Comments on: Controversy surrounds VP debate moderator

By: NLS

NLS — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:20 +0000

Who cares?

Do you guys remember the part where Obama was debating HRC at the Stephanopolous and Gibson hit job last spring?

This debate is going to be crap anyway. McCain and Palin can't even answer a question. Just one-liners and "zingers." (God I hate that word.)

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:20 +0000

Much ado about nothing, I think. I am appalled at the level of whining going on in the Republican campaign - we've had to put up with months of McCain whining about one thing after another. I am definitely looking forward to the debate. I sure hope Palin doesn't bail.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:16 +0000

whats she gonna do? not let palin answer? let's talk about this if it becomes an issue, but not cry foul before the game.

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:13 +0000

This is crazy!!! She is well respected and fair, this is the repubs last chance to try and stop this debate, but it won't happen!!

By: E.Frank MD

E.Frank MD — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:12 +0000

That this regime (Bush, Cheney et al) smacks of a totalitarian, media manipulated propaganda, and the worst of fascist expression under the guise of democracy, why are you surprised that this policy is followed consistently even in this up-coming debate?

By: Bill Florendo

Bill Florendo — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:09 +0000

For sure this is another sinister plot by the Obama camp to rig the debates in their favor.Talk about CHANGE. Gwen Ifill is another Obama surrogate.Journalism DIED this year.How sad.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:08 +0000

McCain is the Titanic and Palin is his iceberg!

Total implosion!

By: Bill Ryder

Bill Ryder — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:07 +0000

I say switch out for another moderator and put a McCain supporter in (and I'm a devout Obama supporter). You know what? I'm sure it doesn't matter who the moderator is. If they have any scruples they are going to watch for and take their own bias out of it. But what I don't want to hear is anymore excuses for Palin. Let Pat Buchanan moderate it. Nothing that happens is going to turn Palin into a "thinker" all of the sudden. I just don't want to give the Republicans any ammo to complain about hollow stuff and twist up reality any further.

By: carlo

carlo — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:12:00 +0000

How many times does McCain have to make a fool out of American voters before they finally get it? Tom Brokaw is clearly a McCain supporter, and he is moderating the next debate. Obama has gone on O'Reilly, Wallace, and on other Fox news interviews, and no one seemed to cry foul. The Republicans say that Palin has more experience than Obama, yet the bar was set mighty high for him in the debates.

It depresses me that some people are so dim-witted.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:58 +0000

Actually, McCain said in an interview that he thought Ifill will be objective and professional, and I think she will. However, how would the Democrats be reacting if someone like Brit Hume or Sean Hannity were the moderator? They would not be happy.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:48 +0000

Interesting – although it would not surprise me if Obama moderated and debated the VP debate – maybe get the ladies from the View, or the Big O or Ellen -they certainly would be up to the job.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:39 +0000

The NobBamaniacs who post here say "No Big Deal". If the moderator had written a book favoring McCain, they would be screaming bloody murder. You scumbag hypocrites!

By: Does Obama Palin Comparison?

Does Obama Palin Comparison? — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:35 +0000

What a FARSE!!! Anyone who thinks that a moderator can't influence the outcome of a debate is either an Obama apologist, or in serious denial.

This is a real conflict of interest: Her book will sell more if Obama/Biden win, and less if they lose.

By: idiots for McPalin

idiots for McPalin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:34 +0000

This is a pretty bad accusation made on Ifill, she is pretty fair and well-educated it's not like she is rush limbaugh. This is the VP debate not the presidential debate. I think that the McCain camp is trying to make excuses to delay the VP debate.
And it doesn't matter anyway, Biden is gonna win hands down.

By: vitto

vitto — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:27 +0000

she should step down but the media is in the tank for the chicago hustler

By: timmy

timmy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:19 +0000

GWEN IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE A MODERATOR IN THE FIRST PLACE. HOW DID SHE GET THIS GIG?

By: N Disgust.

N Disgust. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:17 +0000

If sales of her book will increase with Obama being elected then we very much have a conflict of interest.
I'm also very disgusted by most of the comments. So much anger. It would be very interesting to read these comments if this had played the other way around.

What would be your comment if it were a debate between McCain and Obama and the moderator was Dick Morris.

By: KJ, Dallas, TX

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:08 +0000

"I am an Obama supporter. They should go ahead and replace her with like Tom Brokaw. This way Palin will have no excuse when she gets slaughtered by Biden"

Tom Brokaw is the biggest Republican "tool" there is. Do you not watch Meet The Press?

By: Arkansas Undertaker

Arkansas Undertaker — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:11:00 +0000

I am an African American male and in light of recent discoveries, I do think that Gwyn Ifill needs to step down as the Moderator of the VP Debate.

I have no dobt of her qualifications and her abilitiy to be bi-partisan in her debate moderation questions and style, but I thinks she needs to do what is right and step down.

By: Sacto Joe

Sacto Joe — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:53 +0000

Talk about racial bias!!!

Come on! Just because she's black and written a book about black politicians?

Maybe we should disqualify everyone who's white who ever wrote a book about white politicians!

Hang in there Gwen! Don't let these Republican idiots railroad you!

BTW, how convenient to wait until the day before the VP debate to bring up this particular objection!

If Palin can't handle the heat, she shouldn't even be CLOSE to the kitchen!

By: Jean, Indiana

Jean, Indiana — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:43 +0000

All of the debates are and have been moderated by journalists. They write and televise about the candidates. No surprise - that is their job and that's why they're picked.

Gwen Ifill (PBS newscaster) has been a staple on political talk shows for a long time. She is sharply analytical and thoughtful. Her professional standards are impeccable. She'll moderate fairly.

McCain just learned of Ifill's upcoming book yesterday? Hogwash.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:40 +0000

Since the book isn't yet done, how do the Republicans know it's "positive". Because Gwen's black or because she's just such a nice person? Really... I think the debate won't be fair because Biden had to wear a tie and Palin doesn't. Stupid? Yea, well just trying to get in touch with my Republican soul.

By: Bram Majtlis

Bram Majtlis — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:29 +0000

Another example of the "McCain way of doing things". America please wake up! Allowing for McCain to become our President would be the perscription for a complete disaster. Didn't we have enough misery over the last 8 years? Isn't it time for REAL change? Enough is enough! The country is ready for fresh new leadership and it is time to finally aknowledge that we are now in the 21st century! The time is right to embrase President Obama! This is NOT a time for childish games. It is the right time to start to be serious about our future! Pailin is a joke and by chosing Governor Palin, McCain shows he cannot be taken seriously.

By: Nadeem

Nadeem — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:29 +0000

As an Obama supported, Ifel should recuse herself.

The appearce of bias is not needed. This will give the GOP and opportunty to create anouther distraction, gimmick to change the topic off the issues.

By: Claire

Claire — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:25 +0000

It's about what they say, not who is asking.

By: California Gold

California Gold — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:23 +0000

If the situation "concerns" McCain then it seems to me McCain is a racist. The only reason he would be concerned is that a professional black woman would be biased in favor of a professional black man. McCain's statement on it's own is racist. Now let him squirm around that "concern" of this slovenly voter. LOL!

By: Rex Savage

Rex Savage — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:20 +0000

Well, those right-wing whackos in the House of Representatives have convinced me that this bail out bill sucks. As much as I hate to agree with them, they do have at least one valid point: Bush wants it ergo it MUST be wrong. Long live Kucinich!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:18 +0000

The key will not be the original questions, but the follow up questions. Will the moderator be able to hide her biases (which she has) from those quick turnaround follow up questions?

Also, Ifill stands to gain financially from Obama winning! Her book comes out on inauguration day, if Obama wins, she makes more money. If he loses, she doesn't make as much money. That in itself should have her replaced, or at the very least disclose it at the start of the debate.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:14 +0000

Reminds me of the debate moderated by George "I love the Clintons" Stephanopoulos during the democratic primaries. You didn't hear Barack Obama crying foul over it.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:13 +0000

In the information age, I find it disgusting that the McCain campaign is so inept at doing simple research. How can we expect a McCain administration to fully vet judges and other appointees?

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:10:05 +0000

It's not her fault that there's nothing worth writing about John McCain.

By: The Latest McCain Stunt

The Latest McCain Stunt — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:59 +0000

Isn't it the American people that will decide the winner of the debate?

What are the republicans afraid that the American public would be to stupid to see if Gwen Ifill only asked LOADED QUESTIONS to one side but not the other?

I think the fear here is about Palin. She is always short on details ... a quarter-of-a-mile wide and half-an-inch deep. Any moderator worth their salt is going to probe a little bit.

By: kim hussein taylor portland, oregon

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:59 +0000

it's getting harder and harder to find a mccain/palin supporter. if they keep pushing for one, Cindy or Tahhhd will be the only option.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:56 +0000

Independent for McCain...The suggestiong that Ifill would slip questions to Obama is appalling. Of course she wouldn't do that. The McCain campaign is playing a dangerous game by showing how little confidence they have in Palin. By constantly trying to "work the refs" on this debate, they are showing that they think she's not fit for the job. If it wasn't this book, it'd be something else.

By: vobichlan, montreal

vobichlan, montreal — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:55 +0000

The air is clean, but there is always someone who enjoys pissing into it, like Jim Geraghty.

By: Annette

Annette — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:52 +0000

Oh please. Let's grow up here.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:47 +0000

For all of you clueless people who don't see a conflict, Iffel is releasing her book on inaguration day. If Obama is not elected, she will sell no books. If Obama is elected, she will sell a lot of books. Geez, I wonder if she might be tempted to ask questions that would tend to make Obama look favorable?

By: Erick Vargas

Erick Vargas — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:43 +0000

wow
isn't this familiar ,the GOP is crying over an unfair advantange,i mean they cry over everything
1.the media loes oboma,The GOP calls it unfair
2.John maccain now sends his lamb to the BIg BIDEN slaughterhouse,and then he cries how the moderator writesa book that has been announced months ago,and he happens to complain a day before the debate,again
Sarah palin was amistake and they know it
a desperate attempt to counter obama's not only huge image and popularity but policies and change

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:41 +0000

I worked in the media for more than a decade, but left when I realized 90% of my co-workers weren't searching for the truth, but promoting their own agendas... and since 90% were also liberal, that meant gay rights, socialism, high taxes, and anything anti-American or anti-Christian.

Gewn Ifill is just another in a long line of so-called 'journalists' to be exposed for what they really are: liberal propagandists.

By: Soccer mom from Manhattan

Soccer mom from Manhattan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:40 +0000

There is no story here.

The McCain camp just like the Obama camp, had to approve the moderators similar to how both the prosecution and the defense need to agree on jurors in a trial. If McCain didn't perceive a problem, why should we. Ifill is a professional whose job it will be to ask, not answer, questions. Both Palin and Biden will be responsible to answer for themselves.

By: Charles Douglas Lemay

Charles Douglas Lemay — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:40 +0000

Sarah Palin should refuse to show up unless Gwen Ifill is
replaced!

This is utterly outrageous bias by the MSM, and America will
not stand for nor forget this shameless deceit.

There is already a raging wildfire across the Internet at the
blatant unfairness of what's being pawned off on the viewers.

By: Doug

Doug — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:32 +0000

Weeks before she was chosen as a moderator, she publicly spoke about writing this book. That was on the record when the McCain camp agreed to her as a Moderator. They had their chance to object back then and they should have used it. The fact that they waited to long to look into things is nobody's fault but their own.

By: Rick Gonzalez

Rick Gonzalez — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:30 +0000

Oh forgot another note, Gwen Ifill has to be careful not to upstage Gov Palin too much on the issues and topics that will be discussed has she (Gwen Ifill) has much more experience and knowledge on the national and international topics that will be presented at the debate.

By: Ho Chi Daddy

Ho Chi Daddy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:19 +0000

The debate is going to go so fast until it's irrelevent who moderates. Six minutes per question? The McCain campaign already got the format shorted to protect Palin, now they want to get rid of the moderator? This is truly getting silly.

By: Marc

Marc — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:18 +0000

This is another ridiculous attempt by the McCain camp to lower expectations for their terrible choice for a VP candidate. They will talk about anything and everything except for the actual content of the debate.

By: Annette

Annette — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:08 +0000

Oh please, if there is any controversy it's the media, hyping this up about the moderator. This is absolutely ridiciolus, I miss Tim Russert.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:05 +0000

This is retarded non-news.

By: undecided

undecided — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:09:03 +0000

How in the heck can this woman be an UNBIASED moderator when she is a HARD CORE democrat???????

She can make or break this debate for EITHER candidate. If she is soft on Biden and harsh on Palin, the Palin will get sympathy.

What IDIOT selected her to do this??????

By: Halloran in Hoboken

Halloran in Hoboken — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:08:53 +0000

Its not what is in the book, its that its being released to coinside with the swearing in of the next president - who she feels will be Obama

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:08:53 +0000

The Presidential Debate Commission has failed to enforce its own non-partisan rules for selecting a moderator. Ifil must step down if this debate is to be legitimate. I support Obama but I also support a level-playing field. I'm not sure I care to watch the debate with an obviously-biased moderator.