Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 2/26/09
[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
|
|
Filed under: Live Blog |
About this Show:
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°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
My last comment of the night: Anderson, talk to Gelman about approaching Hill for fill-in when Ripa takes a day off. In my opinion, Hill might even surpass Ripa as funniest and my favorite woman on TV. Looking forward to see you tomorrow morning. Good Times. Goodnight. ~ L.C.
Allowing photos of the flag drapped coffins is a bad idea. It will ONLY be used for political purposes, protests, to make a statement, etc.... Will you ever see these photos used to HONOR those lying in the coffin? Nope. Attend a funeral of a fallen soldier in your area if you need a reminder of the war we are fighting or if you want to honor the fallen. Picture sof coffins plastered on th enightly news only serves one prupose; to undermine the efforts of the troops and their mission.
If the mayor "didn't know" that a field of watermelons pictured on the front lawn of the White House carried a racist message, maybe he's not smart enough to be a mayor – really!
I've been hearing about the situation in Mexico off and on over the past few months – it is frightening what's been taking place there and it seems to be getting much worse.
If he was so ignorant that he was "unaware of the stereotype" Who trust him as their Mayor...What an idiot.
The Mexican government cannot be trusted! They are bought and sold by the cartels.
I think that the Mayor that sent the email with the watermelon patch at the White House should step down. He is exectly what we don't need in public office in America. Get rid of him......
Michael Ruppert can tell you how big this drug business is...and how it got so powerful.
I thought the comment Anderson made about the congress waisting their time waiting for the president instead of in their office's working on our be half was right on. You go Anderson
Seriously? That mayor didn't know watermelons had a racist connotation towards black people. Yeah right! What is the explanation this time? Was the joke was about suppose to be about some obscure agriculture legislative measure in the latest stimulus bill. This is just like the NY Post monkey cartoon. They claim they don't know but most black people refuse to believe that. Just apologize instead. Saying you didn't know, especially during Black History Month, is very insulting. You don't know because black people are told that they are playing the race card everytime they point out legitimate racism. I guess Eric Holder was right. That mayor is a COWARD!!!!
The "i did not know excuse" is getting old already. The email would not even make sense besides racial sugesstions. It sad!!!!
Someone may have already made this observation. If Mayor of that city in California did not know that watermelons have a racial stereotype history, I wonder why he picked watermelons to associate with the White House and Easter. To critique his so called joke further, why would he think there would not be an Easter Egg Hunt at the White House this year? He obviously knew what it meant and now does not want to take responsibility. Plus he must not be too bright. This should be the end of his political career. If not, his town has the same mentality as he.
I say shame on the individuals that made Suleman the million dollar offer to be in an adult film. They are taking advantage of a woman who is in a desperate situation, granted self-inflicted, but nonetheless it's wrong. If she has any dignity whatsoever, she should decline.
Sorry, but I too needed to have someone explain what the watermelons meant. I can say for sure I am not racist.
C'mon. This clown was elected to public office and he is not smart enough to understand why he's sending email around with "watermelon patches on the White House lawn?" He might be STUPID but we aren't. Impeach the idiot.
Puleez!. Give me a break. This is a Mayor? Did not know about the watermelon connotation? What a total jerk! I guess he feels this us his "2 mintues of fame" after the cartoon. I believe in free speech but when it is spread across the internet thinking it is a joke, his internet provider should just cut him off. I will pay for his connection as long as he can't get on.
oh and props to you Anderson for acknowledging what the Congressman said about you. But I must say, considering that you mentioned you didn't like the "snarky" aspect of Rachel Maddow's show, isn't that what you were doing?
That kind of blatant disrespect for our new president using racist material will not be tolerated. Let's unite to remove the mayor from office soonest.
C'mon Anderson and Erica... That mayor knew exactly what he was doing. When will people realize that President Obama will be in office for the next four years. Get over it.
I also agree with the other folks on the blog, please I am begging you, no more octo-mom stories.
Scary stuff on the Texas border. I know a lot of people who go to doctors and dentist because they are 1/10th of the cost of the U.S. Isn't that ridiculous? Something needs to be done about medical cost. Not very safe to cross the border.
Michael Ware is very brave and an excellent reporter.
@ Anderson~I'll be watching ur piece on border drug cartels AND with Kelly in the morning. I have nothing else to do anyway!lol (ankle broken)
I crossed the border in one of those little towns close to South Padre Island, Texas in 2005. A couple of days later we started hearing about violence in the border towns. I swore off of ever going to Mexico again.
Funny how the mayor did not think the email was not offensive. That email certainly isn't funny and neither is he.
So this is all about drugs coming into the United States.
Does Mexico have troops they can deploy to clamp down
on the violence before a possible overthrow of the government?
That would lead to total chaos.
Of course the Mayor from CA knew what he was doing when he sent that lousy postcard. This is why the there are more and more groups against blacks are growing. How ignorant....God Bless Obama, he would still try to help these low lifes.
Anyone who thinks their use of drugs is only hurting themselves needs to pay attention to this report!
What the hick, heck are people thinking, racism is showing its ugly head once again. Why can't we all just get along?
If the mayor was not aware of the "watermelon" stereotype, why did he choose watermelons???
Why not choose books, or computers, some other intellectual property???
He knew exactly what he was doing! Anyone, black, white, red, or yellow knows about these typical southern Jim Crow stereotypes!
Why is he denying it, is he embarrassed? If so, why did he create that?
I think CNN is couragous in broadcasting Black in America. You are the only Major news organization taking on this issue. Even B4 Eric Holders comments. Salute
Mexico used to be a great place to visit. I remember the great days in the Military, Everyone used to go to Tijuana to party, go to the great beaches, Cabo ST Lucas and us Americans can't even take chance to go down to Mexico to enjoy oursleves and have fun without watching behind our backs. Whats this word coming to........
Thank You.
Hi Anderson better late than never, good show tonight.
I have been visitng a clinic in Tijuana (Mexico) on a regular basis for 5+ years, and I always travel alone. A lot of people in southern California use medical services in Tijuana. The first visit (to a third world country) was frightening. After that, I realized my fear was just my own mental hype. NOW, however, I have serious reservations about going across the border. I wonder if I'd be a target?
You were absolutely hilarious today! Can't wait to watch tomorrow morning!!
It is such a shame that the mayor would post a picture like that about the white house. hatered is huch a waste of the mind/He knew that i
he was aminf for the e-mail to be raceist. shame on him.
I think it is very very sad that we are living in a time that people still can't respect each other. One day they say that one day has not come; these people need to get a real and ask God to forgive them for the bitterness in their heart.
I am an 80yr old black/indian heritage woman. What has confused me over the years is if blacks were stolen and brought to America, they most certainly were not allowed to bring groceries. Who brought the pork, watermelon, and other things we are sterotyped with? Of course they had to eat what was given to them!
I actually have to get up at nine tomorrow, so I'll try to catch what I can of the show before I head to class. From the clips I've seen, the shows you host always prove to be quite entertaining. 🙂
Ok, I could do without seeing the morgue images. I think that just scares people. Haven't we had enough of the "fear factor" that has been living in American journalism for the past 8 years? Isn't there another way to get the point across?
I think this email that the Mayor sent out is something that is just beginning because President Obama is changing the way things were and because he is the First Black President. We are going to continue to hear others lashing out !
@ Anderson - 60 Minutes is a season pass on my TIVO - so I'm looking forward to your segment. It's a story we all need to be aware of - talk about the threat of "terrorism" in our backyard.
and on Regis and Kelly again tomorrow - do you ever sleep?
My goodness Mick, you come home and still manage to find a war. The situation is Mexico is unbelievable. Will look forward to 60 minutes.
Thank you Anderson, you've just set up my weekend schedule for me!
Give me a break! Mayor Grose knew exactly what he was saying. Actually, it's a good thing that the mayor "accidentally" emailed that to the wrong (really the right) person. Orange County (California) has long been viewed throughout Southern California as being anti-minority. Actions such as this by the mayor of Los Alamitos also serves to verify that perception. On top of that, melon lovers come in every shade, are of every ethnicity. So, from one Melon Lover in America to the next ... peace out! LOL!
It's funny how when people are called out because of their acts of racism that their excuse is always "I Didn't Know"
Anderson, thanks for reminding us what will be on TV tomorrow, Regis and Kelly and AC....but thank you more for what is showing in the streets close by.
This story is absolutely devastating...but one that we need to hear...thank you Mr. Ware for bringing it to us...
OK Anderson,
There's no way I can believe anyone who could have created the white house image with the watermelon front yard, would have no idea about the 'hidden' meaning of the melons...
Shameful. We as a nation need to be focusing our energy on breaking the barriers not continuing to support such destructive attitudes and pretend innocence.
I just can't understand how political officials. are allowed to do such things as the mayor is Los Alamedas, CA. If he had sent some sort of anti-semitic e-mail like that, the jewish community would have his head, and he would more than likely be forced out of office.
Please tell me how this is any different???
Confused in Brooklyn, NY
I can't believe that this Mayor does not know of the stereotype of water melon and blacks. Why did he not use oranges?
Al Sharoton where are you in this....................go get him!
No matter how much our government says they are seriously fighting the war on drugs they don't really want the importation of drugs to end because it brings too much money into our country.
Greetings Anderson,
Black History Month is almost over but I guess it is okay for some people to get one last watermelon joke in. I find his excuse absurd!