○ Nic Robertson was again giving us the news on the Israeli crisis. I saw a report on Thursday night's NBC Nightly News that just sickened me. I have great sympathy for Israel and their struggle to protect their homeland BUT the back story behind these 3 little boys that were shown in Nic's report made my blood boil. They were left for 4 days, injured and with no food or water, lying beside their dead mothers, while Israel soldiers passed close by and offered no aid. Could this lack of humanity be why Israel is keeping the media up on that hill? Probably.
I understand that it is difficult for Israel to mount a military campaign when the Hamas cowards are hiding behind civilians, but there has to be a better way. And one more thing before I hop down off my soapbox....I am angry at my own government for abstaining from the cease fire vote at the UN. I hate that we are responsible for the existence of Israel, but I also understand that if we weren't then Israel will eventually cease to exist. Quite the conundrum. 
○ The 360 Transition Team (God how I hate that name) took a closer look at the economy statements made on Thursday by Obama. Candy Crowley filed the report.
○The Strategy Session (another label I could do without) had David Gergen, Joe Johns and Andy Serwer discussing the Obama transition, the economy, and Rep. John Conyers opposition to Dr. Gupta being Surgeon General. As to Conyers the inside scoop maybe that Gupta took issue with parts of Michael Moore's documentary 'SICKO'. To read more follow this link to TheHill.com.
○Tom Foreman followed the suicide trail of those ruined by Bernie Madoff in the night's 'Up Close'. CNN will air a special report on Madoff this weekend on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
○Dan Simon reported from Oakland, California about the violence on the streets in response to the subway shooting by police.
○ Sarah Palin's latest interview was shown and I must comment, even though we've tried to maintain a Palin free zone at ATA. She was bitching that when Obama said his family was off limits Palin thought that would apply to her too. There might be a few reasons that didn't hold true...like an unmarried pregnant daughter (whose 'finance' had a mother being investigated for drug dealing), an ex-brother in law that she got fired from the police force, and I'm sure all of you can add to this list. I was a bit shocked to hear her say, when asked why she didn't answer Katie Couric's question about reading material 'Because Katie you are not the center of everybody's universe'. Meow!
○ A clip of Tom Cruise discussion the Travolta's on Thursday's The View was show. I'm so over Tom Cruise and really don't put any weight in anything the man says. The clip really offered nothing of value, just a way to keep the tragedy in the public eye.
I clipped 'The Shot' for you since so many of you had comments and questions about what Kathy Griffin had to say on Kimmel.
I also clipped the segment from TMZ, that I mentioned in my post last night. Reporters on the street were asking Kathy questions about Anderson as she left the Kimmel taping.
On Thursday CNN released its plans for Inauguration Day.
The Best Political Team on Television will fan out across the nation’s capital on Inauguration Day to cover every angle of Obama’s official first day in office. CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper guide coverage of the events from the rooftop of the Newseum, a key vantage point along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, The Inauguration of Barack Obama kicks off with CNN’s John Roberts and Kiran Chetry anchoring a special edition of American Morning live on Capitol Hill from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Beginning at 10 a.m., CNN’s coverage location moves to the Newseum, where Blitzer and Cooper, along with senior political analysts Gloria Borger and David Gergen, will anchor the special programming. Chief national correspondent John King will transport the network’s Magic Wall to a balcony inside the Newseum in order to illustrate traffic and hotspots around Washington. Also reporting from the Newseum, Campbell Brown will cover the day’s events and will moderate a panel with members of CNN’s Best Political Team on Television, including political contributors Paul Begala, Bill Bennett, Donna Brazile,James Carville, Alex Castellanos, Amy Holmes, Roland Martin, Hilary Rosen and Tara Wall.
On Jan. 20, anchor Soledad O’Brien and senior political analyst Jeffrey Toobin will report from Lafayette Park, the location of the presidential viewing stands and a central spot from which to narrate the parade. Senior political correspondent Candy Crowley will provide viewers with an up-close view of the parade as she reports from within the parade itself and from key locations around the capital. Senior White House correspondent Ed Henry plans to speak with politicians and dignitaries watching from the inauguration ceremony platform. White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux will be live at the White House reporting on a variety of events, including Obama’s final visit with President George W. Bush.
Senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash will cover her beat from the Capitol Rotunda. National political correspondent Jessica Yellin and correspondent Jim Acosta will bring viewers into the crowds who flocked to Washington to watch the inauguration. Correspondent Joe Johns will do the same from the Washington Mall. Anchor John Roberts also will be live on Capitol Hill.
Homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve will report on the intense security measures in place for the inaugural events. White House correspondent Dan Lothian will head to Andrews Air Force Base to be on hand for Bush’s official departure from Washington. Other correspondents covering the inauguration include congressional correspondent Brianna Keilar, general assignment correspondents Kate Bolduan and Elaine Quijano, foreign affairs correspondent Jill Dougherty, Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr, correspondent Brian Todd and news anchors Don Lemon and Zain Verjee.
The Inauguration of Barack Obama will continue with a special edition of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which will include live coverage of the parade, as well as a recap of the day’s happenings. From 7 p.m. to midnight, Campbell Brown and Anderson Cooper will lead CNN’s prime-time coverage, live from Washington D.C., with special editions of Campbell Brown: No Bias. No Bull and Anderson Cooper 360ยบ which will include live reporting from the 10 official inaugural balls. Larry King hosts a special edition of Larry King Live from the Washington, D.C. bureau from midnight to 1 a.m.
Finally the weekend has arrived...and not a minute too soon. I am going to take a page from Kathy Griffin's mother's play book and take to my bed with my box of wine. Do you think I can use the wine as a chaser for the NyQuil? ~ Phebe
All Things Anderson is a blog dedicated to CNN's AC360 and its host Anderson Cooper.
27 comments:
mediabistro posted cnn's schedule for the inauguration. looks like anderson is anchoring live from dc for the entire day. wolf blitzer will be there as well as john king
Phebe, I thought I'd never say this, but I much prefer to hear the nonsense of Sarah Palin than to hear about that "vulgar woman" once more. She's filthy, pure and simple.
I don't wish to explore who she was saying her filth to or whether her mike was hot or cold. In the end, old Dick Clark won the ratings war from all the networks. If KG can't be funny "clean" she's not funny and that's the last of her.
Now as for Sarah, there was one small bit of truth she did utter about "media class bias" toward Caroline Kennedy. I agree with that. "Sweet Caroline," whom Neil Diamond dedicated his famous song to, knows very little about presentation, delivery, and public speaking, and makes about as much sense as yes, Sarah Palin. Her own brother, John was a handsome beacon of light who was politically self assured and on the right track with his magazine "George." He was meant to be in the lime-light, sophisticated
and knowledgeable. Caroline has some really BIG shoes to fill, and right now she's falling way short.
Hope you feel better soon.
So whatever happened to Purple Tie and Sheryn? Just Curious.
Phebe, get yourself a hipflask of brandy and drink it up; burn that cough out of your system, or at least get a goodnights sleep where you don't wake up coughing.
Thanks for the summary the CNN AsiaPacific went to the "live" UN meeting during AC360. I am dubious that it was live, but at least it was Hugh doing the transfer so I'm ok.
One thing I find distasteful about politicans is the politics, specifically the countries that wanted to hold off tonight's voting on the UN resolution so that the French/Egyptian negotiation could pressed further and occur first. Back slaps alround.
Speaking of backslapers and couch jumpers enough of Tom Cruise already.
I liked the blue shirts they both wore.
I'm going to be honest here. I couldn't get into 360 at all last nite. I found myself not paying attention. I'll keep my fingers crossed that tonite is better. The rest of the week was really good. Even the shot last note wasn't very good.
I hope you feel better soon, Phebe!
I think it was sweet of Anderson to send out a message of reassurance to Kathy's poor distraught mother. Mrs. Griffin seems like a nice lady. It's cute how she calls her favourite TV personalities hers, like "my Martha" and "my Anderson".
I keep hoping that I'll never have to see Palin again, but she keeps pushing herself back into the public eye.
@Anon 1:06 AM, I agree with you about Sarah Palin. I think what she said about the media's treatment of Caroline Kennedy is true. The fact that she's a Kennedy does not make up for the fact that she has never held a real job. I commend her work with various charities. However, she has done nothing to show that she can handle the demands of being a senator. I understand that there are no set prerequisite for the job of a senator. However, I expect some form of experience. IMO, it seems like Anderson is the only one brave enough to question Caroline Kennedy's qualifications.
Also, I'm so sick of people assuming (incorrectly) Kathy was talking to Anderson when she made that comment....ugh TMZ!
I'm planning to be at the Inauguration on the 20th and now I know where I'm going to perch--the Newseum!
Maybe I'll get a glimpse of our favorite anchor. Thanks for the heads up!!
A big BRAVO to Anderson and 360 for their obvious love of the hilariously FUNNY Kathy Griffin and a gigantic BOO for their insistence on throwing the idiotic rants of Sarah Palin at their viewers. Are there REALLY people out there who want to listen to that ignorant woman who had no business ever attempting to run for VP? Please 360 give us a break, she made an utter fool of herself to the point that the smarter people of her own party deserted the McCain/Palin team in droves. She needs to go away and learn something, then maybe, just maybe, someone will want to listen to her, but I'm totally over Palin. LESS Palin and MORE Kathy Griffin, I say.
@Anon 1:06-- You can say that "Dick Clark won the ratings war from all the networks," but CNN is cable, not a network. Cable stations are never expected to beat the networks in the ratings--not everybody gets them (although the switch to DTV is going to put bunny ears out of commission) and those who do still tend to turn to Old Faithful (CBS, ABC, NBC and FOX). Their show would not have had a shot at beating Dick Clark's show.
Let me just add my utmost support for Kathy Griffin--I love her comedy and I am not for censorship--comedy is about perspective with regard to the absurdity in life, and language is just as absurd as everything else. Plus, she was on a cable station so even if she knew her mic was hot (which she and Anderson have both confirmed that she did not know, and neither did he) she would not have been breaking any regulations. She's a great comic and I love her and her chemistry with Anderson; I hope to see her back to ring in 2010.
As for Caroline Kennedy--the fact that she has been judged for a verbal tic is ridiculous. Gov. Palin is much worse at speaking to the press. As for Caroline's late brother John--did you ever notice how often he said "Listen?" Every time an interviewer asked a question, he's open with "listen" and then the rest of his answer. It's just habit; it has nothing to do with experience or intelligence.
I don't understand this whole 'elections over, lets ignore Sarah Palin until she goes away' thing. Sure, she's annoying as hell. Also, she's a former VP candidate, a governor who's likely to run for office in 2012. It's not just shadefreude, I'd rather keep hearing her stupid blathering before then, so we can all remember why this woman should never, ever get the nomination. If she wants a shot at that, she should reinvent herself and make a comeback, right now she's just giving her future opposition more ammunition by giving mind-boggling interviews like this one.
Will Israel really cease to exist? I don't know much about the conflict, but my understanding was that Israel is the only first world country in the middle east, plus they have quite an impressive army. Is that inaccurate?
Even though I like her stand-up better, I thought Kathy Griffin was funny. Humour is subjective.
Feel better, Phebe!
I thought no prayed that we would not hear from Palin ever again but there she was - doesn't this woman have an iota of sense sorry I know that is an oxymoron - she looks like a horse's ass every time she opens her mouth - she wants to stay relevant but to whom - she has badmouthed everyone - in her mind if only they listened to her and allowed her to run the campaign the way she wanted, they would be in the White House
Phebe feel better
Last night's show was horrible. It was incredibly boring to me! And Anderson did not seem into it at all.
The Shot could have been thrown out. Who really cares about that nasty, vulgar woman? Everyone knows that she meant to say what she did to get attention. That is her shtick...it's how she pays her bills. It's the only way she can get attention because she has no talent otherwise. I for one hope that they never have her back on.
And did anyone else notice Erica during that whole thing? She totally wasn't into it and I bet she didn't agree that what Kathy said was OK and didn't do any harm like Anderson tried to say. I don't even think he believed it! Erica didn't even say a word or smile until she joked on the box of wine.
Which by the way...to enjoy last night's show or the few since he's been home you'd have to be needing!
Erica hasn't blogged since December 1 so I guess she has stopped as well.
I'm not counting the porn piece that was put up there.
Anon 9:37 AM's comments about Erica and Kathy Griffin Shot: I noticed the was Erica was but who knows if she was into it or not.
Erica doesn't seem like the type to be into Kathy Griffin and her humor, at least not like Anderson obviously seems to be (just my opinion) and I actually have the feeling that Erica does not even like Kathy Griffin - Kathy IMO was rude to Erica on NYE and Erica didn't look pleased.
Going out on a limb - maybe there is some "jealousy" thing going on or something - maybe the wrong word, don't know how to describe it, Anderson and Kathy got all the funnies and airtime on NYE and maybe Erica wants more of that, I see the look on Erica's face a little when Anderson showed clips of him and Kelli being really cutting up funny together, her not being into it much with Anderson and Kelli either -
Perhaps I am totally off maybe it is just my perception of it.
I say as far as Kathy goes...to each his/her own.
I do not understand this claim of "media class bias" with Caroline Kennedy. Good heavens, she is literally having every verbal tic counted and reported on. How can that be flattering? I have also heard and read numerous reports where her credentials are being questioned. In fact, I found myself wondering why she would want to expose herself to all this media nonsense. I find myself getting a little defensive for her. I know some very brilliant people who are not at their best when a camera is in their face. They are more reserved and thoughtful in their observations and tend to use these verbal tics to formulate their thoughts. IMHO we should worry a little more about qualities like integrity, passion, and commitment and little less about polish and verbal skills. Washington is full of slick-talking, experienced politicians who have pretty much managed to screw us all over!
