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Charlie's Blog
August 28, 2008 1:29 PM
I'm going to post a bit early today because I have an interview with Michelle Obama in an hour and a half and need to prepare. My inclination is to talk to her about what she would do as first lady. She's worked all her adult life. So how will she channel those energies should her husband be President? How much does he consult her on decisions? Did she participate in the selection of Biden? If so, why didn't he give greater consideration to Hillary? I may not get anywhere with that last question. We'll see.
I read last night's response postings. Just a couple of general comments. First, the young producer arrested yesterday on the public sidewalk of Denver has been released on $500 bail. We got a kick out of the fact he swiped his corporate credit card to put up the five hundred. The charge of trespassing against him still stands. But the video of the incident shot by our crew clearly shows him standing on a public sidewalk with many other people on the same sidewalk. We hope the charges will be dropped.
It actually reminds me of the 1984 Democratic convention in San Francisco. I had finished my work for the convention and was sitting in the ABC tent with my feet up ready to watch Walter Mondale's acceptance speech when an assignment editor came in and told me there would be one more demonstration outside the San Francisco police headquarters and he wanted me to go cover it. So off I went.
There were maybe a hundred protesters in front of the police station. I've honestly forgotten their cause or what they were protesting when all of a sudden a police line appeared and started moving toward the protesters. A police officer told me to get away from the group of protesters and move a block behind the police line. I told him I wouldn't go unless he made the CBS and NBC crews (the cables weren't around then) do the same. I wasn't going to be at a competitive disadvantage to them, and I didn't intend to miss the story, and I had a right to stand on that street. He asked me again. I gave the same answer. I thought I was being polite but before I knew what was happening, I was flat on the ground with my nose in the dirt and the police were trying to take my two-way radio. For some reason I decided having that radio was the most important thing in the world.
Well, let me tell you when there are three police officers standing on your back, and another one trying to wrestle your radio away from you, it is not easy to hold on. They got the radio (it somehow didn't occur to me that my camera crew would let the office know what was happening and therefore I really didn't need the radio), and before I knew it my hands were cuffed behind my back.
I was taken inside the station, plopped on to a wooden bench, and the handcuffs were attached to a metal ring on the wall. And there I sat for an hour or so.
Finally an officer came in and said, "Are you Gibson from ABC?" "Yes sir." "You're free to go now." It turns out ABC had told Senator Diane Feinstein of the situation and she made a call and I was released. When I came out Barry Serafin, who was then a reporter for ABC, was there with a tape crew. Roone Arledge wanted to make a federal case of the situation on the air. I thought it best if we let the whole thing drop. More often than not people will side with the police even if the police may have overreacted. Roone disagreed with me, and you don't want to have your boss disagreeing with you, but he understood.
The CBS crew the next day gave me a video tape cassette they had made of the incident. No fun seeing yourself flat on the ground being handcuffed. The NBC crew gave me a button that said, "I fought the law and the law won!" I got a great laugh out of that and I still have it somewhere.
However, yesterday, I thought the police were clearly out of line. As I said, I hope and believe the charges against Asa Eslocker will be dropped.
As for those questioning whether we'll cover the activities of lobbyists at the Republican convention as aggressively as we've covered them here. The answer is simple –- you bet we will. And we will have as many hours of coverage of the Republican convention as we've had of the Democrats. One hour each night –- Monday through Thursday.
Also on the subject of balancing commentary and analysis versus sticking with the podium at this convention – I think we've been about right in our proportion of both. The only mistake I think was in not going to the podium for Governor Schweitzer of Montana when he made his speech on Tuesday night. We had the script of the speech and it was pretty standard fare. He went WAY off script with a much more animated and fiery speech than we'd anticipated. He's a colorful character. I should have known he'd be better in person than on paper. I wish we'd taken it. As the kids say, "My bad."
I'm curious as to reaction of readers of this blog to one of the decisions we made. At conventions past, when the parties ran their films introducing the principal speakers at the convention, we would either talk to our correspondents while the film was on or we'd produce our own film that was more objective in its approach and took a more "reportorial" tone. This time we decided to run the films made by the Democrats and we'll run the films made by the Republicans at their convention as well. Diane Sawyer and I both are sort of fans of this genre of film and as long as we run the films from both parties, we thought it would be instructive for the audience to see them as long as we labeled them "party videos," made the point that they were in no way objective, and said we'd run the Republican films as well as the Democrats. Right? Wrong? I'm curious as to what you think.
Now to the convention -– Bill Clinton's speech was very important, I thought, to the Obama people. Hillary Clinton's ads for weeks had questioned Barack Obama's qualifications to be Commander in Chief. Bill Clinton, who held the job for eight years, said emphatically that Obama was so qualified. Very important for the Obama campaign. Which is not to say the McCain campaign won't raise the same questions -– but Clinton's imprimatur on Obama was very important in that regard. If Bill Clinton harbors any angers toward the Obama people, it wasn't evident last night.
Then there was the Biden speech. Those of us who have covered Washington know Biden. He's one of the figures on Capitol Hill who loves the exchanges with the press –- isn't paranoid about us –- and thus is well liked by the press corps. A lot like John McCain actually. Biden gave a Biden speech –- no other way to say it. But he doesn't much like the teleprompter and thus wandered away from his prepared text at times. But it was a good speech. And the appearance by Barack Obama after it ended reinforced the theme that this party has moved on now from the Bill Clinton days. It's Obama's party for now. And it will be most interesting to see how he assumes that mantle tonight.
August 28, 2008 in Charlie Gibson | Permalink | Share | User Comments (92)
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The videos - keep them as is - I agree with the blogger who suggested running them side by side with ABC generated videos - on line?
I look forward to your interview with Michelle Obama. I want to know what she will do when she is First Lady. I really think I heard Cindy McCain say she would not do anything if she were the first lady. I hope I heard wrong!!!
The Clinton speeches (2) - WOW. I love Bill & Hillary. (You should have heard what I was saying four years ago - sorry)
Senator Biden? I am so glad that a down to earth, straight-forward person is running with Obama. We need it!
And my switching parties? Am I a Republican turned Democrat? No, I am a Democrat who turned Republican about 16 year ago! And I have to apologize profusely to the Democratic Party for my actions! My Bad!
My best to you Charlie and your side kicks Diane and George. (Watch you every Sunday, George - looking forward to the next one, as always) Hope all of you have a good night.
Posted by: george | Aug 28, 2008 3:37:15 PM
Whether the charges against Asa Eslocker are dropped or not, the arrest has a huge chilling effect on the media, especially those members of the press who are not on a first name basis with Senator Diane Feinstein.
What you never mention is whether Fred Baron was at the Brown Palace hotel when the arrest took place.
Was this simply a case of Fred Baron saying, "Hey officer, go choke that guy and arrest him!".
And smoking while you're on duty? That would never fly in my town.
Posted by: Randy Townlee | Aug 28, 2008 3:37:41 PM
Charlie:
I agree with kyoto27. I think the actions of the Denver Police against ABC's reporter are appalling and that the network should take the police to task. Please don't roll over and allow those responsible to get away with trampling our rights. This is not Beijing. Brian Ross has obviously touched a real nerve following The Money Trail. I hope yesterday's incident only fires him up more.
Oh, and yes, let the videos play as produced by the respective parties.
Posted by: Dan in Palm Springs | Aug 28, 2008 3:41:35 PM
Charlie: For me, this is my 3rd response to your blog, that yesterday, you were questioning the value of, in light of all the "world news" on World News. I've noticed a few people commenting about the other networks carrying some speeches preceding the major networks' coverage; well, that's why we have remotes, to surf the stations and find the coverage, if it is elsewhere.
The retired teacher-librarian that I am, is only taping the major one-hour coverge, unless I find out beforehand that another network is moving with the smaller sound bite; then, I keep it on the original tape.
I appreciated your personali-zation of the convention wherein you were "held down" in SanFrancisco, and Senator Feinstein intervened; I also see how the miniscule outburts/protest resulted in your observation of the police going a bit too far. So, Charlie, whether you realize it or not, this "blog" has touched you as well; it's made you re-configure how you have perceived your role, and you willingly tell your own personal experience and press on for the underdog.
Once, a blog, twice, a blog, and the third time, you are enjoying th emergence of your own interpretations by way of the network. I am looking forward to your interview with Michelle, and the poignant questions you are putting together; trust your self, your instinct, and your "newser's stamina" to do the interview and bring it to us, later.
Some of the previous responders seemed to think that all their questions must be addressed; we all know, Barack Obama has been accepted overwhelmingly by the public, the public, beyond parties, beyond their previous endorsements, and beyond the place in time where "Time has been standing still" and when we must move forward to return to the goal of our own pledge of allegiance, "one nation, under God, with liberty, and justice for all", translated into simple ways of bringing about validation of all racies, all creeds, and all of this nation. The petty racial cards, the gender cards, and whatever old cards people like to play, must be thrown out of the deck, and a new process begins.
Charlie, you underestimate your value; "this torch, this blog", is yours to embrace. God bless you.
Posted by: Mary Ann Zulawinski | Aug 28, 2008 3:46:20 PM
I was dismayed to read of your experiences at the 1984 Democratic convention when you were arrested while reporting for your network. It is reprehensible that such a thing can happen in our country. I too have been abused several times by our local police for no criminal offense, but only it would seem to amuse the police and support their delusions of grandeur that comes with their uniform and badge.
In regards to the going with the party's films when they introduce the speakers. I think it would make for a more lively and real experience for your viewers. But thanks for asking. Enjoy tonight's convention. It sounds like it's quite an experience and one that will be a major chapter in the history of the USA.
And I would like to thank you again for starting this blog. It is bringing me back to ABC News after having left with the death of Peter Jennings, who was a par excellence reporter. I have been watching Brian Williams in the interim.
Posted by: Gerry Mack | Aug 28, 2008 3:47:51 PM
I was surprised to hear of an ABC producer being arrested (off a sidewalk) trying to obtain footage of donors leaving one of the parties at a hotel. Back in June during the Bilderberg meeting in Virginia, private security officials were trying to get media and protesters to vacate, but the local police let them remain on the sidewalk — it is a public way, not owned by the hotel.
Posted by: Alex | Aug 28, 2008 3:50:22 PM
Charlie I truthfully hope you ask questions you do not know the answer to. The "How do you feel tonight" type are sooooo boring to listen to and really show the shallowness of the reporter. Should the interviewee Not want to answer tough questions then nail them so the public will understand their shallowness. I don't mean to be mean to them just try and get some interesting info from the interview not the usual hum drum stuff we already know the answers to.
Reporting so far OKAY.
Run the videos as they are presented is good.
The police should be sued for infringing on the reporters rights and should be reported that way on the NEWS.
Posted by: Dell Klotz | Aug 28, 2008 3:57:16 PM
My response to Lauren's comment (Posted by: Lauren | Aug 28, 2008 2:50:49 PM)...
Isn’t the choice of leadership of our country for the next four years more important than reruns and (even worse)reality shows?
Hear, hear! I second the motion.
Thank you.
Posted by: Gerry Mack | Aug 28, 2008 3:57:28 PM
To what level will the Obama camp stoop to protect this man? After last night with Kurtz and then this with the producer? You guys should be making a lot more noise. I know if the tables were turned that's all we'd be hearing!
Posted by: Cindy | Aug 28, 2008 3:58:41 PM
My initial comment hit the spam filter, but no matter. Many of the others are more interesting anyhow. My question to everyone who switches from ABC to watch full-day coverage of the DNC:
If you have the option to watch all-day coverage elsewhere, should ABC seek to provide more of the same? What's the added value in having one more station air the same thing? Or should ABC News be looking to do more analysis and commentary, since the quality of their correspondents may be what distinguishes them?
Posted by: Josh Braun | Aug 28, 2008 4:07:50 PM
thought it must have been a terrifying experience at the time, now it is certainly one of those lifetime experiences that make life interesting. although, i think, in current society, people now tend to be against the police officer, especially in cases where the video tapes proves that the attack and arrest was unprovoked. i saw the confrontation myself and the police officers were definitely out of line in my book, and it makes me question how officers in Denver and elsewhere treat "suspects" when the cameras are not rolling.
but just want to say how much i am enjoying this blog, its something that i look forward to reading everyday.
Posted by: elle | Aug 28, 2008 4:11:43 PM
ps good luck with the interview, i'll definitely be tuning in tonight
Posted by: elle | Aug 28, 2008 4:13:04 PM
I like that you guys are showing the videos. We get to see the speeches in the same context as the people on the floor (after the videos) and, as a political nerd, it's always interesting to see what is put in and what's left out. I think your convention coverage so far has been great!
Posted by: April | Aug 28, 2008 4:44:09 PM
Charley the police has been out of line with the general public for years, and after you and the other Media rolled over for the "Patriot Act" it only got worse. What is the solution? Why don't you do your job like your boss in '84 and keep the heat up on the police and the administration. But the MSM have continued on their course to make deals to get a story that isn't true (Run up to Iraq War).
Posted by: Sanity Man | Aug 28, 2008 4:46:56 PM
The 10-11Pm convention coverage is pathetic. Yesteryears saw Peter Jennings, David Brinkley and George Will articulating and analyzing. I watched the first three days of DNC 2008 and my opinion is : it SUCKS big time.
You must have articulate and eloquent analysts. George Will absent means historical perspective is completely missing.
Then again, why must I waste watching ABC ?
I am glutton for punishment :-)
Posted by: ramana | Aug 28, 2008 4:49:45 PM
Charlie
Just in case
Keep this handy if McCain picks Romney...
...it's the theme song to the 80's sitcom "Silver Spoons" with Ricky (I mean Rick) Schroeder.
Theme song lyrics
"Together" by Bob Wirth and Rik Howard
Here we are, face to face
A couple of Silver Spoons.
Hopin’ to find, we’re two of a kind
Making a go, making it grow.
Together, we’re going to find our way.
Together, taking the time each day.
To learn all about those things you just can’t buy.
Two Silver spoons together.
You and I together (We’re going to find our way)
You and I together (We’re going to find our way)
You and I together.
Posted by: dl | Aug 28, 2008 4:52:05 PM
O. K. Charlie...since you ask....
1) Play the videos with disclaimers.
OH, and also 2)Please pass on this message- I am watching PBS and C-Span to get my convention coverage...then Nightline.
3) I am embarrassed for you that ABC has chosen to only go one hour per night.
4) I agree with another blogger or two, your schedule right now is weak...ABC should have used the great team of George,Cokie, the other George...with Donna and yourself with Dianne. The depth of that experience trumps CNN by a landslide..
5) Now, don't get upset---I watch YOU with the news every night and GMA every morning..I just thought ABC would do better on the coverage of the conventions.
YOUR viewers - in a lot of areas..without cable or satelite---missed alot.
Posted by: Sheila Bell | Aug 28, 2008 4:52:25 PM
Charlie,
Thanks again for the blog. I appreciate your experienced and candid. casual observations. Sure, lets see the parties videos. We can maybe pick up some interesting information and enjoy the "puffery" in the process. The proposed questions to Michelle are great. Good luck. Regards and thanks to you and your crew, Diane, George ,etal.
Posted by: Hal | Aug 28, 2008 4:53:26 PM
Remember people, Michelle is not running for president so stop trying to put her in the race. She is the wife of the future president so let's stay focused.
OBAMA 2008, YES WE CAN & WILL!!!
Posted by: An-G | Aug 28, 2008 4:57:45 PM
Just one more thing. Your interview questions could have been written by a college intern. How about "You came from a South Side Chicago working class background, But Cindy McCain had wealth and privalege going for her all her life. How will this difference in background make you different from Cindy as a First Lady."
Posted by: Sanity Man | Aug 28, 2008 4:58:26 PM
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