The death of Qaddafi

By: Overtime Staff
Topics: 60 Rewind

When "60 Minutes" profiled Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi in 2001, he was a man firmly in control of his country. Even though he'd been called a terrorist and a tyrant for 30 years, and even though Libya had been implicated in the bombing of a Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, Qaddafi told Charlie Rose that he wanted to make peace with the West.

To prove his point that he was "a simple man who is not a terrorist," Qaddafi took Rose out to his desert tent, where they ate camel meat and couscous. As the piece ended, Qaddafi - sniffing flowers - kept insisting that he was mellowing, becoming a man of peace, and creating a more open culture in Libya. What a difference a decade makes.

4 Comments +

Add a Comment


by RobertPDrake October 27, 2011 5:47 PM EDT: I don't think Qaddafi was worse than any other world leader. They're all bad in their own way. I also believe in Karma...so take that for what you will.; Reply to this comment


by zunitribe October 24, 2011 4:34 PM EDT: Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, a tyrant, a terrorist, a murderer, a truly evil dictator, who probably would have eventually been given a death sentence in the world courts, but he was unjustly murdered by rebels, it is the American belief and we have fought and died to preserve the belief that all men, deserve a fair trial.; Reply to this comment


by typingfast1 October 22, 2011 3:35 AM EDT: Holy smoke. What tree did you fall out of. If any President has ever gotten bad coverage, it is President Obama. Talk about one sided news, just take a look at FOX news. They don't try to hide the fact that they don't like, (hate) Democrats. Especially one that is black. And he became President of the United States. Then there is Glenn Beck, and good old Rush. Talk about one sided news. They are suppose to be Americans doing their best to serve their country. Yet, they said, (Republican Party), they will do whatever it takes to make sure he fails at being President. They have shown that there is nothing they will not do to keep that promise. (At least they have finally kept one promise). About the only network that will give Mr. Obama a fair shake is CBS News. This President is the first President we have ever had that was for the average American and who truly cares about how the poor people of America. He wants to make sure they get medical care and the medication they need.

Here's a surprise for you. I am from the deep south, New Orleans. Yes, I voted for him and I will vote for him again. It is my honest opinion he is a great leader and could be greater if only the two parties will work together. When I registered to vote back in the 60's, I registered as no party. I refuse to vote for a party. I vote for a person and his beliefs and what he wants to do for the nation. Oh, I almost forgot, I am also white.; Reply to this comment


by Tom_Roberts October 21, 2011 9:47 PM EDT: You know it's amazing. Every time I see footage of Bush, the camera is shaky and unstable, as if the cameraman is intentionally moving it to annoy.

Compare the Bush footage to any other interview or news video byte in this clip. All others, including those on the windy desert plain are rock steady compared with the one taking place in the Bush White House.

As a filmmaker myself, I know all too well the techniques for drawing viewers in, and yes, repelling them, nauseating them with oscillating movement of camera or lens focal length.

It seems to me that 'journalists' throughout the Bush years intentionally shook the camera when showing the president.

In my opinion, their goal was to make the viewer physically sick, so much so that even still images of President Bush would trigger the same unwanted physical response. The fact that polices extremely unfavorable under Bush were, and are, not only favorable, but popular under Clinton, and now under Obama. That proves the point that it was personal feelings not disagreement with policy which spearheaded the negativity and public dislike of President Bush.

Always keep an eye on the Press you trust. Is it affecting you, persuading you in ways you are unaware of? Everyone, on both sides of the aisle, along the entire political spectrum should ask themselves this question every day. Don't be a tool for others to wield.; Reply to this comment

Popular Now in 60 Minutes Overtime

recommended

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

Most Popular on CBS News

Stories More »

Videos More »

America's #1 News Program, Now on your iPad Download Now »

Recently on 60 Minutes

Michael Jackson's lucrative legacy
The Michael Jackson brand is alive and well-paid: the pop legend has made more money in death than he ever did alive. Lara Logan reports.
A Face in the Crowd: Say goodbye to anonymity
Even if your picture isn't on the Internet, computerized facial recognition makes it virtually impossible to keep your "faceprint" private. Lesley Stahl reports.
Afghan children on a long and perilous journey
Thousands of mostly teenage boys have fled their country to embark on a 10,000-mile trek to Europe in search of a better life. Anderson Cooper reports.
North Korean prisoner escaped after 23 brutal years
Born in a prison camp, Shin Dong-hyuk describes how three generations of a family are incarcerated if one family member is considered disloyal. Anderson Cooper reports.

60 Minutes on Facebook

The death of Qaddafi

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

48 Hours iPad App