Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 2/3/09
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Lol, those kids were so cute. It reminded me of when I came back from DC after the Inauguration, and my co-worker's 7 year old daughter came up to me and whispered "Did you meet Obama?" in my ear. It's amazing how familiar even children are with our President. It's great!
I think people are taking the Christian BAle thing a little too far. Everybody has a bad day, and I'm sure I've aid worse things on my bad days. It's a shame that his was not kept private.
Goodnight Anderosn and Erica!
What a great interview!
Open and honest, the President seems so down to earth. This is what makes him and his wife so appealing
Great job AC
Jazzy, you got that right! Obama has not been on the job long enough to fail anyone! He has come into the worst mess since Hoover with the great depression.
hi erica, you did a good job on reporting the obamas at the school, keep it up
I really liked the honesty with which President Obama talked to Anderson Cooper. Though disappointed by the two Cabinet pullouts, I appreciate him taking responsibility. And it was such a relief to hear him relinquishing the old rhetoric statement "War on Terror". This is one intelligent President who understands the power of words which in turn can shape perception. In regards to the stimulus plan, I am in favor of it being scrutinized rather than passed quickly. It's important to get this right.
Ah, I was hoping that The Christian Bale meltdown would be The Shot. It is one of the funniest things I've heard in a while–it's also pretty shameful how some celebrities treat the people who work with them–Bale might have some trouble here on out on his next projects.
What a nice thing to say - "I care about education"
Good show tonight, Anderson and the whole 360 Crew –
I enjoyed Anderson's interview, the panel discussion and the good mix of topics.
Good night Fellow Bloggers.
Oh, here comes the Christian Bale clip. Not sure how much they're going to be able to play on-air of that tirade. I wonder if it will effect his career to any degree. His behavior was beyond embarrassing.
Christian Bale: all the time a news on fight.
Easy, Batman (or exterminator?)
I was shocked at Christian Bale's profanity laden rant! He owes that man a public apology!
I don't want anyone in a top government position who doesn't realize that a free car for personal use over such a long period could be income. Not knowing is ok for the man on the street; it's not ok for someone purporting to legislate, regulate or make policy for others. It's basic.
It's refreshing to hear someone own up to when they believe they've made a mistake – Washington surely could learn much from our new President.
Hi Anderson. you are GREAT! Our president is a honest man of God, I pray that He keep on walking in God's rightiousness as he leads this country, He care about the People.
The real problem with our school system is that they don't appeal to the students. It's not about about making students like school, the system was made for a previous era. We need a system that creates innovative minds so we can build items and bring jobs back.
i enjoyed your conversation with the President, I found him to be very candid and enjoyed the school visit with the kids. I agree with Roland that the Democrats need to start talking to the people more on what is in the stimulus package for them personally. Even though I live in Canada, I am very concerned about what happens in the US as our economics are connected. I hope the President takes a more assertive approach to explaining this package and that they can get it passed quickly.
Sharee in Mississauga, Ontario (concerned neighbour)
Anderson,
Please carry this banner:
If you cheat on your taxes, you cannot be appointed to a government position. Period. Not ever, you are out.
In today's day and age cheating on your taxes is such an obvious mine field that if you are dumb enough to cheat, your are disqualified.
And for Tom D. to try to sell such a lie by saying it was an honest mistake, he insulted the entire country.
Joe McCollum February 3rd, 2009 10:14 pm ET
Leaving the politics out of it. I would love to hear a highly educated U.S. citizen speak out on the positives of the stimulus plan.
------
Amen Joe. I have read many educated people's opinions on this plan and they all overwhelmingly agree with President Obama and the Democratic Congress. Unfortunately, if it's not a Republican looking for some free face time on tv, the average viewer isn't going to hear the other side.
First of all, thanks so much for that interview. I am once again, just so proud of our new President, Obama. I just really hope that Americans, both politically involved and not, can see what an amazing gift we have been given as a country, having Pres. Obama elected. He continues to make wise, calm decision and holds onto his hopeful, optimistic view for our county's future, with bulldog tenacity. Makes me so proud to be an American.
Hi Anderson,
Two things;
The President is not in trouble, did not do anything wrong and Dacshel was the best man for the job. The President is not responsible for someone not paying their taxes yet he took the blame anyway.
Michael Phelps must be sanctioned, Adam 'pac man' Jones wasn't even caught on tape smoking a blunt. This kid is sending the wrong signals and should be treated like his black counterparts are; dropped like a hot potatoe from his contracts.
That must have been a great surprise for the kids and the teachers at that elemenatry school. That was nice of the Obamas to do that
Anderson: I enjoyed the parts of the interview I have seen. I will watch the entire interview at the top of the hour.
Thanks for asking about his smoking. I hope and pray for his and his family's sake that he can really quit once and for all.
I've lost my father, mother and sister, as well as many aunts and uncles (related by blood as well as marriage), to smoking related illnesses. My dad was 39 when he died. My sister was only 44 when she died. My mom was in her 80s but suffered for a number of years from smoking related disease. For Michelle, Sasha and Melia's sake, as well as our country's sake, and his own sake, I hope that he quits smoking.
David Gergen and Obama's demeanor are identical. Both calm, cool, collective and upfront! LOVE it.
They say it takes a smart man to recognize a wise man and a smarter one to learn from him. Let's hope other political figures follow in the footsteps of our awesome President!
If what we see is what we get, this will be interersting how a truly
new generation, calm, straighforward president fits into the role
of world leader...how does his personality fit with the likes of Hu Jintao, Medvedev-Putin vs Gordon Brown, and other western leaders?
How will they perceive President Obama and this different style?
Gayle,
Are you concerned about the US going with protectionism and shutting us out? I am looking forward to Obama coming to Canada and discussing open trade between our contries.
Agreed on your comment. It would be nice to have someone with that charisma and optimism
As a future teacher, having a President that sees education as a top priority is wonderful. But I hope he doesn't ignore public schools. I'm a product of a public school and I know how great they can be, if the teachers and policies are on the same page and use progressive teaching methods.
Gayle – Canada
Great interview Anderson. The oval office is a long way from The Mole! Love your show. I wish Canada could get a leader like President Obama.
The Mole! I forgot all about that show. That was one of my favs.
I'm glad to hear that Obama is going to be capping CEO salaries of those receiving TARP funds. I also like the idea of investigating them and possibly putting them in prison. As for TARP I think that was a big mistake in the first place. I think the reason these CEOs are throwing parties, giving away bonuses and such is that they know that they are doomed to fail even with all the tax payer money given to them. We're just throwing out money away.
If the Obama administration had been taking more time to fill the seats due to extensive vetting, as he should, everyone would be making the same complaints you all are making here. You'd be asking, What's taking him so long?" Doesn't he know what he is doing?" "See, I told you he was "too inexperienced."
To any of you who are against him, I am convinced that nothing this man says or does, right or wrong, you will always be against him. You will always find fault with him no matter what. But while you are doing so, please remember this, Barack Obama told you so first. It was he who first said that he is only one man, that he would make mistakes, and that he would hold himself accountable.
Also, why not voice your concerns, questions, ideas and your complaints to administration directly. President Obama also said that he would have an open-door policy, and guess what? He does. Try it. It might help him, help you.
I'm done. LOL!
Dulcie, thank you. I had a professional tax preparer tonight tell me how many issues she's found from *other* tax preparers and those who use turbo tax. It doesn't mean they were evading.
Good reporting Anderson. Good night Gergen, Erica, Roland and ACBloggers...till next time
Anderson, that was outstanding. From taking the time to share the Oval Office experience, to the respectful, firm and even funny questions you asked President Obama – you aced it.
The fact that you kindly added thank you's to your co-workers made it even better. Boy, do I wish I could find a boss like yoiu. But then, you are truly one of a kind.
Truly enjoyed your interview. You did us all proud. I can see David gergen beaming from here.
Phelps' crime of potsmoking was a crime of entitlement.
good interview Anderson, Obama is doing good lets not hang this issue over his head. there is bigger issue to deal with like job, war, health care, education, etc... let him go back to work.
Great interview with the President–wide ranging and thorough–it's a testament to Anderson's skills as an interviewer and the hard work of the 360 team. Good job guys.
See,even the kids called her Michelle.I have friends
who are teachers and they are amazed at how much
the kids know President Obama.
Another fantastic night on 360 – so many blogs it will take me the next hour to real ALL of them.
Great Job to AC, Eric, Panel, crew and best bloggers.
Goodnight and i am somewhat re-assured about where we are going with this President!
I know Megan, he was sort of caught between a rock and a hard place, but he admitted his mistake that is hard to do. I know I've made a lot of mistakes and had to admit them. It's not easy and embarrassing.
I loved what Michelle Obama said to those school childrent about working hard in school and paying attention to your parents and teachers.
Marijuana needs to be legal. Enough about the prosecution from the sheriff in NC. Is he bored? OR, is it all about the sheriff getting publicity? hmm
Jacqueline, NY February 3rd, 2009 10:36 pm ET
My Dear, Mike,
How can you judge that Obama is failing? He hasn’t even been in office four weeks and, yet he has four years to prove himself.
He set an ethical standard for himself and his administration and a significant chunk of his cabinet picks have failed to meet that standard. That doesn't mean he's failed a President, but it's not a great start.
The idea that law inforcement would try to press charges against Michael Phelps is ridiculous. Unless you were there no one can prove what was actually in the "so called bong." It could have been tea leaves he was smoking .
An apology from him was more than enough and really not even necessary. He should have admitted nothing.
However, what I do find to be criminal, was the fact that someone in a private home took a picture of Michael Phelps, most likely without his permission and without the homeowner's permission.
Then this person used the photo against Michael Phelps by selling it to the highest bidder. That my friends is the real crime
Woo Hoo, Anderson & crew! Great Job tonight!
Are you all kidding me ????? Our President is AWESOME. Not only is he the most intelligent and honest president we have had in a very, very long time, he is so down to earth and outreaching to the people that he is creating a much needed new standard for all politicians. He is wonderful, and he is doing a great job. However, we must all understand the gravity of the situation that so many irresponsible, greedy and dishonest people put us in.
From an unemployed father/husband of three young children- Can President Obama please tell the working class how this stimulus bill is going to create more jobs, give us something with some reality in it. We don't care about Wall Street billions and Corporate Americas jets, offices, and execs million dollar bonuses. It sounds like Roland is the is one who really gets it, nice work and keep spreading that word!
Great interview Anderson. The oval office is a long way from The Mole! Love your show. I wish Canada could get a leader like President Obama.
@Rennee
And just how did Obama "fail the American people"? He's only been on the job for 2 weeks but, yet he has "failed the American people"?......Sorry hunny you must got Obama mixed up with Bush becuz Bush is the one who "failed the American people"...NOT OBAMA!...
Anderson, as a former smoker who years ago became what is now officially called an "intermittent" smoker, I ask you to please lay off our new president on the subject of his having an occasional cigarette. This needs to be a hands-off topic just out of consideration for not putting him on the spot for something that has nothing to do with his competence as president or with our national or international problems. Just leave him alone, for goodness sake. It is absolutely no big deal if he smokes from time to time. I myself have gone once two years, then almost ten years, then four months or whatever between times of smoking socially for fun at a party or just out of stress for something that was going on at the time. Let it go, please.
Do you guys *have* to add "of course the cameras were there" everytime you show the school stuff? When are the cameras NOT there when he leaves the White House. When is he not "on camera"? It's not like this was some sneaky move. And there is no doubt he loves and is good with kids. It probably *was* a breath of fresh air. The kids probably acted more grown up than the Congress and Senate. I still want to see the shot when the little girl threw her arms around him. I heard it was adorable.
Hey Anderson great jog today at The White House. I would never had guessed that was your first time there. As for President Obama he is still the man I trust to be behind that desk in the Oval Office
Anderson YOU ARE GREAT AND I LOVE CNN. Give President Obama a chance to clean up this mess. He is just getting out all the kinks. I have never been so hopeful with anyone before. I also have never been involved with politicis, and I am so proud to be an OBAMA supporter. We are so very very lucky to have him.
@ Dolores: re Daschle, if we have no time to think about principles, what else matters? Just money? I think that approach got us into this mess.