Michelle Malkin » A debate “moderator” in the tank for Obama; Update: McCain campaign didn’t know about book; PBS and McCain shrug; Update: Ifill plays the race card

A debate “moderator” in the tank for Obama; Update: McCain campaign didn’t know about book; PBS and McCain shrug; Update: Ifill plays the race card

By Michelle Malkin • September 30, 2008 10:13 PM

Scroll down for updates…race card-playing Gwen Ifill did not inform the debate panel about her book…

My first syndicated column of the week, filed this afternoon, shines light on PBS anchor Gwen Ifill, who will moderate Thursday’s only vice presidential debate. Try as she might to deflect questions about her impartiality, her biases — and her conflict of interest — are clear. But don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this. You know what will happen if you do…

RACIST!

Sidenote: TVNewser reports that Ifill has broken her ankle, but she’s still going to do the debate. But will she disclose her conflict of interest? Inquiring minds want to know.

Ask the Commission on Presidential Debates if she will acknowledge her conflict of interest: 202-872-1020.

And here’s the e-mail address of Janet H. Brown, Executive Director of the Debates Commission: jb@debates.org

Hopefully, their email system works better than the House.

Tons of readers recommend that Sarah Palin open her debate remarks by congratulating Ifill on her book and asking her to tell everyone the title.

***

A debate “moderator” in the tank for Obama
by Michelle Malkin
Creators Syndicate
Copyright 2008

My dictionary defines “moderator” as “the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting.” On Thursday, PBS anchor Gwen Ifill will serve as moderator for the first and only vice presidential debate. The stakes are high. The Commission on Presidential Debates, with the assent of the two campaigns, decided not to impose any guidelines on her duties or questions.

But there is nothing “moderate” about where Ifill stands on Barack Obama. She’s so far in the tank for the Democrat presidential candidate, her oxygen delivery line is running out.

In an imaginary world where liberal journalists are held to the same standards as everyone else, Ifill would be required to make a full disclosure at the start of the debate. She would be required to turn to the cameras and tell the national audience that she has a book coming out on January 20, 2009 – a date that just happens to coincide with the inauguration of the next president of the United States.

The title of Ifill’s book? “Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.” Nonpartisan my foot.

Ifill’s publisher, Random House, is already busy hyping the book with YouTube clips of Ifill heaping praise on her subjects, including Obama and Obama-endorsing Mass. Governor Deval Patrick. The official promo for the book gushes:

“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…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.”

Ifill and her publisher are banking on an Obama/Biden win to buoy her book sales. The moderator expected to treat both sides fairly has grandiosely declared this the “Age of Obama.” Can you imagine a right-leaning journalist writing a book about the “stunning” McCain campaign and its “bold” path to reform timed for release on Inauguration Day – and then expecting a slot as a moderator for the nation’s sole vice presidential debate?

Yeah, I just registered 6.4 on the Snicker Richter Scale, too.

Despite the protestations of her colleagues that she will be fair, Ifill has appeared on numerous radio and TV talk shows over the past several months to cash in on her access to the Obama campaign. She 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.” A sample of Ifill’s hard-hitting investigative journalism, illustrated with Kennedyesque photos of the Obamas and children posing at home on the backporch and by the piano:

“Barack Obama is sitting in the back of his rented luxury campaign bus with its granite counters and two flat-screen TVs. The Illinois senator’s arms are wrapped around his wife, Michelle, whom he doesn’t get to see much these days. At this very moment he is, of all things, singing.”

During the Democratic National Convention, Ifill offered her neutral analysis before Michelle Obama’s speech on NBC News: “A lot of people have never seen anything that looks like a Michelle Obama before. She’s educated, she’s beautiful, she’s tall, she tells you what she thinks and they hope that she can tell a story about Barack Obama and about herself…”

During the Republican National Convention, the PBS ombudsman fielded numerous complaints about Ifill’s coverage of Sarah Palin’s speech. Wrote Brian Meyers of Granby, Ct.:

“I was appalled by Gwen Ifill’s commentary directly following Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech. Her attitude was dismissive and the look on her face was one of disgust. Clearly, she was agitated by what most critics view as a well-delivered speech. It is quite obvious that Ms. Ifill supports Obama as she struggled to say anything redemptive about Gov. Palin’s performance. I am disappointed in Ms. Ifill’s complete disregard for journalistic objectivity.”

