Charlie’s Blog
EmailSo a funny thing happened on the way to St. Paul for the Republican convention.
The plane landed in New Orleans.
We started talking early Saturday about how to cover Gustav. Most of our senior "World News" staff was headed for Minnesota Saturday afternoon. I stayed back in New York to watch the Northwestern and Michigan football games on TV. First things first. I was to fly out to MSP early Sunday morning.
Then Saturday evening we began talking about whether we should be in New Orleans rather than St. Paul. It seemed to me that if I didn’t go to New Orleans early on Sunday, I’d never get in. Having been through half a dozen major hurricanes, and especially since Katrina, I know that public officials shut down the airports now sooner rather than later. So a number of the "World News"staff headed here from St. Paul Sunday morning and I came in from New York.
We got here just in time.
Almost all of the airport facilities were shut down by the time we arrived at 10:30 Sunday morning. The young lady at the car rental desk was almost panicked, she was in such a hurry to get home. We came to the Bourbon Orleans hotel in the French quarter (the following constitutes a "plug" because they’ve been so nice to us –- who says a blog can’t have a commercial?) which is shut down. There is a staff of one here, but the manager has been a champ and let us use the hotel ballroom for work space and we’re camped out in a few of the rooms –- some sleeping on beds, other on couches. We did "World News" here last night, and will do so again today.
Once we heard that the Republican convention was virtually shut down because of the storm, we knew we’d made the right decision, and last night’s broadcast was almost entirely made up of storm news.
As I write at noon ET, eleven in the morning New Orleans time, it seems as if this city has avoided a repeat of Katrina. Steve Osunsami from our Atlanta bureau has been stationed out at the levees. He reports one flood wall (the locals distinguish that from a levee) –- at Clayburn Avenue near the lower ninth ward — has waters lapping over the top, but otherwise Steve says things look to be secure. Late last night, the storm appeared as if it would be coming on shore uncomfortably close to this city. But it took a bit of a western turn overnight, just before landfall, so while we’ve gotten plenty of rain and gusty winds, the city seems okay. However, the storm has come ashore over the blue bayou that Roy Orbison sang about, and that area must be taking a pounding even with the storm’s diminished winds of 110 mph. We’ll learn how bad a hit after the storm has passed on –- toward Texas it seems now.
We’re going to do a series of one minute special reports on the storm through the afternoon. "World News" will be largely consumed by news of the storm, and then there’s that one hour tonight at 10 p.m. ET when we had intended to cover the convention. To be absolutely frank, I’m not sure what we’ll do for the hour since there’s not much convention news. We’ll figure that out as the day goes on.
One strange piece of news coming out of St. Paul –- Sarah Palin has confirmed that her 17-year-old daughter Bristol is pregnant. There had been a rumor circulating on some blogs that the daughter, not the governor, was the mother of the baby born last April. According to the McCain camp, in an effort to knock down the rumor, Governor Palin has told people her daughter is now five months pregnant. I’m not sure what we do with that piece of news…
At the convention, this night had been scheduled for a speech from President Bush. The last time I saw him –- some months ago –- he was joking that the party had "hidden" him with a speech on Labor Day night. Now he’s gone to Texas to monitor the emergency activities for the storm. It would appear now as if he’ll never address the convention -– strange that a convention could take place without a sitting president of that party never coming to speak.
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Charlie…just for the record, to address your comment earlier about whether the ‘blog’ is a good use of time. I just happened onto your blog for the first time today. I love it. You are so real and so genuine (as are your co-horts on GMA. I don’t see how any of us can fail to enjoy your thoughts on the day’s events. It’s just like sitting down and having a conversation with you. I was a longtime, NBC news devotee. Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate/trust your commentary over many others. I miss Tim Russert…he was my most trusted source for political commentary, but in his absence, you are it, my friend. Take care of yourself. We want you around for a very long time. I’ll check back to your blog often. Best Regards, Vicky
(Washington State)
Posted by: Vicky Brown | September 1, 2008, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
Charlie: This is return blog #6; you are like a close friend now, as you paint the scene as it is. Thanks to the “Bourbon Orleans” for keeping their doors open to you and your staff. What a way to spend Labor Day, or any day. We who have never known the hurricane experience up front and close, lean on you to put it in perspective for those of us interested in real news.
