Candidates On Losing Their Tempers

Presidential Contenders Answer Katie Couric's "Primary Questions"

(CBS) 
HILLARY CLINTON

Couric: When was the last time you lost your temper, and what came of it?

Clinton: I try not to lose my temper because I really don't like it. It's not that I don't do it, but I try not to. I think honestly the last time was when our dog woke me up at 5:00 to put him out. (LAUGHTER) I was not happy about that, you know. He comes up and he just won't quit, and just keeps nosing me. And I was, I just woke up out of a cold sleep and started yelling at him. (LAUGHTER) And I really felt guilty, because the poor dog had to go out. But I try not to lose my temper.

Couric: Any other incident, though, where you got angry or really mad at something, and you know, everybody gets sort of…

Clinton: Right.

Couric: …gets ticked off.

Clinton: You know, Katie, I used to do that a lot more when I was younger. I was much less patient. I was much more judgmental. I really, would get, set off by something that I thought was wrong or unfair. But with all I've been through for the last 16 years, I just try not do that anymore. I try not to, you know, get that flash point. And if something's upsetting me or annoying me, I try to stop. Literally count to ten. Think it through, and then try to figure out what to do about it.

JOHN EDWARDS

Couric: When was the last time you lost your temper? And what came of it?

Edwards:
Oh, that's a hard question. Probably yesterday. (LAUGHS) It happens pretty often.

Couric: At least you're honest about it.

Edwards: (LAUGHS) I think.

Couric: Most people have said, "You know, I haven't lost my temper in a very long time."

Edwards: Oh, that's just a lie. (LAUGHS) That's just a lie. That's not the truth. I think I lost my temper in the last day or two. And I'm sure it was about some meaningless thing. I can't remember specifically.

Couric: Why do you think it happened? And how did you deal with it?

Edwards: Why did it happen? Probably I was tired. (LAUGHS) And somebody was suggesting I do something that I didn't agree with.

Couric: And how did you deal with it?

Edwards: How did I deal with it? I told them what I thought was the right thing to do, and I did it.

JOE BIDEN

Couric: When was the last time you lost your temper? And what came of it?

Biden: It's been a while. I lost my temper 22 years ago when I was running for president, and a lot came of it. But I'm trying to think. I haven't lost my temper in a while. I've been frustrated, but I've not blown up and lost my temper. I used to have a I joke and say, two craniotomies I had for these aneurysms. They took the top of my head off.

I joke and I say, well, they cut the temper cord. There's a lot more equanimity in my last 20 years and after what I've gone through than there was before. No one thing is that critical that it determines outcome. Unless it's life or death.

Couric: Come on though Senator.

Biden: I'm serious.

Couric: I mean, I'm sure you got annoyed at somebody…

Biden: Oh, no, no, annoyed. No, no, no, no, no.

Couric: I don't mean, got red in the face and slapped somebody.

Biden: Well, I used to lose my temper and turn around and snap at somebody and say, “You know, you know, shut up.” Or do whatever. I haven't, I haven't lost my temper in a long while. I've been frustrated with some of the…staff who tell me things they know they don't know. I get frustrated, occasionally with some of the things I hear being stated by candidates from both parties running for office. I think, I know, you know, my frustration is, you know that's not true. What are ya sayin' it? (CHUCKLES) But I ... really haven't, Katie. I mean, you know, you could, as they say, ask around. I mean, I haven’t lost my temper in a long while.

Couric: I take your word for it, Senator Biden.

JOHN MCCAIN

Couric: When was the last time you lost your temper and what came of it?

McCain:: Probably within about ten minutes ago. (LAUGHTER)

Couric: What happened?

McCain:: Oh, I don't, I think the last time I seriously lost my temper, I can't remember. Am I impatient and frustrated and sometimes angry when I see incompetence or corruption? Yeah. And I can be abrasive about that. Because I really want people and me to live up to certain standards of behavior in public life. And right now, our approval rating is 11 percent, [the Congress.] And so, I probably, the last time I can remember being really angry was probably at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, when Donald Rumsfeld was assuring everybody that the war was going fine.

