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Countdown Thursday: Casino Locale

Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

Viva Las Caucus:  For Senator Pat Leahy the correct Barack Obama Presidential analogy is from 1968 -- when he supported Bobby Kennedy over Lyndon Johnson. But it was the President to whom Obama himself compared himself -- that has the heads of Democrats -- and not a few Republicans -- swimming. Our fifth story on the Countdown: two days until the Nevada Caucuses -- a huge court ruling about them -- and a tale of two Presidents, past. We begin with the endorsement...

Willard Goes to Staples:  It's rare enough to hear a presidential candidate interrupted and criticized to their face.. Rarer still to have it come from a member of the main stream media.. Rarest of all -- to see the candidate resume the battle...while cameras roll. But in our fourth story on the Countdown, that's exactly what happened to Willard Mitt Romney today...

ODDBALL: The Roman Ball protest, a shark has an immaculate conception, and the straw bear attacks England.

Syria, Iran and US:  Sometimes, a nation's descent into moral depravity is marked by sudden events... a coup, for instance. Other times, the signposts are smaller, subtler increments... such as the third story on our Countdown tonight. CTV in Canada has obtained a list the Canadian government has given to its diplomats, instructing them how to deal with Canadian prisoners in countries that use torture... countries, the list says, that include Syria, Iran... and the United States of America.

Tabby Time:  Our nightly look at celebrity and entertainment begins with Britney Spears stumbling on a new concept -- a hybrid cop show: Half Dragnet, half Reno 9-1-1.

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD:  Michele Bachmann, Mike Huckabee, and Glenn Beck vie for tonight's top honors.

Eyeballs on Idol: Despite the requisite incursion of misfits, freaks and maniacs -- including a would-be stalker -- "American Idol" premiered this week to ratings, markedly decreased from the year before. The first time that has happened in the show's history. And it reflects the kind of "Idol" -- or even tv -- fatigue... that could prompt producers to take more drastic measures... Like encouraging Paula Abdul to actually mount a trapeze. But in our number one story on the Countdown, the show -- not dead yet -- still got plenty of eyeballs...

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WOW!! CHRIS MATTHEWS FINALLY CALLED ON HIS ANTI-HILLARY RANTS -- AND APOLOGIZES!!

NEW YORK (Associated Press) --  "With protests rumbling, MSNBC's Chris Matthews said Thursday that he was wrong to say last week that the reason Hillary Clinton is a senator and a candidate for president "is that her husband messed around."

Matthews discussed those remarks at the opening of his show "Hardball" Thursday, the same day feminist leader Gloria Steinem and the heads of four prominent women's groups complained in a letter to his boss that Matthews had shown a pattern of sexism."

Well, I guess MANY of us were not "crazy" after all!!

http://palosverdes.cox.net/cci/entertainmentnews/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D8U7VTP00&_action=validatearticle

HAH!!


Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:05 PM)

#5 -- Ronald Reagan as an agent of “sea change”?  Sure.  He convinced gullible people that trees pollute, and from there, we moved straight on to deforestation, global warming, melting of the polar ice caps, and the imminent opening of those shipping lanes through the Arctic.  If that’s what you mean by “sea change,” then I suppose you’re right.

Anna Molly (: (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:09 PM)

#4 -- Wild-Eyed Willard?  Not tied to Washington?  Okay.  Let’s review.  Of the past 31 years, someone NOT tied to Washington has been president for 27 years, and someone with wild eyes has been president for at least the last 7 years.  So then, what’s the change, Governor Wild-Eyed Willard Two Golds and Two Silvers?  I know it’s not your economic policies, for sure.    

Hey Senator McCain -- Senator Lieberman didn’t work for Gore in Florida; why on earth do you think he would work for you?  Better look out.  Maybe Lieberman is just one more dirty trick being played on you by those “swift-boot” folks.  Orson Swindle would be a good code name for him, don’t you think?  Dickensian, for sure.  

Bushed!  The surge sucks, all right.  One soldier a day.  Only 360 more to go until the next Inauguration Day.  By the way, thanks for continuing to “count up” the days from “Mission Accomplished.”  We should never forget what this is costing us.

