CNN.com - Blog, Day 1: Michael Moore blows up

CNN.com - Blog, Day 1: Monday, July 26, 2004 - Jul 26, 2004: "Michael Moore was not happy. In fact, he was very angry.
' 'Some people want you dead?' ' the 'Fahrenheit 9/11' filmmaker said to CNN's Bill Hemmer Monday morning on the floor of FleetCenter. ' 'Some people want you dead,' Bill? Why would you say that on live TV? Would you say that to Bush or Kerry?'
Hemmer was on a platform set talking with a producer when Moore approached, a gaggle of cameras, boom mikes and reporters in tow. 'I'll be with you in a second, Michael,' Hemmer said. Moore turned and walked away, the clot of reporters turning in unison.
'What was that about?' someone shouted.

'You'll have to watch CNN,' Moore muttered and disappeared into the clutch of reporters.

Well, what was that all about?

Hemmer had interviewed Moore live on 'American Morning' at least an hour earlier. Hemmer said Moore objected to a question he posed on air. Here's a transcript of that on-air exchange:

HEMMER: Let's move away from that. I've heard people say Michael Moore is the greatest living American.
MOORE: Oh, who are those people?
HEMMER: I've heard people say they wish Michael Moore were dead.
MOORE: Oh, well. Jeez, who would say that?
HEMMER: How do you take in the reaction that you are getting? And there is no one who is neutral after they see your film.
MOORE: Well, there's a -- there's that minority of Republicans and right-wingers who are upset, because they know their days of numbered. I'd be upset, too, if I were them. You know, they've only got a few more months left in charge. And so they're all running around, all saying crazy things like that.
HEMMER: The DNC did not invite you here, is that right?
MOORE: The Congressional Black Caucus invited me here, yes. Yes.
HEMMER: Enjoy your week.


Posted: 2:54 p.m. ET
From Susan Pettit,
CNN.com producer