McCain Steps Up Insinuation Ifill Is Biased

Apparently, it has been known since July that Gwen Ifill had written this book. Obviously McCain is very scared and desperate. He’s hoping to intimidate Ifill into throwing lollipop questions to Palin who he knows is severely vulnerable due to her lack of experience and knowledge.

Another day .. another reference to race! Ha ha! It’s comical anymore – just comical!

More dirty tricks from the Republicans, surprise! This book was announced in July before the McCain camp approved Ifill. We’ll be able to tell if the questions are biased. We’ll also be able to tell whether or not Palin and Biden can answer questions. Foreign policy questions are not out of bounds simply because Biden has the experience and Palin does not.

And it doesn’t matter who the moderator is. Unless he/she is obviously conservative, it just won’t do, will it? Desperate times, desperate measures…

Ifill really should step down , because for some reason she will be BLAME by the Mccain camp if things dont go the way they want.
last thing you want is to give them excuses.
btw .. i just find her book deal a little weird on the release date, she is better off getting it out now. I know Its a free country and anyone can write a book.

I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE AN INDEPENDENT MODERATOR. IT WOULD BE JUST AS BAD IF THEY HAD SOMEONE SUPPORTING MCCAIN DOING THE MODERATING!!! WHAT HAS HAPPENEND TO OUR MEDIA. IT SEEMS TO BE SOOO BIASED. THEY SHOULD MOVE IN WITH OBAMA!!! OOPS THEY ALREADY HAVE!!

I wonder HOW Sen. McCain knows that her book is “favorable to Sen. Obama”? According to the actual author – she hasn’t even written the chapter on Obama yet!! One more example of his efforts to manipulate the truth.

Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t Tom Brokaw moderating McCain’s next debate? Brokaw obviously favors McCain. Fat chance McCain will object to Brokaw who has been anything but neutral the last few weeks.

First the republicans complained about how unfair Palin’s interview were, now they are preparing for another excuse when Palin bombs tonight by setting the stage with Gwen Ifill. Ifill is a professional, she has been in the business for years, and she knows how to separate opinion from facts. Just because someone writes about an individual doesn’t mean he or she takes his or her side. It is also nonsense that Ifill will use the debate to sell more copies of her book. She certainly hasn’t done this in the past. If the republicans want to complain about biased news, they should first talk about FOX NEWS. However, most important, the republicans are only making a big deal of this so they can fall back on it if Palin bombs. This tells us how little faith they really have with her.

What I hear is a presidential nominee who has become unsure of his vp pick. The rest is noise.

The release date of the book was not controlled by the author, it was decided upon by the publisher. And many other people in the media have written books, it does not lessen their ability to moderate a debate fairly. I doubt if anyone would be acceptable to McCain’s people at this point. But, since Ms. Palin is an “expert” in so many key areas, she should have no problem with the tough questions any professional moderator should ask in such a critical debate for high office of the USA.

I get to referee my son’s wrestling match tonight – can’t wait .. guess who is gonna win?

I have never seen a campaign that whined at every turn like McCain/Palin. Either she is qualified or not? Didn’t Palin say Hillary’s “whining” turned her off? Talk about setting expectations low. Now the moderator, approved by both campaigns, is “in the tank”. Gimme break!
“in the tank” is the new “flip flop” for the Republicans. A sound bite the public will repeat. Hopefully, we don’t fall for the marketing spin again.

Obama extends hand and McCain offred a chilly look. Check this out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/02/mccain-chilly-to-obama-on_n_131126.html

“”Frankly, I wish they had picked a moderator”
The FACT is the moderator was approved by McCain. The FACT is that this book was no secret. It appears that McCain had to count on random websites to figure this out a bare couple days before the debate.
Is this the guy you want sitting across the table from Putin or crafting treaties to protect our intellectual property from Chinese industrial espionage? His political incompetence is appalling, as president it would be dangerous.

This is yet another McCain campaign ploy. If Sarah fails to answer any questions or sounds like her Couric interview, he will use this as the reason why. He is making the expectations for her even lower. Any black person in this position will play it straight because the LAST THING they want to be accused of is being bias and support a an untrue stereotype. This is what the repupblican campaign is all about folks, gimmicks and lies. How can any one seriously consider voting for them?

Remember when Palin called Hillary Clinton a whiner? Ironic that McCain/Palin campaign has been whining since day one after she was picked as VP. Funny stuff, that irony thing :)

The McCain camp kicked a very popular journalist, Dowd, off thier plane leaving her stranded in PA. Dowd is an equal opportunity offender. She plays favorites to no one.
McCain was grumpy, at best with the Iowa Paper Editorial Board. It’s on video for all to witness.
The McCain camp calls out Couric and a voter who asked a question and wanted an answer of “gotcha’ journalism”.
Now the McCain campaign is crying foul over a (dare I say it?) black, female respected journalist they failed to properly vet prior to accepting the debate.
The McCain campaign makes a mistake and blames it on everybody else. When they blamed Palin’s contradictory answer on Pakistan on the voter who asked the question, enough is enough.

Another gamble from McCain…just draws attention to their nerves. Set the bar low and hope she exceeds.

Biden’s Hair Helmet : “if the shoe was on the other foot you wouldn’t say something about it?”
The shoe has been on the other foot – the Clinton/Obama primary debate moderated by Stephanopoulos. Obama supports based their complaints on the actual questions asked – you know, reality – and then explored possible bias to explain them. Compare that to, a bare couple days before the debate, complaining about the moderator due to the book that was public knowledge when McCain agreed she was a good choice.

Tom Brokaw is acting as a liaison to the McCain camp for the network. He will moderate an upcoming debate. Fox will (NOT) report on this issue. Obama has not whined.
Another diversion from McCain.

Maybe He knows that this moderator isn’t going to let her get away with non answers, and knows she doesn’t know squat about the issues and policies this country needs to change like gaining the respect of the world again and bringing home manufacturing jobs back to this country and not let them be where whey are.

