VP debate and choice of Moderator?????

[starsapphire]

Will the VP debate really be fair and unbiased????? Why didn''t they vet this person before they chose her????? http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/01/vp-debate-moderator-pens-pro-obama-book/

 

[Anna0499]

I guess we''ll see on Thursday, but you''d think that people would be smarter than to choose someone so clearly entrenched in Democratic ties and Obama.

 

[E B]

Both campaigns have to approve the moderator, correct?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:40:07 PM
Author: EBree
Both campaigns have to approve the moderator, correct?

The book wasn''t disclosed to the McCain campaign staff they are saying.

 

[Anna0499]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:40:07 PM
Author: EBree
Both campaigns have to approve the moderator, correct?

I believe they do, but since this book has not yet been released and they likely approved the moderators awhile ago it''s hard to say if they knew she was this pro-Obama. Every moderator will have their own viewpoints for either side, but this lady seemed much more skewed.

 

[E B]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:45:35 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 10/1/2008 12:40:07 PM

Author: EBree

Both campaigns have to approve the moderator, correct?

The book wasn''t disclosed to the McCain campaign staff they are saying.

Source (preferably neutral), por favor?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:48:42 PM
Author: EBree


Source (preferably neutral), por favor?

No neutral sources yet.
But several sources are reporting quotes about it from McCain's staff.
The majors are days behind on this issue.

 

[swimmer]

She spoke about her research on her book months ago on NPR, sorry, can''t remember the date. She writes about the idea that we are in a "post-race" world. Asking politicians, many African-American, about issues of race. Its not specifically about Obama, but about this age that Obama is running in. This book does not support or oppose him as a candidate, and discusses many different politicians and how race impacts elections, voting, etc.

Yes, just reading the Fox snip does make it sound biased, but she is a very well respected PBS broadcaster who has moderated debates before. BTW, she just broke her ankle.

 

[Anna0499]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:56:47 PM
Author: swimmer
She spoke about her research on her book months ago on NPR, sorry, can't remember the date. She writes about the idea that we are in a 'post-race' world. Asking politicians, many African-American, about issues of race. Its not specifically about Obama, but about this age that Obama is running in. This book does not support or oppose him as a candidate, and discusses many different politicians and how race impacts elections, voting, etc.

Yes, just reading the Fox snip does make it sound biased, but she is a very well respected PBS broadcaster who has moderated debates before. BTW, she just broke her ankle.

How is a book not pro-Obama or specifically about Obama when it is titled, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama"? She might have talked about her research on the topic but I highly doubt that McCain's campaign would've signed off on her if they knew the book's own TITLE would contain Obama's name.

ETA: I'm not saying she *can't* be an unbiased moderator, but the appearance of neutrality is often more important than it is in actuality. I would think BOTH campaigns would want her off the debate because it would give the GOP an "excuse" if Palin performs poorly.

 

[starsapphire]

From Fox News:

Ifill''s book, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," is due to be released about the same time the next president takes the oath of office.

By Michelle Malkin:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDFhMWUxZTZmMmE5MzkzYWVhMTU5NDYyNWRhNTQyM2M=

Ifill recently penned a fawning cover story on the Obamas for Essence magazine that earned much buzz. The title? “The Obamas: Portrait of an American Family.”

******Just seems like they could have gotten someone that was not writing a book that may come out right around the time of inaugeration.

Someone obviously did not do their homework on this person.

 

[starsapphire]

Appearance is a lot of what goes on in an election. If it "appears" that you have done something, said something.....you are screwed. I would think BOTH sides would be upset about this, as if Palin does not do well, it will be blamed on the moderator.

 

[starsapphire]

Believe me, if the moderator was writing a book about how great white people are in the "age of John McCain" the Dems would be ballistic!

 

[starsapphire]

And nooooobody better make a joke about "the age of John McCain" yes....we know he is old......

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 10/1/2008 1:14:22 PM
Author: starsapphire
And nooooobody better make a joke about ''the age of John McCain'' yes....we know he is old......

hahahaha!

 

[Krissie]

I hope that she''s unbiased, but at this stage I''d rather remove all trace of doubt. Yet again, a reason to wish Tim Russert were still with us ... he would have been a heck of a moderator.

Although there''s not much to moderate with this particular debate format. Question asked, candidate responds, no back and forth possible.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:47:26 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 12:40:07 PM
Author: EBree
Both campaigns have to approve the moderator, correct?

I believe they do, but since this book has not yet been released and they likely approved the moderators awhile ago it's hard to say if they knew she was this pro-Obama. Every moderator will have their own viewpoints for either side, but this lady seemed much more skewed.

Well I guess McCain doesn't know how to do his research. I knew about her book a while ago. She even did an interview with the Obama family for Essence magazine (which I believe referenced the book).