As I’ve said before, I am a retired teacher-librarian, and it was my responsibility to “make the news present to my students”, while they would much rather hang out in a classroom they felt was unimportant to their graduation. It was the aftermath of 9-11 that put me in the position to present the news “as it is”, a craft learned from my own interest in life and the world. You do it for a living, and with your persistence to bring it to us, “the truth will set us free”.
So, Charlie, “funny thing happened on the way to St. Paul…we landed in New Orleans”, was on my mind as I’ve watched you on today’s news. You and your staff make the news real; others would rather be in denial while you get it out to us, as needed.
Praying for your safety and stamina; give it your best, as you always do. Stay dry!
Posted by: Mary Ann Zulawinski | September 1, 2008, 5:16 pm 5:16 pm
At 6 pm tonight an F-18 buzzed over my house, not more than 200 feet in the air. Within seconds, I saw a small plane begin to turn East then Northeast. The F-18 circled around to the East. I could not see the Fighter jet anymore, but I could hear it as I saw the small plane fly away. I don’t know if it was an F-18 or another jet, but I could see the pilot in his cockpit bubble.
Posted by: Craig Lewandowski | September 1, 2008, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
My wife and I have watched ABC news for years. We are both Democrats and are of the opinion that both Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos are Republicans. They certainly slant the news to the Republican point of view. Shame on you.
On the news of the day:
I do not understand how the Republicans continue to get away with double standards. The child of the Republican Vice Presidential candidate being pregnant and not married certainly demonstrated “FAMILY VALUES” does it not. If a child of a Democratic political candidate were in the same situation, the religious right would be down on the person like a hawk. The Republicans are always spouting “Family Values. It seems to us that the Republican Party had now lost 2 of it most trumpted issues, family values and experience in government.
Richard Sherwin
Posted by: Richard Sherwin | September 1, 2008, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
I live in Ham Lake, Minnesota. Not more than 10 or 15 minutes flying time to St. Paul. Who was in this small plane and what happened with them?
Posted by: Craig Lewandowski | September 1, 2008, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
I am a registered Democrat, however in the interest of fairness, why did we see Republican parties tonight but none during the Democratic Convention?
Is this an opinion or is it news reporting?
Posted by: Leverne M. Puskar | September 1, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
Mr. Gibson,
Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope you see blogging as valuable to your time, because it is valuable to us. You are a great journalist and respect you tremendously. Keep up the good work and increase ABC’s coverage of the election. The more the better!
Daniel
Seattle, WA
Posted by: Daniel | September 1, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
So after weeks and weeks of butt-kissing coverage I see some dems are complaining here about All Barak Channel covering the RNC? One of the many reasons I left the dems. All, a bunch of hate-filled whiners. And what’s with giving Diddy air-time on your website, ABC?
Posted by: TM | September 1, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
I really don’t appreciate “Cokie’s” judgemental call about the Palin family’s difficult decision to discuss a personal family situation. She must view the world a a bowl of crap. Which is how I view most of the media. Look for the most negative thing that will get attention so we can increase our ratings. Where are the moral principles that our country was founded on????
Posted by: Nick | September 1, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
Sorry Charlie, but when you attack the candidates’ families, that is off limits. I don’t know who writes the #### you report on, but I hear you say the words. Teen age pregnancies are not political. As far as family values, Ms. Palin loves her daughter and will stand beside her through these trying times. maybe you should respect that…
Posted by: Jimmy | September 1, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
Charlie, I could not believe my ears tonight when I heard you compare Hurricane Gustav to “Storm Sarah”, referencing the pregnancy of Sarah Palin’s daughter as the latest “storm”. Shame on you. You have daughters and you should be supportive or keep quiet. There are many families who live through an unwed daughter’s pregnancy; listen to both political party nominees suggestion and do not politicize this family’s child.
Posted by: Sue Ann Hill | September 2, 2008, 12:11 am 12:11 am
Charlie, your news story on tonight’s televised nightly news mentioned that your reporters went out looking for lobbying parties at the DNC just as you did at the RNC. Your report was very critical of the intent and appropriateness of the St. Paul parties.
