CNN, John McCain's camp at odds following confrontational Campbell Brown interview

In one of those moments a network executive would excitingly term "great TV," CNN's Campbell Brown and John McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds clashed on air Monday over vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's foreign policy credentials.

Tensions -- and voices -- rose after the anchorwoman told Bounds that she was just "trying to get someone from the campaign to explain what foreign policy experience [Palin] has." Bounds repeatedly skirted the question, choosing instead to criticize Barack Obama's lack of executive experience.

"All right, Tucker," Brown said as she ended the segment with a broad, sarcastic smile. "I'm just going to give it to ya, baby."

The clip was much in demand today -- and, CNN revealed, the McCain camp made clear it was not pleased.

This afternoon, anchorman Wolf Blitzer announced on air that McCain's planned interview with Larry King tonight had been canceled by the campaign. Blitzer said McCain aides complained that Brown had gone "over the line" in her grilling of Bounds.

McCain campaign spokeswoman Maria Comella later explained the cancellation with this sharply worded statement:

"After a relentless refusal by certain on-air reporters to come to terms with John McCain’s selection of Alaska’s sitting governor as our party’s nominee for vice president, we decided John McCain’s time would be better served elsewhere."

Meanwhile, ABC News announced that it would be broadcasting "the only interview" with McCain during the week's Republican National Convention. Charles Gibson will handle the questioning, and the network will dole it out -- parts will air Wednesday on "World News Tonight" and "Nightline" and Thursday on "Good Morning America."

UPDATE: Jon Klein, president of CNN, has issued a statement in support of Brown's interview. "Campbell Brown did what journalists do," Klein said Tuesday evening. "She asked fair and important questions in a respectful way and was simply trying to get a straight answer to a straightforward question."

-- Kate Linthicum

Comments

[jjj]

i guess I will have no reason to watch CNN anymore The media will get all they will need from the Candidates, they just do not need to bully people around just to break a story. To bad for CNN. now ABC gets the interview.

[cj]

dear 'common sense'--
lois waldron says "PALIN IS TRAILER TRASH...."

THESE ARE THE KINDS OF PEOPLE THAT SUPPORT OBAMA. I AM WITH YOU 'COMMON SENSE', I CAN'T WAIT TO VOTE AGAINST OBAMA AND HIS CREW, AND VOTE REPUBLICAN FOR FIRST TIME IN MY VOTING LIFE!

[Jojo]

I don't have any problem with this line of questioning as long as reporters are consistent, when they are not.

Obama has ABSOLUTELY NO foreign policy experience, as evidenced by his stating:
1 Send troops to Pakistan (then backtracking)
2 Surge would increase violence (then backtracking)
3 Talk with Iran's leaders w/o precondition (then backtracking)
4 Taking no side in the Georgia/Russia dispute then parroting McCain

Obama is a true lightweight.

[kpc]

While Campbell asked the tough questions of Tucker she came across as very partisan. One got the impression she would not or has not asked the tough questions of the Obama Campaign in this manner. I don't agree with McCain for pulling out of the Larry King interview, however, I don't think Campbell should be praised either - CNN should expect better.

[catcatcat]

Campbell, baby, that was not a particularly professional interview. What are trying to do? Increase the protest vote tally? Well, it just increased by one.

[Chris]

Tucker was skating on thin ice. Great job by Campbell. As voters, we need to find out the truth. Tucker insulted the intelligence of Americans by not answering the questions.

Everyone knows Palin does not have foreign policy experience. Just admit it and say that she brings something different, fresh to the campaign. We would have liked that better.

[LuckyLou]

The issue is not that a reporter became confrontational with McCains spokesman. The issue is that if not all reporters are confrontational with all politicians than it is clearly bias and propaganda.

How many "way to go Brown!" folks on this board would like her drilling Obama on Rev. Wright, his mentor and friend he just dumped and his church of 20 years he just quit from for political expediency? And how many moveon.org folks want Obama drilled on why he voted with Bush on the Iraq war bills when ge got to the Senate? How many want Obama drilled on why he paid hacks to eliminate all of his opponents in the Illinois senate election on technicalities? How many want Obama drilled on his long string of broken promiese, from Fisa , to campaign financing? He has not answered any of these instead using the same obfuscating techniques as McCains spokesman did in this interview.

To sum up, some folks and the MSM will cackle and drool like hyenas over a 17 year old getting pregnant but only if she is a daughter of the other party.

[Joe from PA]

Campbell, to say it simply -- you were unprofessiional and demonstrated an appearance for a lack of independent reporting.

You blemished the CNN image for independent reporting.

[KennyT]

Let me tell it like it is. Rove is the primary McCain campaign strategist. He has mandated that all PR Republibots speak only certain points and that they repeat over and over so as to thwart any tough questions. I sit comfortably knowing the next President is a Democrat - and the Republicans on this message board are running scared.

[Drummond1]

As an outsider and unfortunately not an American I find it threatening to say the least that the Democrat and Republican playing field in regards to the media is a little one sided . I payed very close attention to the Democratic Convention and the event was entertaining to say the least and focused primarily on who Americans might be under a new leadership. The Republican convention said a lot about the American backbone and who Americans are in this point and time.. I caught Larry King and watched his interviews breaking down the post Republican opening night.. Cmon Larry.. you can do better than that. What a circus.

[Heidi]

In yet another newscast or newspaper... NEWS isn't the real topic, but the bias these so called newsmen show to ingraciate themselves with their own pick in this political race... You are a discrace to real journalism and use your so called power to distroy what this country stands for with your twisted reports and unethical bahavior.... shame on the lot of you
Go back and read the constitution and try to comprehend the basic tennets that this country was built on... try living with HONOR , if you can comprenend that term.... open your hearts to the possibility of change for the better with McCain/Palin and not the retoric coming from the OBAMA campaign. He isn't who you he think he is. A great speaker doesn't make a great man.

[Lou Antosh]

I remember the days when "journalists" like Campbell Brown would actually report on such questions as how many National Guard decisions Sarah Palin has made. You know, like go through records and interview Guard officials. And THEN she would have asked the Palin spokesperson to comment on the fact. But Campbell actually described what she and Tucker were doing as a "debate," yes between Republican Tucker and Obama girl Brown. Wolf et al defended her hysterical questioning. Because the new "news" template is to just chat rather than report.

[bb]

Charles Gibson is a nice guy. Sometimes, too nice. You can bet he'll have no tough questions for McCain. And if McCain dodges one of those *easy* questions, you can also bet Charlie won't pursue him for a direct answer.

[Katrina]

Ms. Brown did a fantastic job proving that even John McCain's own camp cannot justify Sarah Palin as a good choice for VP. Now McCain shows his true colors as a petulant child, taking his toys and going home. The truth is coming out, all around.

[Barbyrah]

People are leaving comments that would leave one to assume it was Mrs. Palin who was the one being "grilled" "agressively" in this interview...Last time I checked, she has yet to speak with anyone in the media (with the exception of People magazine). Hmm. What does that say?

[Jerry Winn]

With all due respect I disagree with Jon Klein the President of CNN. Campbell Brown's demeanor was uncivil and unprofessional. ( I now know why she was passed over at NBC. ) The minute she started ranting the question over and over my wife changed the channel and I was glad she did.

I saw a replay later and I agree the question is fair game but when Mr Bounds answered she argued with him, only to show her ignorance about the national guard and a governor's role. Clearly baised...

In the future I'll not watch any show that includes Campbell Brown and today I'll find CNN advertisers and advise them of the same.

Sorry Mr. Klein, you are all wrong in defending your amateur and uninformed reporter.

Jerry L. Winn

[Addison Parks]

I've been critical of CNN for some of the blowhard rhetoric of the likes of Lou Dobbs and Jack Cafferty, but three cheers for the tough and incisive Cambell Brown and CNN. Nice to see someone stand up to the boatload of BS spewing out of the back of the "straight talk" mac truck!

[JJ]

Campbell Brown asked a hard but fair question, and Tucker Bounds looked like a complete idiot. And I am someone who is strongly inclined to vote for McCain. To all those posting about the hypocrisy of Obama's lack of similar experience, did you listen to Brown's interview carefully? She at least tacitly concedes Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. Her point is that McCain's camp attacks Obama on these grounds and then selects a VP with similar issues, undermining one of their strongest arguments against Obama. Tucker probably didn't do his homework. There is a good chance that there is a nugget or two of "real" experience in Palin's role with the military in Alaska, but Tucker did not know enough about it to say anything concrete. At least that is the positive spin for Republicans. The negative would be that Tucker does know, and there is really nothing of note in Palin's foreign policy dossier.

