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Sunday Talk Show Format Name: Caragh Tiernan

Meet the Press NBC

a. Moderator: David Gregoryb. Panel:

-David Axelrod (Former White House Senior Adviser and Obama Campaign -Strategist,

NBC News Senior Political Analyst)

-Fmr. Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-GA)

-Fmr. Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA)

-Chuck Todd (NBC News Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent)

c. Guest (s):-Denis McDonough (White House Chief of Staff)

-Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM, senate foreign relations committee)

-Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX, chairman House homeland security committee)

-Rep. Peter King (R-NY, House homeland security committee)

-Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA, house homeland security committee)

d. What event, action, policy or motive inspired the guest?McDonough- is there to talk about the issue of getting involved with Syria.

Udall- Voted against giving the president the authority for strikes.

McCaul- Against action in Syria, thinks presidents plan is irresponsible.

King- Votes yes for going into Syria, in spite of presidents actions.

Sanchez- Is against plans for Syria, because of national security.

e. What topics were discussed?Syria- Why we should go in, why we shouldnt go in? What are some downfalls of the

planned attacks? Does the government care that US citizens do not support them. What is

Congress feeling. Peoples opinions on the Presidents actions and behavior. Whether this

is a US national security issue.

f. Select several facts/arguments (at least 3) which support their (guest) arguments for everytopic

McDonough- we need to intervene so Iran and others will not assume that US can be

trifled with, and so they will not try to obtain chemical weapons as well.

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No boots on the ground, not a prolonged air assault. No question that Assad ordered

attack. Congress

Udall- His opposition to the attacks, and focusing solely on stopping the use of

chemical weapons.

McCaul- Says Missiles wont restore our credibility. This is an act of war and little wars

turn into big wars. We cant support the rebels, because theyve been infiltrated by Al

Queda and the US will be in huge trouble if Al Queda gets there hands on chemical

weapons.

King- Endangers our national security because this conflict will effect Jordan and Israel.

Doesnt like thepresidents behavior says he needs to act more like a commander in cehif

less like a community organizer.

Sanchez- Believes there is no national security issue, weapons arent being used against

us, or are being sent to terrorist organizations.

g. Did the guest provide enough factual material to support his/her ideas (quotes witnesses,provides statistics, states his sources of information? Was he/she an eyewitness to events;

or was the information obtained through a news service, do they use hearsay for example,

some say? Do they use reliable sources (CBO, GAO etc.)

McDonough- No first hand knowledge, there were some video clips and pictures. Spoke

directly to high level government personnel.

Udall-

h. Did the moderator/panelist use follow up questionswhat were they?Gregory is very good to dig in to the hole in peoples claims/arguments. Occasionally

bring up things that person said that might counter what they are presently saying. Asked

why the presidents credibility not on the line?

i. Is the reportage, in your opinion, true, balanced or biased? Explain.Can be biased McDonough for example works very closely with people in support of

attacking Syria. Though Gregory does seem to be a little biased. When interviewing

McDonough he seemed genuinely agitated by the Chief of Staffs arguments.

j. Are different viewpoints presented? Do they engage in editorializing or meaningfuldialogue is it informative, is it convincing, is it balanced? Do they do use false

equivalencies (making comparisons that are completely unbalanced or absurd)

There were a range of people on the program.

k. What do you think of the program and its point of view? Explain.