1. Takes Bombing for NBC to Note 'Letup in Violence of Late in Iraq'
It took a bombing which killed 51 Iraqis for NBC anchor Brian Williams to acknowledge "there's been a letup in the violence of late in Iraq." Unlike his ABC and CBS colleagues, two weeks and a day earlier Williams failed to report the death toll for Americans in Iraq in May was the lowest for any month since the war began. On Tuesday night, however, he announced: "Last night here we reported there were more Americans killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq in the month of May. It's generally believed there's been a letup in the violence of late in Iraq. That is until today." From Baghdad, Jim Maceda reported on the deadly bombing in a shopping area, but then he contrasted the incident with improving Iraqi expectations: "Not only did the blast break the relative calm here, but it shattered a growing sense of security as well. After three to four months of relative low violence, people were starting to come out into streets, returning to schools, stores and banks were opening."
2. Nightline Pauses Its Obama Gushing; Tapper Challenges Candidate
On Monday's Nightline, ABC reporter Jake Tapper challenged Barack Obama over the fact that "there has not been a terrorist attack within the U.S. since 9/11." He pointedly asked Obama to provide an example of when he has actually reached across the aisle to break from Democratic orthodoxy and generally proved that it is possible for the Obama-friendly program to ask tough questions of the Democratic candidate. After bringing up the Supreme Court's ruling last week that gave legal benefits to enemy combatants, Tapper reminded Obama that there has been no terrorist attack since 9/11. He then quizzed: "And [the Bush White House says] the reason that is, is because of the domestic programs, many of which you oppose. How do you know that they're wrong?" Tapper also mentioned examples of Senator McCain bucking his own party and challenged: "Have you ever worked across the aisle in such a way that entailed a political risk for yourself?"
3. CBS Evening News Highlights Ranting of Afghan Terrorist
On Monday's CBS Evening News, correspondent Lara Logan touted what was essentially a press release from a key terrorist leader in Afghanistan: "Afghan warlord Gulbeddin Hekmatyar spoke exclusively to CBS News about the state of the insurgency in Afghanistan in this interview smuggled out of his secret hiding place." Logan went on to offer a translation of the video: "'The resistance is spreading in all directions,' he says. 'It's becoming stronger and more powerful.'" Logan went on to repeat more of Hekmatyar's propaganda: "'Although I'm confined to one bunker and a village which is under the threat of American warplanes all the time, I sleep very peacefully at night, while George Bush cannot sleep in the White House without the help of sleeping pills,' he says. Hekmatyar mocks President Bush as a warmonger and blames him for Iran's meddling in Afghanistan. He says the Iranians are pouring money and weapons into the fight that's destroying his country."
4. Most Oppose Same-Sex Marriage, But CBS Focuses on Growing Support
CBS's own poll found more than two-thirds of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, but CBS News over the past few days gave a lot more time to supporters. On CBS's Sunday Morning, correspondent John Blackstone reported on the beginning of legal marriages in California starting Monday: "Even for people used to earthquakes, the California Supreme Court's decision last month to legalize same-sex marriage was a jolt. But even as gay couples make plans to wed this week." Out of a total of 8 minutes and 50 seconds of coverage during the show, 2 minutes and 14 seconds was given to highlight opponents of gay marriage. By Sunday's Evening News the total coverage had shrunk to 2 minutes and 35 seconds with 27 seconds given to opponents. Total coverage on Monday's Early Show was 5 minutes and 12 seconds, however, time given to opponents of gay marriage was only 41 seconds. During the coverage on all three shows a new CBS poll was touted as showing an increase in support for gay marriage nationwide. On Sunday, Blackstone reported: "A CBS news poll conducted this month found that a majority of Americans, 58%, support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, but many still don't want that to be called 'marriage.' 28% approve of civil unions. 30% of allowing gay couples to marry. The highest number since CBS News began asking that question in 2004."
Takes Bombing for NBC to Note 'Letup
in Violence of Late in Iraq'
It took a bombing which killed 51 Iraqis for NBC anchor Brian Williams to acknowledge "there's been a letup in the violence of late in Iraq." Unlike his ABC and CBS colleagues, two weeks and a day earlier Williams failed to report the death toll for Americans in Iraq in May was the lowest for any month since the war began. On Tuesday night, however, he announced: "Last night here we reported there were more Americans killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq in the month of May. It's generally believed there's been a letup in the violence of late in Iraq. That is until today."
From Baghdad, Jim Maceda reported on the deadly bombing in a shopping area, but then he contrasted the incident with improving Iraqi expectations: "Not only did the blast break the relative calm here, but it shattered a growing sense of security as well. After three to four months of relative low violence, people were starting to come out into streets, returning to schools, stores and banks were opening."
On ABC's World News on Tuesday night Charles Gibson read a short item on "the deadliest attack of its kind in over three months." The CBS Evening News didn't air anything about it.
(Last week, on Monday, June 9, the NBC Nightly News did air a piece from Maceda on how U.S. soldiers in Dora are getting more information from Iraqis on how to locate weapons and that banks and clinics are open again in the community.)
[This item, by the MRC's Brent Baker, was posted Tuesday night on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]
The June 17 CyberAlert item, "Williams: Afghanistan Deadlier Than Iraq, As If Iraq Not Improving," recounted:
NBC anchor Brian Williams on Monday evening rued that Afghanistan "is too often called the other war or perhaps even the forgotten war" when "in the month of May, for the first time ever, American and allied combat deaths were higher in Afghanistan than the monthly loss in Iraq." But that's as much because of good news from Iraq, which Williams ignored, as bad news from Afghanistan. The number of U.S. service personnel killed in Iraq in May was the fewest in any month since the war began in 2003 -- a positive trend Williams, unlike his colleagues at ABC and CBS, failed to share with his viewers two weeks ago.
Back on Monday, June 2, the other networks noted how 19 died in May as a result of combat in Iraq. In the same month, total U.S. (15) and allied troop deaths in Afghanistan rose to 23, the Washington Post reported Sunday.
For the entire previous CyberAlert article: www.mrc.org
The Tuesday, June 3 CyberAlert posting, "NBC Nightly News Spikes News About Fewest Troop Deaths of War," revealed:
As lead-ins to short reports on the posthumous presentation of a Medal of Honor, ABC and CBS on Monday night managed to squeeze in -- more than 20 minutes into their evening newscasts -- brief mentions of how in May the fewest number U.S. servicemen were killed in Iraq in any month since the war began five years ago. But not NBC Nightly News. (And Sunday's Today and Nightly News, as well as Monday's Today, also skipped the good news.) NBC anchor Brian Williams on Monday led with worries that "because it's been underfunded for decades, mass transit may not be ready for all the Americans leaving their cars behind," and ran his short update, on the Medal of Honor going to Army Private First Class Ross McGinnis, without anything about the decline in troops killed.
For the rest of the previous CyberAlert: www.mrc.org
The short story on the Tuesday, June 17 NBC Nightly News:
BRIAN WILLIAMS: Last night here we reported there were more Americans killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq in the month of May. It's generally believed there's been a letup in the violence of late in Iraq. That is until today. NBC's Jim Maceda is in Baghdad for us tonight with the story. Hey Jim, good evening.
JIM MACEDA: Hi, Brian. Well the car bomb ripped through the mostly Shiite area of North Baghdad called al-Hurriya, the car parked next to a bus stop at rush hour and near an outdoor market full of evening shoppers, but the blast also triggered fires in several nearby buildings, police saying most of the 51 killed were burned or suffocated to death.
There were also 75 injured. Not only did the blast break the relative calm here, but it shattered a growing sense of security as well. After three to four months of relative low violence, people were starting to come out into streets, returning to schools, stores and banks were opening. In fact, only today, Brian, the Iraqi government announced that starting in the fall parliament would meet outside that fortified Green Zone. This confidence building measure has taken a big hit. Back to you.
WILLIAMS: Jim Maceda on duty for us after a violent day in Baghdad. Jim, thanks.
Nightline Pauses Its Obama Gushing; Tapper
Challenges Candidate
On Monday's Nightline, ABC reporter Jake Tapper challenged Barack Obama over the fact that "there has not been a terrorist attack within the U.S. since 9/11." He pointedly asked Obama to provide an example of when he has actually reached across the aisle to break from Democratic orthodoxy and generally proved that it is possible for the Obama-friendly program to ask tough questions of the Democratic candidate.
After bringing up the Supreme Court's ruling last week that gave legal benefits to enemy combatants, Tapper reminded Obama that there has been no terrorist attack since 9/11. He then quizzed: "And [the Bush White House says] the reason that is, is because of the domestic programs, many of which you oppose. How do you know that they're wrong?" Tapper also mentioned examples of Senator McCain bucking his own party and challenged: "Have you ever worked across the aisle in such a way that entailed a political risk for yourself?"
In contrast, frequent Nightline contributor David Wright has previously rhapsodized that Obama rallies are like "Springsteen concerts." See the February 21 CyberAlert: www.mrc.org
[This item, by the MRC's Scott Whitlock, was posted Tuesday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]
On April 25, Wright made an appearance on Good Morning America to laud Obama's former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright (no relation), as a "soft-spoken man" who, in a interview, "couldn't seem more different from that fire-brand preacher we've all seen in those soundbites." See the April 28 CyberAlert for more: www.mrc.org
David Wright has not been the only Nightline alum guilty of extolling the virtues of the senator from Illinois. On November 6, 2006, Nightline co-anchor Terry Moran provided one of the most effusive, gushing descriptions of Obama:
"You can see it in the crowds. The thrill, the hope. How they surge toward him. You're looking at an American political phenomenon. In state after state, in the furious final days of this crucial campaign, Illinois Senator Barack Obama has been the Democrat's not-so-secret get-out-the-vote weapon. He inspires the party faithful and many others, like no one else on the scene today...And the question you can sense on everyone's mind, as they listen so intently to him, is he the one? Is Barack Obama the man, the black man, who could lead the Democrats back to the White House and maybe even unite the country?"