[Drew]

The way I see it is the Republicans are sweating.....it's nice to see that they are getting what they dish out all the time and it looks like they can't handle it. How does it feel hypocrits?!?!?

[kate]

Thank you, Campbell Brown, for asking probing questions. It is very difficult to watch campaign aides who spew out irrelevant talking points instead of answering questions, and only too rarely does anyway call them on it. This is what journalism should be. If people like Tucker Bounds (or his democratic counterparts) don't want to answer questions, don't give them free air time or media exposure.

[Kevin]

Tucker Bounds is a loser hack who couldn't even answer a question with a straight answer. Just another example of GOP weakness, yes this is the party that claims it can best protect us? McCain's cowardice in appearing before the softest interviewer in media today - Larry King - proves he lacks the spine, intelligence, and temperament to be president. The man can't even stand up to some stiff questioning. Vladimir Putin would eat McCain for breakfast and have Palin for dessert.

What a joke the repukes are. I am SO glad Obama is going to win the presidency!

And look at their pathetic, depressing, convention with all the empty seats. They know they're going to lose and trying so hard to look positive. When Obama is inaugurated I am going to rub it in the face of every conservative I know. I can't wait!! :)

[Tom]

Campbell Brown has turned into CNN's version of Bill O'Reilly. IF you watched the whole interview and not just the clips, her badgering approach, talk overs, and facial sneers were unprofessional and clearly intended to simply make Tucker Bounds look bad. Contrast that to her treatment of Obama spokespersons and the bias seems pretty clear to me.

That said, Bounds himself was obviously not prepped to answer the question about Palin's decision making and should have either not done the interview or responded with I don't know. It was a somewhat loaded question and one that CNN later answered itself in noting that Palin had ordered the AK national guard into firefighting service.

The softballs that Larry King later threw at the Democratic spokespersons were even more disturbing.

[AMB]

I find it fascinating the number of people defending how "professional" Campbell Brown came across. With regard to the line of questioning regarding Sarah Palin's control of the Alaska National Guard. Ms. Brown adamantly and repeatedly insisted that any decision regarding troop movements, mission, etc. fall directly under the control of the Pentagon, General Petraeus, & the White House. Really? In order for any National Guard troops to fall under the jurisdiction of the Pentagon and General Blum (not Petraeus, commander in Iraq...) they must first be released by order of the sitting governor (Governor Palin, in this case) under Title X orders to the control of the federal government. Therefore, she is in direct control of Alaska National Guard troop movement. The sitting governor of any state is Commander in Chief of that state's national guard, not the Pentagon, not the President, until they are federalized. Really, I would have thought CNN and Campbell Brown would have done their research and had facts straight before attacking based on erroneous facts. Facts that are public knowledge.

[Natasha of New York]

Quote: "Jon Klein, president of CNN, has issued a statement in support of Brown's interview. "Campbell Brown did what journalists do," Klein said Tuesday evening. "She asked fair and important questions in a respectful way and was simply trying to get a straight answer to a straightforward question." Jon Klein, President CNN.

To Jon Klein:

I am not surprised with your idioitic statement. You have the audacity to call Cambell Brown's utterly rude behavior, "respectfull"???!!! Either you think that we are stupid or you must be smiking something funny, or for that matter you yourseld do not know the difference between "polite" and "rude" nor the difference between "calm and collected" and "neurotic-phychotic" behavior. Yes, Cambell Brown is a neurotic and rude anchor lady - this is not the first time she has been rude to her guests. Perhaps Mr Klein you were better off having done your own homework in "VETTING" Ms. Cambell Brown. She is a disgrace to serious journalism together with Mr. Hafferty!

With the exception of a few anchors and correspondents, whom I have always respected (and who keep you still in business) such as Wolf Blitzer, John King, Christian Amanpour, Candy Crawly, etc. the rest of your "pretty faces" are "knucle heads" who - I repeat - are a disgrace to serious journalism.

