We've updated CBSNews.com:
Take the tour

Dec. 3, 2007

CBS News To Debut Series On The Candidates

Katie Couric Talks One-On-One With Each Leading Candidate To Pose 10 Questions That Reveal Some Unexpected Answers

Font size
Print
E-mail
Share
440 Comments

Play CBS Video Video Top Candidates, 10 Questions
A preview of "Primary Questions: Character, Leadership and the Candidates." Katie Couric one on one with presidential candidates in a special series starting this week on the CBS Evening News.

Video Primary Questions
"Primary Questions" is the CBS Evening News special series in which Katie Couric will ask ten top presidential candidates the same ten questions.

Photo
(CBS)

In-Depth 2008 Presidential Hopefuls
Profiles and the latest news on the Democrats and Republicans running for the White House.
Video Library Primary Questions
Katie Couric asks the top presidential candidates 10 questions about what makes them tick.

Video and Galleries from CBS Evening News

Latest in CBS Evening News: The Story Behind the Skating Babies; Sagging Sales, Even in a Beach Paradise; Grief, Outrage over Grave Desecrations

Add a Comment

See all 440 Comments


by denn034 December 3, 2007 4:36 PM PST: Will Couric sneer at the Republican candidates like she did at Newt Gingrich? Just wondering.; Reply to this comment


by jafoh1 December 3, 2007 7:30 PM PST: I see corporate media shuns Ron Paul once again by not inviting him to the Q&A session. Some things never change.; Reply to this comment


by pdakota236 December 3, 2007 9:53 PM PST: Ron Paul won the CNN Debate, the media is attempting to control the outcome of the election by deciding who will be the leading candidates.; Reply to this comment


by jasonking4 December 4, 2007 3:46 AM PST: McCain but no RON PAUL? What an absolute disgrace!; Reply to this comment


by why_not_nar December 4, 2007 6:07 AM PST: Of course she will. That is how she does interviews. It''s a Couric interrogation. Unfortunately she doesn''t know how to conduct an interview. She see''s herself as some combination of Mike Wallace and Heraldo, but without any intelligence.; Reply to this comment


by why_not_nar December 4, 2007 6:23 AM PST: Another attemt to turn the evening news in her own romper room. Hey, it''s working. Viewers are up to seven million. Katie has the same problem that Hillary does, a large percentage of the population doesn''t like her. And the reasons are the same, both are perceived as without integrtiy, and totally self seeking. It has nothing to do with their ***. I thought Eisenhower was a ''do nothing President''. Fact was, he had integrity, as did Truman, Carter, Reagan, and Ford. Since 1988 we have been treated to Bush, Clinton, and Bush. The Bush''s objectives are/were wealth. Clinton''s was/is self-aggrandizement. He just did it better than Hillary...he generally made you fell good while he was *** you.
The good news, none of them held a moral candle to our current President. 80% of the current candidates will be a huge improvement , Republicans included.

Obama interests me. I think he may have character. If Couric did her Carey approach on him, he might actually say, i will never be treated like that again.

Her victory of last week is that she is the first journalist to force a ''blunder''from Hillary. There are so many great correspondents on TV. Katie is the mistake of one man. Just so happens he is the CEO of CBS.; Reply to this comment


by why_not_nar December 4, 2007 6:43 AM PST: To really do damage, you need to have acquired power without maturity or wisdom. Nixon, Senator McCarthy, Bush, and in journalism Couric. These people are viewed as pugnacious, generally put their own self-interest above others. Great Leaders do just the opposite, Roosevelt, Churchill, Ford and Reagen. It''s not about your point of view, it''s about the integrity with which you pursue your point of view. In journalism Cronkite, Severide, Brokaw, Thomas Friedman, Bernard Kalb, Huntly, Brinkly, and Peter Jennings.
It doesn''t take a year to see how Couric is different, it may not even take 1/2 hour.
One of the great interviewer''s Charlie Rose has a list of ''fallback questions'', so does the actors guild program. Those list bear no resemblence to the one Couric has put together. I think the writers had the correct idea, maybe people who have been interviewed and hurt by her, can start a boycott movement. Not only that if she doesn''t receive a respond to one of her ''what is the worst crime you committed in your life?'' questions, she asks it over, and over, and over again.
A caricature of journal running CBS. Must say something about how important the news is to us.; Reply to this comment


