evening everyone.. thanks for joining us.. breaking news on the harsh interrogation/torture technique story... did the controversial techniques actually produce valuable intelligence...new information just out tonite..

Terrific to see you back online! Good Evening to you, Anderson, and to Erica, and the great guests that will be coming up. Looking forward to the show, as always!

Hey All. Hey Anderson, Erica, David G., twitter/facebook buddies, and the rest of the best bloggers in the world.

Hellooo Anderson, Erica, David G, and my friend twitter/Facebook bloggers!!!
Not good day for me to hear breaking news on the harsh interrogation/torture technique story… I'm really shock!

Hi, Anderson Cooper!
Green evening for you!

Hi, 360 team, friends, bloggers, everyone!

Good evening, Anderson, Erica, David, Jack (?), and bloggers!

Really bizarre with the Craigslist killer. Interested in hearing this supposed motive.

Hey, everyone: Anderson, Erica, David Gergen, Randi, all at AC360, the Tribe and all the bloggers.
Markoff's fiancee should consider herself a lucky woman to have found this out now.

Hi Anderson

Well.. Ted Bundy was a lawyer right? Many of those serial killer/rapist types are smart and charming.

Good evening Anderson, Erica and fellow evening conversationalists! Hope you all had a good day!

Can't wait to see the breaking news on the interrogation/torture techniques story!

Hiya Anderson, Erica, my smartees...Good evening to all!

Crazy story about this Craiglist killer..I've got to admit I have never checked out the website..after last night, i checked it out, was kinda iffy about the website itself..yikes, thats scary!

There's really no such thing as the 'all American – good looking guy'

goodevening everyone. looking forward to another great show.

This story is startling... a medical student! Even that proved his innocence, how will be his reputation?

Can you imagine what this must be like for the fiance? The horror of your love's arrest; the stunning disbelief at the reasons for his arrest; Is she yet feeling the relief of knowing that she may have beensaved by the bell?

Good evening Anderson, et al.

Good evening fellow bloggers!

Looks like another really busy news night.

is that right man or is that wrong man craiglist?

Greetings All!

Does he have anyone to collaborate like his alibis?

Good evening folks, I can not believe this story about the craiglist killer. You just never know and can never be too cautious when online.

Hello World!

The fiancée’s Markoff doesn't believe in his guilt. It's really hard to see the person you love and trust, of an hour to the other, in such a situation.

Not to blame the vicitms, but if someone is advertising "erotic massages" and "lap dances" he or she can expect to attract a lot of crazies.

I would not be surprised to find out that this guy has moral issues with what these girls were offering.

The big question is, did they really get the right killer? How sure are they that they got the right man...coz if they don't, they are ruining the persons life...

Hello Anderson, Erica, Team 360 and Fellow Bloggers –

This "Craigslist Killer" is just creepy. People that lead double lives are scary – how often they are able to deceive even those close to them.

Looking forward to the new torture information, Anderson. If the US didn't torture - why were memos kept of the effectiveness of the torture techniques.

the gambling facilities should have some security cameras, have they been able to get any kind of timeline with them?

Greeting to All! The Craigslist killer story is unnerving. I'm near Boston ,but it's not that.How can you tell what people are capable of?

Even though this is damning now – there have been other cases that locked locked down solid, and were not.

I am officially creeped out by this guy, providing he is the Craigslist Killer (signs seem to point to "yes").

don't like the idea that a person that can be so respectable also is able to be a horrid person...

I have used craiglist to find an apartment before with no problem at all. I think people just need to be extra careful. I don't think its craiglist problem but people taking responsibility for their own safety.

Wow, I've never been on Craig's list. I will have to check it out with care.

good evening bloggers

Not to blame the vicitms, but if someone is advertising “erotic massages” and “lap dances” he or she can expect to attract a lot of crazies.

agreed...

You'll get a lot of crazies by just sending a resume!

Jo Ann- Moral issues give no excuse for murder...

Craigslist might want to put a "buyer beware" and "seller beware" sign on their site.

Craigslist could be a very useful service for both sides, both for those who advertise and for those who seek services, but appears to be classified of danger.

From what I read it is not today this problem. In the beginning of last year a person was arrested because she placed an ad looking for a professional to “eradicate” a rival. The person was arrested, but if the site is used for illegal purposes, it should be discontinued.

these kinds of stories are why I have never met anyone face to face that i have met on the internet! creepy. (no offense to the tribe, i dont believe any of you are killers. )

It is a bit frightening...all the 'things' you can find on Craigslist...I think I can safely say I wont be utilizing the website anytime soon...

I think in the not too distant future.We will here about
the double life he was leading.

Hello Everyone! Happy Tuesday!

Is it me or is it that every person with the last name that includes "off" are the main ones that are becoming nuts..? i.e Bernie Madoff, the craiglist killer Markoff.. just wondering if anyone sees the similarites.

I don't like it when a murder like this is sensationalized by the media.

I hope they have to cancel their wedding, no way to marry creep man!

When I went to college – there was a senior/student (accepted into Harvard med) who shot and killed another student! That stuff doesn't surprise me anymore.

toni in Virginia, I never said it did. I just meant there might be some underlying issues because these women were advertising sex services.

You know, it's kind of a shame. I've gotten a great patio table and a decent tv off Craigslist.

Then again, I always follow all the safety rules. It's a shame that shysters and criminals have taken advantage of it.

Hello to Anderson and staff. I'm so thrilled the craigslist killer is behind bars. It goes to show the web is as dangerous for adults as children really. Hi Erica! Love your show, keep up the great work.

28 people is not enough for a website that large.

Only checked craigslist because Rick Sanchez did a story on it and I was sick and had nothing better to do. Sorry Erica, know the history now but it still freaks me out.

Good evening Anderson. I have never logged on to Craigslist and don't believe I ever will.

Safety starts with common sense! When did we abbrogate our brains to the Internet? If anyone believes someone met for the first time through a classified ad for sex or even just companionship is legit, then no one can trully help them. Craigslist is the medium; people are the problem.

What would have happened if FDR or Harry Truman released Top Secret information during or after WWII?

Re: the President shirtless on the cover of a magazine
If you've got it, flaunt it.

That last story -Erica/Anderson...who wears a 'shirt' while swimming at the beach?

Isn't the problem of online predator s, though, valid in all cases of internet websites where personal information is exchanged?

Evening Anderson, Erica and the AC360 team.

can't wait for the news on the torture memos

i can't believe these magazines keep putting shirtless pictures of our PRESIDENT on their covers... i guess it'll sell, but that's just ridiculous!

The Craigslist HQ is is just a small little downstairs business in an old Victorian bldg., in my neighborhood in SF. Who ever knew it would grow to be such a hit.

Love that Obama pic of him shirtless......

When I went into the Navy we were told that releasing Top Secret information was a criminal offense. Why is Obama above the law?

Torture is against US law; it should not matter if it supposedly worked. Besides there is no proof that it did. You have former VP with no credibility and the people who support him saying it did.

I've never been particularly comfortable using Craigslist due to its hyper-informal setup. Unlike other online services, there are really no precautions taken by the company to protect users from either scamming or dangerous situation. Given the naturally unstable nature of unprotected online business, the company really has a responsibility to ensure the security of buyers.

Miss J, I think you could be right!

As soon as they released those torture stories, they opened Pandora's box..I think they should have been more prepared to answer these open-end questions.

AC why not ask the soldiers of the 372nd military police if what Bush and Chaney did was torture. I believe the Bush adminastration was singing another tune back when Abu Ghriab was in the Tube

@ Megan Dressler

I agree! And I can not imagine to wake and to sleep next to someone who had such a suspicion, even if it does not confirm the guilt

Evening Anderson, Erica, everyone. Wow in that picture they look like a nice couple. Of course he's presumed innocent until proven guilty. The evidence being offered up seems very condemning though.

