Meet Rick Berman, A.K.A. "Dr. Evil"

Morley Safer Speaks To A Lobbyist Some People Love To Hate

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on April 8, 2007. It was updated on July 17, 2007.

Rick Berman takes a certain pride, even joy, in the nickname "Dr. Evil." But the people who use it see nothing funny about it—they mean it.

His real name is Rick Berman, a Washington lobbyist and arch-enemy of other lobbyists and do-gooders who would have government control—and even ban-a myriad of products they claim are killing us, products like caffeine, salt, fast food and the oil they fry it in. He's against Mothers Against Drunk Driving, animal rights activists, food watchdog groups and unions of every kind.

As correspondent Morley Safer reports, Berman believes we are fast becoming a nation of passive children ruled by the iron thumb of self-appointed "nannies" and he gets paid good money to keep all those "Mary Poppinses" at bay. And they have reserved a special place in hell for him.

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"Let me just take you through some of the things your critics have said about you. Sleazy, greedy, outrageous, deceptive, ineffective except when it comes to making money for yourself, corporate lackey who is one of the scariest people in America," Safer remarks.

"You know, I grew up in the Bronx. Name-calling is not the worst thing that I've been subjected to," Berman replies.

Rick Berman is lawyer and a lobbyist, which some might say is bad enough, but he would say lawyer and lobbyist for personal freedom.

"If the government is truly interested in my health and welfare, I'm appreciative of it. But, I think I can take care of myself," Berman tells Safer.

Berman claims that we are quickly becoming a "nanny state," an overregulated society with ever-declining freedom of choice from how much we earn, to when we may drive, to what we eat.

He has particular contempt for so-called "food cops" who claim to know what’s best for us.

"They create this Chicken Little mentality that the sky is falling over everything," Berman says. "You know, the latest study says this, the latest study says that. And they drive the government to satisfy that artificial public need."

Berman blames activist, safety and watchdog groups—“do-gooders run amok” he calls them—for trying to scare America into submission. He points to those endless reports, often contradictory, which offer us a dizzying array of fearful news about everyday food and drink that might just kill you: like tuna fish, chicken, diet soda, salt, and that demon, trans-fats.

"I don't think that the other side should be allowed to talk and the response be intimidated into submission or silence. And so I'm the other side," Berman says.

The other side as in big business, mainly the food, beverage and restaurant business, which have a vested interest in encouraging people to continue to eat, drink and be merry to their heart’s delight.

Berman’s the booze and food industry’s 6'4", 64-year-old weapon of mass destruction. They hire him to front for them in the "food wars."

"The businesses themselves don't find it convenient to take on causes that might seem politically incorrect, and I'm not afraid to do that," Berman says.

Asked if has become a major tool for corporate America, Berman says, "My mission is not to defend corporate America."

"You're a hired gun," Safer remarks.

"Well, I go out to people and I say, 'Look, if you believe in what I believe, will you help fund it?' Now, I don't know if that's a hired gun or not. But, the point is, yes, I do get paid for educating people. If that's my biggest crime, I stand accused," Berman says.

And it's not just the "food police" Berman goes after: it's anyone who seeks to limit or regulate our way of life, like animal rights activists, trial lawyers, and his current favorite, union leaders.

And Berman uses ads to drive home the message.

"You know what I love? Paying union dues, just so I can keep my job," one TV ad says. "I really like how the union discriminates against minorities!" "Nothing makes me feel better than knowing that I'm supporting their fat-cat lifestyles. Find out the facts about union officials at unionfacts.com" "Thanks, union bosses!"

"There's no sense in putting out a 17 page scientific report that nobody will read. So, I put out a 30 second commercial that makes the point," Berman explains.

[jimbavaro]

"Dr. Evil"?! It sounds more like Dr. Common Sense. These activists whiners need to find something better to do. I need more people telling me how to live like I need a hole in the head.

[carpetbagnyc]

Big deal -- public companies have someone (besides indicted CEOs) to remind Americans that they're not the root of all evil. Sounds like they need the help, and this guy looks like he's right out of central casting. I say good for him. Is this a great country or what?

[widdermaker]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Some people will do anything for a buck.