Like Obama, Ifill, who is black, is quick to play the race card at the first sign of criticism. In an interview with the Washington Post a few weeks ago, she carped: “[N]o one’s ever assumed a white reporter can’t cover a white candidate.”

It’s not the color of your skin, sweetie. It’s the color of your politics. Perhaps Ifill will be able to conceal it this week. But if the “stunning” “Breakthrough” she’s rooting for comes to pass on January 20, 2009, nobody will be fooled.

***

Here’s the video clip of Ifill’s reaction to Palin’s RNC speech:

***

As Instapundit’s newsroom correspondent put it: “The fix is in, and it’s working.”

Bob Unruh adds:

Ifill declined to return a WND telephone message asking for a comment about her book project and whether its success would be expected should Obama lose. But she has faced criticism previously for not treating candidates of both major parties the same.

During a vice-presidential candidate debate she moderated in 2004 – when Democrat John Edwards attacked Republican Dick Cheney’s former employer, Halliburton – the vice president said, “I can respond, Gwen, but it’s going to take more than 30 seconds.”

“Well, that’s all you’ve got,” she told Cheney.

Ifill told the Associated Press Democrats were delighted with her answer, because they “thought I was being snippy to Cheney.” She explained that wasn’t her intent.

Uh-huh.

***

Greta Van Susteren reports that McCain didn’t know about Ifill’s book. “[T]he campaign (actually both) should have been told before the campaign agreed to have her moderate. It simply is not fair – in law, this would create a mistrial.”

***

Update: PBS and McCain agree: No big deal.

Update: Ifill plays the race card. Did I call it or what?

Ifill questions why people assume that her book will be favorable toward Obama.

“Do you think they made the same assumptions about Lou Cannon (who is white) when he wrote his book about Reagan?” said Ifill, who is black. Asked if there were racial motives at play, she said, “I don’t know what it is. I find it curious.”

And note this:

The host of PBS’”Washington Week” and senior correspondent on “The NewsHour” said she did not tell the Commission on Presidential Debates about the book.

Update: Comic relief from Jim Treacher.

Update: Tim Graham at Newsbusters writes…

Gwen Ifill responded to questions about impartiality in an AP interview with David Bauder by suggesting the critics might be racist: “Do you think they made the same assumptions about Lou Cannon (who is white) when he wrote his book about Reagan?” Asked if there were racial motives at play, she said, “I don’t know what it is. I find it curious.”

This is a curious complaint, since (a) Cannon was never the sole moderator or even a questioner in a Ronald Reagan debate in 1980 or 1984 and (b) Lou Cannon wrote at least five books about Reagan. Ifill is probably referring to President Reagan: Role of a Lifetime, released in 1991. An Amazon.com search also suggests the titles Ronald Reagan: A Life in Politics (2004), Governor Reagan (2003), Ronald Reagan: The Presidential Portfolio (with Michael Beschloss, 2003), Reagan (1982), and Ronnie & Jesse: A Political Odyssey (1969).

Posted in: Barack Obama, John McCain, Media Bias, Michelle Obama

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#201

On October 1st, 2008 at 7:52 am, travlinman said:

I have emailed both Ifill (awful?) and the debate.org folks letting them know what I think. Am I the only one who will be holding their breath Thursday night waiting for the disclosure from Gwen? Just what I thought. I would look like a lone Smurf before we get such a disclosure.

The framers intent in the 1st amendmant was for a free press to report and disclose illegal, unethical and seditious acts by the government. Not to be the propagators of those acts. ‘Journalists’ who hide behind constitutional protections while furthering their own agendas should be uncovered and ran out of the business and the country. That would gut the newsw industry now, wouldn’t it?
#202

On October 1st, 2008 at 7:52 am, GrayLoess said:

OMG – ABC Radio is now “reporting” what a trooper Gwen Awful is for still going on with moderating the VP debate despite “breaking her ankle in a fall at her home while carrying debate prep materials”.

Guess they’re trying to generate sympathy for the poor suffering moderator as a way to insulate her from any criticisms of her performance…lowering expectations for the moderator, now that’s a new one.

