Kid Reporter Damon Weaver To Make 20/20 Appearance, Still Looking For That Obama Interview

If there's one thing in this world that we love unabashedly, it's awesome kid reporter Damon Weaver from Pahokee, Florida, who gained national attention after interviewing Joe Biden, and heroically keeping his microphone aloft for several of the Vice President's long-winded answers. From there, Weaver went on a quest to gain an interview with President Barack Obama. Sadly, that goal remains unfulfilled, even though he'd probably do at least as well Ed Henry would. Despite the setback, Weaver remains a fan favorite at the Huffington Post and elsewhere, and I receive regular emails from readers inquiring after Weaver. The latest such email, in fact, came from a Fanny Siouville in France, where they have recently celebrated La Semaine de la Presse, where teachers take time out to discuss journalism with their students.

Happily, I can report that Weaver is doing a lot more than inspiring overseas inquiries. After inauguration weekend, Weaver was back on his grind, and this Friday, he'll play a high profile role on Friday night's edition of 20/20. His teacher, Brian Zimmerman, explains:

"For the past two months student reporter Damon Weaver has been working with Diane Sawyer's producer as the lead reporter on a news report about the violence that occurs in Damon's hometown.

The report will air this Friday, April 10th on ABC's 20/20 Special: If I Only Had a Gun. The special will be anchored by Diane Sawyer.

Damon first met Diane Sawyer on the night of President Obama's Inauguration when he appeared with her on the ABC News desk . When Diane asked Damon what he would like to ask President Obama he told her that he has seen shootings and fights in his town and he wants to know what the President will do to help reduce violence."

Zimmerman passes along that Weaver hasn't given up on securing an interview with President Obama, either:

We have been told that they are aware of Damon's request to interview the President. They told us they have been watching Damon Weaver on TV and that they are impressed with what he has been doing. They also told us that the right now is not a good time for Damon to interview President Obama since the focus of his administration is on the economy. I think the interview will happen when the time is right. We will keep trying.

So this, too, is in Tim Geithner's hands? UGH, GREAT.

At any rate, between Inauguration and 20/20, Weaver's been straight killin' it, putting his boundless work ethic and his appealing personality to work. Highlights include:

--A series of reports about Disney's Dreamers Academy, which has given Weaver the chance to interview a slew of public figures and celebrities, such as Steve Harvey, Sherri Shepherd, Audra McDonald, Paula Abdul, and Warrick Dunn. (Which you can view for yourself on the Canal Point KEC TV YouTube Channel.)

--Citing President Obama's call to service, Weaver's been giving back to his community. He's co-hosted a benefit for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County and volunteered to be a "roving reporter at Kids In Distress' Monarch Gala" back in March. Kids In Distress is a "nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, the preservation of the family and the care and treatment of abused and neglected children."

You can read more about Weaver's upcoming 20/20 report here.

PREVIOUSLY, on the HUFFINGTON POST:
Biden Tells Fifth Grade Reporter What VP Actually Does (VIDEO)
Help Damon Weaver Get An Obama Inauguration Interview
Damon Weaver, Student Journalist, Continues Push To Interview Obama (VIDEO)
10-Year-Old Reporter Damon Weaver Gets His Credentials
Damon Weaver Stuck In Inauguration Ticket Snafu

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Comments

[onedividedby4]

It is insulting to know that we still live in a country where grown people are so callous, negative and closed-minded. Are you so hateful and bored that you have nothing better to do than be critical of a 10 year-old African-American, young man trying to survive?
As I looked over some of these comments, my heartbreaks that some of you could be so mean and derogatoy. Who are you to judge this young man, his parents, teachers or anyone else for that matter. I bet the negative comments were left by an under achiving, middle class person who has settled for a very boring mundane life. At least the people in his life are doing their part by actively helping him pursue a dream. Just because all of your dreams and aspiration have been sucked out of you doesn't give you the right to be a dream sucker.
If this young man has the courage to dream big, then he should pursue whatever dreams he has. And if, along the way, he gets some publicity and assistance, then so be it. Not everyone is born with a silverspoon in their mouth. Many enter this world with overwhelming obstacles and aren't as priveldges as some. It is true, some people might actually have to roll up their sleves and work to get there. Negative commenters, maybe you should do the same, you wouldn't have the time to mame and crucify the image of a ten year older!

[woodstein76]

It seems some African-American children are damned if they do or don't succeed. Damon Weaver and his brother are both aspiring to be more than gangbangers. But some fellow HuffPost posters aren't satisfied. Even though Damon's trying to break cycle and resist stereotypes, he's got alleged adults stressing to remember his place.

I can't deny that he's immature. Watching him interview his friend was hard. Damon needed to show more compassion. But then, some more "seasoned" journalists could use that reminder. So, yes, I must agree he's immature. Here's a news flash: Damon is 10-years-old.

All this attitude about his behavior seems to be "colored" by something. Yes, Damon does need to grow up. However, so do some of the posters.

[Diane Clark]

Sorry, but his parents should be ashame! When I seen him on the tube - I definitely wasn't impressed! It's great but Please stay on the Kid set!

[NYCAtLast]

Some of you people are sick. I watched 20/20 last night and Damon's living conditions brought tears to my eyes. I am glad he has remained so positive in the face of so much adversity. Damon, keep your head up and keep working toward your goals.

To the rest of you trolls, get a life. He deserves just as much of a chance as the kid in the zip code with the higher median family income.

[JaxLady]

WHAT is wrong with you people!
This young man embodies the
American dream. He is trying to survive and excel. If I had my way he and his family , who are doing what is right in the face of so much strife would be moved out of that cesspool of a town and settled somewhere safe
1

[shirleyfeeney]

The last time I saw Damon on TV he had gotten a bit too "big for his britches" as my grandmother would have said...I hope he's come back to earth a little bit.

I still love his interview with Joe B though!

[thelipstickfemme]

The USA has larger issues to deal with than this interview issue, However, I am one to give props to those who are actively attempting to live their dreams. Further, one solution is to conduct a national contest for kids that are actively engaged in journalism at their schools. They can write a one page typed essay and state why they want to interview the President. Each state will get a representative so 50 kids will be chosen to go to the White House. The kids would need to get their own sponsors to pay for the trip and housing to DC.

[cyoohoos]

Where are his parents? Why are they allowing a teacher to exploit him like this

[GhostNyc]

Wow really forces you to ask yourself..

WHAT HAVE YOUVE BEEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?

This kid is a inspiration to chase after you dreams.

[hjo4]

Keep up the good work Damon the interview will come when time is right for you. You're a great kid keep up the good work.

[Trogenhorse]

That is great. Good news is always welcomed. He'll get that interview I have no doubt

[BlackYowe]

I think this is really silly. Why should the president it is absurd.

[Sir681]

let's hope that if he ever gets there, someone at least teaches him some manners first.

[shirleyfeeney]

thank you...the last time he was interviewed by Diane Sawyer he told her it would cost her $20 for him to relay a question to Obama...nice

[wadenelson1]

He's probably more intelligent than Joe the Plumber.

[karela]

The President can't tell Damon what question to ask, but if Damon wanted to ask a question that fit in better with the agenda that the President is currently keeping before the American people, he'd have a better chance of getting the interview sooner. Every word the President says is a big news deal and an interview with this little boy will get lots of press. The news cycle would be about what Damon wants to talk about instead of what the President wants to focus on. But really Damon, you're a great kid and we all like you, but of lot of your opportunities have come about because you were great with Joe Biden----and because you've been trying forever to get an interview with Obama. I'm a little concerned that when you finally do get that interview, if it comes too soon in your young career, that it will be the end of your career as a kid reporter. It's the trying to get it that has made you very famous. So keep reporting. Keep supporting your President. Keep trying for your interview-----but hope that it doesn't come too soon. Or if you want it to come sooner, let them know that you want to ask questions about whatever the President is trying to get before the people at the moment. Good Luck. You're a good kid.

[jazabelz]

My concern with all this todo about nothing is that there are thousands of kids just as bright, just as involved and living the same lifestyle as this young man. I don't think we can expect President Obama to take time to be interviewed by every child (or adult reporter) who wants half and our or an hour plus of his time. There are plenty of local stories that need to be covered and this is where these cub reporters could perform the best service.

[corkonian]

Spoilsport!