The self-absorbed George Stephanopoulos, whose journalistic credentials are that he cleaned up Bill Clinton's messes in the baby boomer White House and women think he's cute, showed why he shouldn't be asking questions at a presidential debate. He badgered Barack Obama with questions that have been asked and answered for months. But his partner, Charlie Gibson, wasn't much better, peppering both candidates with trivial questions, and not asking substantive questions until late in the debate. Here's The Bee's editorial on Wednesday's big Pennsylvania debate.
There's nothing wrong with asking candidates tough questions. That's expected. Questioners also should ask about controversial moments on the campaign trail. But they should be part of a range of questions that cover the enire campaign issues, including the Iraq war and the economy. The trivial shouldn't dominate a 90-minute debate (it seemed like 20 minutes because of all the ABC commercial breaks).
Stephanopoulos was stunned that he was criticized for his questions. That's understandable. Most people fawn over this guy, and he gets a pass because he's a celebrity. He lives in a bubble, so don't expect him to ask questions the rest of us would ask. Let him ask questions on Entertainment Tonight and get him off a legitimate network news show.
And you can't say much about Gibson's performance. For example, he pressured both candidates to promise whether they'd be the other's running mate, and wouldn't let go. That was a low point of a debate with many low points.
I already commented on the debate on Gail's thread. I think it's pathetic. Are these people at ABC really that clueless, or is it just ratings-driven - with the calculation being that playing "gotcha" is more likely to hold viewers than a serious discussion of the issues?
I was sent a utube of this debacle, ol' george was channeling rush limbaugh, the only high point was the audiance actualy booing the 'commentators. Mccain cant lose.
Well, you’re right about one thing, George Stephanopoulos is self-absorbed & is most assuredly a Clinton sycophant. But has Obama really dealt with "questions that have been asked and answered for months"?
Rush Limbaugh said it best, "Obama can say less better than any man I’ve ever heard."
Clarity should be a trait that we insist on in our leaders. Obama is hazy, evasive and non-specific. His answers have the obvious mark of being run through a focus group. (Not that Hillary is any better!).
I always thought that Bill Clinton ("Slick Willie") was the best at "being all things to all people." I was wrong. Obama clearly is. He slides around answers in a most duplicitous manner.
If you can't stand the heat...
Barack Obama has been coddled like a porcelain doll by the media. Finally, somebody had the guts to ask him some personal questions. Through the endless other debates, we all know where he stands on Iraq, the economy, etc. But he's never had to answer any personal, character questions. These questions raise some major concerns about his choice of mentors and friends.
Just as Hillary whined about always being asked the first question. Obama is out there whining about his treatment.
Meanwhile, John McCain continues to just act presidential.
Hurry up, November.
I'm not surprised that our resident right-wingers think the line of questioning was appropriate. And I suppose that's a preview of what we'll see in the general election contest.
I can hardly blame them for wanting to focus on these peripheral side issues and non-issues. After all, when you look at the real issues - the economy going downhill, the endless occupation of Iraq, healthcare (or lack thereof) and America's standing in the world, the Republicans have some real problems.
TC
The fact is Obama has answered the questions; you just don’t like the answers because of your bias.
And is your comment, “Clarity should be a trait that we insist on in our leaders,” applied to Bush as well as Obama? Of course not. Bush can’t even clarify the reason or reasons we went to war in Iraq or why we’re still there. I’m still waiting for clarification on how a self-professed “Christian President” justifies an unprovoked war.
Jim's assertion that Stephy works for a "legitimate network news show" is the most laughable part of his whining rant.Is there anyone on the left that's behaving presidential right now? Clinton? Obama?Joe Lieberman? Oh that's right you guys gave him the boot.Something to think about now as the Democrat party is circling the bowl.The pertinent question...How long will the above libs ride this turd?
Part of the problem is that we have a generation of voters, mostly young, who historically never care or vote, and their elitist mommy please parents who mis-interpret what politics is all about wanting to effect an outcome for the sake of their children and not for the country. How naive is the Bee editorial staff is, do you really believe we should elect someone who we really don't know if he has the right stuff ( cocaine, black racism, unpatriotic, elitist,etc, ect.) other than the same old same old policies that Hillary and Obama have been talking about for six months and you haven't listening, now it's boring. Any one that has had the mind to listen knows both are selling the same thing. This guy has to vetted and I give George and Charley an A-plus for smoking out the real Obama. To many young over indulged morons wanting their way are threatening to have a tantrum if Hillary gets chosen.
Just a quickie to say that I am on the side of those who feel that Gibson and Stephanopoulos did a lousy job of conducting this debate.
I think they are all liars and should be hooked up to lie detecters during the debate. Now that would be something to watch. That would be entertyaining except the machine would burn up. I support our troops irregardless if they are there provoked or unprovoked.