

Why on earth would people be turning to the right, just because of Palin. They obviously don't really like McCain, but are showing up for her. She is just more of the same, and she is definetly not ready to be a heart beat away from the president. She has exercised poor judgement up here. When she fired the safety commissioner she put this guy in there that had several sexual harrsement charges on him, and then had to get him out of there, of coarse!!! I haven't heard any thing about that on the news. Don't people relize how critical this election is. We have got to get the republicans out of there. we need to get serious here and get to the real issues. Obama supporter from ALASKA

Will anyone bring up the truth, as to why so much interest in Palin, its not so much that there is anything special or phenomenal about Palin, as it is important that we discuss Palin because Obama although young & a little light on experience is reinforced by the extremely experienced Biden, should anything happen to Obama Biden with all his experience steps up to run the country, conversely in the case of McCain, although wealthy in experience should something happen to McCain, the nation would be caught like a deer in the headlight with Palin trying to run the country without the wealth of McCain’s experience to draw from, bottom line Obama can tap in to Biden’s experience but Palin can’t draw from McCain’s

Democratic President+Democratic Vice President=Experience
Democratic President (Dead)+Democratic Vice President=Experience

Republican President+Republican Vice President=Experience
Republican President (Dead)+Republican Vice President=No Experience

The Big Question, Do You Want Experience or No Experience Running Your Country?

I agree with E.Jones' comment. I'm an independent female voter, and am currently undecided. But it is so frustrating that CNN has been so lop-sided on their coverage. For example, today there was a report on Palin and earmarks. I too realize maybe they're trying to report on her since she's unknown and possibly ignoring Biden since he's been around so long, but it looks bad that they are not providing the more balanced reporting, because I'd like OBJECTIVE comparisions between the candidates. So if you report on earmarks on Palin, you need to provide the same reports on Biden. It's starting to sound like this is a Palin vs Obama race instead of a McCain vs Obama.

Another frustrating thing is how the democrats keep saying "more of the same" with McCain, with no mention whatsoever to the fact that the Democrats have been in control of the congress while all this mess peaked. Isn't that 1/3 of the government? Points to ponder.

Anderson, thank you for your "Keeping Them Honest" segments. They are some of the few comparisons that are really helping me feel like I am able to make a more informed decision based on facts instead of distortions. It's difficult to find a place where a voter can go to sift thru all the rhetoric and distortions and just see the objective facts on the issues. Is that too much for a voter to ask for?

I loved the tax comparisions for Obama and McCain. I'm trying to find the link you mentioned for that. It'd be nice if you had a "Keeping Them Honest" section n this website where a person can see all your past segments in case me missed any. Keep up the great work!

We are trillions in debt due to fighting 2 wars. We just offered 10 billion to Georgia – not the state, the country – to clean up after an unprovoked war. We have our Congress listening to our military today saying we'll never win in Afghanistan and that what we're doing is not working. We have people losing their homes and jobs, avoiding doctors visits because they don't have health insurance, and counting their change to buy gas to get to work. We have one candidate who is willing to discuss these issues and provide solutions and another who is still bragging about his VP's exaggerated, distorted and untrue record while he shines his POW credentials.

Meanwhile, the Republicans continue to keep their VP candidate away from the media and voters who want to ask questions they're entitled to ask. And they'll get away with it if the media allows it. Solution – until Palin goes on your station and does an interview, you just don't mention her name. Just call her the Republican VP. Do you know how fast Steve Schmidt and Palin would come running?

Same with these dispicable and untruthful ads. Don't give the Republicans free advertising. Just give a verbal rebuttal to the lies and distortions.

I'll guarantee you that a week of this will change the tone of this election, get your desired interviews, and get all of us up to speed on the Republican positions and solutions to the mess they got us into.

I am getting fed up with the McCain campaign slinging mud. It is getting old and tiresome.

Obama's inference of PIG to Gov. Palin is an outrage! How would he feels if someone infers to him as a dog? Why is he picking fight with women? While some thinks that these are election distractions, to me this gives important insight of Obama regard of women.

I agree with Obama! Enough is Enough! The media has spent so much time trying to get the scoop on Sarah Palin, John McCain should buy them a steak dinner.

At the end of the day, let's get to the issues that matter to the American people.. health care, unemployment, education, housing market and list goes on. Sarah's story is compelling by hey any mom that has to multi-task on a daily basis has a compelling story.

Stay focused on the issues and building a true future for generations to come.

Is there anyone who can analyze the scientific techniques that are being used regarding the language and structure of the talking points the Republican spokespersons are using. I have heard them so often while going about my daily semi-automatic activities I almost believe them to be true. I am not the only one who has reported feeling disoriented or confused after being exposed to the sokespersons' fast spin of conflation, disinformation, lies and rapid reversal . When Barack Obama challenged them to bring it on, the McCain campaign smartest guys in the room went into a frenzy.

I really wish that media go back to what they learned in school and stop sensationalizing crap thats not important to our lives. Have a heart and feel for those of us that dont live in Media Ville and cut through the spin like I know you can.. Please stop contributing to it.

Observations from Canada here.
Obama and the Democratic Party deserve to loose this election for their stupidity. Firstly Obama was fortunate to win the nomination through the help by the media and a male dominated party. However he should have shown some humility in his victory rather than the having the audacity to go against 18million voters rightfully expecting to see Hillary at least being offered the ticket. What were Obama and his advisors thinking! Did he think Hillary won these votes for the color of her lipstick?

Mc Cain selects a woman and a good-looking one at that! Now there was a surprise! It’s laughable but don’t the democrats get it? Since when did intelligence or experience enter into the white house race? Does Regan or Bush ring any bells wake up! Popularity is what its all about. The American people wanted a woman’s voice in there so now they got one.
Hillary might get her chance in four years after all. Well-done Barac! I got a feeling this will go down as one of the biggest political blunders in American history

The piece on VP's stand on abortion was informative.
You mentioned both VPs positions.
You touched on McCain's position and the RNC platform from Bush era and the 2008 RNC platform on abortion.
.
What is missing...? Oh, yeah – where does Obama stand on this issue.
,
Why did you not touch on the votes in the IL Senate that Obama took on abortion / child protection?
.
I've tried since 1991 to stay with CNN – but this type of incomplete reporting really frustrates me when trying to get to the WHOLE Truth.
.
You can do better – just report the COMPLETE facts and stop trying to sell...

The Dems are being hoodwinked again by the GOP machine. These last few days have proven that McCain has sold his soul to the same divisive partisan puppet masters that orchestrated the nightmare that started 8 years ago.
Let's hope that Obama can get his game on and keep it simple for all of those that are so easily charmed by Palin ( coincidentally the same people that were easily terrorized into voting for Bush 8 years ago).
Please have your cameras rolling and your microphones on because it is likely that McCain will have a huge tantrum after a few more weeks of being in Palin's shadow.... standing in the background looking like nothing but the old useless puppet that he is.

The media must take resposibility for their role in the "politics as entertainment" mentality that has taken over. Candidates telling half truths about one another, unethical as it may be, is further compounded by the numerous political talking heads affirming those half truths and even worse adding their own personal perspective and introducing them as fact (or at least leaving one to conclude as much)

Finger pointing aside... lets keep politics and entertainment seperate.

If we are going down the rabbit hole in this presidential election, apparently the case, which continues to be an insult to the electorate, why are we not talking about the silence of Hillary Clinton, post Palin-selection, with this election seeming to turn on whether Hillary will show any abhorrence to the selection of Palin as a one-heartbeat away VP candidate?

Where are the Clintons, and why are they they not challenging McCain's salacious VP selecttion?

Are Hillary and Bill this vindicative, that they would risk placing the leadership of our country in the hands of a inexpierenced state governor, responsible for legislative affairs involving the smallest state, demographically, on a good day , and only when the local airports have layovers, over the very real risk that Obama might not get elected because Hillary's ego is that offended?

Bill, how can you let this election fail for the Democrats?

Please tell em that this election is not dependant on a family squabble bteween the Obamas and the Clintons.

Is the Democractic party this politicized that this cannot be worked out between Obama and the Clintons?

Have we fallen to this level of Dante's Inferno, that the most important election since 1988 falls on the question of whether Sarah Palin is prettier than Michelle Obama, and where has Michelle been since the Palin nomination?

This election is about women, that is it, and why are the Democrats not acknowledging a phenomenon they created, and only the reason that Palin is on the Republican ticket?

Kevin Connors

I 'm so happy!

