Meet the Press
The following is a transcript of the press conference that takes place Monday, December 8, 2008 at 3:00 PM; SHIELD Headquarters, New York City.
[Jonathan Cutler, Press Secretary for SHIELD]
Hello everyone, thank you for coming, we'll get started now. Director Osborn will be making a brief statement and then we will open the floor for questions. You all know Maria Hill, Director of Operations here in New York; Carol Danvers who has been holding the fort for us and will be acting as Deputy to the Director nationally; and Jenny Day, Head of Public Relations. Now, Director Osborn hardly needs an introduction but for too long his heroic dedication to our organisation and our country has been hidden from the public eye and we would like to remedy that.
Norman Osborn was recruited to work with the Thunderbolts two years ago and instilled as a Director for the Commission of Superhuman Affairs. He led the team to numerous victories at much cost to himself, most recently saving both Washington DC and our own New York from a plot that had infiltrated nearly every team in the Initiative. I am certain you have seen the footage of Director Osborn taking out the leader of the infiltrators himself. It is available on our webpage if you have not, though I caution it is not for the weak of heart. Suffice it to say Director Osborn is a patriot and a hero of the grandest design. He put our safety above his own personal ambitions and attachments in a way this country has not seen for some time. We are more than pleased to bring you Director Norman Osborn.
[Norman Osborn, Director of SHIELD]
Thank you, Mr.Cutler. On behalf of my teams, both my Thunderbolts and my new team here in New York, your many kind words are appreciated. I won't take too much of our time today but I did want to take a moment to tell you all how humbled I am by this appointment. Our nation is embroiled in a time of great crisis, a transitionary period and it would be simpler for us all to stand aside and allow it to crumble. But we cannot give credence to that impulse. SHIELD and its former establishment under ex-Director Stark have made a number of grave mistakes and I promise you I am absolutely dedicated to reversing them. In this light I announce that the 50 State Initiative is being dissolved. It is clearly a failure. In its place I am expanding the Avengers -- though their reputation has been tarnished, the Avengers are an establishment and I give you my word: they will protect you. I have many more plans for SHIELD and its affiliates which I will lay out as we move forward. Now, I know you have questions.
Why did you fake your death and why for so long?
It is quite simply a matter of national security. It is not an exaggeration to state that I have a long list of personal enemies - were my identity to be known countless innocents might be harmed in my stead and that is a harsh reality to live with.
But doesn’t that go against the principles of the SHRA?
It is also no secret that The SHRA is a flawed system. Correcting the mistakes there is one of my top priorities.
You've been with the Thuderbolts for -
Two years.
And before then?
I’m sorry, my dear, some things must remain classified.
What are your plans for SHIELD?
As I stated, I will be laying them out in weeks to come. I will be discussing my goals with my new team and instituting necessary changes as quickly as possible. I am working with top level intelligence and the best minds available both nationally and internationally to determine what is best for our country and our world.
I am {a small laugh} also considering a name change.
And Oscorp? What are your plans there?
Oh, I am pleased with the work that has been done in my absence. I will of course be discussing the company’s future with the board members and related persons. We look forward, among other things, to building on our good relationship to Wayne Enterprises and Frost Enterprises as well as, of course, Stark Industries. I know that the company will be involved in my business here at SHIELD - however, I also intend to avoid the mistakes of ex-Director Stark. SHIELD will not become a subsidiary of Oscorp, though I do look forward to a possible redesign of the Iron Man armour {another chuckle}?
Have you seen your son and his family?
I only returned from the capital this morning. I had hoped to catch up with Harry at this event but certainly I intend to see him and Carrie and the children. I look forward to playing Santa to my grandchildren, but of course I must focus on my duties to the wider world before my family and I know Harry understands.
We’ve a lot to do and I have not yet even seen my new office. One more question -- yes?
ooc: If there is something specific you would like a reporter to ask, feel free to comment with the question -- he may not answer, of course!
[Jonathan Cutler, Press Secretary for SHIELD]
Hello everyone, thank you for coming, we'll get started now. Director Osborn will be making a brief statement and then we will open the floor for questions. You all know Maria Hill, Director of Operations here in New York; Carol Danvers who has been holding the fort for us and will be acting as Deputy to the Director nationally; and Jenny Day, Head of Public Relations. Now, Director Osborn hardly needs an introduction but for too long his heroic dedication to our organisation and our country has been hidden from the public eye and we would like to remedy that.
Norman Osborn was recruited to work with the Thunderbolts two years ago and instilled as a Director for the Commission of Superhuman Affairs. He led the team to numerous victories at much cost to himself, most recently saving both Washington DC and our own New York from a plot that had infiltrated nearly every team in the Initiative. I am certain you have seen the footage of Director Osborn taking out the leader of the infiltrators himself. It is available on our webpage if you have not, though I caution it is not for the weak of heart. Suffice it to say Director Osborn is a patriot and a hero of the grandest design. He put our safety above his own personal ambitions and attachments in a way this country has not seen for some time. We are more than pleased to bring you Director Norman Osborn.
[Norman Osborn, Director of SHIELD]
Thank you, Mr.Cutler. On behalf of my teams, both my Thunderbolts and my new team here in New York, your many kind words are appreciated. I won't take too much of our time today but I did want to take a moment to tell you all how humbled I am by this appointment. Our nation is embroiled in a time of great crisis, a transitionary period and it would be simpler for us all to stand aside and allow it to crumble. But we cannot give credence to that impulse. SHIELD and its former establishment under ex-Director Stark have made a number of grave mistakes and I promise you I am absolutely dedicated to reversing them. In this light I announce that the 50 State Initiative is being dissolved. It is clearly a failure. In its place I am expanding the Avengers -- though their reputation has been tarnished, the Avengers are an establishment and I give you my word: they will protect you. I have many more plans for SHIELD and its affiliates which I will lay out as we move forward. Now, I know you have questions.
Why did you fake your death and why for so long?
It is quite simply a matter of national security. It is not an exaggeration to state that I have a long list of personal enemies - were my identity to be known countless innocents might be harmed in my stead and that is a harsh reality to live with.
But doesn’t that go against the principles of the SHRA?
It is also no secret that The SHRA is a flawed system. Correcting the mistakes there is one of my top priorities.
You've been with the Thuderbolts for -
Two years.
And before then?
I’m sorry, my dear, some things must remain classified.
What are your plans for SHIELD?
As I stated, I will be laying them out in weeks to come. I will be discussing my goals with my new team and instituting necessary changes as quickly as possible. I am working with top level intelligence and the best minds available both nationally and internationally to determine what is best for our country and our world.
I am {a small laugh} also considering a name change.
And Oscorp? What are your plans there?
Oh, I am pleased with the work that has been done in my absence. I will of course be discussing the company’s future with the board members and related persons. We look forward, among other things, to building on our good relationship to Wayne Enterprises and Frost Enterprises as well as, of course, Stark Industries. I know that the company will be involved in my business here at SHIELD - however, I also intend to avoid the mistakes of ex-Director Stark. SHIELD will not become a subsidiary of Oscorp, though I do look forward to a possible redesign of the Iron Man armour {another chuckle}?
Have you seen your son and his family?
I only returned from the capital this morning. I had hoped to catch up with Harry at this event but certainly I intend to see him and Carrie and the children. I look forward to playing Santa to my grandchildren, but of course I must focus on my duties to the wider world before my family and I know Harry understands.
We’ve a lot to do and I have not yet even seen my new office. One more question -- yes?
ooc: If there is something specific you would like a reporter to ask, feel free to comment with the question -- he may not answer, of course!