Elizabeth Blogs About Interviewing the President

Elizabeth:

Thank you for your blog, but it leaves so many unanswered questions.

Can you describe what you were referring to when you say that, after the interview ended, "we saw his personality become more sharply defined"?

What concerns that were not covered in the interview did the president address after it was over?

Can you describe specifically what you saw in his behavior after that interview that justified both "admiration and criticism" from the American people?

If you cannot describe these things because the conversation was "off the record", why do you agree to withhold information that may be important to the public's understanding of Bush?

Why does the administration require reporters to
suppress any of its conversations with the president?

What do reporters gain by allowing "off the record" conversations about public issues?

The president, it appears, tries to use "off the record" conversations with reporters to seduce them into becoming his allies, but what does the public gain from this suppression of information?

One of the things I like best about you was that I was unable to detect whether you were a Republican or Democrat. That changed with the interview and your blog on Bush. I now suspect you are a Bush groupie like so many MSM. On the port issue, you compared the British-owned company with the Arab-owned country like they are the same when one is owned by the Arab government and the British-owned company is privately held. That is an important distinction that a well-paid network anchor should be aware. The time spent on his "good" girls was almost funny except it took time away from very important issues like torture, hurricane relief, global warming, why Karl Rove is still on the federal payroll and Dick Cheney's markmanship.

I think this was a top-notch interview. I thoroughly enjoyed watching each segment.

Elizabeth, first may I say that you are an excellent role model for my teenage students who have a desire to enter broadcasting. Years ago I attended a lecture at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where Peter Jennings was the guest speaker. I will never forget the interaction he had with the students. It was marvelous and he is missed terribly. Now, to a matter that concerns me--the War in Iraq. Would it be possible for you to bring a crew to BAMC (Brook Army Medical Center) in San Antonio, Texas where a large contingent of wounded soldiers are being cared for? I believe if our citizens could see our maimed soldiers that they would be in the streets demanding our troops be brought home now.
On Thursday, at BAMC I witnessed young male and female soldiers sitting in wheel chairs staring blankly into space, as miles and miles of gauze covered pointy nubs where hands used to be. Soldiers were trying to take the stairs for the first time using prosthetic legs--both legs. I saw bright red burnt faces. It makes me wonder how many soldiers have returned with wounded minds. As a mother, grandmother, retired military wife, and teacher I beg citizens to speak up and demand that this war end and bring our soldiers home, so that another doesn't have to be killed or maimed for life. May God bless each soldier and all the dedicated doctors and nurses who are treating and caring for our brave soldiers. I just can't sit idly by and do nothing. Guess, now that I'm so verbal, my wires will be bugged. I worry that our freedom of speech is being taken away day by day.

Elizabeth... thanks for being a great role model for our young people who want to become responsible, informative, and respected journalists. My nephew has been accepted to the University of Missouri at Columbia for the Fall 2006, and our family is thrilled for him. He wants to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, and I read recently that you are a Mizzou alum... that speaks volumes for their program and the education he will get from this great institution.

Any chance you could respond with a few words of advice to him? I'd love to be able to forward your message to him as a "personalized" graduation gift from one of Mizzou's most distinguished graduates!

Thank you. Karen Landholt