Tonight is the first time I saw James Carville not include "Sarah Palin teaches Creationism in school" in his comments. I guess he finally used his computer to go on Snopes.com.

I also am puzzled why you call Obama "Pro-Choice" but Palin is "Anti-Abortion". That's democratic "spin". We are for life, therefore we are "Pro-Life".

Lipstick, Chapstick , why are we waisting time on this?..and who cares , when there is a ton of issues to discuss. That is what the problem is , waisting too much time on useless non sense instead of discussing what is "right for the country". If you really want to fight for America , well then stop avoiding the issues.

So who is putting country first?.....or is it lipstick first?

Please, just stop all the nonsense! All of the candidates are honorable people. The country really does need to move forward. You have the obligation to be unbiased, and to tell us truthfully what the candidates aim to do for our great nation. Everyone, news media included, is talking down to us.

People shold know that this is not all about personality or character but it is about the people. The people and not the CEOs who are already there and would want a balance in the society.
May be somebody should school me a little on how we would continue like this and still change the world.
Never.... There should be a power shift in this election to those middle class who are doing the job but yet looses all in one day because the CEO is fighting for his returns.
Let's wake up to this responsibilty and generate the change that we need.

The Republican party candidates think they can win the election because they believe they can beguile American voters by lying to them (criticizing Obama on a federal bill to protect young children from predators that he did not even sponsor (the bill failed anyway)), and by not focusing on the ISSUES. The media is to blame in some measure, because they allow themselves to focus on unimportant stuff like pigs and lipstick. Next thing you know they will be devoting coverage to the merits of whether pigs can really fly. CNN: take the lead-get the candidates to answer questions on how they are going to fix health care, the economy, brings our troops home from Iraq now, improve education standards; and start becoming energy independent! And if Gov. Palin wants to hide behind the coattails of Sen. McCain (or is it vice-versa?), or simply wants to avoid the press altogether, then let the press avoid her altogether. Fair is fair, right?

The media is talking too much about Palin.
When are we going to hear about real issue?
I want to hear about Economy and jobs.
I need to hear from Obama and Maccain what
they can do for our country. Not about lipstick or Palain.
Viji
Santa Monica Ca

I am so tired of hearing about Sarah Palin. I have never voted but this
election seems to be so very important to me and my family. I live in Michigan and my fiance has been off from work for almost a year. His plant was closed last fall. It has been hard for either one of us to keep up. I have tried to find a second job but can't even do that. We are trying to get affordable health coverage for us and our daughter. Who is going to help us get ahead? I just don't believe that the Republicans are going to bring a change to people. I believe that people have lost focus who is running for president. Sarah Palin was just a spare of the moment pick to shake things up. I'm happy that she is a good mom, wife, and religious but that does not sway me to vote for her and McCain. They talk so much about things that are not so important to me. I believe that the Republicans make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Just from your just the facts segment about taxes proves what the plans are. Though I think that Mr.Obama's raise for those who make over 603K is a lot. He will lose votes for that. The issue on experience is so over-rated because who exactly has the experience to run a country when they are first getting started. I support Mr.Obama because from what I can see he has shown a better plan.

Like it or not McCain is 72, not in great shape, and four bouts with serious skin cancer . God forbid...she could become the president in the next four years if McCain should manage to "spin" his way into the White House. America needs to get over the Palin swoon and get back to the issues!
If the media would quit focusing on Palin the candidates might actually address the real issues.

I am an intelligent American woman, single mother, loyal and law-abiding citizen; not unlike millions of other Americans and I am sick and tired of the foolishness that is passing for news in this campaign. I realize that the media cannot guide or gage the ridiculous banter that comes out of of the McBush/Palin campaign, but I am sick of hearing the foolishness. Can't the media report on the issues and downplay the obnoxious quips and comments? McCain and the Republicans talk of family values but let's look at the kind of negative values ther are espousing. Is this really the way we want to encourage our youth to behave? I, for one, am not in favor of it.
when do we get to hear if Palin has any "original thoughts"? If she expects to be considered for the vice-presidency, then she needs to be interviewed by the media and be willing to take on the inquiries like any reputabls candidate and quit running circles.
ENOUGH!

Why is there a program because Obama made a Pig comment, but if McCain would of say the same thing american would of be cool with it ..

LOOK at what Mccain endured running against Bush, Swift Boat of Kerry, Dukakis... THESE were NOT women!!!!!!!
Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Bhutto and the the 4 DOZEN other elected women leaders, who BROKE the glass over the past1/2 Century; did NOT get or ASK for the mamby pamby hands off treatment that Clinton and Palin are supposed to get!!!???
They mixed it up and did not whine about SEXISM!!!
American MALE candidates have endured hard against tactics, WHY is Palin supposed to be UNtouchable?
Please CLEAR up whether her husband was an Alaskan Separatist???

One more comment. It seems clear that large oil interests are deeply connected to the McCain campaign. It is also clear that Sarah Palin is talented and charismatic. Having the reputation of talking back to her party and sniffing out corruption and having enough character to have actually accomplished something (so the spokespeople say) , might be a liability to the oil interests who intend to "harvest" the natural resources of Alaska. If one looks around at the folks attending the McCain campaign rallies, she is giving the same "dial up the base speech" over and over again. Have the oil interests in the McCain campaign co-opted a talented member of our generation? What if Alaska gained independence, what would happen to oil profits?

Why doesn't Barack speak directly to women telling them he understands that the Palin choice was strictly political and that he has faith in them to believe they will see through the obvious reason he chose Palin. That being she is a woman. The republican smoke screen being administered is an insult to women so why not say so? I think he would get much more traction if he were a little less politically correct at this point in the game. I say the same thing about the blue collars he is trying to court. If anyone would respect him for calling out McCain/Palin for their political games and failed republican economic policies it would be the blue collars. They want it straight–no sugar coating. If he spoke right to them I think it would help.

It is time Americans recognize the real truth of the Republican platform. This platform is all about a popularity contest. All I am hearing is rhetoric from Senator McCain and this rookie of zero experience for the White House Governor Sara Palin. The Republican political machine led by Senator McCain has employed dishonorably a tactical smear and discredit campaign that has generated enough smoke, fog, and fiction with one clear objective: to derail hardworking struggling Americans from the real issues of a failed economy, numbing unemployment, and a presidential administration that used Iraq as a smoke screen to deepen and fatten their political and business alliances pockets full of hard earned taxpayers money.

Barack Obama has the leadership experience, definitely the education, and the personal integrity, values and moral character and charisma to resurrect America from eight years of destruction that Senator McCain will only continue to endorse and carry out. McCain is only interested in surpassing his father's accomplishments and doesn't care about the middle class, which quite frankly there no longer is a middle class, but only the haves and have nots, the rich and the poor, the needy and the greedy.

It is time for Americans and the news media to stop pouncing on one-liners and concentrate on the real issues and Barack Obama is campaigning on fact and substance not the Republican led popularity contest.

I am voting for change that I can believe in and that change is Obama/Biden 2008.

Sorry I meant "Please don’t soil yours and a lot of your anchors, award winning (in my option) journalism with shameless silly reporting."
Now, I'm just keeping me honest

It saddens me to know how divided this United States of America is. MCcain can you stick to the issues and stop the swift boating as usual.This is not a poparity contest people are in trouble we can't afford 4 more years.

Marquis

Anderson,

I enjoy your show, but you are just as bad as the rest of the media and you fascination with Sarah Palin. I watch your show so I can see how each candidate is on the issues, and what do I hear the lipstick thing AGAIN, put it to bed. You keep beating the thing like a dead horse, and stoping whining about Palin not giving interviews, and do something about it and force the issue to get an interview, it appears to me if she won't give any additional interviews, she is doing nothing but taking McCain's stance on everything he says. Instead, all we've heard tonight is when Palin's plane is going to land in Alaska, so she read the same speech she's read for a week. The campaign coverage has turned into what Sarah Palin ate for breakfast, what's she going to wear today, and every little move she makes. Until she does/says something that actually means something, stop covering her. To date, I have yet to hear anything new out of this woman, all I've heard are a bunch of lies and half-truths (airplane, bridge to nowhere). Let's focus on the top of the ticket, rather than Obama vs. McCain/Palin.

It's obviously you can spin anything you want to the direction you choose – Commercials and Advertisements sell you stuff you don't need everyday. It's important for Americans to filter through the hype and determine the best course for their own lives regardless of personality. With that said; I believe that a good leader inspires you as much as he/she serves the public.

