Highlights from State of the Union April 19, 2009

This morning's State of the Union with John King started off with a discussion with Department of Homeland Security's Janet Napolitano. They discussed the 14th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing; the release of CIA memos; and from the magic wall they discussed the protection of the border, illegal immigration, and drug & gun trafficking.

Then John King talked with Sen. John Ensign (R) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D). The conversation started off with immigration reform, President Obama speaking with President Hugo Chavez, the CIA memos, same sex marriage, and the Minnesota Senate race (that still hasn't been resolved).

The first panel of the morning included Donna Brazile and Mary Matalin covering the topics of President Hugo Chavez, CIA memos, and same sex marriage.

This week's behind the scenes staff briefing is about the Chesapeake Bay report:

John King reported on the state of the Chesapeake Bay. He talked with Don Pierce, a crabber, as well as Jackie Harmon and Tommy Leggett of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation:

On Reliable Sources, Howard Kurtz started the program off with Amanda Carpenter, Ann Marie Cox, and Frank Sesno. The topics included the coverage of the tea parties (FOX, CNN, MSNBC), and the new first pup. Kurtz also talked with Frank Sesno about his new project with PBS: Planet Forward. The program takes a look at citizen video's as a way to question the White House.

Next up was an interview with Michael Smerconish. Smerconish is a Republican who backed Obama during the primaries. They discussed the state of cable news and talk radio.

Jonathan Martin and Lynn Sweet joined Kurtz to discuss the Minnesota Senate election that continues without a resolution as well as the Newsweek article about Eliot Spitzer, Blagojevich desire to be on a reality TV program, and Texas' session from the union.

If you missed the program, you view the Reliable Sources podcast:

Back to John King with a discussion with (Mary Matalin's other half) James Carville and Bill Bennett. They talked about the CIA memos, right wing extremists, Obama's performance on the international stage, and tax day parties.

John King took the diner segment down to Cape Charles, Virginia to Kelly's Gingernut Pub. They discussed how President Obama has done during his first 100 days.

The next panel of the morning included David Gergen, Stephen Hayes, and Gloria Borger. They analyzed the summit that the President attended, homeland security, and tax day parties.

And then program changes as a result of the President's press conference. A report on the Florida everglades was dropped at the last minute. The panel returned to fill the time until the 35 minute press conference started. After the press conference, John King spoke with Stephen Hayes.

New York Governor, David Paterson, was scheduled to have the last word on the program. This segment didn't air Sunday morning, but it was posted to CNN.com:

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Out of the Box, March 25th

Frank Sesno:

CNN reporter Frank Sesno will host PBS's Planet Forward on April 15th. The program asks for written and video commentaries making a case for how the United States should deal with its current and future energy challenges. Then these submissions will be aired and a panel of scientists, policymakers, and business leaders will debate the issues they raise. Broadcast times vary, check your local listings.

Anderson Cooper:

Anderson Cooper will speak at Elon University on April 7th, where he will conduct a question-and-answer discussion with students at 2pm and deliver a special lecture at 4pm in the Koury Center’s Alumni Gym. Elon is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Cooper is also speaking at the University of Delaware campus Wednesday, April 15th at 8:30 p.m. in the Bob Carpenter Center. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday at UD box offices and via Ticketmaster. Cost per ticket is $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff, and $25 for the public

In the 'better late than never' category:
Suzanne Malveaux:
Suzanne Malveaux emceed the National Medical Association’s 2nd Annual Global Health Gala Awards Dinner honoring the William J. Clinton Foundation on Tuesday, March 24th at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Soledad O'Brien:

On March 23rd O'Brien spoke at NYU in Kimmel concerning women and diversity issues, as part of the Women as Changemakers series spurred on by Women’s History Month. To read more follow the link.

Wolf Blitzer:
And I'll leave you with an audio clip from National Public Radio's 'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me'. In each episode they play this bluff the listener game where the three panelists tell the caller a crazy story from the news, only one of which is true, and the caller has to decide which is the real one. For the 3/7 pod-cast one of the made up stories was about the Situation Room and Julie made a clip for our enjoyment.

That's it for another week, have a good one. ~Phebe



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Highlights From The Last Word in Sunday Talk

On Reliable Sources this morning, Howard Kurtz moderated a panel discussion with Frank Sesno, Mark Feldstein, and Alicia Shepard regarding the coverage of Sanjay Gupta being named as a possible candidate for Surgeon General. The panel had mixed reviews regarding CNN’s handling of the news:

Kurtz also spoke with Jessi Klein about her crush on CNN commentator David Gergen.

Today was the final Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer. The last word in Sunday talk wrapped up its 15 year history with a strong program. Among the interviews that aired today was one that Wolf did with Vice President Cheney. They discussed the economy, foreign policy (Gaza, Afghanistan, & Iraq), 9/11, and torture. The VP reflected on his career in DC and also offered some advice to the incoming VP.

Wolf asked the VP whether he thought this was the worst economy that we’ve seen since the Depression. Here’s a clip from his response and Wolf’s follow up comment about his own family:

The next interview on the program was with Speaker Pelosi. The economy, the bail out package, the new administration, and a possible stimulus package were discussed. The Speaker also commented on this being Wolf’s last Late Edition:

Over the last several weeks, a segment with Campbell Brown has become a regular part of Late Edition. This week, Wolf and Campbell discussed Obama’s speech regarding the economy.

And what is any Sunday without the Best Political Team on Television? The first panel: James Carville, David Gergen, & Tara Wall. Wolf continued the discussion about the economy and reported job loses as well as whether the Republicans and Democrats can work together to solve the country’s problems. The panel also discussed Govs. Palin and Blagojevich and the meeting of the Presidents (current, past, and President-elect).

The second discussion panel: John King, Candy Crowley, and Gloria Borger. The panel focused on the transition of power to the new administration and how the administration will work with Congress.

They also discussed the transition from Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer to the State of the Union with John King:

The State of the Union with John King debuts next Sunday, January 18th at 9AM. They’ll be broadcasting from the Newseum in Washington, D.C. and the first program will be focused on the President-Elect Obama’s inauguration.

The final clip tonight is of Wolf’s final sign off as anchor of Late Edition. In typical Blitzer style, he thanked the team of professionals that have put the program on air week after week for the past 15 years.

Sunday mornings won’t be the same without Wolf and Late Edition, but I’m looking forward to seeing John King’s new program. Plus, Wolf isn't going anywhere, we can still see him Monday - Friday at 4PM on The Situation Room.

If you missed CNN this morning, podcasts of the both of the programs are available: Reliable Sources and Late Edition.

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What a week it was...

As Wall Street continued its meltdown, the effects on the average citizen and on the rest of the world became more apparent. On Thursday Richard Quest did a piece from London explaining why the AIG bailout happened:

Friday, Kiran Chetry interviewed former British PM Tony Blair, and they discussed the impact on world finances. They also talked about his new focus, which is working with faith groups around the world:

Tuesday, Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr was in The Situation Room to describe a trip she took with the National Guard to tour the area hit by Hurricane Ike and to gauge how well we are getting basic necessities to those hit hardest:

Christiane Amanpour was on American Morning to talk about Korea (the change in their nuke stance; the rumors about Kim Jong Il's health) and also the special she and Frank Sesno are doing tonight:

The Next President will air tonight at 9pmET and features five former Secretaries of State -- Madeline Albright, James, Baker, Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, and Warren Christopher.

Finally, just a funny little bit from John Roberts Wednesday... sounding like management there, JR!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where in the World...?

Okay, one more time for the color coding... reporters in the Hurricane Ike zone are in red...

SATURDAY: Anderson Cooper was on the air from Houston at 1 am ET, Tony Harris took over as anchor at 2 am, TJ Holmes came on at 6 am, and Fredricka Whitfield at noon; Gary Tuchman was in Galveston, Texas; Jeanne Meserve and Betty Nguyen were in Houston; Ali Velshi was in Baytown, Texas; Rick Sanchez was in La Porte, Texas; Susan Candiotti and Reynolds Wolf were in Clute, Texas; Rusty Dornin was in Beaumont, Texas; Sean Callebs was in Kemah, Texas.

SUNDAY: Betty was in Seabrook, Texas; Ed Lavendera was in San Antonio; Reynolds was in Clear Lake City, Texas; Susan Roesgen was in Port Oliver, Texas; Rusty was in Bridge City, Texas; Sean in La Marque, Texas; Susan Candiotti was in Houston; Dana Bash was in Denver with the Palin campaign; Ed Henry was in Concord, New Hampshire with the McCain campaign; John King hosted This Week in Politics.

MONDAY: Dana was in Golden, Colorado with Palin; Candy Crowley was in Pueblo, Colorado with the Obama campaign; Cal Perry (above) was in Baghdad; TJ Holmes was in for Tony Harris; Betty Nguyen and Christine Romans were in for Kyra Phillips.

TUESDAY: Ed Lavendera was in Houston; Barbara Starr toured Texas with the National Guard; Candy was in Denver with Obama; Ed Henry was in Vienna, Ohio with McCain; John King was in Riviera Beach, Florida to film another "Battleground State" report; Heidi Collins filled in for the first hour of Tony Harris' timeslot, while TJ Holmes took the second and the first of Kyra's; Rick took the second hour for Kyra.

WEDNESDAY: Suzanne Malveaux and Candy were in Las Vegas with Obama; Ed Henry in Cleveland with McCain; Dana was in Grand Rapids, Michigan with Palin; John King was in Del Ray Beach, Florida; Zain Verjee reported from DC about the suicide bombing in Yemen; Peter Bergen appeared on AC360 to discuss the attack; Don Lemon was in for Tony (through Friday) and Fredricka Whitfield was in for Kyra (through Thursday).

THURSDAY: Ben Wedeman was in Sanaa, Yemen to report on the suicide attack; Richard Quest reported from London on the financial meltdown; John King was in the DC bureau; Kitty Pilgrim was in for Lou Dobbs.

FRIDAY: Ed Henry was in Chicago with McCain; Dana was in Blaine, Minnesota with Palin; Suzanne was in Coral Gables, Florida with Obama; Candy was in DC; Betty was in for Kyra; Lisa Sylvester was in for Lou.

That's it for me today. Have a good weekend!

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and may not be used without consent of the blog administrator.

Politics... More Politics

The latest CNN All Access Podcast takes a behind the scenes look at the Republican National Convention.

Here's the latest on what to expect over the next several several weeks on CNN...
CNN Broadcasts Roundtable with Five Former Secretaries of State

Amanpour, Sesno Moderate George Washington University Discussion, which Airs Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. (ET)
CNN Worldwide will air “The Next President: A World of Challenges,” a candid conversation among five former U.S. secretaries of state about the issues facing the next U.S. commander-in-chief. The roundtable discussion, assembled by The George Washington University, taped earlier this week and will air on CNN on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 9 p.m. and again on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

The discussion, held on the George Washington campus, featured Madeleine K. Albright, James A. Baker III, Warren Christopher, Dr. Henry A. Kissinger and Gen. Colin L. Powell. CNN’s chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour and special correspondent Frank Sesno moderated the roundtable. The former secretaries fielded questions not only from Amanpour and Sesno but also from students in the audience.

The event will also air on CNN International on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 9 p.m., with re-airings on Friday, Sept. 26, at noon, on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 a.m. and noon and on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 1 a.m. and 6 p.m. Viewers also can log on to www.CNNPolitics.com to watch the entire discussion plus bonus material. Additional presentations of the event will air on www.CNN.com/live on Monday, Sept. 22, at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m.


CNN’s Roland Martin Continues Series of Candid Political Discussion

Martin, Panel of Middle-Class Americans Hash Out Struggles for ‘What They’re Not Saying. . . About Your Money’

As Americans count down to Election Day, CNN contributor Roland Martin will host his second special in a series examining the various issues driving this election. The special titled, “What They’re Not Saying. . .About Your Money,” airing this Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m. (ET), will examine what it means to be middle class in America.

For the special, Martin will talk to a panel of Americans who are currently facing a crisis with housing, health care or the job market. CNN’s senior business correspondent Ali Velshi and Capitol Hill correspondent Jessica Yellin will join the conversation to help viewers understand what is going on with the economy and what the candidates, government officials and political experts are – and are not – saying about the economic issues people face in their everyday lives.

Martin's first special, “7 Weeks to Go,” explored how age, race and gender have played a pivotal role in this election and whether bias – instead of the issues – could be a deciding factor on Election Day. The program topped the cable news competition with 1.2 million total viewers and 360,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic.

A third Roland Martin special, “What They Didn't Say. . .In The Debate,” will air on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. (ET), the day after the first presidential debate. This post-debate program features Martin and panelists discussing what the candidates did not address, and CNN's viewers will have the opportunity to respond. This special will re-air on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m. (ET)




Here's where you can expect to find the CNN Election Express over the next couple of weeks....

9/26	Presidential Debate, Oxford, MS
9/27 – 9/28	Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, Birmingham, AL
10/2	Vice Presidential Debate, St. Louis, MO
10/3 – 10/4	Oktoberfest, St. Louis, MO

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Mama For President

If you’re still wondering what the differences are between the two presumptive nominees for president, the CNN Special The Next President may help. The program aired this past Saturday and Sunday at 8PM EST and was anchored by Campbell Brown & John Roberts. The program takes a look at the policy differences between Sen. Obama & Sen. McCain. (Could they be any more different?)

The program included reports by: Ali Velshi- economic plans Sanjay Gupta- health care Bill Schneider – age difference Erica Hill- Who is John McCain? Barbara Starr – national security Anderson Cooper- Who is Barack Obama?

Mama for President: Good Lord, Why Not? Yes, there could be another name showing up on the general election ballot this year. Mama. This is a short clip from Saturday’s This Week in Politics to introduce you to the latest contender.

In the book, when she discusses a potential debate, she puts CNN on notice:

But I should warn you that I have been known to have a bit of temper. In spite of that, I will try to hold back before things get physical. The last thing this country needs is to see the potential leaders of the free world rolling around on the floor live on CNN. I won’t impose any ground rules for our debates except for a glass of bicarbonate on my desk and two or three emergency bathroom breaks if needed. When it comes to debating our nation’s most pressing issues, I have answer for questions no one’s even thought of. So tell Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, and all others to fire away!

(Credit: Excerpt from Mama for President: Good Lord, Why Not? By Vicki Lawrence)

The second episode of The Global Wire has been posted on the web. In this episode, CNN’s Frank Sesno talks to former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

You can watch the latest episode from The Global Wire website or on BlipTV. The transcript of the program is also available.

Happy Birthday to Miles O'Brien who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday, June 9th.

All content, unless otherwise cited, is © All Things CNN and may not be used without consent of the blog administrator.

A Pail In Comparison

With tonight being last of the 2008 primaries, eventually the focus of this election will go from "Who is the nominee?" to "Who is the running mate?" If you were asked to describe the Vice Presidency in 10 words or less, how would you do it? Well, Richard Stengel of Time Magazine only used 5 words on Monday’s the Situation Room. Wolf Blitzer was talking with Stengel, Gloria Borger, and Jack Cafferty about the role and power of the Vice President.

This is not the first phrase that came to my mind, but I obviously need to brush up on my VP factoids. There’s some history behind Stengel’s words. John Nance Garner who was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s VP from 1933 – 1941 reportedly described the office of the vice presidency as being "not worth a bucket of warm piss." Members of the media have been known to use the toned down “warm spit” version of this quote. (Source: Wikipedia)

One last Situation Room clip, this one is from a few weeks ago when Jack Cafferty was talking about his blog. The Cafferty File blog reached has had over 10 million page views!

