Charlie Rose

writersblock25  07/17/2012 03:37 AM Report

33:19-33:24

"Thank you very much. I hope you got what you wanted."

What a class act Richard Sonnenfeldt is. I cannot recall any other interviewee (and I've seen quite a few) being as gracious as him.

writersblock25  07/17/2012 03:36 AM Report

Thank you for posting this, Charlie Rose, LLC.

writersblock25  06/06/2011 11:14 AM Report

33:19-33:24

"Thank you very much. I hope you got what you wanted."

What a class act Richard Sonnenfeldt is. I can't recall any other interviewee (and I've seen quite a few) being as gracious as him.

dbeyer  03/07/2011 05:10 PM Report

David Beyer

Had privilege of videotaping Mr. Sonnenfeldt for the J.C.C. on the Palisades in Tenafly, NJ the week after this interview. If you enjoyed this on Charlie Rose, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zEU6HNK3Gs

for more of and about this delightful gentleman.

janeeyre  10/04/2009 12:05 PM Report

One of the best interviews I have ever seen in my life. What a wonderful, talented man -so generous, brilliant. Please have him back for the hour. Cut a celeb's visit and have him the hour -please.

Barbara A. Benson  06/16/2008 03:18 PM Report

This was one of the most moving interviews I have ever seen. It should be sent to every school and shown in ever classroom to children whose parents don't even understand the basics of the Holocaust. Mr. Sonnefeldt's clear, consise and vivid memory of his experiences as first a refugee and then an America soldier present at the liberation of Dachau would have been compelling enough but then to learn that this remarkable man was an active participant in the Nuremberg trials and has first hand knowledge of the thinkings of the architects of the Holocaust was breath taking. I almost never comment on something that I have seen on television. I have watched your show for years Mr. Rose, but never before have I been compelled to express my appreciation for a guest (never mind possibly the best 20 or so minutes of television in my memory)I hope that we will be able to hear more from this 85 year old patriot.

Thank you for allowing him the time to speak with so little interruption. You must've been moved as well. I thought it was so humble of him to say at the end "I hope you got something you could use" (Paraphrased) I hope you both get an Emmy for it. Because then EVERYONE else will know to watch it again and again! Sincerely with appreciation. Barbara Benson

Amy Esper  06/16/2008 03:18 PM Report

I was just clicking through the garbage on TV when I became captivatied by this interview. Richard Sonnenfeldt knows more first hand history and displays more wisdom than anyone I have ever witnessed. His humble greatest generation speaking style reminds me of my father. When can you have him on again?

Larry Arsenault  04/02/2008 04:28 PM Report

Just finished watching your interview with Ted Turner. Absolutely the very best! It is so refreshing, energizing, to hear a man refuse to get bogged down in petty side-fights and go direct to the biggest problems of our day which our "leaders" won't or can't deal with. Overpopulation, over the long term, is the most serious problem that nobody wants to deal with because of our religions and superstitions we've carried from ancient times when life expectancy was maybe 45 and energy use was pretty much confined to whatever a person could accomplish on his own. But Ted Turner comes right out and hits the problem square. Same with nuclear proliferation and climate change. None of the lopsided talk about we've got to stop this country or that country. We have to stop all countries and we should lead the way. Now he would be a president, a real leader, that we could all work with to get the big things done.

Micahel Biordi  03/17/2008 10:32 PM Report

This dude is smart man i cant believes he was around during that time and still has the brains to state it.

B. Dan Czarnocki, PhD.  12/08/2007 07:06 PM Report

Thank you for this!

My whole family [Polish, not Jewish\ suffered a lot from Nazis AND Soviets during WW2: e.g. Mother barely survieved Auschwitz and the "march of death" to Bergen Belsen.

Mr Sonnefeldt struck me as a good, kindly man who lived through hell... I agree with other commentators, that his report was exceptionally informative, wise and moving!

I was only surprised that Mr Rose did NOT respond appropriately to Sonnefeld's last words: "I hope it's what you wanted.." or equivalent.

I could not find his book via Google: "Witness to Nuremberg ..." -- right? Is it not published yet?

Regards, Dan Cz~~

Dr. C. Runtd  07/26/2007 05:16 PM Report

Dick Sonnenfeldt's recollections while on the USS General MC Meigs (AP-116)in his book of being right next to a rivet that popped out and temporarily plugging it, then calling for a sailor to make more permanent repairs brought thoughts to me of his ability. Then he adds a few touches of wry humor when he recalls his experiences with several goats - the pun being that he, in the US Army, was writing about a goat while on the vessel. We all just had to smile!

His recall about life in the Baltimore, Catonsville, Indian Head, and Annapolis communities is uncannily excellent when he gives the readers more than just a flavor of the idioms and colloquialisms indigenous to this local area, especially since each were told to him by his African American friend and co-worker, and each are still in existence exactly today as when he was told them back then.