Granted Obama's speeches are a couple sentences off JFK, but they inspire me to get off the couch and do something. This was the first year I walked the two blocks to caucus. I can only imagine what I will be inspired to do if he becomes president.

enough is enough, are we going to televise Bidens home trips too, media is elctrifying Palin and its beyond me as to why CNN is doing this. I think it's time to go back and start campaigning with some real issues, economy, healthcare, education etc,,,,,,,

Just reminded me about the horrible experience we had at a recent concert by a very young performer... hours and hours of openers... great video... but it seems like NO ONE had done a "Sound Check"... meaning, we paid premium prices for tickets that eventually left us with ringing ears... get the analogy? it was a CONCERT!... we were there for the music!

I don't know about you, but wasn't it a bit sad to see the amounts of money spent on the convention itself?

When compared to the RNC, I'd say, the Democrats threw everything at this "show", including the "kitchen sink" of that day-long show at the stadium?

Is that NOT a philosophical posture as well?

Call me puritanically frugal, but to put on such a lavish show, with multiple screens, megawatt sound, and only God knows how many other expensive "frills", does it not point to a "pattern"

I've been straddling on the fence, had been hoping to see a "change" by having a woman like Hillary give everyone an interesting and above all, historic election... but if you're talkin' about "more of the same", yes, just look at what the Dems have done – to themselves.

"Raise and Spend", perhaps?

We have had 8 years of a maverick in the white house. Do we really want 4 more years of 2 mavericks doing what they darn well please and to hell with America???????????

Note: I am not supporting any candidate. I am only concerned about where this nation is heading, because of my love for her.

When you apply for a job and go for interview, you there not lie on your resume or during interview. If the interviewer find out that you've lied, you will loose the job. Why is it that Americans don't learn from past mistakes with the Republicans especially during the 2000 and 2004 elections.

When Mcain and Palin, Christian conservatives are lying on campaign rally to the whole world about what they are not, somebody need to speak out. Politics as usual is what is ruining this great nation. I am really disappointed at people who call palin an evangelican christian. Christians don't lie. i am a christian and I am outraged at the way they use christianity to win elections like George Bush did in 2000 and 2004.

Why is this nation still trusting people who hang unto christianity , when they are not, to win elections.

America need to wake up. Elect people of substance and integrity and not liars. The politicians, whether they win or not will not suffer, but the citizens whose money they are using for campaigns.

We have heard how confused and disorganized the Obama campaign is now that McCain has completely absorbed the theme of change. Phooey. Indeed, I recommend our generations extend a hand to Sarah Palin to join us as we work together to genuinely solve serious global problems. She is clearly talented and destined for an important role. We respect her views on right-to-life and she should address women's health issues around the world. There is so much need. It appears her role in the McCain administration or whoever runs the presidency should he pass on, will be the puppet to deliver endless speeches of the same words over and over again to pacify the base. Right now, on CNN, there is somekind of over-the-top royal celebration taking place. This is bizaar.

Seems to me, Governor Palin has too much air time. What a story about her glasses. Richard Nixon made sure that in his famous Checkers Speech that Pat had a good Republican Cloth Coat. Governor Palin's three hundred dollar plus Kawasaki eyewear should probably be under the same srutinity as well as her twisting of the facts. This is too much for too little.

Hi Anderson, i don' t know what is wrong with the American people they can' t see when someone has a bad experience in the politics. America wake-up! You need change. Think for yourself before anything.

What has this country come to? If you're talking VP's in the event one of them would ever have to take over this county in an emergency, Biden is way more qualified. Palin only was mayor for a small town and governor of a small state of people for a few years. It's scarey to think people think she could run this country if she had to.
I'm sick of the whole thing.
Focus on Obama and McCain, they are the Presidential candidates! Not Palin!

Now I see why we need to spend tax dollars to cover the
conventions. It is about the only quality time my favorite news
network devotes to covering the well thought plans for our nations
future leadership!

Sarah Palin appears to be an intelligent woman and very capable at her level. She seems to have honestly held values, some of which differ radically from mine, but that's okay. All of that notwithstanding, anyone who honestly thinks that she is capable of taking over the Presidency is him- or herself incapable of rational thought. It's true enough that Sarah would be far superior to George W Bush, but that's irrelevant. There's a nation full of recent high school graduates who are already deeper intelectually and much more commited to the moral highground than is George W. Bush.

I'm not alone in those thoughts, but I nonetheless feel like a voice crying in the wilderness. I am astounded by the number of informed people who seem honestly now to consider this woman, who they could not have identified on a multple choice test two weeks ago, to be FDR, Harry Truman, George C Marshall, Jack Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhauer and Barry Goldwater rolled into one. They're lieing to themselves. She nas no place at that table.

The way I read the numbers, Obama would lose badly were the election to be held tomorrow. Considering the last eight years and the state of the economy, he should be up twenty-five to thirty points. It might be the color of his skin, and, if so, he possibly has no chance. On the other hand I wish that he'd forget Sarah Palin and who said what yesterday. Were he to campaign against the last eight years; against turning a 200 billion dollar surplus into a 3 trilion dollar debt, against sending with bald-face lies American infantry where he was afraid to go himself, against condoning torture of prisoners to the total disgrace of every America, against creating and shielding a singularly criminal Dept of Justice, and outing an American Agent, and were he, Obama, to make clear that McCain intends to continue with more of the same, he might still not be elected, but the American voters would know precisely what they would be voting for and have nobody other than themselves to blame for the downward vortex to third-world status which ensues.

I think that the media is just giving more of the same cheap and easy talk, CNN included. Just discusing on the comments and agressions of the campain instead of really discussing the issues. As far as I know Obama has been talking about education, and Mc Cain about the energy. Instead of the media elevating this discussion and adding facts and valid information about this important issues, so that the viewers could decide better, most of the time is used to repeat the small and stupid talk. It is a shame for this country that the media is wasting a great opportunity to do what it should do, enrich and enhance democracy.

These working mothers that support and "relate" to Sarah Palin and fail to realize that Palin is not running for the Presidency...thus perfect choice or not, she's being used by McCain. Watch the broadcasts and observe him with his grim smile as he introduces her again and again...translation he is using her to get what he wants! Can we please stop talking about Palin and go back to the issues. No #1 which Anderson did very well in today's program is to start with looking at how Obama's tax plans favor so called "working moms" that think Palin is the "Pick".

I was a Clinton supporter because I truly believed that she was and is the best qualified to be president, however I no longer have the option to vote for her. I now need info to decide who I think will be the best leader for our country.

There are several questions that I want someone, (you) to ask. Does John McCain plan to reinstate the draft? We did break Iraq, and we do have a forgotten war in Afganistan. Also things are not looking good in Iran, North Korea, Israel, Russia, etc. How does McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden plan to take care of military staffing needs?

Please let's get away from religion in politics, remember "separation of church and state". That was a really good idea.

I want to know what kind of change Obama has been talking about. Now McCain is talking about change. Would you ask them to define the change in detail or not use the word anymore.

I've been in healthcare for over thirty years. I have been waiting that long for preventative health care to be available to everyone. Once a person is very ill, they show up at the Emergency Department. That usually cost taxpayers a lot of money because the patient will require much more care than would have been necessary with preventative maintenance.

You are a good reporter with the ability to be a great reporter (like Bob Woodward). I'm counting on you to report truth so that I can vote this year. I'm 60 and have voted since I turned 18.

Folks!!! somewhere between 3 and 4 you can filter what Palin is saying and cut out her shrieking!!!

The way I see it, when Obama was continually in the limelight earlier in the campaign, AC360 covered it. Now, Palin seems to be of interest and in the limelight so AC360 is covering it. As a viewer, that's what I would expect. It appears many of the viewers and bloggers here are leaning to the left so will do nothing but complain about the GOP coverage on AC360. However, rather than complain, perhaps they should listen to what the opposition is doing. They could learn something. I'm finding it simply fascinating, BTW.

With that being said, thanks AC360 for covering live the Palin speech during the 2nd. hour. I liked to be informed and getting it live is much better than getting soundbites tomorrow morning. Anderson, keep doing what you are doing!

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

I do not understand why it was necessary to air the entire speech from Palin this evening when it is the same regurgitated stump speech over and over . . .

Guys, please remember your influence and start getting back to balanced coverage of the candidates.

