Juan Williams
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-10-26/juan-williams
Juan Williams is a political commentator for Fox News and until last week he was also a news analyst for NPR. He joined NPR in 1999 as the daily host of Talk of The Nation, and in recent years he’s served as an NPR senior national correspondent. His comments on Fox's The O'Reilly Factor last week prompted a seemingly abrupt dismissal from NPR. Juan Williams talks about his career, his roles as news analyst and commentator, and his reaction to the recent controversy over his dismissal from NPR.
Guests
Juan Williams
FOX News political contributor, former NPR news analyst and author of "Enough."
Related Video
Fox News political contributor and former NPR news analyst Juan Williams discusses his feelings about NPP management and the way in which he was fired last week following remarks he made on Fox's "The O'Reilly Factor." Williams described his exchange with NPR senior vice president for news, Ellen Weiss, from whom he received the news of his dismissal: "I asked Ellen Weiss, 'Do you have a conscience?'...she was carrying out orders. This was an execution from her point of view, I guess:"
"I'm a big fan of radio and public radio," Fox News political contributor and former NPR news analyst Juan Williams said in response to Diane's question about whether he meant to attack all of NPR's programming in his recent criticisms of the organization. Williams draws a distinction between local stations' programming decisions and those made at the national level at NPR's headquarters:
Diane's Complete Interview With Juan Williams: Part 1
Diane's Complete Interview With Juan Williams: Part 2
Diane's Complete Interview With Juan Williams: Part 3
Diane's Complete Interview With Juan Williams: Part 4
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Juan Williams: "And people want to put you in a box, you know, you should be one or the other."
Yeah, Juan, it really sucks when people put you in a box, doesn't it? Putting people into a box isn't good, is it? How is that any different that what you did?
You can stop donating - thank you very much and i will pick up mine.
I wonder if you feel the same way about Orthodox Jews' or Buddhist monk's dress codes. Perhaps they too are choosing their religion over "Americanism" and you should complain about them too.
I listened to Juan on Diane's show today. (BTW, Diane, I have always enjoyed your programs and am impressed with the quality and diversity of topics and guests). Diane was more than fair with Juan. She told the entire story and played the FOX piece before asking some pointed questions. He failed to give real answers to those that he felt might make him look bad. He refused to disavow his fellow FOX "journalists" who are barking for defunding NPR. I don't think that NPR did themselves any favors for the clumsy handling of this affair and I do have some empathy for Juan in that regard. But in totality he showed on Diane's show that he is either delusional or disengenous about some of his remarks from the past. He clearly showed his nature by going to FOX. He carried on about his journalistictic chops yet he goes to the network that is the bizarro opposite of journalism. Juan, you disappoint me.
Would it be too much to ask the apologists of NPR, who condone Juan's firing, to now demand the firing of Cokie Roberts and Nina Totenberg for their long history of violating NPR's strict code of conduct. I know liberals hate hypocrisy and they would never excuse Roberts and Totenberg for committing the same sins of Juan.
I think that Juan did a valuable service being NPR's "ambassador" to Fox News. Mara Liasson does the same service, with perhaps a bit more professionalism. Juan's comment about Muslim garb made me want to slap my forehead in exasperation - but I'm not sure that it warranted his dismissal. I AM sure that it was done in a sloppy, embarrassing way that has done the maximum damage to NPR's reputation possible, and I regret that very much. Now, for years to come, O'Reilly and company will beat this drum (NPR as a left wing organ) and try to gin up hostility for what is the best news organization this country has.
What I'm left with is a feeling of disbelief - that we have become a country whose right wing has gone so far right - I'm talking about the Tea Party, the right-wing bloggers, the right wing shock-jocks on the radio, and now the new crop of extremist politicians who are poised to win seats in the congress and senate - that what used to be considered professional news coverage is starting to seem somehow tilted to the left. But to conservatives who may be reading this: Consider why you hear voices like David Brooks and P. J. O'Rourke on NPR, and not voices like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, not to mention Glen Beck. It's because they're reasonable and respectful, not because of any right-left bias. NPR does represent all sides; it just does it in a way that seems quaint to those who are used to the bluster and acrimony that has taken hold like a cancer in our national discourse.