Do a lot of people meet through Craigslist? Probably not through erotic services.

The double life should not be surprising. After all, if these people were not good at what they do, they would have never succeeded in damaging so many lives.

My daughter goes to school at BU. Scary.

Chaney's point is valid, if you release the methods release the results too.

Are we really surprised? This is not the first time Obama has backpeddled on a promise and it won't be the last.

This reminds me of Paul Bernardo.
Proof you can't tell a book by it's cover ever!
I feel bad for his girlfriend.

Now, everyone knows all photos and videos of the President should be banned while the President is in office. What gives?

JoAnn I agree with you. Common sense should raise a big red flag about anyone offering sex services online.

I don't see Craigslist as any more–or less–risky than placing an ad in the classifieds of a newspaper, which people have been doing forever.

It was reported elsewhere that the interrogations prevented a 9/11 type attack on LA.

i don't believe interrogation work. the victim might speak but does that mean they're credible–i doubt it.

i think is sick what that guy did ..but we are not talking about kids here they are grown woman that should know what kind of world we are living in..idont think is craigslist fault

But c'mon...the ends always justify the means, right?

I have used Craigslist this past month advertising items for sale and have individuals trying to scam me. You have to read the instructions that Craigslist gives you to make sure you are not a victim. They do give you good advise when using this site.

good job Ed Henry, working so hard on this....really is a tough issue. The torture memos deal with morality, and everyone has different views. This is the same problem the US had in the Civil War.

Craigslist isn't responsible for this awful event. This is a scary world and we should always be cautious.

Get rid of the category "erotic services". Simply make craigslist unfunctional for this purpose and the problem will be mitigated. Sure folks will find another way around, will search using specific keywords, but why make it easy?

Lisa in St. Louis

How many lives is 'image' worth. Obama's flip-flops and contradictions are sickening.

My question when people say, "Torture works" is this. What do we say to other countries when they claim that torture works and use it against their own citizens or citizens of other countries to stop criminal activity?

The world's only superpower should not torture.
It is great that the DOJ operates independently
and is not controlled by the White House.

If Cheney wanted to release these memos, he could have done it when he was in office. The President never shifted he never talked about the Bush administration he always focused on the CIA. He did not change!

Thanks Pres.Obama! I like what he want banned on the harsh interrogation/torture technique! I am glad he did banned it!

This whole thing is a real 'wake-up call' for craigslist users. One of Markoff's robbery victims has said that she'll look for another way to make a living.

To me it seems just like airing dirty laundry. I don't think that it makes our country safer by spilling these reports.

I think Craigslist is responsible for this. If an organization is going to run an advertising site such as Craiglist, it should moderate any and all inappropriate comments or notes and if severe notify the appropriate authorities.

Evening Anderson, Erica, David G, Jack Grey, and all the great bloggers out there. Late coming in... but was watching the show, away from the computer.

Since when do we forego the laws and the Constitution if "the ends justify the means". The ends NEVER justify the means if the means are illegal, and the torture approved by W and his cronies is illegal. The results are 110% not relevant.

@Gloria, photos aren't banned, the First Amendment covers that.

I found my dog on craiglists, we also did research on her breed which is Rhodisian Ridgeback. we love her but she is a handful at times, like anything you do in the world you must do research especially with people online!!

It's always the old argument: "Torture works, therefore we should use it." To borrow part of a phrase from Campbell Brown. . ."Bull!" If torture works for enemies of ther state, what about the criminals we know about? This is the slipperiest of slopes! We got rid of the "ski" enthusiasts of the Bush Administration – good riddance, and let's move on (unortunaely phrasing there.)

@Miss-Yea, now what you mean! I use to think that going to a Ivy-League school meant that person wouldn't likely harm anyone, but my logic is completely changed now!

If the US goverment used harsh torture methods of interrogationin the past, then we are terrorist to the rest of the world. It would seem to me that if we are going to change the way the rest of the world views this country in the future we need to come clean of our past sins.

I have used craigslist to buy used items from people who live in the area and I think it is a great service. But I bought a dining table and chairs so I can't say its the same circumstance, I just don't think people need to blame craigslist for the acts of some crazy who probably would have found a way to kill without it.

I still don't think that anyone should be punished over these interrogation memos. I certainly agree with the President on that one...or at least the President and I used to agree...

You know what I hate about torture? I hate that our morals and our code of ethical behavior has now been so distorted that Americans actually now DEBATE whether or not it's right.

My God, how far we have fallen from our ideals.

@Anderson
It does not matter if torture yielded results because torture is wrong and is illegal.

I don't think people are opposed to "roughing up" a person if it's a life or death situation where you need information at any cost. However the problem is when you go beyond that and use torture as form of retribution, which seems to have happened under the Bush Administration.

Craigslist has many dangers. My son had a ATV for sale on there once, he received a check for $11,0000. He was told the extra was for the expensive shipping. I took it straight to the police, and later learned he wasn't the first one, but I kept him from being a felon and in jail had he deposited that check. So please to all, be very careful!!
I even called the bank, it was leggit they thought, and it came Fed-ex. So beware to all.

That answer on values is BS. Are there memos showing success or not? If so, Obama can't have it both ways.

What are Obama's motives for now changing his mind about this? To deflect attention away from HIS crime of releasing Top Secret information.

I do not believe anything that comes out of
the mouth of Dick Cheney.He and some
members of the Bush administration do
not think they did anything wrong.

If, like Robert Baer said to Anderson yesterday, the information is already out there, what is the point of releasing it to the public now? I am against torture, but this information only empowers our enemies.

I would not want to know all the secrets that have to be kept in order to secure our safety.I feel that we could be told too much for our own comfort.

Re scams on Craig's List. My daughter , looking for an apartment in Toronto, after several e-mails apparently from a female over several days ended with a request for her to mail the first months rent in Euros to someone in Portugal. We were advising her all the way – took all of your advice and moved on. What a disappointment initially – great price and great space but quite the hoax.

Okay, now i am confused.....now torture works!?

I agree with the statement that the "cost" to the USA was "greater" than the info obtained.

This looks like the beginning of a long debate.

even if the "enhanced interrogation techniques" did yield results, i still think countries of the world will see America with one more stain on our reputation. >.<

and a Question:
How will the torture memos affect our foreign relations overall?

Hello all. Torture is wrong. What could have or was gained through torture could have been gain through other measures. What is wrong with taking the higher ground?

The issue of the prosecution of government officials who participated in torture is an incredibly sensitive one given the explosive nature of the subject in political discourse. The tight-lipped and contradictory nature in which the White House has been dealing with this issue only further highlights the difficulty in navigating such difficult political waters.

Why didn't Cheaney release these himself when he was in office. These reports are bogus. The Law is on Obama's side!!

Anderson thank you for clarifying that.To say that
those methods stopped attacks is a stretch,

Holder's job is to make this decision. Obama should, like he is, stay out of it. We already dealt with a POTUS who decided he'd politicize and manipulate the DOJ and the last thing we need is Obama inserting himself in this...I believe what we're really seeing is Obama correcting himself to pull out his influence on the proper exercise of prosecutorial discretion. If he exerts any influence, he'll be lambasted for interfering and it threatens the carrying out of objetive justice to have the issue politicized. If he stays out, there's at least some hope that the issues can be addressed without (or at least with less) political interference and taint.

@Isabel, yes that's why she's coming to his defense. Defending someone is not easy. Also it's dissappointing to see the cruel activity on the internet when it offers so much for people to connect with each other happily.

Hey, why don't you ask Cheney if these "memos" are any more substantial than the memos that proved that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?

The US should not torture, period – it doesn't matter if some of the techniques were effective – this country needs to turn a corner and ensure that we do not continue the illegal practice of torture and their should be a congressional investigation to determine whether those involved should be prosecuted.

