First Read : Lee Cowan

Obama, Clinton cross paths

Domenico Montanaro — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:53:00 GMT

From NBC's Lee CowanObama had a chance encounter backstage with Clinton at AIPAC, according to the campaign. It was Very brief. No word yet on what was said. *** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli reports that Clinton folks describe it this way: "After her speech, they ran into each other in a hallway at the convention center."...(read more)

Edwards endorses Obama

Domenico Montanaro — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:20:00 GMT

From NBC's Lee CowanNBC NEWS has confirmed that John Edwards will endorse Sen. Barack Obama. Obama's event in Grand Rapids, Mich., is scheduled to begin at 6:15pET, notes NBC's Mark Hudspeth. Obama is expected to introduce Edwards at the event. [UPDATE: "Realistically," Obama is likely taking the stage at 6:35 p.m.] NBC’s Domenico Montanaro adds...Edwards has 18 pledged delegates, according to the NBC NEWS count. Even if all of those people voted for Obama, and there's no guarantee they would,...(read more)

Richardson: Clinton call got 'heated'

Chuck Todd — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:05:00 GMT

From NBC's Lee Cowan
PORTLAND -- Bill Richardson described the conversation he had with Hillary Clinton on his decision to endorse Barack Obama as "heated" in an exclusive with NBC Nightly News today.

Both Richardson and Obama shared the spotlight this afternoon at a press conference and later in a sit down interview with NBC's Lee Cowan. (Please insert link to NN spot)

Richardson described the conversation that he had with Clinton last night "tough."

"It was tough to make the call, but I did. It got a little heated. It got a little tense. But it was understood, and I'm proud of my decision."

He stressed that his decision to endorse Obama came a week before, but it was reinforced by the speech Obama gave on race last Tuesday. He cited his own racial background as a Hispanic to underscore why the speech was so significant.
...(read more)

The morning rush

Domenico Montanaro — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:20:00 GMT

From NBC’s Lee Cowan
In the wee hours of the morning -- around 4 a.m. for those wondering how to define “wee” -- a caffeine-deprived television crew transformed a hotel conference room into studio that was seen by millions.

It is a morning ritual practiced a lot recently in the days before a primary or caucus.

This morning was Barack Obama’s turn for the “round robin” -- a head-spinning back-to-back series of appearances on Good Morning America, the Today Show, The Early Show and CNBC.

It was remarkable only for this: the senator’s demeanor when he walked in. After a long day and a short night, he appeared crisp as ever -- newspapers in hand. He only skimmed the stories about himself -- instead he seemed to focus more on the business pages -- and the international sections.

Aides buzzed around him, a microphone was clipped to his lapel and earpiece to his shirt collar. A make-up person dusted powder across his eyes and nose -- and yet his focus was never broken. He read the paper as if he had all the time in the world -- not that the world was about to spend its’ time watching him.

...(read more)

Anti-abortion protestors heckle Obama

Domenico Montanaro — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:33:00 GMT

From NBC's Lee Cowan and NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
Rochester, N.H. -- Obama was heckled from the balcony of a theater here. A group of about 10 protestors began to chant "Abortion is abomination." The audience in turn began to shout, "Obama! Obama!" And in the top balcony many started screaming at the protestors telling them to shut up.

Obama from the stage said, "Guys! Guys!" Initially he told the protestors, "I'll talk to you afterwards."

The scene escalated with angry shouts from the audience directed toward the protestors telling them to, "Shut up, go home." And one man even screamed, "Kill the babies!" An older gentleman put his head down and stuck his hands in his ears. It was unpleasant on both sides.

The police came after about five minutes and were greeted with cheers by the audience. The protestors voluntarily left chanting the entire time. When the hecklers had left, Obama joked, "Excitement is over, or maybe it's just beginning."

And he said, "Let me just say this though. Some people got organized to do that. That's part of the American tradition we are proud of. And thats hard too, standing in the midst of people who disagree with you and letting your voice be heard."