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."

[1Old Pro]

"Clearly, Saddam was in no position to orchestrate anything"

WRONG AGAIN KATIE, his briefcase contents PROVE otherwise. Sheesh, she's like a weatherman, almost always wrong and she still gets a raise.

[PJ-Comix]

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

Apparently you don't know DUmmieSpeak. "Chimp," "Chimpie," or "Chimpster" are the terms they apply to Bush. Also they use an * to denote Bush because they hate him so much they can't type out his name. There are also other DUmmieSpeak terms such as "Big Dog," "PNAC," and "Chimperialist" but those lessons are for later.

[Nataku X]

"Chimpster" refers to Bush.

[xp38]

I'm pretty sure chimpster refers to W. There are lots of cartoons depicting him looking like a chimpanzee or ape over on the dark side.

[PJ-Comix]

"Al-Qaetie" is better than "Al-Qaety" because it more closely correlates with "Katie."

[Nataku X]

First they say that WE created Saddam during the Reagan administration so Saddam is Reagan's fault, then they follow that up with "Iraqis loved Saddam and had a wonderful life under him!"

[prairiebreeze]

Apparently you don't know DUmmieSpeak.

True, I never go over there......I don't want to get warts.

Chimpster sounded like Chipmunk, hence, created the image of al Qaety.

Prairie

[Lazamataz]

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

Careful on the spelling. Make sure to follow the 'Q' with an 'a' as in Al-Qaeda.

It should either be Al-Qaety Couric or Al-Qaetie Couric, as desired.

[cookcounty]

Like Al-Qaedy Couric best of all.

[Lazamataz]

Then Al-Qaetie Couric it is.

So it is written, so shall it be.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Agreed!

[mel]

OH i also. as soon as I can get email to work. thanks

[cookcounty]

NBC's Al-Qaedie Couric, friend of rapists.

[The Wizard]

little katie should get out of TV

[cookcounty]

Ok, Al-Qaetie, then.

[PJ-Comix]

"So it is written, so shall it be."

Thus Spaketh Charlton Heston.

[PJ-Comix]

Oops! My mistake. I meant Yul Brynner. I need to keep up better on my basic Cecil B. Demille.

[PJ-Comix]

It's actually FUN to lurk on the DUmmie Forum. Their comments are so paranoid and lacking in reality that it's actually HILARIOUS to read. Some of the funnier quotes I post over here for all to enjoy.

[Steve_Seattle]

Now Katie is entitled to her biases, but what amazes me is that so many on the Left will not admit that people like her HAVE any biases. The only biases they see are on Fox.

[AmericanInTokyo]

FLASH! KATIE COURIC SPOTTED ON STREET IN TIKRIT, IRAQ EARLIER TODAY