
Notable Biographies by Walter Isaacson:
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Steve Jobs (2011)
– Authorized biography of the Apple co-founder, based on over 40 interviews. -
Einstein: His Life and Universe (2007)
– Explores Albert Einstein's scientific genius and moral vision. -
Leonardo da Vinci (2017)
– A deep dive into da Vinci’s notebooks, inventions, and dual genius in art and science. -
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (2003)
– Highlights Franklin’s polymath mind and pivotal role in the American Revolution. -
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race (2021)
– Chronicles CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna’s work in biotechnology and ethics. -
Kissinger: A Biography (1992)
– An in-depth and early biography of Henry Kissinger's diplomatic career. -
Elon Musk (2023)
– Follows the tech mogul’s rise from PayPal and Tesla to SpaceX and Twitter (X), covering his vision and controversies.
Each of these books blends storytelling with deep research, making Isaacson one of the most prominent biographers of our time.
Connie Chung on Her Historic Career, Combating Sexism and Generation Connie | Amanpour and Company
Connie Chung was a trailblazer in the field of television news. She was the first Asian-American woman -- and among the first women -- ever to anchor a major network newscast. Chung's new memoir "Connie" tells of her adventures in breaking down the gender barrier in a male-dominated industry. Chung joins Walter Isaacson to share the story of her career.
Originally aired on October 8, 2024 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Major support for Amanpour and Company is provided by Jim Attwood and Leslie Williams, Candace King Weir, the Sylvia A. and Simon B. Poyta Programming Endowment to Fight Antisemitism, the Leila and Mickey Straus Family Charitable Trust, Mark J. Blechner, the Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Seton J. Melvin, the Peter G. Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney Fund, Charles Rosenblum, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Barbara Hope Zuckerberg, and Jeffrey Katz and Beth Rogers. Subscribe to the Amanpour and Company. channel here: https://bit.ly/2EMIkTJ Subscribe to our daily newsletter to find out who's on each night: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-... For more from Amanpour and Company, including full episodes, click here: https://to.pbs.org/2NBFpjf Like Amanpour and Company on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2HNx3EF
Connie Chung - Truthful Journalism & Reflecting on a Legendary Career with “Connie” | The Daily Show with Ronny Chieng
Award-winning journalist Connie Chung sits down with Ronny Chieng to discuss her new memoir, “Connie,” and her journey from navigating the white male-dominated TV newsrooms of the 70s and 80s, to becoming a broadcast legend who countless Asian-Amercian girls (and one weed strain) have been named after. She also calls for a return to the investigative, unopinionated journalism that predated the 24-hour news cycle and explains why she publicly endorsed a Presidential candidate for the first time in Kamala Harris. #DailyShow #ConnieChung #RonnyChieng Subscribe to The Daily Show: / @thedailyshow Follow The Daily Show: Twitter:
/ thedailyshow
ChatGPT said:
Yes, Connie Chung did tell Martina Navratilova—in her July 17, 2002 CNN interview—that she should “go back to Czechoslovakia” if she didn’t like America, using the phrase “love it or leave it” theguardian.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7transcripts.cnn.com+7.
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The transcript clearly shows Chung saying:
“I wanted to say, go back to Czechoslovakia. You know, if you don't like it here…” sportskeeda.com+1looper.com+1transcripts.cnn.com.
As for whether Chung later regretted making that remark—there’s no record of her publicly expressing regret or issuing an apology for it. While Navratilova herself addressed the criticism—clarifying she spoke out to protect rights—Chung never followed up with a retraction or apology on that comment.
In summary:
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Chung did say it in the 2002 interview.
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There’s no documented evidence she expressed regret about it later.
Bottom line: Connie Chung’s “go back to Czechoslovakia” comment is real—and while Martina responded thoughtfully, Connie Chung has not, to public knowledge, expressed regret over having said it.
Is Connie Chung Trying To Take Dave's Job? | Letterman
Letterman
815K subscribers
21,249 views Mar 7, 2022 #Letterman #ConnieChung
Connie talks about Willard Scott's odd costume choice and turns the tables on Dave. (Air date: 8/22/83)
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Connie Chung's husband is Maury Povich.
https://youtu.be/XcF1YkZit_0?si=f9YTjOqxoYoZLlsI? (What Maury said about his wife is so true: Connie Chung is a huge trailblazer, but she's far too modest to admit or acknowledge it! The number of Asian-American journalists who got into the field mainly because of her is almost too many to count! He met her in 1969, the first time. Then, they remet in DC, 1971, starting the Current Affairs.
Maury Povich got divorced from his first wife: "She settled me. She's the believer of all I've done. I owe my success to her."
Connie Chung and Maury Povich have been married since December 1984 and remain together today. There's no indication they ever divorced people.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12rollingout.com+12.
Key Facts
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Marriage date: December 1984
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Child: Together they adopted a son, Matthew Jay Povich, in June 1995 ew.com+13en.wikipedia.org+13rollingout.com+13
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Enduring partnership: Despite occasional rumors—often linked to Maury’s past workplace scandals—they've navigated ups and downs and remained a couple yahoo.com+8rollingout.com+8en.wikipedia.org+8
Connie has praised Maury as a foundation and support in her memoir, emphasizing their 40+ years of mutual respect, independence, and shared family values youtube.com+3rollingout.com+3nypost.com+3.
So in short: They are still married.
Maury Povich + Connie Chung: A newsworthy love story
Yes, the irony is hard to miss — and it's not lost on many in the Asian American community.
Connie Chung’s acceptance of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Hall of Fame, despite her earlier misstep in implying Chinese Americans could be disloyal or spy risks, strikes some as contradictory:
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In 2001, her 20/20 segment referencing espionage concerns among Chinese Americans (e.g., the Wen Ho Lee case) was widely criticized as feeding into “perpetual foreigner” stereotypes — a burden many Asian Americans work hard to dispel.
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Fast forward to 2024, she’s celebrated for breaking racial barriers — which she unquestionably did — but it reopens the question: can one simultaneously be a pioneer for representation and yet reinforce harmful tropes?
This juxtaposition reflects the complex legacy of trailblazers:
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They open doors but may stumble under pressure to deliver ratings, fit dominant narratives, or survive in elite institutions that weren’t built for them.
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For Chung, accepting the award may be seen either as reclaiming her place within the Asian American community — or a moment of uncomfortable reconciliation.
Many awardees have complicated pasts. What matters most is whether they acknowledge, learn from, and grow beyond those moments. In her 2024 memoir and interviews, Chung reportedly addressed the controversy, suggesting a measure of self-awareness. Whether that’s enough is up to the community — and history — to decide.
Connie Chung's Two Major Missteps
1. Misstep: Suggesting Chinese Americans Could Be Spies
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Context: In a 2001 episode of "20/20", Chung aired a segment suggesting that some Chinese Americans might be spying for China, referencing the Wen Ho Lee case.
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Backlash: The Asian American community criticized the piece for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and casting suspicion on an entire ethnic group.
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Fallout: Chung later acknowledged the hurt it caused, and in interviews years later (including her memoir), she admitted the piece lacked nuance and caused lasting pain.
Illustration: Imagine being a patriotic Chinese American, only to see a nationally respected figure question your loyalty by implication. The outrage wasn’t just about one story—it was about the shadow it cast on millions.
2. Misstep: "Hillary is a bitch" — the Kathleen Gingrich Interview
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Date: January 1995, CBS’s "Eye to Eye with Connie Chung"
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What happened: Chung interviewed Kathleen Gingrich, mother of Speaker Newt Gingrich. She asked what her son thought of First Lady Hillary Clinton. When the mother hesitated, Chung said, “Just whisper it, just between you and me.” Gingrich then said, “He thinks she’s a bitch.”
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Controversy: Though clearly meant to be aired, the segment sparked backlash, with critics accusing Chung of manipulating an elderly guest and betraying trust. CBS took heat for airing the remark.
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Aftermath: Chung was removed from the anchor desk shortly after. While she maintained it was fair journalism, others viewed it as a breach of ethical standards.
Illustration: The casual "whisper" line became infamous. It highlighted how journalistic cleverness can backfire when trust is exploited—even subtly.
Constance Yu-Hwa Chung, known as Connie Chung, has had a storied career as a trailblazing journalist, becoming the first Asian American woman to co-anchor a major network newscast in the U.S. While she is widely respected, her career also included some high-profile controversies that drew criticism and reflection — both of which she addressed with candor in her 2024 memoir.
Here are answers to your related questions, followed by illustrations of the two major missteps:
What are some of Connie Chung's notable news stories?
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Interview with Kathleen Gingrich (1995): The mother of then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, in which Chung coaxed her into saying "Hillary Clinton is a bitch." (More on that below.)
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Coverage of the Challenger disaster (1986): As part of CBS News, Chung covered breaking developments in the aftermath of the space shuttle explosion.
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Interview with Congressman Gary Condit (2001): Her interview on ABC with Condit about the missing intern Chandra Levy drew national attention.
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Tiananmen Square coverage: Chung was one of the few Chinese-American journalists reporting on the aftermath of the 1989 protests, although she was not on the ground in Beijing.
What other awards has Connie Chung received?
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Lifetime Achievement Award – Asian Hall of Fame (2024)
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Emmy Awards: For investigative and breaking news reporting.
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George Foster Peabody Award: As part of news teams that received them.
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National Journalism Awards: For excellence in broadcast journalism.
What are the key themes in her 2024 memoir?
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Trailblazing identity: Navigating newsrooms as the only Asian woman in a white, male-dominated media landscape.
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Family and cultural duality: Growing up with immigrant parents and balancing Chinese-American identity.
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Gender dynamics in journalism: Dealing with sexism and newsroom politics.
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Reflections on missteps: Owning up to professional mistakes and the human cost of journalism under pressure.
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Media ethics and responsibility: What it means to "get the story" without losing your soul.