If you look at around 6:26, you can see George Bush do an interesting glance to the side away from the camera. What's really well done is that Roger Ailes (at the time part of the Bush camp) is off-camera holding up a piece of paper reminding Bush that Rather had recently gotten furious and walked off a broadcast. This leads into the well done line at 6:36 which Bush had prepared as an effective counter to Rather. The segment was extremely effective for Bush during the primary season and helped remold his image.
I'm reading John Sununu's book about Bush 41 and he says that Roger Ailes, who later went on to run Fox News, was the one who fed Bush the line about the "7 minutes you walked off the air." He told him to use it to get under Rather's skin if the interview got too heated. Judging by his reaction at 6:47, pretty solid advice.
A year after this interview aired when questioned by a caller on "Larry King Live," David Brinkley said Rather in his showdown with George H.W. Bush was "over the top."
6:30 .. "how would you like it if I judged your entire career on those seven minutes you walked off the air" ... that was the line, that changed things, in a positive way, for GHWB's presidential campaign, I thought.
Bush Sr is pretty sharp, imagine how impressive he was in his prime, guy has one hell of a likely classified life's story. The secrets this man knows are deepest. Bush Sr does a great job at talking over Rather to confuse audience what's being said. Taking up as much time dominating the mic. You can see why he's where he is.
I totally miss this kind of vetting of a Presidential Candidate. Nowadays the media is in bed with politicians and are told not to ask "Gotcha Questions" to the candidate who they are blowing. Bring back this type of questioning!!~
Bush had been beset by comments from his rivals that he was a wimp and, at this early point, he wasn't the obvious nominee for 1988. He decided to take on Rather, correctly perceiving that Republicans saw Rather as a great enemy. Bush also insisted that the interview be done live, supposedly to prevent editing by Rather. Bush used the live shot to beat up on Rather, thereby "proving" he wasn't actually a wimp. It was more of a mugging than anything else.
Boy, do I remember this. You have the year wrong. This interview took place on January 25, 1988. It was a Monday and my parents were at their evening class at the high school across the street. My Dad was a certified Rather hater and always regretted missing this. I also remember that it was snowing quite a bit and hoping we wouldn't lose power in the middle of this surprisingly lively exchange. Time magazine's issue the next week (dated 2-8-88) had as a cover byline: The Ambush That Failed.
The problem is: Rather went outside the domain of a journalist and became a advocate. Bush was quite right during the interview: the "profile" CBS did was quite different than the other candidates. If younger people want to know why there was a market for talk radio or outlets like Fox News.....this kind of stuff is why. When the "big 3" had a monopoly on the news.....this is how they played it.
I never liked the Bushes, I'm a libertarian, but is it not completely obvious how the leftist media treats Republicans in a completely different fashion than democrats? I'm all for tough journalism, but it needs to go both ways.
This really puts into perspective how much the backbone of our media outlets have diminished. This is the kind of journalism we could really use, even if every once in a while.
This gave Bush a bump in the polls. When Rather flubbed bashing Bush's son, GW also got a bump in the polls. I hope the Bush family sent Rather a nice fruit basket.
This was an excellent interview by Dan Rather. The guy is running for the highest office and the public needed to know what Bushes involvement was. Rather had the guts to ask these tough questions.
But the public already knew what Bush's involvement was via independent investigations, Senate hearings, and court testimonies. These aren't so much "tough" questions as they are "old and answered" questions. This interview did wonders for Bush in the polls. He was always pegged as the "wimpy" candidate but here he went toe to toe with Rather and shed the "wimp" label.
This interview saved Bush, when Bush attacked Dan he got rid of the "WIMP" moniker he'd been tagged with by the name by Reagan's people. He basically bit his head off and showed Dan he wasn't going to take his sh*t. This made the difference in the late summer and turned the campaign around for Bush.
Whether you like it or not, Rather asks the questions that need to be asked. This interview reminds of the one that took place in the movie 'The Interview'
this is like a presidential debate between a news anchor from CBS and the former VP Bush. Dan Rather wouldn't even let him answer questions and Bush still kicked the crap out of him in the news interview
It almost sounds like he spoke of himself in the first person point of view when he said "that Bush says". During the campaign was like he was experiencing himself as an Other, vis-a-vis the camera, TV, media.
***** FoxNews has bonafide, unabashed leftists on to present their side of every issue and they're debated. The networks all have country-club RINO's/milquetoasts like David ("I like the crease in Obama's slacks") Brooks on to make half-hearted conservative arguments that are then picked apart by the "moderator(s)" and the other 4 liberals on the same panel.
Rich McCormack You don't watch Hannity much do you? If he ever he gives a Liberal a chance to speak their piece without him talking over them or cutting them off constantly, the world will come to an end.
If only Mr Rather would interrogate the BO administration on "fast and furious", and the AG's contempt for Congress. The BO admin does not even show up for Congressional inquiries.
I remember watching this live. Bush was waiting for a fight and Rather was totally unprepared for that. This was early in the primary season of 1988 and Bush was trying to shun his "wimp" image that some felt he portrayed among conservatives. Attacking Dan Rather, who was long-hated in conservative circles, gave him that opportunity. Rather, not realizing Bush's motives soon enough, became nervous and lost his cool. He should have remained calm and even laughed about the 7 minutes issue.
I love H.W Bush. Something about him seems so father-like. I wish he served two terms. Service heroically in World War 2, only to be shot down in the Pacific Ocean and rescued 4 hours later - only to stay on the very submarine that rescued him for a month and aided in rescuing other American soldiers and sailors. Something about the way he talks is kind of cool, (and a little but funny) too. Good guy. Kicked Saddam's ass on Desert Storm too.
Dan did not give President Bush a chance, he was attacking him! Not a normal conversation, more like interrogatory questioning tactics. Bush should have finished the war in Iraq, and knew he had made a mistake afterwards, so he worked on having his son finish the job 13 years later but the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq hurt the US economy and helped Iran spread its influence in th eregion and export its Shi'a Islamic revolution.
Caucasianpride1 Yeah, I know. Presidents used to have gravitas. Everyone since Clinton has been a clown (no comment on their policies - just a comment on their demeanor).
Rather was never beloved except by other news people. Rather almost stutters at the end of the interview. There are some things I liked about George H and things I did not like, but I loved the way he made Rather have to defend himself on camera.
I find it at once humorous and tragic that some on the Left are talking in the comments as if Rather's innuendo, ad hominem and mischaracterization were somehow good reporting. Rather completely misrepresented the purpose of the interview to the Vice President ahead of time and then tried for almost 10 minutes to ambush him. The rudeness, presumption and dishonesty are startling.
the comments here show that most people THINK the president is to be respected over other men... FUNNY.. Busch was a joke in this interview. Dan did his job, WELL...his FACTS were actually FACTS. read the memos,,, who cares who you like, read the memos.. BUSCH was a JOKE racing around the truth. HIS first answer should have showed you his FACE.. I LOVED DAN and how he BATTLED back. not just lay down like the reporters do now... LOOOVED IT.
I came on to hear bush snr make the "7 minutes" quote. I wanted to see dan rather's reaction on tv lol. I first heard about this clash while not too long ago listening to rush limbaugh
A hundred years from now, there is a good chance that people will still know who Charlie Chaplin and R2D2 are. The former starred in silent movies, while the latter was a fictional character, a robot droid that went like "beep-aboop-blip"... but they will not be able to identify who Dan Rather was... think about that... Dan existed in realityland, stating facts, figures, and opinions about mainstream interpretations of political events... but "The Tramp" and R2, though fictional characters, inspire feelings, and dreams, and thoughts... I guess, as long as you have His Word, how memorable are the words of others? But somebody's presence, loving kindness, love even, that is maybe what you remember the most...
Dan Rather banged the drum and Bush became president.Rather didn't like Bush and yet he couldn't be half the man Bush was.Bush was a decent president that finished off a Reagan third term and had his own set of values which didn't hurt the country or the people in that country in which he was the leader of.He also served in that country amd did have integrity.When Bush lead the country.He did it with class and dignity for four years.
President Bush 41 is one of my most respected President who stands up strongly and firmly for America's own security and safety, prosperity and unity by America's own foundations and constitutions. He is also very kind and decent person. Dan seems want to be the the host and the interviewer at the same time as well as he believes that he knows far more than our beloved great President Bush 41 and President Reagan together. If he would like to know more as he wants, he should learn from President Bush 41 by humbleness instead of his agressiveness which is much too rude. We love President Reagan, President Bush 41 and President Bush 43.
dan rather was as close to a real journalist that we will see in the mainstream media will see i believe. prob why hes not a primet ime anchor anymore n hasnt been since w.
i remember this interview...loved it....this is journalism at it's best ask the tough questions of our elected officials...love how he dismissed him at the end....of course bush never did another interview with rather...
No one conceded... of course not... But Bush was caught up and never answered the question... like most politicians. The point is rather asked the tough question...
Because the media needs to attract high-profile politicians to interviews in order to get good ratings, and aggressive questioning like this mostly results in pushing them away. This is particularly true for incumbents, who can afford to be choosy with who interviews them, and need all the sympathy they can get (e.g. Bush in 2004). Challengers like Romney need attention more than they need sympathy, which is why he had to give longer and more hard-ball interviews (as Obama did in 2008).
Dan did not give President Bush a chance, he was attacking him! Not a normal conversation, more like interrogatory questioning tactics. Bush should have finished the war in Iraq, and knew he had made a mistake afterwards, so he worked on having his son finish the job 13 years later but the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq hurt the US economy and helped Iran spread its influence in the region and export its Shi'a Islamic revolution to ensure the Shi'a crescent and the Khumaini fifty year goal.
I didn't know they had Skype in 1988.
If you look at around 6:26, you can see George Bush do an interesting glance to the side away from the camera. What's really well done is that Roger Ailes (at the time part of the Bush camp) is off-camera holding up a piece of paper reminding Bush that Rather had recently gotten furious and walked off a broadcast. This leads into the well done line at 6:36 which Bush had prepared as an effective counter to Rather. The segment was extremely effective for Bush during the primary season and helped remold his image.
I like how clearly Rather just gets pissed when Bush says the "7 minute" thing
Anyone get a creepy feeling on that first far away shot of Bush at his desk with the bad lighting? It feels like a James Bond villain scene.
Hard to believe this showdown was 30 years ago today.
I'm reading John Sununu's book about Bush 41 and he says that Roger Ailes, who later went on to run Fox News, was the one who fed Bush the line about the "7 minutes you walked off the air." He told him to use it to get under Rather's skin if the interview got too heated. Judging by his reaction at 6:47, pretty solid advice.
A year after this interview aired when questioned by a caller on "Larry King Live," David Brinkley said Rather in his showdown with George H.W. Bush was "over the top."
6:30 .. "how would you like it if I judged your entire career on those seven minutes you walked off the air" ... that was the line, that changed things, in a positive way, for GHWB's presidential campaign, I thought.
Clear setup for a hit piece. Karma and W took him down.
Bush Sr is pretty sharp, imagine how impressive he was in his prime, guy has one hell of a likely classified life's story. The secrets this man knows are deepest. Bush Sr does a great job at talking over Rather to confuse audience what's being said. Taking up as much time dominating the mic. You can see why he's where he is.
I totally miss this kind of vetting of a Presidential Candidate. Nowadays the media is in bed with politicians and are told not to ask "Gotcha Questions" to the candidate who they are blowing. Bring back this type of questioning!!~
George Bush's glasses are huge.
Bush had been beset by comments from his rivals that he was a wimp and, at this early point, he wasn't the obvious nominee for 1988. He decided to take on Rather, correctly perceiving that Republicans saw Rather as a great enemy. Bush also insisted that the interview be done live, supposedly to prevent editing by Rather. Bush used the live shot to beat up on Rather, thereby "proving" he wasn't actually a wimp. It was more of a mugging than anything else.
Boy, do I remember this. You have the year wrong. This interview took place on January 25, 1988. It was a Monday and my parents were at their evening class at the high school across the street. My Dad was a certified Rather hater and always regretted missing this. I also remember that it was snowing quite a bit and hoping we wouldn't lose power in the middle of this surprisingly lively exchange. Time magazine's issue the next week (dated 2-8-88) had as a cover byline: The Ambush That Failed.
