Here's an addendum to how Brent Bozell exposed just how differently Brian Williams treated the GOP candidates versus Barack Obama last week. For a cover story (titled "Shaping the Field" on the cover), Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable magazine was allowed to observe Williams in action before and after the Reagan Library debate. Grossman noted Rick Perry communications director Ray Sullivan lamented "a disproportionate number of barbed questions from the moderators."
There's no doubt about that. (Recall co-moderator John Harris telling Perry his state was worst in the percentage of uninsured. "That's 50 out of 50, dead last. Sir, it's pretty hard to defend dead last.") But here's what Williams told Grossman: "They came here expecting the most and the toughest questions, and we delivered." So how would Williams explain yet another "emotional and reflective" mooning over Obama at the White House on September 10? He also told Grossman interviewing a president is "much less stressful" than a debate:
"I sweat these more than anything else I do -- the stakes are high and there are hand grenades all over the place," Williams says. "Interviewing a sitting president is much less stressful."
This became a large-text pull quote (the article is not online for non-subscribers).
The answer came probably because the event is live and the candidates all know Williams was an intern in the Jimmy Carter White House. More than just Newt Gingrich could have given him some trouble. By contrast, he seems to approach taped Barack Obama interviews as akin to a foot massage -- a massage he's giving, not getting.
Williams also told Grossman that he and co-moderator John F. Harris of Politico go way back to covering the Clinton White House together and "racked some serious miles on the road."
Also in his notes: while two members of Mitt Romney's entourage "bemoaned the lack of celebs" in the names on the debate seats, "Williams was more bullish on the audience, noticing the placards for name folks such as Norman Lear and Mort Zuckerman in the crowd."
Ahem: neither of them are Republican voters or donors, so you might see where the Romney folks would be bummed.