The MSM is so IN. THE. TANK.
#205

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:05 am, bradley said:

I just e-mailed the woman in charge of the Debate Commission and told her it would be nice if they chose from a larger pool of “moderators” than the latest in a long line of left-leaning “news” people. And that Gwyn Ifil’s book proved her bias. I also said it also proved the Debate Commission was in the tank for Obama as much as Ifil, meaning the “debates”, such as they are, are an affirmative action farce.
#206

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:07 am, AuntiEm said:

October 1st must be launch day for the race card. Diane Sawyer show focused on South Carolina slavery history and its impact on the vote this morning.Normally don’t watch the show but it comes on after my local news. They also brought up the false rumor that took McCain down last time around that he had fathered a black child.
#208

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:12 am, mbabbitt said:

Let the rallying call be “Recuse Thyself, Gwen!”
#211

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:18 am, Milwaukee Mike said:

Ifill has broken her ankle,

They should put her down. It’s the humane thing to do.
#213

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am, RedDog said:

Can’t… take… any… more… Tell… my… wife… I… love… her…

RedDog… out
#216

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:38 am, Milwaukee Mike said:

If she gutted him and hung his hair plugs over the mantle

Ugly trophy! It may be hard to be proud to go into a battle of wits against an unarmed opponent and win. But I’m sure Sarah will look good doing it!
#217

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:39 am, Oink said:

Don’t blame McCain for this. It’s not like he had a huge selection of “unbiased” reporters to choose from. There are no virgins in brothels.

HondaV65 on October 1, 2008 at 12:04 AM

Is it too late to get Jim Leher? I thought he did a good job.
#219

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am, Oink said:

On October 1st, 2008 at 7:15 am, rplatt said:
This country has been completely taken over by the left and nothing short of revolution will change it. We have slid into a Marxist/socialist abyss and you might as well paste a red star to your shirt and say your final farewells to a once great nation. The despicable, cowardly politicos have thrown all of us under the bus.

I think you’re right!

You say you want a revolution well you know… (Beatles) Yes, I do in fact.
#220

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am, Cricket24 said:

For some time now I have wondered if McCain even wants to win. Maybe he’s in the dem’s pocket too!
Just seems very strange that the McCain campaign would agree to allow a very biased person like Gwen Ifill to be the moderator.
I don’t even think I can watch what she will do to Sarah Palin. I just hope Sarah has been prepared for this very liberal woman’s questions. It won’t matter if there’s a second debate. Once the damage is done, it’s done. John McCain is already falling like a rock in the polls.
#221

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:44 am, mdt said:

http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Politics-Race-Age-Obama/dp/038552501X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222862063&sr=1-1

Everyone please go and pre-order so you can get your copy delivered on Jan 20th.

How else without universal health-care is she going to pay for her ankle?
#223

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:48 am, ThatSamIAm said:

We all see what is happening. It is the first time in our history that someone has been selected and then given a free pass to be president regardless of how dangerous they are.

Obambi never has to answer for anything he has done. He doesn’t have to show one bit of experience or credibility. He is the choice of a socialist ultra liberal media and the elitist in Hollywood who use 24-7 propaganda on our country to get him elected.

It is really unbelievable this could happen in our country but here we are watching it take place. Every American with a brain should be worried. Unfortunately it looks like there are not too many of those around anynore.
#224

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am, RedDog said:

Apparently racial identity trumps all else. wow… The more things change the more they remain the same. I saw the same adoring facial expressions in pictures of Germans standing in awe of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s.
#225

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:51 am, bear1909 said:

Three words describe “Ms” Ifill:

ham-fisted partisan.

And if Flinchy is “black”, I am the Easter Bunny.

Bear1909 out.
#227

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:58 am, Paul-Cincy said:

Liberals can’t see their own bias because they lack self-reflection.
#228

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:59 am, ajmontana said:

He’s not black or white, he’s commie red.
Image: big ol bear in an easter bunny suit… lmao!
#230

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:05 am, sandyb said:

Would someone please give Juan McCain a cup of ~~coffee~~ Red Bull and send a tractor-frailer full to the RNC?

Think the RNC and RINO leadership is happy about giving the old man “his turn?” I have never seen such a lackluster campaign (unless you count Hitlary’s).

And, Gwen, I’ve already had an “I-fill” of you, I certainly don’t need an ear full on Thursday night. Step aside. If not, I think it only fair that we let David Freddoso or Jerome Corsi moderate the next presidential debate.

After seeing the GOP shoot down the illegality of voter fraud in Ohio, I guess Juan has just resigned himself to a history-book footnote (if Barack will allow it) as “also ran” in the 2008 election.

Dick Morris said Juan’s down by 6 pnts and expects it to be 12 pnts by next week.

Some wonderful soul posted an excerpt of the 1963 Congressional Record here last night, and it was eye-popping — to put it mildly. It featured objectives of the Communist Party for U.S. takeover. They’re doing a bang-up job.

