CNN

My oh' my...How the mighty have fallen! Magic, I respect your analysis when it comes to Basketball, but you're a fish out of water when it comes to politics.

The irony is that in his rookie season Magoc Johnson turned the NBA upside down with his up-tempo "Showtime" style of basketball, averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Star team, and leading his Lakers to the NBA championship, dominating the deciding Game 6 with a remarkable 42 point, 15 rebound, 7 assist, 3 steal performance while filling in at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, switching from his usual point guard spot. Some rookies are treuly special. You'd think Magic Johnson, of all people, would remember that. But never underestimate the capacity of the Clinton machine to rewrite history when it's politically convenient.

Shame on you Magic! I hope America get exactly what they vote for. I know my vote will be Obama, I need a breath of fresh air, not the polluted one that has taken place since Bush/Cheney. Speaking of inexperience, what the hell you call George W Bush?

What has Hitlery done? someone please tell me! experience of what? 35 years fighting for children? doing what? show me a child she has helped and that changed that person's life because of her. No one will come forward. All we need is a big mouth ex President that has had more affairs than a dictionay has definitions in it and a fat bald headed ex basketball player that has had just as many affairs as his buddy ol' Clinton. How many kids has Magic have with all those women, he even has HIV if I remember right, yeah that is the kind of person I want to have by my side that will support a criminal like Hitlery. Bush, Clinton, Bush, we don't want another Clinton, time to get someone else don't you think! We deserve better than that.

Magic is an idiot! A rich idiot and wonderful basketball player who was given a chance as a rookie and succeeded, now he wants to hold other blacks back in an arena where blacks have been held back. As a man that contracted a virus from sleeping around on his wife, why does he not just shut the hell up and count his profits from selling pop corn.

These celebrity endorsements are ridiculous! Sadly, many of the people here will vote for her because of this. I'm voting Ron Paul, the only honest cadidate out there. He also brings experience, knowledge, and did not vote for the Iraq war. In comparison to the other candidates, he is the only one with a consistent voting record and genuine desire to follow the Constitution. Im confused why this is not more important to the citizens of this country.

Time and time again we say we would like someone that has experience. Guess what experience has not gotten us any further then the individual who doesn't have any experience. Give the experience ploy a rest. It's starting to get old and has not produced any notable results.

A wife that you can cheat on is every sports stars endorsement, hey Magic...

Dalton in Detriot. Excellant post. Why do celebrity endoresments matter? Judging by this thread, they don't. When you are a multi-millionare by age 20, I don't want to hear it Magic. Try working for $11/hour trying to afford health care, rent/mortage, car payment, car insurance, etc. Your a rookie in life experience, so if I shouldn't vote for Obama, why should I listen to you?

Obama vs. Paul '08

I like Magic Johnson as an athlete and what hehas done in his post NBA career is great but I don't want him or Jordan or Oprah or anyone for that matter advising me on what the country needs. Until Magic is a struggling working class stiff trying to make ends meet he can;t speak to whats needed to revitalize a country that is being run by corporate shills like Hillary Clinton and G.W. Bush

wow Magic, are you that dumb?? Obama > Clinton. not a rookie. he has more years in elected office than Hillary. maybe stick to basketball.

Would someone please tell me what Magic Johnson could honestly and with any authority comment upon, other than bouncing a ball?

What the hell does this buffoon know about politics? Hey Magic, stick to what you know, like commenting incomprehensibly about basketball, for instance.

And so where is the expertise of Johnson's decision? Seems he understands Bill's escapades if nothing else. Obama is the man, he says it like it is and will give us a different White House that is necessary in this day and age. So much needs to be repaired with foreign countries and we cannot continue to have another Clinton or any Republican in the White House at this time!

I wonder how many people got AIDS from Magic??

You think that with him suffering with AIDS

Posted By Willie-New Orleans : December 18, 2007 11:43 pm

He is not suffering from AIDS, he is HIV positive and has been since 1991. They are NOT the same thing.

Each of the 43 Presidents in our illustrious history was a ROOKIE when they took office.
As for experience, 4 of our last 5 president's were former governors, with a ton of 'executive' experience. Well, folks, look where we are today.

Magic Johnson also needs to be segregated from society to put an end to this epidemic. Evidently from more than just AIDS..

The last person I would listen too is "Magic" Johnson.

Posted By Grace, Atlanta, Ga : December 19, 2007 12:33 am

__________________________________________

It is alright I stopped watching Oprah after stump for Obama.

Let's take a look at what the "pros" in DC have gotten us, shall we? A Congress and President who sspend so much time sniping at each other, the budget that should have been passed in October didn't get done till December because everybody had to put their favorite pork project in it first, then each side had to sit there and say our the budget sponsored by the other side was hurting America and that their budget was the best choice.

A $6,000,000,000,000 dollar plus deficit that no one in DC even really tries to fix, they just pass it on to the next President and Congress.

Not to mention that in the last twenty years, Congress spends most of its time trying to "investigate" the President for supposed wrongdoings while at the same time trying to hide all the wrongdoings that Congress does everyday.

Sorry, Magic. What we really need is for all the "pros" to be elected out and let some "rookies" come in and actually try and fix what's been screwed up.

Magic Johnson is the last person to say "it's no time for a rookie." Magic, do you remember your rookie year when you had one of the best seasons of your pro career? How soon we forget how great one can become. Obama will only be great!

Why is sooo much emphasis put on experience, when we've had a "so-called" experienced president in office for the past 7 years & look what "his experience" has done to our country??? Give-me-a-BREAK?! A president is ONLY as experienced as the people he/she surrounds themselves with...PERIOD! Whom-ever they fill in cabinet positions or have as "advisers" – makes them truly experienced (don't forget "Brownie-your-doing-a-heck-of-a-job" & others). All bets are off since GWB became president = thus experience NO-LONGER-MATTERS!!!!!!

