"Uh oh, the crowd is turning on me..."
By Nicole Belle Wednesday Apr 16, 2008 9:10am
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Charlie, you should be happy that all they did was boo you...last night's debate was an embarrassment to the American electorate on so many levels. It doesn't matter which candidate you are supporting, the determined non-substance of the debate is an affront. Will Bunch:
It's hard to know where to begin with this, less than an hour after you signed off from your Democratic presidential debate here in my hometown of Philadelphia, a televised train wreck that my friend and colleague Greg Mitchell has already called, quite accurately, "a shameful night for the U.S. media." It's hard because -- like many other Americans -- I am still angry at what I just witnesses, so angry that it's hard to even type accurately because my hands are shaking. Look, I know that "media criticism" -- especially when it's one journalist speaking to another -- tends to be a genteel, colleagial thing, but there's no genteel way to say this.
With your performance tonight -- your focus on issues that were at best trivial wastes of valuable airtime and at worst restatements of right-wing falsehoods, punctuated by inane "issue" questions that in no way resembled the real world concerns of American voters -- you disgraced my profession of journalism, and, by association, me and a lot of hard-working colleagues who do still try to ferret out the truth, rather than worry about who can give us the best deal on our capital gains taxes. But it's even worse than that. By so badly botching arguably the most critical debate of such an important election, in a time of both war and economic misery, you disgraced the American voters, and in fact even disgraced democracy itself. Indeed, if I were a citizen of one of those nations where America is seeking to "export democracy," and I had watched the debate, I probably would have said, "no thank you." Because that was no way to promote democracy.
Be glad I didn't quote Tom Shales; to call him appalled might just be an understatement.
And worse yet, what was George Stephanopoulos doing taking marching orders from Sean Hannity? Are you kidding me? After that performance, I'm ready to start a petition that all future debates be moderated by the League of Women Voters again. It's clear the media is in collusion to distract us with non-issues.
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This was the worst debate ever! I surprised that they didn't throw tomatoes at them, they should have. This was not a debate it was an attack on all sides with no substance. Shameful on both of them and the network of course this is the same network that blames 9-11 on President Clinton.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Last night was a right wing wet dream, way to go ABC mother foes
Disappointing.
i'd like to suggest that a blogswarm/whatever be done to appeal to the league of women voters to take control of the presidential debates, once the democratic candidate is determined.
this has to be a concerted effort to make these assholes aware of how profounding disgusted and insulted the electorate is at the behavior of these millionaire media puppets.
Two professional nitwits who owe the entire nation those two hours back. MTV could had done a better job.
uh, profoundly.
preview is your friend....
Charlie, you should be happy that all they did was boo you . . .
I'll say.
Ironic that the Weather Underground was brought up out of nowhere.
If the Weathermen were still active, ABC's facilities would consist smoking, empty lots.
Not to mention AEI, Heritage, Fox . . .
Any chance of insisting on these two clowns (George and Charlie) be asked why they conducted this at such a meaningless level. Do the negative statements about the debate even bother them? Will it force change in the media?
I expect the worst from the press - but the candidates should not respond by agreeing with almost all of the right-wing premises behind the questions!
Once again, the candidates demonstrate that they have no backbone.
Who put the Disney Corporation (ABC) in charge of this political debate? Disney is little better than Fox News, for example hundreds of ABC radio stations spew Rush Limbaugh.
Who would ever guess that they would attempt to make both Democrats look as bad as possible with crappy, irrelevant questions?
Future debates should be removed from corporate media's hands. They are too important.
Yes to the League of Women's voters. Let's get serious America.
The conduct of that debate was an insult to American voters!
If they thought the Britney followers were going to be their audience, they were wrong.
Like I said it was an insult to all of us.
This was a debate? When was the definition of debate changed to "wank?" And what is this BS about the flipping Weather Underground? When the Weathermen were disintegrating, Obama would have been what...15 years old? Christ on a cracker.
Tonight's Pajamas Media debate brought to you by Pay No Attention to the issues that concern you America. Just keep consuming! It's your patriotic duty!
SHAME ON YOU FOX NEWS.
I'll quote Tom Shales!
Just in case anyone was wondering.
If I wasn't bitter before the debate, I sure as hell am bitter now.
"It’s clear the media is in collusion to distract us from non-issues"
That's quite a statement...If true, how can you trust the media to accurately report other events like 9/11, for example? Hhhhhhhmmmmm ???
Left&Left @ 5:
Boxers or Briefs would have been a less shameful question
That was pathetic, the issues ie. are the dollar, inflation, the war and the constition (whats left) Shame on abc!
Maybe there is some good to come from this. The voters who don't have Cable or Satellite tv now can see how bad the media is in our political process.
