The Page's Full Coverage of Friday Morning Shows
Clinton in all three network morning show interviews stayed briskly on message, focusing on standing up to the Republicans and solving problems.
On NBC, Lauer showed an undated picture of the Clintons with Obama's controversial donor Tony Rezko; she said she didn't know him or have a seventeen-year relationship with him. Click above to watch. (Editor's question: Where did “Today” get that picture?)
Response from the Clinton campaign: “Tony Rezko has never contributed a dime to Hillary or Bill Clinton. They have no relationship with Tony Rezko.” Read more.
Also on NBC, she played down SC chances, played up Edwards' homestate strength. Overall, gave long GOP-focused answers and Lauer frequently tried – ineffectively — to halt her filibusters.
On ABC, acknowledged “everyone needs to take a deep breath” in the race– “I know we'll have a united Democratic party once there's a nominee.” Talked around “two for the price of one” question, said she'd be happy to stand on the stage against any Republican “if I'm so fortunate to be the nominee.”
On CBS, also made “take a deep breath” comment. On her husband: “He gets excited. He gets a little passionate….” He said several times Thursday that “maybe he got a little carried away,” but she denied they distorted Obama's record.
Plus: On “Russ Parr in the Morning” radio show, she called the GOP the “can't do party” with campaigns “bankrupt” of ideas, went after McCain on the war. On infighting with Obama ,said she will take advice of NYT endorsement and change the tone. Also talked about husband's role in her White House, oil, education. Listen to the interview here.
Huckabee on MSNBC said it's “frustrating” he doesn't get as much time in the debates as his rivals he got half the time of Romney). Attacked Romney as usual, saying candidates “have to sell ideas, not TV ads.”
Huckabee on Fox complained that rivals keep going after his faith. Said he thinks debate was so calm because candidates “are trying to inject an air of civility into this.” Applauded the president's stimulus plan. Also on CNN.
Morning network roundup:
NBC: Clinton was followed by a Russert two-way, in which he talked about race in South Carolina and Giuliani's struggles, touted his booking of McCain on this Sunday's “Meet the Press.”
CBS: After the Clinton interview on “The Early Show,” Jeff Greenfield tackled the debate, Romney's improvements in Florida and Huckabee's run as a populist.
ABC: “Good Morning America” recapped debate, George Stephanopoulos called B. Clinton a “lightning rod” to take the heat off his wife. Said Republican criticism helps her by making her the “heir apparent.”

