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Charlie's Up & Blogging
August 25, 2008 1:46 PM
Charlie Gibson from Denver:
And so it begins.
The conventions…and my participation in this blog. I hope the former will be edifying and infectious, getting more and more people involved in this Presidential election. I hope the latter will not be embarrassing.
This is my eighteenth convention, the Republicans next week will be nineteen -– best I can count.
Someone asked me today what I expected to "take away" from this year's conventions. There's really no way to tell.
Sometimes there are memorable moments that you suspect will affect the fall election –- sometimes not.
I remember watching incumbent Jimmy Carter standing on the stage in New York nervously awaiting the arrival of Senator Edward Kennedy. Carter had defeated him in the primaries. Carter was the incumbent President. But there he was -- obviously nervous about Kennedy's arrival. And Kennedy wasn't helping –- he was dawdling along making Carter wait standing on the podium in front of a national television audience while the Kennedy motorcade was shown in a small box at the bottom of the screen. I thought to myself, "Carter's going to lose this election. He's not acting like an incumbent."
(Watch Carter's acceptance speech).
Then there was Kansas City in 1976 when Jerry Ford was going to be nominated after a battle over the Mississippi delegation ended in his favor. Yet the convention seemed more enamored of Ronald Reagan than of Ford. It was almost as if the nomination were being given to the incumbent President grudgingly. And I thought to myself, "Jimmy Carter may well unseat President Ford. So many in this party wishes it were Reagan being nominated here…"
Both of those were memorable. Might there be a parallel at this convention? I don't know. Will the Clinton people come out of here still wishing she were the nominee? Will they sit on their hands this fall hoping she'll be the nominee in four years? Will people believe her statements of unity?
Intriguing. 
Incidentally, Senator Edward Kennedy will play prominently in the convention activities tonight. Monday is designed to be Michelle Obama night. Her speech is the centerpiece –- her brother will introduce her. She will speak about the man to whom she is married. Earlier –- out of the ten o'clock eastern hour that we will broadcast, will be a tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy. A tribute film has been prepared by Ken Burns, the documentary filmmaker, and Kennedy, whom it was presumed would be too ill to travel, taped a few remarks that are included in the film. But Kennedy has come to Denver. His people are being coy about it, but you can bet your bottom dollar if he's here, he'll come to the convention. And while they're saying he probably won't talk, I can't help but doubt that. If he's come all this way, he'll speak. And the convention's response to him will, I suspect, overshadow everything else that happens tonight. For this may well be the last time a Kennedy is to be recognized and honored and to speak at a Democratic convention. That is no small moment. That will be dramatic in the extreme.
And to be "taken away" from this convention is that it is truly historic. That word gets thrown around a lot –- far too loosely. But this convention on Wednesday will nominate an African-American candidate. Less than 150 years since the end of slavery. Just over fifty years after the desegregation of American schools. Whether you support the Democrat or Republican –- you cannot help but be moved at how far the country has come.
I think all of us will take that away from this convention for sure.
August 25, 2008 in Charlie Gibson | Permalink | Share | User Comments (99)
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Welcome to blogging, Charlie.
I have enjoyed your commentary and reporting over the years.(I have been voting National elections since Johnson and Goldwater.)
Posted by: Joel | Aug 25, 2008 1:56:02 PM
I think it is so wonderful that Senator Kennedy was able to come to the convention. He has not always benn my favorite politician or even my favorite Kennedy but I have to respect the man and the longevity of his career. Thru all its ups and downs Kennedy has been a consistant voice for the weak, poor and ofetn overlooked citizens.
Posted by: jenny | Aug 25, 2008 2:00:54 PM
I have to say that since the Democratic party selected (didn't elect) Obama, they have made a huge mistake. Not only is Obama grossly under-qualified but no one knows who he is or where he really stands on the issues. Lobbyists are funding the Democratic convention yet Obama and the DNC promised not to take money from anymore lobbyists. Also, Obama was so arrogant to run for president after just 1 year in the senate.
This Democrat will be voting for McCain '08
Posted by: Alex | Aug 25, 2008 2:18:35 PM
You are a true journalist, Mr. Gibson.
I will always admire you for your refusal to disseminate Bush/Cheney propaganda to enable the invasion of Iraq--especially your tough skepticism of Colin Powell's WMD claims at the UN.
Your reputation is well-deserved.
Posted by: Bobby | Aug 25, 2008 2:18:41 PM
Welcome Charlie - It is interesting that many, including myself, voted for Hillary because I believe in my heart that she would have been the "best" person to be President. I reject Mr. Obama for too many reasons to list besides being arrogant and inexperienced. So the Democrats say I must vote for a man that I do not respect and feel deeply will divide the country if elected, in addition to destroying our economy. If the superdelegates had not supported Barack Obama the story today would have been different...so only a few are trying to run the country, not the many.
Obama stated publicly that the men and woman that have died in the Iraq war have "wasted their lives". In other words, family and friends of mine fighting so that "freedom" where ever it might be is not a scared cause. How can I vote for such a person? I know Obama said it was just a poor choice of words. Then he calls many people bitter and clinging to their bibles, I know another bad choice of words. The words just keep flowing from his mouth and the "media" keeps overlooking most of them--he seems to be the "chosen" one. He even refused to wear the Flag Pin which is now on every suit jacket because of the uproar...and you know the ONLY reason he is wearing the pin is that his campaign manager told him to put it on if he wants to be President. Mr. Obama says he loves America but then goes on the Europe Tour and tells the world he is sorry for America's short-comings! A boy wearing a man's suit using a teleprompter giving speeches will not save the United States. These are dangerous times and we need the "best", experienced people possible. So the choice is removed by the Democrats, so I will now cast my vote for John McCain!
