Congressional Republicans Blast ABC; ABC Fires Back

I always respected ABC and not so much the other 2 joke networks NBC and CBS…but I am greatly disturbed by the networks decision to be a cheerleader for a controversial policy proposal without providing pros and cons…the alarming thing is ABC doesn’t recognize how this compromises fairness in reporting which a fundamental of good journalism

Wonder how many complaints those Congressional Republicans have written to Fox News so far.

republicans are forever complaining – they have no new or even old ideas – they lost Why would anyone even listen to the party of bush, cheney, rumsfield, palin, mccain, boher cantor graham etc. all proven liars – the party is full of them. time to disband party – and form a new party – the above have destroyed the party of lincoln.

Since a Republican filibuster wouldn’t be legally acceptable as a tactic to disrupt the Healthcare Forum. The Republican party may want to consider just sending their Leadership in to “Throw A Tantrum” to disrupt the forum!!!

This decision is a major example. They have become so BIASED in their News Room that it is no longer a News Room.
They have definately become the Government Media!!

Thank you ABC for not caving to the bullying tactics of the neoconservatives that almost destroyed this country. It is important that people get an understanding of the important issues facing healthcare reform and I am proud of you for having the integrity to air them. The republicans want to continue ruling people through fear and innuendo. Way to go!!!

Seriously -Doesn’t this sound like an info mercial for Obamacare?

ABC has no business doing an infomercial from the White House. Period. That’s not what a REAL news organization does. Of course, they WILL go ahead and do it anyway. I consider ABC News little more than unmitigated propaganda and the network has lost all credibility. Might as well admit it, label it, and move on. ABC is now about as relevant as Chris Matthews and MSNBC. It’s a shame. Brinkley must be spinning in his grave.

Holly,
Fear and misinformation have been a hallmark of the Obama administration from the get go, and this health care reform is no different. To see a supposedly impartial news outlet so willingly becomes pawns is sad and disheartening. ABC is now a joke. All the anchors should just wear Obama masks as they do the nightly news.
And yes. I would say the same if Fox News or any other news outlet had done the same thing. It’s outrageous and ABC deserves every piece of criticism they’re getting.

Hey Holly….get a clue.

ABC…just another mouth piece puppet of the control freak democratic party. When will people wake up to the fact that government control is NOT the answer…it’s been proven too many times over too many years. Democrats, wise up! Someone please resurrect Reagan!!

I actually reserved judgment until I saw the ABC piece. However I read that they are denying to air commercials that oppose Obama’s health care plan. Does that sound good to anyone with an ounce of intellectual honesty? That is censorship even if it is temporary.

How anyone here can complain about Fox news is beyond me. Fox news is the only news outlet that is even presenting an opposing point of view. ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, as well as most of the major US newspapers are all blatantly biased toward this administration. The fact that ABC won’t even give paid ad time to the opposing point of view on this issue says plenty about their agenda. This health care debate is a serious issue with the potential to run this country into the ground in debt and I think it’s fair to allow Republicans to present the American people an alternative.

To SRD… you don’t even know what you are saying! If you have been relying on ABC for your news… you are not well informed. Well, actually you ARE informed… MIS-informed. Please don’t take this as an attack. You really don’t get all the facts from ABC, CBS and NBC. Just for starters, ABC was requested to have BOTH SIDES represented in the upcoming White House infomercial. THEY REFUSED! ABC REFUSED to have both sides represented on the program. Geeesh….

Love the Liberal slant “watch it first before forming an opinion” that would be fair advice, except for the fact that only a fool would consider there would be any objectivity or fairness or balance in this charade. This is a blatant propagandist maneuver being done to end run reasonable debate on an important issue. Democrats need to grow up and regain objectivity. The pendulum will soon swing back towards the side of reasonable fiscal responsibility and we would hate for the Conservatives in this nation to behave like the Liberals have been. Can anyone imagine what the lunatic left would be doing if Bush had the audacity to behave in the manner of President Obama…..the whole thing is unreal.

This is why fewer and fewer people watch the State Run Media.
Journalism has been dead for years. ABC, NBC, CBS, they all are in the tank for the liberals and are helping to CHANGE America (this promise B. Hussein Obama will keep) into a socialist state, so far removed from the original principles of the founding of this country a new revolution will have to take place to recreate America as it is supposed to be. Thomas Jefferson said that “the tree of democracy needs to be fertilized with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

Thank you ABC for caving to the bullying tactics of the Socialists that are destroying this country. It is important that people understand the socialization of the best healthcare system in the world. The Obamocrats want to continue ruling people through fear and innuendo. Way to go!!!

This is a first-ever event with only a one-sided presentation of facts. That, in and of itself, obviously requires a much better explanation regardless of the Party holding the White House. Anyone who cannot see that is truly biased, especially ABC—I don’t care which Party is getting the advantage. ABC’s response is shameful and sounds like a political response—they have a higher duty than to carry a particular Party’s message without an official response from te opposing Party. They wouldn’t even sell the Conservatives airtime for rebuttal! Honest Journalism is DEAD.

Funny how quick democrats on here forget the past. All we heard from the democrats was Bush sucks, Republicans lie, blah blah. Now that they are in control and on the reverse side.. heaven forbid dissent and disgust is thrown their way.
But after all, this party of Democrat politicians and supporters believe they and not you an I, best know how to run business and spend our money.
How can you support a PRIVATE news media outlet being in bed with the FEDERAL government.
Yet you people support the “Fairness doctrine” and having equal radio airtime for both liberals and conservatives

I guess this means that the lib/dem proposed fairness doctrine is dead? Hopefully?
The talk radio folks should be happy

to connie and your Fox news comment, have you ever watched it? I get my news from Bret Baier.. just news, no opinions. can’t say that about any other station. i’m sick of people trying to say only Republicans watch Fox News, like we’re idiots or something. the only idiots out there are the people who watch the main stream media and don’t see thru it. there is no balance what so ever! people have forgotten what it means to be a news REPORTER… also, this is no “temper tantrum” on the part of the republicans. this is a very serious issue and this White House will do everything it can to RAM it down America’s throat like everything else they are doing. Like the stimulus bill, that was never read, but HAD to be passed because America would come to her knees and here we are 6 months later and 5 percent of the money has been spent. We’re still here, aren’t we?!

Bush gave Fox extra access to his White House, not the total content control ABC has given the One. Big media is dead. Their mortal wounds are self-inflicted. I say it could not have happened to a nicer group!

I will not be watching. I’m sure the Drudgereport will report all about it.
Yes, Drudge,the same website the left complains is right-wing. The same website that, just like Fox News,has a ton on left wing content. Blind followers of the state run media believe Borat Obama won the election by a Reagan landslide. He didn’t,an inconvenient truth.
No point arguing with the left. They just resort to calling you what they are, accuse you of doing what they do.
So, how’s BHO doing so far in uniting us? Don’t expect ABC to ask. But, if they did the answer will be something indicating we are one big happy family, except for crazy Republican uncle Harry in the attic.

The left would show their hate if this was a republican having a sweetheart deal akin to this.

This is fascinating… Especially the people saying to wait anbd watch to see, then comment. The bias is obvious when they are refusing advertising $ for groups showing an opposing view. Since when do they turn away $? In this economy? Really?
Of course it will be scripted, you can’t use a teleprompter to answer unscripted questions… Heh…

The final straw. They don’t even try to hide their bias anymore. I am done with network news.

Hey all you liberal robots out there. Remember that millions did NOT vote for Obama or agree with this plan or many of his other plans. And knock off with the Bush lied BS. Bush was not a liar, no matter if you liked what he said or not. Obama has lied to you people so many times in what he promised during the campaign and what he’s done since becoming president but you folks are too devoted to see that. We at least recognized when Bush went off the reservation on what we expected of him and made no bones about telling him so. Why do you think his approval ratings were down so far even amongst Republicans? Obama’s will never go down becuase you people aren’t thinkers, you’re just followers.

It doesn’t bother me if ABC promotes Obama, I don’t watch ABC anyway.
Only reason I come on the site is to see what Jake Tapper is writing about.
ABC has been going down for awhile now, so they may need this little boost in ratings…. hope it works.

The issue here is not the source of the questions, the issue is the fact that Obama is the only one who will be responding. The questions will probably be lousy if the past is any indication. But having two political positions offered as answers would be the correct way to conduct this event. I would even settle for a moderate Democrat such as Bayh or Baucus. The fact that only Obama will be allowed to present his propoganda is the real outrage in all of this.

I do not understand how so many people care nothing about their own healthcare. Not watch this? This is the biggest policy legislation affecting this generation.
Who cares what media outlet is carrying it? I would watch it if it was on The Shopping Network!

Face it! The major news outlets and Democrats have never been even handed in coverage and they have no intention of ever being. And, the left public doesn’t care, so don’t bother them with complaints. They are so under the ether that actual even handed coverage, such as at Fox News appears slanted to them. They are so used to seeing one sided coverage that a true balanced approach feels biased. Since little time or credence is given Republican views on the outlet they watch, a balanced amount of time seems very biased to them. They are not used to seeing positive or even coverage of Republican actions of viewpoints. In this case, we ALL know that ABC would never have given George Bush such a set up for Social Security reform–something needed far more than health care reform–so called, actually health care give away (real reform would put in strict litigation controls so the double and triple tests and other procedures performed by Dr’s to cover their rears–and drive up costs–would be unnecessary).

i am frustrated that the media is having a love fest with the man that is president and yet they spit and spewed on Bush even before he was President. Why is it? Is it because Barry is Black? Is that it? Either way…the media does NOT work for America anylonger…they are in bed with this current president and congress…it is sick!

I am finished ever watching anything on ABC Television. This is the end of the line. What an outrage. Goodbye ABC. There is too much excellent programming over on the cable outlets. Have a great ride on your way to the bottom. Bill R

ABC can try hiding the truth from the American people all they want. People who fear the truth will always try to hide it from others. And while this flies in the face of every journalistic standard i can think of, the truth is that the bill(s) as they’re written right now will never pass. And not because of Republicans. Obama won’t be able to get all the Democrats in the Senate on board. Whatever will all you liberal oBAAAAAAAHma sheep do then? My guess is you’ll blame Bush somehow. Look at Rasmussen. The people don’t want this. And it’s reflected in BHOs falling poll numbers. Uh oh, people are wising up to this intellectually vacant “Organizer”.

Wouldn’t want any “bipolar debate” going on when Teh One and his Czars are fixing the country.
The concept of a marketplace of ideas is outdated…we have PROBLEMS to fix, and CRISES that should not be wasted.
One month ago, 62% of Americans blamed Bush for the bad economy. Today that number has fallen to 54%. Where do you think that number will be in November of 2010?
Congressional Democrats should be afraid, very afraid.

More evidence that journalism is dead in this country.

Given ABC’s past record of partiality, the complaints from Congress on a lack of journalistic professionalism is well founded.
Further, after Obama’s conversation about Iran being honest with it’s citizenry, how will he be able to look into the eyes of the American Public when he orchestrates planted questions during his press conferences and he insures not opposition voice on his upcoming health care conference?
Transparent? That is one of his biggest lies! The part I do not understand is why people are not calling him on such inconsistencies?

ABC says, “I would have thought that a subject as important as the health care received by the American people would rise above this sorry spectacle”.
Pardon me? It is exactly because this issue is so vitally important to the American people that we would appreciate hearing more than an infomercial direct from the White House. What is this guy thinking? We didn’t just fall off the turnip truck yesterday.

Boy, this really looks bad for ABC news. They appear to be one with the White House. What ever happened to an impartial press?

Just remember ABC’s response once the Fairness Doctrine debate starts up again around talk radio. All of a sudden both sides will be a requirement then I would imagine.

See the movie Media Malpractice by John Ziegler. It’s really not just ABC that’s in the tank with Obama.

I get so sick of having to hear both sides on Fox. I already know the other side from all the others.

I am sad to see ABC news retreating still further from objective news reporting. Used to be some good news workers on that network.

I don’t understand this ridiculous rally to present “both sides”. I don’t see the news as a forum for presenting debate — leave that to the pundits. If they cover an event, that is occurring, and involves the PRESIDENT of our country, then that is all it is. Grow up, Republicans, you are making yourselves look more and more foolish by the day.

ABC’s position is a JOKE. What a sham. TV journalism is dead; there’s not a network outlet that’s worth a tinker’s damn.
As to CJR and bobj72, the Democrats have no new ideas either, for what it’s worth. Just the same tired old “tax and spend, spend, spend” redistribution of wealth policies. But what would we expect from the party of Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Dodd, Murtha, Congressman Jefferson and Obama–all proven liars, and the party is full of them.

I personally am very interested to see how one of our Official State-run Media Networks will promote the enlargement of our Glorious State.
ABC realizes that Healthcare is too important for political games. Remember, since January 20, 2009 there is a new motto for the USA: “Everything in the State, Nothing Outside the State, Nothing Against the State”.
ABC just wants to play its part in Our Bright Future.

ADORATION BARACK CHANNEL

ABC JUST doesn’t get it. And for that WEAK argument of people bringing up Fox News…puh-leaze! Do you even WATCH Fox? Did you know that Shep Smith, Geraldo, and Greta are DEMOCRATS??? At least they show BOTH points of view.

Mr. Westin —-There are many of us who fully agree with your stated philosophy of “thoughtfullness” and that other term, “respectfullness”. In an attempt to lend a helpful hand to your goals, we offer the following suggestion: We think you should remove the “A” from ABC, because it belies the calibre of “BC” that ABC purports to be.

When you choose between the sides, you choose your enemies. Boycott ABC and any company that advertises with them.

Can someone list who the advertisers are for this? I want to be sure not to give them any business. Or is it just funded by Fanny, freddy, AGI and GM

ABC is not a news organization anyway so who cares. They stopped being a legitimate news source 20 years ago. How many ‘conversations with Pres. Bush’ did they have to discuss anything? Prescription Drug Plan? AIDS funding in Africa? The No Child Left Behind bill he put together with Sen. Kennedy?

ABC NEWS?? What a joke!
ObamABC news,.. there, I fixed it.

Hilarious to read democrats say republicans need to quit complaining. I guess after all the constant and never-ending complaining from the left in Bush’s last 7 years, and the fact that the left’s messiah is now in office, they probably do want the complaining to stop. Too bad they are so blinded the partisanship and ideololgy.

So much for freedom of the press. ABC has been bought,sold and paid for by people more powerful than all of us. Do as I do. Simply turn them off and influence as many as you can to do the same. seems fair to me.

If ABC stuck to the news instead of creating high theater to promote their own agenda perhaps they would not be so close to going out of business. Are they even rated by Nielson anymore?