Neither Obama nor McCain is fit for president, given their bailout by voting for the bailout. Shows little difference between how they will govern – the govt will mess things up (Fannie, Freddie, etc), and then provide the “solution” by taking money from taxpayers against their will. The 3rd party Constitution Party never looked so attractive as now.

Nothing is ever right for McCainPalin, is it? There always has to be an excuse-in-advance if Palin doesn’t do well tonight.

That’s okay. every time the moderator asks Palin a questions, the McCain camp can just send a mountain of thank you’s to the moderator and escort her out the door just like they DO the media everytime the media asks Palin a question.

I hate you repiglican sons a bitches… i really do… they knew damn well about this book… you know what: McCain is a babykilling piece of angry old man wealthy garbage and Sarah Palin is an idjit… McCain’s Trophy VP candidate is not working nearly as well as he had “hoped” so now it’s time call out the attack dogs on the Fourth Estate (of which Sarah P used to be a paid member)… as the ol man Bush once said when he realized Clinton was kicking his a**: “they can feel it slipping away….”
http://www.savagerun.com

Hey Rick, just because you are dishonest doesn’t mean everyone is.
To everyone else, look, the ‘Age of Obama’ thing will still be accurate even if McCain were to win. Perceptions of politics for many black people are being changed right now. How many people call themselves Goldwater Republicans, regardless of the fact that he didn’t win? The book aims to be about black politicians, of which Obama is the most recognizable and the one with the greatest aspirations.
I do think it is fair to watch for bias, however, it might also be worth looking at her history. Does she have a history of bias? If so, you’ve got a possible case. If not, perhaps people should just wait and see instead of giving in to paranoia about the media.
A thing to remember, a hard question is not the same as a biased question. No vice president should have softball questions. The vice president, in addition to other duties, may become president; we all know this. With that in mind, we need to see if they are really capable of handling things, if the need were to arise.

I think McCain is just hurting himself further by acknowledging his campaign staff didn’t know about this book.
The perceptions that are dragging McCain down are 1) that he lacks appropriate temperament, and 2) that he’s reckless and erratic, and thus flies by the seat of his pants.
This acknowledgement that he got blindsided again just plays to that second negative perception.
I think McCain’s staff should have advised him to suck it up. The gain by playing the “media don’t like me” card is less than the loss of acknowledging you don’t know what’s happening around you.
Besides, whether Palin does okay or not will have little to do with the moderator.

The bitter tone of these comments posted by a bunch of miserable people disheartening. They serve no purpose. My guess is the dem’s want the popular vote to win so we wouldn’t have a repeat of 2000. The rep’s want the representation doctrine to remain. Why not let the top vote getter become president and the runner up become vice president? Maybe everyone won’t be so bitter.
McCain Want’s more Gov’t oversight. For what? Maybe the gov’t could keep up with how many houses he owns.
Palin can see Russia from Alaska and now she knows how to deal with them?
Obama wants every one to have the same amount of assets.
Biden has made millions over his career and has none of it left. And he would be a good person to protect your money?
As for the Senate and Congress Why would anyone vote for an incumbant?
Sheep
None are even remotely qualified.
America deserves better.

Ridiculous. The book is not about Obama, as has been reported everywhere by now. This is just an attempt to intimidate Ifill.
McCain, once again working the refs.
Don’t be intimidated Gwen!
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-and-couric-on-gotcha-journalism.html
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
McCain and Couric Spar on Gotcha Journalism
COURIC: Over the weekend, Gov. Palin, you said the U.S. should absolutely launch cross-border attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan to, quote, “stop the terrorists from coming any further in.” Now, that’s almost the exact position that Barack Obama has taken and that you, Sen. McCain, have criticized as something you do not say out loud. So, Gov. Palin, are you two on the same page on this?
MCCAIN: Now, just a minute, Katie. I have to step in here. That’s another example of the media’s “gotcha journalism”…
COURIC: But, it was a question from a citizen. How is a citizen asking a candidate a question an example of what you call “gotcha journalism?”
MCCAIN: Because it was hard, Katie.
We don’t want Gov. Palin to be asked questions, unless she is prepared for them. When she is prepared, as she will be before the debate, she sounds intelligent, knowledgeable and feisty. But when she has not been prepared, she sounds lost and incoherent.
We can’t have people asking her questions before she has had time to be prepared with an answer.
COURIC: But, Sen. McCain, I have to say, you are 72-years old. Actuarial preditions show that if you were to be elected, Gov. Palin would have a 1 in 5 chance of actually becoming President. These are perilous times–unprecedented crises in financial markets, tensions across a wide range of critical foreign policy arenas. Shouldn’t we have a Vice President, and a potential President, who actually understands these issues, beyond the preparation necessary for a debate?
Here is her response to a question on the economy, a critical issue, you would agree, Sen. McCain:

COURIC: Why isn’t it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families who are struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries; allow them to spend more and put more money into the economy instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?
PALIN: That’s why I say I, like every American I’m speaking with, were ill about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health-care reform that is needed to help shore up our economy, helping the—it’s got to be all about job creation, too, shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track. So health-care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans. And trade, we’ve got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, scary thing. But one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today, we’ve got to look at that as more opportunity. All those things under the umbrella of job creation. This bailout is a part of that.

COURIC: That answer, Sen. McCain, as noted by Fareed Zakaria, is incoherent.
MCCAIN: Yes. (nodding his head, smiling).
COURIC: Well, isn’t it actually important that a potential President actually comprehend issues? That is, beyond debate preparation?
MCCAIN: No, Katie. That’s what I mean by “gotcha journalism”. It’s obvious from these prior interviews that Palin has little to no comprehension of fiscal policy and economics. For heaven’s sake, she received a “D” in macroeconomics in college! And, as I’ve said in the past, I have little understanding of economic issues myself.
No, what’s important, Katie, is that she sound like she understands the issues. In the debate. If she is sufficiently prepared, she can give an illusion of understanding the issues–even if she is only giving answers with the prepared and practiced spontaneity and content necessary to give that illusion force.
Given that the bar is set at the lowest standard imaginable, Katie, if she accompanies that performance with sufficient charm, we believe that media will follow, into focusing on the change from that low standard, and on those superficial entertainment values–you know, Katie, (McCain smiles through tight lips and squinting eyes and moves his hands up and down)–”She certainly appears to be more confident tonight; she appears more poised, coherent, humorous”–rather than her readiness to be President from an objective standard. After all, using the more important standard of Presdidential capability, she has already demonstrated that she is unprepared to be President.
So, Katie, we want them to focus on that difference, on her debate preparation, rather than on her actual well-demonstrated Presidential unreadiness. And that’s what I mean by “gotcha journalism.”
KATIE: But if I understand you correctly, Sen. McCain, you actually believe that it’s not important that she understand the issues actually facing the nation…
MCCAIN: Right.(nodding)
COURIC: On which many people’s very jobs, health and life will rely at this critical time…
MCCAIN: Yes.
COURIC: And that all that really matters is creating a standard so low that she actually is rewarded for her widely seen and repeatedly demonstrated lack of knowledge and understanding. That we would be using what is essentially a remedial standard for Presidential capability–rather than one of actual capability.
Sen. McCain, you seem to be actually suggesting that we should decide that she is ready for the Presidency, simply because, after preparation, she has improved. Even though just days earlier, time after time, she was unable to give coherent answers on these subjects.
No one can gain Presidential-level understanding in days. And in the office of the Presidency, with its intense crises and unforseeable events, she will not be prepared for each unpredictable day, as she was for the debate.
Yet you expect media to focus on these values, rather than actual readiness to be President. That’s what you mean by “gotcha journalism”?
MCCAIN: Exactly. And they will. Katie, I would say to the media: Once again–we “gotcha” to lower the bar. We “gotcha” to set expectations far below those actually required for a President. We “gotcha” to focus on characteristics unrelated to Presidential capability, and to ignore her statements on these issues made only days earlier–as if a few days of debate preparation can erase a glaring and dangerous actual lack of knowledge and preparedness. Yes, indeed–we “gotcha”. (smiles).
COURIC: How can you expect the media to fall for that?
MCCAIN: It worked for Bush.
Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/mccain-and-couric-on-gotcha-journalism.html

Gwen Ifill is one of the most professional and in my opinion trustworthy reporters/commentators since the likes of Walter Cronkite. If the McCain camp has reservations then me thinks it has more to do with protecting Palin than it does with projecting her abilities in this arena.
For me, it’s go Joe and for gosh sakes, take off the gloves!!

being a woman, Ifill can be bias towards Palin as she is a woman too. We don’t see that point of view? Or is it that McCain camp only uses the gender perspective when its beneficial to them?

Washington Post television critic Tom Shales, in an April 17 article headlined “In Pa. Debate, The Clear Loser Is ABC,” described the debate as “another step downward for network news — in particular ABC News, which hosted the debate from Philadelphia and whose usually dependable anchors, Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos, turned in shoddy, despicable performances.” Shales added that the debate “dwelled entirely on specious and gossipy trivia” and “seemed slanted against Obama.”
Time magazine’s Michael Grunwald, in an April 17 article headlined “The Democrats Play Trivial Pursuit,” wrote, “Obama’s memoir dripped with contempt for modern gotcha politics, for a campaign culture obsessed with substantively irrelevant but supposedly symbolic gaffes,” and added, “Last night at the National Constitution Center, at a Democratic debate that was hyped by ABC as a discussion of serious constitutional issues, America got to see exactly what Obama was complaining about.”
In an April 16 article on Editor & Publisher’s website, Greg Mitchell wrote, “In perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate in years, ABC News hosts Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos focused mainly on trivial issues as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in Philadelphia. They, and their network, should hang their collective heads in shame.”
In an April 16 entry on The Denver Post’s Off the Record blog, Joanne Ostrow wrote of the debate, “The media has driven the obsession with gaffes, an obsession that cuts against all three presidential candidates. With endless hours to fill, cable in particular fans the flames, keeps petty spats alive and refuses to let go when there’s a hint of controversy.” She added, “Blame ABC and Charlie Gibson for running a taped question from a Pennsylvania voter of whether or not Obama loves the American flag. This impugning of the candidate’s patriotism is a red herring fueled by the network running the debate. Even as it was broadcast, you could feel a national sense of dread over how many hours will be devoted to flag pins in the weeks ahead.”
Obamanation a cult of whiners

Why is McCain looking more and more frustrated everyday? Is it because of the poll numbers? or is it because he thought that Palin was intelligent enough to use the facts and figures fed into her but instead she just spills them out like sentences to nowhere without even understanding what she is saying? Or is it because the “Quick Learner” is looking more like a Bimbo in her preparations for tonights debate and having tough time restoring and retrieving Gigabytes of data in her kilobyte head?

Mccain refers that “They” chose her. They includes him. He as a candidate could have vetoed her, but did not. I guess that thye think Palin will do bad tonight and have to blame it on somebody. Typical republican mantra of blame the MSM

Wasn’t he asked a question about the Ifill situation, and so he answered it with a “I don’t like it … but have to have confidence she’ll do a good job … it’s not fair, but it won’t matter.” What should he have said? “Of no – there’s no problem?”. It’s one thing to surmise that a moderator leans towards Obama (ex, Brian Williams), but when there’s an actual book talking about the “the age of obama” it’s a different issue, or at least raises the question fairly. Would anyone buy Keith Olbermann as a fair moderator? How about Matthews? How about Hannity? No – b/c their “personal opinions” are all public. What’s not known, but is questioned, is whether Ifill’s preferences are about to become public and whether that’s a factor. IT would be for Keith, Chris, and Sean. Why not Gwen?

