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February 5th, 2009
09:45 PM ET

Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 2/5/09

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Filed under: Live Blog • T1
soundoff (705 Responses)
  1. Mike, Syracuse NY

    @@T. I agree, the speech seemed bipolar. One sentence bipartisan, the next attack dog.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:43 pm |
  2. Maureen T

    Anderson,
    that pilot Sully is a true hero! He should be considered for the new year of CNN's heroes!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:43 pm |
  3. Chris Sosa - Boston, MA

    Yes, Brandi, I was just going to say the same thing. His calm and rational approach to the situation saved the lives of all those individuals. Truly amazing.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  4. Lisa Hilliard, Portland Ore.

    Hey, this is my first time on the live blog

    'Sully' the pilot deserves his current rockstar status, he was so calm and collected.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  5. Brandi - bottom of the boot

    @caseyj,

    yes dear, we can always hope, we should always hope. lets just be realistic about it. lol

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  6. Tonia

    When the pres was doing all but making dinner for the repub no one had anything to say no he speaks for us the voters GO Mr. President!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  7. Renee

    @ Gregory: My thoughts exactly. If Americans were in such dire times, then why did McCain and Obama spend millions and millions campaigning? All the networks covered their every move each and every night. Why wouldn't Obama say "enough already" and advise everyone to donate to their local food bank? Why didn't Obama advise everyone to stay home and have local parties in their home states? That would be change I could REALLY believe in.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  8. RealAmerican76

    These Republicans were willing to vote for trillions of dollars to rebuild Iraq. Now they don't care about the Americans who are losing their jobs. They don't care about the teachers or the cities in crisis. They don't care about our children. All they care about is trashing Obama and their own selfish interests at the expense of American families. I am grateful that we have a President who is not a member of the elite class. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and actually cares about Americans unlike the previous administration who lined the Wall St. fat cats with millions.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  9. Isabel Abreu, Brazil

    I'm a fan of Phelps, but this problem puts into doubt, to his honesty on issues of doping.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  10. RJF

    I'm a big fan of the CNN team however it's frustrating to watch your analysts skew the truth. The skew that compelled me to submit to your blog was when one of your analysts tonight on Anderson360 stated that Obama is putting "Change on hold" when in your excerpts from his speech today to the Democrats he says he doesn't want the same old ideas and policies that got the US in the mess it's in today and that this is not about gamemanship, its about the constituents. That doesn't sound to me like he's putting change on hold!! It sounds like he's trying to kick it in to high gear. Why don't you see it for what it really is ...a President that truly has the American people's best interests at the top of his priority list ... now that's change in itself. Stop sensationalizing and tell it the way it really is!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  11. Marian

    This stimulus bill is not a big gamble for President Obama, it is a huge gamble for the Republicans blocking it. The melting down of the economy is happening at record breaking speed and just preaching tax cuts is not going to do the trick. People are losing jobs by the thousands while these blocking Senators and those in the House are playing games with their bruised egos.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  12. Bob Drake

    Perhaps Thad forgot that the Constitution gave Pres Bush something called veto, which he didn't use at all until July 2006. Bush increased the size of gvt 60%. PS A little math: two years out of eight is only 25%, Thad.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  13. Ashley - Hamlin, NY

    Coop – no worries. We know you are a busy guy. And newcasts are best when spontaneous. It's always good to have chaos in your life.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  14. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    This morning, I turn on my TV and turn channel CNN and I saw this taped on radio tower talk to the pilot Sully.... It was so scary to hear this real life!!!!! that is so amazing to see Sully and the crew saved their lives!!!!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  15. Cynthia, NJ

    I think it's time for every unemployed American to try their best to go to Washington and march on the capital and re-enforce the message "THIS IS NOT A GAME". People are loosing everything while these silly lawmakers are sitting down there collecting their paychecks and playing politics.

    If they keep it up people, invite them to join us in the unemployment line in 2010!!!!!!!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
  16. niwat, Chicago, IL

    I can't get enough of flight 1549

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  17. Ken in NC

    The Captian of flight 1549 was flying with the wings of Angels going into the Hudson.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  18. Jeff

    We need to back President Obama on his H R 1 bill. If you call this bill pork what do you call George Bush?

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  19. Mike, Syracuse NY

    @ Minou "Kate Moss was photographed snorting cocaine and she didn’t lose a single contract…"

    It's expected of her, not him.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  20. Evelyn CA

    Finally this is what I’ve been waiting to hear from Obama!….. Repub’s were given an extremely fair shot… and they decided to play screwball with it.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  21. CaseyJ - Palm Springs, CA

    @Mike, Syracuse. The economic indicators signaling our demise started way before just a year and a half ago.

    Our "represnetatives" are ALL equally to blame, period.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  22. Dee from Eastern Noth Carolina

    Mr. Cooper I understand that Michael Phelps is dealing with his own personal religion, that is exactly the point, decisions with himself not the worlds. He must deal with it. It happened now lets move on. What would happen if we drug tested all employees tomorrow at 9a.m. media networks, newspaper, government, the public. What would happen ? Would we even dare to do so or would the results be worst than Mr. Phelps mistakes.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  23. Katie Challacombe

    i think everyone needs to get past the old Washington garbage and let the man we elected do what needs to be done. All of a sudden congress decides to exhibit a little backbone......well they should have done that eight years ago. I trust this president to make the best choice possible.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  24. kim-chicago

    Obama knows he needs to get this bill passed...until then his hands are tied. This "pork" spin is ridiculous. I think he is just fed up with the nonsense. The amount of "pork" in this bill is the least of our worries.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  25. Whitney

    I can only imagine being on that plane...so scared...

