April 2, 2009 3:54 PM

President Offers Condolences To CBS News Correspondent

By
Brian Montopoli
Topics
White House
(CBS)
The final question at President Obama's press conference in London today came from CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Chip Reid, who asked the president to what degree he had encountered the perception at the G20 summit that America is to blame for the global economic crisis.

When Mr. Obama called on Reid, the president took a moment to offer a personal sentiment.

"Chip, my heart goes out to you," the president said.

Reid replied, "Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I appreciate that." He then posed his question.

Watch the exchange:



The reason the president offered his condolences is that Reid's father passed away shortly after the correspondent arrived in London to cover the president's trip to Europe.

Upon receiving the news, Reid planned to return home. But his mother and his wife Nina insisted that he stay, telling Reid that his father would have want him to keep covering the president's historic trip.

Reid sent a note to his CBS News colleagues today in which he addressed his loss.

"My father was my hero and I'm here to make him proud," he said.

More Coverage Of The Press Conference:

Obama: G20 Summit Marks "Turning Point"

Obama: "Transparency and Accountability" For Executive Salaries

Obama: Open To Suggestions For Catchphrases, Sound Bites

Full Transcript

Full Coverage Of Obama's Trip Abroad

Add a Comment
by mariannpepit April 2, 2009 7:09 PM EDT
rational: I don't agree with stevex47 regarding Obama going into the record books as the best. I believe Bill Clinton had ten times more experience in all phases of politics and knew how to handle the budget. It might take Obama four years just to come close to balancing. Secondly, you never sign a bill without reading it first and that's how he got us into trouble with the bonuses. Get a grip. I lost my mother, father and husband so I know what its like to lose a family member. However, I still believe Chip should have went back home to his father's funeral.
Reply to this comment
by mariannpepit April 2, 2009 7:04 PM EDT
stevex47: You must be kidding on that comment. I disagree of Chip not going to his father;s funeral. After all, you only have one father and one mother. And that's what would make me go home if I was in that same situation.
Reply to this comment
by toolmangler-2009 April 2, 2009 6:56 PM EDT
I agree with the other comments on this article, I will forego any comments on this story today and simply offer condolences to a guy and his family,
Reply to this comment
by McHineguy April 2, 2009 6:47 PM EDT
Classy act. I dont like his policies, in fact they scare me. But this was a classy thing to do and certainly deserves my respect.
Reply to this comment
by rational_1 April 2, 2009 5:48 PM EDT
Although I don't necessarily agree with stevex47's thoughts on our President's eventual legacy, I think what he said today shows a lot of class.
Reply to this comment
by jxknowles April 2, 2009 5:34 PM EDT
Our family lost a beloved father and husband recently and I know how much kind words meant from those around us. Chip Reid's father had a lot to be proud of when he passed. Our condolences. I'm happy the President took time to acknowledge the moment.
Reply to this comment
by stevex47 April 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT
This Presdient is going to go down in history as one of the best.
Reply to this comment
.

Follow Political Hotsheet

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...