I live on a lake. We have a lot of ice fisherman in the winter. The lake began thawing recently to the point where there was open water in places. Most fisherman have enough sense to stay off the lake when the ice gets too thin. But every year, there are a few die-hards. One morning recently, when the lake ice was obviously too thin to fish on, a die-hard ice fisherman began walking out on the ice. He'd take a few steps, poke his drill down on the ice to make sure it was hard, and take a few steps more. A couple hundred feet away, ducks were floating on the water. Forecast today: Sunny, high near 50. I couldn't believe it, but out he kept going, step-by-step. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.

"Hey!" I yelled, "What's your name?"

"Hunh?" he said. "What?"

"Your name! What is it?"

"Michael!" he replied "MICHAEL! Do I know you?"

"Naw!" I said, "Just want to know for your next of kin!"

He got the message, and turned around. The lake thawed out that day.

Rick Berman, on the other hand, would have told him not to worry about it, to go on out, heck, go over by that open spot! That's probably where the fish are! And here's some chew for you, too. Jeezus, thank god there aren't any activist, whiner, do-gooders out here!

Lord, don't forgive them, for they DO know what they do.

sigh Happy Easter.

[mpcampbell3]

I think he makes a whole lot of sense, I mean I think that we can decide what is good for us and what is not. We are adults we don't need someone telling us that we can't do this or we can't do that. I mean seriously we should be able to do what we want inside the law of the land.

MC

[djermano1]

He is a Corporate Lobbist who sees profits down because the American people have wised up to the poison they are feeding us. He should be ashamed of himself grown man acting like a friging moron!

[pegasus741]

I'm pretty sure that the poster in my high school counselor's office read: "What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular."

If this old adage holds true, then I think that "Dr. Evil" must promote truth if he is as unpopular as his critics claim.

I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

This guy sounds cool! I can't wait to watch.

TM

[pjsdms]

All Berman is doing is giving the American public credit for their own intelligence and being able to make decisons for themselves.I for one want to be able to decide to eat trans fat or not without having the government and its cronies regulate me.

Thanks for helping keeping keep their rights!!

[pjsdms]

All Berman is doing is giving the American public credit for their own intelligence and being able to make decisons for themselves.I for one want to be able to decide to eat trans fat or not without having the government and its cronies regulate me.

Thanks for helping the people keep their rights!!

[pjsdms]

All Berman is doing is giving the American public credit for their own intelligence and being able to make decisons for themselves.I for one want to be able to decide to eat trans fat or not without having the government and its cronies regulate me.

Thanks for helping the people keep their rights!!

Maybe they should call him Dr. Right !!!

[pjsdms]

All Berman is doing is giving the American public credit for their own intelligence and being able to make decisons for themselves.I for one want to be able to decide to eat trans fat or not without having the government and its cronies regulate me.

Thanks for helping the people keep their rights!!

Maybe they should call him Dr. Right !!!

[pjsdms]

All Berman is doing is giving the American public credit for their own intelligence and being able to make decisons for themselves.I for one want to be able to decide to eat trans fat or not without having the government and its cronies regulate me.

Thanks for helping the people keep their rights!!

Maybe they should call him Dr. Right !!!

[skeletons911]

WHY DOESNT 60 MINS EXPOSE DECEPTION OF 911

SEE LOOSE CHANGE 2ND EDIT ON YOU TUBE AND NY DAILY NEWS 8-14-05

" BIG GOLF MESS SUITS MOB TO A TEE "

SCANDAL AT FERRY POINT PARK BRONX, A GOULIANI NIGHTMARE ALL ON BLOOMERBERGS WATCH.

[skeletons911]

THE WINDOW HORNUNGS COURT STATEMENT IN NEW LAW SUIT VS NYC SAYS

GOULIANI AND JBERG

"TREATED CHRUSHED VICTIMS REMAINS AT GRD ZERO

AS ROAD FILL AND GARBAGE...."

[donnatoone]

And .... These FORCED-Adoption GAMING-Business States (they are Card-SHARK Child Laborers).

!! WOULD YOU BE A RITUAL-ABUSER !!

[glaryea]

This is the "LAND OF THE FREE" we need more guys like Berman to protect our "freedom". How do I get a job like that?

[fredbirdfan]

So glad to hear what Rick Berman is doing. When cities ban transfats it is just a small sampling of how far goverment is going in regulating our lives. Remember this is supposed to be "the land of the free" not the overly regulated.

[wolfml1]

If Rick Berman was so interested in full disclosure, you would think he would disclose who his clients are. Not knowing is tantamount to doing what his clients are supposedly having done to them.

[glaryea]

This is the "LAND OF THE FREE" we need more guys like Berman to protect our "freedom". How do I get a job like that?

[glick7]

Thank God for a patriot like Rick Berman! He is the man fighting strongest for ALL of our freedom. Maybe he could lobby for my constitutional ammendment...MIND YOUR OWN FRICKIN' BUSINESS! Hurray for Dr.Evil!

[islandbob1]

Finally the truth an on 60 minutes who would of guessed. The only thing he missed is the next step. First you make it evil then you can tax the heck out of it. Like cigarettes the wholesale price here in Michigan is $2.22 a pack the taxes on it is over $2.75 a pack. So if you think the nanny state cares about you it's only your money there after. Bob

[psgods]

Berman is refreshing in this overly PC country.

The health Nazi's are going overboard, let people live there lives. If they die because of poor eating choice, it helps the "global warming" problems you are all crying about. If EVERYBODY lived to be 100, we will have a huge population, carbon footprint(global warming issue). Let people live and die on there own terms. Nobady is asking you save EVERYBODY - take care of yourself the stay the hell out of everybosy else's life!

[mkm761]

How do I get a job with this guy? I love the idea of freedom of choice. What a concept. Eating a Big Mac or a eating sald. Do I need the government to tell me which is better for me?

[ohlevin]

Amen. Finally, someone on CBS who believes like we do that our country needs to take personal responsiblilty and think for ourselves. This guy is our families new hero. Thank-you CBS for airing this story.

[twicethebank]

Go Rick,

I support you 100% and believe in what you are doing. I want to help you. How can I do it?

[lockettjr]

I agree with Mr. Berman on the government should not be protecting us from ourselves. However, health insurance costs are shared by everyone whether you are healthy or not. Check out the waiting rooms at doctors offices and hospitals and you will see mostly overweight out of shape individuals. Even the health care professionals are out of shape. There should be a finacial incentive in the free market to live a healthy lifestyle - not government regulations.

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[boch1165]

Who the hell does Jacobson think he is? How can't he tell us what we can eat or not eat? If I want fettuccini Alfredo one night and the next day you have a double whopper with cheese at Burger King and the next day you go over to Denny's and you have one of their enormous breakfasts, that is my decision. Jacobson is just using scare tactics to scare the American people. Loser%u2026

[annierae-2009]

We all owe this man gratitude. I don't like to be told what to do with my life and I know there are many people like me. He actually makes sense. If we only listened to network media democracy would be a thing of the past. The government is in the business of making new rules and not upholding the ones we already have. You know like stoping murder and theft. We have soldiers dying in other countries and we are worried about transfats. Lets focus people.

[ncmayhammer]

I totaly agree with Rick Berman , I was a memeber of the IAM (International Association of Machinist & Aerospace workers) for 21 years and when I got in trouble they just sided with the company, Unions suck! As far as the social engineers or the idiot that said he did not like what I ate, well he is not who is in control of MY LIFE. I WILL EAT, DRINK, SMOKE WHAT I WHAT TO and it is not his right to rule my life!!!!

[amthinker]

Go Rick Berman! Personal freedom and responsibility is crucial to our survival as a democracy and Berman is doing the right thing. People should be able to become educated on issues and make their own choices. I wonder if Mr. Berman is hiring...

[mikeplatz]

Berman; what a breath of fresh-air. Somebody who will stand-up to these mind, body and life style control freaks. He put you in your place Morley.

[mrsteve6]

It's about time we took our right to choose to the voteing booth.We do not need the government telling us when to wear a seatbelt,a motorcycle helmet,what to eat or drink.Let people use their own judgment to choose what is best for them.

[bzc28f]

So Berman is pandering for the highest bidder, because it's his "passion"? Let's compare his income with that of the real Doctor who is his nemesis. The right wing and their well paid mouthpieces always use "reductio ad absurdum" (everything causes cancer) and the "slippery slope" (you won't be able to order desert)arguments to obfuscate the truth. They don't want you to think, they want you to feel.
Speaking of spin, isn't it interesting that our sons and daughters get unarmed humvees for dangerous missions, while our dignitaries (like McCain) rate armored humvees, Apaches and troops galore for a trip to the rug mart. Send the Bush twins as part of the "surge".

