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Flooding After Irene, FEMA Funding Fight: Join the Live Chat
Rescuers save a stranded man in Paterson, New Jersey, on Tuesday, after Hurricane Irene caused flooding.
August 31st, 2011
07:43 PM ET

Flooding After Irene, FEMA Funding Fight: Join the Live Chat

President Obama will be traveling to Paterson, New Jersey on Sunday to get an up close look at the flooding damage after Hurricane Irene. We'll have a live report from New Jersey on the crisis. Plus, the state's governor blasts his party in Washington for the fight over FEMA funding. His anger directed at House Majority Leader Eric Cantor who wants to offset FEMA spending with budget cuts. We're Keeping Them Honest. Plus, tonight's other headlines.

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 (92 Responses)
  1. Sharon Hastings

    Good night everyone. Great posts tonight. Anderson is always in the know on all things Snooki. Who knew that Snooki was so accomplished.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:59 pm |
  2. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Good Night Everyone! "Sweet Dreams!"

    August 31, 2011 at 8:58 pm |
  3. Cathy

    And, yes, folks; even Snooki would take priority for many over the debate, the President's speech and the NFL. Oh well. Good evening all.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:58 pm |
  4. Nina

    Good Night Everyone

    Love the Ridiculist... Anderson, do you have a crush on Snookie? lol

    August 31, 2011 at 8:58 pm |
  5. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    Thank you and good night Anderson & Team 360 – good show (as always)

    Good night fellow writers, i wish you all a safe & peaceful day tomorrow.

    Rediculist & Snookie definitely a match every time! LOL Anderson, always enjoy your commentary. Makes my night!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:55 pm |
  6. Sharon Hastings

    Ugh, another hurricane. 'Tis the season. We'll hope it veers off out to sea.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:52 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      Ditto, Sharon, Ditto.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:56 pm |
  7. Paula, Colorado

    Good to see Snooki back on the Ridiculist.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:50 pm |
  8. Cathy

    If this guy in Aruba is guilty, he probably fully understands that a body is required there and may be why he selected a vacation in that spot. Aruba is in a bad situation. If they hold him without a body, then many will say they held an American without a body but not one of their own.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:49 pm |
  9. vic , nashville ,tn

    So Aruba magic number is 60 days

    August 31, 2011 at 8:45 pm |
  10. Sharon Hastings

    Good, I'm glad they are not letting Giordano out yet. I have a bad feeling though that so far the evidence is pretty slim.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm |
  11. Janis

    Aruba must detain suspects then conduct investigations after the fact. See if they can let him go – you're guilty until we know you can't be guilty. Hmmm. I know they are being careful and I hope they uncover enough evidence to charge him if that's determined.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm |
  12. Grant

    In more than a quarter century on the Democrats have been able to balance the budget. I wish the Republicans luck as it is in our vested interest to do so. Just remember there are more lower income Americans than rich. Choose your policy carefully.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:44 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      A fact to ponder, Grant. (smile)

      August 31, 2011 at 8:48 pm |
    • Cathy

      Not too many Dem Presidents in the last quarter century, though. Just Clinton maybe other than Obama?

      August 31, 2011 at 8:52 pm |
  13. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    I must say that Nic Robinson's reporing has been excellent, as well as Arwa D.!

    I truly pray that the Gadaffi forces will lay down their arms, so that no more lives are lost. Clearly, the rebels have won almost All of the Country of Lybia.

    Saif "go back" on something he said before, how unlike him (Not).

    August 31, 2011 at 8:41 pm |
  14. Janis

    I'm wondering what state of mind the Gadhafi's are in. They are saying such strange things. Is it still propoganda or are they trying to project a reality for themselves that just doesn't exist?

    August 31, 2011 at 8:39 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      I believe that there are some seriously flawed genetics in this family.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:43 pm |
      • Sharon Hastings

        Well said Starr. They don't seem to be living in reality.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:46 pm |
  15. vic , nashville ,tn

    One problem is Syrian TV
    Drinking tea and coffee with our family But Half his Family in Algeria
    I think they are counting their days

    August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm |
  16. lisal -canada

    given all the terms used by the gadhaffi son, they sure have a gutteral animal-like instinctual to stay in power

    August 31, 2011 at 8:33 pm |
  17. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    Of course Saif Gadaffi says "they" will fight on. Mostly because the Gadaffi's are Not the ones on the battlefield!

