National Public Radio host Diane Rehm berated Democratic presidential candidate and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on-air on Tuesday because he was late for an in-person interview and instead phoned into her show.
“Gov. O’Malley, I must say I’m somewhat surprised that you could not make it here in time as you had promised to,” Rehm told her guest.
“Well Diane, you can’t believe every promise every politician makes,” O’Malley said, trying to laugh off the incident.
“I sincerely apologize,” O’Malley said. “I am on Military Road right now and we are following all of the applicable rules of the road, but we do not control the traffic accidents. I should have left even earlier.”
“Yeah. Absolutely,” Rehm said.
“Well, I am disappointed because, as you know, it’s a national interview on NPR and I do expect guests to live up to their promises,” she said.
Rehm eventually began asking questions.
The first one?
“Why enter a race when the odds are so stacked against you?”
It’s not the first time Rehm has made headlines for her interactions with the 2016 Democratic presidential candidates. In June, she repeatedly asked Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) whether he was a dual citizen of Israel and the U.S. during his appearance. She later said the question was based on “Internet speculation.”
Listen to the full interview with O’Mally here.
Stuff happens. Grow up. so in a couple days she’ll find a way to blame Facebook for her unprofessional behavior?
If I were him, I’d have just cancelled the interview. I like NPR, but they have some questionable hosts IMO.
I can’t listen to the Diane Rehm show anymore. It’s getting to be just second string reporters mumbling and stammering about stories we’ve already read.
“Well, I am disappointed because, as you know, it’s a national interview on NPR and I do expect guests to live up to their promises,” she said.
Yes, think of the dozens of listeners who were disappointed.
Not to be pedantic, but it’s DUAL citizenship. Not DUEL citizenship.