Although i understand he's still smarting from this unfortunate situation, Juan had a chance to condemn alleged threats to Vivian Schiller's children when DR asked him about them.
while it may be true he hadn't heard previously of any threats, he sounded like a child, saying he didn't do anything ("I didn't start this." paraphrased).
if any such violence occurs, how would he feel knowing he didn't speak out when he had the chance?
many thanks to DR for reaching out & allowing her listeners to hear Juan's side of the story.
The fact that Mr. Williams will converse with those who do not share his opinions without trying to belittle them sets him apart from most. He often builds a bridge of goodwill between sensless ideologies. Conservatism doesn't equal racism as often portrayed, just as muslim does not equal terrorist. The liberal slant of NPR often (not always) portrays conservative figures as unfairly as Fox portrays liberals. Too often true understanding is not the goal. NPR just doesn't perform in such a sensationalistic way as Fox.
And if you listened to this program carefully, you heard him contradict himself and deny or walk-back his previous statements, even if carefully documented.
So, for a close listener, that should no longer be the case.
Juan Williams is a good journalist and a respected and reasonable voice in public debate.
While NPR has the right to hire and fire whoever they want beyond laws that protect against discrimination, NPR management acted horrendously in the way it handled the firing and its initial public justifications. Clearly, Mr. Williams’ statements are taken in context, the reason for his firing seems based more on his Fox affiliation than the content of his statement.
Mr. Williams is not responsible for the backlash against NPR and fundraising for Public Radio. This was a hornets’ nest that NPR management jumped into, it obviously was not something Mr. Williams ever wanted. Further, as awesome as Public Radio and TV are, I can understand if Mr. Williams isn’t rushing to NPR’s defense . . . what defense he’s offered on the Diane Rehm show is commendable.
Lastly, the hatred and venom directed toward Mr. Williams by the left and Public Radio by the right is shameful and sickening. You all need to chill and act like civil adults.
You know, Mr. Williams raised a legitimate and unfortunate dilemma facing Muslims in America due to the acts of a small, but dangerous, sub culture of Jihadists. This is a legitimate topic of discussion. I hope NPR news is considering a balanced story on this topic so we can get past the unfortunate firing of Mr. Williams and delve into the deeper issues of Muslim identity and perceptions in America.
NPR gets on my last nerve.
Once a loyal listener I now only catch non-news programming. Why?
1. I have no interest in hearing stories that have no relelance to my daily life
2. I disgusted by the political correctness
It's a transparent double standard that on NPR we hear Spanish, AND ONLY SPANISH, names and places pronounced ethnically correct while European names and places are ignored by the same reporters.
I've been told this is done as an expression of Latino pride. My family is also not from this country and I have no problem pronouncing the names of people and places in culturally accurate English. It does not wound my ethnic "pride" to do so.
If Mandelit del Barco et al want to over annunicate their names then start boning up on how to accurately pronounce the names of ALL European capitals and political leaders from EVERY country. For example Berlin is pronounced "Bear-leen". Make a note of it.
Williams was rightly fired.
He made comments about his PERSONAL beliefs and politics WHILE WORKING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION.
The idea he was fired for appearing on Fox News is preposterous.
Helen Thomas was merely on some guy's YouTube video that went viral. She too was rightly fired...and Williams is indignant?
Williams offense is egregious: he was making those personal comments in his capacity as a professional journalist on a national news program. A clear violation of BOTH the terms of his employment and the terms of his profession.
I think EVERYONE overreacted regarding Mr. William's comments, left and right, but most importantly, NPR management. I agree with Juan, we need frank discussions about race, after all, we ALL have prejudices of one kind or another, depending on our life experiences.
Fox used the incident for political gain but NPR should have viewed the entire interview before axing Mr. Williams. Could you still take his comments differently? Yes, but I thought he was honest, many people have his same concern. NPR could use this as a teachable moment, saying we need frank discussions about race, race relations as well as racial tolerance. I'm a white liberal man but I see racial injustice everywhere to women, blacks, hispanics, muslims etc. The more we understand each other, the better our society will be.
I'm no fan of Fox and their right wing agenda, but Mr. Williams deserves to be offered his job back. I will still listen to NPR because of it's fine programming, but in this incident, management REALLY dropped the ball, much like Obama did with Sherrod. I wouldn't blame Juan if he declined the offer!
I'm glad Diane had Juan on the show today. It struck me as an opportunity to hear him for an entire hour and if there was any way I was wrong about him.
I was not.