This "debate" was a blatantly partisan event run by two hacks that had all the class of carnival barkers. They spent 63 minutes focusing on tabloid trash issues such as Wright and bittergate and neo-Mc Carthyite trivia such as lapel pins. Small wonder Charlie commented that he was losing the audience, because he was. And good on the crowd to boo these incompetent fools and their circus freak show performance.
The ABC website currently has over 12,700 comments on this misadventure which are running about 1000 to 1 against them. The comments by the posters are basically the same--blasting Gibson and Steffy as incompetent, slanted, trash talking tabloid purveyors, etc. I hope ABC gets the message and realizes that public sentiment is overwhelmingly against them and they better get their money off the Neocon pony they bet on---NOW.
ABC and Fox, two peas in a pod.
To paraphrase Rene Zellwigers character in Jerry Maguire "you lost me at good evening".
Babushka Blue @ 15:
Me too! I'm mad as hell! How dare the media treat us as though we are nothing more than National Enquirer readers. Jesus, George Steponopolus (fu*k it if the spelling wrong) should be fired today.
Those were Boourns...Boourns...
For what it's worth, I submitted this to the ABC news contact us page this morning:
Your "debate" on 4/15/08 was a new low in TV broadcasting. Everyone involved in that sham should be sent back to junior college for a remedial course in broadcast journalism. The only positive thing I came away with after sitting through the first 45 minutes of that tripe was the confirmation that my decision 24 months ago to not watch ABC for informational news was spot on. You clowns should stick to doing stories about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Anything bigger is out of your league.
George Stuff-an-apple-up-your-ass.
He's Hannity's trained monkey.
Glibson is just a doltish tool.
-GSD
"It’s clear the media is in collusion to distract us from non-issues."
Don't you mean "distract us WITH non-issues"? Non-issues are used to distract us from the real issues.
Nicole: Yup, you're right. That will teach me to blog at 2 in the morning.
When you allow Hannity to script your questions, you might as well throw in your journalism towel. What they did was let Fox news question the candidates by proxy.
Not having television and thus not having watched, I'd like to ask C&L, or some helpful commenter, to list as many of the sponsors of this as possible. They need to be added to my boycott list. Thank you. I encourage anyone reading to please consider canceling your cable/satellite subscription. It's been 5 years for me and my stress level has gone down, and I think my I.Q. has gone up (kidding). If either candidate had real courage, they'd issue a statement blasting this charade, and spelling out how deeply the media has failed the people it is Constitutionally intended to serve. You think freedom of the press is in the First Amendment so that this can happen?
I know I posted this on an earlier article - but in case you missed that one, it's worth repeating for the info:
Outraged over abc “news” Stephanopoulos and Gibson’s pitiful performance last night?
Call, write, email and FAX them:
Call the Switch Board: 212-456-7777 and Ask for the Voicemail of George Stephanopoulos Directly.
Also: dial 818-460-7477 press 2 then 6 then 639
ABC NEW YORK NEWSROOM:
(212) 456-5100 newsradio@abc.com Newsroom Fax Machine 212.456.5150
Peter Salinger: (THE MAN IN CHARGE OF ELECTION COVERAGE) Director, Special Events & Sports:
212.456.5105 peter.salinger@abc.com
Cristi Landes: Manager, Programming
212.456.5107 cristi.d.landes@abc.com
Wayne Fisk Director, Programming
212.456.5327 wayne.fisk@abc.com
Jeff Fitzgerald Executive Director, Operations
212.456.5554 jeffrey.t.fitzgerald@abc.com
Heidi Oringer Executive Director, Entertainment
212.456.5541 heidi.b.oringer@abc.com
Jon Newman News Coverage
212.456.5100 jonathan.m.newman@abc.com
Joyce Alcantara Assignment Manager
212.456.5106 joyce.a.alcantara@abc.com
Jim Kane Deputy D.C. Bureau Chief
212.222. 6604 james.f.kane@abc.com
Andrew Kalb Executive Director, Programming
05.567.2269 andrew.l.kalb@abc.com
Robert Garcia Executive Director, News & Sports
212.456.5103 robert.garcia@abc.com
And BTW - DNFTT
If Senator Obama is too frail to take some tough questions at a debate (which he finally got!), then he's too frail to be President. Hillary is plenty tough and can do the job. We need someone strong to take over to undo all the things the current administration has screwed up and go forward with honor.
Hillary '08
The Old-guard Media has shown time and again that when it hosts a debate that debate will be as vapid or worse as the OM's typical coverage of the campaign. The lesson from this is that in the future the candidate should avoid all debates—not merely those run by Faux News—moderated by members of the OM. While a debate "moderated" by Faux News would certainly have been worse—though does seem to stretch the imagination to imagine how—this debate was a travesty.
The OM regularly gets to ask questions of the candidates and typically wastes those opportunities to shed light on the campaigns. For that reason they have no further need to question the candidates. What we need are neutral but engaged moderation and an objective committee to select relevant questions to the candidates.
These debates fall squarely under the rule of fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice—or more—shame on me!
