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American Morning viewers had two schools of thought regarding President Obama’s “bow.” The majority believed the bow was a sign of respect and deference. A minority felt Mr. Obama was belittling the United States with this gesture.

• Dorigen: If the president bowed in Japan, no one would flinch. We are not used to having a president who knows how to show respect for other cultures. Finally we have someone who knows that working together is the only way to move the world forward. That "We're Number One!" mentality that has permeated our own culture is counterproductive. If we are to lead the world, we will have to make willing followers out of other countries. Showing respect and, at times, deference, will breed the good will that results in fostering much needed cooperation.
• Diane: It seems to me that Pres Obama did bow!!!! I am not surprised since he told the world prior that they are the stronger nations and not the US.

Was the president’s bow a sign of respect or an example of the United States’ downgrade from “superpower” status? Do you believe President Obama was incorrect in following this custom, as he is also a world leader, or did he respect the Saudi culture? Tell us what you think.

The Somali pirate story captured audience attention, especially the failed attempt by the captain to escape. Viewers were particularly frustrated and angry that the process was dragging on.

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On Thursday, American Morning viewers were consumed by the Somali pirates’story. The majority of viewers were anxious to take action for a quick resolution, claiming that the U.S. would lose respect if we negotiated with the pirates. A minority were angry at the U.S. apathy toward such hijackings in the past, with America only now interested in the underlying issues in Somalia.

• Mary: I AM OUTRAGED THAT THE NAVY HAS NOT ENDED THIS and that this company has not let the Navy do their job. If these pirates get what they want with the US Navy ship on site – they will believe they are UNSTOPPABLE by the USA! With no government to control or even give these pirates too. I think the Navy should take them all to a US controlled jail as terrorists.
• Andrew: You Americans take the biscuit! For 3 years I have watched you guys reporting on piracy with humour. But now it's an American flag attacked, you go ape! You should have gone ape 3 years ago, and now you probably wouldn't have been in this mess. BUT, how about a story of why piracy is going on?? Stop dumping your shipping rubbish on the shores of Somali. Support the Somali fishemen who lost their fishing rights to the factory fishing boats of the world. Open your **** eyes and see what’s going on in the world.

Tell us what you think: How do you feel about the pirates potential power in the Somali region? Do you believe, as the first viewer above, that if the U.S. doesn’t end the hostage situation that the priates will be “unstoppable?” Was the U.S. too slow in its response? Should the U.S. negotiate with the priates? Was the United State wrong in waiting to address the issue of the Somali pirate attacks? Do you believe there may be more underlying issues that need to be addressed, as the second viewer states?

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Wednesday’s American Morning viewers weighed in on President Obama’s trip abroad, with most feeling great pride and accomplishment. A minority were upset with the President’s apologetic tone during his trip:

• Gabe: I'll tell you what President Obama has accomplished abroad. He has restored the good name of America and renewed its leadership in the world. As Americans we can now hold our heads high abroad, even in Muslim countries. It is one of his greatest accomplishments, and in such a short time, undoing all the harm that Bush and that craven bully Cheney did during their disastrous presidency. And don't bother taking the Republicans seriously in their criticisms of Obama. Politically, they are an endangered species.
• Vic: Watched the President apologize to another nation about the way American people react to Muslims. How embarrassing he is. Does he not remember 9/11!!!

How do you feel about President Obama’s trip abroad? Was it a success or a failure? Do you believe the president was too apologetic, as the second viewer states? Let us know your thoughts.

Viewers were especially opinionated about Michelle Obama’s figure unveiled at Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum:

• Rosa: Carol Costello's on air disdain for Michelle Obama's wax figure is a disgrace. Obviously she does not appreciate the fact that “beauty' is not just reserved for those women who only have European features. But to laugh on air is sick. She should be fired!
• Don: The wax replica makes her mouth TOO BIG.

What do you think of the President and Mrs. Obama’s wax figures? Are they appropriately depicted or have the artists failed in their attempts to capture the Obamas in wax? If you disapprove, how would you change them? Let us know what you think about this or your opinion on any of today’s stories.

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Governor Palin was back in the spotlight on Tuesday, as American Morning viewers commented on “baby daddy” Levi Johnston. Some felt Governor Palin was out of place making comments about Levi. Others were angry that CNN wasn’t equally covering Vice Presidential children:

• Lburt: Just what I wanted – A president who can't keep her mouth shut even with a relationship between her daughter and her grandson’s father. Grandma! – can't you keep your mouth shut; even when it's none of your business. You sure weren't as involved when your daughter was having unprotected, underage, and unsupervised relations with Levi.
• Ed: Your coverage of Gov. Palin's daughter proves the double standard her family endures. When she traveled to western Alaska with Franklin Graham to deliver supplies to needy Alaskans, did you cover that? If Bristol Palin had been filmed smoking cocaine as VP Biden's daughter was, would you report that? Of course you would. Yet you ignore Ashley Biden.

Was Governor Palin inappropriate for responding to Levi Johnson’s comments about her family? Did Levi inappropriately speak out about his relationship with Bristol Palin? How do you think his interview will affect Governor Palin’s chances for a Presidential run in the future? Tell us what you think.

Viewers were split on the “sexting” story, with some wondering if the phones could have limited technology to prevent such issues, and other wondering why the issue even existed, since stores have “advertisements of teens wearing underwear.”

• Peggy: The teens should only have a cell phone the sends & receives calls-no pictures, no texting, no games. Can't all that be "blocked"?
• Linda: Teens & Texting; I'm not condoning nude photo sending BUT; A charge against the 12 y.o. “training bra girls" is ridiculous! Would there be charges if they were wearing revealing bathing suits? AND what about store advertisements of teens wearing underwear? You didn't bother with those questions?

Are parents to blame for the “sexting” incident? Should there be special phones that limit what teens may do by mobile phone? Should there be a law limiting the types of technology available to teens? Was the “sexting” innocent? Should the young man have been charged or should both teens have been held responsible?

Finally, the story of guns on campus had viewers questioning the issue. Others were more circumspect.

• Emunster: Ms. Costello stated during the interview that college students are young and still maturing. Aren't college students the same age as the Soldiers/Sailors/Marines and Airmen on their first enlistment (18-22)? Yet the members of the military can and do handle a wide range of weapons everyday safely. Training and discipline are the key differences in the two groups.
• Bill: How many trained police officers each year make mistakes in judgment about how and when to use their firearms? What training and judgment do college students have to use firearms in a protective way, only?

Are concealed guns on campus a good idea for protection? Are college students mature enough for such responsibility? Should there be laws requiring weapons training prior to purchase of a gun? Should guns be banned completely? Let us know how you feel about this issue and others here.

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American Morning viewers bestowed praise on President Obama and the First Lady, as they continued their trip abroad. Many viewers were optimistic about the future of international relations:

• BeeBee: I think Obama is doing a wonderful job uniting the US to the world! We can no longer rule the world we must partner with the world. People like Gingrich & Rumsfeld don't understand our new world and step out of the picture forever! We don't want old men with their mentality to be our leaders.

Even former naysayers waxed eloquently about the President:

• Mike: I have to say although I was NOT happy with President Obama when he got an attitude with Ed Henry regarding when he knew about the bonuses; however, I have been impressed by his actions since he became our Leader. The PRIDE I am feeling as an American is beyond my ability to express that pride in written word! Maybe I can finally start traveling Europe again!

How do you feel about President Obama’s performance abroad? Do you believe he appropriately represented the United States and our interests? Was he too submissive or apologetic, or did he represent the U.S. with strength and dignity?

Some viewers took offense at Mr. Obama’s closing comments during the press conference with Turkey’s president:

• David: I felt the press conference with Turkey’s President Gul today went very well...until President Obama's closing comments. He stated that the United States was not a Christian country, or Jewish country, or Muslim country. While trying to make a point about our religious freedoms, he offended me with this comment. As our Pledge of Allegiance states: "One nation, under GOD..." We are founded on Christianity, and we should remain steadfast on these grounds. We can still negotiate with the Turks without misrepresenting the beliefs of the most powerful Nation in the world.

Do you believe the President’s remarks in Turkey were inappropriate as the viewer above states, or were Mr. Obama’s words an attempt to present the U.S. as a refuge for religious freedom? Let us know what you think on these issues and others of interest to you.

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With President Obama’s French Town Hall live this morning, American Morning viewers shared their opinions on Mr. Obama’s first two months in office. The majority passionately approved of the President’s performance, especially with international leaders:

• Elizabeth: “For too many years we were thought of as ugly Americans. I think President Obama gives a new face. A face of the every day American. It's been a great trip. I thing that it would be very arrogant of us to think that we would get every thing that we wanted. But what we did get was even more important. More respect in the world.”
• AJS: Excellent job by Obama. I am very proud of him as our President.
• Leo: Obama is right; we need to understand that we are in a new era and America and the European have to get together and put the past behind us but don't forget where we are trying to go. We need to get America and the rest of our world back on track. We need peace and partnership people.

A minority expressed serious doubts about the president’s direction for the country:

• Kay: For the first time in my 60 years I am NOT PROUD of my country and scared to death that the 'death of America" is imminent.

What’s your opinion on how President Obama has performed in his first two months in office? What areas do you see need improvement? Tell us your thoughts.

CNN’s coverage of the G-20 Summit and the live Town Hall generated mixed reviews, with some absolutely ecstatic with our live coverage:

• Anonymous: “Please do NOT use my name. I think I died and went to heaven this morning; Carol Costello AND Christiane Amanpour AND LIVE, LIVE, LIVE intelligent coverage of Obama in France. No other station has LIVE coverage, or, if they do, they have the self-serving talking heads talking over the coverage. UGH! Bring Carol Costello back to the morning news, please! She is terrific - where has she been?”

Others were not so kind, claiming that CNN has lowered its editorial standards:

• Vernon: There was a short snippet this morning where Carol Costello commented that President Obama appeared to be groveling to the Saudi representatives at the G20 summit. You showed a still photo that could have had any (or no) context but you did not show the video only the still. What the heck are you guys doing? What kind of news organization shows a still photo and implicitly states that it shows that the President is groveling. You (and the viewing audience) have NO IDEA what the man was doing but you imply something. Where have the editorial standards gone with CNN? This kind of stunt is something that you would see in a National Enquirer not a national television news organization. My respect for CNN as a news organization is significantly lower this morning, as a result of this type of reporting.

Grade our coverage. Have we been performing to your standards? What did you dislike about the coverage? What areas would you have liked further reporting? Where can we improve? Share your thoughts with us.

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