great basketball player, funny guy, just like the 3point analogy – he's wrong on his choice of top guy to lead this nation – there's no substance there – we should vote Barack in just because he's black? and what else is there?

Someone should inform Charles that when the Democrats talk about Universal Healthcare, that doesn't mean that your body needs to be as big as the universe to apply.

Well put by Charles, he's always been one of the most outspoken athletes of our era

And by the way, Barkley is a republican

Anyone ever read Noam Chomsky's, Manufacturing Consent?

Check it out. The job of the media is to turn us into sheeple who think the Dems and GOP are our only choices.

Nader '08

My favorite moment was when he said he was considering running for governor because he figured he couldn't mess up Alabama any more than it already is…

Now there's some inspiring honesty.

David Gergen I think you are the best but…… I see from various politicalticker comments I’m not the only one VERY disappointed of CNN coverage of the Convention, it’s almost as bad as Fixed News. Less talking Please! Never mind I’ll just tune in NPR and listen instead.

Is that the same Charles that threw a elbow at a frail basketball player from Africa during the Olympics?

The truth has been spoken

Charles Barkley is an empty suit. Why is CNN even paying attention to him. He's a washed up ball player who cant put two coherent words together. He has ZERO chance of winning any POLitical race in Alabama. He knows nothing. He only got on the floor because he is rich and famous – just like Obama.

watch C-SPAN. There's no commentary…….make your own opinion.

Rod is right on! Regarding France, where I live half my life, how you express yourself is as important as what you have to say. The angry, bitter, bad-mouthing, ad hominem attacks contain no reason, no facts, no ideas, no meaningful expressions of communicating the basis of your own belief system so that others can listen and not be turned off by hate-tainted rhetoric and can listen to see if you make enough sense they might just change their mind. That CNN is accused of fanning those flames with bombast, palaver and double speak, I think CNN should start compiling and counting and try to out-Fox yourself.

The media is placing way too much importance on this convention ! The vast majority of Americans will watch ZERO minutes of this convention and the Republican convention. The ONLY purpose these conventions serve is to motivate and unite the parties behind their candidate.

I hope the democrats actually believe that barrack is actually going to be elected president; its going to be all that much sweeter come election day. I suspect though that panic is setting in, now that McCain has taken a 2 point lead in the polls during their pathetic convention; just wait til next week when that lead widens to double digits.

Democrats, phony? Nah. How much did Obama make last year? 4.2 million dollars. Just s regular guy, like Ted Kennedy, who has never been within a mile of a public school, like his entire family, and belongs to exclusionary clubs, but if YOU want to send your kids to private school or join an exclusionary country club, well, you are one bad person. I am dumbfounded that people can accept these hypocrites. At least the Republicans say "I like private schools and am happy that I can afford a club that won't let people I don't like in". You know what you're getting, rather than sneaky hypocrisy.

for a while i thougth gergen could do a little analysis but when he is with the cuccu group of cnn
including carville (the gusano) and the begala and all of hillary's crew and supporters PUMAS in CNN
they are just so biased..
they are the complete circus

Barkley is right "the Dem and Rep party are so corrupt"…
we need to boot them all out that have been saying the same thing for 20-30 years and taking pork home to feed themselves off the backs of good decent Americans – they don't work for anyone but their selfish selves.
Jack C
Seattle WA

Barkley is SPOT ON!

I heard a few seconds of the conversation before I realized it was him. I looked up at the TV screen… wanting to see who was this man who was making so much sense… he sounded a lot like Charles Barkley… and to my surprise, it was! I was particularly amused with his story about one of his family members saying that voting for Republicans only helped the rich… and then he had to break the news to them that… [hey guys, umm... we're rich!] Thanks for showing someone who's actually at the convention to support someone [Obama] as opposed to all those bitter Hillary supporters who care more about making a point, than making progress!

David,

I've enjoyed your commentary since your days on McNeil/Lehrer. Whenever I think there can't possibly be a Republican left with any sense of decency, I remember there's still Gergen.

Best wishes from Chicago.

I agree completely with "Terri in Fl". After CNN'S opinionated coverage last night; I am right now watching MSNBC and C-Span. CNN"s so called "best political team" has dropped the ball. Last nights' coverage was rambling on and on about absolutely nothing. While discussing Michelle Obama's speech one of the female "best political team" said she did not like Michelle's dress because it blended in too much with the background and then she actually giggled! Seriously, what a high school catty remark! CNN seems to continue reporting childish petty remarks of no value, substance or real facts! If I wanted to watch political idiots I would watch fox news and those two pompous, overblown ego maniacs, Hannity & Yarbrough! They never give any of their guests a chance to speak UNLESS they kiss up and agree with them! CNN, the way you have handled this campaign coverage has also caused me to switch channels!