So now we are going to let the terrorist have one more huge laugh at the expense of the American people, they must just look at us and reel with laughter, they can behead Americans and what do we do, we take legal action against those who have worked to protect us from them. we were so bad to be mean to the terrorist, so mean. Chop chop, heads roll, blood drips.

Ahhhh...politics as usual....now, when it serves his purpose, Dick Cheney thinks the memos should be released. If he felt so strongly about it - why were so many documents kept classified during the Bush/Cheney administration?

Anderson,
Hi! Your discussion has been very interesting tonight.
–Given the extent of the torture tactics revealed in the documents, it's understandable why Pres. Obama would reverse his position.

whether torture works or not isn't the issue. it's just wrong for any country to do. we can't say torture is wrong but ok, if it works then it's right. either we allow EVERY country to do it or we don't. there's no double standard.

Man, I just don't know. I personally feel that waterboarding is torture though possibly more psychological than physical. Whichever, I do think that America should take the higher ground.

But I'm not terribly sure that prosecuting some attorneys is really the right thing to do. Sure, they were wrong but I'm not sure we should open that can of worms.

Good info from P. Begala. I'm listening closely

Top Secret information is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

Brandi, when it comes to meeting online acquaintances in person, it all depends on the context. I've met a great many good, good Internet friends in person through music-related mailing lists and fan get-togethers, not to mention the occasional local eBay or Kijiji seller (one of whom helped me set up my turntable tonight) ... a far cry from listings for "erotic services", I agree, but there are great people out there on the Internet.

Oh Dick Cheney, he makes the point that some of the tactics made a difference in stopping some attacks. that may be true, but really the problem is his views, his morality is skewered. What's the difference of physical torture and mental torture, or is there any at all? And how is could this have played a better role in making post 9/11 techniques?

Ari, future White Houses blame the previous White House all the time. What else is new? But it's one thing to talk about a bad economy or ignoring global warming. It's quite another to break international law while in office. And then brag about it.

Ari Fleischer is right. State secrets should not be used for politics. Begala knows that the White House could have prevented release because it's secret, as Ari just pointed out.

So wait these torture techniques have already been banned by Obama officially or it's in the process.

Thanks, Paul Bagala for this very important information of why the initial memos were released. Love the fact that we have a President who follows the law.

@ David, Indiana

IYes. Whether he's guilty or not what happened until "innocent until proven guilty"?
I agree with you

W was the worst, most dangerous president in US history. W broke the law. Obama isn't sticking it to Bush or republicans or anyone else. He's proving how horrible the last 8 years were, he's admitting it to the world, and he's saying in no uncertain terms, we will not do this today or tomorrow or ever again. This is not a criminal...this is a patriot and THE President of the United States.

Craigslist could not be responsible for a sicko like this. If that is the case then we shold not have lblogs or facebook or twitter or for that matterthe intenet

Hi AC,AC 360 casts&crews and bloggers,

Thanks to the craigslist report, Erica. Some of my furnitures are posted on the website and my potential buyers who take interests and stop by to take a look are from all walk of life. You just never know who will knock on the door really. I will certainly be more careful to let them in only in day-time now.

The tecniques employed by former Bush's interlocutors are cruel. Albeit the high crucial infos that might have saved America from another terrorist's pique, those torturing technique are inhumnaely wieldy.

I can not say this more strongly waterboarding is torture and Ari Fleischer knows it.

What is gained by the release of documents is the restoration of our public trust in our government.

excellent points made by Paul

If waterboarding works so great why the need for doing it 266 times?
I could see it if the answers turned out to be false. If the information was correct what would be the reason for the continuation of torture?

Torture memos make the PREVIOUS administration look bad. But vindicates the NEW adminstration for moving ahead. Same as electing Obama vindicated the American people when they elected Obama into office.

What makes anyone believe that the contents of any memo created during an Administration is actually true? Political spin is always present and has always found its way into "documents" which purport to prove a political position of an administration – any administraiton.

Evening, bloggers

@Mike – has your daughter told you what folks are saying around campus today?

Full disclosure: I am a BU grad

When I say we do not torture it is based on MY definition of torture. What part of that do you not understand?

I'm not sure we gained anything by releasing those memos. If they don't plan on holding those people responsible for the torture then why put out the memos.

Oh, so medical people were present so that makes it OK? Do you know how many people have died at the hands of medical people??!!! Just by accident. It happens every day.

God, Ari is one sick guy.

What Ari and the GOPers fail to recognize is that the clinical nature of the techniques employed and the attempt to justify them witht he presence of a doctor sworn to the Hippocratic Oath, etc., is precisely what makes the whole thing so utterly horrifying.

"I don't know what i think about waterboarding."

Really, Ari?

And yes– Bush lied long and hard about torture. I'm glad these documents have been released because they flesh out the picture the Bush administration was trying to paint over with buzz words and fear-mongering.

Why isn't having the truth enough of a reason?

Who cares that they got "valuable" info! Torture is illegal!! We have not been made safer by torturing and disregarding the Constitution and International law. Americans are safer now with a new Administraton than we were with a lawless executive.

i absolutely hate/love the Bush quote of "America does not torture." pfft... it just kills me now to hear that. can't wait to here if he was lying when he said that. i'm guessing "when" is the key word there.
oh the wonderful world of politics...

Good question Anderson .. "Why were the doctors there". I guess the big question is, what would WE call it if another country did that to our troops.

George W. lies about a lot of stuff.

We have kept secrets since 1776 tp protect ourselves. Obama's precident is very bad. Ari Fleischer is right, you don't do this for political reasons.

I am really enjoying this interview with Paul and Ari...Its so interesting to see the extent of the difference in opinion!

Anderson, loving this interview with Paul and Ari. Thanks for covering this.

Why is an act that we no longer perform thought to be 'Top Secret? Please note that the 'other' memos also show that the actual Interrogators (themselves) claim that no verifiable value intel was garnered after 120 of these water-boardings.

Fay – California. I agree with everything you said! Torture in any form is NOT acceptable. Those people SHOULD be investigated and prosecuted.

To Ari Fleischer – After your comments tonight about what you feel is torture and is not torture, you have lost ALL credibility in my eyes. I will NEVER watch you on TV or hear you somewhere and believe a thing you say.

Then Ari, if you think it's not justified why do you defend those who did it?

I totally support the administration's decision to release this information. The interrogation techniques were completely illegal and an abomination against human rights. It does not matter if anyone "thinks" we were able to obtain useful information. Torture is wrong.

Goooooo Anderson! Keep probing! Good for you... Don't just take a quick answer. High 5 for Anderson

Anderson is right– if these techniques are called torture when other people do it, it's torture when we do it. Ari is evading.

LYING – yes, they lied, which makes the whole situation much worse!

& notice that both panel members agreed that we should NOT torture!

@Anderson – loved your tone when asking Ari Fleischer if there wasn't torture, then why did they destroy evidence.
thank you for pointing that out.

Great point by Paul on what we did to Japanese who water-boarded our men.

Anderson just said that contrary to what Cheney said that the torture did not result in an attack being averted . Therefore , torture is not worth the larger price that we play.

If we violated binding international agreements by waterboarding and the use of other 'special interrogation' techniques, we have to take steps toward prosecution of those responsible. It's a necessary part of rebuilding our credibility with the rest of the world.

Terrorists being tortured? I have sympathy only for those that were falsely accused- which is very few. Other than that, I have no problem with criminals getting "a taste of their own medicine".

@Erica Hill, when I talked to her last night she hadn't heard about it. By the way she's a jounalism major, is graduating next month with a 3.8 average and needs a job. Interested?

I resent the implication that career bureaucrats are more qualified to determine what torture is, than are our elected representatives.

You are missing the point by focusing on whether or not torture got good info. Torture is against American and international law-whether or not it works. You also are allowing Cheney to control the news . Torture is abominable and treating it as if effectiveness is a justification is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Anderson, I wonder if we will ever know if anyone "incidentally" died while we were using 'interrogation' techniques.

I agree Anderson! That's responsible for former Vice Pres.Cheney did destroy memos. I think he is lying to us!

Nancy Pelosi was aware of these activities. Why did she not say something at the time.

Can anyone here honestly say that they would not agree to using torture if one of their loved ones was being held hostage somewhere?

I think Al Qada could probably read BBC news or listen to a Michael Ware interview and they'd learn all about our techniques.

Yay Paul! Excellent point.

I'm on Team Paul. I understand Ari's points, but not subscribing.

I am really enjoying this interview. Not just accepting a quick answer.

Get it, Paul Begala! That silence form Ari? Is answer enough.

whoa, yeah Ari, defend that! (creepy pause there! lol)

I love this conversation! I'm just not a happy w/ talking over each other..

how are we teaching since the tapes are distroyed so what can terrorist learn
Ari stop changing the question

Torture really is very wrong!

Are Cheney saying that is was OK to torture people because it gave good results ? This really cannot be the message republicans want to send the world. "You can torture as long as it give good results"... cmon USA, this is just not good enough.

Great interview with Ari and Paul ...and a lot to talk about

Really no words to defend it ...

Thanks Paul Begalia thanks for pushing back. Torture is wrong I can't believe these people defend this. This former Bush guy is unreal. This is not a political issue. Torture is against US law.

Obama only released memos to take focus off his decisions, ie bailouts, tea party etc. Now it is backfiring.

Paul is correct in his succinct statement: "Torture is always wrong." How that other guy can even attempt to seriously make his contradictory point is beyond me. He just completely embarrassed himself.

Re. Craigs List. my son bought concert tickets on Craigs list, but never received them. Using paypal didn't protect him from loosing $400 and in fact, the seller even has our address since seller needed that to send tickets to him. Doesn't make us feel safe at all. Where are the safeguards?

Why do they keep saying teaching Al Queda what the techniques are?
Did those memos reveal any new techniques only the US used? I didn't think so, but maybe they were.

@ Mike
The release wasn"t done for political reasons it was done because the FOIA compelled them to be released.

26 reasons to love living in Washington
Reason # 2 Our new neighbor is hot ...

Will President Obama is ashamed to see that?
I think yes! lol ...

Now that Melissa Huckaby lady surprises me. I'll admit that. Usually mothers who kill – kill their own children. The profile of this lady is quite bizarre.

Hi Anderson -

Great job with the interview... thanks for asking the tough questions, following up and including historical references. I am following this story with interest.

By the way, I am insulted with Mr. Feleischer's view that I am not intelligent enough to form an opinion on this topic!

Jen

I don't understand why it matters that torture worked...You just don't do that to anybody...I can't believe that there is no other way to find out information...We remember the Nuremberg trial...how come nobody tortured those war criminals?

I wish that there was more time for that segment. I think that it is an important issue and that we do have to see both sides to make up our own minds.

These torture should should have never been used on anybody. These prisoners should have been prosecuted and charged or something and be put in some jail facility.

Waterboarding is just fine with me. We are safer.

Whether or not the torture worked is not the issue! Whether or not we believe in and will uphold our values and laws, or descend to depraved behaviors that we criticize when others do them is!

I don't care if the techniques worked. Other techniques would have worked, too...although they wouldn't have achieved unlawful retribution. I suspect that's what these guys wanted and maybe that will be revealed. Otherwise, why would Cheney be so hysterical about it all?

Great point, Anderson...when the Khmer Rouge did it , we called it torture and abhored it. As Pres Obama said, we must uphold to our values even when we are challenged, not just when it's easy, -N-

about the python story – my 6th grade teacher's schnauzer was eaten by a python released by her neighbors in MICHIGAN. people need to be smarter and better informed when they buy exotic pets...

Mr. Begala is right of course. Ari's moment of silence spoke volumes.

Maybe the only way to get to hope is to open Pandora's box, Anderson. I feel that responsibility for alleged acts of torture extends to those who committed those acts. Though there are differences in methods seeming btwn Abu Graib, and Guantanamo detainees, it is important to note that this was a continuing policy.

Totally disagree with Ari Fleischer on this one. You don't need an expert to determine what is mistreatment of captive prisoners and what is torture.

Ari has a point though that congressional dems are partially responsible.

Who else might bring a lawsuit, other that us att gen, on this?

My guess politics aside, the public wants to know about this. I think we should have it out. Not sure how exactly.

It doesn't matter who started it. It's illegal to torture. Let's be sure it's ended and those responsible for the torture poliicy be prosecuted.

I guess I think part of what's getting lost in the symantics is that some people don't believe waterboarding is torture. I honestly think that's were a lot of the disagreement here. I would believe the argument that Bush didn't think it was torture and so therefore he didn't lie.

It's a tough discussion because so many of these people have different opinions on whether the methods used constitute torture. I also agree that I, as a free citizen, am probably not the best qualified to judge. I know I'm not happy about it, that's for sure and I think my country lost credibility by doing it.

going on a limb, but there probably are some ways to defend torture, however there is the obvious personal views on the topic. torture to one person may not be to the other.

What? Is Obama supposed to wear a onesie swimming like my 4 month old?

Let's please retire this misleading and euphemistic term, "enhanced" or "harsh interrogation techniques". Waterboarding is torture. If one wants to defend this abhorrent medieval practice, let he or she at least own up to it.

I wish that Anderson cold have asked Ari if he would call it torture if Iran did the waterboarding to Roxana Saberi. His tune would surely change in a blink of an eye.

I love how Paul Begala caused a pause...great convo..luv Paul Begala!

In my opinion torture is never right - those that approved using these tactics should be held accountable for their actions -

I feel Bush was lying when he said the US doesn't torture - and felt that way when he said it –

As far as our enemies learning torture techniques from the release of these memos - give me a break - I'm sure they could teach us a thing or two regarding torture techniques.

Thank you Obama for helping us to be more moral country by stopping torture. When we torture our enemies, it is immoral and counterproductive. Thank you Paul Begala for speaking the truth.
Peace,
Karl

@Mike Syracuse, NY ...she’s a jounalism major, is graduating next month with a 3.8 average... congrats to you, Mike.

I don't think the American people should know what the C.I.A. is doing. Do we always have to know everything? Maybe if we didn't share everything with the media the terrorists and other threats to the US might not be so informed.

I was always under the impression that no one is above the law NO ONE. The constitution, the bill of rights, the law has to work for everyone or it works for no one. That goes for President Obama, former President Bush and I hope to God Dick Cheney, whom I believe is an amoral liar.

hey all...I can't say I'm too up-to-date on the Miss Californa story. All I know is that if I was ever in a beauty pageant I would start off all my answers with "Well, as they say on General Hospital..." and end them with "...and in conclusion, no I am not in favor of world peace. Back to you, Mario Lopez."

Am I the only selfish one here who thinks: if you can torture a terrorist to save my or my families life, it's a good idea?

Hmm.. thumb-screws on a terrorist or watching my son die in front of me.. thats a really difficult question.

Anderson, don't disappoint me now. Torture is never morally right – whether it gets the required info is immaterial. LB

@Jack – i think you'd most definitely get points for... originality? haha

Paul made a lot of really good points tonight...I had a really hard time getting behind what Ari was saying. Though I didn't find it at all surprising that a Bush staffer didn't think there was any torture going on.

I liked Paul tonite, especially his last comeback.

I'm surprised there are only 20 criminal probes...we should not be surprised by this report. Why did we need TARP in the first place? Oh, yeah, because the crooks were running around like cowboys.

As Ari said, it all depends on what the definiton of torture is. As well, both sides of the isle were briefed and agreed, that this was needed in order to prevent future attacks. Nothing is worse the a Monday Morning Quarterback. Paul and Anderson, everyone knows where to throw the football after the game is over.

I'm not surprised that some of the TARP money could've been wasted. The temptation that goes along with that kind of money? Have no words to describe it.

Obama, andd his Staff better do everything and play everything by the Book. Because, sooner or later, there will be another Republican in The White House, and I am sure they will be more than Happy to return the favour!

Geneva convention doesn't matter? Doesn't that mean that other countries who suspect an American of something can also torture to get what ever info they think they can? Torture is torture, Maybe Ari should give the waterboarding a try and see if he still thinks it's on the edge. Are we really debating whether or not we should torture? Something is and has been very very wrong here.

Yes my friends, I agree with Paul Begala! he have excellent point!

Now it's all about who's right or wrong on the interrogation techniques and that what's against the law and people seeking justice for the terrorists. The terrorists never gave what was against the law a second thought when they killed our innocent citizens. What about the right and wrong for the victims of 9/11 and their families?

Paul Begala is clearly partisan. Many Democrats in the Senate and House knew about this, and the Dempcratic Congress could have banned it by law any time in Bush's last 2 years. If it's wrong, there are plenty of fingerprints here.

there was a fascinating article in the New Yorker a couple weeks ago about the effects of long term isolation on prisoners and kidnapp victims.. its worth reading, really eye-opening stuff. Apparently just being kept in isolation very quickly becomes unbearable. No matter what your opinion, it's worth reading.

I believe torture is wrong. There is no question about it. But what these terrorists experienced wasn't torture it was less than high school hazing.

Wasted bailout money, should we give a collective DUH.

There is a difference in how we should treat POWs and how we treat TERRORISTS. We need to be very careful about releasing info that benefits our terrorist enemies. I have NEVER supported Bush but think we need to be very careful about this release of possible torture memos.

As with any online transaction - or even a paper classified - most experts will tell you it is important to be vigilant and thorough before sending anyone money.

Meeting people is an entirely different ballgame, but some of the tips offered earlier can't be ignored – they apply to online dating, meeting a potential babysitter, even selling something.

Tell people where you will be, how long you'll be gone
Meet in a public place
Bring your phone (!)
Better yet, bring someone with you

Would you people be saying the same thing about torture if one of your loved ones(your wife or kids) got bombed or got their head cut off??? Wake up and realize that not everyone is like us. No matter how civil we are, these terrorists will continue to hate us for what we stand for. I just can't believe how naive some of you people are.

What happened to promise of transparency? I am willing to wait if the system is modified before giving out bailout.

Too bad congress did not ask these tough questions back in September 2008.

@ Mike, Syracue, NY, who said "Ari Fleischer is right, you don’t do this for political reasons."

Obama didn't. He did it because it's right for us to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the acs committed in our names. I, for one, find it abhorrent that our elected officials sacrificed our core principles as a society in favor of expedience. The very definition of fighting the good fight and sacrificing for our country includes our willingness to exhibit the integrity to stand by our foundational tenets and not waiver.

Torture is acceptable in my book if it prevents one American from losing his life. You better wake up and realize that we are at war. The other side respects no limits to their tactics thus the 911 disaster. It will happen again, it's just a question of when.

Haven't we established what is considered torture in some regulation or CIA Manual? The question really is, who authorized it? and...How high did the authority go? It is a pandora's box.

"effective"? great, it will be sighted as examples as the way to do it, will americans subject themselves to such techniques by other foreign powers.

Hi Jack -

On that story – I don't think that Perez should've asked a question that he only wanted 1 answer to.

Her answer was sloppy regardless – but if it were sloppy & agreed with his view – he no doubt would've given her a higher score.

I don't think that question should've been asked.

Jack: I'm sure you would win on beauty alone : )

@ Jack–Yeah, I'm usually watching ANTM reruns...

Hi Jack!! Good to see you here!!

Woah i didnt even know that pythons can even open their jaws wide enough to eat an alligator!!

I remember Obama using the term "bold" often during his campaign. Clearly this is a president who lives up to his words. Exposing the truth about the torture methods of the Bush administration is indeed, bold... and long overdue.

Jeni
Saskatchewan, Canada

@ Kevin - I agree with you, the ends do not justify the means. Even in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 I was against torture, even with one of my college friends killed in the WTC.

Besides, would an intelligence agency ever act ONLY on information gained through torture? Or do they seek corroborating information? Surely the best information is gained through good old-fashioned boots on the ground intelligence.

It is so frustrating to hear about stories such as the one with the Slumdog girl. Especially when we realize that similar activities are happening all around the world, more often in poor nations though.

@ Jack..don't forget to throw in a "the iraq" & "the Afghanistan"..lol

Torture is really very wrong !! Now listen up terrorists ,now that you;ve seen and heard US tactics – please remember NOT to use those same tactics on our men and women defending our country because that would be very wrong !!

Regarding the torture memos and the general use of torture.

I just don't understand why in today's world of so many mind altering drugs that there is not a humane way to obtain information from prisoners by giving them some kind of "truth serum".

I loved "Slumdog" but I'm not surprised that her father tried to sell her...it's quite common. But adoption? What, are you hoping for Brangelina to pop on by?

@Jack Gray, good answer, my thoughts exactly

@Dulcie, you are correct. There is a difference of opinion that a practice which causes no physical harm is troture. Many of the practices, like forcing them to wear diapers, are clearly humiliating but not torture.

Hmmm, that's really interesting Anderson! Thanks! So then, could isolation be considered torture?

@Anderson – mental repercussions could easily be considered worse than the lasting physical effects. i'm happy someones reporting on that.

and to find the above-mentioned article in the New Yorker, just google "new yorker isolation" and it's right there.

@Anderson - thanks for the heads up on the article. Think about long term isolation - one loses track of day/night - number of days past, etc. - slowly disorienting us, etc.......torture for sure.

Thats a sad story about selling this child. Is selling children in that country unheard of or is this making news because she was in a movie?

LIke I said, Anderson, there are so many other ways to gather intelligence...Torture is not something that a great nation should be proud of...or think that is necessary...

so sick that man wanted to sell his daughter!!!! children are not pawns!! that poor child.

So sad!!!

Ploease, please report that this child's movie salary is safe someplace for he future, or ev en for legal protection right now!

The Slumdog Millionaire story bothers me.
Wow that is some cat fight.

We need more christians like Ms California on center stage. it should't take rocket scientists to figure that 'marriage' and 'gay/lesbian unions' are mutually exclusive concepts. LAB

If I were in isolation I would probably spend my time singing showtunes and reenacting movies. In fact I think I would drive my captors crazy....

So if you are grounded, then isn't that torture? You're isolated and locked away, but then again, jail is like being grounded, which then would THAT be torture?

@Jack Gray - thanks for the laughs after this very tense discussion on torture - and by the way, not that we will ever see it, but what do you have against world peace - no news to cover?! LOL

I think we are putting too much info out there for our enemies to see, personally I am not concerned what they do to prisoners to get information if it will keep our country safe, I can still see them americans with their burning bodies hanging from the bridges a few years ago. Now that was torture..

Heey Jack!!!!
Very funny man!!!!!! LOL!

@Karen: there are Paypal safeguards and procedures that allow you to contest a payment within 45 days of the transaction. I speak from experience as I had to proceed in such a fashion earlier this year, with little to no co-operation from the seller who took my money then found all sorts of ways to place the blame on me that the item had not yet been sent. Mind you, that all comes down to whether or not Paypal can recuperate the funds. If the seller transfers everything immediately to his bank account, then withdraws it all... But in short, there are online services that are safer than others.

i wanna go catch the snakes, PLEEEZ??? haha

Torture is torture and our country is not supposed to be in that business for we are supposed to abide by the Geneva Convention. Both G.W. and his father had criminal administrations. H.W. went against the Convention when he obliterated the Iraqi Republican Gaurd when they were retreating in Kuwait. I am a veteran with two children active duty and one who has completed a tour in Iraq.

