February 24, 2009

Charlie Flubbed It

I watch Charlie Rose’s interview show regularly and for the first time ever, I’m disappointed in him.

Tonight, he interviewed John Mack, the CEO of Morgan Stanley. Before the interview commenced, he told the audience that he and Mack grew up together—lived in the same neighborhood, went to the same school. During the conversation, they mentioned the fact that Charlie introduced John to his wife.

The interview seemed, to me, to be an exercise during which Charlie lobbed softballs over the plate. He didn’t seem to be interested in holding his friend accountable for his part in the crisis.
And John spewed a good bit of self-congratulation. He denied having taken bonuses “in 2007 and 2008” claiming that, though Morgan Stanley showed profits during those years, it was not profitable enough to merit a bonus. However, he mentioned only those two years—which suggests to me that he has taken bonuses in other years—and we all know how obscene those can be. And Charlie didn’t ask him about other years. That’s what I mean when I say that he played softball with his friend. In fact, generally, Charlie didn’t confront Mack about the crisis at all. He simply allowed him to dictate the direction and tenor of the conversation.

Now, maybe Charlie had to invite a friend in order to air any program of this type. Maybe Mack was the only CEO Charlie could get to sit down in front of a camera. Even so, though, I think he spent more time placating his friend than he did illuminating his audience. While this may be human nature and, therefore, understandable—I rather wish he had, instead, asked a scientist to discuss the environment or an author to plug his latest novel.

3 comments:

Ramona Grigg said...

I used to watch Charlie all the time, but I haven't for quite a while. I have a feeling he's been softballing it for a long time now. Think how eloquently he and his guests could have bashed Bush for the past eight years!
I love the format of his show. Nothing but good conversation, with nothing to distract. He gives his guests a long time to talk, and often they say more than they intended just because there's so much time.
I'm disappointed to read what you saw there. Friend or no friend, now is not the time to give those people a platform without making them answer the hard questions, too. You bet he took bonuses before 2007. Else why would he only have mentioned those two years?
Ramona

two crows said...

hi, Ramona--
yes, I think Charlie bent over backwards to be a bit too kind to BushCo.

And, last night's interview seemed to continue the exercise.
:(

jmsjoin said...

You know, I call a spade a spade I don't care if it is one of my sons, mother, father, it does not matter.
Me you we are all accountable no exceptions.
Rose should have made clear to him that friend or not he would be asked key questions and as such he would have the option of opting out then if he did I would announce that!