Check the a November 8, 2006 CyberAlert for more: www.mrc.org
Again, to contrast, Tapper, who appeared on Tuesday's Good Morning America with more of his Obama interview, actually challenged the candidate as to why he (thus far) seems incapable of sustaining a lead over Republican John McCain: "You and Senator McCain right now are pretty much tied. Why aren't you doing better? Why didn't you get a bounce?"
A partial transcript from Tapper's Good Morning America interview on June 17, and the complete transcript of the June 16 Nightline segment with Obama:
# Good Morning America:
ROBIN ROBERTS: But first, the race to '08 and we'll have more on those new poll numbers in a moment. But we begin on a big name endorsement for Senator Obama in Michigan last night. Our senior political correspondent Jake Tapper was there in Detroit and he's still there this morning for us. Good morning, Jake.
JAKE TAPPER: Good morning, Robin. Well, Senator Barack Obama is trying to make up for lost time here in Michigan, a state the Democrats did not have an official primary contest in. A few weeks ago, you might remember, Obama came in, got a big splashy endorsement from former Senator John Edwards. Last night he came in, got a big splashy endorsement from Al Gore. Last night in Detroit, the Gore-acle bestowed 'the one' with his blessing.
AL GORE: We have such a nominee. We have such a leader. Yes, we can. Ladies and gentlemen, the next president of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
TAPPER: Senator Obama talked more about the race in our exclusive network interview. You and Senator McCain right now are pretty much tied. Why aren't you doing better? Why didn't you get a bounce?
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA: Well, you know, my understanding is the current polls show me up, despite the fact that we went through an extraordinary primary. I mean, we went through a long, long contest and Senator Clinton was a formidable and terrific candidate. And so, while we were doing that, John McCain was basically getting a pass, both from the media, from you guys, as well as from other opponents.
Nightline:
MARTIN BASHIR: Having swept aside Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic nomination, tonight, Barack Obama swept up one of the biggest endorsements. That of former vice president, Al Gore. Mr. Gore said that in 2002, he warned against invading Iraq and few elected officials supported him. But I remember, he said, that an eloquent legislator named Barack Obama stood up boldly and clearly. So, how will Senator Obama benefit from Mr. Gore's standing up for him? Here's our senior political correspondent, Jake Tapper.
JAKE TAPPER: His was a long desired endorsement throughout the never-ending Democratic primaries. But the Gore-acle resisted.
AL GORE Yes, we can. Ladies and gentleman-
TAPPER: Until tonight.
GORE: -of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA: And when I am president, I will be counting on Al Gore to help me lead the fight for a clean energy future here in America and around the globe.
GORE: After eight years of the worst, most serious foreign policy mistakes in the entire history of our nation, we need change.
TAPPER: Obama's campaign is counting on an infusion of fresh blood to help out in their big battle against the Republicans. Today, the campaign announced Patty Solis Doyle, Hillary Clinton's former campaign manager who was fired during the height of the Clinton/Obama battle, is coming on board to be chief of staff for the vice presidential nominee, whoever he or she might be. One more ambassador to those former Clinton supporters who have threatened to vote for John McCain, who is brazenly wooing them.
MCCAIN: I respect the campaign that Senator Clinton ran. I congratulate her on motivating millions of people to join her campaign.
TAPPER: That was one of the subjects Obama and I discussed in our exclusive network interview today. John McCain is aggressively going after women's vote, especially former supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton.
OBAMA: I think John McCain is gonna have trouble making the case when on almost every single issue that's important to women he has been on the wrong side. He has opposed efforts to protect women against, you know, some of the discrimination that they experience in the workplace. He is in favor of judges who would overturn Roe vs. Wade.
TAPPER: That the Supreme Court is on the ballot is an argument Obama makes as he campaigns throughout the country.
OBAMA: John McCain thinks the Supreme Court was wrong. I think the Supreme Court was right.
TAPPER: In Pennsylvania over the weekend, Obama praised the Supreme Court for granting legal rights to enemy combatants being held in US custody. The Bush administration says no matter what people think about other programs, other policies they have initiated, there has not been a terrorist attack within the U.S. since 9/11 and they say the reason that is, is because of the domestic programs, many of which you oppose. How do you know that they're wrong?
