24 (TV Series)

Day 2: 4:00 a.m.-5:00 a.m. (2003)

Michael Holden: Ron Wieland

Quotes 

• Vice President Jim Prescott : [Through video conference]  most of you know Ron Wieland. Ron is one of the most respect national affairs correspondents in the country: he had a very "interesting experience" earlier today

  Ron Wieland : I was sent to cover President Palmer's environmental speech when I began to sense a bigger story. There were rumors of a terrorist attack on the west coast, possibly involving a nuclear device. Naturally, I kept asking questions, the next thing I know I was called in to talk to the President. He asked me to keep the story "under wraps" until later in the day and then he would give me an exclusive

  Vice President Jim Prescott : And what did you say?

  Ron Wieland : I told him I'd think it over but as I was leaving the building, I was suddenly grabbed by a Secret Service agent and hustled into a room and I was kept there under guard for several hours

  Vice President Jim Prescott : Did you feel this was a violation of your first Amendment rights as a journalist and as an American citizen?

  Ron Wieland : Of course

  President Palmer : Were you harmed in any way or threatened?

  Ron Wieland : No Sir

  President Palmer : But you understand the reason you were being detained?

  Ron Wieland : I assume it was fear if word got out that there was a nuclear threat panic might strike, and people would get hurt

  President Palmer : Do you think the lives of thousands of citizens are less important than a couple hours of your first Amendment rights?

  Ron Wieland : No, I don't but under the Bill of Rights, that decision was mine. Not yours Mr. President

  Vice President Jim Prescott : Did you get the feeling that things were a little "out of control" in the Palmer Administration?

  President Palmer : You're putting words in his mouth

  Ron Wieland : I did have a sense that President Palmer was out of control

  President Palmer : I was trying the balance the needs of public safety and Ron Wieland's rights. I offered Ron a deal and he turned me down. Nothing was out of control. I might add I had legal precedent for my action

  Vice President Jim Prescott : Thank you Mr. Wieland. I'd like to ask someone else to testify, he should be ready in a few moments