did anyone see yesterday's Meet The Press ?.
For whatever reason, Powell's own press secretary (in the middle of a Q&A with powell and Russert) tried to cut off the interview abruptly. embarassing Powell and causing powell to scold her.
What is going on here? Is the Cheney White House that full of hubris and used to running roughshod over the press? Even DEPUTY press secretaries can do as they please with any interview?
[ May 17, 2004, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: ung ]
Full Version: press aide tries to shut off her boss, Colin Powell
QUOTE
ung:
What is going on here? Is the Cheney White House that full of hubris and used to running roughshod over the press? Even DEPUTY press secretaries can do as they please with any interview?
Sounds like an overzealous aide who lost track of what's important in governmental/media relations. She forgot that networks make adjustments for the Secretary of State, not the other way around. Doesn't really seem a political failing, rather it is a media relations failure.
What is going on here? Is the Cheney White House that full of hubris and used to running roughshod over the press? Even DEPUTY press secretaries can do as they please with any interview?
And if anyone bothered to follow through on these nonstories, they would have realized the aide thought the interview was finished, hearing Russert say "finally" and thinking that meant the interview was concluded. Satellite transmissions, which are on a delay of 7 seconds usually, can often lead to simple miscommunication.
Good Lord! I swear some of you people are really desperate with these inane stories you post.
Good Lord! I swear some of you people are really desperate with these inane stories you post.
Not true MIB.
um, i thought that powell corrected the aide then finished the interview...
If that is the case, what exactly is the problem?
If that is the case, what exactly is the problem?
QUOTE
13 minutes in to the interview, Miller attempted to pull the plug.
As Russert grilled Powell on his presentation at the UN of Iraq's alleged WMDs -- Miller moved the single remote camera off Powell.
\"You're off,\" Miller announced.
\"I am not off,\" Powell warned.
\"No. They can't use it, they're editing it...\" Miller said on an open microphone.
\"Emily, get out of the way. Bring the camera back please,\" the secretary snapped.
MORE
Russert aired the exchange unedited.
Powell was 45 minutes late to the taping, a top source explained.
NBC's MEET THE PRESS joined in progress....
TIM RUSSERT: Finally, Mr. Secretary, in February of 2003, you placed your enormous personal credibility before the United Nations and laid out a case against Saddam Hussein, citing.
(Camera moved off of interview subject)
EMILY MILLER, STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS AIDE: You're off.
SECRETARY POWELL: I am not off.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: No. They can't use it, they're editing it.
SECRETARY POWELL: He's still asking the questions.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: He was not ...
SECRETARY POWELL: Tim, I am sorry I lost you.
MR. RUSSERT: I am right here Mr. Secretary. I would hope they would put you back on camera. I don't know who did that.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: He was going to go for another five minutes.
SECRETARY POWELL: We've really scre...
MR. RUSSERT: I think that was one of your staff Mr. Secretary. I don't think that's appropriate.
SECRETARY POWELL: Emily, get out of the way. Bring the camera back please. (Camera returns to the interview subject) I think we're back on Tim, go ahead with your last question.
MR. RUSSERT: Thank you very much, sir.
In February of 2003, you put your enormous personal reputation on the line before the United Nations and said that you had solid sources for the case against Saddam Hussein. It now appears that an agent called \"Curve Ball\" had misled the CIA by suggesting that Saddam had trucks and trains that were delivering biological chemical weapons.
How concerned are you that some of the information you shared with the world is now inaccurate and discredited?
SECRETARY POWELL: I'm very concerned. When I made that presentation in February 2003, it was based on the best information that the Central Intelligence Agency made available to me. We studied it carefully. We looked at the sourcing and the case of the mobile trucks and trains. There was multiple sourcing for that. Unfortunately, that multiple sourcing over time has turned out to be not accurate, and so I'm deeply disappointed.
But I'm also comfortable that at the time that I made the presentation it reflected the collective judgment, the sound judgment, of the intelligence community, but it turned out that the sourcing was inaccurate and wrong and, in some cases, deliberately misleading. And for that I'm disappointed, and I regret it.
