[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg]
Want to share your thoughts on the stories we're covering tonight? You're in the right location. Just scroll down and post your comments. This is where you can "chat" with Anderson and Erica during the program.
Want to know what we're covering tonight? Read EVENING BUZZ
Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.
Here are some of them:
1) Keep it short (we don't have time to read a "book")
2) Don't write in ALL CAPS (there's no need to yell)
3) Use your real name (first name only is fine)
4) No links
5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated; PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)
We're so tech savvy here at AC360°. At least, we like to think we are these days. So, we've got more goodies for you.
Don't miss Erica Hill's webcast during the commercials. Watch our WEBCAST
And take a look at our live web camera from the 360° studio. Watch the WEBCAM
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
I guess Phelps should name his dog "Smokey" too. (or "Smokey 2")!
Wow - a president who realizes that words matter.
Glad to hear him admit that he's "learning on the job.." Too many people think they "know it all" and aren't open to the continuing need to educate one's self.
I agree with David Gergen - that President Obama's calmness is re-assuring. His communication skills and demeanor convey his leadership abilities.
Come on Anderson - give him a break on the smoking - at least what he's smoking is legal.
Serves Phelps right...who is he to think he will get away with this with as simple apology...the law has its purpose to stop illegal behavior no matter who you are, sooner he learns that the better
Let us give President Obama credit for setting a high standard! I imagine he & his staff were astounded that all candidates did not pay their taxes! Obama is acting in good faith; he is trying! I also think he was trying to allow the candidates to save faith by withdrawing!
Yes, Dave Gergen! President Obama is well-anchored and deliberative! Thank you Anderson for your balanced coverage!
I hear ya Erica~ Yew Haw to the team @ AC/360! You ARE the smartest on T.V.
Yay to EVA too! Oh hell, YAY everyone at 360!
I'm guessing its mostly a publicity stunt...How many celebs have gotten caught breaking the law and nothing has happened. Or the want to scare him or something, I'm sure they have some sort of ulterior motive.
Roland has some good points. At first I was offended at people still calling the President Barack Obama, but it is his familiarity that may partially cause that. Still folks, he is the President now.
Excellent panel discussion. Insightful and love the chuckles. David Gergen is just plain cute.
Anderson, that was a very good interview. You asked tough questions but was respectful and ended the interview on a lighter note. Pres. Obama has a lot on his plate and to end with laughter was a sign of a great interviewer.
Keep doing what you do! That's why I am glued to AC360.
I agree with Sgt. Giselle Doszpoj. Keep flushing out the bad apples, Mr. President. You are doing the right thing.
None of the politicians who betray the trust of Americans deserve to be re-elected when their time is up. That time is coming.
Phelps and Obama....that's kind of an awkaward picture. Froliking in the front lawn picking flowers to put....well we know where...
Anderson- I believe that you did a wonderful job interviewing the President. I am normally pretty pessimistic about these things, but you did a wonderful job.
Aww Hill....it's great to see and hear you and Cooper showing so much appreciation for those who are working so hard behind the scenes. This is why I love AC360 so much.
And oh by the way...first puppy...get a whippet. A smart, kind, and classy pet to match the first family.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Roland Martin!! Somebody finally mentioned that he hates that some people do not give P. O his proper respect and call him President.
Listen with all the stress his under his doing good by just keeping the smokes off the grounds. I just hope he keeps his hand on the ball and does not pass the ball to much because if he does they will blame him know matter what. because as we know the buck stops with him. I love him!! And why should we care if he somkes everyone need a time out.
Barack Obama is Truly a Man of Character.
I see Barack Obama as a Man as President that's not Just Taking Shots From the Sidelines + His Sensitivity Cannot Be Misconstrued as 'Labored' by Any Means!
President Obama Will Get It Worked Out + in the Right Way!
God Bless You, Barack Obama!
Thanks Anderson!!!!
I am so appericated a question for President Obama!!!!! Good job!!! and Thank you CNN!!!!
@ Sylvia/Chicago: Thanks for the sentiments. I appreciate them.
I read the 648 page House bill (4 pages per page/front and back) and I am VERY concerned about the direction of the bill. Too much pork and not enough jobs!
President Obama is just like you and me! Every day man!
Great interview, thank you for airing it. Our new President in my opinion is trying to stay on task with getting all of us back on track with living a more stressless life. Give him a chance as we have done in the past with everyone else, of course we need to keep our eyes and ears open however we need to be fair enough to give this President a chance also.
I really don't like the war on terror answer. These organizations need popular support to exist.
As far as I'm concerned, we can still call him "No Drama Obama". His "calmness" during times of drama is remarkable. Wonder what his secret is? Especially since he's stopped smoking. It's got to be tough!
I agree with David Gergen...I love the fact that the President talks to us like adults. He admits his mistakes, thinks about the words he is going to use before he speaks, and has an inner calm that reassures the rest of us.