by mabelc50 December 4, 2007 9:03 AM PST: I can give another question to ask them. Ask them if they belong to the BILDERBERG GROUP. Or if they''ve ever attended a meeting. My guess is they will all deny it. But if you watch the documentary called the END GAME you will be simply amazed, and totally in shock at what is on there. I had never heard of this group until this weekend.; Reply to this comment


by chiplitfam December 4, 2007 10:11 AM PST: Apparantly you are not concerned that your credibility as a news source is completely debunked when you purposely keep out Ron Paul. Your network must really be afraid of what Ron Paul stands for. It is so obvious. You will be eating your words soon.; Reply to this comment


by pbsisbetter December 4, 2007 7:01 PM PST: Couric,

Will you please explain why Ron Paul was not included in this series?

Often, the media uses fundraising to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul is out-fundraising all other Republican candidates.

Often, the media uses straw polls to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul has beat every Republican candidate in straw polls head to head.

Often, the media looks at grassroots support to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul has by far more grassroots support than any other Republican candidate.

Often, the media looks at polls to determine the strength of a candidate. Ron Paul has won every online and text phone poll asking who was the winner of Republican debates on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and ABC.

Exactly what criteria did you use to exclude Ron Paul from your series?; Reply to this comment


by pbsisbetter December 4, 2007 7:03 PM PST: Couric,

Will you please explain why Ron Paul was not included in this series?

Often, the media uses fundraising to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul is out-fundraising all other Republican candidates.

Often, the media uses straw polls to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul has beat every Republican candidate in straw polls head to head.

Often, the media looks at grassroots support to determine the strength of a campaign. Ron Paul has by far more grassroots support than any other Republican candidate.

Often, the media looks at polls to determine the strength of a candidate. Ron Paul has won every online and text phone poll asking who was the winner of Republican debates on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and ABC.

Exactly what criteria did you use to exclude Ron Paul from your series?; Reply to this comment


by melebr December 4, 2007 7:10 PM PST: Why was Dr. Ron Paul not included in this series?; Reply to this comment


by fabijo-2009 December 5, 2007 3:48 AM PST: This is unfair to the presidential candidates who were not included. You picked the "front-runners" but they are only "front-runners" because they keep getting very good news coverage. People do not know some of the other candidates because you are choosing for the American people who is "legitimate." I am getting very tired of broadcast media. I''m glad we still have access to find good media on the internet without any of your advertising sponsorship. More Americans are educating themselves and finding alternative ways to find their news. I am glad that this movement is drawing people away from your biased media. :); Reply to this comment


by fabijo-2009 December 5, 2007 3:49 AM PST: This is unfair to the presidential candidates who were not included. You picked the "front-runners" but they are only "front-runners" because they keep getting very good news coverage. People do not know some of the other candidates because you are choosing for the American people who is "legitimate." I am getting very tired of broadcast media. I''m glad we still have access to find good media on the internet without any of your advertising sponsorship. More Americans are educating themselves and finding alternative ways to find their news. I am glad that this movement is drawing people away from your biased media. :); Reply to this comment


by fabijo-2009 December 5, 2007 3:54 AM PST: This is unfair to the presidential candidates who were not included. You picked the "front-runners" but they are only "front-runners" because they keep getting very good news coverage. People do not know some of the other candidates because you are choosing for the American people who is "legitimate." I am getting very tired of broadcast media. I''m glad we still have access to find good media on the internet without any of your advertising sponsorship. More Americans are educating themselves and finding alternative ways to find their news. I am glad that this movement is drawing people away from your biased media. :); Reply to this comment


