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NBC's Russert Says He Made `Dumb' Statement Save Email Print
Posted: 9:41 AM Sep 25, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:41 AM Sep 25, 2008
51 comments
A | A | A

NBC News reporter Luke Russert said he made a "dumb" misstatement on the "Today" show Wednesday when he suggested that smart people supported Barack Obama for president.

Almost immediately, Russert took a hazing in the Web world. Wrote Tim Graham of the conservative Media Research Center on the NewsBusters blog: "Out of the mouths of young, untrained reporters come the unspoken beliefs of the liberal media."

Russert, son of the late "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert, is covering youth issues for NBC News. He filed a report for "Today" about campaign activity at the University of Virginia, and talked about it live afterward with Matt Lauer.

Russert, 23, said about the university: "The smartest kids in the state go there so it is leaning a little bit toward Obama."

Oops. Now he's either implied that students at other colleges in Virginia aren't as smart as those at the University of Virginia or that you have to be dumb not to support Obama. Or both.

He said in a blog later Wednesday that he misspoke and "made what is without a doubt, quite simply a dumb comment."

"I meant to say that many of the kids who go to UVA are from affluent, highly educated households who are leaning (toward) Obama and hence their kids lean Obama," he said. "Plenty of smart college kids will vote for John McCain from UVA and plenty of smart kids go to Virginia Tech or George Mason and they, too, could end up being big Obama voters.

"Today was one of my first lessons in the perils of live television," he said. "Lesson learned."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Posted by: Russ Fan 1 Location: Eastern NC on Sep 29, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I liked his old man, even though I'm a Repubican. I heard the comment when he said it. I didn't have a problem with it at all. MOVE ON...this is such a non-issue.
Posted by: Anti-Obama Location: Your Bible on Sep 28, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Revelation Chapter 13 tells us it is 42 months, and you know what that is.
Posted by: Tom Location: Washington on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Oh my gosh, don't we have enough to worry about other than what this young man said. Get over it and lets go onto more important things. This is what is wrong with this country, we have to make a big deal over what someone said. Get over it and move on!
Posted by: Joseph Location: Kinston on Sep 27, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Look's like that nut didn't fall far from the tree.
Posted by: Tad Location: Jamesville on Sep 27, 2008 at 03:53 AM
Maggie, he did voice his opinion and that of his family, friends and co-workers. He shouldn't back off of it because it is obvious that it is the way he feels. The only mistake he made was betraying the majority of the mainstream media by drawing attention to the fact that they are in the tank for obama. When your child speaks, be careful, they will air your laundry.
Posted by: tj on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:32 PM
This one's for you, Mr. or Ms. Editor...kudos to you for posting lots of differing opinions. I don't think anyone can rightfully accuse you of bias. Good show.
Posted by: tj on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:49 PM
you say Fox News is ''one-sided''? Oh, but CBS, ABC, and especially NBC, I suppose they're NOT?! Give me a break ! The three major networks have had a monopoly on the news with their nauseatingly liberal spin on everything for decades ! Along comes a lone network that finally gives conservatives equal time, and you have the nerve to complain. Limbaugh said it best : ''To think like a liberal is easy. It just requires the complete abandonment of common sense.''
Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Hey---pay me what they are paying this young "intellectual" and I will gladly accept what ever you wish to say about my comments. I remember when I was his age. I had been working for 12 years at some job or the other. I also has served seven years in the military by that age. His problem is that he has attended "play schools". I graduated from the "School of Hard Knocks". I neither commend or castigate him. He does ,however, need to realize that he has a long way to go before he will have any concept of what is going on in this world, especially from his vantage point of "protected status". I wish him well. No, actually, I do not care.
Posted by: J Location: Belhaven on Sep 26, 2008 at 03:39 PM
I wonder who is really SMART???????????
Posted by: maggie Location: Kinston on Sep 26, 2008 at 02:28 PM
just an error in judgement I don't think he really intended to offend anyone but now you are attacked no matter what you say and if thats the way he really feels then he should like the rest of us be allowed to voice his opinion whthout being chastized for it. give the young fellow a break already!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I disagree with him , but I support his right to his opinion. We are still supposed to be living in a free country.
Posted by: Sarah Location: Fayetteville, NC on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33 AM
ok, big deal. He is a young kid. GIve him a break. Quit judging him b/c of who his father is. Big deal. MOVE ON.
Posted by: Susan Location: Kinston on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Give Luke a break! He's a young man just starting out trying to fill very big shoes. After all, it was Obama's veep pick that recently commented on what FDR said on television during the stock market crash of '29. (note: FDR wasn't president in '29 and there was no television.)
Posted by: Mike Location: Edenton on Sep 26, 2008 at 06:32 AM
"Stupid is as stupid does" my Mama always said. This child is just part of the Obama social elite that has all the yahoos hoodwinked.
Posted by: Talon Location: NC on Sep 26, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Hey Anonymous, it's obvious you never watch Fox News. Try it sometime. They really do present both sides of issues. As for Tim Russert's kid, he's no different than most liberals. I have a good friend who is very liberal. His favorite saying, that he repeats over and over again is, "The American people, are an ignorant people". And that's liberalism in a nutshell (pun intended). They are absolutely convinced that they are much much more intelligent that the "ignorant masses", and they feel that it is their "duty" to guide and, yes, control the pitiful people who are simply too stupid to run their own lives. The funny thing is, that's the same attitude that most facists have, and that's exactly what most liberals are, facists. They crave power above all else. Their logic escapes me totally. Example: It's wrong to use the death pentalty to execute a convicted child molesting murder, but it's ok to kill millions of unborn children. I just don't get it. I must be ignorant
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Everyone talks about liberal media. How it is all biased and they do nothing but attack McCain... Blah Blah Blah. Has anyone watched Fox News? It is the epitome of an obnoxious one-side TV program.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 25, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Hey voter thats a good story, too bad its not true. Don't buy what they are feeding you.
Posted by: Sad American on Sep 25, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Reading this board is a sad story. Everybody wants to attack attack attack thats all politics are. Who cares what you can do as long as you can tear down the opponent better then he tears you down then you win. All campaigns should be publicly financed for about 1/100th of what they spend now and mentioning the other candiate should be BANNED. Make a case for why you are the man for the job not a case for why the other guy isn't.
Posted by: VOTER Location: ENC on Sep 25, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Exceptional would be the aviator that crashed, taken as a POW, TORTURED for 5.5 years when he had a get out of jail ticket. Because of his integrity and character he chose to stay because he believed the first one taken as POW was the first to go home. If that is not exceptional, I don't think anything or anyone is on this earth!
Posted by: James Location: Greenville on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Katie Couric is so biased it's sick! Why can't a journalist just report the news rather than put their own personal bias spin on it? It's sad when newspapers "endorse" certain canidates. Who are they to endorse anybody?
Posted by: Jon Location: Greenville on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Typical Liberal Media!
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Every presidential candidate that I can remember has always said the same thing, "I WILL NOT RAISE TAXES", and how many have kept that promise once they got in office.........?NONE Don't be idiots, it is inevitable that taxes will be raised by whoever is in office. If you think your candidate won't then put the expired medication and Ripple down. I only deal with logical men, that's why this is one of my stops each night. There are three men that I find very logical. Yet they still surprise me thinking that taxes won't be raised. Do you really think Obama is the only one, and McCain won't? Honestly I don't care who wins, this mess wasn't made in 4 years and it can't be fixed in 4 years. But like I said before, I know my candidate, do you know yours?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Poor Luke, he is terribly mistaken...It is the mass of UNeducated people that are going to be voting for Barack. Just think about all of the celebrities who attend all of the fundraisers for certain candidates and anytime they get their hands on a microphone or live time on air they HAVE to throw in a little something about politics. The majority of celebrities have not even graduated from college, yet they think they are so smart and qualified to persuade peoples' beliefs. And here's the deal with taxes: Whoever is elected into office will raise taxes.
Posted by: any thing is better on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I tell you...anyone that doesn't vote for obama must really not be affected by the economic crisis, and you must not mind paying billions in taxes to help the greedy wall street and bankers that just said gimmie gimmie gimmie. now they are doing it again. what a screwed up mess. obama wants to work hard and it will take years to get us out of the mess.
Posted by: Homesick Carolinian Location: Houston on Sep 25, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Oh, and as far as "just once I would like a president who has worked for a living" maybe you should go check out Obama's bio.
Posted by: homesick carolinian Location: houston on Sep 25, 2008 at 05:36 PM
To Jangles-I would agree that we have some major financial issues. And if our tax funds went directly towards paying these debts, that would be fine. But, it will be of no help if the next president raises taxes for the sole purpose of keeping people dependant on government aid to further their "cause". The past has taught us that the more aid there is, the less chance anyone will be doing anything to provide for themselves. THIS is the biggest drain on our economy.
Posted by: jimmy Location: lagrange n.c on Sep 25, 2008 at 03:38 PM
who is to judge who is smart & who is dumb. thank god we still have the constitutional right to vote as we please. let's don't screw it up.
Posted by: Jangles Location: Choco on Sep 25, 2008 at 01:59 PM
To Homesick Carolinian: Taxed out the ying yang? Somebody's got to pay some money for all the debt silver spoon prez George W. Bush has racked up over his 8 years in office. President Credit Card has destroyed our economy and handed the whole country into the hands of Asian investors. Who do you think we owe our debt to? CHINA! Somebody has to get our country back, it's not going to be free. Just once I would like to have a president who has worked for a living. Bush can't get out soon enough!
Posted by: Mr. Mackey Location: Choco on Sep 25, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Someone tells an opinion or shows favoritism about a Democrat, and everybody goes nuts whining about the liberal media. Fox News broadcast propaganda 24/7 and not a single media outlet (or right wing nut job) complains a bit. Talk about bias!
Posted by: Momof3 Location: Greenville on Sep 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I feel for the kid, but think that if he wants to be a true jounalist that his OPINION should be kept to himself. That said the liberal media is constantly bombarding the public with such crap. That said I suppose that these same liberal should go ahead and write checks to all the lazy people they think society should support. I for one don't need any additional taxes and am tired of paying for someone else to sit on their butt at my expense. GO McCain/Palin! As for those supporting Mr. Obama maybe they should research him and his lack of loyalty to the foundation of this country.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Sep 25, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I wonder how he got his "position"?? Just like Andrea Mitchell?? His daddy and her hubby(Alan Greenspan). LIBERALISM and CRONYISM at its highest level. Believe me folks, I briefed many a congressman and staffer in my day,from 1980-1983. The faces may have changed, but the arrogance towards mankind continues.