The problem is: Rather went outside the domain of a journalist and became a advocate. Bush was quite right during the interview: the "profile" CBS did was quite different than the other candidates.
If younger people want to know why there was a market for talk radio or outlets like Fox News.....this kind of stuff is why. When the "big 3" had a monopoly on the news.....this is how they played it.
I never liked the Bushes, I'm a libertarian, but is it not completely obvious how the leftist media treats Republicans in a completely different fashion than democrats? I'm all for tough journalism, but it needs to go both ways.
This really puts into perspective how much the backbone of our media outlets have diminished. This is the kind of journalism we could really use, even if every once in a while.
If only Dan Rather asked Fidel Castro and the Democrats hard questions like he asked the Republicans.
This gave Bush a bump in the polls. When Rather flubbed bashing Bush's son, GW also got a bump in the polls. I hope the Bush family sent Rather a nice fruit basket.
These guys always seem to live forever,. they obviously don't receive the same healthcare we do
He can't remember being in Dallas Nov 22 1963 when he was standing in front of Texas School Book Depository !
how do you elect presidents that do not remember?
That's why Bush became the 41 president and Rather is out of a job.
George H.W. Bush was one of the smartest Presidents we have had in my generation
The staging is totally overdone.
He knew he did something wrong.
Ol' Ronald at his side, attempting to look as regal as he could muster
Bush Sr. utterly owned this hack. It was very satisfying to watch.
This was an excellent interview by Dan Rather. The guy is running for the highest office and the public needed to know what Bushes involvement was. Rather had the guts to ask these tough questions.
+Joe Smith Actually Bush won this argument. Afterwards he gained votes and respect from people. It was a turning point
But the public already knew what Bush's involvement was via independent investigations, Senate hearings, and court testimonies. These aren't so much "tough" questions as they are "old and answered" questions. This interview did wonders for Bush in the polls. He was always pegged as the "wimpy" candidate but here he went toe to toe with Rather and shed the "wimp" label.
Not a George H W Bush fan, but to call Dan Rather a Journalist is an insult to my intelligence
I'd forgotten what a total douchebag Rather is.
Why not call the great Johnny Cash that, because he was a friend of Rather.
+Ted Peterson what did dan say or do wrong?
He got Bush wacked as they called it back then and this exchange helped him win the White House as he was no longer a wimp.
This interview saved Bush, when Bush attacked Dan he got rid of the "WIMP" moniker he'd been tagged with by the name by Reagan's people. He basically bit his head off and showed Dan he wasn't going to take his sh*t. This made the difference in the late summer and turned the campaign around for Bush.
Whether you like it or not, Rather asks the questions that need to be asked. This interview reminds of the one that took place in the movie 'The Interview'
this is like a presidential debate between a news anchor from CBS and the former VP Bush. Dan Rather wouldn't even let him answer questions and Bush still kicked the crap out of him in the news interview
This is why Dan Rather was a true news journalist. Sadly, we don't have many people like him in todays world
It almost sounds like he spoke of himself in the first person point of view when he said "that Bush says". During the campaign was like he was experiencing himself as an Other, vis-a-vis the camera, TV, media.
Jim Acosta is Dan Rather's love child with Lola the show girl.
skill and bones
Bushes: 2
Rather: 0
Under oath=Somebody lied.
Dan Rather, the ~Original~ Cheapshot Artist.
The real George Bush emerges from the dark side
never seen this before. i voted for Dukakis, but I agree with Bush that the way CBS presented this story was not balanced
Sure but Fox news gets away with it every time and they call themselves fair and balanced.
***** Yup!
***** FoxNews has bonafide, unabashed leftists on to present their side of every issue and they're debated. The networks all have country-club RINO's/milquetoasts like David ("I like the crease in Obama's slacks") Brooks on to make half-hearted conservative arguments that are then picked apart by the "moderator(s)" and the other 4 liberals on the same panel.
Rich McCormack You don't watch Hannity much do you? If he ever he gives a Liberal a chance to speak their piece without him talking over them or cutting them off constantly, the world will come to an end.
Whoa they tried that whole cancel culture thing on Bush, even in the 80’s. At 6:34 he makes the best response to those trying to ruin his career.
Bush wiped the floor with Rather & this interview hellped propell VP bush to the white house. I Locve HW. he should still be president
If only Mr Rather would interrogate the BO administration on "fast and furious", and the AG's contempt for Congress. The BO admin does not even show up for Congressional inquiries.
That first shot of Bush in his dark office gave me chills. I could feel an evil presence.
I remember watching this live. Bush was waiting for a fight and Rather was totally unprepared for that. This was early in the primary season of 1988 and Bush was trying to shun his "wimp" image that some felt he portrayed among conservatives. Attacking Dan Rather, who was long-hated in conservative circles, gave him that opportunity.
Rather, not realizing Bush's motives soon enough, became nervous and lost his cool. He should have remained calm and even laughed about the 7 minutes issue.
Dan Rather got his butt kicked haha
I love H.W Bush. Something about him seems so father-like. I wish he served two terms. Service heroically in World War 2, only to be shot down in the Pacific Ocean and rescued 4 hours later - only to stay on the very submarine that rescued him for a month and aided in rescuing other American soldiers and sailors. Something about the way he talks is kind of cool, (and a little but funny) too. Good guy. Kicked Saddam's ass on Desert Storm too.
Are you five years old? Are you looking for a father or someone who doesn't lie to you?
Jackson Tyler we must take example from this great man. our President George H.W. Bush.
Dan Rather.. Excellent reporting always! Truth seeker! Bravo!
What's with the gavel on Bush's desk?
Oh, the House/Senate did a $10 million dollar study? Well, that certainly clears you of any wrong doing.
He gangster. Love it.
Dan Rather, the original king of "Gotcha" meaningless journalism. So glad he has gone away.
Great standoff. No one was owned. Rather held his own and Bush held his own.
Rather looked like a fool....a Bush-whacker
the only moderate opinion lol
Dan did not give President Bush a chance, he was attacking him! Not a normal conversation, more like interrogatory questioning tactics. Bush should have finished the war in Iraq, and knew he had made a mistake afterwards, so he worked on having his son finish the job 13 years later but the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq hurt the US economy and helped Iran spread its influence in th eregion and export its Shi'a Islamic revolution.
Dan Rather has showed his true self recently hasn't he?
When the Presidents were real..
Reagan was a phony as a $3 bill.
Caucasianpride1 Yeah, I know. Presidents used to have gravitas. Everyone since Clinton has been a clown (no comment on their policies - just a comment on their demeanor).
For the most part, the end of Rather's career.
Rather was never beloved except by other news people. Rather almost stutters at the end of the interview. There are some things I liked about George H and things I did not like, but I loved the way he made Rather have to defend himself on camera.
Dan Rather was doing his job. Too bad reporters since Dan don't do the same.
The dark side is strong in those families.
EXHAUSTIVE!
Should have asked him what his operational role was in Dealey Plaza on 11/22/63!
Rather interrupts Bush about 10x a minute.
I find it at once humorous and tragic that some on the Left are talking in the comments as if Rather's innuendo, ad hominem and mischaracterization were somehow good reporting. Rather completely misrepresented the purpose of the interview to the Vice President ahead of time and then tried for almost 10 minutes to ambush him. The rudeness, presumption and dishonesty are startling.
Bush, a lifelong CIA man, claiming a low level aide "tricked" him and Reagan about the details. LoL
anyone wonder why this guy is blinking so much? try to blink in sync with him
Bush loved it!...he won the presidency b/c of this interview....
the comments here show that most people THINK the president is to be respected over other men... FUNNY.. Busch was a joke in this interview. Dan did his job, WELL...his FACTS were actually FACTS. read the memos,,, who cares who you like, read the memos.. BUSCH was a JOKE racing around the truth. HIS first answer should have showed you his FACE.. I LOVED DAN and how he BATTLED back. not just lay down like the reporters do now... LOOOVED IT.
*Bush
+dee will - that would be "Bush", not "Busch" .. the latter is a brand of beer.
Good lord, at least spell his name right.
Good lord, at least spell his name right.
I came on to hear bush snr make the "7 minutes" quote. I wanted to see dan rather's reaction on tv lol. I first heard about this clash while not too long ago listening to rush limbaugh
Failed here and failed going after his son and in turn wiped himself out.
Do you just go through life blindfolded with your fingers in your ears?
What date?
Zinger is at 6:40
A hundred years from now, there is a good chance that people will still know who Charlie Chaplin and R2D2 are. The former starred in silent movies, while the latter was a fictional character, a robot droid that went like "beep-aboop-blip"... but they will not be able to identify who Dan Rather was... think about that... Dan existed in realityland, stating facts, figures, and opinions about mainstream interpretations of political events... but "The Tramp" and R2, though fictional characters, inspire feelings, and dreams, and thoughts...
I guess, as long as you have His Word, how memorable are the words of others? But somebody's presence, loving kindness, love even, that is maybe what you remember the most...
And since when being wealthy is wrong?
Dan Rather banged the drum and Bush became president.Rather didn't like Bush and yet he couldn't be half the man Bush was.Bush was a decent president that finished off a Reagan third term and had his own set of values which didn't hurt the country or the people in that country in which he was the leader of.He also served in that country amd did have integrity.When Bush lead the country.He did it with class and dignity for four years.
President Bush 41 is one of my most respected President who stands up strongly and firmly for America's own security and safety, prosperity and unity by America's own foundations and constitutions. He is also very kind and decent person. Dan seems want to be the the host and the interviewer at the same time as well as he believes that he knows far more than our beloved great President Bush 41 and President Reagan together. If he would like to know more as he wants, he should learn from President Bush 41 by humbleness instead of his agressiveness which is much too rude. We love President Reagan, President Bush 41 and President Bush 43.
That's an evil man right there.
I couldn't agree more. I hate Liberals.
dan rather was as close to a real journalist that we will see in the mainstream media will see i believe. prob why hes not a primet ime anchor anymore n hasnt been since w.
#GeorgeHWBush and #DanRather is an example of a real crossfire
i remember this interview...loved it....this is journalism at it's best ask the tough questions of our elected officials...love how he dismissed him at the end....of course bush never did another interview with rather...
Mr. Thompson, it was a contested debate but no one conceded.
No one conceded... of course not... But Bush was caught up and never answered the question... like most politicians. The point is rather asked the tough question...
Rather gets owned
is this why cbs let dan rather go
Rather was such an unbelievable punk - totally anti-American to the core.
Dan Rather was the man!!! He didn't play that shit!!
I am surprised that after five years of Obama administration you still talk about Bush corruption.
KUDOS to DAN
If it was Murrow Bush would have been eviscerated.
Because the media needs to attract high-profile politicians to interviews in order to get good ratings, and aggressive questioning like this mostly results in pushing them away. This is particularly true for incumbents, who can afford to be choosy with who interviews them, and need all the sympathy they can get (e.g. Bush in 2004). Challengers like Romney need attention more than they need sympathy, which is why he had to give longer and more hard-ball interviews (as Obama did in 2008).
The road to Hell is lined with Bushes.
Seemed like Dan Rather had George Bush's feet in a fire !!
Geo. H.W. Bush's handling of Rather in this interview should have been a lesson for Mitt Romney on how to handle these "lame stream" media bastards.
No more Bush, Clintons, and even in a state of emergency, Obama. Trump in 2016.
Rumsfeld would of been a better president then Bush.
Dukakis wasn't any better either. That is also funny too.
Dan Rather. LOL!
God Bless Reagan and George Bush.
This was an amazing bravery in reporting by Dan Rather, amazing that bunch of organized crime allowed him to live.
Dan did not give President Bush a chance, he was attacking him! Not a normal conversation, more like interrogatory questioning tactics. Bush should have finished the war in Iraq, and knew he had made a mistake afterwards, so he worked on having his son finish the job 13 years later but the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq hurt the US economy and helped Iran spread its influence in the region and export its Shi'a Islamic revolution to ensure the Shi'a crescent and the Khumaini fifty year goal.