On Wednesday's NBC Today, fill-in news anchor Savannah Guthrie shared this important presidential news with viewers: "And it's the last day of the President's bus tour through North Carolina and Virginia but it hasn't been all business for the commander in chief. At a Virginia high school he sparked a giggle-fest and even managed to break some hearts." [Audio available here]
A clip followed of a group of teenage girls asking Obama if he knew singer Justin Bieber. The President said that he did, but that Bieber had a girlfriend. Guthrie then remarked: "Oh, look at those faces....The President crushing Bieber fever one teenager at a time." [View video after the jump]
In the 8 a.m. hour, Guthrie offered an equally hard-hitting report on speculation over new construction at the White House: "Construction crews have been digging a massive mystery hole right by the West Wing for at least a year and a half....many people are left to guess, perhaps a new underground bunker, a giant swimming pool or outdoor bowling alley, or perhaps a top secret presidential man cave."
The highest-rated morning news broadcast failed to provide any updates on the Solyndra or Fast & Furious scandals on Wednesday.
Here is a transcript of Guthrie's October 19 Obama-Bieber report:
7:18AM ET
BARACK OBAMA: Did you have a question for me?
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: Do you know Justin Bieber.
OBAMA: I do know Justin Bieber. He's a very nice young man, he is. Although I have to say he's-
GIRL: He's short.
OBAMA: No, he's tall. And I think he's got a girlfriend , doesn't he?
GUTHRIE: Oh, look at those faces. The President asked if the kids had any other questions for him. They didn't. It's now 7:19, now back to Matt, Ann and Al. The President crushing Bieber fever one teenager at a time.
MATT LAUER: Threw him right under the bus, there.