Both the Democratic and Republican ticket signed off on Ifill. If the Republicans did not do thier homework and find out she had a bokk coming out with Obama’s name on the cover…then tough!! from my understanding, the book is not even totally about Obama…it is about the rise of young African-American who do not follow in the course as Al Sharpton or Jesse Jacksons.
But, McCain would choose to bring this up one day before the debate…why not bring it up last week or the week before. I guess this was the October Suprise everyone has been talking about. Such whining and complaining on the Republican side.

Is John McCain trying to tell us that he can’t be trusted to make any decisions?
He demanded that the time given to the VP candidates be made shorter and that the candidates would not be allowed to have any communication with each other.
In doing so he is telling us that he doesn’t believe his pick for VP can be expected to behave like an adult.
He also agreed last month to Gwen Ifill as moderator. No new information has arisen since he made that decision.
If he doesn’t even trust his own decision making, I don’t think we should either.

This idiot can not be trusted, he lies so much. Now I ain’t crazy, I know I saw an interview he gave not more than 2 days ago where he said “She was a professional, and had a record of being bias, and he would confident that she would continue to be so.” Now that’s what somebody told me or something I read on the internet, but I saw it come out of his mouth. The only time McSame ain’t lieing is when his lips are not moving. He will do anything and say anything to be President. He don’t care about integrity and honesty. He will jump on any bandwagon. Well McSame, as far as I am concerned you can jump off a bridge, and I pray the American People continue to see you for what you are; a political opportunists who has not conscious or scrupulous. You would repeat anything and say anything to serve your own purpose.

The shameless John “Don’t forget I’m a POW” McCain’s political success to date is a direct result of a fawning media that fell for his line of “maverick” crap for far too long. To now try to blame his hapless campaign’s problems on the “biased media” is laughable. McCain earned our respect and honor long ago but his behavior in this campaign is not honorable and deserves no respect. Mark my words, when he loses on November he’ll blame the skirt he’s been hiding behind for the last few weeks–Sarah. What a whiner!

This is just a game by McCain. If someone like Brit Hume was the moderator they would have no excuse when everyone again sees she doesn’t have an understanding of the issues.
I have sort of become to feel sorry for Palin in the way she is treated, not by the media, but her own campaign. McCain is more of the same. Fundamentally McCain is really a jerk, he has been a jerk since high school and he still hasn’t grown up. He is a hyped up navy brat who hasn’t changed the way he treats people.
He brushed off Obama yesterday because he knows he is about to go hyper-negative and he couldn’t look the guy in the face. Nothing worse than a desparate bully, the next few days are going to be ugly and McCain will stoop to new lows which would have seemed a ludricrous statement after his behavior the last few weeks.

McCain got his 84 millions from the US Dept. of Treasury. With the economic downturn, Sen. Obama’s camp, relying on donors like you and me, will be hurt. We are in the last days of campaign. This election is not locked in yet. Let’s all give Sen. Obama one last push by donating $5, $10,… $50 whatever you can. We must not let our nation to fall into the disastrous hands of McCain. You can skip a cup of coffee, or a movie. Please help yourself (big!) and your country by helping Sen. Obama to win this race.
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

When McCain says, “She[Palin] is great.”, he loses all credibility because she does not speak like she is ‘great.’ Remember she was elected governer of Alaska by less than 16,000 votes (205,042 total votes casted). Her approval rating has dropped 20 plus points in the State of Alaska since being named VP running mate.
Palin is just average. She needs to start speaking like a stateswoman, not like she is at a family picnic talking to Uncle George.
Step up to the plate Sarah and don’t give material to be punchs line for jokes around the water cooler.
We Americans need to get it right this time.
Remember, G.W. Bush was a guy we all wanted to have a beer with. Ninety-plus months later, look where we are.
Substance does matter.
Tonight you [Palin] needs to put up or shut up.

I hear worry in GOP land.

I fell sorry for McCain/McSAME -NOT!

She is going to do a good job. Gwen Ifill has always been very objective and balanced, she does great work at PBS.
PBS Public Broadcasting Service not Corporate Broadcasting Service like at Fox News, CBS news, MSNBC, CNN and ABC news.

Is this a poly to cancel to try to train her more. The McCain knew about the book already. She hadn’t made a secret out of it either as reported by the AP News: “Ifill discussed it with Howard Kurtz last month in the Washington Post, in the only profile she’s done before the debate. (And I’d imagine someone in the campaign should have read it).”
Can’t cancel…we need to laugh at the trained puppy. Just don’t ask her to explain anything…I will need to be in the bathroom watching television is she has to clarify anything…LoL

Sense, I complained about her after
a comment that she made about Clinton.
So she is just as Biased as the rest.

I don’t hear Obama complaining because the format was changed in favor of Palin or the fact that Tom Brokaw is the liaison between NBC and McCain. Brokaw is suppose to insure that McCain gets treated fair by NBC. I’m so sick of it all. I can’t wait for Nov 4th.

fivecard: Because she shouldn’t be the moderator in the first place writing a book on blacks. Obama is half black and Biden is his VP. I don’t like the idea myself because blacks are usually for their own and she could set Palin up for a downfall. If that happens she should never be a moderator again.

And I suppose that every white guy journalist who has written books about all the other white guys in politics should be assumed to be biased in favor of all the white candidates, including Sarah Palin? Give me a break, McCain.

all in favor of Sean Hannity moderating the next presidential debate say yes….i thought so

name one thing that obama has actually run successfully..paper route, corner store, online trading, anthing.
the community he organized is still in poverty and crime riddent…the district he was the senator is still in poverty and crime ridden…
I ask again where has he ever been succesful outside of getting elected…don’t worry i’ll wait.

Tina: Why should Obama complain. She is black that’s what makes the difference. And Obama is half black. Underneath she could be bias and they could have picked her to trick Palin because they don’t want her on the ticket. Anothing subject is Couric who was fired from CNN years ago because of her voice. Did not do well on the Today Show, went to CBS and her job is under consideration right now because her ratings are failing. She is not well liked.

Quick! Let’s all talk about something other than Palin’s total lack of qualifications! Quick! Before someone notices!

