News

Vice President Al Gore to Host Larry King Live

Democrat Presidential Candidate Gets Free Air Time

May 6, 1999

Vice President Al Gore will be hosting the Larry King Live show tonight. If you think this is unfair contact Larry King Live and/or CNN and demand that the same opportunity be given to GOP Presidential hopefuls. Gore's guests include: Oprah Winfrey, William Pollack, author of "Real Boys", Rev. Robert Schuller.

Content of a letter from GOP Chairman Nicholson to Larry King:

Mr. Larry King

May 6, 1999

Dear Larry,

I have always found you to be a balanced interviewer and your treatment of me has never been anything but fair.

For that reason, I have to tell you that your decision to give Al Gore the opportunity to "guest host" Larry King Live tonight raises serious concerns.

Yes, Al Gore is the Vice President. But he's also the front-running Democrat candidate for President.

Knowing you as I do, I feel certain you will not be comfortable if your fine program is turned into a contribution of free air time to the "Gore for President Campaign," and that is precisely what I fear is happening on CNN tonight.

As a Coloradan, I also have to wonder why none of the guests Al Gore is scheduled to host appear to live in the state where the tragedy occurred. Might I suggest that, in the interest of balance, it would be useful to hear about the Littleton tragedy from some of those closest to it – for example, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, whose statements on this terrible event have been both insightful and moving?

Larry, I know you'll think seriously about this matter and the issues of fairness and balance that it raises, and for that I thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Nicholson
Chairman

Larry King Live airs at 9:00pm ET on CNN.

Update: May 7, 1999, CNN Removes Gore As Show Host After GOP Complaints