One of the goals was nuclear disarmament. Hmmm. Who do we know who has advocated that?

Of course, Juan won’t mention that in any upcoming debates, because that wouldn’t be honorable. Hey, Juan — it’s the truth.

B. Hussein and his Alinsky minions have already achieved most of their stated goals. He’ll get to work on the rest in January.

“Barack will never let you go back to the way you were.” Mama Obama

Yeah, meat on the table, heat in the house…

Do you think that after The One is elected and things aren’t going as peachy as the MSM expected that they’ll think twice about the Fairness Doctrine? “And when they came for me, there was no one left to fight.”
#231

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:06 am, jsr said:

The real problem is in the world of journalism this partisan hack is viewed as an unbiased, objective professional. That is their story, they’re sticking to it, and actually believe it.
#233

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am, MrOlympia said:

LMAO RedDog. This whole liberal bias that infiltrates all areas of our daily life does tend to wear us down. It never stops and seems to be gaining more and more steam. It is a very coordinated and concerted effort.
There are lots and lots of us that are upset and downright angry.

For a Republican to get elected on the national stage is like climbing Mt. Everest but even more difficult. Some reach the summit, but there are many deaths on the mountain. Its almost like there are Liberals trying to kill us at base camp, the Khumbu Ice Falls, Camp 1………ah hell they’re trying to kill us every step of the way what the heck was I thinking
#234

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:09 am, bperiwinkle said:

I got a recording that says “the number you have dialed is not in service” or a busy tone….

Did anyone get through to complain?
#235

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:12 am, Dave Turson said:

On October 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am, Cricket24 said:
For some time now I have wondered if McCain even wants to win. Maybe he’s in the dem’s pocket too!
Just seems very strange that the McCain campaign would agree to allow a very biased person like Gwen Ifill to be the moderator.

The Commission on Presidential Debates Web site shows that the campaigns learned the names of the four moderators on August 5, 2008.
It appears that Ifill’s book first got widespread notice from this Howard Kurtz column on Sept. 4, 2008.

The candidates agree to appear and on the rules—I don’t think they get a choice of potential moderators.
#236

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:12 am, ErinF said:

Anybody here think there’s any chance Alaska will secede from the states after this election is over? I’m hoping so… I need someplace normal to move to.

(sigh) America was never meant to be a communist dictatorship.
#237

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:12 am, RobM1981 said:

At each and every turn, McCain looks like a bumbling, doddering old man.

Was it HIS job to vet the moderator? No, of course not – but that doesn’t matter.

“I didn’t know that” seems to be his mantra.

As predicted: Obama’s charisma and eloquence is completely dominating popular opinion. It’s Ali versus Frazier.

The only hope that McCain has at this point is for Biden to tell Ifell “Hey, baby, nice dress… what are you doing after the debate?”

If Palin doesn’t BURY Biden tomorrow night, the game is over. And even if she does, there are still two more times when Wilford Brimley is going to debate Will Smith – and that’s EXACTLY what it looks like to America.

If any of you have donated to the RNC this year, this is what you bought.

Unbelievable…
#238

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:14 am, TypicalWhite said:

Don’t forget to email your local PBS station manager. Local managers hate upset customers, and they get the message to the national guys pretty quickly.

I emailed Janet Brown at the debates commission, posted a similar message to Ms. Ifill at the pbs.org feedback site, and then sent the same email to my local PBS station.

Here’s mine:

Ms. Brown,

I find it incomprehensible that you would allow Gwen Ifill to moderate the Vice Presidential debate tomorrow evening. Personal bias is one thing, and one could argue that Ms. Ifill is capable of being professional enough to overcome her obvious and deep bias toward the Obama campaign.

Personal financial interest in one of the campaigns is a very different thing. With the announcement of her pro-Obama book publication, Ms. Ifill stands to earn a huge paycheck if Sen. Obama is elected. This clearly disqualifies her as a moderator. Gov. Palin will not only be debating Sen. Biden; she will also be debating Ms. Ifill’s bias and personal financial interests.

