from Monday night’s Anderson Cooper 360°:
A political hour, to say the least. Which was fine with me – this campaign has been THE most fascinating that I’ve ever experienced – on so many levels. And it’s so exciting that no matter what – it will be a historical election.
Unfortunately (perhaps), I don’t have time today to write very much – but there are a few items I’d like to highlight, both from the program, and a couple of “OT” items!
The political panel last night was first rate (as usual) and included Candy Crowley, John King, Bay Buchanan and Roland Martin. I say “first rate” partly because (IMO) even if I don’t necessarily agree with everything said, at this level, I want to hear what these individuals have to say – that’s what “first rate” communicators they are. Their discussions included the Clinton campaign manager change, caucuses vs. primaries, the value of electability, McCain wooing conservatives and what role superdelegates may play in the race.
Tom “Super Map Man” Foreman had two reports last night – first, a look at the upcoming state contest in the oh-so-close Democratic candidate race and second, a more in-depth look at the superdelegate “phenomenon” and why their existence is becoming more important by the day (or the hour, perhaps).
John King was able to briefly interview Mike Huckabee at an airport in Weyers Cove, VA, as the candidate was about to board a plane for another campaign stop. I think he should be allowed to stay in the race – until it’s mathematically over – or unless he decides to leave early. But he certainly seems determined, and you have to have some admiration for that level of tenacity. And when he says “Who knows what may happen?” – he’s right. Particularly this year ...
I’m glad that Anderson showed a clip from the Larry King Live interview with Michelle Obama ... what a well-spoken, thoughtful, focused, intelligent, grounded woman she appears to be ... undoubtedly, a significant asset to the campaign, regardless of the outcome.
Gary Tuchman had “360° News Bulletin” duty last night (hooray!) and I couldn’t help but think that Anderson was at least momentarily nostalgic during the “WWTT” segment. I’m sure that the names of Harry & Charlie could have easily been substituted with the names of Carter & Anderson, at least in one news anchor’s memory. It’s very tempting to post a screen cap of the very young Cooper brothers at about the same age as Harry & Charlie, but for some unexplainable reason, I’ve always felt that’s one of the lines I draw as far as respecting privacy is concerned. Odd, I’m sure, for this day and age, but there you have it. However, with that said, I certainly have no problem “showing off” AC & Gary, as well as the completely adorable Harry & Charlie!!
“Extreme Challenges - The Next 4 Years”: I also wanted to make a few more comments about the repeat of this special during the second hour last night. I had already posted last Friday about how by simply reading the transcript, I could tell that this was a valuable, relevant and necessary discussion. And now having seen it, I am thoroughly convinced that this hour is so important and so powerful that it truly should be viewed by all of the remaining Presidential candidates – so there is no further ‘miscalculation’ of what they – and we as a country and a member of the global community – will be facing during their term in office. Not a hundred years from now, not fifty years from now or even ten years from now. The time is NOW – for leadership, for vision, for courage, for integrity, for diplomacy – and for the kind of collective, collaborative action that will focus on accomplishing beneficial progress through inclusion rather than exclusion - and transform this country once again into a position of global influence through example, not through force and intimidation.
Other News and Notes:
Six Degrees: I wanted to mention a very important special airing on the National Geographic channel this Thursday at 8:00 PM EST. It’s called “Six Degrees Could Change the World”. A partial summary from the NGC website states: ” Six Degrees Could Change the World visualizes in spectacular high definition the devastating ecological impact that each single degree increase in temperature could have on our planet over the next century.” Although the promos aren’t specifically stating it, I believe that this special is based on the new book “Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet” by Mark Lynas. I say that mainly because National Geographic published this book – but the promos look fascinating (albeit a little scary) – and the book is based on the 2001 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which predicted that global surface temperatures could rise up to 10 degrees by the end of this century.
And in a brief related note, I saw a very quick entry on the Political Ticker blog entry from Jessica Yellin – about Al Gore not endorsing either Democratic candidate. Interesting ... here’s the entry:
"He's the most prominent Democrat yet to take a side in the presidential election, but two sources close to Al Gore tell us not to expect the former vice president to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama any time during the primary season.
The sources say Gore talks with both Clinton and Obama, and is on good terms with both. But with Sen. John Kerry and Bill Clinton both aligned to a candidate, Gore has a role to serve as the neutral elder statesman in the party.
If an agreement needs to be struck between Clinton and Obama down the road, Gore is in position to be the likely facilitator of that discussion.
Gore also will want to work closely with whoever wins the nomination to promote an environmental agenda.
As for two other major Democrats yet to endorse a candidate: sources close to both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi say neither individuals have endorsement plans."
Thanks for visiting - I'm going to go watch the coverage of the Potomac primary results!!
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