I did not see this debate last night, but the booing reminded me of a Leafs/Redwings game I saw a long time ago. John Brophy was coach of the Leafs. The game was so bad, the Toronto fans were throwing souvenirs on the ice; they had clearly had enough.
Sigh. If only that had led to real change.
.
.
Same with the debate.
Insignificance @ 31:
Do you really value "toughness" over values, conviction, and where someone stands on important issues?
They should have had brick-a-bats dropped on them
From low flying bats with the runs dumping overhead.
If either candidate complains they will be accused of whining. Personally it looked like three against one last night. The moderators were happy to bring up the accusations against Obama and Hillary was happy to sing along with the moderators tune.
Insignificance @ 31:
As in "Strong Leadership"
Recycled Bush Shit
gemHusseinpei @ 27:
No sweat. You're doing a great job:)
Obama should have said, "Look, this is exactly why I refused to wear a flag pin. Because hacks like you use it to divert attention from the real world issues we need to be talking about. Oil is hitting a record high of $115 a barrel, we are actively engaged in a war on two fronts, tens of thousand of homeowners are losing their homes, and you're asking me about Flag Pins? Really? Because if that is the level of questions that will be asked in this debate, I'm leaving right now. We all have better things to do." And then walked out.
THAT would have clinched the nomination for him.
Insignificance @ 31:
From what I've seen, Obama held up pretty well considering the "ambush" and "sniper fire". I would like to see Hillary under the same amount of pressure... oh wait, she has been, and she just chided that she's being picked on because she's a girl and she's the front runner. I don't recall Obama playing the victim card during all this.
He could have thrown something at Gibson or Stepho during the debate and he would have won more points (votes).
"Do you love your country as much as Reverend Wright"?
Obama should have responded (stretching arms wide):
Yup. This much.
Infantile Garbage.
Insignificance @ 31:
Do you really think that debate did Hillary any favors, either?
"As a people we are saturated with the myth of American superiority. As a revolutionary people, we must take our place in the human community resolutely opposed to all expressions of arrogance."
From Prairie Fire - The political statement of the Weather Underground
Insignificance @ 31:
The questions weren't "tough", they were stale, repetitious and frankly juvenile. They had nothing to do with a presidential debate and more to do backstreet gossip.
Whenever I see an Old Glory Lapel Pin, I want to reach for a pistol.
kevinc @ 39:
Considering how shallow the media is, they would have accused him of not wanting to answer "TOUGH QUESTIONS."
remember also to call your local ACE* affiliate and explain why you will no longer be shopping at their advertisers' stores....
ACE* = arrogant condescending elitist, also known as "a Gibson"
That conversation about a little tin pin could sway our country to vote or not vote for someone for president, is one depressing fu*king thought.
Joe Scarborough and Chris Matthews talked this morning about the damn pins and their importance. Jesus, if all was right with world I could cut them a little slack, but all is not right with the world and a damned pin won't fix that.
Weren't they the news org to break the admin torture meetings? Wasn't that a-hole GIBSON THE ONE WHO REPORTED on it?
And he doesn't bring it up? LMBLOATEDAO!!!!!!
Thank you for following up on this Nicole- I got emails and phone calls from far and wide ( Asia, Indonesia, UK, Canada) about how Hideous this Debate was ( NO Journalistic Integrity - NONE). Peter Jennings MUST be rolling in his grave.
There is NO excuse, People should write & call the addresses of No.30. As Americans we should demand Better. So Many Critical Issues on the table this Election, from Illegal War to VETS dying without care or homes, to 50 million Americans without Health Insurance, and Millions Losing their homes in Foreclosure, to an Administration that has shredded Our Constitution and Tortured.
I have been watching these Since Nixon...Never have I seen such a Debacle.
I just cannot say anything more than has already been said about these asshole commentators. But I will. Lol. Stephonopolopololus should be fired. What the hell is he doing asking Hannity’s questions? Was there a question bout trade agreements with Colombia or NAFTA? The people of Pennsylvania care about their jobs. They care about the price of heating oil. And Gas. And education. What the fuck does anybody care about the Weather Underground? More than half of the people who watched and listened have no idea what he Weather Underground was. Go straight to hell George you retard!!! You failed! Failed miserably. Did you go have a shot and a brewski with Hill afterwards?
Do more of this. PS I am not a Ron Paul supporter. However I give the RP crowd credit for taking responsibiliy and confronting these MSM trolls on the streets.
Watch Gibson get confronted.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LFjPry9wJIE
ABC = Arrogance Begats Crap
biff diggerence @ 41:
Okay, you're my hero, today.
Your sarcasm is in line with my sentiments this morning. I watch MSNBC but, stopped watching their debates because, well, they were the worst...until now.
Now, at least in regards to this debate, ABC became TMZ. This was tabloid stuff, at best.
