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September 6, 2006 6:20 PM

Ms. Couric Goes to Washington: The Interview

Posted by Greg Kandra
(CBS)
What you see to the left is a small group of CBS news journalists coming home with the big story of the day: an exclusive interview with President Bush. (Katie's the one waving, don'cha know...)

How'd it go?

Well, I've finally thrown together the final installment of Nicolla Hewitt's trip to Washington with Katie. Nicolla begins with the President arriving for the interview...

With the weight of the world on his shoulders – President Bush gave us a hearty Texan welcome. He was clearly focused, and clearly ready to tell Katie the advances he’s made in the ongoing war on terror.

The interview lasted for about 35 minutes, and at the end I think everyone felt Katie and the President had engaged in a frank discussion about “the news of the day.” We’d uncovered some news too – that one of the suspects had talked about a planned anthrax attack on the United States and a plan to fly & crash planes into the United States.

The President took the time to pose for a group photo and to ask Katie, “How’s Matt Lauer?” We all got a chuckle from that. Soon he bid us farewell, and soon we were bidding farewell to the White House.

Back into the car to take us to Reagan National Airport, and a flight back to New York in time for Katie to work on the Evening News, and for Susan Zirinsky to finish up the 9/11 special which airs tonight.

Many people forget Katie’s new job also includes that of Managing Editor, so in between all of this she made frequent calls to Evening News Executive Producer Rome Hartman about tonight’s show, to talk about what stories correspondents would be filing for tonight. They also talked about the right lead-ins to various pieces and what her piece on the show would look like.

During our 35-minute flight back to New York, we read copies of the transcript of her interview with the President so we knew what to pick for the special, and what to pick for the Evening News.

Our team is all here, and we’re back at work now on tonight’s show…and then the special too.



Tags:
Katie Couric ,
President Bush
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Add a Comment See all 64 Comments
by arealpatriot September 8, 2006 2:57 PM EDT
Dear Katie,

I have been a fan of yours for a long, long time, but I must say I am very disappointed with your debut this week. Your started with Bush telling lies and didn't attempt to pin him down. You then followed up with Armitage taking the blame for what was a much higher up conspiracy. He did a great job covering up for his bosses. But what knocked me out of my chair Katie, was Rush (the mouth) Limbaugh spouting out his anti patriot rhetoric. I am really disturbed with the direction your show is going. If I didn't see you sitting there, I would have thought that I had mistakenly tuned in to the Fox republican airwaves. If you are trying to get the Republicans re-elected, you are on the right path. Somehow, I kind of thought that you were a Democrat. Guess maybe I was hoodwinked into believing that. I am going to hang in for a few more days and see if there are equal opportunities for rebuttals to what I have viewed so far. I know that you are being paid a lot of money, but there as some things that money can%u2019t buy, and one of those things is me. If the path keeps leading to the right, I will be signing off.

Mel
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by hlennon-2009 September 8, 2006 1:22 PM EDT
Katie, Must agree with most postings above. I believe I represent many thinking Americans who are sick and tired of our elected representatives and news anchors always being "politically correct". It is time to offend those who deserve publication of their beliefs and motives for same when the future of our country is at stake.
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by jackdawson11 September 8, 2006 2:24 AM EDT
Hello CBS and Kate, I sure miss Dan Rather and Bob Schafer. Sorry to see them both go. I will stop watching CBS news now. I did watched the first and second news show with Kate. The First program she had Bush on and Second show she had Rush Limbaugh. Two blowhard liars that were given prime time by Kate and CBS. Bush is the cause of all the probrems that have been going in the world since he has been in office. Bush smirked and had his sheepish grin like the perverbial Cat that ate the pet Bird as he told katie his woppers. Rush Limbaugh did his blowhard act like the New York taxi driver that won't shut up. The head of CBS should come on the show with Katie and tell the viewers why they support this bad president.
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by ltmac1957 September 8, 2006 12:18 AM EDT
WHY ARE YOU FOLKS DELEATING NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE NEW SHOW? I PUT SOME TIME IN TO LET YOU KNOW HOW WER FEEL AS VIEWERS. FREE SPEECH!!!
GET REAL:(
Reply to this comment
by sder10 September 7, 2006 10:07 PM EDT
Katie,

Have you figured out yet that you have been duped? As a professional woman, I was excited to see a woman get the potition that you did. But instead of insisting on asking the real quesitons, you allowed someone else (maybe the administration, themselves)to write the questions. This was just a planned show to give the president free press before the elections. Its a good thing that the American people can finally see through the ***. Too bad you have been dragged into this and made to look like a cute cheerleader rather than a serious reporter.

I am ebarrased for you and think that what you did leaves you and all women open for criticism. Too bad you did not take steps to show that you could do the job. Tsk, tsk.

