VP debate and choice of Moderator?????

[luckystar112]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:13:36 PM
Author: goobear78

Date: 10/1/2008 3:09:18 PM
Author: SarahLovesJS

Date: 10/1/2008 3:07:03 PM

Author: goobear78

Date: 10/1/2008 3:01:49 PM


Author: SarahLovesJS

Date: 10/1/2008 2:58:09 PM



Author: goobear78



Sorry if this was already posted, but the debate moderators were agreed to on August 6. Ifill's book was reported in the Associated Press two weeks earlier:





'We have an awkward history about how to talk about race in the nation and in newsrooms,' says Gwen Ifill, senior correspondent for PBS' 'The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer' and author of 'The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama,' slated for publication early next year.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I heard it's slated for publication inauguration day. Good marketing.

But it could be misinformation.

What could be misinformation? I'm not sure what you meant. Her publication date? Or the fact that AP reported this? Because the latter isn't misinformation.

I was referring to the book release date I heard on the news this morning.

OK, thanks for clearing that up for me.

And for those of you who were wondering the release date of this book is January 20, 2009 as per Amazon and Doubleday/Random House, the book publisher.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780385525015.html

http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Politics-Race-Age-Obama/dp/038552501X

Um. Per wiki the next inauguration day IS January 20, 2009.

Linky!!!!

 

[starsapphire]

I really did not mean to start anything on here, just a question. Can this woman, who is writing a book titled "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama" be impartial in moderating a debate between the VP candidates. Frankly the book has not been released yet, so we really don''t know if it is praising Obama or not. It sounds as though it is praising him, among other accomplished blacks, from the others that are mentioned in the press release. Clearly Obama has risen to the top to become the first black man to be nominated for President of the United States. That is a major accomplishment. And he should be praised for it. I just kinda wonder that the McCain camp is worried about this just now. What is going on? They should have known about this before. I personally think Lieberman should have been the VP for McCain, would have made more sense to me. Although I understand the "shock" factor of picking Palin. Ultra conservative female pick. In a possible nod to get HIllary supporters. I really hope it does not blow up in their faces. Because now, the Repubs can''t say that Barack is not qualified anymore......implication being that Sarah is in line to be Pres if something happens to McCain, and she has about as much or more experience than Barack. Also, I know who the moderator is, I have seen her on PBS before, but I am not necessarily familiar with her career.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 2:56:56 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 2:53:54 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 10/1/2008 2:51:00 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 2:47:53 PM
Author: MoonWater

Oh, I got it, you were speaking on behalf of the masses. Being more knowledgeble than the average person does not mean you know who Gwen Ifill is. Some posts indicate that people do not know who she is, let alone have seen her in action, just as I stated. Now, how should I proceed to check myself?

Can you name the specific posts that have led you to believe that some of us don''t know who she is?

For the record, in your original post I thought you were talking about the blogosphere. But if you were talking about some of us, I''d love to know who.

Oh and start another flame war? Nah, I think it''s pretty apparent in the choice of wording. Start from the beginning and see if you can find it. And the blogosphere was definitely included in my original comment. It''s like Gwen Ifill is some fanatic Obama supporter who came out of nowhere to moderate at the disadvantage of Palin. I think it''s an insult to the woman''s achievements and reputation. But that''s just IMO.

(I decided to start over).

You stated that some posts lead you to believe that people don''t know who she is.
You don''t want to name those posts, as it may start a flame war, but at the same time you are getting upset that people think you are talking about them. I don''t understand that.

As one of Indy''s posts was among the bunch of people you quoted, I could see why she may come to that conclusion.

You and I must have different definitions of the word upset.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 2:57:31 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 2:51:20 PM
Author: MoonWater

omg, was that a blink?

A wink is not a blink. Right?

It''s a cheating blink! I call foul...or fowl...who wants chicken?

 

[Anna0499]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:20:22 PM
Author: starsapphire
I really did not mean to start anything on here, just a question. Can this woman, who is writing a book titled ''The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama'' be impartial in moderating a debate between the VP candidates. Frankly the book has not been released yet, so we really don''t know if it is praising Obama or not. It sounds as though it is praising him, among other accomplished blacks, from the others that are mentioned in the press release. Clearly Obama has risen to the top to become the first black man to be nominated for President of the United States. That is a major accomplishment. And he should be praised for it. I just kinda wonder that the McCain camp is worried about this just now. before, but I am not necessarily familiar with her career.

