Mediaite Oddsmakers: Where Will Sanford Tell His “Love Story” On TV?
Gov. Mark Sanford gave a much-talked about, news-making interview to the Associated Press this week, expanding on his news conference about the Argentinian love affair (oh wait, he wants it called a love “story”). There was audio released also from the interview, but come on — tell-all interviews are best conducted in front of a camera, for the world to see!
Who gets Sanford’s first TV sit-down? Welcome to Mediaite Oddsmakers:
• Greta Van Susteren: 3:1 – The Fox News host would certainly appeal to Sanford on a couple levels: while not a pushover, the interview wouldn’t be incredibly prying, and you get the benefit of the more forgiving Fox News conservative base audience. Van Susteren has conducted several high-profile interviews in the last year, including Gov. Sarah Palin‘s first post-election sit-down. She doesn’t pitch softballs, but it wouldn’t leave Sanford squirming in his seat. A downside could be Van Susteren’s (and really, her husband’s) strong support of women’s issues, especially in relation to politics. Also, while Van Susteren gets a huge audience each night, it still is cable at 10pmET. If he wanted to get the most bang for his buck, he’d probably be better suited heading to a network.
Related option – Brit Hume: 5:1 – Also on Fox News, and would be a heavier hitter. Semi-retired now, but would jump at the chance to talk to Sanford. Has a history of news-making interviews, including the first post-shooting-his-friend interview with former VP Dick Cheney.
• Diane Sawyer: 7:1 – ABC’s Good Morning America lead anchor has the interview chops to deftly lead the sit-down, and the emo-anchor appeal to massage the tricky topics (she’s your “soul mate,” Governor? Really?). ABC gets a big audience, but not as big as NBC’s Today show. Like every network that lands the hypothetical interview, it would be played in various pieces through every possible outlet. With ABC, you get the additional platform of Nightline.
Related option – Barbara Walters: 8:1 – She’d definitely do it, but likely for 20/20, which forces ABC into incorporating it into a special.
• Matt Lauer: 10:1 – He’s been described recently as the “male Oprah” for his “masterful” interviews with subjects from Bristol Palin to Elizabeth Edwards. This tough but empathetic approach is needed for an interview like Sanford, and the Today platform is a huge one. One down side — it will inevitably be replayed all over MSNBC, and he’ll likely be racked over the coals by the prime time players.
Related option – Meredith Vieira: 11:1 – Slightly less likely than Lauer, since he’s higher-profile.
• Oprah Winfrey: 20:1 – She’d likely be interested, but Sanford can’t expect a very forgiving audience. It would make more sense if and when he reconciles with his wife, but for now he’d probably be better served on a news network.
Related option – Dr. Phil: 40:1 – If he’s brutally masochistic, this would be a fantastic option.
• A local newscaster: 60:1 – It could endear him to South Carolinians if he went this route, but wouldn’t have nearly the pick-up.
• No TV interviews: 100:1 – The only reason he would avoid a TV interview is if he resigns. This doesn’t sound like it’s happening…yet.
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