If a moderator had just announced a pro-McCain book to be published on inauguration day, he/she would be out of the debate by noon today. Please extend the same reasoning to Ms. Ifill, and replace her.
#240

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:15 am, bperiwinkle said:

I just recommended they let Rush Limbaugh help her Moderate. Then it will be unbiased………
#241

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:16 am, doppelganglander said:

Here’s the text of my email to Ms. Brown:

I am very alarmed to discover that Gwen Ifill, who is scheduled to moderate the vice presidential debate on Thursday, is the author of a forthcoming book promoting the candidacy of Barack Obama. This creates a clear conflict of interest and throws her impartiality into question. I strongly urge you to replace Ms. Ifill as the moderator. This action will preserve the reputation of the Commission on Presidential Debates as a nonpartisan organization. Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns
#242

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:23 am, Paul-Cincy said:

So Ifill’s writing a book on blacks in contemporary US politics, with Obama as the centerpiece, and since she’s black and the book falls under the rubric of “black”, therefor she shouldn’t be criticized as biased for Obama, since that would be a personal affront to her racial identity, to her blackness. The book investigates blackness in American politics, so she’s bulletproof to criticism. Makes sense to me. Oh, if Obama wins she’ll make more money on her book? Whites just can’t stand to see a black person succeed! Whether it’s Obama or Ifill. Do I have the narrative about right?
#243

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:25 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

McCain didn’t know about the book? What the…?

Seriously, what else doesn’t he know about it and when does his campaign get around to ensuring that he does?… After the effect? This really does make him and his campaign seem rather out of touch.
#245

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:28 am, pueblo1032 said:

The problem I have??? MC CAIN camp not aware of her book… Who the hell is running his campaign??? LARRY, MOE and CURLY??? this should be a no brainer for the campaign… CONFLICT OF INTEREST anyone???
#246

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:32 am, wayiwalk said:

One thought – only live interviews. No room for “edits”.

I sent Ms. Brown an email – any other ideas on who to send letters to?

I can’t help but to think that this society is on the doorstep of the world of “1984″, with a journalist profession so deeply entrenced in partisianship.
#247

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:33 am, wayiwalk said:

That comment #195 , only live interviews, was in relation to what Sarah Palin should do, and do lots of…
#248

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am, Flyoverman said:

The VP debate should be cancelled. Why bother? The whole MSM is so in the tank for Obama, if I were the McCain campaign I would grant no interviews or answer any questions from the MSM.

And I would state point blank why. Make the MSM an issue, jsut as big as Obama’s record.

Just like the Congress, who needs them?
#250

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:38 am, Atlanta Media Guy said:

Paul-Cincy,
Please don’t be ignorant. Ifill has every right to publish a book about anything she wants. However, when she is suppose to be an objective journalist hosting a VP debate, her obvious bias should be taken into account. She has a direct financial interest in making sure Obama wins. How can she be an objective journalist when she has written biased pieces about the ONE before!
Her piece in ESSENCE Magazine mentions nothing about his past ties with terrorists and glosses over how he came up through the thuggery politics of the “Chicago Machine”. If she wanted to be seen as objective she should have covered those aspects of this incredibly corrupt candidate.
I am also worried about the McCain campaign not knowing about Ifill’s book. Hey have you heard of Google? If this is true we are in big trouble. I hope the McCain campaign has people tracking the blogs and the so called MSM websites. I read them daily and everything you need to know is right there on your computer screens.
Please! It’s October and it’s time to FIGHT for conservatism, at least what’s remaining of it. Sarah please ask the debate moderator Ifill how the success of her book will be measured by what happens in this election. Please reveal Ifill for what she really is. Do it right at the beginning of the debate too!
McCain’s campaign better get with it there is only a month remaining and the independents are getting very antsy about the Republican campaign. The truth does hurt but until someone explains the real story the unplugged public will just go along with this fraud of a democratic candidate.
#251

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:38 am, chapoutier said:

Does anyone here think Michelle Malkin could fairly moderate this debate?

Just curious.
#254

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:41 am, gippergirl said:

Who’s sponsoring this debate? George Soros?!?
#255

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:41 am, ErinF said:

Does anyone here think Michelle Malkin could fairly moderate this debate?

Hell, yeah. Michelle is not exactly in the pocket of the McCain camp… where the hell have you been over the past two years?
#256

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:43 am, dan708 said:

Ms. Ifill is an experienced enough journalist and TV host that I think her questioning will be subtle enough not to provoke much notice from moderates. That’s the biggest worry of all, that only we conservatives will notice.
#257

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:45 am, ConMom said:

No surprise that they aren’t answering their phones. I got through to a voicemail system and tried randomly dialing extensions to get a live person. Everything goes to voicemail.

Keep trying everyone! And I did send an email, too.
#259

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:45 am, pureabsolute said:

Hmmm. I wonder if Gwen’s “Non-Biased” self ever wrote about Clarence Thomas, Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, Michael Steel, Larry Elder, and more.