Did you run a similar story of the lobbying parties for the Democrats in Denver? NO!! If Obama is truely the “change candidate and ethics crusader” that he claims to be, then that story would be just as news worthy as the as the parties in St. Paul. WHERE IS THE STORY THAT LIKEWISE CRITICIZES THE DEMOCRATS FOR THIER COZY RELATIONSHIPS AND INFLUENCE PARTYING WITH LOBBYISTS DURING THE DNC???
Posted by: Duane | September 2, 2008, 12:19 am 12:19 am
Good Evening Mr. Gibson..;-)
The sheer theater of Gustav in the US is laughable and reminds me of professional wrestling. CNN for example has 5 reporters covering a mild hurricane that is a category 2. 115 mile an hour winds compared to 150MPH that hit Cuba. There is nothing on CNN except Gustav. Five reporters ignoring the evacuation what a gr8 example!
John McCain is just as lame cancelling, yeah for political reasons to “show” his compassion and as he claims patriotism. They seem to forget how NYC continued despite 9-11. Bush hanging his hat in Texas to “make up for Katrina, pathetic.
Why not discuss the choices we make. I live in the Arizona desert yet my insurance rates go up because of those living and ignoring the danger of significant hurricanes. As a taxpayer every disaster we bail out I pay for and so do you. Then I am forced to watch idiots refuse to leave a potentially dangerous area and the news flock in to show how brave they are, absurd!
There is enough real problems in our world without making them up for theater, CNN should be ashamed. Fortunately ABC has restrained the theater…
One solution to this growing problem would be to prohibit building (new and current) on flood plains. Why do we have laws when the penalties have no teeth? Make all the land on the coast public just as they do in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Sure it sounds crazy but this is a growing problem and like the War in Iraq we simply can not afford it.
To bail out these locations once fine, I will buy it, but twice, a dozen times Nah that is nuttier than a fruitcake. This was a number 2 hurricane and look at the costs, remember what a number 4 or 5 costs.
Spencer
Nogales, AZ
Posted by: 1Babalawo | September 2, 2008, 2:03 am 2:03 am
I think Palin was smart to say about the daughters pregnancy–some one would have found out about it and then all hell would brake loose—-besides today —not such a big deal—-people can be cruel and they will when they want something—Charles– you blog very well—–its lots of fun isn’t it—
Posted by: Jesse James | September 2, 2008, 7:29 am 7:29 am
Palin pregnancy. Family matter. To chase it is unprofessional. Even Obama says it is irrevelant. CNN harped too long and is now on ignore.
Palin vs trooper. Get the facts not the opinions. French is seeking headlines. CNN naming as “trooper-gate” is doing the same. Did she apply undue pressure isn’t the question. Did the trooper’s superior fail to act due to “buddy system” is the question. And if “yes” then you’ve got a real story to report.
Posted by: pat | September 2, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
Last week when you covered the lobbyists’ parties for the Democrats at their convention (which some of the commentators above obviously never watched!) my Democratic friends were offended that you were showing the Democratic legislators in bad light – and one of your ABC associates was taken off to jail for doing a good job reporting.
Glad to see you are being fair and also showing the Republican lobbyist parties! But how typical to see that the lobbyists at their party were providing a band named Hookers & Blow… do the lobbyists seduce the legislators with real hookers and blow, and is this their hint? For a party which falsely claims to be the “family values” party, I find them amusing in their behavior. The politicians caught with the most deviant sexual misdeeds have all been Republicans while the Democrats seem to be caught with traditional extramarital affairs.
Posted by: William Noack | September 2, 2008, 10:44 am 10:44 am
Goodness – where were these people who are criticising ABC’s coverage of Demo vs Republican convention parties? The Democratic party throwers wouldn’t let in your news people, but they stuck it out on the sidewalk (or the jail). Good for them.
The “appropriateness” of the Republican party throwers was raised by McCain in that he asked his party to keep the tone of the convention down. Indeed the Republican’s in there usual state of “not getting the working man” went on with their extravagance.
Oh, but by all means the McCain’s are showing their support of our military people. Didn’t you see Cindy McCain’s interview with George Sunday? She was wearing TWO pins – one said “USMC” the other “NAVY”. Wasn’t that nice? Oh, you didn’t notice them sparkling in the TV lights? Well, diamonds do that, you know! That, my friends, is lip-service!