In the end, old Dick Clark won the ratings war from all the networks
AC360's New Year's show had over 2 million viewers and beat all the NYE's shows on cable, which was pretty impressive and I give them credit for that.
More bad news from Israel/Gaza. Both sides behaving badly but if guys in Gaza are going to fire upon clearly-marked UN trucks bringing in humanitarian aid (killing one UN worker, wounding two others) that causes the UN to call off all humanitarian efforts in Gaza, then Hamas can't complain about not receiving enough international aid.
I wish Anderson would have pointed out, during the Sarah Palin piece, that Caroline Kennedy has been scrutinized a great deal, if Palin read the NY Times she would know this.
The broadcast of Tom Cruise talking about Jett Travolta was baffling. Did 360 really think their viewers wanted to see that? Needed to see that? Was it just a network time filler?
CNN at the Newseum on Inauguration Day sounds fantastic. Kudos to CNN for getting such a great spot in DC and the Newseum itself is supposed to be awesome.
Jaanza
In further news -- I'm an idiot.
I posted at 4:13 pm that a UN humanitarian aid truck driver was killed by a guy in Gaza and that's totally wrong - he was killed by an Israeli air strike.
I got it completely wrong and I apologize.
Jaanza
I don't get it why someone would say last night's show was horrible, or even the entire week's were horrible. 99% of the people have busy days and when they come home at night, if they watch news at all, it's to get some information and a little bit of fun. As long as the show serve that purpose, it's fine. It's an one hour show every single day, not some two-hour long movie once every two years. We are not expecting Oscar every night, because it's day-to-day life. Call it obsession, that's what drives the over-analyze.
@9:37AM & 2:27AM and to the commenter who questioned the statement from this blog that "Israel would cease to exist without the US," Thank you for your agreement on Sarah Palin and Ms Vulgar.
Israel would surely exist without the United States. Israel supplies other countries with military equipment, which is a lesser known fact. The United States has yes, supported Israel from her inception in 1948, but it has sometimes been an acrimonious relationship. After the infamous 7 Day War, Israel gained the respect of most of Europe and the Arab nations in surrounding regions. Israel has garnered far more respect from the Arabs, than that of the United States, regardless of the turmoil that now exits.
anon 1:06 AM.
Fox News should hire Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter on NYE just to "stir the cable ratings war," up. I think Ms Coulter, even though I don't always admire or agree with her political views, knows how to share some of that "blue" spot lite. Make things a little more "dicey," if they haven't thought of it already.
@Jaanza "If Palin read the NY Times
she would know this," Isn't that an
oxymoron? Palin, reading the NYT? She reads "all of them," whatever them refers to. That's like saying if only George W. read that. Does he, indeed, read??
Just loved AC's snarkiness on tonite's 360, especially when he said in reference to a crazed Blogo after his poetic interpretation during a so called news gathering: "Elvis has left the building." If only we could see more of this AC wouldn't need any host for NYE.
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert manage to be hilarious without being vulgar.
Kathy Griffin is just a female shock jock with no talent, a big ego, and a non-existent moral compass. To top it off, she looks like a dog that had an accident with a bottle of haircolor.
I can't see why she continues to get work.
Somebody ought to tell Anderson that you are who you hang with.
As for her constant "get a job" insults to the crowd, I don't see how what she does qualifies as a job. Being loud and obnoxious isn't a job. If that were the case, Paris Hilton would have a job. At least she's prettier.
@anonymous 1:06, you are right that Dick Clark won the night but as someone pointed out further down in comments comparing cable to network isn't kosher.
@anonymous 1:15AM, If you search back through the old posts you will find PT and Sheryn's last posts explaining their departures. We miss them as much as you do.
@viewer in virginia, please take a camera along and get some pictures for us at ATA.
@anonymous 9:23, depends on your definition of 3rd World country. I don't consider Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates to be 3rd World countries.
Israel has an impressive Army but without countries like the US backing them I don't believe they would survive, jmho.
@jaanza, not a idiot at all. When men go to war sometimes we need a program to sort it all out. :)
@everybody, thanks for the get well wishes. I slept for much of the day which really helped. Have a good weekend.
I thought the most interesting thing about the TMZ report was whether or not CNN would ask Kathy Griffin back. Seems like they are undecided.
If you want to call "going blue," a
win, kosher, then CNN won.... just like George W. won the presidency. If I remember correctly, he won because the Supreme Court appointed him. If there are qualifiers in anything, he didn't really win, and CNN won being vulgar and crossing the line.
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