CNN.com - Anderson Cooper 360° Blog

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Anderson's View

Ok, ok, so I didn't blog yesterday. I know. I've already broken my new year's resolution. Who doesn't? I started to blog a couple times yesterday, but got caught up in other work. Sorry.

Did you see last night's show. We had planned a completely different program, and then literally a few minutes before airtime found out we had an exclusive interview with the three teenagers who'd been lost in the woods since Sunday. I'm always wary of intruding on people at a difficult time, but the kids and their mom seemed more than happy to talk, and it was so nice to have a happy ending to a story like that. I saw today that all of the kids went to the hospital again today, but I hope it's nothing too serious.

We're still working on what will lead off the program tonight. Most likely politics. I think this race is without a doubt the most interesting one I've ever covered, and I am really looking forward to the Iowa caucuses. I may try to sneak out for an hour to do some Christmas shopping, but most of that will have to wait for the weekend. See you tonight.

- Anderson Cooper

Posted By CNN: 4:47 PM ET
39 Comments

Anderson,
I really enjoyed the interview with the children! I am glad that it turned out so well!! I heard one went back to the hospital with her feet hurting! I hope she is OK!

So you are a last minute shopper too huh!? I knew you were the procrastinating type! LOL Well you better be getting busy not too many days left! I've gotta go Saturday also! Not looking forward to it!

C-Ya tonight!!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

Posted By

Cindy : 5:05 PM ET

Anderson, you're forgiven. Besides, it's not even New Year's yet, so technically, you haven't broken your resolution yet. With late developments yesterday, I'm sure everyone understands.

Yes, I look forward to the program tonight, with politics, What Were They Thinking, and anything in between!

Good luck with your shopping; me, I'm already done! Just need to wrap them all up.

Cheers,

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Posted By

Lilibeth : 5:10 PM ET

Don't be so hard on yourself Anderson the new year hasn't even started yet : ) . Great show last night. I was really amazed at how well the kids were doing when they got home and how well spoken they were considering what they had just gone through. Your right about the presidental race. I am pretty sure there will never be a dull moment!
Jennifer, Durham NC

Posted By

Anonymous : 5:10 PM ET

I know you don't flinch at incoming fire, but shopping in NYC two days before Christmas? You're braver than I thought.

Claire Colvin, Abbotsford, BC

Posted By

<b>Claire Colvin</b> : 5:14 PM ET

New Years is still 11 or so days away so it really doesn't count until then. The story about the CA family lost in the snow storm was one of the best reports I have seen. Your interview got the story, but did not pry nor talk down to these children made it what it was.

Yes let's talk about politics a little more, how about a preview of what's happening oh say after Iowa. I know Iowa is important to them, but there are other states with primaries in Jan and we have heard nothing. I'm not faulting the media, but the candidates themselves should realize it takes more than one state's electoral votes to get them elected.

I could give an in depth dissertation about how the candidates are neglecting other states such as MI, but I'll leave that to my personal blog postings.

Posted By

Grace : 5:17 PM ET

Anderson, I truly enjoyed the interview with the rescued children. Thank you for letting us know that you were not intruding on their time and recovery. Although, I never pegged you for the type of guy that would mercilessly chase down victims to get an exclusive.

I have also very much enjoyed watching you host the debates.

Good job!

Michael in New York

Posted By

Anonymous : 5:17 PM ET

you don't have to be so prolific; you could just be brief such as

"CANT BLOG NOW- CAUGHT IN RAIN IN NY WITHOUT UMBRELLA! WILL BLOG L8TR"

Posted By

Anne - Detroit, Ml. : 5:24 PM ET

Well, Anderson, you are forgiven for being too busy yesterday to blog. You're back today and that's what counts.

I think for me a big reason this election is so fascinating is that so far, I have not definitely decided which candidate to support. It's really a lot more fun when you have an open mind. And I don't have to feel bad when someone is up or down in the polls. I can just laugh at the missteps, the back steps, and the side steps!

Posted By

Barbara in Culver City, CA : 5:25 PM ET

Anderson,

Don't worry about it, we still love you=)
Looking forward to hearing more about the Iowa caucuses and where everyone stands (or at least where they claim to stand).

Have a Merry Christmas, and good luck with the shopping.

Jessica Milwaukee WI

Posted By

Anonymous : 5:26 PM ET

Hi Anderson,
Oh well, resolutions come and they go..I don't do resolutions myself, so can't fault anyone who says bye, bye to theirs.
On the election front, I'd say the new year will be one to watch.
Perhaps, I'll watch it with earplugs in or a mute button handy, but I'll watch it. I'm giving no resolutions to watch it, but I'll try...Take Care Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday.

Lorie Ann
Buellton, Calif.

Posted By

Lorie Ann : 5:28 PM ET

The spending bill is big news, and you notice it comes right when Congress can sneak away from Capitol hill and avoid the media and public. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! --- just remember that mom loves a hand-written card more than a lavish present.

Posted By

Riley R - Exeter, Ma. : 5:28 PM ET

Anderson, you've been on a roll with the blogging lately. No worries.

It was good to know that the family was able to survive such a frightening experience--I can't imagine going through it and hopefully whatever complications they're experiencing now won't get worse.

I hope Jeffrey Toobin will be included in the next political discussion on 360--his blunt and honest commentary is very refreshing and pretty funny as well.

Posted By

Fay, Vacaville, CA : 5:30 PM ET

May I be honest? I knew you'd break your new year's resolution before X-MAS. Not that I don't have faith in you, but I understand your busy life. But thanks for remembering to blog today.

More politics?! I'll watch anyway. Hope you have Jeffrey Toobin on, he at least makes it fun.

Okay, see you tonight.

Posted By

Mariela, New York, NY : 5:33 PM ET

Resolutions don't count until 1 January. Just consider December 'practice'.

Posted By

Arachnae : 5:35 PM ET

Back to the other day - listen to Burt Wolf (PBS-TV) for your announcer's voice - his is great! And the interview and the news of the family's survival was terrific!

Posted By

JP, Long Island, NY : 5:37 PM ET

If you have only missed one day of blogging since your resolution when you have actually been at work then it is pretty good actually.

The interview with the children who were lost in the woods was really good but I didn't hear about how the father is doing. Maybe I missed it but other then that great interview.

Another one bites the dust in the political race. I wish a few more would too. The field is still too large.

Have a great show Anderson!!!!!

Posted By

Megan O. Toronto, ON, Canada : 5:44 PM ET

You didn't blog yesterday! OH NO! That's unacceptable! Just kidding, Anderson. I understand, work happens.
I saw the story on the the family that got lost in the woods since Sunday. It's always inspiring to see a family unit that gets put under pressure and then they overcome difficult situations by strenthening and encouraging each other. I know they learnt just how strong they were as a family unit through this difficult experience. A test many families would probably fail.
Please Anderson, easy does it on Huckabee.
Valerie, Hillside, NJ

Posted By

Valerie, Hillside, NJ : 5:44 PM ET

Anderson, it was a fantastic interview with the Dominguez family. Not only a wonderful ending to what we al feared would be a tragedy, but they are such sweet and fun kids. Being able to scramble to a new story like that is what makes you and CNN the best in the business.

I see Reza Aslan blogged; I hope that means we will be hearing from him tonight. He is always a fascinating interview.

Good luck with the shopping. It's a crazy time of year, but don't ever give in to having an assistant or paid shopper do it for you -- the best part of Christmas is searching for the perfect gifts for the people you care about!

And since you're off tomorrow, have a very Merry Christmas!

Posted By

Cynthia, Portland OR : 5:45 PM ET

So Anderson, while out Christmas shopping, what are you getting all of us who participate here on your blog? :-)

Yes, I watched last night's show and it felt good to see a major news story end on a happy note. So many of late don't.

As for the Presidential race, I agree the race is more interesting than most, but the players are all still playing the game, making promises which I suspect will be left by the wayside as soon as the election is over, much like the 2006 promises from the new Congress.

In Washington, the faces and political parties may change, but the game remains the same.

Posted By

Joseph Kowalski, North Huntingdon, PA : 5:46 PM ET

I would like to hear more reporters ask candidates what they have done that qualifies them for President and what difficult situations they've had to overcome (instead of asking them what they WOULD do or what they WILL do). If you ask point blank "what have you done that proves your point on a certain issue", that discourages them from making meaningless promises and telling us about their plans that we know will never come to pass. Thank you.

Posted By

xtina - chicago il. : 5:47 PM ET

Happy stories during the holidays like the rescue yesterday are always good things to share. We need positives in this world (at least in my opinion).

As for the presidential race, I think it is still anyone's game. Just when I think I have my candidate figured out, something totally ridiculous comes up that changes my mind. In other words, I'm totally clueless still as to who I might even consider voting for next year. The Christmas ads really did do me in.

Good luck with that shopping. It's one of my hobbies. Next weekend I'll be hitting stores in your neck of the woods, and quite honestly, this girl will have found Nirvana again.

Posted By

Tammy, Berwick, LA : 5:47 PM ET

Anderson its nice to see some happy news on the news. It rarely happens anymore, or it ends up being a side note because the bad news overwhelms eveyone. It's great to have a happy ending especialy this time of year. So Thanks you and Happy Holidays!

Posted By

Stephanie Denby, Pittsburg KS : 5:53 PM ET

Anderson,
These elections are also very exciting for foreigners. A friend recently told me that our "own" presidential didn't get my all attention six months ago! And he was right… Pretty scary remark! I feel like a guilty and bad citizen! But you know what? It’s your fault! The “Best political team” does a great job and really helps us to understand the main issues.

Good luck for your Christmas shopping! I have barely started mine. My weekend is going to be a nightmare.

Delphine, Paris, France.

Posted By

Délie : 5:55 PM ET

Seriously Anderson how does a person break a new year's resolution before new years, haha.

My favorite thing about your show, next to The Shot Of The Day, has to be Raw Politics. It bothers me knowing I can't vote yet, but I still like being informed.

I swear my friends, family, and even teachers need me to brief them on the candidates.

Kayle
Cheshire, CT.

Posted By

Kayle W. : 5:58 PM ET

Shame on you, Anderson Cooper-not blogging for a whole day. It's like you think you're some big important news anchorman for a major network and roving reporter all in one or something. But seriously...give me two Hail Mary's and an Our Father and it's all okie dokie.
I did see the show and it's so wonderful that this family survived this tragedy. But at the risk of sounding harsh, I have two words for those who go searching for a Christmas tree in the dangerous wilderness: HOME DEPOT.

Posted By

Debbie, Denham Springs, LA : 5:59 PM ET

Anderson:
I like the spontaneity of AC360.

I believe all of America was praying for a happy ending with the three teens and their father considering what happen last year in the Northwest.

I was out and about Christmas shopping today. It is a jungle out there. Good luck!

Posted By

Sharon from Indy : 6:04 PM ET

Anderson, last night's interview was really amazing. I got home really tired from school after taking a political science final exam, and I thought to myself "no more politics tonight". Then I saw you having really fun with the kids, and even admiting to have asked a dumb question!!! My night was really better because of that, but hey, I also really enjoyed the discussion about the political ads. Anyways, I always love your show! I have another final tomorrow morning, but hey, got to watch AC 360!
Marcela, Warren NJ

Posted By

Marcela : 6:10 PM ET

Shame on you... wait a sec, it's not New Year's yet. OK, it looks like you're off the hook on a technicality. ;)

I was glad to see a happy ending for the lost family. So often those stories end tragically. I'm glad that isn't the case this time, talk about a Christmas miracle.

I do not envy you with the last minute shopping, especially in NYC.

I sure hope you report on the Eric Volz story. So many of us here in the U.S. really don't know how fortunate we are. Yes, our justice system isn't perfect but it is by far the best in the world. How one person can hold an innocent man in prison just by avoidance is criminal in itself.

See ya,
Mindy
Surprise, AZ

Posted By

Mindy : 7:04 PM ET

Hi AC,
It was nice to start off last night on a light hearted note, and to see you, as well as the kids, enjoying the banter. You did a great job keeping them talking. They couldn't ask for a sweeter Christmas present.

As for the political side tonight, please focus on more than the horse race, and include more than just the top two contenders in each party. It really is one of the most interesting elections in a very long time since no one has a lock in either party. I am still undecided on the top three dems, but also am interested in Biden and hope he will stay in until the end.

Unfortunately, none of this particularly matters for me since PA's primary is in April. The losers have all packed up and gone home by then.

Will be wrapping gifts tonight while watching your show.

Elaine
Philadelphia, PA

Posted By

Anonymous : 7:13 PM ET

Anderson,

I forgive you for not blogging yesterday...but let it not happen again! Your blogging makes my very busy day! I understand though you are a very busy man. Wonderful, heartfelt interview last night with the California family. You were at your best, so genuine! The children were so at ease with you and the questions you asked of them. Hope your Christmas shopping went well and my name is spelt M-A-U-R-E...for the card you are sending me! LOL again! Happy Holidays!

Maureen, Mississauga, ON, Canada

Posted By

Anonymous : 7:31 PM ET

Hi Anderson,

I am hoping Jeffrey Toobin will be on tonight and really want to hear his opinion again about the candidates. I am as undecided and confused as anybody else.

I am happy to see their faces smile and relieved as they are home safe. That’s the best Xmas miracle.

If you are not going to be on tomorrow, then, I wish you, your family and the CNN Staff a Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year. And enjoy your Xmas shopping and Good Luck!!

Michele, Douglaston NY

Posted By

Anonymous : 7:41 PM ET

Hi Anderson

I'm so glad their home and safe.
I enjoyed watching your interview the children, it was really great story. Thank you, Anderson for the wonderful interview.

I always try to watch your program,
because it always a pleasure, considering the depth and richness of it all. *Thumbs up*

Good luck with the shopping, and I hope this coming Christmas will be joyful.

Posted By

Kim Jung-Hae, seoul, south Korea : 7:54 PM ET

why don't you interview h ross perot he should have some intresting views on world affairs, economy, prez primaries and the real reason why he gave up his candidacy. maybe he is just waiting for someone to ask him. it only takes a phone call to find out
vinnie albrightsville pa

Posted By

vinnie : 8:00 PM ET

I hope you'll include what has happened in New Orleans today. The City Council voted to permit HUD to tear down 4 public housing projects (4,500 housing units). HUD says about 3,000 families who once lived in NOLA public housing remain scattered across the country. Social workers say the number of homeless people in the area has doubled to about 12,000.

I realize that some of these buildings may have storm damage, but from what I've read, the reason behind this destruction is because these projects stood in the way of the new street grid for the city.

This story is more important than another take on the top tier candidates or the latest polls.

Posted By

Jan from Wood Dale, IL : 8:23 PM ET

Anderson,

Those kids were great last night. They were so poised and well spoken. My favorite part was when you asked "When did you know you were lost?" And the kid replied, "when we couldn't find our way back to the car." Great answer and great response when you laughed. Merry Christmas.

Charlotte D, Stockton Ca

Posted By

Charlotte : 8:56 PM ET

Dear Anderson,

We all know that breaking news is your specialty! Yesterday when I heard that the Dominguez family had been found I had a feeling you wouldn't have time to blog, but that was understandable. I think that you are going to be sorry you didn't promise once a week instead of once a day.

Your interview with the Dominguez family was great! You and Gary have a talent for talking to people in times of crisis. You always seem genuinely concerned and never intrusive.

I just came back from Christmas shopping at the mall and let me tell you it is brutal out there! I hope you were able to work some shopping into your busy schedule. Like you, I will be shopping this weekend as well.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

Posted By

Jo Ann : 9:15 PM ET

And here I was thinking you'd left Tuesday's blog up so we could make more comments! This does bring up a good point -- you should still post to the AC360 blog when you have something that needs to go on for more than one day.

Glad you're back today!

Susan Lemarie, Fairfax, VA

Posted By

Anonymous : 9:51 PM ET

The interview you did with the children and their mother last night was amazing. It was so nice to have a happy ending on one of these stories. It seemed like a Christmas present to us all.

Hope you get your shopping done; I'm sure it will be a relief when you are done. I'm always relieved when I'm done..

Looking forward to another great show.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Posted By

Annie Kate : 10:01 PM ET

Anderson, I love your show but I don't know why you are given three hours of air time when many segments are repeated during that period. Wouldn't it be better to have a two-hour slot and no repeats?

Posted By

ViewfromVancouver : 11:10 PM ET

Add a Comment

« Back to Blog Main

ABOUT THE BLOG

A behind the scenes look at "Anderson Cooper 360°" and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper and the show's correspondents and producers.

• Reporter's Notebooks
• "Anderson Cooper 360°"
• Anderson Cooper bio
• "The Marquee" blog
• "Paging Dr Gupta" blog
• "Political Ticker" blog
• "Situation Room" blog
• "Art of Life" blog
• "CNN Business Traveller" blog
• "Exchange Notebook" blog
• "All CNN.com" blogs

• Justice in Nicaragua? --Brittany Harris, 360 Produ...
• Unheard voices in Saudi Arabia --Reza Aslan, 360 C...
• Is 600,000 dollars a lot of money? --Drew Griffin ...
• No insurance, No chance? --Sanjay Gupta, CNN Senio...
• Jamie Lynn Spears, the law, and missplaced shame -...
• Jamie Lynn spurs a father-daughter talk --Gary Tuc...
• Morning Buzz
• An email, a hoax and a death. --Barclay Palmer, Se...
• Presidential Stocking Stuffers --Roland Martin, CN...
• Still Waiting for Hurricane Rita Relief