@Anderson – Thank you for being such a calm voice for humane treatment. Many hear things like "extreme isolation" or "sleep deprivation" and really have a completely unrealistic understanding, or better put lack of understanding, regarding the extent of such practices and their effects on the human psyche. So I applaud you for remaining polite and dignified when discussing such matters.

Regarding Miss. America – the lady from California knew what answer would please the judge (perez hilton) but found it "demeaning" to lie.

However she doesn't find it demeaning to strut her stuff on a stage in a bikini and to be scored for it?

Although I am in favor of gay's rights to marry, I don't understand why everyone is ganging up on Miss California. It is my understanding that President Obama and V.P. Biden both stated that they are not in favor of gay marriage. Why is there no backlash from hollywood and the gay communities with regard to their position?

That's just sad why will the father of a little girl even consider selling her to some one else for money.

pythons are on the lose! Yikes!

pythons – everywhere – for no apparent reason? do that many people have a fascination with large snakes as pets?

People cheered when the judge asked the question and they cheered when she answered. Go figure!

Miss California sounds like a sore loser. How about Miss North Carolina won because she deserved it, go figure.

torture is wrong. always. but ari did make one good point – many democrats and republicans were complicit in allowing the water boarding. no hands are clean on the hill.

If you don't agree with gay marriage and you speak your mind and lose a competition, don't complain.

I think Miss America has to represent ALL of America. She definitely could have given a much better answer than she did.

I have the greatest respect for the young lady who spoke her opinion which cost her. She has more courage than most people.

Thank God for Craig's List. Were it not for the bread crumbs trail this evel young man might have become a doctor. God forbid!! LAB

Miss CA looks like a Barbie. But I think Perez Hilton picking on her on his website was childish and mean. She's entitled to her opinion and she phrased it that way.

Miss California would've been more impressive had she been more diplomatic in her answer – but then again, why does it matter what these pageant contestants think at all?

Great show! Too many topics to think about. Very stimulating.

all of the contestants should have been asked the same question. Hilton's marks should have been disqualified given the concern for bias

How many here have had any direct help from government bailouts?

Bet not many if any. Politics do not change no matter who is sitting in the white house. There will not be transparancy, there will not be 3 million living wage jobs. It was a way to keep buddies close. I bet if anyone here donated 100's of thousands of dollars we would be benefit

Can't they just leave the snakes alone.

What Miss Cali said was not right, or wrong. It was her opinion based on her Christain beliefs. She said what she believed, not what she felt she 'should' say to appease the masses – or media for that matter. America, that's called 'character,' and 'integrity.' Meantime, the media berates her and elevates Hilton. Sorry, that's not the story. The story is not even the contrary. Believe me, Miss Cali will benefit from her comments far beyond a meaningless crown. One question: watch the video again...tell me, does anyone is the audience BOO her comments? Not one. Correct me if I am wrong, but I heard quite the ovation. Not claiming right, or wrong here, just providing accurate perspective...

@ Carolin in LA - I agree that it is sickening watching our nation debate whether or not torture is wrong. I don't remember reading in hisotries of WWII about any such debate in the weeks after Pearl Harbor, and certainly there were none after the Tet Offensive. How far we have fallen ...

It is safe to say there are mixed feelings about the release of these memos. Overall, the intention of the release should be a question. Obviously, torture is wrong. Torture to get valued information to keep or safeguard the ones we love, I think is a line many would cross. But, Paul, blew me away when he stated that the US has executed Japanese who used the same water boarding techniques to US soldiers. Executed them! I guess it was considered wrong then.

Okay - no more snake close ups please, would like to sleep tonight!

Love pythons! I wish I could have one....then dump it on the Everglades.....wow, sad how these people couldn't just give the snakes to a zoo or something....

Good for her for speaking her mind, even though the question seems like a set-up!

@Jack Gray

You really are funny ... lol ...

@ Anderson Cooper

Thanks for the tip!

Ms. California did the right thing by speaking out what is wrong,Arnold the governor should come out and stand beside her for her real answer and not worrying about lying to get a vote.Seacrest should be ashamed for telling them to lie in order to get the votes,doesn't he know who the father of lies is?

Pythons also eat through power lines..which cause alot of power outages..an FYI for ppl that live in FL..power outage on a sunny day may be caused by those pythons.

Perez Hilton is about one of the most toxic people I have ever seen. His life seems to be starting some kind of trouble somewhere.

i used to collect snakes as a child.. my first pet was a snake...to the person who said they didnt know they could open their mouths that wide, snakes can actually unhinge their jaws to swallow prey.

I've never understood why people think that snakes make good pets...they obviously don't or so many people wouldn't be setting them loose to mate and eat other people's pets...

In "MY country"? Whatever, pageant lady. All those girls are foolish enough to want to look orange– it's no wonder she came up with a lame response!

Hi Jack!

RE: meeting people online-I have two friends who have had terrible experiences meeting room mates and dates on Craig's List. Not violent, just flaky and weird.

I find it interesting that Ari was upset about the release of the memos, it's not like it was well kept secret that we were water-boarding people. The memos only confirmed what we already knew.

Hello Andrson,

iT is very important to remember that no one is above the law in he USA, I have been listening to your show tonight with you guests and i must say that Arie is very wrong, its dose not make it right if Mr. Chainney said that tourter work , if the Law is broken they must be proscuited to the full extend of the law. America is not always right in what we do.

Yikes... Pythons everywhere. Pretty scary

The snake story reminds me of my walks to my university and noticing the sign "Wild life on campus. Some are predatory." Then you see the alligators

Anderson how lucky were you. My brother and I wanted a snake back in the day buy our mom was not having it, lol.

Thats a sad story about selling this child. Is selling children in that country unheard of or is this making news because she was in a movie?

because she was in a movie

I think people around the world many times sell or "barter" their daughters for all sorts of things. I don't think it's right but I'm sure it happens quite often.

Re: Miss USA Pageant

Ugh! Who is the person that let that crazy (Perez Hilton) on as a judge?? What are his credentials? He can't cannot even dress himself properly, yet he is critiquing at a national pageant?

Also, that man's attitude is as gross and repulsive as his blog/website!

Many Pythons on the loose? No way! 30,000!

@Matt, all very PC, but if it's not political why didn't he release ALL the memos, including those that show it works?

Anderson, how could you not believe that the python situation is true? Haven't you watched Jeff Corwin's show! LOL

Ewww! I could never own a snake. They are not cuddly. I can deal with them, but never own one.

phyton as a pet? No, thank you.

it's kinda irresponsible to just "dump" a phyton out there just because one doesn't or can't care for it anymore.

I am completely and totally terrified of snakes for no particularly good reason. I say they're evil. To people (e.g. Anderson Cooper) who have them for pets, I have to wonder...

@ Anderson, who said "snakes can actually unhinge their jaws to swallow prey."

Ha...what a fantastic analogy to spinning facts presented by reality to swallow political prey, no?

@ Anderson..ok, so you likes snakes but don't like spiders? lol I used to collect frogs..but snakes? did your mom let you keep em? yikes lol

If blondes had more fun, would they know it?

Miss California's gaffe in the Miss USA pageant was a case of TMI, too much information. She should have stopped while she was ahead and cut her reply short, keeping her evangelism to herself, at least until AFTER she won the crown. As it is, she still gets a stage and spotlight to speak from her heart in support of "opposite marriage," but thankfully her turn there will be much shorter than her potential term as Miss USA.

The Miss USA Contestant- what if we never had the word marriage in our Tax Code, Custody Courts, Property Disputes... then would the legal term be "Conjugal Unions of Consenting Adults?" That -at least- take religion out of the Civil Law.

Let's hear it once again for irresponsible pet owners, because now we have to kill them! Good job, jerks.
Burmese pythons are awesome snakes, by the way...although I'm sure the alligators would beg to differ. I'm an animal nerd, I admit it.

whoa, anderson, amazed with your biology knowledge!!!!

i love snakes! im always playing with them when i find them. haha

Re: Miss California - what a refreshing change! Someone being shunned because of their homophobia? Cool.