Posted by: Homesick Carolinian Location: Houston on Sep 25, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Let's see how smart we feel after Obama gets elected and we are taxed out the ying yang.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Red State; All true, Especially the part about reporters not openly displaying bias, however NBC has long done away with any semblance of journalism standards, so why make an issue over a 23 year old so called reporter that as you so succinctly stated would not have that job if it wasn't for his father being who he was. He has many more gaffs to make, and because he works for NBC it will work out fine for him. I just don't see why every time someone makes some elitist comment every one has to get their dresses up over it. Nothing that any liberal elitist wacko says surprises me, and quite frankly there are much higher profile figures that make public statements all the time that actually do harm to our nation that concern me. What some 23 year old, over paid, under achieved golden spoon baby thinks about anything is of no consequence to me.
Posted by: Lonnie Earl Location: Pitt Co on Sep 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Let's face it, many of our citizens are either not very smart, poorly educated, unworldly, provincial or mentally lazy; and some vote. Their understanding of the issues comes from listening to the likes of baffoons such as Limbaugh or John Boy. I believe that a large number of voters voted for Bush not because of his policies but because they wrongly percieved that "he's like one of us, I'd like to drink some beer with ole dubba". Same now with Palin; she's a slob hunter and power abuser. McCain graduated 894 out of 899 at the Naval Academy. I, for one don't want an average or below average citizen in office; I want an exceptional one!
Posted by: Red State Location: Washington Co. on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:30 AM
VBush, the problem with that is that journalists aren't supposed to express opinions. They are supposed to simply report the facts and let us form our own opinions. Although, with today's media and the NY Times running Obama propaganda on their front page, I can see how its easy to forget that. As for Luke Russert's comments, it was a mistake made by a novice reporter who would not have the job if Tim were not his father. We shouldn't beat him up over it. Remember the liberal culture that he is immersed in and forgive him this one faux pas. I hope for his sake that he will learn from it and become even half the man and journalist that his father was.
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:23 AM
WOW.....America is turning into this sue; open boarder; whinny; politically correct; tree hugging; self-righteous; most despise Nation. I'm sure I offended someone just by typing that........I'll see. Some sissy man or over dramatic woman will be posting to me, telling me to move to another country! That reminds me....add predictable to my list, would ya? Thanks
Posted by: not dumb on Sep 25, 2008 at 08:43 AM
He was being honest,. and said what he believed.
Posted by: tj on Sep 25, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Russert simply let his typical liberal media bias show. Obama supporters won't admit it, but the liberal media has let him slide on any and all hard questions while doing their level best to destroy Gov. Palin's reputation.The View tv show gushed and swooned all over Obama when he went on the air with them, but they were rude to McCain and asked him plenty of hard questions. Has it occurred to you Obama has a 20 year relationship with a racist hiding behind a pulpit ? Plus another friendship with a confirmed domestic terrorist? These associations alone would be enough to deny him employment with the FBI if he were trying to become an agent,yet you people think we should give him the Presidency ? The guy thinks we have 57 states, is lost without a teleprompter, but he's the one our media is trying to help get elected ? Sorry,I refuse to drink the Obama kool-aid,and I can't believe anyone else would either. The media [except FOX] are his biggest supporters,and Russert proves that.
Posted by: John Location: Mount Olive on Sep 25, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Lesson One: Liberal press needs to hide their true feelings.
Posted by: Dk Location: Greenville on Sep 25, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Out of all the photos of this guy, they pick the one where he is crying over his fathers death? Whats the point in that?
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 25, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Who cares what he said? Why is someone always outraged every time someone voices their opinion? If that is how he feels, he is entitled to his opinion. GET OVER IT! You don't have to agree with it. He works for NBC anyway.....They are the national campaign headquarters for Obama anyway, we all know that.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 25, 2008 at 06:20 AM
He just spoke the truth. The same here in NC at UNC.
Posted by: mom Location: pitt co on Sep 25, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Luke, people with more experience have said worse. Your dad would never have let that get by him which was why he was so widely admired. There are 'smart' people who have been talked into voting Republican. It takes love in your heart for your Higher Power, yourself, and those we share this planet to feel compassion for those who weren't also blessed with material wealth. To paraphrase Will Rogers: it takes money to be a Republican, but it takes guts to be a Democrat.
Posted by: Noneya Location: IBX on Sep 25, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Good grief ! Give the boy a break, he just lost his Dad. That statement was not dumb, what is dumb, is people being offended by what he said. He did not say anything bad?!?!?!!!! (Oh, by the way, don't play the politics card either, I am voting for McCain)
Posted by: Sandra Location: Hertford County on Sep 25, 2008 at 04:40 AM
More of the same liberal media. Whatever!
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