Juan Williams did a poor job of explaining how his role as journalist is not compromised by his punditry and, in response to the journalism student's email, he even said that he thinks journalism is all about giving your opinion - no, Juan, journalism is all about impartial delivering of the news, opinion is what Fox is now paying you for.
His dismissal of the the threats against Schiller's kids was abominable.
His baloney explanation about Clarence Thomas was terrible, but expected from a fellow misogynist. How could he say that Thomas shouldn't be judged for his testimony, probably false, to get him a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court? IT WAS PERJURY, JUAN.
His bizarre mixed defense/attack of NPR made no sense to me.
His dismissal of his own conduct at his place of employment was typical of a man who has zero respect for women.
Again, as he has done lately, he did not quote exactly what he said about Michele Obama, and therefore dismissed it.
His 'I don't remember' defense of his Fox News Opinion column on Shirley Sherrod was juvenile at best.
Juan Williams always has struck me as an embarrassing presence on NPR and his flummoxing answers, defensive at best, on Diane's show today, prove this guy has little understanding of the role of a journalist.
Have fun at Fox, Juan. They deserve you.
Kudos to Diane for a great, and brave, interview. I think some of the questions you asked were probably not easy to ask. And Juan, the proper response at the end would have been something along the lines of "Thank You for having me", and not "well, I need to get over this first" ... jeez.
I have been a long time listener of NPR. I value the reporting heard on NPR over all other media outlets and I regularly contribute. However, especially after hearing Juan Williams speak to Diane, I must say I do not believe he deserved to be fired. While I understand if the clip that has now circulated the internet paints a picture of a man who may be promoting the idea that Muslims are to be feared, Juan Williams overall point was clear and very much the antithesis of that idea. NPR as a valued source of investigative news should have had the integrity to take his overall point of view into account. While true journalism thrives in the absence of opinionated commentary, Williams has the right to voice his opinions outside of NPR and when read in context his comments do not undermine his credibilty. Unfortunately we have become a nation of headlines readers; listening only to the latest talking points rather than allowing ourselves the time to research and understand the relevant news stories presented to us. Fox news is one of the most biased media forums in this country and this situation only lends them more credibilty than they deserve.
I will continue to listen to NPR and because I believe in the principles that NPR typically represents I will continue to contribute financially as well. However in this case, NPR was wrong.
What Thomas said was WAY more offensive and ignorant, which was too bad, since she kept ALL previous administrations accountable, republican or democrat. Juan was trying to discuss with idiot O'Reilly that we all have moments in life where we observe our surroundings and simply watch our backs and be careful about our surroundings. I get nervous around teenage males, especially at night and if they're dressed like skin heads, wannabe rappers etc. Is that being racist? Not to me, but to someone else, maybe yes.
Juan also stated while he has these instinctive reactions, he needs to tell himself that while it's smart to be aware of your surroundings at ALL times, most likely they're simply trying to get to their destination like everyone else. That's how I understood him anyway, others obviously didn't.
Williams has absolutely no class.
Diane questioned him about the children of an NPR exec being harassed and threatened because of this. He could have condemned and repudiated this but instead said ON AIR to Diane that he was "not involved".
That's it. That is all he had to say.
I think he's better off at Fox.
I am appalled at CEO Susan Shiller's irresponsible behavior. Why does she refuse to be interviewed by NPR? Why isn't Diane saying anything about this? My tweets today:
@drshow Why doesn't NPR CEO Vivian Schiller come on your program right now about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow Vivian Schiller has not been able to explain her actions re. J. Wllms to the thsnds (hundreds of thousands?) who find it reproachabl about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow Has anyone on the NPR Board said anything about this unjust firing? about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow What is the estimate in lost contributions to NPR resulting from Shiller's arbitrary firing of Juan Williams? about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow Schiller's apology was hollow and clearly not felt about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow Juan Williams bad-mouthing NPR? What now? A strategy by NPR to "spin" what they have done wrong and blame Williams? about 4 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow How are Juan's opinions relevant? am more at odds with Juan's opinions than in agreement with him. Doesn't he h've a right to xprss? about 3 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
@drshow Still no reply to having Shiller on the show. Why is she hiding? about 3 hours ago via web in reply to drshow
Yes, I notice that Diane does often have a balance of guests (right, muddle, left) even though I detect her liberal views. But, that's OK, it's how she honestly sees the world -- I would just encourage her to keep on having a balance of guests on. I listen to liberal views, but sorry -- the right most often makes the most sense to me -- it's just how I perceive the world. I detect that Juan has moved to the right in his perceptions too. That SHOULD be OK!
santayana...you're a really good tweeter and clearly a fox rightie...juan williams is the only one who 'spun' anything on the show today...he spun himself right into a box of foolishness
I cannot believe Mr. Williams' blantant lack of contrition. I find the assumption that people in "Muslim garb" identify themselves as Muslims "first and formost" to be extremely bigotted. Many people identify themselves as both Muslim and American, and it's comments like this one and those of commentators on Fox news that will make these people feel more and more allienated, and possibly give rise to more extremist tendencies.
I do agree that he's nuts regarding Judge Thomas. Why would Anita Hill testify and risk her reputation by lying, then spend 19 years in relative obscurity in the academic world? NO ONE has ever come public and prove her wrong. If anything, other women have come forward with negative incidents about HIS behavior and character. Maybe that's why he rarely utters a word in court or public!
Juan Williams makes a deal with the devil, then gets all indignant when it's time to pay up. Diane, I don't know what you see in him.
To repeat some other comments: What if Diane Rehm or Bill O'Reilly would have made the same comment about blacks on airplanes? What would have been his response? The type of comment he made about about people from the middle east was out of line. Making a blanket statement like that about any group of people is wrong. Muslims did not destroy the World Trade Center, a small group of terrorists did. Thankfully NPR's standards are higher than that. Juan got what he deserved.
Bob Caple
NPR could have handled the situation w/ Williams better, but that mistake does not negate its usually 1st-rate work.
I hope in the future NPR will make it a condition of employment that one cannot work for NPR & Fox simultaneously. Fox is not a legitimate news organization & there are other conservative news organizations with integrity w/ which to form partnerships.
I suggest that NPR review the conduct & comments of its staff & reaffirm its commitment to journalist integrity & professionalism & give notice to anyone who has not always met those standards to recommit & make a good faith effort to adhere to them or to seek employment elsewhere.
I am encouraged by NPR’s willingness to face the Williams' issue & criticism. NPR will learn from this experience, strengthen its resolve to strive for the factual reporting & journalist integrity, that has been its hallmark, & be a better organization for it.
I have no doubt that NPR will continue to be as Samuel Freedman put it:
“the most significant & distinguished form of broadcast journalism in the United States”.
And I will support NPR w/contributions & by writing to my representatives in DC.
Keep Fighting The Good Fight NPR!
Juan Williams' outrage post firing on Fox that the NPR was "looking for a reason" to fire him is correct. And what's wrong with that? I thought Williams should have been fired long ago. NPR is one of the most credible news organizations in the world. Having someone of Williams ilk connected with NPR was detrimental to the network's reputation. NPR will be far better without Juan Williams than it ever was with him.
Mr. Williams wants to rewrite the rules of journalistic integrity. Journalistic standards are practically an endangered item thanks to Fox "opinions". He is of course free to "tell the truth" but he cannot then expect people to retain their confidence in him to report the news objectively.
I don't care HOW newscasters "FEEL", I want the most object, opinion-free reporting possible, that is why I SUPPORT NPR.
Mr. Williams belongs at Fox specifically because he cannot separate his "feelings" from facts, and furthermore doesn't feel he should have to. He claims he is not a bigot, but his response to muslim garb is exactly the type of prejudice that shapes the daily experiences of African Americans and other minorities.
NPR management did the right thing!!
You listen to NPR for "unbiased" news? LOL!
I will miss Juan Williams at NPR, though it is a shame he chooses to be the lap dog for Fox News.
The radio program On Point aired NPR's management point of view. The Constitutional mandate for the freedom of speech was a voice of concern in the program. Management articulated the constitution lacking any provision for the freedom to be heard.
Juan Williams has been fortunate to acquire the ear of the nation. Unfortunately, the average respectful and intelligent citizen is unlikely to acquire such an ear. A similar blog entry was attempted for On Point's website, though it was deleted as Spam.
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I was with Mr. Williams until he made a comment after being informed that NPR CEO's children had been threatened. He said: "I was not involved" --no expression at all of concern over the threat to children. His unstated attitute was she brought it on herself. I think he found the right full-time home at FOX.