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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

brooklynite

(93,880 posts)
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:37 AM Jun 2019

NBC announces five moderators for first Democratic debate

NBC News

NBC announced on Tuesday the five moderators for the first Democratic presidential primary debate, set for later this month.

Savannah Guthrie, Lester Holt, Chuck Todd, Rachel Maddow and José Diaz-Balart will moderate the debate, which will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami over two nights on June 26-27.

The debate, which is sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee, will air live across NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo from 9 to 11 p.m. ET each night.
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
34 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
NBC announces five moderators for first Democratic debate (Original Post) brooklynite Jun 2019 OP
Chuck Todd? Nah. marble falls Jun 2019 #1
I avoid ever seeing or listening to Chuck katmondoo Jun 2019 #8
Chuck is going to a sad puppy,,,, Cryptoad Jun 2019 #18
Chuck Todd's a pro at smearing Democrats, especially Hortensis Jun 2019 #23
I agree with you Hortensis, and for that reason I think it is a good thing he is one of the still_one Jun 2019 #27
Might as well agree. The League of Women Voters wouldn't allow Hortensis Jun 2019 #28
I don't think the League of Women Voters has been involved in debates for some time. Nt Fiendish Thingy Jun 2019 #30
correct, they have not sponsored POTUS debates for 35 years, 1984 was their last cycle Celerity Jun 2019 #34
I KNEW IT! Can't Stomach Todd. n/t Brainstormy Jun 2019 #26
I guess Chuck... Mike Nelson Jun 2019 #2
You had me at Joy Reid. marble falls Jun 2019 #21
I'd love to see all three of them! Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #32
I could live without Chuck Todd's "look at me" questions. madaboutharry Jun 2019 #3
And he is Captain 👨‍✈️ Obvious. No original thinking. Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #5
I try but I'm just not a Savannah Guthrie fan. She's fine for this, but I wish Nicole Wallace, hlthe2b Jun 2019 #4
Rachel and Ari Melber would be awesome moderators. Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #6
Yes. Ari, when he is being a "straight up" interviewer (& not looking to interject a rap reference) hlthe2b Jun 2019 #7
100% agree. The rap fixation is WAY too inside baseball. Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #9
Both of them would be excellent! Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #33
I quit watching Rachel Maddow's show left-of-center2012 Jun 2019 #10
That's when she actually does the show she prepared; more often, breaking news throws that out hlthe2b Jun 2019 #11
I know she's smart left-of-center2012 Jun 2019 #14
Agree. She helped get me through bush years. But, Jeez, get to the point and don't hawk "bombshells" Hoyt Jun 2019 #12
She's getting pressure to do so by the higher ups, I'd bet $$ hlthe2b Jun 2019 #13
Same here. I think she's terrific, but adopting that slow drip drama style is not watcher-friendly. JudyM Jun 2019 #15
I think its just we have gotten used to it.. so maybe time to change up Peacetrain Jun 2019 #17
I agree that a little drama can draw viewers in, which is key, but dragging it out like she does can JudyM Jun 2019 #22
I love her in depth reporting; it gives context and background Fiendish Thingy Jun 2019 #31
We call it being "Racheled" TNNurse Jun 2019 #16
I love Rachel! Cryptoad Jun 2019 #19
It takes a village frazzled Jun 2019 #20
Todd lol Takket Jun 2019 #24
I do not envy those moderators.. that is a lot of people to cover.. Peacetrain Jun 2019 #25
WTF, I thought Lester Holt was a Republican? rogue emissary Jun 2019 #29
 

katmondoo

(6,454 posts)
8. I avoid ever seeing or listening to Chuck
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:01 AM
Jun 2019

I always want to slap him to wipe the arrogant look from his face.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Cryptoad

(8,254 posts)
18. Chuck is going to a sad puppy,,,,
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:55 AM
Jun 2019

without his side kick, Steve kornaky there with him. Both of them must be some person or power at NBC son -n - law!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
23. Chuck Todd's a pro at smearing Democrats, especially
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:10 AM
Jun 2019

his false equivalence with the worst of Republicans and their actions. A favorite tactic.

Speaking of, the other day George Will dismissed Trump and the Democratic candidates as all the same. Trumpster level "intellectually," but slipped smoothly enough in with a string of the same sort of thing. Probably came a list of smears to check off as delivered.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

still_one

(91,966 posts)
27. I agree with you Hortensis, and for that reason I think it is a good thing he is one of the
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 11:00 AM
Jun 2019

moderators. It may help show us how our candidates respond under fire. I think that is a good thing, even if the questions are hostile, or unreasonable


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
28. Might as well agree. The League of Women Voters wouldn't allow
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 11:10 AM
Jun 2019

dishonest moderation with partisan agendas, and that is the way it should be. But debates have been long corrupted also, and with the nation bombarded with lies in a giant battle, too many viewers are naturally going to have questions raised by them.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Fiendish Thingy

(15,371 posts)
30. I don't think the League of Women Voters has been involved in debates for some time. Nt
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 01:03 PM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Celerity

(42,674 posts)
34. correct, they have not sponsored POTUS debates for 35 years, 1984 was their last cycle
Wed Jun 12, 2019, 02:19 AM
Jun 2019

and they were not involved with running primary debates anyway.

https://www.lwv.org/league-women-voters-and-candidate-debates-changing-relationship

snip

In 1987 the parties announced the creation of the Commission on Presidential Debates. The Commission chose LWVEF to sponsor the last presidential debate of 1988, but placed so many rules and restrictions on the possible format of the debate that the LWVEF was finally unable to agree to participate. In a press release at the time, Nancy Neuman, then LWVUS President, stated that the League had “no intention of becoming an accessory to the hoodwinking of the American public.”

The nonprofit Commission on Presidential Debates sponsored all the presidential debates since 1988 (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012).

However, the League continues to directly ask the candidates questions through our online election source www.VOTE411.org. VOTE411.org provides information on how to watch debates with a critical eye, information on candidates, contact information for your election elections officials and much more. VOTE411.org not only provides information on the presidential candidates, but also on all candidates running for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, gubernatorial offices, and state legislative offices in specific communities across the country.

State and local Leagues across the country continue to host debates for candidates running at all other levels of government, from U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to statewide offices, to city government and everything in between. The grassroots nature of the League enables us to engage communities in the process by hosting debates and other election activities.

snip



Democratic Party presidential debates

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_presidential_debates#1984

Since 1983, the Democratic Party of the United States holds a few debates between candidates for the Democratic nomination in presidential elections during the primary election season. Unlike debates between party-nominated candidates, which have been organized by the bi-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates since 1988, debates between candidates for party nomination are organized by mass media outlets.

Party presidential debates are typically not held when an incumbent president is running for a second term.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Brainstormy

(2,380 posts)
26. I KNEW IT! Can't Stomach Todd. n/t
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:49 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Mike Nelson

(9,903 posts)
2. I guess Chuck...
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:42 AM
Jun 2019

Todd is a given... but I'd rather see Joy Reid, Lawrence O'Donnell, Nicolle Wallace, or someone else..

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

marble falls

(56,371 posts)
21. You had me at Joy Reid.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:01 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Rhiannon12866

(203,041 posts)
32. I'd love to see all three of them!
Wed Jun 12, 2019, 12:50 AM
Jun 2019

And lose Savannah Guthrie since The Today Show has morphed into less news and more "infotainment."

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

madaboutharry

(40,153 posts)
3. I could live without Chuck Todd's "look at me" questions.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:49 AM
Jun 2019

He always seems to have to make it about himself.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
5. And he is Captain 👨‍✈️ Obvious. No original thinking.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:51 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
4. I try but I'm just not a Savannah Guthrie fan. She's fine for this, but I wish Nicole Wallace,
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:50 AM
Jun 2019

Joy Reid, Lawrence O'Donnell or Ali Velshi had gotten the nod.

And, of course, it goes without saying that Chuck Toad is not a fav of mine either.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
6. Rachel and Ari Melber would be awesome moderators.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:52 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
7. Yes. Ari, when he is being a "straight up" interviewer (& not looking to interject a rap reference)
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 08:58 AM
Jun 2019

is very good. The latter disruptive pattern has gotten too frequent, however.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
9. 100% agree. The rap fixation is WAY too inside baseball.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:01 AM
Jun 2019

Viewers don’t care what kind of music he likes.
Otherwise, he is very smart and a good interviewer.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Rhiannon12866

(203,041 posts)
33. Both of them would be excellent!
Wed Jun 12, 2019, 12:52 AM
Jun 2019

Smart and informed!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
10. I quit watching Rachel Maddow's show
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:04 AM
Jun 2019

It takes her forever to make her point,
then she goes to a commercial,
and gets to the point upon returning.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
11. That's when she actually does the show she prepared; more often, breaking news throws that out
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:07 AM
Jun 2019

and her show becomes very focused and time efficient. She's at her best when that happens, I think. She's very smart but prone to "overthinking" I believe.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
14. I know she's smart
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:22 AM
Jun 2019

But I need her to 'dumb it down' a bit for me.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
12. Agree. She helped get me through bush years. But, Jeez, get to the point and don't hawk "bombshells"
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:15 AM
Jun 2019

that aren't even close.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
13. She's getting pressure to do so by the higher ups, I'd bet $$
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:17 AM
Jun 2019

Her high ratings are a money maker and they expect her to maintain.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

JudyM

(29,122 posts)
15. Same here. I think she's terrific, but adopting that slow drip drama style is not watcher-friendly.
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:31 AM
Jun 2019
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
17. I think its just we have gotten used to it.. so maybe time to change up
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:38 AM
Jun 2019

the approach.. or do more of a mix.. I love love love Rachael.. but everything gets stale if it is used too much.. and she is such a good way of getting all the infor out, I would hate if she dropped the approach completely..

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

JudyM

(29,122 posts)
22. I agree that a little drama can draw viewers in, which is key, but dragging it out like she does can
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:05 AM
Jun 2019

be off putting, especially when there’s so much else to be doing at home instead of tv...

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Fiendish Thingy

(15,371 posts)
31. I love her in depth reporting; it gives context and background
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 01:09 PM
Jun 2019

Rather than just sound bites and buzz words to further a narrative. The fact that MSNBC gives her 25-30 minutes before the first commercial is amazing.

Rachel doesn't just inform her viewers, she educates them.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

TNNurse

(6,911 posts)
16. We call it being "Racheled"
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 09:35 AM
Jun 2019

she sucks you in to watch until the end.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

frazzled

(18,402 posts)
20. It takes a village
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:00 AM
Jun 2019

I guess, to moderate this many candidates.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Takket

(21,425 posts)
24. Todd lol
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:18 AM
Jun 2019

Let’s go to chuck Todd for our first question.

“Thanks. My question is for Elizabeth Warren. America wants to discuss the issues, so my question is about Pocahontas. How does it make you feel when drumpf calls you that?”

“well it is very immature but let’s talk about healthcare for America...”

Todd: “OMG!!! She called the president immature!!! BOTH SIDES! BOTH SIDES!!! Why won’t the Democrats talk about issues instead of just bashing drumpf? THEY HAVE NO PLAN!!!”

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Peacetrain

(22,836 posts)
25. I do not envy those moderators.. that is a lot of people to cover..
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 10:25 AM
Jun 2019

My guess at this point, because the chattering classes have been wrong about Biden so far.. .. but I bet you a buck that VP Biden will be handling incoming from all sides .. those on stage and those moderating..

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

rogue emissary

(3,147 posts)
29. WTF, I thought Lester Holt was a Republican?
Tue Jun 11, 2019, 12:20 PM
Jun 2019

What the hell is he doing moderating a Democratic debate.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
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