Karl's evidence that Kennedy's death hasn't “inspired newfound unity on health care reform” predates it

Written by Christine Schwen

Published

ABC's Jonathan Karl claimed that if “last night's town hall meeting in Phoenix is any indication” of whether Sen. Ted Kennedy's death will “inspire newfound unity on health care reform,” “the answer seems to be no.” But the video Karl aired to support his claim was from an August 25 event that occurred before Kennedy's death, not from “last night.”

From the August 27 broadcast of ABC's World News with Charles Gibson:

CHARLES GIBSON (anchor): Even though he was away from the Senate for much of the last year, until just days ago, the senator was actively involved in the health care reform debate, on the phone with colleagues. Some of his allies in Congress harbor hopes that his death might generate a change of heart among opponents. If that is to be the case, there are few signs of it yet. Here's Jon Karl.

[begin video clip]

KARL: Could Senator Kennedy's death inspire newfound unity on health care reform? If last night's town hall meeting in Phoenix is any indication --

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: No compromises, no compromises, no compromises. Senator, nuke it now. Thank you.

KARL: -- the answer seems to be no.

Town hall meeting in Karl's video occurred before Kennedy's death

Meeting occurred afternoon of August 25, not “last night.” According to ABCNews.com, “Ted Kennedy died shortly before midnight Tuesday,” August 25. However, the town hall meeting held by Sen. John McCain in which an attendee said, “Senator, nuke it now,” occurred earlier that day, shortly before 3 p.m. Eastern time.

From the 2 p.m. ET hour of CNN Newsroom on August 25, which carried McCain's town hall live:

KYRA PHILLIPS (anchor): As you know, we've been dipping in across the country, listening to all the various town halls that are being held by our Democrat and Republican leaders. Now it's Sun City, Arizona, with Senator John McCain. Let's listen in.

[...]

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: First, the health care proposal needs to be killed now in its entirety. No compromises, Senator, please. Because if it passes in any form, it will give the Obama administration opportunity to build on it, and I think we all know that.

With all due respect -- Senator. I propose that you go back to D.C. and propose that Congress return to the Medicare health care plan and the Social Security retirement plan, because if these plans are not good enough for you and your family, sir, then they certainly aren't good enough for us and our families.

[applause and cheering]

No compromises, no compromises, no compromises, no compromises. Senator, nuke it now. Thank you.