It's interesting that the article from the post brings up what a better job cable has done. I wonder why.
Remember that ABC is the network that aired the propoganda piece "road to 911".
Perhaps they feel that serving the right wing is the best way to assure their licence gets renewed.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Senator, two questions. Number one, do you think Reverend Wright loves America as much as you do?
WTF.
I'm going over to ABC.com to look for an apology.
The one bright spot here is over at the ABC News Comments board.
That news organization has been bombarded with negative comments about how horrible the moderators were. A lot of people are pissed off and letting the major media know they are fed up with it.
It's really rather breathtaking to read through the comments. Quite encouraging actually.
Isn't it a strange coincidence that those who disagree that the debate was worthless and non-beneficial have not been allowed to be published here on this website?...hmmmmm, does it seem like there is any definite censorship here?
Site Monitor~And yet, here is your post. Kind of destroys your censorship argument. Posts that are insulting to others or written for the purpose of inciting a flame war will be edited/deleted. If you post civilly, we'll leave your post up, no matter where you fall on an issue. Now we'll expect a retraction on the "censorship slur" from you. Actually, we won't, since we doubt you're big enough to admit you're wrong.
Yes, the candidates were asked questions that were difficult for them to answer...and rightfully so. They should not need someone to hold their hands, pat them on the head and tell them,"It'll be alright". They're adults, and according to their own words... very INTELLIGENT adults, supposedly more so than you and me. So, the last thing they will need is your unappreciated sympathy from the "little people".
Although they both may very well be intelligent individuals, they are trying to assume the most important, most powerful job in the whole world. And should either of them achieve that objective, you will quickly see how unimportant you and I become.
These MSM debates are always trainwrecks. What people seem most upset about with this one was that Obama was confronted with some of the bullshit that's usually reserved for Hillary. If all the trivial, gotcha, GOP talking point questions had been reserved for Hilary we wouldn't be hearing all the whining. Like it or not the MSM is going to come at the Democratic candidate with all the trivial crap that they can muster. Senator Obama gonna have to learn to deal with it or we are all going to be saluting President McCain in 2009. Sorry, Obamabots but that's just the way it is.
let's keep in mind: commercial media is not betrothed to the viewers, they are betrothed to the advertisers.
public radio, public TV and BBC feeds work well enough for me.
I guess I should count myself lucky that I did not watch but the last 20 minutes of the debate. But did anyone else notice that during the lead-ins where they recited the Bill of Rights, they felt it was satisfactory to truncate the First Amendment? I believe they only quoted as much as:
leaving out:
Perhaps someone could double-check that for me.
Talk about ways that ABC failed the American people last night. You wonder why people are so uninformed about our Constitution and our rights, and I think last night might have just been a sign of the lowered expectations; an uneducated populace is easier to rule.
At that moment, I devolved into a fit of hysterical laughter at the sad state of our affairs.
Apoligists for obama blow a gasket when it gets a bit rough for their guy; in politics, I guess it is always about whose Ox is being gored ---- but the outrage is ironic for me. A few months back Keith O conflated george bush and Sen Hillary Clinton, and went after her with a chainsaw as if she was george-dick. And no complaint from the obama dems; she must have deserved it. And long before and after the Keith conversion, Chris Mathews was at war level against both Clintons, but was relentless against Her. and just smiles from the obama fan club. So now comes last night's debate --- and the questions had to come up about obama's comments on bluecollar folk from Pennsylvania ---after all, he said that they suffered from antipathy, caused by bitterness, resulting in a clingy attitude, leaving in its wake lots of guns and religion. HAD HILLARY uttered such a statement; the world would have stopped dead in its tracks --- and calls from all quarters for her to at long last --- LEAVE THE STAGE -- 'cause she is killing the democratic party. a double standard indeed.
Profoundly Accurate @ 59:
Yes they are very intelligent. The media counts on you to be not so intelligent. The candidates are quite capable of answering intelligent questions, which we didn't see much of last night. The media thinks you are stupid and wants you to stay stupid and you are helping them.
pissed off patricia @ 36:
Yesterday before the debate, someone asked Obama his opinion on Carter's meeting with Hamas, and Obama (wisely IMHO) was critical of it. I wonder if that was not a set-up for the debate, and if Obama had answered otherwise earlier in the day, that would have been the real gotcha moment of the debate, "setting off a firestorm", "his macaca moment", "his Dean scream". Well Obama didn't bite, so they had to bring up the same old crap he has answered over and over and over again. I mention this Hamas thing because Hillary Clinton brought up Hamas at the debate, and other people in addition to you have mentioned the possibility that Clinton was in collusion with Gibson and Stephanopolis, and many have said that she wore a "chesire cat grin" whenever they were attacking Obama.
I just watched the mashup and you know what? Those bastards at ABC totally edited the tape delay.
I viewed during Mountain time, and there was no booing, and some of the questions were shortened up. In fact, the debate here ended 8 minutes before the hour, so I think there's 8 minutes of embarrasment ABC tried to save itself.
Where's the outrage over these stories/issues even being dicussed EVER on TV. Sure it was a pitiful debate, but we should really be more outraged by "news" we see on a daily basis.
You guys think you're mad now, just wait until The Warner Act re-enters the public lexicon.
Profoundly Accurate @ 59:
Tough questions about flag pins? Bogus hypotheticals? What planet are you from? All the Rev Wright "bullshit" was just confirmed this week by Gates. He just testified this week that 9/11 WAS payback for our lousy foreign policy.
... And what is never, ever, ever asked? "How will you help to bring the earth's population growth to zero?, What plan do you have to mitigate anthropogenic global warming?, When oil prices get too high because of the inevitable decline in oil production, what is your plan to meet our countries insatiable demand for energy?"
They might as well spend the entire debate talking trash anyway because the most important matters facing the human race are never brought up, ever. It's all about America right? Right.
Future generations will be able to read this "debate" by candle light and see exactly why they have to live as they do.
WoW so many hypocrites so little time .... where was all this rightous indignation when Sen. Clinton was being beat up by (the new Bill O'Reilly) Keith Olbermann....
I blame ABC for the pandering to the right, but I blame the candidates for not taking the opportunity to say, as after the "pledge" question, something along the lines of "I'm sorry George, but that is a terrifically silly question for a grown up. Bush and the Republicans have literally dug us a fiscal hole all the way to China, and you want a 'pledge' that all remedies will be on the table except that one? That is a foolish question and it is beneath you to ask it. We are in an economic and fiscal disaster, and, because Republicans like John McCain and Bush like to 'kick the can' down the road for the next generation so that they can clean up our mess, you want me to take a phony pledge? Let's get serious, George!"
Ah, that felt good!
Well, so much for the GOP talking point ...
"Obama is the media darling and is treated with kid gloves !!"
The more idiotic and irrelevant the questions are, the BETTER Obama looks as he swats them down. So keep 'em coming right-wing media, you're only burying yourself deeper in your own excrement.
As Obama continues to take the high road and refuses to get into sarcastic snipping, he continues to gain the confidence and respect of the American people.
Travis @ 34:
Seriously. Haven't we had enough "toughness" during Warpig's reign?
robyn williams @ 70:
Wow, 'the new O'Reilly'
Cheney and Bush thank you for your support.
Profoundly Accurate @ 59:
Don't feel bad try posting something pro Sen. Clinton on Huffington Post they screen worse than this site on this site they just call you names or dismiss you as a republican tool .... god forbid a Democrat be free thinking and not be for Sen. Obama....
It hurts Obama and Clinton to legitimize mental inferiors like George and Charlie. Cute little George reminds me of the Quinton Tarentino line from Pulp Fiction about guys being as bad as girls gossiping in a sewing circle. Next ABC ought to have the debates on Dancing with the Stars moderated by three jackasses holding up cards scoring each answer. Both candidates lost.
Chico Hussein @ 72:
No that's of his supporters, we won't know where the confidence and respect of the American people will be until after the November elections.
If Diebold will allow us.
yes robyn, I agree; the obama dems treat him as if he was babyjesus---
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/04/17/uh-oh-the-crowd-is-turning-on-m...
agreed. Both candidates should have given george and charlie a silent cold stare. Let them shift in their chairs as they "rephrase" the question.
Frank Dufek @ 74:
See what i mean trolls everywhere there are trolls lmfao
cmhmd @ 71:
And that's exactly why I won't vote for any of these candidates-- they don't have the balls to do that. Why? Because they know they're not gonna fix it either.
Unconventional Conventionist @ 66:
In the east, the debate finished WELL after 9pm. It was almost 9:30 in fact.
robyn williams @ 80:
I've got the jewel in my bellybutton to prove it, dah-ling.
What's up with the media? Talk about beating a dead horse!!
robyn williams @ 70:
I don't think the discussion is about who was picked on as much as how they didn't ask the important questions.
Example: Rick #69
And what is never, ever, ever asked? “How will you help to bring the earth’s population growth to zero?, What plan do you have to mitigate anthropogenic global warming?, When oil prices get too high because of the inevitable decline in oil production, what is your plan to meet our countries insatiable demand for energy?”
Travis @ 34:
Here's somebody with values, conviction, and where he stands on issues, but if he ran for office would he have won?
http://www.pcusa.org/today/archive/images/mrrogersbig.gif
They should have asked the hard-hitting questions we all want answers to.
"If the US were a ride at Disney World, which would it be and why?"
I say we're the Dumbo Ride.
The questions were right one.......too bad your guy can't take it. You clowns would attacks the mods when things don't go exactly the way you want them too, when Clinton was attacked by NBC/MSNBC/CNN it's ok but when Obama has one bad time it's toooooo much.....is that why you don't want a CBS or FOX debate cause you can't control it..... grow a pair of nuts.
Senators, if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
douglas in oklahoma @ 78:
I send him gold, frankincense and myrrh daily.
douglas in oklahoma @ 78:
Aint that what they're SUPPOSED to do ????
Kefa @ 89:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEI2UUhVEn4
ysbaddaden @ 87:
Would he take money from the Colombians in exchange for Senate votes?
Johnny @ 60:
You're right about the debates. Total bullshit. In regards to McCain, that's also BS. While the tired old man is getting his much needed rest sleeping on a hammock on the front porch, the Obama team is preparing an all out assault on McFraud's Bush ass kissing, flip flops, endless warmongering, his age, temperament, mental and physical health,etc. Hillary is a way more formidable challenger than grandpa, and she's done(hell yes, she is). These present polls on Obama v McWar don't mean shit. One on one, day after day, Obama will demolish McFraud.
ROBYN
For the record, I support neither Obama nor Clinton. I support the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Olbermann does a great job of sticking to the truth and calling people out.
Nader/Gonzalez/Idealism '08-- our votes don't count anyways!
ysbaddaden @ 90:
Senators, are your belly buttons "innies" or "outties" ?
Left&Left @ 95:
In a righteous world he would. But tell me, is this a righteous world?
douglas in oklahoma @ 63:
I have never repeated myself; but the thin-skinned nature of so many comments by the obama fan club as well as the volume --- made me, so there---
Chico Hussein @ 97:
I would, like, never vote for an outtie! They're ttly gross!
I am not a USA citizen. But I watched the debate because the result of USA election can affect millions of liefs around the world. I am not a journalist or analyst of media but I feel that I have never seen unfair treatment against Clinton although she and her media always propaganda that there is a bias media against Clinton. There are a lot of fact to contradict this claim.
You do not need to be a journalist to find the unfair treatment with Obama. I have not seen anytime or many time to question nationality and patriotism of any body except obama. I have not seen anybody question any candidate seriously about the words or the acts of their acquaintances, friends and so on repeatedly except obama. Why do they focus on these issues endlessly. Focus on his words, his planes, and his action! Shame on monster and corrupt journalists Shame on you monster networks. Lets people make their decision based on important differences and issues not tabloid ones.I felt pain in my heart watching such a cheep biased ABC show not because I am supporter of any of these politicians but because it is painful to see relative honesty and extraordinary life-story and message diminishes by looping the flag pin, doubt about his patriotism, his pastor, and his liberal listening to everybody. Isn't it shameful and painful to question your patriotism and religion over and over again when you know that there is a dirty psychological trick behind them and you cannot refuse to not answer? I asked myself?
I am so proud to live in New England and to have never seen a damn flag lapel pin.
Kefa @ 89:
Frank Dufek @ 84:
Ron @ 86:
again where was this call for relevent questions when MSNBC spent days slamming Sen. Clinton on Snipergate.... please if he can't take this what is he going to do in the General Election fold like a deck of cards or call his trolls to let them know the bullies are picking on him
That explains why the questions were so mind-numbingly stupid.
Frank Dufek @ 96:
ya sure you do lol
KO? Please. I spewed my coffee this AM when I read his coments about it being a Travesty. That's a funny thing to hear coming from the guy who along with his network has treated HRC oh-so-fairly.
The shoe was on the other foot last night and BO-Nation got the vapors. And my goodness such a lot of outrage this AM that was completely absent when some other candidate was the target of the exact same specious bullsh-t.
Get over it and quit crying foul when your uniform gets dirty.
This should be batting practice for BO and he's whiffing. It's going to get a whole lot worse in the general and he better get used to it.
I've been thinking about this debate, which I avoided thanks to comments on this and other blogs. Obama should have taken a cue from Bill Clinton when he was confronted with what seem to be absolute BS. Remember when Bill confronted Chris Wallace on Fox? Telling Chris off about the right wing hit job? Obama should do the exact same thing. Tell them he won't take their bait and focus on the real problems our country is facing.
Otay @ 104:
You mean, STUCK ON STUPID !
8)
Sarah @ 106:
Amen sister a rational voice in a sea of know it alls
douglas in oklahoma @ 99:
Trust me Doug, you don't have to repeat bullshit. We got it the first time....unfortunately.
Sarah @ 106:
Umm, he'll be running Against George W. Bush III.
a rusted 1978 Pinto station wagon can win in November against McSame.
I'd think that facing a guy taking marching orders from the right is exactly the kind of practice BO needs. Take advantage of it. If all we ever do is cry foul that the media doesn't pander to Dems we'll keep losing elections.
If you want to watch a real debate you can probably do so at your local high school when debating teams square off. What I saw last night from ABC Disney was just a button down mugging, an upscale version of the Jerry Springer Show with Obama as the designated punching bag.
Sarah @ 106:
I thought the way he handled the questions were several back to back home runs. What did he whiff?
I know we aren't supposed to be angry or hate, but I hate with a passion these pundits like Tim Russert, Chris Matthews, George Stepenopolis, Glenn Beck, Bill Orealy, Sean Hannity. I have to say I love Olberman with a passion. There is something terrirbly wrong with the US "News" Media! regards
ecotopian @ 107:
he DID say that.
You're right, you didn't watch the debate.
Ron @ 86:
The new Bill'O?
As I recall, KO has been incorrect in his reporting twice, subsequently making himself get the bronze award for WPitW award, and apologizing for it.
Bill'O spews shitloads of crap and lies all over the place, and blames everyone else if he is taken to task for it.
that was the most pathetic use of the public airwaves that I have ever seen... Dedicating nearly an hour to media created issues that have absolutely no bearing on my or my family's life was appalling at best. It was a fraudulent attempt at moderate journalism, and they should both be ashamed of themselves.
Personally, I'll never watch another ABC news program... so let's see, that means I can't watch ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, HN, FAUX NEWS, OR MSNBC... except sometimes I watch Keith a little - although he's pissing me off by never taking on a guest with a counter position.
I guess that means I should just sell my television and cancel my cable service.
I am NOT surprised that last night's fiasco was clearly biased towards Hillary. Remember the Likudniks DO control the media who believe Hillary NOT Obama will be good for Israel, hence the bias. AIPAC has its tentacles all over the media and Congress and Hillary has accepted HUGE bribes from AIPAC.There is so much corruption in this country, but this is not news. Since when do we have a democracy if we have no constitution anymore anyway? Get used to it. Remember Israel will ALWAYS win. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS. It has consolidated its power and we goyim are too weak. Whining doesn't help.
Chico Hussein @ 111:
What a smart intelligent answer but he won't be running against a pinto he'll be running against the Republican Political Machine and he better grow a set of balls or move out of the way and let Sen. Clinton (who has a brass set) take them on
So the "internets" don't like that BO was dull because of the questions? Any candidate who wants to win in November should have handled those questions. It's not about the media because we've known them to be one sided, but to blame the media for how bad BO sounded is stupid. When facing questions that he should have a lucid answer, he just rambles with nonsense.
I didn't see the debate and I'm sure my TV thanks Me for it. If I had it would be a smoldering pile on my front lawn. I feel compassion for those that watched.
Insignificance @ 31:
Insignificance. Perfect moniker for your comment. Obama 08
Oh GAWD! This is turning into another Obama/Clinton pigpile,sandbox,clod throwing,infantile thread. Ugh.
dmhlt @ 30:
Don't be afraid or apologetic about repeating these names and contacts, because I don't know what the other options are for the disgruntled and disgusted, but to keep writing to them. I honestly can't remember if the across the board media has ever been this transparently bad. Please remind me if it's been as weak in the past. It seems to me that ALL the "newsreaders" and moderators are adding personal or corporate opinions when they should be just reading.
David Hawes @ 124:
Must be an Obama supporter us Clinton supporters can handle the pile on lol
I suffered through about 20 minutes of last night's "debate".
The questions were asinine.
Hillary thinks she's the nominee.
Some of the veneer came off of BO. Mumbling, stumbling and bumbling. Not a good showing (from the small portion I watched).
Remember who (use to) own the airwaves? We the people did...and the networks were licensed under a REQUIREMENT that they serve the PUBLIC INTEREST.
The entire process of electing individuals to represent us in Washington needs to be decoupled from the media conglomerates who reap the windfall of political advertising. The simple solution is create a publicly-owned and operated debate channel, where every American with an interest in running for elected office can take the time required to make their case to the American people, at no cost. REAL debates can be organized and scheduled at local, state, and national levels. When you follow the money spent on the political process and recognize the nearly all of it gets funneled into the coffers of the media conglomerates, is it really so hard to understand why the MSM is so keen to see the Obama/Clinton death match play out to the bitter end? do the math! The day Clinton drops out, both of them stop spending media dollars.
It's just that simple. Remove the mainstream media from the political television advertising revenue, and the problem goes away. Take back your airwaves, and take the money out of the equation - entirely.
Chico Hussein @ 111:
Shouldn't that be GWB Jr.? His dad is GHWB.
You know, a lot of people seem to be missing the point of this post. Tom Shales is the only one who mentioned a bias towards one candidate or the other, and that is all some people want to focus on. Will Bunch wrote about what a shame it was that journalists spent time focusing on "issues that were at best trivial wastes of valuable airtime and at worst restatements of right-wing falsehoods, punctuated by inane “issue” questions that in no way resembled the real world concerns of American voters ".
That is what should outrage people. Not "my candidate has bigger balls than yours when it comes to flag pins". The questions were stupid and trivial. The dumbing down of American, indeed. Are we doomed to elect another president because you might like to have a beer with him? Or because his church is better than her church? Or this one wears the biggest flag pin?
I'm all for people having a candidate and giving said candidate your full support. However, when it causes you to be unable to read and critically think about an issue, then you are just blind.
Seriously, soulless neobots:
keep coming after Obama with the same old chickenshit, right-wing tactics and keep watching his poll numbers rise.
I can't wait to see Barry hand McDodderer his head in the debates. Not that the greater part of the 'Murkan public will see them, esp. if the debates conflict with Rock of Love 3, but it will be fun for me.
Chico Hussein @ 116:
Nice to know because from the tenor of these comments, it didn't sound as though he did. It sounded like a three way hit job. My advice is to let those of us who either missed or skipped it that he did fight back instead of being insulting.
Fanon @ 129:
Well said.
I don't waste any of my time watching these "debates", and depend on the reporting of those who do watch so that I don't have to. The comments about last night's event that I had been reading provoked questions: What happened to the League of Women Voters? Why are the "debates" now the province of the broadcast infotainment companies? Your post affirms my concern about this.
What did I miss? Can anyone explain what happened to the LWV involvement?
Fanon @ 130:
Fanon
Some of us are not missing the point, some of us actually care who and what our candidate are as a whole. It is important to at least me that who Sen Obama surrounds himself with people who either spew hatred for our country or display extreme militant behavior it becomes a legitimite question of judgement and guess what I have that right to do so. So all this whining about how mean the questions were some of us wanted to here his answer.
Chico Hussein @ 115:
I forgot to add that I was speaking of questions from all reporters, not just this debate. This will continue. The right wing noise machine will see to that. And he needs to keep countering it.
"It’s clear the media is in collusion to distract us with non-issues."
Yup, yup...This why I do not look at any of the news and entertainment garbage the major networks pumps out. Our country, as we know it is literally coming apart at the seams and slowly crumbling around us. On every level imaginable. Governmentally, socially and physically. It's no accident, it's intentional. All designed as means to an end. Has anyone actually heard the Presidential Candidates really address such issues as torture, the Patriot Act, the suspension of Habeas Corpus and the daily intrusions into our privacy, not to mention the fact that Constitutional Law and the Rule of Law in general is circumvented on a regular basis? The only good thing about the upcoming election (if we actually have one) is that our country will be rid of the current criminals who now occupy the White House. What concerns me is, are they just going to be replaced with a new gang of criminals? It's all an act. We as a People are being manipulated by the Government with the help of the media. The upcoming elections are merely an expensive exercise in futility designed to fortify the on-going illusion that the United States is still a democracy.
Missed the debate last night, but watched clips, read the ABC comments and reviews... For whatever it's worth left ABC this comment:
BOYCOTT ABC.
1,400,000 Obama supporters together could do alot.
robyn williams @ 125:
Wow. How clever. As most people know here I don't support any of the candidates. Your response makes my point. Thank You. BTW,you sound like a sports fan who refers to his team as 'us' or 'we' as if You were actually part of the team.
What's the crowd turning into
Loaves and fishes
Or Beer and Nachoes?
Seriously, Schnooks and Whiners would be a better name. It captures the spirit of the comments. Mine included.
Rusty Shackleford @ 128:
I was referring more to a THIRD George Dumbya Bush term.
sorry man, I'm Mexican and I steel lurnin yor langwich.
robyn williams @ 134:
Explain the surrounds himself with people analogy. I have never seen where he surrounds himself with these people. How many people does a politician meet and/or have contact with. It hardly suggests that he surrounds himself with those 2 people.
David Hawes @ 139:
Thank you for the pyscoanalysts i will be waiting for your bill in the mail ....troll
105 Sarah
Here ya go with a slight respelling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r5MBBRRn1Y
robyn williams @ 144:
I'm a troll?! Puleeze grow up.
I watched the first hour and a half of this debate and had to turn it off due to overwhelming sadness. Not only did the moderators fail to ask relevant questions about the war in Iraq and global warming they diverted our attention to trivia and mud slinging. Hillary seemed to enjoy the debate immensely; she was in her element. This debate reminded of how we came to invade Iraq in the first place; a thoroughly corrupt mainstream media.
douglas in oklahoma @ 63:
Douglas, I 100% agree with you. As for Hillary killing the democratic party -I'd say the likes of Olbermann, who night after night spews anti-Clinton propaganda, is one of the biggest killers of the democratic party. How you can unify the party after his nightly rants, I don't know. The final death blow will be when Dean, Pelosi and Obama decide that the voters in Michigan and Florida aren't worthy of having their votes count.
ABC News' Hatchet Job On Obama and the American Voters
http://bigdanblogger.blogspot.com/2008/04/big-dans-big-news-apr-17-2008....
David Hawes @ 146:
you guys here can dish it out but you can't take it ..... leave the politics to the grown ups ..... now play nice children
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