Hi Anderson, Glad to be with you tonight on the blog.

Happy Friday everyone! Back to normal campaign business today....

Hi, Anderson and bloggers. looking forward to tonight

McCain's health plan is to give American's $5,000 to buy health insurance. Is that a one time gift, once a year, only while he would be in office or every year forever? I need to know if I would be losing that $5,000 when he would leave office.

Palin stepped in it again. "pro America???"

Hi All!!!

What a day in politics and in America.

I'm so glad to see Gary Tuchman doing nondisaster reporting....

Sarah Palin, The Great Divider.

Well Biden is way off base again. Palin was just contrasting Washington DC from the rest of America. Obama has said similar things, and in fact has taken pride of being from outside the Beltway.

Hellooo Anderson, Erica, David and best bloggers!!!
Yay!! Happy Friday night!!!!! I can't wait this weekend!!!

A $5000 tax credit would not cover the $12000 I have to pay in health care.

If Republicans can harp on and use the 'cling to guns and religion' comment then fair game for Palin's 'pro-American' comment...
and btw, I am a Christian woman from outside DC in northern VA and love the USA and am ashamed at McCain/Palin divisive behavior!

$5000 would not cover my health care needs. What if I really got sick? What about deductibles? Co-Pays? Medicine? Dental? Eye Care?

Evening all – doesn't look like John McCain and Sarah Palin want votes from us unpatriotic Americans who live in the big, bad cities.

Joe Biden has a lot of class.

Nothing wrong with what she said ... is it now racist to speak like an American which she did... nobody said that the Democrats are not Americans... She did not backtrack Anderson.... we know what she said and we know the media spin. Quit translating ...no one needs to clarify or apologize that statement.

You know when Sarah Palin talks to reporters, that she and the campaign knows that she stepped in it. If she was reading prepared remarks then it comes from the campaign and their speech writers.

Happy Friday, bloggers!

Sarah Palin has no clue about the history of our country.

I live in Boston and love my urban culture. I also love my country and am Pro America. I assume most people do no matter where they live in the USA.

Palin is insulting.

I love Joe Biden. His rallies are fantastic- he's a great presence.

Palin keeps questioning Obama's patriotism .... and other people's patriotism ...

Anderson, Obama "clarifies" his remarks quite often. Do you consider that backtracking?

Election night can't come soon enough. This tit for tat from both sides is getting unbearable to hear day in and day out.

Hi Erica, hope you're feeling better today.

hi erica are you feeling better?

Palin didn't clarify...she put her foot in her mouth and was trying to save herself...she doesn't think before she talks...scary.

I wish Palin would give Gary an interview. I know she wouldn't be sorry! Gary's the best!

taking pride in not being from the Beltway and suggesting that places in America are more Pro-American than others are two different things Mike.

MaryBeth October 17th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I’m so glad to see Gary Tuchman doing nondisaster reporting….

I agree!!!! MaryBeth!!! he is great job!!!! me too..... I am glad see him too.

We should be looking at Obama's health care plan, not McCain's anymore.

Hello Bloggers! I think Sarah's "Pro America" thing was taken way to the extreme, as usual. Right up there with the "Pig wearing Lipstick" comment Obama made.

Obama's crowds ALWAYS multi-cultural. McCain rallies ALWAYS non multicultural.

My family pays 11K a year for a family plan. we couldn't cover our whole family for 5K

Obama '08

I wonder Anderson, are we voting for the man that we see before us or the party that they run for?

Welcome back Erica – you missed a great show and blog last night. How's the cold coming along?

Joe the Plumber must have been a plant!

I read the comment and never once thought there was any reason to parse the words to mean anything other than her giving the praise of the particular as being pro-American. Where did she say others areas or rallies were not pro-American? I don't get the so called controversy. This is such petty stuff.

I can't help but feel that Joe the plumber was a plant by the RNC to establish a way to attack Obama on his tax policy for small business.. The comments buy Joe the pumber during his interview sounded like the talking points from the republicans. Also I can't help but feel the comments made by people at the McCain and Palin rallies were set up by the RNC. The USA chants also seem controlled by someone outside the crowd.

Obama lies again. He says his health plan will offer more, yet won't raise taxes. How is that? Will he double the already record deficit? Taxes on those making over $250,000 won't pay for a fraction of Obama's promises.

Martie: I agree! I guess citydwellers aren't as patriotic...don't know why though....

I do not believe that government, who everyone is complaining about, is going to handle an insurance department .. get real… I would rather handle it myself thru McCain’s plan.

I think CNN should not give credence to these robocalls. They are misinformation and exactly what McCain denounced in 2000.

Hellooo Erica......
I am happy see you!!!! Welcome back.....

Palin going on SNL is a joke – she wont appear on any of the top news shows – Today GMA AC360 Meet the Press etc – This is a very important election and this is a joke that she will appear on this show and never answer the real questions

Why are we afraid to pay taxes. We have a deficit and if we dont pay it we will pass it on to our kids and grandchildren.

UnAmerican – Anti-American – Looks like the Republicans are looking for another Joe. This time it's Joe McCarthy.

Sarah was trying to talk to camera. But looks like she couldn't talk past people when they asked he probing, thoughtful questions.

McCain's robo calls are dispicable...shame on him...do they have any idea what's going on in this country or did they decide instead to hire the Rove Republican smear machine...something they are good at.

Maybe Palin was referring to those americans that live in the 7 states that obama has added to the known 50.

Those robocalls are annoying. If I hadn't already voted early for Obama, I would hit that button harder for Obama now just because of the insulting messages that the dishonorable McCain is approving.

McCain is turning people away from him. Maybe Obama should pay for them – ha ha ha ha ha hah

Hi All – Would one of the CNNers explain why the channel keeps playing the RNC robo-call? I can almost recite it myself now. It's free campaigning for the party. At least, for fair and balanced reporting, shouldn't the network play some DNC calls just as often?

So Patty, if you got 5K so you're out of pocket costs were only 6K instead of 11k that would be better right?

I'm an american that don't evan have health insurance but I don' think 5,000 would cover my cost.

Will McCain actually overcome all the negatives before this election is over? It's amazing how divided this country has become in the past 8 years.

I am so tired of McCain misquoting Obama about spreading the wealth. I didn't hear Sen Obama say he would Spread Joe the Plumbers wealth. He said he wanted to spread the wealth. Lowering taxes for those making <250K allows those folks to spend more money. Helping out small businesses thereby Spreading the Wealth

Look no further than Alaska and its economics to understand 'redistribution of wealth'. No income or sales tax for the state and yearly checks from the profits on oil. The state has billions in savings while other states face mounting deficits.

My husband and I pay our own health insurance. My husband is self-employed and I don't have any benefits at my job. Since we wouldn't be taxed on benefit would we still receive the $5,000 credit that McCain talks about?

On the campaign stratagy – McCain has hit a new low with the robocall on the Ayers – Obama connection.

The ugliness of the campaign is sickening. Americans are hurting and suffering. Americans are very concerned about the future. The McCain fear mongering regarding Ayers and Acorn against Obama is a waste of time. Americans will VOTE those in power *out* of office as we fight for our future. We want change, and we cling to HOPE.

Happy Friday! What is up with the robo-calling the RNC is engaging in? I wish there was a law that meant that the things said about a candidate cannot imply things that are essentially fasle.

I hope the republicans don't steal another election.

It is not right what the McCain camp is doing with those Robocalls, that it very very unethical and the republican party should some how get in trouble.

I find it very odd how Sara Palin calls for the release of communications from the Obama/Biden campaign but is unwilling or makes it very difficult to have her communications released. All's not fair in love and war.

No Sarah Palin did seem to be saying that one part of America was more real or something, and I don't like the robocalls, but she did offer a further explanation of what she said. The conversation is so limited by the lack of interviews and the basically poor relationship between Palin and the media

Kevin – the robocalls still happen though. If McCain really wants to denounce it, he should control the actions of his party – including making sure these robocalls don't happen!

Brian, that actually makes sense. When have we ever had one "average" person focused on so much during a Presidential election?

I've been a Republican all my life, I am 52, and my husband and I gave McCain $200 in 2000. I am very disgusted in how he started his campaign, very ugly and very hateful. Something he vowed never to do once he lost in 2000. He failed his first test of honor and integrity. As a woman, I am very disappointed in his choice of VP.

palin she know what she was trying to do in them small town ,where there is a lilttle change in they way they look and think about other races.

why has'nt anyone on cnn come right out and say to the viewers that everything that has come out of Palin's mouth was fed to her by the Mcain campaigns people, and that on her own, she knew absolutely nothing about his votes in the senate and his policies prior to her being named his running mate?

Why does McCain's supporters believe that Barack Obama will redistribute the wealth of average Americans? Avarage Americans are in debt and have no wealth to spread. McCain seems more desperate to insure that his wealth and those of others in his socio-economic status is not redistributed.

I will be glad when this is ALL over

What a wonderful day, Sarah Palin screws up 18 days before the election... It doesnt matter to me i'm a Democrat anyways

I wanted to attend the palin rally, and since it is on private property no protestors allowed...only on the street. Also, no homemade signs allowed in...so, hmm....what are all those homemade signs I see behind Palin? Repubs can make their own signs, but no, they don't trust their supporers. Please dont respond with Obama does same thing: his rallies don;t and can either McCain or Palin answer a question without sounding like a liitle kid"well, he does it too...."

Finally someone on the obama campaign is finding offence to the use of the word Anti American or implying that one is Anti – American if you do agree with Mccain or the Republican party's point of view.
I hope that folks will find other ways to describe each other instead of attacking each others Patriotism by using words like these which lead to words like terrorist and traitor. It is seems easy for Palin to refer to Obama supporters as anti american which is something I don't quite understand.

I think her comment is as damaging as Obama's small town gun clinging comment.

This campaign is running on two levels, on the high level they respect Obama, on the low level they act like he should be tried for treason...

I think Biden did well to go after Palin, it forces her to actually speak to the media, he should go after her more.

I am beginning to wonder if the latest tactic in McCains campaign ,claiming that ACORN is fraudulent, is just a cover story for some underlying voter surpression that his campaign may be engaging in, in various states. I would not put it past them, as they may need this story to later claim that the election was stolen.

I think Gov Palen is a hypocrite! She abused her powers and stills lies, and then slams Obama!

The accusation that Barack Obama is has anything to do with ACORN and directs their activities is ridiculous. I am a registered Republican and I'm seriously considering voting Democratic this time. We are all tired of the negative attacks from Mr. McCain.

Anderson I am worried that the Republicans are going to do everything they can to try to interfer in the voting. This needs to be watched and prevented because if Obama looses because of voter fraud, it is going to cause this country to explode.

. . . and it's about time the Republican "voter fraud" scheme, that has been employed in every major election since 2000, was exposed for what it really is. Suppression of minority votes has been the goal of the GOP for years, and the dumb Dems let it happen. Well, maybe not this time. God help us, it's Bay Buchanan again.

18 days to go!! I don't know if I'm going to make it. Between this election and the economy I'm about to lose it.

Joe Biden has so much class saying that he's going to take Palin's word for it, when she said she didn't mean it that way. McCain and Palin could take a cue from Biden and Obama on that front.

Palin did step into it with the 'pro America' comment. McCain's judgement with choosing her as his veep is another reason why his judgement is flawed and wrong.

I find John McCain's ugly campaigning so Un-patriotic. I hope Joe the Plumber would come out soon with a statement saying he's Voting for Obama. Just to stop all McCain's Joe the Plumber references.

What is the deal with democrats, wanting every American to have health care, equal pay for equal work, and wanting to take money from the rich to give to the poor. Who on earth would want to see that

I guess the McCain campaign think we are simply stupid. We know there is nothing to acorn and Obama. Those are people who have been hired by acorn and trying to make more money turning in false forms. Look at wall street and washington they did the same thing. But little people off the street turning in forms. Come on stop wasting tax papers money.

I am getting madder by the day....It sickens me to hear and see what the McCain Pallin are doing to try to intimidate voters....now these racist robo calls....It is so unfair...Barrack is still so cool through all this....

Please Erica and Anderson do something about these robocalls, it is not fair and it should be brought up, this goes beyond anything they done.

Anderson, did you say they are coming out with another sequel of Robo Cop?

How can McCain Palin live with themselves with the intentionally misleading statements they broadcast about taxes on small business. How many small business in this nation have a net income (that is revenues minus expenses that equals the amount of taxable income) that is over $250,000. Sales revenues of $250,000 will lead to a net of approximately $70,000 in a best case scenario.

Palin is just not very bright. How dare her question any one's patriotism when she is associated with the AIP? I have never seen this in my life a presidential candidate and vp candidate both had ethics charges level against them (mccain in the keathing and palin in the troopergate) and they both have the nerve to talk about obama's JUDGEMENT!!!!

"PRO AMERICAN HERE" AND DEMOCRAT

Looks like the next Culprit of the Collapse will be a mortgage company – can't wait to see who it is.

Finally. Palin admits Obama loves America. Is this the charm McCain thought Sarah would bring to the ticket? I think Steve Schmidt has "gone after" Obama, attacking his patriotism and literally muted this very charismatic Govvernor.

As a Canadian watching this it certainly makes good television. I find Sarah Palin absolutely unqualified and her lack of intelligence insults me as a woman. Their tactics are downright evil! Please don't vote McCain-Palin. Obama-Biden are true leaders and seem like they want to take your country into a new direction!

I am so tired of Palin and the way she is dividing our country. I was a republican for 30 yrs but voting for Obama! I am ready for a change and would like to see hope and a fresh start for our country!!!

do we really believe anything is going to change after this election?
I will be glad when this is over.

I think Biden was exceptionally mature in his acceptance of Palin's clarification. However, I think her clarification in itself was just a cover-up of a serious blunder. Palin meant what she said about the pro-American parts of the country, but did not expect to be called on it.

I think the "robocalls" are disgusting. Its hard to believe that someone who prides himself on his experience, honor to serve America, and steady hand at the wheel could stoop to such low, undignified tactics. I do not consider this conduct becoming of a President.
Sara Palin is nothing more than a "hate riling" animal. It seems that two such patriotic civil servants are looking for nothing more than a low class battle that is going to divide this country rather than unite it. Thats not the change I pray for.

I used to be a far right leaning republican who is now a blue dog democrat and thank God I made the switch because Palin and McCain are definitely not Ronald Reagan a true conservative. They r so out of touch its not funny

The robocalls, the names being used at rallies, the stuffed monkeys and flyers with watermelon and fried chicken, doesn't McCain feel that any of these attacks will turn off Black republican voters?

I cannot believe how much McCain and Palin can comment on their respect for Obama and Biden, then turn around and fully trash them. I feel the difference with Obama and Biden is they are strong in how they disagree on issues, they do not go after the opponents character.

We are Republicans and have never voted for a Democrat for President but we are REALLY disgusted at the McCain/Palin comments and phone calls that we do look at as spreading hate. If any of the accusations were true about Obama we believe they would had ALL been settled during the primaries. We have lost all respect for McCain and will NOT vote for him!

OK..McCain sends me $5000 for insurance, I have high cholesterol and all the insurance companies that is a pre existing condition and deny me health insurance
so with my $5000 all I can get is the very high priced state mandated insurance.
At least Obama recognizes we need to change pre-existing rules already established by most insurance agencies.

No one has ever asked McCain what he has done for AZ. I am from PA and moved to AZ in the late '80s and have asked my AZ friends who do not know either. We can use a few perks out here!

I agree that credence should not be given to the robocalls. I also think this shows that McCain will do anything to get elected. This misinformation is totally ridiculous.

AC – Please have Gergen identify the polls that are tightening. "Some of the polls" type statements just perpetuates the horse race stuff.

Please tell us where McCain is closing in. Thanks.

The republican party should be ashamed of themselves. How can Sarah Palin talk patriotisim when she and her husband are part of a radical group that hates america. She is part of an organization trying to separate the state of Alaska from the US, is that what she calls patriotic ?, The Mccain camp are such hyprocites !!!

Anderson, why do you not have to guts to tell it like it is with Palin. You just said she said that Obama "pals around with terrorists in the past". She does not say "past" she using present tense. Are you infatuated with her?

Palin is so programmed it's sad. She is a ROBOT for he ROBO.

What respect I had for Senator McCain is now lost. I am disappointed not only because of he, his vp choice and his campaign picking up the mud buckets to sling all they can, through robo calls, and while in the campaign trail, but also because of his avoidance of issues. How can he say he is not going to raise taxes and then say he will fix the deficit in his first term?

I am so appalled at the length McCain/Palin have been willing to take their campaign. I have went from being curious about McCain to complete disdain. I dont know who is angrier me or him??? He will do anything to win. I do not want some one of that character to represent me or my country. How can we trust anyone who acts like a spoiled angry bitter hatred and disrespect for another?
And Palin is such a joke that its hard to even take it seriously yet people have blindly accepted her because McCain chose her. I really hope that people will educate themselves and not just by soundbites and commercials.

There are folks on my other blog from Florida who are receiving calls from the McCain campaign saying some very hurtful and nasty things, We need to stand up and change this, McCAIN has an anger problem he should not be a leader of our Country. This is embarrassing

The robocalls are a joke... We have technology today that does a auto-erase of these type of calls... I will turn mine on shortly

I am so sick of Palin. Can she talk about any issues? The Republicans make me sick! It is scary to thnk that Palin could run our country?

Isn't "spreading the wealth" the same as the Robinhood theory? You know, rob from the rich and give to the poor (or less wealthy).

I used to like John McCain..... I thought he was a heroic figure..... It's pathetic that he allows this hate stuff to keep going on.

Is THAT what HE fought for?

Pathetic.....

God help our country...

Obama/Biden!

I dont even listen to what Sarah Palin is saying any more... she is just a puppet for the McCain Campaign.

Both WILL raise taxes; I don't care what information they feed to people to get elected. We are in a recession! It is called reality.

Hi Anderson! I watch you every single night. This is my first time post a comment. I just love the show. Keep up the good work.

Hello Bloggers,

I think that the McCain campaign is absolutely crazy and is losing their mind. This is the most unorthodox, unorganized, and cynical campaign that I have seen. These smear tactics are outrageous.

Congratulations President Obama!

Obama was leading in the polls before the economic collapse, is leading during the collapse and he'll be leading all the way to the White House.

I love how the republican party has this idea that people making less than $250,000 vote to increase their taxes (because the difference in tax cuts between Obama and Mccain's plan is in effect a tax increase) vote to keep taxes low on just 2 milion americans.

the reality is we already have a progressive tax code, the arguement is only what the percentages are. 35 or 39% but we already have this progressive system. Unless McCain is proposing a flat tax we have the same system, just arguing over semantics.

Hi everyone,

I have to agree with Babe. This election isn't about what democrats are doing right but what republicans are doing wrong. I have a feeling that after 8 years of failed policies, voters wanted to blow off steam.

Hello fellow bloggers and Anderson. This is my first time taking part in the AC360 blog. I'm excited.

I think that we have to get to issues at hand and both candidates are not making it clear what their plans are for America. The economy, wall street and a host of other issues we are facing they are so busy destroying each other and as a country and a voter I am not clear what will happen when either take office ? Just my thoughts.

We should never be surprised by the crooked politics of the RNC. They have proven over and over again how low they will sink. I am ashamed of McCain/Palin and their divisive behavior. We have already had 8 years of fear....the republican's favorite trick!!

Sounds like she was indeed stating that some parts of America that are more patriotic than others. Or was it just bad grammar?

Guys ... don't scrach you heads so much .... these daily polls do fluctuate because of a small number of samples involved.

Good point Micheal from PA

Polls tightening, but Obama has not dropped below 50
% the entire time. That is big trouble for McCain.

The republicans ARE DESPERATE and at this point will do ANYTHING to win this election including fear and intimidation...they have done it before and they will do it again.

The polls tightening are just what (potentially) complacent overconfident Obama supporters needed to MAKE SURE they get their butts to the polls!

Anderson, I don't believe that cnn or any other news agencies should give Senator John McCain any coverage about these robo calls. All reporters should reputiate John McCain's racist actions.

David Gergan is always on target with his comments.

This notion that the race is tightening is absurd. Our election are based on the electoral college, not the popular vote. Therefore the national polls are meaningless.

The Obama campaign has been making robocalls. However, these are all positive ones simply reminding people that they can vote early.

McCain should be completely ashamed of himself. These robocalls destroyed his candidacy in 2000, and hurt his family. Gross.

It is tragic so see McCain, Palin and the RNC undermine democracy with their charges that if I do not share their world view I am Un-American. As a vet who served in Vietnam by choice I find their behavior vulgar and disrespectful.

Hey go ahead and send me that check for 5K.....Screw health insurance i need that for food and rent......And Gasssssssssssssss

I would like to know how much more money, in actual dollars,on the average, a person earning $250,000 annually, would pay in taxes under Obama's plan than either under McCain's plan, or, for that matter, under the current plan. I understand that it is really a minimal difference. If that is true, what is all the hoopla about?

One of my coworkers today had a call from the Republican Party about Obama and the terrorist relation. This is a ridiculous low for the republican party and they should go to bed at night ashamed of themselves. I know republicans, and I assume they are more intelligent than this. God save us if this anger and petty attacks are what govern America. I hope most people see through this.

I think the Republicans are only doing what the Democrats have been doing all year....

I think its sad about the robo-calls and what it says about the state of American politics. John McCain should be ashamed of himself and his campaign! During the debate he said that Obama has run the dirtiest campaing ever! Please, those calls are the most disgusting things I have ever heard of in my life! How could anyone vote for someone who would stoop that level to win an election. I guess he'd rather win the hate vote, because that is what he's illiciting.

I can't help thinking that the main reason why the Ayers attacks aren't getting as much traction as the Republicans want is that people are tired of re-fighting the Vietnam war every four years. What scares me is that the McCain campaign will interpret the tightening of the polls to the success of these attacks rather than to the fact that people are getting used to the scary economy and it's not affecting people's votes as much any more.

Bay is just off her rocker uf she thinks Palin is one of the smartest choices of VP in history.

Bay, energy of a party is not going to mean a thing when it comes to governing this county.

It amazes me to hear john McCain talking about wealth redistribution policies of Barrak Obama, someone should ask Mccain that what was the bail out which he not only signed but also suspended his campaign to ensure that it got passed. It was wealth distribution, taking from tax payers and giving to Wall st to pay for their villas, spa bills and what not

Good catch Anderson! Smartest VP candidate? puhlease!

What rock did Bay Buchanan just crawl out from under. Just goes to show you what a hardline Republican soldier she is.

Hey AC & Erica

Overall most polls show him ahead. I think the polls do not reflect the power of this ground movement.

Is anyone else sort of hoping that Sarah Palin actually does make an appearance on SNL tomorrow? I'd like to see if she has it in her to make fun of herself. Or at least come off as slightly cultured...
And on the topic of SNL, it's been far too long since they've done their Anderson Cooper impersonation.

Anderson, I am shocked, stunned and amazed. The two faces of the McCain campaign are such an incredible turn off. I am a republican, and I have in the last two weeks literaly taught my self how to be an Obama supporter. McCain and Palin actually have me embarrassed to be white and republican. I can and will change the republican part, Ihave to live with the other. Sarah Palin is clearly the most elementry pick on the planet. Ken of Cal

At the age of 64, this will be the first time I vote Democrat! WHY...The campaign run by McCain/Palin is "Trash", untrue and beneath any person who calls himself American. They have shown us what their 4 years in the White House would be like! Lies and under handed ...Who needs more of that?

Is Bay OK? Sarah P is a complete disaster and a very divisive woman

Are you kidding me, Bay? Don't insult us any more, please!! David, jump in!

Hi Anderson,

I am a retired Vietnam Veteran, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) Sometimes, I cannot understand why I served 36 years for my country. Our country, in my opinion is no longer a democracy. With the McCain camp depecting racisim in their ad's and capaign, losing our constational rights, disrespect to a black U.S. Senator, and most of all the LIES AND DECEPTION/PROPAGANDA on the news media is just plain sickening and ugly.

Arthur E. Hernandez
MSG USA (retired)

i liked how they clarified "smartest 'choices' for vp" and not "smartest vp." haha

Look at it this way – most people hang up on robocalls – those that are going to listen to this junk are those that already choose to believe it. I pray people are smarter than we are being given credit for – Remember we have eight years of shock therapy – be afraid, be very afraid – I'm over it.

I totally agree with Peggy Noonan.
Bay .... please stop selling your soul ... your brother is at least showing some sign of recovery ....

18 days to go – this is O'Bama's campaign to lose...

Did Bay really just try to say Sarah Palin is one of the smartest VP candidates in history? Is she for real?

I'm really tired of hearing from the republicans about how the real "Americans" are living in the rural parts of America. I live in a large suburb or a big city, San Francisco, we all seem to be pretty patriotic and grow food, and do all those other things that Gov, Palin seem to think are so American. Thank you Sen. Biden for standing up for the rest of us.

Also, why is McCain's other BFF Joe (Liberman) always with him? Is he the vice-vice presidential candidate?

thanks,
valerie

After listening to Palin's comments several times that everyone is referring to as "pro America", I cannot find out what everyone is finding objectionable! She is just saying that the "average" American in the towns and communities throughout America are patriotic. I don't hear anywhere that she says that other parts of the country are not! That's just an attempt to find something negative in her comments. And when she explained what she meant to the reporter, it wasn't an apology–just an explanation. No apology needed.

Here we go again! The nasty republican robocalls....voter supression efforts around the country. If they can't win fairly on the issues they are perfectly willing to to turn to the most UnAmerican, Anti-democratic tactics imaginable. How can any American condone these efforts? Do we really want a leader of this great nation that will stoop this low? What does it say about how they will lie and decieve us if elected?

Sarah Palin has only energized hate.

Too funny, "Let's Clarify Bay Buchanan. DId you mean that Sarah Palin was the smartest vice presidential nominee or the smartest choice for vice presidential nominee?"

There were republicans in line with me yesterday and they were voting Obama. BTW – I'm a registered independent that Mccain lost when he chose Palin. I was leaning toward him before.

Bay Buchanan is really out to lunch. I have been watching her try and defend Palin for weeks now and I find her so stretched trying to justify and validate the stupidity that comes from the vice presidential nominee.

We need leaders that are going to bring this country together not divide it as McCain and Palin have. They are both such hypocrites.

I am simply enraged by the Rovian robocall tactics being employed by John McCain. I have written John McCain and called his senate office and pledged to give Obama another dollar every time I hear or see this vulgar message.

It is clear that Palin was a strategic pick for reasons outside of qualifications

Sarah Palin has taken this country back 50 years. Hopefully America will see the light.

The crouds out side the palin rallys are just one of many reasons why so many voters are questioning the judgment of the McCain campaign. I don't see any people of color at these rallys, nor do I believe they would feel welcome at one. This is bad for his campaign, and is bad for the image of the republican party.
Scott.

Whew! Glad to see Bay clarify her comment about Sarah Palin as the smartest choice for VP, and not the smartest VP candidate. That was close! I'm sure the Dems think she was a great choice!

McCain has approved and controls the decision about these robo calls...he has decided to take the low road.

Anderson.. when i got the robo message from sen mccain implying obama is tied to a terrorist..... in the U S of A everyone is innocent untril proven guilty.. in ohio i have always been an independent...but since this robo thing im a very serious obama supporter ..until now i have been undecided like so many other...john mccain you just lost ohio

Bay are you saying we need idiots to run the country? Didn't we just go through 8 years of this? Are you listenting to yourself?

Wasn't it a couple of years ago that John McCain was a speaker at an Acorn rally. Doesn't that show he was involved with them also?

Obama and Biden have not gone for the character attack like McCain and Palin have. America does not want to hear that.

Hi Anderson,
Thanks for trying to keep them honest!
The unbalanced “Trickle Down Economics” philosophy is the obvious problem. The average income won’t buy the average home. The majority of us can either rent or dot the landscape with trailer homes but what do you do with all of the empty houses? Creative financing is a symptom.

My wife and I live in Brunswick County, NC. We have received two robo-calls and three pieces of negative correspondence from the republican campaign within the last two weeks all with offensive, extremely negative content.

I fail to understand how McCain can say on TV that Obama is "a fine american and a family man" and yet endorse such digusting and erroneous campaign material.

I wish that I could send you a copy of the most recent mailing but I am unable to attach it to this email.

On the sunnier side we did participate in the early voting capability in NC and cast our votes today.

John McCain messed and sat in it when he chose Palin. I hope the American voters make him pay for it. He clearly was not thinking about the country!! He has put us at risk with his gambling choice!!

On one hand McCain says he does not want this campaign to be negative and then he puts this inflammatory robo message out in six states!! This message is deplorable and any true American should be mad as hell and call for an end to this. The best way to be sure this kind of attitude does not sink in to our children's minds is make sure that McCain/Palin ticket does not control the highest offices in this country.

I agree with David Gergen's comment.... that is so scary for me that Palin's supporters rally to McCain.........

I have to ask... I'm just curious. How many people on the top 10 list of the most responsible for the economic crisis are registered Republicans and how many are registered Independents and how many are registered Democrats?

Sarah Palin actually sounded more put together on the plane than any other time I've seen her speak without a teleprompter.

Will it ever occur to the McCain campaign that they are insulting most of us – the voters – when they suggest that only McCain supporters are patriotic enough. Do they think it's a good strategy to get our votes by insulting us?

In addition to many prominent conservatives who have come out against Palin and have lauded Obama, he's also received a number of endorsements from newspapers which have rarely, if ever, chosen a Democratic nominee.

Has anyone else noticed that when sarah Palin speaks – you feel you need to finish her sentences? I have tried to understand what she is trying to convey to the American people...Boy did McCain help his case..

The allegations about Acorn is Bogus. There are Steps and procedures to register people. the truth is out about Acorn. McCain is pushing that and Joe the plummer, likewise the truth is out. with Both McCain is trying to reach out to those people who don't know the truth about both situations. Honestly In McCain's best Defense. DROP the Hurting allegations. We need to see what he IS about. not what Obama is being made out to be.

