Happy Friday everyone – another newsy night.

The president and his top advisers spent much of the day in “what she meant to say” mode – trying to quiet the controversy over judge sotomayor’s 2001 speech that some haved interpreted as “identity politics” – suggesting that as a Latina judge perhaps she can better understand some cases than a white male.

If you read the whole speech – she actually stresses how she tries to understand her biases and work, as much as any human can, to not let the impact her judgments. But critics have latched on to the statement … and when the president himself is trying to clean things up … it is proof the white house sees it as an issue.

I say issue, not problem, because there is no evidence of any major trouble for the nomination. None. But it is still an interesting wrinkle …. and a reminder of an obama political instinct we saw a lot in the campaign: if something seems awry, even a bit, move quickly to try to clean it up and turn the page.

It's finally Friday!

A sweet hello to all of the bloggers and the news team!

Good evening, John King!!

Hi, friends, David (Indiana), bloggers, everyone

Happy Friday, everyone!!!!!

Helloooo John, Erica, Edurrado(Ed Henry) David Gergen and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!
I can't wait forward this weekend already!!!!! Thanks god it's Friday night!
John,
You are doing great job double duty Situation Room and AC360 tonight!

I agree with John is saying about Judge Sonia Sotomayor is not racist at all, no proof evidence out of trouble.

In an article, "The New York Times" defined the Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a person of strong opinions, not intimidated in the tribune, or before the press.

Hi John King! You're doing double duty today! Hello to the entite 360 team.

Good evening fellow bloggers. TGIF!!

Hold on...looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride..(re: high court nomination & republicans.)

Good evening guys!
As for Obama's remark. If she wanted to restate her idea, she would have done so.

We are all biased...What's sad is that some people can't control it. It's nice that some people are able to be aware of their problems.

The blogosphere is delighted with the appointment because Judge Sonia Sotomayor is considered the first person to reach the Supreme Court who know and practice the Cyberlaw.

I can not believe that CNN is taking the craziness from
Limbaugh and Gringich and thinking that they matter.
The only people falling for this work in cable news.

Greetings to All! Everyone looking forward to a good weekend,I hope.

I don't understand how "everybody wins". The Republicans are making fools of themselves!

Who would want to be a member of a party that is as exclutionary as the Republican party would appear to be at this point in time.

I think Republicans are going against Sonia Sotomayor to drop her nomation her position.

For whom was born, grew up and studied in a neighborhood considered dark and reached the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor is an ordinary person, but with an unusual and admirable biography

@Starr, I actually think that the GOP is something like a frat or a sorority, just one that no one wants to be in right now. But honestly, even when we were all kids, we had those clubs, being exclusive and all, and we still wanted part in them...

Why is everyone caught up on that one statement? Does anyone honestly expect that a person, even if a Supreme Court Justice, can be completely stripped from all biases and personal beliefs? The Supreme Court Justices are human and I am sure that the rest also bring their own ideas and beliefs to the cases they review. The greater the diversity, though, the more likely it is that a case will be looked at from several different perspectives.

Evening Isabel, John King, Erica, everyone. I think its ok to challenge Judge Sotomayor to as Joe Johns says open up a discussion of pts that are important to republicans as regards the judiciary, but so fare it's been incendiary, though now swirling around the actualy remarks.

Kind of busy Friday here, but Happy Friday all.

The nuclear tests by North Korea are the first serious foreign policy challenge of President Obama. Feared that this challenge were of the Muslim world, but came from another country harassed by the old government. It is also a challenge for the leadership of China in the region. From an economic perspective, even small and isolated, North Korea creates a further burden a weak body.

I believe that Obama restated her ideas because many people seem to have trouble following a careful nuanced complex argument. Perhaps I am being too harsh, it just may be that people are pouncing on the famous quotation for 2 possible reasons. One, it is an attempt to discredit a thoughtful person and qualified judge who dares to talk about race, or second, some have not read the entire piece. If you have read the entire text I do not not know how one could call the piece anything but honest and thoughtful. However, that may be my bias. Care to make a guess about my race from my words alone?

those of you who know this is double duty scare me a little!!! but cnn thanks you for your loyalty!!!!

one of those days ... but fun ... a lot happening and i like busy.

This is simply crazy, Republicans are trying to flare up anything against Democrats these days. They should just turn around and look at their own problems and fix them.

North Korea: Nuclear threat imminent and irresponsible actions

A true act of desperation, when it resolves to play all or nothing to see in what is going. But who will pay this act of desperation will be the people, unfortunately

I realize that , due to our background, we sometimes feel more able to deal with certain situations, since we possess additional information/experiences. However, in other situations (different culture/background), we are at a disadvantage. Ms. Sotomayor will likely be better equipped for some cases than others. This situations is probably true for all judges, regardless of their ethnicity.

Joining in a bit late tonight, but glad to see you back in the anchor chair tonight, John King (Didn't I see you filling in for Wolf earlier today? You are one busy guy!) - and I like the fact that President Obama addresses a situation and tries to turn the page -

Hello Team 360 and Fellow Bloggers - TGIF (even though it's been a short week - I'm ready for it to be over!)

The North Korean president may be taking advantage of the economic crisis to make your game. Economists are worried about the US tax issue, with the deficit hitting at 13% by the end of the year. All that President Obama does not need now is a front for expenses, plus a battle front, plus a swamp in which they sink. After all, there are already enough problems internally, all the complications that still bleed the economy.

Therefore, and for everything that he intends to be in American politics, President Obama will try at all costs avoid a conflict, but at the same time can not run the risk of "moral hazard" in the diplomatic area, because if he passes weakness, this weaken him the domestic political dispute.

I love Madeleine Albright, she is really amazing woman, of course, I agree with her comment that N Korea must have stop fire missile out of this country.......I am really disappointed with N Korea Pres. Kim Jong really stranger behavior reckless foolish own people to death.

happy friday, all. john king deserves an extra day off!

Don't be scared of me seeing you on the Situation Room - only caught the last 20 minutes - but was surprised to see you anchoring for Wolf –

I would hope that China (& Russia as well) would be deeply concerned about what N.Korea is doing. If you look at the map, they appear to have more to lose, given N. Korea's missile range.

@Jasmine – Spokane, WA- i see your point, however throwing words like "racism" around so casually, can be considered offensive to a country who built it's reputation on "diversity".

Wonderful interview Erica! Can't wait to see the rest of it.

It doesn't matter what color her skin is, where she grew up, or where her parents are from. What matters is what Ms. Sotomayor has done as a judge/attorney, what she has said, and how she has ruled while in her position. What I have read about her so far does not look good for a Supreme Court Justice, no matter who he/she is.

The inflammatory comments against Honorable Judge Sonia Sotomayor by Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and the right wing conservative base are highly disturbing. Could it really be that Limbaugh, Gingrich and their followers are the last gasps of the Confederacy? We must all coalesce against these home-grown insurgents within our midsts.

@ Krasi – "Why is everyone caught up on that one statement?" That's what some people do to promote their own agenda! Take things out of context and hope know one looks further to see the full statement/speech/ectc. So sad, but true....

@ Erica Hill

king john did a great job this week. I love when he is host on AC360 ... he's blogging with us the entire show ... thanks, John!

Whew heavy news on a Friday. I think that was an excellent question, Erica, about what Kim Jong Il wants now and what he wanted before when talks w North Korea were having some success. I think Sec Albright's answer, that few people have spoken w Kim Jong Il recently is the key. Domestic or Foreign audience for his actions, North Korea need to establish some sort of foreign relations with the US to better its own situation. More extensive talks btwn the US and North Korea?

@Isabel – John does get extra points for his blogging!
he puts us all to shame

there are many critics, in both parties, of how the clinton administration handled north korea. but it is fascinating that secretary albright has firsthand experience negotiating with kim jong il.

Erica, great interview with M. Albright! I have a good deal of admiration for her.

I think this entire group is very impressive. I'm a fairly new CNN viewer and I think you guys are great!

@ John,
Don't be scary!!!!!!!! LOL!!! You're doing fine double duty, I am glad CNN told Wolf Blizter took day off......... You are great!

I have read Sotomayor's speeh In context. She made the case that wisdom combines knowledge, experience and certain other ingredients. The more diverse experience a person has, the wiser their decisions will be. This was definitely her point.

In context, it's obviously unfortunate, not intentional, that the people in her example happened to be of different races and genders. Poor political foresight? Yes. Racist? Definitely not. Anyone who takes time to read her speach will easily see that. Let's move on.

an underworld? huh, never would have guessed...

@ Erica Hill

You are also great blogging with us, but John can write a lot ... lol ...

Today you are the most beautiful … my opinion and of the my husband!

Jong is desperate to get attention and negotiate with the US> He's trying to pass his position on to his son and that's what this is all about.

@ Erica!
I agree with you!!! John is great job this week!!!!! He always blog to write all times! I love his comment!!! he is really good writer!

For me the homeless in USA are somewhat unbelievable ... it seems something of my country, alas!

I think it begs to question, if this is the richest country in the world, then why are there any at all?

Erica, you are right, John King deserves a LOT of credit doing hours of news in one day. He also doesn't skip a beat and blogs often too.

He's a "super" man! (& reporter too). Love State of the Union.

Wow - this hidden "underworld" story is really disturbing - homelessness is so sad.......

I bet LA is not the only city with homeless living underground.

Oh my gosh! That is terrible I saw underground really mess up!!!! I hope they will clean up the mess!

wow. that is a stunning cave paul just showed us. sad. but a reminder especially in a bad economy that the homeless problem is growing.

Erica - enjoyed your interview with Secretary Albright - she has an interesting insight into the situation –

Fascinating report that CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR did last night from inside North Korea. All of a sudden we see .. they're real people just like us. Only, they don't seem to like us too much and their minds are all controlled by the government leaders.

Well glad for the markets being up today, best 3 month run since 2007, that's actually pretty good, as 2007 in terms of the Dow was good. Maybe there's some steady lift in the markets.

We as a nation need to do more in our own Country to help these homeless people living in these situations get back on track instead of giving billions to a country for AID and tell us its non of our business what they do with the money and to just keep giving more and not asking questions. What a sad story to see our own people suffering with out Food or Shelter.

A story full of contradictions, that so much remains to be clarified.

The interchange requires maturity. There are not parents who worry, just endless amounts of time and crowds of people, all in the same position and likely never again be seen again.

honestly, i think there are more of these hidden caves. In fact I think the homeless are more rich than any of us. There really isn't money, it's based on hope, and imagination. The homeless rely on that.

Am I the only one finding it disturbing that the girl is smiling so much as she is entering the court? What's there to smile about?

The only reason why I smile in court is because for me and my legal interests, it's a real life soap opera.

the billions of dollars given to corporate head could ended such homelessness, but hey, priorities are priorities.

if every american would give just $1 (one Dollar) we could END Homelessness. Very sad to see. They need to be rehibilitated to get back on track. But I fear that before this is all over many of us some already are going to be very close to becoming Homeless. So many have lost their Homes already during this year.

I wanted to comment on the Underworld discovered. I think it's ridiculous that they are cleaning it out. It is obviously a living quarters for people who cannot support themselves. It's not easy now a days to get a job. So maybe you people should start making more shelters for the homeless or create more jobs. For you to be taking away what they call home is just outrageous to me. I think it's rude and self-centered. How is it hurting anyone?

I don't know a lot of events, but it is sad to see a couple with a promising future be involved in a crime. If she is guilty or not, she is losing too

Yep that place underground is a wreck, several wrecks, rubbish everywhere. Wonder why anyone would live there.

"Brushing up on her Italian?" Probably a good idea when you're being tried for murder in Italy. A timeline of events is needed. That's a lot of facts in David Mattingly's report, but I'm having a hard time lining them up.

The KNox story has been going on so much lately in the local news since it's so close to home....really scary how even abroad things still happen at college

Good evening!

When the Judge said, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.", she was saying that we are the sum of our experiences and I surely agree to that premise. There is rarely one correct judgment pertaining to a specific law as it most often depends on the unique circumstances in the specific case. So, yes, if a case has to do with a certain minority, it should most likely help if one of the judges happens to be from that specific minority.

That is why I favor a healthy mix of judges on the Supreme Court representing as many views as possible in a diverse demography such as the United States of America.

Thank you!

Sad way to learn Italian

@Greg in Austin, TX - it has long been my belief and experience that people around the world are more similar than different - and as individuals, people pretty much want the same things in life..... too often we associate people from other parts of the world, based on what we hear/know about a particular country/culture rather than as individuals trying to live the best life they know how –

That's one of the things I really enjoy about 360 - the reports from other countries, so we can learn and understand about other people and cultrues. Helps us understand how inter-connected we all are... and why situations such as Korea and the Taliban are not as easy to solve as we may think.

I know the Knox so well, That is Knox where I live this city, I feel sorry her parents, my heart goes to them. I pray for them to strenght to heal.

great interview with amanda knox's dad here... really interesting

@Jasmine-Spokane, parties gone wrong happen everywhere where there are college students. It's amazing how so many young people believe they are invincible and that nothing will ever happen to them. I really hope the truth about this case is uncovered. A girl died, someone needs to face the consequences.

Poor father, must be terrible to see a daughter in such a situation!

I keep hearing over and over that Ms. Sotomayor is the daughter of "Puerto Rican immigrants." Puerto Rico is an American Territory and Puerto Ricans are American Citizens!

I have personally experienced and witnessed as a child of the 50's and 60's, discrimination by white males of women and minorities at the Ivy League university that I attended (Penn.) The criticism by the Republicans of this candidate as a racist and "activist judge" is ridiculous. All people view life throught their own life filter, as well as their training and education. That is why we need diversity on the Supreme Court in order to represent all the American people.

@Norman Simon - I agree with you completely - the Sumpreme Court has been too heavily white/male for too long - the court needs to change to reflect the times - as long as the individual being nominated holds the qualifications ...

Please note that a statue atop the Supreme Court building has a blindfolded woman holding the scales of justice. She's blindfolded for a reason, justice should know no bias. Empathy, skin color, gender, etc. shouldn't have a bearing on interpreting the law.

two surreal stories tonight in very different ways.

the la homeless cave is stunning ...

and that amanda knox case is like a racy novel -

that must be so difficult for the family – with the daughter being in Italy – and the two-month summer break during her trial.

@ Krasi, Houston, TX

It's true. I agree with you... "A girl died, someone needs to face the consequences"

Oh, no, Prince Harry's in NY! Erica, tell Jack Gray to hide the strobe light and fog machine! LOL

Beautiful tribute that shows the maturity of the Prince, today

I feel for the parents of Amanda Knox, but have not heard much about the case. And of course, truly feel badly for the parents of the murdered room mate.

I remember the report when the murder happened, but have heard nothing since then. Looking forward to follow up from 360 in future.

@Krasi...yes, it just hits really close to home since I am graduating High school in a week. I don't want to end up in a mess like that.

Wow! Prince Harry came to NYC to visit!!!!! I am glad he put wreath on the fence of underground who perish since 2001.

Princess Diana would be so proud.

Harry is not given enough credit for the fact that he has fought in Afghanistan and did it voluntarily. He is a young man that has made some mistakes, but I admire him for fighting for his country. No need to redocument his missteps.

Love Prince Harry! Nice to see a "positive" report about him.

I think Princess Di would be proud.

Nice to see Prince Harry on this side of the pond!I think his mom would be proud of him.

Flu ... fifteen people have died! Gosh!

@Gail, I agree. Unfortunately, when you are such a famous person, people tend to focus on all those missteps.

Erica Hill...always on her A-Game. Love her!! She's been keeping John King on his toes, thats for sure. Which reminds me, where is Anderson?? I miss him.

Thanks for not showing Phil Spector's mug shot - that was way too scarry when you showed it before!!!

Have a great weekend peeps! Hopefully the sun will shine across this awesome country!

@Jasmine-Spokane, you don't have to. Congratulations on your graduation and good luck with college

They do have to chose their words carefully when you are talking about doing a better job than another race. It is a statement that cannot be taken any other way than what was said. The comment is what it is.

I think that Judge Sotomeyer will offer a different perspective both as a hispanic and a woman. I applaud her for realizing that all of the judges offer unique experiences that they bring to the bench.

Good night John, Erica, David G, Edurrado (Ed Henry) and my friend twitter/facebook bloggers!!!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!
See you on Monday night!!!! (Anderson will be back on Monday)
Day of the shot with old couple are amazing people!!!! I love the shot!!!! Great shot!

81st anniversary!!! wow, my hope in human beings has been slightly restored

Thank you John King for being a great host throughout the week! Thank you team 360 too. And good night as well. Have a great weekend!

Good night fellow bloggers, great chat as always. Have a great week end and will see you Monday.

Where is Anderson? Just because we love John does' not mean we don't miss him.

Getting close to that time –

John King - good to have you in the anchor chair this week - great job! (And I'm assuming you really weren't looking for an invite to the "undisclosed location!")

Have a good weekend Fellow Bloggers and Team 360 –

Until next week...peace....

Nice "Shot" who doesn't like a good love story.....

Erica , I just want you to know that I watch 360 just because you are on there. I think you are awesome. I hope that you have a hour of your own on CNN. You and Anderson make a great team.

that's a heck of a record – sweet couple!

Goodnight everyone.Peace to all of you and yours.Have a safe weekend everyone.

Did I do that?
Between a crisis and another, I'm already 11 years ago with my husband!

Couple nice!

Good night, John King and Erica Hill
Good rest... you deserve!

Good night, David (Indiana), friends, bloggers, everyone!

Great story on the homeless underneath the freeway....very sad.

A great week for us all!

I loved the show today!

A good report about Prince Harry doing those serious things that we all need to do.

82 years anniversary did I hear that right. Yep, Erica, not going to bed angry that helps, but they seem like a happy couple anyway.

Wow so fast tonight.

Good night Isabel, John King, Erica, everyone. Great weekend to all.

Goodnight