Thoroughly Anderson Cooper

Cute As A Botto... Button

2012-01-28T17:19:00.039-05:00

Drunk or Mumbling? Both!

2012-01-28T16:32:00.022-05:00

by Frances Martel | 3:16 pm, January 28th, 2012

Earlier in the week came the earth-shattering (or at least childhood-confusing) revelation that game show hero Pat Sajak and beloved American icon Vanna White would knock back a ton of margaritas before doing the show and more or less forget what the alphabet is. It so struck Anderson Cooper, who admitted to loving the show, that he put Sajak on the Ridiculist on Friday for the admission– and for claiming that the 1980s Wheel of Fortune “shopping” segment was “boring.”

Sajak’s confession came from an inexplicable interview with inexplicably existent show Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable, a program on ESPN2– so, ostensibly a sports show?– where host Dan Le Batard and his loud and hilarious Cuban dad talking about literally anything (for example, here they are discussing the acceptability of men with earrings, and here is Dad salsa dancing for no reason). It is arguably the best thing on television. But I digress: on this program, Pat Sajak felt comfortable enough to discuss his outings to “Los Arcos,” a local Mexican restaurant that made great margaritas, in between tapings of the show. Cooper took the interview bit by bit, starting with Sajak’s claim that the segment where the winners use the money they won to “buy” prizes was the most boring bit of television of its time. “I’ve got to stop him right there because I beg to differ,” Cooper objected, “that part, where they chose the prizes, that was TV gold.”

He then got to the part where Sajak admits to his inebriation. “I need to buy a vowel because OMG,” he commented, playing a clip of Sajak and White from back in the day and stating incredulously, “there’s no way Vanna could twirl like that and turn all the letters if she were tanked on tequila.” He ends with the suggestion that they may have exaggerated, and that Sajak claims to be “too old now to even entertain such an idea.”

The clip via CNN below:

Looking After The Future Of The Show

2012-01-28T15:54:00.040-05:00

Anderson Cooper's talk show undergoes change-up behind the scenes

Matt Carter
TV Examiner

There are some changes in the works at Anderson Cooper's daytime some, but it is something that will probably won't be noticeable to anyone watching at home.

In a new report by Deadline, it was announced that Jim Murphy is set to leave the show as executive producer -- leaving Terence Noonan -- who joined the show following a stint on "Dr. Oz" -- as the man overseeing the show moving forward.

Here is what Cooper had to say in a memo to staff members about the change:

“I’m grateful for Jim’s help and his hard work launching the show. He’s a good friend and will always be a friend of our show. We have a terrific team in place led by our executive producer, Terence Noonan, and I’m really excited about the momentum we’ve built and the future of the show."

Cooper's show has already been renewed for a second season, and the ratings have only been improving over the course of the past several weeks.

Do you think Anderson has molded into a strong daytime host?

They Both Ought To Be In The Movie

2012-01-28T15:22:00.010-05:00

Will Henry Winkler Be in the 'Arrested Development' Movie?

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 11:30 AM
"Arrested Development" fans have been anticipating a new, Netflix-exclusive season of the previously canceled show, and have also been waiting for the "Arrested Development" movie. Anderson calls the cult classic "the greatest show on TV.”

Henry Winkler plays the family lawyer, Barry Zuckerkorn, who Henry says "knows nothing about the law."

Fans of the show are not alone. Henry is excited for the movie to get started, as well, and during his interview with Anderson he reaches out to film director Mitchell Hurwitz to inquire about his role.

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Exec Producer Position Available

2012-01-28T14:19:00.029-05:00

‘Anderson’ Exec Producer Jim Murphy Exits

By Nellie Andreeva | Friday January 27, 2012 @ 1:08pm PST

EXCLUSIVE: Anderson executive producer Jim Murphy is stepping down, completing the behind-the-scenes changing of the guard at Anderson Cooper’s syndicated daytime talk show. Murphy’s departure leaves rising star Terence Noonan as the only executive producer alongside Cooper at the helm of the Telepictures-produced freshman talker, which has already been renewed for a second season. Noonan joined Anderson from Dr. Oz at the beginning of October and was quickly upped to executive producer alongside the show’s original executive producers Lisa Morin, Murphy and Cooper. Morin left at the beginning of December, followed by today’s exit of Murphy. “I’m grateful for Jim’s help and his hard work launching the show,” Cooper said in a memo to the staff. “He’s a good friend and will always be a friend of our show. We have a terrific team in place led by our executive producer, Terence Noonan, and I’m really excited about the momentum we’ve built and the future of the show.”

For the week ending January 15th (the most recent ratings we have), Anderson posted a 25% jump to a series high 1.5 household rating, the largest household rating increase of any new show. It also scored 20% or better increases in every key female demo, including 29% among women 25-54 to a 0.9. Murphy, who came from Good Morning America, is said to be looking to to return to news. “This has been an amazing experience being involved in the creation of this great new show and it has been exceptional to get to know and work with Anderson and the rest of the team,” he said. “I leave the show in great hands with Terence.”

~ June 2011 ~

Pat's Not The Only Drunk On TV

2012-01-28T13:21:00.022-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:58 PM ET

Video: The RidicuList: Pat Sajack drunk on TV

Anderson Cooper adds TV host Pat Sajack to the RidicuList after admitting he was drunk on TV.

Remember This! Well, not quite the same, this is manipulated film clips that make Anderson look like a drunk; but it is funny, isn't it?

'Anderson' On Anderson. Heeeeyy!

2012-01-28T12:34:00.019-05:00

January 27th, 2012
11:12 PM ET

..

Video: The Shot: Cooper 'floored' by surprise guest

CNN's Anderson Cooper almost hits the floor when he gets a surprise guest on his daytime talk show.

Blood Money, Blood Intentions

2012-01-28T11:33:00.020-05:00

January 28th, 2012
12:45 AM ET

Video: KTH: Fact-checking Florida debate claims

Romney claims blind trust and Gingrich complains about the debate audience. Anderson Cooper is Keeping Them Honest.

Blows To The Head!

2012-01-28T10:52:00.020-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:55 PM ET

..

Video: Dangerous football-related concussions

Anderson Cooper speaks with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about the devastating brain injuries caused by hard hits on the field. Watch his documentary "Big Hits, Broken Dreams" on Sunday, January 29 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.

Only An Imbecile Could Pardoned Another Imbecile

2012-01-28T10:21:00.029-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:05 PM ET

.. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports.

Video: Search for a pardoned killer

Convicted killer Joseph Ozment is a pardoned man. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports on the fear his release has caused.

Where Is The Fucking Arab League!?

2012-01-28T09:40:00.018-05:00

January 27th, 2012
09:55 PM ET

..

Video: Complex, deadly fight in Syria

As widespread violence rages in Syria, CNN's Arwa Damon meets opposition fighters running checkpoints near Damascus.

My Heart Of Hearts

2012-01-27T20:12:00.022-05:00

Newt Put In His Place By Wolf, Bravo Wolf!

2012-01-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

Wolf Blitzer Tells Anderson Cooper Why ‘He Didn’t Back Down’ To Newt Gingrich

by James Crugnale | 12:19 pm, January 27th, 2012

During a post-debate breakdown, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer spoke with Anderson Cooper about his pointed questions to Newt Gingrich and why he decided to press the former Speaker of the House on Mitt Romney‘s bank accounts.

“A really interesting exchange,” Cooper observed. “It contributes to the idea that a lot of people felt Newt Gingrich was flat tonight.”

“You know, he was the one who raised the issue of the Cayman Islands, the Swiss bank account,” Blitzer noted. “He made a serious allegation against Romney. I thought it would be a great opportunity to clarify, explain what he meant about it. He didn’t want to talk about it — when I finally pressed him, he responded.”

“There have been a number of allegations on the campaign trail that showed up…” Cooper continued. “There was a campaign commercial that Mitt Romney is running in which he said that Newt Gingrich said spanish is the language of the ghetto. He didn’t say that word for word. He implied it several years ago. What did you think of that exchange?”

“On so many exchanges, Mitt Romney was taking it to Newt, but that one was confusion,” Blitzer explained. “Most viewers, unless they’re fact checkers, they got lost on that one.”

Watch the segment below via CNN:

Anderson & Henry's Reactions After The Show

2012-01-27T18:38:00.025-05:00

Backstage: Anderson after Mystery Guest Surprise

Duration: 00:27 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 27, 2012

Description: Moments after being surprised on the show by Henry Winkler, Anderson exits the stage and reacts to producers...

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1x0wBvYYfY

Backstage: Henry Winkler's Message to Anderson

Duration: 00:28 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 27, 2012

Description: After surprising Anderson as his first Mystery Guest,Henry left a message for Anderson.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQk2Kavo9k

Shark Surprise!

2012-01-27T18:03:00.005-05:00

The 'Anderson' Mystery Guest Revealed: Henry Winkler!

Duration: 04:13 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: The first "Anderson" Mystery Guest is revealed.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71xt7utjQpo

Love Letters

2012-01-27T17:31:00.022-05:00

Exclusive: Read Joran Van der Sloot's Letters to Mary Hamer

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Days after Anderson's first taping with Mary Hamer, a radiologist from Florida who believes she is Joran van der Sloot's "guardian angel," the now convicted killer pled guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Peruvian student Stephany Flores. This week, Anderson taped a follow-up with Mary (to air Friday, January 27), who still swears by his innocence, despite his guilty plea and a sentence of 28 years in prison.

Since pleading guilty to the murder in Peru, Van der Sloot has written Mary letters and email. In the first letter she received, written January 13, he wrote: "We will appeal the sentence and it will be less + remember that you only serve 1/3 of your sentence here in Peru. You will always be in my heart, but this what you are doing to me now I do not comprehend. Why do you want to hurt me? I never in all the time I know you expect this from you ...you will always be in my heart but this what you are doing to me now is just somtg [indecipherable] I cannot deal with. I love you but I am so hurt you cannot image (sic)."

Exclusive Document: Read Joran van der Sloot's Letter to Mary Hamer on January 13, 2012

In the letter, Van der Sloot is upset that Mary is asking for money back from his attorney, Jose Luis Jimenez. Mary has given a total of about $100,000. She tells Anderson, "Seventy-five-thousand was bail money and that's money that, by law, should be returned to me," says Mary, adding, "Especially when I found out that by Peruvian law, bail is impossible for someone charged for murder."

In this video clip from the show, Mary says she sent $16,500 to Van der Sloot's lawyer, which was to be used for lawyer fees, acquiring an FBI document from the Peruvian court system, and other items.

In an additional letter, linked below, Van der Sloot tells Mary that in addition to $69,000, he needs $1,000 for a new phone.

"I hope you keep on supporting me, if everything goes according to plan I will be able to contact you soon. I need from the balance of 69,000$, 1,000$ for a new phone so I will be able to communicate with you again... I will show you that you have always been right about me (sic)."

Document II: Read Joran van der Sloot's Letter to Mary Hamer

Anderson asks Mary, "Do you think he's playing you?"

"No, no I don't."

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10 Minuets After The Show

2012-01-27T17:18:00.004-05:00

Mary Hamer: Continuing the Conversation...

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 7:31 AM

The conversation from the studio continues with Mary Hamer, here on AndersonCooper.com...

Web Exclusive: Mary Hamer after Taping

Duration: 10:17 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: In this web exclusive, a conversation with Mary Hamer -- the woman who calls herself Joran van Der Sloot's guardian angel.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed1vG2vxMHU

Isn't He The Cutest?

2012-01-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

Andy Cohen on Paula Deen's Diabetes
Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Andy Cohen joined the "Anderson" roundtable with Rachel Feinstein and Ashleigh Banfield to discuss recent headlines, including the news of Paula Deen's Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Anderson questions whether it was ethical for Paula Deen to keep her diagnosis a secret, and wonders what her future holds.

