Posted on 10/11/2004 4:51:50 AM PDT by 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."
That being said . .
The following information supports your theory:
"In the last week, Reeve had developed a serious systemic infection from a pressure wound, a common complication for people living with paralysis." (CNN)
'In the last week' takes us back to October 4. Kerry, being a close friend, may have learned of this serious infection mid last week, based on the information above, prior to its release in the public domain.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks. I am even more convinced now that this was orchestrated.
Thanks, as always, for your courageous forays into the dark side of liberal-land. Hubby and I heard the story on FOX about peace breaking out in Sadr because of US troop offensives, but are completely MYSTIFIED that NO ONE is reporting the BREAKING NEWS that the Vatican has now endorsed the war efforts in Iraq! FOX had an alert, then went to a segment with Mario Andretti. Can you believe it????
Where is the BREAKING NEWS about this seismic shift in Vatican support from the leader of the Catholic faith?
That is big news. Hadn't heard it. I have to believe it's partly based on the Pope's view on Iraq itself, and partly payback to Kerry for his stands on abortion and other issues.
Sorry about Katie's distress.
But she wouldn't have given two cents for the guy if he hadn't gotten paralyzed.
We heard it as a FOX News alert, but it got buried so fast by the Reeves story that we are questioning our hearing. (Inserting finger in ear and wriggling vigorously.) The other major story we heard that got dropped by FOX for celebrity death coverage was the effectiveness of the Sadr offensive, but at least that one is appearing on other channels.
In a later segment .. Robert Redford and Springsteen get 20 min of Bush bashing "quality time", How biased is that? Can you post the transcript to that? Or where to find it? I would like to read it again.
I think you're right. He wouldn't have pulled Chris Reeve's name out of thin air otherwise.
Despicable. Pandering. Disgusting.
How do these people sleep at night or look themselves in the mirror?
I didn't see much of the Robert Redford segment. What little I saw was disgusting enough. I love the way liberals talk. They want "open dialog" about issues - but only if the dialog agrees with their talking points. If not, then the people engaged in the dialog are demogogs, evil, narrow-minded or worse, conservative!
When I was in high school, Robert Redford was such a hottie. Now, I just think he's a jerk.
Christoper Reeve let one of America's neediest, Terri Schiavo fend for herself. After being contacted numerous times with pleas for help for Terri, he remained silent. I guess only the rich needy need apply? That being said, I'm sorry for his wife and children and hope he rests in peace.
Decisons on removing posts are ultimately up to the Admin Moderator. But I believe, certainly on the day of someone's death, in de mortuis nil nisi bonum, and also in avoiding giving inflammatory 'bulletin board' material to the other side.
Sorry, didn't catch it. I normally only watch the first half-hour and then prepare my thread.
Doesn't matter - I don't watch the Today show. Catie's teeth frighten me like Kerry's. The Liberal media spinning voter fraud in Afghanistan and not focusing on Sadr's militia laying down their arms is enough for me with the ABCs. I am perfectly content with being part of the internet 'political jihadists bloggers against Dan Rather.'
I'd venture to say that on November 3rd, there'll be more Dem voter fraud in the swing states than in all of Afghanistan.
I appreciate your response.
I'm afraid you're probably right about that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.