I believe Miss California is entitled to her opinion. I am offended when Gay Rights people act as though theirs, and those who agree with them, are the only opinions that count. Many people who believe that even if they don't agree with their lifestyle that they have the right to civil union and the rights of people who are committed. But don't make us feel as though we don"t have the right to our opinion. Many Gays are as bad as the Christians they rant at! We should not have to apologize for our opinions. I believe marriage is between a Man & a Woman!!!!!

Anderson... so we can call you the 'snake man' ?? What kind of snake did you have? I have had red racers in my home. Their bite is bad but non poisonous.

Anderson as I recall, wasn't your snake named "Sam?"

I'm not sure why we're so surprised by the actions of former President Bush or various branches of governement during his tenure now? Many of the issues such as torturing prisoners of war or even invading the privacy of the average American were brought to light and didn't seem t disturb folks enough to discourage them from voting him into office twice!

Anderson,

I'm reading the blog and finding that there are a fair number of Americans that think it's OK to torture. I'm shocked that Americans could think like that. Do they know our history. Do they know the terrible things the British did to us, yet Washington refused to mistreat British prisoners. Are their people out that have served in the US Army and believe that torture is OK?

Drew

@ Anderson Cooper

This is disgusting ... lol ...

I had a snail ... I press the "antennae" of it:)

Florida shopping list: Mongooses

If an animal can swallow me for dinner(I'm tiny) I surely wouldn't want to be looking it in the eye!

Anderson, how could you? Snakes: Yikes! Yikes! Don't like them. Don't like them. Don't like them!

I remember learning in elementary school large snakes like pythons and boas can eat cows wholes.

Anderson, I agree... I once saw an artist's rendering of a snake in the process of swallowing a horse. And this was in a scientific-type children's magazine. You can't swallow a thing many times your size without being able to unhinge your body somewhat.

Anderson,
I have see many snakes in my life, I am not scary at all, Wow John Z is so busy catch snakes, that is so amazing!!!! Is John ok? I hope.
I love snakes, but I am be careful where I am doing! I agree, Anderson!

wow! they make a great belt! but with THAT size? I can get a handbag

Anderson: ya couldnt just have a cat or dog, huh? ya had to have a snake...

i used to collect snakes as a child.. my first pet was a snake…

CREEPY!!!

When you get poisoned one day, don't say I didn't tell you....

John is a brave reporter. Have they
been found out of the state of Florida.

The snakes are giving me the chills, yikes!

Snakes are so tricky! I hope that they aren't being harmed though! I mean, it's not their fault that their owners abandoned them.

I love animals, but I am sorry I have to draw the line at snakes.

@David, there is no backlash from the Hollywood and gay communities for Obama's gay marriage position for one reason: hypocrasy.

Okay - after hearing "he just swallowed a cat" as I sit here with my cat curled up sleeping beside me - I won't sleep tonight!

The pythons are a big problem here, they make the natural ecosystem off balanced and disrupt the balance that has been here, they have no natural predictors so they are killing off some of the natural species here, people are already destroying the everglades enough.

Anderson, would not have pegged you as a snake guy.....would have thought more dog for you....you are a puzzle

nice snake!

Aww....how cute Anderson bonding with the snake.

You think a miss america contestant would be ready for a question like that.

ac is like, 'not the face, get away from the face!!!' lol

unbelievable report about the pythons..
and irresponsible pet owners...

LOL, she gave you a little snake kiss. How cute!

I feel nervous to see AC move the hand

Erica Hill, don't you adventure?

Ah yes.. naps, naps, and more naps along with something else

Anderson has another contributor to AC360...the Reptile Report.

very random, but I have licked a snake as a joke in middle school...You should try that Anderson..... LOL

I think I'm with Erica on the snakes...Anderson you are very brave!

Erica says "no thank you!" to wanting to hold the snake. HA!

That's exactly what I would've said.

Love the snake segment!!!

Anderson - if the news biz gets old - is snake charmer your next occupation?

So, they changed the color of his trunks, but who goes swimming with a shirt on?

Anderson, I think the snake likes your cologne.

VERY impressive, Anderson!

You snake charmer you! Go ahead, quit your day job!

I am with Erica.I would pet the snake but definitely
not hold it.

@ MIss J, who asked "Is selling children in that country unheard of or is this making news because she was in a movie?"

You hit the nail on the head. It's not uncommon but it's getting attention because there's a hook. Perhaps that's a good thing on some level because it finally draws attention to the issue, but it speaks ill of our society that we only consider it worth review once something provides an opportunity to sensationalize the issue.

who knew? cooper sure is full of surprises..

Haha very brave of you Anderson to hold the snake. I myself think snakes are pretty awesome. But I definitely don't want to see a Burmese Python in the wild.

oh, i'm so jealous right now! i wish i could hold that snake (the parentals forbid reptiles in the house)

that snake on AC360 just made my WEEK =D

About Miss California, what does it say about our country that we must attack someones beliefs because we don't share them.

About long life is that,Sex 3 times a day ,..or nap 3 times a day?or both!

oh my god...how could you talk with the snake wrapped around you like that...

Anderson Cooper,

I can understand why Planet in Peril is so good! lol ...

@jonny
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Miss California lost because she gave an incoherent answer. Also , I think that she should not be all over TV doing interviews and taking the spotlight from the young lady, Kristin Dalton( Miss NC), that actually won. She is showing a lack of class and grace and I am glad that she is not Miss USA. She should have waited at least until the new Miss USA did her press interviews first.

The good news is that the python didn't attack Anderson on live TV. The bad news is that before going on the set the snake laid some eggs in Anderson's office.

Wow Anderson....you're brave. I'm with Erica I couldn't hold a snake, I'd pass out.

Excellent, Anderson! I loved that you held the snake. I've thought about getting a Ball Python. They're pretty docile and don't get too big.

I'm gonna take a pass on the reptile!..no thank you

Anderson that python loves you to death! Look at her! Good stuff lol.

omg, Anderson! What you just did with that snake would be torture for me! -N-

Ewww! Anderson, the snake man. Eww!

@esma, excellent point re: pet owners.

re: releasing "secrets" – remember POTUS is the ultimate decider in what is and what is not "secret"

Cool Snake!

And Mongooses (Mongeese?) are reportedly only slightly nicer creatures than minks.

@ Jack-don't tell him, let's see what happens...

@ Erica Hill

Why do you not be risked with the snake?

I feel nervous to see AC move the hand

Very cool, Anderson, holding that snake. I think I'll stay with garter
snakes!

I will never get over my fear of snakes...living close to the desert meant rattlesnakes were always lurking on the edge of the farm...yikes!

Way to Go Coop! (holding the snake)... My girlfriend thought you were gonna back out

@ Erica Hill

My mom is 81 years, it has much life yet, but she always says that she doesn't want to live much more if she hasn't such vitality.

I agree with her. Life is very good if there is quality of life.

I checked Dan's vitality compass and I liked every results for me!

I never knew that about rosemary.

I'm impressed with Anderson remaining so calm while that snake was inching its way closer to his head!

The good news is that the python didn’t attack Anderson on live TV. The bad news is that before going on the set the snake laid some eggs in Anderson’s office.

lol Jack!

AC, you and John Z are so brave! I wouldn't last a day in isolation. I'd give yp the family secrets.

I agree with Erica on not handling snakes, yikes!!

My excuse is that snakes carry salmonella, a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning.

I use rosemary for steak, and I am greek orthodox, so I'll live for ever...good news...:)

3 of 4 of my grandparents lived to be over 90,and my grandad was 102 when he died .His advice was 'All things in moderation and laugh when ever you can!'

@ Jack, I guess then Anderson will have pet snakes at work to keep you all in line.

@ Jack Gray ((( lol ))) you two must be good friends and co-workers. You are just too funny!

@ Jack..so if you don't post a blog tomorrow, we know what your job is gonna be for tomorrow!

That's it...I'm moving to Greece...anyone want to come along?

The quality of our daily diet is essential. But why there are countless exceptions to this theory? Since the super healthy person who dies early, until the elderly person who takes "distilled" all day and eat unbelievable amounts of cracknel and has reached 100 years old, lucid, lively and frisky.

Ari Fleischer got off too easy in his discussion with Paul Begala. It's not just Paul's opinion that what the CIA did was torture. I believe that is the opinion of the International Red Cross whose business it is to recognize torture when they see it.

I'm scared of that longevity test too....

These secrets to long life do not surprise me. Back in Bulgaria, the higher and deeper in the mountains you go, the older and stronger people you meet. I have personally seen 90+ women carry wood up the hills!!!

Anderson, you look like "Little Prince" when he met the snake and asking him : " where are the people?"

@Jack - Did the snake lay eggs on Anderson's Kahlua-soaked Hard Rock Cafe jacket?

@jack gray, Buaahahahhahahahah!

anderson, i have absolutely no interest in knowing how long im going to live either, id rather it be a surprise.

BTW, i hear the link isnt working anyway.

g'nite all!

I'm with Anderson, too scared to take that longevity quiz....although on Facebook I took a quiz on how I would die. Die by fire......

Very cool show tonight.

You guys did a story on living longer a few years ago. It was one of my favotites. I'm glad you are taking it further. Have a great night!

Good for Miss California- Last I checked this was STILL America & She has a right to her opinion.

Perez asked her an unfair question, and it is creepy the way he has been making the media rounds to continue bashing her. She spoke her mind, we might not agree with her position, but that is her position.

Good Night Anderson, Erica, and bloogers

My Great Grandfather was Greek...lived to be 102 years old...according to him, the secret was the wine he made in his backyard and his many, many much younger girlfriends!

G'night all! Thanks for the laughs!

Pythons eating cats, in the chicken coop, 30,000 Burmese pythons in Florida wonderful. Aww what a nice Python you've got there Anderson, you better hand him back to that guy.

@Isabel, yes, calling the President hot sort of abandons all executive decorum

@Anderson, sure, isolation is a problem even for people not in a prison.

@Erica, thanks for the advice of how to handle craigslist encounters, something that everyone is encouraged to do by tonight's lead story.

@Jack Gray, that sounds like a beautiful Pageant speech

Hey what snake is that?

There you go Anderson, proving you aren't afraid of anything! So cool holding the snake Anderson! You appeared to be so comfortable. My hero! Definitely worth staying up for. Good night!

i agree with Anderson... i don't really want to know "how long will i live" *shiver*

i'd be freaked out that it would say i'd die too old/young. but i'm thinking i just might do it... but i'll keep my fingers crossed haha

Last December I attended the 105th birthday party of a gentleman I know. He gave up golf at 90 and driving at 95. He did have knee replacement surgery at 99 – but other than that is prefectly healthy. His mind is sharp as a tack, too - pretty amazing.

The countryside, snake is just our neighbors! How are you:)

I'll live to be 97 according to the calculator Good night on a great note!!!

Oh Anderson how irresponsible of you leaving those snakes in taxi.

My grandmother lived to be 83 she passed 2 weeks ago. My great grandmother was 81, but my grandfathers all seem to die very early (60's)

erica–you just got an idea on what to get Anderson for his next birthday!

webcast was fun to watch!

Good night, Anderson and Erica!!

Good night, my friend David (David, Indiana)!

Good night, everyone!

See you tomorrow!

Good night Anderson, Erica and Jack! Have a wonderful evening and week. Great news and reporting. Anderson... loved your interview. You did not back down or accept a quick answer... you kept probing!

I would rather live to 60 than eat plants everyday.

Good night bloggers, and hello to all the facebook, twitter geeks out there, see you in a bit.......

Obama, tis is hawt.....

I think the president doesn't care about these silly pictures!!!
Have a good night!

President Obama looks great if I do say so myself!

I owned red tail boa's for years, they can be good pets, mine slept in the bed

Good night Anderson, Erica, David G, and my friend twitter/facebook bloggers!!!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!
See you on Thursday night!
Day of the shot with cool pres. Obama without shirt! Love shot!!!! WoW! he is so cute guy!

Anderson,
Have a great night, good sleep at home after work!!!! See you on Thursday night!!! Have a plenty sleep!

President Obama was in full form ... lol ....

Great show, thanks!! Goodnight everyone.Peace to all of you and yours.

President Obama is in pretty good shape and both photos look good to me..

Anderson, & crew, & producers,& guests etc- Thank you for another great show. You always give us a lot to think about.

Also loved the entertainment part with the snake & Jack's blog remarks.

Good night fellow bloggers, great blogs on torture! See ya tomorrow.

They changed Pres. Obama's color?!

Enjoyed snake show, my sister has two pythons, (Odie and Delilah), and she talks to them just like I talk to my dachshunds. Not sure if she is a snake charmer or just nuts, j/k, she is just a modern day Ms. Doolittle.

good night, everyone!

Interesting story on the pythons, they've tried keeping snakes out of hawaii because they eat species of birds and animals found nowhere else. As for big constrictors like pythons I've heard if you're with someone being squeezed you can pour hard alcohol on them and they'll loosen up. So that's why I carry whiskey whenever I'm in the jungle, now I need to bring it to the florida beach too I guess.

Obama looks hot for mid 40s. Look at it as promoting being physically fit, we definitely need more of that.

Hello Anderson, just caught the end of your report about pythons.... Well I have to say I loved you before, but to find out that you actually like snakes and used to collect them....!!!!! My heart belong to you for ever....!!!!! I love snakes... Thank you and have a good night...

That picture of POTUS is old, but i have no complaints in seeing it again.lol

Goodnight All

work that body OBAMA! lol

So Anderson had a garter snake as a kid according to the webcast - in my youth I used to run over them with the riding lawn mower and chop them up - that's how much I dislike snakes!

Goodnight Anderson, Erica..enjoy the rest of your night!

I don't mind seeing Filmore...he's somehow related to Ahnold, right?
Goodnight, everyone (including the "Snakes on a Newscast")!!!

Nite-nite all! Goodnight Mr. Snakeman!

Goodnight Anderson, Erica ,,,and to that cute little snake!

Now, when the last time we have a President who give the shirt off his back. Good Night Everyone!

Well, it's about that time: evening Anderson, Erica, Jack Gray, and all you excellent bloggers out there. Peace!

@Jack, really? i thought the snake laid the eggs in your kimonos... oh well, good luck Jack or Anderson – whoever ends up with the baby snakes.

Good night everyone, so glad to join in the chat! can't wait for tomorrow night!

@Krasi, Houston, TX

I’ll live to be 84.9 according to the calculator and I'm very happy!

good nite

Good night everyone!

I would rather live in a society which criminalizes torture and may have occassional terrorist attacks – it's the price you pay for a freedom and justice for ALL. Ari talked about Paul being the accuser, judge, jury & executioner – what do you think the individuals who promote torture are doing – giving a fair trial first? Sure a terrorist is not a soldier – but we treat child rapists & murders with more justice. What about Darfur – are not those humans worthy of our democracy?

I did not know we executed Japanese soldiers who committed water boarding – what a hypocrisy

I think we are stronger for not using torture. We still have a long way to go just to improve our inter department communications and intelligence activities – lets exhaust that first.

Anderson, Erica and Team 360 - good show tonight - torture and snakes!

Jack - looks like one of the snake eggs already hatched and Anderson was holding it on the Webcast.

Good night all - peace.....

Never thought in a million years I would see a python wrapped around your neck........ You never cease to amaze......Thanks for the laugh