I prefer to remember the good old CNN that you have destroyed, Sir.

No wonder why - for example - BBC World News and BBC America are increasingly more and more in demand by American households. The fact that most satellite services and cable operators offer BBC World News instead of CNN International - offered only to 6 million households in the US a country the population of which is 300 million should tell you something Sir - that more viewers prefer BBC over CNN!!

I am very glad that the McCain campagn pulled the McCain interview from CNN. In the mean-time, I suggest that you put Ms. Cambell Brown on some tranquilizers or bette yet - FIRE HER!!

Shame on Cambel Brown and Jon Klein's CNN! Leadership starts at the top! And, your top advertisers are taking notice CNN - trust me!

I am Natasha from NY and aprove this message

[Leslie Kratz]

I commend Campbell Brown for asking the relevant questions that we all should be asking ourselves. And I commend her for pushing for more of an answer than the political gobbledygook she was offered by Tucker. She was not disrespectful or even strident... she was just pursuing the answer to a question that every American... Republican, Democrat or Independent should want the answer to... And now we learn that John McCain cancelled an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN because he was pissed off because a journalist asked a pertinent question and respectfully... and she was respectful... demanded a direct answer. Is this the behavior that Mr. McCain will exhibit... if he is elected President... and then is asked a relevant question by a government official from another country like France, Italy or Turkey for example? He will fold up his cards, shut down and go home? Kudos to Ms. Brown for holding up the torch... and keeping the McCain team on task. One more thing...if Tucker didn't know the answer to her question... he should have said so... he should have said he would get back to her. People are asking themselves if Ms. Palin is qualified to hold an executive position within our national government. I am asking a more important question... is John McCain qualified to hold an executive position within our national government?

[Peg]

Anyone who would try to answer her hysterical shouting would have to be prepared to answer in one to two words. Tucker got shut off before he was half way through a sentence. Are people not allowed to answer in complete sentences when Cambell Brown is interviewing. She exhibits clear predudice against the GOP. She has become the queen of the shouting heads.

[Pilgrim]

Where was Nancy Pfotenhauer when McCain needed her? No way she would have been punked by Campbell Brown like Bounds was. Back to the frat house Tucker.

[Peter Schiavone]

I would understand if Brown had applied the same standards of journalism to the Democrats (in one interview she even referred to Obama as "our candidate"). Why not the same intensity in probing 'lack of experience' in Obama's case? It's clear to most impartial observers that Brown sits in the Democratic camp. This fact alone spells 'unprofessional' . Let her take a look at Larry King if she wants to see how to get the answers.

[Quacker]

The snear on Cambell's face was disgusting.

Guess what cable 'news' station I'm not watching any longer.

[Maggie Knowles]

Didn't you hear on Faux News? Palin is governor of the State of Alaska which is right next door to Russia! How much more foreign relations experience do you need?

[jay]

CAMPBELL BROWN DOSEN"T DO A VERY GOOD JOB CAMPAIGNING FOR OBAMA. IT"S OK TO BE TOUGH ON HER GUEST,BUT NOT TO GET NASTY WITH THEM. A REPORTER IS SUPPOSE TO BE IMPARTIAL

[Frank Ferina]

The RNC is still waiting for Campbell Brown to ask the same question about Barack Hussein Obama's experience and or inexperience. Last time I checked governers do not have experience in foreign matters.

[Brian Nelson]

I think it is interesting that Campbell Brown asked with vigor the question of Tucker to name one decsion that Gov. Palin gave the Alaska National Guard. Why doesnt Campbell ask Barak Obama in the same tone, the same vigor to name his biggest political accomplishment as a Senator that has made a major impact? it is interesting to see the media so one sided that no one can name one thing Obama has accomplished that he can take credit forin his total of 140 working days as IL senator. Sad to see when the blind eye is turned for americans who would like both sides given equal in depth vetting.

[AS]

I recommend that we find out as much as we can about Campbell Brown's children and then expose how well she parents her children. Her very high profile New York anchor job at CNN is sure to put a crimp on the quality time she is able to provide her children. After all, as she expressed during the interview, no one in today's media obsessed world should expect mercy from public scrutiny!!!