And Hillary isn't a ROOKIE too? A ROOKIE is exactly what she is. I don't know what it is about Democrats that make them believe something if they hear it enough. Dems should be looking outside the top three on their primary slate for a non-rookie.

How come we don't hear anything about Obama on these network nowadays. I just think this is getting rediculous!!!1

CNN helping in rigging this election. This is non news. I am waiting for he obvious!!

just what we don't need. Magic go back to baseball!

TO EVAN IN ARIZONA... I GUESS YOU
DON'T DO A LOT OF READING. HIV DOESN'T
CAUSE AIDS... TOXIC DRUGS CAUSE AIDS..
RECREATIONAL DRUGS, AS WELL AS AZT.
THEY ARE POISON TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.
EDUCATE YOURSELF.. READ:
JOHN LAURITSEN AND PETER DUESBERG.

ASK YOURSELF, EXPERIENCE AT WHAT?
POOR JUDGMENT?? I DON'T WANT ANYONE
IN THE WHITE HOUSE WHO VOTED FOR THIS
WAR. IF SOMEONE HAS GOOD JUDGMENT
WITH NO EXPERIENCE, THINK HOW GOOD
THEIR JUDGMENT WILL BE WHEN THEY DO
HAVE EXPERIENCE. WE DON'T NEED A
PRESIDENT WHO THROWS THINGS AGAINST
THE WALL TO SEE IF IT STICKS. YOU
HAVE TO BE RIGHT IN TIME TO PREVENT
MISTAKES. I WAS PLANNING TO VOTE FOR
OBAMA UNTIL PAUL ANNOUNCED HIS RUN.
I HAD JUST CHANGED MY REGISTRATION
FROM LIBERTARIAN TO DEMOCRAT... THEN
I HAD TO CHANGE IT TO REPUBLICAN TO
VOTE IN THE FLORIDA PRIMARIES. IT
IS EMBARRASSING TO BE REGISTERED TO
THE PARTY OF BORROW AND SPEND BUT
UNTIL FLORIDA JOINS THOSE STATES THAT
ALLOW INDEPENDENTS TO VOTE IN EITHER
PRIMARY, THERE'S NO OTHER WAY. IF
YOU CARE ABOUT OUR CONSTITUTION AND
WANT TO SEE IT DEFENDED... IF YOU
WANT THE WAR ENDED....AND YOU WANT
THE IMMIGRATION LAWS ENFORCED, VOTE
FOR RON PAUL. CNN RULES!!!!!!!!

Most experienced? That would be Joe Biden and Bill Richardson by a mile. Least experienced? Probably John Edwards, with Hillary and Barack not far ahead. Why would I vote for Obama? Vision, actual evidence of sound judgment and integrity.

Bill Clinton: Hillary's WEAPON OF MASS ATTRACTION. But all is fair in love and politics...VOTE HILLARY 08!!!

Why is he talking? shouldn't he be taking his HIV medicine?

Yeah well I believe we have had lots of presidents that had lots of experience these last few years and look where we are today. So much for experience. Give me someone without as much federal experience in Washington that is honest and even faithful to his wife and they actually might get things done in the name of the people instead of the government corporation that now runs the country. Had to add the wife part as this photo made me wonder what conquests they were discussing at the moment

Hey Mike in Portland:

Check your facts again Mike. Hillary was elected for her first term in the Senate in 2000 and then again for her SECOND term by a landslide in 2006. New Yorkers know who Hillary is and they supported her out right for her second election.

I see the haters on Obamas team are out in force. Why are so many of his supporters so negative and hateful? Shouldn't we all be supporting the Democratic party? Well that is if you call yourself a Democrat. Obama supporters are also becoming a bunch of whine bags. All I hear are Obama supporters complaining about smear tactics and who said what about this or that. Come on guys....Obama the junior senator from Illinois is playing with the big dogs now.

Another over-the-hill athlete spouting off on a subject of whence he knows nothing!!!

Do something useful, Magic...go help figure out why there's wo much steroid usage in professional sports. Now that's a task that may be right down your alley!!!

Why are you people shocked that Magic is supporting the Clintons?

Wasn't Bill the first black president? So what's wrong with a black supporting another black? I don't see anything wrong with that.

"You've got to be kidding me (Magic Johnson)! Senator Obama said it best, when I was 20% or more points down in the polls, people thought I was a nice guy. Now that Senator Obama is gaing momentum, former president Clinton and others who really had no comments earlier, now have plenty to say (Hmmmm).

Daniel, your link also shows another new Iowa poll with Obama ahead.

And Magic, didn't you lead the LA Lakers to an NBA Championship during your rookie year? And weren't you the MVP of the Finals that year?

Seems like the Clintons are landing like a tons of brick on Obama....lol..it is so easy for Obama to honk his horn when Hillary was quiet.

The last person I would listen too is "Magic" Johnson.

Even negative responses are good for the Clintons. – CNN.

It's either Hillary alligator's tears or Bill's obnoxious talks. It looks like Hillary and Bill are the only two candidates for election 2008.

The latest Iowa caucus poll that was just released has Obama third behind Edwards (who had not led in month) and Clinton, though the internals are not good for Hillary. Link.

That's great. One extra-marital affair legend campaigns with another.

The Clinton camp is desperate for votes. They won't be getting mine.

Magic Johnson is right, we don't need a rookie. That is why Democrats should turn en masse to candidates like Dodd, Biden, and Richardson, each of whom has 20 or more years in public office. The country doesn't need a rookie with only 6 years in the Senate like Hillary Clinton.

what a stupid assumption that a forty six year constitutional laywer cant be president.

I find it interesting that Magic Johnson would support a candidate such as Mrs. Clinton. The Bush administration has funded over $15 BILLION for helping AIDs victims in Africa. This was a REPUBLICAN initiative, not democratic. You think that with him suffering with AIDS he would want to put a person in office who has actually done something to prevent suffering of all people, especially Africans. Where is his loyalty? Where does Hillary even stand on the AIDS Epidemic ( and don't kid yourself -it's huge and growing among Afican American Men). He needs to rethink his position.

experienced lies or inexperienced candor, you decide.

s this good news? Seems to me like these candidates haven’t said much if anything about what they will actually do about black unemployment, a racist criminal justice system and other serious issues facing communities of color across the country.

What does it matter if they hang out with black celebrities if they don’t do anything for everyday working people?????

And when can we stop pretending Clinton was good for black people in the 90s. This is a long exposed lie.
It was Clinton the backed NAFTA which sent black jobs away and boosted unemployment.
It was Clinton that signed the you-have-the-right-to-starve welfare reform that has ghettos screaming across the country.
It was Clinton that signed the anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act setting the stage for Bush’s Patriot Act insanity.

Come on people. These candidates need to do something for us besides show up with our favorite comedians, ball players and movie stars. Let’s start having some intelligent discussions. This is getting a li’l out of hand!!!!

If Magic wants a candidate with real experience why doesn't he back Biden? I don't understand why he's been overlooked when he clearly has tons of experience and does the best at every debate.

I have difficulties with what I call disunity within the black race everywhere. We are always eager in the bringing people to power(the king makers of the world) with our votes without getting rewarded for that effort. During these king making campaigns, the most fortunate black elites are willing to descend on those whose views they do not agree with like the wolf on the fold.

Other communities who speak with one voice always succeed in getting the pieces of the pie from the candidates they support.

We all know access to governments contractual services is that the piece of pie in question.
Most of the black people with voices do not seem to understand that they must have a united front to address the despair within the struggling black community. We need to say, in no uncertain term, that our votes means our issues must be addressed. This won’t happen if whenever an influential black person is against something, it is always something that is meant to hurt another black person.

Do not get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we cannot criticize one another. All I am saying is, we must not criticize one another on behalf of someone who is afraid to do so lest he/she will be called racist!!
Hillary and Bill Clinton are very busy dividing the Africa American community despite the fact that they know most blacks are econmically disadvantaged. The subprime lending and the student loan scandals have left most hardworking black young people and students with debts that have made the American dream impossible and this is not a laughing matter. Most of the corporations responsible for this are pouring a lot of money in Hillary’s campaing!!!!

Magic Johnson should be ashamed of his hypocrisy in denigrating the potential of a "rookie". He should know better, as he himself proved by his personal example in the 1980 NBA finals, when, as a 20-year-old rookie, he assumed Abdul-Jabbar's position to lead the Lakers to victory with his 42 point performance. The Lakers placed their trust in him based on his demonstrated ability, commitment and energy not his experience. We would get better politicians if we used these criteria to select our leaders rather than their inside Washington experience. Johnson propelled the Lakers to greatness in that 1980 NBA season and a "rookie" politician like Barack Obama can propel America to greatness in 2009 precisely because of his lack of inside Washington experience and his demonstrated ability, commitment and energy to causes important to average Americans

You be shocked. Americans are not stupid. We can not allow these people use Amerian kids to go to the war and then vote them back to the office. That is not going to happen in my household. Not at all!

CNN Fails to Mention Retired Gay General’s Endorsement of Hillary .

P.s. Peter Vernon CT -- not meaning to single you out, but "hope" is not a plan. Experience is the only benchmark in choosing a President because you don't hire on promises you hire on track record.

What has Hillary Clinton done to show leadership ? What difficult decisions has she made? And what has she done that did not involve raising taxes? She wants a socialist government that will re-distribute the wealth, and that's NOT what America is about.

Black rednecks have become exceedingly needy and the only thing they want to hear from any candidate they are considering is “me vote for you, well what’s in it for me?”
Obama is still crusing on has totally succumbed to the prime directive of Democratic Party politics, for votes.

When I heard that Magic was supporting Hillary, it created a problem in my life.

As a Laker fan, an Obama supporter and a frequent patron of the Magic Johnson Theatre on 125th Street, Magic's endorsement of Sen. Clinton created a bit of a sticky wicket for me.

But after reading his clearly tongue-in-cheek and seemingly forced (Bill can be SO persuasive) commentary, I cant help but point out that Mr. Johnson himself is responsable for the single greatest and most memorable "rookie" performance in the history of his chosen sport. His line went as follows:

42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, starting at Center for the injured team captain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and rotating into the forward and guard positions as the game progressed. He was named MVP of the 1980 finals at the tender age of 20.

If thats the kind of "rookie" we're going to get in Barack Obama, let him suit up.

Clinton's new caimpaign strategy: Politics as usual. Mudslinging, cheap shots, and waffling will be not only encouraged but utilized constantly.

Even the Chinese military sends campaign donations. A vote for Hillary is a vote for communism.

Okay, I know I am not stupid but I guess I don't understand where she has "so much more experience" than Obama. She was the First Lady of a backwoods state, then the First lady of the US. FIRST LADY, NOT PRESIDENT!!! Quit touting her "experience" and admit she doesn't have any more than Obama.

I still don't get how Hillary has experience. She was the WIFE of a do nothing president (yes, bill was a do nothing president....aside from the economy, which unless he invented MicroSoft I fail to see how that was clinton) and now a do nothing except vote ya for Bush Senator.

Please, tell me what great accomplishments she has that I should buy this great experience argument?

Hillary lacks honesty and Edward is too close to a communist....

Obama is the best....

I have never witnessed or read so much pettiness, hatred, jealousy, trival, unfairness, envy, double-standardness,etc. etc. and so on regarding Senator Clinton in my entire life observing political figures and elections. Everyone is talking about Mrs. Clinton. They comment on her face, walk, talk, gestures, mother, daughter, husband, friends and even her laugh! Boy, is she getting a lot of attention from the newspersons, the average persons, the men, Republicans, Democrats, enemies etc.etc.etc......! Why all the attention on a mere woman that cannot win, people do not like, has no real experience, is cold-blooded, is ambitious, can speak good English (not like the present President) has to have her husband campaign for her (like the wives do for their husbands!!!) because she's a helpless female candidate running for President of this country! All of the limelight for that woman is whatI have heard Senator Clinton called on a national news channel by a so-called newsperson on MSNBC only a couple of days ago. What will "she" be called when "she" God forbid becomes the President?????
Give me Obama anytime!

Rookie??? Longer-served in public office than Hillary Clinton and John Edwards combined is a rookie?

Before you say any further, tell us:

Do you or Do you not have HIV-AIDS?

Guess you and Bill have something in common!

One philandering man supporting another philandering man's wife. I think it's preposterous that you people don't realize that the Clinton's are "hiring" any black person they can just to get/keep as many black votes as possible. If they had policies that were actually GOOD for black people, the votes would be there. They don't, so they stoop low and pick up this foul ball. That's the Clinton way, lies and trickery!

CNN stands for CLINTON NEWS NETOWRK... It's clinton's propaganda machine. I am surprise to see Hillary getting this much coverage compare to teh other candidates in CNN. I donot care to know what freaking magic johnson says. I would like to know what the candidates are saying.

Mr Magic Johnson,

You are entitled to your opinion. Hillary, despite allegedly 'experience', she has showed poor decisions and performace. Obama, despite allegedly 'naive and inexperience', has showed good judgment and performance. Do you follow rumor or do you follow what you experience with your own eyes? I go for the latter. He has demonstrated good leadership capability. Hillary, despite the rumor of her 'experience' has failed to exhibit her leadership capability.

WHAT experience does Hillary Clinton havve, exactly?

Wow, Magic Johnson is supporting Hillary. That is great. I suppose the support will last as long as Mr. Johnson's talk show.

Magic is inaccurate to say that nobody else has experience on either side: Bill Richardson has 15 yrs in Congress (more than any frontrunner), was UN Ambassador (no others have ambassadorial experience), was Secretary of Energy (no others have held a cabinet position), and was just elected to a 2nd term as governor with almost 70% of the vote. In the meantime he has done so much diplomatic work, he's been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 times (no other nominees are running, I notice.) I'd call that a wide variety of domestic and foreign experience, which we need in our next president.

If Obama wasn't running, you would be voting for Sen Clinton. Common sence would tell each and everyone of us, that the man need to lay low.

What wrong with the Vice President Position? Think about that Obama.

Oh, by the way as a black man that watched Oprah for the last three years everyday, I won't be watching anymore and Hillary get my vote now.

Benny Brown
Jacksonville Fl.

My top 5 follow up questions for Magic would be the following, because I find his argument to be quite weak:

1. You talk a lot about experience. If Hillary is so experienced, why did she get us into the biggest foreign policy disaster in this generation? What do you make of the fact that Barack Obama had the judgment not get into this? Isn’t it the case that on Iraq, Hillary is the one who got “in over her head,” not Obama?
2. Do you think John F. Kennedy or Abraham Lincoln were in over their heads? They had as much or less experience than Obama will have before becoming President. What about Bill Clinton? He was also called inexperienced. He didn’t have ‘foreign relationships.’ Do you think he shouldn’t have been President?
3. Could you directly answer the question of why you initially gave Barack Obama $2300 if you didn’t think he was ready? That doesn’t make sense.
4. What specific legislation has Hillary passed for minority communities that outweighs the bills Obama has passed for minority communities?
5. Since your argument centers on experience, then why aren’t you supporting Joe Biden or Chris Dodd? They have more years of Washington experience than either Hillary or Bill Clinton. If you’re talking about overall time in political office, Obama (12 years) has been in public office longer than Hillary Clinton (8 years). If you’re talking about experience passing legislation, Obama has passed more legislation over his lifetime than Hillary. If you’re talking about experience working in minority communities, Obama has that one over Hillary too. Whichever of these “experience” measures you use, how do you get to the point of supporting Hillary?
6. BONUS: What do you make of the Clinton Administration’s decision not to get rid of the disparity in crack-cocaine mandatory sentencing laws and the negative effect that decision has had on the black community?

Now I’m not saying the Clinton Administration was all bad. However, when you have a candidate in the primary who started out working in the black community as an activist before he even went to law school, and has a strong record of good judgment and passing progressive legislation, then I’d like to hear a stronger argument than “It’s not his turn…,” whatever that means.

If I was looking to improve my jump shot, magic you be the expert of choice.
But when it comes to political advice, an borderline illiterate is not an option.

Stick to what you know, magic.

"We want somebody in there that knows what they're doing, because this job is so huge."

Brawn on the basketball court does not translate to brains in the area of national governance.

So of course to a JOCK, Johnson's undeveloped mind, being President of US is a 'big job'.

Even a bungling Bush can realize that being President of US is not big for Harvard man, University professor and US Senator, as Barack Obama is.

Hilary wasn't screwing up enough with one guy, her husband; she needed the support of another mentally challenged JOCK!

Sentinel: Can you tell us what other African Americans are on your team—Team Clinton.

LOL!
Talking about the Political NUTS in the Fruit Section!

I can just Imagine:

Heyyyy, Magic, check out those Melons! There's some ripe young Plums!

Meanwhile, the President Poser Wannabe is in the Squash section....

LOL!

Hillary Clinton is so WEAK. There's not one advantage she can legitimately claim before voters. She stands next to Joe Biden and claims to be the "experienced" candidate; she stands next to Barack Obama and claims to be the "change" candidate.

There's only ONE characteristic in which Hillary truly exceeds all her opponents: mediocrity.

hillary IS A GUARANTEED LOOOOOOOOOOOOSERRRRRRRRRRRR IN THE GENERAL ELECTION!

(Insert "trademark cackle" here)

I can't vote for an opaque dinasaur politician who has already failed at serving our needs (remember hillary-care? -oh that speaks of experience all right – not too much for good judgement, wisdom, or effective leadership... but it WAS an experience!)

Here's why I'm VOTING OBAMA:

He's GOT everything hillary LACKS:

THE ABILITY TO CLEARLY SAY WHAT HE TRULY BELIVES IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS

NEW IDEAS

NEW APPROACHES

ETHICS

MORALALITY

SINCERITY

and... HE'S NOT THE OLD DINASAUR GUARD OF DO NOTHING, WEAKLING DEMOCRATS!

VOTE OBAMA IN '08!

"Hey Bill, I scored more babes while I was married than you" says Ervin.

Bill provides proof of that falsehood and Ervin is forced to pay his debt by promoting Bill's "wife".

So who he is supporting is relevent because........ that's right, he is black and they need someone famous to off-set Oprah.

This cheating over the hill jerk is the best they can do?

Wow, this campaign is imploding.

If you want an endorsement from a real African American hero, how about Bill Cosby who has more class in his pinky than this guy.

Magic has been in the Bill Clinton camp since the 1990s. So his endorsement is not surprising, but his reason why he supports Hillary is dumb. You only need to ask Magic to specifically list Hillary's experience and he will have a mental breakdown.

Magic needs to be reminded that he left college two years early to enter the NBA draft. And during his "rookie" season at 20 years old he not only won a NBA championship, but he got the NBA Finals MVP award. Hey Magic, having the title of "rookie" is not a bad thing when you have star potential, wouldn't you agree?

Magic is entitled to endorse anyone he wants to, but the only 2007 celebrity endorsement that really matters is Oprah.

everyone read this. It is amazing what you wouldn't see on CNN!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071218/ap_on_el_pr/obama_ken_burns
Nice!

Magic Johnson knows when to back a winner. Obama doesn't have a chance. No Obama

Mike in Portland? You are so right! Where are folks getting the idea that Hillary Clinton has thirty years experience in politics? Where does she get that idea? Or is it really Bill Clinton on the campaign trail and his wife is a front? Do the Clintons really think we are that stupid? And for the record? I am a long time, registered Independent.

While the experience argument rages, there is another, more critical, consideration. The first basis upon which to include or exclude a candidate is on the candidate's trustworthiness. Clinton is the least candid, and least trustworthy candidate in the field. She is not honest and therefore deserves immediate exclusion from any further consideration.

I don't really care that it's Johnson saying this...the point should stand on its own: this is definitely not the time for a rookie, and Obama is a rookie, relatively speaking.

Oddly enough, when he was elected to the Presidency, BIll Clinton was 46, one year YOUNGER than Barack Obama would be upon election. He also had a total of 14 years elected political experience, 12 as governor and 2 as attorney general of Arkansas, both state positions. Senator Obama has 8 years of state senate experience in Illinois and would have 4 years of experience in the US Senate – national experience. He has also been a law professor like Bill Clinton, and he has community experience in voting and discrimination litigation. Obama's undergraduate degree is in political science with an emphasis in international relations. Makes Bill Clinton seem more like the rookie. And overall, more elected experience than Hillary with only seven years.

"Magic Johnson is 100% correct. You will not trust a medical student to do your open heart surgery either. So, why trust a 2-year junior senator from Illinois?"

JH from Illinois..You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. You are just recycling other peoples words–mostly from the media. How could YOU possibly know how much experience it takes for to be an effective President. The only people whow know how to be president are the ones who have done the job. everyone else including clinton, edwards, romney and whoever else will need OJT.

This is coming from a man who didn't have good judgement when deciding not to put on a condom and contracted HIV. So maybe idiots stick together.

Mr. Obama for all the hope he offers- has said little of substance regarding issues like health care (one of my major concerns) or on any other of the weighty issues confronting the nation. The Liberal wing of the party (Democrats) are perhaps Mr. Obama's biggest supporters- but they also tend to be the most naive.

Unless in 2008 there is a total economic meltdown , Mr. Obama would be hard pressed to carry any more states then John Kerry. I hope Obama supporters s realize This- If states like Ohio, Florida, AZ and perhaps even PA-and Michigan (the latter two barely carried by Kerry- I cannot see Mr. Obama carrying Ohio, or any other red state.

Democrats better wake up- forget about their wonderful but delusional idealism
and look to Mr Obama in the future- not now.

Obama is a rookie. Magic is right. In these inportant time we need someone with courage, experience and the willingness to be of help to people.

Hillary 08

*Yawn* CNN, wake me up when you've got real news to report...

All Presidents at one time or another were "rookies" just like Mr Johnson.

Ms Malveaux should ask white people why they are not supporting a certain white candidate. it is insulting to ask a black person, why they are not supporting Sen. Obama. Black people have a "right" to support any candidate they want. We do not have a "herd" mentality. Thank you very much.
Posted By Judith Beale, Atlanta, GA : December 18, 2007 6:21 pm

#########################################

I second that. I totally feel I need a president who resonate with me this time around. I really don't care what Johnson calls Obama. When Clinton was a candidate in '92 was a rookie too!

I wonder what experience we are talking about here.

Does her experience as First Lady count? But Obama's experience working with poorer sections of the society in Chicago does not count?

It is critically important that our next President be able to drive the lane and shoot from three point range.

Here's your proof that Obama is that man:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daH0ltD20A0 and

He is absolutely right.

SHE DOESN'T HAVE 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE!! Darnit, when will the MSM call her on her BS. She has seven years of experience. That's it...seven years of middling legislation in the U.S. senate...that is IT! Someone please call her on her BS. On John Edwards is less experienced than she is.

>>>Posted By justin, new york : December 18, 2007 7:12 pm

"THE COUNTRY STILL DOESN'T SEEM TO GRASP THE LEVEL OBAMA WANTS TO TAKE THIS NATION! PLEASE, CLINTON VOTERS, RECONSIDER!">>>
Justin,you said it all right there. "the level that Obama WANTS to take this nation..." But with his inexperience, he may WANT, but he can't DO–Hillary can. We need Hillary.

I purposely kept an open mind about this Magic endorsement until after I got to actually see the video. Magic is not only an IDIOT, but LITERAL embarrassment to his race. He cannot even articulate WHY he supports Hillary. Did I say IDIOT already? Oh yeah I did.

Repeat: being First Lady may have been quite an experience for her, but she didn't acquire the degree of executive skill, know-how and judgment which she would have us believe. The President got that skill, but many don't want him in again.

I take my political advice from celebrities.

Magic Johnson? There's the masterstroke the Clinton campaign has been waiting for. Obama should just sit back and let her win this thing for him.

Good jesus whats worse the supposed CNN endorsement of Hillary Clinton or the people who are getting upset now because their reporting negative things against her, or maybe the american people are really just that stupid i completly believe that statement to be the true one, the american people have no perception or idea whats going on outside of their immediate surroundings they are a testiment to how little we think....Further more Clinton payed off one Black person to slander another Black person looks to me like money talks

Magic Johnson is 100% correct. You will not trust a medical student to do your open heart surgery either. So, why trust a 2-year junior senator from Illinois?
Posted By jh, watertown, ny : December 18, 2007 6:25 pm
so you wouldn't trust Abraham Lincoln then?

When Bill and Hillary Clinton start parading people who do not endorse her candidacy only because of some personal favor he has done for them before, they will be worth listening to.

Why is it that the Clinton campaign seens not to take into account that some of their staff in the early states are causing more harm than good? This especially goes for the Des Moines office.

a rookie at politics? obama has held elected office for longer than hillary, he's no rookie. you should keep the smack talk on the court "magic"

I like Magic Johnson. I don't give a bee's wing about his politics or who he supports. Would anyone change their vote because of Magic Johnson?

Because Hilary was once a first lady and a senator does not mean she will be a good president.
May be in furture Hilary can be presidenmericat of A.But for now she is not fit to be President Bush Successor because there are so many issues begging to be addressed by the incoming US president that Hilary does not possess those qualities that can match these problems.
Firstly,economic issues and the US security as well as world economy at large and the entire security of the whole world are so germane now.
In handling these issues it requires serious wisdom by the incoming president.Some body gifted with wisdom need to be incharge as president inorder to get these issues sorted out in the early stage of the incoming administration.
The Iraq/Afghan war and the middle East Issue must be addressed by the incoming president with promptness and U.S military withdrawn from the middle east and so doing a lot of Revenue will be conserved in the first quarter of that administration.
All people in the US wanted list in respect of terror will be handed over to FBI to track them down even if it takes long while US military returns home.The new president will also release funding direct to the Iraqis/Afghans to rebuild their countries and allow sovereignty to be in the hands of these countries.Also the new U.S government will impliment geniunely the Ireali/Palestine Road Map by creating the Palestine State .Once these issues are addressed it will authomatically reduce terror activities because the middle east will see that move by US as being friendly and they will reciprocate that gesture immediately by mentaining some relative peace.
Therefore,to be president of American is not a tea party because a US president is not only President of United States alone but also President of the whole World.
I am not saying that a woman does not deserve to be President of US but there are some many critical issues in the USA right now that the woman in Hilary Clinton does not fit into that position for now because the US economy and security is threatened.
If U.S is in dare need of a woman president to succeed President George Bush then they should be able to look for such woman with prseidential qualities within all the political parties in the US and have her elected.
I forsee a situation whereby if Hilary Clinton is nominated,the Republicans will be opportuned to win the presidency again because the republicans are going to present a better candidate than Hilary Clinton.
But if Obama Barak is presented as the presidential flag bearer of the Democrats, the Republican's will fail the presidency.
I think Obama is the best presidential material for now because he has a good plan on how to tackle these urgent burning issues.

Looks like the Clinton campaign is using their good black folk to show that we still know our place. Reminds of some of the ole' slave stories showing the massa (Clinton) telling the slaves (magic, et al) that their life is not worth a hill of beans without the massa. AND, the slaves don't know what to do without massa telling them. America, particularly black folk, need to wake up and think for themselves. I'm not saying you have to support Barack, but good grief, you are being punked big time by the Clintons. Too much power for this couple will just hurt this country and Bill wants it way too bad. He would turn on his late mother to get the WH back.

Hey Magic, what has Hillary actually run? – or are you assuming that Bill will run things? We allow 2 terms for a good reason – power corrupts. I suppose you will stump for thier daughter to be President after Hillary has her turn....and then thier cousins etc etc

MAGIC JOHNSON SHUT UP!!

BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER (CHEATING HUBBYS).

The Clintons just got my vote. Magic Johnson for President.

clintons have alot of baggage just like magic johnson has with his aids!

How does she have 30 years of experience? She's only been holding elected office since 2000 (four fewer years than Obama). It's not really fair to count her time as First Lady, IMO, especially seeing as her main accomplishment then was a failed health plan. Even then it's, what, 15 years? Is he counting her husband's time too? I'd rather elect someone who got to where he or she is through his/her own work, not connections. And as far as endorsements go, I think I'd value Ken Burns' over an adulterous pro athlete's anyway...

Obama '08!

By "right experience" I am trying to refer to his record of accomplishment, especially before he became nationally known in 2004.

You can see a nice chart summarizing the more than 800 bills he sponsored in the Illinois State Senate at the following URL:
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html

I won�"t try to highlight every aspect of his experience in this post, but, in the Illinois State Senate, Barack helped to create the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

His first law in the US Senate was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. These are excellent results and are from only his period of time in elected office.

Prior to taking public office, he was a community organizer and, though it might seem like small potatoes compared to presidential politics, he was able to help protect residents from lead paint and improve the responsiveness of the people responsible for maintaining the buildings. After earning is law degree he became a civil rights lawyer in Chicago. I admit I don't have a lot of details on that phase of his life, but he also taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago. Imagine how great it will be to have a president who understands and respects the Constitution!!!

As a rabid Laker fan since 1980...and former Clinton fan....I'll take a rookie with integrity (Obama) over Hillary. The Clintons are running a smear campaign against Obama. When the going got tough, their true colors were revealed...very disappointing. I'm actually against Hillary now. Three months ago, I would have happily voted for her. I seriously doubt I'm alone. She will not get my vote no matter what.

I seem to recall Magic winning the NBA Finals MVP award when he was a "young rookie" who skipped his last two years of college. Perhaps his illness has robbed him of that memory.

Um, hello? Magic Johnson obviously knows nothing about politics or else he would realize that Joe Biden is 10 times more experienced and qualified to be President than Hillary.

WOW MAGIC IF I CANT REMEMBER YOU DID PRETTY DANG ON GOOD WHEN YOU WERE A ROOKIE!! PLEASE DONT FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM!!!

(1) Entry: HIV uses a receptor on its surface called gp160 (glycoprotein 160, aka envelope protein) to bind to T cells. The receptors on T cells that gp160 interacts with are CD4 and one of two chemokine co-receptors, CXCR4 or CCR5. Once bound to the cell surface, a conformational change in the receptors allows the virus to enter the cell.

(2) Enzyme 1—Reverse Transcriptase (RT): Once the HIV is in the host cell, the virus protective covering (nucleocapsid) degrades and releases the 2 RNA strands that comprise the HIV genome. The HIV genome is converted from RNA to dsDNA by the enzymatic action of Reverse Transcriptase (RT).

(3) Enzyme 2—Integrase (IN): The copy of the HIV genome in DNA form is inserted into the host's genome by the enzymatic action of integrase. Once inserted into the host genome, HIV is called a provirus. The HIV genome, which encodes for HIV proteins, is translated by host cell machinery into immature or nascent polypeptides that have no function until cleaved into smaller polypeptides. Where in the host genome would be ideal places for the provirus to be inserted?

(4) Enzyme 3—Protease (PR): The nascent polypeptides are cleaved into mature, functional HIV proteins by the enzymatic actions of protease.

(5) Exit: Once the newly synthesized HIV proteins are synthesized in the host cell, the HIV virions assemble with all the necessary components and bud out of the host cell to produce new virus particles. The virion acquires the envelope proteins gp41 and gp120 as they bud. Hundreds or thousands of virions may be produced within a single cell.

I don't know how Iowans will take him since they are really observative, but I hope doesn't play bad on hillary.
I hope I answered you.

Desperado...

Obama has Oprah and now Magic Johnson (?) is saying no time for a 'Rookie.'

Please...Kennedy and Teddy Roosevelt had the same 'rookie' experience and were our country's finest presidents.

(and how is being a 'First Lady' experience???)

It looks like the Clintons are getting nervous!!! How amusing.

Timothy, I don't know much about HIV but I know the symptoms. I know there are people who can live with HIV so long as they eat well and they take the medication. I know Magic Johnson came out in 1990. I think he has lived a healthy life since then. He has a wife but I don't know if she has the disease.

I wonder why Magic Johnson wouldn't support Huckabee???? Don't think it was the AIDS thing do you? Oh well Joe Biden is rising fast and soon you will not be able to ignore him.

Well if Magic tells me to vote for Hillary, then I'm sold!

majic johnson? does anybody still care?

How much did they pay you Magic?

somebody should tell magic that he was a rookie when he took over the big game when kareem got injured that helped the lakers win a title.

THE COUNTRY STILL DOESN'T SEEM TO GRASP THE LEVEL OBAMA WANTS TO TAKE THIS NATION! PLEASE, CLINTON VOTERS, RECONSIDER!

Magic Johnson has proven through his statement, that he is an IDIOT!!! What a supid statement.

YAY HILLARY '08

Obama has Oprah and Hillary has Magic, but will either make a difference? The fact that with all of Hillary's supposed experience she is still fighting to stave off an absolutely inexperienced kid out the block. I don't think this is about who has more political experience for the job as much as it is about likeability and believability. It is really sad that this is what the democratic race has come down to s opposed to someone who can do the job. Maybe Americans TRUST Obama more despite his inexperience. Sorry Hillary, your slip was showing before 1992. The two-term limit still applies...to you!!!

I'm waiting for Michael Jordan's endorsement before I make any decisions on who I am voting for. It is critically important that our next President be able to drive the lane and shoot from three point range. Yet another pointless celebrity endorsement.

For her to say she has experience is like me saying I have experience being a pilot because I've been a passenger before. She really needs to stop using that card and show us some real proof of her judgement and decisions. She voted for the Iraq war, that's all the proof I need. We need someone with experience making good decisions, not bad ones.

I do not understand why Senator Obama is any less experienced than Bill Clinton was when he became president after being Govenor of Arkansas. Being a U.S. Senator from Illinois is terrific and deep political experience. Why can't people wake up to this?

This must surely come as a shock to Mr. Johnson, who was photographed visiting Baltimore to promote his "Know Your Money" program for minority professionals just days after this "news story" allegedly broke on September 18, 2003. A photo taken on September 22 shows a happy, healthy-looking retired basketball star.