Let me get this straight – When it comes to Gov. Palin and Troopergate, we are supposed to trust that she was professional enough not to conflate her sister’s personal situation with her hiring/firing powers as Governor.
BUT… Wouldn’t the same assumption of professionalism extend to Ifill? McCain’s words imply the campaign does not truly believe she is professional enough to avoid conflating her journalistic integrity/objectivity with the non-fiction book she is writing.
Double standard.

The blame game has gone on too long and no one is buying it anymore. McCain approved the moderators months ago. All have written books, they are writers, after all! When the blame game starts before the debate, you can practically smell the flop sweat. “We know we’re gonna lose, so we better figure out who to blame.”

tatek: I am so glad you asked that. The former mayor of NY stated that Obama has never ran anything in his life. Obama wanted to be president when he was a student at Harvard. He read many books on MLK that his mother gave him and he wants to make the same history. And he is desperate to do it. What he says in his copied speech and what he is really going to do are two different things. He ran for the senate seat playing dirty pool to a woman that was going to run again named Alice J. Palmer. He claimed she had forges signatures and won. That’s how Alan Keyes became involved and ran against Obama. He is nothing but an underhanded crook. That woman never ran for office again. This was shown on television months ago. And Alan Keyes is not a fan of Obama’s. He is not an honest politician. That’s what happens when you associate with crooks. You become one.

the silence is deafening..no one can think of anything he was the president, ceo of or general manager of. Managing editor of the harvard law review doesn’t count.
people just remember if he elected he will face executive decisions that he has never ever faced at any level. That’s like taking a kid who played high school football for three years, scored zero touchdowns, came off the bench, looks good in his uniform and then ask him to be the quarterback for Pittsburgh Steelers. Actually that’s not fair the kid would more relevant experience.

It was to be expected. McCain has been crying foul on the media ever since Palin hasnt proven to be the wise choice as running mate…she is simply not qulaified for the psoition. And now he wants to intimate Ifill on the night of the debate. In other words, if she doesnt perform as expected it will be Ifill’s fault for asking ‘tough’ questions expected to be asked of anyone running for that position. Ifill is too professional to allow herself to be intimitaded.

Take a good look at what Obama did in Chicago and Illinois. Not much at all the schools are still one of the worst in the land. Cook county sale tax are the highest in the U.S. he is mixed up in a real state scandal with Tony Rezko he received big campane contribution dirty money only gave it back when the press got a hold of it and Tony Rezko was convicted. One thing in the debate I believe he said he stood up against the Iraq war and said no He was not in Washington 6 years ago he was in Springfield, IL so what’s up with that statement?

Tim Donaghy was a very professional and experienced NBA ref for many years, but now he’s in jail for betting on games. Pete Rose will never be in the hall of fame because of his conflict of interest.
Gwen Ifill has also been a professional journalist for years, but now, like the others, she has made a bet on the presidential race. You can’t say she has no horse in this race because she absolutely does. She has a major financial stake in who wins, no different than making a bet.
Whether the McCain camp has used this strategically or not, it’s an outside issue that can affect how this debate is managed and perceived. Too late now, but she should have disclosed this to both sides, offered to step down weeks ago, and let it be decided by the parties. They would have no excuse.

i love it…none of you obama supporters can respond. just admit it you are voting for him because you don’t have jobs and you want the government(me) to feed, cloth, bathe and bury you. Cradel to grave.

By the way..not that it should matter…but i’m a black man…born and raised in detroit…staight ghetto…and game recognizes game..

Can the McShame camp complain any louder or cry any more? I am sick of the distractions, the high drama and the games they are playing. It’s time for mature leadership and by mature I dont mean age, but stability and accountability. it’s time for Obama. NO MORE DRAMA VOTE FOR OBAMA!

Mariann Pepitone Maybe he should have a dream to but don’t involve us because he is having a nightmare and we want no part of it. You go home now Obama!!!!

maybe rush limbaugh should moderate the next presidential debate

Tatek: being a manager or c.e.o. of something doesnt make you any more qualified for POTUS. Would we want the c.e.o. of Lehman Brothers, Wachovia, Fannie Mae or Freddy Mac as president? I doubt it. What matters is a fundamentally different approach to the highest office in the land. One where reason and intellect are valued and impulsivity and high drama are shuned. Obama has the character, legal background, intelligence, Senatorial experience and leadership qualities we need to get us back on track again. By the way I have a good job and dont need a hand out. I am voting for Obama because he is by far the better man and the better candidate for the position. NO MORE DRAMA VOTE FOR OBAMA!

TateK, frankly no one cares what an insipid idiot like you says.
So, you have no replies.
However, if you go to your local hospital, they have the meds you need.
Have a nice day.

Ask the Cheif wrote:
“Take a good look at what Obama did in Chicago and Illinois. Not much at all the schools are still one of the worst in the land. Cook county sale tax are the highest in the U.S…..”
—————————————-
Can you please go do a little research before you type such GARBAGE. Did you do research on Alaska and Arizona and Delaware schools?
OMG, can you for at least one moment in your lifetime think outside of the box, or at least do your own research and stop relying on right-wing talking points.
Please provide some actual facts.
This is soooo SAD.
Everyone, please, please, do your own research. The internet is a good tool for doing this.
We have to get it right this time.
United we stand, divided we fall.

Ifill and PBS are now a disgrace: she finds it “curious” that someone questions her as a moderator? Can she read “perception of bias?” How about “actual bias?”
She admits she didn’t tell the Comission about the book. Why? Can anyone imagine selecting someone to moderate who authored “The Age of McCain” for the debates?
She should have disclosed and have the sense and grace–ok, professionalism– to recuse herself.
But she’s now wondering aloud “how can it be that anyone would question my impartiality?” as if no one could. What a joke! I’d question anyone’s ability to moderate a debate where they’d written a book so titled.
You posters that insist this is all on big distraction on the way to the hanging are disgraceful. The perception that this debate has been tainted will remain for decades. It was grossly unprofessional of PBS to do this.

Gwen Ifill is a Gorilla and so is Obamammas wife.

TateK. You are mistaken to say Obama supporters are expecting cradle to grave: we want our country to get back to work. I am a small business owner who want a government focused on creating jobs and re-building America. Many of us want a complete break from 8 years failed Republican Supply Side economics and a return to policies which have been ignored or trampled during the Bush era. We believe in fair progressive taxation, with proceeds spent on programs which lift up the poor and disadvantaged, such as education, job training, rehabilitation, health care, social security and welfare. That does not mean Socialism – it means redirecting our wealth and efforts. Obama supporters believe this strengthens our society from the poor and Middle Class up, and better prepares all children to compete in an aggressive 21st century global economy. We believe in oversight and regulation of business and industry, to protect Americans from the abuse, cheating, and exploitation that arise any time corporations are allowed to operate unchecked. (This may ring a bell.) We also support protection of American jobs and salaries, including support for unions and measures to discourage outsourcing. And, as an Obama supporter, I believe in freedom from discrimination based on sex, sexual preference, or religion. Lately, Democrats also have become the party of resistance to the far-right Christians’ attempt to theocratize our country.

TateK wrote:
“tax refunds to all alaskans during her term…
gas tax refunds to all alaskans
rejected her own party hacks
vetoed unnecessary spending”
———————————-
I got a $1200 check from Bush in May 2008. This make him a great leader!
What you failed to mention about Palin is that she raised taxes in other areas (do your own research to find out which).
She increased spending in the administrative branch of Alaska State government. I bet you did not know that. The reason you do not know this is because you rely on right-wing talkig points instead of doing your own research.
It’s a shame, and I will not make fun of McCain by calling him McShame.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

THE BILL FAILED BECAUSE 133 REPUBLICANS SAID NO, AND MCCAIN AND HIS FRIENDS LOOK LIKE IDIOTS, AND MCCAIN’s REPSONSE IS TO, WHAT ELSE, BLAME OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS, GO FIGURE??? 26 YEARS OF DEREGULATIONS. SEX PARTIES WITH OIL COMPANIES AND THE FINANCIAL MARKET TETTERING ON FAILURE, MCCAIN NOT EVEN REALIZING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF OUR ECONOMY ARE NOT SOUND. TAKING AWAY RULES WILL RESULT IN DISASTER, AND WHAT DOES MCCAIN AND HIS CAMPAIGN DO?? BLAME OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS.
MCCAIN NEEDS TO THINK BACK TO THE EIGHTTIES AND KEATING 5 WHEN THEY DEREGED THE SAVINGS AND LOANS AFTER BEING PAID OFF. HE DIDN’T REALIZE WHAT WAS GOING ON THEN EITHER. THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SAVINGS AND LOAN WERE FINE TO MCCAIN BACK THEN.
SAD, PITIFUL, ANGRY MCCAIN !!!!

ifills book was known about before she was selected as a moderator
both campaigns must agree on the moderator of any debate
so you have two choices in how you can react to this logically
1. john mccains campaign is inept and cant bother to do the most basic of research
or
2. mccain camp didnt find this threatening at all, and in fact they saw an opportunity to at a later date use this in case something went wrong
which number 2 seems the most likely to me
if its number 1 then… thats just scary and they should listen to their campaign slogan and bow out of the race and put their country first
we dont need a hot head in the white house, or someone who is just going to gamble with our safety.
we dont need another george bush who just looks into the eyes of other nations and gets a feeling about them and thats it
we need someone who can communicate and get stuff done in a reasonable way

woman for change..nice response..you think that up all by yourself…i’ll respond in kind…’I know you are but what am I’ geez just what one would expect

obvious guy types fast at work, http://www.sarahpalinhasaposse.com

A book “favorable to Obama”?? Has McCain READ the book? If he hasn’t read it, then he doesn’t KNOW if it’s favorable or not, does he? What a freakin’ jerk.
Personally, I’m ashamed that I once thought this man had ANY integrity at all. EVER. Yeah, John McCain was a POW. Well, at what point does his heroism cease to matter? His behavior TODAY would suggest his heroism in Vietnam was “beginner’s luck,” a one-time thing. Today, no integrity or honor whatsoever. Period.

Gwen has never been anything but professional. The McCain camp wouldn’t know that, however; they wouldn’t know professionalism if it jumped up and bit his comb-over.

Give me a break–
If the shoe was on the other foot-all the Obama robots would have a fit
THEY ALREADY HAD A FIT when CLinton cleaned Obama’s clock in the PA. debate. They blamed it on ABC moderators.

Paul:
You took the words out of my mouth. Great advise!

Ask the Chief
You expect the government to legislate morality? I believe women have rights to privacy especially her own body and individual rights in general.
I expect government to stay out of my personal business.
I do not expect government to make fodder out of our young men and women serving in the armed forces.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Trueblue, question? Is abc, nbc, msnbc, cnn, and fox professional journalism? How do you look at these stations and their reporting and reporters?

i love it…none of you obama supporters can respond. just admit it you are voting for him because you don’t have jobs and you want the government(me) to feed, cloth, bathe and bury you. Cradel to grave.( Add on no they are voting for him becouse their unions are telling them to vote for him!!!!

Gewn Ifill is nothing but a racist affirmative action baby, with absolutely ZERO talent. John McCain has every right to be pissed off. Its not enough that the liberal elite media are smearing him and Palin daily, while cleaning Obamas dirty diaper everyday. The fact that she is pro-black and writing a book about Obama makes her ineligable. What part of that dont you peole get?

Did somebody say gwen Ifill is a professional???? Holy shttt!! Can I stop laughing? A professional would have said, sorry, but I can not be a fair and balanced moderator while I am pro-black, pro Obama, and in the midst of writing a book that would benefit me finnancially should Obama win.

Id rather have all the moderators come from PBS then anywhere else. Corporate news outlets always have an agenda, all of them.

McCain always reminded people “I was a POW”, “I was a POW”. That’s all he got for building his political career. I am tired of hearing it all the time. We need a stable and intelligent leader at this critical moment of our country, not just a POW.

Obama is Jim Jones reincarnated and on November 4th, a majority of the U.S. population will drink the “Kool-Aid”. I don’t recall anything more cult-like in my life.

Why does Grumpy-Pa have to protect little Sarah? she is running for the second highest job in America, if she can not handle the reporters or the job then maybe he should have thought that out before picking her for the ticket. This is going to be fun, I did see the interview with Grumpy-Pa and Sarah, he would answer questions asked of her. And then you have the Gotcha questions from a voter, that they now have spun to the media.

Again, the MCcain camp did not do their homework. Why are they complaining in the last hour. Sad, just like their vetting process for VP. A day late, and a dollar short. Personally I think they feel because MS. Ifill is African American, she’ll work extra hard to make sure Palin slips up. Oh wait, they forget Gwenn is also a woman, maybe she’ll give Palin a break…MCcain, engage brain before you shift your mouth

1929 anyone?

EVERYBODY is biased.
Most people dont cop to it.
Get off it.
WHITE RACISTS masquerading as FOX commentators have been spinning Obama for two years.
One night, we get a black person to ask the questions and OH NO! the white guys heads are spinning off lest someone ask Mrs Pitbull a couple of challenging questions.
What can the moderator do, after all?
Anything that Chris Stephanopous and ABC did to Obama?
Think that was fair?

Wrong again, Obama followers are the cult, because cult’s show anger toward’s people and judge in hatred for their leaders cause, that is also a fact in the Obama camp!

Obama voted 87% of the time with President Bush also moron!

Maybe lets pick someone objective, like Sean Hannity…or Todd Palin!!

Harold D–Obama voted 87% of the time with President Bush also moron! If you
re going to lie then you need to NOT comment! He agreed with Bush 41% of the time not 87% idiot!

The bottom line is, McSame and Bumbling Barbie have no chance in hell of winning this election. And why would you want them to anyway? McSame’s siver bullet ended up being a hollow shell! How sad!

Bushmasterwacker, you just proved you’re an idiot on drugs you liberal nut!

Of course Ifill, instead of admitting she was wrong not to disclose her book and wrong not to recluse herself, turns instead for the racist jab. God help America if Obama and all his black power friends get any deeper into Washington.

visit http://www.sarahpalinfanclub.com

“And whoever the moderator is and no matter what the questions are, it doesn’t matter because Sarah Palin is great.”
***************************************
Hes going senile.

I’m as Pro-Obama as it gets, but I also think Gwen should step down, because it gives McSame and his side kick something else to complain about. And nothing is more annoying than a 100 year old man complaining.

The Presidential Debate Commission has to work ONCE every four years and they come up with Gwen (read my Obamabook). Apparently Whoopie Goldberg couldn’t find time away from slapping blondie around on the View and they didn’t have the budget for Michal Moore’s buffet demands. Who are these idiots and who pays them for this brilliant work?

An Independent Voice Well stated!!!! It’s not the color of his skin it’s the man himself if you want a black man we could get behind get Colin Powell! He is intelligent, has the balls to stand up and say what right and is not a shamed of the country he served He really say he got shot at.

Ifill should withdraw from the debate and let some one who is really independent moderate the debate. If the moderator were a McCain supporter, the liberal media will jump all over the place in anger.

Harold D- Thats what I thought, you are a coward. You like to throw rocks and run!! You can admit it, you voted for Bush! And that why i didnt comment to your nonsense. In the words of Obama to McCain, “while youre over there spewing nonsense, you need to get your facts straight”

Of course McShame is now having problems with Ms. Ifill. She has only shown herself to be an unbiased journalist. The book was announced long before she was selected as a moderator, but as long as McShame was tied with Mr. Obama, that was not a problem. Shame on you, Mr. McCain, shame on you for acting like a spoiled kid who’s team is losing the game…Oh, you are losing.

Regarding Obama and the Illinos Senate…
1. Alice Palmer did have bad signatures on her petitions, and that is why she was successfully challenged off of the primary ballot. She probably would have lost the primary anyway, as she was totally unknown outside of her district. Alice has not disappeared, she is still very active in the community, and is a high operative in the Obama campaign.
2. Then, the Republican candidate, Jack Ryan, was tainted by allegations by his former wife (StarTrek’s Jeri Ryan) of inappropriate conduct during their marriage and subsequent divorce,and withdrew from the campaign.
3. The STOOOpid Illinois Republicans did not select the (white) runner up in the Rep primary (because they didn’t like him), instead, they imported a black carpetbagger, Alan Keyes from Baltimore. Keyes is a noted nut-job, who never even established a residency in Illinois. Needless to say, he lost big-time!

Gwen Ifill is one of the nicest and genuine people in the media today and always a professional when it comes to journalism. Senator McCain is just using this as a ploy to get under the skin of his opponents, just call it gamesmanship.
There will be no tactical surprises in the debate tonight, Gov. Palin is going to come out with a hard charging attack, hatching away as much as she can at her opponents and obfuscate criticism (this is the V.P. role in any presidential campaign). However, Senator Biden is already Teflon coated against criticism because most, if not all voters already know of his verbose past and some voters consider that part of the Biden’s charm and honesty.
The risk for Gov. Palin, Senator Biden is very capable of getting the tables turned around on her quickly, into areas where she obviously does not have the frame of experience. Glittering generalities can go only so far to a point, then one sounds foolish.

Obama will bring a politburo to America!

So what if McCain is using this. The fact is they left themselves open by using a moderator with a financial stake in one side winning. . . period. Whether or not it’s true, there will now be a legitimate complaint if Palin doesn’t perform well. It’s been compromised and never should been put in her hands.

Everyone knows Gwen Ifill favors Obama. She was practically in tears when Hillary won unexpectedly the New Hampshire primary.
The Republicans knew this all along and never complained because they know they have it both ways.
First, Ifill will bend over backwards to appear fair, since the only thing she loves more than O is her own reputation as a journalist. Second, if Sarah gaffs, they can jump on Ifill as the cause.

This makes Sarah look more like an imbecile. It’s a preemptive strike just in case she is as stupid as she has appeared in other interviews. When will the McCain stop blaming everyone for his irrational decision to choose her as his running mate. If he would have properly vetted her he wouldn’t be having “buyers remorse” now. Gwen Ifill is a journalist with integrity. I enjoy watching her on PBS and she has always displayed a sense of fairness. Other reporters should stand up against this McCain/Palin shenanigans! NO MORE! WE ARE NOT STUPID (like your running mate). Your preemptive strike will not help you! Gwen just do your job!

:A disgusted democrate for McCain
Hillary 2012:
Hey Evans, news flash, she still won’t win.

McCain’s campaign gives us a window into how a McCain administration would be: full of excuses; blaming the media; crying “sexist”; twisting facts and at times outright lying; ignoring facts; impulsiveness and knee-jerk reactions; tempermental; contempt toward anyone who is different. We could go on and on and on…

If you saw her coverage of the Republican convention you would know she is anything but neutral. Her comments and disgusted looks on her face describing Palin’s acceptance speech were hard to ignore. It’s a whole new ballgame with Obama. We’ll see how much integrity she has now that she has Obamalove. Look what happened to Oprah.

The United States is a country controlled and ruled by her bias media
The day the US refuse to follow her media and follow their mind then she will become a free country.
The edia has been to bias against Sarah what is this nonsence????? It is indeed a shame . I tell you today if the MSM makes its news balanced Obama will fall in the pols . The American media has failed us and they are useless and just empty if you believe your Obama is so good a candidate then, let him defend himself , let him fight for himself. The NSN has disappointed us and some people have not been wise to see this bias and they keep following the media like ships . This is too ridiculous and
disappointing

The United States is a country controlled and ruled by her bias media
The day the US refuse to follow her media and follow their mind then she will become a free country.
The media has been too bias against Sarah, what is this nonsence????? It is indeed a shame . I tell you today if the MSM makes its news balanced Obama will fall in the polls . The American media has failed us and they are useless and just empty if you believe your Obama is so good a candidate then, let him defend himself , let him fight for himself. The MSM has disappointed us and some people have not been wise to see this bias and they keep following the media like a sheep . This is too ridiculous and
disappointing

All of you are just plain STUPID! I really mean it. The McCain team complains, not because they did not know of Ifill’s book, but because the MAJORITY OF AMERICAN DON’T KNOW about the book. The McCain team just used the media to highten the public’s awareness of Ifill’s book. THAT’S THEIR GOAL.
In my opinion, Ifill has put herself in a very precarious position. A wise person would have turned down the moderator offer long time ago. It’s not because she is biased towards Obama. But the obvious CONFLICT OF INTEREST that will blacken her show.
Now, more people are aware of Ifill’s book. What can Ifill do? If she asks Palin tough questions, many people will say “she is biased towards Obama.” If she does not ask Palin tough questions, many other people will accuse her of “being intimidated by the McCain team”.
Either way, Ifill will lose.
A wise person does not allow himself or herself in such situation.

Why is McCorpes always complaining? Oh yes, he is looking at the polls.

They should check Sarah Palin to make sure she wont be all wired up, like mitt romney when he cheated in the debates!
republicans they are something else!

It is hard to find more blithering idiocy than a lot of these posts.
Anyone who doesn’t think who the moderator is has not been paying any attention and knows nothing about debate. Particularly in this one, they gave Ifill unbridled discretion on what questions she asks … and if you’ve ever been in a real debate you would know that even if the moderator is reading from a list of specific mandated questions, (s)he is quite able to ask/manipulate/interrupt/”get back on track/etc./etc. in so many ways that a biased moderator can easily make one candidate look like an idiot and the other look brilliant. Unbelievably foolish to think otherwise (or, the writers hope that the readers are unbelievably foolish).
Why in the world would anyone (and many of you do) think that Ifill would want this played down or hushed up until after the debates?!? She wants as much press on this as possible … because I assure you book sales matter more to her than the debate does!
Yes it is utterly stupid to have placed Ifill in this position and long before the candidates were given the opportunity to comment the conflict of interest should have been discovered and she should have no more been a possible moderator than Ophra. That’s just crazy. For EITHER camp. It gives Palin an easy excuse if she bombs and it undercuts any “victory” that Obama might be able to claim otherwise because of the perception it was a rigged game.
About half of you or more make Palin look like Einstein! [And no, I'm certainly no Republican!]
More, much more, to say, but I have a debate to go watch. Check out what Palin looks like from an Alaskan point of view. Something the mainstream media has been trying very hard to keep from happening:
http://www.alaskanwoulds.blogspot.com/

McCain is pathetic! Nothing but an angry stupid old man.

Harold D, amazingly, unemployment and inflation were lower during the Clinton years than in both Reagan’s and Bush Sr’s terms of office. If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe economists who know more than the both of us: http://www.econreview.com/phillips/us.php

Thanks Ask the Chief!
I totally agree, if Colin Powell was on this ticket running either side Dem or Rep. He would have my vote in a heart beat.
It’s amazing reading through these posts how people will call each other names and call others racist and conservatives or stinking liberal.
Do any of you people realize when you refer to someone of a different belief than yours then you come off as looking like you have hate in your heart? You appear no better than the other person slinging mud.
This forum is just a small look at the larger problem that is evident in politics today. People want their agenda instead of what is best for America and the American public. We all need to work together to make this country strong again.
9/11 was a terrible day in our history but one great thing came out of that tragedy. Americans at least for a period realized that we are all the same, black-white-yellow-red. We came together as ONE NATION UNDER GOD for a purpose. Amazing how strong we could be if we lived like that for a life time instead of just a season.
“Together we stand, divided we fall”

Well, john mcCains criticizm is just another racist comment by the mccain/palin camp. let them try to dig themselves in further, they have no place to go but down. Pathetic to be talking about McCain’s comments. The lies are enough for a lifetime.