    The rebels need to get the Gadaffis if not just to lose more lives defeating them.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:32 pm |
  18. Paula, Colorado

    Must be difficult to focus on job issues with everyone on vacation.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm |
  19. vic , nashville ,tn

    President has to choice one day because congress will be in DC two days only so don’t blame the president

    August 31, 2011 at 8:25 pm |
  20. Nina

    Just typical. Boehner was probably not thinking when scheduling the debate the same night as the NFL!!!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:24 pm |
    • Chris

      The President wanted to speak on the same night as the debate. Boehner suggested the next night for the President's speech and that's opening NFL night. That's my understanding anyway.
      Now shall we debate the suggestion here that the country would prefer the NFL game. No surprise; most are not listening to all that is happening to us. Listen and then complain would be a novel concept.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:28 pm |
      • Grant

        Now I love me some politics but don't mess with my football. I'd trade every politician on both sides for a trip to one regular season Colts game!!!

        August 31, 2011 at 8:34 pm |
        • Cathy

          That is so exciting Grant. We found common ground. LOVE those COLTS!

          August 31, 2011 at 8:54 pm |
      • Starr, formerly know as vincent

        I'm happy to DVR the Republican debate, i'm and Independent too.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:52 pm |
    • vic , nashville ,tn

      I agree More people will watch NFL than republican debate Boehner doesn’t know that

      August 31, 2011 at 8:28 pm |
      • Nina

        lol Vic
        especially this debate!

        August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm |
        • Chris

          They are not the same night. We can all watch both. Again, the NFL is most important. And for the strongly partisan folks, that would be true regardless of who is speaking. NFL reigns supreme sadly (although I do enjoy it; just try to have my priorities in order).

          August 31, 2011 at 8:31 pm |
          • Cathy

            I agree Chris. People do have a lot of opinions on the issues but they don't really seem to listen to the facts. The NFL would always be a more appealing option.

            August 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm |
      • Janis

        For those who have split screen technology built into their TVs, they can watch both. I'm sure there are alot of unemployed football fans who want to know what Obama has in mind.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:37 pm |
        • Cathy

          We can hope the unemployed are not paying for split screen but many probably are!

          August 31, 2011 at 8:48 pm |
  21. Janis

    The Republicans are still coming out smelling funny on this additional issue between Boehner and Obama.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
  22. vic , nashville ,tn

    Yes president can give speech from white house but first he wants to educate congress

    August 31, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
  23. Sharon Hastings

    Here we go again, what we can expect is more of the same of what we've been getting. Unprecedented is right.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      Very likely Sharon. I don't know how the majority of the American people can get the minority of gov. to Listen to Us, instead of playing "games".

      I do know I am Sick and Tired of this BS

      August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm |
    • Grant

      There is a lot of money in partisan politics, so your right as usual Sharon. Maybe after the next election when we have another 50/50 Government they will talk compromise but don't hold your breath.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm |
  24. lisal -canada

    it might just be me, but boehner seems to quietly relish situations (whether by chance or design) that make president obama look foolish.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
    • Chris

      Maybe, but actually he has a history of working quite well across the aisle.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:29 pm |
      • lisal -canada

        i know what his reputation is but he has a certain facial expression that shows up sometimes ...

        August 31, 2011 at 8:40 pm |
        • Chris

          Well, we have learned in politics that optics always trumps intellect, reasoning or whatever else would seem to be the emphasis.

          August 31, 2011 at 8:47 pm |
      • Grant

        Just not a recent history. He used to be the deal maker.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:45 pm |
  25. James G

    I can't believe that Republicans are so busy that they can't listen to the President's proposals on jobs and the economy. They have complained that the President hasn't got a plan, now they don't want to listen

    August 31, 2011 at 8:22 pm |
    • Chris

      It's not that they don't want to listen. It's because there is a Republican debate that night. I agree with Paul, we should we able to see both.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:26 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      Good post James. As we have just heard, Congress is only in session 2 nights the week that the President wants to speak to them.
      I totally agree that Rep's have consistently requested a "detailed" plan. Now the President has a detailed plan, and they are suddenly Not interested. Rediculous! oh, and hypocrytical.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:26 pm |
      • Chris

        I assume it's not clear that there is a Republican presidential debate scheduled for that night. That is the only reason.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:30 pm |
        • Grant

          Sometimes we can be just as partisan as our political counterparts.

          August 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm |
          • Chris

            I would say we all ALWAYS are as partisan as our counterparts. Unfortunately that is the problem.

            August 31, 2011 at 8:45 pm |
  26. Nina

    I would like to see all negotiations public. I don't trust politicians and want to hear what is going on.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:22 pm |
  27. vic , nashville ,tn

    We take care of the disaster Tab Eric Cantor can’t give to Oil companies

    August 31, 2011 at 8:21 pm |
    • Chris

      They will do both. It's called print more money.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:22 pm |
      • Grant

        That is what China does and their very successful. Printing money is bad for those who have a lot but in the long run it would pay off as it would reduce the costs of our exports.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:38 pm |
  28. Robert

    Funding for the fllod victims is simple-take the construction money away from rebuilding Iraq & Afghanastan and put it into America for help to Americans

    August 31, 2011 at 8:20 pm |
  29. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Some of these politicians will see the sun shine and will swear that the sun has not shine since the President been in office!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:20 pm |
  30. Janis

    There does appear to be some sort of power struggle between Boehner and President Obama, which seems ludicrous.
    Obama had the jobs speech planned on that date weeks ago. He's asking to appear before Congress to give the speech – if I'm not mistaken, that's the only change in the scheduled speech. I hope Obama stands firm.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm |
    • Chris

      I believe the debate has been on the books for quite a while.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:22 pm |
  31. Marie J Lemonnier

    If the repugs would'nt have wasted money before Obama then maybe Obama would have not had to spend money to bailout everyone....And it was a good thing that he did bailout otherwise it would have been a bigger mess.... But it was ok with the repugs to waste but now they think that Obama is wasting .....I hate repugs for their way of thinking ...

    August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm |
  32. Paula, Colorado

    Good discussion, Anderson. The government needs to focus more on solutions rather than obstacles to progress.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm |
  33. Lori - PA

    Feel for the people in New Jersey and Vermont. Especially as what they need right now is for the President, members of Congress, and members of the Senate to work together and come up with a plan to help both states. Instead, all we are seeing is the same old point and blame game. Enough already especially as the U.S. is facing an ever growing mountain of problems. Two wars we cannot afford. An unemployment rate that's expected to stay above 9% until 2014. Roads and water systems that are in disrepair. And since Hurricane season isn't over yet, who knows what other states could suffer storm/flood damage. Grow up and do what you promised to do. That's why you were elected.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm |
  34. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    Paul Begala is right on! Alex needs to get a memory fix!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:16 pm |
    • Marie J Lemonnier

      Darn right....god they make me sick

      August 31, 2011 at 8:20 pm |
  35. Beverly

    Ok, if cuts are required to fund FEMA, get the money from Congressional pay and office perks. It would go a long way to pay for our government's work!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:15 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      Not a bad idea Beverly, not a bad idea at all.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:35 pm |
  36. Chris

    We have spent a lot of money that did little if any good, the jobs stimulus being the most obvious. Solyndra corporation folded this week after receiving half a billion dollars from the job stimulus package.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:14 pm |
    • Beverly

      Solyndra was a "small business" that was supposed to rebuild the economy. So much for depending on small businesses to grow our economy!