[cs]

I laugh at the dems trying to attack Palin. EVERYTHING they can argue against her could be a valid argument against the Clintons.

If personal problems keeps Mrs. Palin from being qualified from office, then Bill Clinton's infidelity should've kept him out of office.

If Palin is **accused** of abuse of power, then we can insert the Paula Jones/Monica Lewinski/Vince Foster card here. Not to mention, the famed democratic sweethearts get quite a bit of favors because of Bill's presidency.

A 17 year old thinks independantly of her parents. I don't get how this is the fault of Paula, unless Obama attracts a bunch of irrational media hounds. It's a shame that the media would take on a 17 year old's plight in vein attempt at scrutiny. This shows that the media is not competant to discuss issues such as war/economic policies between the candidates.

If we pander to media garbage like this, then we deserve the president that we get.

[jhc]

It wasn't the question, even though it was a question that required a detailed knowledge of Palin's executive orders as Governor, it was all about her smug demeanor. It gets even worse as we now find out that Brown new that Palin had deployed the NG for fire fighting on a number of occasions all the while hammering Bounds for an answer he obviously didn't have. Now, that's not sending troops into war but NG troops have died fighting fires before. Besides, that is what governors do. They send NG troops into hurrican afflicted areas and to fight fires if necessary. Brown came across as smug and unprofessional. She has not made the transition from fluff to hard news. CNN seems to be happy with the product. Satisfied with a lousy product, they will always lag in the market polls.

[Kathie]

I watched the exchanged beween Campbell and Tucker.
I have seen Larry King ask questions to Tucker, he allows Tucker to answer his question and then if Larry did not feel he got a good enough response he would ask the question again, maybe a little differently.

Campbell interrupted Tucker, she interrupted Tucker, get it, she was rude. Her interviewing skills are not of my taste, I prefer to hear an answer then if further questioning is needed then she should follow as Larry King does and ask the question differently. But at least let the interviewee answer the question, no matter how you may NOT LIKE the answer, don't act like a three old child and interrupt people.

[frances]

As an independent and still undecided I have only watched CNN (around the clock)as I assumed they would be the most neutral in their coverage. Campbell Brown was so unprofessional. I myself am a woman in the business world fighting the "good ole boys" for respect. Lesson #1 be assertive not agressive. Brown was so agressive she lost her credibility. Had she kept her mouth shut for a few moments perhaps Tucker could have answered and we the viewers could have made up our OWN minds if he answered the question. She did a disservice to me and other women, control your emotions. You can be assertive in your questioning but why so hostile (you are a reporter). Lets hope Pailin can handle herself better than Campbell!

I'm completely done with CNN. I need neutral non partisan coverage. By the way, isn't it Obama and McCain running for President. Why does everyone compare Obama to Pailin, is it because they are more comparable, and one can't even come close to comparing Obama and McCain. There is no comparison, McCain wins hands down.

[erikiq0]

What complete and utterly empty-headed rhetoric from you libs! You don't even see it coming do you? That is - your loss. You won't win in November and the more you try to aggravate the situation - the tighter the noose will be around your neck. I watched this interview and it was an abomination. Granted the question should have been answered plainly by Tucker - "Campbell, I am not sure what orders she commited at an executive level - but I'll look into it and get back with you quickly" Instead of skirting the issue, I agree - he didn't look smart - but Campbell would never do that kind of interview to a fellow liberal. You know that's Gospel truth!

Good luck in November - because your saviour is going down.

iq0

[S Mac]

I'm done with CNN...I thought they were a legit news channel. I actually watched this thing and was disgusted as she contorted her face while asking questions. Like a little baby that wasn't getting it's way. What a bitch!

[McCain fan]

Hey stupid chick interviewer.....it's no longer an interview when you talk over their answers and try to show YOUR point of view & enough already with the deep breaths you pouting fool. Go jump in a lake.

[Karolyn]

Campbell Brown was condescending and sarcastic and way off limits. Asking the question and wanting an answer is fair. Grilling Tucker Bounds because he would not answer the question HER way was not fair. Her final remark - "baby" was extremely unprofessional. She lost her cool on this one.

Brown's popularity is going to her head.