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  26. Rose, NJ

    Let the repub filibuster, let the America public see them at work on the senate floor.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
  27. Laura

    It is amazing how calm the captain sounded on the cockpit voice recording. I'd be freaking out.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  28. Betty J Weber

    Why would President Obama continue trying to include republicans in anything? Their minds are not just locked , they are deadbolted to co-operating. We have spoken, let congress listen. We have chosen a democratic president and congress. Republicans beware, this is not the last election, congress needs to lead us out of this depression and out of Iraq. We, the people have spoken, I hope ALL of congress is listening.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  29. Steven - Toluca Lake, CA

    Good evening Anderson, Erica and bloggers. President Obama sincerity comes shining through about how much he cares and empathizes with Americans who are suffering. It's very clear that this is not about any private agendas but to serve americans. The economy does not discriminate whether your Democrat or Republican to take your job, home and/or health. I hope congress sees this and look at the bigger picture for the whole country and not just their constituents.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  30. Vanessa, TX

    Anderson, Capt Sully NEEDS to be this years Hero of the Year without a doubt....:)

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  31. Steve

    Let's cut the salaries and benefits of all members of the Senate until they demonstrate they are qualified to do their jobs. Bet we will have a solution and vote within the next 24 hours!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  32. Rikki, Fargo, ND

    Its all good, Anderson, better late then never! But I gotta admit I work better amidst chaos too!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  33. Sam

    wow I can't believe how calm Sullenberger sounds.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  34. Lauren--NY

    Anderson, thanks for working so hard to keep things updated. That goes Erica and to the crew as well, of course. 🙂

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  35. Chas Dnewitz

    after all the noise about corporate jetsetting executives, what kind of example is Mr Obama setting by taking Air Force One on a flight to Virginia?

    safe bet that AF1 costs more than a Netjets timeshare ... and guaranteed to be 100% taxpayer dollars.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  36. Barbara

    I agree! It is very refreshing to see President Obama take a passionate stand. Yes!!!!!!!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  37. Tom of Philly

    So I take it mike phelps is a witch and we need to burn him at the steak? gimme a break, time to boycott the companies that drop him. why do we have to make gods of people then be tragically let down when we see they are human.

    anyone agaisnt him b/c its illegal, tell me your speedometer never exceeded 55 in a 55 or 65 in a 65.... thats all that tiny amounts of pot are a summary offense like a speeding ticket, get it into perspective everyone

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  38. Brandi - bottom of the boot

    i cant believe how calmly that man said they would be in the Hudson River!

    so collected about the whole situation.

    simply amazing.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
  39. Bea

    @Glen up North who wrote: Bea, psychology-wise, giving someone credit for something that went right (even if they don’t deserve it) encourages them to work with you the next time you need their help. ...

    I agree. In my view he should absolutely play them, democrats and republicans, like a violin. Hopefully, American voters will replace some of them.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  40. Michelle D. Fonthill,Ont

    I agree with you @ Gregory 150 million wow 1 there's some pork trimming to be done there.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  41. Robin

    I don’t completely understand exactly what “stimulus” means, but I voted for President Obama and I trust him. His speech was fantastic tonight. The Senate needs to pass the stimulus now before we have to spend even more, more, and more money to save our economy.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  42. Regine, Arlington, Virginia

    Good evening everyone,
    Where was all the Republican whining about saving money back in Dec. when they rushed to voted themselves a $4,000+ raise, between the Thanksgiven and the Christmas brake. A little slide of hand while complaining about the bank bailouts. Pre. Bush signed it, while packing this bags, no questions asked. If thier raise was attached to this bill they would hurry to sign it.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  43. @T

    I don't understand Anderson Cooper's referring to Obama's remarks to the Dems' retreat as "an important speech" - in fact, it seemed to be a pastiche of old campaign stuff, plus some sweet nothings and hyperbolic partisanship. The sentences didn't even seem to relate to each other, in fact.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  44. Isabel Abreu, Brazil

    Surely, both using the discourse of good and evil. Politics and religion are legitimate social events, human actions can reference that maintains or transform the society – and the other one is based on your goals.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  45. CaseyJ - Palm Springs, CA

    Glen Up North–it's great to have people from Canada commenting. I think it's really important, especially because the two economys have much in common. Thank you. Are you in Moncton (or maybe St. Louis de Kent)?

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  46. Esma

    Cpt. Sully is the coolest!!!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
  47. Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio

    I have mixed feelings about the Phelps business. On one hand he did break the law and he set a bad example for his young fans, but on the other hand many politicians, including Clinton and Obama did the same thing without suffering any negative consequences.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm |
  48. Isabel Abreu, Brazil

    Politics and religion: between the good and evil.

    Like it or not, politics, violence and religion are intertwined in various historical contexts. There are even some cases where they are amalgamated in such a way that to distinguishes them is difficult.

    February 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm |
  49. Linda-Michigan

    I'm sorry, but I blame both parties ....Americans need help while people in Washington worry about keeping their senate seat or getting their pet projects funded. This is a very very sad world

    February 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm |
  50. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    I caught the President’s speech this morning. It was beautiful!

    Minou, I agree!

    February 5, 2009 at 10:38 pm |
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