If you visit the blog, you'll notice on the sidebar that PC users can download a Situation Room screen saver.

CNN’s special correspondent, Frank Sesno, has a new talk show, but you won’t see it on CNN. Episodes of The Global Wire will be available on the web and it will feature a bipartisan range of distinguished foreign policy thinkers as guests. The first episode was filmed in front of a live audience at The George Washington University and features a conversation with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) on the global challenges facing the next president. Episodes of the show are available for viewing on the Center’s website, www.usglobalengagement.org, as well as on the Center’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/cusge. (Source: Press Release)

Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright is scheduled to be the second interview in this series.

All content, unless otherwise cited, is © All Things CNN and may not be used without consent of the blog administrator.

Courage Under Fire

Earlier this week, Christiane Amanpour received the International Documentary Association (IDA) Courage Under Fire Award. Below are excerpts from an IDA press release:

Christiane Amanpour will receive the International Documentary Association Courage Under Fire Award. The award is reserved for individuals who put themselves in harm’s way in order to bring important stories to the public. Amanpour will be feted during the 2007 IDA Distinguished Achievement Awards Gala Benefit at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles on December 7.

“Our members want to express their admiration for Christiane Amanpour who has consistently brought the world honest and thorough first-hand reports from dangerous places where history was happening,” says IDA President Diane Estelle Vicari. “We appreciate her integrity, her commitment to showing and telling the public the truth, and the exceptional courage that she has shown in the face of personal danger.”

This is only the fourth time that IDA has presented a Courage Under Fire Award in the 25 year history of the organization. The previous three awards went to filmmakers for specific documentaries that put them in harm’s way. It is only the second time that IDA has presented an award to a television journalist. Former CBS-TV news anchor and correspondent Walter Cronkite received an IDA Career Achievement Award in 1992.

“IDA is committed to encouraging filmmakers and journalists to inform the public about the critical issues of our times,” says IDA Executive Director Sandra Ruch. “Christiane Amanpour has brought light to some of the darkest places in the world. We hope that this tribute will inspire other journalists and filmmakers to follow her example.”

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This week there will be several CNN favorites showing up on other networks:

	Wednesday, 12/12	Larry King will be on The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Originally broadcast 3/1/2007.
	Friday, 12/14	Anderson Cooper will guest co-host Live with Regis and Kelly
	Friday, 12/14	Stephanie Elam will appear on Tavis Smiley on PBS

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Friday night, another new Special Investigations Unit debuted: Iran: Fact & Fiction. This program, anchored by Campbell Brown, examined the relationship between the US and Iran over the last decade.

The program included several reports from Frank Sesno. Along with analysis from Trita Parsi, Joe Klein, David Gergen, and Aneesh Ramen.

The relationship between the two countries has been complicated. Below are a few of the highlights that the program touched on:

• 1997 – US attempts diplomacy with the new moderate president. These attempts fail as Iran's Supreme Leader has no interest in improving relations.
• Fall of 2001 - Iran and the US work together in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban. This included sharing of information and safe passage of supplies. Iran helped to establish the government and was prepared to assist Afghanistan to train the national army.
• January 2002- Pres. Bush referred to Iran were part of the Axis of Evil.
• A 2003 Iran sent a non-existent memo through the Swiss to the US that outlined their aims and the US. The memo was never acted upon by the US. A diplomatic opportunity missed?
• December, 2007 - National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report released that Iran stopped their nuclear weapons program in 2003.

The program has some excellent reporting by Frank Sesno and doesn't attempt to place blame of the current tension between Iran and the US on any one particular party.

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Mystery Journalist

This week's Mystery Journalist was Michael Ware.

Thanks to Cyn for the great picture this week!

Aneesh Raman Talks About Reporting From Iraq

In today's post:

• Aneesh Raman speaks at Clinton School for Public Service
• Three Questions for CNN's Aneesh Raman
• Frank Sesno to Moderate Discussion at the 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy

Aneesh Raman speaks at Clinton School for Public Service

On July 5, 2007, Aneesh Raman spoke to over 150 people at the Clinton School for Public Service. Below are excerpts from an article written by Jason Wiest that appeared in the Arkansas News Bureau the following day:

LITTLE ROCK - Resolving Middle Eastern conflicts, including the war in Iraq, could take decades, or worse, end in a "generational apocalypse," a television news correspondent who covers the region told an audience at the Clinton School for Public Service on Thursday.

CNN correspondent Aneesh Raman shared his experiences and insights covering events in the Middle East, from Saddam Hussein's execution to the tsunami in Sri Lanka.

Raman, currently stationed in Cairo, Egypt, said it was difficult to effectively report from Iraq.

"Journalists are targeted," he said. "It's never happened like this before. Now we're sought out. There's money on our heads and so we have to be extremely careful."

When reporting in Iraq, journalists travel with their own security and normally cannot spend more than an hour in one place because word starts to get out about their location, he said.

The "white noise" of Iraq - incessant news of car bombings, kidnappings and other common happenings - has prompted people to tune out news from Iraq, making it difficult to capture Americans' interest, he said.

"It is a difficult environment to operate within, not just with the security there but also trying to engage Americans in a story that people sort of, in their own minds, have figured out," he said. "What they think about, what they believe, doesn't really change as much."

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Three Questions for CNN's Aneesh Raman

Soon after being appointed Middle East Correspondent for CNN, the South Asian Journalists Association had the opportunity to ask Raman a few questions:

Q: How does this new assignment change your life?

RAMAN: It gives me a home. For the past 6 months I've literally been jumping from country to country with two suitcases and nothing more, so I'm excited to finally have a place of my own in Cairo. Other than that it changes little. As Middle East Correspondent, I will be based in Cairo but traveling often throughout the region. After a year in Baghdad, and most of the past few months in Iran, it is quite apparent that the Middle East is going through seminal change. To see it up close has and will continue to be a phenomenal opportunity.

Q: What have you learned about yourself the past couple of years covering the tsunami, Iraq, Lebanon?

RAMAN: That my addiction to news is so strong it's withstood all the difficulties that come with this lifestyle. To be a journalist is one thing, to live the life of one quite another. But the opportunity to chronicle generational events, from the tsunami to Iraq, keeps the addiction alive and well. ?These are, for me, defining times for foreign correspondents. With rising conflict around the world, news remains a key element to broadening perspectives on all sides. It might be said by every journalist as at every point of their careers, but to me, the news has rarely felt as relevant as it does today.

Q: Any tips/suggestions for young South Asian journalists in the U.S. who'd like to become foreign correspondents?

RAMAN: There will be moments of resignation, when you think there's no way things are going to work out. There will be moments of frustration, when you did all the right things and still didn't get the right result. And there will be moments of immobility, when you think you're stuck in a rut. The key to surviving all that is having an undying passion for news, and knocking on every door at the right time with the right pitch. Don't give up. The opportunities that await those who make it into international news are just too incredible to pass up.

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Frank Sesno to Moderate Discussion at the 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy

Excerpts from a Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Press Release:

Belle Wheelan, former secretary of education for Virginia and current president of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, will be part of a panel about education, workforce training and creativity at the 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy set for October 24-25, 2007, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Jack D. Dale, superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, and Robert Kahn, the CEO, chairman and president of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, will be on the panel with Wheelan.

Additionally, Frank Sesno, CNN correspondent and professor of public policy and communication at George Mason University, will lead the Town Hall wrap-up discussion on the last day of the conference ( www.creativeeconomies.org).

Sesno is an Emmy-award winning journalist, with more then 23 years at CNN where he has served as news anchor, analyst, reporter, D.C. bureau chief and host of Late Edition with Frank Sesno. His recent work has included hosting duties for Sesno Reports for public television, production of a four-part, eight-hour PBS documentary series about weapons of mass destruction and terrorism called Avoiding Armageddon and a 10-part series about global perspectives called Worldtalk.