Lucinda – I wholly agree with you – for someone who said that he would run an honorable campaign, it's disgusting. But the real question is – are you going to vote for him?

McCain and Palin and the Republicans have really crawled into the gutter with their robo-calls.For every call Obama gets another vote, because we are sick and tired of those two and their out and out lies!! This is beyond anything I have ever seen in an election year and I am old. (well younger than McCain,but who isn't)

If John McCain or Sarah Palin bring up Rev. Wright then I feel it is fair game to bring up John McCain's association with Rev Hagee.

Sara Palin constantly contradicts herself. She'll do SNL but won't give an honest interview, only shout out answers on the run. What it she running from herself?

I don't believe the polls because they don't include cell phone users..most of my generation and younger, don't have land lines.

Anderson, McCain and Palin are setting up divisions in this country. There is no place to continue to divide and incite hate.

Polls are so tight these days – McCain had to resort to Robocalls instead of going out to campaign..

As a receiver of a the robo-calls I am sickened that a true american hero can allow such a mean sprited message to be left. There is almost an insuation that since Ayers was/is a terrorist that, somehow, Obama's affiliation with him means that Obama condones it, or worse that Obama is terrorist.

I used to have a lot of respect for McCain's honor and record. It appears with this campaign honor and integrity is taking a back seat.

Bay B. just makes me shake my head in wonder! Either way that comment was meant, it's wrong. It was an error in judgement for McCain to choose her, unvetted, and the governor is attractive, but absolutely not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Even Repubs agree on that.

I guess robocalls aren't covered by the National No Call list.

someone please continue to call McCain on this "terrorist" affiliation tactic he is now employing via robo calls. I fear for Obama's safety. It is irresponsible and dangerous

If General Powell supports Obama, then the republican party will disown him. Watch how people will begin to smear him....

Something should also be said about the impact of a Colin Powell endorsement of McCain, not just the impact of an endorsement of Obama.

I am trying to understand what is Anti American can anyone give me an explanation.

5000 barely covers three months for our family, we must cover all americans, and unite the country not keep doing what McCain/Palin are doing with their latest platform!!!

Why doesn't the media cover the RNC attempt at supressing votes. The so called liberal media isn't so liberal after all

I find McCain/Palin behavior horrible....to stoop this low with these types of robo calls.... It's unacceptable. LB in Omaha, NE.

5000 to buy insurance,well those won't cover one trip to any ER ,for one person,a family will cost around 600 a nonth so mccain 5000 will cover only 7 to 8 month,then we have to pay from our own pocket ,what a lousy plan.

Who would be against a redistribution of exxon mobil's wealth.

You give too much air time to Sarah Palin. Much less to Joe Biden. Why?

I'm a democrat does that make me anti american as well republicans are calling everyone thats not voting for mccain anti american.

I think Palin should discuss her pro american husband's membership in a group that wants to secede from the USA!

all signs are bad for mccain. he needs to pack it up and send palin back to alaska!

Both Babe and her brother seem so tiring and evidence signs of running out of steam.

Isn't Mahoney the one who took over from Foley? Whether or not Mahoney did something illegal, this makes me think neither party can claim they are for monogamy. Two years ago it was Republicans, now Democrats: first with Spitzer then with John Edwards.

I'm disappointed that the Republicans are engaging in negative and hateful practices. Creating division is a terrible way to try and bring the country together.

I believe the polls are skewed since they really only take into consideration previous voters, but there are so many new voters no telling what the real numbers are

It's about time the Republicans are reminded that they are not above the law. Real interest, concern and an honest attempt to govern must returned to the White House for the sake of this country. Go Obama!.

In a clip at the beginning of tonight's show a reporter said Governor Palin suggested that some parts of our country were not as patriotic as others. The Governor's quote followed and at no time did she use those words or imply that sentiment. The clip then went to Sen. Biden for his reaction. Reminds me of trouble-makers on the playground trying to stir things up. Knock it off! I'd like folks in the media to take the high road and not add to or encourage the negativity.

Is anyone else completely disgusted by the robot calls? Does the McCain campaign think they are not planting seeds of hate and encouraging the radicals at their rallies? This is a sad day in presidential campaining.

Jane, why isn't Obama claiming that McCain will be 4 more years of Bush playing on fear? As McCain said in the last debate, he's not Bush.

Republican party: intellectuals need not apply!
It's not enough to listen to 'Joe six pack' , we must listen only to 'Joe six pack'.

A burger hang over? Nobody needs that big a burger

McCain reminds me of Bush and Cheney lying to American's about their real undercover actions

Sarah Palin seems to spend all of her campaigning just badmouthing Barack Obama rather than focusing on the issues. We as voters would like to see something come out of her mouth that suggests she actually has a clue what the campaign issues are. I;ve heard enough about "hockey moms" and "Joe sixpack" . I think it's scary that she could be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I am a 56 yr old white female that would have supported Hillary all the way. I was highly insulted that John McCain picked a woman trying to win over Hillary voters. Sarah Palin doesn't hold a candle to Hillary in political experience. I think if John McCain were to win, Sarah Palin would become invisible, kinda like the guy who is VP now.... what's his name?
OBAMA SUPPORTER 100%

I am disgusted with the McCain/Palin ticket for running a very negative
campaign. I am an independent who was leaning toward McCain until he chose Palin. The third debate convinced me that Cool collected Obama is the one.

McCain campaign has stepped into a new low, it's pretty pathetic that Americans are supporting such hate, anything to win this election. Thats not leadership, its embarrassing

I live in San Diego and i know what Sarah meant and am not offended by what she had to say because i have a clear enough mind to know that the media continues to take things out of context. She is just saying that politics is getting out of control in places like D.C and the little towns outside of it aren't influenced by the dirtiness of it.

Why can't morgages use insurance contract to bring back the value and long time inverstment. Making the company the beneficiary, and the family get some out of it.

This is my dad comment not mine, it like his little idea and I don't really understand it.

John McCain is a great American war hero. Unfortunately he will only be remembered for this hate filled campaign once Obama becomes president.

McCain and Palin play to the mob – Obama speaks to the thinking American. McCain's campaign brings out the worst in us. He scares me

Where does McCain get his facts that 5% of Americans pay 60% of the taxes?