MR. RUSSERT: Mr. Secretary, we thank you very much for joining us again and sharing your views with us today. SECRETARY POWELL: Thanks, Tim.
(END OF PRE-TAPE INTERVIEW)
MR. RUSSERT: AND THAT WAS AN UNEDITED INTERVIEW WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TAPED EARLIER THIS MORNING FROM JORDAN.
WE APPRECIATE SECRETARY POWELL'S WILLINGNESS TO OVERRULE HIS PRESS AIDES' ATTEMPT TO ABRUPTLY CUT OFF OUR DISCUSSION AS I BEGAN TO ASK MY FINAL QUESTION.
COMING NEXT ...
We all know how secretive and arrogant this administration is, but Powell is certainly a breath of fresh air.
As Russert grilled Powell on his presentation at the UN of Iraq's alleged WMDs -- Miller moved the single remote camera off Powell.
\"You're off,\" Miller announced.
\"I am not off,\" Powell warned.
\"No. They can't use it, they're editing it...\" Miller said on an open microphone.
\"Emily, get out of the way. Bring the camera back please,\" the secretary snapped.
MORE
Russert aired the exchange unedited.
Powell was 45 minutes late to the taping, a top source explained.
NBC's MEET THE PRESS joined in progress....
TIM RUSSERT: Finally, Mr. Secretary, in February of 2003, you placed your enormous personal credibility before the United Nations and laid out a case against Saddam Hussein, citing.
(Camera moved off of interview subject)
EMILY MILLER, STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS AIDE: You're off.
SECRETARY POWELL: I am not off.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: No. They can't use it, they're editing it.
SECRETARY POWELL: He's still asking the questions.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: He was not ...
SECRETARY POWELL: Tim, I am sorry I lost you.
MR. RUSSERT: I am right here Mr. Secretary. I would hope they would put you back on camera. I don't know who did that.
EMILY MILLER, PRESS AIDE: He was going to go for another five minutes.
SECRETARY POWELL: We've really scre...
MR. RUSSERT: I think that was one of your staff Mr. Secretary. I don't think that's appropriate.
SECRETARY POWELL: Emily, get out of the way. Bring the camera back please. (Camera returns to the interview subject) I think we're back on Tim, go ahead with your last question.
MR. RUSSERT: Thank you very much, sir.
In February of 2003, you put your enormous personal reputation on the line before the United Nations and said that you had solid sources for the case against Saddam Hussein. It now appears that an agent called \"Curve Ball\" had misled the CIA by suggesting that Saddam had trucks and trains that were delivering biological chemical weapons.
How concerned are you that some of the information you shared with the world is now inaccurate and discredited?
SECRETARY POWELL: I'm very concerned. When I made that presentation in February 2003, it was based on the best information that the Central Intelligence Agency made available to me. We studied it carefully. We looked at the sourcing and the case of the mobile trucks and trains. There was multiple sourcing for that. Unfortunately, that multiple sourcing over time has turned out to be not accurate, and so I'm deeply disappointed.
But I'm also comfortable that at the time that I made the presentation it reflected the collective judgment, the sound judgment, of the intelligence community, but it turned out that the sourcing was inaccurate and wrong and, in some cases, deliberately misleading. And for that I'm disappointed, and I regret it.
MR. RUSSERT: Mr. Secretary, we thank you very much for joining us again and sharing your views with us today. SECRETARY POWELL: Thanks, Tim.
(END OF PRE-TAPE INTERVIEW)
MR. RUSSERT: AND THAT WAS AN UNEDITED INTERVIEW WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TAPED EARLIER THIS MORNING FROM JORDAN.
WE APPRECIATE SECRETARY POWELL'S WILLINGNESS TO OVERRULE HIS PRESS AIDES' ATTEMPT TO ABRUPTLY CUT OFF OUR DISCUSSION AS I BEGAN TO ASK MY FINAL QUESTION.
COMING NEXT ...
quote:
"13 minutes in to the interview, Miller attempted to pull the plug."
Miller was doing this because they had allotted 10 minute satellite windows for the networks to do their interviews. Fox News Sunday's Chris Wallace was waiting to do HIS interview with Powell as soon as Russert was finished; since NBC had already exceeded their time, the Press Aid (who was more than likely on the phone with the booth producer, who was ignorring her requests to "wrap it up") took matters into her own hands and attempted to end the interview...
Having done more of these interviews/talkbacks than I can count (or wish to) this kind of stuff happens ALL the time; overzealous anchors not taking time cues, etc...it was more self-serving of Russert and NBC to air the tape with the interruption and then make some kind of brouhaha about censorship instead of just following the initial guidelines and keeping the interview to ten minutes....
"13 minutes in to the interview, Miller attempted to pull the plug."
Miller was doing this because they had allotted 10 minute satellite windows for the networks to do their interviews. Fox News Sunday's Chris Wallace was waiting to do HIS interview with Powell as soon as Russert was finished; since NBC had already exceeded their time, the Press Aid (who was more than likely on the phone with the booth producer, who was ignorring her requests to "wrap it up") took matters into her own hands and attempted to end the interview...
Having done more of these interviews/talkbacks than I can count (or wish to) this kind of stuff happens ALL the time; overzealous anchors not taking time cues, etc...it was more self-serving of Russert and NBC to air the tape with the interruption and then make some kind of brouhaha about censorship instead of just following the initial guidelines and keeping the interview to ten minutes....
Powell was 45 minutes late for Russert's show, but I guess it's not nice to keep Fox (the official mouthpiece of the GOP) waiting on a Sunday morning.
What did the aide mean when she said this?
"No. They can't use it, they're editing it..." :confused:
What did the aide mean when she said this?
"No. They can't use it, they're editing it..." :confused:
I agree with Hornfan.
Some of the defenders like NFLJockguy, MIB and (of course) Filly, would have us believe that since only a 10 minute satellite window had been allotted that had to go to Tony Snow. Hell if that's the case, with Powell arriving 45 minutes late, they should have just skipped, Meet The Press, FoxNews Sunday and This Week. and just go to what was scheduled 45 minutes later.
and MIB..... the question began with "Finally..." Doesn't mean that an interview is over. in this type of situation, the indication from the interviewer that the segment is over would be more like "thank you Mr.Secretary.."
No respectable video journalist ends a segment with "Whew! Finally that's over" I mean come on! MIB, I know you're smarter than that.
and last but not least.....
"Yeah! I tried to shoot the bitch! But my partner told me not to shoot her. So I took the gun away from her head. I didn't shoot her. If that's the case, what exactly is the problem?"
you don't in the middle of an interview, for whatever reason, just turn off the camera on your boss. many theories float around that the press aide didn't like the line of questioning or whatever. But in any case, I wouldn't like my secretary barging in and saying "Gentlemen. This board meeting is over."
Some of the defenders like NFLJockguy, MIB and (of course) Filly, would have us believe that since only a 10 minute satellite window had been allotted that had to go to Tony Snow. Hell if that's the case, with Powell arriving 45 minutes late, they should have just skipped, Meet The Press, FoxNews Sunday and This Week. and just go to what was scheduled 45 minutes later.
and MIB..... the question began with "Finally..." Doesn't mean that an interview is over. in this type of situation, the indication from the interviewer that the segment is over would be more like "thank you Mr.Secretary.."
No respectable video journalist ends a segment with "Whew! Finally that's over" I mean come on! MIB, I know you're smarter than that.
and last but not least.....
QUOTE
PhillyFan:
um, i thought that powell corrected the aide then finished the interview...
If that is the case, what exactly is the problem?
let me give an analogy....um, i thought that powell corrected the aide then finished the interview...
If that is the case, what exactly is the problem?
"Yeah! I tried to shoot the bitch! But my partner told me not to shoot her. So I took the gun away from her head. I didn't shoot her. If that's the case, what exactly is the problem?"
you don't in the middle of an interview, for whatever reason, just turn off the camera on your boss. many theories float around that the press aide didn't like the line of questioning or whatever. But in any case, I wouldn't like my secretary barging in and saying "Gentlemen. This board meeting is over."
Who's the hag that is being shot ung? I can think of a few who need a bullet or 2... or 10.
If Powell had gotten up and left, you folks would have something to complain about... he didn't. He finished. I really dont see what the problem is... except as usual.. ya'all dont like the administration.
If they put too much milk in their cerial.. you guys would complain they are now wasting milk.
If Powell had gotten up and left, you folks would have something to complain about... he didn't. He finished. I really dont see what the problem is... except as usual.. ya'all dont like the administration.
If they put too much milk in their cerial.. you guys would complain they are now wasting milk.
QUOTE
PhillyFan:
Who's the hag that is being shot ung? I can think of a few who need a bullet or 2... or 10.
If Powell had gotten up and left, you folks would have something to complain about... he didn't. He finished. I really dont see what the problem is... except as usual.. ya'all dont like the administration.
If they put too much milk in their cerial.. you guys would complain they are now wasting milk.
I wonder what your candidate thought of this incident.
Who's the hag that is being shot ung? I can think of a few who need a bullet or 2... or 10.
If Powell had gotten up and left, you folks would have something to complain about... he didn't. He finished. I really dont see what the problem is... except as usual.. ya'all dont like the administration.
If they put too much milk in their cerial.. you guys would complain they are now wasting milk.
QUOTE
PhillyFan:
Who's the hag that is being shot ung? I can think of a few who need a bullet or 2... or 10.
The more PF speaks, the easier it becomes to pity him rather than confront his illogical statements. Anyone who regularly refers to women as "skanks" or "hags" definitely has issues beyond simply being a gay Republican.
Who's the hag that is being shot ung? I can think of a few who need a bullet or 2... or 10.
Dont forget Bimbo, tho i keep that one in the bag until i really need it.
quote from ung:
"Some of the defenders like NFLJockguy, MIB and (of course) Filly, would have us believe that since only a 10 minute satellite window had been allotted that had to go to Tony Snow...."
Hey ung, I wasn't "defending" what had happened in Jordan...I was just explaining WHY it happened...having been screwed by networks in the past that run "longer than scheduled" with their interview windows, I in some ways appreciate the way that Emily (the aide) took charge of the situation. If you worked in television, you would realize that situations like this happen every day and are NOT uncommon. By the way, before Emily began her work for "the government and State Department" guess where she worked...NBC!!!!
Also ung..."Tony Snow" hasn't worked for FOX News Sunday for months..Chris Wallace now moderates that discussion....
"Some of the defenders like NFLJockguy, MIB and (of course) Filly, would have us believe that since only a 10 minute satellite window had been allotted that had to go to Tony Snow...."
Hey ung, I wasn't "defending" what had happened in Jordan...I was just explaining WHY it happened...having been screwed by networks in the past that run "longer than scheduled" with their interview windows, I in some ways appreciate the way that Emily (the aide) took charge of the situation. If you worked in television, you would realize that situations like this happen every day and are NOT uncommon. By the way, before Emily began her work for "the government and State Department" guess where she worked...NBC!!!!
Also ung..."Tony Snow" hasn't worked for FOX News Sunday for months..Chris Wallace now moderates that discussion....
Here's some additional info on the Russert mess...
Midlevel Aide Gets Russerted!
Lloyd Grove's Lowdown
New York Daily News
When Secretary of State Colin Powell's press aide, Emily Miller, tried to end her boss' taped Sunday interview from Jordan with Tim Russert, the "Meet the Press" moderator exacted his revenge.
Not only did the multimillionaire TV newsman embarrass the government wage-earner by airing the awkward moment, he worked himself into a lather of righteous indignation for such media outlets as CNN and The Washington Post.
"A taxpayer-paid employee interrupted an interview," Russert complained to The Post. "Not in the United States of America, that's not supposed to go on. This is attempted news management gone berserk."
But there's a compelling alternative version of events, one that doesn't make Russert look like such a standup guy. I'm told that Miller - who enjoyed a good relationship with Russert when she worked years ago in NBC's Washington bureau - was juggling five interview commitments on an extremely tight schedule, with the secretary flying back home to give a speech.
I hear that ABC's George Stephanopoulos received an agreed-upon 15 minutes, but Russert, Fox News' Chris Wallace, an American print reporter and two Arab broadcast outlets were to get 10 minutes apiece. Russert went five minutes over his allotted time (taking up time reserved for his competitors), despite Miller's attempts (including phoning the NBC control room in Washington) to bring the interview to a graceful close.
In the end, a very unhappy Lebanese television correspondent, Rania Tadieddine, who had flown all the way from Paris for her 10 minutes with Powell, had to make do with five minutes.
Midlevel Aide Gets Russerted!
Lloyd Grove's Lowdown
New York Daily News
When Secretary of State Colin Powell's press aide, Emily Miller, tried to end her boss' taped Sunday interview from Jordan with Tim Russert, the "Meet the Press" moderator exacted his revenge.
Not only did the multimillionaire TV newsman embarrass the government wage-earner by airing the awkward moment, he worked himself into a lather of righteous indignation for such media outlets as CNN and The Washington Post.
"A taxpayer-paid employee interrupted an interview," Russert complained to The Post. "Not in the United States of America, that's not supposed to go on. This is attempted news management gone berserk."
But there's a compelling alternative version of events, one that doesn't make Russert look like such a standup guy. I'm told that Miller - who enjoyed a good relationship with Russert when she worked years ago in NBC's Washington bureau - was juggling five interview commitments on an extremely tight schedule, with the secretary flying back home to give a speech.
I hear that ABC's George Stephanopoulos received an agreed-upon 15 minutes, but Russert, Fox News' Chris Wallace, an American print reporter and two Arab broadcast outlets were to get 10 minutes apiece. Russert went five minutes over his allotted time (taking up time reserved for his competitors), despite Miller's attempts (including phoning the NBC control room in Washington) to bring the interview to a graceful close.
In the end, a very unhappy Lebanese television correspondent, Rania Tadieddine, who had flown all the way from Paris for her 10 minutes with Powell, had to make do with five minutes.
Poor, poor Emily.....still screwed up. Maybe they will be on time and not schedule so tightly next Sunday.
QUOTE
NFLJockGuy:
I in some ways appreciate the way that Emily (the aide) took charge of the situation. If you worked in television, you would realize that situations like this happen every day and are NOT uncommon. By the way, before Emily began her work for \"the government and State Department\" guess where she worked...NBC!!!!
Hey Jock. I in some ways appreciate the way that Emily (the aide) took charge of the situation. If you worked in television, you would realize that situations like this happen every day and are NOT uncommon. By the way, before Emily began her work for \"the government and State Department\" guess where she worked...NBC!!!!
when you say things like "if you worked in tele.." I presume you assume I'm not in the tele biz. don't go making assumptions. I probably have a few things to tell you about the TV news biz
and what the hell does Emily having worked for NBC in her previous incarnation have to so with anything? she was still inappropriate.
and if Powell allowed his time with Russert to go over (again AFTER Powell arrived 45 minutes late) anyway... if time with Russert goes over... well guess what? Russert and Meet The Press are more important to the political landscape than FoxNews sunday with Wallace jr and certainly more than a lebanese TV interview. If you thnk they're weighted equally.... well.... I got some things to teach YOU about the TV News industry.
I still don't understand why the aide said "No. They can't use it, they're editing it..."? If it's true that she was just worried about going over, what did that mean in that context? Could one of the TV experts explain that part to me....I don't work in TV?
I'll bet Fox news gets first dibs to lob the softballs to Powell next time before his aide lets him go to the "Big Leagues".
Think Russert should pay for the Lebanese reporter's trip back to Paris?
I'll bet Fox news gets first dibs to lob the softballs to Powell next time before his aide lets him go to the "Big Leagues".
Think Russert should pay for the Lebanese reporter's trip back to Paris?
I assumed she meant that the producers had begun the process of editing the tape for broadcast, and were no longer recording.
ung...a was making no assumptions that anyone on this board doesn't work in television; the only assumption I make working in television is that the best laid plans will go wrong...like interview subjects showing up late for their previously scheduled times....
quote:
"and what the hell does Emily having worked for NBC in her previous incarnation have to so with anything?"
As far as Emily previously working for NBC...I was just pointing out the irony in the situation...
quote:
"if time with Russert goes over... well guess what? Russert and Meet The Press are more important to the political landscape than FoxNews sunday with Wallace jr and certainly more than a lebanese TV interview..."
To you, ung, he may be more important, but thank goodness Emily was trying to be fair in who was getting interviews and trying to get Powell on as many media outlets as possible under his time constraints....
quote:
"well.... I got some things to teach YOU about the TV News industry."
Having worked over 25 years in television, logging thousands of hours in a director's chair and as a producer and EP...I'm still opened-minded enough to believe that I can still learn things...I'd love to see what you'd like to "teach" me...
For Hornfan...when Emily was saying "they can't use it, they're editing it", she meant that an editor would cut the end of the interview so it would air cleanly....a lot of recorded satellite talkbacks or look-lives are edited before air, because of length or stupid questions or answers...more than likely, she couldn't even hear Russert's questions because Powell was wearing an IFB in his ear and all his communication with Washington was through that...
I'm just pointing all these things out to the conspiracy theorists out there who believe she might have had some greater motive...the same theorists who thought that Jasmine might not have been voted off of American Idol tonight... wink
quote:
"and what the hell does Emily having worked for NBC in her previous incarnation have to so with anything?"
As far as Emily previously working for NBC...I was just pointing out the irony in the situation...
quote:
"if time with Russert goes over... well guess what? Russert and Meet The Press are more important to the political landscape than FoxNews sunday with Wallace jr and certainly more than a lebanese TV interview..."
To you, ung, he may be more important, but thank goodness Emily was trying to be fair in who was getting interviews and trying to get Powell on as many media outlets as possible under his time constraints....
quote:
"well.... I got some things to teach YOU about the TV News industry."
Having worked over 25 years in television, logging thousands of hours in a director's chair and as a producer and EP...I'm still opened-minded enough to believe that I can still learn things...I'd love to see what you'd like to "teach" me...
For Hornfan...when Emily was saying "they can't use it, they're editing it", she meant that an editor would cut the end of the interview so it would air cleanly....a lot of recorded satellite talkbacks or look-lives are edited before air, because of length or stupid questions or answers...more than likely, she couldn't even hear Russert's questions because Powell was wearing an IFB in his ear and all his communication with Washington was through that...
I'm just pointing all these things out to the conspiracy theorists out there who believe she might have had some greater motive...the same theorists who thought that Jasmine might not have been voted off of American Idol tonight... wink
I'm sensitive to the needs of the news media and the limited time there is to get the stories and the interviews that make their viewers more informed. The problem that Emily is running into here, is that it isn't her job to be sensitive to the needs of the media. It's her job to be an arrogant bitch sensitive to the needs of the secretary of state. I can't say that her job was already being poorly done when Powell wound up 45 minutes late for the interview in the first place. I have no idea who's respobsible for that. But once the schedules been broken, it is not Emily's job to get it back on track. Rather, it's her job to shield the secretary from the effects fo his tardiness. I agree that some sort of political conspiracy is a bit farfetched, but this was a case of a subordinate making her boss look bad on national television. Rule number one any flack should know is that a live mic or camera is a loaded gun. You don't do anything around one of those you don't want to see/hear later on.
jqueer. Hear hear! I totally agree with your comments concerning boss/subordinate.
and Jock.... I'll assume your venue is local TV. Maybe it works differently there. But let's wait til we meet to see what can be learned.
and Jock.... I'll assume your venue is local TV. Maybe it works differently there. But let's wait til we meet to see what can be learned.
ung...uh oh, NOW who's making the assumptions????
that would be ... me. wink
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