Couric & Russert Pore Over Bush Record, Dismiss Kerry Problems as Defensive GOP Attacks

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

These reports have often chronicled the liberal bias on display at The Today Show. But this morning's first half-hour really outdid itself in the breathtakingly different way in which possible vulnerabilities in the Bush and Kerry campaigns were treated.

When it came to Pres. Bush, issues such as his military record were treated as the hardest of hard news. Norah O'Donnell gave a report from the lawn of the White House with the latest allegations from the man who claimed he overhead conversations about sifting damaging things from W's military records, and that he had seen records in the trash.

Russert opined long and hard about other flaws and weaknesses in the Presidents's record, from budget overruns to WMDs to job losses.

Katie and Tim then reviewed W's legal record as a student, highlighting his arrest in a prank involving the theft of a Christmas wreath. An on-screen graphic detailed the arrest, just in case anyone wasn't listening carefully.

At no point was it hinted or implied that any of these stories had been leaked, planted or exploited by the DNC or the Kerry campaign.

But when it came to discussing Kerry's weaknesses, and in particular the fact that he has taken a ton of special interest money (more than any other Senator) while trying to portray himself as the opponent of special interests, the pair presented the information as a defensive attack by the GOP.

Instead of presenting the facts of the Kerry record, they highlighted the RNC's website which raises these issues. The issue was presented in terms of W's campaign being very defensive on these issues, and the fact that they had come out this early with such "attacks" showed how nervous and vulnerable they are.

Russert parroted the Kerry line that W had raised more special interest money in one night than Kerry had in his career.

Particularly since the reports on the two candidats were presented side-by-side, the difference in treatment was particularly glaring. Truly one of the most lopsided, shameful presentations in a long history of biased Today Show reporting.

Oh, and naturally there was no hint whatsoever of the Drudge allegations.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show ping.

[anniegetyourgun]

And when/if the word "Drudge" comes up, they'll spit it out with the appropriate adjective "right-winger" for discrediting purposes.

[mewzilla]

If people want news, they've got to go to the internet. This is just more proof of why. Thanks again for the thread.

[ReleaseTheHounds]

NBC is pulling out all the stops... The Today Show and now MSNBC's Imus in the Morning... Imus is about to give John F'in Kerry the same inoculation treatment he gave Bubba in 1992. Suck-up interviews and reporting understates these slimeballs to the extreme.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

My question is why was a file "closed" in 1973 still around in the late 1990's? It should have been moved to storage long ago. Somebody should look into that.

[submarinerswife]

Kerry on Imus....

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Kerry on Imus....

Monitoring! "Tough question" from Imus: are you ready for the $200 million Bush slime machine?

[demkicker]

Thanks for the predictable barf 'n bias report of the Today Show. Time for NBC to receive an onslaught of complaints. Please email them your post. It's dead accurate.

[Puppage]

If people want news, they've got to go to the internet

I absolutely agree. However, most people couldn't be bothered with finding out the truth of any given story rather, they tune into Dan Rather so they can be told how to feel.

[YaYa123]

Can you believe it?



one question, one denial...that's it?

[TheGeezer]

Russert opined long and hard about other flaws and weaknesses in the Presidents's record, from budget overruns to WMDs to job losses.

This is the script from evil incarnate James Carville's campaign strategy manual.

Part one: Make Americans believe President Bush is not trustworthy.

Part two: make Americans doubt their own trustworthiness and goodness.

Part three: elect someone who will take care of us since we the masses are all boobs: elect a liberofascist DemocRat.

[Always Right]

Rape allegations against Clinton were dismissed by the media because they happened so long ago. But minor alledged violations by Bush are fair game no matter how long ago there were done.

[zip]

ping

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Carville attack plan: make Americans believe President Bush is not trustworthy.

Glad you mentioned that. Katie was also quick this morning to parade the poll numbers she had already cited yesterday to the effect that some Americans have doubts about fully trusting W's word.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Just as a humorous aside, today is the last day of Matt Lauer's "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" around the world trip.

Today's stop is a small island in the Caribbean, owned entirely by Richard Branson.

Interviewing Branson, Matt asked "is it true that you showed this to your wife to be and told her would own it, in an effort to impress her?"

Branson said that he was only 25 at the time and that he had really been "bulls----ing" his wife-to-be.

Matt was clearly taken aback by this language on live TV, and gave the equivalent of a "OK, moving right along" response!

[capydick]

Welcome to America, post CFR. There will be more of this to come in the future.

[Arkie2]

Good point. I had forgotten the media's lack of interest in those allegations.

[demlosers]

Well, I see the Today Show is back on track.

It's clearly a big DNC talking point to attack Bush's trustworthiness. They got to drag him down in the mud where the rats live.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Well, I see the Today Show is back on track.

Just when I thought it might have been safe to go back in the water!

[zip]

And when/if the word "Drudge" comes up, they'll spit it out with the appropriate adjective "right-winger" for discrediting purposes.

You nailed it. It's already happened on several "news reports".

[smiley]

We're not watching Tim Russert any longer...he has shown his true colors and is not objective in his interviews..especially with President Bush....

Russert is just another RAT in a cheap suit.

[Catspaw]

We spent a month in the BVI, and were there when Princess Diana and the kids were spending time on Necker Island. Needless to say, this is bringing back fond memories, even though we certainly didn't stay in the same luxury as Necker Island. The place is absolutely gorgeous--Necker Island AND the BVI. I cried when we got back on the plane to go home--if there was any way to stay (and there was--my hubby was offered a job), we would have.

I remember when Diana came into Roadtown on Tortola to so some shopping, even caught a peek of her as she whipped by with her security. I also remember that she was hounded by paparazzi even then, with a half a dozen jeeps full of reporters and photographers tailing her everywhere.

[Pharmboy]

I nominate you for the Intestinal Fortitude Award for watching this stuff. I just get too mad at the TV set--you obviously have commendable self-control.

Thanks for the report.

[commish]

My question is why was a file "closed" in 1973 still around in the late 1990's? It should have been moved to storage long ago. Somebody should look into that

Easily answered -- IT WASN'T! The guy who SUPPOSEDLY overheard the conversation and "saw" the records in the trash has an axe to grind with the TEXAS ANG and has been an opponent of Bush for years.

The Truth is Then Lt. Bush's records are archived with all other Guard records in Colorado. This guy is full of Sh*T.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I nominate you for the Intestinal Fortitude Award for watching this stuff.

Thanks, but I can lay claim only to masochism, not to intestinal fortitude. It's a fact that since I've started these reports I've been diagnosed with acid reflux. Given your screen name, you might get a kick out of hearing that I am now on a regular diet of Nexium/Protonix!

[Pharmboy]

LOL! Actually, I'm not laughing at your discomfort, but the irony of my remarks.

And, you are correct: I am in the pharmaceutical industry--I am a physician in medical/marketing communications. Those are excellent drugs; but make sure that you take certain non-drug steps to reduce the risk of reflux:
1)Do not allow yourself to be overweight
2)Do not eat late at night
3)Do not wear tight-in-the-waist pants
4)Elevate the head of your bed with a few bricks

Good luck!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks for the helpful hints. I feel very lucky to have my own FR specialist! I'd say I do a pretty good job on most of the items on your list. It's disappointing to me to have developed this condition - used to pride myself on a cast iron stomach.

[Right Strategy]

The President is not only running against John Kerry,he's also running against the mainstream press! The Republican senators and congressmen are strangely silent when it comes to speaking out on this obvious bias, WHERE are these passionless wimps? It seems like they're depending on radio talk show guys like Limbaugh and Hannity to do their talking for them,I'm totally disgusted with thier gutless silence and if Bush loses in November,you can put most of the blame on these wussies!

[Petronski]

4)Elevate the head of your bed with a few bricks

I suspect the bricks go under the legs of the bed, not the pillow, no? ;O)

[unixfox]

I just heard Paul Harvey say that, "These internet reports are almost always notoriously wrong."

Wrong until it's a Republican that is.

[Lee'sGhost]

How many TVs do you go through during the course of a week?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

How many TVs do you go through during the course of a week?

I alternate between the one in the living room and the one next to the computer. Keeps them from wearing out.

[js1138]

Parents: "I think he's a sleezeball".

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1077369/posts

[proud American in Canada]

"Welcome to America, post CFR."

Yep...

Today show email address:

Today@NBC.com

[madison10]

All the Dems/Libs/Media are doing is firing up the opposition. I may disagree with the President on immigration, but d*** it, he's on my side. We can all work out the immigration stuff AFTER the election. I'd rather die then vote for a commie, lying, Dem over President Bush.

[SunnyUsa]

ugh thanks for your Today Show report! I can't bring myself to watch that ratworshipping colon today.

[Senator_Blutarski]

Since Bush has not yet begun his campaign, the media focus on Bush "scandals" is telling. The mainstream media plans to attack Bush early and often, while ignoring the many failings of the Democrats.

The extent to which the media carry water for the Democrats is stunning.

[maryz]

and that he had seen records in the trash.

There are no shredders in the White House any more? And I know fewer and fewer people smoke, but someone there must know how to find a cigarette lighter or a match.

Very strange claim.

[iceskater]

Rape allegations against Clinton were dismissed by the media because they happened so long ago. But minor alledged violations by Bush are fair game no matter how long ago there were done.

excellent point!

[Aquinasfan]

Oh, and naturally there was no hint whatsoever of the Drudge allegations.

I'm shocked, SHOCKED!

[leprechaun9]

Was MR. POTATOHEAD really a Russert?

[iceskater]

Thanks for the report. I saw some of it after getting back from the rink this morning. I wondered if they had covered the Drudge allegations. Nice to know that some things in this world won't change. One of them is that Katie al-Couric and Russert will slant things as much as they possibly can.

[swampfox98]

The Clintons are getting their Mafia family ducks all in a row. Starting with the Perk and Duffus.

[mwl1]

NBC's David Gregory and Norah O'Donnell, both at the White House beat, have been absolutely vicious.

I suggest everyone call their local NBC affiliate to complain. After you hang up, call their local advertising sponsors and complain some more.

[iceskater]

LOL.

You owe me a new keyboard and monitor now that they're drenched with coffee.

[iceskater]

I agree with you on Norah and David. Boy, they can barely keep their venom under control. Wasn't Norah the one in a press conference who failed to say "Mr. President" when every single other reporter showed at least that much respect?

[hobson]

I believe George magazine requested the documents in 2000 under the Freedom of Information Act. All the documents have been available online since then. Reporters know this but it wouldn't further their conspiracy theory to acknowledge it.

[Right Strategy]

Thanks for the link proud american,I just added my two cents by sending them an email letting them know an increasing number of americans are hip to their liberal bias and propaganda and we're not going to just sit back and tolerate it. I've gotten to the point where I immediately change channels when I see any Bush bashing promoted on any of the mainstream news outlets. Some how,some way,these people have to be made accountable to the people of this country,we should not only have a free press but we must demand a fair press as well.

[DJtex]

I just heard the Chris Matthews "HardBall" will have a panel tonight to discuss the Press scrutiny that Kerry is about to go thru. Since Kerry was on the Imus show this morning, will that ignite the intern story?

It's interesting that Clark, the Clinton's butt-boy, ignited the intern story.