"To quote Ru Paul, which I think is apt here, I think Paula Deen is 'fried, dyed and laid aside,'" Andy says. "I don't want to eat Palua Deen's food at this point. She's like, the face of diabetes"

Hear what else Andy has to say in the video below.

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Andy Cohen on Brandi Glanville & Gerard Butler's Affair

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:05 AM

Andy Cohen talks to Anderson about a recent admission on Andy's late night television show, "Watch What Happens Live," in which Brandi Glanville of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" admitted to having slept with Gerard Butler.

Her admission came during a game of "Plead the Fifth," which stipulates that Andy Cohen's late-night guests can only opt out of one of the three personal questions he asks them.

"During the commercial break, after that and the following commercial break, she was quite mortified because I think she realized she wasn't going to be getting any booty texts from Gerard Butler anymore."

Hear more about Brandi's scandalous behavior in the video below.

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Isn't he the cutestest?

I Wonder Who Is Thinking About Whom?

2012-01-27T14:14:00.001-05:00

61-Year-Old Hero

2012-01-27T12:56:00.036-05:00

January 26, 2012

LATEST NEWS
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Holiday heroics earn Alberta man appearance on major U.S. television show

By: The Canadian Press
Posted: 01/26/2012 -- 4:51 PM

Paul Gullackson doesn't believe he did anything special by diving into the water to help rescue a Texas family following a plane crash in the Caribbean Sea.

"I don't think of myself as a hero or anything. It's just something you do," said the 61-year-old home inspector from Cold Lake, Alta.

Gullackson has been swamped with media attention since the rescue on Jan. 11 during his holiday in Honduras.

On Thursday, he taped an interview on Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show in New York City.

"For someone who's never been in the spotlight, it's a little intimidating," Gullackson said from New York after finishing the interview, which is set to air early next week. He's still fielding calls from other talk shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Gullackson and his cousin Larry Forseth, who owns the Tranquility Bay beach resort, were in a boat preparing to go parasailing near the island of Roatan when an ultralight plane flew low overhead.

The plane had been giving sightseeing tours to local tourists. But one of its engines failed, said Gullackson. "It made a big circle out in the ocean and crashed right in front of us.

"We were in the right place at the right time to be the first responders."

Both men quickly dove into water and swam towards the pilot, a couple and their four-year-old son.

Gullackson said Andy Atkins, a Houston-based lawyer, had hold of his boy, Logan. But the pilot was losing his grip on Jenna Atkins.

The unconscious woman was in the most distress, so Gullackson and Forseth rushed to her side to keep her head above the water. But she didn't look like she was even alive — there was foam coming out of her mouth, her eyes had rolled back in her head and her lips were blue.

Luckily, a yacht with two doctors on board was close by and came to help. Gullackson said he helped the plane's occupants get on the ship, and the doctors performed CPR on the woman.

"The doctors probably did more to save her life than I did or Larry did," said Gullackson.

He said it was great being reunited again with the Atkins family on the Anderson talk show.

"We all hugged and there were some tears. They thanked us again and again."

Gullackson believes the reason the event is getting so much attention is because it has a happy ending.

"It could have been a tragic accident," he said. "It's nice to have a happy story once in a while."

Randy, Ty & Anderson

2012-01-27T12:26:00.073-05:00

Oral Roberts' gay grandson speaks out

CNN | Added on January 26, 2012

Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts, is touring the Bible Belt as part of a "Gay Agenda" tour.

Handsome Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts.

Handsome Ty Ross Goldwater, grandson of conservative icon Barry Goldwater.
He came out in 1994.

Handsome Anderson Cooper, son of socialite and artist, Gloria Vanderbilt.
When will he come out!?
Or... Did he come out already and I am the last to know...!!?

Baltic Stonehenge, or UFO, or Big Fat Round Fish

2012-01-27T11:45:00.034-05:00

Shipwreck hunters make an unusual find

CNN | Added on January 25, 2012

Swedish treasure hunters struck upon a mysterious find at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. CNN's Brooke Bowman reports.

"...It's Not Worth Getting Angry About."

2012-01-27T11:14:00.038-05:00

January 26th, 2012
11:41 PM ET

.. et al report.

Video: Did Santorum 'rattle' Romney in debate?

Did Rick Santorum rattle Mitt Romney during the CNN debate? The political panel weighs in on AC360.

January 26th, 2012
11:44 PM ET

.. et al report.

Video: Debate was Newt's 'last chance'

How did the candidates fair in the debate? The political panel breaks it down on AC360.

Romney Fires, Santorum's Mom... Not In That Order

2012-01-27T10:22:00.034-05:00

January 26th, 2012
11:37 PM ET

.. David Gergen and Wolf Blitzer report.

Video: Gergen: No 'winner' but strong debate

David Gergen and Wolf Blitzer talk to Anderson Cooper about who they think did well in the CNN debate.

January 26th, 2012
11:34 PM ET

.. and John King report.

Video: Santorum appears with mom after debate

Rick Santorum and his mother talk to CNN's John King after the debate.

January 26th, 2012
11:31 PM ET

.. CNN's Gloria Borger report.

Video: Romney: When I'm shot at, I return fire

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney tells CNN's Gloria Borger that the CNN Florida debate gave him a "boost."

Blood Among The 4 Leftovers

2012-01-27T09:31:00.017-05:00

January 26th, 2012
07:47 PM ET

.. Rebecca Sinderbrand reports.

Raw Politics: Florida face off: There will be blood

If you’re looking for a haven of sanity and logic, Florida wouldn’t necessarily be your first stop. But Republicans have got no choice: Tuesday’s vote may be the party’s last shot at imposing order on the spiraling chaos of the primary season. So far, signs aren’t promising.

The GOP race looks like a dead heat in the CNN Florida poll released yesterday, with Romney at 36% and Gingrich at 34%. A 25 point Romney lead in our last poll basically evaporated in just two weeks’ time.

But is the race really neck-and-neck? Maybe. Probably. But the truth is: right now, nobody really knows. We’re seeing significant day-to-day swings in the numbers, with both men trading momentum over the course of our three-day poll: Gingrich holding an undeniable advantage one day, Romney holding a significant edge the next. We’re now in uncharted territory - this late in the season, this is not how Republican presidential campaigns work.

What’s driving the numbers? The evidence isn’t all that clear-cut. But here’s one clue: unfavorable ratings for both men are rising by double-digit margins in virtually every poll. In other words, as the campaign grows bloodier by the day, it’s as though Florida Republicans wake up each morning and think to themselves: Who do I like less today?

Take today: this afternoon, Romney’s campaign put out a release calling Gingrich “Dr. Newt and Mr. Hyde,” as Romney himself spent the day slamming the former speaker at virtually every stop. And Gingrich accused Romney of “lying,” “grotesque hypocrisy,” and treating his GOP rivals as though they’re "stupid." (In fact, wrapped all the week’s anti-Romney attacks in one line that stands as a masterpiece of the genre: “…[W]e’re not going to beat Barack Obama with some guy who has Swiss bank accounts, Cayman Island accounts, owns shares of Goldman Sachs while it forecloses on Florida and is himself a stockholder in Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac while he tries to think the rest of us are too stupid to put the dots together, to understand what this is all about.”)

Florida is a must-win state for Mitt Romney if he wants to hold on to the electability argument that had been the chief strength of his campaign before primary season voting got underway. This is also a must-win state for Newt Gingrich: it’s a closed primary, which means only Republicans can weigh in – so if Romney wins, Gingrich’s argument that he’s the only candidate who can unite and excite the conservative base will take a major blow. Right now, Romney’s got the establishment riding to the rescue, with a wave of GOP figures from Bob Dole and John McCain to Ann Coulter shifting into anti-Gingrich emergency mode. And Gingrich has been pulling in the crowds, with thousands crowding rallies from Sarasota and Naples. This is a winner-take-all state, with 50 delegates at stake; there’s no prize for second place.

Which brings us to tonight. As of now, tonight’s debate may be their last face-to-face showdown for the next month or so. Debates have been critical this cycle, and maybe none more so than tonight’s: Whoever comes out on top tonight stands to grab critical momentum heading into the home stretch here in Florida – so both Romney and Gingrich are likely to come out swinging.

Red Wine and Snow

2012-01-26T17:43:00.017-05:00

Is He Asking Anderson To Buy A Ring For His Future Wife!?

2012-01-26T17:11:00.022-05:00

Let's Get Engaged on Anderson Cooper!

Duration: 01:19 min.

From: AdamWeltonComedy

Added: Jan 25, 2012

Description: My Anderson Cooper submission!

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsI2ovn6Ic

Too Many Debates & Rick Perry Is An Idiot!

2012-01-26T15:33:00.023-05:00

Bill Maher Tells Anderson Cooper: 'Too Many Debates' (VIDEO)

First Posted: 01/26/2012 -- 11:37 am | Updated: 01/26/2012 -- 12:06 pm

On Wednesday night, Bill Maher told Anderson Cooper that there have been too many GOP debates this election season. Cooper is scheduled to moderate CNN's debate -- the 20th of the Republican primary -- in Florida on Thursday night.

Maher called President Obama's State of the Union address a "breath of fresh air" after watching so many Republican debates. He complained that that the number of debates had reached a point of excess (a sentiment expressed by some Republicans as well). He said, "These endless debates -- too many, Anderson, really."

Cooper asked, "Really? I think they've been really interesting though."

Maher said that he had initially thought this as well, and added that without the debates "we would've never found out out that Rick Perry is an idiot." But he felt that the networks have reached "a point where it's just too much." "Why do we need two debates in Florida, three days apart?" he asked.

Maher also predicted that Mitt Romney would win the nomination. He admitted that President Obama has disappointed him at times, but said that the idea of the Republicans "makes me run back into [Obama's] arms screaming."

Ron Paul, The Best Of The Worst

2012-01-26T14:16:00.028-05:00

Bill Maher Lauds Ron Paul’s ‘Guts To Stand Up And Debate’ GOP

by Frances Martel | 8:52 pm, January 25th, 2012

Bill Maher took a break from his regular hosting duties on HBO today to stop by Anderson Cooper 360º and review the State of the Union address. He didn’t have too much negative to say about President Obama, and surprisingly little mean to say about at least one Republican candidate– Rep. Ron Paul, who he called “crazy” but praised for his courage.

Cooper asked Maher to review the State of the Union, which he didn’t seem particularly happy with, but he noted that liberals often are not. “We carp and complain and we lose a little respect for it sometimes,” he said, adding that he did think that President Obama “seems to come out at the bottom of the ninth and hit it out of the park.” He then went on with the carping and complaining: “These endless debates– too many, Anderson!”

Cooper replied that he thought they were “really interesting,” to which Maher agreed. Useful, too– “we would’ve never found out that Rick Perry was an idiot!” Maher compared Perry to “the cute guy in the bar: the girl is all excited about meeting him and they she talks to him.” He did add that “Monday was a bad episode of the series,” the “series” being the reality show that is Republican Debate Night. Cooper replied excitedly that tomorrow’s CNN debate will have “applause and cheering!” (read: hissing and booing).

Maher replied that he was happy about this news since “it’s better for the fan, for the viewer of this series,” and added that it was great for Gingrich: “Newt Gingrich needs the mob.” And with that, Bill Maher just echoed, verbatim, his good friend Ann Coulter (add that to the 2012 Mayan prophecy betting pool).

Then Maher went on to praise Rep. Ron Paul, who he acknowledged that “some crazy ideas,” but “he’s honest” and has “the guts to stand up there debate after debate while they boo him or look at him as if he had three heads.”

The segment via CNN below:

February 2 On 'Anderson': Madonna!!!

2012-01-26T13:58:00.001-05:00

Madonna: Daytime Exclusive (Preview)

Duration: 00:30 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: Anderson's exclusive, hour-long interview with Madonna airs on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFdbxe0ALUI

Exclusive: Madonna Reacts to Golden Globe Nominations

Duration: 00:54 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Dec 15, 2011

Description: Madonna sat down for a one-hour interview with Anderson today, discussing her new film "W.E.," her upcoming performance at the Super Bowl, and in this show preview, the superstar shares her exclusive reaction to the film's two Golden Globe nominations for Original Song and Original Score.

"I am so proud of Abel Korzeniowski, who did the score of my film. It was a great way to wake up this morning," Madonna tells Anderson.

The "Anderson" episode will air in February 2012.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTOQsv2_gfU

If Gingrich Say He Didn't, You Know He did!

2012-01-26T13:31:00.001-05:00

January 26th, 2012
02:16 AM ET

Video: KTH: Do contracts tie Gingrich to lobbying?

Two members of congress, both Republicans, say Gingrich lobbied them on behalf of Freddie Mac. Anderson Cooper reports.

Alec Baldwing for President in 1204!!!

2012-01-26T12:41:00.017-05:00

Alec Baldwin's airplane incident

Piers Morgan | Added on January 24, 2012

Actor Alec Baldwin explains what really happened when he was kicked off an airplane for playing Words With Friends.

The Most Expensive TP Money Can Buy!

2012-01-26T12:10:00.013-05:00

January 25th, 2012
11:07 PM ET

Video: RidicuList: Novel typed on toilet paper for sale

An eBay post advertises Herman Melville's entire novel, Moby Dick, typed on rolls of toilet paper. This new way to absorb classic literature lands on the RidicuList.

Where Is "The Spider Union" When You Need It?

2012-01-26T11:48:00.017-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:57 PM ET

..

Anderson Cooper and Isha Sesay discuss a golden cape made from the silk of spiders.

Afghan Honor, Bullshit!

2012-01-26T10:58:00.015-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:54 PM ET

.. Paula Newton reports.

Video: Suspected 'honor killings' shock Canada

Prosecutors are trying what they say is a chilling honor killing that led to the massacre of half of the Shafia family.

Bill Maher: Obama will beat Romney

2012-01-26T10:27:00.032-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:42 PM ET

Video: Bill Maher: Obama will beat Romney

Bill Maher predicts which presidential candidate will win in November and tells Anderson Cooper how he feels about the debates.

January 25th, 2012
07:20 PM ET

Tonight on AC360: Bill Maher

In this preview, Anderson Cooper asks Bill Maher why he thinks Romney can't win. Watch the complete interview on AC360 at 8 and 10 p.m. ET tonight.

Yesterday In Washington DC

2012-01-26T09:46:00.028-05:00

January 25th, 2012
09:10 PM ET

.. Deena Sami report.

The AC360 Weekly Buzz: State of the Union, Gabby Giffords,
Egypt, Romney, Gingrich, Oscars
What everyone’s talking about:

Tuesday night, President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech to Congress in the House chamber focusing on his trademark policies – tax increases for the wealthy, Wall Street reform, health care reform, government stimulus spending – along with topics that could please the Republicans such as corporate tax breaks and expanded oil and gas development. He also emphasized the current disunity of Congress and declared: “What's at stake aren't Democratic values or Republican values, but American values, and we have to reclaim them."

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords resigned in an emotional ceremony on Capitol Hill Wednesday. The former congresswoman, who Rep. Nancy Pelosi called the “brightest star Congress has ever seen,” announced her resignation on Sunday in a video message. She plans to focus on her recovery from last year’s shooting in Tucson, Arizona that left six people dead. Her presence at Tuesday’s State of the Union address was particularly touching. Arizona GOP Rep. Jeff Flake rose with Giffords at key moments throughout the speech to help her stand up, even though they may disagree politically. To understand the medical hurdles in Giffords’ remarkable recovery, Anderson spoke to Dr. Sanjay Gupta earlier this week.

Thousands of Egyptians flooded Cairo’s Tahrir Square Wednesday waving flags and chanting slogans exactly one year since protesters took to the streets in an 18-day uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak. And earlier this week the democratically-elected Egyptian parliament met Monday for the first time since Mubarak stepped down. It’s the country’s first parliament to be dominated by Islamists, who were previously banned from running for office during President Mubarak’s rule.

The Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday. ‘Hugo’ and ‘The Artist’ lead the list with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively, including best picture. Which movies and actors are you rooting for?

And an Ohio news station’s innovative storytelling lands it (and its puppets) on our RidicuList!

Today’s Scoop:

With the Florida Republican presidential debate and primary around the corner, we’re looking into the financial history of the two frontrunners, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. Anderson is Keeping Them Honest.

And we’ll be talking politics with Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time” – join us at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET tonight for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

American special forces made a daring overnight rescue, via helicopter, in Somalia, saving two kidnapped aid workers – one American and one Dane. A U.S. official told CNN that among the rescuers were Navy SEALs from the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden. More insight into the rescue mission tonight on AC360.

A look ahead:

Tune in to tomorrow when CNN, the Republican Party of Florida and the Hispanic Leadership Network host the Republican presidential debate in Jacksonville, Florida at 8 p.m. ET. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer will moderate the two-hour debate; be sure to stick around for Anderson’s post-debate wrap-up live from Florida.

Buzz-winning story:

Historians are calling recently uncovered JFK audio tapes a gold mine. The former U.S. president, looking ahead at his calendar, calls a particular Monday “tough” due to his tight schedule. That Monday turned out to be the day of his funeral. It’s a chilling look at an historic moment, and the every day life of President Kennedy.

Fireplace Man

2012-01-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

As Seen Earlier On 'Anderson'

2012-01-25T18:19:00.003-05:00

After Calling Cops on Daughter, Mom Wants to Reconcile

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- 11:07 AM

After Caryn called the cops on her daughter several times, her daughter then called the police herself to say her mother was abusing her, locking her in a laundry room. Both Caryn and her daughter were arrested. Caryn pled guilty to a misdemeanor child abuse charge and says she was also charged with a felony for mentally harming a child.

On the show, Anderson asks Caryn if she hopes to one day reconcile with her daughter. Take a look at this emotional moment from the show...

video platform video management video solutions video player

CNN Always No. 1

2012-01-25T17:49:00.005-05:00

CNN Digital No. 1 in TV News
January 25th, 2012
02:17 PM ET

CNN Digital Outperforms Competition in 2011
CNN Earns 73 Million Unique Users Monthly; Key Sections Post Double Digit Gains

According to end-of-year data, more people rely on CNN than any other television network for news and commentary – both online and on the go. In total, CNN Digital earned more than 73 million unique visitors in 2011, beating MSNBC by 38%, Fox News by 187%, ABC News Digital by 217% and CBS Interactive by 260%. With 2.3 billion total page views for the year, CNN Digital outperformed MSNBC by 83%, Fox News by 143%, CBS News by 819%, and ABC News Digital by 1013%. (Source: comScore Media Metrix, Jan – Dec 2011; average monthly)

In the wake of the Japanese Tsunami, CNN.com’s most trafficked day of the year was March 11, 2011 with 135.9 million global page views. Click here for the top ten events for the year.

In addition to breaking news and events coverage, CNN.com’s sections that inspired passion and engagement earned double-digit gains for the year. With 15.7 million average monthly page views, the site’s Opinion section showed a 58% growth rate year over year. Earning a 64% gain in traffic over 2010, CNN.com’s Belief section averaged 7.8 million page views per month. Other beats that showed double-digit growth for 2011 include Living (11%), Travel (37%), U.S. (16%), World (23%), This Just In (29%), Marquee (18%), The Political Ticker (25%) and The Chart (17%).

Video

CNN.com served more than 101.3 million average monthly global video starts in 2011 – a 19% increase over 2010. Click here for CNN.com’s top ten days for video consumption.

Mobile

CNN Digital has remained No. 1 in mobile news for the past 4 consecutive years. In 2011, CNN Digital boasted 19.4 million unique users monthly, beating its nearest competitor – Fox News Digital – by more than 60% (Nielsen Mobile Media View, January – November 2011). CNN’s mobile website generated a monthly average of 210.4 million global page views for the year. (Bango Analytics, January 1 – December 31, 2011).

CNN’s mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android and Nokia have now surpassed 17 million downloads, of which 13 million occurred in 2011. (iTunes Connect, Android Market, Ovi Store, January 1-December 31, 2011). In addition, CNN’s newly-acquired Zite application was named the best news app of 2011 by Apple iTunes and CNN’s app for iPad earned a spot as one Apple’s top ten free applications of the year.

Social

With nearly 1 million more fans than Fox News and 8 times as many fans as MSNBC, CNN’s Facebook fan page has the most followers of any news brand. On May 1, 2011, CNN had the highest number of interactions ever recorded in single day – over 42,000 likes and comments related to the death of Osama bin Laden. (Source: Facebook Insights)

On Twitter, @CNNBRK and @CNN have a combined total of over 9.4 million followers. @CNNBRK, with over 6 million followers, is the No. 1 news account on Twitter, 1.8 million more followers than its closest competitor, The New York Times. @CNNBRK also ranks as one of the top 25 accounts on all of Twitter. @CNN’s most popular tweet of 2011 (the death of Osama bin Laden) was re-tweeted more than 10,000 times. (Source: Twitter Analytics)

iReport

CNN is also home to iReport, the No. 1 participatory news community online. By adding more than 250,000 registered users in 2011 (up 11% YOY), the community has grown to over 1 million iReporters. At a 19% growth rate over 2010, more than 185,000 iReports were submitted last year. iReport set a monthly record in August with the addition of 38,000 registrants and a daily record with 8,000 new iReporter registrations on Aug. 23. (Source: iReport Internal Server Data)

###

AnderGoogle+

2012-01-25T17:01:00.004-05:00

Anderson Cooper Plugging Google+ A Good Sign For Google

Will "add us to your circles" adorn more broadcasts?

Josh Wolford | January 25, 2012 @ 12:14pm

Anderson Cooper is plugging Google+. Does this mean that there’s a “big three” now? Will Google+ join Twitter and Facebook as social entities that companies feel compelled to plug?

If you watch enough TV, you’ve probably heard this on cable news shows, advertisements, etc.:

“Follows us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.”

It’s a common request to close on, and a way for shows and brands to promote more interaction with fans and customers. In my experience, it was “like us on Facebook” first, and then Twitter became a powerful enough social network to be included. Now it looks like (at least some) organizations are looking at Google+ in the same way they look at Facebook and Twitter.

Google engineer Joseph Smarr caught the Silver Fox’s plug and took a picture. He said, “Oh snap, +Anderson Cooper 360 just said “add us to your circles” live on CNN (first time I’ve heard it). Achievement unlocked.”

Since then, it has become a much-shared post across the platform – especially by Googlers. Some users have commented that Anderson Cooper has been good about promoting Google+, making sure to do it on every episode of AC 360 – but it’s definitely not a universal practice. Plenty of cable news shows end with the “follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook” spiel, but personally I haven’t seen many others plugging Google+.

Google+ is growing, there’s no denying that. The latest reports tout 90+ million users for the new social outlet. The White House just joined Google+ and on January 30th, President Obama will host his first-ever Hangout.

Since Google is adamant that Google+ is Google, little things like this Anderson Cooper shoutout really matter. In the future, will we see a little G+ logo next to the iconic Twitter and Facebook logos everywhere?

Have you seen any Google+ plugging on any other shows or ads? Let us know in the comments.

Today: Andrew Weighs Paula (LOL)

2012-01-25T13:37:00.034-05:00

Andrew Zimmern Weighs in on Paula Deen

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, by Raphael Brion

Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern makes an appearance today on Anderson Cooper's daytime show, and he offered his very diplomatic take on grease queen Paula Deen's announcement that she had diabetes/a multi-million dollar pharma deal. Said Zimmern: "I famously came out last year against a whole bunch of cooks, not just Paula, and what they cook and what they stand for." Assuming Zimmern is talking about when he said that people on food television "all sold our souls at some point"?

Here's a transcript:

Explained Zimmern: "I am very much a person who likes to change with the times. Education is what it is all about."

