CBS: Christine O'Donnell 'Grilled' on 'History of Controversial Comments'
At the top of Thursday's CBS Early Show, co-host Maggie Rodriguez teased an upcoming report on Wednesday's Delaware Senate debate by proclaiming: "U.S. Senate candidate and tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell is grilled in her first highly-anticipated debate, where she addresses everything from witches, to China, to late-night TV jokes."
Rodriguez's declaration was later followed by a completely one-sided report from congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, who focused exclusively on O'Donnell being interrogated over past statements: "Well, this debate involved two candidates, but the spotlight was really on one of them, Christine O'Donnell, and her history of controversial comments."
After playing clips of moderators, CNN anchor Wolf Blizter and Delaware First Media's Nancy Karibjanian, grilling O'Donnell, Cordes mockingly remarked: "Outside the auditorium, several witches milled about, some for O'Donnell, some against." She then noted how O'Donnell's "now infamous ad came up more than once."
Cordes acknowledged that, "The national attention on this race seemed to put both O'Donnell and the Democrat, Chris Coons, on edge." But added: "O'Donnell tried to stick to conservative talking points but struggled to name a Supreme Court decision she disagreed with....And refused to say whether she believes in evolution."
Near the end of the report, Cordes dismissed O'Donnell's criticism of Coons as desperate: "O'Donnell spent the night on the attack because she's 20 points behind in the polls, accusing her opponent at one point of being a Marxist and in one of the few light moments in this debate, he laughed and said, 'I'm a life-long capitalist.'"
Cordes never explained that Coons had once referred to himself that way in college. However, in the 8AM ET hour, news reader Erica Hill did mention that fact: "Coons had to explain the influence of a Marxist professor." A clip was played of Coons defending himself: "It's an article I wrote as a senior, the day of our commencement speech. And the title and the content of that clearly makes it obvious that it was a joke."
At the end of Cordes's 7:09AM ET report, Rodriguez asked about the reaction of the debate audience: "...what was the feeling among the people who were there, the people on campus, about how [O'Donnell] performed last night?" Cordes replied: "O'Donnell seemed to surpass their expectations simply because their expectations were so low." She then concluded: "...frankly, they didn't come away thrilled with either candidate. They thought he was very condescending. They thought she was very vague."
Here is a full transcript of Cordes's October 14 report:
7:00AM ET TEASE:
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: Delaware Drama. U.S. Senate candidate and tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell is grilled in her first highly-anticipated debate, where she addresses everything from witches, to China, to late-night TV jokes.
CHRISTINE O'DONNELL: This election cycle should not be about comments I made on a comedy show over a decade and a half ago.
RODRIGUEZ: So did her performance help or hurt her chances?
7:09AM ET SEGMENT:
RODRIGUEZ: We turn now to politics and the red-hot Senate race in Delaware. Last night's first debate between the two candidates got national attention because of various statements by one of them, tea party-backed Republican Christine O'Donnell. CBS News congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes is at the University of Delaware, where the debate was held. Nancy, good morning.
NANCY CORDES: Good morning, Maggie. Well, this debate involved two candidates, but the spotlight was really on one of them, Christine O'Donnell, and her history of controversial comments.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Delaware Debate; Candidates Spar in Highly-Anticipated Showdown]
WOLF BLITZER: On the specific quote that you said that China has a plan to take over America, do you know about this plan?
O'DONNELL: Well, they misquoted me at the time, I believe. But look at what's going on.
CORDES: O'Donnell's financial troubles also came up.
NANCY KARIBJANIAN: How can voters rely upon your thoughts on how to manage the deficit if you're having such personal financial issues of your own?
O'DONNELL: When I fell upon difficult times, I made the sacrifices needed to set things right. I sold my house, and I sold a lot of my possessions.
CORDES: Outside the auditorium, several witches milled about, some for O'Donnell, some against.
O'DONNELL: I'm not a witch.
CORDES: Her now infamous ad came up more than once.
CHRIS COONS: There's been lots of discussion in the national media about things my opponent has said or done that I, frankly, thing are distraction from the core issues that Delawareans ask about – ask both of us about.
O'DONNELL: You're just jealous that you weren't on Saturday Night Live.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS [SNL SKIT]: Because I'm not a witch. And, if I am, do you really want to cross me?
CORDES: The national attention on this race seemed to put both O'Donnell and the Democrat, Chris Coons, on edge.
COONS: Miss O'Donnell, we're going to try and have a conversation here this evening rather than just a diatribe if we possibly could.
CORDES: O'Donnell tried to stick to conservative talking points but struggled to name a Supreme Court decision she disagreed with.
O'DONNELL: I'll put it up on my website.
CORDES: And refused to say whether she believes in evolution.
O'DONNELL: What I believe is irrelevant.
BLITZER: Why is it irrelevant?
O'DONNELL: Because what I will support-
BLITZER: Voters want to know what you believe.
CORDES: O'Donnell spent the night on the attack because she's 20 points behind in the polls, accusing her opponent at one point of being a Marxist and in one of the few light moments in this debate, he laughed and said, 'I'm a life-long capitalist.' Maggie.
RODRIGUEZ: Nancy, we could all see it on TV and make our own decisions about how she handled herself but what was the feeling among the people who were there, the people on campus, about how she performed last night?
CORDES: Well, we talked to a lot of the students and O'Donnell seemed to surpass their expectations simply because their expectations were so low. But, frankly, they didn't come away thrilled with either candidate. They thought he was very condescending. They thought she was very vague. These two candidates will have another chance to impress the voters today. They're debating again this afternoon.
RODRIGUEZ: Hopefully, they will. Somebody's got to win. Nancy Cordes in Washington. Thank you, Nancy.
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Comments
This article proves beyond a
Submitted by Barack_must_go..... on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 1:14pm.
This article proves beyond a shadow of a doubt just how freaking racist the lame street media has become lately.
The two CBS anchors obviiously are WHITE HATING RACIST's.
There could not possibly be any other rational explaination.......isn't that right ?
Come on , we've got a Rodriguez ( racist ) and a Cordes ( bigot and racist ) picking on poor Christine O'Donnell relentlessly , for no apparent reason...other than she's a WHITE GIRL ..........Shocking & SHAMEFUL!
Then we've got that bleeping moderator , Karibjanian , ( come on.... Karibjanian ? , ,pinko/racist/bastard that one ) again picking on the woman / conservative.
How'd I do Barack , Rev.s Al & Jesse and the rest of you slimeball hypocritical liberal douchebags?
Conservatives can play your game too..........and another thing........if & when we do it's really pointing out the truth about your kind........not simply made up bullshit for possible political gain , as is ALWAYS the case with you.
Barack_Must_Go.....
There's no debating the fact
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 1:24pm.
There's no debating the fact that O'Donnell has been avoiding all media since the beginning of her run. This debate was the first time the public could hear her answer tough questions that FoxNews has been unwilling to ask.
That is largely true...
Submitted by unkeeaf on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 1:31pm.
But is it any wonder when you consider the knives the media has had out for her from day one? It's not like she's a liberal Democrat who could say or do any stupid thing they like with nary a word from the press about it. It's a catch 22 if there ever was one for her.
--------------------------------------------
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http://bit.ly/dcKTQ0
No, it's not surprising that
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 1:45pm.
No, it's not surprising that she chose to run her campaign the way she has. And this is why she's so far behind her opponent in the polls. O'Donnell will only appear on FoxNews, and that means she's only reaching conservatives who are already her supporters.
Making jokes about not being a witch may have been clever, but it's hardly enough to swing those 19 points back in her favor.
Do you honestly believe
Submitted by Boudin on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 10:15pm.
She would be doing better if she allowed Wolfie or Maddow to badger her more? The way the libtard media talks down to her, and others is disgraceful
Dear ADdK , What the "FOX "
Submitted by Barack_must_go..... on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 1:53pm.
Dear ADdK , What the "FOX " are YOU talking about?
Anyone who lives on this planet and isn't totally GaGa for Obama ( like you ) fully understands exactly why Chritine O'Donnell avoids the ( apparently all liberal ) press in Delaware.....and pretty much everywhere.
I didn't see YOU complaining back in 06 , 07 when Barack was n't made available to , even the friendliest , of press......huh , huh?
Well , as you are aware , I didn't even know you back then , hell I hardly know you today..........but I do know your kind.......and I don't appreciate the bad attitude one bit.
Barack_Must_Go.....
So in short, you agree with
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 2:02pm.
So in short, you agree with everything I said.
You just don't like the messenger. Got it.
What happened to debates
Submitted by sam12663 on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 5:53pm.
being about answers to questions regarding relevant topics that affect everyone, not lameass hit job questions concerning late night television parodies and the like.
The moderators of this debate were extremely biased and slanted, and yet Ms. O'Donnell held her own.
And to our BO loving friend Kennedy; it serves no purpose for any serious conservative candidate to appear on MSNBC or CNN; they will be disrespected and treated unfairly. So, while appearing on FOX may be preaching to the choir, its certainly better than going through the gauntlet of disrespect and ridicule from extremely partisan hacks like Olberrman and Maddow. Do you really think a conservative candidate would get any honest opportunity to change the minds of the dozens of viewers these shows get?
It isn't just the 2 other
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 8:03pm.
It isn't just the 2 other cable news stations. It's all TV, newspaper, and news magazine interviews. She won't speak with anyone who doesn't work for a right leaning media.
Even the president went on FoxNews. If she wants to be national, she needs to reach the national audience, not just her base.
Christine O'Donnell is running for---
Submitted by matthewdean on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 8:47pm.
a Senate seat for the State of Delaware; not a Senate seat for a national audience.
Because of the liberal left MSMs desire to trash her, she is getting plenty of national exposure free of charge.
The growing awareness across the country of the bias, slant, partisanship, and anti-conservative nastiness of the media as it continues to place O'Donnell in an unfavorable light, will likely work more in her favor than against, and result in monies from outside Delaware flowing into her campaign coffers.
The incoming money flow should help offset any added dislike of her or her candidacy because of the increased vitriol attributable to either in State Dems or the media.
MD
If she was running for State
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 9:43pm.
If she was running for State Senate you would have a point. Unfortunately for your argument she is running for United States Senate, which is a national position that makes very important decisions that affect the entire nation, as well as the world. She is required to speak out to all of the people, not just those who are passionate for her. What does she know about people who aren't her fans? She represents them too.
Wrong. Do the citizens of
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 9:57pm.
Wrong.
Do the citizens of New York vote in the Delaware election for the Senate? Do the citizens of Alabama or New Mexico vote in the Delaware election for Senate?
They do not so why should she talk to the people of any State with the exception of Delaware?
She is required to speak out to all of the people, not just those who are passionate for her.
Please show me where that requirement is.
Are the citizens of Delaware
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 12:02pm.
Are the citizens of Delaware required to watch only FoxNews for their daily dose of politics?
Because that's what O'Donnell thinks.
You did not answer any of the
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:13pm.
You did not answer any of the questions.
Who besides the citizens of Delaware can vote in the Delaware elections?
She is required to speak out to all of the people, not just those who are passionate for her.
Show me where that is a requirement.
How nice you completely evaded the questions and postulated one that makes no sense at all.
I figured it was a rhetorical
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:34pm.
I figured it was a rhetorical question. Isn't the answer obvious?
O'Donnell has chosen the easiest way possible to make sure no one asks her questions she doesn't have intelligent answers to. She's chosen FoxNews, who at the moment actually employs several of the 2012 potential presidential candidates. FoxNews actively promotes conservatism. And most of all, they protect conservative candidates from having to deal with the media as a whole.
In the end, none of this matters. She has no chance of making up 19 points on her opponent. Had she given even ONE interview to a non-conservative media outlet, you might have a point.
If she was to win the Senate seat, she'd be making decisions that affect my life. Therefore, she is obligated to be available to all media, not just those who won't make her take responsibility for her past.
Evolution anyone? Don't want to answer the question? You don't have to.
Neither does O'Donnell, as long as FoxNews is asking the questions.
Quit acting like an asshat
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:41pm.
That is all.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Very---
Submitted by matthewdean on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:47pm.
succinct.
And very funny, as well !!
MD
That's classy.
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:53pm.
That's classy.
I'm merely sharing the opinon
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 4:56pm.
.....of countless others here, who have cluttered my inbox with pm's about your asshattery.
By all means, keep whining instead of evaluating your own behaviour.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Point out exactly where I
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:28pm.
Point out exactly where I showed disrespect for another user who didn't disrespect me first.
If people are complaining about me they are all more than welcome to address me. You know my history here. You know my account was disabled for calling someone "stinky," while conservatives can pretty much say anything.
And you're the one who showed up here to call me an asshat, instead of addressing the topic.
You want to hit the button? Go ahead. I'm tired of your threats. As someone who still remains on my buddy list, I still have hope that you'll remember our friendship.
But you're the one who ran off to the chat and forgot to clear the page.
"I'm still pissed at Ted, that little s***."
Yeah, I read that too.
Pauvre petit chou
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:42pm.
That stung, huh?
Grow up.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Point out exactly where I
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:53pm.
Point out exactly where I showed disrespect for another user who didn't disrespect me first.
ACL
Submitted by MrShy on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:58pm.
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.
Or better...
Blah.blah.blah.blah.blah.blah.blah (a little trick someone taught me to expand comments rightward...)
- Shy Spiced Rum
Join Mr. Shy and The 1* Percent
Ah.Ha....That's.the.trick!!!!
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Sat, 10/16/2010 - 1:36am.
Ah.Ha....That's.the.trick!!!!! Just.separate.each.word.with.a.period. It's.gonna.take.discipline.to.hit.the.period.instead.of.the.space.bar.from.now.on....:-)
She has no chance of making
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:31pm.