Here I thought Gwen Ifill was a well respected journalist, regardless of party affiliation. A protege of Russert even.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:59:41 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 12:56:47 PM
Author: swimmer
She spoke about her research on her book months ago on NPR, sorry, can't remember the date. She writes about the idea that we are in a 'post-race' world. Asking politicians, many African-American, about issues of race. Its not specifically about Obama, but about this age that Obama is running in. This book does not support or oppose him as a candidate, and discusses many different politicians and how race impacts elections, voting, etc.

Yes, just reading the Fox snip does make it sound biased, but she is a very well respected PBS broadcaster who has moderated debates before. BTW, she just broke her ankle.

How is a book not pro-Obama or specifically about Obama when it is titled, 'The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama'? She might have talked about her research on the topic but I highly doubt that McCain's campaign would've signed off on her if they knew the book's own TITLE would contain Obama's name.

ETA: I'm not saying she *can't* be an unbiased moderator, but the appearance of neutrality is often more important than it is in actuality. I would think BOTH campaigns would want her off the debate because it would give the GOP an 'excuse' if Palin performs poorly.

From *that* title you got pro-Obama? Instead of a book that will focus on race & politics IN LIGHT OF Obama's recent political successes (you know, the unbaised ones like facts: ability to run a successful campaign and winning the Dem nom)? Really? Okie dokie.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 1:13:01 PM
Author: starsapphire
Believe me, if the moderator was writing a book about how great white people are in the ''age of John McCain'' the Dems would be ballistic!

Yup. Because it''s that simplistic.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 10/1/2008 1:46:56 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 10/1/2008 12:59:41 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 12:56:47 PM
Author: swimmer
She spoke about her research on her book months ago on NPR, sorry, can''t remember the date. She writes about the idea that we are in a ''post-race'' world. Asking politicians, many African-American, about issues of race. Its not specifically about Obama, but about this age that Obama is running in. This book does not support or oppose him as a candidate, and discusses many different politicians and how race impacts elections, voting, etc.

Yes, just reading the Fox snip does make it sound biased, but she is a very well respected PBS broadcaster who has moderated debates before. BTW, she just broke her ankle.

How is a book not pro-Obama or specifically about Obama when it is titled, ''The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama''? She might have talked about her research on the topic but I highly doubt that McCain''s campaign would''ve signed off on her if they knew the book''s own TITLE would contain Obama''s name.

ETA: I''m not saying she *can''t* be an unbiased moderator, but the appearance of neutrality is often more important than it is in actuality. I would think BOTH campaigns would want her off the debate because it would give the GOP an ''excuse'' if Palin performs poorly.

From *that* title you got pro-Obama? Instead of a book that will focus on race & politics IN LIGHT OF Obama''s recent political successes (you know, the unbaised ones like facts: ability to run a successful campaign and winning the Dem nom)? Really? Okie dokie.

The book "Obama Nation" has Obama''s name in the title and is decidedly NOT pro-Obama, so I''m not sure what impact the title of Ms. Ifill''s book would/should have had on McCain''s campaign''s decision to agree to Ms. Ifill as the moderator?

And, if Ifill is slightly biased in favor of Obama, perhaps that will level the playing field since the format of the debate was clearly constructed in a way to favor Sarah Palin.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 1:53:28 PM
Author: Irishgrrrl

Date: 10/1/2008 1:46:56 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 10/1/2008 12:59:41 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 12:56:47 PM
Author: swimmer
She spoke about her research on her book months ago on NPR, sorry, can''t remember the date. She writes about the idea that we are in a ''post-race'' world. Asking politicians, many African-American, about issues of race. Its not specifically about Obama, but about this age that Obama is running in. This book does not support or oppose him as a candidate, and discusses many different politicians and how race impacts elections, voting, etc.

Yes, just reading the Fox snip does make it sound biased, but she is a very well respected PBS broadcaster who has moderated debates before. BTW, she just broke her ankle.

How is a book not pro-Obama or specifically about Obama when it is titled, ''The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama''? She might have talked about her research on the topic but I highly doubt that McCain''s campaign would''ve signed off on her if they knew the book''s own TITLE would contain Obama''s name.

ETA: I''m not saying she *can''t* be an unbiased moderator, but the appearance of neutrality is often more important than it is in actuality. I would think BOTH campaigns would want her off the debate because it would give the GOP an ''excuse'' if Palin performs poorly.

From *that* title you got pro-Obama? Instead of a book that will focus on race & politics IN LIGHT OF Obama''s recent political successes (you know, the unbaised ones like facts: ability to run a successful campaign and winning the Dem nom)? Really? Okie dokie.

The book ''Obama Nation'' has Obama''s name in the title and is decidedly NOT pro-Obama, so I''m not sure what impact the title of Ms. Ifill''s book would/should have had on McCain''s campaign''s decision to agree to Ms. Ifill as the moderator?

And, if Ifill is slightly biased in favor of Obama, perhaps that will level the playing field since the format of the debate was clearly constructed in a way to favor Sarah Palin.

I feel like the people whining don''t even know who Gwen Ifill is, let alone have seen her in action.

Hey, I''m reading a book called The McDonaldization of Society, guess what, it ain''t pro-McDonalds.

 

[E B]

Date: 10/1/2008 12:13:47 PM
Author:starsapphire
Will the VP debate really be fair and unbiased????? Why didn't they vet this person before they chose her????? http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/01/vp-debate-moderator-pens-pro-obama-book/

star, I found your wording interesting. Are you speaking of the McCain campaign?

 

[starsapphire]

Yes, I am referring to the McCain campaign. I have had many "cringe" moments with the McCain campaign. Just wondering what is going on over there. Wondering if they really thought the Sarah Palin thing thru. Wondering why John suspended his campaign to "rush off to work on the financial crisis" and cancelled Letterman, when he is seen being interviewed by Katie Couric in the same building, at the same time as he was supposed to be on Letterman!!! Some of these things are causing embarrasments to Repubs!!! I am a Democratic Republican. Meaning, I was a Republican all my life, but recently registered Democrat. I guess on some things I am Republican, some Democrat. I favor Republican in this campaign, but for the life of me sometimes the Repubs just don''t seem to have it together, and the Dems and Obama seem too slick. Where is a REAL 3rd party when you need one??????

 

[luckystar112]

This book is pro-Obama, whether it is politically biased or not.

Promotional material about the book released by Random House says, "Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power."

Whether is is pro-Obama because of his politics, or pro-Obama because he is black, it is pro-Obama, and I just don''t think that is fair when it comes to moderating the vice presidential debate.

Even if it is not biased (which I believe it is) Dems would NOT be okay with this if it was a book about McCain.

I am familiar with Ifill from the 2004 VP debate between Cheney/Edwards. Apparently some think she was making faces during Palin''s acceptance speech, not sure if it true or not, but she dismissed it as just her "thinking".

 

[starsapphire]

I think it is good for the country to have a balance of power. That every 4-8 years we should rotate who is in office. For ex: that now that we have had Reps in office for 8 years we should have Dems in for 8 years and so on and so forth. I think It just balances things out. I really wanted Hillary in office for 08, and I feel that she was railroaded. I don''t believe for a second that She or Bill back Obama. I really don''t. I think this election was basically stolen from her. I may not have any proof, I just feel that way. I think McCain should have asked Hillary to be VP!!! Hahahahahahahah. That would never happen.

 

[luckystar112]

I am NOT a fan of Hillary (Two years ago I even wrote a satirical piece about her prepping for her campaign. It was a huge hit in my creative writing class. hehe), but I would have voted for Hillary in a second over Obama. Absolutely.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Date: 10/1/2008 2:28:46 PM
Author: luckystar112
I am NOT a fan of Hillary (Two years ago I even wrote a satirical piece about her prepping for her campaign. It was a huge hit in my creative writing class. hehe), but I would have voted for Hillary in a second over Obama. Absolutely.

ME too!

I miss her.

 

[E B]

Date: 10/1/2008 2:21:23 PM
Author: luckystar112

Even if it is not biased (which I believe it is) Dems would NOT be okay with this if it was a book about McCain.

Even if Ifill is as (personally) liberal as one gets, with such a strict format, how could she skew the debate in Biden's favor without being completely obvious (and not just to Fox)? I'm guessing she'll be impartial, especially after all of the fuss.

p.s. Many dems are NOT okay with the fact that the entire debate format was changed due to Palin's lack of debate experience, but what is approved is approved. The Obama campaign approved the format, and the McCain campaign approved the moderator. If Palin is as much of a bulldog as she says she is, she could handle a regular debate format. But again, she's being coddled. Do you find this fair?

 

[starsapphire]

Since we are questioning the impartiality of the moderator, knowing that she is writing a book, and has written at least one article about Obama praising him, has she written anything praising McCain????? Just for impartiality, of

course.

 

[Anna0499]

Okay, title of the book aside; look at the PROMOS for it and look at Ifill’s writing record – it/she’s clearly pro-Obama. Anyone who thinks people here are not knowledgeable about Ifill need to check themselves before assuming ignorance. I said that I don’t believe that Ifill cannot give an unbiased debate, but that it will open up the debates for excuses/allegations from BOTH sides. If Palin does well, Dems can say that Ifill had to go out of her way to make it easy for her; if Palin does poorly Reps can say that Ifill skewed it for her.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 2:36:11 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
Okay, title of the book aside; look at the PROMOS for it and look at Ifill’s writing record – it/she’s clearly pro-Obama. Anyone who thinks people here are not knowledgeable about Ifill need to check themselves before assuming ignorance. I said that I don’t believe that Ifill cannot give an unbiased debate, but that it will open up the debates for excuses/allegations from BOTH sides. If Palin does well, Dems can say that Ifill had to go out of her way to make it easy for her; if Palin does poorly Reps can say that Ifill skewed it for her.

Anyone, like er the person who said it, like um, me? Perhaps you will do well to assume it''s not about you. Or were you whining about the choice? I didn''t think you were, my bad.