:

CNN's coverage compared to the coverage given by C-Span, is a circus side show. I once considered CNN to be reliable and professional. CNN has evolved into a set of political clowns in competition with FOXNEWS i.e., "FOXNOISE". If that's the goal, you have arrived. I am most disappointed with the WOLF. His coverage helped drumbeat us to war, I suspect that he would like to see more of those failed policies.'.

I, too, missed it. Too bad. I hope Sir Charles becomes a Senator one day. I cannot watch CNN. They have become a joke. Jon Stewart was right. "Journalists" today should, by and large, hang their heads in shame for standing by while their sacred trust has been systematically destroyed by the ratings game.

Keating 5

You should all watch c-span instead of cnn. You dont have to listen to Wolf beat a dead horse and James Carville whine about Hillary.

I love how the African American vote is 95% for Obama and the pundits say, "If you are a Clinton Democrat and not for Obama, YOU are a racist."

I'm not a racist; and I have always been a Democrat. And I am a very good speller. Are you?

Can you can spell U-N-E-L-E-C-T-A-B-L-E?

What is up with CNN? Seriously!
Do you read your headlines before you post? Is there any concept about nutrality on your web site? Seems like all of your so-called big new politically news is based on anything that would make the Democrats or Obama sound like crap. So much for unbiased news…How many email responses , and responses do you need to receive before you realize your bias?

I did not realize that the candidates and democratic leaders were being staged as to what to say and how to wave at the crowds. This is the most orchestrated mess I have ever heard of. Who in the world ever heard of practice waving. I believe I read on cnn that Hillary and Chelsey were practice waving. What a bunch of phony's. I do not even understand why they are even there after the way Hillary critized Obama during and after the debates. This is really disgusting. How can we expect these people to be open and honest with our country. They talk out of both sides of their mouth and with a forked tongue. Just listen to these people. What is their excuse?

David,

Charles said exactly what needed to be talked about. This election is about change not only in econimics, but also in racial matters. I have travelled overseas during my lifetime and the United States is the only countries that emphasis race on job applications, loans, education, etc. If you were born in France for example your are "French" not African American or black. Why is that?

Rod

I am at least pleased that u are reading our comments.
I use to love CNN and watch all the commentary and pundits. But seriously, I am so so so disappointed its not even funny.

I have compared last nite and tonights commentary and it has been EXACTLY the same.

None of u tapped into the historic nite that it was or u did for a second and went on to talk abt the negative crap.

I use to LOVE CNN u have no idea.

Not sure what Barkley said…do you have a link to it? Bad analogy though, Barkley was a low post player–perimiter shots were not his forte. He often said that their wasn't a player that could defend him one on one when he posted them up. I'm sure sir Charles would appreciate an analogy more suited to his playing style.

To the point though, why is that it's late August and Obama can't even appeal to democrats? Why is it that nobody but the 43% who chant his name seem to know what he's about? Why does a man running for the president of the United States have to be 'explained?' The problem with Obama, rather ironically, is communication. Beyond his diehards, he can't sell himself or what he stands for. When I talk to his supporters there isn't much they have toelaborate on beyond their enthusiasm. Any specific platform questions and I'm told to look at his website. Well, I have but, I need a candidate who can convey a message convincingly and stick to it, not direct me an article written by an intern on a website.

CNN. When are you going to become the unbiased source for news?
You have headlines that are not true and you seem to like to drive wedges between the candidates.
Do I have to tell you the truth is more interesting than anything you folks could dream up.
Why not produce a good service to humanity as your commitment. Why fall for the Enquirer type journalism?

I didn't get to watch your your show because I was too busy trying to find a broadcaster that would actually carry the convention and not give us spin and their version of what the party needs to do.

I'm sure when it comes around to the RNC, you'll do a much better job and actually broadcast their material.

David,

How can you say that with conviction? It was a subjective statement, just as all of the other rhetoric being sprayed at the covention. What is the definition of rich? Is it even defined by money? We have had 2 southern democrats in office for 12 years out of the last 32 and the southern states still lag. Come on. Get real.

Barkley has no shot at Governor of Alabama but he could win mayor of Birmingham. Idiots have been winning there for a while.

Terri — There is no news channel that is balanced anymore — they are all bombastic, flashy, sports-presentations with loud, opinionated sports-presenters, who like to show off their "impressive" political knowledge and witty quips about everything and everyone relevant or irrelevant, just to fill time.

