Court TV Host: We're going to be talking to Court TV's Catherine Crier from Terre Haute, Indiana about the McVeigh execution.

Catherine Crier: Good evening.

ihatedq: Do you think that justice was served in executing McVeigh?

john19632: Was Justice really served today?

Catherine Crier: Justice is a difficult question. It varies from case to case. However, my overall perspective is one of opposition to the death penalty. Despite the horrendous nature of the case, we must have punishment that is applicable to all murderous acts along the spectrum, and given that, I oppose the death penalty in this and all other cases.

ctv_warhorse46: Did you experience any unexpected emotions or feelings today? Besides being tired from the long day you have had!

Catherine Crier: I experienced a tremendous solemnity. There was actually a slight irritation at my own presence and that of the rest of the media, as such an event should never be a circus. I hope our programs today did not appear so.

therose_4: As a reporter on TV, do you personally feel the coverage all day today on most channels was too much, and actually gave the attention to McVeigh that he wanted even in death as in life?

Catherine Crier: The coverage was extensive. My own feelings would not alter the attention given to the most heinous act of American terrorism in our generation. I know that our network balanced the attention to McVeigh with ample input from victims and family members. I think we treated today's story as much theirs as his.

ctv_warhorse46: What was the atmosphere in Terre Haute today?

Catherine Crier: As I said earlier, the one word I would use would be solemn. The demonstrators were subdued and efficient, with an overriding sense of calm and quiet.

Court TV Host: The prison expected many more demonstrators on both sides...any idea why the number was in the low hundreds rather than the thousands?

Catherine Crier: Let me speculate. The postponement led many to believe that there would be another continuance. I also think it diminished the intensity that surrounded the original date. Our attention spans have shortened. And many may have moved on to other issues and events in their lives.

michaelpaddock: Do you believe that Timothy McVeigh committed this crime as a racist act?

Catherine Crier: I think McVeigh has made his intentions clear. Race was never mentioned by him or any of the other acknowledged participants.

Meliss633: What are your feelings on the type of punishment used? He never suffered one bit, like his victums did? Perhaps we need to return to "burning them at the stake."

Catherine Crier: Since I oppose the death penalty, that particular solution is not on my radar. However, I must say my choice would, in my opinion, be the ultimate punishment: that is, life without parole. To be locked in a box, a cage, for the rest of my life, would be the most horrendous punishment I could imagine. Compared to that, death would be easy.

wcsssv: Did he look in the room at the families?

Catherine Crier: When he entered the death chamber, the curtain was pulled back, revealing his invited witnesses, members of the media, and family members. It is my understanding that he looked at each individual and acknowledged them with a nod. That certainly was their impression.

troym001: Catherine, could you tell us how the international community is reacting to the execution?

Catherine Crier: We have yet to get many current reports stating overseas reaction but based upon international positions, and, for example, Spain's reception for our President today, I expect it to be disapproval. We, of course, are one of the few remaining nations on the planet that endorses the death penalty.

jkate11: Do you think the Denver judge should have granted a delay?

Catherine Crier: Judge Matsch should, in my opinion, have granted a 30 or 45-day extension solely to give the "appearance of justice." As there was no exculpatory evidence in the documents belatedly delivered by the FBI, I did not expect any change in McVeigh's status. However, to avoid any appearance of impropriety or lingering belief that the treatment of McVeigh was unfair, Matsch should have given his defense attorneys time to review the documents.

Teddy_Beair: Didn't McVeigh want to be executed the first time they denied it?

Catherine Crier: McVeigh had waived all appeals and expressed a desire to proceed with his punishment, but that was before any evidence of the additional documentation was revealed. Given that much of his complaint was directed at the conduct of the federal government, he may have viewed an extension of his appeal as a means of furthering his political statement.

horse28540: My feelings are that the death penalty is necessary; it's sad but true. On the other hand I think the way they administer death is totally inhumane. I just can't imagine how it must feel like to be lying there watching as people watched me dying knowing that it was going to be all over the news, in history and that I myself after doing such a horrible thing would never be forgiven. Do you feel that McVeigh should be forgiven now that his life has been taken?

Catherine Crier: First, I'm not sure why the death penalty is necessary as there has never been any evidence that such a penalty deters similar conduct. It is more expensive than locking someone up for the rest of their lives, and as I said earlier the latter seems a more heinous punishment. As for the lethal injection being cruel and unusual punishment, the first injection puts the person into a deep sleep, and I cannot imagine a more humane method of ending someone's life.

implumbus: Catherine, do you think McVeigh acted alone in Oklahoma City?

Catherine Crier: McVeigh's own words tell us he did not act alone. He has incriminated three people -- Terry Nichols and the two Fortiers. In Terry Nichols' case, there was additional evidence about other possible collaborators, and I expect Michael Tigar will elaborate on this as he appeals Mr. Nichols' conviction.

eedttrt: Catherine , if I may ask, what would be your perspective if this had been an African American being executed

Catherine Crier: I have publicly objected to the death penalty for several decades now, regardless of the race of the defendant. In fact, a portion of my objection goes to the discriminatory application of this penalty, which affects most grievously minorities and the poor.

ctv_warhorse46: What did you think of his "last words", the poem?

Catherine Crier: "Invictus" is a very moving poem, one that I associated with very different circumstances. I may forevermore recall the execution upon hearing it.

Court TV Host: We've had a number of questions now from online about Terry Nichols -- does it matter now what happens to Terry Nichols, one person online wanted to know.

Catherine Crier: Of course. Every case affects our overall criminal justice system, and the perception that Nichols' case is handled fairly is critical. I know Mike Tigar well, and I have tremendous confidence that he will assert his client's interests fully. I do not expect a reversal of prior convictions, but it will be an interesting proceeding to follow.

Court TV Host: Will the fact that McVeigh is no longer here to testify make a difference?

Catherine Crier: Technically, no. However, McVeigh has done an awful lot of testifying, in a book and recent correspondence to the media. If anything, his comments have served to make Nichols less culpable. None of that is sworn testimony, but it may have an effect.

eedttrt: Catherine, do you grieve for McVeigh or the victims of the bombing?

Catherine Crier: My heart is absolutely ripped apart by the pain and loss of the families in Oklahoma City. While I oppose the death penalty and feel for any human being subjected to death, my feelings about McVeigh are dwarfed by those for the families.

sbogleus: Was there *any* chance that Bush and/or the Supreme Court would consider intervening?

Catherine Crier: I did not expect any favorable response to McVeigh should he have pressed his case.

toyogirl_2000: Will CourtTV be able to carry the Nichols proceedings on TV?

Catherine Crier: Court TV will be at the Nichols proceedings, if the judges and attorneys so agree. I would love to present such an extraoardinary case with very talented lawyers on both sides and a judge of great wisdom and integrity over our airwaves

Court TV Host: I know you've got to run....thanks for being our guest

Catherine Crier: Thank you, and thanks to everyone online for your questions.