OBAMA: It is my firm belief that we can track terrorists, we can crack down on threats against the United States. But we can do so within the constraints of our Constitution. Let's take the example of Guantanamo. What we know is that in previous terrorist attacks, for example, the first attack against the World Trade Center, we were able to arrest those responsible, put them on trial. They are currently in U.S. prisons incapacitated.
TAPPER: The stark philosophical divide between McCain and Obama guarantee this match-up will make the Democratic primaries look like spring break in Jamaica. McCain's campaign thinks Obama is glib and all talk.
TAPPER: It's not difficult to look at Senator McCain's record and see examples of times when he reached across the partisan divide at great political risk to himself. Have you ever worked across the aisle in such a way that entailed a political risk for yourself?
OBAMA: Well, look, when I was doing ethics reform legislation, for example, that wasn't popular with Democrats or Republicans. So any time that you actually try to get - something done in Washington it entails some political risks.
TAPPER: Tomorrow, Senator Obama flies to Washington, D.C. for some meetings includes some about his vice presidential prospects. The stakes keep getting higher. This is Jake Tapper for Nightline with the Obama campaign in Detroit, Michigan.
BASHIR: Our thanks to Jake Tapper.
CBS Evening News Highlights Ranting of
Afghan Terrorist
On Monday's CBS Evening News, correspondent Lara Logan touted what was essentially a press release from a key terrorist leader in Afghanistan: "Afghan warlord Gulbeddin Hekmatyar spoke exclusively to CBS News about the state of the insurgency in Afghanistan in this interview smuggled out of his secret hiding place." Logan went on to offer a translation of the video: "'The resistance is spreading in all directions,' he says. 'It's becoming stronger and more powerful.'" Logan went on to repeat more of Hekmatyar's propaganda: "'Although I'm confined to one bunker and a village which is under the threat of American warplanes all the time, I sleep very peacefully at night, while George Bush cannot sleep in the White House without the help of sleeping pills,' he says. Hekmatyar mocks President Bush as a warmonger and blames him for Iran's meddling in Afghanistan. He says the Iranians are pouring money and weapons into the fight that's destroying his country."
[This item, by the MRC's Kyle Drennen, was posted Monday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]
Earlier in the piece, Logan described how "Hekmatyar was once embraced by the U.S. as a freedom fighter, part of the Mujahideen resistance against the Russian occupation of the 1980s. Now he's a U.S. enemy, accused of leading an insurgency that's killed American soldiers and destabilized Afghanistan." In a 1998 interview on 60 Minutes, anchor Steve Kroft discussed Hekmatyar with former Democratic Congressman Charlie Wilson:
KROFT: In this war, the Central Intelligence Agency and the radical Islamic fundamentalists were on the same side, but they had very different agendas, and Charlie Wilson knew it. He had no illusions about who he was dealing with. That's Charlie embracing Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the most radical of the Afghan commanders. Did anybody ever warn you that these were Muslim fundamentalists and that some of these leaders hate the United States every bit as much as they hate the Russians?
WILSON: Absolutely, and especially about Gulbuddin.
KROFT: Who gave you the warnings?
WILSON: You didn't need to be warned very much. I mean, he would tell you himself.
KROFT: What would he tell you?
WILSON: Well, he'd tell you that he hated the West. Gulbuddin had the reputation of throwing acid in women's faces that didn't wear a veil.
KROFT: Not only was Gulbuddin getting money from the US government to rid Afghanistan of the Russians, his radical cause was getting millions from Osama bin Laden, at the time a little-known Saudi aristocrat who wanted to see Afghanistan with a radical fundamentalist government once the Russians were gone.
Despite such descriptions of Hekmatyar's ruthlessness, Logan still depicted him as the leader of a "resistance" movement: "...he claims American boots on the ground are only prolonging the resistance, and Hekmatyar offered this ominous warning for Afghan security forces: 'Our fighting now,' he says, 'is against those hired Afghan soldiers whom the Americans have placed in the front line to fight us.' Nearly seven years after that fight began, one of America's top enemies in Afghanistan remains as determined as ever."
Here is the full transcript of the June 16 story:
HARRY SMITH: Taliban fighters today took over several villages just north of Kandahar and not far from a prison where hundreds of Taliban escaped last week. The US and its allies are not just fighting the Taliban. Chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan has an exclusive report on another rebel warlord who used to be an ally.
LARA LOGAN: From these remote mountains in northeastern Afghanistan, one of the country's most notorious terrorists has attacked US troops and evaded capture for nearly seven years. Afghan warlord Gulbeddin Hekmatyar spoke exclusively to CBS News about the state of the insurgency in Afghanistan in this interview smuggled out of his secret hiding place.
GULBEDDIN HEKMATYAR: (Foreign language spoken)
LOGAN: 'The resistance is spreading in all directions,' he says. 'It's becoming stronger and more powerful.' Hekmatyar was once embraced by the US as a freedom fighter, part of the mujahideen resistance against the Russian occupation of the 1980s. Now he's a US enemy, accused of leading an insurgency that's killed American soldiers and destabilized Afghanistan.
