‘I don’t do frivolous’
Katie Couric became household name during her time on NBC’s “Today” show, as she would dress up as Peter Pan or SpongeBob SquarePants, sing and dance, and discuss “barbecue facts and myths.”
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But now that she’s a big-time news anchor on the “CBS Evening News,” she’s moved past those frivolous days. At the National Organization for Women’s Intrepid Awards Gala Thursday, Couric didn’t really care to talk about Sen. Hillary Clinton‘s new hairdo or what fun items she plans to travel with when she heads abroad to cover Sen. Barack Obama‘s trip abroad. “I don’t do frivolous questions,” she said. Well, then…
Still, the crowd gathered at the National Museum of Women in the Arts showed that Couric is a favorite hometown gal (Couric was born in Arlington, Va.).
While NOW President Kim Gandy addressed the crowd early in the evening, sirens could be heard outside. “That might be Katie Couric arriving!” Gandy said excitedly to an eager crowd.
Couric finally entered the building and took to the mic, declaring proudly “I am a feminist!” and the mostly female crowd cheered her on. Recognizing the friendly audience, Couric opened up.
“If everyone in the country was like you, CBS News would be number one,” said Couric, whose evening news program on CBS has consistently struggled in the ratings. And, looking back on her television career, she said “There were many executives I met who thought harass was two words instead of one!” Adding: “You’re a great crowd for that joke.”
Couric also proved she was up-to-date on recent events — and that she paid attention to the dinner portion of the evening.
“I’m a little concerned, considering their recent troubles, that Fannie Mae provided the chocolate this evening,” Couric said.
Other women honored with intrepid awards were Janet Reno, Marna Tucker, Linda Chavez-Thompson and Dorothy Height.
