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CNN Sunday Morning

Six Months Later: A Reporter's View

Aired March 10, 2002 - 08:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well tomorrow marks six months since the September 11th attacks. We'll be hearing a lot from the survivors and families of victims. But we also wanted to bring you a different angle, the reporter's view.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: We have with us this morning in Gardez, Afghanistan, CNN Correspondent Nic Robertson; in Atlanta, CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen; and in New York, CNN's Judy Woodruff. They'll be answering your questions. Once again, we invite you to send us your phone calls now at 404-221-1955. Before we do that, let's take a look at some of their -- a little brief glimpse of their resume reels.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NIC ROBERTSON:, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: We are hearing from Mullah Omar. In this spiritual capital of Afghanistan about three hundred miles south of here, Mullah Omar is the spiritual leader of the Taliban here, and he's recently issued a short statement. In that statement, he criticizes the -- what he called an act of terrorism. And he was very explicit. He said that Osama bin Laden was not responsible for it, and he said that all he wanted for his country was peace and peace for other countries in the world. But he went on to say that he believed Osama bin Laden could not have been responsible for such a complex act of terrorism.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Getting the word out to people who have friends, family members, who work at the Pentagon. Telling them if you have people who may be among the injured, we're going to try to get you that information, to get -- to let -- to get the word out about which hospital they might be in. Of course, we are dealing with tragedies in untold numbers of families across the eastern -- primarily the East Coast of the United States. But no doubt these people who work at the Pentagon are from everywhere. People who were on these airplanes -- or commercial jets -- from anywhere in the United States -- Aaron, back to you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(END VIDEO CLIP) ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: If you think your father might be out there somewhere, what would you want to say to him?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to tell him that we all miss him. His little nephew Luke misses him, and that we're strong. We've got hope.

COHEN: Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

COHEN: Aaron, I've been talking to these families for two days now, and all of these stories are very much like this. People are just hoping that their relatives are out there somewhere, and they're begging us to talk about them, to show their pictures. Hoping that if someone's seen them, that they might be able to identify them and give some information -- Aaron.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Oh, boy. That's -- anyway, welcome to you all. We appreciate you all being with us. And let's go right to it, because this is an e-mail question which relates directly to what you just saw. "While you have covered the 9-11 tragedy in a most professional and compassionate manner, I'd like to know how all of you are still able to keep your composure on camera. What are your personal feelings, and does CNN also provide counseling for you to overcome this horrific experience?"

Elizabeth, let's begin with you, because that was a real moment there, and I presume that you thought a lot about that and whether you needed to address some personal issues of your own.

COHEN: Oh, sure. It was a very emotional moment as you can tell, obviously. And, yes, CNN does provide counseling for those who want to take it. And, in fact, Chris Kramer (ph), who is head of CNN International has made a major project of making sure that journalists do get counseling when they need it.

Looking back on it, it obviously was a very emotional moment. It is still emotional to me today. I still feel in some ways that those people are all with me. I keep in touch with some of them, I still talk to them. And it was very -- it was obviously a very sad moment. Those people had incredible stories to tell. And to this day, I am touched by their strength. And that's what I really take away from this entire experience, is that I was touched by their strength.

I mean these were people who traipsed the length of Manhattan looking for their lost loved ones, going from hospital to hospital with some form of hope. And those are the emotions that stay with me, actually, more than the sadness. But the emotions of the strength that these people had.

O'BRIEN: Judy, do you have some thoughts on that?

WOODRUFF: You know, I just have to say, Miles, that Elizabeth -- I mean, just watching that again brought back so many memories from 9- 11 and the days immediately after, when Elizabeth was dealing with people who had lost, you know, the most important loved one in their lives. And I thought -- I mean I just want to say, you know, on behalf of all of us at CNN, Elizabeth, you did a phenomenal job.

In many ways, the people who were out on the streets of New York and who were there at the Pentagon had the hardest job of all, because they were dealing face to face with these people who were dealing with incredible tragedy. Those of us who were in the studio, as I was -- I was in the studio in Washington that day. It was difficult, because we did not know what we were dealing with. We did not have any more information than the viewers did that day.

We were watching at the same time the viewers were, and I don't know -- and I'm not speaking just for myself, but I think for all of us it was -- you know, clearly, we were in shock, we were emotionally just profoundly affected by what was happening. But we knew, as we've known all along, that we have -- you know, we have a job to do. But it was -- I'd have to say that the hardest job of all was those who were on the scene.

COHEN: And, Judy, I'd like to say thank you for that. That is so kind. And I want to add that what -- you know, people have asked me, "What got you through the day after day after day of standing there on that street corner in New York in front of the armory?" And it was e-mails from people like you, e-mails from my colleagues, as well as e-mails from people who I don't even know saying, "Hang in there. We feel what you're feeling." And I can't tell you how many e-mails I received after that, again, from people who just figured out my e-mail address saying, "You were crying, but we were crying right there with you." So thank you to you, Judy, and to everybody else who sent me e-mails on those days.

PHILLIPS: And Nic Robertson, of course, a tremendous part of this ongoing story. Nic, you were at a different part of the world and still are. Your reflections today in listening to Elizabeth and Judy?

ROBERTSON: I think at that time we were so far removed from what was happening, we were very aware that the story probably would come back to us -- to Afghanistan -- because of Osama bin Laden's involvement at that stage. But we were very removed, and I think it was -- for us, the impact of September 11th was very slow to -- slow to impact on us, if you will.

We didn't really have to deal with it emotionally, until we got out of Afghanistan almost two weeks later and saw the first -- it was the first time we saw the images of what had happened and really couldn't believe what we were seeing. So we were coming to the emotional turmoil of dealing with the scale of it all somewhat later. And in many ways, perhaps because that happened over a period of time, it was easier for us to deal with.

What we were dealing with was trying to stay inside Afghanistan and try to continue to cover the story there. What I reflect on listening to -- to what we were reporting at that time is just in those early days, that was very much setting the trend for what was going to happen. The Taliban denying Osama bin Laden's involvement and essentially, therefore, siding with al Qaeda and bringing about their own demise.

PHILLIPS: A number of phone calls and e-mails coming in for all three of you. We're going to start with the phone lines. Mary, from Illinois -- go ahead, Mary.

MARY: Oh, hi. I was just wondering if this would be a national holiday and what they thought of that idea going forward?

PHILLIPS: Elizabeth, do you want to start?

COHEN: I think that's a very interesting -- I mean, idea. I mean just the words September 11th, everybody knows exactly what you're talking about. It's sort of like saying December 7th, I think, in some ways even more so. So I think that would be a way for people to remember the thousands of people who were lost on that day.

PHILLIPS: Judy?

WOODRUFF: Well it's certainly a day of mourning. I don't know whether we would want to mark it as a national holiday, as we do Veteran's Day and, you know, the other days that mark the end of World War II, World War I. But, certainly, it's a day that's embedded in all of our memories and will be for generations to come.

PHILLIPS: Nic?

ROBERTSON: I'm sorry, from out here, I didn't -- I didn't hear the viewer's question. I think certainly from Afghanistan's point of view and for the view of many Afghans that September 11th is going to be -- is something that's going to be marked in their history as well, because it's very much -- from the view of all Afghans these days, brought about a turning point for them. That it's an opportunity now because of the international focus on the country to try to end 23 years of conflict, bring peace, rebuild people's lives and rebuild the country. So I think September 11th will remain very much -- although it didn't directly that day affect Afghans, it will become very much part of their history, I think.

PHILLIPS: Nic, Elizabeth, Judy, sit tight or stand tight there. We are going to come back right after a break and continue this discussion. We want to encourage you -- we need phone calls -- 404- 221-1855. We've got a bunch of great e-mails, but we encourage you to call in too and get your voices on the air. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERTSON: The constant concern of journalists: Do we understand what our viewers want and need? A theme I return to throughout the day, because I want to learn. I want to do a better job as America's new war unfolds.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: We're back with our "Reporter's Notebook." Our illustrious panel of Nice Robertson, Elizabeth Cohen, Judy Woodruff, joining us to talk a little bit about coverage of 9-11 and the events subsequent.

This one goes to Nic Robertson from Robert. "Thanks to Nic Robertson and the others for the great coverage of the war. It is only recently that we've seen our troops in real hard core gun battle with the enemy. Is the country ready for the possibility of more U.S. soldiers' deaths in these battles?"

And realize from where you sit, Nic, it's probably difficult to answer that question. But what's your sense of it?

ROBERTSON: Well I think it is a very important question. Obviously, one has to weigh up, is it worth troops dying for the overall objective. And the overall objective is to catch Osama bin Laden, to bring him to justice, to end the reign of al Qaeda and to stop them from being able to perpetrate terrorism where they want to throughout the world. So there is -- there may be a greater price to pay with people's lives in the future to achieve that.

But it does appear that without continuing to pursue Osama bin Laden across Afghanistan or wherever he may be, or without pursuing al Qaeda and all their elements wherever they may be globally, then that threat remains. And if that threat isn't treated, isn't dealt with, then potentially it could cost the lives of more innocent people. So it does appear as if that -- as if it's necessary.

And, certainly, to fight here in the mountains of Afghanistan, to rout out al Qaeda, Taliban and other supporters and to find Osama bin Laden, it is a risky affair. Military conflict cannot be pursued to its end game of isolating and catching the enemy without risking the loss of life. And that's what we see unfold here in Afghanistan day by day, still at the moment, Miles.

O'BRIEN: All right. Judy, do you want to take that one too? What are your thoughts on U.S. support for this?

WOODRUFF: You know I -- well the public opinion polls that have been done do show that the American people are prepared to lose more American lives overseas. It doesn't mean it's something that people want, of course. No one wants to lose young American men and women as we have already in Afghanistan. But I think it's clear that the country is as united as it's been in the last half century after what happened on 9-11.

And I would just add one other thing, and it sort of picks up on what Nic said. And that is, part of the American support I think is based on their understanding of what's going on in Afghanistan. And unless the news media are permitted fuller access to the action, the activities of U.S. combat troops over there, I don't see how the American people can get the full picture that they deserve.

Walter Cronkite was interviewed on CNN last evening on CNN's Capital Gang, and he said, among other things, that the American Press have got to push harder -- television and print -- to get more access to cover what is going on, on the ground in Afghanistan.

PHILLIPS: Back here at home we're receiving a number of e-mails about this CBS documentary that is airing tonight. All of you I know are aware of the controversy. Should it be shown or not? Is it too much? Have Americans healed enough to be able to watch this?

So let's take a look at this e-mail here. "If the story must be told, which I have no problem, I just think it should be after more time has passed. However, if it's so important to tell now, then CBS should show it without commercial breaks. All of us Americans know what happened and we clearly know our brave policemen and firemen gave the ultimate sacrifice." And that's Mark writing that e-mail.

Elizabeth what do you think? I mean, is it therapy, is it too much? Is it...

COHEN: I think it depends on who you are. I mean I think that for some people, especially if you lost a family member in the building, it may indeed be too much. It may just be -- you know, it's bad enough as it is. You don't need to see these kind of graphic pictures.

I think for other people who are still trying to deal with the enormity of the situation, perhaps seeing these pictures will explain some of it to them or sort of give the details that they feel they've been missing. So I think it's tough to say whether it's too much or not, because it really depends -- it's all in the eye of the viewer, basically.

PHILLIPS: What do you think, Judy?

WOODRUFF: Well, my understanding is, Kyra, that -- and one of you can correct me if this is wrong -- is that the filmmakers took care in editing this not to show any of the most graphic scenes. Clearly, you are seeing people who later lost their lives, and so there is an enormous moment -- momentousness (ph) to this. And for family members, as Elizabeth just said, I can't imagine anything more difficult.

But they did take great care, I believe, to -- not to show, for example, people jumping out of the building or the consequences of that. And they tried to be careful in what they did. So I haven't seen the film, I don't know what they did, but from what I've read about it, it sounds to me like it's something that most people would be able to handle.

PHILLIPS: And Judy, Miles, Elizabeth, Nic, we all know too here at CNN -- I mean, there are a lot of ethical and moral decisions that have to be made. It's tough. You have to talk about, do we use this video, not use this video? It's always a very important discussion that we have.

O'BRIEN: Well, you know, it's interesting, because even though you don't show the people jumping out of the building or actual deaths, you see people the instant before their death. And that has a certain poignancy. And to be a loved one and watching that has got to be very difficult to endure.

Let's move on and talk about the dichotomy of this story. I still often think of two widely opposite events at that time. One is the planes hitting the buildings, this was a reaction resulting from hatred and selfishness. The other memory is of human compassion, the mayor telling the people that the best thing would be for them to stay at home the next day with their families and so forth.

That issue -- and we run into this with tragedies all the time, how it brings out the best in people in a strange sense. Let's start with Elizabeth on that. It's kind of hard to tell that story, isn't it, in the context of such a terrible tragedy to -- without sounding as if you're trying to kind of gloss it over when you're talking about this outpouring that we all witnessed?

COHEN: Absolutely. And there was an incredible outpouring. I mean, when I was on the street in front of the armory, there was obviously just horror. But then I looked and I saw a seven-year-old girl who had gone into her house, made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and were bringing them for the families and for the journalists who were camped out there to eat.

A cab driver who brought my producer, Miriam Falco (ph), over to the street corner refused to take any money from her. He said, "You're doing great work. I don't want your money." There were these family members who were in line to register their missing loved ones with the police. The line got long, sometimes let's say an hour or two-hour long wait. Well New Yorkers came from other neighborhoods to stand in line for those people. They said, "You know what, you must have a lot to do. Let me take your place in line. Come back in an hour and I'll still be here."

So it was this incredible contrast between such a horror. But on the other hand, such love that poured out from people who just gave up their time to help other people.

O'BRIEN: All right. We're going to leave it at that for just a moment, but don't go away everybody. We have a little more time on the other end of this break. I want to leave you with one of those e- mails we received from earlier. A lot of real great outpourings of sympathy, support, frustration, anger, whatever you want to say.

"Although I'm very sorry for the victims and their families, I believe it is important..." -- excuse me -- "... to recognize the attacks on September 11th woke us up to reality. America will always be a target. It is a symbol of the highest aspirations of mankind. And lower life forms will always resent the United States as the leader of the free world. We need to be on guard forever, and it is not good for us to fall into complacency." Dan Brown, from Bluefield, West Virginia, thanks for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: We're receiving a lot of e-mails and calls. Miles is going to bring up an e-mail for us. Once again, we're talking about covering 9-11, what it was like for all of us as journalists. Judy Woodruff is with us. As I understand, had this weekend off. She's in New York and came in to talk with us. We sure appreciate that. And Elizabeth Cohen, our medical correspondent, and also our Nic Robertson coming to us live from overseas -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: All right. Why don't we -- we can begin with Nic on this subject. Sorry, I'm just kind of behind on the e-mails this morning. I'm scrolling through it.

"In my opinion, the war to eradicate terrorism is not only our war..." -- meaning the U.S. -- "... All the free world should participate, but unfortunately it is not so." Nic, what are your thoughts on that one?

ROBERTSON: Well, certainly from what we see out here on the ground, there are Australian special forces not 20 miles from here. There are, in other towns we visited, British special forces. There are in Kabul, 60 miles north of here, 4,800-man (ph) international coalition peace force from 18 different nations. So there certainly are contributions coming from other nations. And I think certainly other nations, Britain in particular, has been a staunch ally of the United States through the coalition air campaign, being involved in the first night back in October of the coalition campaign against Afghanistan.

So I think many nations realize that the operations and terrorism of al Qaeda could reach out and touch their nation. In fact, in the World Trade Center it was very apparent right there, that many different nationalities lost their lives. So from what we see here on the ground, that other nations are contributing troops here -- Germany, 1,200, Britain, well over 1,000. And many other nations as well -- Turkey, Canada as well, the French as well, Jordanian troops are also here in Afghanistan. The contributions come from worldwide.

So from what we see here, it does appear that all other nations do feel reaching out and stopping al Qaeda's operations are important, Miles.

O'BRIEN: All right. Unfortunately, I think we have to leave it at that. We're out of time. We'd like to spend more time with our guests. Nic Robertson, Elizabeth Cohen, Judy Woodruff, thanks to all of you...

WOODRUFF: Thank you, Miles.

O'BRIEN: ... for spending some time with us this morning. We do appreciate it, and we'll leave you with one more e-mail from our viewers. Just a thought to leave you with as we go to break.

"We may go about our everyday business, but we will never forget, never. While the memory may fade and the initial... (END OF AUDIO)

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