Connie — Chris Martenson has some great charts on his site about the unsustainable financial goals of this as well as prior administrations. We’re on a sinking ship. There are ways to cuts costs in health care that don’t even come near single-payer systems or nationalizing health care or even this so-called government option. We need to do just that, and abandon this fantasy of government-controlled health care. This is fact, okay? Whether we like it or not, we’re at the end here and can’t take on any new entitlement programs — we can’t even handle what we already have. We’re broke as a country. And the only future we’re looking at here — no matter the political party in years to come — are higher taxes to pay off debt and greatly reduced services and entitlements, rationing. States are the bellwether. Can’t you see that? There’s no magic dust here. We aren’t immune to the laws of economics.

Looks to me like that the general public speaking in this forum are against ABC by a margin of 100/1!
And this is on their own website. Talk about digging your own grave.

ABC — Another Baloney Channel, brought to you by and for Obamabot.
But never fear! Afte all, no less than the CEO of this baloney channel has given his word, while no doubt crossing his heart, that his baloney production will give a “thoughtful” and “probing” examination “respectful” of “some” of the health care reform issues.
“Westin wrote back to the members of Congress, promising a “ ‘thoughtful, respectful, and probing discussion of some of the issues raised by the calls for health-care reform.’ ”
As for other issues? Westin is only willing to commit to tokenismp; forget all those other “distracting” issues.
Typical MSM. Always in blinders mode.
Don’t even need to turn the channel on this propaganda production by ABC since ABC has become a blocked channel in a salute to its lack of redeeming value.
Americans who want to understand what’s in store under Democrat health care proposals will do themeslves a favor by doing their own reseach. And ignore the propaganda designed to sell government health care that Obama & his democrats have taken to misleadingly denominating to be “public” health care.
Yeah, sure thing. Obama’s Madison Ave advisors actually think all Americans are too dense to know a government-run program whe they smell it.
A skunk by any other name still smells like a skunk. Even when a baloney MSM lapdog swoons and praises its stink.
JR

Westin has already tipped ABC’s hand by stating “a subject as important as .. health care”. They have already chosen the side of those who believe that health care is an important issue, and an important one for the President to weigh in on. Health care has not generally been considered even a minor issue for the government .. it is certainly not mentioned in the Constitution as a power delegaged to the federal level. Whether it is an important issue (or whether the issue is as phony as global warming and used the same way to enable a federal power grab) is exactly what the debate is about. Thus, how can Westin claim objectivity after already siding with the scare-mongers?

I don’t bother to watch any network news anymore and very few primetime shows on the big 3 networks. I find most of the shows extremely offensive and the news just propaganda for Obama. Is it really necessary to have to be subjected to seeing our dear leader every damn day???!!!

How does this “Obama Show” differ from the state run broadcasts coming from Teheran? Only we the public will be seeing it from the White House. No thanks.

I bet a good deal of you that think ABC is right are fans of PBS and NPR. I listen to all three and it is easy to see that they are in the tank for the current administration. I suggest that you observe what president Obama does rather than rely on what he says. Even with a public education, that ought to be something you can do.

ABC is a joke. Obama and the teleprompter will take center stage and all 2000 viewers will swoon. Who cares? Oh, Chavez will be watching and cheering and Castro too.

Ruby – I’m sure you see this as a Repub vs Dem issue but it simply is not. This is about journalistic integrity plain and simple. We should ALL have a serious problem with this no matter who is president.
Incidentally, anyone else notice how people seem to route for their political party the same way baseball fans route for the Yankees or Red Sox or (insert your favorite team here). It is really scary.
Folks, this isn’t about your favorite team winning the game (election) it is about our country; let me repeat that: OUR country. Thats right, we are a country of Democrats and Republicans and are in this together. Things are bad and getting worse; standing behind your “team” without regard for the effect their actions have will hurt us all.

BTW, I can’t stand Charlie Gibson with his smirky, contemptuous interrogation of Governor Palin or Diane Sawyer with her silly a$$ carrying on and liberal slanted “reporting” and her over the top interrogation of Mr Horn in Houston, practically calling him a murderer and trying to get him to grovel and say he was sorry he shot those two illegal aliens burglarizing his neighbor’s house. I have nothing but contempt for ABC and their so called news division. I just laugh when they call themselves journalists. Their new title should be “Government Propagandists”.

Re: Who is watching ABC anyway?
Very True! Their ratings have fallen to new lows along with CBS! You think that ABC finally all but admitting it is an organ of the Democratic National Committee will improve it’s ratings? LOL!!! But be careful: The New York Times will take another poll of it’s newsroom and say the “American People” are in favor of socialistic national health care!

So many saying “Hey, watch it before you say anything,” but all those saying it seem to be pro-Obama. Sure, let’s say that ABC did the infomercial for Obama’s Socialized Medicine takeover and then what? Do you honestly think that ABC will do anything other than give the opposite minimal token time to respond while all the liberals are taking maximum toking time. Liberal motto: Seek forgiveness and not permission – hell, we don’t even care about forgiveness, we will just do as we damn well please.

I am very proud of this response by ABC’s President David Weston. We do care about health care fairness and availability for people. These republican congressmen never had a problem when Fox News was completely in President Bush’s pocket. After eight years of republicans doing nothing to benefit the American people they still have the nerve to be the party of no, double triple no, and no way at all.

The SAD STATE OF THE GOP
I am a former political director for 3 of the 4 the national GOP organizations (i.e. NRCC, RNC and RGA). The GOP is a disaster. All the members can do is whine about ABC, when that Party USED to HAVE ideas how to resolve U.S. issues/problems.
Today, the GOP has CAUSED most of the problems/crises in our nation and are whining. IT is time for the GOP to be “disassembled,” and a new organization created that actually stands for something rather than always “against!”
This American will NEVER vote for another Republican ever again.

I will not be tuning in for the infomercial, nor any other ABC programming in the future. It is not surprising that their number of viewers get smaller and smaller by the day. If you only present one viewpoint, that is all the viewers you are going to get. I would watch, in spite of my resistance to government run health care. just to see what was happening, if there was even a hint of fairness. What kind of television program turns dwon advertising revenue when their numbers are tanking? So long and fairwell ABC, I expect you will soon go the way of the dinosaurs…

Yeah, the country was almost “destroyed” by Republicans and Bush over the past 8 years. Typical liberal tripe. If that’s true, clarify for me when it was that unemployment was at 10% under Bush? When did the deficit project to $4 TRILLION? Who controlled all of Congress for ALL of the bailouts? Oh wait, all those part-time summer jobs coming will save the economy! And GM will be running as smoothly as the Post Office…I mean the DMV…or the IRS…or Congress…

Chavez, Castro, Jong IL and the Mullahs all own their country’s media. Why not Obama?

Veryme: Who are you kidding? Pres. Bush was socialism “light.” Massive deficit spending, education mandates by the Federal government, unconstitutional campaign finance reform, millionaire Farmer welfare bills, etc., etc. “Doing nothing to benefit the American people?” He increased spending to levels only a true socialist like Pres. Obama could top! Get your facts straight before repeating the tire old liberal MSNBC talking points.

I get so tired of hearing people say that the neoconservatives almost destroyed the country. What are you talking about? Take off your blinders and look at the facts and not the left’s talking points!!!
The left (read Barney Frank and crew) are teh ones that blocked additional regulation of fannie and freddie…not the republicans. Go look at the congressional hearing tapes. Also, we would not have had to invade Afganistan or Iraq if Bill Clinton would have taken out Osama when he had the chance (at least twice!).
Go head, bury youur head in the sand, blame teh republicans for everything and keep wishing for change. you are about to get exactly what you want. However, it will include a weaker America, inflation similar to 70′s, and healthcare that will allow your loved ones to suffer and die because it is not cost effective to provide medical care. Oh, and you will still have 15 million people without coverage. Sounds like a great time is waiting for all of us. God bless the soon to be socialist states of America.

Here’s how it works NCEENO. In a free country you have the right to slander an entire section of the country. Isn’t it great you can do it online and get it in print? I can think of offensive words to call your group too, but good manners forbid.
In a free USA winning an election does not proscribe those who voted for the losing side (or winning side)from criticism.
While the press is still free there are many other sources where one can read the text of the ABC infomercial without subjecting oneself to the slobbering love affair. You might try that, reading the text, see if what was actually said is THAT impressive.
The presentation may be a forum as you say,but it is a self-serving event designed to promote an agenda. Some of us out there in “redneck” country believe that government has a generally poor track record of accomplishment in tthese sort of things. A record not likely to be improved upon by the same folks who voted for the bailout plan that they didn’t have time to read.
I’m not whining, that’s what the left does when they carp on how they will fix the problems of all the people in the world that depend on goverment solutions that, historically, have never succeeded in delivering a quality product. Like government supplied universal health care.
I’m working, so I can pay for my own.
Those who believe that government can help are free to donate to the IRS and to think their money will be well-spent.
We do have one thing in common. We both don’t mind seeing the other’s money wasted.
Lastly I don’t give a damn about the Republicans, congress should be turned out en masse. It’s hard for new people to do worse.

Look… you liberal democrats can slam conservatives all you want, you never end the slander. You had 8 years of slander on bush, and now, you continue to slander conservatives while you are in power. So, when someone raises a legitimate question about ethics or policy, you cry foul and say conservatives are whining.
As for this obamainfomercial, it is not legitimate to have a so called news cast with softball questions previously discussed and agreed upon. If you REALLY wanted a REAL discussion about HEALTHCARE or anything else… then have a left/right balanced debate and question/answer – un-rehearsed for the president and or each side of a debate.
The problem, as I see it, is that both sides to do not have PUBLIC debates on issues. Not good for America.
And, to add insult to injury, NO SENATOR or CONGRESSMAN EVER READS THE BILL being proposed. So, they really do not know what is in it. That is how we get all the PORK.
Amerian people need to FORCE line item veto powers.
We need to have TERM LIMITS on all office holders.
We need to MAKE CONGRESS Have the Same retirement we do… Social Security… since they do not pay into the system, which, most Americans do not know. And, they have the premier healthcare plan in the Nation.
We do not need government run anything, vice defense and perhaps infrastructure.
Peace!

The same liberals telling everyone “just watch it” are the exact same ones who lobbied to get “The Path to 9/11 ” banned from the airwaves. HYPOCRITES!

If the press doesn’t represent both sides of the debate, they lose half their potential audience. In the current market, is that really a good idea? Their shareholders will fire ABC leadership if they don’t deliver profits. That’s kinda hard to do when half the people in the country are ignored.

Mom: Like both parties being socialist? A trillion dollar deficit isn’t enough for you? Massive coming tax increases aren’t enough for you? Our grandchildren paying for Obama’s debt aren’t enough for you? LOL!! Thank God the Republicans are FINALLY saying “NO” before we turn into Zimbabwe!

I hope this doesn’t preempt Wipeout, which is the best thing ABC has going in years. This will be boring beyond description because POTUS talks strictly in generalities and worn-out campaign slogans, but worst of all, ABC won’t challenge the pretense that government has to do something for people instead of people doing something for themselves.

Republicans have enough money in their stash…put up or shut up…purchase some air time to voice your concerns…LOL, maybe a low viewership but heck at least you tried…

Wake up folks! We already know that Obama and his henchmen are experts at planting people and making things look as rosy as possible. Case in point, the sudden HuffPo appearance in the front row and the leading remark before the question by BHO. It is a political broadcast which completely shuts out any debate from informed citizens. All of these people are screened ahead of time. Denying it is a denial of truth, but you know that is what most humanists like Obama want us to do.

JohnF: The bottom 30% don’t even pay ANY INCOME TAXES! Our budgets are at historic levels! What more do you want for the poor? Maybe they should try stable families, wise personal choices, personal responsibility, and actually exerting some initiative instead of waiting for the monthly check from those “mean Republicans.”

ABC IS DYING because they have sold their soul to the Democrats.
Buh-bye….

I think it is fair to assume that anybody that is not opposed to the presentation of only one side of this debate will be just as strident in their opposition to the so-called “fairness doctrine”. Unfortunately, I am guessing that the same people who do not object to ABC doing such a one-sided will also not object to the “fairness doctrine”. Reality based indeed.

Um, guys? Fear mongering appears to be the name of the game for BOTH parties any more. Terrorism fear on the right. Economy fear on the left.

I want to hear debate on Healthcare. I want all sides of the issue. I want to see the government show that they can successfully manage Medicare/Medicade and Social Security first. In the meantime we indeed need reform but not without debate and lots of research to find the best solution. I think that if the government tried hard enough and listened to experts, they could find a way to institue reform within the private care system. The thing with this administration is that they want to spend incredible amounts of money, as fast as they can without proper research and regulation. It feels as though they are cramming it down our throats while robbing us blind.

ABC = All Barack Chat. The Russian media did the same before they broke free, so nothing new here.

Is this on Drudge today?
ABC what is with the way you set up these chats here? You seem to have ditched the stupid code thing that wasn’t working, but now you have to scroll thru pages to see the latest chat? Isn’t this backwards.

Since so many here feel we need balance in the reporting I’d like to sign you all up for a march for reinstituting the fairness doctrine. Since so many here feel we need balance in the reporting I’d like to sign you all up for a march for reinstituting the fairness doctrine.
Then the next time you won’t have anything to whine about.

AWESOME RESPONSE TO HYPOCRITICAL LITTLE PEOPLE ABC!!!! I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT ABC FOR RESPONDING IN SUCH A THOUGHTFUL, MATURE MANNER.

When did ABC News become QVC? This is just one big infomercial selling Obamacare!

“We will include a variety of perpectives coming from private indviduals” Cut the crap Westin, just be honest for once and say the indviduals have been picked and the questions prescreened and this whimp as a president will not be asked a challenging question. Just another free ride from ABC to give Obama a 1 hour infomercial

I’m really getting a kick out this. For 8 years, I’ve listened to Democrats whine, cry, stonewall and throw vitriolic tantrums. Now that the shoe’s on the other foot, they suddenly think complaining is a problem? Get used to it. You’ve got 8 years of it coming back atcha. Enjoy.

I really have to chuckle at some of the postings by liberals about the fairness of what ABC is doing, how Fox News does the GOP’s bidding, blah, blah, blah. People who say that must never or rarely watch Fox News. They pound on the GOP on a regular basis. Also, Obama and his minions have been invited repeatedly to go on Fox News; they are petrified of getting a difficult question. They want softballs, only, and that is all that the MSM knows how to throw at their beloved.

Well the left is working on a one sided argument in healthcare. I am on call for survey forums. I received a call to attend a forum on healthcare a couple a months ago and one of the qualifing questions was my party affiliation. I said I was conservative. They informed me that I did not meet there defined criteria for the healthcare forum. So basically this is a one sided argument there is no fair debate it is one way. Think about it. Silencing the opposition is not very democratic.

Hello,
I have this to say.
MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, for you people that have it you know it’s just about useless.
If you think the gov’t is running the above two health care organizations good then you will be fine waiting for week to have a test or operation done.
Why do you think people on these two plans have to have a second health plan.

