January 28, 2008
Posted: 07:04 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Many of the Democratic members of Congress convening for President Bush's final State of the Union address tonight have already weighed in on his replacement.

Of the Democratic congressional endorsements, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York leads the remaining candidates competing for their party's nomination with 79 viable endorsements. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is in second with 59, and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina follows with 16.

Democratic congressional endorsements play an important role in a candidate's ability to secure the party's nomination, beyond any influence they might have with voters. Each Democratic member of Congress gets one vote at the party’s national convention in Denver this August, where the official nominee is elected. These are “superdelegate” votes — independent of their home state's primary or caucus outcomes, which result in the distribution of “pledged” delegates.

To win the nomination, a candidate needs 2,025 of the 4,049 available votes at the convention. There are 286 Democratic members of Congress, including territories. Of those, only 268– about 7 percent of the total convention vote — will have a vote at this year’s convention, because Florida and Michigan have lost their seats due to violations of Democratic Party primary scheduling rules.

Though there is usually a presumptive nominee by each party's conventions at the end of the summer, it’s possible the tight races between the candidates might come down to delegate counts this year.

On the Republican side, John McCain leads with 38 congressional endorsements, though GOP members of Congress do not get to vote at their party's convention this summer.

Some notable endorsements for Sen. Clinton include Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Tom Lantos, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Both are prominent members of the California congressional delegation, where the New York senator is looking to capture many of the state’s 370 delegates on Super Tuesday, February 5.

Sen. Obama has received the backing of both Massachusetts senators, Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. These two prominent members of the Senate could help Obama secure many of the state’s 93 delegates a week from Tuesday as well.

Former Sen. Edwards, who has pledged to stay in the race until a nominee is selected at the convention, has the support of the majority of his home state of North Carolina's Democratic congressional delegation. He also has the backing of Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. James Oberstar of Minnesota, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Next Tuesday, the Democratic candidates will compete for 1,681 pledged delegates across the country, which will help determine the eventual nominee in August.

– CNN's Adam P. Levy

Filed under: Presidential Candidates


peter oriavwote   January 28th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Fine endorsement figures for Senator Hillary Clinton. However, she needs to increase her congressional support and endorsements geometrically before super Tuesday, February 5, 2008. We have no doubt, she stands a high chance of getting nominated. Just some political wit required to gain key endorsements.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 28th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

I'll wait for the morning headlines– I've got to wash my hair tonight.

John   January 28th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

(According to CNN.com, on the subject of earmark spending) White House spokesman Tony Fratto said, "The president will say that if these spending items are worthy, Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote." Sure, I want Congress to stop being frivolous with our money, Mr. President, but I also want your administration to be open about whether or not you guys fire for politically motivated reasons and whether you permit heinous practices in your jails or whether you are snooping on us. Why can't the President tell us when he orders secret actions that do not pertain to his authority like ordering spying on US citizens without a judicial warrant? And why did you not tell the Republican Congress (you know–the one that served 6 of the last 8 years at least) to talk about their earmark spending? but I bet you that nobody will see this as CNN has silenced me before.

Marilyn   January 28th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

CNN why don't you write in your lead "Hillary Clinton leading with Democractic Congressional Endorsements."

Can you at least give an article or two about John Edwards?

You had no problem writing in big bold letters that Ted Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy were Endorsing Obama. You guys are ridiculous. You're journalists are terrible.

hillabeans   January 28th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

Wow,maybe the Supreme Court will have the final say on our nominee too.

John   January 28th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

And by the way, could we cut the clapping because only 30% of the country is actually pleased with your job, Mr. President. And I for one have a life. I don't see people clapping at everything I say either so since we live in a supposedly egalitarian state, I ask that people treat you the same.

John   January 28th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Censored by CNN yet again! Do you people believe in free speech? You guys make me sick. There are only 3 comments. Frankly, why can't you post them all? Is this all that you can do, just censor people.

John   January 28th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

By the way, why do I have to submit my email address to you? Is it enough that you do not email me back.

John   January 28th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

CNN, I am not spamming you but you guys really don't get how freedom of speech works. Honestly. It's really, really ticking me off that you have Marxist readers who actually don't want me to say what I want to say. Why do I feel that Fox News is actually more tolerant, which is saying something. I am done. Thank you, leader of all news, for silencing me.

