Like David Gregory before her, Andrea Mitchell is being accused by insiders of big footing a colleague to serve her own agenda.
Mitchell is said to have lobbied NBC Nightly News executive producer Alexandra Wallace to let her cover Barack Obama's overseas trip next week to Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan, despite the fact that Lee Cowan — yes, that Lee Cowan — has been covering Obama's campaign since he began running for president. It's a classic Mitchell "big foot," we're told by one NBC source who's provided accurate information in the past, and has angered folks at NBC's political desk, news desk, and elsewhere.
Cowan, who holds quite the positive reputation at NBC, put his entire life on hold in the past year to attend every Obama event as part of the campaign trail. He rolled with NBC's punches when, thanks to budget cuts, they stripped him of a producer during field coverage. (We're told Cowan became a one-man machine, feeding his own tape from a satellite truck, while filing NBC News reports.)
One might expect NBC would "thank" Cowan, or at honor his commitment to the network, by continuing to keep him on the Obama beat as he travels abroad. But not only is Wallace giving Mitchell the gig, she's also footing the bill for Mitchell's own producer and personal assistant.
The "outrageous" decision to give Mitchell the gig has "infuriated" much of NBC News. Except, of course, for Ms. Mitchell.
Editorial Director
It's unbelievable that this novelty Obama would give a speech today about Iraq and Afghanistan and his policy and he has NEVER been to Afghanistan and was in Iraq once - over 900 days ago. Great thinking for a potential commander in chief. Only a lightweight, so over his head, would give a speech like that today before having any meetings on the ground in either country, with any general. Mindblowing. The Europeans are even backing off this guy as they still want to appear tough on Iran. Obama would rather meet with Amadinnerjacket than his own Generals
Listen Laura,
One doesn't have to go to Iraq to have an opinion or know exactly what to do. All you should do, as someone with a brain, is to watch all of the CASKETS coming back, our economy and the fact that we are spending billions in Iraq and we can't even get cheap oil. This is a war we can't win because we weren't fighting an army to begin with. Remember Vietnam??
What should Obama do, run around with a Bullet Proof Vest and 50 Americans and Iraqis sheilding him, putting their lives in danger so Obama can LIE to the F**king American public and give a THUMBS up?
The fact is that Iraq is a ghost war and Afghanistan had and still has a better chance to be won because we are fighting actual terrorists. We were fighting Iraqis that were fighting back - just like you would if Iran or China invaded here.. The thought makes me chuckle.. Then again, with a possible Repuke President, that sure can be possible.
What is with you folks? Why does everything in this country have to be spoon fed to you all? Gram was right about the shining part, however, it is not about the economy, but really petty stuff like the flag pin, and these other performative nonsense.
I swear you sound like Elizabeth HasselB*tch - The same dumb spoonfed Repuke garbage..
In case you didn't know, Obama have met with our generals and unlike the warmongers, HE LISTENS and pay attention to what they are saying.
Mrs Greenspan is a pockmarked whore…
This is the first evidence that Tim Russerts absence will be sorely felt for a long time to come. You never heard these kinds of things when he was around. He handed out assignments fairly - even given the budget cuts. This story seems to indicate a lack of leadership there at NBC news and things can fall apart pretty fast with in-fighting and so forth…
God, what a dirty business. Mitchell should be ashamed, but I'm sure she isn't. THIS viewer would've watched had Lee Cowan done the reporting, but I'm tuning out now.
To Marilyn Monrovia……sadly you are deluded as the empty suit that you support. Anytime anyone disagrees with the "Annointed One" you Obama-maniacs go off the deep end.
The well has run dry and the Kool-Aid is gone. As the luster continues to wear off of this empty suit, this is one life-long Democrat who will proudly vote for John McCain.
Something you Obama-icans can't really grasp - my country is far more important to me than any political party and THAT is why John McCain will be our next President.
@ Paul #6,
I am to believe that you are a life long Democrat and voting for McCain? Tell me, what's more important to you knuckleheads? having 25 years in the senate and actually never accomplishing anything or even knowing what's really going on?
McCain hasn't even realized that a country no longer exists and he can't even answer a question where he hasn't been coached as to the response.
There is absolutely nothing empty about Obama. He is clear, concise and doesn't need to be spoon fed what to say and is capable of making decisions - so when he gets a question from the American people, Obama can actually answer.
Yeah he is coming in the middle a little, I see nothing wrong.. But he hasn't changed his views.
I am more concerned with Obama's ability to make good choices. No one owns him, he is a regular American who worked hard for what he got, and again, the main thing is that he is smart and is up-to-date on issues, whether cultural, social, economic, domestic, foreign, etc.
And as for this war in Iraq, we can stay there for another 100 years, it will be the same. Unless Iraq gets another Dictator, they will always have problems because the Repukes have opened a pandora's box over there. But now McCain is claiming victory because the surge worked for NOW.. Afghanistan is different because we have the international community involved and and we can get more of their aid as necessary.
Over 4 thousand Americans died, for what? McCain is riding on a war that not only should have never happened, but one that no matter what happens will bring no good results..
Iran will benefit because over 20 million Iraqis are Shi'ites. Oh yeah, McCain couldn't even tell that difference. We have hired Militias who are Iranians in Iraq.. Great ideas Bush & Crew.
Vote for McCain if oyu want, that is your choice. I will vote for Obama. If obama wins, he will take the necessary steps to SLOWLY bring this country back from hell. And if McCain wins, well prepare to stay in HELL!! And that is not even a joke..