As he was finishing up an interview with Rep. Charles Rangel, CNN’s Lou Dobbs thanked the New York Congressman by saying, “you too, partner…if I may say partner to the chairman of the Ways and Means committee…I apologize for that…I didn’t mean to be quite that informal, sir.” Rangel didn’t seem to mind at all. And the episode would have ended right there, only a technical problem kept the commericals from airing. For several seconds, Dobbs and Rangel were heard, but no seen, by CNN viewers.
Dobbs: “…called the chairman of the Ways and Means committee ‘partner.’ Jesus, God.”
Rangel: “Hey congratulations. That primetime is something, believe me…”
Dobbs: “Congressman I apologize. God Almighty.”
Rangel: “Get out of here!”
It’s fairly common in cable news for anchors and their guests to chat after a segment has finished. It’s just not meant for all to hear.