Video clip: Anderson Cooper tells Landrieu "Americans want answers"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

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Cooper to Landrieu: Americans Want Answers

An emotional exchange just took place between CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu. Cooper introduced Landrieu and immediately asked, “Does the federal government bear responsibility for what is happening now? Should they apologize for what is happening now?” Landrieu told him “there will be be plenty of time to discuss those issues,” and proceeded to begin thanking various government officials for their disaster relief support.

Finally, Cooper interrupted her:

Senator, I’m sorry… for the last four days, I have been seeing dead bodies here in the streets of Mississippi and to listen to politicians thanking each other and complimenting each other — I have to tell you, there are people here who are very upset and angry, and when they hear politicians thanking one another, it just, you know, it cuts them the wrong way right now, because there was a body on the streets of this town yesterday being eaten by rats because this woman has been laying in the street for 48 hours, and there is not enough facilities to get her up. Do you understand that anger?

LANDRIEU: I have the anger inside of me. Most of the homes in my family have been destroyed. I understand that, and I know all the details, and the President —

COOPER: Well, who are you angry at?

LANDRIEU: I’m not angry at anyone. It is so important for everyone in this nation to pull together, for all military assets to be brought to bare in this situation. I have every confidence this country is great and strong as we can be do to that, and that effort is under way. That effort is under way.

COOPER: Well, I mean, there are a lot of people here who are kind of ashamed of what is happening in this country right now, what is — ashamed of what is happening in your state. And that’s not to blame the people that are there, it is a terrible situation, but you know, who — no one seems to be taking responsibility. I know you say there’s a time and a place for kind of, you know, looking back, but this seems to be the time and the place. There are people that want answers, and people want someone to stand up and say: we should have done more.

[Skidmore]

1. While Landrieu's response left much to be desired,

did you notice that the only pol who was willing to give face time from the affected states was the one with the D label? Has anyone seen hide nor hair of Vitters, Lott, or any of the Rs since this began?

[MSgt213]

3. Nope. You have heard from Jindal or the former governor either

There is such a lack of leadership its a shame.

[fujiyama]

4. I heard Jindal

He sounded like an idiot and basically said marshall law should have been instituted quicker...and of course he defended the administration. Worthless fuckin lapdog.

But to Vitter's credit (yuck never thought I'd say that), he said the troops should have been out there much earlier.

[xchrom]

5. democrat or not -- her response was damn near pathological.

it was so shallow and uncaring that it was frightening -- yes i'm glad democrats are willing to stand and take the heat{and let the chips fall where they may} but sound and look like a real human being, please.

justify peoples anger -- the evidence for their fury is right there in front of their face.

show some respect.

[Skidmore]

6. I agree totally,

I'm must responding to the great silence from either side over the past several days. Yesterday people suddenly started thinkin of something to say? Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't gather on the Capital steps to sing "When the Saints Go Marching In". I'm so disgusted by both parties right now! It is mind boggling that so many people in leadership positions can be so clueless. Not one effin' drop of common sense or courage to be found among the whole lot.

[XanaDUer]

9. Yes.

Before I go into Cooper-is-so-great-mode, I would like to see him be so aggressive with a conservative politician as he was with her.

[Lochloosa]

2. Watch this!...

I think Anderson would have beaten the shit out of her if he could have gotten his hands on her. IMO

[pacifictiger]

8. I caught him on TV earlier

I've never seen a newscaster quite like that - actually calling a spade a spade. He was controlled and civil to her, yet you could feel his deep internal anger and disgust at the lack of action coming through. It was refreshing to see one of the talking heads actually genuinely speaking for the great numbers that are not able to be heard.

[WCGreen]

7. Screw her....

Thanking the president ....

Fuck her.....

I am embarassed that I once thought she would make a good VP....

Fuck her....