[jrock2000-2009]

Morley Safer's demeanor/body language during his Berman interview was sickeningly biased. His AND "your" credibility as a "news source" has taken a serious 'hit' to this viewer. Such overt slanted presentations make a mockery of the stated purpose of this show to begin with!

[ajv2003]

Oh yea Mr Berman, you made my day! Have not much to add for he has said it so well. We need more of his kind.

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[jrock2000-2009]

Morley Safer's demeanor/body language during his Berman interview was sickeningly biased. His AND "your" credibility as a "news source" has taken a serious 'hit' to this viewer. Such overt slanted presentations make a mockery of the stated purpose of this show to begin with!

[rbba2]

Way to go CBS. Sometimes you do come through with a story that hits those who believe in excessive government controls. God did give us brains so we could make choices on our own if we have ALL the info. Thanks for exposing the utterly ridiculous claims of the Food Police. I would love to work for Dr. Berman. Can you get me an interview with him?

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[samiesdad]

Dear 60 Minutes,

I am a Right Wing, Fundamentalist Christian Conservative and just want to say Thank God for Rick Berman and the work he is doing!!!!!! America is quickly becoming a country that would make our fore-fathers sick. I am a grown man and do not need nor want the government or the Holier than thou, so called Christians and Liberals both which think they need to save us poor study average Americans from our own choices. By the way, I have 2 BS degrees and an MBA from Duke, so I think I am capable of choosing for myself.

I am just so glad you informed me that at least there is one man that is standing up against these terrible people that "just want to help us" by taking away all of our rights of choice and just do what they want us to do.

Rick Berman is truly a GREAT American in the spirit of our Founding Fathers.

Thank you for informing about him!!!!

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[cantrellja]

I have a new hero in Rick Berman. Finally someone who isn't afraid to speak the truth, however politically incorrect. How dare the government be so bold as to decide what I should eat? By giving up our personal freedoms piecemeal, we are submitting to tyrrany little by little. This man should be President. Are there t-shirts?

[guydunhil]

we need Rick to run in 08. Need someone who can stand on his own. America needs a leader.

[bobsylv1]

Where is my freedom of choice if the food industry is not required to tell me what is in food and how it is grown or raised?

Where is my freedom of choice if independent food and environmental researchers are not allowed to publish their findings without having them alterred or ridiculed by opposing special interests?

[momofsnow-2009]

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! AMERICA STOOD STILL WHEN WE WERE TOLD WE COULD NOT GO TO CANADA! WHAT SAY THAT AGAIN WHAT NO WAY!! WE ARE TOLD TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. WE SHOULD BE ADVISED TO WEAR THEM. BUSINESS SHOULD DICIDED IF WE SMOKE AT THIER BUSINESS. WE SHOULD EAT WHAT WE WANT SMOKE IF WE WANT WHAT THIS IS NOT A FREE SAY AGAIN FREE COUNTRY. WE NEED IMFORMATION IMFORMATION NOT LAWS TO RULE US THAT IS IT WE ARE BEING RULED. BEWARE BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING MR. BUSH BELIEVES IN BIG BROTHER CAMERAS AT OUR RED LIGHTS SAVE LIVES MY FOOT THE PEOPLE ON THE PICTURES HAS ALREADY RUN THAT LIGHT. IT IS TO MAKE MONEY AND CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL BLESS U DR. RIGHT THANK YOU

[pobriot]

I agree that not everything should be regulated, but we do need to have information to make the right choices. Some people don't understand that the size of a meal does not equal calories of the meal. I do want to know what is in my food and where it came from and then I will decide if I want to eat the liver of a force feed goose, which by the way can be worked into a sensible diet.

[cantrellja]

I have a new hero in Rick Berman. Finally someone who isn't afraid to speak the truth, however politically incorrect. How dare the government be so bold as to decide what I should eat? By giving up our personal freedoms piecemeal, we are submitting to tyrrany little by little. This man should be President. Are there t-shirts?

[frav1]

Morley. This ranks of one of your worst stories. Your facial expressions of disdain for Mr. Berman's comments were typical of your biased reporting. I'm shocked that Dr. Jacubson didn't mention that crossing the street can be dangerous to your health. So what Mr. Berman earns a living telling another side of a story. I believe in freedom of choice and like to make my decisions after hearing both sides without the smirks and raised eyebrows.