We are Americans living overseas (in Vietnam), and CNN (and BBC) are just about our only source of information about this election (we also receive Time magazine, but a week late). I am sometimes quite embarrassed by how Americans are perceived abroad, based on what is broadcast by television media. Larry King-Lipstick and pigs for heavens sake! (Thank God we don't have FOX here or it would be worse). I have spent the last eight years embarrassed by the current administration's tactics, manipulations, and agenda. I do want to see both candidates talk about the real issues, real solutions, and how each candidate plans to deal with taxes, the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae federal bailout, unemployment especially in the auto industry, rising fuel costs, lack of health insurance, and the seeming endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to name a few. I tire of political smear tactics. I want Obama to win but he has to prove himself to more people or I fear the result, which would be four more years of Republican bungling. Less bravado and chest thumping...more substance please!

I'm am so confused as to why we are still talking about useless information. If I have to hear one more time about how Palin has her own action figure I'm going to throw my TV out the window. What does that have to do with what's wrong with our country?! Why isn't everyone (media, political spin machines, the American public) focusing on the actual presidential election and the serious issues that our country is dealing with, not twisting some random comment about a pig! Seriously? WAKE UP PEOPLE! There are much bigger things at stake.

Why is Sarah Palin getting so much attention from the media ?
You keep complaining about her not giving any interviews, she doesn't have to, she is on the news every day, why do the American people care so much about her policies, have they forgotten the Presedential race is between McCain and Obama? or is she going to run the country? if McCain is elected ?
We here in Canada are very affected by the American politics and are getting very sick of watching Sarah Palin getting the attention. Please
CNN give us some information about the real people running for office

Please allow Hillary to come back!! All of her voters can't stand Obama!! He is not independent enough! Very anti-women kind of candidate!! Biden was a poor choice! Hillary would have been a better choice of VEEP's- another slip of the lipstick in OBAMA's face!!

we are looking at the classic case of "playground games" in politics. McCain says Obama cannot use or incinuate anything about race but his camp can (Guiliani says " He is a community organizer"). Mccain said once during a quest about Hilary's stands " you can lippstick on a pig but it's still a pig" which is a clear proverb used in politics. No one called him sexist. As we all can see this is a deformation tactic if I can not out speak him and reach the people I will make them hate and distrust him. Pure Bush like scare tactic John MORE OF THE SAME McCain old school politition trying to pull the wool over the people's eyes..Dangle some eye candy infront of them and keep the slug behind.

Anderson, it must be so frustrating for you to have to play the role of mediator, and to not sometimes just call out the hypocrisy right to the camera.

XO
Allen, Outer Banks, NC

The Obama camp needs to stick to the facts. I believe that Obama supportes are looking for leader(s) that inspire them in new ways. They can win this election by educating the common american with facts... that is relevent facts. The election is moving the wrong way and the media is helping the republicans gain a lead by selling out to this nonsence.

I would like to know who is running for president is it John McCain or is it Sarah Palin

John McCain...self-confessed adulturer (numerous times)
Sarah Palin....opportunist and liar.....(numerous untruths)

In the military, soldiers/sailors can be court-martialed for adultery and making false statements. How can these two be our Commanders-In-Chief of our military with these kinds of ethics?

Doesn't our country deserve better????????????

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

I am watching the coverage of Sarah Palin's arrival in Fairbanks.

Folks, she just said....nucular energy!! Just like GWB!!!

It's NUCLEAR Sarah!!!

I believe at this stage the GPO is creating dis-stability among the voters and is focusing on what would creat war among them rather than assisting the people of the USA in uniting and becoming a better country than they are at present. It is shameful in the eyes of other countries the way in which the Macain GPO has changed this election which stated with a positive aim now to negativity and less hope for the nation.

Ditto to the hundreds of people before me, all the networks are
doing is giving way to much attention and free time to Sarah Palin, it
just reinforces the amount of control the right wing seems to have
over the media. Has anyone else noticed the increase in the number
of movies being shown in the past few weeks stressing patriotism and war heroes, so many sublingual messages, again the same thing for Christianity. The Republicans fight dirty, but they usually win,
Obama needs to stick with the facts, while other members of his
party fight fire with fire. Too much at stake here .. Palin is appealling
because she can relate to the hard working, average Joe, and she lies to them in simple terms.Regaring the Democratic Convention ; enough with the "best analytical team in
television" , while you guys were so busy talking (mostly about Hilary
and Bill" and if they would be there to offer their support, (of course they will), the public was missing out on all of the wonderful people
who were speaking on the platform about their real concerns. I switched to PBS and got a real sence of what's going on in America and how strongly Americans feel for Obama.

It seems to me that the media has done a complete 360. Since the McCain campaign slapped the media on the wrist about it's coverage and tried to lay a guilt trip, the media is now covering stories that have nothing to do w/issues. The issues are the news, not lipstick docudramas.

You're being played by the Republican campaign. For all of us out there that watch intently for issues, let's tune out until we get them.

I think it's a waist of time carrying on about pigs and stuff, but that 's the republican party for you they love to play the victum Obama should stick the facts and just put mcain to sleep in November, the republicans made fun of community organizing they are so out of touch if the goverment did it's job and helped poor communities u would not need community organizers their job is to help the people left jobless or homeless get back on their feet something the Mcain campain claims to be about instead they laugh at the poor and people who put their time and lives on the line to help Americans the government cares nothing about

what does sarah Palin know about joblessness or poverty in New York , detroit , Baltimore Etc. the hardest thing in her life in Alsaka is aiming that gun, she can't help us common folk and she won't . don't let the mcain campain fool you by opening arms to women and independent voters his agenda has not changed from the reason you did not like him in the first place so don't be sucked in cause you will be sorry

Is this an election? We need to think with our heads instead of our eyes. Mr. McCain is using Mrs. Palin to reinvent himself. He is now an agent of "change" instead of talking about his excellence in war. He has hypnotized us, waving Mrs. Palin like a pendant. Many have fallen under the spell like zombies. Mrs. Palin is a beautiful person with a great smile, but keep in mind what comes with that smile. It's the same Bush administration that has had a stronghold on us for eight years. While people in Michigan have lost jobs that were the backbone of their community, we have Sarah Palin action-figures for sale. We have to wake up. When that pendant stops swinging, then we will see the real John McCain. It's just the same old song. God bless us on our choice.

About Sarah palin being Pro Life... people just don't get it despite having a picture online in front of them depicting Sarah paling and her little daughter rejoycing in front of a dead antil that Sarah killed with rifle for SPORT (just to cut his head and put it on a wall as a trophy).
How can she be talking about pro Life on abortions while she herself is a killer that hunts defenseless animals that did not attack her in any way? A killer is a killer, no mater who or what she kills and thats whay they call her "pistol packing" Sarah.
I don't have any respect for people that kill animals for their entertainment.

Lost issue...crisis in the African-American community.

We need a president that is able to address these major concerns.
People are getting feed up.

Healthcare...Justice...Education – OBAMA/BIDEN '08

To me this is really getting funny and is reminding me of old people not really hearing but telling you what they really think of their candidate. "A pig with lipstick" is what they heard no wonder they don't get it.

Clean ears would be a help

I don't understand all the whoop-la over Sarah Palin's return to Alaska. Who cares that she went back to Alaska? Does the press report when Biden goes back home? Isn't his son deploying as well? Rhetorical questions I know, but I really don't see the point in covering this story. Please report on something worthwhile, such as... Why does Sarah Palin sound like a broken record? I've seen about 5 speeches from her, and they are the same speech she delivered at the GOP convention. I really don't care about the "bridge to nowhere". I want to know how they plan to improve the economy. They simply talk about tax cuts and changing Washington. Tax cuts have done NOTHING to improve the economy. The stimulus checks had absolutely no effect. We need more jobs, and we need real reform. Please talk about things that matter!!!

Let me throw something out, for responses. How many black or Hispanic faces did u see at the Republican Convention. I saw a whole lot of lilly white, cowboy hat wearing folk. How 'bout you?
Yeah, I'm Black!!

Thank Heaven recent polls show that there is a definite wave of Obama fatigue wafting across this country.
I had hoped that the American people would wise up to Obama's empty hat, and it seems they have. However, it's immensly sad that they didn't catch on before the extreme left wing of the democratic party and the national media doomed our party's chance of winning the White House by ruining Hillary Clinton's chance for the nomination.
For the third consecutive cycle the idiots running the Democratic party have found a way to lose the presidency. Alas, and woe is me!

Sarah Palin is now threatening Russia with War if they invade Ukraine or Georgia, she would make a funny vp/president if it weren't so tragic...maybe, it's a new kind of TragicComedy Play:

The Political Ascendancy of Sarah Palin or how to make World War 3.