Years ago, I liked CNN, and when MSNBC began, I thought they were solid for about a year. Everytime I even steptoe onto Fox, I am personally offended at their garish far-right bias, and now going back to CNN, I find I am very quickly "turned off" by their constant drum-beating about "the best political team on television," and their consistently more opinionated reporting and joking around.

When did news become "add your own opinion"? I've stopped being interested in American Network News of any kind, and more often move over to BBC, who actually talk about things that are going on in the rest of the world, with an intelligent perspective on us, rather than the hollow, systematically stupifying commentary I am hearing on ALL American news networks, including the "big three" commercial networks.

Does no one like James Carville enough to tell him to wipe his mouth? Where is the producer? Does the camera man not see his spittle dripping from the corners of his mouth?
Someone please give him a handkerchief!!! Or else put him on the radio for God's sake.
Please!! Much of what he has to say is valuable but I have to keep shutting him off–he's gross.
Ok now I feel better.
BTW he's right about Hillary and Bill and the lack of a message at this convention.

Oh you read our comments do you? Well read this – it's spelled HERE, not HEAR in the context you used it. If you can't help educate the voters, at least educate yourselves.

Yeah, Ive been really let down by the coverage. Earlier, I heard you (David) complain about the Democrats not planning the Convention well because you didn't have anything to do for a couple of hours. Um, look behind you guys…there was Kathleen Sebulius, A young man who was going to lose his job in two weeks and a survivor of the Iowa floods…all making pleas for the people to realize that "We need a Change". Just turn around every now and then and listen to the Convention instead of being obsessed with covering it.

Celebs are also getting involved in politics! Maybe this is the year where the most celebs are getting involved in politics.

Any chance of getting video here on the .com of that conversation? I, too, stopped watching CNN when I realized you weren't really even showing the convention, but just talking about it. However, I am interested in these interviews, as well as some of the post-"important"-speech ones that have been conducted, however I find it a bit more important and relevant to actually watch the convention.

David, I have been a faithful CNN reader and viewer throughout this election, but I agree with everyone else who wants all of the negative and nonstop commentary to stop. It is especially frustrating to see Leslie Sanchez and any other Republican on the TV screen. They get their time in the spotlight next week!

Obama supporters want to actually see the SPEECHES and focus on his message of CHANGE and UNITY — not negative, fear-seeking, whining Republicans, PUMA's and political analysts. Let voters make up their own minds about the speeches and the convention — stop cutting off the speeches and telling Americans what to think.

I'll keep reading, but I've switched to CSPAN for this convention.

David, Please listen to us viewers. Why so much negativity? I've always thought CNN was not nearly as bad as Fox News, but you guys could be clones now – purposely drumming up negative things even if you have to work very hard to find or create it. And please don't wait until the Republican convention to get it right. That would be beyond insulting.

David, apparently what CNN fails to realize is that your viewers are smarter than you give them credit for. When you start straying away from simply presenting the facts, and begin to constantly editorialize, we begin to question your motives, as well as the veracity of your content. And some of your colleagues are beginning to wear their biases on their sleeves, and that's disheartening.

Your audience, (at least this one) are true newshounds. If we wanted to be bombarded with bloviated opinions, we'd be watching Fox News. You're slowly losing me as a faithful viewer.

do any of your cnn clowns remember that politicians are suposed to SERVE THE PEOPLE, and that the media is supposed to make sure the people are informed so that democracy has any meaning?

why are you clowns so obbsessed with whether this tactic and that move will help or hurt this or that candidate? you all fancy yourselves as advisors to big shots??? we the people COULDN'T CARE LESS! you clowns are pathetic.

Lisabeth…I too put it on C-SPAN……….Now you know why we are in the Iraq War………because the media fell lock-step behind FoxNews in the administrations runnup to the war for fear of being called unpatriotic……

Mr. Gergen…. it's spelled "here". Thank you for your service to our country David.

I have no more comments! I see a lot of viewers are "on to you folks", now…………for me, "I'm out to lunch" ……..on CNN……….

You mean, "read them HERE"? Don't just use spellcheck – make sure you are using the proper word!

Anyway.. I agree with a few of the points above – media coverage here in the US has become so biased, I have been watching Britain's BBC or Canada's CBC for election coverage. It's more balanced than anything I can find on our own networks.

Barkley is just grabbing face time in order to make himself appear "knowledgable" in the political arena so he can throw his hat int he ring for the Alabama governorship.

His (like many black voters) belief that the reason Hillary backers won't vote for Obama is racism, is pure ignorance.

I am a Hillary supporter and will vote for McCain in November. Why? Because I sincerely feel the primary process was derailed by racism, sexism, and voter fraud. I do not feel that Barack Obama can truly lead this country with is foreign policy views and his belief that those that work hard should be forced to pay the way for those that have not earned the right to support.

Mr. Barkley himself stated "the two parties are corrupt," so, why is he at the convention? Again…. it's just face time in the bank.

So while you were busy telling the Democrates what they should do, PBS was broadcsting a women's story that spoke of the discrimination by the Supreme Court on her case for equal pay for equal work making the argument of how necessary it is to have Obama as president to be able to appoint judges. As compelling a testament to voting Democrat as any red meat politician or pompous talking head. A real story that people could relate to!! Again it was PBS who lived up to the purpose of a free media.

How said the whole nation was unable to hear this women's powerful story as they once again heard the same old same old from the CNN cast of characters!!

What a joke and disservice you are all doing and how rude to be talking and interviewing people in the audience when these brave men and women are up their telling their stories that viewers can relate to.

try 1 2 3 can you read me?

Is this the only comment I ca give?

Oh' I forgot about Leslie Sanchez. Now she is a fashion expert – complaining about have Michelle was dressed. Leslie needs to look in the mirror.

I mute the TV when she comes on. She has nothing to say that I want to hear.

Watch on PBS or CSPAN – we get comments there, NOT BIASED talking air-heads

Really CNN, an uninterrupted speech without Wolf Blitzer's, "analysis" from time to time, would do wonders for your ratings.

Sorry to tell you guys but most of us are now putting you on mute when you start talking. I'm only watching when people are speaking from the floor. It's more than obvious that you're trying to make people think in a certain way and you're hungry for drama and negativity.

Oh wonderful, Some one check and see how many times this guy has voted before This election, and we are so lucky to be blessed with his informed opinion, it's worth as much as his free throws , he cant make them either! stick to your day Job.

where is my comment? duds?

Clearly barkley is an idiot. If he had a shread of intelligence he would realize democrats hold blacks back. However, Charles has no clue on how to earn a living. Maybe he should try doing some actual work for a living, and then look at all of the good those he chooses to elect take from a working persons paycheck. Oh, I forgot it is for the greater good, so the Baracks in D.C. can spend it on useless crap.
Get a life Charles

Ha, this most likely won't get posted, but I would suggest you folks watch the convention on MSNBC. They actually let you hear the speechs without talking over them.

And David, you are one of the best. You and the late Tim Russert . You seem very unbiased and reasonable, as opposed to John King and Wolf.

All you analysts can discuss is clinton clinton clinton – WHAT DOES SHE WANT?

WE are sick of it. WE want unbiased and honest like Charles Barkley.

You all need to shut up and let US ANALYZE for ourselves.

This guy speaks from the heart. That's why I watch him on TNT. He truly does not throw BS. I agree with David Gergin about his interview. It was terrific!

The Obama campaign should pick this guy up and let him talk. He is great!

Go Sir Charles!

I didn't see him. We were on C-Span. We can't take Wolf, David, Campbell, Anderson and John.

James Caville needs to get up and speak.

CNN is horrible.

Looking forward to see Hillary on C-Span.

When I saw Charles Barkley was about to be interviewed, I knew it would be funny but was not expecting his eloquent and insightful comments. I wish our party leaders were as effective in making the case for Obama.

Gergen–i watched that interview and the main point of charles 3-pointer was that obama was the first black candidate to be nominated for President and that all that matters…your bias precedes you.

The democrats are running a country circus, needs to be more dignified!

I am amazed that in the whole US there is not white talents to lead this great nation!!!

Watching the Convension, it confirms my views that US is still an adolescent amongst the nations!

journalism…what an admirable profession…would it hurt if i reminded you of the difference between 'hear' and 'here'

ACtually it was pretty bland… Not very inspiring.