She has no chance of making up 19 points on her opponent This kind of refutes your argument. Again, she has NO obligation to speak to the rest of the nation. Gee ADK, how did candidates reach out to the people before TV or radio? Why of course!!!! They WENT around their States introducing themselves!!! Do you not think that is what O'Donnell is doing? If she was to win the Senate seat, she'd be making decisions that affect my life. Therefore, she is obligated to be available to all media, not just those who won't make her take responsibility for her past.No she is not. Show me where it is written she has to do that?
Well it's all moot anyway.
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:38pm.
Well it's all moot anyway. She can't win.
And by refusing to do interviews with anyone who isn't a conservative voice, she can make sure she never has to answer serious questions.
Even Obama interviewed with Fox.
Waiting for the benefit of
Submitted by BuffNBone on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:35pm.
Waiting for the benefit of having the P and VP visit the state (based on their track record in other contests) she could halve the gap again. Then we're talking about margin of error.
Color me patiently waiting for Coons to step on his schwanz.
I call for a cancellation
Submitted by Unsane on Sun, 10/17/2010 - 12:10am.
She can't win, huh?
LET'S CANCEL THE ELECTION.
(I say that, just for the hell of it, we should hold it anyway.)
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Sorry, Scube...
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:25pm.
Your question about who can vote for O'Donnell deflects the larger issue. While the answer is obvious, it is irrelevant. The power of a single Senator to affect the welfare of citizens of every state can be immense. Accordingly, the views of a candidate for that office on a broad range of topics of interest to all Americans--not just Delawarians--are critical and invite scrutiny.
Here's a question for you: Am I barred from contributing to O'Donnell's campaign since I am not a resident of Delaware?
Jer
Your question about who can
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:38pm.
Your question about who can vote for O'Donnell deflects the larger issue. So says the person who deflects on most every thread. Pot, meet kettle.OD Jer,
My question does not deflect Jer, she is running for office in the State of Delaware. She is in no way obligated to address anyone else in the country. Same question that is posed to ADK, show me where she has to address anyone but the citizens of the State of Delaware.
She doesn't "have to". She
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:42pm.
She doesn't "have to". She doesn't even "have to" address the citizens of Delaware.
Jer
So everything you wrote here
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:55pm.
So everything you wrote here is irrelevant.
I guess you just cannot help but take a contrary position.
Edited to add link (grrrrrrrr on this new NB)
Your link took me to one of
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:07pm.
Your link took me to one of your posts, but I assume you mean my comment about the importance of a Senatotial candidate's views to all Americans.
No, I stand by my previous post.
Jer
[And ditto on the grrrrrrrr thing.]
This was the link I wanted to
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:12pm.
This was the link I wanted to post.
So Jer, by you saying:
She doesn't "have to". She doesn't even "have to" address the citizens of Delaware.Tells me that everything in the above link is irrelevant.
ADK---
Submitted by matthewdean on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 10:10pm.
My original statement - "Christine O'Donnell is running for a Senate seat for the State of Delaware" -
was poorly worded, and I cannot quibble with your interpretation of it.
I should have stated more clearly that she is running for a U.S. Senate seat as a resident of Delaware, therefore her first responsibility is to her in State constituents rather than to the citizens of the other 49.
MD
She is required to speak out
Submitted by troglodyt on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:13pm.
She is required to speak out to all of the people, not just those who are passionate for her.
Since when is there a requirement for politicians (or an aspiring one for that matter) to speak at all? I think you are confusing something. It's her choice. I think she doesn't even have to explain herself to her constituency.
You're right. And that's why
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:30pm.
You're right. And that's why she's alienated a good percentage of her constituents by only appearing on FoxNews.
I wouldn't say she alienated
Submitted by troglodyt on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:38pm.
I wouldn't say she alienated them doing that. The only thing people not watching FNC know about her are her wildly publicised statements from ten years ago. That has alienated them.
What if you're a voter in
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 5:40pm.
What if you're a voter in Delaware without cable?
ADK
Submitted by troglodyt on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:27pm.
Then you are stuck with what you know about her views from other sources however inaccurate or one sided these might be. But in the end it is her choice not to counter such conceptions. The people in Delaware have their own choice. And looking at the polls they have already chosen.
I suppose you're right. And
Submitted by Guttermouth's Return on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 6:39pm.
I suppose you're right.
And in response, we have the right to criticize her for failing to address all of the constituents of Delaware, not just conservatives.
You sure?
Submitted by Unsane on Sun, 10/17/2010 - 12:12am.
Really? She isn't going on, oh, I don't know, local affiliates there? Local radio stations?
The ONLY way she can connect with DE voters is through NATIONAL media?
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)