Video: Andrew Zimmern on Paula Deen Controversy

Nancy Pelosi: Giffords is the "Brightest Star Among Us"

2012-01-25T11:46:00.027-05:00

Gabrielle Giffords resigns from Congress

By David Ariosto, CNN

updated 2:42 PM EST, Wed January 25, 2012

(CNN) -- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who moved the nation with an improbable comeback after a gunman shot her in the head last year, formally resigned Wednesday in an emotional appearance in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I will recover and will return," the Arizona Democrat said in a letter read aloud by her friend and colleague, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who fought back tears.

A standing ovation roared across the House chamber for Giffords. Teary-eyed legislators from both parties applauded Giffords as she submitted her letter of resignation to House Speaker John Boehner, who also fought back tears.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Giffords the "brightest star among us."

"She has brought the word 'dignity' to new heights by her courage," Pelosi said. "You will be missed in the House of Representatives."

Her husband, Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, and mother, Gloria, watched.

Opinion: For Gabrielle Giffords, this is not an ending

Giffords, 41, was severely injured by an assassin's bullet that tore through her skull last year in a shooting in Tucson, Arizona, that left six people dead, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said Wednesday that "we are inspired, hopeful and blessed for the incredible progress that Gabby has made in her recovery." He called her "an inspiration to us and to all Americans."

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer added, "We've missed you. We are blessed in this house to be served by extraordinarily people, of which you are a perfect example."

Giffords sat in the front row between Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, and Dave Schweikert, R-Arizona. As each lawmaker rose to pay tribute to her, she shifted in her seat, turned toward each one and listened intently. After each speech, she stood, assisted by Wasserman Schultz and Schweikert. She raised her hand and pumped her fist in the air several times.

As Hoyer spoke about missing her, Giffords spoke up and said, "I miss you."

Giffords held Wasserman Schultz's hand as her colleague made her remarks.

"I am so proud of my friend, and it will always be one of the great treasures of my life to have met Gabby Giffords and to have served with her in this body," Wasserman Schultz said. "... I know, being able to be Gabby's voice today, that knowing her as well as I do, that the one thing that has not been said is that Gabby wants her constituents to know, her constituents who she loves so much in southern Arizona, that it has been the greatest professional privilege of her life to represent them, that she loves them as a fifth-generation Tucsonian, that her public service has meant a great deal to her, and that this is only a pause in that public service and that she will return one day."

Wasserman Schultz continued, "It has been one of the honors of my life and the most important thing to remember that no matter what we argue about here on this floor or in this country, that there is nothing more important than family and friendship, and that should be held on high above all else."

With the help of an aide, Giffords made her way to Boehner to hand in her letter of resignation while the House speaker's face trembled. He grabbed her hand and raised it as the two received a standing ovation.

"The tragic January 8th shooting in Tucson took the lives of six beautiful Americans and wounded 13 others, me included," said the letter to Boehner. "Not a day goes by that I don't feel grief for the lives lost and so many others torn apart.

"Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman embodied the best of America," the letter said. "Each died in their own way, they committed their lives to serving their families, community and country, and they died performing a basic but important act of citizenship that's at the heart of our greatness as a nation."

The three-term congresswoman cast her final vote on a bill that she and U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake introduced to try to crack down on illegal drug smuggling across the U.S. border. After casting her vote, Giffords looked up at the vote board in the chamber to see the green light next to her name.

The bill passed unanimously. After its passage, Giffords remained in the chamber as members lined up to say farewell, including former Rep. Gene Taylor, a Mississippi Democrat who lost in 2010. Taylor waited in line to hug Giffords.

As Giffords left the chamber, she ran into cloakroom attendant Ella Terry. Both women had tears on their faces as they embraced.

Giffords has made few public appearances since the shooting, but she cast a vote to raise the federal debt ceiling, and she also gave an interview to ABC's Diane Sawyer.

Her appearance Wednesday in the House was her second in two days. She received a 90-second standing ovation before President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

She has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation in Houston, according to her office.

Prosecutors accuse Jared Lee Loughner, 23, of carrying out the attack, which purportedly targeted Giffords during the constituent meet-and-greet event outside a supermarket.

Loughner could face the death penalty if convicted on charges of murdering six people -- including Roll, the chief federal judge of Arizona.

Loughner has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and has spent time on suicide watch while in custody. He is undergoing treatment in Springfield, Missouri.

Giffords' formal resignation, and her husband's apparent decision not to fill her seat, now makes the race in Arizona's 8th Congressional District largely up for grabs.

The remainder of Giffords' term is expected to be filled by the winner of a special election set by Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican.

One Great Reason To Unite Dems & Reps

2012-01-25T11:22:00.015-05:00

January 25th, 2012
01:01 AM ET

.. CNN's Dana Bash report.

Video: Standing with Gabby Giffords

Although Rep. Jeff Flake disagrees politically with Gabby Giffords, they stood together during President Obama's State of the Union address.

Rebuttal, Reactions And More

2012-01-25T10:41:00.034-05:00

January 25th, 2012
12:53 AM ET

Video: Obama adviser reacts to GOP rebuttal

David Plouffe says President Obama is focusing on governing and helping the middle class, not campaigning.

January 25th, 2012
12:41 AM ET

..

Video: KTH: President Obama's 2011 Promises kept?

Did the president keep the promises he made in his 2011 State of the Union address? CNN's Tom Foreman reports.

January 25th, 2012
12:38 AM ET

..

Video: Voters react to State of the Union

CNN's Tom Foreman uses dial testing to gauge voters reactions to President Obama's State of the Union address in real time.

State of the Union or Campaign Speech -- Both

2012-01-25T10:14:00.021-05:00

January 25th, 2012
12:35 AM ET

.. et al reporting.

Video: Obama lays out economic agenda

Anderson Cooper asks Candy Crowley, Ari Fleischer, Paul Begala, Roland Martin and David Gergen to weigh in on Obama's plans for the economy as outlined in his State of the Union address.

The State Of The Union

2012-01-25T09:49:00.034-05:00

January 24th, 2012
07:30 PM ET

.. Rebecca Sinderbrand reports.

Raw Politics: State of the Union, campaign-year edition
Tonight at 9 p.m. ET, Congress - just back from its Christmas break (yes, really) - will get an update on the state of our union. There is really only one answer to this question, the same way there’s only one answer when your great-aunt asks how you’re doing. It does not matter if you’ve just been dumped; if your dog has a bizarre and untreatable personality disorder; if your car still uses a tape deck, and the cassette permanently lodged in that tape deck is late-career Rick Astley. The answer to that question is always, always “fine.” And every year, no matter what, the President of the United States reports to Congress that the state of our union is “strong.”

The speech is, at heart, just a guide to what policies the White House wants to project as its priorities. Will President Obama see any of the proposals he’ll share tonight actually become law? If you’ve been watching any CNN at all, you know the answer to that question too: Probably not. And if they do, it won’t be be this Congress that passes them. Lawmakers have been publicly speculating that partisan gridlock may make this year’s session even more unproductive than last year’s, which was already the least productive of the post-World War II era. In other words: the most spectacular achievement we can probably expect out of Capitol Hill this year is a blazingly unprecedented new standard in unachievement.

So why do we care? Is it still worth tuning in tonight? Yes, it is.

For one thing: if you’re interested in this year’s White House race, it’s safe to consider this President Obama’s first big campaign address of 2012. What we’re likely to hear from him in the coming days, as he plugs his new agenda at stops in battlegrounds like Nevada and Colorado, will be previewed here tonight. We'll hear a more critical look at the same laundry list on the trail and on the debate stage this Thursday from the Republicans who'd like to replace him. And if he does win reelection, what we hear tonight is likely to provide the outlines of the agenda to expect from a second term.

Here at 360, our State of the Union coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET and runs through midnight ET. As a preview, here are some of the advance excerpts released by the White House this evening:

“Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.“

…

“….The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them.”

...

“As long as I’m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.

No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits. Tonight, I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.”

…

“Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a government and a financial system that do the same. It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody."

Divorce?

2012-01-24T19:11:00.058-05:00

Do You Have a Question or Story About Your Own Divorce?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 -- 5:01 AM

My version of Divorce.

My better version of NO Divorce.

Did today's show about "Man-imony" and divorce spark a question about your own divorce? Do you have a divorce story you want to share with Anderson and our producers? Share your story here.

MORE DIVORCE QUESTIONS

Are You Still Feeling the Pain of Your Parents' Divorce?
Are you an adult child of divorce? Did your parents get divorced years ago, but you still find ripples of the breakup in your life today?

Worried About the Impact of Your Divorce on Your Children?
Are you divorced or going through one right now? Do you worry about how it's impacting your children? Is your son or daughter becoming more distant?

Divorce Questions
Are you going through a divorce and have financial questions for an expert on alimony, child support or equity? What's your question?

State Of The Union Progress

2012-01-24T18:07:00.052-05:00

2011 State of the Union: A progress report

By Tom Foreman, CNN Correspondent

updated 6:09 PM EST, Tue January 24, 2012

Editor's note: Tune in to CNN, CNN.com/live, and the CNN mobile apps on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET to watch President Obama's State of the Union address. Prime-time coverage begins with Anderson Cooper at 8 p.m. followed by the address, the Republican response, and a full wrap-up with reaction and analysis anchored by Cooper at 10:30 ET on CNN.

Washington (CNN) -- A winter storm slammed the East Coast all the way from Maine down to D.C., leaving massive drifts of snow and skull-cracking cold. Power grids collapsed. Citizens wrapped themselves in layers of fleece like the townsfolk from "Dr. Zhivago."

Yet inside the Capitol, an unusual spirit of warmth greeted President Barack Obama's third State of the Union address. The still recent shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords prompted dozens of members to cross the aisle and sit among political foes in a show of solidarity. Some 43 million people tuned in on TV to hear the president lay out his assessments, hopes and dreams about how we could or would pull the nation out of its economic deep freeze.

In a far-ranging speech, he did just that: Talking up some of his signature items, such as clean energy, education, and health care. He also addressed growing concerns about the need for tax reform, deficit control, and of course foreign affairs. So how much of it heated up and moved forward, and how much remains on ice a year later?

Health care/IRS regulations

Republicans have never liked the president's health care reform plans. No secret there. So he invited them to tell him how it should be changed, and just to get the ball rolling, he made a proposal of his own:

"If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable," Obama said, "I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small business."

He was talking about a requirement that forced companies to expand their reporting to the Internal Revenue Service. It was a measure that pretty much everyone thought was wasteful and annoying, so Democrats and Republicans climbed on board, passing a bill to remove the regulation. The president signed it in April, making that a proposal accepted and a PROMISE KEPT.

Health care/malpractice

The president made it clear that he will not go along with broad GOP designs to dismantle health care reform. "Still," he said, "I am willing to look at other ideas to bring down costs, including one that Republicans suggested last year: Medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits."

The Congressional Budget Office has analyzed the impact of this idea and estimated that it would reduce the cost of care to the government in programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and in turn that would reduce deficits by about $50 billion over the next nine or 10 years.

But the legislation to make this happen got tangled up in bigger debates, and went nowhere. This one is not entirely dead, but it is certainly STALLED.

Oil company tax breaks

Rising gas prices, oil company profits, and the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico had many voters on the warpath, a circumstance not missed by Obama. "I'm asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies."

But just because you ask does not mean you will receive, especially in D.C.

In May, the Senate considered a Democrat-sponsored bill to cut oil company tax breaks by $2 billion annually. A few Democrats joined the Republican opposition; a couple of Republicans helped the Democrats, but in the end it failed by four votes.

So, adjusted for inflation, oil companies continue to enjoy $4.4 billion in tax breaks annually. Last year was the first ever that the average price of a gallon of gas never went below $3. Our cars are still running, but like an old DeSoto, this idea STALLED.

