Katie Couric claims WH (McClellan) threatened NBC execs after tough question before the Iraq War

[sabra]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/29/eveningnews/main4136895.shtml

<snip>

Katie Couric: Weren't you the ultimate complicit enabler, though? I asked a tough question before the Iraq War and you personally called an executive at NBC News and you threatened to deny access to us.

McClellan: I did?

Couric: Yes, you did, once the war began.

McClellan: Me personally? I don't, I don't remember that.

Couric: But did you strong-arm people into not questioning the administration?

McClellan: My style usually wasn't that way.

Couric: Well, it was you who made the call.

McClellan: I just, I just don't remember that. That may be but I certainly don't remember that incident. In terms of my style of working with reporters, it was usually straightforward when we were dealing with each other; I think I had that reputation with White House reporters. I just don't recall that specific incident.

[Ian David]

1. Once again, the cowards find their voices AFTER their careers are already over. n/t

[Ian David]

2. Actually, that was a Sounboard Prank Call using recordings of Scott McClellan. n/t

[ChuckToddFacts]

3. could become a story

I'm not sure this story has legs unless NBC has something to back that up (a follow-up email or recording of the phone call). Even so this will be likely be yet another moment where the American people should be appalled and yet the Bush administration will somehow get away unscathed.

I guess it's hard to tarnish something that is already past repair (i.e garbage can only stink so much).

[liberal N proud]

4. Yes people should be outraged

And yes again the regime will get away with it.

[dweller]

5. "a tough question" ?

A tough question??

you go, girl :eyes:

dp

[hisownpetard]

6. Katie Couric: all gums, no cattle.

[underpants]

15. Katie-hated by the left, hated by the right

LLLLOVED down the middle :P

:evilgrin:

[DrZeeLit]

12. Yeah, I'm wonder what fabulously TOUGH question she wanted to ask... um...

color schemes for the new US embassy in Iraq?
recipes used at state dinners?

I dunno.
Can't see Katie asking a "tough" question. Ever.

[wtmusic]

13. How hard do NAVY SEALS ROCK?

:eyes:

[Lex]

14. LOL.

Probably right on the mark.

[DrZeeLit]

16. Yeah. To what theme music? Oh, darn. That's a second tough question....

I loved your question, btw.

TOO PERFECT!

[AndyA]

7. Censorship and media control are alive and well in America today.

Just look at the current primaries.

We hear what "they" want us to hear, and unfortunately, many believe what they are told without question. :(

I'm glad McClellan has finally spoken up, and I do admire Couric for being up front and honest about it. Neither really have anything to lose at this point, and they could have spoken up a long time ago, when it COULD have done some good. :shrug:

[Marr]

8. Why didn't Couric report this on television when it happened?

Not that I doubt it happened, and most of these television "news" people won't even make this admission *now*, but-- the fact that she never brought it up until now makes her corporate "news" outlet just as complicit, does it not?

I suppose that's why the rest of the talking heads deny this out of hand.

[Lex]

9. bingo! SHE'S an enabler too.

the both of them

[gratuitous]

10. Because she might have to quit pocketing that hefty paycheck

This has been another edition of simple answers to simple questions.

[Javaman]

11. katie's mea culpa. sorry to late. 4000+ soldiers and 1 million Iraqi's

dead, don't allow it.

katie go peddle your bullshit somewhere else.