I don’t think the McCain camp is getting upset or worried about it now; I think conservative bloggers and McCain supporters are the ones with a problem with it. (Their problem with it is natural and warranted IMHO.) I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:25:18 PM
Author: MoonWater

You and I must have different definitions of the word upset.

Sorry. "Calling people out".

Anyway, I''m sure you agree with me that this is irrelevant anyway. I wasn''t looking for an argument, as you said you weren''t either. So we should both STFU and GBTW.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:20:22 PM
Author: starsapphire
I really did not mean to start anything on here, just a question. Can this woman, who is writing a book titled ''The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama'' be impartial in moderating a debate between the VP candidates. Frankly the book has not been released yet, so we really don''t know if it is praising Obama or not. It sounds as though it is praising him, among other accomplished blacks, from the others that are mentioned in the press release. Clearly Obama has risen to the top to become the first black man to be nominated for President of the United States. That is a major accomplishment. And he should be praised for it. I just kinda wonder that the McCain camp is worried about this just now. What is going on? They should have known about this before. I personally think Lieberman should have been the VP for McCain, would have made more sense to me. Although I understand the ''shock'' factor of picking Palin. Ultra conservative female pick. In a possible nod to get HIllary supporters. I really hope it does not blow up in their faces. Because now, the Repubs can''t say that Barack is not qualified anymore......implication being that Sarah is in line to be Pres if something happens to McCain, and she has about as much or more experience than Barack. Also, I know who the moderator is, I have seen her on PBS before, but I am not necessarily familiar with her career.

Perhaps McCain has much more respect and admiration for Ms. Ifill than others who do not know her work ethic and integrity. I''ve been watching her for years without knowing her party affiliation and she always reminded me of Tim Russert. Considering their closesness, it is no wonder why. I find it fascinating that so many people have taken an issue with her. She''s one of few decent journalists out there.

 

[starsapphire]

Yeah I think you are right about the supporters being upset. Fox is the only one reporting this on their website so far. That I''ve seen anyway.....

 

[E B]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I''m confused- is Ifill''s book anti-McCain?

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:32:45 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 3:25:18 PM
Author: MoonWater

You and I must have different definitions of the word upset.

Sorry. ''Calling people out''.

Anyway, I''m sure you agree with me that this is irrelevant anyway. I wasn''t looking for an argument, as you said you weren''t either. So we should both STFU and GBTW.

Calling people out? You mean for calling me out? Heh...

 

[Anna0499]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:20 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I''m confused- is Ifill''s book anti-McCain?

No, I''m saying that people are saying it''s a non-issue that it''s pro-Obama by all available accounts. So would it be a non-issue if it were anti-Obama, or pro-McCain for that matter? I think not.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:20 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I''m confused- is Ifill''s book anti-McCain?

I know right? I think these must be some desperate times when people take issue with Gwen Ifill...I never thought I''d see the day!

 

[starsapphire]

But, people ARE taking issue with her because she is moderating a VP debate while writing a book about Politics in the Age of Obama. DUH!!! I don''t understand why people are just sweeping this under the rug?

 

[starsapphire]

If the moderator were writing a book called, Politics in the Age of Palin, would you have an issue with her being the VP debate moderator?????

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:46 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 10/1/2008 3:32:45 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 3:25:18 PM
Author: MoonWater

You and I must have different definitions of the word upset.

Sorry. 'Calling people out'.

Anyway, I'm sure you agree with me that this is irrelevant anyway. I wasn't looking for an argument, as you said you weren't either. So we should both STFU and GBTW.

Calling people out? You mean for calling me out? Heh...

I know. You didn't start this with your comments about how you feel the "people (posters)" who are "whining" don't even know who Gwen Ifill is and then refuse to back up the statement.

You're just the victim.

 

[E B]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:36:58 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:20 PM

Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM

Author: IndyGirl22

I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I''m confused- is Ifill''s book anti-McCain?

