Who Gets to Ask the Tough Questions? Presidential Debate Moderators Chosen
EmailABC News’ John Santucci Reports: When the candidates take the stage this fall for the traditional presidential debates, they will be greeted by familiar faces.
The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced Tuesday the moderators for three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.
The first debate, from University of Mississippi, focusing on domestic policy will be moderated by Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS. Moderating the Vice-Presidential Debate on October 2 will be Lehrer’s PBS colleague Gwen Ifill. The second presidential debate follows on October 7 from Belmont University, Nashville, TN with NBC’s Tom Brokaw moderating a town hall forum. Lastly, CBS’ Bob Schieffer will moderate the final debate on October 15, focusing on foreign policy from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.
Last week, Sen. Barack Obama accepted the CPD’s invitation to participate in the debates. His rival, Republican Senator of Arizona John McCain, had hoped to engage Obama once a week in town hall forums, but the Obama campaign announced that its schedule only had time for the four traditional CPD debates.
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Excellent choices. It is also good to see than none of the moderators of the PA Dem debate have been chosen. Their performance was totally unprofessional.
Posted by: dmr | August 5, 2008, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
Gwen Ifill is anything but impartial.
Posted by: fact check | August 5, 2008, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
Is this going to be a powder puff debate? Or will we get one that will do Russert proud?
I’m full up on fluff already. I’ve had tha campaign boiled out of me. I need some concrete stuff. No Bull, no lies.
GET IT?
Posted by: DAVID NH | August 5, 2008, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
ditto!
Posted by: Daunte | August 5, 2008, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
We knew it wouldn’t be Charlie & George, that’s for sure!
Posted by: Deep Release | August 5, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
I vote Hillary….
Posted by: REPUB | August 5, 2008, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
“No Bull, no lies”. If they are moving their mouths they will be spouting bull and telling lies. Remember they are both politicians and are incapable of telling the truth.
Posted by: dave r | August 5, 2008, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
CBS is the only bad apple of the bunch!
Schieffer is an old GOP plant.
That CBS guy has no integrity.
And who can forget Katie Curry splicing in correction for McCain’t lie over his war escalation/surge obsession.
The fact that PBS will handle two of the debates demonstrates American distrust of the BIAS mass media BUSINESS and their unwillingness to properly inform Americans!
Posted by: Patriot | August 5, 2008, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
Here’s my question to Obama.Do you beleive in the will of the voter? If so why after Hillary won W.V. by 41% Byrd & Rockerfeller endorse Obama,she won Okla 51-31 yet the Gov. endorsed Obama,she won Mass. yet Kerry & Kennedy endorsed Obama,she won N.M. yet Richardson endorsed Obama,she won primary in N.J. got 10 dels.Obama won cascus in Idaho and got 13 Dels.Is this fair.
Posted by: roncraw | August 5, 2008, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
ABC I am so glad you are not a part of this debate.. your last performance was Despicable!! What goes around comes around.
Posted by: Jackie | August 5, 2008, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
Response to roncraw: I’m very excited about the upcoming debates. Why don’t you hop on board the Obama train for a while? Hillary fough a good fight, but she lost the primaries. Yes, it was fair. No one has been accused of cheating in the deomcratic primaries.
Posted by: Hillary Lost | August 5, 2008, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
Gwen Ifill the obama stooge. why not Ray Suarez?
Posted by: geevill | August 5, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
I cant wait until the debate when mccains face freezes up and he looks dumbfounded remember the viagra question, Mccain is gonna be the laughing stock of those debates!!
Posted by: angie | August 5, 2008, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
Obuma will be so far back in the polls by October he will barely be able to stammer and stutter.
It boggels the mind that with all the MILLIONS he spends every DAY, he is behind or tied!!
He is so busy twisting arms and paying the SD with contribution*), too bad Hillary never gave them money or not as much as O Buma.
His arm twisting in PA is getting to the broken bones stage!
Posted by: HP Boston | August 5, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
“The Breakthrough
Politics and Race in the Age of Obama
Written by Gwen Ifill”
this book should disqualify Ifill from being a moderator
Posted by: geevill | August 5, 2008, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
The Breakthrough
The Politics and Race in the Age of Obama Written by Gwen Ifill
Category: Current Affairs – Political; History – United States – 20th Century; History – United States – 21St Century
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
On Sale: January 20, 2009
Look at this. How in the world is she allowed to moderate? Ifill has a financial interest in an Obama win.
Posted by: geevill | August 5, 2008, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
“The Breakthrough
Politics and Race in the Age of Obama
Written by Gwen Ifill”
this book should disqualify Ifill from being a moderator
Posted by: geevill | Aug 5, 2008 4:23:30 PM
—————————-
Oh my God she wrote a book!!
I guess she is qualified to be O BUMA’S
VP.
Run Gwen, RUN!!
Be chosen by the chosen ONE!
Posted by: HP Boston | August 5, 2008, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
“She offers incisive, detailed profiles of such prominent leaders as Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and U.S. Congressman Artur Davis of Alabama, and also covers up-and-coming figures from across the nation. 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”
talk about a ringer.
Posted by: geevill | August 5, 2008, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
I think PBS is the best choice but I don’t know about Gwen.
Last time Gwen interviewed Obama once.
My suggestion is Juan Williams.
Posted by: catleya | August 5, 2008, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
—roncraw–
The reason for all the endorsement from superdelegates is the millions and millions Obama passed on to the DNC to reelect those politicians. This was confirmed by both Obama people and the DNC. I heard the amount was over 20 million even before the primaries were over. Some of these delegates are not all that popular at home now.
Posted by: Martin | August 5, 2008, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
The only person that would have asked Obama the tough questions was Tim Russert. Obama refuses to do interviews with anyone that leans even slightly to the right. He only wants softball questions from friendly interviewers. Obama’s problem was that eventually he would have had to face Russert, a Democrat with integrity. How lucky for Obama that Russert passed away. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
Posted by: Lola | August 5, 2008, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm
I pay attention Obama only feels comfortable with Matt Lauer, Scooper , women interviewers especially ” the View “girls.
Posted by: catleya | August 5, 2008, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm
My suggestions:
- Billo orielly the only True Journalist)
- Shawn Hannity the only real patriot
- Rush Libaugh the only true Journalist, 20% extra than Papa Oreilly
Posted by: dark knight | August 5, 2008, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
Hillary lost: You say it was fair. Obama’s campaign came up with new racial slurs,roll the dice and fairy tale.Unbeleivable. Also she won Texas and he got more Dels,fair?
Posted by: roncraw | August 5, 2008, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
- Carl Rove
Posted by: dark knight | August 5, 2008, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
and Cheney
Posted by: dark knight | August 5, 2008, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
what’s going on wasn’t Chris Matthews, Kieth O’, or Maddow availible to give there “impartial”, “fair”, and “centrist” talent to these debates? What a joke! these debates will be,… SNL is drooling!
Posted by: Jim | August 5, 2008, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
Jim: You left out Jack Cafferty & Richard Wolff
Posted by: roncraw | August 5, 2008, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
Lola its obvious you weren’t paying attention. Obama’s already had a debate with Hillary that was moderated by Tim Russert. If i remember correct, it was Hillary who complained about getting the hard questions first, when Russert had tough questions for both candidates. I’m sick and tired of all these ridiculous accusations about Obama not being adept enough to deal with difficult questions. Yeah i would too if you damn questions like flag pins and patriotism. Just check Obama’s educational background and academic acheivements, that’s all i have to say.
Posted by: MARTIN | August 5, 2008, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
We need to know answers to many questions about Obama. How close was his relationship to communist Frank Marshall Davis when he was a teen in Hawaii (Obama’s book says very close – we need details)? How close was Obama to Marxist terrorists Ayers and Doerhn? If Obama says not close, we need an answer as to why his political career was launched in Ayer’s living room. Why did Obama decide to go to Chicago after graduating college? Was it because Davis was from Chicago originally? How did it happen that Obama became an Alinsky type community organizer in Chicago, just like Davis once was? Did Davis initiate the relationship between Obama and Ayers? All of these important questions and many others need to be answered. Why is the media ignoring them???
Posted by: Vern | August 5, 2008, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
Martin – What does academic ahievements matter in a world of affirmative action? Answer – Nothing. Obama is in his mid-forties and has no achievements whatsoever. He has never produced anything, he has never managed anything, he has no business experience, he has no military experience, he’s never even drafted a single complaint or brief as an attorney, he is as empty as an empty suit can be. The thought that someone with zero experience at anything has gotten this far in a presidential race is mindboggling. When you add in Obama’s marxist, anti-american associations, it’s downright scary. And, by the way, I was talking about a one-on-one with Russert.
Posted by: Lola | August 5, 2008, 7:20 pm 7:20 pm
roncraw | Aug 5, 2008 3:50:53 PM
Give it a rest!
Obama WON TWICE AS MANY STATES!
That means that a lot of Clinton’s super delegates from those states should be awarded to Obama, by your infantile thinking!
The ‘inevitable’ candidate ran and inefficient and BANKRUPT campaign!
The Clintons paid the price with a loss.
Get over yourself. And look to the future of the country!
Posted by: Patriot | August 5, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Lola | Aug 5, 2008 7:20:54 PM
For a highly intelligent and highly educated individual years needed to gain experience IS MUCH MUCH SHORTER!
Harvard Lawyer, Obama, graduated at the top of his class.
McCain’t graduated near the bottom of his class, and with less intellectual work load!
If you had as much intelligence as the Harvard Lawyer has in his pinkie, then you would have realized that a graduate of the top university IS A QUICK STUDY!
You and McCain’t may need generations in Washington; and you still would not be qualified to understand and run the country.
For a highly intelligent and highly educated Obama, the aptitude for running the country comes much easier, and the time to learn IS MUCH SHORTER!
In a nation of low achiever, a law degree from the top university is incomprehensible.
Posted by: Patriot | August 5, 2008, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
In addition, Lola, Barack Obama is a NATURAL BORN LEADER!
The national and international crowds attending to Obama is due to Obama’s enormous LEADERSHIP skills!
Obama’s efficient campaign is not fluke!
It is ENVY why McCain calls Obama a ‘celebrity’.
It is ignorance why McCain cannot recognize leadership when it is so naturally displayed in Obama.
Posted by: Patriot | August 5, 2008, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Patriot – Do you have any idea what it takes to be a leader?? Throngs of people coming to see you does not make a leader. If it did, then David Cassidy would have been a leader. How old are you twelve? (And, by the way, I am an attorney and I am more highly educated than the Obama. And I didn’t need affirmative action. And where did you get your facts about Obama being at the top of his class? I want to see proof of that.)
Posted by: Lola | August 5, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
patriot Your just like lmost Obama supporters, most of you think you are smarter than everyone else(and God like) your belloicose attitude doesn’t become you. Grow up.
Posted by: roncraw | August 5, 2008, 8:32 pm 8:32 pm
Bellicose was a typo. I don’t needsmarta** patriot correcting me.
Posted by: roncraw | August 5, 2008, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Excellent choices for moderators. PBS Newshour has done the best job of all the nets in covering the election, with intelligent, issue-oriented coverage rather than the gotcha coverage that dominates this year’s coverage.
Sorry ABC, no Gibson or Stephanopolous in the prestige slots, but you had it coming. Charlie and George put on a disgraceful, trivializing performance in the Democratic primary debate.
Posted by: Bruce | August 5, 2008, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm
Karma is a b!tch. After the terrible job of moderating during the primary debate Charlie, George, and ABC deserved this SNUB. This news has truly made my day…
Posted by: Ericka | August 5, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
Lola with a law degree? Sure I need to see proof of that. Any fool behind a computer screen can be whatever they dream up. LMAO. Word of advice don’t look to the polls for comfort because those did not help Hillary either.
Posted by: Madison | August 5, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
I wonder how many times they will have to stop the debate, so McCain change his soiled adult size depends. Because I don’t think it is appropriate for him bring his bed side pan.
Posted by: suv2001 | August 5, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm
Hey Lola,
Obama did an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox “News” a some months ago.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 5, 2008, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
What a joke. THe “nonpartisan Commission” names….(drumroll) FOUR LIBS. What a surprise. Nothing is more pathetic than hearing leftists defend Gwen Ifill, Brokaw, and Jim Lehrer as “objective” journalists; they’re about as objective on politics/news as Madonna would be objective on a commission on Catholic Church chastity and virginity. Schieffer’s an obvious lib who at least makes a 5% effort. No Brit Hume. No Chris Wallace. No Wendell Goler. No Jim Angle. No John Stossel, all of whom are fairer to the left than these turds are to the GOP. No pretense of a non-blatant left winger as a debate moderator. Lehrer was about as blatant as he could be in tossing softballs to John Frankenstein Kerry four years ago while asking at least two loaded questions of Bush. This idiotic “commission” should be disbanded by McCain if he actually miraculously manages to win this thing.
Posted by: Andrew C. | August 5, 2008, 11:22 pm 11:22 pm
Gibson’s tone this evening suggests he’s not too happy at being passed over. But he has company.
Fox and CNN.
Hehehehehehehehehehehehe.
Posted by: kravitz | August 6, 2008, 12:08 am 12:08 am
whats a mulato?
Posted by: anthony | August 6, 2008, 2:28 am 2:28 am
No one, unfortunately. Only stupid questions-so stupid people will make stupid choices, again.
Posted by: stillfree2speak | August 6, 2008, 7:34 am 7:34 am
The debates will shore up John Sydney McCain III’s image as an idiot. He won’t have Joe whispering in his ear so we’ll see more “pregnant” pauses than a maternity ward. And if you think he state-by-state polling is bad now (you know, the stuff that really matters come November) then he’ll be toast by the second debate. Hey, wasn’t this old fart supposed to “clean up” in Florida where Obama didn’t even campaign? What happened to McCain’s 22 point lead? Rasmussen has him DOWN by 2 today. What is wrong with John McCain? Why can’t he seal the deal?
Posted by: Tommy Thompson | August 6, 2008, 9:58 am 9:58 am
When are we going to talk about the “real issues”? Does either of these candidates intend to keep us at war to invoke the War Powers Act like W has and be the dictator he has? Does either of them intend to lead with 1200 signing memos (see Time magazine years ago), with which they render whatever the legislative branch or judicial branch does, null, as he dictates “forget what laws were passed and follow my signing memo?” Does either of them plan on ignoring all scientists like W has and assuming they know better about medicine, the environmental crisis, ET all? Does either of them plan on leading by lying to the American people to get us into a war, therefore rendering them OK with lying to the people about anything and everything? Do either of them plan on dictating to the justice dept or fire whomever doesn’t break the law for them? Does either of them plan to lead by totally ignoring intelligence reports until they let another major attack on our soil happen? Is this how either of them plan to “keep control” of the people? Do either of them plan to address the trillions of dollars that just the defense budget has put us into huge deficit? Does either of them plan to implement any auditing of the dept of defense? Do either of them have a plan for where to get the money W has borrowed from China, without zero thought of how easily China could break us in return? Does either of them plan on using any of the 911 commission recommendations or any of the findings of any of the other commissions W has reluctantly agreed to and then totally ignored? How do they feel about accepting information from others more experienced than them? How do they plan to choose those who will actually be running the white house and administration, as in Chief of Staff, Cabinet members, Secretaries, and other non-elected advisors?
Can they share any of resumes these people with the voters who are entitled to really know who is heavily influencing administrative policy?
Who and what do they think has made the mess we have gotten ourselves into in the last 8 years? We have been rolled back to 1935. How long will it take to clean up this mess? Can we just plan on the American standard of living being permanently changed until we live like the Chinese?
Posted by: Eliza | September 12, 2008, 10:12 am 10:12 am
Why haven’t we seen any information on the story about the VP debate moderator, Gwen Ifill, having a book scheduled to be published on inauguration day about the “Age of Obama”??
This is an outrage that Ifill was chosen as the moderator for this event. Who did the background check in the selection process for VP Moderator?!?! This event should be rescheduled or a backup moderator should step in since this has come to light.
Ifill has a LOT to gain (both in notoriety and financially) if Obama wins, and it is NOT a coincidence that her book is being released on inauguration day. What can the public do to assure the VP debate is moderated by someone who is truly UNBIASED?
Posted by: A. Grey | October 1, 2008, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
OBAMA MEDIA BIAS … NOW, OBAMA DEBATE BIAS !!!
The nation already is skeptical about the fairness and objectivity of the mainstream media regarding election coverage … so, why in the world is Gwen Ifill the debate moderator, when she is writing a book about Obama … especially since her book sales would increase if Obama/Biden win? The moderator in a debate … especially one of this importance and magnitude … should be seen as completely fair, objective and above reproach. This is a terrible choice, and could easily have been remedied by choosing from hundreds of other more objective potential moderators. I can imagine the outcry if Michelle Malkin, or Ann Coulter was chosen as the moderator for the first Vice Presidential debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. FURTHERMORE … Everyone knows that Roland Martin is in the tank for Obama … and regarding his call for Palin to either ‘put up, or shut up’ … for millions of Americans, we still feel that Obama never adequately explained why he chose to spend TWENTY YEARS, yes TWENTY YEARS, in Jeremiah Wright’s anti-American, racist, black liberation church, which gave a life time achievement award to Louis Farrakhan, and Obama only quit the church due to public outrage and personal ambition.
Posted by: Howard | October 1, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
Call the Commission of Presidential Debates at (202)872-1020, let them know we want a fair and balanced debate in an unbiased environment offered by a non-partisan moderator!!
Posted by: A. Grey | October 1, 2008, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm