What is the deal with Anderson Cooper?

Question

I swear, this whole "AC 360" thing on CNN is like a cult of personality. Who IS this guy and what are his credentials?! He comes out of nowhere and is given his own show on the network. Then he does his best William Hurt impression (remember the scene in 'Broadcast News'?) and artificially generates some crocodile tears on camera during the Katrina ordeal in New Orleans, and the next thing you know CNN is dumping Aaron Brown and giving Cooper BOTH time slots (AC 360 is 120). WHY?! He is a self-important punk (apparently part of the Vanderbilt aristocracy, no less) who inserts himself, front and center, into every story he covers. You can check him out now in Lebanon, wearing his bad "work shirts" replete with epaulets. I mean honestly...

Is it just me or is anyone else out there puzzled, annoyed and otherwise flabbergasted by this character's instant fame and celebrity? I just don't get it at all....

This is really quite hilarious. The majority of the answers I've received so far simply demonstrate my point to perfection. You people sound like a bloody cult of personality! My God, most of you sound like you've been hypnotized (ever seen 'The Manchurian Candidate' -- the original, not the rubbish re-make?).

JZ and Linda S. both place emphasis on the fact he is Gloria Vanderbilt's son?! So what are you saying? An aristocratic pedigree is the key to being a good journalist? Perhaps you two would be happier in a monarchy with a proper ruling class determining how you live your lives?

Somoneudunno's answer is my personal favourite, however. Beyond advocating I read a self-promoting book by someone I don't like (yeah, that makes sense?!), s/he goes off on a belligerent tangent about my being jealous, carrying on about "hate" and low self-esteem?! Then the comment about my not looking up his bio?? Sure, I live to look up bios about people I couldn't care less about, lol...

Someoneudunno: Firstly, I am jealous of no man, least of all your dreamboat, AC. Quite frankly, I am both far better looking and vastly more intelligent and articulate than your privileged son, so I've no need to be "jealous" of anything he has. Ah, but what about the money and the pedigree you so adore? No thanks, that **** doesn't matter to me... but then again, unlike you, I don't care to live in a class-driven monarchy where the filthy rich call the tune whilst the commoners dance. Why don't you relocate to Monaco where sucking up to your betters is expected, if not required? Being the son of a wealthy heiress bestows nothing even remotely resembling respect, to say nothing of gravitas. Get a clue. Furthermore, you poor, humourless soul, I don't "hate" your precious AC -- far from it. I am amused by his instant celebrity status and your demonstrable adulation for him. My self-esteem (as well as my brilliance and energy levels) is great, thanks. You might want to work on your own.

Answer 1

Sorry, Mac, that I’m arriving late to answer this question. Our local chapter of the Cult of Anderson had its weekly fundraiser downtown, and we held our initiation for new members afterward. I’d like to extend an invitation to join COA to several of the respondents above me. The criteria for membership are quite simple: 1) You must believe that having a blood connection to an 80’s designer-brand label makes Anderson Cooper equal to only (perhaps) John F. Kennedy as American Royalty; 2) You must view the world’s news ONLY through the lens of how it personally affects Our Precious Anderson (and see any story which does not focus on Anderson Himself as a distressing waste of airtime); 3) You must defend Anderson’s human perfection against any and all detractors (and pledge willingness to use yourself as a shield to protect Anderson or to provide him shade in the bright sun, etc. – whatever he needs); and 4) You must always, under all circumstances, wear shirts with epaulets.

JZ, Linda S, and someoneudunno seem like natural COA inductees.

Answer 2

Just the media looking to claim a segment audience with a pretty-boy that has feelings. Nothing new.

Answer 3

Instant fame? Sure. Even though he's been in the business for more than 10 years, instant. Even though he's traveled more places, spoken to more news makers, and seen more breaking news than most people ten years his senior, no credentials.

As for Aaron Brown, "others found his on-air habits — such as reading newspaper story headlines to his viewers — condescending and dull." Reading from the papers? What is this, morning FM radio? He had the experience, and the credentials, just like Cooper. And yet, he read from the paper.

Answer 4

He's definitely not annoying. I saw him on Oprah and he
shed light on how he can seem so stoic. Lots has gone
on in his life and the pain of other's helps him to forget
the pain that still lingers from his past (when he was growing
up). -- He's been around for a long time and has paid his dues.
You just haven't noticed him.

Dude! Do you know he's Gloria Vanderbuilt's son? Now, I ask
you... how respectable is that?. He has followed his passion
even if it meant putting himself on the FRONT LINES. He really doesn't have to do anything at all except play polo-being heir to the Vanderbuilt fortune. I totally admire him for his choice.

He's got a new book out. Read it.

Answer 5

I happen to love Anderson and the fact that he likes to stay neutral about most things. Read his book, Dispatches From The Edge. It has a lot more about his experiences. He's not really self-important and I don't see where you get that at all. Jealousy maybe? So desperate to hate someone famous because you don't have good self-esteem? And why aren't you brilliant enough to look up his biography on your own? Can't exert the energy?

Answer 6

He is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, and a fine news reporter. I personally like A.C. 360.

Answer 7

Wow. You have no idea. He's worked hard. He was on ABC before. He was a game show host as well. He derives strength to become a reporter and journalist through the suicide of his brother. HE HAS CREDENTIALS. He did not pop out and come to instant stardom.

He earned it.

Answer 8

I love watching him - He makes the news more interesting!

Answer 9

Anderson Cooper has been around a long time. I think he does a good job.

Answer 10

Doesn't bother me. There are many more important things in the world to concern myself with.