For the sake of time, President Obama should only vet the three or four members of Congress and the Senate who have paid taxes and who don't lobby on the side.

Toto is pulling back the curtain once again and exposing the frauds.

Thank You Mr. President for being candid and real in times where other's would blame subordinates. The media wants to blame the vetting process. The issues we face are common across America with tax loop holes many have benefited from. If we can get to the real issues and stop looking for scandals we will be able to conquer this financial storm. Remember there are millions of jobs at stake here.

I don't see it as the President's mistake just two sets of rules , one for the working person and one for the insiders.

So does he take responsibility for the other screw-ups in his Cabinet like the Treasury Secretary who can't properly use TurboTax and Eric Holder with his questionable past? Sounds same old, same old to me despite campaign promises. And it sounds like he was trying to snow job his way out of answering this honestly. His hand got caught in the cookie jar. So did his nominee's. End of story. Just glad Daschle at least has sense enough to walk away where the others were too greedy to have any honor by bowing out.

Wow. A president who admits he made a mistake – early, without much prodding, and says he will do better; that there is only one standard of right and wrong and it applies to all people. After the last 8 years this was really a refreshing thing to hear. Recognizing and admitting it openly is a lot of times the hardest part of correcting the mistake. Good for Obama!

Wow...President Obama admitted to a mistake 15 days in? It took George W. 8 years to get to that point and even then he didn't really take any responsibility! That was an awesome clip and I can't wait to see the rest of the interview tonight!

Didn't HRC want the HHS job?

it sure is nice to see a politician admit making a mistake, and apologizing for it.... especially a president...

I am glad we now have a president who is bold enough to say "I made a mistake". Everybody makes mistakes. We need more people like him who can take admit their mistakes and then proceed to hopefully correct those mistakes. (That's quite a contrast compared to the recent past!!)

I appreciate the honesty, yes it was a mistake, just as it is a mistake to hire lobbyists after campaign promises. Stick to a set of standards and be true to those standards. Each time you set those standards aside you lose credibility.

The thing about admitting mistakes is you earn respect if you admit the mistake and correct the issue, you lose credibility if you admit to the mistake and then continue down the same path.

Way to Go...Show them that we are all human!!! We make mistakes, as a mother.. I support mistakes, as they pave a way for new thought, new decisions, and learning to do things better under a different angle of sight. Like minds see things only one way, unlike minds create opportunity!! I am a registered Republican, and I voted for you and still see a smartly intelligent human being, leading our country and paving a new thought of mind for all.

At least we now have a President that admits he can make a mistake unlike the previous one who made mistake after mistake after mistake and refused to admit it or learn from it !!!!!

How refreshing to have a President who can admit to making a mistake!

What mistake did Obama make? The choice of Daschle was done by his advisors; they're the ones who should be nervous about their jobs.

One way HDld save some mney is/was by settling some of the lawsuits in which they know they are wrong or that could be cheaper to reach a settlement than to keep reatining these HIGH PRICED LAWFIRMS, which they settle in the end anyway. Why not have the complaintant sign privacy greements and pay them instead of these VERY over priced firms. That money could be going to some "Joe the Plummer" kinda guy struggling while working in it's stores o feed his family. Thatmoney could well save SOME JOBS!! But o course at HD the top stays fat so why be concerned if they could save 10 o 15 jobs, huh! Ooops I forgot its HD we're speaking of.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
President Obama--YES YOU CAN!

I don't see this as the President's mistake unless he knew about Daschle's taxes prior to selecting him. I see it as shining the light on some things that has been allowed to go on in previous administrations. Good job Mr. President!! Keep the standards high and you will end up with the honest and best individuals for the job!!

First of all since when is someone else's tax error another person's responsibility? Obama hasn't done anything wrong, Daschel and the other person screwed up, let's look at all of the Congress and Senate's taxes past and present and see how clean they come out?
Also, Obama has already said "I screwed up", which he didn't have too. Never once did I hear George Bush take responsibility for anything, nor any of the Republican parrots who kept telling everyone he was right. The Republicans only know how to block, obstruct and lie, they have ruined this country, they have much to apologize for, like IRAQ, and the mess were in right now. So when they apologize for all they've done, then we can talk about what Obama needs to apologize for.

yes we can

I think Obama can balance the budget if he keeps picking. Obama should run the treasury dept. he has taken in more money in his first 12 days then the IRS all year. Bush should have audited all the democrates and he would have balanced the budget also. Obama's team the dirty dozen, keep it up. I believe in change now, as long as we don't have to pay taxes. Illinois has two set of standards, one for the people and one for the politicians.

I agree with Tammy of L.A. I am also thinking that this admission may be welcomed by many and work to the political good of the President. Even if previous Presidents were slow to admit their mistakes, admitting the mistake should NOT then throw this President into some sort of glorified icon! He could hardly NOT admit it; it's so blatant! AND, it isn't the first nor will it be the last. Honesty is something to be admired. I'm just not sure this was done for the sake of honesty.

Bravo President Obama!
It is Different to have a President who actually tries to keep his word & better yet Owns up & Apologizes when he "Screws Up!"

Shame on You Democrats!!
You finally get the Presidency, Congress & the Senate & you Shoot Yourself in the Foot Over & Over!!

What in the Hell is the Matter with you People!!
The Country Needs You!!

Mr president is here to get the job done because the republican were there for eight year's waisting their time it's, time for republican to step up or step down

How refreshing. He didn't even hesitate to say he made a mistake. Maybe change really HAS come to Washington.

Mr. President Obama,
Continue on your road to serving the people. You did just what you said in your campaign speech. "When a mistake is made, the American people will know it". I thank you for your honesty.

Get over it haters.

I have to say Im not a Daschle Fan, he let Bush and the Republicans walk all over him. He is weak!!.

His own state voted him out, and now he has tax issues, etc...

He no doubt has been working for Insurance Companies and im sure will continue to do s , making millions trying to lobby for laws that will benefit the Insurance Co's and not Americans.

Glad he is not in the administration, but he is not gone!!

I can't even imagine our previous president being so transparent and admitting error. Good for him and really let's just move on.

This is just a comment.
Everyone must be happy that Obama came along so they could beat up on him, even though he is in office for a couple of weeks.
When the other administration was in office, I did not see such hype.
Maybe Obama should do things quietly, instead of being so public.
I look at how people want to report everything in such a mean way.
Very mean spirited.

I campaigned for President Obama and made several small donations (all that I could afford) and am concerned about his vetting process. Now we have Tom Daschle withdrawing. I thought President Obama would have transperancy and I am starting to ask myself if I voted for the right candidate. My Republican friends are asking me the same question. Did I?

how come people in lexington ky that are women cant get health insurance but we qualify for food stamps and kids get health insurance but mother of handicapp kids or normal kidscant get healthy insurance unless where pregant then we only keep it for 3 months after words.

tell the president to fix that tooo

Why should Obama apologize.... I say that A-boy!!!!
Look at the money that is getting paid to the IRS. LONG OVER DO
I say lets keep it up and check all the politicans.
I bet there is more...

