Zeleny Describes "Enchant[ing]" Question For the President

By: Michelle Levi
Topics: Washington Unplugged

(CBS)

The New York Times' Jeff Zeleny sat down with host Bob Schieffer to discuss the motivation behind his recent memorable question for President Obama on this week's edition of CBSNews.com's Web-only show "Washington Unplugged."

"Had this been at the very beginning of the news conference, had I worked for the Associated Press or one of the networks in the beginning, of course I would not have asked it," Zeleny explained.

Here's what Zeleny asked: "During these first 100 days, what has surprised you the most about this office? Enchanted you the most from serving in this office? Humbled you the most? And troubled you the most?" The question prompted quips from Mr. Obama, including "now let me write this down," and "Enchanted? Nice."

Zeleny said he crafted his question specifically for the president, who he has covered for years.

"He likes to reflect. He likes to sort of think in real time," Zeleny said. "This was question, I think, seven or eight out of thirteen – almost the seventh inning stretch if you will – so I figured why not let him stretch a little bit."

"I thought it was interesting how focused on him the answers were," he added. "He didn't talk about Michelle or the girls which I was hoping for that in the enchanting part of the question. "

Watch it here:

Also, Schieffer gets Zeleny's reaction to praise from Senator Ben Nelson – and the reporter tells a hair-y story about the senator, who he covered in Nebraska.

Click here to watch the full show, including an interview with Nelcon.

7 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by mefodei May 4, 2010 2:59 PM EDT: This is an excellent article, thank you very much for it,
I have found here much useful information in
http://ambienbuy.net; Reply to this comment


by mefodei April 25, 2010 11:54 AM EDT: This is an excellent article, thank you very much for it,
I have found here much useful information in
http://ambienbuy.net; Reply to this comment


by mefodei April 25, 2010 11:54 AM EDT: This is an excellent article, thank you very much for it,
I have found here much useful information in
<a href="http://ambienbuy.net" title="Buy ambien">Buy ambien</a>; Reply to this comment


by bendewald May 2, 2009 11:29 AM EDT: Mcthreeteeth, why would you say Obama wouldn't call on him again, he most certainly will call on this softballer again.

And as for let him stretch, there was not a hard question out of 13, why does he need to stretch?; Reply to this comment


by bendewald May 2, 2009 11:25 AM EDT: Pass the barf bag, even though it is already full.

Thanks.; Reply to this comment


by dnsallday May 2, 2009 9:23 AM EDT: LIBERAL CBS. No bias like Fox news...

Just bow down and drink the cool aid

Obamanation
Posted by wtlibs
*********************************************************************
I think everybody now knows that Liberal Bias means honest and truthful. (except for those who have very recently fallen off the turnip truck)

Most responsible Republicans have publically admitted that LIberal Bias is something their echo machine made up in order to get journalists to report in a way that favors them so they wouldn't be accused of having liberal bias.; Reply to this comment


by erichsh May 1, 2009 5:34 PM EDT: ?This was question, I think, seven or eight out of thirteen ? almost the seventh inning stretch if you will ? so I figured why not let him stretch a little bit.?

Yeah, let him stretch. What a nice guy. Now that's hard-hitting journalism for you, right, Zeleny? Funny, I don't recall the NY Times ever cutting Bush etc. any slack.; Reply to this comment