On Wednesday, NBC’s TodayThe morning program announced that Al Roker, a weatherman, would interview former President Barack Obama. Roker was already swooning as he confessed that he was “so excited” for the softball chat that would preach climate activism and promote Obama’s upcoming nature documentary series on Netflix.
“A programming note, Al will be sitting down with former President Obama. An exclusive conversation on the environment, Earth Month, and his new nature documentary on Netflix,”Savannah Guthrie was the co-host and she spoke at 7:00 am. ET hour. The 3rd Hour Today program aired later at 9:00 AM ET. Craig Melvin was back as co-host on the ET hour. “We made a big announcement that we want to tell you a little bit more about this morning as well. Al Roker, our own Mr. Roker here sitting down with President Obama next week.”
“What are you two gonna talk about?,” Melvin wondered. Roker joked: “The kids. How’s Michelle? Yeah, just a few things.”As if the topics were harder than discussing the Obama family, he then started to note them. “We are going to cover a lot of topics, including the environment, Earth Month, and there’s a new Netflix documentary series that the President narrated, called Our Great National Parks.”
The clip showed the Netflix trailer of the show that Melvin would host and narrate. Melvin commented: “This is right up your alley.” Roker gushed: “Yeah, I’m so excited.”
Moments later, Melvin declared: “We’re looking forward to it because as most folks know, he doesn’t do at lot of sit-downs.” Roker quipped: “Well, we’re actually going to be standing up….we’re going to be hanging around at a national park in the area.”
Roker’s longstanding bromance with current Democratic President Joe Biden has been well documented by NewsBusters, but his adulation for Obama has been equally strong over the years. Roker told the then-president, emotionally in 2009, when he was inaugurated for the first time.NBC Nightly NewsAnchor Brian Williams
It really did move me, I have to tell you. I was overcome It was, it wasn’t, one of those moments that this country shares. Republican, independent, Democrat. These are the hopes of everyone with regard to this President. And it was one the most touching moments of, my life ….This feeling of family, the nation coming together. That’s what people are looking for, I think.
Just a couple months later, as the new President prepared to celebrate his first St. Patrick’s Day in the White House, Roker marveled at Obama’s Irish roots: “As St. Patrick’s Day approaches in Moneygall the townsfolk join in the chorus, determined to keep hope alive….In a small pub in Ireland they’re still celebrating Obama’s victory. Dancing in honor of their adopted son.”
During Obama’s second inauguration in 2013, Roker screamed at both Obama and Biden like an adoring groupie as he stood alongside the parade route in Washington, D.C.
Roker and Deborah Roberts (ABC News reporter) were invited to White House for the 50th Birthday celebrations of First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014. He called the White House on the morning of his 50th birthday. Today show and excitedly gushed: “I actually got to boogie a little with the First Lady….Deborah and I were dancing and all of a sudden I turned around and there was Mrs. Obama….And I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m dancing with the First Lady.’”
Given that history, viewers can expect similar Obama-gasms from Roker in next week’s interview with the former president.
Roker’s giddy anticipation of talking to Obama was brought to viewers by Citi and Behr. These advertisers can be criticized for sponsoring content like this.
This is the complete transcript from the April 6th discussion.
Act Now
7:14 AM ET(…)
SAVANNAH GUTRIE: Al will sit down with the former President Obama. Exclusive conversation about the environment and Earth Month. Also, his documentary on nature on Netflix. We’ll have that for you next Wednesday, right here on Today.
(…)
The 3rd hour of the Today
9:09 ETCRAIG MELVIN – In case it was not obvious, In addition to Tiger’s big announcement. This morning, we made another big announcement. We want to share a bit with you about it. Al Roker here, Mr. Roker from our country sitting down with President Obama next Wednesday. Which topic will you both discuss?
AL ROKER: Well –
SHEINELLE JONES: Ah, the children.
ROKER: Our children. How’s Michelle? Yes, but just a few. We are going to cover a lot of topics, including the environment, Earth Month, and there’s a new Netflix documentary series that the President narrated, called Our Great National Parks. And this morning, we’ve got a first look.
BARACK OBAMA [OUR GREAT NATIONAL PARKS, NETFLIX]Wild spaces allow us to connect with our family, ourselves and the greater universe. This year we’ll all have a chance to experience them up close. As we discover the secrets and wonders of these extraordinary national parks, join me.
DYLAN DREYER: So cool.
ROKER: He narrates, but also visits all the different parks around the globe.
MELVIN: You’re right at home with this.
ROKER: Yeah, I’m so excited. And it’s beautiful.
DREYER: Do you just call him up and say like, “Hey Barack, question for you, want to go to lunch? We’ll bring some cameras.”
ROKER: No, no. First, I refer to him as “Mr. President” and – no, I don’t.
MELVIN: Then he passes through six more people.
ROKER: Yeah, exactly.
JONES: This is the problem when he’s friends with us. Like, other anchors will be like, “Well, thank you, Al.” We’re like, “So what he like?” [Laughter]
ROKER: Well, I’ll let you know when we get there. Next Wednesday’s exclusive interview with President Barack Obama will be held here. Today.
JONES: Alright.
MELVIN: We’re looking forward to it because as most folks know, he doesn’t do at lot of sit-downs.
ROKER: Well, we’re actually going to be standing up.
JONES: Do you think so?
ROKER: Yeah, we’re going to be hanging around at a national park in the area.
JONES: Ok, let’s walk and talk about the business.
ROKER : I think so. Also, have some family members.
JONES: Okay, sure.
DREYER: Nice. Random kids.
JONES: If you need some kids, I’ve got three.
About Post Author
