Friday, January 11, 2008

all in bed

bill rappleye

special treatment

Looking back at the primary scene…besides the work in headquarters and on the streets, much of our time was in the old Armory where all the NBC equipment and much of the sets were ensconced.  So it was a room with chris matthews and tim russert in and out…US Senators strolling in as guests.  Security guards were keeping the curious public outside the glass doors to the room. There was the air of a Hollywood cocktail party about the scene, because most people you spoke with were looking over your shoulder to see what important person was walking by…famous correspondent, DNC chairman, whatever. 
So in this environment, I was struck when a blond lady stopped in, and immediately, the bigtime NBC guys were all over her.  Russert, who mostly stayed aloof with all the minor market reporters anxious to make eye contact or start small talking with him, jumped down off his riser and went right up to her.  The other main NBC analyst came right over.  So did the White House correspondent.  Nobody in the entire time I was there received such attention as this lady.  Being the intrepid reporter I am, I found out who she is.  She’s a huge friend of and contributor to, the Clinton’s:  so tight with them that she was rewarded with an ambassadorship to a European country while Bill was President.  I knew the politicians need to suck up to these people.  But it was quite a sight to see the network guys doing the same.  It disturbed me to see how close the politicos, their money friends, and the supposed watchdogs have become…all in the same plush bed.