Sonny   January 28th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

It looks like the super delegates will ultimately determine who the party nominees are after all the primary states and caucauses take place for each party.

The state of the union will improve by next year when the current president is not leading the country into one adventure or another…

Darth Vadik   January 28th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Bush might as well be speaking to Laura Bush, I don't think anybody cares what this lame duck and dangerous president has to say.

Only thing I care about is telling Bush "GOOD RIDANCE" next January.

Wayne, Greenville TX   January 28th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

More lies tonight from the Liar-in-Chief. He can't leave the White House soon enough for me.

BILLY JOE, IA   January 28th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

CNN is ready to project the State of the Union is BAD!!

Still Hoping Not To Be Moderated Too   January 28th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Dear John:

Look out…the black helicopters are circling. I hear you can get rid of their brain prodding by wearing a nicely fit tin-foil hat too.

The Pres is smart to use hi-tech methods to fight terrorism. And…given the flavor of your posting…I wouldn't worry too much about being "censored."

independent for obama   January 28th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Ted Kennedy will undoubtedly help sway many Democrat superdelagates to Obama. He is after all a legend among democrats, he could even probably be called Mr. Democrat!

Don   January 28th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

So far the most interesting thing. Obama snubs Clinton. Clinton goes to shake Ted Kennedy's hand.Kennedy reaches over Obama and shakes Clinton's hand, all the Senators around Obama, shake Hillary's hand. Obama turns and ignores Hillary. Politics of change? I don't think so. That was rude and is just a glimpse into what kind of President Obama will be. Hillary was atleast gracious enough to talk to Ted Kennedy after his betrayal of her years of support and friendship. Shame on Obama. Guess this won't be an issue either.

FROM MAYA ANGELOU'S NEW POEM FOR HILLARY
There is a world of difference between being a woman and being an old female. If you're born a girl, grow up, and live long enough, you can become an old female. But to become a woman is a serious matter. A woman takes responsibility for the time she takes up and the space she occupies. Hillary Clinton is a woman. She has been there and done that and has still risen. She is in this race for the long haul. She intends to make a difference in our country. Hillary Clinton intends to help our country to be what it can become.

She declares she wants to see more smiles in the family, more courtesies between men and women, more honesty in the marketplace. She is the prayer of every woman and man who longs for fair play, healthy families, good schools, and a balanced economy.

Rise, Hillary.

Rise.

Mary Chandler   January 28th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Regulate the oil companines! Regulate the oil companies! Regulate the oil companines! That is the only way to fix this economy. WE regulate everlything but the oil companies. The "Reagan Trickle donw theory" of the republican party has destroyed the security of our country's economy. It is not true that the better off the company is the better off the little man will be. The greedy just get greedier and stingier. NOw it has gone so far as to put this entire nation in tremendous debt. All of this talk about rebates is ridiculous! Why , gas will only go up and we will stay broke. The oil companies will have larger profits and the nation will be in geater debt. Congress must regulate oil companies if this nation is to recover.

maynard   January 28th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

send bill clinton over east to fight with the boys see how he would like it.

chet   January 28th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

Hillary Clinton did this to herself.

Dem08   January 28th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

The censorship does seem to be happening.

Interesting fact about tonights State of the Union. Hillary comes in, goes over to shake hands with Senators. Ted Kennedy reaches across Obama and shakes Hillary Clinton's hand. A very gracious move on both parts after Kennedy's betrayal of Clinton today. Other Senators shook Clintons hand while Obama turned and ignored Senator Clinton. Is this the change in politics we are being promised? This was rude and shows you what kind of man Obama will be as President. Hillary has always treated Obama with respect, regardless of whats been mis-reported. CNN reporter told this story, so lets see if CNN goes anywhere with it. It would be headlines by now if Clinton would have been that rude to Obama.

United???   January 28th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

If Obama is a great uniter, why is he playing the tired ole game of not applauding, not standing with the republicans. He sits in defiance of Bush with the rest of the democrats. This is a small thing, but I thought Obama was above this. Thats what he has said. He will play the same political games that politicians always play. Wake up America, Obama is a typical politician. No great change.

As for Bush. Its great he is bringing home 20,000 troops. But thats still 10,000 more than were there 6 months ago.

yup   January 28th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Actually only 26% of the country may be watching this evil windbag! G-d give us the strength to remain united and free through the remaining 11.5 months of this hideous regime! God Bless America, and give it back to us!

