CNN

I'm not sure who had said it, but I am sure that LBJ was referenced during this Democratic Convention at least once.

YEAH.........YEAH........ ALL YOU FAR-RIGHT NUTS CAN BE PROUD OF THE LEGACY BUSH LEFT US.......... $10 TRILLION IN NATIONAL DEBT!

4100 PRECIOUS SOLDIERS DEAD!

460 THOUSAND JOBS LOST IN 2008 ALONE!

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WAGES DOWN FROM $61K TO $60,500!

KATRINA FAILURES, PRICE OF OIL, BIG PROFITS FOR THE OIL COMPANIES................ ENRON LOOPHOLE!

SAY WHAT YOU WANT, BUT THE GOP IS A FAILURE! AND BUSH/CHENEY........LIED............LIED.........LIED!

True, true. Plus, there's no doubt LBJ was a major player in the Democratic Party history. By the way, you guys wanna know my top 5 Dems of all time?? I'm actually working on it before the conventions finish tomorrow, LOL!!

I gotta admit though, it finally hit me that for the first time in our history, we have an African-American nominee. I gotta admit, that just hit me like a rain drop that fell off the sky...

Please stop talking over the speeches!!! Keep david gergen and anderson cooper quiet for a bit and let us hear the speakers. I lke and respect both of them but their opinions in the middle off speeches by the people who are actually involved in the process not just observers is not helpful it's agravating.

Jeffrey,

Pick up an American history book!! LBJ was responsible for one of the most reprehensible wars in our nation's history! He was the 1960s version of George W.!!!

The 54,000 Vietnam casualties are somewhat forgotten in the midst of our modern conflict. Yes, his economic and racial actions deserve a nod of respect, but I highly doubt George W. Bush will earn a historical praise for his attention to AIDS and his resilience after 9-11.

It seems to me that Democrats have been far more ought to suffer for taking stances that are right instead of using the popular fear and hate techniques.

I THOUGHT THEY WERE NOT RECOGNIZING THE PEOPLE. YOU KNOW GET UP PAY FOR CONVENTION, PAY FOR OTHER PEOPLES LACK OF SELF CONTROL AND IRRESPONSIBILITY, PAY FOR GREED IN CHINA, PAY FOR ILLEGALS, PAY FOR THE WAR, PAY FOR OIL GREED, AND STILL SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES. THIS POLITICAL SOAP OPERA IS JUST THAT. ACTORS ON CUE, ON STAGE AND ON OUR DIME. THEY SUPPORT THEMSELVES AND THEIR KIND, YOU THE PEOPLE MEAN MONEY TO THEM AND NOTHING MORE. EXCEPT MAYBE WORSHIP.

PS. EDITH, REALIZE ONE THING. IF OBAMA OR ANY POLITICIAN HAD TO BE AN OOMPA-LOOMPA TO GET POWER THEY WILL. RACE IS A MEANS TO AN END IN THIS COUNTRY,

CNN, John Kerry is speaking right now,

WHY AREN'T YOU SHOWING THIS?

Your commentary is not as important as hearing 2004's presidential candidate.

very disappointed that you are so biased in McCain's favor.

when hilary acknowledged LBJ's contribution to the African American civil rights movement in the primaries they said she was racist..................

Rochelle,
You are just plain wrong. Clinton did not hold up her supporters. She had every right to run and continue her campaign. Remember your Junior Senator did not have enough delegates to capture the nomination. None of you Obamabots remember that, do you?

And furthermore, she doesn't have to campaign for Obama! Why do you think she has to? It is Obama's to win or lose. Clinton has nothing to do with it. Her supporters can vote for anyone they want. Let Obama get out there and actually DO SOMETHING other than sweet talk you people into stupidity? He's had everything handed to him. If he wants to win, he has to work for it now. It's his to win or lose.

Mr. Toobin,

I live for the opportunity to vote in every election, local and national. With that said, I carry those who made this possible with me to the polls. Lyndon Baines Johnson is right in the group of those whose shoulders I stand upon to ensure my voice is heard.