Couric: And I think you used a few choice words not that long ago, too, right?

McCain:: Yes. One of my colleagues…

Couric: That wasn't at the hearing, though, was it, Senator McCain?

McCain:: Well…

Couric: Was that a different one?

McCain:: (LAUGHTER) You mean a few choice words to one of my colleagues, you mean?

Couric: Yes.

McCain:: Yes, that, I regretted. And we are good friends. It was a private meeting, and sometimes we have spirited discussions. I don't think I lost my temper. I was just a little frustrated.

Couric: Do you think you're too tough, having said that? I mean, obviously you say you're impatient. Do you feel sometimes you're too hard on people?

McCain:: It's not that I feel that I'm too hard on people, as it is that maybe I feel too passionately. In other words, maybe I become emotionally involved in issues that perhaps I should be more objective about. And look, I've made so many mistakes in my life. Last night, I was asked about my relations with certain parts of the party, like the religious right. I believe in reconciliation. I reconciled with the anti-war movement, the Vietnam War. I reconciled with the Vietnamese. I reconciled with Jerry Falwell. I think reconciliation with your enemies, whether they be political or personal, is an important part of life.

MITT ROMNEY

Couric: When was the last time you lost your temper? And what came of it?

Romney: You know, I talk about becoming intense. I never talk about losing my temper. (LAUGHS) I don't think I lose my temper. But I become ...

Couric: Well, when was the last time you became intense?

Romney: I become intense. Well, there was a TV or radio talk show host the other day in Iowa that began drilling me about my faith. And I became intense in confronting what he had said. And we went back and forth. Unbeknownst to me, he had a hidden camera on the console. So this then popped up on the Internet - as our exchange. And I was intense. I wasn't angry. I wasn't out of control. But I was intense.

Couric: Would you say you lost your temper a bit?

Romney: No. No, I didn't lose my temper. I was intense. And expressed my views directly and forthrightly. I remember once I really learned to manage my temper when I was angry with one of my sons when they were very, very young. And Ann and I talked about it afterwards and said, "You know, it doesn't make sense to ever really lose your temper with a child." And, I said, you know, "I'm not gonna do that anymore." And I have not, I just haven't gotten angry and lost my temper that I can recall in a long, long time.

Couric: Come on. (LAUGHS)

Romney: Oh, you get, you get…

Couric: I mean, there must be times…

Couric: When you feel like you're going to…

Romney: They're the road experience.

Couric: You're going to get really angry or you just get furious, even if it's just an instance.

Romney: Oh, sure. Oh, of course. And--

Couric: When was the last time you did that?

Romney: You know, sometimes on the road when I'm driving, if someone does something, you know, I might (LAUGHS) express my anger. I don't do in a visible way.

Couric: You don't do any rude signs, do you?

Romney: No. No rude signs, no. They, they've been flashed in my direction. But rarely in the or never actually near the direction, you know, I've kicked a door a couple of times. I remember kicking a door the other day. Not the other day. It was probably a few months ago.

Couric: Why'd you kick the door?

Romney: Well, I heard something that a particular member of the news media had said. And it was wrong. It was exactly the opposite of what was real. And it's frustrating to see things that you that you know being distorted. But I don't tend to express that openly or publicly.

Couric: What happened when you kicked the door other than stubbing your toe?

Romney: That was it. That's typically the result of anger is being hurt yourself and not accomplishing anything for it.

[j0hnwi11iams]

Where is the main stream media in covering the filibuster against retroactive telecom immunity? Someone in the ministry of information decided it was an un-story?

[samthetvcat]

I don''t find this question very telling because these are tense times we''re living in and everybody''s on a short fuse. Although I do feel very sorry for the Clinton''s dog . . . he''s just being a dog. Not so cool when people displace their aggression onto the innocent . . .

But also, these candidates are all so tightly wound up and were in the hot seat - it sounds like Richardson was maybe the most relaxed (and therefore the most honest on this particular question (?))

[homespunlady]

Skimmed the article DIDN''T see Ron Paul''s answers. BORED with the mutual admiration society for elitists and probably will check on the MULTIPLE MILLIONS Ron Paul received on Sunday.
Why so BIASED COURIC???

[akayemusic]

Yes.... where IS Ron Paul?? The media is trying it''s best to keep him out...

[incognito13-2009]

Couric, why didn''t you ask Ron Paul any questions? Are you afraid you may like him and agree with his views? He raised over 6 million dollars in one day. None of the candidates you interviewed could have ever done that. Donate at www.RONPAUL2008.com

[sbsally]

I am quite fed up with mainstream, corporate owned news media showing bias. You need to include ALL presidential candidates; all should be given equal time. From now on, I''ll get my news elsewhere.

[darkfrog13]

Katie,

I know it''s hard with the current politicians running for office, to find someone that doesn''t just feed us the same slop every few years. However, I really wish you would consider interviewing the only real candidate who has truthful answers for this country. Someone with real principles who will actually improve the country instead of sell it out to corporation after corporation. How about someone that will bring our troops home and bring hope for America. There is only one republican candidate that is steadfast in his support of our great country and our constitution.

That man is Dr. Ron Paul.

--
Andrew

[dodgelady11]

I think the line of questioning, tonight(12/17/07) and for tomorrow night is "tabloid" style newscasting. What do these questions have to do with the canidates ability to run this country? Quite frankly, I think the line of questioning makes Katie Couric look foolish!

[ellenart-2009]

Has Hillary never heard of a doggie door? geez, the poor pup needed to go out. I was an undecided voter, but her comment on losing it on the poor dog turned me, a dog lover OFF.

[tnorton9]

Katie, I really think John Edwards was the only one to answer the question truthfully about losing his temper. I decided that I would vote for him instead of the one I had picked, so I am changing my mind for the 3rd time since this whole thing started. Tnorton

[johnny343sc]

Hitlery Clinton is Satan in a dress...

;)

[kickstone-2009]

cheap shot on the infidelity question. unbelievable that a national media news program would stoop to such a low level of questioning.

[sgtrds]

There is nothing wrong with a candidate that gets angry or even loses their temper. There is much in this nation right now to lose ones temper over. The Bush administration pis*ses on our Constitution, flouts a law (and in fact says it''s above it), slashes budgets for programs that help the poor and middle class, run up huge debt an deficits with a war for profit in Iraq and, worst of all, kill tens of thousands of human beings including nearly 4000 of our troops for nothing. In vain. If what this gang of murdering theives have been doing doesn''t make you angry then you''re not an American.

[crrii]

Where''s Ron Paul?

[mskim7]

I always thought CBS news was a good source of information...apparently I was wrong. I caught the end of the presidential questions this evening and thought I had missed Ron Paul''s answer so I logged on to see what I had missed and I can''t find Ron Paul anywhere. How can CBS NOT know Ron Paul is running for president????

[sgtrds]

"Where''''s Ron Paul?"

Fading quickly in the rearview mirror..............

[samthetvcat]

"cheap shot on the infidelity question. unbelievable that a national media news program would stoop to such a low level of questioning."
Posted by kickstone

That had me squirming in my chair - I don''t see that there''s anything we could possibly learn from asking somebody this question, and even if there is surely there was another way of asking it. Then again, Hillary''s never shied away from putting anybody standing in her way on the spot, so I maybe turnabout in this case is fair play (?) Eek . . .

I''m really worried Buddy Clinton may have an enlarged prostate! Symptoms include frequent urination! He may need Avodart! How frustrating to only be able to communicate with your nose! :(

[mthshawkeye]

If CBS is trying to improve Ms. Couric''s credibility as a television news anchor, this series isn''t doing it. And, if we''re really serious about electing the best person to serve as the next president of the United States of America, this is no way to do it. I seriously hope CBS reconsiders its role and responsibility as a legitimate news source. Why do I feel compelled to remind CBS and Ms. Couric and this isn''t some kind of middle school ASB election. Ms. Couric''s questions and follow-up queries were stunning in their irrelevance and shallowness. [Examples: Couric (to Romney): You don''t do any rude signs, do you? And, Couric: What happened when you kicked the door other than stubbing your toe?] Is this really the network of Edward R. Murrow? His memory deserves better. Importantly, we Americans deserve better. As a journalism educator, I have to say that these are sad times.

[mthshawkeye]

If CBS is trying to improve Ms. Couric''s credibility as a television news anchor, this series isn''t doing it. And, if we''re really serious about electing the best person to serve as the next president of the United States of America, this is no way to do it. I seriously hope CBS reconsiders its role and responsibility as a legitimate news source. Why do I feel compelled to remind CBS and Ms. Couric and this isn''t some kind of middle school ASB election. Ms. Couric''s questions and follow-up queries were stunning in their irrelevance and shallowness. [Examples: Couric (to Romney): You don''t do any rude signs, do you? And, Couric: What happened when you kicked the door other than stubbing your toe?] Is this really the network of Edward R. Murrow? His memory deserves better. Importantly, we Americans deserve better. As a journalism educator, I have to say that these are sad times.

[starleo146]

"Where''''''''s Ron Paul?"

Fading quickly in the rearview mirror..............


Posted by SgtRDS at 09:01 PM : Dec 17, 2007

Hi Sarge have you ever heard some of the dumbest questions. What is going to happen in Iraq is one question. What do you think of companies giving out information for surveillance is another. Katie has to be the worst ever

[starleo146]

I think the line of questioning, tonight(12/17/07) and for tomorrow night is "tabloid" style newscasting. What do these questions have to do with the canidates ability to run this country? Quite frankly, I think the line of questioning makes Katie Couric look foolish!

Posted by dodgelady11 at 07:15 PM : Dec 17, 20

You are right and that is all the news media knows these days TABLOID

[me4prezz]

Thank Goodness they never interviewed RON PAUL! That man and his followers are like a cult slowly infiltrating the blood lines of America!

[pawfelts]

Katie,

I know, it was really tough for you and your producers to see the blimp. Don''t worry, thousands of loyal supporters make sure it will continue flying.

[jerr11]

Losing your temper? What a dumb question!


How about lying to the nation?

How about killing 4000 of our best in a cockameny war to enrich your friends?

[hawksprings]

I''ll tell you what this piece is about: It''s about deflecting any looking into Hillary''s temper.
Her temper is legendary, and Libs in politics and journalism know it, and know that Americans don''t want an angry ill-tempered President.

So this is an attempt to make it look like ALL the candidates are being asked about their temper in an effort to deflect attention from Hillary''s temper.

She''s just another angry liberal woman.
And if the Democrats nominate her, that will become more and more apparent as the REAL campaign goes on.

[jerr11]

To Katie, brilliant CBS anchorwoman:

Suggestions of other equally profound questions to ask the candidates.

1. What did you eat this morning?

2. When was the last time you breathed?

3. Why did Britney shave her head?

4. Do you shave your chest hair?

5. When was the last time you got asked a dumb question by a dumb broad posing as an anchorwoman?

[hawksprings]

This article is all about protecting and propping up Hillary.
Let''s not ask Hillar about her legendary temper, let''s ask all the candidates so no one focuses on one of her bigger flaws.

[bluebonnet34]

Katie, I was watching your evening news & you was enter viewing Obama about when he last lost his temper& in the enter view he said that his daughters was perfect, I would like enlighten MR. Obama that there is only one person that is perfect & that would be Jesus Christ & not him or his children.

[Hybdiesel]

What is wrong with losing your temper? Heck I lose mine any time bushit and the great white hunter open their mouths. Maybe if you folks vote out all the repukes out I can calm down.

[antizion]

Ron Paul just broke the fund raising record of 6 million in a 24 hour period and we get a story about tempers.

The reality is we don''t come here to get information, there is none. We come here to spread the information the corporate media suppress and to mock these fools.

FLASH! CIA''s Gitmo torture jet crashed with 4 tons of Columbian bam bam on board in Mexico while headed for the US and the corporate lap dogs that call themselves journalist are silent.

You people are a disgrace to journalism, democracy and the nation.

[antizion]

Oops! I forgot to add a link to the CIA''s torture jet crashing in Mexico with 4 tons of cocaine on board.

[antizion]

Here is that link to the CIA''s cocaine / torture jet...

http://www.truthnews.us/?p=1272

Will you be doing a story about that any time soon?

[closethippy1]

There''s nothing wrong with losing your temper and there''s everything wrong with this story.
Who cares about tempers?!
Let''s talk about the issues, these candidates are not running to become school class president.
MSM people need to get real about their work.

[rgkntulsa]

This is stupid. Just a waste of voters time.

[smcarter]

I think it''s an excellent question, because it can tell you if a candidate is putting on an act or being real. Based on this, I would say that most of the candidates put on an act with the exception of Edwards and to a lesser degree, Obama.

[mcv57]

Wow, talk about immature. What could possiblity they want with the White House. The Bushwacker will leave nothing but grief behind. The next president will be forced to declare a draft.

[germanmom]

It''s not a stupid question. It gives us insight into the emotional maturity of these candidates. If they can''t control themselves, do we want them in such a responsible position?

[germanmom]

bluebonnet34
I''m sure he was kidding.

[samthetvcat]

Just an update on the Clinton''s dog - Buddy died in 2002! :( The secret service were supposed to be looking after him and he darted in front of a car :(

[smcarter]

Just to clarify, losing one''s temper does not mean stomping your feet and throwing things. It''s defined as "a sudden outburst of anger." If you really want a president that never gets angry, then you''re looking for an automaton and not a real human being.

[xlib]

t_bar-cite your source for your statement regarding the shooting of Reagan, cite your source.
I''m sure sweet perky katie, who loves hill wouldn''t ever do anything to make HER mad.
As for this being a good question-BS. All of them are polticans and can skirt a fluff piece like this.

[mh4cbs1]

Katie;

Thank you for your ground-breaking journalism. You are certainly worthy of the title "News Personality" that your network has used to describe you in the past. Your multi-million $$$$$ salary is hardly sufficient to compensate you for your critical role to democracy.

Why bore us with issues like the skyrocketing wealth gap, tax cuts for the rich, LIES told to take us into Iraq. It is much more important to get to know the candidates personality. We need to elect someone that we''d like to go out and have a beer with -- someone live George Bush, who has done so much for the middle class. He almost even saved Social Security by privatizing it.

[fibonacci_]

I simply cannot believe there are still people that think George Bush is a great president. How incredibly naive does one have to be?

[antoniof123]

fluff and more fluff.

[xlib]

While cbs is filling the site with nonsense fluff pieces like this, Turkey and the Kurds are heating up. For two days other sites have run stories on attacks and counterattacks while this "news" site ignores it.
Do we need anymore proof that our news is filtered and ginned up so that we only learn what they want us to learn??
For you libs, there are other sites other than cbs.

[xlib]

antizion-site your source.

[nolalou]

incognito13,
While I agree all the major candidates should have been given a chance to answer to 10 ''primary questions'', your statement that "He (Ron Paul) raised over 6 million dollars in one day. None of the candidates you interviewed could have ever done that." is not true! Hillary Clinton raised about the same amount in one day, back in June!

Not that single day fund raising will necessarily make a difference. After all, in 2004 Howard Dean broke all previous records for internet fund raising, and you see how fast he tanked after coming in 3rd in Iowa.

[cbs4me3]

Hillary: I am a white guy who stongly supports you, and I am not alone. You are our best hope; stay strong and be tough. Stay on your message. There is much work to be done.

[gunownerdan]

If you love big government, high taxes, and the destruction of our constitutional rights, then Dr. Ron Paul is not for you.
Vote for Hitlery or Ghouliani.

[mudrose-2009]

Hillary should just bring a frying pan. If she can''t cook she can certainly slam one of her opponents with it. It''s not a temper tantrum. She''s just trying to knock some sense into them.