She also was completely offended by Obama’s reference to her wealth because her father worked hard for his money. Yes, he did and I respect her father for that, but the point, good lady, is that you are SECOND generation riche — Obama worked hard for his money also and if he is nouveau riche – he is the one who worked for it, not the one who is benefiting from someone ELSE’s earnings.
What you said about “the pregnancy” was just fine Charlie. If you had not said anything, you would have been criticized for favoring the Republicans. But you knew that already didn’t you.
Keep up the good work. Enjoyed your coverage of the storm last night. Enjoyed “This Week” Sunday. Good job! Have a good night.
Posted by: george | September 2, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
Charlie, I have to say I miss you in the mornings. I don’t get to watch you in the evening time – too many carpools to have to handle. I’m a mother, in GA.
So sick of hearing about the hurricane – and how people are going to take care of their homes, etc. These people all coming running to Atlanta. I have to say they have their hands out… they would be no different if they were in their own home town. If they have nothing here – you know they had nothing there either. I’m over hearing about this child being pregnant. It’s not our issue either. The media needs to step back – this could cause so much harm to this child and her baby. Stress can kill. I must admit the mother should have not taken on this position, she needs to be a mother to the 5 children she has – how does she think she can take on this role. I’m not sure who I will vote for this year – maybe I won’t vote. I have not heard anything good out of either side. We need to take a long look at people losing their jobs, their homes, etc… we need to worry about what will be taking place when our own children are trying to find their way in this world. I feel sorry for my up coming grandchildren. There are no good words to say about what this world has come to. We people are the ones that have made it this way. My grandparents would be turning over in their grave if they could see how people treat each other. Please keep your messages positive – I’m tried of hearing all negative comments, Miss you in the mornings.
Posted by: Katherine | September 2, 2008, 1:23 pm 1:23 pm
Charlie, I caught your GMA piece from N.O. and couldn’t believe two completely ridiculous statements you made.
One, you blamed the Bush admin for the disaster Katrina caused in N.O. I think the smooth evacuations this time make it patently clear that the idiot mayor didn’t know what he was doing last time!
Two, you said you hoped Gustav would turn away from N.O. To where? Houston? Galveston? Florida?
Posted by: Russell | September 2, 2008, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
I am really disappointed about the way the media is trying to shred Sarah Palin’s reputation. You made a raucous about Sarah Palin’s history and lack of political experience-but, no one in the mainstream media will the same to Obama. Then lay off Sarah Palin and her family. So called ‘troopergate’ is an incomplete analogy of what was really going on. This ex brother in law had threatened to kill their father for obtainig a lawyer for Palin’s sister. And, claimed no one would question his actions because he was a trooper. Why would anyone try to get this guy fired from his only means of support to the spouse and family if there wasn’t a really good reason! Use your common sense and stop trying to gain politically from this. What would Obama or Biden do if someone threatened to kill a member of their family. It’s the ‘good ‘ol boys (even troopers) going after Sarah Palin again. Lay off unless you want to give equal time to Obama’s prior drug use. The realities of him belonging to an anti white church for 20 years at his wife’s encouragement,etc.
Posted by: Patricia Ellsworth | September 2, 2008, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm
Charlie,
Okay, you all made the right calls during the DNC… but not running the Fred Thompson speech live tonight (while you’re on the air) is a real shame. I had to turn to Fox!
btw- Seriously, everyone needs to lay off Palin. It’s going to backfire on the DNC if they don’t pull the left wing surrogates back.
And… I hope that YOU have had a great day. :)
Posted by: Jennifer | September 2, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Could you please do what the local media has done and separate the protesters from the anarchists. There are peaceful protesters and there are the disruptive anarchists. Separate groups. It would behoove your news groups to make the distinction if you actually cared about facts.
Posted by: Claire | September 2, 2008, 11:39 pm 11:39 pm
We do have a statutory rape law in Alaska. I would like reporters tell me why Palin’s family is so different from others
Posted by: Penny | September 3, 2008, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
The age of consent in Alaska is 16. Statutory rape is not an issue.
Posted by: Matt H | September 3, 2008, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm
Mr. Gibson, the next time you see Rudy Giuliani, why not ask him–as a journalist–what happened to the black boxes from Ground Zero? As I’m sure you are aware, the 9/11 Commission Report declares the FDRs and CVRs “were not found”.