Rochelle, you obviously havent been paying attention to everything happening at the convention. Clinton met with ALL of her delegages this morning.....LONG BEFORE the roll call and urged each and everyone of them to vote for Obama. She personally released these delegates otherwise you would have seen much larger numbers for her during the roll call. When New Yorks votes were called for, she took the lead in front of ALL the delegates to stop the roll call and have Obama nominated by acclamation. There was alot of symbolism there that just went over your head!

So now LBJ can get credit but in the primaries we were racist if we thought the same thing?

If Obama manages to win this we are going to have a really, really hard time knowing when it's okay to state the truth and when you are racist if you do.

RIP. Wish you, King & The Kennedy Brothers could be here to witness this historic occasion.

We SHALL overcome! LBJ helped it happen but it was the people in the street that deserve the credit.

Barack is too egotistical to admit it was others that made his success possible. Even in his role as a community organizer he has been an astounding FAILURE. His minuscule tenure in congress elected unopposed from an urban cesspool in no way qualifies him to lead a nation. He has sought refuge in the company of terrorists and racists. What kind of man is that cowardly?

I salute Bill Clinton!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Jeffrey Toobin.

not to splice the night on credits...so, props to LBJ and his cabinet...but...

Bill Clinton was so on point that the evening could close after this speech.

LBJ did a lot to help African Americans. I'm not sure whether his pet beagle dogs liked it when he picked 'em up by their ears though.

Perhaps President Obama will lead the charge to properly recognize the true contributions of a GREAT AMERICAN, LBJ by naming a new nuclear aircraft carrier after him and perhaps a memorial to him in DC. Not only was he an unselfish Vice President that surely helped JFK win, but also his many years as a Senator and most importantly his struggles (against all odds) for all the Civil Rights Acts that he helped get enacted.

The unfortunate circumstance of the electoral map is still in effect ever since LBJ's 1964 nuanced stance. This is when the philosophy of acceptance and diversity shifted to the Democrats; while close-mindedness and priviledged went to the Republicans—It continues today.

Bill is saying that Joe Biden is a better choice than Hillary.
Stand by for trouble at home Bill.

NOT TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT but, I am now watching Bill Clinton's
speech and love seeing Michelle Obama and her beautiful
attire. Unfortunately, when Michelle claps her hands, she is
hiding her face, everytime. Please, I want to see Michelle.

The unfortunate circumstance of the electoral map is still in effect ever since LBJ's 1964 nuanced stance. This is evident today when you listen to John King's politcal analysis of the electoral map. When he casts most southern states to the republican ticket. That's when the philosophy of acceptance, diversity went to the Democrats, and closedness, priviledged went to the Republicans-It continues today

McGovern, Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry are also missing – all men who worked their guts out but lost.

Would be nice for voters to understand the value of LBJ to JFK. LBJ was a politician's politician. His power in the halls and on the floor in Congress was legendary. JFK needed LBJ's strength and the State of Texas in his run for President. This same reasoning holds true for Obama selecting Biden. Biden is seasoned, savvy, and knows how to get things done in Congress just like LBJ. You want Change? You gotta get the gears lined up for them to turn.

You know CNN, you are equally as guilty for allowing your Conservative commentators constantly interrupt important speeches going on throughout the day at the convention. Even Wolf Biltzer said yesterday that there was a speech they thought was important enough for us to hear. Who are you to determine what speech is more important than another? Everyone should be watching the election coverage on PBS because at least THEY show the entire thing from beginning to end without interruption. CNN's a joke.

LBJ did his part for Civil Rights just like Hillary said and was soundly criticised for!

Obama is an American with a Caucasian/Kenyan ethnicity which makes him biracial!

African-American is a ridiculous label!

Complete change of topic,

3rd night in a row, I tune in to see the "complete coverage" from CNN of the Democratic Convention. On 4 nights of what should be a celebration of the Democratic party and Barack Obama, it has turned into an over-psycho anaylitic showcase from "The Best Political Team On Television". Leave the "what if's", and "McCain" scenerios alone and focus on what you are there to cover. Less Wolf, King, Cooper, Bergen and let the viewers see and hear all the speakers, politicians and representitves. I thought it was pretty sad not to hear Madeline Albright & Evan Bayh words because CNN's pundits over anaylizing about Bill Clinton's speech.

Terrible for any viewer, especially lower case democrats to watch.

