Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Katie Couric. We discussed how news organizations might better hold politicians accountable in the age of Trump, and what Ronna McDaniel's hiring means for NBC News. We also talked about how John McCain would navigate the political landscape today. Plus, Katie shares a personal message just days after becoming a first-time grandmother.
Just saw that the pressure got to NBC — they just terminated McDaniel.
“After listening to the legitimate concerns of many of you, I have decided that Ronna McDaniel will not be an NBC News contributor,” Cesar Conde, the chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, wrote in a staff memo on Tuesday.
He added, “I want to personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.”
McDaniel was also dropped by her agency: Creative Artists Agency.
There are plenty of "conservative voices" that NBC can bring on who have legitimate issues to raise. Those voices included Steve Schmidt, and currently Nicolle Wallace. We may not agree with these former republicans on every issue under the sun. But they are American's. They are "Constitutionalists" who believe in the republic and Democracy. They accept that sometimes you win and election and sometimes you do not. Ronna McDaniel is a big lie spreader, and just one more capitulating republican covered in Donald Trump's bull shit. And Ronna — it will never, ever wash off. No matter what soap you use — you will be covered in it forever.
That should serve as a warning to any "conservative" or "republican" out there. Everything Trump touches gets covered in his shit, and dies. Ask McDaniel. Ask Rudy. Ask Peter Navarro. Ask the long list guilty confessors — Ellis, Powell, Cheesboro and more — which is equal to a jury conviction — about the stink that will follow them forever. They are all now convicted criminals. Put that on your resume!
I guess you guys don't remember Katie asking Sarah Palin what books or newspapers she read. Palin had a very hard time answering that question. Hard hitting? Maybe not, the the result was at the top of the hard hitting pole!
An absolutely riveting conversation, Steve. Between you and Katie, you described the changes in the media and in the Republican party since the 2008 election with pinpoint clarity. You are right
that Biden must get his face out there as frequently as possible now and assert himself by outlining a vision for the future. He ought to do an interview with Katie. And with you.
PS to Ms Couric’s detractors: Katie Couric’s affability, combined with her professional journalist experience, could provide the ground for an in-depth interview and might bring out the best in Biden. That would not be a bad thing.
Really enjoyed your great conversation with Katie Couric Steve!! It was good to see her and I'm so happy for her and her family that she is a Grandmother too. Yay!!
I especially enjoyed the remembering of John McCain, a true American Hero and Patriot. I cried when I saw that clip of him defending President Obama that day. I will never forget when that happened either. I was horrified then. How far much farther we have fallen since then. He would be even be even more heartbroken today.
I also agree with Katie and you both that President Biden needs to get out there as much as possible. Period. Even though Trump is under a "gag order" that won't stop him. And He will have a huge spotlight on him in less than 3 weeks when he starts trial so the Biden team can't let up for a second. Not one second. Thanks again Steve!! Great work. ❤️🇺🇸💙
The President, our President has to get his message into the heartland and the best way to do that is by employing the Democrats tried and true whistle stop campaign.
Take the Ferdinand Magellan out of mothballs, leave Our Vice President in Washington to keep things running and set the President free to travel among the people. Roosevelt and Truman won with this strategy and so will our President.
Steve, no Catholics at the time of the American Revolution? Charles Carroll signed the Declaration of Independence. His cousin, John Carroll, was a priest in Maryland in 1776 and was later named the first Catholic Bishop in America for the Diocese of Baltimore. John's brother, Daniel Carroll, signed the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
After European settlements had been made to the south and north, the colonial Province of Maryland was granted by King Charles I to Sir George Calvert (1579–1632), his former Secretary of State in 1632, for settlement beginning in March 1634. It was notable for having been established with religious freedom for Roman Catholics, since Calvert had publicly converted to that faith....Wikipedia
A million years ago when I was in elementary school, every Maryland fourth grader learned the state was founded for Catholics fleeing religious persecution. Four hundred years later, on first communion day, my entire third grade class left school early except for two Jewish kids and a boy whose parents were from Pakistan.
Can you write at some point about the outsized influence of right wing Catholics in the mess today of Trumps take over? Bannon, Paul Dans, Hannity, Leo, their take over of the Supreme Court and the Heritage Foundation. Many Catholics have not fallen for this but the Inquisition ones have. https://www.ncregister.com/news/trump-s-catholics-who-is-part-of-the-church-flock
Sayonara Ronna. CEO of NBC Universal just announced that she will not be on any of their platforms.
She didn’t even last half a Scaramucci.
Now that's hilarious!! Thanks for the laugh.
Just saw that the pressure got to NBC — they just terminated McDaniel.
“After listening to the legitimate concerns of many of you, I have decided that Ronna McDaniel will not be an NBC News contributor,” Cesar Conde, the chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, wrote in a staff memo on Tuesday.
He added, “I want to personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.”
McDaniel was also dropped by her agency: Creative Artists Agency.
There are plenty of "conservative voices" that NBC can bring on who have legitimate issues to raise. Those voices included Steve Schmidt, and currently Nicolle Wallace. We may not agree with these former republicans on every issue under the sun. But they are American's. They are "Constitutionalists" who believe in the republic and Democracy. They accept that sometimes you win and election and sometimes you do not. Ronna McDaniel is a big lie spreader, and just one more capitulating republican covered in Donald Trump's bull shit. And Ronna — it will never, ever wash off. No matter what soap you use — you will be covered in it forever.
That should serve as a warning to any "conservative" or "republican" out there. Everything Trump touches gets covered in his shit, and dies. Ask McDaniel. Ask Rudy. Ask Peter Navarro. Ask the long list guilty confessors — Ellis, Powell, Cheesboro and more — which is equal to a jury conviction — about the stink that will follow them forever. They are all now convicted criminals. Put that on your resume!
Well said…:)
👏
I guess you guys don't remember Katie asking Sarah Palin what books or newspapers she read. Palin had a very hard time answering that question. Hard hitting? Maybe not, the the result was at the top of the hard hitting pole!
An absolutely riveting conversation, Steve. Between you and Katie, you described the changes in the media and in the Republican party since the 2008 election with pinpoint clarity. You are right
that Biden must get his face out there as frequently as possible now and assert himself by outlining a vision for the future. He ought to do an interview with Katie. And with you.
PS to Ms Couric’s detractors: Katie Couric’s affability, combined with her professional journalist experience, could provide the ground for an in-depth interview and might bring out the best in Biden. That would not be a bad thing.
I agree. She made some great points.
Katie Couric is a classy woman. As a journalist she was all too proper. She didn’t ask tough questions nor demand answers.
In the era of Trump there is no place for her.
Interviewers now have to be mud wrestlers. Lies are amplified being polite.
She was excellent at feel good stories. She has a spunky personality but she is not a top tier journalist.
Katie Couric a legend? I hardly think so.
Really enjoyed your great conversation with Katie Couric Steve!! It was good to see her and I'm so happy for her and her family that she is a Grandmother too. Yay!!
I especially enjoyed the remembering of John McCain, a true American Hero and Patriot. I cried when I saw that clip of him defending President Obama that day. I will never forget when that happened either. I was horrified then. How far much farther we have fallen since then. He would be even be even more heartbroken today.
I also agree with Katie and you both that President Biden needs to get out there as much as possible. Period. Even though Trump is under a "gag order" that won't stop him. And He will have a huge spotlight on him in less than 3 weeks when he starts trial so the Biden team can't let up for a second. Not one second. Thanks again Steve!! Great work. ❤️🇺🇸💙
The President, our President has to get his message into the heartland and the best way to do that is by employing the Democrats tried and true whistle stop campaign.
Take the Ferdinand Magellan out of mothballs, leave Our Vice President in Washington to keep things running and set the President free to travel among the people. Roosevelt and Truman won with this strategy and so will our President.
Steve, no Catholics at the time of the American Revolution? Charles Carroll signed the Declaration of Independence. His cousin, John Carroll, was a priest in Maryland in 1776 and was later named the first Catholic Bishop in America for the Diocese of Baltimore. John's brother, Daniel Carroll, signed the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
After European settlements had been made to the south and north, the colonial Province of Maryland was granted by King Charles I to Sir George Calvert (1579–1632), his former Secretary of State in 1632, for settlement beginning in March 1634. It was notable for having been established with religious freedom for Roman Catholics, since Calvert had publicly converted to that faith....Wikipedia
A million years ago when I was in elementary school, every Maryland fourth grader learned the state was founded for Catholics fleeing religious persecution. Four hundred years later, on first communion day, my entire third grade class left school early except for two Jewish kids and a boy whose parents were from Pakistan.
I stopped watching the Today Show when Katie Couric departed the show. She is relatable and informed. She is effective without being threatening.
Steve, many thanks for providing the transcripts!!! ❤️
Can you write at some point about the outsized influence of right wing Catholics in the mess today of Trumps take over? Bannon, Paul Dans, Hannity, Leo, their take over of the Supreme Court and the Heritage Foundation. Many Catholics have not fallen for this but the Inquisition ones have. https://www.ncregister.com/news/trump-s-catholics-who-is-part-of-the-church-flock
Katie Couric who? She was not a hard hitting journalist, but seemed like a very affable person….:)
Great talk with Katie! Could listen for another hour. Perhaps you and Katie could lead the debate between Biden and orange. Possible?