60 Minutes Season 39 Episode 19 President Bush, The Duke Case
- January 14, 2007
President Bush, The Duke Case, is the 19th episode of the 39th season of the award-winning news program, 60 Minutes. This episode delves into two major stories that made national headlines.
The first segment of the episode explores the presidency of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. Correspondent Scott Pelley sits down with President Bush to discuss his legacy and how he hopes history will remember his time in office. The interview covers a wide range of topics, including the war in Iraq, the Great Recession, Hurricane Katrina, and the controversial use of enhanced interrogation techniques. Pelley also asks President Bush about his relationship with his father, former President George H. W. Bush, and how he has dealt with criticism and hate during his time in office.
The second segment of the episode focuses on the infamous Duke Lacrosse case, a scandal that rocked the world of college athletics and ignited a national debate about race, class, and gender. Back in 2006, three members of the Duke University lacrosse team were accused of raping a black woman who was hired as a stripper for an off-campus party. The case quickly became a media sensation, with many people rushing to judgement and assuming the guilt of the accused players. However, as more information came to light, it became clear that the prosecution's case was built on shaky evidence and questionable tactics.
60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon speaks with some of the players who were falsely accused, as well as with the defense attorneys who helped clear their names. The segment also examines the role that the media played in the case, with Simon discussing how some journalists failed to do their due diligence and instead relied on rumors and innuendo to drive the narrative forward. The segment ends with a reflection on the legacy of the Duke Lacrosse case, and what it reveals about the intersection of sports, race, and the criminal justice system.
Overall, President Bush, The Duke Case is a fascinating and deeply informative episode of 60 Minutes. With its mix of hard-hitting journalism, insightful interviews, and thoughtful analysis, it offers a window into some of the most important issues of our time. Whether you're a news junkie, a history buff, or just someone who likes to stay informed, this episode is definitely worth watching.