MediaMatters: Doctor to Scarborough "How Could You Possibly Be So Stupid?"

[Hissyspit]

This incident was posted on previously by a viewer, (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3375748&mesg_id=3375748)
but I thought everyone would like to see the full transcript of the interview as posted by Media Matters. Mods, combine if you like:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200503290005
Neurologist Cranford confronted Scarborough, MSNBC daytime anchor: "ou're asking me if a CAT scan was done? How could you possibly be so stupid?"

On the March 28 edition of MSNBC's Scarborough Country, host Joe Scarborough interviewed Dr. Ronald Cranford, one of the two neurologists selected by Michael Schiavo to examine Terri Schiavo pursuant to an October 2001 appellate court mandate. As part of that duty, Cranford "reviewed her medical records and personally conducted a neurological examination of Mrs. Schiavo," according to the June 2003 Florida appeals court review of that hearing.

Following is the transcript of the interview:

SCARBOROUGH: Now, the question on everybody's mind tonight is this: How is Terri Schiavo doing? You know, it's been 10 days. She is starting her 11th day now without food and water. Let's go back to Pinellas Park , where Lisa Daniels is standing by -- Lisa.

DANIELS: Well, Joe, at this point, we are going to delve into the medical aspect of the story. I want to bring in Dr. Ronald Cranford. He's a neurologist at Hennepin Medical Center in Minneapolis. And, Doctor, before we continue, I want our viewers to understand what your role was in the legal case. I understand that Michael Schiavo and his team asked you to examine his wife. Is that correct?

CRANFORD: Yes. Yes, they did.

- snip -

CRANFORD: I have been at the bedside of these patients. I know what they die from. I've seen them die. And this is all bogus. It's all just a bunch of crap that you are saying. It's totally wrong.

DANIELS: Well, with all due respect, Doctor, it sounds like you think that you know what you are talking about, so let's ask you about that.

CRANFORD: Sure.

DANIELS: Are you 100 percent correct in your opinion that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state? Do you agree with that?

CRANFORD: I am 105 percent sure she is in a vegetative state. And the autopsy will show severe irreversible brain damage to the higher centers, yes.

- snip -

DANIELS: Doctor, was a CAT scan -- Doctor, your critics would ask you, was a CAT scan used? Was an MRI taken? Were any of these tests taken?

CRANFORD: You don't know the answer to that? The CAT scan was done in 1996, 2002. We spent a lot of time in court showing the irreversible -- you don't have copies of those CAT scans? How can you say that?

The CAT scans are out there, distributed to other people. You have got to look at the facts. The CAT scan is out there. It shows severe atrophy of the brain. The autopsy is going to show severe atrophy of the brain. And you're asking me if a CAT scan was done? How could you possibly be so stupid?

SCARBOROUGH: Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait a second.

SCARBOROUGH: Hold on a second, if I can interrupt here.

CRANFORD: Go ahead. Joe, interrupt me.

SCARBOROUGH: Why don't you go ahead and tell the rest of the story there? Why don't you tell us that the radiologist that looked at the two CAT scans said she showed improvement in 2002 over 1996? You know, you seem so sure of yourself. The Associated Press reported yesterday --

CRANFORD: Joe, the judge didn't believe him.

MORE

Posted to the web on Tuesday March 29, 2005 at 4:58 PM EST

[ClintonTyree]

1. "Scabrough" is SUCH an egotistical jackass.................

I think a REAL Journalist would acquaint himself with ALL of the facts before engaging in such a discussion with a Doctor.

"I want to apologize to Lisa for interrupting her, but the thing is, Lisa was getting attacked because of what I said. I think that is unfair."

If what you said is a complete fabrication, do you expect it to go unchallenged? Lisa or not, "Scabrough" was challenging this Doctor with false accusations. Lisa should be pissed at "Scabrough". Keep poking someone with a stick, then be totally aghast when they lash back at your ignorance, while you sit in a freaking studio where you can't get you butt kicked?

Scab is a fool. Why that show is still on the air is a complete mystery to me. There are so MANY stupid, stupid people in this world, and the right wing has a monopoly on them.

[still_one]

4. what do you except from scarbrough, he cheated on his wife

[Viking12]

6. ...and somehow his secretary's head bounce off a desk....

she's dead.

[cornermouse]

2. You'd think Scarborough would deep six the transcript.

Reading it made it pretty clear just how insulated he is from the facts in the case.

[saracat]

3. I am amazed by how many non neurologists consider themselves

more capable than the neurologists at diagnosing this woman. Why would you even presume to know more than they do? This is just beyond me. I think you can question their conclusions, but you should have a rationale to base it on. Another RW nut is Dr. Bernadine Healy. She isn't a neurologist either but she keeps shouting down the doctors who have actually examined Terri. She keeps saying the cat scan is "out of date"! as if a new one would show improvement. She screamed at Cranford that his examination had been several years ago and wasn't valid. No one bothered to point out that she had NEVER examined Terri!

[Hekate]

5. The doc obviously doesn't suffer fools gladly

It's always gratifying when an opinionated fool like Scarbrough gets his * kicked by someone actually in possession of the facts. :popcorn:

Though not having the facts never seems to stop Scarbrough and his ilk at all....

Hekate

[mainer]

7. Whoa! way to go, Doc! He put Scarborough in his place

He must've been really pissed. For once, someone has the balls to call Scarborough and Co. STUPID on the air!

[riverwalker]

8. Joe claimed she grew new brain tissue??

SCARBOROUGH: Why don't you go ahead and tell the rest of the story there? Why don't you tell us that the radiologist that looked at the two CAT scans said she showed improvement in 2002 over 1996? You know, you seem so sure of yourself. The Associated Press reported yesterday --