S
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by unit2kdc September 7, 2006 5:29 PM EDT
To cbs and katie,,i just wanted to say that i really am impressed with the evening news.I personally have been waiting for this and was actually talking about katie making a move last year in a conversation with my wife and some friends.Good move cbs,,and even better job to katie.As far as her sign off,this is a no-brainer,she should just sign off like she did wednesday night(9-6-06),keep it simple,with a smile,just stop sayin "see you tomm. night"!lets face it,it is us the public that will see her,not the other way around.Anyway,keep up the great job and do not worry or care what the other net-works may say about this,it only means they are jelous that cbs news is about to be a threat,and why not,cbs already has most of the number 1 shows on tv,so why not the #1 news cast.Thank you cbs for finally getting it right,and thank you katie for making the move,welcome to what this viewer considers the #1 network on tv.
JEFF
CHICAGO
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by vargasl1 September 7, 2006 4:44 PM EDT
The way the interview was edited was not listener friendly. I found Katie's VO over herself and The President sitting and talking quite distracting. The note cards reminded me of the morning show. The interview was not powerful with dynamic questions.

With that said, I fell into the hype and will monitor the show and site before I make presumptions.

Communicators Anonymous
http://12commanonymous.typepad.com/
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by wrusho September 7, 2006 3:59 PM EDT
I am a great fan of Katie's, but the Face the Nation show on Sept 6, must be one of her worst. I agree with previous comments that she seemed fawning over W--except for the one question she posed relative to the 9/11 disaster, "They were mostly Saudis, weren't they?" But she allowed W to skip out of the answer, without really answering it. And she allowed Bush to continue his conflation of the war in Iraq with the war on terrorists.
Katie, as interviewer, needs to become much more aggressive in her questions. Her body language may have looked aggressive, but her questions were mostly cotton candy.
Why didn't Katie interview Rep. Murtaugh or even a few Democrats? In other words, this was NOT an even program approach to dreadful options of how to get out of Iraq with dignity.
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by sammarshall1 September 7, 2006 3:09 PM EDT
I hope Ms Couric realizes that most Americans cannot stand Bush. If that interview indicates CBS is Bush oriented count me out. I have been lied to enough by this fraternity boy. Look at the mess we are in. In every way our wonderful country is falling behind in world respect and power. Welcome to the 19th century.
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by bpfefferkorn September 7, 2006 2:43 PM EDT
Hello, Ms. Couric,
I've been a fan of yours since your interviews during the tragic Columbine events. Your compassionate sincerity came right through the television screen into my living room.

Please follow your own instincts again in this new endeavor of evening news anchor. Don't let the "handlers" sugar coat the raw news and it's implications for 299,673,357 of us residing in the US.

Suggest watching & learning Laura Logan's delivery methodology. Just the facts, ma'am.

One last thought - PLEASE No More Bush! Fortunately, the majority of 299,673,357 Americans are not buying his (Rove's) spin of reality anymore.
Reply to this comment
by brettlawless September 7, 2006 2:37 PM EDT
George W. Bush is not a Texan. He may have a ranch in Texas and speak with a farcical Southern drawl, but he was born and raised in Connecticut. Just because the guy got a Texas address and successfully smeared Anne Richard's name in the mud to become Governer of Texas doesn't make him a "Texan", but it does make Hewitt's description of his greeting as "hearty Texan" misleading. Subtle lies like this add up to Bush's "good-ole-boy-doin'-good-fer-the-country" image, which, as noted, is perpetrated and reinforced by the media. The blogosphere--if it decides to take a sharp interest in this blog--will sniff this stuff out and shred it to bits.
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by heatherunc1 September 7, 2006 2:34 PM EDT
I like Katie's bubbly personality and want her to do well but her weakness was displayed for us all last night in her interview with President Bush. I thought it was clear that she has little to no respect for him, even disdain. Her facial expressions, nonverbal communication (arms crossed, a little patronizing touch on the shoulder), and general uncomfortability made the whole interview awkward. Katie needs to work on portraying at least the appearance of nonbias and gain the real ability to present both sides of an issue. On this point, I think she can learn a little from Matt Lauer!
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by top40gordy September 7, 2006 11:54 AM EDT
Congrat's Katie!!!!
________
4 Suggestions (Only the first one is serious):
________
1) That's the news. Until next time, keep an eye on CBS. (Fade to CBS television eye)
________
2) That's what's happening in your world, even as we speak! (Apologies to Willard!)
________
3) (SUNG) Hooray for Yorktown! Hooray for Yorktown!
Someone's in the bleachers yelling,
Hooray for Yorktown!
1, 2, 3, 4, Who are we yelling for?
Yorktown, that's you!
(Katie's High School fight song)
________
4) (SUNG -- tune: Auld Lang Syne)
That good old song of Wahoo-wah!
We'll sing it o'er and o'er!
It cheers our hearts and warms our blood,
To hear them shout and roar!
We come from old Virginia,
Where all is bright and ***.
Let's all join hands and give a yell,
For dear old U-V-A.
(Shout/ chant) Wahoo-wah! Wahoo-wah!
Uni-vee vir-gin-ee-uh!
Hoo-rah-ray! Hoo-rah-ray!
Hey! Hey! U-V-A!
(Katie's college fight song)
________
Respectfully submitted:
________
Gordy King
Yorktown class of 1975
Virginia CLAS 1979
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by citizen36-2009 September 7, 2006 11:39 AM EDT
I am deeply disappointed in Katie Couric's choice to put this president on her news show! I have always been a fan of Ms Couric; however, if this is an example of "free speech," count me out!
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by linwatson September 7, 2006 7:30 AM EDT
To CBS:

It is by one person at a time,that citizens will be able to impact mainstream news. Your approach to President Bush was truly the last straw and I will no longer be tuning in to any CBS news program. This makes me sad because Face the Nation has been a part of my life for a very long time (I am 69). However, when Bob compliments Bush as he did, I know that my idea of journalistic integrity is something quite different from mine. As for Katie Couric, it is a huge disappointment to see a lack of any depth and authentic questioning of President Bush. I had already boycotted my favorite show "CBS Sunday Morning" as I watched it deterioate into a shadow of its former self - same goes for 60 minutes. Since I boycott ABC and NBC as well, that does not leave very much, does it?

My solution: Watch "Democracy Now" and Keith Olberman. Read a large number of excellent journals, and listen to the radio. Scan a large number of political blogs.

CBS really should be deeply ashamed as they had the greatest tradition in the news business and have totally wiped away all pretence of excellence.

Linda Watson
North Carolina

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by roguecowboy-2009 September 7, 2006 6:11 AM EDT
Katie,
Your interview with the President "BOMBED"
He had already answered every question you asked in his recent PROPAGANDA SPEECHES. I do not need you have him repeat what he had just said.
Time to go back to reporter/jounalist school. Maybe you can recover before the ratings go totally in the toilet.
Reply to this comment
by cumuluscld September 7, 2006 6:10 AM EDT
Thought Katie did great. It's FANTASTIC there's a woman anchor. Liked Snapshots. Would stay away from celebrities. We're too inundated with them. Lukewarm on "freeSpeech". Would rather see the news & not listen to someone's opinion. If there was an opposing view, that's too much of "Point-Counterpoint" & the old SNL bit with Jane Curtain/Dan Akroyd. A news broadcast should be just that - news, w/positive stories thrown in. We hear so many negative things. Didn't have any problem with what KC wore. Contrary to what some think, it's OK to wear white after Labor Day now. People obviously have not heard of "winter white". What matters is the material. You don't want white linen in Dec. Don't see why everyone is so concerned w/what she was going to wear. But that comes with the territory. We women have more choices, so it's more interesting. All a male anchor can wear is a shirt, tie & jacket. The only item of interest is the tie. I liked the clip with the sign-offs of other anchors. Lastly, Ms. Couric has fantastic legs but by crossing them they become too apparent & take the focus off the interview content. KC is still in the "honeymoon" phase of the job, but she'll get situated. I believe she has the desire & the chops to do hard-hitting news. I've seen her ask the hard questions. Possible sign-offs:
"I'm Katie Couric and that's my report. To be continued."
"I'm Katie Couric and that's the news. To be continued."
"I'm Katie Couric . . . that's what happened [today]. Good night."
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by September 7, 2006 6:02 AM EDT
Katie,
I wasn't able to watch the news last night. I read the interview you had with the president and was wondering if you forgot what the news is all about. The question you asked is what the people know the answer to already. Remember this Katie, Journalism and anchor news caster must act like a detective to find the truth and nothing but the truth. Don't get anythig less than the truth. Also remeber this, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW and WHY is the key elements for the news. I hope the best of you as the CBS Evening News Anchor-Woman!
Your Unknown Friend,
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by roguecowboy-2009 September 7, 2006 6:00 AM EDT
The Bush organization has known the threat of LIQUID EXPLOSIVES on airplanes since the first time they were used in 1987 and at least 2 times after that. Apparently they were waiting for them to be used on American Planes and killing thousands of Americans be before banning and screening for LIQUIDS and Gels. Has he called for a ban of liquids and Gels on US public transportation systems? No he is waiting for hundreds of Americans to be blown up by Liquid Explosives on San Francisco Cable Cars, Trains or Subways here in America. Then he can FEAR MONGER some more about why his illegal spying and total unlimited power to do whatever he wants is important.
Bush is a hypocrite!

Jim Frego
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by roguecowboy-2009 September 7, 2006 6:00 AM EDT
He will not even send 5000 troops to Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah in accordance with UN Resolutions 1559 and 1706. Bush is a hypocrite. He started an illegal war and now he is asking the American people to help him save face by keeping our troops in Iraq until he vacates the White House. Then he can blame someone else for withdrawing troops. In the meanwhile the second largest terror organization Hezbollah,is thumbing it's nose at the US.

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