Dear Mr. President,

We need BACKGROUND CHECKS on the potential nominees!!

I have been following your cabinet nominations and have noticed the recent embarrassments!

Prior to even naming a candidate for cabinet poitions, how about getting a thorough background check on the proposed candidates – check on credit, tax/lien, civil, criminal, DMV and SSN checks. In addition, please check the history on how many nannies, home helpers, gardeners and chaufffers were hired by this candidate, and were all these people in legal status to live in the USA and were they authorized to work.

If there are any issues with the above checks, you need to assess the candidate's viability......this will save embarrassment and tax payers $$$!!

Wow – that is change!

Can any news company say anything positive about the President and the country without giving us all the stupid comments over and over all day about how the President and his team did this wrong etc... listen we had to endure the last President ignorance for 8 years this new President is wonderful for American- his human, he makes mistakes and the more the Republicans attack him the more I think he is doing a good job. WHY because they are scared at what this man could do for this country! So PLEASE its getting boring the news its critical critical and gossipy. Have you guys not noticed that Americans are suffering we want some light and positive human stories can you bring some of that HERO ideas to your news programs!!!!???? ENOUGH PLEASE

Good to hear OB1 admitting his mistake. Truman was right when he stated the "buck stops here". OB1, you're making the right statements, but the wrong moves..

Does anyone know which tax courses Killefer, Daschle and Geithner took? I owe Uncle Sam a ton this year, and would love to bring it down to zero..

Danny

I can see why Daschle drove off in his limo today. He doesn't have to put up with this. He can come back and make millions as a lobbyist to this administration. I am quickly losing faith in the morality of our new administration. And how did Timothy Geithner pass through all of this? If I ever deducted my son's summer studies at Skidmore and Brown I would be in jail. Why is this bright man held to such a low standard of ethics?

Lindsey, NYC

Bravo, Mr. President!

I too, am glad that the Leader of the Free World is one to lead out in admitting to a mistake. One commentator indicated that President Obama "set the bar too high". I hope that we don't loose sight of the goal after the a problem occurs. But the apparent problems with lawmakers, civil servants, and politicians indicates that there is a culture that needs to be rectified. We need to support positive change and it would be a tragedy to "lower the bar" just to appear to that there will be change in Washington. I am looking forward to leadership from statesmen and NOT rhetoric from politicians!

Go get 'em Pres B!

I’m sure Pres. Obama wished he didn’t make this mistake, but he did and he owned up to it. He’s not perfect and he will make more mistakes along the way, but if his heart is in the right place, he will fix them and make sure they don’t happen again. This just goes to show that the path to recovery is a long and ugly road ahead.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Can't we SAVE our way out of this recession? Can we challenge those who are able to save $ do it? Can we start disclosing all the wasteful $'s being spent that can be cut immediately? I would be amazed to see that cuuting waste can decrease the $'s needed to recover.
Also I want the ethics committee begin to look into all the current House and Senate Rep's ensuring that those who are approving these appointments are "squeaky clean" as well.

@ Tammy: Just glad Daschle at least has sense enough to walk away where the others were too greedy to have any honor by bowing out.

I just had to re-write your script. Please forgive.

Just glad Daschle at least has sense to walk away (before another tax audit) where the others were too greedy to have any honor by bowing out.

It is deeply regrettable that Tom Daschle, with his outstanding 30 year record of public service as a dedicated, no-nonsense lawmaker, has been brought down by a personal tax issue. I don't blame the president although I am glad to see him taking the heat, but I do blame the vetters who missed this detail and brought embarrassment to the new administration. The saddest part is that all too many respected legislators get caught up in the lobbyist' syndrome and forget the ethic lessons instilled during their earlier years. Tom Daschle would have been a great HHS Secretary.

Thanks Mr President for continuing to be a Class Act. Something we have not had in the past 8 years. No man walking this earth will not make mistakes. It takes a true leader to admit it. This is what we the American people have wanted from our leaders just to be truthful with us. We know no one if perfect!

Kudos to Anderson for asking the hard questions and kudos to the President for answering honestly and taking responsibility for his actions. Very refreshing for a change.

Thanks so much for this clip and I look forward to the show tonight.

OMG......Daschle should have NEVER ever been appointed.....and
there are probably others in Washington that should not be there either.....it is like this everywhere.....those who have the big bucks tend to think they should not be treated the same as the middle class people.....I worked in banking back in the 70's and saw all sorts of
"differences" the people with money get.....they use to be able to write a rubber check and no one ever knew.....the bank would send them a notice to make a deposit while the little people who were striving trying to make a living was charged a whopping $3 NSF fee.....yes back in those days....$3 was a lot of money....this is what is WRONG with our system today.....there are two standards of living......one for the middle class and poor people and 1 for the rich.....

I thought we were getting CHANGE.......WHERE IS IT? WHEN WILL WE SEE IT? One of many broken promises to be seen.....

Maybe it's time all Senator's taxes were audited......I am sure you will find many Republicans who scream the loudest have "errors" on their taxes also....just look at Ted Stevens. The Republicans waited until he was convicted before they tossed him out. Everybody in elected office should make their tax returns know yearly.

I wonder who is calling the kettle black? If asked, how many Senators, Governors and Congressmen would make their tax history public?
Perhaps past tax issues should preclude any and all public officials from holding office.
Capital Hill would look like the Lost City of Atlantis!

Anderson, I watch your show and enjoy it very much. Why do we call President Obama an African-American. I think that it is time that we started calling all blacks in the USA Black-Americans. The time has come to drow the African part to a black person. We have Swedes, Germans, French, etc. and we do not calla Swede a Swedish;American.

Plus Prsident Obaam is only half Black. Lets get into the 21st Centruy. If you are a citizen you are an American–period. Solve the housing mess by letting people refinance at 4.5 percent and people well be able to pay loans and forclosures well drop.

Anderson,
I love how your coworker Lou Dobbs can put the entire blame for the current economic downfall upon the man who just entered office two weeks ago. Where was his loud mouth when our former President was blindly handing out billions to guys who would rather spend it on jets and Las Vegas vacations than hep those who really need it? Why is it that every old, overweight, unattractive senior male wants to bark like a tiny pup at the fact that we voted in someone with more charisma then they EVER had in their prime? I'm tired of seeing these guys and their obliviousness to the fact that their generation is the one that got us into this big mess in the first place. Now OUR generation is supposed to save the world – and all we get is grief? Ridiculous. I think they just have a chip on their shoulder over the fact that most women in this country (including their own wives, ex-wives) would rather spend a charming evening with Barry than with the old ball-and-chain.

