ABC: Effusing 'Bordered on Endorsement,' CBS: No Endorsement

Photo of Brent Baker.
By Brent Baker (Bio | Archive)
July 25, 2008 - 19:52 ET

A minor item for a Friday night. File under: Which way is it?

ABC anchor Charles Gibson contended that French President Nicolas Sarkozy's “effusively kind words” about Barack Obama, who joined Sarkozy at a press conference in Paris, “bordered on an endorsement.” On CBS, however, anchor Katie Couric reported that Sarkozy said the French people have been following Obama “with passion” but, she noted, he “quickly pointed out that was not an endorsement.”

The very short items on the July 25 newscasts:

Gibson on ABC's World News:

Barack Obama, meanwhile, was meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris. Sarkozy said France could work with whomever is elected. But his effusively kind words about Obama bordered on an endorsement.

Couric on the CBS Evening News:

Barack Obama is in London tonight after getting a warm welcome in Paris. Here is tonight's CBS News Campaign '08 Notebook: President Sarkozy told Senator Obama the French have been following him, quote, 'with passion,' but quickly pointed out that was not an endorsement.


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Since Sarkozy's

July 25, 2008 - 19:58 ET by forest

Since Sarkozy's constituency favors Obama by almost 10-1 over McCain, you can expect Sarkozy to say nice things about him.

Absolutely true. And

July 25, 2008 - 21:27 ET by GregE

Absolutely true. And regardless, no foreign leader of a friendly nation is going to say anything bad publicly about any other foreign leader of a friendly nation. The media can fawn all they want and brag for Obama on that aspect, when the truth is, Sarkozy would treat McCain or anyone else the same respect.

That's a great point Greg.

July 27, 2008 - 17:53 ET by Rukus

That's a great point Greg. The leaders of our allies are not about to speak unkindly about us if they can. He would welcome McCain or Bush or Cheney or anyone from their strongest allie. Excellent point!

"Nuke 'em 'til they... oh hell, just shoot 'em!"

Mr. Sarkozy's wife

July 26, 2008 - 10:37 ET by heldmyw

is reportedly a huge 'Bama fan.

A guest in your country, wife admires him, possible president of the U.S., a Senator, anyway...

What did you expect?   "Go away or I shall taunt you a second time"?