Does Bill's tie match the blue dress?

LBJ was the greatest President in modern history. Every student who goes on to college and has funding owes thanks to LBJ. The Civil Rights Act is a result of LBJ's commitment. Same for Medicare and other benefits we don't even think about. It was all LBJ. His Presidency was scarred with the Vietnam War and the fight on the domestic front for change, especially in the deep south, but he had a resolve of steel and a vision that the changes were what we needed. He was right.

LBJ was the greatest President of the last half of the 20th Century and Obama will usher in a change for the 21st Century.

Edith, what's wrong withObama being called African American? This is who he is; and that's OK. Remember, you should be proud of who you are otherwise you have an identity problem which produces a myriad of emotions!!!!

I Think If any political leader were getting hit in the head with bricks and having dogs on thier pants legs like Joe Lewis they would have signed it alot sooner, but it took years and years of visuals of that nature to get over the votes they were going to lose inorder to do the right and human thing.

LBJ did a lot to help African Americans. I'm not sure whether those beagles liked it when he picked 'em up by their ears though.

(CNN Why are you censoring this comment?)

CNN....can we see the final vote totals?

LBJ should be commended for his efforts in Civil Rights, the War on Poverty, creating Medicare, Medicaid, Federal financial aid programs for College students, Head Start, trio programs like Upward Bound and attempting to create the Great Society. While Vietnam did escalate under Johnson, he did not start U.S. involvement in that conflict. All in all, Johnson does not get his proper recognition for the things he accomplished and the programs created during his administration. His programs helped the poor and the elderly receive healthcare and created educational opportunities for many persons who without such programs would not have had the opportunity to attend college.

CNN all of your reporters and comentators are Republicans,all of you have nothing positive to say about the Democrats shame on you,you are a bunch of BIGGOTS and Lary King is the bigest one!!you can not stand the idea that an African American has a chance to become president of the USA,Mcain should check himself into a RETIREMENT home,he is no Maverick he is the devil in discuise....................OBAMA is your only HOPE!!!!!WAKE_UP

Real heroes are not the most popular since they dont blow their trumpet. All you have to do to confirm this is watch "CNN heroes" to know who the real heroes are and how obscure thay remain in the world. Thank you LBJ. on behalf of all the decent people on earth.

Hillary Clinton finally let her people go! Sad that she held them up for so long. She still was trying to dig in some bad blood, but, when she saw that she wasn't getting as many votes as or more than Senator Obama, she give up the ghost. I'm so glad that the drive of hers is over (hopefully). Maybe now she will really campaign for Senator Obama and her followers will follow suite.

Rochelle
Stone Mountain, GA

BILL WILL NOT EVEN HAVE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO NAME THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS MEMBERS AT THIS CONVENTION
AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PARTY OR TO HILLARY.. OBAMA CAMP'S GESTURE IS OBVIOUSLY A PITTANCE FOR BOTH HILLARY AND BILL. NOW WE WILL SEE THE RESPONSE OF HILLARY'S SUPPORTERS DURING THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.. STAY UNITED AND FIRM ALL YE
HILLARY SUPPORTERS. DO NOT SHOW YOUR REAL CHOICE TILL YOU GET INTO THAT VOTING BOOTH IN NOVEMBER.

Thank you Hillary; we appreciate everything you've done for our country, including the important role you played last night and today. I am confident you will continue to lead our party.

Obama/Biden 08!

CNN PLEASE POST!!!

Interesting... when The Clintons brought this up during the primaries, I remember the controversy that followed. Hillary said something like "Martin L. King would not have been successful without LBJ." Funny how people loose perspective when it is convenient, I'm talking about the Clinton haters being hypocrites.

Members of the current GOP are wolves in sheep- clothing.

So its okay to point out LBJ after Obama has the nom, but during the race for Hil to say it, she's racist and belittling? Double standard.

Please pull back Campbell Brown from covering the Democratic Convention. She has a different agenda than reporting the news objectively. You have other republican analysis that are not so obvious.they try very hard to stay objective and be fair. They are fine. but Campbell does not .

Did you notice how the first thing from her mouth after Hillary's speach was the driving issue that the republican party has hammered on all night and all day today? She introduced it.

Why such a short article?

I needed to get older before I could appreciate him for what he accomplished, and how he was stuck with and Viet Nam. Not he, or anyone else, could have done anything right at that time. He may eventually be acknowledged as one of our greatest presidents.

When I was little, I sent him a birthday card. I got a letter, personally signed, saying happy birthday to me. Today is my birthday, too!

Correct, Edith. The media has made Obama less biracial and more black.

LBJ along with millions more who sacrificed in the streets (others like MLK with their life) made this possible. This was a bottom-up struggle and not the other way round.

so what LBJ did contributed to the Obama nomination to become president.

now what honestly does the issues of republicans and democrats have anything to with this conversation? I wish america would to return to the days of old where partisan divisions were overlooked for the greater good. Abraham Lincoln chose a democrat as a running mate in the 1864 elections. Half his cabinet hated him (especially secretary of war Edward Stanton) but Lincoln chose them because of their qualifications.

now why can't we follow Lincoln's example? George Washington's inaugural address said America should avoid political parties because they would tear the nation apart. How right is he...230 yrs later.

BILL CLINTON DID A LOT FOR AFICAN AMERICANS TOO LIKE JFK AND LYNDON JOHNSON. THANKS A LOT OBAMA , AT LEAST YOU AND YOUR CAMP GAVE BILL CLINTON T-E-N- M-I-N-U-T-E-S OF
SPEAKING TIME .YOU SURE CAN SPARE IT?

Jeffrey, Toobin, have you lost your mind? And I agree with Edith, Obama has ran as a black man to gain the black vote. It is dishonest. He is bi racial. I have a bi racial grandchild and I would never want her to turn her back on either side of her heritage. But that's exactly what Mr. Obama has done. He's not been truthful.

When Sen Clinton made close to the same comments about LBJ she was blasted and people got mad.

Obama will be an unacceptable choice for millions of Americans who can neither vote for Obama nor McCain. It's a woman's time, not two men again – after 220 years. Let's talk about that. Who cares if Obama is Black – he's male and he's not competent to lead the country – he's competent to interpret the constitution and to write speeches that aggrandize himself. it's a write- in for Hillary Clinton in November – the real leader. We need a leader, not an Orator.

LBJ did a lot to help African Americans. I'm not sure whether those beagles liked it when he picked 'em up by their ears though.

After looking at this Political Ticker, I have determined that CNN does really SUCK, and very one sided

Experience vs Change

The old adage "Experience is the best Teacher" is true in many cases. Take for instance the current Republican Administration. Their years of experience has led us to:

Higher Gas Prices
Largest Financial Deficit
Casualties of War
No Confidence in our Government

John McCain not only used his experience and judgement to support the current administration...his decisions help reinforce and solidify a failing government structure.

What has this experience taught us? It's time for Change!

Obama/Biden 2008

Today, we should be celebrating Dr. MLK's "I Have A Dream Speech" and Obama's offical nomination, and LBJ's 100th Birthday!

NO MATTER WHAT YA ( GOP ) WHINE ABOUT......HISTORY IS ABOUT TO MADE IN NOVEMBER.................GO ................OBAMA YOU THE MAN........AUTOMATIC WIN THIS NOVEMBER......CANT WAIT FOR JANUARY 2009 PARTY...............

REALITY CHECK: IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN A LAW, THAT DENIED BLACK AMERICAN'S, AND WOMEN, THE RIGHT TO VOTE, OR A LAW THAT DENIED BLACK AMERICAN'S, THE RIGHT TO BE EDUCATED. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE PRESENTANCE OF MARTIN L KING JR, AND OTHERS. . .WE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION!

AMERICA HAS COME A LONG WAY. . .BUT WE STILL HAVE MUCH TO DO.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08-'12

Hurricane Gustav will rain on the Republican parade
of blah blah

Hey EVERBODY....

MCNBC had great coverage there...change the channel now!!!

What the hell is wrong with you CNN? I love the fact that you're giving LBJ credit, but Madeline Albright is on right now and you have talking heads on instead! What is wrong with you people? Shut the hell up and let the first female secretary of state actually talk on tv. I don't care what you're "analysts" have to say. Please get out of the way and actually cover the convention.