      August 31, 2011 at 8:21 pm |
      • Chris

        Alternative energy is a risky place to spend half a Billion job stimulus money. And they are folding primarily because they can't compete with Chinese. Let's put our job stimulus money is places where we have the lead and can stay in business.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:25 pm |
  37. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    If the America people don't know what going on politically, they will be mess up listen to some of these politicians!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:13 pm |
  38. Janis

    Forgive me for my tactless tendencies but this is not the time for political posturing by either party. Regular people regardless of party affiliation are hurting in one form or another. Government get your act together, help your citizens!!
    Also heard we are now occupying 41st place in infant mortality – shameful.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:13 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      A most excellent post Janis!

      August 31, 2011 at 8:36 pm |
    • Grant

      Great observation, one day soon when we look back at the positions our leaders took we will all be very ashamed.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:40 pm |
      • Starr, formerly know as vincent

        I'm ashamed Now Grant!

        August 31, 2011 at 8:59 pm |
  39. Sharon Hastings

    These politicians who say one thing but do another–the people are sick of them. Whatever is a popular stance of the day is what they loudly proclaim.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:11 pm |
    • Starr, formerly know as vincent

      Clearly the Republicans seem to Forget that They spent a Huge amount of they had from a Clinton surplus! I find it absolutely remarkabe that Rep's find it so easy to point the finger at Obama & Dem's for the deficit!

      The Rep's voted for 2 unfunded wars & an unfunded Medicare drug plan! And, today's report about the Pentagon and conractor waste is rediculous. Those contracts occurred under Repbulican rule!!

      August 31, 2011 at 8:15 pm |
      • Chris

        There is always finger pointing by both parties, and both parties are always guilty of something.

        August 31, 2011 at 8:17 pm |
    • Chris

      As an independent, I see that from both parties. As an example, as a Senator, President Obama voted against raising the debt ceiling. Sometimes a change of position is appropriate as circumstances change.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:18 pm |
  40. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    I very much disagree with Mr. Cantor. I wonder how he would feel if his district was affected!

    Oh, gee, he did have emergenices in the past and oh, he Did want and accept help in the past!

    Mr. Cantor needs to check his idea for "off-sets"!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:10 pm |
    • Sharon Hastings

      Yes Starr I agree. The same can be said for the people who want to do away with FEMA or other kinds of government help–until it's them or their children or family affected who are flooded out, have no home, lost everything etc etc.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:13 pm |
    • vic , nashville ,tn

      I agree
      Rainy day money went to Iraq and Afghan the is biggest problem

      August 31, 2011 at 8:16 pm |
  41. Chris

    I think it was not an accident that the President wanted to speak during the Republican debate. Regardless of politics and regardless of which party we prefer, this is extremely obvious.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:10 pm |
  42. Janis

    Hello everyone.

    Yes, Cantor is guilty of the ol' flip-flop.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:08 pm |
    • Chris

      Perhaps but then he has been very consistent for quite a while on offsetting spending with cuts.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:11 pm |
  43. Starr, formerly know as vincent

    Evening Anderson & Team 360.

    Hello blogger friends!

    Out of most of my family on t he East Coast, my Mom seems to be having the worst experience. She remains without electricity in MD after the storm. She is 82, and thank God to my sister who recently got her a cell phone. Her cell is the only way she can communicate right now. She is okay however.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:05 pm |
    • Janis

      Hello Starr. Your Mom sounds like a pretty tough lady. She's probably more worried about everybody else. Sorry for all your family's Irene problems. Stay strong.

      August 31, 2011 at 8:10 pm |
      • Starr, formerly know as vincent

        Thank you Janis. Yes, my Mom is quite a woman! She comes from the Greatest Generation!

        August 31, 2011 at 8:19 pm |
        • Janis

          My mom too. Tough cookies, I say. Sweet tough cookies.

          August 31, 2011 at 8:32 pm |
  44. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Rushing muddy water!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:04 pm |
  45. Sharon Hastings

    Good evening everyone. The floods are terrible.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:01 pm |
  46. Paula, Colorado

    Anderson,
    Hi! It's great to see you on. Sounds like a busy day.
    I hope the flooding subsides soon–and the people affected are able to move forward to repair the damage.

    August 31, 2011 at 8:00 pm |
  47. Gloria, Brooklyn, NY

    Good Evening Everyone! Greetings!

    August 31, 2011 at 8:00 pm |