by nexus974 December 5, 2007 7:44 AM PST: This is NOT a series on the candidates and won''t be until you include Congressman Ron Paul. Stop ignoring Dr. Paul. Stop ignoring his supporters. Include Dr Ron Paul in this series.; Reply to this comment


by zanemerva December 5, 2007 10:42 AM PST: CBS- any respect I had for you or Couric- is now gone. To exclude Ron Paul in this series is not only irresponsible "journalism" but disgraceful. Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate to speak for the people. No wonder CBS is failing in ratings. Get a clue- there are way more Ron Paul supporters out there than not. Give him fair coverage and your ratings spiral will reverse.; Reply to this comment


by zanemerva December 5, 2007 10:43 AM PST: CBS- any respect I had for you or Couric- is now gone. To exclude Ron Paul in this series is not only irresponsible "journalism" but disgraceful. Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate to speak for the people. No wonder CBS is failing in ratings. Get a clue- there are way more Ron Paul supporters out there than not. Give him fair coverage and your ratings spiral will reverse.; Reply to this comment


by ashb85 December 5, 2007 11:35 AM PST: Ron Paul''s fund-raising strength, straw poll strength, post-debate poll numbers, and rising land-line poll numbers indicate that he is a leading candidate, especially compared to Biden or McCain. CBS is doing a disservice to their viewers by ignoring the ground-swell of support that Ron Paul has received that has moved his supporters to post signs, fly planes, and buy blimps to promote his message. The segments are about consistency and character. Ron Paul''s consistent voting record and lack of pandering fit in exactly with the purpose of her segment.

Hopefully CBS will do the needful include Ron Paul in this segment.; Reply to this comment


by zpippin December 5, 2007 11:46 AM PST: I have to agree with many of the above comments. Whether or not you agree with Congressman Paul, there is no denying is is making gains. His fundraising numbers are well above those of Governor Huckabee and He is polling higher than Mayor Giuliani in New Hampshire. By denying him the same opportunity as the other candidates to speak you are denying the American people the ability to make a sound decision based on unbiased presentation of all of the options.; Reply to this comment


by cbiased December 5, 2007 2:33 PM PST: It is amazing that the network news continues to hire consultants to figure out why they are losing viewers at a steady pace when the answer is obvious: intellectual dishonesty and plain laziness (maybe CBS News is modeling itself after Fred Thompson, the laziest candidate in recent memory) in pursuing stories. Drudge Report, Fark.com, and Digg allow news consumers to remain informed and choose what news is really most important; all the while, network news is going the way of the dinosaur.; Reply to this comment


by kent4jmj-2009 December 5, 2007 2:55 PM PST: CBS stinks. Its coverage of the candidates stinks. The only reason I came here was to express my disgust with CBS. Oh and did I mention I do not like CBS or their new coverage. Stop doing my thinking for me and stop choosing which candidates I get to hear about. This is why I use the intenet you idiots.; Reply to this comment


by kent4jmj-2009 December 5, 2007 2:59 PM PST: Ron Paul and, yes, Alan Keyes are candidates. The only two worth a *** in my opinion. They both registered and filed the paperwork. That means they are candidates and your lack of coverage is can not be defended. You either work for We the People or you are bought.; Reply to this comment


by ophello December 5, 2007 4:40 PM PST: The fact that Ron Paul was not included only shows this news network for what it is: BIASED.

To exclude Ron Paul from this series is folly. I am extremely dissapointed in you, CBS.; Reply to this comment


by bkindy1 December 5, 2007 5:27 PM PST: I had never expected this from Couric. Despite the viewers she''s been losing over the past year, I WAS a dedicated viewer. They are censoring candidates. There is no reason Dr. Paul shouldn''t be interviewed.

I''m done with CBS. It''s been fun Katie. I thought you were better than this.; Reply to this comment


by adam4281 December 5, 2007 5:34 PM PST: Cbs I wish you to consider including a piece on Ron Paul as you included a piece on every candidate including Tancredo and Hunter.But you don%u2019t include a segment on Ron Paul who has more than proven he is a serious candidate.I hope you will treat every candidate equally and in doing so include a Ron Paul segment.; Reply to this comment


by pydron-2009 December 5, 2007 9:10 PM PST: I am very disappointed that Dr. Paul was not included in this series. Dr. Paul has proven to be a worthy candidate and one who has a strong and important direction for this country. CBS, please reconsider.; Reply to this comment


by bousquetcm December 5, 2007 9:10 PM PST: What?!?!?! No Ron Paul? His incredible turn out forced the San Francisco GOP to abort their poll, he''s out-fund raised every GOP candidate, and he''s the only Candidate (with the exception of Kucinich) that isn''t filled with scandals!!! PLUS he has actually read the US Constitution and understands what the Founding Fathers had in mind. And he won the Virginia Straw Poll. I could go on... Just search YouTube!!!

How about one, just one news outlet actually uphold the ethics and principles of journalism as it is taught to us young college idealists!!!; Reply to this comment


by theamest December 5, 2007 9:20 PM PST: I just signed up so I can say how outraged I am that RON PAUL wasn''t in this!!! What is wrong with you people? The man is all over the place, winning every poll and raising the most money. They had to shut down the SF straw poll cause he had TOO MUCH SUPPORT! This is just sickening to watch how unfair and unbalanced the mainstream news outlets are to RON PAUL. Thanks for nothing Katie O''Reilly.; Reply to this comment


by bousquetcm December 5, 2007 9:23 PM PST: After reading through all 3 pages, Katie''s taking a lot of heat - but let''s be fair. She is the managing editor. BUT Rick Kaplan is the Executive Producer! And you also have to look at Pat Shevlin who is also the Exec. Prod.

And lets not forget:
Smith, Quincy President, CBS Interactive
Snyder, Steve Chief Operating Officer, CBS Interactive
Sims, Michael Vice President, Editorial, News CBSNews.com
Meyer, *** Editorial Director, CBSNews.com

And Im guessing the main guy pulling the strings:

Ververs, Vaughn Senior Political Editor, CBSNews.com

So let''s make sure they all get called out equally for this. It is the DUTY of the media to act as the WATCHDOG of the Government in order for the Government to be held accountable to the PEOPLE. Let''s not forget that.; Reply to this comment


by sqlover December 5, 2007 9:29 PM PST: Dr. Paul raised 10+ million so far this quarter. He''ll likely reach 15 . He has more grassroots support than any candidate, his support is so strong they had to shut down straw polls.

Explain to me why you''re ignoring him or explain to your advertisers why they''re getting emails from disappointed viewers.; Reply to this comment


by osbjmg-2009 December 5, 2007 9:30 PM PST: I want you to cover Ron Paul. I guess there is a reason I don''t watch ANY TV. You make it impossible to learn about what is going on in the real world.

*p.s.* Thanks for starting the birthdate field on the cbsnews.com registration page at the year 1900.; Reply to this comment


by sharkky9-2009 December 5, 2007 9:31 PM PST: You are doing a great disservice to your viewers and to journalists everywhere by featuring only those candidates that you deem to be major. Dr. Paul is most certainly a "major" candidate, as his fundraising statistics will verify. By limiting the field of candidates featured, you are limiting the access to a wide spectrum of ideas and beliefs. It is as if CBS prefers some candidates over others. Just because an idea is expressed by the majority of the candidates, does not mean that it is the best or only idea. It is this type of group-think that keeps American politics in a perpetual rut.

Please choose to add Ron Paul to this segment. Additionally, I would encourage you to consider adding all candidates who propose ideas and solutions that deviate from mainstream though. This is key to innovation in American Government.
Sincerely,
Christopher H.
(Scottsdale, AZ); Reply to this comment


by osbjmg-2009 December 5, 2007 9:33 PM PST: I want to hear about Ron Paul. I guess this is why I don''t watch any TV. How are we supposed to know what is going on in our world if you only show us what you want? I''m so done with TV.

p.s. - Thanks for making the registration to cbsnews.com birthdate field start a the year *1900* A lot of "fresh" ideas coming from you guys...; Reply to this comment


by thewump-2009 December 5, 2007 9:33 PM PST: Do you feel a sense of achievement when there are numerous comments about your show, even though they are all negative, or did you exclude Ron Paul because you wanted to make it less interesting? The system is broken. You are part of it. We shouldn''t have to fight this hard to get notice for a man whose stance on the issues is BY FAR the most popular in the US according to a blind poll. You just keep on going though and limit the exposure to the clones and do a MASSIVE disservice to the American People.; Reply to this comment


by mikeromero December 5, 2007 9:33 PM PST: Dennis Kucinich is somehow behind Richardson and Biden?!? SAYS WHO?!? YOU!?

EQUAL TIME FOR DENNIS KUCINICH AND RON PAUL!!!

YOU ARE MAKING A MOCKERY OF OUR DEMOCRACY!!!; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:36 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:38 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:39 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment


by jagermeistr December 5, 2007 9:39 PM PST: Stop covering who you WANT us to vote for. Ron Paul is higher in national polls and has more cash on hand than a lot of the candidates you are interviewing. Be real journalists for once.; Reply to this comment


by jagermeistr December 5, 2007 9:40 PM PST: Stop covering who you WANT us to vote for. Ron Paul is higher in national polls and has more cash on hand than a lot of the candidates you are interviewing. Be real journalists for once.; Reply to this comment


by thekingsson December 5, 2007 9:41 PM PST: Where is Ron Paul? You got to be F''in kidding me?????

CBS: See this middle finger. Go F#$%K yourselves!!!; Reply to this comment


by j0rd0n420 December 5, 2007 9:43 PM PST: Where is Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul? Afraid the public might like their answers?; Reply to this comment


by j0rd0n420 December 5, 2007 9:44 PM PST: Where is Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul? Afraid the public might like their answers?; Reply to this comment


by artmonster1 December 5, 2007 9:44 PM PST: Where is RON PAUL!? The American consciousness is changing, and CBS will be left with egg on it''s face after the new revolution. I strongly urge you to pick up a what dignity you have left and start covering the Ron Paul campaign.; Reply to this comment

See all 440 Comments

MOST POPULAR
Viewed
Commented

Latest News

Obama to Detail New G-8 Africa Aid Pledge
President to Announce $10-15B Package to Boost Productivity of Africa's Small Farmers Before Visiting Ghana
Man Killed Running with Bulls in Spain
Rogue Bull Deals 1 Fatal Goring, Wounds 9 Others During Pamplona Festival
Thousands Join Renewed Protests In Tehran
Witnesses say Opposition Supporters Met with Tear Gas, Clubs in 1st Demos Since Government Crackdown

Featured Blogs

Political Hotsheet
The Dicey Politics of a Second Stimulus
Republicans See an Opening on Stimulus Spending as 2010 Election Looms; Democrats Sticking To Wait-And-See Approach for Now
Read Blog Post
Econwatch
Warren Buffett Calls for Second Stimulus
But Criticism of the First Continues, with One Republican Introducing a Bill to Repeal It
Read Blog Post
World Watch
Texas Backpackers Head for Irish Stardom
3 Travelers Inspire Irish Ad Campaign, Get Free Vacation, After First Being Denied Entry to Country
Read Blog Post

CBS News

About CBS
Advertise
User Feedback
Visit other CBS Interactive sites:

#otherCBSsites {display:none;}BNETCBS College SportsCBS RadioCBS.comCBSNews.comCBSSports.comCHOWCNETCNET ChannelGameSpotInternationalLast.fmMaxPrepsMoblogicMP3.commySimonNCAASearch.comTechRepublicThe InsiderTV.comUrbanBaby.comUWIREWallstripZDNet

CBS News To Debut Series On The Candidates

Katie Couric Talks One-On-One With Each Leading Candidate To Pose 10 Questions That Reveal Some Unexpected Answers

Video and Galleries from CBS Evening News

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.