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December 16th, 2010
09:53 PM ET

Lame Duck Indeed: Join the Live Chat

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg]

We have breaking news from Capitol Hill, where the Senate has failed to pass a major piece of legislation.  We're Keeping them Honest. Are they playing games instead of doing actual work? Plus, a new report on war on Afghanistan. Does it paint a true picture? We'll talk with Peter Bergen who just returned from the country and Sebastian Junger who who spent a year embedded with troops there.

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
soundoff (184 Responses)
  1. Dee in Virginia

    I cannot believe that the Senate is saying you can spoil a "Christian" holiday, but worked through Chanuka without a problem. We down in the ranks just keep paying them extravagant salaries so they can run multimillion dollar campaigns and they don't want their vacation spoiled. Tail wagging the dog again. If they don't stop this contentious toddler behavior, they may get what they asked for, permanent vacations from their Congressional careers.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:13 pm |
  2. Sharon Hastings

    Congress may think they have their reasons but they should be very aware of how much the average American is completely disgusted with them. That is both Republicans and Democrats, young and old across the board–just sick of it.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:13 pm |
  3. Samantha Rowley - Nashville, TN

    You're right Sue! The country is BROKE. No $$$ to spend anything else on. How hard is this? Congress, just finish the bills before you and when complete, go home and enjoy your time off. Jeesh!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:12 pm |
  4. Emily

    Looking forward to hearing what Mike Jones has to say...

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  5. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    I am shocked, No one use 1.1 trillion spending a bill, I don't like yank a bill, Republicans never understand we have to pay for! I am so disappointed with senators (R)

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  6. Matt

    Anderson,

    Funny last time that congress did not pass a budget was at the end of the Vietnam War. Look where we are now.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  7. Andy Anderson

    members of congress, mostly republicans, lack altruistic values. If it won't help them it won't happen!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  8. Heather - Spokane, WA

    I hope DADT is repealed this week, but knowing who we have 'representing' us in congress right now I have a feeling it will not happen

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  9. Sue from Syracuse

    Yes, they have 61 count in favor of Repeal of DADT. So, may be even if Sen.Weyden (D-OR) is not in, it just might go through with 60.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
  10. Jeremiah

    With all of the party games playing in Congress it's a headace to see any bill to get through. I'd hate to be Mr. Obama right now especially after that diversonary tactic with the bad deal.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:10 pm |
  11. Sharon

    Since Republicans haven't done any work in the past two years, and it looks like they aren't going to work in the next two except to say no and hold our country hostage to "their games", let's take their salaries to help pay the deficit and health care for all Americans. They don't deserve a dime of our hard earned taxes.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:10 pm |
  12. Ernie (Seattle)

    The "Party of No" strikes again! The Republicans are hypocrites when they scream about "games" being played but they are tops in game playing.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:10 pm |
  13. Betty

    I will miss Larry King--loved his show for many years.
    As for the people on the hill in DC–they might as well go home-–they sure are not earning their pay-health care, or retirement funds.
    I think they all need to be replaced.
    Too bad the American public can't hold a special election. What do they think our country would do if our men and women would decide to hop on a plane and come home.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:09 pm |
  14. Jan Shilling

    First thing may be one is taught in law school. If you do not know what you are doing. Stall, Stall, Stall.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:09 pm |
  15. Sue from Syracuse

    I am concerned that Repeal of DADT is at risk bec. Sen.Weyden said today that he is scheduled for surgery on 12/20 (Monday). So, Repeal would have to be tomorrow or Saturday.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:09 pm |
  16. Emily

    @Nicole The Netherlands & Paula,Colorado,
    I think that the bit that Anderson said on Larry King, esp. from his father was great.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:09 pm |
  17. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    I wonder if they would still want their jobs if the jobs were only paying a $1.00 of salaries.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm |
  18. Sue R. Canton MI.

    Their a bunch of spendaholic's in Washington. Earsmarks are sometimes good but last I heard our country is BROKE.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm |
  19. Sue from Syracuse

    No, Gloria. They were opposing OTHER people' earmarks... or just posturing so they can say "I voiced my objection and displeasure at earmarks" and slide under the rug that they themselves had earmarks within the bill. HYPOCRITES!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm |
  20. Heather - Spokane, WA

    @Nicole, same here! I am still teary from all the goodbyes to Larry and knowing how different it is going to be after tonight

    December 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
  21. Monica M. Williams

    Political Games: Don't hate the game. Hate the political PLAYERS!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
  22. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Anderson,
    I agree yours, I am so appreciate what you have to say good bye & farewell, I will also miss him too! 🙂 Thanks!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
  23. Jo Ann, Ohio

    I can't say I am surprised the spending bill failed. I would vote against anyone voting for a bill full of all those earmarks.

    They should have known better.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm |
  24. Lisa in Louisville

    Anderson – what you shared with Larry King was very moving. You both obviously had extraordinary fathers.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
  25. Emily

    Good evening Anderson, 360°Team, Jo Ann, David, Megan, Nancy, Nicole, Gloria, Casey, Starr, & Bloggers!
    Neither Party is ending the year 2010 on a high note, are they?

    December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
  26. Heather - Spokane, WA

    If it looks this bad in congress right now, I can imagine it will get worse when the newbies get in

    December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
  27. Nicole The Netherlands

    Good Evening -Everyone-!
    Great words to Larry, Anderson
    Sitting here all teary eyed because Larry is leaving. He brought America to me for over 16 years (of watching) through CNN.
    learned a lot, to me Larry King is part of American culture. Thank you Larry!!!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
  28. Kelly - PA

    I was thinking more about legislators whining about having to work up to Xmas... so did the taxpayers pay for those press conferences where they complained about having to work? Really? Really...

    December 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
  29. Sue from Syracuse

    Our nation is hugely dependent on the budget passing, like it or not.
    Let's can that taxbreak for the rich PLEASE!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm |
  30. Dulcie - Denver

    Good evening, everyone!

    For crying out loud, I'm just so disgusted with the Republicans in Congress! The Dems aren't doing so great either, but the GOP has just been an outrage.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm |
  31. Starr, formerly known as vincent

    @Anderson, you are so Right about the "games" in WA DC.
    I can't even say how very disappointed i am with this Congress.
    The Congress should be forced, by executive order by the President (if tht's legal) to work until they FINish ALL the bills before them!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm |
  32. Sue from Syracuse

    Can they stop talking about "Games" in the well of the House/Senate??? Enough already!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm |
  33. Sharon Hastings

    Oh surprise surprise. The bill was yanked, Republicans reniged, infighting, delays, playing with our lives, not getting the job done. Status quo in our congress.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
  34. K S Verdi, San Antonio, TX

    I'll miss Larry!!! ;(

    December 16, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
  35. Heather - Spokane, WA

    Lame definetly describes the representatives we have in congress right now

    December 16, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
  36. Jo Ann, Ohio

    Good luck Larry! CNN won't be the same without you.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
  37. Sue from Syracuse

    Republicans are good for nothing. They have rendered the Senate impotent.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:03 pm |
  38. Sue from Syracuse

    Good Evening Anderson and fellow bloggers!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  39. Starr, formerly known as vincent

    Good evening Anderson & Team 360.

    Hello, Nichole, Nancy, Megan, Emily, JoAnn, Mike, Casey, Heather, Samantha, Nina, Sharon, everyone...

    I'm really going to Miss LKL a lot I've watched Larry for over 20 yrs. I really hope we see him back for Many specials.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  40. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Anderson, that was a nice farewell to "Larry King Live" Bye! Bye, Larry! We will see you around!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  41. BettyAnn, Nacogdoches,TX

    Oh how I will miss Larry King. He is one of a kind! Love him!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  42. Cessy - Chicago

    good evening to you all... Happy Thursday!

    Hi! Anderson 🙂

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  43. Lori

    Hi Anderson! Hello Everyone! Happy Larry King Day.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
  44. Samantha Rowley - Nashville, TN

    Good evening everyone!
    Lame Duck is officially defined by Webster as "elected official whose term goes beyond a reelection defeat". If nothing happens in the next week, I guess we wait for the new Congress to hopefully make some decisions.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:01 pm |
  45. Sue R. Canton MI.

    Good evening everyone.
    Looking forward to the show tonight.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:01 pm |
  46. Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA

    Helloooo Anderson, Megan, Susan, Jane, Martina, Nicole, Kim, Emily, Gloria, Mike, Casey, Milan, Vivan, Gabriela, Cessy, Paula, Isabel, David-Indiana, JoAnn, Monica, Kathy, Jane, Gayle, Renee, Caroline, (Danie), Lori, (Adelaide), Heather, BettyAnn, Starr, Sharon, A. Smith, Devin, Karin, Dulcie, Michael, Karen, Miranda, Sree, Nancy, Sue, Kenya, Libby, Nina, Samantha, others and my friend Facebook Bloggers!!!!

    Congrats Larry!!!!!! We miss you forever, I hope you enjoy retire tonight!!!!!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
  47. Sharon Hastings

    Good evening Anderson and fellow bloggers and so long Larry, I'll miss you!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
  48. Paula, Colorado

    Anderson,
    Hi! It's great to see you on. I will miss Larry King leading into your program.

    December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
  49. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Good Evening Everyone! Greetings!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
  50. Heather - Spokane, WA

    Evening Anderson and everyone. Just got back from a great vacation in Seattle where I'm from and missed it alot! I will also miss Larry King, it will not be the same without him!

    December 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm |
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