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November 11th, 2009
09:45 PM ET

Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 11/11/09

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We have breaking news on the battle over the war in Afghanistan. A former U.S. general who is now the U.S. Ambassador in Kabul is warning Pres. Obama not to commit more troops to war zone. Plus, the raw politics of Sarah Palin. She taped her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show today. We'll have details and talk with the authors of a book about Palin that provides new insight on the former Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska governor.

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 $#&*)


Filed under: Live Blog • T1
soundoff (240 Responses)
  1. Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio

    This attack was obviously carefully planned and executed. It sounds like he was targeting those being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. It was an act of terror and an act of treason.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
  2. Jennifer - AZ

    I think it is difficult, if not impossible, to pass judgement on the war unless you have been there and been involved. Our President needs to consider all rational points of view from the people who really know what is happening.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
  3. Isabel Siaba (Brazil)

    There are people who have missions in life. They are ordinary people, but with a mission so special and beautiful!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
  4. andersoncnn

    good evening everyone...thanks for joining the live chat.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
  5. "starr, formerly known as vincent

    @mike, tn

    Yes, we have been fighting for years in Afganistan. However, for 7 years the Bush adminstration had No Plan and neglected to provide the troops or supplies needed for the mission. (not clear What mission.)

    This President is trying to Define the Mission to determine whether we have a workable plan for Afganistan or not.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
  6. Corey

    It just seems to me we have enough domestic issues to concern ourselves with to be spending so much time and taxpayer money on the Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the like. We cannot keep our own house in order, lets bring everyone home and clean it up!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
  7. jessie pierce

    obama has showed that he is a week president with his decision on
    Afghanistan

    November 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
  8. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Happy Veterans Day everyone!! Salute to our troops! HUGS! 🙂

    November 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
  9. GENE

    When is the us goverment going to get it that the afgan goverment is never going to change. We need to get out and bring the troops there home. Afgan leaders will never change and we are fighting a losing battle

    November 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
  10. Isabel Siaba (Brazil)

    Mj is really a true heroine!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm |
  11. Russ

    Thanks Erica

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  12. Jim Amrine

    Get out of Afghanistan now. The British lost; the Soviets lost, and the USA will lose. There is nothing to win, and everything to lose. Enough is enough.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  13. Helen

    General Powell advised the president to take his time and I am glad he is doing that.

    Why is the media always looking gor conflict? It could be an adult disagreement between colleagues. I am sick and tired of the media searching for ratings.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  14. gail

    Sgt. Kimberly Munley is a hero!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  15. Paula, Colorado

    Anderson,
    Hi! Happy Veteran's Day.
    It's good there is more focus on an exit strategy for Afghanistan–rather than continuing with the war indefinitely.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  16. Mike, formerly from Syracuse

    As a veteran, I'm disgusted with further delay. Either help or troops or get out.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  17. Lula Blake

    Please do not send any more americans to war...please.
    Lula Blake

    November 11, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
  18. Kathy Chicago

    I missed LK, but I'm sad to hear that Lou Dobbs is leaving. I watch him while I cook dinner. I hope CNN doesn't put a putz in his time slot.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:11 pm |
  19. Leena

    All I can say is that a POTUS who thinks.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:11 pm |
  20. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Erica,
    You are right! So busy all night you had Larry King Live and Campbell Brown! LOL! Nice see you tonight!!!!!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
  21. Haydee

    Me 2 Erica, riding on the same boat, i'm glad i'm out of it.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
  22. Mike, formerly from Syracuse

    President Obama has abandoned the first responsibility of any commander, take care of your people. The troops there need help now.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
  23. ericacnn

    THANK YOU to all the Veterans joining us on the blog tonight.

    Two small words which cannot come close to expressing the gratitude we all owe you and your families for the sacrifices made.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
  24. Heather - Spokane, WA

    @Erica, same here. I expect a temper tatrum from a two year old, but a 22 year old?........she needs to grow up!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
  25. Kathy Chicago

    He will probably send out his decision the Fri after Thanksgiving. It is a no win.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
  26. "starr, formerly known as vincent

    I think Pres. Obama is making it clear to Karsai, that he will not tolerate Any more corruption!
    I also think that the President is still taling to NATO countries and others to size up what other support he has internationally.

