Posted on 04/05/2006 5:28:14 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
April 5, 2006
Playing the straight man to perfection, Matt Lauer kicked off the second half-hour of this morning's Today show by asking Katie Couric: "Anything new?"
In responding, Couric made official what she acknowledged was "the worst kept secret in America": that after 15 years she was leaving Today to go to the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes. Here, for posterity, was the opening line of Couric's announcement:
"I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut, two things that have served me pretty well in the past, I've decided I'll be leaving Today at the end of May."
Displaying some good deadpan-humor instincts, Matt Lauer didn't react to Katie's statement and made as if to move on, intoning "also coming up in this half-hour" before collapsing in laughter as per the screen shot shown here.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Katie's announcement was the admission, speaking of Matt, that "once in a while we get on each other's nerves, well, he gets on my nerves." She went on to make clear that "I could not have asked for a more talented partner or better friend, and just as Dorothy said to the Scarecrow, I think I would miss him most of all."
While Katie was clearly reading a prepared statement, emotion regularly crept in, as can be seen in the second shot here, of Katie getting a bit misty.
As Couric mentioned, she won't be leaving the show until the end of May, so this morning was hardly her swan song. There was one closing bit of humor. At one point the entire regular cast assembled on the couches, and as the segment ended Matt gave Katie's knee a squeeze as he declared "well done." Katie jokingly exclaimed "get your hand off my knee!" and after a pause Al Roker added "can't wait to see Bob Schieffer do that!"
Today Show/NewsBusters historic announcement ping.
I'm sure you're heartbroken.
LOL. I normally frown on snide references to Katie's televised colonoscopy, which served a good purpose, but I must admit it's perfect here!
I'm surprised Matt didn't jump up screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!!!" while pumping his arm in victory.
That's just gas.
Well, I am indebted to Katie in that hers was the liberal bias that launched a thousand columns. But I have utter faith that the powers-that-be at NBC will replace her with someone with equally liberal leanings on which we can feast for years!
Thanks, Governs.
Can you believe they chose Viera? The best female I can think of at NBC is Lisa Meyers. She's covered Capitol Hill a long time. Do you know if she was even considered?
Kate
Breaking News... liberal, hate-America, hate-US Military, hate-Bush, socialist left-wing wacko skank, goes to cBS. BFD.
Your welcome and thank you for watching!
One liberal television presenter goes from one liberal network to another. Meanwhile, ratings are in decline for liberal networks in general.
Oh, is this news?
Regards, Ivan
CBS just went from a twangy liberal, to an old liberal, to an obnoxious liberal....good move for a network losing viewers...
Although most of the speculation has centered on Viera, I haven't seen an official announcement yet. Assuming it is she I would be a bit surprised in one sense, that NBC would replace Couric, who is 49, with someone older - Viera is 51. That runs counter to the Today trend in these matters.
Agreed, Lisa Myers is a solid pro, but I never heard her name mentioned. I think she's seen as more of a serious news professional, not a lite 'n fluffy morning show type.
Perfect! Thanks.
Needs to change the phone number for where to send the DNC faxes. Other than that, who cares...
Did not watch NBC and will not watch CBS in the morning, noon nor night.
I'd say CBS ratings were going to tank, but that's a little difficult, considering the shape Rather left the ratings in. Still, if the sub-basement has a sub-sub-basement, Couric should be able to find it.
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