Comments on: Exclusive: John And Elizabeth Edwards

Edwards Open About Cancer, Unconditional About Couple's Decision On Presidential Run

[lcsmith28]

I would like to say, CBS and 60 minutes you had better get Dan Rather back !He was an incredible
journalist and interviewer..cannot believe you let him go and replaced him with Katie...in the interview with the Edwards's she was so cold,calculating,and judgmental..she was so disrespectful..you would have thought she would have shown compassion,understanding to this courageous couple..her facial expressions was enough to show her displeasure with their answers..Get Dan Rarher back..and hurry..your tv programming can not stand the likes of katie...ls

[ncgal2]

Let's be more specific.When Katie asked how they would schedule time with their children while on the campaign trial, Elizabeth and John replied by saying that they "wouldnt always be able to be there for them" and that they would need to "spread their wings." I think its pretty obvious when you have a six and eight year old to question whether they are, in a sense, ready for that kind of independence. I think people are blaming Katie for doing her job and it's ridiculous. I dont even watch CBS evening news so it's not like I have any special loyalty
towards Katie. I watched it just because I happen to care about Elzabeth's situation and I feel for them as people. But people need to back off Katie, it took a lot of courage to ask the questions that certainly I, as a voter, really want to know.

[bethanynb]

I understand that people are questioning the Edwards' decision to continue on with the campaign. How is it our business? I also understand that the role of a journalist is to get the answers that people want to hear, however Katie Couric was so disgustingly judgemental in her interview. She didn't just ask the questions - she asked them over and over and over again. I had to turn the channel I was so appauled. I even remember one comment she made that was purely her opinion when Elizabeth said that thier children need to learn to fly. Katie said, "They are still young birdies" or something to that effect. It is no surprise that the CBS Evening News is the lowest rated Evening News program. I could care less what Katie's personal and political beliefs are, but I shouldn't even have to question it. The best journalists are those that appear unbiased in their questioning and in their reporting.

[karacon1]

Katie Couric said this: Can you understand their concern, though, Senator Edwards, that gosh, at a time when we're living in a world that is so complicated and so dangerous that the president cannot be distracted by, rightly so, caring about his wife's situation?

I ask you, Ms. Couric, in a world that is so dangerous, how can a president be distracted by a lying Attorney General, two 20-something daughters that have their own problems with vice, and a political advisor named Rove that pulls more strings on a puppet than circus acts still be an effective president?

The line of questioning, facial expressions, and brief foray into niceities was appalling. CBS should be ashamed of it's so-called "journalistic endeavor" with this interview.

[ellenwb]

To: teacher1211

Well said! You've hit every point, and with civility!! Thanks.

[njva17420]

For those in the journalism trade, like Jonathan Alter of Newsweek and Dan Goldberg of the Columbia Journalism Review, to rationalize their position by citing the Edwardses' gracious response to all this mess is merely self-serving and beside the point. It was certainly in the Edwardses' interest not to add fuel to the fire but to get on with their lives. It appears that many in the journalism trade have not learned why the reading and viewing public have grown distrustful of them. Someone in this blog, I believe, who is in the business had a comment in which he dismissed those of us who are not in it, and why we "did not understand" why Ms. Couric did what she did, as if the rest of us had no intelligence. I believe that the overwhelming objection to the way this interview was conducted speaks for itself, and the journalists had better learn from this. As for those who cry "sexism", get over yourselves. Couric's badgering did in no way sound like Mike Wallace or Dan Rather. Finally, it appears that most bloggers who favored Couric's approach did so because they don't like John Edwards.

