Katie Couric’s interview of Alaskan governor, Sarah Palin, is now legendary.  Things did not go well and Palin was unhappy with the line of questioning.  Aside from the famous “I can see Russia from my house” comment, Palin seemed uncomfortable and ill-prepared for the role of Vice President of the United States.  I do believe that it was a turning point in the McCain/Palin presidential campaign and I’m sure Palin wishes she could do it all over again.

While the stakes aren’t quite as high, Couric has left the door wide open for a second interview.  When asked about the possibility by Usmagazine.com, Couric said "If I get the opportunity, I’d be thrilled to talk to her again… I feel like that interview speaks for itself."

During the annual Class Day address at Princeton University earlier this month, Couric even joked: "Coming here was a real no brainer! After all, I can see New Jersey from my house!"  I thought it was funny but something tells me Palin isn’t laughing.

Katie Couric came on to the scene years ago, replacing Deborah Norville, on the Today show.  I remember being in either junior high or high school and not caring much about morning talk shows but I also remember the frenzy that followed her debut.  People really loved this young, fresh-faced co-host who had the biggest smile on television. 

Over the years, we’ve all watched her ups and downs as if she was a member of the family.  Her husband, Jay, passed away tragically to colon cancer and Katie underwent a colonoscopy on live daytime television to help spread the word about the importance of screening.  Then, so many were shocked when she announced her departure from the Today show after she accepted the job as the anchors of CBS Evening News. 

She’s been dogged by bad ratings but for the first time since February 2007, she’s had a boost with an average of 7.4 million viewers between December 15-21, 2008.  Even though she’s still behind NBC and ABC it’s still something to celebrate.  Here is how the evening news race stacks up: NBC “Nightly News,” 10.1 million (6.6, 12); ABC “World News,” 9.2 million (6.1, 11); “CBS Evening News,” 7.4 million (4.9, 9).”

Photo by Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto.com

This morning, Senator Barack Obama spoke with Katie Couric on the Today show where he explained his feelings surrounding the revelation that his aunt is here from Kenya without proper immigration papers and the “low blow” he felt was dealt to his wife by the Republican party.

“I do believe there is a Republican or right-wing media outlet, or set of media outlets, that went after my wife for a while in a way that I thought was just completely out of bounds,” Obama said.  “Frankly, I would never have considered or expected my allies to do something comparable to the spouse of an opponent. I just feel like family are civilians.”

What happened?  Not only did people begin referring to his wife, Michelle, as “Obama’s baby mama,” (thank Fox News for that little gem) and “Mrs. Grievance” (National Review) but they also took a comment she made and, I feel, blew it way out of proportion.  She said that for the first time in her adult life, she was “proud of [her] country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.”  What’s wrong with that? 

I was able to get my hands on a short video of Obama talking about his aunt’s illegal immigrant status.  In short, he would support deporting her.  What do you think of that?

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Talk show host, Katie Couric was on the Stand Up to Cancer special last night and I found the whole evening just really touching.  Katie lost her husband, Jay Couric, to colon cancer 10 years ago and she has been very active about raising awareness ever since (she even underwent a colonoscopy on live television a few years back - remember that?!).  The night was capped by a performance of “Just Stand Up” which is a song to benefit the cause performed by some of the world’s most successful female singers including Carrie Underwood, Fergie and Beyoncé.  Watch the performance on Idol Stalker!

Newly married, Ellen Degeneres, will be working the phonebank during the live telecast of the upcoming Stand Up to Cancer benefit on September 5, 2008.  E! describes it as “the Oscars, the Emmys and the Grammys rolled into one.”

It sounds great (I will be definitely watching) and it’s fantastic that it’s for a very worthy cause!  Many other stars are expected to attend including new mom Jessica Alba, cancer survivor, Christina Applegate, Charlize Theron and Katie Couric, who lost her husband, Jay, to colon cancer. 

Make sure you try to watch it and donate money if you can!