Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 8/21/09
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg]
CNN has learned that the federal budget deficit is now projected to be $9-trillion, over 10 years. That’s up from the previous estimate of $7-trillion.
Also tonight, confusion over a star athlete’s gender. 18-year old South African runner, Caster Semenya won the gold medal in the world women’s 800 meter event in Berlin. But that achievement has been overshadowed by a gender verification test ordered by athletic officials.
Want to know what else we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ
Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. 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 $#&*)
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
Seriously..i think people are just being HATERS! what is wrong with having "manly facial features?" I think the South African runner is a woman 🙂
It is possible for she or he to be both. It has something to do with the chromosome.
OMG TEST Maddie Deutsch!
I'm sorry, but her body looks just like a man's body. And, would somebody please explain how hard it is to look at someone's genitals to learn what sex he/she is? Evidently, I'm ignorant.
If she has a problem, this should not be exposed so.
I hate that exposure of privacy.
However, if she is intersex, and has male chromosomes, what happens in relation to medal?
Not to be cruel, but that runner does have manly features. I do know some biological women who look like men. She has no adams apple. Constant training can lead to the absence of femininity
Anderson....it's 4:35 am in Luxembourg....you're responsible for my insomnia...so that's one watching from Europe at least and loving it ! your show is worth staying up late at night, trust me.LOL
its only 10 here, and i doubt her gender she has alot of masculine features. but you never know maybe its just her genetics
This runner situation reminds of Lady Gaga being called an hemaphrodite... But this woman (the runner)... she even sounds like a man.
Mike, Syracuse, NY
I agree!!!!!
There is such a condition as being born being intersexual – human beings whose biological sex cannot be classified as either male or female.
So test her already and be done with it. Maybe she's just pumped full of steroids.
This story is pretty confusing. Poor athlete! Poor person (she or he)!
Hey Mark,
Welcome!!!! Have nice you to be here tonight and have a great join blog! 🙂
@Isabel, the deficit numbers? are astronomical, staggering, everytime you turn around. Do you think the economy is improving enough to help us meet the deficit?
amazing how many are watching us in europe, where it is very early in the morning.. thanks.
I feel sorry for Brian Flynn, and all those who lost loved ones on that flight in 1985 - I'm sure watching the pictures of the "heroes" wlcome ripped open old wounds.
Never understood why we started up relations with Lybia again -
adriana, wouldnt they just strip her of her or his gold medal?
"THIS JUST IN"
Breast implants have serial numbers!
Scotland has a lot of explaining to do to the victims of the terrorist they released.
It is a sin that they sent this man back to Libya.
Mr. Begala is nearly always on point (and civil in the process); nice to see him on the air again.
Mr. Copper, I have enjoyed your show and the topics you have brought to your viewers. I admit I'm not a faithful follower but I find your views timely and informative.
Another relative who lost his brother too, predicted this exact senario Before the release!
I am absolutely disgusted with the situation and agree with Mr. Flynn, that If Britain & the US Wanted this Not to happend, it would have been stopped!
God bless all of the people who lost family members, this is a real slap in the face to them and the people of Lockerby, Scotland.
Mark, first time? Prepare to get hooked!
Oh my!!!!! 2 trillion for our healthcare!!!!!! *whew*! I agree with Linda-Portland, OR.
Libya knew the world would be watching, what better way to show America how much they hate us? I know there was more involved than acts of so-called compassion.
Sounds strange that a person who was not trusted to live in society because it is in terminal stage now be trusted.
What happens to the athlete if they find out that she is a man?
Can't you people who say 'look at Bush' understand that the worst year of deficits under Bush was $400 billion, and most were a lot less? Obama will have a $1 trillion deficit every year he is in office.
Hi everybody, sorry i'm late on the blog, but have been watching the show.
@Kelso, i thank you for such a positive view on the deficit.
However, it is a bit worrying that we owe so much money. However, i remain convinced that we will get through this and turn our economy around! (i'm very concerned that this will, however mess up the health care reform).
Hi Mark! welcome to the looney bin. 🙂
Lets not forget the expense of the Iraq war contributed to money not well spent. This, along with health care not being reformed may cause future generations a lot more pain than you could ever imagine.
I think it will take weeks to detemine if olympian was a female or male because what if some the contestants just happened to change thier sex...? but i doubt if that will ever happen..!
Hey Anderson
I am so sorry for Michael Jackson kids, they need a lot of love,selent,but not this Jackson war about their dead body of their father .Micheal Jackson have a right too P.I.R:.
thank youu 🙂
Mark, first time watching? welcome to the show and the blog
@Jo in San Jose: The allegations made by Ridge are not new. The Nation even did a 2004 cover story that detailed how the Bush Administration was using fear for political benefit.
less money doesn't necessarily mean a lower quality of life...its a chance for this country to reform policies and how it does business, which is potentially a good thing.
@Martina, Illstad Germany: I don't know many ppl who watch it here because it comes on so late at night... def. prefer Anderson and AC360 to most european news...I wish CNN Europe/International would do reruns during the day and I could also set my tevo but frankly nothing like watching it live...I usually watch the podcast...so I don't have to stay up late at night....but sometimes feels good to watch it live...also bis bald, Tschuss....
Go Paul Bagalia - Where were all these people who are so worried about the deficit – the last 8 years when it was growing by leaps and bounds?
i think shes a man..
Had Washington decided to give the bulk of the stimulus to the right people, we would probably be out of debt by now.
Gloria, Brooklyn, NY,
I agree with you....... me second, Please release the book.
So, what's the worst case scenario of a building deficit? What does that mean for the country, exactly?
Only Tom Ridge knew how he FELT. It doesn't even mean that any pressure was intended by others in the Bush administration. It seems foolish for anyone else to tell the us how he FELT.
Rich Snow
this is my first time watching AC360.
How can those uninsured old rednecks in the south not see how this health care reform will help them. They argue against something that will benefit them. Geez, go figure!
Why is the mainstream news media not publicizing the poll that came out yesterday that says 77% support a public option in health reform?
I'm starting to wonder if the health care industry is pulling the news media's strings here.