Anna Molly (: (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:10 PM)

BPitW -- Eli Manning?  Eli Manning? You showed Eli Manning and NOT Brett Favre?  I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what the Keith number is right now, Countdown.  Sheesh.

Say it with me, Cheeseheads -- Countdown for WPitW!!!!  

WPitW -- Can’t top that, Countdown.  Except maybe to say that Reagan must have been right because the Romney family tree has definitely polluted.  (See #5, above.)  Some kind of nut tree, for sure.  (See #4, above.)

#1 -- Americans idle, you mean.  That guy in the white hat and cape?  That would be good look for you, Countdown -- maybe try it tomorrow to see if it would make up for that Eli Manning thing.  (See BPitW, above)  Sheesh.

Anna Molly (: (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:13 PM)

We live in a community that provides cable service, but we do not get MSNBC!!! Thank you for running a live feed for the debates, but we depend on the website to try and keep up with Keith's show. Thank you for doing this, but I don't know MSNBC policy, but would sure like to see videos of past shows. Thanks to you all.

Betty Merle, Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:14 PM)

Another “emotional” Clinton? Let the bashing commence! At least, he didn’t cry. ;) It looks like Chelsea may have to step in as the peacemaker like she did in the good ‘ol Lewinsky days.

Senator Obama is invoking Reagan?! Not smart – not smart AT ALL. Lawrence O'Donnell called “Reagan a non-controversial figure in most of the country”?!  Nope, I don’t buy that, and I agree with most of what Mr. O’Donnell has to say most of the time. Can anyone say “Iran Contra”? Can anyone say “Arms for hostages”? Can anyone say “Ignore the AIDS crisis until a Hollywood friend dies from it”? Can anyone say “Spiraling deficits”? And, if you grew up in a farming community (I did), family farming was decimated during the Regan years. Enough said about the "non controversial" nature of some of the Reagan years.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:16 PM)

I have lived in California since 1954.  During this time, I have not found too many people in Los Angeles who have fond memories of Ronald Reagan other than conservatives and Republicans, but not moderate Independents.

For Barack Obama to make any comparison to Ronald Reagan is a big mistake in California.

Not only did Reagan destroy Unions, he destroyed one of the best Mental Health programs when Governor of California.


Victoria Francis (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:18 PM)

Where was this AP guy in Michigan?! And, the “good governor” didn’t let it go. What a doofus! Did anyone else catch that Staples was one of tonight’s sponsors?

Give me the blue ribbon for the week! I predicted a couple of days ago that Senator Lieberman was fishing for VP with McCain!

OK, I need some help with the shock factor of Canada being the country in tonight's #3 story. I would’ve been more surprised if it had been Great Britain; the fact that it was Canada really didn’t surprise me too much. Since when do we have a great relationship with Canada? Am I super dim on this issue? Someone please enlighten me on this issue.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:23 PM)

Tonight's "Veterans-Gate" segment in BUSHED! gave me "Special Comment"esque goose bumps! GO BABY, GO!! Keith, that was a brilliant smack-down of the nonsense of the “supporting the troops” crowd! By the way, is there any word if “he who shall not be named” helped any vets have a roof over their head last night, tonight, or any night?? How's that progress on the flaming bag of dog logs on the doorstep?

Good night, everybody!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:30 PM)

#1. Just what America wants to see. Paula Abdul melting down while channeling the Wallendas. Who knows, it might be a Ratings Extravaganza. #2. See, it was those darn Pepperotzi's Fault! Can she have her kidz back now? #3. Dubya's gonna be Hot about that one. From now on, Canadian Bacon will be called, Freedom Bacon. #4. For a minute, I thought Willard Scott was giving up on Ambrosia Salad and going back to Barley and Cabbage. On second thought, maybe Mitt is headed that way, too. #5. That's just the Hangover from an all-nite Bunny Ranch Political Party, talkin'. Unnamed sources claim the Judges had the most fun with the fake Lincoln Beards. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what happens at the Bunny Ranch, gushes out!

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:57 PM)

RE: #3 Well, we do torture. Good for Canada. Wonder what the Bushies will have to say about this...
and why, Keith, are you not talking about the impeachment of Cheney? I think it may yet happen..I PRAY that it does. The PBS Frontline entitled "Cheney's Law" was terrifying!

Sue, Midland, MI (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:57 PM)

Once again enjoyed the reference to Rick "Man-on-Dog" Santorum,  Huckabee should know that I am praying that either he or Guiliani is the nominee, because Pennsylvania's Republicans in the T won't like a guy with a penchant for wearing a dress OR one that talks about man-on-animal sex.  Even Hillary can beat those guys in that part of the state.

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:40 PM)

I encourage Sen. Obama to consider the ramifications of a speech delivered by Ronald Reagan on August 4, 1980 in Philadelphia, MS, where he spoke rather pointedly about "states rights."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan#1980_presidential_campaign

wrightwing (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:36 PM)

I live in an American Idol free world, except for Countdown.  

WHY WHY WHY does this show continue to promote American Idol?  It seems Countdown is the biggest supporter of that horrible show.  An occasional reference OK... but as soon as the show is in season, Countdown has to have a daily re-cap?  STOP STOP STOP.

Dan Ithaca, NY (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:47 PM)

Mo Hammond( sent thurs. jan 17 )

My apologies for being vague, but tonight Keith and J. Alter gave a great overview of what happened in Vegas.  As good Democrats they couldn't throw daggars but I can. This was a last minute veiled but blatant attempt to disenfranchise the culinary voters by the Clinton machine(oops!  I mean the teachers union).  Teachers are off on Sat.but just how many casino workers could attend cauci during a weekend on the strip?  All the arrangements were made 10 mo.'s ago by the Dem. party to facilitate these workers in their workplace and everything was set until their union endorsed Obama and then hold your Baraks!  It makes no difference how big a snit Bill throws in front of reporters his and Hill's prints were all over this unsuccessful suit.



To make matters worse because most culinary members are minorities this was another attempt to denagrate the nominating process into a racial divide.  Hill is down in S.C. and she needs Nevada or Obama will soar into Super-Tues.  They will stop at nothing -they have a 30 year old closet of surrogates to do their dirty work (so far Robert Johnson is my favorite-he apologized today LOL).  The Clintons    will stop at nothing and that includes possibly fracturing the Party they claim to love to achieve what they mistakenly believe is "inevitably" theirs.  

Mark Mendonsa

Mark Mendonsa (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:48 PM)

RE: #5.... YES other guys reported on it.   You are a clever wabbit.


Sara, Kula, Maui (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 12:14 AM)

Totally Off Topic..those of us who have been following the story of Tatiana, the beautiful Siberian Tiger killed at the SF Zoo because she attacked and killed one, now have news that these 3 yahoos did indeed taunt her and caused her to become enraged to attack. Justice for Tatiana that the truth came out, as I knew it would and none of it was her fault, but too late for Tatiana. I hope the remaining two idiots pay a price for their stupidity, and pay for the cause of this gorgeous creature losing her life.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22719922

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 12:47 AM)

No matter what the viral smear email states, Senator Obama is a Christian and will be taking his oath on the Bible and he does put his hand over his heart for the pledge of allegiance.  To check all rumors go to www.snopes.com

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/church.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp


There are 368 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 353 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 291 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

There are still more primaries to come.   Evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 12:53 AM)

What's this rumor goin' round that that nice man Mr. Olbermann showed somethin' bout Eli Manning but didn't give Brett Favre his props?

Damn, Mr. O, down here in the boonies even the hounds give Brett Favre the respect he's entitled to.  That Eli Manning's just a young pup.  Only time will tell if he's a good hunter after records and bowl rings and such, but that Favre has done proved hisself.  And I reckon I ort to know what I'm talkin' about, seein' as how I'm just a  

Tennessee Hound Dog (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 12:55 AM)

Thanks Keith for you reporting.  I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't hear it from you.  What kind of Democrat would praise Ronald Reagan?  I lost my job because of Ronald Reagan.  I had forgotten about the mental patients that were abandoned. I can understand Republicans praising him but a Dem oohh that hurts!  Shame on you Mr. Obama.  Why can't he praise President Clinton?  One thing that I always remember about the Clinton Presidency was the passing of the Family Medical Leave Act.  Two years ago I was able to take time off from my job to take care of my parents that got sick one after the other AND I didn't lose my job!!!  Thanks again Keith for your reporting.

