Is Katie Couric a Hypocrite?

Katie Couric (photo) went through the terrible drama of losing a loved one -- her husband -- to cancer. All of us were in awe of her personal courage and wished her and her kids well through the process. Recently Elizabeth Edwards announced that her cancer is back and is not curable. The best she can hope for is to keep it at bay through various treatments.

Katie Couric interviewed Elizabeth and her Presidential contender husband, John, recently on the struggle of running for office while battling cancer. Katie told the candidate and wife that "family goes first and then work" and with that in mind, how can a candidacy for the Presidency be explained or justified. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were shocked, mainly because the question was rude and, even more so, who it came from. Katie Couric, when her husband was diagnosed and fighting for his life, worked the very busy schedule of a professional journalist. Such individuals work 50 or 60 hours a week (and even more), and she appeared to not miss a beat.

As I indicated earlier, America supported Couric's decision as courageous. I believe it was during this time that the Today Show became unbeatable in the ratings war. So for her to be harsh to the Edwards who are choosing to fight their battle in this very personal way, it seemed inappropriate. America concluded that the battle that Katie's family had against cancer was very personal. I believe Americans feel the same about the Edwards. Some families might want to buckle down, be close, and fight it privately. Others may want to go on with their lives, while they have their lives, with gusto. This is the approach the Edwards' family is bravely taking. I believe everyone is shocked by Katie's response.

People are speculating as to why Couric was so harsh. Some say it was lashing out because of her continued rating problems, others believe it was from the deep convictions she developed because of her own personal experience, and others still believe she was merely being a tough journalist. If it is the latter, it didn't work. The Edwards quickly entered into the defensive mode and, in my opinion, the quality of the interview declined. She could have accomplished so much more from a position of empathy, rather than being holier than thou.

I'm no fan of the Edwards when it comes to their political beliefs, but I'm impressed with their courage and I commend them and others for the very personal way they are fighting this battle.