Grim-Faced Katie Couric, Wearing Black, Downplays Success, Highlights Problems

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Katie Couric didn't disappoint. As soon as the news of Saddam's capture broke yesterday, a number of FReepers began speculating as to how Couric would react to the "bad" news this morning.

I for one hypothesized that Katie would be wearing black, and sure enough, she was!

Couric interviewed Gen. Ricardo Sanchez. His troops captured Saddam, and Sanchez spoke with him personally on two occasions.

Throughout the interview, Katie maintained that grim, lock-jawed expression reserved for bad news and unpleasant interactions. Unless I'm mistaken, she never congratulated the general.

She quickly threw in Sanchez's face the response from Saddam when asked if he had WMD: "No of course not, the US dreamed them up to have a reason to go to war with us. We didn't allow inspections only because we didn't want them to go into presidential areas and intrude on our privacy."

Next, Katie wanted to paint a gloomy picture as to how Saddam's capture wouldn't improve the situation on the ground:

"Clearly, Saddam was in no position to orchestrate anything. Militarily, how much of the enemies' capabilities have really been degraded by this capture?"

"Isn't Saddam's capture basically just symbolic?"

Sanchez said that it was more than symbolic, and that although there would still be violence, this was a major step.

Couric wouldn't give up on her notion that Saddam's capture, if anything, makes things WORSE in Iraq.

"Soem are worried that this will actually incite more violence from members of the insurgency - Al Qaida, Islamic Jihadists. Couldn't it create a climate of more violence against US troops?"

Next, Katie sought to emphasize that the US has still failed to capture a more important fugitive.

Q: "Ibrahim Al-Duri is considered the real mastermind. How critical is his capture?"

Sanchez said that they would aggressively be seeking him and other HVTs (high value targets). The general concluded by very politely thanking Katie for her support!

Matt Lauer was much more balanced. He began by congratulating Gen. Odierno. and when Gen. Odierno concluded by saying "God Bless America," Lauer smiled pleasantly and said "nice way to end the interview."

Katie then interviewed Tim Russert. Russert observed that in his comments yesterday, Pres. Bush was quite measured. He wanted to avoid a repeat of the "Mission Accomplished" triumphalism.

Asked a worried Couric, "In political terms for Pres. Bush, is this a big boost, is it long-lasting?"

Russert: in the short term it is. If the economy is strong and Iraq is secure, he coasts to victory. Otherwise it could be tight.

Katie: "Everything seems to be so unpredictable [at least she hopes it is]. But when it comes to candidates particularly Dean, how does this affect him?

Russert: "Lieberman's statement about Dean, that if Dean were president Saddam would still be in power, was very aggressive. The issue will now really be engaged. Lieberman will carry the argument."

Finally, Katie wanted to portray the US as something of an international pariah, and to echo the official Dem line that the Saddam capture creates the opportunity for more internationlization:

Couric: "I think it's fair to say that the world view of the US not particularly favorable. Will the US use the capture of Saddam as an opportunity for more internationalization of the effort in Iraq?"

Russert: "This is a rare opportunity for a new beginning. Pres. Bush needs to be magnanimous."

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Though it was all so predictable, it was still shocking to see it played out by the book. A black-garbed, clenched-jaw Couric, desperately trying to put the worst possible spin on every aspect of the capture of Saddam Hussein.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show ping.

[MEG33]

Tim Russert parrots all the Dems talking points.Outrageous!

[MEG33]

I forgot.Thank you for performing this service for us so we don't have to watch!

[speedy]

Seeing the Perkster this upset is almost as much fun as catching Saddam. Let's just enjoy her misery.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

The Today Show - AKA The Black Widow Spider's Hole!

[TomGuy]

Katie's teleprompter apparently has been short-circuited. FoxNews has been reporting for 30 minutes new captures (numerous/multiple) of insurgents and insurgent leaders in Bagdad.

As more captures occur and information is released, it may be another grim day for the liberals. [snicker]

[battlegearboat]

Last night, there was a lady in the checkout lane with her wig on backwards who was talking about how much she adored that "delightful Katie Couric."

I found this troubling.

[aardvark1]

Howard Dean will hold a news conference today in which he will suggest the US should now surrender.

[Jhensy]

I'm watching it. Ugh, she's unbelieveable. Is there ANYONE at NBC who has the cojones to confront her and tell her to maybe cool it, just a little???

Ask tough questions, sure, but the obvious gloom and misery and sheer slanted-ness of her demeanor... mind-boggling. The left have truly lost their minds.

[MindBender26]

Good catch. See my GMA post.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I forgot to mention a very interesting fact that Russert mentioned.

As people know, Dean had been long scheduled to give a foreign policy speech today, and is reportedly scrambling to adjust his remarks in light of the Saddam capture.

Well, Russert announced that guess-who-else has suddenly announced that she too will be giving a foreign policy address today? You got it: Hillary!

In other words, Hillary can't stand to see Dean or anyone else grab the spotlight at this crucial time. She wants to steal Dean's headline and suck the oxygen out of the campaign. As we know, for the Clintons, it's always about them.

[leadpenny]

LOL!



Maybe it was Cuoric in disguise.

[Ragirl]

We had the Today completely by accident....heard the opening, and we were not disappointed. I think pokerfaced & mourning Katie said that capturing Saddam was a "political victory" for President Bush....that was enough for us, we turned to FOX. There is a reason why their ratings have slipped.

[PJ-Comix]

Russert: "Lieberman's statement about Dean, that if Dean were president Saddam would still be in power, was very aggressive...."

Hey Joe! If your 2000 running mate were president, Saddam would still be in power.

[Johnny_Cipher]

I for one hypothesized that Katie would be wearing black, and sure enough, she was!

And the good news just keeps on 'a comin'.

(It must truly chap Couric's hide that she will be forever associated in the public mind with her colon and bodily waste).

[TomGuy]

Good catch. See my GMA post.

A cross-link would be helpful. FYI

[Prodigal Son]

Thanks for the ping. I cannot believe she wore black and could not bring herself to congratulate the General. Even the "Bent One" (X42) was magnanimous enought to not only congratulate the military but the President as well.

Oh well, we will get the last laugh the morning after the elections ;-)

[Pan_Yans Wife]

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

It may just be me, but I thought she looked more disappointed about Saddam's capture than she looked when Gore lost.

My hat's off to you!

[McGruff]

I had to catch perky Katie's reaction today and she certainly is in mourning. I noticed she was wearing black also. Her talking point is to try and minimize the "military" importance of this great event.

Interesting that Bill O’Reilly was just on promoting his book and when asked about today’s events he said "This is a great day for all of us and those who don't think so need to look at yourselves". I don’t know who he was referring to though.