Earmarks

The president drew a few lines in the sand, and this was one of them. "If a bill comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it." True to his word, he has not signed any bills since containing earmarks -- at least, none we can find. He did not veto any either, however, because they never came his way.

The Senate Appropriations Committee declared an earmark moratorium; not just because of the veto threat, but also because the House said it would not approve any bills with earmarks. In any case, the president has often straddled this fence: He has been a sharp critic of earmarks but he also hassigned bills containing multiple pet projects, including a spending bill in 2009 that had almost $8 billion worth. So we'll have to say circumstances left this proposal a PROMISE KEPT, though only on a technicality.

Tuition tax credit

The cost of higher education jumped last year for many families, up as much as 20% in several states. Many local governments are in such economic straits that they can't help much, so the president turned to the legislative branch.

"I ask Congress to go further, and make permanent our tuition tax credit worth $10,000 for four years of college."

That did not come close to happening. Legislation extending the tuition tax credit did not even make it to the floor in either house of Congress. Proponents say that could change, however, since that temporary tax credit will expire at the end of this year increasing the political pressure for some kind of action. But for the moment, the idea is STALLED.

Iraq

More than eight years after the U.S. and coalition forces invaded Iraq, with thousands of U.S. lives lost and enormous sacrifice on the part of our military and their families, Obama told the American people that their troops were coming home. "This year, our civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq."

By the end of the year, the president had kept his word. The last U.S. troops crossed the Iraq border in December, marking the end of military combat operations. PROMISE KEPT.

Afghanistan

This one is trickier. "This year, we will work with nearly 50 countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead," the president said, "and this July, we will begin to bring our troops home."

Some troops have started coming home, true; so if you focus on only that narrow statement, you have to give the president credit. But there is a bigger picture that many critics insist must be considered. Right before Obama took office, 32,500 American troops were in Afghanistan. However, he approved two troop surges which doubled our military presence there. So by the time we vote for president again this fall, just under 70,000 will still be fighting among the poppy fields. For that reason, we have to call this pledge a WORK IN PROGRESS.

Transparency

This White House has promised from the start to be more open, more transparent about the way it does business, than any that we've seen before. For the tweeting president, that meant cueing the tech talk about a special new program in the West Wing. "Because you deserve to know exactly how and where your tax dollars are being spent, you'll be able to go to a website and get that information for the very first time in history."

The administration lit up the Federal Taxpayer Receipt project in April, on tax day. It can be found at whitehouse.gov under the taxes section, and you can indeed get a breakdown on where your tax dollars go. PROMISE KEPT.

Reorganizing government

One of the chief planks in the president's campaign platform was a promise to change the way Washington does business, and in his last State of the Union, he got specific. "In the coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, consolidate, and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America."

He did it, in the sense that after almost an entire year, he finally unveiled what he had in mind: combining six departments and agencies, all related to business, investments, or trade. It is a reorganization, but not nearly as broad as many of his critics expected, or arguably as robust as what he hinted was coming. This is a judgment call, but because of the timing and limited scope of what he finally came up, we will say this seems a WORK IN PROGRESS at best.

Bipartisanship

The president promised from the very start that he was the man who could get everyone to work together. He echoed that theme several times in his State of the Union in 2011, but with the 2012 address upon us, the two parties seem perhaps more deeply divided than ever before. You can't say that's all his fault, but it is absolutely an idea that has STALLED in a big way.

State Of The Union Tonite

2012-01-24T17:33:00.024-05:00

January 24th, 2012
01:38 PM ET

CNN Presents Live Coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union Address and GOP Response

Special Edition of AC 360 to Follow
Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer will lead CNN’s coverage of the State of the Union beginning at 8 pm tonight along with John King and Candy Crowley. President Obama’s State of the Union Address will begin at 9:00 pm. The GOP response with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will follow.

Blitzer and King will anchor the special coverage live from Capitol Hill, where chief political analyst Gloria Borger and senior political analyst David Gergen will provide analysis immediately following the address. In addition, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash will report live from inside the Capitol surrounding the address while chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin provides the latest reports and insights of the president’s remarks from the White House. Political contributors participating in tonight’s special coverage include Paul Begala, Ari Fleisher and Roland Martin.

A special edition of AC 360 will follow CNN’s State of the union coverage and analysis, and will air live until midnight.

CNNPolitics.com will offer extensive coverage and real-time analysis of the State of the Union address with live-blogging on the Political Ticker and reader interaction on CNN iReport. Additionally, the address will be live-streamed on CNN.com/Live, via the CNN App for, iPhone and Android.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

All Times Eastern

Misleading Fucking PACs

2012-01-24T17:12:00.026-05:00

CNN Launches In Depth Series On Super PACs In 2012 Election

First Posted: 01/24/2012 -- 11:45 am | Updated: 01/24/2012 -- 11:45 am

CNN is launching a weeklong series that takes an in-depth look at super PACs and the influence of money in the election.

The series starts on Tuesday and will air daily on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, John King USA and throughout prime time on Anderson Cooper 360, Piers Morgan Tonight and Erin Burnett OutFront. The subject of super PAC funding for misleading ads has been a prominent issue in debates.

CNN's managing editor Mark Whitaker introduced the network's series in a column on Tuesday, referencing Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart's fun with super PACs and writing, "It's become an easy talking point that this will be the most expensive presidential race in history, and that super PACs could tip the outcome."

The network will be profiling some of the biggest players in the fundraising war, including the Las Vegas billionaire who wrote the $5 million check that funded a huge ad campaign against Mitt Romney in South Carolina, and the Democratic PACs that are -- and are not -- supporting President Obama in 2012. The series will also look at how much money it takes to run a political campaign, and how much candidates stand to make once in office.

Andrew And Paula's Diabetes

2012-01-24T15:49:00.022-05:00

Chef Andrew Zimmern on Paula Deen Controversy

Duration: 01:19 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 24, 2012

Description: Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods," weighs in on the recent Paula Deen media storm about keeping her Type 2 diabetes secret for three years, and then going public and promoting a diabetes medication.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxzE9nDj0vQ

What Else Can I Say About Dr. Cute Dow

2012-01-24T14:10:00.067-05:00

What to Do If You Have a Dangerous Obsession

Monday, January 23, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

After taping today's show, Dr. Mike Dow, Behavioral Expert and Author of "The Diet Rehab," shares the first thee steps to take if you notice an obsession or compulsion that is becoming a problem…

Step 1: Come Clean.
Tell someone about your problem. Admitting that you have a problem is often the first step. If it’s going to a 12-step meeting, talking to a therapist, telling your significant other or telling a trusting friend, that will help you take the next step.

Dr. Dow says, “You’re as sick as your secrets.”

Step 2: Find Someone to Support You
Finding someone who can support you is essential for treating any sort of compulsion or addiction.

Step 3: Ask Yourself...
Ask yourself, “What is it that I really need in my life that I am not getting?” All of the people who have additions or compulsions that I have treated, it’s never shopping, never food — it is over companionship, a sense of love, a sense of purpose in the work.

For a list of dopamine and serotonin-boosting activities, visit Dr. Mike’s website, Dr. Mike Dow.

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Cut Up Credit Cards
Most compulsive shoppers find their shopping to be a problem because their habits are putting them into debt. A great way to end the impulse buying is by cutting up credit cards. When shoppers have to use actual money that is draining from their checking account almost immediately, they are less likely to spend money.

Keep a Daily Log
Dr. Dow suggests that compulsive shoppers record each and every item they buy. Most shoppers aren’t aware of just how much they’re spending. While Dana believes she spends about $50,000 per year on shopping, her husband says it is truthfully 2 or 3 times more than that. By keeping a daily log, shoppers will become aware of just how much money they’re draining away. Being conscious of concrete numbers is an incentive to cut back.

Find a New Hobby
Some obsessive shoppers shop because it is their form of relief, or because they are bored. Dr. Dow suggests finding another hobby or activity that releases the same sense of relief or stimulation that shopping offers. Start volunteering at a soup kitchen, or join a local sports team or book club. Not only will this keep you preoccupied during the time you might otherwise spend shopping, it will also help fulfill the emotional needs otherwise fulfilled by shopping.

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Cute Dr. Mike Dow After The Show

2012-01-24T13:14:00.053-05:00

After 'Obsessions': The Conversation Continues...

Monday, January 23, 2012 -- 10:13 AM

After taping Anderson's "Has Your Obsession Gone Too Far?" show, Dr. Mike Dow answers questions from our audience about daily compulsions.

Is hoarding newspapers an addiction? Should parents be concerned about their teen developing a cell phone obsession? See more from after today's episode…

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What did you learn from today's show? Could you relate in any way to Dana's shopping obsession? Have you had a loved one whose obsession jeopardized the family relationship or finances? Anderson wants to hear from you -- continue the conversation below.

What did I learn?... Nothing. I'm still obsessed with you know whom... whoms... (is there such a word as "whoms"? -- Also, Do you use "whom" or "who" in this case? I'll have to ask Dr. Dow about it.)

The photo caption says it all: "Anderson, Am I Obsessed?"
Of course you are Dr. Dow! Of course you are! It's Anderson you are dealing with, how could you not be obsessed? You are in good hands though.

Watch AC 360° From Anywhere!

2012-01-24T12:43:00.018-05:00

CNN.com's revolutionary video launch

CNN | Added on July 18, 2011

CNN's Brooke Baldwin and Alison Kosik demonstrate the new CNN.com/video mobile app.

Come To Think of It...

2012-01-24T12:12:00.040-05:00

...Puppet Court would not be such a bad idea. I would watch Judge Judy if they make it a puppet show. Heck! Anderson could make a cameo appearance once in a while like when he showed up a while back to explain the letter "G" (example: "G" as in "Gay").

January 23rd, 2012
11:11 PM ET

Video: The Puppets' Court on the RidicuList

A local television station assigns a squirrel puppet to go where cameras can’t. Court is in session on the RidicuList.

A Tornado In January!?

2012-01-24T11:51:00.026-05:00

January 23rd, 2012
11:09 PM ET

.. and Handsome, Sexy CNN Meteorologist Reynolds Wolf report.

Video: Deadly tornado destroys 200+ homes

CNN Meteorologist Reynolds Wolf reports from Alabama on the aftermath of a deadly storm that struck the state.

After All, The Liar Newt Did Have Connections With F Mac

2012-01-24T11:10:00.022-05:00

January 23rd, 2012
11:20 PM ET

Video: KTH: Gingrich releases Freddie Mac info

New questions after Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich releases some–but not all–of his multi-year consulting contract with mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Just what exactly was he paid an estimated $1.7 million dollars to do? Anderson Cooper is Keeping Them Honest.

Rep. Gabby Giffords Recuperating Well

2012-01-24T10:49:00.028-05:00

January 23rd, 2012
11:25 PM ET

..

Video: Gupta explains Giffords' recovery

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta describes the hurdles that remain for gunshot victim Rep. Gabby Giffords.

January 23rd, 2012
11:28 PM ET

Video: Gabrielle Giffords stepping down

CNN's Anderson Cooper reports Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is resigning to focus on her recovery.

The Devil/Father Of Cancerous Politics

2012-01-24T10:08:00.050-05:00

January 23rd, 2012
11:18 PM ET

.. Gorgeous CNN's Drew Griffin reports.

Video: Super PACs dominating politics

CNN's Drew Griffin reports on the growing clout of political super PACs in U.S. elections.

The real Devil Jimmy Boop Boop Bopp at ease at home.

I sure hope CNN paid plenty of money to cute Drew Griffin for having
to investigate this creature Devil Jim Boop.

Monaco & Flowers On The Wall

2012-01-23T18:42:00.035-05:00

No News Is Good News

2012-01-23T15:13:00.035-05:00

There isn't much to report on Anderson, especially because there is no AC360 on Sundays and I am just sitting here waiting for Dr. Mike Dow to show up on 'Anderson' on whom I will definitely report
about tomorrow. So I decided to take the rest of the day off except for the
art work (if that is what is called) at the end of the day, perhaps.
Enjoy cutest Dr. Dow & Anderson and your time off too.

