Robert MacNeil Reflects on Reporting the JFK Assassination

[jakeXT]

“There were known to be in Texas, and particularly in Dallas, a lot of people hostile to Kennedy…so the authorities were expecting something and [journalists] were expecting something. I wasn’t consciously expecting anything like what…happened.”
-Robert MacNeil

On November 22, 1963, Robert MacNeil was a reporter for NBC News travelling on the press bus following President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade through downtown Dallas. But in a split second, everything changed. Shots rang out, and MacNeil became the only reporter who left the bus to investigate.

MacNeil said he had dozed off on the bus on the way into town and remembers dreaming about what he would do if someone shot at the president. When he awoke, he dismissed the daydream, and began making notes about the trip. Moments later he heard what he knew were gunshots and ordered the bus driver to stop and let him off.

“…I’d been years as a foreign correspondent covering stuff where there was violence, there was action and if you’re working for television you’ve got to get it, you’ve got to get the picture. And the closer you are the better the television is. So I was used to running towards something that was happening,” he said.

...

...

http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2013/11/robert-macneil-reflects-on-reporting-the-jfk-assassination/

[Cooley Hurd]

1. The original broadcasts are on youtube - here's a sample:

[MrMickeysMom]

2. Interesting theory about those born after the Kennedy assassination, jake...

The torch should be passed to them, having very little background on JFK, and more intense background on the violence of other leaders or Americans in general.

There is much to learn 50 years after this unsolved murder in Dallas. Even more interestingly, the city of Dallas, still considered "the city of hate", has chosen to close off Dealey Plaza to the general public this November 22nd! That never happened until this 50th anniversary.

[jakeXT]

3. And who are the 5000 guests ?

The 5,000 guests at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination will have to fend for themselves if the weather turns sour Nov. 22

..

On Nov. 22, Dealey Plaza will be cordoned off and closed to traffic, tourists and street salesmen during the ceremony.
..
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20131016-jfk-ceremony-will-be-held-come-rain-or-shine.ece

[MrMickeysMom]

4. Have you ever seen a more ridiculous "outdoor event" planned?

First of all, the planning is an epic failure for anyone honestly wishing to have a moment of silence for that day, as they've been able to do for the last 49 years. I don't see how anyone could register the way the city of Dallas says they have to , since the registration process makes you wait until the last few days. Meanwhile, what do tourists do when visiting Texas and deciding to come to Dallas when you have to wait this long. What a bunch of shit.

Indeed...