LJ   January 28th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I agree that endorsements from the Kennedys to Barack is news worthy….and it is both a positive and a negative in my opinion…but…I agree with Marilyn…why no mention of Hillary leading with congressional endorsements? I feel that CNN, an organization that was my last hope, is leaning toward giving one candidate more press. You guys have an obligation to report as is, unbiased.
It is becoming quite obvious who you are throwing your support at. I am begining to lose my faith in you.

BETH   January 28th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

REGARDLESS OF MY PERSONNAL POLITICAL INCLINATIONS, I FOUND IT QUITE DISTASTEFUL TO WATCH THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDDRESS WITH NANCY PELOSI IN THE BACK GROUND READING A NOVEL, WILL SOMEONE HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS?
TODAYS AMERICAN YOUTH IS FREQUENTLY STEREOTYPED BY A FLAGRANT DISRESPECT AND DISREGAURD FOR AUTHORITY- NO WANDER WHY- FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM- DER!!!!
I MAY NOT AGREE WITH THE PRESIDENT ON A NUMBER OF LEVELS BUT HE IS THE PRESIDENT.
MY LAST THOUGHT IS NANCY STOP POUTING IT IS NOT VERY GROWNUP OR VERY LADY LIKE- YOU WOULDN'T WANT ANYONE TO THINK YOU WERE A POOR BABY, NOW WOULD YOU?
SINCERELY A CONCERNED AMERICAN

vince   January 28th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

it does not really matter who we put in the white house. The American public will lose again anyway

Boomer   January 28th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

It's not just CNN, NBC just referred to "…..the democratic candidate and the republican candidates… so they have already decided there is one democratic candidate….." or maybe it was a slip of the tongue.

GiveMeABreakInTexas   January 28th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

It's me again God. Please have CNN just let Wolf Blitzer cover President Bush. And please God, don't let him moderate any more Democratic debates.

And Dear God, please make Hillary shut up and Bill go away.

AMEN.

Whitney   January 28th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

I thought Bush did great– good job Dubya!!

Jimmy, Oklahoma Feb. 5th   January 28th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

If I was from FLORIDA I would be burning mad if some one tried to take away my vote. FLORIDA's VOTE counts to the rest of the world. OBAMA supports vote supression. He also has been fundraising in FLORIDA, but CNN ignores this. but the worl really knows the truth.

Senator Clinton for President. TED KENNDY PARTY ESTABLISHMENT OBAMA HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING AGAINST??????

Slvvn   January 28th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

The government is set up as a business with a CEO(chief executive officer), CFO, Board of directors (congress and the house), and the works. Every time they make a decision money is spent. it is about time that we had a businessman running the largest business in the world and not a life long politician like mccain, HillBilly or Obama.. Romney is the best man for the job! Vote Romney!

Romney's background not only make him the best candidate for a slumping economy but his international business background make him the best person for negotiating and dealing with foreign affairs! Vote Romney!

john williams san diego, ca.   January 28th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

the cameras panned on the 'ice maiden' during the speech and my first thought was 'i forgive you bubba'..

BETH   January 28th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

A little poem- for Nancy Pelosi

Twas the night of the State of the Union address-
I was tired and my house was a mess'
When I turned on the major networks- what did my eyes behold?
Nothing other then the Speaker of the House reading a novel-
how arrogant and bold!
I instantly leaped from my chair and sat down at my desk-
For I knew until I spoke my mind I would have no rest-
SO a tap tap tap on my keyboard arose-
And thoughtfully created this sweet little pose-
Oh Nancy! Oh Nancy! How can it be?
That you would behave so childishly-
Perhaps if you are this angry and uncontrolled-
You are ill fitted for such a prominent role'
Well that's it- I have nothing more to say
Only, please spear America and don't pout when you don't get your way.

Mary   January 28th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

George Bush failed to mention that the misery his administration has created has given birth to the messiah candidate - Obama. The one who will lead us to the mountaintop, renew our hope, unite us and bring us to the promised land. Have we sunk that deep into despair and depression? Probably. But a saviour figure is a transition, not a transformation. I never saw so many American's get religion so fast. All hail, Obama, the newly ordained preacher man. Thanks, George, here's another legacy you can claim.

