Today Show: Reeve Fights on for Kerry; Inspiring Interview with Afghan President Karzai

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

It could have been worse. The exploitation of Chris Reeve's death for political purposes, that is. If it had combed its archives, Today could probably have displayed footage of Reeve with Kerry, and certainly could have aired a clip of W expressing his opposition to federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. It did not.

In fairness, Today tiptoed to the edge of exploitation but did not quite cross over. That being said . . .

First, there was the red-eyed and distraught Katie. I'm not sure I've ever seen her so sad, up to and including 9/11 or even the day the Supreme Court ended the 2000 recount.

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves," as a man in a wheelchair looked on. Got it.

It was recalled that Kerry referred to Reeve in the Friday night debate. Check.

And when Katie interviewed two of Reeve's doctors, one of them said that Reeve would be so interested to know everything that occurs over the next few weeks with the election, etc. And we all know what that means.

Just in case anyone was still wondering where Chris was coming from, here was a clip of him saying "it gets lonely sometimes to say 'come on, let's get more progressive.'" Yes, that's the problem with America. Not liberal enough.

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

Then it was on to an inspiring interview with Afghani President Hamid Karzai.

A news segment at the top of the hour had done its best to undermine the significance of the election, focusing largely on the snafu with the ink used to ensure that people could only vote once. In fairness, Today did air a clip of an elections inspector stating there was no evidence of fraud, or evidence that any one candidate benifited from the ink mix-up.

But there was no stopping, and no mistaking, the incredibly emotional interview with Hamid Karzai, and to his credit, interviewer Lester Holt (sitting in for Matt and doing, as is his wont, a much fairer job) did nothing to undermine the moment.

Looking strong and confident, dressed in bright green robes, Karzai called the election "a huge step on way to democracy,' and added "the numbers and enthusiasm both were very, very great. It was a day of celebration for the Afghan people. A victory of the Afghan people over terrorism."

It was clear that he was deeply moved by this moment in Afghan history. He went so far as to say that he is more pleased by the fact that Afghanistan has taken this step than he is concerned by whether he wins or loses the election.

Although surely he must have the instincts of a politician, he actually seemed sincere. His joy at presiding over this historic moment was clear and unbridled.

He also stated, in response to a question about the availability of any new intelligence regarding the whereabouts of OBL, that the election sends a message to him that the Afghani people reject him and welcome freedom and democracy, that he will be found sooner or later and that in the meantime he must hide in an even tighter hole.

Karzai went out of his way at the conclusion of the interview to say: "I want to thank the people of the United States for their great help that made this day possible."

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today Show ping.

[Angry Enough]

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves,"

He was referring to the tragedy of abortion, right?

[Bahbah]

Thanks for the report, governs. I do not want to miss the Karzai interview.

[Semper Paratus]

Amazing they didn't badger Karzai about voting ink?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Great point. I never heard Reeve speak on abortion, but assuming he followed the liberal line, wouldn't the irony have been striking?

[Paul_B]

GL - excellent report. Thanks, from a non-TV guy.

pb

[zoobee]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election.
So, as far as her feeling bad....it's BS. She thinks his death helped the Dem's and wanted confirmation....period.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Amazing they didn't badger Karzai about voting ink?

Credit goes to Holt. I doubt Lauer would have missed the opportunity to take shots at the election.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I do not want to miss the Karzai interview.

I'd encourage people in time zones where Today hasn't come on yet to put aside their aversion to the liberal pap, sit through the Reeve segment, and watch Karzai. It is one of the most moving, inspiring interviews by a political leader I can remember.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election.

Yes, the way she said that, I expected we would hear from political pundits, which would have been ghoulish. We did not. Perhaps it's coming up later in the show.

[SquirrelKing]

Thanks for the ping and analysis. 1st time ever to watch and then get your report - cool.

[Maria S]

Thanks, once again!, to you governs...with the early heads-up (we're on CDT), I checked in for 15 seconds to see how the Perkster was holding up at the start of 'Today'. You are right! Her eyes were a tad red!


"We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves,"

"He was referring to the tragedy of abortion, right?"


Outstanding comment, Angry!! I AM sorry for Reeve's family...his wife has stood by him for several tragic years. However, to have liberals (Ron Reagan will probably be leading the charge) milk this is disgusting. And let's be honest...Christopher Reeve WAS doing something that was very dangerous when he broke his neck. A lot of us common folks are living with situations that just happened...beyond our control and not our fault. That's what life is about, and we don't have wealthy friends helping support an extravagant lifestyle.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Today just aired an interview of Katie with Reeve's wife. I'm assuming it was a re-airing of an old interview. She was impressive: intelligent, caring, sensitive.

In any case, I'd be interested to know what you think of the Karzai interview.

[Old Sarge]

I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election. So, as far as her feeling bad....it's BS. She thinks his death helped the Dem's and wanted confirmation....period.

And from the original:

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

And there's the next debate's talking point: A beloved Hollywood star's "dying wish"...

And The Sheep will believe. That's what Sheep do.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I'm not sure I've ever seen her so sad,

Imagine how she's going to look on November 3 after Kerry goes down in flames. I'll tune in just to laugh at her pain without mercy.

[mhking]

From my website this morning:

NBC's Today exploits Reeve to benefit Kerry

It didn't take long for the leftists in the media to start to employ and exploit the memory of Christopher Reeve to the potential benefit of John Kerry's campaign.

We were treated, not once but twice, to the same clip of Reeve from the 1996 Democratic National Convention, saying "America does not let its neediest fend for themselves," as a man in a wheelchair looked on. Got it.

Just in case anyone was still wondering where Chris was coming from, here was a clip of him saying "it gets lonely sometimes to say 'come on, let's get more progressive.'" Yes, that's the problem with America. Not liberal enough.

The message could not have been made too much clearer. Honor Chris Reeve: vote Democrat!

And we're supposed to be the "bad guys?"

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Honored to have made it onto your web site!

[mewzilla]

I tuned in to see Karzai, but I only caught the tail end of the interview. What was that about Holt ending the interview? Was Karzai worried NBC would cut him off before he could offer his thanks for American support?

[babaloo]

The Karzai interview was very good. He ended by thanking the American people for all their support in an animated (for him) way.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Well, with Karzai being in Kabul, there was a signficant transmission lag, so it was hard for Karzai to know when the interview was going to end. Don't think he was implying any hijinks; just wanted to be sure to make his point of thanking the USA.

[kabar]

I have a feeling that Kerry was tipped off about Reeve's condition prior to the 2nd debate, which is why he mentioned him along with Michael J. Fox. You can bet Kerry will again mention Reeve at the 3rd debate. It is this crude, blatant exploitation of the disabled and afflicted, which make the Dems so despicable. They provide false hope in order to win debating points and votes. The implication will be that GWB caused the death of Reeve.

[mewzilla]

Got it, and thanks for the thread, BTW! But considering it was NBC, I'd still be worried about the hijinks :)

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I have a feeling that Kerry was tipped off about Reeve's condition prior to the 2nd debate, which is why he mentioned him.

The same thought occured to me.

[Bahbah]

That was a great interview with Karzai. You could just feel the joy over freedom and a future for his country. Thank you, Mr. Karzai, President Bush, and the military, American and other coalition members, for this great day.

[Mo1]

In fairness, Today tiptoed to the edge of exploitation but did not quite cross over. That being said . . .

Sounds like the Dems might have another Wellstone Memorial moment

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Sounds like the Dems might have another Wellstone Memorial moment.

Good point. It will be interesting to see if the Dems learned from the Wellstone fiasco or whether they'll fall into the same trap.

[Guenevere]

Ping

[COBOL2Java]

I'm not sure I've ever seen her so sad, up to and including 9/11 or even the day the Supreme Court ended the 2000 recount.

Don't forget the day after the 2002 mid-term elections. She was positively funereal.

[Jose Roberto]

LOL!! On Nov. 3, The Today Show will be postponed because Katie Couric and Matt Lauer will he hospitalized in the Psych Ward at Bellevue from the hysteria of Kerry's defeat. And of course, Campbell Brown will be in severe depression too so she will not be able to sub for Katie. And Chris Matthews and ballerina Ron Reagan will be beside themselves. Only Joe Scarborough will be around for the post-mortems.

[onyx]

Thanks for the ping.
I;ll mute the Reeves stuff.

[TexasCajun]

I watched for a second, but turned it before I could hear her blame President Bush!

[snarkytart]

>>I noticed Katie immediately asked if Chris Reeves death would have an effect on the election<<

Didn't he die of a heartattack from an infection?

How would stem cell research have made a difference to him anyway.

[reformedliberal]

He most likely had a permanent in-dwelling catheter. One of the most common causes of death for quadriplegics begins with a bladder infection and progresses to what can be called "toxic shock". Coma is one of the symptoms.

My second husband survived 13 years after a high-level spinal cord injury and died from the progression of a bladder infection. He was in and out of coma for over a week before he finally was released. It is difficult for the entire family, but you take what life hands out and you go on as best you can. Life does not come w/guarantees.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

By the way, the liberal censors at Today let another positive story slip through.

Reporting from Iraq, an NBC reporter stated:

"There are indications that US military pressure and Iraqi diplomacy are beginning to pay off. Sadr's rebels are turning in their weapons. The breakthrough came days after a joint US/Iraqi offensive crushed rebels and took over the city of Samara."

[skinkinthegrass]

..and ballerina Ron Reagan will be beside themselves.

HA!HA!..LOL! :))

[COBOL2Java]

This will be "The Today Show" Wednesday, November 3:

Like the old Soviet Union, very solemn music will accompany the test pattern.

[crushelits]

In fairness, Today tiptoed to the edge of exploitation but did not quite cross over. That being said . .YET

[crushelits]

In fairness, Today tiptoed to the edge of exploitation but did not quite cross over.

That being said . .

YET!

[jdm]

"I have a feeling that Kerry was tipped off about Reeve's condition prior to the 2nd debate, which is why he mentioned him along with Michael J. Fox."

The following information supports your theory:

"In the last week, Reeve had developed a serious systemic infection from a pressure wound, a common complication for people living with paralysis." (CNN)

'In the last week' takes us back to October 4. Kerry, being a close friend, may have learned of this serious infection mid last week, based on the information above, prior to its release in the public domain.

Just my 2 cents.

[kabar]

Thanks. I am even more convinced now that this was orchestrated.

[alwaysconservative]

Thanks, as always, for your courageous forays into the dark side of liberal-land. Hubby and I heard the story on FOX about peace breaking out in Sadr because of US troop offensives, but are completely MYSTIFIED that NO ONE is reporting the BREAKING NEWS that the Vatican has now endorsed the war efforts in Iraq! FOX had an alert, then went to a segment with Mario Andretti. Can you believe it????

Where is the BREAKING NEWS about this seismic shift in Vatican support from the leader of the Catholic faith?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

No one is reporting the breaking news that the Vatican has now endorsed the war efforts in Iraq!

That is big news. Hadn't heard it. I have to believe it's partly based on the Pope's view on Iraq itself, and partly payback to Kerry for his stands on abortion and other issues.

[altura]

Sorry about Katie's distress.

But she wouldn't have given two cents for the guy if he hadn't gotten paralyzed.

[alwaysconservative]

We heard it as a FOX News alert, but it got buried so fast by the Reeves story that we are questioning our hearing. (Inserting finger in ear and wriggling vigorously.) The other major story we heard that got dropped by FOX for celebrity death coverage was the effectiveness of the Sadr offensive, but at least that one is appearing on other channels.

[DirtyHarryY2K]

In a later segment .. Robert Redford and Springsteen get 20 min of Bush bashing "quality time", How biased is that? Can you post the transcript to that? Or where to find it? I would like to read it again.

[iceskater]

I think you're right. He wouldn't have pulled Chris Reeve's name out of thin air otherwise.

Despicable. Pandering. Disgusting.

How do these people sleep at night or look themselves in the mirror?

[iceskater]

I didn't see much of the Robert Redford segment. What little I saw was disgusting enough. I love the way liberals talk. They want "open dialog" about issues - but only if the dialog agrees with their talking points. If not, then the people engaged in the dialog are demogogs, evil, narrow-minded or worse, conservative!

When I was in high school, Robert Redford was such a hottie. Now, I just think he's a jerk.