Viva! President Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield, Palin, Mccain, Boher Cantor Graham all proven hero’s the Republican party is full of Hero’s. It’s time to disband the Democrat party – and form a new party – Democrats steal from the country to enrich themselves, their friends and buy votes through largess stolen from the treasury. I don’t like stimulus targeted for democrat kickbacks. Stimulus given to tax payers is okay because it gives back what was stolen from us year after year by failure democrat programs.

David Westin wrote
“Unfortunately, you have found it appropriate to criticize a program that has not yet aired. “
“Sadly, some inside government and within the private sector see every issue as material for a sort of political high theater, to be used to gain votes or energize political bases or simply to raise funds. “
Dear Mr. David Westin:
Sadly your bias is not one you can recognize because obviously you suffer severely from the clinical condition called premature cognitive commitment.
Your biased proclivity had been on display throughout the past election to today’s events continually giving the Dems and Obama a free ride and thus this ABC media reporting history has no connection remotely associated with objective reporting. How many Canadians and Brits sorely dissatisfied with their government single payer medical care will be in your program tomorrow? Has your host Obama sought the disgruntled Canadian and British citizens to be included in his and your medical solution extraordinaire presentation?
With your past proclivity how can you expect anyone to expect otherwise.

Holly – only rulers appoint Czars! 21 of them!

What else would one expect from a network who hired George Stephanopoulos, a Democrat politcal hack, to host ABC’s “This Week”?

ABC= All Barak Channel.

Raise your hand if you think that people are finally catching on about this phony President.

Who would have thought that our country would come to this point? I am a first generation American and have grown up with a tremendous patriotism and pride in our country.
To see the media drool over this unqualified person is an insult to all that have given their lives defending our freedoms. He is from another culture and doesn’t understand our history or our love of our country.
For centuries, the American people have relied on the media to inform and expose what the government is doing. We now have a media that fauns and swoons. They don’t deserve our respect.

I understand the need for health care. But what I am having trouble with, is the media has yet to say anything about the deficit spending the government is undertaking including the additional cost of health care. Why won’t the media raise the issue other than passively.

Who watches ABC any more any way? I can’t stand to watch them slobber all over themselves. I just tune something else whenever the President is on TV. I don’t care to listen to him and his fuzzy math, untruths, rushing everything, hurry it has to be done now or else attitude so no one knows what he is really doing, bail out this company and stick the people with the bill for years to come, government must run this company attitude, and many more. If no one would watch maybe he would get the idea that we do not like what he is doing to your pay check and money, and country. Where are all the jobs he promised and the money he promised to fix it? We sure do not see it here in my state.
It is much, much worse than it was just 2 months ago and it looks like it is going to get even worse.
Why does the President spend some time working instead of out on the ‘bully pulpit’?

typical DNC idiot FixitIn2012

“to be used to gain votes or energize political bases or simply to raise funds. I would have thought that a subject as important as the health care received by the American people would rise above this sorry spectacle.”
an opposing view is a spectacle while obama’s view deserves “serious consideration of a subject so worthy”.
just as “journalists” and white house officials conspired today to offer up softball questions for obama, the so called opposing views will be shown as shallow if not outright ridiculous.
obama made such comments today about his interpretation of the alternative arguments.
no, there will be no meaningful debate because that would show how disastrous socialized/universal/single-payer/some other focus group inspired word type health care system would be to the us.
THERE WILL BE NO LOWERING OF COSTS!!!!
HE IS LYING AND HE KNOWS IT.

This is simply fundamentally flawed, biased to the core from the start. There is no need to watch this propaganda. Thank God we do not have to depend on the ABC and the like for news anymore. I can only hope bankruptcy for dishonest, biased ABC. To purport they are doing news without giving the opposite side is a clear cut farce.
The press of this country has failed in thier duty. ABC “reporters” “news” what a joke.
Do not watch this biased, one sided by definition trash.

Who cares? No one watches ABC any more. It’s garbage TV.

ABC….MICKEY MOUSE, it’s just a new Disneyland. Now, I know what the D stands for in Washington DISNEY C. I am through w/ ABC and CBS..due to the beliefs of Letterman. I cannot support child porn in any form.

ABC, CBS, and NBC have all lost all “journalistic” integrity. They have gone from liberal bias to some kind of Obama worship cult, and they are so brainwashed by their love for The One they don’t even realize it.

Who cares what ABC does? Noone will tune in anyways. We are bored with Obama and His politics as Usual. Passing Bills in the Middle of the night while the American people are sleeping and congress doesn’t read it. The more this Gov’t can trip over their own feet the less damage they do to this Country. So go ahead ABC sell your soul and Journalistic integrity. The American People do not and will not forget. I think you are already starting to see it with your poor ratings. ABC= Another Boring Channel

Had anything like this occurred during the Bush administration, I’d wager Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, and Nancy Pelosi would have been co-anchoring the broadcasts.
I just wish the networks would just do their jobs. They’re not putting two and two together. Presentation leans left and viewers leave. Instead of figuring out that people are tired of that, they lean even more left and viewership falls again. What to do now? Lean left horizontally and who’s going to watch? Not me.

I wonder if the people who are complaining about Republicans complaining ever said the Dems were complainers during the Bush years. The opposition is suppossed to bring other points of view. Otherwise you have a one sided view of everything. Now the media campaigned for Obama with much more positive coverage for Obama than MCCain. Some like Matthews and Olberman were very public about their favoring Obama. Sadly the media has become less than what they were. Unfortunately many look upon the news as being accurate and unbiased which is certainly not the example ABC is showing.

Anybody STILL denying that bias exists in the mainstream media? No wonder ABC, CBS, and NBC have the lowest viewership ratings EVER. How can anyone on the left, right or middle of the political spectrum stomach this blatant disregard of impartiality of the “free” press? … And the sheep continue to bleat as they approach the cliff…..

Westin can’t see allowing for input from others as being anything but political theater because he views Obama’s solution as perfected. Or it could be that he doesn’t understand that all lawmakers debate ideas as a process of reaching a consensus for a fully thought out and feasible plan. Is this what they mean by extreme media biased?

Use your computer to fight fascism! Don’t stop after you post a comment – email ABC and complain, email all the sponsors of ABC, email your congressman and complain. Email everyone you can think of and bitch about how the media is crooked. This crap is worse than Pravda in the USSR. The USA is a joke. Welcome to the new USSA and the government media.

Ha, I haven’t watched the network news for years. They have always been democratic hacks and now even more so. Bias is too soft for what they are and they all should lose their broadcasting license for being a political party.

I don’t like it when a news program decides what political issue should or should not be “material for a sort of political high theatre, to be used to gain votes or energize political bases or simply to raise funds.” Let the “high Theatre” happen, that is part of the politcal process. To remove an issue from the process is elitism and bias.

Why won’t ABC broadcast critiques of Obamacare at the same time? They reject any airtime for opposition views and thus they have no desire to inform people of the dangers of what Obeyme is doing. That itself speaks to the true nature of ABC’s so called impartiality.

A forum is where you have all sides represented, that would include all sides of the media. No need to watch it, and really don’t care to because it already shows bias by excluding all other media from participating. This is nothing like a forum, This will be a carefully crafted,one sided message.

ABC is so in the tank for obama…It sickening the way the media panders to this man….and our disgust is reflected in the crashing ratings…for ABC AND the president. We don’t like being tricked and lied to and America is becoming impatient with this nonsense.

ABC is fair and reasonable, and I think the President and the American people deserves to know the facts without the political opportunist opposition should shut the hell up and Listen to the President of the United States, that won the election as a Mandate for the American people….. not special interest, not racist, not republican or democrat, but for the American people who elected Him. Also, I think is is despicable that these same opportunistic idiots who is receiving a taxpayer paycheck to vocally put their “2 pennies” worth of opinions in the Iranian domestic issues. WE Have 1 (ONE) President, and he feels good for the country without the “bullying, cowboy” politics from the past republicans who had that Office. Shut the freak up, and who died and left you as the “brain”. Our President is Smart, stategic, careful and right on this issue.

Leftist media in Cuba, Russia and North Korea do the SAME thing as ABC. Turn over the airwaves to the ‘glorius leader ‘ who explains how he is protecting their interests while making sure there are no opposing voices not directly controlled by them.
Obama – the Dark Lord

to msJoanne..Are you high? I wont watch it simply because I don’t want to help ABCs numbers. They’ve gone and shot themselves in the foot big time with this slick little move. They’re now dead in the water. Buh bye ABC, we wont miss ya.

“we feel good”. Finally, we have a President, Not a Bully who feels it is our right to force our beliefs on another country. The Iranian people will die, go to jail, be beat, water hosed, and bitten by dogs for their freedom…… Sounds familiar? It’s only been 40 years and 8 years since Bush declared Iran as “axis of evil”, and “MUSLIMS”, were terrorist. You are screwed and confused, but we are not.

i’ll be watching Bret Baier show on Fox news for updates on ABC’s Obamacare propaganda, i love his pundit group. respectful and diverse, i actually end up learning from both sides and they give good points, unlike CNN, MSM morning shows-unless you were deeply moved by Harry SMith giggled filled and very challenging challenge to Obama “why get that kind of dog??!!??”

will ABC cover cases such as breast cancer meds being turned down in england….pap smears not being available until 25 while girls can die of various cancers until much longer….20 month wait for hip replacements
i bet they dont
its not partisan when youre going to ruin the best health care system on earth, and cheapen our healthcare and flood the system covering illegals who dont have a right to anything (not that health care is a right)
also will someone asked why Obama why hes open to taxing private benefits when he scared everyone saying McCain would do what hes now more than willing to do
i can be done with ABC just as i am NBC now if they pull this crap

It is beyond insulting for a news network executive to suggest those with differing opinions who request time to present alternate approaches health care is “a sort of political high theatre[.]”
It is the worse sort of arrogance to continue on to say “I would have thought that a subject as important as the health care received by the American people would rise above this sorry spectacle.”
It is precisely because of the seriousness of the subject that all voices need be heard before following what could very well be the collapse of our our health care system. Mr. President, name the many countries with government run health care that proudly claim their own success. You cannot name one, because they all are in various stages of failure.
ABC, like NBC, has finally come out of the closet to reveal they were never worthy of the public trust. The FEC has best investigate this possibly illegal arrangement. Our government is by law prohibited from using US media to spread propaganda.

obama and healthcare reform is a joke. he wants to abolish multiple industries in this and provide nothing more than a large bill. lookit, docs charge a lot because they pay huge malpractice insurance premiums. they pay those premiums because of lawsuits promoted by trial lawyers. a little tort reform will go a much further distance.
oh, and another reason the docs have to charge a lot for people not on medicare…to make up for the lost earnings on the underpayment by medicare. government run healthcare. what a joke…as is abc for promoting it.

Anthony
You have totally missed the point. What ABC is doing is wrong regardless of the content. Waiting till it is over to judge it is like watching someone get shot then arguing over first or second degree murder charges when you could have stopped the gunman.
Does any sane individual actually expect the opposition’s position to be presented? He actually believes that for profit and not for profit organizations can compete when they both have the same costs. In his own words, “That Makes Sense, Doesn’t it.” Well no it doesn’t and that makes him either a liar or an economic idiot.
Most of the ABC audience does not have an MBA and doesn’t understand that his plan will eliminate private insurance. He may not even believe it either because he has exactly ZERO experience in free market management.
Only Obama can increase spending on health care by 1.6 Trillion and have the masses think that they have spent less.
Only Obama can get us mad at those big energy producers so we tax the hell out of them under “Cap and Trade”. Which they pass down to us but he is not taxing you is he so you feel good.
Only Obama can eliminate your tax exemption for your employer paid healthcare and exempt the unions and everyone thinks that is fair.
My point is that the only way to keep him from deceiving the people is to not let him near the people without proper adult supervision.
You have to parse what is between the lines to find his intent. Take “Cap and Trade” to be pa

What did anybody expect from the All Barack Channel? No rebuttal from the opposing side? Sounds fair to me.

Julia, just continue to bury your head in the sand. It makes since hearing this from someone from California. The laughing stock of the other 49 states. The state that wants to legalize marijuana and ban oreos. LOL

It was bad when Clinton whored out the Lincold bedroom. Whoring out the newsroom is exponentially worse!

Just a thought (by Connie and Anthony)…
More like a mind-belch…
You two seriously propose that we give such a profoundly flawed structure the benefit of the doubt, a priori, as if there is even a ghost of a chance ABC’s failure to provide both sides to this discussion is in keeping with their constitutionally mandated and protected responsibilies?
Do you seriously hold that in their “coverage” of this socialist healthcare plan the elimination of any dissent to Obama’s plan is in fashion a balanced and fair way to examine this issue?
If Bush had tried this you would all be screaming. You are guless wonders, so afraid, so afraid, to have your socialism exposed on national TV.
Only a soviet apparatchik could support such an incestuous government/media partnership. Obama has contracted with a major “news” org to be his PR firm, and you all applaud that like good little soviets.
After he brings down the dems further than clinton did we’ll hunt you all down like the dogs you are and make you eat the same crap you want to serve us now. Maybe Fox would like to serve as Press Officer for the next Republican president. We can always thank you lefties for the idea; what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, eh?

Then I guess Dems were just political opportunists not the loyal opposition during the Bush years. To bad they can’t take the competition. Guess the Republicans have better ideas.

We need a new government program which ties health care, fairness in media act, The American Psycologists Assoc,
the FCC and maybe even NASA.
This would involve implanting into ANY televised news-person’s forhead a tiny microchip which activates a tiny LED which would glow red for “right wing” blue for “left wing” and yellow for completely neutral. Those LEDs would vary in intensity depending on the intensity of the wearer’s thoughts.
And then start blinking where spins and falshoods occur.
See which side is not being straight with you then !
I’ll let you decide which one that might be…..Be true.. don’t lie to yourself !

This whole thing is very simple. Boycott the advertisers that populate the ABC airwaves and the loss of revenue will say more to the network than a bunch of whining. Vote with your wallet for now and then vote with your pen in 2010 to put a stop to this madness.

All Americans should be concerned with this, it is a step towards a “state media” that i never thought I would ever see in my lifetime in the good ole USA. ABC is setting a very dangerous precedent here.

We do know they are rehearsing their lines and Obama knows what questions will be asked and who to call on. I saw that by today’s news “conference” when he called on a reporter with the Huffington Post and asked her about the question he knew she wanted to ask. This is all rehersed to make Obama look better and sell is government program to the ignorant. I will not waste my time with the program. I haven’t had cable TV in a while and I went to rabbit ears and now with the digital converter that I haven’t purchased I don’t miss watching this propaganda at all.

