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."

[Angelwood]

Good morning bump so I can read this long thread later.

[jimbo123]

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[PJ-Comix]

More DUmmie Forum commetary which often coincides with the views of Al-Qaety:

What kind of punishment would you propose for Sharon... ...and the Chimpster? In the eyes of most people, they're no better than Saddam.

[Maigrey]

Yep, along with the torture chambers, rape rooms, shredders, and terror on a daily basis. Yep, it sure was a good life. </NOT>

[cupcakes]

Ugh, what makes me nauseous are those saying WE have to reconcile with the international community. Seems more like "they" have to reconcile with us.

[The Right Stuff]

Al Quatie is perfect.

[Lazamataz]

I was just jerking your chain a little but that Al-Qaety bit was definitely a STANDOUT. I hope Rush reads this thread and starts using that moniker for Al-Qaety Couric from now on.

It's a better visual joke then it is aural, but, perhaps Rush and the lovely and gracious M.Thatcher can use it on the newsletter and website. I'd love it if they did.

Maggie, we gotta meet. 2003 is almost up -- let's make it a point in 2004.

p.s. Try to be down here in Ft. Lauderdale in April for the first day that the new Hard Rock Casino and Hotel opens. I will try to get a special Freeper poker (holdem) table organized. This will be in conjunction with Jessica's pre-graduation (FAU) party at the same locale.

Perhaps this would be a fun place to meet!

[anglian]

Just gotta SEE THIS! President Bush serves Chirac, Saddam head on a platter....From RWN


http://www.rightwingnews.com/graphics/in-my-dreams.jpg He also has many of The DUs Reaction To Saddam's Capture. site http://www.rightwingnews.com/

[iceskater]

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

Probably. It's too bad, because most of them are nice folks but on politics, I disagree with them.

One of them tried to make the argument that people rise to the occasion and that Gore would've risen to the occasion after 9/11. I couldn't let that one go by - I said he was a coward and the SecDef and SecState he would've had wouldn't have done jack for us. I think I got them on that. But it is a real uphill battle.

[arasina]

Katie Colonic shown here with her advisor, Crusty Clinton, planning The Today Show.

[Lazamataz]

Al Quatie is perfect.

Careful on the spelling. The point is to make it as close to Al-Qaeda as possible. I thought og going with Al-Qaetie Couric, and kinda still like it because it also captures Katie well in the word.

What say you, glgb? What say you, PJ-Comix?

Al-Qaety Couric or Al-Qaetie Couric?

[new cruelty]

I recall seeing the interview and laughing out loud when I heard dan ask saddam to speak a little English.

... and now for

Touching moments in televised history-

Forbidden Love, rather courts saddam:
(excerpted from Media Research Center)

“Mr. President, I hope you will take this question in the spirit in which it's asked. First of all, I regret that I do not speak Arabic. Do you speak any English at all?”

When Saddam said he could understand some English, Rather insisted: “Well, would you speak some English for me? Anything you choose?”

They joked about liking coffee, but Saddam refused: “Our language is Arabic.”

Rather and Saddam have met two times in their long lives for a total of about four hours. But Rather seemed to want to underline their somehow notable personal relationship as historical figures: “I appreciate your remembering that we met in 1990. And I interviewed you in this very building. Given the sober moment and the danger at hand, what are the chances this is the last time you and I will see each other?”

I am ashamed dan rather is from Texas.

[LisaMalia]

I just emailed the Couric article to my sister. Her reply to me..."What a waste of good oxygen."

[JFC]

It aint Kool-Aid. It is called RESPECT. WE Respect President Bush. WE have all the right in the world to GLOAT!! Saddam is ours and can never hurt or kill others. Thank you President Bush!

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

I just e-mailed Al-Quatie and informed her of the new name we have given her! Al-Quatie

[AmericanInTokyo]

SheeeIt, she's probably delivering instructions to various terrorists cells, with coordinated eye blinks, head twists, and color schemes for his clothes.

[cookcounty]

Maybe ABC was making up for Jennings last nite referring to the Iraqi National Council as "....something called 'the Iraqi National Council.'"

Jennings can be so dripping. I'm starting to enjoy watching these guys again. Why watch Saturday Nite Live, when you can watch the real comedians?!

[prairiebreeze]

I'm confused. Do the DUmmies despise Al-Qaety too, calling her the Chimpster?

They are a stupid bunch. Sorta makes a person want to seriously clean up the gene pool...

Prairie

[1Old Pro]

Couric: "I think it's fair to say that the world view of the US not particularly favorable.

When I heard her say this I almost dropped to the floor in laughter. What a left wing nut.

[LisaMalia]