Laugh Like Lebowski -- ¡Que Ridiculo! Remix

2012-01-23T13:17:00.016-05:00

Lebowski vs Anderson Cooper (¡Que ridiculo! Remix)

Duration: 01:27 min.

From: alcala323

Added: Aug 27, 2011

Description: You see what happens? You see what happens when you're stuck inside all day.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAJQXiMRAzk

Meet Handsome Elgin

2012-01-23T12:09:00.027-05:00

Meet-the-Team-Member Monday: Elgin

[He reminds me of a short, short, short hair version of Heath Ledger. Just thought you'd like to know]

1. What do you do at “Anderson”?
I’m Anderson’s field DP/shooter.

2. What is your best memory from a show taping?
When I was on it! My family and I were on the episode with John Edward.

3. What was the last movie you saw?
Moneyball. It was awesome. I like how they get into the psychology of the character.

4. What was the last song to get stuck in your head?
“Over My Dead Body” by Drake.

5. Do you have a secret talent?
I can do really good impressions of people.

6. Three people, one dinner: who do you invite?
Eminem, Dalai Lama, and Eva Mendes.

7. If you could take Anderson to any spot in NYC, where would it be and why?
No Malice Palace, because they play the best hip-hop on Friday nights. It’s a really cool vintage hip-hop spot.

8. What book are you currently reading?“The Art of Choosing” by Sheena Iyengard

9. What are three items you can’t live without?
My iPhone, it does everything for me. My running shoes, and my CANON 5D.

10. Do you think girls are growing up too fast?
I think girls put too much pressure on themselves to grow up too fast.

Cherry Blossoms & Roses & Anderson

2012-01-22T16:39:00.022-05:00

Hot 5, Six Including Anderson

2012-01-22T14:44:00.009-05:00

This Week's Hot 5

Friday, January 20, 2012 -- 8:58 PM

Some of Anderson's Favorite Books

What are some of your favorite books? Share your suggestions with Anderson.

10 Ways to Use Body Language to Get What You Want

Communications Expert Janine Driver gives you 10 forms of body language that will help you out in a variety of situations.

Farnoosh's Tips for Scoring Your Own Hidden Money

Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi's tips for finding secret money in your own home.

Photos! Pageant Girl Paisley

Pageant photos and photos at home with 'Toddlers & Tiaras' contestant Paisley.

Peggy's Recommended Reads for Raising Happy & Healthy Daughters

Author Peggy Orenstein shares her list of recommended reading for daughters everywhere, to help them combat conflicting messages their surroundings may convey.

And my favorite:

What to do when you get bullied by Pee Wee Herman?

Let Anderson explain how Handsomeness cannot be taken away with one beat. Not even from Pee Wee Herman.

Think Like Anderson

2012-01-22T13:43:00.047-05:00

Apple "Think Different" Television Spot
(My Version) [Joshua Andrew Davies version]

Duration: 01:00 min.

From: JoshuaAndrewDavies

Added: May 27, 2010

Description: Apple's famous "Think Different" television spot altered to represent my personal heroes.

Cast (listed in order of appearance):
George Lucas
Edward Michael "Bear" Grylls
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi aka "Kid Cudi"
Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim
Tiga Sontag
Paul Reubens as Pee Wee Herman
M. Night Shyamalan
Luke Sullivan
Anderson Cooper
Daft Punk
Angelina Jolie
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton
John Forbes Nash, Jr.
J.K. Rowling
Fleetwood Mac
Marcel Duchamp
Marc Jacobs

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTb6fN4Fqkc

Two Thumbs Waaay Up! for including Anderson receiving his medal for bringing the 2010 Haiti earthquake disaster to the world. Bravo, Joshua! Bravo, Anderson!

01-23-12 -- 01-27-12

2012-01-22T13:08:00.140-05:00

Has Your Obsession Gone Too Far? Shopaholic Mom Destroying Family

Monday, January 23, 2012

What do you do when an obsession takes control of someone you love?

Anderson meets a mom whose compulsive shopping is tearing her family apart. Her daughter wrote to the show, desperately asking for Anderson's help. Worried their mother is not listening to their concerns and ruining their family, both daughters wish their mother would have a significant college fund for them, instead of spending upward of $150,000 on hoarding possessions. Her daughters are desperate to help her. Can she be saved?

Obsessed with your daily coffee? Obsessed with makeup? Obsessed with collecting something unusual? Are you unable to stop an addictive behavior? Find out if your passions or compulsions might really be dangerous obsessions. Start the conversation early: what compulsive or obsessive behaviors are part of your daily routine?

Behavioral Expert [Cute] Dr. Mike Dow tells viewers the top signs of a dangerous compulsion, tips to avoid the behavior, and what steps you can take to stop it.

Plus, before watching the show, take [cute, cute, cute] Dr. Dow's "Am I Obsessed?" [Am I Obsessed? three times "cute" -- for lack of space -- Am I Obsessed?] Quiz and play along with the audience.

Man-imony: Should Women Have to Pay Alimony to Their Ex-Husbands?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Anderson explores the rising trend of "man-imony," in which women are court-ordered to pay alimony to their ex-husbands.

In a daytime exclusive, Anderson speaks with Crystal Harris, who explains why after being sexually and physically assaulted by her husband for years, she is now forced to pay him $1,000 monthly in alimony, in addition to having already paid approximately $47,000 in his legal fees.

Anderson speaks with several other women currently paying "man-imony," as well as experts who provide tips on what women can do to protect their money from their exes.

Plus, find out the number one thing women do wrong when it comes to money.

Should You Call the Cops on Your Kids?

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Would you call the police on your own kids? Are parents turning over parenting to police? Anderson speaks with moms who claim that they were so overwhelmed by their children's behavior that they actually called the cops to have them arrested.

Meet a mother who claims her daughter ruined her life... and mom wound up in jail as a result of involving law enforcement. Then, meet another mom who called police when one daughter bit the other. Are these children out of control, or are these moms bad parents?

Anderson also talks to a police captain who says he gets calls from parents all the time... even to get their kids out of bed! Should police resources be used for this?

Plus, meet the woman who has been dubbed "America's Worst Mom," Lenore Skenazy, who made global headlines when she let her then 9-year-old son ride the subway in New York City alone. Skenazy discusses helping "helicopter" moms raise "free-range kids" on her new show, TLC International's "World's Worst Moms."

Your Family's Secret Life: 'Sex Addiction' & 'Shocking Teen Trends Uncovered'

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Anderson explores the secrets family members keep, including a hidden addiction many experts say is on the rise: porn. Anderson is joined by an expert who provides tips to discover if your own spouse is hiding secrets, and explains the difference between a healthy sexual appetite and an addiction.

[My own equal opportunity graphic for Family's Secrets, Sex Addiction, AnderAddiction, Love, Sex, Scandals, in fact, anything you can find in the National Enquirer and more!]

Plus, Anderson investigates new drug trends among teenagers -- that all parents need to be aware of -- from synthetic marijuana to bath salts, to gummy bears soaked in alcohol and more.

What Does Confessed Murderer Joran van der Sloot's 'Guardian Angel' Say Now? Plus, Anderson Surprised by a Special Guest

Friday, January 27, 2012

Just days after Joran van der Sloot pled guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Stefany Flores in Peru, Mary Hamer, his self-appointed "guardian angel," responds to his confession and reveals why she still believes he's innocent.

Hamer also exclusively shares intimate letters exchanged with van der Sloot as he awaits sentencing.

Plus, a mystery guest surprises Anderson! [No, it's not me, I promise.]

A Tradition Not Marked In My Calendar -- Ever!

2012-01-22T12:07:00.012-05:00

"Plungers" ran quickly in and out

WBZ | Added on January 22, 2012

"Plungers" sprinted in and out of 35 degree water at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning.

The More Gingrich Wins, The Better Chances For An Obama Re-election

2012-01-22T11:08:00.021-05:00

Gingrich gains momentum heading into Florida

By Shawna Shepherd, CNN Political Producer

updated 1:43 AM EST, Sun January 22, 2012

(CNN) -- Newt Gingrich told supporters chanting, "USA, USA," at his South Carolina primary victory party on Saturday night that they had captured the heart of his campaign.

"The fact is we want to run not a Republican campaign -- we want to run an American campaign," he said.

Gingrich swept the Palmetto State by wooing many voters with two strong debate performances, but the former House speaker told the 500-strong crowd that it wasn't his debating skills that propelled him to victory but his message.

"People actually misunderstand what's going on. It's not that I am a good debater. It is that I know how to articulate the deepest-felt values of the American people," he said.

He described what he thought led to standing ovations during the Myrtle Beach and Charleston debates this week.

"So many people who are so concerned about jobs, about medical costs, about the everyday parts of life and who feel that the elites in Washington and New York have no understanding, no care, no concern, no reliability, and in fact do not represent them at all," he said.

"The American people feel that they have elites who have been trying for half a century to force us to quit being American and become some kind of other system.".

Gingrich announced a new campaign slogan as he prepared to compete in Florida against former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Gingrich: S.C. 'decided to be with us in changing Washington'

"We believe as our new sign -- which just got made today points out -- that if we unleash the American people, we can rebuild the America that we love," he said. The candidate who's been counted out of this race at least a couple times might be the one who disrupts Mitt Romney's hopes of clinching the Republican nomination.

In less than two weeks, Gingrich surged from a double-digit deficit to a double-digit win in South Carolina -- the state in which the winner has gone on to capture the Republican presidential nomination since 1980.

Eleven days after Gingrich had finished fifth in the New Hampshire primary he referred to himself as the "comeback grandfather." At a press availability in Manchester on January 8 he said, "I've been the tortoise for the whole campaign."

As he was making a slow play for the nomination, Gingrich was laying the groundwork for a South Carolina victory, casting Romney as the "Massachusetts moderate" and himself the conservative standard-bearer who could beat Barack Obama.

"You're not going to beat a billion dollar machine with dishonesty, with somebody who is inarticulate or confused or doesn't quite know where they stand," Gingrich said in Rock Hill January 11.

At a campaign stop in Duncan on January 13, he warned against voting for his conservative competitors Rick Santorum and Rick Perry, who dropped out on Thursday.

"If we end up splitting the conservative vote, we're going to stumble into nominating somebody that 95% of the people in this room are going to be very uncomfortable with."

The debates have kept the Gingrich campaign on life support when it was down and fueled his steady surge, and in the case of South Carolina, his debate performances this week clinched a critical primary win that gives the candidate the needed juice to move onto Florida.

The Partial End Of A Sex Scandal

2012-01-22T10:32:00.034-05:00

Legendary Penn State coach Paterno dead at 85

By the CNN Wire Staff

updated 10:33 AM EST, Sun January 22, 2012

State College, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Joe Paterno, whose tenure as the most successful coach in major college football history ended abruptly in November amid allegations that he failed to respond forcefully enough to a sex abuse scandal involving a former assistant, died Sunday, a family spokesman said. He was 85.

The longtime Penn State head coach was diagnosed with what his family had called a treatable form of lung cancer shortly after the university's Board of Trustees voted to fire him.

He had been hospitalized in December after breaking his pelvis in a fall at his home and again in January for what his son called minor complications from his cancer treatments.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today," the family statement said. "His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled."

Paterno, who was affectionately known as "JoePa" by generations of his players and football fans alike, was widely admired in football circles for what he called his "Grand Experiment" -- his expectation that big-time college football players could succeed on the field while upholding high academic and moral standards away from the gridiron.

Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions won two national championships, went undefeated five times and finished in the top 25 national rankings 35 times, according to his official Penn State biography.

At the same time, the program never fell under NCAA sanctions for major infractions while producing 13 Academic All-Americans since 2006. In 2009, according to the university, the Nittany Lions posted an 85% graduation rate.

