Ignoring Gregg statement to the contrary, Couric and Schieffer suggested withdrawal “raise[s] issues” about Obama “vetting process”

Written by Jeremy Schulman

Published

On the CBS Evening News, Katie Couric asked Bob Schieffer if Sen. Judd Gregg's withdrawal as commerce secretary nominee “raise[s] issues about the Obama administration's vetting process.” Schieffer responded: “Well, I don't think it can help but do that.” Neither noted that in a press release announcing his withdrawal, Gregg stated that “nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision.”

On the February 12 broadcast of the CBS Evening News, anchor Katie Couric asked chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer if Sen. Judd Gregg's (R-NH) withdrawal as commerce secretary nominee “raise[s] issues about the Obama administration's vetting process.” Schieffer responded: “Well, I don't think it can help but do that. ... [T]o have these incidents happening over and over again -- this does not help this administration's credibility.” Neither Couric nor Schieffer noted that contrary to their suggestions, Gregg stated in the press release announcing his withdrawal that “nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision.” Moreover, neither Couric nor Schieffer mentioned that in comments published by the Politico more than an hour before the CBS Evening News broadcast aired, Gregg reportedly said, “The fault lies with me.” The Politico further reported that Greg “refused to discuss any conversations he had with Obama, saying, 'I may have embarrassed myself but hopefully not him.' ”

From the February 12 broadcast of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric:

COURIC: Bob, this seems so strange, particularly the timing. Why do you think Gregg had this sudden change of heart?

SCHIEFFER: I tell you, Katie, this is either the weirdest thing that ever happened in Washington, or we have found one honest man. I mean, he says, “Look, I was offered the job, I said yes, but then when I thought about it, I decided, 'Well, maybe it's not the right fit.' ”

I do know his own party was giving him a lot of static; they felt he was selling out. There was not much support for the stimulus package. But when you think back on it, Katie, surely when they were talking to him about this, the Obama people must have told him what was coming down the road here. This one is just -- there's a lot of questions here and not many answers tonight, I'm afraid.

COURIC: Well, let me ask you a follow-up question, Bob: Does this once again raise issues about the Obama administration's vetting process?

SCHIEFFER: Well, I don't think it can help but do that. I mean, they'll get by this. They'll find a commerce secretary. But to have these incidents happening over and over again -- this does not help this administration's credibility. There's no other way you can say it.

COURIC: All right. Bob Schieffer in Washington. Bob, thank you.