Steve, Cedar Rapids, Iowa   January 28th, 2008 10:40 pm ET

People are just biding their time waiting for Bush & Cheney to leave. Twelve more months will seem like twelve more years! I never voted for them. Everybody is whining now but somebody voted for these guys!.At the end of the day the Dems will regain the White House this year. Iowa will be a Blue State again in 2008. No one wants a Republican here and Senator Harkin will cruise to reelection this year. The Repubs are toast and they know it. Rush does not like McCain so alot of the right wingers will stay home. I have had enough of Republican rule. Texas can have GW back any day!

xtina - chicago IL   January 28th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Big red flag that Obama doesn't believe in consumer choice, but does believe in more government control. That is how he "voted" with his body language and lack of positive reaction to President Bush on not creating another federal bureaucracy for health care. Obama says he's for "change" however we did not experience any change in his several years of "service" in Illinois. In fact, he's even more to the left than Hillary. He doesn't believe we can make our own choices, but thinks the federal government should take away our free choices.

BETH   January 28th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

I had a great work of poetry censored by CNN- so I ll go to FOX- maybe they will like it

Michiel   January 28th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I've just listened to Curious George give his final (thank heaven) state of the union address. After listening to this drivel, I am putting all of my hope with the Democratic party. I am totally convinced we need a candidate that not only has a plan to repair the damage done to the country and we the people over the last 7 years, but someone with the intestinal fortitude to see that these things get done. While Senator Obama talks of hope, I have no confidence that he can deliver on his message. He has the backing of some very powerful senators, yes, but does that backing come with strings attached? Ted Kennedy is nothing if not old politics. (And as a side note, Ted Kennedy opposed a wind farm in the vicinity of the family compound because it would ruin the view, even though it would have been 5 miles away!). Hillary also has senatorial support, again without strings? I don't think so. Both of these candidates represent the same old Washington. If people in this country are really interested in change, then I would recommend you take a look at John Edwards and his plan for America. He has been out of Washington for the last 4 years, does not accept funds from lobbyists or PACs, and is not beholden to anyone, except his commitment to the American people. I believe he is the only candidate that can repair the damage done to this country and our people. Please do the research and vote for John Edwards.
And once again, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are feartured on all of the post speech "news" programs, but John Edwards is not. So much for fair and balanced!

CNN doesn't like me   January 28th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Please post my opinion- you are making me wander if what they say about the media is true.

Mike N Louisiana   January 28th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

OMG Are You Kidding me GO Obama I'm Proud Of What Mr. Ted Kennedy And Ms. Caroline Kennedy On Endorsing Mr Barack Obama. Shame On You Hillary For Using Bill For Your Attack Dog And I Feel Sorry For All You Clinton KOOL AID DRINKERS. The Clintons Are Old News We Need To Open A New Book With Mr. Barack Obama. And So What About Tony Rezko Bill And Hillrey Are Sure Not Prefect Themsevles I Would Stay Home If Hillery Wins The Nom. And That's A Fact. Take That Too The Bank My Friend.

WAYNE   January 28th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

ASK THE CANIDATES IF THEY WOULD SUPPORT ,,,NO MATTER WHO WINS ,,,,WILL THEY SUPPORT (line item veto) so we can rid the bills on the PRESIDENT'S desk of attackments that cost us more than the main subject of the BILL.

Ray   January 28th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Rival Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama came within a foot of each other just before President Bush's State of the Union speech Monday night and managed not to acknowledge each other, and certainly not touch.

Clinton, clad in scarlet, crossed the aisle between their seats on the House floor and reached out a hand to greet Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Democratic icon whose endorsement she had courted only to lose it to Obama.

Kennedy shook her hand while Obama, wearing a dark suit and standing between the two, turned away.

Bill   January 28th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

The Clinton News Network is now prepared to project that come November we will elect a new President of the United States. God help him. He's going to need all our support.

frances mitchell   January 28th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

My response to the New York chapter of NOW - a woman president would be absolutely wonderful. But Hillary's not the right woman.

CLARK   January 28th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

I did not watch "Ws" last state of the union, my stomach churns every time he opens his disgusting mouth. I stopped listening to his blather 6 years ago. It is hard to imagine how much more damage the" two decipals of the antichrist" can do with another year left in the white house. G-d have mercy on us all.

Don, Rochester, NY   January 28th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

CNN, give her some credit! If Obama was leading in congressional support, it would be a major headline. Your journalists need a lesson in unbiased reporting. It's the same with your delegate scorecards. The FULL scorecard should be first and then see who is leading in state by state delegates from there.

Buddy, California   January 28th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

George Orwell was wrong. His book should have been called '2008″.

Karen   January 28th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Did you see the vote of Obama turning his back on Clinton when Kennedy wanted to shake her hand? IT IS PRICELESS!!!! I have never seen anything so funny in my life. THE GUY IS SOOOOOOO PRESIDENTIAL WHEN HE POUTES!!!!

This is already all over the intenet.

Mrs.Leonard   January 28th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Im sorry Im a 60 yr old white women who is so scared to even imagine Hillary giving the state of the union adress. This will be a cat fight all the way and back. Lets all hope that the Clintons do not get in office, for the sake of this great nation. In regards to Senate endorsmnet Obama leads in congressional support… I also wanted to add the Hillary does not have in her heart to be a uniter. How on earth shes going to move forward her agenda with republicans who can stand her.
Lets be smart in order to win you must chip away republicnas and independende to your side, if not we will be in the same place we are today!!! Its a simple formula.. Obama does has proven to bring all parties together and this I know he can do..Look into your heart and go out and support him……

joe   January 29th, 2008 12:02 am ET

i hope obama WONT be giving next years state of the union.

anyone but obama in 2008.

Paul C   January 29th, 2008 12:16 am ET

I consider the most important unfinished business facing the country is getting rid of Bush.
History will record him as the worse president in history, and I hope ever.
I will surely miss bashing him at every opportunity and he surely deserves all the scorn and derision that the nation can bestow.

Dan   January 29th, 2008 12:20 am ET

Did any of you watch how much the Congress applauded during the St.o.t.Union!!??
Yuk!
I want to puke.
Brainwashing at its finest!

joel samuel   January 29th, 2008 12:23 am ET

some uniter, obama. first he disses fellow dem clinton, then pres bush. so who does he unite? i'd like to know. fellow voters - dont get seduced by the fine orator that he is. remember one has to govern in actions not prose, nor present votes.

Frank D   January 29th, 2008 12:44 am ET

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton….and things are degenerating badly…is there no other person capable if leading this country? Is America blindfolded?

Washington Democrat   January 29th, 2008 2:03 am ET

CNN- Based on several complaints, you don't seem to be posting many people's statements and yet you post Mr John Williams from San Diego,Ca's ridiculous post?!!! Pathetic…

veronica lynne   January 29th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Interesting that Hillary has more congressional endorsements than Obama (79 to his 59), but you'd never know it with the over the top coverage given to the new inexperienced kid on the block–Obama!
Go Hillary. The nomination will be yours!!

Paul C   January 29th, 2008 4:11 am ET

I'm just looking forward to being rid of Bush and his gang.
They have been an unrelenting disaster and we will be paying
for their blunders for generations.
We need a Parliamentary form of government so we can have
a vote of no confidence and get rid of the bums right away.

Jgian   January 29th, 2008 5:27 am ET

Sure wish we lived in a democracy where each individaul vote counted.

dont censor me , bro   January 29th, 2008 5:36 am ET

not another count

luke   January 29th, 2008 6:48 am ET

United??? :

There is a simple reason that Senator Obama is not standing and not applauding with the Republicans. He doesn't agree. That in no way shows an inability to unite. It does, however, show conviction. He is a diplomat by the way. Not physically reacting to ideas that he cannot verbally rebut makes him nothing less.

Lee   January 29th, 2008 7:27 am ET

You are right Marilyn - CNN does not portray anything related to Hillary in a positive light.

I have been watching and reading CNN for a long time and just in the past couple days have scooted over to Fox. On Fox, they related positive and negative news on both candidates.

Hillary deserves some positive coverage as well. They cant even make the headlines read positive and the cafferty files which I enjoy - have turned me off - on yesterdays board there was 2 negative questions about hillary and 2 positive ones about Obama.

Its sad how the media can skew the results - thats not how it is meant to be.

I am still voting for Hillary! She is the one with experience to deal with these tricky times.

Christina   January 29th, 2008 8:13 am ET

I have to agree with a few of the comments on here regarding Obama's ability to "unite." He couldn't even face Hillary to shake her hand. Instead, he turned away. What does that say? He's a "uniter?" Who is he uniting? The Obama supporters? The left of the left wing? I'm still trying to figure out who he is "uniting?"

