A statement from Luke Russert

Andress — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:42:38 GMT

How many time will we have to endure the lies and treachery of John McCain and Palin? How many distortions of truth will they blure? How many "fear mongering adds must we endure--before Americans, good Americans, disclaim him and his acidly eroded values, morals, and distilled "sense of honor"?

He has snubed the Media with what he calls the "bigger truth." That he plays to win at all costs. Why, I believe he would sell his mother's soul to win this election, and then he would send the rest of us to a firey pit without a second thought of concious, without a drop of spent breath, without one single tear in his dry, near-dead eyes.

McCain followers, it is time to stop being mislead lambs when your shepard is in fact "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," far too many times.

Ofcourse, there will always be people who are just too ignorant, and just too racist to care.

But it doesn't matter if you are Democrat or Republican when the truth is at stake.

I refuse to follow a liar, and a man without character! I refuse to follow John McCain!

Obama is now the only choice that makes any sense!

A statement from Luke Russert

Kenneth, Arlington, VA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:44:26 GMT

You got it right the first time Luke. Smart people go for Obama. No need to correct yourself.

A statement from Luke Russert

Drew, Dallas, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:45:17 GMT

I got a chuckle out of that...I knew where you were headed with it, though. Kudos for stepping up and admitting the flub! Keep up the great work, you've brought some unique insight to the race.

A statement from Luke Russert

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:46:54 GMT

OMG, TEAM MCCAIN MUST HAVE GOTTEN TO HIM!

Obama/Biden '08!

A statement from Luke Russert

Janice, Kettering, OH — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:47:49 GMT

Hey, Luke.....what about your gaffe last month (reporting from the Democratic Convention floor) when you said "young people can "stomach" voting for an African American more so than older people". My husband and I both heard you say it, and even went back (through the magic of DVR) to make sure we heard you right..........we did. I'd say that should have been your first lesson in the perils of live television. Surely, my husband and I weren't the only 2 people who heard it.

A statement from Luke Russert

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:47:54 GMT

"Plenty of smart college kids will vote for John McCain from UVA..."

Well, they may get good grades and they may be smart, but voting for McCain is a pretty dumb thing to do.

E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES! EAGLES! EAGLES!

A statement from Luke Russert

Sarah, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:48:19 GMT

Definitely right the first time, Luke. From the mouths of babes...

A statement from Luke Russert

Candi — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:48:31 GMT

You were right the first time. No smart person could vot for I wasa a P.O.W., deregulator, maverick, lobby pocketed McCain.

A statement from Luke Russert

Brian M De — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:49:39 GMT

Luke I understand your feeling to apologize for the statement. But Brother your statement was right. God bless you and your mom. I thought your pops was the best. You will do fine just keep up the effort of being fair.It is a sad day when Political campaigns jump and seize on every word of the media and their opponents. But slime has won the past two generals so I guess McBush is just following suit.

A statement from Luke Russert

bill, okla — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:50:14 GMT

It would probably be fair to say that college students nationwide are leaning towards Obama/Biden. I commend young Russert for confronting his mistake...which would be easy to do in that venue. I'd like to hear his opinion on the villification of the press by certain RNC people and bubbling Gov. Palin.

A statement from Luke Russert

Belinda, Pearland, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:51:01 GMT

All part of the growth process, Luke. You are more mature then some twice your age, keep up the good work. I'm sure your father is beaming down with pride!

A statement from Luke Russert

Walt, Ohio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:51:46 GMT

Being a UVa grad (Coll 78), you were right the first time Luke. Smart kids at Jefferson's University are supporting Obama in overwhelming numbers.
There are no smart kids at UVa or any other college supporting McCain.

A statement from Luke Russert

Linda, Austin, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:53:04 GMT

Gotta agree with Kenneth on this one. :)

But seriously, great job, Luke!

A statement from Luke Russert

Rick, NC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:53:07 GMT

Sorry Luke, you had it right the first time...only the easily cconned and poorly educated are likely to vote for the Palin-Mccain ticket...

A statement from Luke Russert

Get Smart — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:53:39 GMT

smart people knew what you meant

A statement from Luke Russert

Libratine — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:54:20 GMT

Thanks for the correction Luke.

BTW: ... Yes, a misstep but I think many folks understood it just didn't come out right at the time.

A statement from Luke Russert

Arthur Lange, Hoboken, NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:54:20 GMT

I wonder if the McCain campaign is desperate and foolish enough to try to seize on this as more "proof" that the media is in the tank for Obama.

Don't sweat it, Luke.

A statement from Luke Russert

Charles Upper Marlboro MD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:54:25 GMT

"Chip of the block"

No need to apologize Luke, like your father your truth comes spontaneously!!!

A statement from Luke Russert

Warwick, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:55:14 GMT

Thanks Luke, no harm done. You clarified your statement just fine (your Dad would be proud).

A statement from Luke Russert

Dave, Tn — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:55:16 GMT

Keeping an eye on newsbusters Luke? Don't get caught up in the bubble of the media who will one day be looked back on as no better than the media who ran cover for the klan in the south.

A statement from Luke Russert

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:55:30 GMT

Hey Luke, you could have said, "Smart people IN GENERAL are voting for Obama."

Only the brain-dead are voting for four more years of Republican failure/comedy.

A statement from Luke Russert

Beverly in Chicago — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:55:47 GMT

Luke the very fact you said “leaning Obama” is a smart thing. Republican McCain is chairman of the Commerce Committee and a staunch, supporter of deregulation; and has been in Washington for 26 years. Suddenly, Republican McCain is for regulation; now with Rich Davis revelation plenty of smart college kids will vote for Obama.
The Republican McCain has awakened Republicans that THE SOUP LINE WILL NOT BE SEGMENTED!!! Wake up Catholics, independents, people voting on skin tone, and older voters.

There will be NO BLANK CHECK.
Enough glossing over!
No way!
No how!
No McCain/Palin!
Nobody but Obama/Biden

A statement from Luke Russert

S, Indy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:55:51 GMT

We know what you meant Luke. :-)

But it is true that if a person actually looks at the issues, wants our nation to be better and would like for it to be respected around the world, and vote for the best person, regardless of their race or age,

rather than war lovers filled with hateful, divisive insults

That would be a SMART person...

Obama & Biden 08/12

p.s. We all miss your Dad.

A statement from Luke Russert

happy, boston, ma — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:56:17 GMT

hahaha you said it right the first time! your freudian slip was nothing, but the TRUTH

A statement from Luke Russert

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:56:20 GMT

Smart people will vote Obama.
Dumb people will vote McCain.
Question...are there more smart people than dumb people in America? Judging by the tight race, it appears that just less than half of America is clearly dumb!

A statement from Luke Russert

James C., Arizona — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:56:23 GMT

Smart kids lead to smart adults. Luke, now your on TV got to be polically correct.

The truth is, the polls show a clear advantage that Obama has among youth overall as well as college educated citizen across this country.

Smart kids are leaning toward Obama. Apparently smart adults are too!!!

A statement from Luke Russert

David, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:58:19 GMT

This is way Luke should get a real job independent of his NBC family. He needs to cut his teeth somewhere that his bosses and audience will hold him accountable and let him fail and succeed on his own. Tim Russert would not be happy about the easy break his own son is getting. Tim was all about earning your own way in the world.

A statement from Luke Russert

LU, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:58:28 GMT

Your doing a good job Luke. Your dad would be proud.

It was just a "Freudian slip".

A statement from Luke Russert

Steven, Highlands Ranch, CO — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:58:36 GMT

What (behind the scenes) backs up Luke's statement is the Wash Post Poll that shows:

"Whites without college degrees favor McCain by 17 points, while those with college degrees support Obama by 9 points."

It's just a quote, don't flame me... :)

A statement from Luke Russert

Matt, Charlottesville, VA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:59:07 GMT

I live in Charlottesville and attend UVA grad school. I would say about 75% to 80% of people here in Charlottesville are supporting Obama, so you were right.

A statement from Luke Russert

Sandy, Indiana — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:06 GMT

What about colleges in Indiana? I would love to see you visit our state & get a feel for which way our college students are leaning. I have a daughter at Ball state who tells me she has always been for Obama.

A statement from Luke Russert

Casey, Hoboken, NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:50 GMT

Dear Luke,
You made only a partial gaffe. I don't think that you disparaged the other Va schools. Also, I think you made a good case for the UVA campus as representative of national trends argument well. SIDE NOTE: My wife and I used to hang out with your dad at Nanny's. He was always very proud of you. You are doing him proud now. One thing, wear suits more and get a haircut.

A statement from Luke Russert

Yola, CT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:01:06 GMT

Kudos to you Luke! You are still doing much better than many seasoned journalists. You have been pretty good, so I am sure we will all forgive that mis-speak.

A statement from Luke Russert

Greg Evans, GA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:01:51 GMT

Great job Luke. It is terrific to see someone with NBC admit to a mistake, although I certainly don't consider this a huge one.

A statement from Luke Russert

Joy for Obama, Virginia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:07 GMT

Luke, those interested in truth and justice understood exactly what you meant. Unfortunately we are living in a climate where the parsing of each words uttered has become useless pasttime of those who have no real issues to defend.

Keep up the great work. I had a love affair with your father that included a cup of coffee and the Sunday newspaper every Sunday at 10:00. I miss him deeply and would love to hear what he'd have to say about the "Bubble ensconced Palin".

A statement from Luke Russert

Dede — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:29 GMT

This kid is the best of what America has to offer. He is so much like his dad. Decent and Honest. I hope he goes really far with NBC because he's a voice that I think the American people can trust. As much as I miss Tim Russert, I'm loving having a Luke Russert to hear from. What a class act! and how smart of NBC to see what they have. Tim is definitely smiling down at his son on NBC.

A statement from Luke Russert

Steve in Portland — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:37 GMT

Where's the error, Luke?

We love you, man!

A statement from Luke Russert

Allie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:42 GMT

Hey Luke,
You were right the first time. I graduated UVA law and the smart kids are voting Obama. Thanks for keeping it real.

A statement from Luke Russert

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:02:56 GMT

Luke, no apology needed when speaking the truth. The truth is that most intelligent college educated people are voting for Obama while the high school dropout crowd votes for McCain.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

A statement from Luke Russert

Susan in SC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:03:25 GMT

Luke, you are a credit to your parents and your profession. Welcome to the big leagues!! You are doing great. As long as you maintain your current level of integrity, I predict a long and well admired media career for you!

A statement from Luke Russert

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:07 GMT

I'm depending on the young people to help take our country back in November. Too bad that some of the "oldsters" are so hatefilled and set in their ways that they are willing to vote McCain.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

A statement from Luke Russert

Cheryl Wilson — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:26 GMT

Luke: Thanks for clearing up your misstatement, even though I liked it more before you cleared it up. Just wanted to say, I think you sure are doing a great job at MSNBC. Keep up the good reporting. Good luck to you always, Luke. You so remind me of your Father.

A statement from Luke Russert

Obamamama - Glenwood, IL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:26 GMT

Luke - your dad would be so proud! Smart = Obama

A statement from Luke Russert

katiec Pekin, IL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:28 GMT

Of course intelligent college kids are going to
vote for Obama.
They see what the republican party has done to
their future. Almost destroyed it.
They see opportunities, goals evaporate because
of the republicans irresponsible, criminal
policies.
They see debts they will be responsible for,
for decades to come due to unfunded, thoughtless
leadership.
They have inherited diasters.

A statement from Luke Russert

The - Democrat Soldier — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:34 GMT

Ha Luke - you are doing fine.

You do your father and MSNBC - proud.

Hang in there.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

A statement from Luke Russert

Justin, Smyrna, GA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:04:59 GMT

Let's face it, most college students are investing in their future by attending college, and many of them are accruing debt in the process. They want to know that their investment in the future isn't squandered by the Corruptlicans, and thus support Obama and his message of change, hope, fairness, world-leadership, clean-environment, etc.
Yes, smart people vote Obama.

A statement from Luke Russert

Linda Montgomery, AL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:05:01 GMT

It's a shame such a comment requires any clarification.

Though..... when one considers how incredibly dumb many of John McCain's policies have been I suppose it's a reasonable assumption to believe most of his supporters aren't too bright.

A statement from Luke Russert

Steve,TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:05:56 GMT

We all make mistakes Luke we are human. But it take's a real one to face up and admit it.McCain is a lier.

A statement from Luke Russert

American Proud — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:06:28 GMT

If these students and people in VA are smart they will be voting McCain, Why would they vote in Ayers and Wright aka Obama

A statement from Luke Russert

Taylor — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:08:01 GMT

No Luke, you stated it correctly and smart people understand what you meant.

A statement from Luke Russert

Nashville_fan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:08:47 GMT

We know what you meant Luke - and we're rooting for ya! :)

A statement from Luke Russert

Sarah — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:09:14 GMT

Luke you were right - smart people will vote for Obama. Stupid people will vote for McCain. I'm talking to you, Ohio.

A statement from Luke Russert

mgrfin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:31:05 GMT

You were right the first time. The smart kids from UVA will vote for Obama. The others, a small number, will waste their vote on McCain

A statement from Luke Russert

Joe Kessler, Williamsburg, Virginia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:57:40 GMT

Were your comments earlier Obama-leaning? Perhaps. I was more upset by the fact that you were standing in front of a crowd of cheering William and Mary students, and yet had the nerve to declare that all the smartest kids in the state of Virginia attend UVa. Apparently Williamsburg was only relevant to today's discussion as a visual representation to NBC's "battleground" metaphor, and not as a home of higher learning just as distinguished as Charlottesville. We at the College frankly found your remarks rather offensive.

A statement from Luke Russert

William and Mary — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:59:44 GMT

"Remember, the smartest kids in the state go there." Not exactly true, Luke. The smartest kids in the state go to either UVA or the College of William and Mary, which you happened to be less than a mile away from when you made that comment. Extremely disrespectful.

A statement from Luke Russert

Joe, NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:03:22 GMT

Hey Luke-- How about the College of William and Mary?!?! The show was being broadcast less than a mile away from the 300+ year old campus

A statement from Luke Russert

Tim, Ft. Myers FL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:08:25 GMT

When your right, your right! No need to apoligize!

A statement from Luke Russert

Jen — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:24:39 GMT

UVA? Luke Russert was standing less than mile from the College of William and Mary...why was he talking about UVA????????

A statement from Luke Russert

Katie, New York, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:36:34 GMT

"the smartest kids in the state go [to UVA]"
definitely a dumb thing to say in front of william and mary students. (who are just as bright as UVA, and arguably MORE intellectual)
did you forget where you were???

i'm glad you realized your gaffe, but your statement really does nothing to apologize to those who were incredibly offended by your remark.

A statement from Luke Russert

Go Tribe, Williamsburg, VA. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:07:22 GMT

You're standing in front of William and Mary and you start talking about U. Va? I think that's a bigger mistake.

A statement from Luke Russert

Jennifer M, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:12:56 GMT

Luke,
We know it's hard to be impartial and always hold your tongue - sometimes the truth slips out. Who could blame you for that.

I think it would be hard for college students to cast a ballot for McCain and Palin knowing that they really are planning to take the country in the wrong direction. McCain didn't even read the 2 page Paulson plan on the financial crisis and Palin seems to be completely unable to answer even softball questions that Katie Couric so carefully handed her.

I'd say you hit the nail on the head Luke. There is a direct correlation between level of education and likelihood to vote for more liberal candidates. I would not be shocked if UVA students overwhelmingly supported Obama/Biden.