[ncgal2]

I thought that Katie's interview with Elizabeth and John was very fair. Since Katie has dealt with a similar situation herself, I felt that she had more credibility going into it than an interviewer who has never dealt with that situation. As for the interview, I was honestly shocked when Elizabeth and John said that their children needed to "spread their wings". My reaction was that of Katie's "They are six and eight!" If I was sick I would want to
spend every moment with my family. I think public service would easily take a back seat to making private moments with my husband and children to cherish. I assumed after Wade's death that they had two young children late in life to reaffirm their commitment to children and family, and it just appears as if they are choosing politics over family. They seem like good folks, but it also seems like they are more worried about this race than their kids. I truly am trying not to judge, but I just can't relate to their decision to continue this draining race and not spend the time soaking up family moments. I will pray for their situation no matter what, but I feel that with this country being such a mess, there is no way I would vote for someone who could be very distracted in the white house. And I think it's unrealistic to think he wouldnt be handicapped by his personal situation. And I dont feel he has quite the political experience to counterbalance his personal situation to fix this country the way it needs to be fixed.

[njva17420]

I watched the interview and found it distasteful because Katie Couric (formerly CATHERINE Couric when she was a serious reporter on Miami TV news -- and she was good back then -- decades ago before she became a morning entertainer) kept hammering away at the Edwardses with her one-note question concerning the Senator's intent to keep campaigning. Her friends in the journalism business, like Jonathan Alter at Newsweek and Dan Goldberg at the Columbia Journalism Review -- as well as other lesser lights in these various blogs -- have tried to justify her relentlessness on that one point and her lame use of the ploy, "some people have said", by saying those were legitimate tactics as part of her job. Well, nonsense! As has been pointed out by others, hers were tactics more applicable to a prosecutor than an interviewer. And even there, a defense attorney would object, saying, "Asked and answered."

[kenjenkins2]

The Edwards are putting their "service to the nation" ahead of their kids. That is sad. How is running a losing campaign for president service to the nation? Edwards, go home and raise your kids with what time you have left.

[teacher1211]

As much as I dislike the way this interview was handled, it must be said that those are the questions on so many of our minds. However, this interview, strengthened my belief in the character of both Senator Edwards and his wife. I am a Republican, but I have been watching this man since he was so unfortunately matched with Kerry in the last election. He and his wife (and no one else) have made a decision to serve the country in a way that they both feel strongly about. This is not a dis-service to their children. Their family has so many options when it comes to their children and the campaign. The family is obviously no stranger to heartache, so let them handle this situation in the way that they choose. I do agree that Katie Couric had no right to try and call them out on letting their children down...how old were her children when her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer? Where was she during his battle? On the news? That is putting career before family, no doubt. Had she done what she appears to think Sen. Edwards and his family should do, then she would not be on the news now...no one would talk about her unless it was some question from 1990s Trivial Pursuit. I would ask her, was it worth it? Do you regret marketing your face/image and turning back on an obviously ailing husband, and confused and grieving children? Don't fight the "what kind of role model are you being" game when you have come armed with absolutely no credibility in that area.

[brownmolly]

I have never commented on a program before, leaving that to people more clever than I, but I feel compelled to comment on the Edwards "interview" by fomer perky, cheerleading,Bush/neocon loving,hypocrit in the form of "serious journalist" Katie Couric. Reading the previous comments which are predominately negative I have little to add. I used to be a dedicated viewer of 60 Minutes and CBS news, but it became clear that CBS caved in to pressure of the Bush people and their corporate masters. Instead of pushing the neocon agenda, maybe you should do the right thing for a change,forget about the money for once put a genuine journalist at the helm and do what journalists are supposed to do,report the news objetively and tell the truth to the people, remember, big buisness may have the $$$$, but we common folks ultimately have the power because more and more people are catching your right- wing bias, and turning to the web or the Daily SHOW for the truth.The Bushies will be gone in 2008 (hopefully sooner) but we the viewers will still be here,only not watching CBS and in particular Katie Couric. RAH! RAH! RAH! KATIE!!!!!!!!!!

