Support BuzzFlash Get a copy of click image BuzzFlash Content Interviews P.M. Carpenter Maureen Farrell World Media Watch Barbara's Daily Buzz Eric Harrison Thomas Burns Steven C. Day The Angry Liberal Editorials Contributors Mailbag Perspectives Analysis News Alerts Link Archives Search About FAQ Buy a Book and Support BuzzFlash

Colin Powell Aide Tries to Censor Tim Russert Interview on "Meet the Press" By Pushing Camera Away

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

BuzzFlash Note: Several readers wrote us and said that they saw this bizarre attempt at Soviet-Style censorship on "Meet the Press," courtesy of a Colin Powell staff member.

Did you guys see what just happened on Meet the Press?

On the West Coast rebroadcast, Russert showed an unedited tape of his interview with Colin Powell, who was in the Middle East, that was interrupted by a member of Powell's staff.

Russert's last question was about the false info in Powell's speech to the UN in Feb 2003 - but before Powell could answer someone pushed the camera off Powell. With the camera pointing at the ocean, Powell was heard saying off camera, "Get out of the way, Emily." On the split screen, Russert says, "This is highly inappropriate, Mr. Secretary." There's more off-camera muffled scuffling, then the camera moves back to Powell and he answers the question (sort of).

Ater the tape, Russert thanks Powell in absentia for over-ruling "his press aide" and answering the question.

- Jon

* * *

BuzzFlash Note: Even Russert objected.

Russert: I'm right here, Mr. Secretary. I would hope they would put you back on camera. I don't know who did that.

Powell: We really...

Russert: I think that was one of your staff, Mr. Secretary. I don't think that's appropriate.

Powell: Emily, get out of the way.

Emily: OK.

Powell: Bring the camera back, please. I think we're back on, Tim. Go ahead with your last question.

See [LINK]

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION