Grim-Faced Katie Couric, Wearing Black, Downplays Success, Highlights Problems

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Katie Couric didn't disappoint. As soon as the news of Saddam's capture broke yesterday, a number of FReepers began speculating as to how Couric would react to the "bad" news this morning.

I for one hypothesized that Katie would be wearing black, and sure enough, she was!

Couric interviewed Gen. Ricardo Sanchez. His troops captured Saddam, and Sanchez spoke with him personally on two occasions.

Throughout the interview, Katie maintained that grim, lock-jawed expression reserved for bad news and unpleasant interactions. Unless I'm mistaken, she never congratulated the general.

She quickly threw in Sanchez's face the response from Saddam when asked if he had WMD: "No of course not, the US dreamed them up to have a reason to go to war with us. We didn't allow inspections only because we didn't want them to go into presidential areas and intrude on our privacy."

Next, Katie wanted to paint a gloomy picture as to how Saddam's capture wouldn't improve the situation on the ground:

"Clearly, Saddam was in no position to orchestrate anything. Militarily, how much of the enemies' capabilities have really been degraded by this capture?"

"Isn't Saddam's capture basically just symbolic?"

Sanchez said that it was more than symbolic, and that although there would still be violence, this was a major step.

Couric wouldn't give up on her notion that Saddam's capture, if anything, makes things WORSE in Iraq.

"Soem are worried that this will actually incite more violence from members of the insurgency - Al Qaida, Islamic Jihadists. Couldn't it create a climate of more violence against US troops?"

Next, Katie sought to emphasize that the US has still failed to capture a more important fugitive.

Q: "Ibrahim Al-Duri is considered the real mastermind. How critical is his capture?"

Sanchez said that they would aggressively be seeking him and other HVTs (high value targets). The general concluded by very politely thanking Katie for her support!

Matt Lauer was much more balanced. He began by congratulating Gen. Odierno. and when Gen. Odierno concluded by saying "God Bless America," Lauer smiled pleasantly and said "nice way to end the interview."

Katie then interviewed Tim Russert. Russert observed that in his comments yesterday, Pres. Bush was quite measured. He wanted to avoid a repeat of the "Mission Accomplished" triumphalism.

Asked a worried Couric, "In political terms for Pres. Bush, is this a big boost, is it long-lasting?"

Russert: in the short term it is. If the economy is strong and Iraq is secure, he coasts to victory. Otherwise it could be tight.

Katie: "Everything seems to be so unpredictable [at least she hopes it is]. But when it comes to candidates particularly Dean, how does this affect him?

Russert: "Lieberman's statement about Dean, that if Dean were president Saddam would still be in power, was very aggressive. The issue will now really be engaged. Lieberman will carry the argument."

Finally, Katie wanted to portray the US as something of an international pariah, and to echo the official Dem line that the Saddam capture creates the opportunity for more internationlization:

Couric: "I think it's fair to say that the world view of the US not particularly favorable. Will the US use the capture of Saddam as an opportunity for more internationalization of the effort in Iraq?"

Russert: "This is a rare opportunity for a new beginning. Pres. Bush needs to be magnanimous."

[Dane]

If he is, would you be willing to e-mail Rush and Sean with this information? I know they would love to have this for their topics of conversation

No doubt that Rush already has the tape of Al-Quatey ready to roll. When she is on her vindictive jags against conservatives or the military, Rush is ready.

[iceskater]

Thanks for keeping us informed about Al-Quaty's doings. You are providing a valuable service - keeping the rest of us from getting sick to our stomachs from watching that hag.

Good job, as always!

[Maigrey]

If he (Rush and Sean H)...

Sorry about being obtuse...

[an amused spectator]

Last night, there was a lady in the checkout lane with her wig on backwards who was talking about how much she adored that "delightful Katie Couric."

Dang, you missed your chance to smile and agree that "Katie Couric is probably the best Democrat morning talk show person in America."

Think about it. ;-)

[jimbo123]

Lauren Kapp
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[Ima Lurker]

You are right. When I heard her call the capture "basically symbolic" I just had to laugh. Come on Katie, you've had all weekend to come up with a way to spin this and that's the best you can do?

[agrace]

"Qu'aty" - that is priceless.

[jimbo123]

Bartlett , William
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[prairiebreeze]

President Bush will hold a news conference at 11:15 am EST today

Prairie

[PJ-Comix]

dan "Speak a little English for me" rather would be elated to hear that.

LOL! I remember that! Blather was interviewing Saddam and begged him to say a few words in English which Saddam refused to do. But when it came time to surrender like a coward, Saddam was able to say a couple of sentences in English.

[prairiebreeze]

Sounds like your fellow party attenders have been drinking the Kool-Aid.

Prairie

[Auntie Mame]

Love this question from Katie:

"How much of the enemy's capabilities been degraded by this capture?"

You just can't make this stuff up folks.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks, Iceskater!

[chiller]

Flame me, but when our guys say "God Bless America" it reminds me of "Akbar Allah"(or whatever), which makes me cringe and think of irrational Islamic radicalism.

I don't want that sentiment coming back at us, and I've got a solid religious upbringing. Am I lone on this?

[jimbo123]

Jeffrey Zucker, President
NBC Entertainment
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
jeff.zucker@nbc.com

[truthandlife]

WRITE THEM NOW!!!!!! today@nbc.com

[faithincowboys]

She is grotesque. It's a terrible thing to wish for America (when it's governed by a Republican) to fail and she gets 10's of millons of dollars to do so. She is a wretched woman-- Horrible Hillary's perkier sister.

[Maigrey]

I'll be tuned in.

[PJ-Comix]

And now for some DUmmie Forum commentary:

Unfortunately for the Chimpster, the vast majority of Iraqis now believe.. ...that life was much better under Saddam. At least the Iraqis had electricity, food, water, and jobs under Saddam.

[Maigrey]

My impression was that they were doing a verbal b*tchslap on the mourning one. (since they think they are being objective. LOL)

Don't fret. It's nice when people are willing to show their spirit without concern of any perceived consequences.

(And no flames from me... yet. 8-) )