What the HELL did Tim Russert just say????

[JMDEM]

At the end of his interview with John Edwards this morning (Sunday, Oct 7th), Russert said to Edwards "Be SAFE on the campaign trail". The statement itself, and the way he said it, struck me as very odd.

Was this a threat? Was it a warning? Or does he always say this to all of his guests, and therefore it has no real meaning? I don't watch Russert enough to know, considering him a corporate shill.

I wish someone could post the video of the end of that discussion.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. i think its just something people say. no need for paranoia

i saw it and thought it was just another way of saying good luck

[havocmom]

2. I always part with "be safe". But I would TRY not to say that to a national candidate

It does sorta smack of a veiled threat in some instances ;)

[donsu]

3. sounds like a threat

nt

[Wapsie B]

4. Call me a grassy-knoller but in this day and age I don't put anything past repugs.

Anyone who poses a serious threat to the neocons has been dealt with in some form or fashion.

[DaveJ]

5. It goes along with what they were talking about...

Russert asked about how some see Edwards as an 'unsafe' candidate because he has chosen not to take corporate contributions, and that it will mean he has less money after being elected as Dem candidate. So "be safe" was not just pulled out of nowhere.

[Debi]

6. I think he says it to all the candidates in one form or the other

just a nice closing comment, that's all.

[Inspired]

7. I thought it was an odd thing to say but meaningless. n/t

[JMDEM]

8. While I was typing in my original post...

My wife says that some high-up campaign worker for Obama was the next guest and actively confronted Russert on that exact statement. "Why did you say that? You have never said that to anyone? Why did you say that?".

Now this is second-hand -- I didn't see it myself. Anyone else see the person who followed Edwards? Can you report on what she said?

[DaveJ]

13. I didn't see him interview Obama...

I thought it was the reporter Jay Barbree who covered all the U.S. space flights. Anyway I believe the whole shows are available afterwards on the web if you want to check.

[MonkeyFunk]

9. Because the

BFEE always issues their threats on national television via Tim Russert. :eyes:

It's just a platitude. People say it. It means nothing.

[immoderate]

10. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

What courtesy could Russert bestow that would be positive, but politically neutral? For instance, "good luck" could be seen as invoking a win.

--IMM

[Birthmark]

11. Hey, the last thing I always say to people leaving is...

..."Be careful, they're all nuts out there." "Be safe" is much shorter. :)

[JMDEM]

12. Okay, okay...

It just struck me as very odd. That is why I put it out there. It is not something to argue about -- just to get impressions about. Thanks for your feedback.

[stray cat]

14. Definitely not a threat but I think Russert is concerned about the level of hatred

for politicians of other viewpoints in the US. I didn't perceive anything but general concern in the statement. A statement of humanity just sounds out of place any more.

[JMDEM]

16. What worries me is that Edwards is the most vocal

of the MAJOR candidates about fighting corporate America. But I guess you could pick any of the Dem candidates and point out that every one could have a large pool of vehement haters.

But I am still 100% convinced that the Republicans REALLY WANT Hillary to win the nomination, exactly because they hate her so much.

[Stargazer99]

15. SOUND ASLEEP AREN'T YOU-just what the neocons want

Remember the bullet hole in the middle of Tillman's forehead? Paul Wellman and the "accident" that took his life. The Plame outing, etc. I'll bet there are more examples others could list. I personally think Kerry did not push the issue because he had suspicions that death maybe around the corner if he did. Edwards not owing corporate America and their rich cronies potentially could be in peril. You are telling me corporate America is moral? Are you a good Brooklyn bridge potential buyer.

[JMDEM]

17. Now that's my paranoid side talking too. nt.

[scarface2004]

18. edwards has been targeted by bush blackwater thugs!!!

bush told white house insiders that edwards will not be around to celebrate new years eve this year..should be long gone after thanksgiving!!!