It's unknown where the claim that Magic Johnson is in a coma originated, but no such item has been posted on the CNN Website, nor has any other news outlet carried such a story.

Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, but thanks to AIDS-inhibiting drugs the virus has remained dormant in his body and he has never exhibited full-blown symptoms of the disease.

Didn't Magic WIN the NBA championship his ROOKIE YEAR??!!! Maybe someone should tell the Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron was not ready.

this is getting ridiculous, how can Hillary and others in her campaign continue to say she has 30 years experience without backing it up? the only position she has been elected to so far is senator so where exactly is the rest of the experience coming from? and don't tell me it comes from living in the same house as a politician.

Good for you magic, now go and play basketball

Cnn is really doing this without appearing as if they are dong it. I am sick of this media twist! Now the focus is not on Obama or Edward.
I am happy non of these people will determine the way I vote!

DES MOINES-The Clinton campaign has come up with a counter-programming move to drag press attention away from the Obama/Oprah rallies in Iowa previous Saturday, by finally bringing on the stump magic johnson.
Just think...on a day when Obama has Oprah Winfrey helping him the all important undecided female voters, there will be three generations of Clinton presidency
The debut of magic who own in New York, has been anticipated for a long time. She is appearing with her grandmother, Dorothy Rodham at three stops in Iowa. Former President Bill Clinton is in trashing Obama.
Just think...on a day when Obama has Oprah Winfrey helping him the all important undecided female voters, there will be three generations of Clinton women on a stage.
magic is not planning to speak. A campaign staffer, aware that this is Oprah day, said magic is suddenly appearing because "She wanted to spin it!

What the heck does Magic "Aids" Johnson know about politics? Is this the only black person the Clintons can find to counter Oprah? Please. No contest.
The Clintons have hit desperation mode...watch out!!!

"...You don't want somebody in there that is young or a rookie at politics," Johnson said at a rally in Davenport, Iowa. "We want somebody in there that knows what they're doing, because this job is so huge."

Remind me again, which Clinton is running for president?

Uh, last I heard, Hillary Clinton has only been elected to one term, so she hardly has "thirty years experience." Unless poor Magic thinks we are voting for Bill Clinton again.

Oh. And CNN. You conveniently chose to lead with a banner that included the Magic's phrase "rookie". Why then when Chris Rock intro'ed Obama last month by referring to Hillary as "that white lady" didn't you include that in the banner of the article you wrote on Obama's visit to the Apollo?

And the reason why I would respect his opinion is.........?

CNN please just concede that you are out to undermine Hillary's campaign. You go out of your way to find something negative in everything Hillary supporters say.

Last month some guy in Texas who'd contributed to Hillary was indicted on some irrelevant charge, but you led with the banner "Hillary Clinton Supporter Indicted". Last week two Illinois Obama contributors were indicted on corruption charges. What did you post? Nothing.

Magic Johnson is 100% correct. You will not trust a medical student to do your open heart surgery either. So, why trust a 2-year junior senator from Illinois?

Hillary, Work Ethics, and Experience ?
Is he on drugs?
If we really want Experience, lets track down the descendents of Lincoln, or George Washington – if soley being related equals experience.

All Presidents at one time or another were "rookies" just like Mr Johnson.

Ms Malveaux should ask white people why they are not supporting a certain white candidate. it is insulting to ask a black person, why they are not supporting Sen. Obama. Black people have a "right" to support any candidate they want. We do not have a "herd" mentality. Thank you very much.

So seven years as an elected official (less than Obama) and a couple terms as first lady adds up to "thirty years of experience"? Looks like Magic isn't such a wizard at math.

His comment about the only person in the race with the experience, knowledge, wherewithal, and work ethic being Hillary is also laughable. Has this guy even heard of any candidates other than the top three in each race?

I find it ironic that Magic, who as a rookie in the NBA took the Lakers to the Finals, was an all-star, and played as well as or better than most veterans (at least that's my recollection), would categorically dismiss a "rookie" for president. What would the Lakers season been like had he not be allowed to play as a rookie? Putting aside any preference for Barak or Hillary, I don't think Magic thought very hard about that analogy.

What's kind of funny is the fact that when Magic was a rookie he played all 5 positions in the games that counted especially in the championship. Maybe a rookie isn't too bad at all.

The question is: "How many illegitimate children are these two men responsible for?"

Great! A std-riden disaster endorsing a couple of std-ridden political disasters. Just what this country needs!

CNN is back to bombading us with this crap of Clintons. I am sick and tired and tired sick of these cooperate misguiding cloud back in washing.

The fact of the matter is, most (if not all) newly elected presidents enter into the White House overwhelmed of the task to which they are now contracted to take. Typically (and you can check my history on this one), it takes a GOOD president at least a year to get grounded and to have the infrastructure (staff) working in a methodical and organized fashion. Rarely, therefore, are newly elected presidents "good" presidents during the first year (or second year, for that matter). And rarely, does anything of consequence get done during that first year - call it a "grace period". In fact (let's be honest), even Bill Clinton was not really a good president until he began his 2nd year. With that said, in this day and age (with Iraq, with global climate issues, with the U.S.'s world standing - or lack thereof), we CAN NOT afford to have a 1-year grace period for our newly elected president. There is ONLY one candidate that could possibly have everything rolling on day one (I know this is a cliche, but it's true), and that's Hillary. She is the only one that truly knows how the White House works. This type of experience trumps all else (including Joe Biden's wonderful national/international experience). The combination of Hillary's national and international experience coupled with her experience and understanding of the White House, its function, and its infrastructure sets her apart from ALL other candidates.

Iowans are not stupid. Thank God they can make their own choices without Magic johnson.

Magic, as much I love you, for heavenly sake, Obama is 46 years old. If I may remember is almost the same time Clinton became a president. Are you a real American citizen. oooh wait, these are your friends. I hope they give you a position in the white house....