What a disheartening turn of events… a once proud news organization appears willing to allow itself to be turned into a marketing agency. And while I normally encourage everyone to withhold judgment until they’ve had the opportunity to watch a potentially controversial program before commenting, in this case, the real issue is that the very presentation is fatally flawed.
There is no question that healthcare reform is a critical issue and requires a vigorous debate… the problem is, ABC has elected to abdicate their responsibilities, and any semblance of real journalism, and become advocates instead. Westin’s claim that “We will include a variety of perspectives coming from private individuals asking the President questions and taking issue with him, as they see fit” only underscores the issue… how will the audience members be selected? Who will decide who gets to ask the president questions? The potential for bias, overt or subtle, is inescapable… and given the location and unavoidable politics of the issue, suggests ABC News is either profoundly naïve or chillingly compromised.
Given our current political system, there is a fundamental reality – any solution or reform will HAVE to pass through a process dominated by Democrats’ and Republicans. To showcase / advocate the views of just one party fatally undermines any possibility to fairly present the issues confronting us all. To argue that representatives of the opposing view point need not be present to share their perspective diminishes the debate, rendering it useless. For a news organization, profiting from its access to public airwaves, to appear unaware of the obvious issues in hosting such a presentation under the guise of a news program is damning in the extreme. I can only hope so wiser heads will prevail and help develop a more balanced and worthwhile program. As it stands, it appears that it will be nothing more than an extremely well promoted infomercial likely to be viewed only by those already supportive of the President’s proposal… and therefore devoid of any real value.

Just continue passing that bottle of Coolaid around everyone…some day you’ll wake and realized you voted for a failed president.

A debate is between two opposing sides and honestly, what’s going to be shown tomorrow night isn’t a true debate.
How about ask Obama this – is his plan Constitutional? This limits our freedom of choice in health care. Doesn’t anyone care about that? We, as Americans, are slowly loosing our freedoms. What will it take for most of you to realize this? Or do you not care. Do you honestly think this is going to be free? The taxpayers (that’s all of us) is going to pay for it.
Back to the media.
I’m glad ABC has decided that the public (you know, the greater unwashed that doesn’t live in Manhattan or L.A.) doesn’t need to know two sides of this very serious issue. I’m glad that the powers that be at ABC has decided what side everyone should take. I wonder – does ABC think they won’t be subjected to Obamacare, or perhaps they will be first in line when it’s time for a handout (read: bailout) for the networks (“Hey, Obama, ABC carried your water. Please give us money, because we are too big to fail.”)
ABC – nothing but a joke and they wonder why their ratings continue to go down.
Free press/journalism has died. State run media – voluntary, which is scary.
ABC – how can we EVER put our trust in you as a credible news organization, or do you even care?

When the Republicans are back in power, and judging from Obama’s and the Democrats failings this will start in 2010, you can look for them to punish the subservient media. First by enacting pay limitations for all media talking heads, then to go after the management. Just wait for it, it’s coming to a TV network near you. Soon.

Screw ABC

It is disappointing how the media has forsaken sound journalism. Health reform deserves a debate.Mr. Westin’s statement: “We are proud to be making a serious effort to go beyond mere punditry or stylized, bipolar debate; we are proud to work for a network and a company willing to devote valuable airtime to serious consideration of a subject so worthy” translated means ABC like Barack Obama does not want serious debate about a subject that will have a demonstrative effect on every American. ABC would rather keep in Obama’s favor and portray only one viewpoint, Obama’s. ABC’s action are unprofessional if you can call journalism a profession any longer. It is a cowardly act.

Health reform in America? What for? Is it out of control, cost wise? Who cares? Republican can afford it, why bother to change what doesn’t work for average Americans? Most Americans liked a system that doesn’t work for them except to keep the Health Insurance comapanies supported by their government’s out of date legislation.
Who’s affraid of change?

ABC knows what they have proposed is not ethical. No one is going to grill Obama. No one is going to push him to the wall on this.
Where are the hard cuts Now to pay for this.
CBO says it is 3 trillion and 30 million won’t be insured
Cost savings are fluff with no fodder.. Cut program now to pay for it
650 billion in new taxes for a Down Payment
Medicare is going bankrupt in 2010. Where is the money for this
We borrow 46 cents now for every dollar spent.
The governmnet can’t even run Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, how in the hell are they going to run healthcare.
Without any more expenditures, the budget deficit is 1.8 trillion dollars and some say over 2 trillion. Where the hell is the money. SHOW ME THE MONEY! SHOW ME THE LONG GREEN!
Doctors are opting out of Medicare. They will opt out of this stupid program.
The stimulus pushed down fees to doctors and the healthcare plan intends to push further and include hospitals, tests etc.
The program will be run by actuary tables, statistics and obfuscation.
The plan is an euthanasia plan for the elderly. Let them die.
ABC is tha ALL Barack Channel.

ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, and CNN are gone forever in my household and office. I get my news from my objective sources on the internet and of course, foxnews. I am so happy that these channels are in trouble. Hopefully Obama will soon suffer the same fate as his lackys in the the liberal press. Fight washington people…..don’t let Obama destroy this country. Lock and Load!!!!!

I majored in journalism in college, and then worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for 15 years. I’m not in the business any longer, thankfully. ABC is engaging in the moral equivalent of prostitution. Those of you who you see nothing wrong with this, for God’s sake, don’t you realize that it is the function of the press to be a watchdog on ALL branches of the government–not to be working hand-in-glove with it to advance ANY administration’s preferred policy positions? This is like Orwell’s “1984″ with Obama in the role of Big Brother and the national media serving as “The Ministry of Truth.” Journalism is dead at places like ABC–because it has committed suicide!

Westin,
You absolutely reak of unfairness. When the fairness doctrine comes back, I hope your neck is FIRST on the line.
GS

Clearly they want to move beyond “bipolar debate”–by becoming sycophantic lap dogs.

The goverment does not have the money to pay for health care and they are lying if they say they do. IT IS UNAMERICAN to expect someone else to pay your way. The vote this FRIDAY on CAP & TRADE needs to be defeated as well. WHY HASN”T THE OBAMA STREAM MEDIA TALKED ABOUT CAP & TRADE>
ABC IS WORTHLESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ABC News is no longer in the news business. It is in the agenta business, pure and simple. The fact that they think that no one will notice is equally offensive.

I am going to watch something else. It is more fun to watch the talking heads the next day. Will see if anyone gets any leg tingles or something like that. Afterall, it is what is not said that will get you.
I want to see a justification for throwing our current system away. Lord knows it could use some improvement but I don’t think it should be thrown out. (I don’t believe that I will be able to keep my current insurance plan.)
Given that we have one of the best systems in the world, why do we need to change it before the end of the year?

2008 and continuing in 2009, the DEATH of journalism.

Journalism is dead. It died long ago last year. This is the most blatant example of how the leftist media is off the farm. What did you expect from the “State Run Media” Now drink the Socialist Koolaide all you little people.

IF the GOP is so polarized, then I suspect it is due to the high volumes of $$$ given to it by the Insurance pundits and the like. Let’s do this and see what they do – they will be covered by exactly the same plan as the one proposed by the POTUS and no longer will THEY receive the outstanding medical coverage that they think they are entitled to – they wanted to be elected officals – they should not receive anything better than the average American and they should likewise have to pay for their coverage just like we do….

My overall view of ABC, NBC, CNN and CBS is that they can’t make it any longer in the free market system, so, thus, they’re hanging onto the Obama Marxist agenda so they’ll (so they hope) be able to remain in business (with all those “benefits” like socialized medicine, taxpayer-paid new things at the desk, the desk itself, etc.).
These used-to-be-media sources NEED Marxism to even remain “in ‘business’” beyond the next year. Thus, Obama’s their guy.

Why the many critical blogs? Let the show run first and then complain. The GOP in Congress already has a forum to air its health care plans. Its called Fox News and it comes on 7 days a week, and the GOP goes there 24/7 to complain. Now, you are upset that 4 or 5 million people will watch a town hall discussion on health care? Get a life.

Since Dodd wife is hired as a director for 4 healthcare companies I wonder what he;ll be pushing. Obviously something where he benefits like he did during the financial crisis when he shilled for the banks.

abc, at least get a list of the real obama healthcare criticisms and try to cover most of them. Any “concerns” you leave off will get focused upon by fox.

Boycott the Mouse House. Disney and all things ABC and ESPN. Bankruptcy is too good for them.

Way to go, Holly. You’ve hit the nail on the head. We stopped watching ABC, CBS, NBC, PMSNBC and CNN years ago. Go, Fox!

ABC
=
All
Barack
Channel

hmmm…the congressional republicans can view this as “equal time” for the palin broohaha that dominated the media (all networks) for an entire week or so.

Bush did it! He’s to blame. ABC= Alotta BULL CR–. Keep up the good work covering this lightweight. No wonder your ratings are in the tank.SSSSPLAAAAT!

I will never watch your network again. You are not providing both sides of this as you call vitally important issue. If that is the case and you can convince me how it is fair that one side, the side you want, is going to be presented to the public is fair then you are operating in a tunnel. Tell me how is it that out of the more than 300 million American citizens that do have healthcare and as the argument has stated the 50 million who don’t will be brought to have healthcare. Let’s see…300 million do have it and a percentage of that do not but our governement is going to radically change the way we recieve healthcare and you think it is fair that one side of the issue is going to be given to present what they want to do. I will not be watching your network again. Good luck preaching to the masses.

I wonder who will select the people questioning the president. Maybe a few ACORN shills. This is serious and deserves serious discussion not some pie in the sky plan that is going to cost the American people more money and get in the end lousy health care. It is time to get the government out of our private lives and get on with reducing government and reducing taxes.

“We will include a variety of perspectives coming from private individuals asking the President questions and taking issue with him” All hand picked by Obama’s staff of course… all 3 major networks are circling the drain…

ABC is so in the Dear Leader Obama tank it reminds me of the Iranian News Agency’s relationship with their Dear Leader.

ABC wouldn’t ask 0bama the tough questions during the election and now they want us to trust them on this! I won’t even bother tuning in. Why reward them with ratings. Sink baby sink!!!!

I was surprised to see all the negative comments that have been allowed to stay on this sight. I suppose it leaves doubt as to the bias slant of ABC news. Judging by the details of the letter, which nearly sneers at the members of Congress that are merely asking to be allowed to make some sort of input into the most expensive and personally and professionally intrusive legislation ever in the history of The United States, (as they have been asking since Jan. 21 during the rest of the gazillions of expenditures we have been told we needed to do)there should be open debate so the American people can see what they are getting for all this money. Get ready for the immigration legislation that will get passed after this burdening this bill with another 20,000,000 people, instantly.

Here we go again, the republican party trying to sink their claws into any ideas that just might prove them wrong.

The liberals’ defense of ABC consists of mere straw man arguments. Stop being so ignorant.

ABC: All Barack Commercials

Ryan asked: “Please tell me 1 primetime news organization (except FOX) that doesn’t fall all over themselves for Obama?”
If you think we have a “free press” you haven’t been following developments. We can no longer trust ANY of them to tell the truth, let alone that joke of being “fair and balanced”.
First of all, ABC has been on the GOP side of this, mostly. Watch their morning show and you hear little in support of health reform. Please note the ABC News is owned and controlled by the conglomerate Disney-ABC, and as John Edwards complained, “If only ABC News was about NEWS, not about Mickey Mouse.” THAT was in response to ABC threatening to ban Kucinich and others from the ABC-hosted Dem. debates if they stuck to single-payer ideas.
As disclosed on Bill Moyer’s PBS show “The Selling of the War, ALL of the News organizations went along with Bush and faked his post 9-11 press conferences, asking questions handed to them by Bush assistants, and raising their hands pretending to ask questions. Dan Rather himself said, “We Dropped the Ball,” and the head of CNN said something similar.
So I no longer trust any of them. I look to foreign reports in English from BBC and even ABC-Australia to get REAL details.

Sadly, some networks and the current administration see every issue as material to cheerlead for Obama to try to energize (or rather dupe)the American Public to believe in an idea that has already failed in Canada, Great Britain and the state of Oregon. I would have thought that a subject as important as health care for the American people would rise above this sorry media spectacle! America needs and deserves better! We deserve to hear all sides, all opinions and not just the party line spouted by the President and his media minions. It figures ABC would be proud to be making a “less than serious” effort to go along with the President’s punditry and non-stylized, bipolar debate. Any serious journalistic organization should strive to present all possibilities and potential outcomes. What ever happened to investigative reporting? But ABC once again shows it is a network willing to devote valuable airtime to propping up a failed president and his American society wrecking ideas. ABC presents the U.S. with more evidence as to why the networks continue to lose viewers & integrity.

ABC News is wrong to air this. They are the President’s private megaphone. I don’t want Nationalized Healthcare. Most Americans don’t want it either. We are lucky to have the system we have. No system can satisfy everyone, but we are as close anyone can get. I will not support this network in any way shape or form.

ABC news has become a pathetic and disappointing representation of what can happen when media gets in bed with government and goes along with any and all accounts presented, factual or not. Media complicity with a leader to facilitate that leader’s success can and has lead to dangerous consequences and losses of liberty. Nixon was a great example of what a FREE and UNBIASED press can do to represent the interests of we the people. Where oh where have those people gone? We have very little left but love-struck policy supporters. Pathetic!

What a self-righteous namby-pamby response by ABC. Now all of a sudden bipartisan is being referred to as “bipolar”. Their disdain for the intelligence of their shrinking audience is appalling.

Funny how everyone just makes assumptions here “it’s an advert for President Obama!!!” Oh, the fake outrage. Get a life. You people will complain about everything. It hasn’t even aired yet!!! GEEZ!!! I love ABC’s response. Thank you for sticking up for yourself!!!!

ABC: At Barry’s Command
No surprises there.

ABC being a tool for Obama since day one. They do not report they slobber and grovel at his clay feet. How many people will watch this infomercial?

Two thoughts
1. No one watches the ABC Evening news anymore so who cares if the false prophet has it to himself.
2. The Congress & Senate health care should be the same as the one they are going to force down our throats. Take away there gold plated health care insurance program and make them subscribe to the same one they are going to force on us.

cbs,abc,nbc,msnbc puppets of the obom!
what is this episode# 143 for this clueless admin?
did you happen to notice the ratings for these jokers today? ratings = $$
how about that…..people are starting to realize what’s up here!
i will not be lied to!

This is the first time in a long time that I have read, listened or watched ABC news. And, sadly it will be the last time. Judging from the ratings, I am not alone.

Does this mean ABC will no longer be supplying the Republican response the the state of the union address?

The statist media is slanting it’s coverage for obama. The reporters in the statist media should be ashamed of their propaganda.

