from last night’s Anderson Cooper 360°:
Anderson had a very busy night interviewing a variety of people and gathering analysis from an even wider variety of people!
All four leading Presidential candidates were initially scheduled to appear, but Senator Clinton backed out at the last minute, according to the show bookers. No explanation given, though there has been much speculation on the AC360° Blog as to why. TV Newser reports that she also cancelled with MSNBC and Fox News, and granted her only interview of the evening to Brian Williams.
The first ‘panel’ of the evening that provided SOTU wrap-up analysis, as well as commentary on the Romney and Obama interviews, consisted of David Gergen, John King, Gloria Borger and Jeff Toobin.
The second panel discussed the growing ‘personal’ nature of attacks between Mitt Romney and John McCain, as well as commenting on Anderson’s interview with John McCain. This panel consisted of David Gergen, John King, Amy Holmes and former McCain speechwriter Dan Schnur.
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Tom Foreman reviewed what I’m calling ‘delegate mathematics’, as well as other delegate ‘nuances’ such as the use of ‘super delegates’ (usually politicians) by the Democrats. Does the DNC provide them with red capes as well? (J/K) Tom explained that while Barack Obama has more delegates based on voting results, Hillary Clinton has more total delegates because more ‘super delegates’ are currently committed to her. Note the word “currently” here, because as Jeff Toobin pointed out, they want to be affiliated with a ‘winner’, so their ‘loyalty’ may not necessarily be iron-clad. So much for honor among elected officials ... again – J/K (unfortunately) ...
The next panel that Anderson spoke with consisted of Bill Schneider, John King, Gloria Borger and Jeff Toobin; they briefly discussed the most recent polling results in Florida – in anticipation of today’s GOP Primary, and the various campaigning strategies that candidates might begin employing as Super Tuesday gets closer and closer.
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Anderson ended the ‘panel parade’ last night with a more in-depth discussion of the Florida GOP Primary and the potential consequences that might occur depending upon the final voting results. The panel consisted of David Gergen, John King and Amy Holmes. Obviously, the odds are against Rudy Giuliani coming away with anything more than a third place finish – a tough loss, should it happen, for someone who has pretty much staked his candidacy on that one state.
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Other news and notes:
Obama receives Kennedy endorsement
Senator Ted Kennedy, Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy have chosen to endorse Barack Obama. There has been much coverage (as well as much controversy) surrounding this event – somewhat eclipsing the other Kennedy endorsement bestowed yesterday.
Clinton receives Kennedy endorsement
From the New York Observer: On the heels of an endorsement for Barack Obama from Caroline Kennedy and the news that Ted Kennedy is going to endorse Obama, the Clinton campaign released this statement of endorsement from Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lt. Governor of Maryland:
“I respect Caroline and Teddy's decision but I have made a different choice. While I admire Senator Obama greatly, I have known Hillary Clinton for over 25 years and have seen first hand how she gets results. As a woman, leader, and person of deep convictions, I believe Hillary Clinton would make the best possible choice for president. She shares so many of the concerns of my father. Hillary has spent a lifetime speaking out on behalf of the powerless and working to alleviate poverty, in our country and around the world. I have seen her work up close and know she will be a great President. At this moment when so much is at stake at home and overseas, I urge our fellow Americans to support Hillary Clinton. That is why my brother Bobby, my sister Kerry, and I are supporting Hillary Clinton.”
Building the Debate stage
On the program last night, there was a time lapse video debuted which showed how the stage was being built at the Reagan Library for tomorrow night’s Republican debate – you can see it via this link.
CNN Debate Press Release
There was a CNN Press Release today giving a few more details about both debates that will be broadcast over the next two nights:
Release Date: 1/29/2008
CNN/Los Angeles Times/POLITICO to Air ‘Super Bowl’ of Presidential Debates
CNN, the Los Angeles Times and POLITICO are conducting back-to-back presidential primary debates less than one week before Super Tuesday. The Republican debate on Wednesday, Jan. 30, and the Democratic debate on Thursday, Jan. 31, will be the final face-off for the candidates before primary voters in more than 20 states flock to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Each debate will run approximately 90 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. (PT).
Anchor Anderson Cooper will moderate the Republican candidates’ debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Jim VandeHei, executive editor of the POLITICO, and Janet Hook, senior political correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, will serve as panelists questioning the candidates.
CNN’s lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the Democratic candidates’ debate at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland the following night. Panelists will be Doyle McManus, Washington bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times, and Jeanne Cummings, a senior correspondent for the POLITICO.
All three partners will provide robust, online elements in conjunction with the debates. The Los Angeles Times will offer readers live analysis at http://latimes.com/campaign08 as well as a “Top of the Ticket” blog, discussion boards and live streaming video direct from the Kodak Theatre. These elements complement the Times’ ongoing news coverage, editorials and analysis intended to aid voters in making informed decisions on Super Tuesday.
For the debates, POLITICO has gathered thousands of questions for the candidates from its readers across the country. Viewers can log on to POLITICO.com during the debates to vote for the questions panelists will ask the candidates. POLITICO.com will also feature a live blog all night from the debate halls, post-debate analysis, behind-the-scenes video, photos and more.
Thanks for visiting - updates posted as needed - have a terrific Tuesday!!
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