November 3, 2008
Posted: November 3rd, 2008 05:05 PM ET

From
CNN's Gary Tuchman tried to catch up with Sen. Ted Stevens Sunday.
CNN's Gary Tuchman tried to catch up with Sen. Ted Stevens Sunday.

Senator Ted Stevens has never been known as a big fan of the news media. So we knew getting him to talk to us on camera following seven felony guilty verdicts against him would be a bit challenging. He hadn’t done a TV interview since the verdicts. Ultimately, he did do an interview with us. But making that happen took us on an unusual journey.

On Sunday, we went to interview his Democratic opponent in the Senate race, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. The mayor was at a candidate forum in the entry way of a large Baptist church that was full of candidate posters, pamphlets, and balloons. As we were getting ready to greet Begich, we saw to our surprise that Senator Stevens was also shaking hands about 30 feet away from his opponent.

I came up to the 40-year Senate veteran, introduced myself, and asked him on camera if he was angry about the guilty verdicts. He told me “not that angry. I’m angry at you guys ’cause I’m trying to visit with friends; I just see them once or twice a year.” I then mentioned because he was campaigning we wanted to see if he would talk, and he objected since we were doing this in a church. I mentioned to him that there was some lively campaigning going on in this entry way, but that didn’t seem to matter to him.

Read more from the AC360 Blog

Filed under: Ted Stevens


Anonymous   November 3rd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

You all are so angry sounding take a deep breath

DOCS 3   November 3rd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

THIS MAN IS A CUT FROM ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT FOLLOW THAT MINDSET OF THE BUSH/MCCAIN/P. REASONING -- "SAY AND DO WHAT YOU WANT". HE IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF SARAH P. "REAL AMERICAN REPUBLICAN". SHE WOULD KNOW WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT WHEN THIS SAME MINDSET BELIEVE THAT IT IS ALRIGHT TO ABUSE POWER OF THE PEOPLE WHEN IT HELP YOUR PERSONAL
AGENDA. IT IS BY NO ACCIDENT THAT THESE TWO PEOPLE COMES FROM THE SAME STATE AND PARTY. THAT OLD SAYING OF "BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER FLOCKS TOGETHER".

don   November 3rd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Why has this guy not seen the inside of a jail cell yet?

Kim   November 3rd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Another angry old man who is upset when the Media exposes the truth. Seems to be a GOP thing.

R Liberty   November 3rd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

You got away with it for a lonng time now face facts and take it like a man Ted. At least you could have been nice to the CNN reporters.

GUILTY!

And take that White Trash Palin along with you!

That innocent BS is just that!
That old dog, he just won't hunt no more!

Randy-Alaska   November 3rd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

He's trying his level best to figure out how to be invisible and still win the election, but for some reason people keep opening their eyes, if only to see if he has gone away yet.

Chi4Obama   November 3rd, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Condolences, and prayers go out to the friends / family of Barack Obama.

Wally clark   November 3rd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

how can you ask him something like that and think he would sit down and do a interveiw you.

john   November 3rd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

He will get elected then resign and Sara will appoint herself to his Senate seat.

How bout that

john

Pat in IL   November 3rd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

He just wanted to hold the office, not be a public servant.....guess Alaskan politicians get away with that indefinitely.

Still for Hill, but voting McCain   November 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Kurt from Texas:

I totally agree. Let's take away Rev Wright's Million dollar home first, especially since he rec'd federal earmarks straight from Saint Obama!

I'm voting for the Patriot who spent 5 years in a POW camp for me, not for the guy who attended services twice a month for twenty years at the Anti-American Church...

McCain/Palin 08

Anonymous   November 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

:(

Go Away   November 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Ted is an example of what a major part of the problems are in Washington. He is a life long Senator who lies and cheats. Hopefully he will lose his Senate seat. It just shows how pitiful he is because he will not resign.

Corrupt Stevens   November 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Hopefully next will be Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield and all the other lying Dwarfs!

GO BLUE!!!

Corrupt Stevens   November 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Hopefully next will be Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield and all the other lying Dwarfs!

GO BLUE!!!

Stay Focused!   November 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

OMG, did anyone see that rally in Philadelphia (pro-Obama)?

Yet, it's NOT about race, this rally wasn't about issues, it wasn't about views and opinions, it was simply "African Americans" uniting to get Barry elected at any cost.

People, please vote based on political views and not race.

Go McCain! ("Country" NOT "Race" first)...

Courtney F.   November 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I feel kinda sorry for the GOP...ahh well...you reap what you sow... Obama/Biden 2008

Corrupt Stevens   November 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Laws don't apply to corrupt rethuglicans.

Don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out.

Say hello to my little friend......

President Barack Obama...By a landslide!

YES WE CAN!!

HouseDiva   November 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

what a jerk

American people and capitalism lose   November 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Higher taxes = Less jobs.

2 + 2 = 4

Socialism has never worked.

McCain Palin and Hillary 2008

confused miami   November 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I have a question sence he has been convicted of 7 felony's can he vote? I though if you convicted of a feloney you can't vote? somebody talk me down here

Carlos Marrero   November 3rd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Oh well.

Robbin   November 3rd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Its going to say alot about the people of Alaska if they vote this crook back in

New England Yankee   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Kurt-Texas
That was a grand slam!!!! Unfortunately, that will never happen.

JF   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

"MOOSEGATE '08"

CNN is biased   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

CNN is biased.

The could care less that this election is in the process of being bought with illegal donations and fraudaulent votes courtesy of Barack and Acorn.

If the shoe was on the other foot and McCain was being criminal the wrath of CNN on McCain would be relentless.

Journalism has truly died during this election. Its pathetic watching the biased reporting and schedule of stories that highlight anything to be to the advantage of Barack (excessively negative stories about the economy). Just like during Clinton's initial election, 80% of the stories about the economy were negative before the election and became 80% positive for the economy after the election.

CNN should just be honest with the people and say they have no desire to be objective and that they pray Barack Hussein Obama wins.

McCain Palin and Hillary supporters 2008

Politics vs Religion   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Kurt in Texas:

I completely agree, but I think it should be complete. No endorsements and no hosting campaign events. Perhaps it was a mistake when you put the AND in there...I simply would make it an OR.

Religion has NO place at all in politics, and vice versa.

Mike   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

He will never spend anytime in jail. He will be pardoned by the current President, a blanket pardon. I believe if John Mccain is elected he will continue to serve. If not then he will receive his blanket pardon.

No matter what the party these men and women belong to they are above the laws that govern the rest of us. Sad but true.

John   November 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Churches should be for worshiping God, not politicians. This church should lose it's tax exempt status immediately. How much more proof do we need?

JENA AVIS   November 3rd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

WHO CARES?

JF   November 3rd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

If I were left to operate in the dark and accept "sweetheart" deals anytime they came down the pike ...I wouldn't like the media's presence EITHER ... ! This is just another shining example of "Good 'ole Boy" politics at its best.

Bill   November 3rd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

I betcha he'll make some very close friends in prison.

Larry   November 3rd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

I would like to know why the other Ted,Ted Kennedy didn't get this kind of Media attention after Chappaquiddick,you would think somebody dieing would have at least gotten a trial–but no–however had he been a Republican–oh yes

BRandon   November 3rd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Your network is biased, this is not the first time you guys go after someone. Drew Griffin/Sarah Palin incident. Stop with the biased reporting and annoying analyzing. You are journalists, your job is to present the news, not make it.

Anonymous   November 3rd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

"OK, now this is where the law needs to step in. How can churches be exempt from taxes but hold campaign events and sponsor a candidate? Isn't there a so-called separation between church and state? ANY and ALL churches that have pastors who begin to endorse candidates or political parties AND play host to campaign events should have their tax exempt status removed!!! No if, ands or buts!"

Taxes shouldn't exist, and churches should be able to say whatever they want.

Jamie Hattiesburg,MS   November 3rd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Next,Sarah Palin and her medical record cover-up.What is really going on with those records.

Sam SixPack   November 3rd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Do people in Virginia get CNN? Isn't it illegal to mislead voters in Virginia? Why is CNN still not indicted?

Dawn   November 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

C'mon CNN:

Ah he is going to Allenwood, Pennsylvania? That is where G.Gordon Liddy went too as well as some of the Watergate criminals...

Go Obama/Biden 08/12

YES WE CAN: WE NEED CHANGE.

Mark Fahey   November 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Two great examples of Alaska's politics. An unrepentant Senator on the take and Governor who can't make her way through an interview. Neither one is willing to deal honestly with any of us. Someone needs to kick Ted in the a_ -_.

Lyndon,CA   November 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Ted Stevens, convicted felon. That has a nice ring to it.

Rob R   November 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Betty in Va...an interesting observation. Alaska is not allied with any legal workings in the lower 48. They have their own set of "laws". As you say, at least the ones we know of.....

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

We need to set an example here so the republicans get the message. We're tired of them stealing from us to promote the welfare/wealth of the republican heads of the mafia/snakes of this world

Anonymous   November 3rd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

what a jerk....Ted Stevens is NOT above the law.

CanIcallyouJoe   November 3rd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Ted Stevens' campaign made a public statement earlier today. His representative has news that they were changing their campaign slogan to "Money: Enough of it can do anything. Even buy judges."