"The acclaim for Joe Paterno has stemmed largely from the contrast between the high academic and moral standards he has tried to exemplify and the shameless conduct that often embarrasses and dishonors the college sport he cherishes," author Michael O'Brien wrote in a 1999 biography of Paterno, "No Ordinary Joe."

Paterno was born in 1926 in Brooklyn to second-generation Italian immigrants, according to O'Brien's book.

He attended Brown University, where he played quarterback and cornerback, according to another Penn State biography.

He coached at Penn State as an assistant from 1950 to 1965 and became head coach in 1966.

Decked out in his soon-to-become trademark thick glasses, white socks and sneakers, Paterno quickly became a memorable fixture on the football field, leading the Nittany Lions to undefeated seasons in 1968, 1969 and again in 1973 and the first national championship of his tenure in 1982.

Named National Coach of the Year five times, Paterno was added to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, but his induction was delayed until 2007 because of injuries he suffered in a sideline collision.

He became the winningest coach in major college football history in 2011 with 409 victories.

In addition to his exploits on the sidelines, Paterno had a significant impact on the university's academic programs.

Paterno and his wife, Suzanne, donated more than $4 million to the university over the years for faculty endowments, scholarships and building projects, according to the university.

"Penn State has been very good to both Sue and me," he said in 1998, according to his university biography.

Honored with glowing words of praise from players and presidents alike -- President Ronald Reagan said Paterno never forgot that "he is a teacher who's preparing his students not just for the season, but for life," according to a university biography -- he received the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame Distinguished American Award in 1991.

In doing so, he became the first active coach to do so, according to the biography.

"What are coaches?" he said at the dinner celebrating his award, according to his university biography. "Number one, we're teachers and we're educators. We have the same obligation as all teachers at our institutions, expect we probably have more influence over our young people than anyone other than their families," he said.

It was his perceived failure to meet those obligations that led to his downfall as the only coach many Penn State football fans had ever known.

In October, state authorities charged two university officials with misleading investigators and failing to report alleged sexual abuse in 2002, after a Penn State assistant told a grand jury he saw former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky performing what appeared to be anal sex on a boy in a shower at the football complex.

The assistant reported it to Paterno the next day, who said he passed the report along to then-Athletic Director Tim Curley and another university executive, Gary Schultz.

Curley and Schultz left their positions shortly after the grand jury report was revealed. The next month, the university fired Paterno and Penn State President Graham Spanier.

At the time, he said in a statement released by his son, Scott Paterno, that he was "distraught" over the sex abuse scandal.

In an interview with the Washington Post published January 14, Paterno said that he felt inadequate to deal with the allegations.

"I didn't know exactly how to handle it and I was afraid to do something that might jeopardize what the university procedure was," the Post quoted him as saying. "So I backed away and turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn't work out that way."

Sunday Comix -- 01-23-12

2012-01-22T09:46:00.031-05:00

A Cat Walk, Daisies, Cherries and Credit

2012-01-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

Take Cute Dr. Dow's Taste Before Monday

2012-01-21T16:14:00.033-05:00

Take Dr. Dow's Obsession Quiz!

Saturday, January 21, 2012 -- 3:35 AM

Here is your homework before watching Monday's all-new episode of "Anderson"...

Do you suspect your passion may be more of an obsession? On Monday, Behavioral Expert Dr. Mike Dow tells viewers the top signs of a dangerous compulsion, tips to avoid the behavior, and what steps you can take to stop it.

Before you tune-in on Monday, take this quiz and be ready to learn about the results along with Anderson and the studio audience…

This information is provided for entertainment/informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice, examination or diagnosis.

Telling Stories

2012-01-21T15:00:00.017-05:00

What Story Is on Your Must-Do List? (Ask Anderson)

Saturday, January 21, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Bridget, a community member from Yahoo Shine, asks Anderson, "What is it that you love about being a journalist? What is one story that you haven't reported or interviewed that is on your must-do list?"

video platform video management video solutions video player

Remember Glenda Jackson?

2012-01-21T14:00:00.075-05:00

Where were you in 1976?

Magazine delivered 36 years later

WPLG | Added on January 19, 2012

A Ms. Magazine from 1976 shows up in one Florida man's mailbox. WPLG reports.

In case you are too young (you bête noire), Glenda Jackson was a great British actress, one of my favorite actresses of all time. Now a British Labour Party politician, she was the star in many of Ken Russell's (who recently passed away) stupendous movies, although, her most memorable movie was not one of Ken Russell's: "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (1971), memorable because it was the first movie to depict two men kissing, cutie Murray Head and older Peter Finch. Memorable!

She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress: for "Women in Love" (1969) and "A Touch of Class" (1973), and two Emmy Awards for her work.

What To Do If You Win The Lottery!

2012-01-21T13:27:00.038-05:00

...Give 10% to Peter. Right Away! Thank You.

Got Instant Money? Here's What to Do with It...

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Yahoo Financial Expert Farnoosh Torabi says if you come across surprise money -- a tax return, a settlement, an unexpected severance, here's her blueprint for how you should manage your cash...

50% - Pay down debt! Farnoosh says, not necessarily your mortgage, but if you have any outstanding credit card debt, start here. If you don't have debt, then you can skip and put 90% into savings (to help pay for retirement and future big purchases like a home or college education) and 10% towards FUN.

40% - Build up savings! "If you don’t have at least a 9 to 10-month saving cushion to help pay your bills, in case you lose your job or have a financial setback, bulk up that account." She says if your retirement needs extra padding, contribute some to that as well.

10% - Treat yourself! Farnoosh says to buy something pretty and help the economy. You earned it. Try to buy something that will retain value if you need to resell it.

Get Farnoosh's Tips for Scoring Your Own Hidden Money

Now, This Is What I Call Truthiness In Politics!

2012-01-21T12:21:00.019-05:00

Colbert makes fun of the GOP candidates

CNN | Added on January 20, 2012

Stephen Colbert compares Mitt Romney to a statue and Ron Paul to Rumpelstiltskin at a rally for Cain in South Carolina.

Trojans, Beavers, Game Cocks [or Just Plain Cocks]

2012-01-21T11:49:00.020-05:00

January 20th, 2012
10:21 PM ET

Video: RidicuList: Cougar controversy

A battle over what's in a name claws its way onto the RidicuList, with help from a special appearance at our College of Charleston broadcast location.

Adding Insult To Injury

2012-01-21T11:18:00.029-05:00

January 20th, 2012
10:25 PM ET

.. and Georgia Ananias, Survivor report.

Video: Concordia survivor speaks out

From Italy, stunning new details on the Costa Concordia disaster about what the captain and crew were doing after the ship hit rocks. Anderson spoke with a survivor who almost didn’t escape.

Anderson interviews Georgia Ananias

And Then There Were Four... Four Too Many

2012-01-21T10:57:00.066-05:00

January 20th, 2012
11:50 PM ET

Video: Dirty SC politics

Newt Gingrich becomes the target of fake e-mails sent to South Carolina GOP voters in an attempt to destroy his pre-primary surge. AC360’s Tom Foreman reports on South Carolina’s dirty politics.

Oh, so dreamy... Oh, so dumb!

January 20th, 2012
10:10 PM ET

Video: Post-debate aftershocks

A vote of consequences? As the South Carolina primary looms following the CNN Debate, Mitt Romney finds he has an eroding advantage.

But... Not Even Santorum Can Beat The King!With his lips so purple from the South Carolina cold!

Getting Ready For The Disaster... I Mean, The Republicans

2012-01-21T10:16:00.023-05:00

January 20th, 2012
11:25 PM ET

.. et al report.

Video: Lead-up to the SC primary

It’s primary day in South Carolina and there are signs Newt Gingrich is surging in the GOP presidential race there and may win. Anderson talked it over with Ari Fleisher, former press secretary for Pres. George W. Bush, Erick Erickson, editor-in-chief of RedState.com and political analyst Roland Martin.

Sky and Sketch

2012-01-20T19:05:00.032-05:00

Is There A Ball Like This For Boys?

2012-01-20T18:19:00.042-05:00

Not that I plan to attend, mind you...

Anti-Purity Ball: Jessica Valenti on Fighting Sexualization

Duration: 00:53 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 20, 2012

Description: Jessica Valenti, (http://jessicavalenti.com/) Founder of Feministing.com (http://feministing.com/) and author of three books, created the documentary film "The Purity Myth," in which she explored the cultural phenomenon of purity balls and the effect it is having on young women, our culture and even politics.

"My concern is that we're fighting sexualization with more sexualization," Jessica says. "My worry is that by having kind of virginity pledges and purity balls, you're focusing so much on girls' virginity, you're still sexualizing them."

Jessica also argues that much of the reason behind why girls have embraced the purity "trend" is because they see no other alternative to the hyper-sexualized pop culture in which young women are so heavily immersed.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_V8_kUVynQ

It's All The Newt's Fault

2012-01-20T17:10:00.039-05:00

CNN Analyst: Newt Gingrich, John King Exchange Is 'One of the Most Explosive' in Debate History (Video)

9:49 PM PST 1/19/2012 by Paul Bond

The debate moderator explains why he asked the presidential hopeful about his former wife and David Gergen says the candidate's answer was one of the "harshest attacks" on media in modern history.

Newt Gingrich’s opening salvo against “elite media” during Thursday night’s CNN debate was “one of the most explosive moments that we have seen in debate history,” political analyst David Gergen told Anderson Cooper.

After CNN ended its debate between the Republican presidential candidates, Cooper hosted a roundtable discussion of what had transpired and much of the discussion was focused on the first question from debate host John King and Gingrich’s fiery answer.

“It was one of the harshest attacks we’ve had on the press that I can remember in a long, long time,” Gergen told Cooper and the other panelists.

Video is below.

King’s question concerned an ABC News Nightline segment Thursday where Marianne Gingrich spoke ill of her ex-husband. Newt Gingrich called the question “trash” and blasted King and CNN for opening the debate with it, then accused the media in general of attacking Republicans in order to defend Democrats and President Barack Obama.

After the debate, Cooper asked King about the exchange.

“I have been covering politics for 25 years,” King said. “ I understood that if I asked the question, he was not going to be happy with it, and he was going to turn on me. Knew that coming in.   Again, you make a judgment call.”

“Of course he's going to attack us,” King continued. “I don't take that personally. We had a nice conversation afterwards. I've had a long relationship with the speaker. We don't always get along, but I get how the business works.”

Take A Look At This!!!

2012-01-20T15:46:00.001-05:00

Photos taken at the "Garden Studio Sports Lounge & Grill" in Haiti during what they call "Sound Therapy Saturdays". Enjoy! Anderson & Benjamin seem to be having a ball. It's good to see them together in a semi vacation.

Thanks to my super secret agent Cwm368 from YouTube for the tip on this great treasure.

Money Hidden In Your Home

2012-01-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Farnoosh's Tips for Scoring Your Own Hidden Money

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Not everyone is lucky enough to win the lottery, but that doesn't mean you can't find some hidden treasure! Whether it's tapping into your own items at home or appealing to the government, there is "secret" money all over.

Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi knows just where to look when it comes to uncovering hidden money. She mentions some of her tips on the show, but we have even more tips for how you can find secret money that Farnoosh didn't mention on TV.

Click through for her advice on where you can go to claim your own riches.

Farnoosh's Tips for Scoring Your Own Hidden Money

Cash in Items Around the House

Most people have old items around the house that they don’t even realize are valuable. Farnoosh recommends people look through their junk drawers for items that may be worth money. In particular, electronics — such as old iPods, cell phones or Discmans — will be lucrative. You can sell these items online at websites like Gazelle.com or NextWorth.com. Stores such as Target and Staples will also let you trade in old electronics for store gift cards.

Animals Have Feelings Too!