Today he lives on the run, hunted by the US military.
HEKMATYAR: (Foreign language spoken)
LOGAN: 'Although I'm confined to one bunker and a village which is under the threat of American warplanes all the time, I sleep very peacefully at night, while George Bush cannot sleep in the White House without the help of sleeping pills,' he says. Hekmatyar mocks President Bush as a warmonger and blames him for Iran's meddling in Afghanistan. He says the Iranians are pouring money and weapons into the fight that's destroying his country.
HEKMATYAR: (Foreign language spoken)
LOGAN: 'Iran has trespassed into Afghanistan,' he says, `and established military posts in very sensitive areas on our side of the border.' The failure to stop people like Hekmatyar is one of the reasons several thousand additional US troops have been deployed to Afghanistan. But he claims American boots on the ground are only prolonging the resistance, and Hekmatyar offered this ominous warning for Afghan security forces: 'Our fighting now,' he says, 'is against those hired Afghan soldiers whom the Americans have placed in the front line to fight us.' Nearly seven years after that fight began, one of America's top enemies in Afghanistan remains as determined as ever. Lara Logan, CBS News.
Most Oppose Same-Sex Marriage, But CBS
Focuses on Growing Support
CBS's own poll found more than two-thirds of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, but CBS News over the past few days gave a lot more time to supporters. On CBS's Sunday Morning, correspondent John Blackstone reported on the beginning of legal marriages in California starting Monday: "Even for people used to earthquakes, the California Supreme Court's decision last month to legalize same-sex marriage was a jolt. But even as gay couples make plans to wed this week...Opponents say tradition should and will be restored." Blackstone went on to talk to one such opponent: "Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage is confident Californians will vote to again ban same sex marriage. On the ballot, in November...Brown says the state supreme court improperly overturned the will of the people. In 2000, California voters approved a measure declaring that only marriage between a man and woman is valid or recognized in California."
Out of a total of 8 minutes and 50 seconds of coverage during the show, 2 minutes and 14 seconds was given to highlight opponents of gay marriage. By Sunday's Evening News the total coverage had shrunk to 2 minutes and 35 seconds with 27 seconds given to opponents. Total coverage on Monday's Early Show was 5 minutes and 12 seconds, however, time given to opponents of gay marriage was only 41 seconds, with no mention of Brown or his organization.
[This item, by the MRC's Kyle Drennen, was posted Monday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]
During the coverage on all three shows a new CBS poll was touted as showing an increase in support for gay marriage nation-wide. On Sunday, Blackstone reported: "A CBS news poll conducted this month found that a majority of Americans, 58%, support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, but many still don't want that to be called 'marriage.' 28% approve of civil unions. 30% of allowing gay couples to marry. The highest number since CBS News began asking that question in 2004."
On Monday, Early Show co-host Julie Chen proclaimed: "Same-sex marriage remains a hot-button issue throughout America. But it seems that tolerance for it appears to be growing. According to a new CBS News poll, 30% of Americans now accept same-sex marriages. However, 36% favor no legal recognition of gay marriages at all." Of course, looking at those numbers it is clear that 70% of Americans are opposed to allowing actual marriage for gay couples.
One of the most controversial statements made during the CBS coverage was made by actor George Takei to Blackstone during the Sunday Morning segment: "I know that people can change because I grew up in -- behind the barbed wire fences of American internment camps. That was in my lifetime. And here I am now, a popular actor -- supported by many, many people throughout the country. America changes. America is made up of decent people, fair-minded people."
Chen interviewed Takei and his partner on Monday's Early Show: "Among the same-sex couples getting their marriage licenses this week are long-time partners, George Takei and Brad Altman. You no doubt remember George Takei, who played the role of Mr. Sulu on Star Trek. Gentlemen good morning and congratulations."
Here are the full transcripts of the segments:
# June 15 Sunday Morning:
CHARLES OSGOOD: For the last century or so, Father's Day and Mother's Day have been special days, one for him, dad, and one for her, mom. But something has happened over the last several years and it's hit the nuclear family more like a nuclear explosion to some people, who liked it better the old fashioned way. In our biggest state the culture shock is about to be felt full-force. John Blackstone will be reporting our Sunday Morning cover story.
GAVIN NEWSOM: What a day in San Francisco! What a day in California!
JOHN BLACKSTONE: Even for people used to earthquakes, the California Supreme Court's decision last month to legalize same-sex marriage was a jolt. But even as gay couples make plans to wed this week-
JOHN HAM: I look good in white! It's okay.
BLACKSTONE: Opponents say tradition should and will be restored.
BRIAN BROWN: There's something unique and special about mothers and fathers. It's that simple.
BLACKSTONE: Later on Sunday Morning, the shaking in California that's sending shock waves across the country.
The subsequent story:
CHARLES OSGOOD: Starting tomorrow, you can expect to see more California cars with signs that say, 'Just Married.' But if you haven't been paying attention to a recent legal development, you might be surprised by who some of these June newlyweds are. Our cover story is reported now by John Blackstone.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Do you, Kevin, take this woman Impumei to be your lawfully wedded wife.
KEVIN: I do.
JOHN BLACKSTONE: In the cheery rotunda of San Francisco's City Hall, always a great place for a wedding-
WOMAN: I now pronounce you husband and wife.
BLACKSTONE: It's a moment of calm -- before the storm. Tomorrow this grand old building will reaffirm its place at the epicenter of the same-sex marriage debate with what's likely to be the very first legal gay wedding in California. Performed by San Francisco's Mayor, Gavin Newsom.
GAVIN NEWSOM: I don't know what the big deal is at the end of the day to allow people to be treated fairly. My gosh. What more American value is there than that?
BLACKSTONE: But American values have generally viewed marriage as joining a man and a woman. 30 days ago in California, that all changed. Gay couples cheered and began making wedding plans.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN B: I don't know the details of the ruling, but I think we're getting married pretty soon.
BLACKSTONE: When in a 4-3 decision, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on gay marriage. When the ruling takes effect at one minute after 5:00 tomorrow afternoon, California becomes the only state besides Massachusetts where it's legal to marry someone of the same sex.
NEWSOM: What a day in San Francisco!
BLACKSTONE: Mayor Newsom energized the same-sex marriage movement in 2004, throwing open city hall to more than 4,000 gay weddings. When the state supreme court finally ordered the ceremonies to stop, couples still waiting in line for licenses were crushed.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN B: God Dammit!
BLACKSTONE: The marriages were declared void, and the court battle began, that has now ended with victory for same-sex marriage.
NEWSOM: There are thousands and thousands and thousands of couples that want to see their lives affirmed. The fact is we're going to be fine. This is all going to be okay.
BLACKSTONE: For many gay couples, that's an understatement. Some of the more high profile marriage seekers include Ellen Degeneres who publicly came out on TV more than a decade ago.
ELLEN DEGENERES: So, I would like to say right now for the first time, I am announcing I am getting married.
BLACKSTONE: She announced her intention to wed actress, Portia Derossi.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: How often have you done this.
GEORGE TAKEI: Actually, it's my first attempt.
BLACKSTONE: Actor George Takei, best known as Mr. Sulu on "Star Trek," plans to wed his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman. First of all, tell me what it was like around this house the day the supreme court decision. Were you waiting for that? Was that something you were anticipating?
GEORGE TAKEI: We did know about it, we were anticipating it. And all of a sudden, Brad fell down to the floor. I mean, he got down on his knees. And I said -- you know, with my mouth full of food, what are you doing? And he -- he was on his knees, and said, 'George, will you marry me?' And I said -- 'darn it! I meant to ask you. You beat me to it!'
BRAD ALTMAN: I just want to be part of the mainstream American society, which I am, but I don't want to feel like I'm a second class citizen that I can have a domestic partnership but I can't have a marriage.
BLACKSTONE: A CBS news poll conducted this month found that a majority of Americans, 58%, support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, but many still don't want that to be called 'marriage.' 28% approve of civil unions. 30% of allowing gay couples to marry. The highest number since CBS News began asking that question in 2004. But opponents of same sex marriage say marriage is much more than a word. It's an important concept with only one meaning.
[Footage of angry protestors]
BRIAN BROWN: And by definition, marriage is the union of a man and woman. It's based on the complementarity of male and female.
BLACKSTONE: Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage is confident Californians will vote to again ban same sex marriage. On the ballot, in November.
BROWN: Now, what's going to happen in the interim? Likely all of the effects we've seen from around the country. Parents being told they have no say in what their kids are taught in school, and that johnny needs to be taught that it's the same exact thing to grow up and marry Jimmy as it is to marry Mary. That there's no distinction at all. That's what the law now says.
BLACKSTONE: Brown says the state supreme court improperly overturned the will of the people. In 2000, California voters approved a measure declaring that only marriage between a man and woman is valid or recognized in California. But California does recognize domestic partnerships, arguing against same-sex marriage, the state attorney general said domestic partners have the same rights as married couples just under a different name. The state supreme court, however, ruled that separate but qual is not equal. The only other state that allows gay marriage, Massachusetts, issues same-sex licenses only for residents. Since California has no residency requirement, gay couples from across the country are expected to head west, and then go home to an uncertain legal future. Right now, 44 states have constitutional amendments or laws banning same sex marriage. Eight states do provide some spousal rights to same sex partners. But only New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN C: Ann can I talk to you?
BLACKSTONE: In California, some local officials are resisting. The clerk in Kern County Ann Barnett dodged a reporter's questions about her decision to stop all marriages in county offices rather than perform any gay marriages. Even the most ardent supporters of the new law say it's going to be -- well, different. Contra Costa County Clerk, Steve Weir. This is the application for a marriage license?
STEVE WEIR: That's it.
BLACKSTONE: And so which parts of this-
WEIR: Have changed.
BLACKSTONE: Have changed.
WEIR: Well, instead of bride and groom, it's 'Party A' and 'Party B.'
BLACKSTONE: That's not very romantic.
WEIR: But I will be 'Party B.'
BLACKSTONE: Weir plans to be the first in line at his own office Tuesday morning to marry his long-time partner, John Ham.
JOHN HAM: I'm doing it for the ceremony, I'm doing it for the public ritual which I believe in.
BLACKSTONE: For the 18 years Weir and Ham have been together the closest they got to a marriage ceremony was a staged photo taken after too many cocktails. So, did you do that as a joke, or-
HAM: I look good in white! It's okay. I was just waiting for the time when you could just do it like everybody else does, and -- in the world. And you just go down to the city hall or to the county clerk's office, get the paperwork done and not make anything different or special. You know, some people in the world want it to be different. They want to be able to point that finger and say, you know, oh, there goes those gay people again, you know, making a spectacle of themselves. No, it's just like anybody else.
BLACKSTONE: But it's not like anybody else, says Brian Brown. To him, gay marriage is an attempt to normalize something that isn't normal at all.
BROWN: You're not just saying we're opening up marriage to these people. You're fundamentally redefining what the nature of marriage is, that marriage is the union of a mother and father, a husband and a wife, that ideal is what is worth protecting and again, I think that's a common sense idea. There's something unique and special about mothers and fathers. It's that simple.
BLACKSTONE: George Takei however, sees a world that's more accepting.
GEORGE TAKEI: I know that people can change because I grew up in -- behind the barbed wire fences of American internment camps. That was in my lifetime. And here I am now, a popular actor -- supported by many, many people throughout the country. America changes. America is made up of decent people, fair-minded people.
BLACKSTONE: But when the weddings begin again in California, some decent people will see only indecency. Though, that's not likely to diminish the joy for those who thought marriage could never be theirs.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN D: I now pronounce you Jet and Annie, spouses for life.
# CBS Evening News, June 15:
RUSS MITCHELL: With same-sex marriages set to begin tomorrow in California, a new CBS poll out tonight shows Americans split on whether same-sex couples should even have the right to marry. Couples planning to take the big step are wondering how long the opportunity will be available as John Blackstone reports.
JOHN BLACKSTONE: For three years, Jason and Adrian have described themselves as engaged.
JASON HOWE: These are the reply cards.
BLACKSTONE: Now at home in Los Angeles, they are finally sending out invitations to a wedding.
ADRIAN: And this is society's recognition that we're family.
BLACKSTONE: They have set a date and even built a wedding website, but the ceremony they're planning isn't in California. It's in Spain. They started making their plans before California legalized same-sex marriage.
HOWE: We didn't do this because we wanted to have a wonderful wedding on the Mediterranean or whatever. We did this because we couldn't do it here.
BLACKSTONE: Jason, who works for a gay rights' organization, didn't expect California law would change so quickly. Now they'll get married in California as soon as they get home from Spain, and something they thought would be largely symbolic will now have the force of law.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: With this ring, I thee wed.
BLACKSTONE: Four years ago the gay marriages that filled San Francisco's City Hall were a symbolic challenge to the state law banning gay marriage. But last month when the California Supreme Court declared that law unconstitutional. Gay couples started making wedding plans and the ripples are going right across the country.
DAVID CRUZ: The development in California is huge nationally speaking. Unlike Massachusetts, California doesn't have a law that limits who can get married in the state.
BLACKSTONE: But the marriages that can legally begin at 5:01 PM tomorrow could end just as abruptly in November when a constitutional amendment to again ban same-sex marriage will be on the California ballot. Opponents of same-sex marriage are confident that Californians will vote to again define marriage as only for a man and a woman.
[Footage of angry protestors]
BRIAN BROWN: You can't just say, well, why not just two males, or two females. Why not then three or four? I mean you've done away with the essential meaning of marriage.
BLACKSTONE: But for Jason's mother Joanne, marriage seems exactly the right thing to do.
JOANNE HOWE: This is the beginning of something special and right and liberating.
BLACKSTONE: What is liberating for some, however, is certain to offend many others. As California rewrites the rules of a beloved institution. John Blackstone, CBS News, San Francisco.
# Early Show, June 16:
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: And rush to the alter, starting today, same sex couples in California will be allowed to get married. Is America ready to say 'I do' to gay marriage?
...
JULIE CHEN: Well, up next, later today California opens its doors to gay marriage. We'll talk to Mr. Sulu from "Star Trek" about his wedding plans.
....
JULIE CHEN: Same-sex marriage remains a hot-button issue throughout America. But it seems that tolerance for it appears to be growing. According to a new CBS News poll, 30% of Americans now accept same-sex marriages. However, 36% favor no legal recognition of gay marriages at all. And starting today in some parts of California, same sex couples can get married legally. CBS News correspondent John Blackstone has more.
JOHN BLACKSTONE: The figures atop the wedding cakes in West Hollywood, California tell a story of dramatic social and legal change -- and big business.
TOM ROSA: Wedding consults have jumped dramatically. I mean, I would say our business has probably tripled in the last couple of weeks.
BLACKSTONE: Businesses all over the state are trying to grab a piece of this lucrative new wedding market.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: We can do yellow gold, we can do white gold, we can do matching sets.
SUSAN WILCOX: It means an economic boom for California.
BLACKSTONE: On its website, the state tourism board is marketing California weddings to gay couples across the country.
WILCOX: We're hopeful that this is going to bring people to California to renew their vows or solidify their commitment to a significant other.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Diane Olsen, would you marry me?
BLACKSTONE: Two of the plaintiffs in the case that overturned California's ban on gay marriage are set to be married in Beverly Hills at 5:01 today, as soon as the ruling becomes effective. And in San Francisco, Dell Martin and Phyllis Lyon, both in their 80s and together more than 50 years will be married by Mayor Gavin Newsom. He energized the push for gay marriage in 2004 when he opened San Francisco City Hall to a flood of illegal gay weddings.
GAVIN NEWSOM: The idea that I'd ever be associated with the idea of same-sex marriage, you've got to be kidding me. It never even occurred to me five years ago. But, you know what, I believe in the principle of equality and I believe it's the right thing to do.
BLACKSTONE: But many others, of course, believe it's the wrong thing to do.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN B: Marriage is between an unmarried man and unmarried woman. It's clear.
BLACKSTONE: Citizens in Kern County lined up to tell the board of supervisors they were happy that county clerks stopped performing all weddings rather than perform any gay weddings.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN C: This is a slippery slope we're stepping. If we fall in the abyss, this is the first step and it's downward from here.
BLACKSTONE: More than a million Californians signed the petition to put the issue to a vote in November, a constitutional amendment that would again ban same-sex marriage. But between now and then, the state is bracing for a rush to wed. John Blackstone, CBS News, San Francisco.
CHEN: Among the same-sex couples getting their marriage licenses this week are long-time partners, George Takei and Brad Altman. You no doubt remember George Takei, who played the role of Mr. Sulu on Star Trek. Gentlemen good morning and congratulations.
GEORGE TAKEI: Thank you very much and good morning.
CHEN: Good morning. So when is the big day, George?
TAKEI: Well, tomorrow's the big day when we get our license at long last. And-
CHEN: No wedding date yet, George?
TAKEI: Oh, we have a date. But it's going to be in September. And we wanted to give ourselves some months to go through the delicious anguish of planning for it.
BRAD ALTMAN: It takes a lot of work to plan for a wedding, Julie. A lot of work.
CHEN: Tell me about it, okay. So Brad, I understand you are the one who proposed to George. Tell me when you did it and how you did it?
ALTMAN: Well, actually George was watching TV and the news flash came on and I dropped to my knees and I said, 'George, will you marry me?' And George said-
TAKEI: Darn it, you beat me to it.
CHEN: You were going to do the same to Brad.
TAKEI: I had my mouth full of sandwich then. So I couldn't quite do it then.
CHEN: Now the two of you have been in a committed relationship with each other for 21 years. Why is it important now to call it marriage?
TAKEI: Well because it is a marriage. You know, they can find other names for it, but separate but equal just doesn't make-
CHEN: Doesn't cut it.
TAKEI: Oh yeah.
ALTMAN: I don't want to be domestically partnered to George Takei. I want to be married to George Takei. And beginning today in California, I can legally marry George Takei. I'm the happiest guy in California today because I get to marry George.
TAKEI: Well I'm the second happiest then.
CHEN: Brad, let me ask you, how much of this is about making a political statement and how much of this is simply about declaring your dedication and devotion to one another?
ALTMAN: Well, it's not about a political statement. It's about legally in California, the California Supreme Court says that everybody is equally entitled to marriage. And this is the first time -- George and I have been together for more than 21 years through good times, bad times, through sickness and health. And finally we can legally marry each other and I'm just thrilled.
CHEN: George-
TAKEI: And to us, it's about love, you know? But it's the climate we're going into that makes it political. But for us, it's love. And we get to make it a marriage.
ALTMAN: That's right.
CHEN: George Takei, Brad Altman. Thank you and best wishes.
ALTMAN: Thank you.
TAKEI: Thank you.
CHEN: You're welcome.
-- Brent Baker
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