In a positive “Black” accomplishment kind of way.

Anyone know?

Ger.
#260

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am, chapoutier said:

Hell, yeah. Michelle is not exactly in the pocket of the McCain camp… where the hell have you been over the past two years?

No kidding. But bias can go two ways: either for someone or against someone.

She has made no secret of her disdain for Obama, Biden and Democrats in general. And she has done nothing but heap praises upon Palin (who is the one really at issue here, not McCain) So I ask you again, could someone with such an obvious and strong bias against one party over the other fairly moderate the debate?
#261

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am, NJ-Aviator said:

Greta Van Susteren reports that McCain didn’t know about Ifill’s book.

It’s not just the book. No one remembered her in the last VP debate? That smart a$$ remark to Cheney. Or her comments at the RNC convention shown here?

They should try Google.
#262

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am, happyscrapper said:

On September 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm, spypeach said:
This is terrible, I just don’t understand how this happens. She should be disqualified. How hard is it to get someone who is fair to moderate a freaking debate. It just gets sicker and sicker every day.

Tim Russert died. There is no one remaining in the MSM who is fair.
#263

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:47 am, Trop said:

Like a NASCAR race, everyone is going to tune in to see a wreck, or two, or three… Between Biden’s penchant for gaffes and Palin’s incapacity for coherent thought, it should be great ENTERTAINMENT.

How sad that the campaign has come to this.
#264

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:47 am, Last Massachusetts Conservative said:

Does anyone here think Michelle Malkin could fairly moderate this debate?

I think she could but I believe she would not — because as a journalist with integrity Michelle proudly acknowledges her conservative bias.
#265

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am, ajmontana said:

The thing is susieChapstick you’re on crack if you don’t think she would do it fairly.

Go Angels!

It’s Killin em and
I Love it!!!

McCain/Palin 08′
Image: Sox goin down like an obama stutterfest.
#266

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:50 am, happyscrapper said:

On September 30th, 2008 at 10:27 pm, cactusjoe said:
I am always puzzled that the Republicans allow this to happen. Every Republican primary debate had liberal hacks “moderating”.

What gives?

The republicans are outsmarted and duped at every turn. I can hardly believe that GW Bush won two terms with the inbelievably corrupt tactics on the left and the voter fraud. Without all that, Bush probably would have won in a landslide. Speaking of voter fraud, if they don’t get this under control, our democracy is toast. Without fair, honest elections, we are no better then Rwanda, or Venezuela.
#268

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:50 am, Right_Wired said:

I hope Palin rips into her like a bag of Fritos.
#269

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:51 am, Ron Rockstar said:

“Well, that’s all you’ve got,” she told Cheney.

What atrocious grammar!
#270

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:51 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

chap,

When Michelle writes a fawning book about McCain and the glorious whiteness that follows him then we can talk.

Michelle’s political leanings aren’t a mystery; however, I think she has been more than fair when it comes to exposing the downright egregious behavior on both side of the political spectrum. So, yes, I think she would be fair moderating this debate.
#271

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:53 am, sandyb said:

Right_Wired said:
I hope Palin rips into her like a bag of Fritos.

I feel sick after eating too many Fritos.
#272

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:53 am, et said:

Does anyone here think Michelle Malkin could fairly moderate this debate?

Absolutely! And I don’t mean the vodka. But it will never happen.
#273

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:53 am, LibTired said:

The answer will be that the “deck” has been stacked against “them” for so long, that it’s about time they got their “chance”. This is going to be the theme of this country for the foreseeable future. It’s all about the culture of victims finally taking over and sticking it to “the man”.
#274

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:54 am, Valiant said:

Sorry, this is a self-inflicted wound.
#275

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:54 am, wighttrasch said:

This is not acceptable. It appears Robert Mugabe is running for president here as well as Rhodesia.

Oh, sorry; Zimbabwe.
#276

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am, happyscrapper said:

On September 30th, 2008 at 10:45 pm, Goldwater Knight said:
Why isn’t McCain protesting this?
Because he’s a moron who’s throwing the election.

I don’t believe he is throwing the election! He is counting on his campaign manager and workers to do this kind of protesting so he isn’t in the middle of a bias issue. He is above this. Having said that, I think the campaign manager and the workers are not doing their jobs. If anyone is throwing the election, it is his support team. Where are they???
#277

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am, Last Massachusetts Conservative said:

Does anyone here think Michelle Malkin could fairly moderate this debate?

I think she could but I believe she would not — because as a journalist with integrity Michelle proudly acknowledges her conservative bias.

Clarification – I think she could but I believe she would not accept the invitation to do so — because as a journalist with integrity Michelle proudly acknowledges her conservative bias.
#278

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

Thank you, Jesus, that corruption is being exposed!
#279

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am, chapoutier said:

When Michelle writes a fawning book about McCain and the glorious whiteness that follows him then we can talk.

Interesting you know the content and tone of the book months before it is published.

Michelle’s political leanings aren’t a mystery; however, I think she has been more than fair when it comes to exposing the downright egregious behavior on both side of the political spectrum. So, yes, I think she would be fair moderating this debate.

“More than fair”? I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that. I agree that MM will take Republicans to task when she disagrees on how they act on some major issues, like immigration or this bailout. But you cannot cannot cannot deny that MM is very pro-Palin and has written many things on this blog to that effect and very anti Biden, and has written many things to that effect. Which is fine. But I just want to know whether you think Malkin could run a fair debate, and if so why is what she does so very different from what Ifill has done?
#281

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am, chapoutier said:

I would also accept that Ifill/Malkin may very well be capable of running a fair debate, but that the mere hint of impropriety means she should be disqualified, if for nothing else than to take the issue off the table.
#282

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am, WrathOfKhan said:

It wouldn’t have made a bit of difference if McCain knew; he wouldn’t have done anything about it.
#283

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am, Jimmie said:

Well all I can say is this is a very very important “debate” Of course it is not a debate and we are not allowed to note that it is not a debate. If they have toned down Sarah, I am back to haveing to get very drunk and having my wife drive me to vote, if I do at all. We are not allowed to even suggest that this election be carried out under United States Election Law. We have to accept all “illegal” votes as legal, We are not allowed to be insulted that the deck is stacked against us in every possible way. If we meekly accept all of this there will be no need to have another election.
#284

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am, JHSII said:

Heck, even Rush Limbaugh could be more fair moderating this debate that ifill!!
#285

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am, Last Massachusetts Conservative said:

chapoutier,

Michelle as well as other conservative journalists have not been asked to moderate this precisely because of thier political leanings. The same sould apply to Ifill.
#286

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am, davidleerothmann said:

Without fair, honest elections, we are no better then Rwanda, or Venezuela.

You think you are joking, but remember that Obama and his people are the ideological heirs of Stalin, Castro, Mugabe, and every other socialist dictator who routinely wins “elections”. Watch the TV and see the gasoline lines in the South. We will have all of that plus rationing after Obama is elected. How do you keep power if you plan to ration gasoline, food, medicine, and energy in order to ship a huge percentage of our GDP to Africa (global poverty initiative), plus spend a trillion more on social programs? That’s right. You rig elections, or you use your “civilian security forces” to insure that everyone votes your way.

There is no doubt that Obama will usher in the age of tyranny in America. The only question is, will we fight him or not.
#287

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:03 am, BlameAmericaLast said:

Greta Van Susteren reports that McCain didn’t know about Ifill’s book. “[T]he campaign (actually both) should have been told before the campaign agreed to have her moderate. It simply is not fair – in law, this would create a mistrial.”

I’m sure the Obama camp knew, and kept it to themselves. Unbelievable. I would demand she be taken OFF and swapped for another moderator. This is unreal.
#288

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am, chapoutier said:

Michelle as well as other conservative journalists have not been asked to moderate this precisely because of thier political leanings. The same sould apply to Ifill.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Commission on Presidential Debates, who choose the moderators, is bi-partisan.
#289

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am, CorpsmanPinoy said:

Wow, nothing suprises me anymore.
#290

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:07 am, Rob said:

Greta Van Susteren reports that McCain didn’t know about Ifill’s book.

And they didn’t know about that horrible photographer either…. another example of old men not knowing how to use Google.
#291

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:07 am, rocketman said:

Many “on target” posts above on this travesty of journalism. Why would anyone with a sense of history or experience expect anything else from the 90% (or more) liberal media? The protection of John F. Kennedy’s serial adultery, the “air cover” they flew for “BJ” Clinton, their trashing of both Presidents Bush 41 and 43, the forged “Rathergate” document support a month after bloggers proved they were false come to mind. Then add in the NPR / PBS bias. Saul Alinsky and PRAVDA (truth in Russian) would be proud.

It took 4 years of Jimmy Carter trashing the country and our economy to bring on Ronald Reagan–maybe this “deja vu” will happen after 4 years of Obama / liberal disasters. The “lipstick on the pig” will be obvious then.

Meanwhile–McCain and Palin are probably using the old saw “You can print anything you want about me–just spell my name right!” This is their only hope for any exposure in the liberal media. Thank heavens for talk radio, conservative internet sites, and the Fox News Channel. Ditto Glenn Beck.

The “SaraCuda” should bring her moose gun to the debate–like Niccolo Machiavelli (1469–1527) did when he went before a French court for sexual crime accusations that would send him to the stake if he was found guilty. He kept showing the gun to the judge and was found innocent! Read his book THE PRINCE for good political advice!

Sarah should hang in the debate as best as possible, and WALK OUT AFTER ANNOUNCING THE BIAS AS THE REASON if the bias gets too bad. The great Black Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas showed how to handle the liberal media and congress–check our his great book MY GRANDFATHER’S SON on how he took care of this political problem.

John Bibb
#293

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:08 am, sandyb said:

Biden: Certainly! The democratic party has been trying to tell the american people that it is George Bush’s fault. I am here to tell you the One with big ears, but does not listen is our last bastion of hope.

bedje, I heard Rush say that the DNC prefers “democratic” instead of the shorter version. It bugs them.

I fixed it for ya.

That “crat” ending must sound too close to what it really is.
#294

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:09 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am, chapoutier said:

When Michelle writes a fawning book about McCain and the glorious whiteness that follows him then we can talk.

Interesting you know the content and tone of the book months before it is published.

It’s called using your imagination. Do you honestly think it’ll be anything but?

“More than fair”? I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that. I agree that MM will take Republicans to task when she disagrees on how they act on some major issues, like immigration or this bailout. But you cannot cannot cannot deny that MM is very pro-Palin and has written many things on this blog to that effect and very anti Biden, and has written many things to that effect. Which is fine. But I just want to know whether you think Malkin could run a fair debate, and if so why is what she does so very different from what Ifill has done?

I said yes to that question already. You may not agree with my reasons for it, but I did answer you.

With respect to Michelle being pro-Palin. Good on her. Palin hasn’t done anything to warrant the negative press she and her family have received. Everything Michelle has said in defense of Palin is correct. Anti-Biden… that’s interesting. Would expect a Republican to give fawning praises of Biden especially considering the things he has said? The press is in the bag for Obama and by extension – Biden. If they couldn’t find someone more neutral than Ifill what does that say about the press?

Ifill’s history speaks for itself. If you don’t think Michelle would be a neutral moderator that’s your deal. We will have to agree to disagree.
#295

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:09 am, txvet2 said:

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am, chapoutier said

Correct me if I’m wrong,

You’re always wrong. And you’re wrong on this, because conservatives, overwhelmingly, have principles, and one of those is fair treatment. Leftists have only one principle – the acquisition and maintenance of power, and you will do anything to advance your ends.
#296

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:09 am, Flyoverman said:

Chapoutier,

Oxymoron: Bipartisan journalist.

The whole pool is tainted. None exist.

I submit my original premise. Cancel this and all debates. It’s a pointless exercise. Journalism is DEAD.
#297

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:10 am, wighttrasch said:

I believe the Commission on Presidential Debates, who choose the moderators, is bi-partisan.

Well, then, either the Commission is not ‘bipartisan’, or they are liars, or Ifill lied to them…
#298

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am, chapoutier said:

You’re always wrong. And you’re wrong on this, because conservatives, overwhelmingly, have principles, and one of those is fair treatment. Leftists have only one principle – the acquisition and maintenance of power, and you will do anything to advance your ends.

Do you care to keep blathering idiocies or support or refute my statement?

Actually, don’t bother because I know I am right about it.
#299

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am, RedDog said:

On October 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am, MrOlympia said:
For a Republican to get elected on the national stage is like climbing Mt. Everest.

Olympia: I agree totally. And as Triumph The Insult Comic Dog once said to Jennifer Lopez: “For a dog, smelling your butt is like climbing Mount Everest.” She was not amused. But if Gwen Ifil smelled Barak’s butt during the debate, I would be amused.
#300

On October 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am, committed said:

#230 Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Commission on Presidential Debates, who choose the moderators, is bi-partisan.

Caroline Kennedy, who has come out in support of Obama and was on Obama’s VP selection committee, sits on the Commission Board.