Posted by: Mike | Aug 25, 2008 2:21:11 PM
Thanks for writing here. News blogging is a wonderful thing. When you get steeped in information about a topic, and feel shallow boiling it all down to a few seconds or a couple hundred words for broadcast, this can be a wonderful release - a nice way to share your insight and perspective with those of us whose interest in a story extends beyond three minutes.
I'm sure there are folks who'll give you an earful from time to time, but as you can see above, there are lots of appreciative folks as well.
Posted by: Josh Braun | Aug 25, 2008 2:25:55 PM
Qualifications! Heart, Soul and the Dignity to rise above the leftiest, the rights and those who think they control life...History will find through a spiritual transition something far greater than men of past and present to lift this Nation to the forefront of God! No man will be able to secure less than what GOD makes happen! Blessings Mr. Gibson...The Democrats must rise up to secure the faith in God and the future of this here country...We are not rich in liberty, we lost that when we allowed power and greed...Now it is time for the world to feel the newness and the least to become the first...Apachecheynne
Posted by: Jalica | Aug 25, 2008 5:25:32 PM
Hi Charlie, I always watch your newscast and was pleased to see your new blog site thanks to the TV Newser site.
It will be interesting to see how the Clintons and their supporters fit into this convention.
The cable channels have lots of filler, so I will look forward to your 10 PM reports that are filled with substance (if there is any substance to be found at a convention).
Have fun!
Posted by: Catherine | Aug 25, 2008 6:31:07 PM
I've never cared much for Sen. Kennedy, but I still think it is nice that the Democratic party will honor him tonight at the convention. It will be a special and touching moment for many people watching.
Posted by: Catherine | Aug 25, 2008 6:39:56 PM
After Brian Ross's piece, the old adage "politics is the last refuge of scoundrels" seems even more apt. "Change?" NO se puede.
Posted by: linda | Aug 25, 2008 6:56:43 PM
Charlie,
Why you only showing negaive news about Obama in your news. There is some positive news alos..
Posted by: Jim | Aug 25, 2008 6:57:39 PM
Every day at 5:30 p.m., I stop working and turn to your broadcast. You're my daily date. So, as others have said, I look forward to reading your more-substantive take on topics, beyond what you have time to deliver on the nightly news.
Posted by: Beth | Aug 25, 2008 7:00:07 PM
Charlie you are a great to listen to on the news. I think the DNC will be enlighting and I look forward to seeing Ted Kennedy and what Michelle Obama has to say. There will be a lot to talk about.
Posted by: Christina | Aug 25, 2008 7:00:36 PM
Welcome to the blogosphere, Charlie. You will not be embarrassed here. You've been a part of my family for many years, and we are never embarrassed here at home.
Posted by: Karen | Aug 25, 2008 7:02:32 PM
I just saw your report on lobbyists gone wild.At the dem.convention.I hope you'll report on the same if not more out of control behavior at the republican convention.I've noticed that all three major networks have been slanted in favor of the conservative right.I guess Rupert Murdock owns A.B.C. as well.No wonder I prefer to watch P.B.S.It's the only independent news left.As Mark Twain said,"the people get the gov't they deserve."
Posted by: Deanna | Aug 25, 2008 7:06:05 PM
Welcome, Charlie. I've been an avid fan for years - beginning when you started on GMA. I can tell I'm going to enjoy your blog - I've always trusted you to be (or at least appear to be) fair and unbiased in your reporting. Of course you have your own opinions, but I've never known your political affiliation and that's a good thing. This is going to be an exciting election as well as a history-making one. I'm Republican, my husband Democrat. Makes for lively (and heated) dinner table discussion. Your broadcasts will hopefully help us sort everything out. Looking forward to these blogs.
Posted by: Julie in Texas | Aug 25, 2008 7:10:01 PM
Hi Charlie,
I have been living in the USA for the past 24 years and the minute I saw you on GMA was smitten. You seem to be a very humble person but at the same time someone with a great sense of humor. I love watching you on the evening news. Can you please answer this question for me is. There are two reporters who appear on the news with you, they both have the last name Starks. Are they related. I will continue to watch each evening. Thanks Charlie
Posted by: Claudette Winston | Aug 25, 2008 7:11:39 PM
Hello Charlie! So nice to read your blog. I will not watch any station other than ABC for these conventions as I know I can count on you, George and Diane for honest, unbiased reporting. I just don't feel that comfortable with anyone else. Thank you for being the gentleman we all know you to be. I am so looking forward to both conventions as I am a political junkie at heart, but I, also, look forward to hearing commentary from Diane, George and yourself. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: caiside | Aug 25, 2008 7:14:28 PM
Dear Mr. Gibson:
Thank you for your thoughtful and down-to-earth coverage. I am a loyal viewer and find your wit and warmth to be a breath of fresh air on the networks.
And, by the way, most every evening, when you close your broadcast with "I hope you had a good day" I find it very comforting.Thank you for that.
It so reminds me of father who passed away 10 years ago.
I've been wanting to tell you that for a long time.
Enjoy the convention - I look forward to your insight!
Posted by: Carole Wymer | Aug 25, 2008 7:19:41 PM
Charlie - In these very uncertain times of talk radio,cable news, and bloggers it is nice to have a 'news man' join the discussion on line. I look forward to your convention insights and impressions.
Thanks to all at ABC News.
Posted by: Leigh | Aug 25, 2008 7:21:01 PM
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