Today Show: Reeve Fights on for Kerry; Inspiring Interview with Afghan President Karzai

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

It could have been worse. The exploitation of Chris Reeve's death for political purposes, that is. If it had combed its archives, Today could probably have displayed footage of Reeve with Kerry, and certainly could have aired a clip of W expressing his opposition to federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. It did not.

In fairness, Today tiptoed to the edge of exploitation but did not quite cross over. That being said . . .

First, there was the red-eyed and distraught Katie. I'm not sure I've ever seen her so sad, up to and including 9/11 or even the day the Supreme Court ended the 2000 recount.

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves," as a man in a wheelchair looked on. Got it.

It was recalled that Kerry referred to Reeve in the Friday night debate. Check.

And when Katie interviewed two of Reeve's doctors, one of them said that Reeve would be so interested to know everything that occurs over the next few weeks with the election, etc. And we all know what that means.

Just in case anyone was still wondering where Chris was coming from, here was a clip of him saying "it gets lonely sometimes to say 'come on, let's get more progressive.'" Yes, that's the problem with America. Not liberal enough.

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

Then it was on to an inspiring interview with Afghani President Hamid Karzai.

A news segment at the top of the hour had done its best to undermine the significance of the election, focusing largely on the snafu with the ink used to ensure that people could only vote once. In fairness, Today did air a clip of an elections inspector stating there was no evidence of fraud, or evidence that any one candidate benifited from the ink mix-up.

But there was no stopping, and no mistaking, the incredibly emotional interview with Hamid Karzai, and to his credit, interviewer Lester Holt (sitting in for Matt and doing, as is his wont, a much fairer job) did nothing to undermine the moment.

Looking strong and confident, dressed in bright green robes, Karzai called the election "a huge step on way to democracy,' and added "the numbers and enthusiasm both were very, very great. It was a day of celebration for the Afghan people. A victory of the Afghan people over terrorism."

It was clear that he was deeply moved by this moment in Afghan history. He went so far as to say that he is more pleased by the fact that Afghanistan has taken this step than he is concerned by whether he wins or loses the election.

Although surely he must have the instincts of a politician, he actually seemed sincere. His joy at presiding over this historic moment was clear and unbridled.

He also stated, in response to a question about the availability of any new intelligence regarding the whereabouts of OBL, that the election sends a message to him that the Afghani people reject him and welcome freedom and democracy, that he will be found sooner or later and that in the meantime he must hide in an even tighter hole.

Karzai went out of his way at the conclusion of the interview to say: "I want to thank the people of the United States for their great help that made this day possible."

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show ping.

[Angry Enough]

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves,"

He was referring to the tragedy of abortion, right?

[Bahbah]

Thanks for the report, governs. I do not want to miss the Karzai interview.

[Semper Paratus]

Amazing they didn't badger Karzai about voting ink?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Great point. I never heard Reeve speak on abortion, but assuming he followed the liberal line, wouldn't the irony have been striking?

[Paul_B]

GL - excellent report. Thanks, from a non-TV guy.

pb

[zoobee]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election.
So, as far as her feeling bad....it's BS. She thinks his death helped the Dem's and wanted confirmation....period.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Amazing they didn't badger Karzai about voting ink?

Credit goes to Holt. I doubt Lauer would have missed the opportunity to take shots at the election.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I do not want to miss the Karzai interview.

I'd encourage people in time zones where Today hasn't come on yet to put aside their aversion to the liberal pap, sit through the Reeve segment, and watch Karzai. It is one of the most moving, inspiring interviews by a political leader I can remember.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election.

Yes, the way she said that, I expected we would hear from political pundits, which would have been ghoulish. We did not. Perhaps it's coming up later in the show.

[SquirrelKing]

Thanks for the ping and analysis. 1st time ever to watch and then get your report - cool.

[Maria S]

Thanks, once again!, to you governs...with the early heads-up (we're on CDT), I checked in for 15 seconds to see how the Perkster was holding up at the start of 'Today'. You are right! Her eyes were a tad red!


"We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves,"

"He was referring to the tragedy of abortion, right?"


Outstanding comment, Angry!! I AM sorry for Reeve's family...his wife has stood by him for several tragic years. However, to have liberals (Ron Reagan will probably be leading the charge) milk this is disgusting. And let's be honest...Christopher Reeve WAS doing something that was very dangerous when he broke his neck. A lot of us common folks are living with situations that just happened...beyond our control and not our fault. That's what life is about, and we don't have wealthy friends helping support an extravagant lifestyle.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today just aired an interview of Katie with Reeve's wife. I'm assuming it was a re-airing of an old interview. She was impressive: intelligent, caring, sensitive.

In any case, I'd be interested to know what you think of the Karzai interview.

[Old Sarge]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election. So, as far as her feeling bad....it's BS. She thinks his death helped the Dem's and wanted confirmation....period.

And from the original:

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

And there's the next debate's talking point: A beloved Hollywood star's "dying wish"...

And The Sheep will believe. That's what Sheep do.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I'm not sure I've ever seen her so sad,

Imagine how she's going to look on November 3 after Kerry goes down in flames. I'll tune in just to laugh at her pain without mercy.

[mhking]

From my website this morning:

NBC's Today exploits Reeve to benefit Kerry

It didn't take long for the leftists in the media to start to employ and exploit the memory of Christopher Reeve to the potential benefit of John Kerry's campaign.

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves," as a man in a wheelchair looked on. Got it.

Just in case anyone was still wondering where Chris was coming from, here was a clip of him saying "it gets lonely sometimes to say 'come on, let's get more progressive.'" Yes, that's the problem with America. Not liberal enough.

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

And we're supposed to be the "bad guys?"

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Honored to have made it onto your web site!