2012-01-20T13:51:00.065-05:00

WJW's P.J. Ziegler interviews a Ohio cow about the comforts of a waterbed.
January 20th, 2012
06:10 AM ET
Gotta Watch: When animals steal the spotlight
Post by: CNN's Matt Abshire

If CNN affiliate WJW showed us anything, it’s that animals can easily captivate any audience. After a day of hard news from around the globe or in the political arena, sometimes you just want a cow on a waterbed, right? But luckily for their reporter, these farm animals didn’t turn on him and ruin his live shot. The same can’t be said for some journalists who found out the hard way that animals love to steal the spotlight. Laugh all you want at these videos but heed their warning: humans aren’t the only ones who crave attention.

Friendly dog overwhelms reporter — Poor Randene Neill. All she wanted to do was help out a few shelter dogs in need of a good home. Of course, she didn’t realize her friendly gesture would be taken too enthusiastically. While Neill tries to speak with the shelter owner, Ginger the dog ignores modern conventions of restraint and lavishes her love on the reporter the only way she knows how: licking.

Snake slithers into reporter's pants — KCCI meteorologist Kurtis Gertz promises snakes aren’t scary. Of course, after some crowds watched how one python quickly grew attached to the reporter, maybe they’ll choose scary over creepy. Whether it’s a slithery kiss or a frisky tail, Gertz learns quickly that when a snake is given the chance, it’ll make any crowd discussion “memorable.”

Camel attacks local reporter — Reporters are used to those who disagree with their story coverage, but camels are much more vicious then humans when they show their displeasure. As WWBT’s Tara Morgan discovered while discussing a report surrounding injured farm animals, when a camel wants the attention, it will do anything it can to get it.

Anderson has had his own encounters of the animal kind, watch this; this is only one of many doggie adventures Anderson has had with dogs... and a llama:

Today's Santorum's Day

2012-01-20T13:15:00.020-05:00

January 19th, 2012
11:31 PM ET

..

Video: KTH: President Obama won't cut a penny?

Former Sen. Rick Santorum questions President Obama's deficit reduction efforts. CNN's Tom Foreman reports.

Santorum, Santorum and... Santorum, The Looser

2012-01-20T12:24:00.059-05:00

January 19th, 2012
11:17 PM ET

.. Gloria Borger reports.

Video: Santorum: Gingrich not focused

After the debate, Rick Santorum tells CNN's Gloria Borger that Newt Gingrich is not an effective leader.

He's soooo cute. Too bad he's soooo dumb...

January 19th, 2012
11:21 PM ET

.. and John King report.

Video: SC debate fiery and fierce

The four GOP candidates face off in several tense exchanges over health care, tax records and their vision for America.

"Happy"? He Should Have Answered The Question

2012-01-20T10:53:00.017-05:00

January 19th, 2012
10:20 PM ET

Video: Gingrich: 'I'm happy with the debate'

Newt Gingrich tells CNN's Anderson Cooper he was 'happy' with the debate on Thursday in South Carolina.

The Elephant In The Room

2012-01-20T10:12:00.036-05:00

I saw the debate and my mouth fell to the floor, which it shouldn't, knowing the way republicans are. I knew about the claims the former Mrs. Gingrich had been saying recently and I wanted to hear Newt's response to that question. What I didn't expect was his reaction to John King for asking it (at the beginning of the debate or at the end, Newt's outburst would have been the same, that was probably the only way for him to get out of it -- the question went unanswered).

In the video below I think that David Gergen puts Gingrich's explosion in the best possible perspective.

January 19th, 2012
11:29 PM ET

.. John King and David gergen report.

Video: King explains opening Gingrich question

John King says that it was his decision to ask Gingrich about his ex-wife's allegation; David Gergen weighs in on the issue.

Five Times In A Blue Moon

2012-01-19T17:57:00.031-05:00

Happy Birthday, Dolly

2012-01-19T17:12:00.031-05:00

Anderson: 'I Love Me Some Dolly Parton!'

Thursday, January 19, 2012 -- 4:59 AM

She's a country music legend, singer, songwriter and superstar... today the one and only Dolly Parton joins Anderson in the studio to celebrate her 66th birthday. The music trailblazer is talking about her new movie, "Joyful Noise," and answering all kinds of audience questions -- about everything from her early days in Tennessee to the number of wigs she takes with her on tour.

"I was a poor girl... I always wanted to be pretty," Dolly tell Anderson. "There was a town trap, the lady who walks the street in our hometown (everyone has one), but I thought she was the prettiest thing I ever seen."

"Your look was modeled on..." says Anderson.

"The town tramp! That’s the truth!" insisted Dolly.

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Did you know Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus' godmother? She says she doesn’t get to see her as often as she’d like, but that she's a "special gal." Take a look...

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Like Anderson, Dolly is very thrifty and likes to go to Walmart. "When you go to Walmart," says Anderson, "does the place go bananas?" See her response...

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A '60s Sitcom Becomes True Today

2012-01-19T15:31:00.097-05:00

Meet the 'Bayou Billionaires': Family, Fun & Filthy Rich!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

It's a modern-day rags to riches story. They are now the stars of CMT’s new reality show, "Bayou Billionaires" the Dowdens of Shreveport, Louisiana recently discovered that their home sits on the fourth largest natural gas deposit in the United States.

From ATVs to swimming pools, after years of pinching pennies and balancing budgets, this over-the-top family is finally enjoying the finer things in life, sparing no expense.

If you were a hit by a windfall, would eyelash extensions be top of mind? In this clip from the show, Anderson asks Kitten, the mother of the family, and her oldest daughter, Valerie, what they’ve spent their fortune on.

"It's been our greatest adventure."

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The Dowdens purchased their 80 acres of land in 1997 for $160,000. Today, they receive between $10,000 and $12,000 a month, per well. They currently have four wells on their land, but soon they will put in 20 -- with each well lasting 16-20 years. The family could accumulate an estimated amount of $57.6 million.

Gerald, the charming and carefree patriarch of the family, tells Anderson that he calls his newfound fortune "mailbox money." Why? "Because we have done absolutely nothing for it!" says his wife Kitten. Gerald and Kitten explain how the "big dollars" were discovered...

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"Some people have been comparing this to the modern-day 'Beverly Hillbillies,'" asks Anderson. "Does that offend you?"

"Absolutely!" says the exuberant family. Do they think they'll move away to Rodeo Drive someday to become the "Housewives of Beverly Hills"? Anderson asks them. Here's their response...

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"Bayou Billionaires" premieres on Saturday, January 21 on CMT at 9/8c. Watch the trailer.

Andrew Sullivan Is Right

2012-01-19T14:23:00.033-05:00

Andrew Sullivan Defends His Newsweek Pro-Obama Piece To Anderson Cooper

by Frances Martel | 10:13 pm, January 18th, 2012

Andrew Sullivan‘s Newsweek story on President Obama angered plenty of conservatives, as the magazine retitled the piece “Why are Obama’s critics so dumb?” and Sullivan, a self-proclaimed conservative, stood up for the president. On tonight’s Anderson Cooper 360º, Sullivan defended his thesis that the President had governed well against Republican strategist Bay Buchanan.

Anderson Cooper opened the interview with the first order of business: whether the inflammatory cover was his idea. “No, I found out Monday morning,” he clarified, adding that “I make a pretty reasonable , I hope, fact-based argument” and that “you won’t find the word ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ in any of the text of the piece.”

Sullivan then explained his argument– that “from the beginning he was planning on 8 years rather than 4, and that is also due to the scale of what he inherited,” he said of the President. He also found it strange that conservatives saw the President as a “radical lefty.” “If 25 million unemployed or underemployed Americans is part of his master plan, then maybe Rush Limbaugh is right,” Buchanan replied, “maybe he is trying to destroy America.” She added that she would rather believe the President was “completely clueless” than that alternative.

“I haven’t seen anything Obama has done that has made that worse,” Sullivan replied, concluding that the President would likely “win handily” because of the way he was working, and that his idea of spending now “actually helps in the short term,” citing Italy as a country whose budget cuts did not help growth.

The discussion via CNN below:

One Less To Deal With

2012-01-19T14:08:00.042-05:00

January 19th, 2012
11:18 AM ET

BREAKING: Perry drops out, endorses Gingrich

(CNN) – Texas Gov. Rick Perry suspended his struggling presidential campaign Thursday and threw his support to Newt Gingrich, a development that could alter the dynamics of the Republican race just two days before the tightening South Carolina primary.

"I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform our country. We've had our differences, which campaigns will inevitably have, and Newt is not perfect, but who among us is?" Perry said at a press conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com or to the CNN apps or CNN mobile web site.

Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @politicalticker
Perry said "there is no viable path forward for me in this 2012 campaign."

"I have no question that Newt Gingrich has the heart of a conservative reformer, the ability to rally and captivate the conservative movement. The courage to tell those Washington interests to take a hike if that's what's in the best interest of our country," Perry said.

Shortly after Perry's speech, the former House speaker said he was "honored and very humbled to have Perry's endorsement.

"He understands exactly the mission of defending and expanding freedom and he understands that every citizen has different ways to participate," Gingrich said at a press conference in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Perry made the final decision Wednesday night and spoke with Gingrich on the phone shortly before he held the press conference Thursday morning, one source close to the Perry campaign said.

"He believes we need a conservative for president and Mitt Romney is not conservative," the source said.

Speaking to reporters Thursday after the announcement, Perry's spokesman Ray Sullivan said the governor will return to Austin and remain there through the weekend. While there are no plans for Perry to campaign for Gingrich at this time, he said those plans will be re-evaluated after Saturday's South Carolina primary.

Asked if Perry's wife, Anita, agreed with the governor's decision, Sullivan said the family is all "supportive."

The move comes two days before the South Carolina primary and hours before the final debate ahead of the voting, which will take place on CNN Thursday night.

The campaigns of Gingrich and Rick Santorum reached out to the Perry campaign Thursday morning in an "aggressive effort" to get his endorsement, according to a source close to Perry.

Perry placed fifth in Iowa and last in New Hampshire - a state in which he did not actively compete - and had said he would launch a bid to win in South Carolina.

"South Carolinians are looking for a conservative candidate that will get this country back working again and I am it," Perry told CNN last week.

On Wednesday, CNN asked Perry about a poll that showed him with only 6% support among likely voters in the South Carolina primary. He insisted he was continuing with the effort to have a strong showing in the state.

"We're convinced that that's our goal, so the idea that we're going to do anything else, other than try to impact this election is - that's why we got in it," he said. "We didn't get in it because it was our purpose in life to be the president of the United States. We did it because it was our purpose to serve this country, and that's what we've been called for, and that's what we're going to continue doing."

When Perry entered the race in August, he immediately did well in the polls. But a series of gaffes, particularly at debates against his rivals, sent his support plummeting.

On Thursday, his campaign website continued to say "help Rick Perry win South Carolina and get America back on track."

Perry's official campaign Facebook page was filled with posts, largely from disappointed voters.

– CNN's Dana Bash, Mark Preston, Josh Levs and Ashley Killough contributed to this report.

Thankfully It's Contagious

2012-01-19T13:39:00.054-05:00

January 18th, 2012
11:13 PM ET

Video: The RidicuLit: Brad Pitt's giggle fit

Anderson Cooper can relate to this: Brad Pitt gets a massive case of the giggles on the job and lands on our RidicuList.

Two Beauties In Laugh

Two Beauties In Youth

Republicans Are Wrong

2012-01-19T13:09:00.000-05:00

January 18th, 2012
11:24 PM ET

.. and columnist Andrew Sullivan report.

Video: Andrew Sullivan: Obama's critics are wrong

Anderson Cooper talks to columnist Andrew Sullivan who says Obama's critics are wrong and that he is outwitting them.

Mystery Tic Illness

2012-01-19T11:23:00.022-05:00

January 18th, 2012
10:19 PM ET

..

Video: Dr. Gupta explains mystery illness

A mystery illness, similar to Tourette syndrome, strikes 12 teens who all attend the same New York High School. Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports.