ABC News has just announced that Good Morning America co-anchor Diane Sawyer is taking over as the anchor of World News when the current anchor, Charlie Gibson, retires in January. Coincidentally, the MRC has just finished a new report, “Good Morning, Bias,” on the liberal spin Sawyer brought to Good Morning America (and previously as co-anchor of the network’s 20/20 and Primetime Live newsmagazines).
As our ABC analyst Scott Whitlock uncovered, Sawyer has repeatedly lauded high-profile liberals, including Nancy Pelosi (“galvanized steel with a smile”) and Hillary Clinton (“political mastery,” “dazzling”), while in her infamous 20/20 interview, Sawyer targeted Ken Starr’s report on Bill Clinton as “demented pornography, pornography for Puritans.” Here are some of the highlights of what Scott uncovered in his research; for the full package, including eight video clips, visit www.MRC.org.
Lauding Liberal Icons
“Like a freight train, she’s already moved six major pieces of legislation through the House — everything from stem cells to minimum wage. And whatever side you’re on, when this new Speaker moves, she moves fast. Nancy Pelosi says power is not handed to you, you have to know how to win it. When she walks into a room, she is quiet, polite. But her fellow politicians say she’s galvanized steel with a smile.”— ABC’s Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, January 19, 2007.
“Today is the day the Senate may pass that patients’ bill of rights, which would guarantee your right to sue your HMO. When that happens, one big winner out of Washington will be one of the bill’s key Democratic backers, North Carolina’s newcomer John Edwards. He is said to have the combined political skills — are you ready for this? — of Clinton and Kennedy, Kennedy and Clinton together, and also to have a very good shot at the White House.”
— Sawyer on Good Morning America, June 29, 2001.
Giving Ken Starr the 3rd Degree
“People see a young girl [Monica Lewinsky] who was in tears, who was threatened with 27 years in prison possibly, who was told that her mother might be prosecuted based on things she had said about her mother, who was to wire herself or tape the President or Vernon Jordan. And they say this isn’t John Gotti. This isn’t Timothy McVeigh....”
“Are you part of a right-wing conspiracy?”
“Driving to the White House that day [to interview President Clinton], for what was — for all intents and purposes, a lot of people think — your trial, the only trial you were going to get. Did you think to yourself, here is a man who has to deal with Saddam Hussein and bin Laden and what’s going on in Russia, and we’re putting him through this?”
— Some of Diane Sawyer’s questions to Starr on 20/20, November 25, 1998. [Audio/video (2:35): Windows Media | MP3 audio]
Boosting Morale on the Front Lines
Diane Sawyer: “How long have you been here?...How do you make it through 15 months out here?...How many times a month do you say, ‘I don’t know that I can do another month of this? A day?’”
Unidentified U.S. Army Captain: “No, I don’t. It doesn’t ever occur to me that way.”
— Sawyer in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, April 10, 2007, Good Morning America.
Putting a Soft Focus on World’s Worst Thugs
Co-host Diane Sawyer: “A number of people have already said, ‘Is there anything surprising, personal about [Iranian] President [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad that we didn’t know?’ Well, it turns out, someone told me he cries a lot. That he is dramatically sentimental and sympathetic if someone comes up and expresses a personal plight. So I just asked him, are you often in tears?”
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: “Yes, that’s true. Not only for Iranians, of course, they are very close to me and I love all Iranians. And anywhere, when I see people suffering, I have the same reaction....Even when I see on TV that, for example, some Americans, because of tornadoes or a hurricane, they have lost their homes, I become sad.”
— ABC’s Good Morning America, February 13, 2007.
Dreaming of Bill Clinton
“After pepperoni pizza and banana milkshakes once, I dreamed about Bill Clinton.”
— Sawyer talking with her Good Morning America co-host Charles Gibson about a study which claimed sleeping Republicans have three times as many nightmares as sleeping Democrats, July 10, 2001.
Great Minds Think Alike
Diane Sawyer: “I’ve always thought the theological, the one theological question I’d like to ask [Pope John Paul II], and it’s a serious question, is ‘What do you think Jesus would think of the way you dress?’”
Oprah Winfrey: “Ohhh! That’s a great question!”
— Exchange on Oprah, February 19, 1997.
—Rich Noyes is Research Director at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Sawyer
September 2, 2009 - 10:39 ET by KC MulvilleThe scary thing is that she started as a Nixon staffer.
A Teenaged Ditz?
September 2, 2009 - 11:29 ET by allanfSawyer's father was a prominent Kentucky Republican. Diane has never outgrown her America's Junior Miss days. Nearly eligible for social security, she maintains the affectations of a teenage girl.
She rarely demonstrates sophistication or insight (yet feels free to harangue Sarah Palin). Her liberal politics most likely stem from a need for social and professional acceptance. She is in New York, married to Mike Nichols. She works for ABC and desparately wanted a job at CBS after leaving Nixon. How could she possibly be a Republican?
Once again we in KY
September 2, 2009 - 14:08 ET by UtherpendOnce again we in KY apologize for this waste of Blonde hair and hope the rest of the world doesn't hold it against us.
"For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security."
What is it about Kentucky? It's such a lovely state, but...
September 2, 2009 - 15:21 ET by PrairieSkybetween Diane Sawyer and George Clooney, there must be something in the water...lol!
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
Nixon
September 2, 2009 - 12:18 ET by Kingfish17Nixon was a Republican. Nixon was not a conservative.
"I've sentenced boys younger then you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it, but I felt I owed it to them." Judge Smails
King...Great point...
September 2, 2009 - 13:04 ET by PrairieSkyand quite correct. Republican does not neccessarily mean conservative.
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
Endangered Humans Act
September 2, 2009 - 13:31 ET by allanfNixon signed the "Endangered Species Act" into law. We see its consequences today.
His EPA Chief, glorified by the media, William Ruckelshaus is an environmental extremeist. Ruckelshaus , overriding staff opinions banned DDT -- leading to the deaths of millions from malaria.
what??
September 2, 2009 - 10:43 ET by charlietexaswhy?? one lib for another......Diane always looks like she smelled a fart or is sitting on a tack. shes just as bad as Katie.
Why didnt they pick...Brit Hume?? hes the best
Mom
It's because they don't
September 2, 2009 - 10:57 ET by mattmIt's because they don't wan't a journalist, they want a propagandist.
It's obvious that broadcasting the liberal spin is more important to them than ratings.
We always hear journolibs complain that 'the news' shouldn't have to compete for viewers and ratings because that somehow degrades the integrity of journalism, yet they don't seem to think one-sided activist psuedo-journalism degrades its integrity, nor do they realize that good journalism would actually produce good ratings.
Pushing the lib viewpoint is more important to them than anything else.
protaganist?
September 2, 2009 - 11:11 ET by Paul GDont you mean antagonist?
propagandist
September 2, 2009 - 11:14 ET by mattmpropagandist
Yep, he's the best, but Brit Hume is retired, #1, and...
September 2, 2009 - 13:08 ET by PrairieSky#2, I don't think he would ever go back to an MSM network, even if they begged him. If Brit came out of retirement (which I don't think he would do, barring some very unusual circumstance), he'd go back to Fox.
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
like they say...
September 2, 2009 - 10:49 ET by NDanielsongarbage in, garbage out.
Nibblehead
September 2, 2009 - 10:52 ET by Forbin001ABC replaced a nibblehead with an even bigger nibblehead!! Expect the ratings to plummet like an Anvil.
This woman has been one
September 2, 2009 - 10:55 ET by ammo johnThis woman has been one of the biggest hacks on TV for as long as I can remember. Even her tone of voice is irritable. Andrea Mitchell comes to mind, too.
I heard Charlie quit to become Obama's personal maseusse.
September 2, 2009 - 11:04 ET by jazbo"Democrats; Breeding voters like farm animals since 1962"
This old hag is going drive
September 2, 2009 - 11:13 ET by nyyankee55This old hag is going drive ratings down as much as Katie- Seinfeld reruns are going to be the top show in that time slot
At least there will be
September 2, 2009 - 11:11 ET by OhmingAt least there will be someone more masculine than Gibson. This should be a real motivation tool for young Jr high school girls in every major city who aspire to be the diva of thier senior class one day.
Who would be a co-anchor I wonder, Pee Wee Herman maybe?
Unbiased information is the last thing I would expect to hear from her mouth, maybe they are trying to compete with Jon Stewart, but on a less funny note?
roflmao*
September 2, 2009 - 11:44 ET by buddycroflmao*
DIANE SAWYER?
September 2, 2009 - 11:12 ET by Sgthulkazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........
...
September 2, 2009 - 11:14 ET by EugeniaOh, boy. Now Katie Couric has competition for the bottom. NBC is going to rule that ratings race. Who can stand that excessively breathy talking voice?
"When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything."
-- GK Chesterton
What a missed opportunity
September 2, 2009 - 11:16 ET by ninerdogWhat a missed opportunity for these bozos. They could have gotten a conservative to do this and there rating would have gone through the roof. They deserve the low ratings they are getting. Bunch of idiots.
Good point. Jake Tapper would be a great pick.
September 2, 2009 - 12:10 ET by jazbo"Democrats; Breeding voters like farm animals since 1962"
Did anyone seriously expect...
September 2, 2009 - 11:19 ET by PrairieSkya substantive change here? Of course not. ABC has just switched out one idiotic liberal talking head who spouts his political bias every night, with another idiotic liberal talking head who will spout her political bias every night.
ABC News...maintaining the liberal status quo.
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
Brian Williams better be
September 2, 2009 - 11:20 ET by BruzillaBrian Williams better be thanking his lucky stars!
*shrug*
September 2, 2009 - 11:22 ET by katainkentlipstick on a pig? And I mean that completely metaphorically. No hate mail now. ;) Putting a pretty face on an ugly message doesn't change the message. In fact sometimes, it makes it grate on your nerves.
___________________________________________
We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. ~Thomas Jefferson
ABC isn't interested in journalism or reporting
September 2, 2009 - 11:23 ET by jefflebowskiThe mainstream media is pushing an agenda. They are propagandists. How sad that they only person on TV exposing Obama's black militant, communist Czar is Glenn Beck! The MSM has no clothes and it is not pretty!
Angry White Dude
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Are they serious? I can
September 2, 2009 - 11:27 ET by gopsteveAre they serious?
I can just imagine the top brass having a meeting discussing a replacement.
"Hmm, nightly news is bottoming out...we need something new. I know, let's hire a Katie Couric clone (or worse)! That oughta shake things up!"
Money Quote
September 2, 2009 - 11:31 ET by EllisWyattLet's not forget the Money Quote for all Time:
Diane Sawyer: "You know, I wanted to sit on a jury once and I was taken off the jury. And the judge said to me, 'Can, you know, can you tell the truth and be fair?' And I said, 'That's what journalists do.' And everybody in the courtroom laughed. It was the most hurtful moment I think I've ever had."
http://newsbusters.org/node/14050
If you're not outraged at the media, you haven't been paying attention.
Hadn't seen that quote
September 2, 2009 - 11:41 ET by celatorHadn't seen that quote before. Proves how delusional she is.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Nice, but it was not
September 2, 2009 - 11:43 ET by buddycNice, but it was not "hurtful" enough to cause her to change.
Ellis..This is priceless!
September 2, 2009 - 13:28 ET by PrairieSkyI hadn't seen this before! Thanks for sharing it!
What's really sad is that Sawyer probably will never understand why people were laughing at her comment...She's like all the rest of the MSM...They all think that they're great crusaders for "truth and fairness"...What a joke they all are.
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
Seriously, Diane
September 2, 2009 - 11:37 ET by taterSeriously, Diane Sawyer??? John Stossel would have been my choice out of the ABC family. Heck George Snufflufugus would have been a more entertaining choice (for this website).
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
Sawyer as a news anchor? Now
September 2, 2009 - 11:40 ET by celatorSawyer as a news anchor? Now that right there is laugh out loud funny. ABC wants to freight train their ratings to the bottom, I reckon.
Excellent wrap up of this prissy bubble head, Rich.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Tokyo Rose and Axis Sally return
September 2, 2009 - 11:41 ET by SeftonGreat.
Now we have a Tokyo Diane to go with Axis Katie.
Thanks very much Rich.
September 2, 2009 - 11:41 ET by buddycThanks very much Rich. Give us more. She was one of the very first "reporter" who caused me to turn off network news.
She is a complete, in the tank, partisan for the democrats.
Do you ever see a day when republicans which make up at least 30-40% of the people in this country will have a voice on national news on CBS, NBC or ABC? I don't think I will live to see it.
We should take a poll on
September 2, 2009 - 11:44 ET by taterWe should take a poll on which morning female anchor will replace Brian Williams should he leave.
Meredith Vieria
Ann Curry
Matt Lauer
Harry Smith
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
tater...
September 2, 2009 - 11:49 ET by SeftonThe network will no doubt want to avoid a catfight between Lauer and Smith, so it's a close run-off with Curry and Viera.
I would go with Ann Curry
September 2, 2009 - 12:05 ET by Paul GMatt laur is going bald Harry Smith IS bald and Meredith Vieria had her chance at 'Millionaire"
Curry...
September 2, 2009 - 15:04 ET by SickofLibsYeah, and she can climb a mountain. Well, part of the way at least.
tater...I have an addition to your list of...
September 2, 2009 - 13:20 ET by PrairieSkypossible replacements for Brian Williams, should he leave...
Meredith Vieria
Ann Curry
Matt Lauer
Harry Smith
trained gorilla
How's that? And all NBC would have to pay him would be bananas!
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
roflmao. I vote for
September 2, 2009 - 14:54 ET by buddycroflmao.
I vote for Ms Smith.
Diane Sawyer in North Korea
September 2, 2009 - 11:44 ET by UnsaneLet's not forget Miss Sawyer reporting cheerfully in October 2006 that North Korean children were THE happiest in the world. They told her so - of their own freewill, of course - so it HAD to be true!
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Unsane Been a long time
September 2, 2009 - 12:25 ET by Six String SpiffUnsane
Been a long time guy.
Slayer ROCKS
King is King!
SLAYER
September 2, 2009 - 12:38 ET by UnsaneLong time no see, Spiff!
Indeed, one of my favorite albums of all time is the Hell Awaits album by Slayer. When I was 16-17 years old, I didn't want to hear anything else other than Slayer! In 1996, I finaly got to see them play live and it turned out to be one of the best concerts I have ever seen (and provided the origin of my screen-name, as the opening act was a band called Unsane).
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
su nioj su nioj su nioj su
September 2, 2009 - 12:46 ET by anonymous621su nioj su nioj su nioj su nioj...
sorry. couldn't resist.
-Eric
SSSLLLLAAAAYYYYEEEERRRR!!!!!!
September 2, 2009 - 12:46 ET by pwozSSSLLLLAAAAYYYYEEEERRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Cow!
September 2, 2009 - 17:11 ET by Captain KirockSLAYER fans on Newsbusters?
And here I thought I was the only one.
Now I've seen everything.
WORLD PAINTED BLOOD
September 2, 2009 - 21:37 ET by UnsaneYou getting WORLD PAINTED BLOOD when it comes out later this year?
:-)
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Yes
September 3, 2009 - 17:44 ET by Captain KirockDefinitely.
I hear this will be one of their last studio albums? That sucks, but understandable. I saw them in concert a few years ago and they have definitely slowed down a bit, especially compared to how amazing they were in the 90s. Some of the best concerts I've ever been to.
A clueless, no-depth ditz
September 2, 2009 - 12:05 ET by SickofLibsA clueless, no-depth ditz who has been completely sh*tfaced on air at least twice in the past year. I'm smelling promotion!
What will Robama Roberts do without her?
Robama Roberts
September 2, 2009 - 12:18 ET by MillerTimeWarpWish I had thought of that. At least they're not whining about her so called battle with cancer anymore. They milked that dead cow dry. Sawyer.... a walking sedative. Will make Couric look intelligent.
Those here of a certain age
September 2, 2009 - 14:52 ET by motherbeltWell, I don't think there are going to be too many "celebratory" moments for her in the near future....well, watch out if Obamacare passes!
And I know it's a formidable list of "accomplishments" but this:
“I’ve always thought the theological, the one
theological question I’d like to ask [Pope John Paul II], and it’s a
serious question, is ‘What do you think Jesus would think of the way
you dress?’”
That one item alone should disqualify her for anything other than being a greeter at Wal Mart.
Wal Mart?!? I can see her
September 2, 2009 - 15:00 ET by bassndudeWal Mart?!? I can see her now. You cant come in here dressed like that!
Todays story: Short Shorts in Wal Mart: Fashion statement, or just trashy?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Well, the other examples
September 2, 2009 - 15:10 ET by motherbeltWell, the other examples given prove that she is biased; the Pope one proves that she is downright stupid!
Sawyers problem is she
September 2, 2009 - 15:29 ET by bassndudeSawyers problem is she indulged a little to much in that Kentucky moonshine. Dont get me wrong. I have indulged in it some myself, in my army days. But it kills brain cells rapidly.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Why is ABC so racist? Were
September 2, 2009 - 12:08 ET by ckc1227Why is ABC so racist? Were there no Black or Hispanics available for this job?
Gwen Ifill, HA!
September 2, 2009 - 14:59 ET by Red JeepGwen Ifill, HA!
Oh yeah.. now there is
September 2, 2009 - 12:17 ET by Six String SpiffOh yeah.. now there is some quality thought going on behind this one. NOT
This woman has a perpetual look of confusion on her face.
That and she looks as if she is staring at the sun most of the time too.
Six... ...plus her phony
September 2, 2009 - 17:39 ET by bigtimerSix...
...plus her phony incessant soft-voiced whispering...drives me batty!
'Go Green...Recycle Congress'
When is the main stream media going to inject...