Jay   January 29th, 2008 8:41 am ET

I don't know where the writer came up with the 480 Democratic members of Congress….. There can't be much more than 280 Democrats in Congress!

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   January 29th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Beth ….you are most definitely in the dark.

Nanacy Pelosi…and Dick Cheney both recieved a printed transcript of the President's State of theUnion Address.

I'm sure she was trying to follow the speech–as both she and Cheney are behind the microphone speakers–they probably have some difficulty hearing–unlike the rest of the audience in the house.

Ridiculous tirades–from people–who cannot appreciate the diversity and strength of our national values–to overcome minor political disagreements–make me wretch.

I'll be so happy–when real American values finally evolves within some of the angry and narrow-minded citiziens in both parties of our nation.

Jen, Boston MA   January 29th, 2008 8:49 am ET

State of the Union up my as*. No one gave a dam* about what the monkey had to gibberish or what his media servants had for spinning.

Saint Paul   January 29th, 2008 9:02 am ET

What happened to our Republic? All these so called leaders we should FIRE!! Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton, I cant take it anymore!! This is crazy.

Jen, Boston MA   January 29th, 2008 9:05 am ET

Ted Kennedy is politically secure enough to "go out on the limb" to endorse Obama against the democratic party machine that backs Clinton.

But mark my word, the machine (which has been in bed with the
Bush/cheney/rove unholy alliance of theocons, corpocons, and neo-cons) will come out in full force to brand Ted Kennedy as " symbol of male-chauvinistic old boy politics." Yes, NOW is an integral part of that alliance.

Ted Kennedy's endorsement has provided some of much-wanted political substance for Obama's rhetoric of hope and change.

Thanks Senator Kennedy, you're the man.

Allison, NH   January 29th, 2008 9:06 am ET

Last nights State of the Union was another annoying BORE!! Out of his 50+ min. speech, he talked about the economy probably 10 min. and the rest was his usual crap on terrorists/Iraq/Iran….I think he might have mentioned the housing market what - once…maybe, twice?

I'm so glad this was his last big speech to us…too bad he didn't take the opportunity to leave it on a positive note…just more of the same ol' same ol'.

Rob   January 29th, 2008 9:09 am ET

If Obama were a white male at the same age, with the same abilities that won SC by that margin and had gotten endorsed by the Kennedys 2 days later, he would be ahead in the polls by 15%.

Allison, NH   January 29th, 2008 9:09 am ET

Beth - you are an idiot. Every person in that room got a copy of the State of the Union address and she was simply reading along with President Bush. If you happened to watch the whole thing, the Bush cronies were having their copies signed by him on his way out of the room. Get a clue.

Taylor   January 29th, 2008 9:17 am ET

Hey CNN, how about giving Clinton some headlines about her leading congressional support. And does the name John Edwards sound familiar to you? Last time I checked he was still in the race.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 29th, 2008 9:30 am ET

BETH: What you called a "novel" is the program of the president's speech given to all attendees and that's what Nancy Pelosi was reading as many others. Perhaps this is your first time watching the State of the Union address maybe next time you can have your poem published in the program to give Mrs. Pelosi something worth reading.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   January 29th, 2008 9:57 am ET

I would have liked if Bush didn't appear to want to laugh at what he was saying. He had a goofy grin on his face during much of the speech. It seemed that Pelosi really wanted to get this over with, but who can really blame her.

It was clear that there was much in the way of partisan politics going on that night. Bush, who claims to be a conservative, said many things and only part of Congress stood up. I find it absurd that now this president demands that Congress control itself on earmarks and budget pork. Where was this when his friends who claim to be fiscal conservatives when this happened? Oh, that's right… They were the ones putting that kind of thing into the budget which Bush signed.

