'Do you still regret that, Barbara?' Oprah asked.

18 years ago

I like Oprah well enough, but today she asked one of the dumbest interview questions I've ever heard.

The show featured Barbara Walters, who has written a memoir. I caught only a couple of pieces of the show. In one, BW was talking about her sister, who was mildly retarded. The sister, whose name was Jackie (like Barbara's daughter), died of ovarian cancer. Barbara wasn't with her when she died because she was off making a speech for ABC.

Oprah asked her why her sister was the one subject that made Barbara cry. You could tell Barbara didn't want to cry on the show, but she wrote the book and she was there to talk about the book, so I don't blame Oprah for asking her about this. But when Barbara responded, telling the story emotionally, disgusted with the meaningless speech, clearly feeling terribly guilty years after the fact, Oprah said, "Do you still regret that?"

Duh, Oprah........

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Comments (17)

glenda_al
18 years ago
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
18 years ago
It is a question that actually sells books...I wasn't surprised. Although I felt it was still difficult for Barbara to answer. I can't imagine what it is like to be the "normal" child when you have a sibling that has a handicap. I think you would always wonder...Why am I the Lucky One.

Gayle
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rosepetal2
18 years ago
I'm the mom of a daughter with learning disabilities and it still breaks my heart that the life I wanted and dreamed of for her never happened. She's 31 has never had a boyfriend for longer than 6 months........most just used her. She just wants someone to love/accept her for the person she is, I won't even get into all the struggles growing up. It's had on the whole family.
Diane
deemarie5500
18 years ago
I actually believe that it was a question Barbara herself would have asked if tables were turned.
mcmann
18 years ago
I don't think it was one of Oprah's better interviews and I watched the whole show. Maybe it was just me but it seemed she wasn't sure exactly how to approach Barbara. In the beginning I was afraid she'd handle her with kid gloves and not ask the questions everyone wanted to hear. After one question when Barbara replied that she didn't want to talk about that Oprah insisted saying that it was in the book so of course we want to talk about it!
alisande
Original Author
18 years ago
If so, Deemarie, that's an unfortunate comment on the state of "journalism" today. With the answer so blatantly obvious, the question is asked only to extract the last drops of emotion from the subject.

Mcmann, how does the book sound?

I saw the photo of Barbara and her daughter. A beautiful young woman, she runs a wilderness therapy program for troubled teens.
ruthieg__tx
18 years ago
I thought all and all it was a good interview. I am sure that Barbara would have set strict rules if there really was something that she didn't want to talk about.
pineviewplanter
18 years ago
There is absolutely nothing that Oprah can say or do that I would even remotely consider watching.

PVP
socks
18 years ago
I agree with Deemarie...Barbara WOULD have asked that question. It was dumb though.

Rosepetal, thanks for sharing your daughter's story. I'm sure it has been difficult for your whole family, and I truly hope your DD is doing well.
jannie
18 years ago
After all t5hese "spoilers' about BW's affair with a senator,her retarded sister, her marriages,I have very little interest in reading her book. I don't even like to listen to her on The View. Too old!
aka_raeanne
18 years ago
If Barbara Walters would ask Katherine Hepburn what kind of a tree she would be. She would certainly ask Oprah about the regret question LOL.
grammahony
18 years ago
I think I heard Barbara say her daughter was adopted, after 3 miscarriages, and she is very pretty. (She had her problems growning up also.) I think the guilty feelings she had over her sister included the 'poor me/why me' thoughts, and embarrassments she had felt growing up with her. And the fact she had gone to do that unimportant speech. I enjoyed the interview.
Leslie
alisande
Original Author
18 years ago
"Too old," Jannie? At what age does someone become too old to be interesting?
mcmann
18 years ago
Great comment Susan - "the question is asked only to extract the last drops of emotion from the subject." Now were those tears real or just affect? Perhaps I'm becoming more cynical as I age but I noticed Barbara would pause before answering a question - as if she was thinking about the answer. Yet she wrote the book, she's already thought out her responses. Maybe it was just me but I thought the interview seemed stilted, interesting but a little odd somehow.

Ah the book - I wouldn't pay for a copy, I only purchase books that I think are 'keepers.' But I would certainly read it if it were sitting there. I have a feeling that by the time she's done with all the publicity interviews everything of interest will be revealed. I guess I no longer think of her as a journalist but as a tv personality.

I did think her suit was exquisite, it was beautifully tailored and it looked lovely on her. She does have great taste in clothing.
gwanny2three
18 years ago
I'm sure they went over this stuff before the show, what not to get into and what not to say. I can't imagine going out there blindly, I may be wrong but I wouldn't! I don't care for Barbara but I'd love to read her book. I love stories about people's lives. I'll bet she had an interesting life....I'd buy it used at the right price! :O)
susanjf_gw
18 years ago
maybe charlie's interview will be better..he's such a kind and caring soul...

jannie, i'm surprised at your remark...exactly what age would she have to be to peak your interest?
joyfulguy
18 years ago
Will the Walters book be a choice on O's club?

o j

'Do you still regret that, Barbara?' Oprah asked.

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'Do you still regret that, Barbara?' Oprah asked.

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