I think McCain and Palin should abolish and forfeit their campaign because i think they're just wasting their time and effort in doing their dirty and dishonorable work to be a leader of this country and i don't think the citizen of the United of America would like to accept a leader like that.

The robo calls are appalling and embarrassing. I don't understand why people actually believe them – so ridiculous. Obama was 8 years old when the Weather Underground existed. Ayers is now a University professor – what was Obama supposed to do? Be rude and ignore him? Did McCain denounce G. Gordon Liddy?

McCain's time was in 2000. The Republican Party selected the flashy George Bush over him. McCain is a great hero and American, but it's too late for him.

BTW. As a resident of Connecticut, we wish that Joe Lieberman would pay some attention to his constituents. What cabinet seat is he lobbying for? I voted for him last time around and I regret throwing away my vote on him.

I don't personally earn anywhere close to $250,000.00, but when I think about Obama raising taxes on small businesses or any businesses that seems absurd. Why should a business continue to produce in America even at a 35% tax rate when they can relocate to another country with a much lower tax rate. Then who is the loser. Ameicans, because there will be more people out of work.

I plan to vote for John McCain because I feel that Obama is not telling the truth about many issues. For example, his repeated statements about John McCain's Medicare proposals are false. Obama's errors are documented and should be scrutinized not ignored by the media.

Mike in Syracuse: It's basic fundamental math...to put a price on our health care policies that we have at work ( and yes, it is considered around 12K, give or take dependent on your age) and tax that benefit at lets just assume 30% , would INCREASE your taxes by $3600 each year. Now, second step...if you're young, and can get a tax care credit cheaper due to your age, then you'll go buy health insurance privately.... Now....follow this through...carefully... that leaves employers paying HIGHER premiums due to the average age of their workers. Keep following. The TAX liability, seeing as it would be based on a higher risk for the value of the policies, would ALSO increase. Keep following. The $5000 credit would not even come near covering the deficit in the taxable benefit. It's not a well structured plan, and would probably cause more harm than good.

As a previous supporter of John McCain, I am appalled at the vicious, personal attacks that McCain is using against Obama. Our country is in a heap of trouble and needs to heal, not be torn apart in this despicable manner. It's rather sad to see how far this once honorable man has fallen.

Over and over we hear that Obama will raise taxes... It's old Rep vs Dem rhetoric making it seem as if the Dems overspend... Have Republican voters looked at the state of our budgetover the past 8 years? (Oh, and no not the last two with a Dem Congress...the last 8 years of depleting a surplus budget)

How can Sarah Palin talk about palling around when her freaking husband didn't want to be apart of the USA.

Wright again? Didn't CNN show her having witches being exorcised? Why don't you all play that 18 times a day like you did Wright? Oh, never mind – that's anti-McCain/Palin. Sorry

McCain and Palin are playing a dangerous game! If I were Obama, I would get extra protection my family and myself. McCain and Palin are just shy of inviting someone to assassinate Obama.

There were reports weeks ago with Sarah Palin specifically saying she wanted John McCain to bring up Reverend Wright, so why is she claiming something different now?

McCain must have a lot of people at his rallies that earn over $250,000.00 because he always makes statement that Obama wants to tax his audience.

I dont believe in polls, John but i do agree. I think that once people get in to vote the truth will come out. it seems a lot of old people are voting for McCain..wonder if that is a race issue?

not only sinister palin says about pro-americans she also open the door about rev. wright. oh did you hear that rep. bachmann says that all democrates are anti-americans. whats wrong with these republicans??

Steve, race isn't even mentioned in the robocalls. I'm sick of anyone who criticizes Obama being called a racist.

The McCain-Palin ticket keeps talking about Acorn. Senator McCain said that this is the largest voter fraud in the history of the United States. No Senator McCain, that would be the 2000 election.

I thought that the community group ACORN only register voters, do they have any impact on how voters they register actually vote?

Steve, how are robocalls racist? I believe Hillary did the same thing. Voters have the right to know who Obama hangs out with. I still don't understand why Wright is off limits.

So if she can go on SNL and answer questions from reporters on a plane then why won't she hold a legitimate Washington press conference?? Anyone?

The media keeps asking McCain and Palin about Obama's associations with Ayers and Rev Wright...shouldn't the media be asking these questions of Obama?

I agree with chris, the polls only show the likely voters.

Bay ... Wasn't David Duke was a legitimate Republican! I

I thought John McCain was all about "Country First". In regards to the "Robo Calls", it appears the RNC & the McCain campaign would rather divide the nation than loose the election .

The only positive thing that I have to say about Palin is that she is a typical polititian by the way she lies...

She is actually bringing up Wright. My god, I thought this was over. Lets ask her about some of Johns associates. I love the Libby associcate.

l find the questions about temperment fascinating. Dave Gergen mentioned last week how the way a candidate campaigns at the end of a race is a window into how he will act in office – put those two together and it makes you think!

I find it interesting listening to Jamal. Okay, I really find the Ayers, ACORN, and Rev. Wright getting to be old also. However; as David Gergen states that this nation is in need of a sound leadership. It is important to know the "integrity" of that leader.

Questions about Obama's character and associations are entirely fair play. Just because we've heard them before does not make them invalid. McCain's character and associates are continually called into question by the press and by Obama and his surrogates. It's fair game.

McCain's robocalls are offensive and insulting. It seems an act of desperation. This is not something the McCain we saw in 2000 would have approved of or ever allowed from his campaign.

Erica,

I agree, it is fascinating to see the difference in the candidates temperments, the compare/contrast.

Well, Erica if that is the case, that is definitely something to think about.

very true Erica, an angry old man we already have in office. George Bush the man who bankrupted the world.

I am a bred and born Texas red neck and I am so tired of ignorent people suporting ignorent candidates for any kind of public office. In reference to the lady on your show right now,. p. s. I have lived in Europe for the last 30 years.

Why do you guys keeping on saying polls are tightening, when
AP, NYT, CNN polls show Obama leading by far insurmountable lead?

Fay,
She is not calling the shots, but then again she might one day. What a scarey thought...imagine modern day Salem witch hunts moblized by Sarah Plain.

McCains temperment suggests to me that he would not listen to anything anyone has to say, including his advisors.

I agree Erica. The way you govern yourself is a reflection, a glimpse into the first term.

I hope CNN amends it who are they Revealed segments since we have learned more about the lying Palin

I posted a note on McCain's site advising that his healthcare plan would cost me at least $1500 in addition to his $2500 credit. I never received any feedback but I did start getting "supporter" emails. I was not amused! Perhaps if he'd stick to discussing the issues and explaining why he is right he'd have a better chance of winning.

How many people do you think would actually use the $5000 to buy insurance?

John McCain I truely believe is an honorable man, however the media needs to place a spotlight how much of his integrity he has surrendered in order to become the Republican Candidate of 2008 vs. his run in 2000. Would he recognize himself if he saw himself today?

18 more days of this- then maybe we can focus on the ISSUES.

I've read in the Chicago papers about some really scurrilous robot phone calls being received in some Pennsylvania areas. They purport to be from the Obama campaign and are laoaded with really bad language including the n word. You guys heard anything about that ?

I am a Republican voting for OBAMA. The McCain campaign is not playing nice. The robo calls are proof of that.

Loren's comment askng if the $5000 gift Mcain plans to give us will be a gift only once or every year while he is office or is he going to sign this into law to be given every year forever

Face it the country is broke. Does anyone really think any candidate is going to be able to lower taxes?? Let alone spend more money on any program they are now talking about??

David Gergen keep on saying polls are tightening. May be he is switching over to the dark side – toward McCain.

McCain's temperment may be different in person but on TV it comes across as angry, grumpy, rude, disrespectful, contemptful, etc.

I can 't believe the McCain campaign would resort to these " robo" calls. I think this kind of thing goes against everything that John McCain stands for.

Palin was a strategic pick... is that putting country FIRST!

Hey Anderson! Thanks for not being so bias in your newscast! I'm glad that you've reported those greedy culprits of the financial crisis because now I feel more aware of who has contributed to our nations crisis and not just thing of them as a whole!

The RNC and John Mccain is igniting a fire at the rallies, have anyone noticed that there is not a single minority group these rallies. Hmmmm if I didn't know any better, I would've thought that I was watching a KKK rally, all that was missing were the white sheets

Being Arab/Muslim/Christian etc shouldnt matter.
But give the woman some credit, the word "Barack" is Arabic (not swahili). When I see the name Yang, Chien, I automatically associate it with Chinese.

At last! Anthony Mozillo makes it to the Top 10. Now, Anderson.how about checking out all those sweetheart loans made to various memabers of Congress by Mozillo?

This guy needs to go to JAIL........for life.

Anderson, Have any of these guys on your "list" contacted you?

Hi Erica -

It does make you think. Who do you want to run our country in a time of crisis?

It sure does, Erica. I worry so much because McCain's campaign seems to be switching back and forth so much it makes them look indecisive.

At the end of the day, I think there will be so many culprits of the collaspe that most will fall through the cracks. Punishment for them will probably be swept aside too.

The concern about SMALL business being taxed may be unwarranted. SMALL is defined as equal to or greater than 250K up to what? Don't let the word SMALL be equated with helpless or "mom and pop."

How about taxing the golden parachutes that the 10 most wanted received.

Sandi, you're just too smart for me. I tried to follow (thanks for the directions) but I still don't understand. Perhaps you can explain how Obama plans to pay for his health care plan.

When are any of these guys going to start being prosecuted? We need a good flogging to get our spirits back up from being broke. Lets start with Graham.

When called up on it, Palin has consistently backtracked on her comments that seem to get her in trouble. She looks like an Alaskan trout flopping around.

Obama/Biden in GA

Since when has Palin addressed her connection with the AIP? Bay made that up.

It's ironic that Palin talks about "pro-America" regions given that her husband belonged to a successionist group.

Pamela R.
Thornton, CO

I think it 'sdangerous to let people take money from their 401K's. What will happen when they get to retirement and that money is not there and they need it. Us taxpayers will have to help them out again, it's not a good idea.

Oh that SNL skit was so funny. I love it. I have to see that again.

re: Fay, CA
Why the change? Because the campaign handlers have had to censor her comments and real her in again.

Erica,
You have a point!

at the end of last nights debate, Senator McCain said that returning soldiers could become teachers without taking any tests or certifcaion. This would not help the education condition.

@Jane Toms,
The name Barack is also Jewish. There have been two Jewish Prime Ministers with that name.

The Shot of the day proves one thing.. Never snatch an open Mic..Good Friday evening..Night all

great show again, have a great weekend everyone, and props to AC and Erica and of course DAVID,,:)

This campaign is scaring me with the McCain campaign moving from one divisive and incendiary tactic to another. Is the media not concerned about the fallout from all of the coverage and where it could lead in this country?

Erica and Anderson working on the weekend! Not me! Regardless, hope it's a good one! Nite all.

Good night – That SNL skit with the confused lady was sooo very funny! It had my eyes watering. Extreme giggles tonight. Yes, the hair was perfect. Have a nice weekend.

Maybe the real question here is how Pro-American is someone who is 'palling aound' with the Alaskan Independence Party?

Anderson, I'm so tirer of hearing about Rev Wright and Ayer Can someone tell them that it's old news. Can we talk about people homes jobs and 401ks.

Anderson, we really appreciate your 10 most wanted.... but maybe it should be the "100 most wanted"! Thanks

Anderson, do you think that the chairman of Leohman Brothers will get what he deserves or what?

Don`t forget to get out and vote.

Nite Anderson, Erica, bloggers. I'm out of here

Anderson, McCain said the issue of Rev. Wrights is off limits, why do you continue to bring it up on your show?

I'm a democrat, but I always respected John McCain – until this campaign season. In fact, I never understood why my repub friends didn't like him. I see it now.

Can someone tell me what John McCain was writing down the other night in the debate? He wrote enough down for a sequel to War and Peace.
Really! What was he writing down?

Maybe the real question should be how Pro-American is someone who is ‘palling aound’ with the Alaskan Independence Party?

If McCain can't hide his disgust in a debate then how do you think he would do against a foreign leader who he thinks is despicable?