Comments on: Gergen: Michelle Obama rescued the night

By: ANDREW SMITH

ANDREW SMITH — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:55:44 +0000

It was great,'The moment With Michelle Obama',And it was touching,
The moment with Senator Kennedy.generally it was a great night
including all other speakers.greater moment are yet to come. we will keep watching.

By: Recovering Republican

Recovering Republican — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:56:58 +0000

It was a beautiful speech on a beautiful first night. There was a deep-felt, sincere feeling of optimism at the convention that, quite frankly, we've not seen for several months. I've become so upset with my (now former) party because of their insistence to manipulate votes with fear rather than earn them with insight. Shame on the media for rewarding their behavior (Carville was upset that there wasn't enough dirty politics tonight). I've never seen such a blatant and distateful smear job like the one Sen McCain enacted against Sen Obama, particularly since it was Sen McCain himself who was a horrendous victim of a smear job in 2000, where a series of print and TV ads ran discussing Mr. McCain's extra-marital affair, highlighting Cindy McCain's drug addiction and subsequent theft from a charity to support her habit, and, most cruely implying that the McCains' adopted daughter was the product of a further extra-marital affair (CNN, please do not flag this post--I do not condone what the GOP did in 2000--I am simply explaining the severity of what was done to McCain to prove the point that it is unconsciounable that Mr. McCain would immediately do this to Sen. Obama). I respect Sen Obama for honoring his commitment to stay positive as he endured several weeks of gross lies and attacks, and I agree that he was ultimately left with no choice other than to respond. I'm so glad we saw at least one night of optimism from the Dems instead of immediately launching attacks, as I don't expect the Republicans to do the same. Anytime McCain slips up, he takes the Giuliani approach and uses a noun, a verb, and Vietmanese prison. We ALL respect his service, but there is an appropriate time to bring that up, and it's not when you're trying to explain how someone with (we now know) 10 homes empathises with the rest of us. It's been hard for me to stay positive in even writing this article, so I truly respect the Dems for being united enough to bring us some optimish tonight. Thank you!!!

By: Kanaka Hawaii

Kanaka Hawaii — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:55:25 +0000

I guess I watched a different convention because I have a totally different view of the first day. It began with images outside the convention center. There were diverse groups of Americans practicing their civil liberties, and for the most part these groups managed to be civil although vocal with the media as well as each other. Those who weren't peaceful or civil were handled by the security personnel that were plainly stationed. These demonstrations were great reminders to all of us that we're one of the few nations on Earth that guarantee its citizens certain unalienable rights. The meetings and speeches themselves were also exceptional, particularly those given by Jesse Jackson, Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, and of course Michelle and her brother, Craig. The most profound message that I came away with on this first evening, is that the Democrats and their candidates are offering a platform of unification and not division for US. I believe Senator Clinton will be adding to the unity message on Tuesday. Those people who claim to be disgruntled Clinton supporters and who claim that they are going to vote for McCain don't sound real to me. If they really supported the issues that Senator Clinton has been working for, they'd never throw their vote away to a man who's supports the opposite of everything she stands for. To me, they're really Republican wolves masquerading as Democrats. I also think that Speaker Pelosi's mantra that McCain is "wrong" should be a continuing theme for the campaign. Wrong way McCain sounds right to me.

By: Cali King

Cali King — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:53:09 +0000

We learned from the Olympics that we all share the same dreams, hopes, and values no matter where we came from. Michelle Obama is the epitome of the American dream. Barack Obama is the epitome of the American dream. Dreams are destinations, we need only to find the road to take us there.

Obama-Biden 2008
Obama-Biden 2012

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:41:57 +0000

That sounds a lot like what was written about Hillary.

By: njambi kabiru

njambi kabiru — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:35:46 +0000

Ok. Michelle, you are a woman and a half! congratulations

By: robby10001

robby10001 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:27:01 +0000

Monday was never intended to be a Democratic Party Power Point Presentation. It was part introduction, and part reminder, of the powerful values and extraordinary individuals that the Democrats offer America. It was an unqualified success.