CNN, Please listen to this and report about it.

I joined the web site hillaryclintonforum.net a long time ago at the encouragement of my aunt and mother. I posted on the site for the first time tonight in response to my mother's comment re: her hopes for Hillary and Bill voting for John McCain. I asked her to think about the fact that if Obama loses in November, the public will blame Hillary. And, that when because they blame Hillary, they will never vote her into the Oval Office, whether its 2008, 2012 or 2016. I posted this comment at 6:26 p.m. under the name JLBMissouri. I just went back to see if she responded, but the "Administrator" has removed my registration information and I no longer have access to the site. Without drawing attention to these people who "claim" to be Democrats voting for John McCain, please investigate this horrible anti-First Amendment group think going on on this site. It is one of the worst I've seen. I believe it to be the official PUMA site. I hope the moderator who reads this tells someone. This is an opportunity to shame these people for their entirely Anti-American practices.

Tony–the article is about LBJ, but you are right–Nixon definitely shares the infamous blame for Vietnam along with Johnson. I was in college at that time and when the war ended, I thought we had finally learned our lesson. But tragically, some baby-boomers who were supposed to change things for the better voted in Bush and history repeats itself with the debacle in Iraq. As a nation, we've learned nothing.

Mr. Toobin, Re the designation of Obama as African American is not correct. I believe that a person who has a descends from a father and a mother of different races are called bi-racial. I don't think he should be referred to as an African-American even though he spent time there. In fact, I think if anyone who is an American doesnt need to hyphenate the name of their race. Aren't we all Americans if we are citizens of this great country?

Please remember, even if the ground didn't move and the wind did not blow; a house divided....can not stand... everyone's opinion regardless of harshness is valued in our society. Our ability to find a common ground for the common good is what makes America such an uncommon place.

UMMM ..is this the same Biff that blamed nixon/ford for the oil shortage ??? you must be very young not to KNOW that it was you Jimmy that caused every other day gas rationing and causing prices to go up to over $2.00 a gallon because of his approval of the overthrow of the shah of Iran which caused American captives for over a year...i'm sure you remember they were released when the radical nation were aware that Ronald Reagan would be our next president .

LBJ, no doubt, was probably the greatest - or second greatest - President of the second half of the 20th century (after Truman). Had it not been for Vietnam, who knows? For sure: without LBJ, Obama would not be the nominee today.

Jaun Carlos:

Kennedy FORCED J. Edgar Hoover to send the FBI into the south to investigate the random murder of a highly decorated WWII veteran who was shot just because he was Black. Kennedy began the enforcement of equal rights by sending federal troops to enforce de-segregation. LBJ picked it up because he genuinely felt it was the right thing to do. It was very devastating to the Democratic party (all the southern racists left and joined the Republican party – no joke), and the Democratic party has had a hard time of it since then.

Its almost inpossible to get a comment in on CNN, but I will try here and see if I can get by moderation. I voted for LBJ, met LBJ and considered him a very great President. Now with that out of the way. Democracy in the Democratic party died today. I will cast my vote in November for John Mc Cain, a real American.

Hillary got in big trouble for saying that!!!!

Wonderful insight Mr. Toobin!

Louis, you forgot to mention that many of those 56,000 US soldiers who died in Vietnam were European-American.

But that was just an oversight on your part, right?

Jeffery, how fitting for Senator Obama to receive the Democratic nomination on LBJ's birthday. He will also be making his acceptance speech on the anniversary of MLK "I Have A Dream" speech. Wow!

This is a secret message to republicans imposing as democrats under operation RUSH/ROVE havoc DNC

republicans please keep posting PUMA messages on all sites we can not let the democrats unite we already have little chance of winning against Obama alone.

I agree and appreciate your historical note regarding LBJs contribution to civil rights, we are a better people for it. However, I have heard no comments about the so called "Bradley effect" A significant number of americans will proclaim that they ready for a new body politic, to elect a person of color to the office of President, but behind close the closed door of the voting booth they will vote for McCain because he is white. I hope I am wrong, the time for change is now, are we up to the task?

I worked in a Gov. Agency in DC in 1961 – the vietnam "thing" had already been going on then – help any?

Because Hillary mentioned this, she was criticized. It was reported that is why Kennedy went with Obama. I don't buy it. If you check history Kennedy really is not for women on many issues. I think Johnson will be remember more so for the Vietnam War, but I am old enough to remember all the good that he did for this nation.

Tom Battin... I dont think that is what he was implying... He is just giving props to this man on his bday.

mehn... this election has people on the edge!!! ready to pounce on anything said. sheeesh.

DEMOCRATS UNITE

At least you provide real info

Some of your cohorts just provide us their opinion (like we're their children).

Tell them to give us facts like you do, and let us make our own adult decisions. THANKS

Hillary Clinton made the same pint and you and the media atttacked her relentlessly for it, implying she dissed Dr. King

Now it is alright for you to say that–but Hillary was not given that right.

No Louis you can't condem LBJ for Vietnam..he's a democrat, well maybe you can , but CNN can't... nor do most history books they blame Nixon (they must be written by democrats too)

M I N O R I T Y-L E A D E R-R E P U B L I C A N-G E R A L D--

F O R D-B R O K E--D E M O C R A T I C-F I L I BU S T E R-L E D-

B Y-K L A N-M EM B E R-N O W A D A Y S-M A J O R I T Y--

L E A D E R---R O B E R T -B Y R D

Really, lets just celebrate civil rights. Not LBJ, who was an idiot and responsible for carrying on the worst foreign policy mistake in United States history and the lives lost because of him. I'll celebrate an African-American President, but not because of Lyndon Johnson.

um... john williams....

uh... it was the lingering effects of the southern democrats that ran TO the republican party after their democratic president arm-twisted civil rights down the democrats throats...

and the nixon strategy to use a 'southern strategy' of those disaffected 'former' democrats that began the polarization of southern states that has remained to this very day.

just a little history for ya. lets not pretend the republicans were saints.. it has generally been a democratic administration that moved this country forward towards enlightenment.

Thank you...Happy Birthday!!.... R.I.P
***********************************
Hillary's Speech Made John McCain President August 27th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

It was just that. An Act.-->>>> This is NOT the place for your rubbish talk!! Go do something useful with yourself!!

Juan Carlos..
what are you talking about...

Those were Kennedy Administration policies he continued and enacted.

However... LBJ was a fantastic legislator and arm-twister.

Oh. So all the non-African Americans who voted for Obama are irrelevant? Mr. Toobin you need a math lesson. African Americans are only a portion of the electorate and by no means a majority.

thank you Mr. LBJ
I Hope we all recognize what you have done....thank you.

JUST DONT TRUST HIllary
she is not one to be trusted
she has something up her sleeves

LBJ was a much overlooked pioneer of civil rights. If he were here right now, I would give him a big fat kiss. Of course, I wouldn't kiss him on the mouth because that would offend the conservatives.

Yes-
Barack Obama stands on the shoulders of many courageous, committed people who came before him and paved the way-
LBJ is one of them–

And he was a Democrat!!!
God Bless America!

Go LYNDON...HAPPY B-DAY RIP!

thank you Toobin for recognizing that it was the Republican Party that pushed civil rights through and not the party of Robert Byrd.

Your half-right. LBJ should always get credit for his great efforts regarding civil rights. However, he likewise should forever be condemned for his support of the tragic debacle in Vietnam–a disaster that claimed the lives of 56,000 US soldiers (many African-American) and 3.4 million Indo-Chinese.

Wow, great point, Jeffrey. It count to have this type of a grasp of history!

You are so correct. Matter of fact I did hear this during the convention on PBS with Jim Lehr. The unbiased station

A N D-F O R-M O R E-P E R S P E C T I V E-A -R E M I N D E R-

I T--W A S-–H I S-–P O L I T I C A L--H A W K E Y E--R A T H E R-

T H A N-H I S-P R E V I O U S--H E A R T F E L T-I N T E N T I O N S-

T H A T-M A D E --H I M- D O - I T--N O T--E V E N-K E N N E DY

C O U L D --H A V E--D O N E -I T

It was just that. An Act.

Yes... the civil rights was commendable by LBJ.

The Vietnam War, on the other hand...

I'm a democrat, too!

Obama/Biden '08