[ES]

Why is it okay that Sen. Chris Dodd (D) can side step ALL questions from Wolf Blitzer the other day, never answer the questions, and gets a complete free pass from CNN.... but suddenly CNN is asking all the questions and doing great journalism with Campbell Brown. This is so blatently obvious how biased they are! If you do not accept one party not answering questions, you BETTER force ALL parties to answer the questions!

[Ross]

Campbell Brown is mouthy and opinionated. It has been said she is Chris Matthews' female counterpart.

[Carla Herret]

I second Lou Antosh comments! Campbell Brown went hysterical and uncontrolled. I'm leaving CNN behind for a more fair and professional reporting network. (Wolf B., you are an embarrassment also with continuous prompts, "DIdn't Obama do well . . .". ) This is supposed to be the Republican's week; why are we drowning in Obama's accolades?!!

[Carla Herret]

I second Lou Antosh comments! Campbell Brown went hysterical and uncontrolled. I'm leaving CNN behind for a more fair and professional reporting network. (Wolf B., you are an embarrassment also with continuous prompts, "DIdn't Obama do well . . .". ) This is supposed to be the Republican's week; why are we drowning in Obama's accolades?!!

[Hosea]

Americans unable to discern this hypocrisy will blindly doom our great nation

[Neil Weston]

Section 2 of the 25th Amendment provides that "Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress."
If something were to happen to McCain, Palin as VP would be able to pick a VP with extensive foreign policy experience. It took me about 2 minutes to research this. Why as a journalist, wasn't Campbell Brown (Miss "I really want to know') able to do this? Was it laziness, ignorance, or was it just a plain lack of objectivity? Maybe an inservice on research techniques or on objectivity may help.

[Neil Weston]

Section 2 of the 25th Amendment provides that "Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress."
If something were to happen to McCain, Palin as VP would be able to pick a VP with extensive foreign policy experience. It took me about 2 minutes to research this. Why as a journalist, wasn't Campbell Brown (Miss "I really want to know') able to do this? Was it laziness, ignorance, or was it just a plain lack of objectivity? Maybe an inservice on research techniques or on objectivity may help.

[Erica]

Kudos to Campbell Brown for being an outstanding journalist? You've got to be kidding! Her facile sincerity was pathetic - in the interview and especially afterward in other discussions about the interview. She had a clear agenda. If you were impressed by her performance, it's only because you agree with her pro-Obama stance. A good reporter asks the question, then actually waits to hear a response. A good reporter also bothers to educate herself about the issue. A good reporter isn't so obviously invested in one side of the issue.

It was clear Brown doesn't have a clue about how the National Guard functions in this country. She was shockingly clueless. In later interviews (in response to the idiotic firestorm that followed the interview), she'd FINALLY done some research. This research was done AFTER the fact. So, give me a break. Campbell Brown is a hack. A real journalist does the research before the interview.

But, it appears, Brown met her match in Tucker Bounds who is clearly as incompetant at crafting an intelligent, original response as Campbell Brown is at asking educated, legitimate questions. He dodged the question when he could have given a concise answer in less than 20 seconds. Bounds did try to educate Brown on how the Guard functions, but she was so clueless that she didn't get it. She didn't understand that her loaded question was intrinsically flawed because she's ignorant. Still, Bounds underperformed...he should know that Campbell Brown needed him to speak slowly and use very small words, starting with the very basics of "this is what a governor does" and "this is how the NG works."

And, no, questioning Palin's experience isn't really legitimate. Not in light of the facts. She's the VP candidate and she has plenty of experience for the role. It seems evident. She's a governor. She has more experience governing than Obama does...and she's not running for the top spot. Sixteen of our presidents were governors before being elected to govern the entire nation. Historically, the American people have a lot of confidence in the ability of governors to run the whole country...and for good reason since states are essentially mini versions of the country.

I can't believe people think this is good TV just because both of the players didn't get what they wanted. Eeewww, exciting! Campbell Brown acted like a petulant child; Tucker Bounds acted like a robot, incapable of diverging from his talking points. They were woefully disappointing in their respective roles. Both stuck to their agendas without bothering to use their brains. If you're sympathetic to either one of them, then it's your bias showing. They were both absurd.