Harry Smith Hypes Obama Love Fest on CBS

CBS continued the media’s love for liberal Democratic Senator Barack Obama (D-IL). On Monday’s Early Show, anchor Harry Smith and reporter Trish Regan fawned over Senator Obama’s visit to New Hampshire and his potential 2008 presidential run. "He got a first class welcome," Harry Smith exclaimed. Trish Regan began her report stating, "It looked more like a rally in the midst of a heated than a mere appearance by a potential presidential contender. But Granite State politicos say there aren’t many candidates like Senator Barack Obama." Other than playing Obama’s vague promise to "have an aggressive, ambitious strategy for energy independence," CBS simply focused on the hype regarding Senator Obama and did not report on his experience and where he stands on the issues. The entire transcript is below.

Harry Smith: "Let's get to our top story, though. And that is campaign 2008. It kicks off for the Democrats. As we head in the headlines, on Sunday, Illinois Senator Barack Obama made his first trip to New Hampshire home of the first in the nation primary, and as CBS News correspondent Trish Regan reports, he got a first class welcome."

Trish Regan: "It looked more like a rally in the midst of a heated campaign than a mere appearance by a potential presidential contender. But Granite State politicos say there aren't many candidates like Senator Barack Obama."

Kathy Sullivan, New Hampshire State Democratic Chairwoman: "Senator Obama represents a new direction, he represents youth and energy."

Regan: "The junior senator made the rounds, greeting 1500 Democrats at a sold-out event in Manchester. Hundreds more turned out for a book signing in Portsmouth. Obama's momentum is strong enough to shake up the early dynamics of 2008's presidential race, pushing possible rival Senator Hillary Clinton to line up support earlier than anticipated. Though Clinton is leading in the polls, Democrats at this event were enthusiastic about Obama."

Lou D’Ellasandro, New Hampshire Democrat: "A good message, very well articulated, very well received and, obviously, the winds of change are blowing strong."

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL): "I think we should have an aggressive, ambitious strategy for energy independence."

Regan: "But soon enough, the so-called rock star candidate will have to answer the tough questions."

Jenny Backus, Democratic Consultant: "New Hampshire's really important, because it takes the rock stars off of the stage and puts them down into the mosh pit and and sees that, we'll see how they last."

Regan: "One thing is certain: With both a woman and an African-American as top contenders for the nomination, this primary could become one of the most interesting and historic that New Hampshire has ever seen. Trish Regan, CBS News, Manchester, New Hampshire."