NBC Touts Softball Abedin Interview, Ignores Upcoming FBI Sit-Down

April 4th, 2016 11:33 AM

While NBC ignored the news that top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin would soon be taking questions from the FBI about the Democratic frontrunner’s e-mail scandal, Monday’s NBC Today instead chose to gush over the longtime Clinton confidante answering softballs on a liberal podcast.  

Co-host Savannah Guthrie proclaimed: “In her first ever podcast interview, Huma Abedin sheds new light on her relationship with Clinton, her family, and much more.” Correspondent Kristen Welker followed: “Huma Abedin has been a fixture by Hillary Clinton's side for more than two decades, but she almost never speaks publicly. Now, in a new episode of the podcast Call Your Girlfriend, Abedin opens up about what it's like behind the scenes with her boss.”

Welker began her report by fawning: “She has been called Hillary Clinton's secret weapon and even her second daughter. Now, Huma Abedin is speaking out in a rare interview....Abedin has worked with the Democratic frontrunner since Clinton was First Lady and recalls one of the first moments they met.”

A soundbite followed of Abedin hailing Clinton: “She took my hand and our eyes connected and I just remember having this moment where I thought, wow, you know, this is amazing. I just – it just inspired me.”

Welker noted: “Abedin says she's still inspired and also weighs in on the more difficult times, like the troves of Clinton's e-mails released by the State Department, which include exchanges with Abedin.” Abedin declared: “Terrifying. I can't even imagine what's in those e-mails. But I'm sure I would be – I would probably be mortified. I have no idea. I haven't read any of them.”

Tell the Truth 2016

The friendly exchange took place on the Call Your Girlfriend podcast with “unapologetically feminist” hosts Ann Friedman (also a New York magazine columnist) and Aminatou Sow. Sow revealed how thrilled they were to talk to Abedin:

You know, almost two years ago when we started dreaming of doing this podcast you were I want to say like one of the first people that we ever thought we wanted to talk to so this is kind of a momentous deal....We’re huge fans....You’re a big deal. You’re a big deal to young ladies. We’re excited.

While the e-mails were mentioned, the liberal fans were clearly not concerned, as Sow announced: “I’m so excited for you to catch up on Good Wife because for me, and when the emails were leaked, when I found out that you all watched Good Wife, that’s the only thing I cared about....This is the biggest revelation.”        

Welker wrapped up her Today show report: “Now, Abedin says she never reads what's written about her and has no desire to run for office....I see her everyday on the campaign trail and I can attest to that fact, she’s a very private woman.”

The broadcast networks have barely noticed the possible legal troubles for Abedin amid her involvement in multiple Clinton scandals.

Here is a full transcript of the April 4 segment:

7:01 AM ET TEASE:

MATT LAUER: And Huma speaks out. A rare interview with Hillary Clinton's closest adviser, Huma Abedin. Her thoughts on those e-mails plaguing her boss and her relationship with her husband, Anthony Weiner.

7:31 AM ET SEGMENT:

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: But we begin this half hour with one of Hillary Clinton's closest aides speaking out. In her first ever podcast interview, Huma Abedin sheds new light on her relationship with Clinton, her family, and much more. NBC’s Kristen Welker has that. Hey, Kristen, good morning.

KRISTEN WELKER: Hey, good morning to you. Great to see all of you guys. Well, Huma Abedin has been a fixture by Hillary Clinton's side for more than two decades, but she almost never speaks publicly. Now, in a new episode of the podcast Call Your Girlfriend, Abedin opens up about what it's like behind the scenes with her boss.

[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Huma Abedin Opens Up; Top Clinton Aide Talks in Rare Interview]

WELKER: She has been called Hillary Clinton's secret weapon and even her second daughter. Now, Huma Abedin is speaking out in a rare interview.

HUMA ABEDIN: Politics, it can often be a contact sport.

WELKER: One of Clinton's top aides, Abedin has worked with the Democratic frontrunner since Clinton was First Lady and recalls one of the first moments they met.

ABEDIN: She took my hand and our eyes connected and I just remember having this moment where I thought, wow, you know, this is amazing. I just – it just inspired me.

WELKER: Abedin says she's still inspired and also weighs in on the more difficult times, like the troves of Clinton's e-mails released by the State Department, which include exchanges with Abedin.

ABEDIN: Terrifying. I can't even imagine what's in those e-mails. But I'm sure I would be – I would probably be mortified. I have no idea. I haven't read any of them.

WELKER: Abedin, the wife of former Congressman Anthony Weiner, has weathered her own storms, including the sexting scandal that cost her husband his job. In the interview, Abedin praises her spouse.

ABEDIN: I don't think I could do this if I didn't have the support of a spouse who is willing to, you know, basically be a stay-at-home dad.

WELKER: As for the future, Abedin says she doesn't want to be presumptuous about Clinton winning, when asked about Bill Clinton as first man.

ABEDIN: I don't think there’s anything in the world that he can't do. I have a feeling, though, that he will not be picking the China out, and he will not be picking out the flowers for any of the events.

WELKER: Now, Abedin says she never reads what's written about her and has no desire to run for office. There is, however, a new documentary called Weiner, officially coming out in May, about the scandal that rocked the Congressman and his family. So we will get more a few more glimpses into the life of this woman who is deeply private. I see her everyday on the campaign trail and I can attest to that fact, she’s a very private woman.

GUTHRIE: Alright, Kristen, thank you.

WELKER: Thank you.