September 2, 2009 - 12:31 ET by jawebster1diversity into their broadcasts? By diversity, I'm not talking about sex and race, I'm talking about political opinion. Right now they are all Liberal. Is it too much to ask for to get just one broadcast anchor who is recognized as being Conservative? "Shemptard" Smith does not qualify, but Megyn Kelly would and she's younger and better looking than Sawyer. Of course, ABC would be a step down for her. Jim Webster
Mary Katherine Hamm
September 2, 2009 - 15:01 ET by StarAZShe seems pretty sharp for a youngster. Geeze, geeze.
forget diversity
September 2, 2009 - 17:42 ET by LindamaeForget diversity - try facts. Try to include the whole story rather than just give the points which protect Obama. I love NewsBusters!
I don't want to know if the anchor is Liberal, centrist, Libertarian, Rep. or Dem. who cares. Let's learn the facts and leave the opinions to us. The color, gender, ethnicity, etc. of the anchor does not detract from hones, fair and balanced reporting.
Don't they teach this at J School?
I care. The problem with what you want is you end up with a...
September 2, 2009 - 19:15 ET by jawebster1"Shemptard" Smith. As long as the other networks lean left, there should be at least one that leans right. No problem with someone from the right reporting the just the facts m'am, because that is what we do. It is the left (Dan Rather, anyone?) that makes stuff up. I guarantee you, if one network took my advise, it would be the Fox News of the networks, in other words, number one in viewers. Jim Webster
any bets?
September 2, 2009 - 13:16 ET by American.PatriotOn which network - ABS or CBC will reach the bottom of the ratings listing, and how soon?
This is great for Fox news
I'm sure Diane will do as well as Katie...
September 2, 2009 - 13:40 ET by wnaegeleSigh!
Diane thinks she is way smarter than Katie
September 2, 2009 - 15:00 ET by StarAZThe New York left-wing literati--Katie, pfft.
Brian Williams
September 2, 2009 - 13:43 ET by MillerTimeWarpmust be THRILLED ! No sarcasm. He now has no competition. I tried watching Fox, but they giggle too much.
delete
September 2, 2009 - 14:14 ET by motherbeltdelete
DRUNK
September 2, 2009 - 15:12 ET by MillerTimeWarpI went to Youtube and checked the videos of Sawyer drunk at Duhbama's inauguration. Stay classy
Very funny stuff
September 2, 2009 - 15:35 ET by jacktheripperWatched Ol' Andy Cooper trying to talk will being teabagged too... good times.good times
"The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can
bribe the people with their own money." – Alexis de Tocqueville
Where's Charlie going?
September 2, 2009 - 17:36 ET by LindamaeAfter Charlie revealed his ignorance and bias with Palin (the Bush "doctrine" which doesn't exist) , he must have been on some one's pay off list. We'll learn who after we learn what he will retire to. I bet he will "write a book" as did Obama to get some quick untracable money. My husband and I think there is a huge warehouse somewhere which hides the "millions" of books Obama received royalities for. Great way to launder money, we think. Or, we could be wrong. Time will tell.
Diane is even worse. There will be no less biased and untruthful reporting but more giggles. I swear that Diane has fantasies about Obama which she thinks about when she reports on him. Watch her eyes, her breathing, her voice, almost the Marilyn Monroe rendition of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President". We now know what that was all about. I don't think Michelle would let her husband stray but it won't keep Diane (and Keith, and you-know-who) from maintaining the thrill up and down the legs or the lust in their hearts.
I am disgusted with the media. How can they think they are professional when they are so blatant? Thank goodness for Fox.
As soon as my local news is
September 2, 2009 - 18:55 ET by nyyankee55As soon as my local news is over I switch the channel off of the networks so I can't even hear the beginning of these moronic anchors.
After katie on cbs and now this old had diane sawyer it is clear that these Obama propaganda outlets have no interest in fair journalism mush less trying to make a profit
I just can't wait for the day that these "news" shows go the way of the buggie whip
ABC Nightly Snooze!
September 3, 2009 - 09:58 ET by blazermaniacBret Baier will be getting even more viewers with this move. The networks don't get it, and just like Katie Cupcake at CBS, Diane Sawyer will lose viewers in a hurry on ABC. Of course, NBC could go out there and get Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnndrea Mitchell to do the NBC crap.
Delete
September 2, 2009 - 19:08 ET by GregEdelete
changes
September 3, 2009 - 02:46 ET by sudmufIf nothing changes then nothing changes. ABC news will be just as biased with Diane Sawyer as it is with Charkie Gibson. Personally I never watch the statist media any more. I get my news from Fox and Drudge.