Anderson, It is truly amazing that President Obama chooses not to smoke on the Whitehouse grounds. This is a very tough habit to break.
Great Anderson and Crew. Great Job again!
I don't mind someone who screwed up as long as s/he knows it too. Most important is "can" this person get the job done right! If so "move on". We really need real progress not little bickering about someone not correctly paying their taxes. Nobody is perfect and who saids other is a hypocrite.
Anderson got to ask about the doghave they decided yet? I missed that.
Dear Mr. Cooper –
I feel President Obama is capable and I am positive he will do his best to avoid future so-called "screw ups". I continue to have confidence in him.
Sincerely,
Helen Merbitz
age 102 (b. 1/15/1907)
Pontiac, IL
Be still my heart! Not only did Coop ask about the War on Terror but Pres. Obama gave an outstanding answer.
And I love the final question….great job Cooper. I don’t think I have any right to be proud, but I am. I’m proud of what a great job that my favorite network and journalist did. And it’s quite a nice shout out you gave, Coop. You should sleep well tonight.
If the man needs a cigarette…let him. I don’t like the habit but I can’t blame him.
I think they should name the dog, "Smokey."
Woo~Hoo Grrrrrreat interview with the President Anderson!
It was purrfect!
=^^=
First of all....I LOVE David Gergen...I like his comment on Pres. Obama "he sounds like an adult" That's soo true..so cool, calm and collected
From an unemployed husband/father of three young children- Please President Obama, let the working class know how this stimulus bill will help create jobs? I don't think he really gets it. It sounds like Roland does, he has hit the nail on the head tonight, nice work sir!
The 4% interest on all mortgages would definately help stimulate the economy
I like the 4% mortgage however as soon as the economy picks up the interest rate goes back up and that is where it will become unfair again do to the fact that people that had good jobs lost them lost thier home, credit card default ect. thier credit was damaged and have to race against time to repair before the rate goes up they should freeze this rate for a time period after the jobs are recovered pre Sub Prime problems
Who cares what they call the war! All we care for is to be kept safe.
It's easy for the President to now announce today (the same day that Daschel pulls out) that he screwed up. What bull. Obama didn't say anything until today, so Obama is full of it too, I'm sorry to say. We are not falling for it and the fact that Geithner is still in disgusts "we the people" who do pay our taxes and aren't even getting the paychecks that these tax cheats get. So, how many other politicians are cheating on taxes that we don't even know about till they may get picked for a cabinet seat. But, of course, they'll say it was a mistake. We average Joes/Janes taxpayers can't get away with not paying and then try saying it was a mistake and then be put in the highest office of the land. The fact that Geithner is still in sent the wrong message to us out here and especially about our President.
Ed Rollins is wrong. Durng the campaign, President Obama said his plan would save and/or create upto 3 million jobs. This is not a change. But Ed is a republican strategist, right – Rush must have given him a call and let him know the new talking points.
A gracious, honest, thoughtful shout-out from AC to our colleagues.
There is an incredible team here at AC360 and throughout CNN. We work with some of the smartest, most dedicated people you could wish for. I am also a huge Eva Nordstrom fan – she deserves that mention! YAY, EVA!!!
"Words matter in this situation."
Finally we have a President that understands the concept of language and association. I couldn't be more thrilled that elementary phrases such as "War on Terror" are becoming a thing of the past. Maybe now we can move forward with a better understanding of the Middle East and a more nuanced approach to discussing it.
@Anderson: Good looking out on his evasive smoking answer. 😉
Hi guys,
Please tell me if there were any initial guidelines on spending the bailout money to any reciepients?? There should have been. I have never heard this ? ansked or answered.
Thanks.
Vivian
how about the Congress giving us a temporary tax holiday? how about no federal income tax for three months? How about giving Americans the gross amt. on their paychecks?
Dear Mr. President,
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for recognizing the difference between crazy people and your average Mohamed on the street. I have been waiting for so long to hear that!!!
To quit smoking: I used hot curry paste anytime I wanted one (usually 1 to 2 tablespoons). It sucks, but it worked, I've been cigarette-free since December 1, 2005. To be fair, I'd probably start up again if someone plopped a job like this into my lap.
Anderson,
Enough about the Sasha and Malia dolls.
Josh, Brooklyn, NY
Anderson,
I'm watching your interview with the president and I think it's none of your business about his smoking habits. That was personal and you seem to want to make a story out of it. Otherwise, all else was ok
I think Pres. Obama is still sneaking in a few smokes now and then. He did say he hasn't smoked "on these grounds" 😉
David Gergen is on point, I don't know what it is but with all our problems President Obama still comes across as calm. If P.O knows everything that's going on and he can remain calm, so I feel in time everything is going to be okay.
Isnt it reassuring, he too is a mere mortal?
Anderson, so gracious of you to thank the folks that did the research for your interview to make it a success–you rock!!
Yea, "no ciggarets on these grounds!" Obama if you need a smoke go ahead.....Michale Phelps did!