CNN journalist sits down with the DP

After sharing his tales of war-time reporting and primary-debate moderating, CNN host Anderson Cooper left Irvine Auditorium full of captivated students eager to learn more.

With the same mission in mind, The Daily Pennsylvanian sat down with Cooper for a few minutes to discuss reporting, politics and his lack of culinary skills.

Daily Pennsylvanian: What was your favorite story to report or break?

Anderson Cooper: Hurricane Katrina was a really clear instance where authorities weren't reporting what was happening on the ground. What the authorities were saying was clearly different than what was actually happening. There was a great need for reporters on the ground.

DP: What was the most physically or emotionally challenging story you've ever done?

AC: I spent three years reporting in Somalia and Rwanda. I was there for the famine in Somalia and the genocide in Rwanda - those two places had the most impact.

DP: If you hosted a dinner party, which three literary or historical figures would you invite?

AC: I'm a bit of a social recluse, so it would probably be hard to have a dinner party, and I also don't cook, so it would be a disastrous dinner party.

DP: OK, what about a tea party?

AC: Tea party I could do. Hmm, that's a tricky question. I would invite Joseph Conrad, Mark Twain and James Joyce.

DP: Would you ever go back to work for the CIA?

AC: Not in a million years. I had a summer internship there, and I didn't choose to work there then, so I wouldn't do it now.

DP: Would you ever consider running for president? Maybe in 2012? Or, how about now?

AC: Never. I would be a terrible politician. It's hard to speak with your heart when there are so many competing interests.

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