By: Eno

Eno — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:25:01 +0000

What Michelle did, was to show a man who is not just responsible, but caring and affection. Who will always be there with you, for you and by you at all times. A man who cared more about the generation after him and their American dreams. Today, she has made me more proud of this son, brother, husband and father. For Michelle I love your strength and courage as a sister, wife and above all a mother. You are one in a million. Obama, you are the best.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:22:10 +0000

MSNBC showed Pelosi's speech and believe me, you didn't miss anything. Her speech amounted to Obama is right, McCain is wrong. Almost as bad as a MoveOn ad. As Jon Stewart rightly puts it, "Moveon.org, 10 years of making even people who agree with you, cringe"

By: Leanord James

Leanord James — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:19:17 +0000

As an Independent, I am still uncertain of which candidate will get my vote, but I definitely enjoyed and was touched by Michelle Obama's speech. The next few nights are nothing but politics as usual but I look forward to hearing Mr. Obama's closing speech, and, equally, Mr. McCain's.

By: Chris Cabcabin

Chris Cabcabin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:07:59 +0000

I believe Michelle Obama will change the role of the first lady forever just like Hillary did in the 90's. She gave a very emotional and motivational speech that can possibly rival her husband. I am very proud to say I will be voting for Mr. and Mrs. Obama to head to the White House.

By: Will

Will — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:07:34 +0000

It is about time that David Gergen was right tonight. It was getting a little sickening listening to him say that Democrats were wasting their time tonight. They didn't need to just come up to bat swinging while looking for a home run right away. There are still 3 days to get warmed up for the eventually grand slam and I hope that David Gergen gives the person who makes that grand slam the credit and not say that it was a foul ball. And about Michelle Obama's speech, it was great.

By: Peter Jorgensen

Peter Jorgensen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:51:52 +0000

Extra ordinary– Owsome!
I nearly cried!

By: ladybug

ladybug — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:43:26 +0000

I forgot the most important thing about the democratic convention. The republicans are not nice human beings, and yet they claim to know GOD. This, is the approachment in years of Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream speech. It is more than appropriate for Obama to use the football field. This is not a CELEBRITY MOMENT, it is a moment that millions of Americans are basically holding their breaths to see. How dare any republican cheapen and demean this most crucial time in American History; a not so good one at that; one that republicans should be ashamed of. And Ben Stein, or whatever your name is, what kind of human being are you to speak of Ted Kennedy in such cruel tones. Does your hatred and bigotry run that deep. Never mind, I can answer that myself. Hurricane Katrina. Learn how to love others and stop being so hateful. It is UNAMERICAN.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:41:55 +0000

Michelle delivered a great speech! She was honest and inspiring. Obama is lucky to have her by his side. As a Clinton supporter, Im glad to say that now I can truly support Obama with no reservations at all. I do not think McCain can win against him, even with the still disgruntled Clinton supporters still out there. I think Michelle will make the difference for them.

By: Jim Loomis

Jim Loomis — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:40:21 +0000

Yes, Michelle was marvelous. Stupendous, in fact! But I thought the speech by former Republican congressman Jim Leach was far more important. It was a devastating indictment of what the Republican Party has become. His delivery was dry, but the words were electric and should give real pause to every true Republican (as opposed to Bush-Cheney-Rove Republicans). The Grand Old Party of Abe and Teddy and Ike has been betrayed. Until rank-and-file Republicans clean house and return to their true principles, Obama's the one!

By: Iowa grant

Iowa grant — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:39:44 +0000

I agree that the media was there to capture the convention yet did all they could not to show the convention in context and cut to 20 seconds of random speech, sometimes with editing that can only be called disorienting.

I know Claire McCaskill's speech perked me up from Former republican congressman Leach's dry tone but no one showed it except public tv. Every other channel had her in the background out of audio range talking over her, and showing none of it.

Why are the networks only showing it late, then overlaying their own dizzying lack of focus while great speakers go on behind them?

That said, thanks to CNN for providing coverage even in primetime sitcom time I guess was hard to give up elsewhere.

By: Krista

Krista — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:39:17 +0000

Today's speeches were impressive. I am more enthrawled with politics than ever. I am especially thankful to Mrs. Obama for demonstrating herself to be intellegent, well spoken, personal, beautiful, and yes, strong. Her speech will persuade disgruntled Clinton supporters that Obama was the better choice. The Obamas truely represent the American Dream. I can't wait to have this beautiful family in the White House.

By: Tim from Ohio

Tim from Ohio — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:35:54 +0000

Michelle is the exact reason I will NEVER vote for Obama. And, I have been a life long democrat. Now, I will vote for McCain.

By: salim c mitha

salim c mitha — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:35:11 +0000

It is only to be expected for Mrs Obama to come to the rescue of her husband. Mr Obama needs to spend another two terms in the Senate before he can be considered for most important office in the world.
Most of what Mrs Obama said must have been prepared by his capign and advertising people. As a supporter of Mrs Clinton I strongly object to the way he has ignored her .