Gail Graham (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 1:10 AM)

Wow; I have to agree with many here; as a native Californian, Senator Obama made a HUGE mistake!! While Ronald Reagan may be "Saint Ronald Reagan" to the right wing of the Republican Party --he is NOT popular with the majority in California –at all!! He was not a popular governor; he was viewed much worse as president!!

As governor, he showed utter contempt for the middle class; he created a "cast" system within our universities --separating the "UC" system from the State system --making it impossible for the poor or middle class to attend the UC system; he cut taxes for the wealthy; he paid no attention to health care--he was horrible for California!!

Krista pretty much summed up his "Greatest Hits" as president --I hope Senator Obama can overcome this --sincerely; if he is the democratic nominee --I will vote for him –we need a democrat in the White House --this is not good for the democrats at all. In California, we were introduced to "Reaganomics" before the virus was spread nationally --I was too young to actually suffer from it when he was governor; however, my parents did and spoke about it throughout my life; my mother still does!!

UNITED WE STAND FOR PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 1:21 AM)

Don't lose this one, bro.

Another comparison to Hoover?  President Doofus makes that guy look good!  He makes Nixon look good.  He even makes me forget that Reagan caused the HIV catastrophe.  

BushCo is the worst president ..... ever.  Maybe he'll create a medal for himself.

On a happier note, Rep. Wexler introduced an impeachment resolution yesterday.  These guys need to be gone.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 1:22 AM)

GUYS,

Listen to Rush tomorrow, and we'll see if he BLASTS Canada as for the terrorists.  I mean how dare they call Bushie Boy and Rice A-Phony LIARS.

Why, we're the greatest country in the world, and they need to bow at the NEO-CON altar.  We have rights they will NEVER have!!!

Talvenada, Phila., Penna. (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 2:12 AM)

I wish these candidates would stop referring to past presidents when talking about themselves. None of them is JFK, none of them is Bobby Kennedy, and although not president, he was on his way. I'm excluding Reagan from this as I did not admire Ronald Reagan, but I did JFK and Bobby Kennedy. Obama talking about being for change like Ronald Reagan is not furthering his cause. People who didn't like Reagan are listening.

Seeing Mitt Romney come unglued was priceless. I love impromptu Q&As and the answers you get. Would love to see this kind of questioning with all the candidates. Makes for much more interesting dialogue, also shows how well candidates can answer questions off the cuff.

Why does it not surprise me Canada blew the whistle on the U.S. about Gitmo? My cynical self knew this was coming sooner or later. Just the tip of the iceberg, as I've said many times. Par for the course BushCo..stay tuned.

and..maybe there's hope for us and this writers strike. More new shows, less reality crap and better monologues for all our favorites. The producers have pretty much settled with the movie studios, leaving the doors open (forcing more like it) for the writers to settle and stop holding everyone hostage. Bill Maher back as usual with monologue and New Rules (yay), and please no more talk of goofy American Idol. Simon and Pauls for WPitW.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 4:07 AM)

Huffington Post Friday - Reagan Advisors See A Bit Of Their Former Boss In Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/17/reagan-advisors-see-a-bit_n_82057.html

O'Reilly Downplays Number of Homeless Veterans

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-rieckhoff/oreilly-downplays-number_b_81900.html

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 4:12 AM)

Yes, I did indeed make note of the Staples ads.  (Actually when I saw the segment with Willard I, said to myself "now why doesn't that sort of thing ever get to happen at *our Staples??")

W. Powell, Bloomington IN (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 4:32 AM)

I saw the Matthews apology last night and am not buying it.  I sent an eamil to him and MSNBC that his apology was only because he was taking alot of heat.  I let them know that his show would not be viewed at my home.  I used to sometimes have him on because he comes on right before Keith.  Not anymore-I don't want to contribute any ratings to Matthews.  I also didn't buy his "I love politics" bit.  Chris loves himself and being right more than anything.  I will continue to "encourage" MSNBC to lessen his role in coverage of the primaries.  They have many other fine commentators that would do a much more objective job.  NSNBC wake up and smell the ratings dropping because of Matthews!!!

Pat, New Lenox, IL (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 5:23 AM)

Now the trained seals are not clapping when Obama praises Reagan ? Good for Obama and O'Donell's right Reagan is fairly well thought of in the country,unless your a manic Countdown daily blogger  or a memeber the Communist Party of the US  ( if there still is a CPUSA )

Paulie N J (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 5:52 AM)

#4 I watched the tape of this confrontation, and quite frankly I would be annoyed at this hack reporter.  What I find interesting is that now that Rudy Guiliani is no longer a frontrunner, and may fade, Countdown is now focusing its attention on stripping down Mitt Romney's every move.  Yet, there is no mention of Co-presidential candidate Clinton's rant.  What is with Bill's anger lately.  

The bottom line is I am sick and tired of the media trying to force feed its candidate down our throats.  I am in agreement with, I think Pat, MA, who said that there should be a blackout before an election.  Give each candidate a block of time to lay out their positions in detail, with no pundits rendering their opinion.  Quite frankly, I don't give a crap what Olbermann, Matthews, Hannity, Coulter, etc think about a certain candidate.

By the way, Huckabee was accused by the Romeney campaign of flip flopping on the immigration issue.  They said that with a straight face.

Another tidbit, Coulter (who is an idiot) said that if McCain was the nominee, she would not vote for him.  So, Ms Coulter, then you will throw your support for Clinton or Obama.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 8:19 AM)

The amount of money hillary takes for the oil companies, the health care industries, and lobbyist is breath taking. Take a look at  www.opensecrets.org. Hillary has already promised us health care once and we got NAFTA instead. How many chance should one person get to sell the american people out to big business.

Take a look for yourself at www.opensecrets.org

This election is to important not to know all the facts.

Happy to help (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 8:43 AM)

Isn't President Bush the cutest thing you have ever seen?  All of a sudden he is going to give us a Stimulas package to be a saviour for our ecomony.  Wooooooo Boy!!!!!!!!  Where in the H... has he been for the last 7 years?  The oil is going through the roof, food prices ,  housing prices....you name it and it's out of sight.  I think he contrived all of this so he could look like he saved us all.   Usually when things get bad, it's a foiled terror plot and now, it's the ecomony that he is going to save.  I hope people can see through this administration and really vote in a smart person that knows what they are doing or at least get some good advisors.

JoAnn Moundsville WV (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 8:56 AM)

Ok, I am ready for the hurricane. Bring it to me.  C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 5:11 PM)

C A -- No hurricane from me.  Never in my wildest imagination would I think of you as sexist or racist or believe that you or most of the other people here would make decisions on those bases.  Nor do I believe that calling Mrs. Clinton “Hillary” or Mr. Obama “Barack” necessarily makes anyone either sexist or racist, or even shows disrespect.  Anyone who believes that supporting one and not the other makes you either racist or sexist is simply not worthy of the time it takes to respond to such nonsense.  The irony is that some democrats have bitten into this red herring merely because we’re fortunate enough to have both a black candidate and a female candidate in this year’s pool.  Only one can be president, and if we don’t get a grip on that concept pretty soon, then it may be, as you have so rightly suggested, that neither will (and I’m not talking about John Edwards in this scenario, either).  In that case, we would get exactly what we deserved.  It would be like what happened to John Kerry, only self-inflicted.  I would be very sorry to see that happen because (and I don’t mean to be trite) we really need to be focusing on real issues.  And the sooner the better.

Anna Molly (: (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:00 AM)

Keith you are a very honest man, I watch your show everynight but I wonder why we are not being told where the presidents to be are getting there money from and how many favors they need to repay. I found it at www.opensecrets.org

D Meade Bolton,MS (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:00 AM)

Here's another MUST addition for the "Best" segment. This guy HAS to be the best drunk of the week - a great story of dog biting man. Go doggie!

http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/125532

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:03 AM)

Good morning/afternoon, all.

#5  Obama=Reagan?  Interesting,if somewhat strained analogy. I rather suspect this is the foundation of a movement to regain those Dems who defected to Pres. Reagan back in the '80's out of sheer frustration with the Carter administration.  A risky strategy, and one that I wouldn't recommend going forward with anywhere outside of California, to be used sparingly there.  And if Sen. Obama does turn out to be the nominee, he should drop the comparison all together.  Too many opportunities for for the Republican opposition to say: "I knew Ronald Reagan.  Senator, you're no Ronald Reagan."  


#4  Well, well.  Mitt has a minor meltdown.  Was it just me, or did Gov. Romney have a matching set of Samsonites under each eye?  The strain of the campaign trail, no doubt leading to this unseemly behavior.  Hasn't he ever watched "The West Wing"?  Don't accept the premise of the question!

#3 Syria, Iran. . .gee, that's a list we really want to be on. I say Bravo to our northern bretheren for callin' it the way they see it. . . eh?  I love Canada and I love Canadians, and I'm ashamed for us

WPitW - I see where Gov. Huckabee is having some issues with the fact that the South lost the War of Northern Aggression.  "We'd tell 'em what to do with the pole."  Wow.  That's really presidential there, Governor.  Look for homosexuality to become a federal felony under his administration.

Note to my fellow bloggers in the upper Midwest, Sue, W. Allis, Lunker, way the heck up there, et al.  We're in for it this weekend.  Colder than a barefoot (p)iss on the shady side of an iceberg - everybody be careful out there, and anybody going to the Packers game?  Layer up!  Silk, PolarTec, wool, fur. . .repeat!

Chris F., Just o'er the border and deep in the Big Chill (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:12 AM)

jen'il (7:48 PM Post - Civil Disob. Thread):

I understand your comments about how women can get excited about, and appreciate, another woman who is very successful and who shows that women can compete with and even outshine men in many ways. Women, as with other various groups of people, have been wrongly mistreated and held in check for years and years. When a chance arrives for women to get behind someone who can champion their causes I respect that and do understand. If I could support Hillary I would do so with the greatest of fervor. And if she were to be elected then at that time I would be excited about finally giving a woman a chance to show there are no roles in this life that a woman cannot do successfully just as well as males. But I would not use this same excitement or the potential for this historical event as a reason, part or partial, for supporting the female during her run for office. She would have to succeed on her own merits (minus considering of her gender) and based on clear and objective reasons why she should be selected. And then if elected, at that time, we could all celebrate for her and for all women in this country .      

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:15 AM)

Obama's invoking of Reagans name will not hurt him. In fact it would help him to a degree with independents and some republicans in the general election if he gets the nomination. I might have suggested however that he waited to make such a comment after having been nominated. In any event, agree with it or not, there are still many, many people in this country who hold Reagan in high regard. Plus, be careful not to spin Obama's comments. He was saying that Reagan tapped into something in this country and that there was a movement of change in the political process and how this country saw itself. Obama said nothing about the resulting changes being negative or positive. He was stating that Reagan showed that people could be incited by a person to change the direction of the country. He was not saying that Reagan changed the country in a positive way.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:24 AM)

Thank goodness for Countdown in this election year.

Keith continually brings to his program intelligent guests who can cut through the BS of the day's news. Lawrence O'Donnell is such a guest.

Barack Obama was speaking of cross over voters. Ronald Reagan was able to secure votes from independents and democrats. Barack Obama is hoping he can secure votes from independents and republicans.

It appears that this is most likely going to be one of those election years when people are not going to stick to the norm when they vote, hence, the comparison to Ronald Reagan and 1980.

He wasn't talking about Ronald Reagan policies. He was just putting this election into historical context.

Thank you Mr. O'Donnell.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:42 AM)

CA, I just read your post. I hadn't seen it before I posted mine (if it shows up). We agree on the context of Obama's point.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:45 AM)

Pam:

The Newshole is playing games with us. I posted a comment to you in response to your comment on the Civil Disob. Thread that I disliked Hillary personally. In my post I listed many of Hillary's positives without criticiizsng her and I then listed some observed negatives about Obama and Edwards without noting any of their positives. I hope it gets posted so I can assure you (although I am somewhat surprised I have too with you) that I do not dislike Hillary personally and that I am looking at all the candidates objectively.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:50 AM)

CA- "She would have to succeed on her own merits minus her gender".  Why minus her gender?  Being a woman is a huge part of who she is.  Furthermore, men have been elected for two hundred years at least partially because of thier gender. For all of the years in history that women were not taken seriously  men had an upper hand simply because they are missing part of a chromosome.

jen,il (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:02 AM)

It would be one thing for Chris Mathews to apologize about his anti- Hillary rant on his own but to do it because he's pressured by so many individuals and groups (including NBC), well, that's no apology.
Mathews is only doing what his boss suggests he do.

Full Moon (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:06 AM)

CA- I got the exact same thing from what Obama said.  He said Reagan was the last president to change the direction of the country.  He didn't say he sent us in a good direction.  I think it was a smart statement for a man who is serious about winning an election.  He will draw in many independants and even republicans who have seem to have sainted the man.

jen,il (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:08 AM)

Pam- I think at this point Hillary has taken her name back from the haters of 15 yrs ago.  I see it kind of like the gay community taking back the word queer.  People at her rallies chant "Hillary".  Her yard signs say "Hillary".  This is not accidental she is putting herself out as Hillary to convey a softer side of her personality because as a smart politician she knows people think she can be too harsh.  Personally I think Barak Hussein Obama should be mentioning his middle name to take it away from the bigots on the right who want to use it against him.  If he wears the name proudly, no one is going to listen to the idiots who are trying to convince us he's got something to hide and it starts with his middle name.  Having said all that I will agree that it is more proper to use either the first names of the candidates or the last and not interchange them.  I just don't think it is that big of a deal.    

jen,il (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:17 AM)

C A  "be careful not to spin Obama's comments. He was saying that Reagan tapped into something in this country and that there was a movement of change in the political process and how this country saw itself. Obama said nothing about the resulting changes being negative or positive. He was stating that Reagan showed that people could be incited by a person to change the direction of the country. He was not saying that Reagan changed the country in a positive way."

You are right.  I could not have said it better or agreed with you more!

Susan, Western KY (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:34 AM)

Just ask the Air Traffic Controllers what they think about Obama praising Reagan.   Ooops. so much for being a young whipper snapper.

JoAnn Moundsville, WV (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:34 AM)

He was not saying that Reagan changed the country in a positive way. C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 9:24 AM)


Agreed, BUT -- and this is significant -- he didn't articulate that. Those of us over the age of 40 who read and remember events from longer than a week ago, who have been affected directly or indirectly by Reagan's misguided policies might not be so impressed by the statement. Particularly those of us in states that did not ever vote for Reagan in the first place -- or wait, I guess that would only be Minnesota. Scratch that last sentence.

Anyway, maybe it will work out for Obama in the short-term. It certainly doesn't win him points in the crowd I hang with.

That doesn't mean I've thrown my support to Clinton either. Both campaigns seem to be pretty well infected with foot-in-mouth disease lately.

I've said it before and I'll say it again it's going to be a long long year.

By the way, thanks to Countdown for the take-down of Michelle Bachmann. I don't know what they're smokin' in her district but she is one of the biggest embarrassments to the state. Even bigger than Norm Coleman--he at least eventually recognizes he's an idiot and flip-flops accordingly.

ek mpls mn (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:37 AM)

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:16 PM)

And thanks to Reagan the words Soviet Union and Cold war can only be read in history book.

His victory over the Soviet Empire was over shadowed only by Rosevelt's/Truman's victorys over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

May God bless the Late Great Ronald Reagan

FW Furlow (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:45 AM)

Thanks for the great timely updates. It is much much appreciated!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:49 AM)

Hey OJ: As a former NFL player, can you help any of us out here with Super Bowl tickets in the event our teams are crowned AFC/NFC Champions on Sunday?

You're all we've got at this point.

I heard this morning that the projected air temperature for the Green Bay/Giants game on Sunday is going to be minus 10 degrees. Ouch. It's supposed to be about 17 degrees here.

Good luck everyone.

No Seinfeld huh?

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, January 18, 2008 10:49 AM)



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