There was a lot of drama on Tuesday night, and I don't mean on the convention floor. I knew something was up when my email went crazy dinging over and over. I stopped what I was doing, turned on CNN and started to worry with the rest of you. Where was Anderson Cooper and why was Campbell in Denver instead of NYC, as was the original plan? Many of my emails expressed concern that AC was called back to NYC on a family emergency or even a few wondered if he was angry at playing second fiddle to Wolf (not something that is likely, imo).
CNN isn't talking (I tried) but here is my best guess. It was a stupid idea to have Campbell in NYC....she didn't get much airtime and the Denver anchors directed their questions directly to those in NYC, they didn't need a middle man (or woman, in this case). Since CNN seems hell bent on pushing Campbell front and center they realized that would only happen if she was in Denver. That's my theory, anyone have a better one? And does that mean AC will be in St. Paul with the Repugs along with Campbell?
We've got some great pictures and a couple of videos to share with you tonight so let's get to it.
I'll start with some unfinished business from last night. Did anyone catch sight of Donna Brazile (AC's boo) dancing with Paul Begala? No...you missed it? Well check out Jeanie Moo's clip and enjoy the Dancing Dems (including Roland Martin).
And a few pictures of Anderson with some of the TDS cast.
For those of you who requested the clip of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg joining the BPTOT ...here it is.
Photographer: E.M. Pio Roda 2008 CNN. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved
Photographer: E.M. Pio Roda 2008 CNN. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved
Photographer: E.M. Pio Roda 2008 CNN. A Time Warner Company. All Rights ReservedI hope all of you watched Senator Clinton's speech on Tuesday evening? As a HRC supporter you can bet I did and I was very pleased. She did a fabulous job and hopefully convinced her delegates and voters to jump on the Obama bandwagon.
Special thanks to Cyn, Sapphire and Book Asylum for help with the embeds and research. That's it for me on this Tuesday evening. I hope to see you back here tomorrow. ~ Phebe
All Things Anderson is a blog dedicated to CNN's AC360 and its host Anderson Cooper.
44 comments:
I am so gald Anderson was on tonite. I was freaking out when I saw Campbell Brown on. If AC is in St.Paul, I'll be watching.
LOL at AC wanting a bar mitzvah in 8th grade. I give him a thumbs up for still remembering the Haftarah.
I can't wait to see Anderson's segment on the Daily Show. The pictures make me laugh and I am sure that's a sign that the segment is going to be good.
I liked Hilary's speech. I thought she had a good speech and did a good job.
Man, gotta love those hi-def pics of Anderson! I also love the tennis shoes that James Carville had on. Albeit a bit out of place, but funny nonetheless.
Phebe - one thing though, just because Anderson mentioned that he was non-Jewish, doesn't necessarily mean he's a Christian. Has he ever publically stated this, or were you just kind of assuming?
I thought Hillary was nothing short of a class act. Even though I am a HRC supporter, and now proudly supporting Obama, you have to think after that amazing, electrifying speech, that the Dems are wondering why in the heck he didn't pick her. I just don't see Joe Biden being able to make such an impact with his speech tomorrow night, but we'll just have to see.
And I've heard so many Republicans say they are happy Obama didn't pick HRC because they think she would have been a force to be reckoned with. And they feel they can fare much better with an Obama/Biden ticket than if it would have been an Obama/Clinton ticket. I sure hope they haven't handed the presidency over to the Republicans.
Campbell was probably unhappy that she was stuck in NYC and AC, obviously was filming TDS. Jon is on from Denver, from now through Thursday, so maybe anderson's segment will air this week.
Hillary did exceptionally well. Caroline was not forthcoming as to why she was not even vetted. Unfortunately, that could lead to Obama's downfall. Biden has some really big shoes to fill and I'm not even a Hillary supporter.
Many thanks for showing the Caroline clip with TBPTOT.
I believe that Anderson's mother is Episcopalian (or at least her family was) and his father was Baptist so I am making the assumption that he is Christian. If you've come across information to the contrary I'd love to hear it.
If memory serves, Gloria was baptized Roman Catholic as a small child. Wyatt was a Southern Baptist. From Anderson's comments it would be easy to assume he is a Christian of some sort. He professed an interest in Buddhism a while back, as well. His belief system is his business and he is usually careful to keep things secular.
I, too, was wondering if it was a medical emergency.
Anderson strikes me as the type who will go wherever CNN wants him to be, regardless of circumstances or the players involved. He's proved his chops on the network.
As an Obama supporter, I was aware of anderson's absence, but the show must go on, as they say. We are in Denver to nominate the next Democratic nominee.
It was a lttle disconcerting to see Hillary in the spotlight but she did an out standing job. Makes you wonder if Biden was the right choice, but we shall have to wait and see.
Next up, Bill. Let's see what kind of standing ovation he receives. Something tells me, she's more popular than he, right now.
I loved Hillary's speech. I fully support Obama but when I saw her speech tonight it did make me feel like she would have been so great as President! But who knows... it wouldn't surprise me if she didn't run again.
Overall, I think her speech was great for Obama. Also, the Governor of Montana was hilarious and I loved his speech too!
Hillary's speech was excellent and her point about what her supporters actually wanted from her candidacy was a very strong one - it's really important for these disgruntled voters to look at the bigger picture and how detrimental four years of John McCain would be for this country. But the resentment and frustration of Hillary's supporters with Obama seems to run very deep and I'm not sure they can ever be brought into the fold, even with Hillary's gracious endorsement.
It was a relief to finally see Anderson back with Wolf and the others, it was kind of dicey for a while this afternoon when he was inexplicably missing from the line-up. It will be interesting to see if he'll turn up next week in St. Paul. The format of the conventions is different than in 2004, when AC360 was aired as usual at 7 pm and Anderson was alone handling the guests and pundits. They are obviously trying a different approach.
Great pics and videos. I can't stop laughing at those pics of AC with the Daily Show folks, can't wait for that.
From Anderson's recent Outside magazine interview:
"He talks a bit about his interest in Buddhism, which led him, early in his career, to spend a semester studying in Vietnam."
This is the closest I've ever seen Anderson come to commenting on his personal religious beliefs, if any.
Anderson's father was raised Baptist, but in the book Families he wrote that he would put Unitarian whenever he had to fill out a form stating religion.
Also, if you look closely at the pictures published of Anderson's last apartment when it was up for sale there is a cross on a chest of drawers in the guest room. It could be a family heirloom, there are other family heirlooms in the room, or it could have a more personal meaning.
Thinking on the religion topic further didn't Anderson or Gloria say, in one of their writings, that they attended the Unitarian Church at one time?
@ anonymous 10:59, Jinx! I must have been channeling you when I came up with the Unitarian idea. I knew I read it somewhere. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the videos, especially the short candid interview of Anderson; I love the unguarded moments.
It's good to see CNN has changed a few things -maybe Anderson will be in St. Paul after all. I'm a lot closer to St. Paul than to Denver or NYC.
As for the religious debate, the only piece I can add is that the memorial service for Carter was held at the St. James Episcopalian Church in Manhattan.
Jaanza
I was also surprised by Campbell's sudden appearance and Anderson's absence. I hope this means he'll be in St. Paul as well.
I thought Hillary's speech was fantastic! I think the woman who Suzanne Malveaux interviewed perfectly represented what Hillary's supporters (me included) are currently feeling. IMO, one major disappointment tonight was Michelle Obama's facial expression during the speech. Dare I say she had a smirk for most of the speech. The only time I saw her clap was when Hillary mentioned Barrack's name. I hope this was just my imagination.
- Emma
there is a cross on a chest of drawers in the guest room.
There was also an enormous cross on a wall in a room that was not featured in the InStyle spread. I'm pretty sure Anderson once said something about how he collects crucifixes, but I can't recall where I read that.
Robert Heinlein once said that the only way you could tell the difference between some religions was the sign on the door. Having attended as many types of Protestant services as I could in my younger years, I'd have to agree with that statement.
The differences between the Roman Catholic and Episcopal/Anglican services were so miniscule I couldn't see them. And the commenter was right, Carter's service was at an Episcopalian church.
As long as Anderson finds some sort of peace and/or comfort from his beliefs, this being America and all, he can walk whichever path fills his needs.
That first picture could be Anderson thinking: "What's with all the drama, I'm here aren't I?" lol. (I'm glad I was sleeping, I would have been a bit worried too...)
The best part of that Dancing Dems clip, is the guy sitting next to Roland, lol. He looks like he's got no idea what the hell Roland is doing. Very funny!
I agree that it looks like the segment for TDS is going to be good.
Darned, I forgot to set my VCR, so I don't have anything on tape :(
Sounds like I missed a great speech from Hillary.
Thanks for the clips and the pics, Phebe!
On the TV Newser site, they have an interview with Jon Klein, CNN's U.S. President. He basically said that the format of having Campbell in New York wasn't working so they brought her out to Denver to be on the floor, since they are the only network on the floor. He also said that they would use the same format in MN, so maybe we will see Anderson there as well.
I believe that Anderson mentioned in his book that his father was irrelegious, I took that to mean that maybe he may have been Baptist but that he didn't practice or attend services on a regular basis.
I got the feeling last that night that they wanted to give Campbell an equal amount of air time so they brought her in, 2 hours from 7 - 9, than Anderson 9 - 11, then both of them.
Like it or not, I guess that seems to be a fair way to deal with it, but I hope they do the same thing next week for Anderson.
I think I read this or heard this from Anderson from somewhere but I cannot remember where. Sorry. Anderson is Agnostic.
Thanks for the Caroline Kennedy clip.
I have to agree with Campbell Brown when after Hillary's speech she said "explain to me again why she isn't the VP candidate". I think Obama and Michelle are probably having 2nd thoughts today. They may have blew it!! Good luck to Joe Biden--having to follow Hillary and Bill. Daunting task ahead.
I hope they do reinterview the woman that was a Hillary supporter and still unsure of Obama--after his speech Thursday. I felt her pain!!
Looking forward to seeing Anderson on the Daily Show.
Phebe...You hit the nail on the head about Campbell. I just found an interview with Jon Klein and he says Campbell is flying out because the NYC thing wasn't working well. Here is the link:
Jon Klein Interview
I thought Hillary was awesome last night. The video clip by Chelsea was also very moving. I certainly look forward to the day when some amazing women actually shatters those 18 million cracks Hillary made in that glass ceiling. I don't quite understand her supporters who refuse to take up her call to vote for Obama. As a Hillary supporter, I believe it shows a lack of respect for everything she believes in to sit this one out or (sorry! heaven forbid) vote Republican. I hope people take up her challenge to look beyond support of her as a individual or as the female candidate and look at the bigger picture for the future of our country. Did anyone else notice that Caroline Kennedy alluded to her having a role in Obama's Whitehouse? Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part :0) On the other hand, if Hillary chooses to remain a forceful presence in the Senate what a powerful government we would have if she and her fellow Dems have a President willing to work with them and support their legislation? Imagine having our Congress, Senate, and the Whitehouse on the same page...what a breath of fresh air after the last few years!
I was also glad AC was there and found myself wondering for a few minutes if he had taken off to some unknown war or disaster I had missed ;)
As for the religion part, after reading several of Gloria's books and Anderson's, I had assumed they had a belief in god but weren't particularly involved in any formal religion. I do remember Anderson telling the story that his father said he always put Unitarian on the hospital forms basically so people would leave him alone.
I will be very interested in hearing President Clinton tonight. He is always a bit of a wild card.
I sure hope AC is on a lot this week. With my left leaning politics, I am not sure how much of next weeks convention I will be able to take!
I just looked at the link from quitty and if you look at the 2nd. video, there appears to be a shot of Anderson in the corner of the CNN grill talking with two women.
Anon 5:53 AM: I have always felt that Anderson is agnostic, I even got the feeling that his parents may be that way as well, they did not attend church regularly as adults and did not raise their children in the church. Having Carter's funeral at a church is normal even for an agnostic, doesn't make them practicing Christians. Anderson's interest in Buddhism, just something he was curious about and looked into.
I just saw that Anderson will be on Ellen Degeneres on Friday. It doesn't say if it is a new appearance or a previous visit, but I have never caught any of his visits there, so it will be new to me. I can't imagine it will be a new appearance. It says the following: Plus, ANDERSON COOPER will join me to talk about CNN, his reporting from New Orleans, and who knows -- maybe I can get some dirt on Wolf Blitzer or Chris Matthews!"
Maybe they are just replaying it since the 3rd anniversary of Katrina is soon?
@anon@7:48 AM..Good eye....I had not noticed him when I watched it earlier. I think the woman to his right is Shimrit, his publicist.
Anderson is on now TSR with Wolfe, has been for a bit.
Does Wolf and the other bring their publicists? Seems Anderson brings her every single place he goes to.
When I initially watched last night’s speeches, and listened to the commentary and pools of CNN’s various panellists right through to midnight (including Larry King Live which aired at midnight EST), I thought, the speeches were so-so!!
Then, after all the hoop-la and talking heads were off the air, I watched the four (4) speeches back to back and really, really enjoyed each of them. They were well orchestrated, thoughtfully articulated, and most of all EXCITING!!
I realised the former Governor now running for the Senate was overshadowed by the Hillary Clinton’s speech, however, Senator Obama’s VISION for America’s future is ABSOLUTLY INSPIRING!!.
I don’t know if any of you caught Good Morning America and The Today Show this morning. Both these Networks interviewed Beau Biden. What an unbelievable individual. Beau talked a bit about his mum who passed away, and talked about his dad and then they spoke about his step-mum, whom, time and time again he referred and corrected the interviewers (on both networks) as his and his brother’s Mother. Both interviews were unbelievable!! What a story!. I really hope CNN has an opportunity to interview this young man and his brother. Unbelievably and incredibly inspiring individuals just like their Dad. There is a possibility prior to Senator Biden’s address this evening, I hope they show a video of Sen. Biden’s biography. If they do, I truly hope they highlight his two sons and they talk about their life-story. Unbelievable family.
F.Y.I. last night just before Anderson signed-off, during his conversation with James Carville, Anderson indicated he would be in St. Paul come Monday.
It’s 5.45 P.M. EST and Anderson just announced he is checking on flight schedules for himself as is James Carville, they are checking on flights in the next day or so to New Orleans. James Carville is moving back home to New Orleans from Washington.
On a side-note, I have to vent please. I find Leslie Sanchez and Campbell Brown the most divisive individuals when they talk about the Democrats and specifically Senator Obama, they are so disingenuous and condescending with their comments. Ugh. I can not stand Leslie Sanchez, she drives me nuts!!
Have a great night folks, it’s going to be an awesome night at the DNC.
I can deal with Leslie Sanchez as she is a contributor or commentator, but Campbell should not be. Somewhat surprising to me considering her years of experiencing covering politics but then she hasn't been with CNN all that long and maybe others in her position are that way at other networks. Tim Russert was her mentor.
I'm so glad I stayed up this late (1:12am) to witness Obama becoming the Democratic candidate!
Man, I wish I could vote!
It's also cool to finally see Anderson LIVE on TV!
Have a good night everyone!!!
Poor Anderson, it appears Donna has a new boo LOL!
Anderson just told Nagin that he will be in NOLA on Friday. Woo Hoo!
I am with him though, I surely pray that it misses NOLA. Those poor people!
I can understand bringing security with you. I can't imagine the "need" to bring your publicist every where. She was with him for R@K on his last appearance and I believe, at every book signing. There might be some contractual agreement, but it is "odd."
Obama will have to out do himself tomorrow night. He has to be more than inspirational.
The one aspect of Hillary's speech left out, he'd make a "good leader." Very important omission.
7.15 p.m. EST - Anderson just announced to the Gov. of New Orleans that he (Anderson) will be in New Orleans on Friday. And he isn’t Co-anchoring with Wolf. Campbell is. I hope Anderson comes back by the time the speeches start.
Anderson's publicist must have no other people that she represents since she seems to travel with Anderson everywhere. If something comes up while he is somewhere, seems he can just direct those people to contact her. Like when he goes to LA or NOLA or the other places he has broadcast live for 360, does she travel with him then? That would be odd if she did, because like this convention, it is for work for CNN and don't they have "CNN publicists"?
Do other news people in Anderson's position travel with their publicist? (Wolf and others?) It doesn't seem so. Why does he need his publicist with him on this trip to the convention? This is directly work related, is it not?
I wanted to straighten something out before we got carried away. The woman that accompanies Anderson to most appearances is his CNN PR person. She is the public relations person for most of the 360 team. Anderson's publicist does not work for CNN and does not, to my knowledge, travel with AC. What, you ask, is the difference between a publicist and a public relations person? Publicity is designed to keep you in the news and public relations is designed to keep you out, or so it is said.
Thank you, Phebe, for clarifying that on the PR person. So who would be the female who goes with him to the R&K program? I have a clip of them leaving and getting into his limo together, I can forward it if you have not seen it.
I sometimes wonder if CNN is trying to mold Campbell Brown into an outspoken anchor like her timeslot competition Bill O'Reilly and Keith Olbermann. Campbell can be very blunt in expressing her opinion, something Anderson carefully avoids doing.
Anderson sounded very animated and involved when he was talking to Nagin about NOLA, I'm happy he's going back, but lord knows they don't need to be hit again, no one in that area does.
Just a note of information. Anderson said he memorized the Haftorah. What he did was memorize the beginning line of the blessing before (and after) the reading of the Haftorah. Different Haftorah passages are read each week of the year. No one, not even the most scholarly Rabbi, could memorize them all.
It was nice to hear the Jewish relgion spoken about in a positive way
Leslie Sanchez, to my knowledge, is supposedly the voice of the hispanic community, demographically speaking, who supported George W. in large numbers during the '04 election. She often will play the "devil's advocate," which is a good thing because she is the "latino voice of reasoning."
Phebe, do you know when Anderson piece is going to be on The Daily Show? Thanks,
@ anon – 5.40 p.m. Leslie Sanchez is a Republican strategist first and foremost– that’s what she goes by when she is being introduced on each and every panel. She may be a voice of the Hispanic community, but over the last 15 months of primaries and caucuses, she rarely mentioned the Hispanics unless it was with reference to a State that reflected a large Hispanic demographic or with reference to Immigration. All she’s ever done over the last 15 months is she makes condescending, and disingenuous remarks toward the Democrats and specifically Senator Obama.
On Monday night or early Tuesday morning, she even commented on CNN on Mrs. Obama’s dress, calling it a “cocktail outfit” and indicting it was “inappropriate for the Convention”. Who the hell does she think she is and How low can she get?
Her comments are totally arrogant, conceited and egotistical.
@9:25 PM: Leslie Sanchez is a Republican first and foremost because she is Hispanic and the Hispanic community is known to support either Hillary or George W. They will most likely not vote for Obama. I am no fan of hers but I am not surprised at her attitude.
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