By: Gifty

Gifty — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:10:03 +0000

She has great style but little substance.
John08

By: Susan B.

Susan B. — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:07:48 +0000

I cannot tell you how annoyed I became during CNNs coverage of the convention having to listen to the constant commentary while speakers were at the podium. I really wanted to hear Rep. Leach, but found myself having to listen to CNN "experts" babble over his remarks. Let's do better tomorrow night!

By: Sara

Sara — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:07:40 +0000

We are finally having a respectful intelligent discussion about race. I never thought I would live to see this day. We are all Americans, we don’t love our country more or less because of the color of our skin; shame on the Republicans for implying we do. What a great American story.

By: Andy in DR from CA & NY

Andy in DR from CA & NY — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:06:52 +0000

Michelle did what she needed to which was to show her vulnerability, authenticity, dignity, and most of all humanity. She has the humility and grace combined with intelligence, compasion and articulateness to be a superlative First Lady. I was stunned and smitten. If the general public and pundits cannot see that she's a huge boost to this ticket, it is a crying shame...

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:06:32 +0000

I couldn't agree more Dave! CNN was pathetic. First, by not covering half of the speeches and then repeating Carville and Gergen as they went on their rants about missed opportunities by the Democrats. CNN missed the opportunity to provide complete coverage tonight!

By: Renee

Renee — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:05:26 +0000

Michelle Obama was great she has touch my heart The Obama's will be Great as our Leader of this Free world Go Obama's

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:03:12 +0000

You're coverage is getting questionable CNN. Pick it up.

By: noemi a latina in america

noemi a latina in america — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:02:55 +0000

I love the Obamas!!

By: Leslie P. Douglas City, CA

Leslie P. Douglas City, CA — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:00:53 +0000

I agree with Dave. CNN was so busy talking back and forth that we missed the most important part of some of the speakers. Why don't they let the night speak for itself?? Luckily, I switched to CSPAN and caught Michelle Obama in the entirety. She was fantastic. Her speech was captivating and the audience hung on her every word. Her mother was in the audience and had the look of pride all over her face, as well she should have. There were many tears in the audience by the time Teddy and Michelle were through.
WELL DONE!! Can't wait for the rest of the convention!

By: Chad Mahoney

Chad Mahoney — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:57:43 +0000

This isn't biased or anything...

By: Obama Voter.

Obama Voter. — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:56:54 +0000

Michelle Obama is an honest breath of fresh air. She spoke from her heart and connected with me. I hope 18 million other voters felt the same way.

By: gpmi

gpmi — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:53:28 +0000

Wouldn't be good if Americans deserve such a first lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We would be blesed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:53:11 +0000

Words...words...words...

By: shannon

shannon — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:50:12 +0000

I can't stress enough how outrageously bad the on-the-floor conference coverage was tonight. It had the feel of a bunch of kids who sulk in the bleachers all night at the prom dissing everything, then complain how bad it was after. The performance of Begala and Carville in particular was terrible - rude and dismissive of the Republican speaker for example- a guy who had obviously been invited by Democrats , and who eventually delivered some the attacks on the Republicans you guys were all looking for. The democrat opinion guys are allegedly paid to represent democrats on your network, and they represented them as bad-mannered and hot-tempered, in the middle of their own party! I would have liked to hear what Nanci Pelosi said - or Barack Obama's sister - maybe listened to a few minutes of the "town hall" or whatever it was that TBPTOT also talked over. I'd have liked to have had some information with which to form an opinion, instead of listening to ones offered by those who weren't listening themselves. As for you straight "reporters", why can't you observe and report what's going on and ask questions about that, instead of speculating over and over again what might happen or be happening somewhere else. What's the point of being right on the floor in the middle of things if all you keep asking about are things elsewhere? I'm up in Canada, I'm not a partisan troll, and I was curious engouth to consume 5 frickin hours of CNN but tomorrow I'm going online (not your feed!) and I am also sending this message to your sponsors. Please change tomorrow- its your journalistic responsibility!

By: YoungAfricanAmericanWoman

YoungAfricanAmericanWoman — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:48:47 +0000

I don't know what political impact Michelle Obamas speech had on anything.

All I know is that tonight, Michelle Obama did for this African American women what neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama will ever be able to do.

She became my ultimate role model and HERO !

By: Saba

Saba — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:48:45 +0000

We are proud of you , Michelle. Excellent job!!!

By: ben furbish

ben furbish — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:48:30 +0000

Do the children really understand what is going on/what they're goin through?

By: Todd Drogy

Todd Drogy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:47:18 +0000

I am in full agreement. I was really frustrated with and disappointed in CNN's coverage of the first night of the convention. Instead of giving viewers the opportunity to listen to many of the speeches, CNN filled much of the evening with hyperbolic commentary with very little substance. Thankfully many of these speeches were covered by other news stations, allowing viewers to actually hear what folks such as Nancy Pelosi and Clare McCaskill had to say. I for one wanted to hear a lot less of James Carville's predictable grumblings, and a lot more of the actual convention footage. CNN's focus on spectacle sometimes comes at the cost of serious content, informative discussion, and thoughtful coverage.

By: cb

cb — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:46:23 +0000

Thank you, despite baseless attacks from right wingnuts, she has come through not phased. M. Obama is awesome.

By: Tracy-Oakley

Tracy-Oakley — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:45:51 +0000

Wow CNN more and more i am seeing that you are not the channel for all things politics. you don't know how to be...at least FOX with all their wrong information is consistant. Such a pity....Maybe Michelle had to come out and tell who she and her husband was because CNN helped the republicans make their lies true...or maybe Michelle was doing what all blacks have to do to equalize the playing field...over achieve...

By: USMC

USMC — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:43:20 +0000

It was 5 Am Baghdad time, I set my clock to just listen Michelle Obama, Yes she did brough tears to my eyes. I could picture my 2 years old daughter role model.
Yes change we can believe in.
America bring us home,and it is Obama who can do it.
I have no plans to stay here for the next 100 years.

By: kevin

kevin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:41:34 +0000

That's pretty stuck up..to be relying on mainstream media channels such as CNN.
CSPAN did an outstanding job of complete coverage–with no pesky intermissions for commercials..more importantly no spin by vested interests on the panel... [Anderson, Wolf grudgingly accepted the greatness of michelle's speech]

By: Christy

Christy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:41:26 +0000

I am thrilled that Michelle Obama provided an inspired feeling at the convention. However, Mr. Gergen's article mentions her as a "new future" in that she is an educated mother. Don't forget that Hillary Clinton is quite educated and served as First Lady. So in answer to your doubts about America being ready for that change: yes! We are ready to welcome another female into the spotlight with a strong, educated voice.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:41:11 +0000

Wow, Michelle Obama was SOOO inspiring in her own words. I can't believe how she has been vilified by the right over the last year. This is a real role model!

By: James

James — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:41:03 +0000

There is so much that this country has to offer. But we find that it is always finding ways to make us struggle to make it live up to the ideals that that it professes. Tonight was a look into the personality of the Obama's, as individuals, as a family, as citizens. It was totally in sync with the public record that anyone can find if they truely want to know the truth. But to too many of our citizens, it is more about winning than about truth. We always seem to find a way to fall short of our ideals. The Obama's do not represent change. They represent the now. I only hope and pray that people who are unsure do not fall back on just what they know and are comfortable with. I pray that they will look to thier families and communities and thier country and vote for the belief that things can be better, that dreams are meant to be achieved, that ideals are not just meant to be talked about, but made real. The real Michelle spoke to America. The only question is was America listening? And will America live up to the ideals that it wants the world to believe it has? I do not know. I wish I that I did.

By: Justin in CA

Justin in CA — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:40:42 +0000

It was a slow start but hard to get into it when the cable guys wouldn't keep quiet during the peoples speeches, even if the crowd is talking and moving around. It is a convention after all. Lie they were shocked. Besides that I thought Kennedy and Michelle were terrific. A good night for the Democrats for sure. Michelle and the kids came off very well I thought.

By: John

John — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:40:22 +0000

I thought Michelle Obama's speech was moving and very well given from the heart. I find her a strong tough and smart on the issues and she will make a great First Lady.. Her and Barack's story is a true american sucess story that all americans should like and admire.

By: p v ca

p v ca — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:39:29 +0000

Michelle will make a great first lady.
Barack will be one of the greatest Presidents ever.

Bob

By: SeattleWA

SeattleWA — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:38:42 +0000

Michelle Obama...Black, Strong, Eduacted, Powerful, Confident, Intellgent and most important Proud American Citizen...you go girl!

By: kofi

kofi — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:38:07 +0000

Many of the speeches were interrupted with "Best Political Team" comments. We could confirm the criticism that there was not enough substance at the start of the program. I hope next time CNN will allow us to watch some of these speeches.