Georgene Sloat   January 29th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Will somebody out there please discuss what is O'bama's background. What has he done? What would make him a good president?

charlotte   January 29th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Watch the TODAY show if you want answers to tough questions. Ted Kennedy and Barack Ophama were on this AM. Hillary was on yesterday. Matt ask the questions we all want answers to. The questions are not sugar coated. Get your news from NBC or MSNBC. The answers are subject to our interpretation. Kennedy was put on the spot about how Ophamas healthcare is different from what he has lobbied for. How he could betray the Clintons who have stood by him in difficult times? Matt asked Ophama about his supporters putting out negative information. His answer was very evasive. Clinton was asked tough questions regarding Bills' actions in her campaign. The News, without pundents telling us what to make of the answers.

charlotte   January 29th, 2008 10:41 am ET

The above comment will probably not get posted because it is not recommending CNN for honest questions.

kevin from alaska   January 29th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Bush and his cronies have made it very clear that the only way to end the War in Iraq before 2008 is to impeach the entire administration. It's time we do it.

A new Congress was elected in 2006 to end the War in Iraq. Do your job.

jp/michigan   January 29th, 2008 11:28 am ET

CNN is bias. MSNBC Mika and Joe Scarbough play good cop, bad cop with the issuses. When are you going to ask hard questions of Obama?

Joyce from Canada   January 29th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

I am a Canadian following the US primaries.
Am a faithful CNN watcher and am completely turned off by the CNN "political analysts" How can a news organization like this be so obviously slanted towards support of Obama?This man can do no wrong !! They overlook everything about his shortcomings.And they pilloried Hilary at every turn. Please go back to balanced reporting folks or you will lose a loyal watcher.

Tony   January 29th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Arguably, the most important economic stimulus is gasoline and interest rate, the latter of which the federal government can easily control. Many economists have debated and have come to various conclusions as the root cause of the current economic situations. Many have contemplated if the current $150 billion economic stimulus package proposed by the President will even have much of an effect on the economy to propel the country out of its current situation. To put it bluntly, oil has replaced the dollar and even gold as the most important currency and commodity, do the math. This is further evident when third-world countries such as Albania refuse to trade in US currency but instead have embraced the euro. Let me preface this by saying that a country that produces nothing can easily be reduced to nothing if it’s not careful. The Unites States have become so dependent upon countries such as China, India and the Middle East countries, for its basic hierarchy of needs such as food, clothes, oil, among other things, which in part is the most evident cause of the current economic situation. To fully understand the current economic situation, it is extremely important to investigate the root cause of the crisis. The price of oil and the value of the American dollar are inversely related. The price of standard crude oil on New York Exchange was under $25 a barrel in September 2003 and has now climbed to over $100 a barrel in January 2008. This is a 400 percent increase in just under five years while the rate of inflation increased an average of 2.6 percent over the last few years. Conversely, the American dollar is at an all time low and is projected to fall even lower. The questions many economists are asking are whether or not this is sustainable and what the future effects are. As far as I can tell, we have already begun to feel the effects of big oil and a cheep dollar, which could have a profound effect on the economy. To put this into perspective, a full-time minimum wage worker receives $234 per week before taxes while at the same time pays an average of $2.85 per gallon for gasoline, or about $60 per week, to get to and from work. In other words, more than 25 percent of the minimum wage worker’s before tax income is spent on gasoline by the time it is received, this is absurd. By the way, this is the same person the government is trying to reach through the economic stimulus package and are the very ones bearing the brunt off the current economic crunch. In order for the economy to rebound, the average prices of gas must be reduced to below $1.85 per gallon, or approximately $63 per barrel. This can be accomplished by implementing governmental controls such as providing retail subsides to reduce the current price of oil, which in turn will put more money in the hands of the average consumer and ultimately strengthen the dollar. This kind of talk is an extremely unpopular argument within the nation’s beltway primarily because most politicians are in the pockets of the big oil lobbyists, but it’s still worth noting.

Jim Kansas   January 29th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Dear Beth,

The Speaker of the House was not reading a novel, she was following along as everyone in the room was in their bound copy of the State of the Union speech that the President was "reading".

So much for an educated electorate.

Richard, FL   January 29th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

"I had a great work of poetry censored by CNN- so I ll go to FOX- maybe they will like it"-
—————————————————————————————————–
The poetry wasn't great. It wasn't censored by CNN. It was totally false since Nancy Pelosi was reading a copy of the speech, not a novel. And Yes, FOX will probably like it.

John, NC   January 29th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Hillary has the endorsements of Heidi Fleis and Castro.

ethan   January 29th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

i wot to be like you

Narees Breach   January 29th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Georg Bush would not know the state of the union if it fell on him.

ethan   January 29th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

ethan ethan i Iove you

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