Live Interview Gets Immediately Awkward When NPR Host Reacts to Dem Presidential Candidate Being Late

NPR host Diane Rehm didn’t hide her frustration with Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley when he was unable to arrive on time to a scheduled in-studio interview. The former Maryland governor instead called in by phone.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley speaks during a general session at the California Democrats State Convention on Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

“Gov. O’Malley, I must say I’m somewhat surprised that you could not make it here in time as you had promised to,” Rehm said immediately after introducing her guest.

Seemingly trying to lighten the situation, O’Malley joked, “Well Diane, you can’t believe every promise every politician makes.”

Rehm didn’t seem amused as she only shook her head in agreement.

“I sincerely apologize,” O’Malley said, explaining that he was dealing with traffic and “should have left even earlier.”

“Absolutely,” Rehm agreed.

"Well, I am disappointed because, as you know, it’s a national interview on NPR and I do expect guests to live up to their promises," she continued.

Later in the program, the NPR host asked O’Malley where he was going to raise enough money to really become a contender in 2016. O’Malley again made a joke — and again, Rehm wasn’t amused.

“From listeners like you. Did that work? Are they calling?” he said.

She responded, “I doubt it.”

Listen to the awkward exchange below:

(H/T: The Hill)

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