It looks like a good time to sell ABC stock, they are jumping on board the Titanic. They asked for change 2 years ago and now we are getting it. SPEND SPEND SPEND SPEND and for what big goverment, great return ,may be $.05 on our tax 1$ that goes in the right direction. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

It is too sad that ABC News has decided it is no longer necessary to be unbiased and simply become a mouthpiece of the Obama administration. How in the world can ANYONE consider ABC to be a source for unbiased news after they become a spokesman for the administration? Sadly I remember when ABC was a respected news organization but now they have sold their soul for a few more viewers. Sad sad day for ABC News! Mr. Arledge would be turning over in his grave!

This is really sad that something like this is happening in America. Now Russia has a more responsible press than America. Maybe this is why the network anchors are encountering new all time audience lows.

And here I’d thought street walkers were the oldest profession. The prize goes tooo…(drum roll)….ABC News.

@teddymaniac
“Wonder how many complaints those Congressional Republicans have written to Fox News so far.”
Stop trying to distract. Fox News isn’t doing anything like this – ABC is. What is it with you liberals? Anyone criticizes you, your networks or your President and you have to put it back on conservatives, Fox News or Bush.

More disguised socialist agenda by the obamamedia

P-BO is the most incompetent, inexperienced president ever elected. He won because people chose style over substance and treated the election like an episode of “American Idol”.
P-BO ONLY idea is the tired old leftist plea of “Government, more Government”. “Only the Government can stimulate the economy”, he said. In what 19th century economics book did that policy come out of? P-BO quadrupled in four months what Bush did in eight years!
China laughed at Tax Cheat Geithner when he begged them to buy our debt.
Russia, Germany and France are pleading with us to not go down the socialist path that almost destroyed their economies.
P-BO’s foreign policy is “display weakness”.
P-BO’s answer to healthcare? Government should control it. Everyone knows government screws up anything it touches. Healthcare is the MOST federally regulated industry this country has!
The man is so incompetent, that his supporters, the dumb masses that elected him, embarrass themselves when attempting to explain is third grade policies.
Wake up and get some critical thinking skills! At this rate he has prolonged the recession five to eight years. We can’t afford another six months of this idiot, let alone three and half more years.

ABC — All Barack Channel

Funny how many times sean hannity, rush limbaugh, and talk radio are mentioned in response to an article that has absolutely nothing to do with any of them. Yes, anybody who doesn’t like obama or the democrats is brainwashed and cannot think for themselves and is blindly following the man in the radio. It takes a real genius and an intellectual giant to defeat opposing arguments with such logic. You go democrats!!! There is no legitimate opinion except your own. Everbody else is just stupid!

“Blame Bush” was P-BO’s only argument when he campaigned. Bush had a democrat congress his last two years that passed the first “stimulus plan”. P-BO has quadrupled it. Bush was the most “leftist” president we have ever had…he doubled the size of government.
P-BO has QUADRUPLED it in only six months.
If Bush was dumb. P-BO is a moron who is both incompetent and inexperienced.

Jealous pitiful comments from republican trolls who have nothing to back them up. President Obama won handily unlike Bush who never won handily. We were sick, sick, sick of republicans bowing to Bush the whole eight years. I am so glad that John McCain did not win. No telling what he would have done now on Iran.

A false, phony idol I might add!

Anthony and all the others who say we should “just watch” before saying the programming will be biased…maybe you missed the fact that ABC has denied advertising bids from groups opposed to a disastrous nationalized health care plan…yup, they really want to have a “probing discussion” about the future of health care in this country!!

People can ask “probing” questions, but all he’ll do is lie like he did today. Health care for all won’t cost a cent.
Of course you can keep your own doctor (if businesses don’t stop offering insurance because the Government will). Oh, and we’ll going to save so much money that we’ll save the ecomony. Just don’t pay any attention to that lying Congressional Budget office.
What a travesty.
And how very embarrassing for any journalist. I know. I was one, although I hate to admit it these days.

Wonder how many complaints those Congressional Republicans have written to Fox News so far.
Posted by: teddymaniac |
—————————————
Fox News has never acted as a PIMP for President Bush’s political agenda.

Holly HAS a clue… and a very good point.
This administration doesn’t use the tools of fear and innuendo to make their points, do you even understand the concept?
No matter how some of you try to spin it, the country does face serious issues and it would be terribly irresponsible if this (or any) administration said “everything’s gonna magically be okay”.
The show on ABC tomorrow night will have people both for and against Obama’s plan. It will be a discussion of various points of view on a VERY important issue. It is NOT an “Obama infomercial”. That’s just your bias against those you disagree with talking.
The ABC president is absolutely correct to say not everything has to be about politics — some things are too important to all Americans.
By the way — If this network wants to run 24 hours of bird songs they can. How they run their business is their concern… your say as a consumer comes when you click the channel on (or off).
You DO believe in the free market, don’t you.
So, watch the show and then comment… or don’t watch the show and keep your pronouncements to yourself.

The last time I checked the GOP wants to be hands off the insurance companies with the idea that they can be self-regulated by competition. They are now pouring $$$ into anyone or anything who will oppose any public plan–including endless “infomercials” paid for by our increasing medical costs. There is no counterweight to the insurance company onslaught and thus ABC is simply leveling the playing field.

Oh Please,
(Why not actually watch the program and then complain about it if you found it was biased).
It’s just an infomercial. There are times I have wanted to buy the Sham Wow because the commercial is so good but that doesn’t mean that the product is as good as the paid huckster (ABC) wants you to believe it is. I don’t need to watch the “newscast” to know it is a professional sales job.
Also if you believe that the patriot act took away some of your freedoms just think about the rights we have lost in the first 100 days of this administration. God forbid we get attacked again we will all be put under marshal law and have to give up all our freedom and submit to the will of our new big brother.
Get off your haunches and call these people out for what they are doing to the USA.
“If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything”

Interesting — the Repubs insist on fairness in this, but don’t think we should have a fairness doctrine to apply to broadcasters. Tsk tsk, can’t have it both ways, fellas.

By becoming the third state-run television network to join the new USSA government propoganda system, I know we can all count on the most unbiased news coverage available.

Fox makes no bones about it being biased with a conservative bent. I just wish one time the Mains would do the same!

NO ONE WATCHES ABC ANYWAYS…. OBAMA IS NOT GOING TO SAY ANYTHING IMPORTANT….IT WILL BE A LOVE FEST

You’ve got to be kidding. Anyone who thinks ABC might even be the slightest bit objective is kidding themselves. ABC, you have totally lost your credibility as an objective news organization. The news is SUPPOSED to be the watchdog of the govt..not the lapdog. I can’t really tell when it happened, when ABC stopped being fair and capable of showing pros and cons of each problem, but the love for this current administration is really over the top.

Will we get to see the presidential dog? How about Michelle in the organic garden? Will a ShamWow be offered for 19.99? I am sure ABC has some hard hitting stuff lined up.

I think it’s great that ABC is so willing to disavow any semblamce of having a “news” organization in hope of currying favor with the Leftist’s who currently control the goverment as the pet “news organ”..
Proudly stand up for what you believe in while you have this oportunity.

i AM GLAD THAT ABC DECIDES TO TAKE ON THE ISSUE AGAIN ON HEALTHCARE UNLIKE OTHER NEW CHANNELS INCLUDING FOX!

Why is something “mainstream”?
Because it is the feed from which all the tributaries flow.
Hence, it is the major force.
Hence it is the “voice” of the majority.
There is no secret that the majority of Americans support our president and within that majority, we are interested in what he is doing and intending to do for us.
Thank you ABC and the “mainstream media”…
WE – the “mainstream” of the American public appreciate information and welcome the chance to hear for ourselves what is proposed. We will engage our Congress members with our response accordingly.
Ah, representative government and a free press.

I cannot understand why the people can’t see that healthcare reform in Obamacare is about a power grab. Until tort reform is addressed then he can’t be serious. Lawyers suck from the precious resources and give nothing to the system. I am not against legitimate claims but the outrageous awards and frivilous suits. Look at John Edwards as an example. His mansion was paid for by increased premiums by regular folks. Think about it.

ABC is being a cheerleader for Obama’s health plan. This is ridiculous. News reporting is supposed to report all sides of a story. This report excludes all sides, except the White House view. How absurd! This is not journalism.

I hope they do filibuster when it starts hitting your wallets then you will agree too. There is a price to pay. Just like Green means higher and higher gas prices. Or have you noticed the pump price lately.

ABC and all of the phonies should continue their pitiful road into the ground. If the U.S. people assent to such propaganda and continue to patronize these propagandists, then their fate is deserved. Their is no journalism anymore (that is if their ever was). If you believe otherwise than you are truly no different than blind, ignorant sheep marching merrily to the slaughter. It is embarrassing for ABC. It is embarrassing for our prideless and worthless president. It is more embarrassing for the U.S. population that they are so worthless that they cannot understand what is going on right before their eyes.
ABC, CBS, NBC are all inadequate, blatantly without truth, and sorry phonies.

propaganda n. —– The systematic propagation of a doctrine or cause.
Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, is peering UP from his asphyxiating, sulfurous abyss, saluting President Obama’s collusion with ABC to steer public opinion away from the truth.

WOW! EVERYDAY IT GETS SCARRIER! We already knew he had the media in his pocket but this is getting rediculous! PRAVADA? He isnt even trying to discise it! He is so smugg and cocky! ABC is so far in the toilet now they are desperate! This wont even work! FOX RULES!

Interesting, when a Dem requests air time to present one side of a issue important to all Americans ABC ‘newspeople’ are “proud to work for a network and a company willing to devote valuable airtime to serious consideration of a subject so worthy”.
When a Republican requests air time to present the other side they are a sorry spectacle trying to “gain votes or energize political bases or simply to raise funds”

The left leaning libs are following like sheep to the slaughter! How dare you just volunteer to give up our liberties that our grandparents, fathers, brothers and mothers have fought and died for. I value my independence, liberty and freedom and dont plan on signing it over to “Dear Leader BO. O THANK YOU! My dad served in WWII, my husband and brothers in Vietnamn, and I also served 4 years so I know what I am talking about! I have grand children and hope we can hold onto our freedom for them. I am not willling to give it up to be “Taken Care of by BO! He is my President in name only and hopefully only for 4 years! God help us!

I always considered ABC News to be ethical. Was I ever wrong. It is going to practice the same slanted hack journalism as NBC and CBS. This fiasco gives me one more reason not to watch network news. Thanks nothing ABC.

This whole thing almost defies imagination!
I`m reminded that “absolute power corrupts absoutley” I can`t believe that the head of a major network can possibly be so stupid! This whole thing smells of Chicago politics, intimidation (would you like to have FCC hearings on your license, or would you like to do it our way?). At any rate, the press deserves to have its privledges pulled, they have failed the public in the most horrific way. They have converted the news cycle into “entertainment”. I won`t soon forget who sold us out.
For you mealy mouthed liberals who can`t take any criticism, you better get used to it, or get out. “Cap and trade” is going to get pushed trough with out a word from the press, and then it will really hit the FAN. We are loosing our rights, and being made poorer every day, and with no critical examination by the press, who are intrusted with providing unbiased reporting based upon fact, we are little more than sheep to the slaughter.
Remember, POTUS Obama won by a very small margin, NOT a landslide as you would like to believe, and we will as you did, express our displeasure as loudly (but i doubt it will be with the same level of vulgar attacks that Liberals an known for, and we don`t attack our opponents family`s, children ect., you see we are more mature and observe a higher level of civility than you). You LIBERALS are living proof of the failure of Public Education. Put any three of you in a room together and you have Dumb, Dummer and Dumbest, your apalling really.
You had your “Bush Lied People Died”, it`s best you become comfortable with what the other half of us have already come to understand; OBAMA LIES, AMERICA DIES.

“We are proud to be making a serious effort to go beyond mere punditry or stylized, bipolar debate; we are proud to work for a network and a company willing to devote valuable airtime to serious consideration of a subject so worthy,” Westin wrote.
………………………..
Lets see, a “bipolar debate” meaning two sides. Are there two sides to this story? Yes! So how could ABC think that only giving one side is a good thing. Some people have other ideas that should be heard. Becoming the Presidents News company is only showing how partisan they are and is going to hurt them. Bad move ABC.

We are now officially a third world country, and we have ABC, and Hussein Obama to thank. It also proves that the liberals defending this travesty don’t have a clue about what is happening in our nation ( or don’t care). They elected a man not even remotely qualified to lead us out of our problems, and he just created and continues to create more serious ones from which I now fear we may never recover. I wish I could gloat, and say I told you so, but it is heart wrenching to watch our counties values and beliefs, that so many have fought and died for through our growth in becoming the greatest on nations, now just become a past without meaning to so many.

How many other times in the past 60 years have the TV networks given airtime to a sitting president to explain his proposed policies? (Remember Roosevelt’s fireside chats?) “It’s as if ABC News is providing in-kind free advertising for President Obama.” This is not a candidate that is being given “free advertising, it is our duly elected president. The problem is that Washington has become caught up in what is called the “permanent campaign,” in which both parties continue to treat each others’ elected officials as if they are still running for office, trying to “defeat” them. Even so, those who disagree with the president’s proposed policies should be allowed time to express their concerns and give their reasons for their disagreements.

In case some of you forget, I only won by about 10 million votes, 53% to 46% and McCain’s numbers would have been higher if he didnt pick the 2008 version of Vice Admiral John Stockdale. Look, there are still alot of republicans out there. But that’s ok, we need some one to pay for all these giveaways.
If you have never been to a doctor or a hospital in the UK or Europe, I strongly suggest you try it before praising the thought of socialized medicine. I was having a heart attack, and they made me wait, even though I was paying with a credit card!

Does anyone honestly think that President Bush would have been afforded the same option to promote his ideas?? NOT A CHANCE! Journalism in this country is dead!

agree with posters that ABC has no business doing an Infomercial from the White House. That’s not what a REAL news organization does. I had thot ABC still had a little integrity–but since their ratings are suffering, they have opted to do whatever it takes to get viewership–that means Obama Infomercial. Tho Fox is accused of being anti-obama, their news coverage truly is fair and balanced, that is what I will be watching.
To those who say watch it and then complain….Um, it is not a news show–it is propaganda because ABC is refusing to talk to stakeholders with opposing views…may as well be Oprah–not that Oprah is good or bad, but SHE IS NOT A NEWS SHOW.
I will not waste my time watching the all-day ratings promotion to benefit Obamacare and ABC “News”

Anthony -
It’s pretty common for the side presenting a story to be biased – that’s why it’s THEIR story! This presentation will be completely biased, right down to the “everyday Americans” who will be asking scripted questions.
The RNC and other opposing groups were even denied the purchase of commercial airtime during the programs. I shouldn’t be so upset about this, though. Brazil has a dictator-controlled media and they’re doing just fine.

I would suggest the only news outlet providing balanced reporting today is Foxnews despite attempts by Obama and his media cronies to exaggerate their bias. I would suggest if you havent watched Foxnews yet, watch the station for a week and then make your own decision about who is worth watching.

I cannot believe how ill informed some of you are. FOX News is commandeered by a formet RNC Chairman! To suggest that it is balanced is absolute nonsense. As an independent, I must encourage you to get out more. The GOP has lots of good ideas; like private accounts to replace Social Security! How ingenious.

I sent an email voicing my objection to ABC’s biased reporting and for being a voice for the Obama health care plan…I also said I would not buy any product advertised on ABC News, GMA or any other news show that promotes anything that BO is shoving down our throats!!!! Everything BO does is done as a promotion like many of us learned in marketing 101

Looks like the Repubs and the radical right wing are trying to silence a news organization because they are afraid the truth may get out. It is up to the networks to decide what they will show on their programs. They see an important issue to Americans and they are providing information on it. Thank God we have a constitution that allows them to do that.

Conservatives and the intellectually honest are united……
We Will Give ABC a Shot at Posting Their Very Own Negative-Growth Quarter!!!!!

Folks, just how are we going to pay for all this spending? Tax the wealthy? When do wealthy Democrats pay taxes anyway? You know there are quite a few of them too. They are going to tax everyone. Goods and services are also going to get taxed and more expensive. Somebody will have pay it and pay dearly.

Scarlet- GWB has his own channel, FAUX News……er, FAUX Opinion!

ZP -
The reason Fox News is the most watched cable news network is because it leans all the way to the right, all the time. The other stations, on occasion, report both sides.

WOW! I never thought I would see this in America, a soviet style propaganda machine like ABC reporting from politburo headquartes aka the white house. Obama has to be the luckiest president, even Bill Clinton never got this kind of love.

Wonder if they have written Fox News? Fox News never had an exclusive infomercial with a president on a single issue. ABCNews is THE only network broadcasting ONE side of the issue. I’m embarassed as a Democrat to see the turn they have taken. They promise openness and transparency, yet provide no room for rebuttal on healthcare. Guess what? It’s a big deal when you as a party move to provide a national healthcare system (that is, more than it already is with Medicare/Medicaid, free emergency rooms, etc.)
I am not at all pleased with this administration so far and wish there had been a third option (I wouldn’t have voted McCain!)

So the State news network said that any opposing view to anything as ‘important’ as whatever the President proposes on health care is a ‘sorry spectacle’?
Seriously? You can’t do better than that?
No one thinks of ABC news as fair and unbiased journalism.
Worse yet, ABC doesn’t care about their reputation anymore.
I won’t be watching the infomercial. I wonder if they can get that crazy guy who shouts all the time to sell their health care plan? Billy whats his name?
Government owned banks; government owned car companies; government jobs; state run media; and now government health care.
Where are we?

I can’t figure out who is more disgusting. Those that blindly cheered for Bush regardless of his point of view or those that blindly cheer for Obama regardless of his point of view.
At least with Bush, we could count on almost every news outlet to challenge his positions (a role they should play). Today, the NY Times asks the President what has enchanted him the most while NBC is shaking uncontrollably.

Wonder why?
New All-Time Lows for Both CBS & ABC Evening Newscasts
Breaking: TVNewser has learned the CBS Evening News has once again set an all-time low last week with 4.89 million Total Viewers and 1.42 million A25-54 viewers. But it was also the lowest (since records began in the 1991-’92 season) for ABC’s World News with Charles Gibson. The Gibson program drew 6.42 million Total Viewers and 1.77 million A25-54 viewers.

Hey Holly, I’m sure you are proud of your man Obama. Just let me know how your kids and grandkids feel about paying for the rest of their lives for his failure! Not Bushes, Obama’s!

Ha, the Repub’s are complaining about a network which “in their eyes” is showing a political slant towards the President. They don’t scream and kick when FOX News is not fair and balanced do they? They only complain when it doesn’t fit their political agenda. Keep in mind that when the President organizes an event dealing with a potential policy issue and invites the media as the people’s window to it, especially when it deals with Health Csre, it is news and should be covered by the “real” media.

Ryan,
If you think the Republicans destroyed the country, you just wait till the Democrats are through. You won’t have to worry about the country, because there won’t be one! By the way, how do you plan on repaying the $550,000 you owe the government???

I don’t believe either of these parties have done us, the American people, and real favors in the past few years. Our hard earned tax dollars seem to be wasted on petulent attempts to “stick it” to the other party. I, for one, am tired of that. This is leading down the road to be the same thing. I am a writer/journalist, and this is unethical journalism at its worst. I don’t care if they support him or not. If they didn’t, exclusively having acces to the president for a health care infomericial without the equla presence of opposing opinions is not good reporting. It is political slanting, and it has no place in a fair media. I will not watch a program where ABC and the president talk about the next thing they would be happy to waste my tax money on. How about a conference to discuss how to get some of my tax money back from the excutives that got million dollars bonuses from it?

Progressivism… Stupid is as Stupid does! ABC, the New Pravda! So are NBC and CBS! Three cheers for FOX NEws for refusing to be a Government mouthpiece!!!

I also meant to add MSNBC, CNN and all their ilk!

ABC must be getting some of the bail out moneysince they don’t care about their ratings. We’ll never know because the “Transparancy” we were promised, hasn’t happened. Has it? The libs that support these people don’t have a clue!

No matter which side you are regarding US Health Care, this, what ABC is doing here is pathetic! As far as I’m concerned, ABC loses it credibility as a respected and non-biased news media outlet!! Thank goodness for the internet so that we have many sources and it is up to each one of us to do our own research and also it’s good to be a skeptic. No one has to watch this either; I know I will not :S

Get ready to be programmed like a robot. So much for journalists being the checks and balances on the unbridled power of this neophyte dictatorship in its infancy….LET THEM EAT CAKE!!!!
ABC is the first of many lemmings that will follow the pied piper off the cliff.

Simply put, I was not going to sign up for Medicare in the first place. Now I guess us NannyCare resistors will be thrown in prison. There will, of course, be a lot of room there, as all of the illegal alien murderers and rapists will be set free and given voting rights, and nobody in the Obama Administration will ever be prosecuted for any criminal act — Al Capone has finally gotten his revenge on the American people. The good news is that marijuana will be legal (as will other drugs except tobacco) and we can just get high for the rest of our miserable lives until the Chinese come to take the gold out of our teeth.

I try to listen to most of the networks to get a flavor of their slant. Say what you want about Fox but I can quickly name a lot of liberals who have plenty to say on Fox while I can only name a few conservatives on the other channels. And those conservatives tend to be apologists (with a desire to be welcomed by the left media) rather than defenders of issues.
Obama won last year because he portrayed himself as being “above” the political games and possibly being a centrist. A role welcomed by Independents. His far left agenda, though, is now turning off Independents and soon (12 months) his only supporters will be the far left. Good luck trying to appease that America hating crowd.
The best thing about our political system is that it is self cleansing. One party gets so full of itself, it turns off the American people. Parties don’t rise to power because their ideological views, they rise to power because the other party doesn’t know how to lead. Think about it.

Mr. Weston there will be political theater alright. We have seen this type of spectacle. They’ll drag out a bunch of cherry-picked dolts, who will ask Obama pre-scripted questions. He will give his usual incoherent platitudinous answers that are as substantial as a vacuum. The network will make a few perfunctory remarks about possible impacts on the deficit. No mention will be made of how Obama is turning this country into the unsustainable political equivalent of GM and how it will be an insolvent basketcase in 20 years. But please Mr. Weston you go ahead, you’re right we don’t need the `sorry spectacle’ of a `bipolar debate’ there is only one view that really matters.

ABC News isn’t. It’s ABC Propaganda. Anyone who thinks that FoxNews is the polar opposite of ABC simply has never watched Fox. Sure they lean conservative, just as every other major news outlet leans liberal. So one against many, and liberals complain. So typical. But Fox brings in PROFESSIONAL voices from all sides, regardless of the host’s leanings. It’s why their ratings smoke and the others are in the toilet.
This ABC fiasco won’t really accomplish much. I don’t know anyone who watches ABC, NBC or CBS anymore. People watch CNN and Fox – both of which make some effort to be center of the road, with their respective leanings.
I understand NBC being in the tank for the Messiah. GE stands to get billions of dollars in contracts if The One gets his way in health care and the environment. But what is ABC getting? There’s gotta be something… something we’re not yet seeing. Some kind of quid-pro-quo in the works. It’s follow-the-money time folks. Time to see how the Messiah is paying back ABC for this freebie.

Holly i AGREE WITH YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
The professional neocon republican bloggers are back attacking anything Obama related with such vengance and hatred it is so apparent from the posts. They believe as long as they attack everything OBAMA, the american people will return the neocons back to govt. You are very wrong,americans are smarter than you think, as no one in their right minds will entrust the nuclear button, the lives of our children,their future in the hands of haters like Limbaugh,Palin,etc etc as we have all witnessed what was done to this great country by the great George Bush, whom suddenly, the Republicans do not want his name mentioned ever in any discussion. The republican party is the party of hate spilling,minority hating, people as exemplified by the bastardisation of Sotomayor,latinos are very clear about the GOP,a prty of HATERS. bYE BYE GOP.

As a refugee from a communist country I see no difference between our Main Stream Media (ABC, CBS, NBC, NY Times, CNBC, etc. – and the Pravda, Borba, Rude Pravo, and the communist TV’s. They are all the organs of a one-party system, bent on nationalizing our private economy. What is still missing is the Fairness Doctrine and the Card Check – and we will be there in a juffy.

Well done ABC for not succumbing to the bullying tactics of the shameful GOP.The same bullying,hate bashing tactics was employed continously during the campaign and Americans rebutted it ,so STAND FIRM ABC, because HEALTH CARE ISSUES ARE TOO IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES NOT TO COVER THEM WHEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS ADDRESSING IT.Whether you agree with his approach or not WHEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CALLS A FORUM IN THE WHITE HOUSE on any subject ABC and other media outlet is BOUND to cover it so that ordinary folks can at least listen to what the president has to say , as George Bush was covered by ABC whenever he called similar, not too often i have to say though :-).
ABC KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND DONT EVER SUCCUMB TO BULLYING.

Obama wept for he saw that there was only one channel left to conquer.

You should know what the viewing public thinks of your Left bias – just look at the latest viewer figures, however, like the other left wing media outlets, NYT,CNN,NBC,NPR etc., I don’t suppose you’ll ever learn how to service a wider public with news.
I’m also sure Obama will reward you by giving you the money you need to keep going when the advertisers and the audience/viewers/readership has fled.
Peter Wood (Prof. of Strategic Studies)

Who remembers the chilling pictures of Nadezhda Tylik being knocked out in mid-sentence by a sedative, hypodermic needle to her neck?
She was the mother of a Russian sailor killed on the Kursk submarine, who was silenced at a public press conference by a tranquilizer injection as she berated a Russian official on camera.
The Russian Government in tandem with their Obama-style-ABC, State owned press attempted to suppress a fresh burst of public outrage by having the press represent that she was distraught and her husband requested the animal tranquilizer that felled her in public like a zoo animal.
We are on that slippery slope.

Who remembers the chilling pictures of Nadezhda Tylik being knocked out in mid-sentence by a sedative, hypodermic needle to her neck?
She was the mother of a Russian sailor killed on the Kursk submarine, who was silenced at a public press conference by a tranquilizer injection as she berated a Russian official on camera.
The Russian Government in tandem with their Obama-style-ABC, State owned press attempted to suppress a fresh burst of public outrage by having the press represent that she was distraught and her husband requested the animal tranquilizer that felled her in public like a zoo animal.
We are on that slippery slope.

You are a joke, nobody, the only people that want Obamas health care are the ones that do not want to work they love to stay home and have everything givin to them for free.

this is not good. No opposing view? It is unamerica.

Two things keep me from believing this will be a fair presentation:
(1) ABC refused to air ads by groups with opposing points of view, and
(2) ABC’s recent “Earth 2100″ propaganda piece at which time ZERO dissenting opinions were offered.
I am no longer a consumer of any ABC programming — not even local news.

I find it amazing that the leftist all have selective memory and are too stupid to investigate to see what really tanked the economy. All they can do is blame Bush and Cheney. Guess what, only congress can pass spending bills the President only signs or vetos them. Yes Bush has some of the blams but congress has the majority of the blame. A news organization that does not provide in depth reporting on issues is not a news organization. Stop with the left and right argument and think of what is best for America. If our politicians did this this country would be better off. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

this is silly. when has Fox, Rush , or hannity, gave up half of their 15 hours per week for opposing oppinions? I thought Repubs were against fairness doctrin. Guess they now want it back. What a bunch of infantile whiners. The show hasnt even been on yet and they are already complaining. Could it be they are scared of what the people might learn when they arnt listening to their leader, OXYRUSH! I will give credence to their complaint if Rush and Hannity each give Obama 7.5 hours a week uninterupted for 6months for Obama to give his thoughts. Fat Chance. There is no liberal media. If somebody answers questions for an hour they soil themselves. Shows they are scared of the truth getting out. Bush would only answer questions from a handpicked sychophant audience composed of Gannon/Guckert plants.

Wow… Just reading the posts that defend ABC and/or Obama is SCARY. Brown-shirted relativists with no clear argument except that ‘we won.’ Sad little Nazi’s. Who is ruining the country?

Response to ZP:
Holly doesn’t need a clue the evidence is quite clear. That is except to those that have blind faith without examining the facts.

ABC now stands for the All Barack Corporation and has been in the tank for left leaning liberals for years. Why do you think that Fox News is ahead of all the major networks in ratings. No one wants to hear just one side of ABC and it’s liberal propaganda machine. I don’t watch ABC for many reasons. One no shows that are interesting. Only NASCAR when it is on, then I hate the broadcasters who talk, and then talk some more. CBS is about the same. Complete Barac Show and NBC is the National Barac Corporation and MSNBC is just plain nuts for Obama so there is no other choice. At least Fox has the guts to ask hard questions of the politicians and get them off their and Obama’s talking points. ABC before was the Always Bash Corporation towards George W. Bush, who by the way looks like a genius now compared to Barac.

“Wonder how many complaints those Congressional Republicans have written to Fox News so far”..
well not nearly as many as the democrats have.. forever wining about FN. Ever heard of “the fairness doctrine”? Hypocrites.
Absolutely transparent sycophants at ABC

Essentially this letter says “we’re going beyond journalism for a cause that we feel is worth it.” This is not journalism any more than the Rush Limbaugh show is journalism. Has ABC News now registered as a PAC?
You should be ashamed. How easy was it for you to abandon your professional ideals?
I remember coming out of law school several years ago, full of fire to go out and represent my clients with the utmost zeal. Client’s lie to you, they betray the trust you have to put in them and still you must represent them with the same passion. There are no excuses for dismissing your ethics. No cause is worth it.
Especially when you have two branches of government united under one party the Press has to be a check on that system. Some in the press call themselves the fourth branch of government. ABC, it’s about time you started acting like it.
To not only present this topic from a single point of view, but to willfully exclude, even in the form of paid advertising, opposing points of view goes beyond travesty.

Insuring illegal aliens may be important to ABC and the Kenyan born President but it isnt important to most Americans. Obama doesnt represent us – he is not even legally qualified to be President. Truth and good will eventually overcome the evil that surrounds Obama the False Prophet.

I voted for Obama, but I have to admit, theres no way ABC would have ever done anything like this for Bush.

I have noticed a grimmer countenance on the face of the anointed one lately. Could it be that the job is weighing heavier than he thought. And I’ve also noticed he’s showing glimpses of his true colors as most liberal do sooner or later.
When they are pressed too hard they just shut it down. Remember Pelosi and now Obama just gets cranky when questions are not to his liking. You ain’t seen nothing yet, for sure.

Where were the Republicans when the media was falling all over Bush and his war mongering to get us into Iraq?
Why aren’t the Republicans complaining about Fox News and their biased reporting?

ABC biased…noooooo.. Whou wouldve think it. This Admin is nothing more than a bully,and the media doesnt nothing but pander to him. Why,I have no clue. But`s it`s going to force me to vote against Obama next election. Thats a fact. I have never voted against a Dem,but that will soon change. Just not soon enough.

Can you please answer these question:
1. Will the Gov run health care run with the current Doctor’s or new Doctor’s would come in to serve the purpose?
2. Will the current hospital’s accommodate new patients or will Gov build new hospitals?
3. How much would be the patient’s contribution dollar and Doctor visit fees?

Silly republicans…fair and balanced would mean one out of four pundits pushing your side.

To Connie, Holly and teddy—-to anyone.
Our opinions are about the letter and what ABC is doing now. (We can have opinions about the broadcast later)
The point is ABC will be in the White House. Why are the other news medias — MBC, CBS, FOX and CNN not getting a new room INSIDE the White House?
This is what the complaint is about.
The White House, and other government buildings should be off limits– those are built and supplied by the taxpayers for the elected office to do their jobs. We all ready have PBS & Cspan—- that is the government news media. So why not use that media?
We have public access to what is going on inside -Already. This arrangement needs to be open to all media or none. I would prefer none– it can only lead to more and more special treatment for ABC.

Hey A-All B-Barak C-Channel,
Why not keep continuing what you’re doing? I’m sure your ratings are going to keep going through the roof! I can see that most of the sheep going to slaughter here have already drank the Kool-Aid. These folks think that integrity is robbing a bank with manners.
Actually, I’ll put my money where my conservative mouth is…and that is not with your advertisers. Now that’s free market economics.
With due respect…

free press is dead…time for new media to rise

Thank you ABC for broadcasting on something that effects all of us.Heatlh care the repubs. and all the fuss and phony concern give me a shovel and push back the bull crap.God Bless You all

Does anyone in the ABC News organization have any common sense left? I don’t want to watch this program because it gives the “perception” of being biased, despite ABC’s contention that it won’t be.. The media, like other government institutions, (this was intentional) are out of touch with mainstream America. They are not fulfilling their first responsibility which is to report the news fairly and accurately. It’s why average American’s are looking for alternatives and are no longer watching the news or ill-conceived programs like this. ABC, CBS, and NBC needs to get back to reporting the news and not try to make it.

Hey David you get a clue pull your head out of the flippin sand!! Holly has it right! You say no then tell me sir where are those shovel ready jobs? Um if you havent noticed unemployment is at um what 9.4% drrrr!! You Libs need to stop playing games and start being responsible! This is Obama’s Economy he owns it now!! Hate to tell you its going down the toilet fast!! Try a little compare/contrast Bush before Lib Congress Bush after Lib Congress see for yourself!

I refuse to watch it. I had been a die-hard ABC fan. I was all about World News and Good Morning America. When I saw their agenda during the campaign, I STOPPED watching ABC. Just hearing George S, Diane S, and Charlie Gibson coddle The ONE, they turned me completely off. The ONE only had half of the peoples vote, so stop shoving his agenda down our throats. WE DIDN’T WANT HIM IN OFFICE AND STILL DON’T. So, all of you leftists with your hidden agenda, just watch this debacle for yourselves, because we won’t be!!! We’re going to have to live with YOUR decisions!!!! Can’t wait until next election!

I no longer watch the networks for
news. Only local! All the networks
are too in Obama’s pocket. No real
and true news comes from any of them.
Obama’s health care is just another
scam on the taxpayers! All we have
in Washington are crooks and self
centered idiots out to pocket all
the cash they can. Obama will be
using his pay to play Illinois politics so he will increase his re-election campaign cash!

I can only imagine what would happen if Fox News did this with the Bush White House.

Nice….ABC wants a dialogue about health care AFTER the supposed vote this week. Kind of like Obama signing health care reform BEFORE he knows how it’s going to be paid for.

Maybe the GOP should try to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine?

ABC – off my dial from now on.
Journalism is a dead profession in this day.

ABC is no different than all the rest with the exception of FOX. It’s a Obama mouthpiece almost exclusively staffed, managed, and owned by Obama contributors. You can only blame yourself for watching it. I never do. That’s why their ratings are sinking to oblivion.

ABC & NBC have no journalistic integrity anymore – why should anyone believe what they claim or say? Stagecrafting, shills, and plants disguised as private individuals asking independent questions. Time for a new campaign – KNEEPADS FOR THE NETWORKS.

Just hearing some of these Hypocritical Republicans makes me THANK GOD for Obama. I STILL have nightmares about George W.

hopefully he can only do so much damage till the next election…imo,people are fed up with obamanomics and european socialism.get educated america.obama threatens everything that america is all about..

If you know what a “news organization’s” position is before they begin a story, then there can be no journalistic integrity in the story.
If you do not present the full story, refuse to ask or slant the story, why watch it?
Only true fools say watch it and see what happens when it is no more than watching a news organization sell it’s soul.
There is more truth in the National Enquirer than in ABC, CBS or NBC and their national news outlets. At least they know what their purpose is.

Then there is “Connie” who demands that we “listen to the broadcast” before making up our mind.
WHATEVER IS SAID, THE VENUE IS WRONG!!!
But, we can’t get “Connie” to understand that fact! Even if it portrayed the Republicans as wonderful, and the Democrats as horrible, it would STILL be wrong!

ABC has lost its credibility. Running a partisan infomercial for a radical healthcare overhaul that all polls show a large majority Americans don’t want is simply absurd.

ABC is biased and now proves to be a complete loser as a business and journalistic operation. Presenting one side of an argument smacks of Goebbels and Goering…(for Holly), that equates to state run media. No wonder 20,000,000 people a day are listening to Limbaugh—for one or more hours. Can you figure that out ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and PBS.

One of the other Network stations (Fox, CBS, NBC) should compete with this time slot. Why not let the republicans present their viewpoint at the same time on another station? It would be interesting to see the ratings battle…

Wow – but the GOP didn’t write a letter to Fox “News”??? Seems a little hypocritical.

Hey Teddymaniac, Fox News isn’t the one trumpeting the unchallenged drivel of your worshipful leader so your comparison is misdirected and off-point. It will be fun to watch these ABC “differing viewpoints” being put forward. The White House teleprompter operators will have preprogrammed responses to pre-screened questions from ficticious questioners.
Thank God Fox News is out there to offer the truth so dullardly lemmings like you can rail against it. Since the 1960′s the Liberal point of view has gone unchallenged by the mainstream media. And the result is this army mindless, rodent-like ACORN disciples who are incapable of independent thought. Good luck with your workers utopia there Jethro. And if you think healthcare is expensive now, just wait ’til it’s free !

Fox News isn’t a conservative bastion of Obama haters…all you liberals think it is because they are the only ones questioning your messiah…Fox regularly slams the GOP. But they also are trying to fill in a gap left by the other networks when it comes to questioning the logic of the ridiculous plans of the democratic party. Somebody has to before its too late.

ABC just like NBC is in bed with the big joke “O”. I’m a dem. and I think think this is quite sad.

ABC just bends over and takes it from Obama. Both of them could join the traveling Circus…wait….they are and the American people just love them…and you wonder why America is a thrid rate country.

I say let the fly’s loose, That was big news last week.

Obviously all the nay sayers have insurance through their employment or are rich. It’s time to start caring about our own country and slow down on giving it all to other countrys. Yes, we need to help, but geez, we have many homeless and uninsured here, obviously the nay sayers think we should help everyone else first … isn’t that a form of socialism? There is nothing wrong with helping our own, and ABC is out there to keep Fox honest.

Health care is a serious topic, of course. But the forum should provide both sides of all issues. I doubt that will happen.
It would be great if all people had all things, but that is simply impossible. This proposal by BO puts this country 3 trillion further in debt or will increase taxes to pay just part of that. We just can’t afford it!!

Hey David,,,,,,,,,,,,Get a clue.

It’s amazing how hypocritical the liberals are. The very people who accuse Republicans of stifling freedom are the very ones first in line to control all information and they are too partisan to even see it. I’m not loyal to either party, but I do want fairness in the media and not a cheerleader for a president. If Bush had done this, wait a minute, he couldn’t have, ABC would never have done this for his agenda!

it is so typical. ABC news would be the first in line to stand behind the freedom of the press or any time their ox gets gored, but when it comes to truly free expression from the opposite side of an issue they are on….well we know where this is going.

Let me get this straight, ABC. If one has an opposing point of view and believes that Obama’s proposals are a recipe for financial and health care disaster, THAT’s a sorry spectacle? We have come to the point where ANY debate or opposition is, according to ABC, “mere punditry or stylized, bipolar debate”? Isn’t that essentially the argument the Iranian regime is using against those who question the election? The reasoning here is precisely the same, even though the weapons are different.
Journalism is dead in this country, so while Obama is busy dismanteling the Constitution and the House of Representatives are throwing out Jefferson’s Manual, the press is voluntarily giving up its status as the fifth estate. Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh don’t seem so out of touch with reality any more. This is a death nell to freedom.

Ethic? ABC HAS NO MORAL ETHICS. I am besides myself that the American people would stand for this biased media production, and even more appalled that the president would even allow such a thing to happen in his OWN INTEREST.
He is supposed to be an American, he should want fair and balanced coverage, and equal media coverage involved. But I dare to say that Obama is far from American in his values. He is a socialist in disguise dragging America into socialism and govt controlled private sector business and health care.
I most certainly will not be watching ABC.
SHAME ON YOU ABC, YOU ARE NOTHING BUT SPINELESS KISS ASSES.

All the GOP is asking is to have someone present the downsides to this issue. I think thats what the Dems would want if the rolls were ever reversed

Questions from “Audience Members”!
We know what that means!
“PLANTS FROM THE DEMOCRAT PARTY!!!”
Now we found out that “O-Bumm-R’s” Press Conference yesterday had planted questions that the W.H. knew about!

Katie: LIST EXAMPLES OF YOUR CHARGES!! List patient name (or number) and hospital and date and time and illness!!
Clearly, you have NO WORKING KNOWLEDGE of American health care. Well, I do, and I know that your entire post is MADE UP! Either someone told you (are you an Obama Volunteer?) or you are making things up in your head, but your statements are NOT based on fact! You do ALL DOCTORS and ALL NURSES and ALL MEDICAL PERSONNEL a terrible disservice!! I would like for you to post your ridiculous statement on your chart the next time you need medical care and LISTEN to what the folks who actually DO THE WORK would tell you. Then, when you do not believe them (liars are always suspicious; they think others are lying too (as opposed to truth tellers who believe that others tell the truth) then GO AND OBSERVE and try to find ANYONE who is treated badly because of $$$$$$.
I do not know if you have an occupation, but I doubt you would want someone with ZERO working knowledge of your job/occupation to make blanket statements that are nothing but ignorant old wives tales and see how YOU would react if it was YOUR job that was being maligned!!

Let me see if i have this right. A subway train is rolling into the station, but the previous train is stuck and can’t get out of the way. So according to a lot of the posters here we should wait until after the trains crash and then speak up.
I’m sorry but I think it is your duty to speak up before and after.
I have to laugh at these networks and so called “news”papers wondering where their customers have gone. Is it that difficult to see that they have gone to those outlets where you can get NEWS. Hey I have an idea present both sides and let the public figure it out for themselves. Oh thats right we are to stupid to understand what is going on so we need the reporter to tell us. I suggest you wake up get out into the real world, try talking to people with different opinions for a change, but please do this with an open mind or don’t waste your time. It isn’t that difficult to see what is going on. If you only associate with people that think the way you do, if you only read material written by people that think the way you do, if you only watch programs with people that think the way you do then you at some point you don’t even know there are different points of view, possibly as valid or more so that the way you have been taught to think.
Just one thought. This THREE TRILLION DOLLAR health care bill is based on what the state of Mass started a few years ago. The fact that it is over budget, hasn’t begun to cover “all” the people and plainly does not work in my feeble mind would give our elected leaders pause for thought…..nope doesn’t matter that it doesn’t work, it SOUNDS good and after all thats what really counts isn’t it. You need to make sure your voters THINK you are trying to help them, that will get you reelected and at the end of the day , thats what it is all about right?

As a professor of rhetoric, I can see behind the language used by ABC, and I am confident that they will ask “hard questions” but they will be posed in such a way that they will discredit the idea behind the question, thus strengthening the President’s efforts to take over yet another private American industry. Health care is important, but the question is not how many people do not have health insurance; the question is how many people in this country are ever unable to get medical treatment, and the answer to that is zero! Just visit the hospitals and clinics that cater to the “poor,” which always seem to have cell phones with them. ABC is wrong in doing this infomercial, but I expected better for I have been studying their language for years. Now, a real surprise would be if they allow John Stossel to questions the president! That would be true journalism and not promotion of an idea.

This is another reason to TURN THE DIAL. I quit watching the big-3 two years ago. They are not fair and impartial in their reporting. I do NOT consider them journalists. They are an extention to the OBAMA’s machine which is dead set in destroying this country from within.

Why doesn’t Fox run a show exclusively showing the opposition side???They’d crush Barry’s spectical. Wake up people read “Common Sense”

The sacred job of the media is to scrutinize the government’s actions, Republican or Democrat. The media should play hardball with our “public servants”, not serve as a mouthpiece for popular politicians. Fox News does it’s job. I wonder if ABC will do the same tonight.

HUGE difference between Fox News and ABC News….
ABC is free, you have to subscribe to Fox News.
One is a broadcst network, the other a cable network.
I can’t get Fox News from my roof top antenna, nor can anyone else.

To my memory FOX has never refused to ask hard questions of candidates and while it may host some conservative OPINION SHOWS it is at least willing to question BOTH sides of the argument. I have read too many stories of this administration coaching news reporters on what they can and can’t ask. FOX is even farther ahead in the ratings now.