    I am floored that two Gen's are publically disagreeing. Remember McArthur, Truman fired him.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
  27. gail

    President Bush took 3 months to make his decision on troops for Iraq and I am glad that President Obama is taking time to truly think through his options. The lives of our soldiers are worth taking the time.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
  28. Mitch Dworkin - Dallas, Texas

    I really wish that CNN's Michael Ware had a seat at Obama's table when it comes to giving serious advice about what to do in Afghanistan. Michael Ware knows exactly what is happening in Afghanistan and why it is happening. Obama in my opinion could not go wrong by asking Michael Ware for his advice about what to do in Afghanistan!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
  29. Susan

    Obama's delay is Carter-esque. This is not "heartening." It's frightening that our generals have called for desperately needed reinforcements and the president is playing politics.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
  30. carolyn j

    HELLO.
    t hank god we have a man that think's as president.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  31. mike tn

    @starr what ever the plan is it won't work because those people have been fighting all these years thats all they know.we are not trying to win so we will fail.cut our loses and support the troops and bring them home!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  32. Russ

    If he is not happy with the situation pull everybody out. Don't leave my buddies over there undermanned.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  33. Casey Jones - Palm Springs, CA

    Strategically, I understand why we're in Afghanistan. However, it's currently a losing battle. If we can't trust them (which is not surprising looking at the past ten years, if not longer) then we need to cut our losses. They will never get corruption under control. Time to throw Afghanistan under the bus.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  34. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Anderson,
    What they want take option without problem solve our troops leaving to Afghanistan? Or can they must withdrawal from Afghanistan?

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  35. antonio-elizabeth,NJ

    Send everthing, so that our boys can hurry up and get back home.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm |
  36. ericacnn

    Hi, everyone. I'm still reeling from the end of Larry King – WOW.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
  37. Sharon Hastings

    Good evening Anderson and all bloggers. Good for you President Obama. I never thought this was about him not being able to make a decision. Sometimes none of the presented choices are appropriate. This is too important to just do something for the sake of doing something no matter how many generals are fighting for whatever.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
  38. Heather - Spokane, WA

    I agree with the strategy. I think the Afghan government and the police and military there do need to step up and start working on taking over there. We cant keep fighting their war for them

    November 11, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
  39. Mike, formerly from Syracuse

    President Obama has been briefed on the facts starting the day after his election over a year ago. He's had enough time to decide. This isn't about the Afghan government, it's about getting help to our overwhelmed troops.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
  40. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Wow! I haven't heard that our president Obama is really disappoint with option troops aren't leaving or deployed to Afghanistan right away... Not good news for President Obama as mine.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
  41. Isabel Siaba (Brazil)

    No one wants more war, but much has been invested on this front.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
  42. Russ

    All in or all out.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
  43. "starr, formerly known as vincent

    Good evening Anderson, Erica & entire Team 360.

    Good evening fellow bloggers. Hi Isabel Siaba, missed you on the blog last night, David, Indiana too and Dodie.

    I trust our President to make the best decision on how to go forward with Afganistan. I appreciate (as does Gen. Powell), the time he is taking to gather info and create a plan that will work.

    November 11, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
  44. Isabel Siaba (Brazil)

    @Anderson

    What are the possibilities of the Afghan population, if the US increase or not its effectives there?

    November 11, 2009 at 10:03 pm |
  45. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Helloooo Anderson, Erica, Ed Henry, David Gergen Martina Ilstad, Emily and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!
    Happy Wednesday Night, HUGS! 😀

    November 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
  46. betty little

    Anderson, what happened with Lou Dobbs? Who is going to guide us independents? I think that CNN made a mistake in letting him go

    November 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
  47. Isabel Siaba (Brazil)

    Good evening Anderson!
    Hello David (Indiana), friends and bloggers!

    It's good to be here!! 🙂

    November 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
  48. mike tn

    at last we have a former general that says don't send more troops to afghanistan.there is hope after all!!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
  49. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Hello Everyone!

    November 11, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
  50. Heather - Spokane, WA

    Evening Anderson and everyone

    November 11, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
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