[highacres1]

I always thought Katie Couric was always off someplace when she should have been with her children, especially when they first lost their father THEN I SAW HER PUTTING HER SELF IN DANGER WHERE WAR IS GOING ON SHE IS A BAD ROLE MODLE AND NOT A VERY CARING MOTHER SO IT LOOKS AND HER JOB IS NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE COULD DO KATIE'S JOB JOHN EDWARDS IS A DIFFERENT STORY THEY JOB HE WANTS TO DO IS IMPORTANT AND I THINK HE CAN DO JUST FINE WITH THE HEALTH ISSUES IT WILL MAKE HIM UNDERSTAND AND BE MORE COMPASSIONATE AND STILL VERY CAPABLE OF RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT AND BEING PRESIDENT

I BELIEVE THE EDWARDS ARE PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE

GET RID OF KATIE

[sbc3755]

I am appalled and dismayed by Katie Couric's by your questions and interview tactics with John and Elizabeth Edwards following his announcement to stay in the Presidential race after being told Elizabeth has a recurrence of her cancer.
You can't have it both ways - expect everyone to support you when you kept working when your husband had cancer and you "left" your children and then abusively attack a couple for making the same kind of decision.
You don't deserve to be a news anchor.

[kenjenkins2]

Katies questions exposed Edwards as poor parents. Sorry people, you cannot excuse the fact that they are willing to diregard the fact they have two young boys. They are willing to sacrafice time with their kids for a few extra sympathy votes.

[jsal1996]

Katie Couric's questions were right in line. It is what so many Americans are thinking. Myself and my family and numerous associates had the exact same thoguhts and questions. I truly feel he is sacrificing his wife for his campaign, and using this to further advance. I believe this will be something he will deeply regret in the future. Katie - thank you for asking what so many of us were already thinking.

[garygrimes]

i was deeply offended by katie couric's interview. there is a place for playing "devil's advocate" but i felt she went too far and ended up appearing insensitive. she has always seemed more of a "tv personality" than a true journalist to me, but since her promotion to cbs news i have tried to be more open-minded. unfortunately, this interview cemented my initial opinion of her.

[jebby_one]

Is the GOP paying Katie's salary now?

------------------------------------

I doubt it. But maybe someone should audit the Clinton Library funds to see if any checks have been written to Katie :)

Edwards was never really running for president he is running for Vice president. Apparently though he's not on Hillary's VP list :)

[mirgie-2009]

I found the questions of low caliber and more fitting of a late morning show. The question about their children being "so young" was out of line since Ms. Couric herself has been a full time public personality, battled cancer, dramatic career transition, loss of a partner.

Its time we acknowledge that we are all human and give permission to people to be authentic. Illness is part of life!

[paul9413]

I applaud the Edwards' courage in carrying on despite the reoccurrence of Elizabeth Edward's cancer. Having said that, there was nothing insensitive, nosy, or wrong with any of the questions Katie Couric asked Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. While her interview was not of the caliber of a Russert, Koppel, Fallaci, or Woodward, it was hardly awful. What is terrible is this notion that one cannot question someone's motives and commitment in seeking the highest political office in the country when his spouse suffers from a potentially terminal illness that can escalate anytime. It would be irresponsible not to ask any of the questions about the ability to deal with world crises together with personal turmoil. The issue is not whether this country would be deprived of Mr. Edwards' abilities as a result of bowing out due to his wife's cancer, but whether Mr. Edwards would be able to maintain composure and sound judgment and concentration on matters of state in the unfortunate event of his wife's deterioration over an extended period of time. In fact, the lack of hard questioning of our leaders has resulted in the Iraq debacle, the Middle East mess, immigration problems, and poor personnel selections for Department of Homeland Security, INS, FEMA, etc.

[karenap]

My opinion of Katie Couric, and her reporting
is not a good one.

I was so looking forward to seeing her as the CBS anchor person, but I'm steadily seeing she isn't up to doing a good job.

Where is Dan Rather? I cannot imagine him being so insensitive in an interview with someone who has such a serious health problem.
Go plant a garden Katie, we won't miss you.