I have, and will be, using this book as a reference book! Thanks!

Judith  06/03/2007 08:17 PM Report

The word "blandly" below is not the right one -I meant "without emotion". Please excuse the error.

Judith  05/28/2007 01:41 PM Report

First, what an amazing story! Dumped on the shores of India (seriously, lucky him!) at little over 16 only to later find himself interrogating senior Nazi criminals. I would have been hard put not to clock these men with a big rock had I been there. Mr Sonnenfeldt tells the story a little too blandly - maybe he has told it so many times. I appreciated his humanity and his honesty in reminding us that these people were human beings, not cardbard cutouts. That makes them scarier in my view. But I am still usure I get one of his oomments - that he assumed Goering knew right from wrong because in 1938 he freed some imprisoned Jews because they had the Iron Cross. I'd say that was more of a reflection of his own belief in his own value, an ego thing, than any moral sense. I must have missed something.

Ali Khan  05/08/2007 02:17 PM Report

wow. what a life, what a spirit. and great story telling too. just to repeat what everyone is saying here, we certainly want him back for a full hour. this man can educate us on so many levels. great interview charlie rose, thankyou!

Scott O'Reilly  05/04/2007 09:05 PM Report

Charlie, your interviews are the epitome of excellence. More than anyone in journalism, you ask questions that create the space for the character of your guest to reveal itself. In my many years of marveling at your show I have never seen a more absorbing or edifying interview than the one you conducted with Richard W. Sonnenfeldt. His life story is a testament to the fact that simple decency can triumph over barbarism. Bravo to both of you.

robert  05/04/2007 05:59 PM Report

CHARLIE THAT WAS A GREAT INTERVIEW OF RICHARD SONNEFELDT IN THAT YOU ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

TO LET HIM EXPLAIN HIS INREDIBLE LIFE STORY AND HIS VIEW OF HISTORY DURING THOSE BLACK DAYS OF OF OUR WORLD

THANKS,

ROBERT

Gene McCarthy  05/03/2007 11:34 PM Report

Charlie: Would it be possible to put your interviews on podcast? I tape many of your shows on my DVR, but it would be great if I could listen on my iPod.

Terry Mehaffey  05/03/2007 08:30 PM Report

I searched this site for the text of Rose's conversation with Richard Sonnefeldt. I wanted to do a search of the final 11 minutes which, in my mind, has very important information for today. History repeats itself and the methods mentioned by Sonnefeldt for the encroachment of fascism are being, to many degrees, repeated presently. Therefore, how can the text be obtained?

Ed R  05/03/2007 04:36 PM Report

It is now several days since the interview with Richard Sonnenfeldt. I have thought about it every day. It was the best segment I have seen in years of watching your show. P{lease ask him bach again.

max silten  05/03/2007 04:04 PM Report

most interesting to see you and listen to your interview. unfortunately we missed meeting you when we visited Gary Behrendt (brother in law) on May 3.

Your comments recalled many experiences I had in Oberursel and other interrogations during my tour of duty as well as my witnessing the trials. admitted by my friend and fellow Ritchieite Wartenberg.

I am so grateful that you enlighten the present generation on how unstopped evil can thrive in our lifetimes.

Thank you,

Max Silten

Dr. Robert Fishman  05/02/2007 08:27 PM Report

I have been a faithful viewer of your show since its beginning. Prior to the interview with Richard Sonnenfeldt I had considered those with Edward O. Wilson as your best. Mr. Sonnerfeldt was a superb guest, so pristinely informative and, perhaps, the finest 20 minutes of television in memory. It is with somewhat less certainty that I offer these additional comments.- Your show (Charlie/staff) fell short when allocating only 20 minutes to this guest. As much as I admire Charlie's talents, here the guest carried the day, seemingly overcoming Charlie's rather flat affect toward him. Again, I'm an admirer of Charlie's (not looking for fault), but was a bit taken aback at the interview's end. Mr. Sonnenfeldt ended by stating "I hope I gave you what you wanted". Charlie offered no response and showed no reaction.

Fred Zumstein  05/02/2007 07:26 PM Report

A remarkable insight into the mindset of 20 political followers of a criminal yet charismatic leader. Their leader's mental illness toward humanity was evidently overlooked in their lust for power and domination. I am in process of getting his book from the local library. Thanks for such an interview.

Markell Lanpher  05/02/2007 03:35 PM Report

Thank you Charlie Rose for interviewing this remarkable and engaging man. I will watch this interview again...simply brilliant. This conversation will stay with me and I will ponder and refer to it throughout time. Thank you Mr. Sonnenfeldt for your story and insight to your experience. I am grateful.

Patricia Kushiner  05/02/2007 12:00 PM Report

I too was taken with Richard Sonnenfeldt and his wise interpretations of past and present events that concern evil regimes. It is interesting to note that President Bush considers North Korea as part of an axis of evil, as does Mr. Sonnenfeldt. Perhaps you will ponder Mr. Sonnenfeldt's opinion and now give President Bush more credit than you normally do for the insights that he has concerning some foreign powers.

Richard Sonnenfeldt  05/02/2007 11:45 AM Report

Thank you Charlie and your staff for letting me share glimpses into my life with your audience.

Deb McNamara  05/02/2007 10:22 AM Report

I thoroughly enjoyed and was mesmerized with your interview with Richard Sonnenfeldt on April 30. The information and detail that this man shared with us the viewers was remarkable, something I will never forget. His style is so unique and displays his meekness and honesty. He is to be applauded for his contribution to life and for sharing it with us. My one wish is that we could hear more from Richard, he has much to tell and share with this world, his wisdom is astonishing! Thank You!!

Ira  05/02/2007 02:42 AM Report

Wonderful interview with Mr. Sonnenfeldt. The story of this man's journey, a witness to history, told with such quiet clarity, has a human resonance one seldom encounters in the media. I concur with an earlier post -- this interview should be distributed to schools.

I. Horowitz  05/02/2007 02:01 AM Report

I feel very fortunate to have seen your interview with Mr. Sonnenfeld. He was able to expertly share with us his extraordinary knowledge and unique insight into the Nazi regime. Mr. Sonnenfeld is truly a treasure.

Would it be possble to show this interview again in the near future?

Stephanie  05/02/2007 12:12 AM Report

I also just "happened" upon the interview with Richard Sonnenfeldt before falling asleep last night and made a point of watching the repeat today at noon. I e-mailed some friends to alert them to the broadcast but doubt that they got the message in time. Please be sure to announce all future repeats of this extraordinary interview. And please, invite this remarkable man back for a longer conversation. I hope copies of the program will be made available for distribution in schools,libraries and among the general public. As someone who "qualified" for Hitler's death machine but was among the lucky children who were rescued via the Kindertransport,I have read widely on the subject of the Nazi era. Sonnenfeldt's experiences shone new light on those hideous times and some of the personalities involved. The quotation from Auschwitz Commandant Hoess, when asked whether he was ever tempted to help himself to the stolen treasure of his victims, was particularly telling. Offended, he asked: What kind of a man do you think I am?

By a curious coincidence, I had watched a showing of the film Judgement at Nuremberg just a few days previously on PBS. The stories told by the quiet, self-effacing Mr. Sonnenfeldt, were even more dramatic and moving and unforgetable.

Mary Smith  05/01/2007 09:52 PM Report

Mr. Sonnenfeldt's interview last night was the most amazing oral history I have ever heard. I join your other viewers in asking for more time to hear this wonderful man speak. Mr. Rose, I am always grateful that you do what you do with such grace and intelligence. Thank you for introducing me to Richard Sonnenfeldt.

Noga  05/01/2007 09:10 PM Report

I watched the interview with Mr.Sonnenfeldt last night, together with my teenage son who was moved to tears by his story.

The importance of such a witness to history cannot be overstated. Especially today, when there is a robust campaign in certain parts in the world to erase this history.

"Georges Thiel: "It's simple. The Nuremberg international military tribunal is an ignominy, something that cannot be called true. In fact, the Nuremberg trials were not real trials, because they were staged....

Voiceover: "Many survivors unaffected by the events in the labor camps passed themselves off as prisoners, in order to benefit from the high reparations. This is why the number of those who had suffered in the Holocaust suddenly began to multiply by the hundreds."

http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1424wmv&ak=null

Sidney  05/01/2007 08:50 PM Report

Very interesting interview. Message to Queenesther and robert gebing: that flashing light of extremism you see is called evangelical Christianity. Last time I checked, whatever Ann Coulter, Tom DeLay and Rush Limbaugh espouse (i.e. war, violence and selfishness) is not in the Bible.

L.D.&Bruny Graves  05/01/2007 07:55 PM Report

Thank you for your shows. You enhance our life with your professionalistic Journalism.

The Sonnenfeldt Interview was especially well done, and much needed. My grandfather was in the Berlin-Reichstag, and killed. His son(my father) was in a camp for Germans("retraining" they called it). But for the world I am "one of "Those Germans". My mother, Grandmother & I spend the war in the "Rhur". I was confused, and left Germany @18 by myself to come to the U.S.A. Iam now @ age 70 making peace with that past. Thank you so very much. You helped me. Bruny

Queenesther  05/01/2007 05:04 PM Report

Charlie-

R. Sonnenfeldt said it loud and clear in a calm, stoic way. Americans must learn the tragic historical message of Nazi Gremany and WWII. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. Now there's a green and red Muslim alert flashing continuously round the globe. Mr. Sonnenfeldt,thank you for bluntly warning the Charlie Rose audience that delay in confronting these cunning evil doers can be dangerously deadly.

Nicky Hartzell  05/01/2007 04:02 PM Report

Mr. Sonnenfeldt was my mother's childhood friend at school in the UK and remains a close friend to this day. She has always spoken so highly of him, but I had never seen his face til I happened, quite accidentally, to catch this interview. Charlie, you have an (endearing?) habit of finishing people's sentences for them, and if I were an interviewee, I would get snitty with you. But not Mr. Sonnenfeldt, who was just so incredibly humble and peaceful. I was just overwhelmed.

Adam  05/01/2007 04:02 PM Report

Thank you so much for this interview. I am so glad I caught it. Fascinating interview. Richard's understanding and balanced outlook is so refreshing.

hilary  05/01/2007 03:42 PM Report

I try to watch your show every night because I never fail to learn something. Last night was the most compelling interview I have ever listened to. Mr. Sonnenfeldt was a man with such great compassion and wisdom. It is men like him that need to be listened to in order to stop the insanity in this world. Thank you for such a powerful 20 minutes. I hope others will have a chance to listen to such a wise and moving gentleman.

GA Adams  05/01/2007 03:05 PM Report

Extrodinary interview. I was reminded of Theodore White's book "In Search of History" upon hearing Sonnenfeldt's rivoting accounts of these war criminals. Though White's unique perspective as journalist in Asia and elsewhere was during this time, Sonnenfeldt's story appears more intimate. Imagine being plucked out of obscurity as a young Army private and soon finding yourself in the midst and part of the most important trials of the twentieth century. I look forward to reading his book.

robert gebing  05/01/2007 02:25 PM Report

Charlie....This was the best interview! Hope you have Mr. Sonnenfeldt on again....in fact as

soon as possible!

The scary part is the Nazi Party is back...but now called Extreme Mulsins! I hope people wake up! Like to see you do a show comparing Nazi Germany & the Extreme Mulsins....

Best regards...Bob

Jean-Paul Lapointe  05/01/2007 01:35 PM Report

I echo all of the other email, your best speaker to date. What a humble and truly knowledgeable person he is on these atrocities of WWII. A truly riveting progam.

Steve Amoia  05/01/2007 01:30 PM Report

Watching Mr. Sonnenfeldt was a privilege. In a society that does not always honor its older citizens, his life experience spoke volumes. It truly was an incredible interview, and his humility was a thing of beauty. "I hope that I gave you what you wanted."

Mr. Sonnenfeldt provided us with a rare look into a person who experienced history from a very personal perspective, but was able to describe his incredible journey with eloquence and grace.

Thank you for this excellent interview.

michael dallen  05/01/2007 01:21 PM Report

I think this may be the closest thing to a perfect television interview that I have ever seen.

William Pryor  05/01/2007 01:20 PM Report

So remarkable to have history expressed with such clarity and moving detail. These are treasured recollections of an elder, made vivid by a stunning television interview. In brief moments you have captured a vital message for all generations.

Ann Rhinehart  05/01/2007 01:20 PM Report

I could listen to Mr. Sonnenfeldt speak all evening. I am a social studies teacher who is interested in the Holocaust, and I'm excited to read, and then use, his book in the classroom. I'm very grateful he is sharing his story, and that Charlie Rose provided him a forum. Mr. Sonnenfeldt's comments about the mediocrity of Hitler's "yes men" brought home to me anew the importance of teaching students to question.

David  05/01/2007 01:08 PM Report

Without a doubt, one of, if not THE, best guests ever on the show. Mr. Sonnenfeldt is a national treasure. His life and experiences are truly remarkable, and every effort should be made to mine and record his incredible experiences and intellect while still possible.

Fawwad Qureshi  05/01/2007 12:48 PM Report

One of the best interviews I have seen in more than 10 years of watching Charlie Rose.

Cathie Horton   05/01/2007 10:15 AM Report

I found the name of Mr. Sonnenfeldt's book. It is "WITNESS TO NUREMBERG" published in Oct 2006

Cathie Horton  05/01/2007 09:54 AM Report

The interview with RS was one of your best but I was unable to get the title of his book nor do I see it on this page. Please provide it.

D Cully  05/01/2007 05:58 AM Report

Only one small complaint: This guest merited the FULL hour.

Beth  05/01/2007 04:23 AM Report

My parents were both pilots in WWII, and I grew up fascinated by that era. For many years, I've read every history book on the subject to cross my path, but I learned more tonight than I can say. Mr. Sonnenfeldt is remarkable: sensitive, observant, articulate, candid, with a memory that is a gift. Please, please have him on again 'for the hour'.