@Larry, the captain of the ship is responsible for what happens on the ship. OF COURSE Obama is responsible. It's not the vetting process that's the problem. He knew of the tax iisues with all 3 (Geitner, Daschle and Killefer) BEFORE nominating them. It's the decison making after getting the facts that's the problem. One has to question his overall judgement in going forward with all three. Add on Richardson (problems also known in advance) and you now have a pattern of poor decisions. Say, didn't Obama campaign on his superior judgement?

No Gayle, you didn't vote for the right guy.

United we stand. Devided we fall. Security is our ultimate goal and we have to have INSENTIVES to create new jobs in all areas concerned. We need security in our safety, health and welfare. It's time to take action to improve our lives. We need jobs available for our economic growth in wind, solar, and nuclear. Bailing out is Copping out. Insentive plans will set our economy back in the direction for progress, rather than passing the buck to the next generation!?!
Stop passing the buck and start rewarding those that are taking action to improve our country. We are the world's leader of freedom! We have an obligation to our for fathers to secure it !!!

Takes a real MAN to admit a mistake.....thanks Pres. Obama, you truly are a real MAN .....

Thank God this information was found out now and not a year from now, or else there probably would've been hell to pay. Of course, I'm sure there are quite a few Politicians that can say they haven't cheated on taxes or whatever....

Yes Obama is making a mistake. Why not give the american taxpayers their money instead of giving it to the big corporations and banks. If the money went to the every working american that files tax returns ( obviously with a thought out way) then the american people would have more money in their hands and in their bank accounts. That would allow them to be approved for more loans because they would have the assets, which would start the wheels going again in the financial sector which would jump start the economy and many other parts of the economy. This way they are starting from the bottom (the people that are hurting the most) and it will trickle up.

However, based on what I see the plan calls for more money going to more corporations with the hope that it will trickle down – but it never does.

I am not an economist nor have any expertise in financial situations but the more I speak to people about this idea the more it makes sense!

Yes Obama is making a mistake. Why not give the american taxpayers their money instead of giving it to the big corporations and banks. If the money went to the every working american that files tax returns ( obviously with a thought out way) then the american people would have more money in their hands and in their bank accounts. That would allow them to be approved for more loans because they would have the assets, which would start the wheels going again in the financial sector which would jump start the economy and many other parts of the economy. This way they are starting from the bottom (the people that are hurting the most) and it will trickle up.

However, based on what I see the plan calls for more money going to more corporations with the hope that it will trickle down – but it never does.

I am not an economist nor have any expertise in financial situations but the more I speak to people about this idea the more it makes sense!

Pres Obama's admitting he made a mistake just confirms my reason for voting for the MAN!!! It's about time that someone in Washington admitted that they are human.. I can only hope that Obama's realism is contagious and maybe these Big CEO's and govt offiicials will get a Clue and Stop thinking that they are above the law..
Obama needs to cut them off at the knees..and bring them back to reality where the rest of us live..

That wasn't much of an admission of error. The way to do it is to say "yes, I made a mistake and I take responsibility." The end. It detracts from sincereity to have added the rest.

Anderson.
What brave of Pres. Obama!
I accept his (Pres. Obama) apology what he made little mistake.... Wow! What change? I knew what he made mistake to choose Tom Daschle haven't paid a tax.... I am really surprise Tom Daschle withdrawal his nomination his job Health of Department. But I am proud of Obama is saying apology to people. I understand he took blame himself. I found out that there was breaking news on Situation Room and got e-mail from CNN too as a above it's say samething.
I am forwarding see you and Pres. Obama to interview tonight. I can't wait!!!!! See you there!

While the President's candor is somewhat refreshing to hear, I think the adjective that best describes his cabinet appointment selection process to date is "slapdaschle" – defn. – done in a hasty, careless and/or reckless manner. With vetting like this, it kind of makes you wish for the good old days. Where are John McCain and Sarah Palin when you need them?!?

President Obama, has been more candid than any other President
in my life time. We all make mistakes, it's just nice when we take
responcibility for it. He has been left with a huge mess. Would have been nice to hear Ex Pres. Bush own up to his part in it. I am looking
forward to Obama's administration when they all get confirmed and
the country can start moving forward. Thank you President Obama
for being a real person, because americcans need to know that you
care. You will make mistakes, and that's okay, at least you seem to
learn from yours.

For Obama to limit himself to just this one mistake so far goes to show what the fiber of this country is up against. And.. As I’m sure you have noticed, “I’m even leaving the “”Moral”” factor out of it. He might want to come back later or another time.. He just started the job!!

Really looking forward to Anderson's interview with the President !
I think this has been under-reported by networks: it was Obama's vetting team that discovered another tax problem first–in mid-December. But Daschle didn't tell O's team about the chauffeur car thing until January 2nd, after he'd finally paid taxes on the drives.
Daschle was perfect for HHS, given his depth of experence & that's clearly why Obama supported Daschle much longer than he should have. Yes, we need to "keep them honest" & that refers not just to politicians but reporters too. We need some balanced reporting, not just Right Wing talking pts.

Anderson, I can't believe you would interrupt the president in almost every response he gave. I guess your thoughts and questions are more important than his responses, right?

Before late than never!

Good examples this week. Assumed error 'human' in Google and President Obama took, too, his mistake.

Yesterday, David Gewirtz, said: "Google's behavior in this
incident should be a role model for other companies – and, dare I say, our government as well. "

Will that President Obama is also a blogger's AC360?
He must have read and been inspired for the interview with Anderson Cooper.

I like so much this!

I like the fact that President Obama is a standup guy.
From what I have seen so far it looks like a great interview.
Nice work Anderson.

Given the extreme corruption shown by the last administration, with the Cheney connection to Haliburton's war profiteering, constant conflicts of interest, etc, that went completely unexamined and unrebuked, I think it is a terrible shame that Daschle's tremendous experience won't be accessible to us in a time of urgent need for this country due to what appears to be a fairly commonplace transgression/error/oversight. The IRS can only verify whether a tiny portion of taxpayers are doing their returns correctly. Millions make mistakes, and millions lie, or at least shade the truth (e.g., "Well, I DO use that vehicle I am deducting as a business expense once in a while for business. Who will know how often?"). The people complaining that the Daschles of the world can get away with it and they don't are being disingenuous - the primary difference between them and Tom Daschle is the dollar amount of the transgression. In fact, most of the complainers will never be subjected to the level of scrutiny that Daschle is undergoing right now, and if they were, they would need to get a bank loan to solve their tax problems. The press focuses too often on the irrelevant and fails to examine the truly important.

Anderson.
What brave of Pres. Obama!
I accept his (Pres. Obama) apology what he made little mistake…. Wow! What changed? I knew what he made mistake to choose Tom Daschle haven’t paid a tax…. I am really surprise Tom Daschle withdrawal his nomination his job. But I am proud of Obama is saying apology to people. I understand he took blame himself. I found out that there was breaking news on Situation Room and got e-mail from CNN too.
I am forwarding see you and Pres. Obama to interview tonight. I can’t wait!!!!! See you there!

I think that CNN as always would like to see the President fail. Give President Oboma a chance to start working on these big problems. This man hasn't been in office a month, and you are already trying to being him down. GIVE PRESIDENT OBOMA A CHANCE TO DO HIS JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's take a look; Oath of Office? do over; Tom Daschle? do over: Nancy Killefer? do over; Bill Richardson? do over.

I can't wait for the next shoe to drop; priceless reality TV.

I am very glad to see our President take accountability, because in the end he is who we voted for not his cabinet. I am also extremely pleased with this administrations transparency reguarding the cabinet selections. When you are near perfect in almost all you do like President Obama, people will be petty if they witness a stumble or misstep. Gayle you absolutely voted for the right person! It's been 15 days since he's been president officially, we've just endured 8 years of unimaginable secrecy! We have a very long road to recovery in front of us, and the President deserves our faith and patience.

Yesterday, David Gewirtz, said: “Google’s behavior in this
incident should be a role model for other companies – and, dare I say, our government as well. ”

Will that President Obama is also a blogger’s AC360?
He must have read and been inspired for the interview with Anderson Cooper.

President Obama's magnanimous act.
He has chosen 3 republicans to his cabinet. Even after that, republicans want only another republican to replace Sen. Judd Gregg!!

Just a publicity ploy by obama as he knows he has nothing to lose and everything to gain by saying he's sorry for somebody else's misfortune. Didn't obama vet the guy? How soon we forget obama's 20-year relationship with a racist pastor.

Obama is a politician no different than the rest.

President Obama,
I sympathize with you Mr. President, because I made the same mistake too ! I had trust in the wrong person.. In the 80's – I filed taxes with a self -employed spouse who had overlook reporting income from a bonus. The IRS had no sympathy a couple years later when I was a single parent of 3 with no child support and divorced. IRS wanted their money. It took 5 years to clear my name and get my money back they had taken to pay his tax bill.
Advice Mr. President :
Call the IRS before you make your next nomination – they could find some bailout money too!!

Anderson, the president did not answered your question about where his mistake was made. Yes there are two set of standard for politics and regular citizens. I would like to know how much Mr. Daschle paid for back taxes and if his credit record is bad due to no paying this taxes.

thanks
jdimas

I think that the discourse, the opinions,the confluence of REAL dialogue occurring at this point in time because of the rhetoric and campaign promises of our new President is refreshing, invigorating and PROMISING for the future of our government. Stop talking with the talking heads...........talk to US......I'm encouraged BECAUSE the magnifying glass predisposed by President Obama's campaign message is ALREADY WORKING. How about this??....IRS audit for EVERY Congressperson, EVERY Senator, EVERY big network commentator......every lobbyist........THEN let's see what everyone has to say........bet the government would rake in millions and millions and millions...............that's all I'm sayin'....................cut our President some slack............or put the microscope on YOURSELVES..................and yes, I'm all for the pork coming out of the stim pack................all green jobs, all REAL job production, ALL this year roll-out................and President Obama is ALL good for already creating change.........be truthful............but he's learning FAST.

I'm concerned that the News Media is so used to forging the signature of the American People that they no longer know what we think. I think the honest answer to the Presidential appointment misfires is quite simple. His appointments are constrained by one major obstacle he has to choose from a pool of candidates (i.e. people) who are imperfect." This generally means that who ever he chooses is going to be imperfect and a person who has made mistakes. The Presidents strategy is simple. He will continue to serve up people and they will be imperfect as all of us are and then he will wait to see if the American People or The Media will accept their imperfections or focus on them every minute on the hour.
If the media will let us speak we will speak loudly when it's a big enough problem. Otherwise lets not eliminate another very capable leader like Tom Daschle he is widely regarded as an honorable person. p.s.A Smart media recognizes that in the world of partisan politics there are always 48% of the people who provide you with mindless objections.

I would like to know how President Obama rates all of the items in the stimulus package. What is numbr 1, 2, 3 etc., in a priority rating.
I think that we need something but I feel some of the items in this plan should be separate bills at a later date. Let's build roads and bridges and develope green energy that is the jobs part. Wake up politicians.

Hello. I think President Obama is doing an excellent job in very difficult and trying circumstances. It fact, it is the worst, overall, for the USA and a USA President in modern history. While he is a gentleman and took responsibility for his nominees withdrawal I believe he should not shoulder all the blame. Surely he is relied on the vetting process prior to formally supporting the nominees. Also, do not forget that they all paid up prior to the nomination. And the coffers need all the tax payer dollars it can get!

On the recovery plan: Lou Dobbs runnning off at the mouth like he is he ultimate expert on a very large document is annoying, at best. Is he a celebrated economist? Or a successful businessman who has employed hundreds if not thousands of people? President Obama's advisors and members of both parties consists of both. Mr. Dobb's reporting comes across so biased one would be inclined to think he is Republican lobbyist instead of a balanced and measured CNN reporter. In any case, his comments do little to assist in the much needed recovery of the USA in order that it may once again take its place as the greatest Nation on earth.

Keep up the good work Anderson.

Best wishes,

Sheryl Dawson

hi Anderson,

following the american politics i have a comment on mr Daschle .
Why could have mr Daschle not have refused when asked by president Obama to take part of his gov knowing about his tax problems. Its not president Obama screwed up but mr Daschle by hoping to slip through and have a good job.Hopefully it doesnt happen again. These kind of Guys ( Daschle ) are not worthy to lead or have a public office.

Confucius said " to make a mistake and not rectifying it, is the biggest of all mistakes" To right wrongs is the purpose of government, he counseled a ruler seeking good government.

It is so refreshing to have a president talk to us as adults. Instead of spinning it, he just owned up to error. More importantly, he get's why he was wrong. Namely, that he was not living up to his own standards. Obama's selcted the best and brightest to get us out of this mess. A few of them made mistakes that millions of americans make. Let's take it for what it is and move on.

Yea he screwed up and continues to let these guys in that dont pay their taxes. I still dont think the first one should have been confirmed that is terrible. Also going back on his promise of keeping jobs in the US. What is wrong with him and his "staff" this is amazing we lose jobs and he doesnt care nor his Chief of staff. Where is the American part of them?? Also Get rid of the stimulas in regards to Acorn getting anymore of our money. If you win without those cheaters it is fine bringing in the losers hum. Also why do you think JayZ is so brilliant like you told Robin of GMA...after his Monday performance Monday before the Inaguration...I am a Democrat and am ashamed of what is happening...These guys are all are losers I dont care how much money they make..!

Happy to hear that the president finally said that he made a mistake...he woke up....But what happens with the treasury secretary that was already confirmed? Is he going to be fired? Well, I think that it is tough for the president of the United States, he is only human and he has so much pressure on him...We should give him some more time, remember how it is to have a new job...

Hi! You know the disgusting part about this and why again we find our economy in perils? Because the government will spend its last dollars going after average ordinary citizens who owe less than 1000 dollars and garnish wages, file a court petition and write constant reminders. How is it that high ranking government officials or senior executives are exempt from this harrASSment? The embarrassment should not fall on Obama it should fall on the American government, the IRS and the upper middle class and rich who always find a way to cheat and outwit the system. This has and should be an eye-opening event that should get the correct media attention. The focus should be on the failure of the IRS to equally and correctly collect as stated on constitutional rights.

War in Iraq: $600 Billion

Economic Stimulus Plan: $800 Billion

A President who admits he's wrong: Priceless

Thank you, President Obama for being a true leader. We are
truly sorry about Senator Daschle, but proud that he respects you enough to have done the right thing. You are a principled man, and we know that you will always do what is in the best interest of the country.

We are praying for your continued success and the safety of you and your family.

One of our country's mantras should be...."Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me". God expects no less of us.

Crossett, AR

Wow, you Americans are funny for 8 years you had a president that used corrupted dishonest people on his cabinet and ruin your country, now only after 2 weeks of being elected you are attacking the only best hope that you have of getting out of the mess the republicans and the BUSH administration has created. Do you really believe that the republicans critics to the current economic plan are honest, after 8 years of wrecking the economy and being the servants of corporate America. Come on you are wiser than that, Obama is not perfect but he appears to be more honest than the previous administration. You have elected him, thus let him try, I'm not saying to close yours eyes, but Obama has a higher IQ than BUSH and he was not a D student in Harvard, for once you have an intelligent man at the helm, I doubt he is there to fail

I'm sure that after vetting all possible candidates you would come up with only a few without skeletons in their closets. For some reason they believe they are above the law. Obama is doing just fine...he has accomplished more in these last two weeks than George did in his first year! Let's back off a bit.

Hey there Mr. President, are you listening?......
How about placing a flat (3-5%) interest fee on all credit cards, across the board, so that we can actually make a payment and see a decrease in the balance. How about stopping the appraisers from telling us our homes are worth nothing this year when just last year they were worth much more. How about letting us refinance our homes from a 30 year loan to a 50 year loan for the time being so that we could afford our mortgage payments and not loose our houses. How about lowering our taxes for the next two years. How about NOT giving banks any more money to buy jets, vacations and bonuses with, but instead give us a chance to distribute our own funds in a more appropriate manner.

The President of the United States is Human.
At least he has the humility to admit he made a mistake.
He may be the most popular President the United States has had.
But remember, no one is perfect.
I'm just 15 years old and I know that.
Time for others to stop being so narrow minded.

Finally, a President with integrity. One who does what he says he is going to do and does the right thing even if there is possible detriment to himself. Not to mention how quick he is to fess up at take responsibility. I am indeed proud of President Obama.

Would like to have some attention focused on First Ladies' educational attainment. It appears to me that Michelle Obama may possibly be the best educated First Lady of the last Century. How does she compare to Eleanor Roosevelt; Mamie Eisenhower; Lady Bird Johnson; Hillary Clinton, et. al.?

To Gayle Barberis point, yeah, we are all scratching our heads, if I too made the right choice in voting for now turns out to be a FALSE promise of change. True regrets!!!

Talk about a loss of faith and trust in the "Change We Can Believe In." Obama and his administration have failed the American people within two short weeks.

Now the $64,000.00 dollar question remains, when is Timothy Geithner going to resign?? There is no place for his tax evasion ideaology getting a pass, when Daschle and Killefer did the right thing and withdrew. Geithner represents the same old tired politics that make the politicians earn the lack of trust.

RESIGN GEITHNER!!

I do not believe those who have lost their jobs recently, which caused their homes to go into foreclosure and now have to pull their child out of college, really care about a cabinet member tax problem. None of us are perfect by any means.

Over the last few days that President Obama has been in office, it has become clearer why our country is in the state it is. People, we finally have someone who is really willing to work for the average person and all the media can do is find every little thing they disagree with to speak of- it is time to pull together. No, everything he does will not be perfect, but it will be for the right reason. I could not agree more with the statement that everyone is human. When we elect a president, we are not electing GOD, he is a man! All these ones that are throwing rocks, lets check out their taxes. I am sure we would get rid of the debt we have-many if not most would not think the use of an automobile would be taxable income. If so, the next time you need to borrow a friend or relatives car because yours is broke for a month-make sure you put it on your taxes.

Glad to see that he is man-enough and professional enough to admit his mistake – quite refreshing, dont you think ? At least he didnt blame the media which we all know a particular politician (hint, hint, no names here) is fond of doing after the last election...

What a relief! After 8 years under Bush, we have a President that announces he made a mistake almost unsolicited. This is what we want. By the way, politicians are held to extrodinary standards. Is that worth a debate?

I missed the beat 360 pic. So here is my caption:

Michelle: I win, I get to stay with the kids for the rest of day and Barack gets to be interviewed by Anderson Cooper.

Falling on his sword and saying I made a mistake, I screwed up. You kidding me that fixes everything, Killefer Daschle and Geitner, their taxes woes for revealing and Obama new prior to their nominations in the vetting process. How disgraceful. What a disappointment.

Tell me where the change is?

I voted for change. Same horse s#%t different horse.

Am I the only one that noticed that only one or two days ago Mr. Obama supported Daschle 100%? There was no mention of a "mistake" then. When the phone lines of Senators start lighting up with complaints, (I know, because I called), and newspapers started demanding he step down, then Daschle withdraws and Mr. Obama says he was wrong. What else is he going to say? Yes, he was wrong, and Geither is still wrong, and millions for Hollywood in a stimulus package during a borderline Depression is wrong, and who is next, Solis and conflict of interest? That Vanity Fair article is going to be mighty embarrassing. It will need an addendum or two, at least.

att " mr ' president "

it wasnt your fault ' your staff should of been more warry of his background.

yes we can

Sorry, mr Pres. As long as Mr Geithner is stil around, there will be two sets of rules.

Did Ac offer the president his own personal stimulas plan? Just asking.

easy victor, this is the land of the free, for a little while anyways, USA will be like Canada, all jacked up!!

In response to Victor of Canada: BUSH WAS A FAILING STUDENT AT YALE, not harvard, and vice president Chaney FLUNKED OUT OF YALE!!!!

Way to go President Obama! You are a class act!

Hey Anderson: I think the time has come to Investigate all politicians along with all of who are Involved in our government be Investigated to see who else has NOT paid taxes owed to our government . OBAMA seems to pick them out of the hat THREE In a row. Makes me wonder who else Is crooked and owes the government money for tax evasion.We the people need to start In the White House and work our way down to the senate then the House and now start with all the politicians, lobbyists,senators, judges, lawyers, especially Doctors and of course the CEO'S especially on wall street and In every Banking system! This would be a great start for all American People who pay their taxes honestly .This would clean our government out from the CROOKS!! WOW IMAGINE THAT!

It's not the Daschle appt. that upsets m, it's the hiring of lobbyists which tells you all you need to know about the Obama Admin. It works for big corp. and not the American people like all the rest of them.

It's an elegant man who can own his mistakes.

We have an army of auditors already on government payroll: The IRS. Instead of using them to make the working man and woman' life crazy with audits for "peanuts", how about putting that army to real work: auditing the banks and those industries getting income tax dollars under the new stimulus plans?

I'm proud of Pres. Obama. Everyone makes mistakes and we learn from them. It a small setback, certainly not a major one.

What really bothers me is trying to watch and listen to a your interview
while you KEEP interupeting him. He IS the President and its annoying to try and listen when he doesn't gets to finish his sentence and its also rude. I know you are anxious to get everything in but please let him finish.

I feel that it takes a bigger man to admit mistakes and move on. Tell who doesn't make mistakes.

Honestly, the media is playing 'gotcha games.' Okay, so he messed up on his taxes, and made a mistake. Just because of one mistake a person is pretty much regarded as a criminal? We'll see how this standard works when it applies to you, or your family members. Good luck!

I think we are, perhaps, missing the real story here. I haven't heard anyone mention where all this tax information is coming from.

I've got a funny feeling that if President Obama tried to push for legislation requiring an immediate tax audit on all Senators and Representatives that the sudden witch hunt on Democrats would cease abruptly.

But, seriously, could someone please tell me who is behind this? Did the IRS just stumble upon this information? Is it legal for the IRS to do research at the behest of political rivals? Seems very convenient.

Could really use a little "objective" journalism for a change. Anyone?

Based on recent events, how does the average citizen trust the Democraric party which promotes expanding goverment programs but whose members don't seem to want to pay taxes to support their own ideas?

Brick by brick, my citizens....brick by brick. That is how Obama will rebuild the catastrophe dropped on our country by the last Administration. He has eight years of devestation to deal with. He has been in office 2 weeks. He uttered words I have never heard a president utter: "I made a mistake." He is human, he is smart, and will all the critics please offer constructive ideas, because he will listen. Ultimately, however, what has been peddled for the last eight years, in whatever format and without helping, will have to go. So to those sarcastically asking "What change?" I say 2 weeks...it's only been 2 weeks.

At one point you ask Obama how all of the extra programs became part of the package and that bothered me. The president can make request and try to infulence house/senate but that is all. Lets not forget the basics of the US gov. the president doesn't write a bill.

I think everyone needs to lay off pres Obama everyone make mistakes and they r picking on everything he does it's like he is under a microscope ; give him a chance he have not been in the WH even a month yet; he is not God only a man and
And he can't fix everything and the press needs to lay off him no other president was ever in the news and talked about so often bush messed up the country he should be the one under the microscope
And because pres Obama is AA ppl so expects him to muck up....just let the
man breathe Rome was not build in a day....if u r without sin cast the first stone!

Loved the interview. So glad he is at the helm and troubled by all of the ill-will expressed by my fellow citizens. Obama's success is our success. Good job Anderson..

It is obvious that the President knew of impending problems...but, 8 months ago.. we were not in this fix. Americans are short minded. A lot of ideas will have to change and/or wait. Common sense tells one that. You can plan to buy a new home, go out and shop for one, but if you lose your job before then, your plans must change. Bigger picture for the President, but same senario. Someone has to do this job...Daschel and Geithner were pros dispite their tax problems. America needs people who understand the decifit and what needs to be done for the new vision. If you open a school tomorrow, you won't hire all of your staff fresh out of college or without blemishes....
Let this cabinet move forward. After all we allowed Bush to.

People who don't like him or the politics he represents will use that sound bite at every opportune time...mark my words.
However, I believe the best leaders are the ones who admit mistakes and take responsiblity. The buck stops with Obama. Yes, Daschle was right to step aside and should have earlier...yes, the vetting process should have been better. But in the scheme of what's going on in our economy, Tom Daschle is not someone we will be talking about years from now. It's the economy, stupid. That phrase is of even greater paramount importance today.

Hello Anderson,

I think Obama is human and will make mistakes. The economic situation is not an easy problem to solve and he will propose things that may not work, but I believe he is genuinely trying his best and he is smart. You can not do better than that! Regarding his picks for his cabinet, it is sad that some of the people he picked did not fulfill basic duties that the rest of us can not miss, but on the other hand, maybe they were the best people possible, which would not be surprising, unfortunately. Maybe the future will bring a more honest generation of politicians. Hopefully, Obama will also be the first one in that trend.

Regards to you and your team. i have many favorites, David Gergen is one of them, It is a pleasure to listen to him, so knowledgeable and clear in his explanations!

Not paying taxes is of obviously not a good thing. But loosing a highly qualified individual to this is a much, much bigger problem. I rather have someone who did not pay their taxes correctly than the second best person for a very, very important job.

His humility is worth emulating. I am glad he took responsibility and did not try to share the blame like most of us do. If he continues this way he will do a wonderful job and in 9 years we will look back and say "a job well done".

Yeah...wasn't Pres. Obama still "standing by the nomination" right up until Daschle withdrew? I don't buy that he would have done the right thing, had the media not pounced on him. The NYT called him out and he panicked. This "I screwed up" stuff is a transparent attempt at damage control.

NYT called him out and he panicked.

Not only did Obama screw up , he`s screwing up by selecting Judd Gregg to his cabinet with Gregg having the final sat as to who will replace in in the senate . He needs all the amunition he can get to ward off the impending onslought from the republican senate concerning any of his future bills before them. He needs to get as near to sixty votes in the senate to thwart a filibuster by the repubs.
He bent over backwards for support from the republican congress, and did`nt get even one vote for all his efforts .
The GOP could care less about the dire situation our economy is in , all they are concerned about is obstructing the democrats at every turn , and thus his presidency , so in 2010 they will have a platform to run on and possibly regain seats in the house and senate .

You must remember, the man's name is Obama. . .not God!
He is a mere man who is attempting to make sense of an
8 year old mess, hence he will make some mistakes. At least
he can admit that he screwed up which is more than we've
heard from previous administration. Give him a chance to prove
himself.

All day I kept thinking, Obama just needs to admit they didn't vet him properly or that they decided it didn't matter. SO when I turned on the news and he actually took responsibility, it made me feel like he really is being honest, open, transparent.

Thank you for telling the truth!! It helps me trust you.

As a retired IRS employee, I freaked out when I heard about the tax irregularities of Tim Geithner who Obama had selected for head of the Treasury Dept. You have to have worked for the IRS (especiallly the Exam Div as I did) to realize what a kick in the face it is to learn that Geithner was being considered for the position that oversees compliance with IRS tax laws when he had blatantly evaded paying his taxes. Do you know anyone making 6 figures and doing their own tax return on Turbo Tax?? I was an ardent Obama campaigner but Geithner's selection seriously depressed me.
We all chastised Cheney for letting Oil company execs write the Bush Admin's energy policies. Geithner's appointment is worse in my opinion. He should not have ANY government job.

Lets just pray for our leaders of this country.

We all have to remember "In God We Trust".

The minute we loose from that focus, will be heading for the worst story of this Country.

So Why not invite God, to be in Control!

When McCain said he didn't understand the economy he was ridiculed. Perhaps Obama should have been more honest because it looks like the Mr. knows all and can cure all, isn't the person he painted himself to be. Politics as usual, for sure, go with the old boys network and you get what you have always had in the past.

Anderson, I love you. You are very clear and cool also. Andwhen you asked this question and the President responded "I made a mistake" I rewind the dvr and heard him say clearly that He Messed Up! Wow, on national TV he admitted that he made a mistake. I was a little worried about everything going on with the stimulus. But now, I have increased faith in sincerity that this President really wants to do the right thing for this country. I AM In Mr. President.

It is cool that an American President can admit mistakes. Don't get bent out of shape over the tax issues. If everyone in this country was completely honest about their taxes, I think we would be really shocked Let us see how the bankers have with their tax oblications..

Note: If he really felt that he screwed up, he would yank Geithner out of his cabinet.

And in my opinion, his first mistake was signing an executive order using my tax dollars to fund overseas abortions. I am pro-life, but I can live with a pro-choice president. However, making the decision to use my tax dollars for the practice is unacceptable. He should respect the beliefs of those who oppose abortion and at least not force them to fund them.

Secondly, with our current economic situation...WHY WOULD WE BE SENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES TO PAY FOR ABORTIONS ANYWAY!!!!!

Anderson,

I think President Obama is doing the right thing by having a couple of relatively minor screw-ups right now. Based on his performance in the campaign and in the transition, expectations are incredibly high. Listening to you "keeping him honest", it seems that you think President Obama can magically reverse the most serious problems our country has faced in many decades. He, on the other hand, seems to have adopted the equivalent of a time-honored (at least by urban myth standards) practice of making a load of gravel be the first cargo carried in a new pickup. After that first load, you're always a lot less concerned about scratching the paint.

Here's what I like about our President: he's open, honest, smart, and unflappable. If he makes a mistake, he admits it and moves on. CNN, on the other hand, has to wait until the next bit of "Breaking News" to move on.

After two weeks of President Obama being in office we begin attacking our best chance in fixing the mess the Bush administration created. Let's get behind our President and support him. It is in the best interest of the American public to ensure he succeeds. Wake up people; President Obama is the real deal, I doubt he willingly accepted this position to fail. Support our President!!!

csuncollegegirl

You go for it girl! The most intelligent thing Lou Dobbs has ever said is "goodby". I figure that CNN keeps him on because there are people in the viewing public who think his feces are odorless.

It's it refreshing to have someone who understands that he made a mistake and admits it. Yes, change has come to Washington!!

It's sad that the Repbulican have become the party of NO. It's just to bad it has come 8 years to late! They should not think that Americans will be fool again. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame o me! Get off your high horse and start putting the american working public first.

It's a good thing that Pr. Obama appointed these people. Otherwise, nobody would have known it and they could have gotten away with it. The economy is in terrible shape, how many others in washington who owes to IRS? We've gotta check them all if they're all good tax payers or they're not much different than illegal aliens who don't pay taxes.

Mr' President, I think you shouldn't appologize for them.

Obama had nothing to appoligize for, and needs to save his apoligies for the real mistakes that lay ahead, this appears weak. I believe he is a bit more than nieve in apointing wolves, to take care of the lambs. Dashcel is corrupt , He would do more harm to real health reform than help. Good ridance. Obama needs to gaurd his historical reputation, and not become the "big joke". Now is the time to be honest, Use the Press as a leverage, as Roosevelt did, "Watch His Back", Show authority, and make The Big Boys Dance. He is doing great to apoint from both political sides, no secrets just do what is right. Now is the time to shine, America needs a Real Leader.

President Obama.....God's Chosen One will complete his assignment. Bring change to a dieing world. People of God pray for President Obama everyday the Republicans want him to fail.....But God is in Control!!!!!

i love that President Obama is humble enough to admit his mistakes and moral enough to take responsibility for them. I have never been on a road that did not have a few bumps in it.

It does make me wonder about the inability to locate proper people for these positions due to the level of corruption. It's kind of like selecting from a very small gene pool, everyone is going to have something that can be criticized.

I am not at all surprised at what has happened to Pres. Obama appointees. He told us to look for change and all I see is the same old same old. With the far left looking for their piece of the pie, I expect more of the same nonsense. Even when he said he would not have Lobbyists in his administration is nonsense. There is only one good thing about having Pres. Obama and a Democratic Congress and Senate is that the press cannot blame Pres. Bush and a Republican Congress. I suspect that the election in two years will spell a big change in the House. That will surely mean a one term Obama. Socialism does not work. When will the far left understand that this is a center to right country. McCain lost the election due to his liberal policies, Pres. Obama did not win, McCain lost.

To Tammy in Berwick, LA; Your "Republican" is showing. Come on, admit it, you're a Republican, aren't you? This is what you should be saying, 'Thank you, President Obama, for admitting making a mistake.' Only 2 weeks into his presidency and doing the right thing by stepping up and admitting he 'screwed up'. In the last 8 years Dubya never admitted making a mistake. He's so far into denial he thinks it's a river in Egypt! Thank God Texas has their village idiot back!

4 points:

1) Mr. President, You did the right thing by admitting the mistake. Very refreshing.

2) Mr. President, you should have led a better vetting process

3) Mr. President, please don't let the No-Sayer Republicans who have no sense of cooperation & unity in such a critical time, dictate their agenda to you. We need the stimulus package and we need it now.

4) Mr. President, please tell your fellow Democrat colleagues in the house and senate to get the questionable items out of the Bill. In fact, I suggest that you review it yourself & encourage your party folks to take out the no-nonsense/waste items.

Thanks Mr. Presiendent and Have a good night sleep.

He's got the toughest job in the world at one of the most difficult times in history and people are going to nitpick him to death? Would you call the captain before a tribunal at the height of the storm to ask him why he chose the most capable helmsman on his crew to steer his ship through the mine field when that crew member had made a mistake on his taxes? Go ahead CNN and Fox and all you other nitwits, but bear in mind while you are creating distractions and throwing wrenches, you’re on this ship too….

2-3-09
I am watching your show this evening on obama, the man of color asked "How will this simulus package affect african americans"
What a LUDE AND RUDE comment. He SHOULD SAY HOW WILL IT AFFECT EVERYONE YELLOW, BLUE, PURPLE, PINK WITH POLKADOTS. AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD, AND ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO VOTED THIS MAN IN OFFICE.
I AM APPAULED AT THIS MANS COMMENT.
We are a united states NOT separated by race when it comes to being AMERICANS!

I don't understand how you can owe $128000 back taxes on a taxable benefit of $125000..Say driver for 2years @ $50000 & fancy car lease for 2yrs @$1000 per month ie $24000..
Did Mr. Daschle also fail to report some of his non-lobbying earnings @ $1,000,000. per year?

Great interview Anderson. I appreciated Barack Obama's candidness. I hope he can truly get our country out of the ditch.

This mistake in not the first for the president, it's the first mistake he has admitted. Wow!
I understand why they are so many throwbacks in his appointments, and why the back ground checks are not very indepth. They are using the same process in which they vetted the president.
Stop the pork. Boss Hog. The stimulus plan is to complicated and its obvious pay backs to special intrest groups. Let create demand so business can grow. Give the bailout money back to the tax payers in the weekly paychecks now (cut our taxes), entend benifits to the unemployed. It will be fast and no waste. Give all American citizens in the first quarter of 2009 a $8000. tax credit to buy a new car that gets greater then 25mpg. Make banks lower all current home mortages 1.5% now. This will get the economy going fast and be equal across the board and free up money being wasted by banks. Quite giving it to banks to waste my tax dollars on bonous, jets, superbowl parties, and vacation trips.

President Obama's an honest man. Good for him and good for us Americans, finally. CNN is ethically the equivalent of bad bacteria. Like Victor from Canada said, we had 8 years of the Bush administration and, lo, CNN did a really good job (not) of pinning down all the corrupt individuals appointed to cabinet positions. Gee, how many cabinet nominees were accused of tax irregularities? Hey, how about going after high-ranking administration staff who were placed in charge of policy, say like Energy... yeah... Energy... who were probably acting in their own financial interests (I dunno, Cheney, perhaps... I'm just spit balling...)

It truly is remarkable that President Obama has been in office a little over two weeks and already the press is hanging him out to dry. The passage of his stimulus package? A failure because no Republicans voted for it. That's right... it passed the House... but it failed. Go ahead, Canada, figure that one out.

Now CNN is telling us that if his plan passes the Senate, the real test will be whether or not any Republicans will vote for it there. Yep, that's right. It will be signed into law without one stinking, rope-towing, Bush-loving Republican so therefore, it really failed.

Here's a CNN story: Two Years Since End of Great Millennium Recession: Yeah, We're All Rich Now but President Obama Failed Us All... Boo Hoo. I suppose President Obama's only chance of success is to keep doing things the Bush way. Hell, it worked before, right?

Oops. My bad. You know, Anderson Cooper really grilled George Dubya, remember? Oh, that's right, he didn't. Never mind.

Please don't let the fact that Mr. Obama fessed up to a misstake make him out to be a good leader. A good leader does not make them in the first place. Perhaps the thin resume showing already?
I pray for my President no matter what. I am pro-life, however, I am also pro- America!!! Can I get an amen?

Watching from outside the ‘Ball Park’, I reasonably begin to feel that maybe there are more eyes on this President than any other President & for more than one reason. 1 – Being held to the genuine promises he has made (effectively to the world). 2 – Having, likely more critical issues to deal with than any other President previous. 3 – Being of African/bi-racial ethnicity. With what seems to be an increasing flurry of criticism and cynicism particularly from the media, may I suggest to all news media to try not to use or advocate cynicism in due course with ‘Keeping Them Honest’ or other. I see this as ‘chipping away’ at the morale and attitude of the President and those responsible and wants to bring about “Change”.

To President Obama: With all due respect, I ask on behalf of the world – Be careful in your decisions and actions, the world believes in you phenominally and is counting on you immensely.

My Kindest Regards.

FOR GOODNESS SAKE IT'S DAY 15. Think about it...this is the first time in history that a vetting process has uncovered the cheats. It's human nature and it doesn't matter what party one belongs to. All it means is that, the ones who aren't selected for a position, can hide and laugh they didn't get caught CHEATING on their taxes. Why is it that the very folks who can afford maids, drivers, diamonds and pearls don't want to pay taxes....OH my bad, that's how they get their riches.

Terrific interview! Change has come! What a relief after so many years of defensive presidential behavior to hear President Obama say, "I screwed up."

Hello AC,

First I must say you did a great job, with your interview. But on the other hand you did not, show any sign of respect for the president.

During the entire time of your interview, with President Obama, You Mr. Cooper have your shoe pointing towards him with your leg crossed. You should keep in mind that he his the president of the United State, and such should command respect when anyone conducts such interview.

I have seen, most of your colleages at CNN conduct their interview and honestly have never seen any show such disrespect in front of the United State President.

Please kindly take this advise, seriously because they say charity begins at home. Never wash your dirty linen outside. A word they say is enough for the wise.

With all these congressmen and others admitting, only after being caught, to not paying income tax and/or employment taxes wouldn't it be smart to audit the pay and taxes of ALL congressmen, cabinet members and top government managers????

The President Obama is worthy. I want to cry as I listen to his coherence and integrity of speech and his apology. The President is sensitive to and considerate of the needs and feelings of the people. The President has right words in due season.

I am grateful for the President. Anderson is excellent in his work.

TOTALLY REFRESHING!! That the President admits "he screwed up".
When is the last time we have heard anything like this from a leader of our country? And now everyone, especially the Republicans and the ones that can increase their ratings are going to jump all over it!
BALONEY!! It is sad, and disgusting, though, that so many of our elected officials are so wishy-washy. I wonder who would be left standing if ALL our officials underwent a microscopic investigation of their past? I expect President Obama to have some stumbles and falls along time. Look at what he has taken over! The simple fact that he is keeping us informed about these situations is a BIG CHANGE!!

Finally, a President who admits when he has erred. How long have we Americans been waiting for someone like President Obama.

Now we have a president that admits when he makes a mistake, I would like it if we get some CEOs to admit that they are greedy.

I do not think it would be a wise idea to background check the rest of the leaders on the Hill, I would hate to see who we would have left.

President Obama take control you seem to be only one with enough balls to drive this bus..

[...] I didn't know what to make of this. Initially I reacted with disbelief. A politician president apologizing? Absurd. Unheard of! Well, actually that's exactly what Obama just did over the whole Daschle affair. To quote him: 'I made a mistake'. [...]