Carole Coleman facts for kids

Carole Coleman (born in September 1966) is an Irish journalist. She grew up in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland. She used to be a special reporter in Washington, for RTÉ, which is Ireland's national broadcaster. Carole studied journalism at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). Today, she works as a reporter for the News at One radio show on RTÉ Radio 1. She also teaches journalism at the University of Galway.

Her Famous Interview

Carole Coleman became well-known in the United States for an important TV interview. She spoke with the President of the United States, George W. Bush, in 2004. This happened just before he visited Ireland.

During the interview, Carole asked tough questions. She even interrupted President Bush a few times. She did this because she was worried he would use up all the interview time with long answers. She felt she needed to challenge him to make the most of the opportunity.

Why the Interview Was Special

The White House, where the President works, was not happy about the interview. They felt Carole was "disrespectful" because she interrupted the President. They even complained to the Irish Embassy. An Irish government spokesperson agreed that the interview "lacked respect."

However, RTÉ, Carole's employer, fully supported her. They said they "totally stands over the conduct of the interview and Carole's journalism."

Carole herself said she had no regrets. She believed she was just doing her job. She felt it was important to challenge the President on topics that were changing how America was seen around the world.

Her Books

Carole Coleman has written several books about her experiences as a journalist.

Alleluia America!

In October 2005, Carole published her first book, Alleluia America! An Irish Journalist in Bush Country. This book starts by describing her famous interview with President Bush and what happened afterwards. It then shares stories from her travels across the U.S. in areas that supported President Bush in 2004. She writes about the people she met during her journey.

The Battle for the White House

In January 2009, she released The Battle for the White House ... and the Soul of America. This book tells the story of the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

News from Under a Coat Stand

Her most recent book, News from Under a Coat Stand ... A Diary March–June 2020, came out in October 2021. This book shares her personal and international experiences during the first 100 days of the Covid-19 pandemic.