No, I''m saying that people are saying it''s a non-issue that it''s pro-Obama by all available accounts. So would it be a non-issue if it were anti-Obama, or pro-McCain for that matter? I think not.

Just because something is pro-Obama does not mean it is anti-McCain. A book that is anti-either candidate would be a much bigger deal.

No one answered my question about how she''d be able to tip the debate to Biden with such a strict format (without being obvious). As I see it, her book is only as big a deal as Fox wants to make it. I mean, the debate hasn''t even taken place and they''re claiming she''ll be biased, just as they (Nancy P.) claimed the questions would be unfair.

C''mon, now.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:36:58 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:20 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM
Author: IndyGirl22
I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I'm confused- is Ifill's book anti-McCain?

No, I'm saying that people are saying it's a non-issue that it's pro-Obama by all available accounts. So would it be a non-issue if it were anti-Obama, or pro-McCain for that matter? I think not.

Anti-Either, Yes, a problem. Pro-One with nothing to diminish the other (i believe this is a focus on a broader issue which Obama happens to be a part of, such as could be the case with a book about POWs with a focus on pro-McCain information), I don't see the big deal. Especially since it's Gwen Ifill. I think she spent years earning respect without hanging on the fringes of a party.

 

[goobear78]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:39:23 PM
Author: starsapphire
If the moderator were writing a book called, Politics in the Age of Palin, would you have an issue with her being the VP debate moderator?????

Would that be a picture book? Because I don''t think you''d have enough substance to write a whole book about that topic. LOL.

I kid, I kid....

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:39:23 PM
Author: starsapphire
If the moderator were writing a book called, Politics in the Age of Palin, would you have an issue with her being the VP debate moderator?????

No, it's a history making moment. I would expect nothing less, and if it was being written by someone with Gwen's credentials I would even BUY it.

 

[fleur-de-lis]

Starsapphire, why do you think the McCain campaign and Fox News waited until the day before the debate when the title of her upcoming book has been widely known for months?

See article: http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1834321,00.html

BTW, I agree with your idea of questioning potential biases; it just seems prudent to apply skepticism equally, don''t you agree?

f-d-l

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''m not even going to chime in on whether the moderator is biased or not, since it''s already clearly evident. I find the choice so unbelievable that it''s kind of funny.

But what''s even funnier is the title of the book--I mean c''mon...The Age of Obama?? Like he''s already a major historic figure? The Age of Lincoln, The Age of Jefferson and The Age of Obama. Hahaha.

 

[goobear78]

In all seriousness people, I believe the topic of her book is African-Americans in politics. Senator Obama made historic strides for the acceptance of minorities in high office politics and I believe that's what the book is going to discuss. I don't know because I haven't read the book, just the official publisher blurb.


ABOUT THIS BOOK (TAKEN FROM PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE)

In THE BREAKTHROUGH, veteran journalist 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.

Ifill argues that the Black political structure formed during the Civil Rights movement is giving way to a generation of men and women who are the direct beneficiaries of the struggles of the 1960s. She offers incisive, detailed profiles of such prominent leaders as Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and U.S. Congressman Artur Davis of Alabama, and also covers up-and-coming figures from across the nation. Drawing on interviews with power brokers like Senator Obama, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vernon Jordan, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many others, as well as her own razor-sharp observations and analysis of such issues as generational conflict and the "black enough" conundrum, Ifill shows why this is a pivotal moment in American history.

THE BREAKTHROUGH is a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:40:13 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:46 PM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 10/1/2008 3:32:45 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 3:25:18 PM
Author: MoonWater

You and I must have different definitions of the word upset.

Sorry. ''Calling people out''.

Anyway, I''m sure you agree with me that this is irrelevant anyway. I wasn''t looking for an argument, as you said you weren''t either. So we should both STFU and GBTW.

Calling people out? You mean for calling me out? Heh...

I know. You didn''t start this with your comments about how you feel the ''people (posters)'' who are ''whining'' don''t even know who Gwen Ifill is and then refuse to back up the statement.

You''re just the victim.

So, are we talking about me being "upset" that people assumed I was talking about them, or "calling people out" for assuming I was talking about them? Or is it now my original statement which continues to be proven?

 

[starsapphire]

From Amazon: The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama


In THE BREAKTHROUGH, veteran journalist 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.

Ifill argues that the Black political structure formed during the Civil Rights movement is giving way to a generation of men and women who are the direct beneficiaries of the struggles of the 1960s. She offers incisive, detailed profiles of such prominent leaders as Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and U.S. Congressman Artur Davis of Alabama, and also covers up-and-coming figures from across the nation. Drawing on interviews with power brokers like Senator Obama, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vernon Jordan, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many others, as well as her own razor-sharp observations and analysis of such issues as generational conflict and the "black enough" conundrum, Ifill shows why this is a pivotal moment in American history.
THE BREAKTHROUGH is a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy.

This title will be released on January 20, 2009.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:41:27 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:36:58 PM
Author: IndyGirl22

Date: 10/1/2008 3:35:20 PM

Author: EBree

Date: 10/1/2008 3:29:33 PM

Author: IndyGirl22

I’m sure if the book was anti-Obama there would be an uproar, though.

I''m confused- is Ifill''s book anti-McCain?

No, I''m saying that people are saying it''s a non-issue that it''s pro-Obama by all available accounts. So would it be a non-issue if it were anti-Obama, or pro-McCain for that matter? I think not.

Just because something is pro-Obama does not mean it is anti-McCain. A book that is anti-either candidate would be a much bigger deal.

No one answered my question about how she''d be able to tip the debate to Biden with such a strict format (without being obvious). As I see it, her book is only as big a deal as Fox wants to make it. I mean, the debate hasn''t even taken place and they''re claiming she''ll be biased, just as they (Nancy P.) claimed the questions would be unfair.

C''mon, now.

Can you blame them? They''re trying to set up a soft landing if Palin fails.

 

[starsapphire]

I am incredulous that either side OK''d her to be moderator knowing about this book. I find it to be giving one side an advantage. And just because I don''t know the intimate details of this woman''s career does not mean that I cannot comment on her potential bias.

 

[starsapphire]

Again, appearances are everything in politics. Even if she does nothing, nothing at all to skew the results of the debate, the questions will still be there because of the book. That is my point.

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:45:52 PM
Author: MoonWater

So, are we talking about me being ''upset'' that people assumed I was talking about them, or ''calling people out'' for assuming I was talking about them?

Both, actually.

You''re a barrel full of wit, sometimes. Since you''re dancing around my original questions and I can''t get a straight answer from you (Hey, you''re more like Palin than you think. Have you thought of running for office?) I won''t respond to this "tiff" anymore. I know that you must absolutely have the last word as always, so go ahead and grab it.

 

[starsapphire]

Again, I just wonder what the McCain camp is thinking.....I mean, he picks Palin, great she''s a woman, whohoo.

Then we find out her daughter, who is 17 and not married is preggers.

Great.... Then, Palin has a mentally challenged infant. A VP with an infant, let alone a mentally challenged one, that infant needs it mother, how much mothering is she going to be able to do while running the country?????? Then, we find out that she is ultra conservative, shooting guns, and making speeches in church and all that. I like her (hesitation) but, couldn''t McCain have picked someone a little more seasoned, someone that the press knew about from other campaigns????? I mean, it has been virtually nothing but "let''s find out about/attack Palin" for the last month or so. I cringe to find out anything more damaging about her. And that Katie Couric interview. UGH

And now this moderator writing this book. She is so sure Obama is going to be elected Pres, that they are releasing it in the month of the inauguration!!!! No one else sees this???? I think someone in the McCain camp is asleep at the wheel or the Obama camp has infiltrated the McCain camp and is doing evil deeds....

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 10/1/2008 3:55:54 PM
Author: luckystar112

Date: 10/1/2008 3:45:52 PM
Author: MoonWater

So, are we talking about me being ''upset'' that people assumed I was talking about them, or ''calling people out'' for assuming I was talking about them?

Both, actually.

You''re a barrel full of wit, sometimes. Since you''re dancing around my original questions and I can''t get a straight answer from you (Hey, you''re more like Palin than you think. Have you thought of running for office?) I won''t respond to this ''tiff'' anymore. I know that you must absolutely have the last word as always, so go ahead and grab it.

Thanks for the last word doll!