MILLIONARE CELEBRITIES TOUTING THE PROS OF OTHER MILLIONARE CELEBS. WHAT COULD BE MORE AMERICAN THAN RICH FOLK HELPING OTHER RICH ELITES BECOME EVEN RICHER AND MORE INFLUENTIAL. I SPENT 118.00 ON GAS ALONE LAST WEEK. NEAR THREE HUNDRED ON GROCERIES. WHAT INPUT DO THESE ESTABLISHMENT INFOMERCIALS HAVE ON MY PLIGHT. SEEMS EVERY OTHER PERSON I TALK TO IN REAL AMERICA HAD SIMILAR FINANCIAL AND MORAL CONCERNS. UNLESS THESE ELITISTS WANT TO HELP AVG AMERICA WHAT DOES THEIR INPUT AMOUNT TO. ITS REALLY IMMANURE. WE DO WITHOUT AND THEY PERTY ON OUR DIME. BOY THATS AMERICAN AS A STICK IN THE EYE UNLESS YOU ARE IN POLITICS.

He called Clinton supporters who are now switching to McCain "idiots" and seemed to suggest that their reason for doing so was because Barack Obama is black. Charles doesn't seem to understand that not all people are comfortable voting for someone who hasn't even been in the Senate for four years and hasn't authored any legislation of note. I find it very surprising and distressing that you would see Barkley's comments as "one of the single best testimonials to Barack Obama I have seen here at the convention."

This isn't relevant to the specific subject. But, could you please tell me which of the topics in politic ticker IS relevant to the heading on the main page headline – "GOP better at attack politics"? I cannot find it. Thanks.

It is digusting to hear people making the statement that it is time for a black man to be president. Well, this is not an issue about race this is about a leader that will be capable to run or country. Besides the point Barack Hussein Obama is half white as well so he is not a black man or a white man he is bi-racial. He is still a human being so stop all the racial talk and grow up.

Didn't hear it, but the 3 times I've heard Barkley speak have been 3 of the most incoherent babbling sessions I have ever seen. So I doubt it.

Glad we have CNN reporting on all the big stories.

Yep…the democrats are in real trouble when the best endorsement from the entire convention so far comes from Charles Barkley. Game over. John McCain is your new president.

Thanks for inviting comments Gergen…I'll insert mine here in honor of you.

I agree with several of the comments about CNN's broadcast coverage of this convention. It has been at times pathetic. The anchors and the analysts spent the last 24 hours whining that the dems haven't brought the "red meat". Well, when Kucinich and Rendell get up there and bring enough red meat to choke a football team, what does the production team do? They don't air Kucinich and they cut off Rendell. CNN, stop framing the convention to match your predetermined storyline for it. I recommend watching the stream online instead of the cable broadcast.

As it pertains to the cable broadcast, get rid of the conservative commentators unless they can actually give some authentic comments, not regurgitated McCain garbage one-liners. Kudos to Ed Rollins, David Gergen, Donna Brazille, and Roland Martin. Attention Toobin, Carville, Sanchez…take a break for a while, along with the anchors and reporters.

CNN…don't turn into Fox. Give us the facts (and speeches) and let the people decide.

that might be true about reading the ocmments when it applies to blacks and latinos but not when we talk about clinton and cnn loyalty to them

also your awful misleading titles

time for change CNN do some real reporting

David, I really appreciate your style, but unfortunatley many of your colleagues have become so opinionated, it's almost offensive listening to them. Rather than giving us the facts and letting us make up our own minds, we get bombarded with opinions, one after the other. In addition, this constant focus on stuff that really belongs in the National Equire has really caused me to change channels and look for a news channel that is a bit more balanced.

CNN compared to the coverage given by C-Span, is a circus side show. You guys may have been once considered professionals. Now just political clowns. I quess CNN has decided to compete with FOXNEWS on their level. Well, your getting there. Enough of Wolf Blitzer already. His coverage helped drumbeat us to war, I'll be darn if he will drum beat in the Republican party. in our house he is known as 'The Weasel Wolf'.

I like his old comment when he said that poor people have been voting for democrates for fifty years and there still poor lol.

Good call-just watched Barkley and found him to be thoughtful and sincere. I thought it was particularly refreshing to hear him address the race issue in a blunt but very civil manner.

Listening to Barkley was better than yet more chanting like they're doing now. They're real good at chanting… LOL…

David,
I wouldnt know. Didnt see it because I had to go to PBS to see the actual speakers since all you guys do is talk to yourselves.
CNN, you could have just done this from your studio.
How about less speculation and let us have observation?

David, do you really want to hear our constructive criticisms? Just COVER THE CONVENTION! I, for one am tired of all the negative commentary and criticism of what the Dems should or should not do. I can't stand it. There is a time and a place for this and this is NOT IT. Many people I know have switched to PBS because of it! Some of us LIKE what is happening at the convention and frankly I do not care what the Republicans or their surrogates/pundits think. This is OUR TIME and anyone is welcome to join but have some respect…

GOP is better and it all comes down to the Clinton's