Guardian: The dumbest debate in America?

[BeyondGeography]

What is it about Philadelphia? The city last month hosted one of the most impressive moments of the presidential campaign to date: Barack Obama's forthright speech on race. But last night, the very same venue - the National Constitution Centre - witnessed one of the worst events: the dismal ABC News debate between the Democratic candidates.

The contrast could hardly have been starker. Obama's March 18 speech was sophisticated, honest and, above all, respectful of the intelligence of his audience. Last night's debate - or, more specifically, the performance of its moderators, Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos - was by turns superficial and disingenuous.

The trouble started early. Gibson began with an utterly fatuous inquiry about whether each candidate would pledge to ask the other to be their vice-presidential nominee if they won, and agree to accept the veep slot if they lost. Tired questions about the Jeremiah Wright affair and Obama's remarks regarding voters in Midwestern states who "cling" to religion and social issues followed.

About half the time set aside for the debate had elapsed - and seven flimsy or already-exhausted issues had been raised - before the first serious question of the night, about troop withdrawals from Iraq, was asked.

The relentless triviality was only one problem, however. The more serious failing was the willingness of Gibson and Stephanopoulos to volunteer as water-carriers for a conservative attack machine that, fearful of Obama's crossover appeal, is already working overtime to tarnish his reputation...

...Stephanopoulos and Gibson deserve every bit of opprobrium being thrown their way. They delivered a noxious blend of smear, innuendo and diversion.

But it looks like the same old political junk food no longer satisfies an electorate hungry for real change.

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/niall_stanage/2008/04/the_dumbest_debate_in_america.html

[Warpy]

1. Gibson is one of the worst out there

and should have been retired years ago. I didn't bother tuning in to the "debate" last night because of what I was reading about it from east coast folks on various message boards. In a season marred by superficiality with no emphasis at all on the issues the voters find important, this one had to be the absolute nadir of debates.

However, I know the actual presidential debates are yet to come. I shudder to think about what the soft, squishy right wing media hacks are going to do to those. I wish the LWV would take them over again. At least they provided real moderators.

[roguevalley]

8. he was booed at the end.

[yellerpup]

2. Good article.

How nice it would be to see both questioners furloughed for a space and let them see how much they are missed by the viewers. Inanity substituting for substance. I wouldn't miss either one.

[Preston120]

3. I Agree 100% Maybe we should furlough ABC news also!

[yellerpup]

4. I'd turn them off if I ever turned them on.

I miss Dan Rather.

[balantz]

5. These words are most important:

"The more serious failing was the willingness of Gibson and Stephanopoulos to volunteer as water-carriers for a conservative attack machine..."

The corporate-elite are running this show and their M$M will be choosing the oligarchy's next POTUS.

What's a real jaw-dropper is that they push their products during the commercial breaks...and America is buying!

:rofl:

[stillcool]

7. someone yesterday posted..

a list of the companies/products that advertised with their local ABC affiliate. I was surprised to find that I don't buy from any of them. I've had ABC blocked since the "Path to War" Docu-'drama'. Maybe that's why I don't dye my hair?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5542368&mesg_id=5542368

[balantz]

11. I don't buy any of them either.

I don't buy much of anything being basically poor and organic in diet.

[crispini]

6. Thoughts on my petition?

Petition to Restore the League of Women Voters as the Hosts of the Presidential Debates

To: The League of Women Voters
Democratic Presidential Candidates and their Campaign Staff
Republican Presidential Candidates and their Campaign Staff
Commission on Presidential Debates

We, the undersigned, through this letter, request that you return complete control of the American Presidential debates to the League of Women Voters, and abolish the Commission on Presidential Debates.

The CPD debates have been called “news conferences” and “a reckless endangerment of Democracy.” Furthermore, the most recent Democratic Primary debate on ABC has completely exposed the modern American debate as a travesty and a sham.

The debates must be administered by an impartial, non-profit, citizen-friendly organization. The League of Women Voters is that organization.

Signed,

--- What do you think I should add to this? Suggestions, etc?

[Uncle Joe]

9. That was a pathetically obvious attempt by Gibson and Stephanopolous to manipulate

the American People through their own form of corporate media brain washing instead of enlightening them.

In this day and age of so many pressing critical issues, ie: the economy, the environment, the health care crisis, the erosion of civil rights and trashing of the Constitution, etc. etc. needing the full attention of the American People, I found this exercise by ABC to be a disgrace. Seriously! flag lapel pins, the perception of whether the people are bitter or not!

What came through to me was the total disconnect of the moderators from reality, in truth I believe their biggest concern was whether people making well over a hundred thousand and probably closer to two hundred thousand would have a tax increase. The moderators seemed intent on doing their best to blur both candidates well stated intentions on this issue in order to hurt their chances in the general election. In the final analysis, I believe the American People are waking up and the entity that took the biggest hit last night regarding credibility and integrity was ABC.

Thanks for the thread, BeyondGeography.

[BeyondGeography]

12. My pleasure

You don't wind up invading the wrong country without the help of a bullshit-minded media. Anytime they get outed it's a potentially good day for democracy.

[Cronopio]

10. Well said, Obama.

"The notion that ... me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was eight years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense, George," the Illinois senator noted dryly."

That's the new American media morality: Whatever sticks, works. (Unless, of course, it's the other guy trying to stick it to you. Then it's evil.)

I have many qualms with Obama's ideas, but I applaud how he's resisted swinging negative even when going negative would probably gain him a few quick (and temporary) points in the polls. Whether that's just a campaign tactic or not, it's the right response and message.