Lori In DFW, Texas   November 3rd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

If he goes to jail, maybe he can escape via the internet, as it is, according to the Senator, a "series of tubes".

John   November 3rd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

So, convicted felons aren't aloud to vote, but they're aloud to RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE? What's wrong with that picture?

C from MT   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Oh man. I'm refraining from comment, guys. Schadenfreude just ain't my thing. Since the "series of tubes" speech, picking on this guy is like shootin' fish in a barrel.

Probably salmon or salmon. ^ ^

Peggy - TX   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Is corruption just excepted practice in Alaska? Where is the out rage of Palins blatant abuse of power? Don’t mess with Palin or her family, cause she will get you, as she is the Queen of Alaska.

Xerxes   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

hahaha, doesn't know how to tell the truth

CLINTON   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

McSENILE SHOULD SAY SOMETHING ABOUT OBAMA'S GRANDMA

Palin's going Rogue   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Why isn't CNN covering Palin's financial relationship with Ted Stevens. She is CORRUPT!!! And all we keep seeing on the channel is negative attacks against Obama! NOT FAIR!

Red, Red WHINE!!   November 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

poor republican, he thought his party affiliation made it so he could screw over the country just like Bush and McCain.

Sarah is next, and she needs to be incarcerated for life for her horrid nature and anti-american activities!

Chris F.   November 3rd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I think it is sad that a church will still have a person who is a convict and still endorse him. I think the church should ask him to leave or cancel the event. I agree a church should never have a campaign event. I also do not believe a church should be a polling location like my local polling location.

FLORIDA for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Shouldn't he be going into Re-Hab? Isn't that what ALL these guys do when they GET CAUGHT with their hand in the cookie jar?

ERD IN NC   November 3rd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

CNN should have come toting fish statues

Sandy   November 3rd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Has AK already seceded from the US? Is that why these folks don't think the law applies to them?

John Anthony   November 3rd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Shut up and go to jail, Stevens, and take your protege Palin with you! :(

James   November 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Ted Stevens, today's worst person in the woooooooorld!!!!

You Betcha!

George Carlin   November 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Shame on you ignorant, very conservative people....

And that goes double for you liberal, PC, "educated" crowd...

LIP   November 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Yom people have no respect for any sanctuary or didn't you know that churches are a sanctuary. Perhaps you are getting normal churches mixed up with Obama's church where there is no sanctuary since it is a political arena and not a true church.
Go home and crawl back under the rock you came from until the next election when we can expect to see you again.

arc, Lugano CH   November 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Ted Stevens won't spend a day in jail.

True justice would prevail if Stevens, at age 84, would serve his remaining days in a cell like the common GOP criminal that he is.

TyWebb   November 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

N O ! ! ! ! !

C'mon CNN...   November 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

You should've offered him a 'gift'..maybe an indoor heated pool.

Vote Blue!!

Tom - Anchorage   November 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Sleeze bag Stevens. He just hates losing. That has been the story of his life.

Joyce Becker   November 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

It is time that Senator Stevens retired, he's conviced of 7 counts of felony and might go to prison. Don't blame the Media, blame yourself, Senator, you got caught.

JL   November 3rd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Funny how the republicans will call for the media to investigate democrats to see if they are patriotic enough, but when they are questioned, even after being convicted of a felony, they throw a fit like a baby. Very hypocritical.

pam Eugene OR   November 3rd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Guilty and angry!
Please just retire.

Winnie Hussein . . . in Montana   November 3rd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Kurt – Texas: I agree with you 100%!!!

Craig - Hastings, MN   November 3rd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Typical of a crook. And an arrogant one at that.

Chi4Obama   November 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

And they call Chicago politicians corrupt?

Between Ted Stevens, and Sarah Palin, Chicago has nothing on the eskimos from up north. But by Nov. 5th, both he and the Palin puppet will be completely irrelevant.

Barack the vote.

Kurt - Texas   November 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

OK, now this is where the law needs to step in. How can churches be exempt from taxes but hold campaign events and sponsor a candidate? Isn't there a so-called separation between church and state? ANY and ALL churches that have pastors who begin to endorse candidates or political parties AND play host to campaign events should have their tax exempt status removed!!! No if, ands or buts!

SPQR   November 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Watch, he's gonna get reelected...

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Disgusting! The man got caught and now he is on the defense!

PLEASE EVERYONE VOTE!! COLLEGE STUDENTS WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU!

Obama voter   November 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

So where did that money really come from that built Palin's new home. I didn't know a mayor of a small town in Alaska made that kind of money. The small town mayors in the lower 48 sure don't get paid that much. Wonder if Steven's has some ideas on that one. They both seem to like the oil companies up in Alaska and are close personal friends the the CEO's.

J. Dean   November 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

SEN. STEVENS, THE CROOKED SENATOR, MUST GO TO GAIL, DIRECTLY TO GAIL AND SPEND HIS RETIMENT IN THE COMFORT OF A VERY COLD GAIL SINCE HE HAS BEEN USED TO THE ALASKAN WEATHER.
AFTER 40 LONG YEARS IN THE U.S. SENATE, COULD YOU IMAGINE A PERSON LIKE STEVENS FINISHING HIS CARRIER IN GAIL ? WHAT A WAY TO END A POLITICAL CARRIER. WHO KNOWS, IF SOMEONE DIGS MORE, MOST PROBABLY THERE WILL FIND OTHER DIRTYS. IF SEN. STEVENS HAS DONE IT ONCE, MOST PROBABLY HE HAS DONE IT MANY, MANY, MANY AND MANY TIMES.
WELL, WE UNDERSTAND THE CORRUPT LIFE OF SEN. STEVENS IS PARTY DUE ALSO TO THE "BIG SISTERS", NAMELY THE OIL COMPANIES OPERATING IN ALASKA. HEY, WHEN MONEY IS PLENTIFUL, ALL THOSE WHO WEAR """RED"""" ARE CONSIDERED AS ""BIRDS OF SAME FEATHER STAY TOGETHER, ALWAYS""".
WHAT A SHAMEFUL COURAGE, HEY... STEVENS STILL WOULD LIKE TO BE ELECTED AND WANTS TO RETURN TO WASHINGTON D.C.................. EXCELLENT IMAGINATION.

Kevin   November 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Let them get crazy. They can see that their clocks are getting cleaned. We'll all win tomorrow!

YES WE CAN!

delta750   November 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Ted !!
Please endorse Sarah. Will be icing on the cake following Cheney's endorsement.

thomas   November 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Ted Stevens is his own worst enemy. As much as I dislike his public persona, I don't find his offenses nearly as reprehensible as those in this administration, Wall St., the Oil companies, or those government contractors who lost billions of dollars in Iraq and New Orleans. Big crimes seem to go unpunished.

PG   November 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Why isn't this FELON in jail? Why is he still roaming the streets?

Ernest   November 3rd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

You old joke!

Gene   November 3rd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

By tomorrow Ted Stevens will be retired and enjoying a quiet life in the lap of luxury in his little Alaskan "cabin" :)

I'm surprised that nobody is screaming that Palin threw her political mentor under a bus.. even though she's basically guilty of the same category of crimes.

barry   November 3rd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Tut, Tut, Ted...first rule of law...don't get caught, next rule...be humble...now go vote.

Chris from St. Louis   November 3rd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Ted is irrelevant .... why did you guys want to talk to him?

tulsa   November 3rd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

One more example of the arrogant Republican party. Throw these bums out. Jail this one.
Our country doesn't need or want their kind anymore.
TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!
VOTE OBAMA!
VOTE
VOTE
VOTE

Craig in Seattle   November 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Ted Stevens is the most ultimate slime. GO BEGICH GO!

Jeremiah   November 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

after 7 felony convictions I wonder why he is allowed out of his cell,

GA Independent   November 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

You know that old joke from SNL "he's from... FRANCE"?

Maybe it's time to change it to "she/he's from ALASKA"...

Journalism?   November 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Wow. What a self serving article, Gary. You are such a cutting edge journalist.

TJ   November 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Ted Stevens might not be in the predicament he is in today had he followed one of George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior: "Labor to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience." Apparently he felt that power placed him above the law. Now, like Duke Cunningham, he will be called to account for his error in judgment.

California Gold   November 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Can't imagine he was feeling festive or chatty.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 5:27 pm ET

We're tired of the hate, fear, divisiveness of this election.

Many people voting against negative ads. Liddy Dole OUT. Ted Stevens OUT. Sarah Palin OUT. John McCain OUT

On and on and on and on and on

Betty, Virginia   November 3rd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

You know how those Alaskan politicians are... no matter how corrupt, they profess innocence when they behave unethically. Of course, they'll sell each other down the river in a heartbeat. (I don't by any means want to imply all Alaskan politicians are this way – just the ones I know of).

Independent white female patriotic voter   November 3rd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Ted Stevens has some pair!!!! who the heck does he think he is? he is not exempt jut becuase he is a senator. It kills me that my tax dollars are still going to go to this horrible man.

CMG   November 3rd, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Settle down, Ted.....Remember laws apply to everyone, even you.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Awwww – poor convicted baby. Whine Whine Whine.

Obama/Biden '08

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