Posted on 12/15/2003 4:42:43 AM PST by 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."
lol - colic even managed to mention Sen Hitlary when she was talking to Tim Russert later on - she of course said something like " Sen Clinton will be making a major foreign policy speech this week" Like who the *$#! cares?
Just send e-mail to today@nbc.com asking: "Why does Katie pick today of all days to wear mourning black? She speaks to General Sanchez as if it means nothing to capture Saddam and his boast he never had WMDs is the truth!
"My God, does this woman have a drop of American blood left in her soul?
"No wonder viewership is falling for NBC. Count me in that group that will not come back after today."
Now, just imagine a 100,000 e-mails in that same tone hitting the Today in basket? Only 999,999 to go!
And, FTR, Hussein lost his day to negotiate back in March. What a narcicisstic sociopath.
At least, I hope it was intentional.
Was he bragging about his "dream" Saturday night that Saddam had been captured?
Drudge, and callers, were needling Timmy the whole show - The new Art Bell, NBC's remote viewer, etc.
Drudge, and callers, were needling Timmy the whole show - The new Art Bell, NBC's remote viewer, etc
I would say more like the new Miss Cleo.
LOL!
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