Don’t you find Rather’s aborted report curious?
Posted by: 4thestate | September 4, 2008, 9:09 am 9:09 am
I am so disappointed in you Charlie and ABC news in your coverage of Sarah Palin. It is completely negative towards her. I am a registered independent and have watched you for years thinking you were fair, but not so this time. Brian Ross’ report was so one sided, not even interviewing anyone who would have told another side of the story. What is it that so prevents reporters from being objective? If they can’t be they should be in another line of work. Politics should be left to the politicians and let the American people make their own judgements on people and issues. We can’t even trust you with giving us the facts as they are anymore. And yes I would ask you to do this for all the candidates!
Posted by: Smith | September 4, 2008, 3:30 pm 3:30 pm
Mr. Gibson,
I just found this blog while reading about your expected interview with Sarah Palin. I am so glad you’re first up. I watched the Democratic primary debate between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama that you and Mr. Stephanopoulos (forgive the spelling if it’s wrong) did. It was the first time anyone in the media had asked Mr. Obama tough, but appropriate, questions. I thought then that maybe, just maybe, journalism wasn’t really dead. Maybe, just maybe, someone would be prepared, ask good questions and not let a candidate get away with glib, shallow, or, in the case of what we have come to see from Mr. Obama when he feels cornered, flip answers (think “above my pay grade” which he had to “explain” today with George).
Thank you.
Posted by: Jackson | September 7, 2008, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
If you fail to ask about her Husbands membership in the Alaskan Indepoendance Party, of extreme importance since it advocates Alaskan Independace from the U S you are missing her plan to cut the
U S Government off at the knees. Thios is not about family, it is about the overthrow of our system of Government.
I thought we could depend on you for truth when it matters. You are selling out the citzens of this country. One can not divorse herself from the beliefs of her Husband. Different issue totally from her Child. COMME ON YOU’RE SMARTER THAN THAT
Posted by: J D Matthews | September 8, 2008, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
It appears you’ve gotten enough advice on what to ask Governor Palin. I’m writing to congratulate you on getting the interview. In my opinion you are the Walter Cronkite of our day. I have always found you to be fair and balanced, as well as thorough. I am looking forward to the interview.
Posted by: Ford Bailey | September 8, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
Charlie,
Your interview with Gov. Palin is a sham. You threw out your objectivity, and you only motive is to play the “got-cha” game. I only hope that you ask Obama about his relationship with Ayers, Wright, and Farrakhan. Ask about his family and relatives, too. Then ask him how did he go from Occidental to Columbia to Havard? Who did pay the bills? Saudi connection? Ask him about his “foreign” experience and executive experience, too. Put your name on the “bill” is not experience.
BTW, you asked Gov. Palin about the “BUSH’s doctrine”. It so sad that you could NOT correctly explained.
If you wanted to ask her that question, why didn’t you begin with…
The BUSH’s doctrine as I understand is… Gov. Palin do you support the BUSH’s doctrine?
I was so glad she stood up to “grandpa” with those ugly glasses…I did not see them when you do the news.
Posted by: Voter In America | September 23, 2008, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
I really don’t understand why you were given the priviledge of intervewing Sara Palin?
You didn’t give her a chance to answer or to give a true evaluation of who she really is.
You are truly an egotistiscal male. You don’t interview male candidates in the way?
You put her down in every way. You really made a fool of yourself.
Posted by: Patricia Brunson | November 11, 2008, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Hello Charlie Gibson,
I greatly appreciate your professional manner of delivering the World News. Somehow it seems you comer the entire world in just a short time. I think I have a lifetime story you might be interested in. My lifetime story was published from a publication from Portland, OR about 2 years ago. I do have a copy I could send you if you could direct me through the proper channels so you will receive it. It is about accomplishments I have made throughout my life after becoming legally blind since I was 13 years of age. I am now 66 years old (still look 50). The story simply gives HOPE to many with disabilities, no matter what type. Without going into further detail ….how do I get this story to you? I look forward to hearing from you soon. It’s just because I think you could give my story the proper credit in order to help many people. Thank you sir….keep up the good work.
Posted by: Charles Colson | August 12, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm