Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 9/14/09
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This just into CNN: Actor Patrick Swayze has died at the age of 57 after battling pancreatic cancer. Tonight we look back at his Hollywood career. Anderson will also talk with Barbara Walters, who was the first to interview him after his diagnosis. And, we'll dig deeper on the disease that killed him, one of the deadliest there is.
Want to know what else we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ
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Interesting how those who are so against government healthcare seem to be those who are on Medicare. What do they think Medicare is? It is a successful government healthcare program.
I'm seriously appalled and ashamed that there are people who think like Mark. There are lines that should not be crossed when criticizing the President and these uneducated and close minded people just cross too many lines... they feel if they raise their voices and talk over people, they actually have something to say... want to quiet them down, stop giving them air time...
CRAZY – I have never seen anything so crazy in my life! How is it possible to have intelligent conversation when your dealing with people like Mark Williams....
What is happening to the US?
How can anyone not consider what is going on as "racial" – it's so obvious. Those awful signs / words.
Very, very sad....
Yes, I think much of the anger against President Obama definitely has a racial undercurrent. Just look at the signs. I also hear it from those who didn't vote for him. I think what President Obama is doing is exactly the change I voted for. These working people protesting aren't the working people I know.
I still would like to know if the protests we are seeing now are more than we've seen in the past or more inflammatory that in past Administrations... is this simply freedom of speech, or something we should be worried about?
I can't seem to understand how a man who is doing so much good for humanity (health care, environment, peace) is being called a socialist and undemocratic. I wonder if some people are just afraid of real change. Real change is uncomfortable, but without the uncomfort, we will never become a better society, or for that matter, a better humanity.
Good evening, I was shocked to hear that Patrick Swayze passed away today. He was a strong man and definitely a fighter to have worked while he was undergoing the chemo therapy. My mother passed away 15 years ago and I she absolutely loved him. I can remember whenever Dirty Dancing came on TV we would lay on the floor and watch it like we had never seen it before and it always came on more than once and we would watch it each and every time. We always got up and sang the final song. he was an incredible actor and will definitely be very missed. Thank you.
@Anderson: Great moderation tonight with Gergen, Carville and Mark! Thank God for free speech in America!
Health care is not the issue here. It just became a focusing point for these people.
This is why in the olden days there were those who were allowed at court and held titles and the commoners....
The latter not allowed at court because they can't behave themselves and that that is why we don't marry the two together.
YIKES....I say we go back to that.
evening everyone, sorry im late.. a lot going on tonite... thanks for the participation on the blog.
As Canadian I can get ANY procedure I medically need ANY time without paying ANYthing....Don't Americans deserve that too?
I didn't pay much attention to the march this week-end. I do remember complaining constantly about GW every time he asked for more money for Iraq and his war budget. He was a nightly joke on Letterman. I think that people have been easy on Obama. I'm uncomfortable with his continued spending, after GW. I don't really trust Obama, but I don't think he is evil, nor do I care that he is black. He was not handed an easy assignment, and he is trying his best.
@Eric - I loved North & South. I watched with my sister, too. And of course, Orry Main was our favorite character!!
I am so amazed how this guy says "welfare thug" and he does not even know what it means. SO, I believe it is fair to say he needs to sit down and shut his mouth b/c he really does not know what he is talking about. He does not know what American is...
What do you think, America? Isn't it time for those of us who SUPPORT the President's programs march on the Capitol?
this man is disgusting...a disgrace to our country...
wow i've never so many ignorant ppl... rude republicans you can
get into some really heated conversations in the supermarket...
they hate president obama because he is black.
@LorenaR, you also don't see thousands of those offensive signs, but you do see thousands of American flags.
hi there. im from portugal here in europe and im seeing the program. i am listening and i cant understand how the american people cant understand the benefits and the justice that is a public health care service for every person
Are these Tea Party people serious, do they really think the Healthcare system status quo is the best system out there? If they so strongly believe that the current system is best, why don't they try to explain how it works to the rest of us..
You’ve got to stop legitimizing Mark Williams and his incendiary actions and LIES! Enough! It is beginning to look like he is taking over AC360’s show.
It is regrettable that all the noise and anger is really fear in disguise. It appears that some are so afraid of change that they would prefer the 40 or so million to go without-as long as the status quo isn't disrupted.
Fear not America. I live in a province where not only medicine is socialized; but, our auto insurance and electrical power is also government owned-without any competition. I enjoy free health care, the cheapest auto insurance in our country and the cheapest electricity in North America. Incidentally, the government owned hydro power sells the excess to the United States.
So relax, you just might find socialism isn't that scary after all.
James is right to be laughing, Mr Tea party is so laughable and ridicule. And he forgot that Mr Obama was elected by a great majority of Americans who are still supporting him.
So are the majority of American idiots and nazis by his standards??!!!!
Having ratings can't be critical enough to have Mark Williams being disrespectful to out government, your panel and to you. How much hatred needs to be in the mix for a ratings spike? Enough already. Christine
Grew up watching Patrick Swayze... great actor... His last TV series was really good! Rest In Peace Patrick....we will miss you ! May you now know the peace that only God can give.
Dont worry be happy we only have three months left to the worst year ever things have got to be better by the end of next year.
The Presidents mother who raised him is white his grandparents are white. He did not meet his father's people until he was in his 20's. He loved his mother and grandmother who just passed last year. He is not a racist! This is ridiculous!
Chip
Yes, I really believe that many of these people do not know the difference between socialism and social economy or health care. After all, the Post office is run solely by the government.
I always say.................... follow the money trail and lobbyists
"Patrick Swayze was an accomplished man", as B. Walters said. His films and legacy stay.
This is not true. Working people in America do not support fringe right. I was on conference call with my representative that is republican and most of the people that asked question were for single payer plan for health care and yet he is not supporting public health care plan.
Yes there were extreme and tasteless demonstrations and depictions of george bush...BUT...he was the elected president and for 8 years we in the minority put up with it.
now it's your turn.
sorry, but that's how democracy works.
This Mark guy is going to say whatever makes him likable and he'll spew what's in his heart on his website. Song and dance. You can disagree with someone without calling race into issue. They started with W. and now the disrespect is out of control. If they can't respect others how can anyone respect them?
I don't think I have ever seen David get upset until now
Good intervview, Anderson - It's time Mark Williams is called out. Our country doesn't need more polarization. We have huge issues to face and it's time we all worked together for the good of the country.
God Bless Patrick Swayze. What a symbol of romance, machismo and down home sensibility all rolled into one.
It's a sad day. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends.
I'm laughing along with Carville and Gergen. I'm literally staring at my screen in disbelief. It's almost hard to get offended because it's so outrageous it becomes self-parody.
I'm just a guy with a family, about to loose a good job, already lost a decent retirement, never been to a protest. What you talking heads have to try to understand people out hear in the real world are scared. The fear out here is tangible. It doesn't matter a whit to me who the president is. I feel I'm watching the decline of my country. What do I tell my children.
I lost my father one year ago to what I call the silent killer of all cancers, my dad had 6 months to live, he died in 3.Patrick may you rest in peace
From my point of view, the people who is against Obama measures to fix all the economical disaster, is accurate with the situation and I hope the storms finish and be a better future for all of us
I think that Mr. Williams is shooting for s job on Fox "News".
I also watched North and South, a re-run, too.
As sad as his paasing is, perhaps Patrick's suffering ended. I feel sorry for his wife because after 30 years together it will be hard for her to go on. I hope time is kind to her,
My prayer is with them.
Greetings from Croatia, everyone.
Have you watched U:S: Open? I had to stay up and watch.
@Erica and @Anderson
RE: Teabaggers a "cross-section" of America...
I'm just wondering if anyone has cared to see just what the represented demographics are of these tea party attendees. What percent is African American? Latino? Asian? Native American? White? I'm sure I wouldn't be surprised if it was along the lines of 99.9% white... I've heard that approximately 30% of the group that took part in the march was over 50 (along those lines)... so, anyone have any clue?
I firmly believe that there is an under tone of racism when it comes to Pres. Obama. This amazing man will never be able to move this country forward b/c the racist Tea Party Members refuse to follow the leadership of a black man.
Hi Andrew,
I was soo deeply disappointed and sad about the harsh criticism that Mr. Obama is receiving from all kinds of people about the health care issue in America. I dont understand why people are so scared in your country to have "some" government control for important issues such as health care and education.
I mean most European and Scandinavian countries have the same kind of health care system that Mr. Obama is talking about, and they are living way better than fellow Americans in this world. It's not about socialism, or marxism..
People need to wake up, get educated and do some research before they wear their funny hats, and wave nonsense posters on tv. It's a shame and believe me America looks really bad, on CNN, when adults act like clowns.
I would just like to say welcome back to the United States Anderson Cooper. My husband is currently over at the Afghan National Army Regional Hospital at Camp Hero. He is a Biomedical equipment repair tech. I would love to find out if you have any footage from there. It would mean so much.
My heart goes out to the Swayze's. My family has lost three due to cancer, most recently my grandfather, and it's a terrible way to leave this world. We're all left with great memories of these wonderfull people that have touched our lives, and even though they are gone, they will never be forgotten.
Mark Williams, who is he? David Gergen and James Carville, you're both right on.
These people don't speak for me and I can't believe they speak for the mainstream. If the majority of Americans agree with this, we are really in trouble as a country. God help us.
First, I want to give my deepest condolences to the Swayze family. My prayers are with you. R.I.P Mr. Swayze.
Second, That man who was just on your show is full of it. Bush caused the deficit and continuously increased it for 8 years, and this man and his "protestors" did not do anything. They had no problem with Bush "spending away their children's futures." Now, President Obama is in office, and they all of sudden are not "fiscally responsibile?" Give me a break.
Their problem is not that the deficit is high, because they did care about that for 8 years. Their problem is who is spending the money and on what. They have no problem using "Big Government" to add an amendment to the US Constitution to tell people who to marry. And they have no problem using "Big Government" to tell a woman when to have a baby (abortion). However, when government tries to help those who "they" consider to be beneath them, then government is getting too big.
When President Obama tries to help ALL Americans and not just the few who "they" think is worthy, then government is too big. But, if Bush wants to spend Billions of dollars on a War we should not have been in, then where are the "Tea Parties". Where is the concern for their children's future? They are such hypocrites. They don't hate that the money is being spent. They hate who is spending it.
When did we lose respect for the President of the United States. I have never seen so much Racism in this country. But I always knew that it still exist That witch doctor photo of Obama and it was ridiculous.
"Keeping the compass focused is what Ted Kennedy said to his grandson as he taught him how to sail.Sorry ,didn't include that in my blog. that's what patrick did, kept it focused. God bless Patrick, Lisa and family.