HOLLY….100% correct.
ABC is disgrace and so is Obama…

I am an angry Disney stockholder everytime Disney makes BIG contributions to the democratic party. I do not care if the majority of Disney stockholders are democrats. It is wrong that the corporation can invest in political campaigns against the concerns of other parties.
Disney, as the parent corporation for ABC, is again acting unethically.

Im sure to be fair ABC will offer the other view point an hour of uminterrupted prime -time

Obama voters who watch Oprah, Jerry Springer, and Entertainment Tonight will buy it hook, line and sinker. Obama will NEVER get 50% of the vote again though, despite the braindead mentioned.
Jimmy Carter with a tan, liberalism is misery spread equally, Americans don’t like misery.
WAKE UP!!! You don’t have to be a miserable liberal.

The NCPA did a study with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Out of the 47 million uninsured, around 32 million are uninsured by choice. 5 million of those people were eligible for programs like SCHIPS, they just did not sign up. Yet we just recently HAD to expand SCHIPS…why? I’m 27. I don’t have health insurance. I don’t want it right now. I don’t want to be forced by the government to pay for something I don’t want. They already take Social Security out of my check, which I’ll never see in my life.

This isn’t about Republican or Democrat, don’t you people get it, government isn’t your friend, it’s a monster that is to controlled by the Constitution. Want to see what government health care will mean, read about VA Hospitals or talk to a vet who got HIV from a VA Hospital, cause they don’t care to clean the equipment…. We’ll get what we get because we have allowed it all to slip through our fingers. And stop the party line, either you’re American or your pro-government. It has never been the same thing.

Connie, by your logic, you would have me stand by and watch a wrong, let’s say a rape or murder, or even a robbery, and then when the wrong has been carried out call the cops. That is not how the system works. The press is “free” as defined by the Bill of Rights, so it can expose the wrongs of the government against the people. Once the press participates in deceiving the American public, it becomes the perpetrator i.e. the rapist, the murderer, or the thief. You see the conundrum don’t you? Who is left to sound the clarion against the government, when it is wrong, when the press is siding with and advocating for the government?

Republican house members complaining about a government-run health care plan. Did I miss something-don’t they have a government-run health care plan? Gee, can we have the same???
Lou

This is what I’m going to do about this:
I’m going to work as hard as I can to help every Republican I can to win in 2010. Oh-and I’m never watching an ABC program again-ever!

Everyone of Obama’s TV speeches is a Ra Ra for whatever he is selling. Fact is the country is BROKE and borrowing money to pay for government run services is throwing good money after bad. If his policy would be to have a Privite Insurance Companies (local or state) bid for the task then maybe it may be OK. But like all big government people he wants his people to control it (because its a lot of money and money is power). I don’t care if you have a R or D behind your name, if you are for a HUGE government that tells you when you can flush the toilet, then I am not for that. Obama likes control, and the media is his puppet. Enjoy the show while it lasts – there will be a price tag on it.

To those saying “Watch before you decide it’s biased”: If ABC and the White House are not allowing ANY opposition commentary to even be present during the broadcast, how can it be anything BUT biased? Just a thought.

Sounds like the FCC’s asleep…. ABC’s not a cable network.

Democrats really don’t mind “coming off” as TRITE LITTLE PEOPLE!!! (Whatever happened to Honor, Integrity and Self Respect?) So you trite little people, ask yourselves a simple question… if a Republican President did something like this, how would you and the liberal media have reacted? I think the answer is pretty clear.

You have got to be kidding me! None of you who think there is a problem with ABC airing this have got a clue as to what is happening. This isn’t MTV real life or one of those idiotic reality shows this is our nations liberty and life at stake. The fact that they have sided with the administration on this issue is dangerous. You young people have got to get a frigging clue and quick, your the ones that have got to realize that they are taking away rights everyday that you didn’t realize you even had. GM/Chyrsler were UNConsitutional enfringements on the Private Sector. He fired the board and the CEO. You cannot do that. Congress Stood by and watched it happen. No one in the Media said a word, because they are afraid or they feel that is what should happen. Excuse me but the media is not in charge of DC, You the taxpayer is in charge. Maybe instead of sending 15,000 mindless text in a month you should get involved. I know this is falling on deaf ears becasue I am one of those crazies, well the power base is being created and the state media is forming. ABC is a leader all right. The fact that the prsident of the network wrote his response suggesting that the he was above the political fray is laughable. Do you mean to tell me that the Chosen One cannot set up a Town Hall for which he so famous for to discuss this with the millions of adoring fans. Give me a freaking break, You folks who voted for this are like lambs to the slaughter you sre so weak minded it makes want to puke. Btw you just missed 37 text messages on your Iphone.

I’m moderate so I don’t care if you bash Republicans/Democrats. I’ll still sleep fine at night…but for anyone to say that this “news” program on healthcare is not just a platform for one parties agenda is just ridiculous. If the Republican party had an anti-abortion program on Fox News, would you think that was biased? To cjr, all politicians are liars. Ask Obama what happened to his 8% unemployment or his zero spoecial interest involvment or his platform of transparency or his non-abuse of executive priviledge…. The list will continue to go on but who cares they (the politicians) won. We work for them right

wait for it, wait for it,,, there it is! we are in such a disparaged lack of health care now, we will no longer be a country if i, barack the great, am not allowed to plunder the treasure of our country for the sake of my legacy. i mean health care bill…

Wow, some of you are actually defending ABC. Television that claims to include itself under the category of journalism was never supposed to be the mouthpiece of an administration regardless of party. But hey, as long as its a message you like, right? Keep pulling that wool down over your eyes.

ABC is “LOST”. They are not ashamed by their Obama love just as they were not ashamed of their Bush hate. If you want a one sided opinion you know where to go. Thats ok with me I know how to operate my TV. Click.
Mr Bill

The gov. will not find money for both Jake. For both Bernanke and Obama to say that we cannot sustain our debt levels means that we are in for a financially defunct future. By the way I’m still waiting for the members of Congress to take a pay decrease for all the mistakes they made to get us into this mess. Isn’t anyone else angry that they point the finger at businesses while they themselves are wasting billions of dollars a year only to sell our country to foreign creditors

President Obama is unravelling at the seems. His domestic policies are failing. He has no clear foreign policy. He continues to vote “present” on critical global issues that impact our national security (Iran, North Korea, Gitmo). His poll numbers are slipping as Americans wake up to this charade. Even journalists are starting to come around and are now asking the hard questions, much to Obama’s surprise. This is exactly why he is mustering his loyalists (ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN) to continue the campaign – this is all he knows and has been successful at. Meanwhile, the American economy continues to suffer at the hands of the most unaccomplished and inexperienced, far-left radical ever to claim the presidency of the United States. We don’t need all of the drones to wake up, only the ones that were bamboozled under the guise of a so-called “historic” election. It’s historic all right, like what’s happening to our country now? Big government at the hands of rookies is not the answer. Please wake up, admit you made a mistake and help the democrats reclaim their minority status in 2010 so we can reclaim our future as an exceptional nation.
God bless America.
Semper Fi!

This is scary. Reminds me of Soviet Russia. All hail Comrade Obama, you now have your own puppet propaganda outlet with no opposition allowed. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, dissent is not tolerated.

A few have said that we should wait before we make judgement. These people have zero critical facilities. Listen up liberals: the issue we are judging is that ABC News, one of the largest news broadcasts in this country, has decided to air Obama’s agenda on health care with no time given to the opposition party. ABC is effectively shutting out intelligent, strident opposition to one of the most important issues of our time. Many of us do not want to go down the socialist path of health care and we want our voices heard by our representatives — not a room full of amateur, pre-screened group of people off the street.
ABC News will forever lose my support if they follow through with this. Disney, too.

It’s just like when ABC did an inside-the-White House special with Bush on the extremely important national issue of the War on Terror…oh wait…that would have never, ever happened.

If ABC feels that this event is above trite antics such as debate,I would like to see how they would’ve explored other historical issues, for example letting Senator Douglas have the camera for a few hours. Let that Senator Lincoln throw his “tantrum” on FOX. Debate? How trite and un-nuanced. The GOP is right to be incensed at these overpaid east coast pricks. Journalism is dead.

Is anyone with a brain surprised? Viewership for all three networks is at an all-time low and for good reason. The only people affected by this infomercial will be the parrots and bobble-heads who already agree with this president. Nothing more. I am forty-six, and it’s absolutely amazing how low the corrupted, biased mainstream media have sunk since I was in high school.

This bible toting, gun loving middle American WON’T be watching ABC, or any of the other shill networks..

The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny

If this is going to be so bipartisan and fair to all sides, what is the problem with taking advertising from those with opposing opinions? Sounds like ABC doth protest too much!

Hal, you say, “This stupid ad suggests that Obama’s healthcare plan will put a government bureaucrat between you and your doctor. Our current private plans put an untrained employee with a PPO/HMO working at a for-profit corporation in a position to deny coverage that your physician thinks you need. His goal is to prevent normal and reasonable care until you pass away. I suppose you RightWingNuts think this is a good system. If so, why does the World Health Org put the US in 37th place when we spend more per capita on healthcare than any other country?”
Right. And WHO uses what criteria to make the assessment? Sorry, but I know what the health care system is like in the countries ranked higher than the US in WHO’s “study”. In England and Canada, old folks don’t get treatment; women with breast cancer die waiting for treatment; there are limited numbers of specialists. And comparing the US to Sweden? Apples and oranges, or better yet, that’s like comparing a duck pond with the Pacific Ocean.

The Republicans are again blocking our road to Socialism. Don’t these guys know that all governments become Socialist with the government providing for our every needs?

FOLLOW THE TRENDS–Americans are waking from a long slumber and the sycophantic somnambulists at “Media Nationale” are beginning to see the signs of their own extinction. They will desperately grab for a propagandists edge now. The Leftist grab for immediate power while the getting is good has become almost desperate and would be laughable were it not so dangerous. Don’t worry though. Big bail outs are on the way for all who follow the “party” line. GE has already gotten their downpayment.

We need a two state solution. We’ll take the free market, military, cops, cows, guns, bibles and all of the stuff you lefties don’t want. You can keep the illegals, prisioners (so you can reform them to be productive citizens), the government (with the exception of a few of our good people), most of the lawyers, any teacher that wants to stay with the Union, and worker that wants to stay with the Union, Unions of course, ALL of your elite rich so they can take care of you, your pet projects, etc. We just want our Constitution back and a return to the ORIGINAL American dream. Not this freaking nightmare that is replayed daily on the boob tube.

I will no longer watch ABC news. This is preposterous.

This is nothing more than an infomercial for Obama’s healthcare. Those who say “just watch it first” are naive fools. Anyone with half a brain can figure out the bias of this network and their partnership with the White House. This type of propaganda NEVER would have been done with any other administration – even Clinton. ABC – All Barak Channel!

I hear a portion of the commentary will be by the goup from the show pitchmen to keep those with a short attention span interested in the rest of the infomercial.

Look folks, the Old network media, ABC, CBS, NBC and even CNN have been in bed with the leftist of this country for some time. What happened in the 2008 election cycle is that they stopped being journalists and started becoming leftist advocates.
Now everyone, yes everyone has biases. The problem is that the Old Network Media is starting to let their biases really show and it is making them look bad.
Newcomer Fox News has appeared to present all sides of an issue rather than advocating a leftist position.

Obama is doing all he can to destroy the corporations so that the government can step in to “save the people” by providing all their needs.
This is socialism. Socialism has failed in every place it was tried. mainly because of the greed and power needs of those “in charge.”
I do not want the government intruding on every part of my life. I do not want the government telling me what doctor I can see, and what services I can ro (most likely) cannot get; or how much I have to pay for them. I do not want the government telling me what type of car to drive or house to live in. I do not want the government telling me how much my employer has to pay me, I want to actually earn what I deserve and work for. I do not want the government taxing me for everything I do or buy, only to support those who refuse to work as hard as I do to support my family.
I was not a big supporter of President Bush, but folks the recession we are in now is not that of Bush’s doing. It is a result of the democratic congress trying to legislate their perception of “fairness” by forcing banks to give mortgage loans to those who could not afford them. The housing crash, in conjunction with the astronomical rise of gas last summer, is what has driven the cost of everything up. Obama’a spend then tax everything plan is only making things worse for all of us. It is that plan that is driving the current recession. His polies will not work.
All of oour taxes are going to go up astronomically. Do you realize that they will be taxing your energy usage now, and that a nationall sales tax is soon to follow? You think things are tight now, wait until all these taxes take effect. Plus, all the industry taxes just get passed on to the user. In essence, these taxes are not borne by the “Big” coprorations, but by us little people. The only ones who will benefit are those who are given everything anyway (read:welfare). Most of us will be driven into government welfare or aid. (New political base to ensure continued receipt of welfare)
What this president and congress is doing is against the spirit of our founding fathers and all who sacrificed to make this country great! Plus it is in direct violation of the Constitution (especially the 10th Amendment)!
Folks, read your history, understand our nation’s founding principles. Understand the failures of socialism and government supported states. This is the beginning of the end of our great country, and it is all by design…

C’mon its freedom of speach. Obama tells ABC what to say and they say it. He’ll even lend them his teleprompter.

Bob – Conservatives won’t use the Democrat’s “tantrum throwing” tactics. Conservatives definately won’t use or put up with that BS.
BTW – Holly has a clue, and then some. Maybe you should open your eyes!

That is right we are the party of no
No More Bailouts
No More Stimulus
No more Bills passed without being read
No more stealing from tax payers to buy votes
No more voter fraud
No more ACORN
No more DNC pay-to-play government programs
No more screwing bond holders to take care of your union buddies
No more shredding the constitution
Proud to be the party of NO! and Hell NO!

EVERY TIME this sort of thing happens, just ask yourself what the reaction would be if the President were George Bush. Still think the MSM is unbiased ?

I keep seeing the liberals here saying “when does Fox/Rush/Hannity give voice to opposing views?” They obviously have never listened to any of these programs, because the answer is ALL THE TIME!!!
They encourage the opposing views to be aired on their shows (Hannity and Colmes, who do think Colmes was?) They have special call in lines for liberals to call, and encourage them to do so.
Conservatives are not afrais to let liberals voice their views, because the liberals themselves provide the best arguments against them!!!
Liberals are ruled by passion rather than logic. Pretty much everyone agrtees that we should help out those who need it, but conservatives what to do it right and responsibly; not to rush in and spend a trillion dollars on who knows what (Toad breeding???)
Liberals tend to be the uneducated unexperienced masses (by uneducated I do not mean receiving a liberal arts degree from some liberal propaganda college), if you want to argue this point, just look at the democrat base (poor, urban, minority, usually on some form of assistance, little education) not the outliers (professors who have never been out of academia).

All Barrack Channel(ABC)would not even accept any opposing ads during his highnesses infomercial. Where can I read the plan in it’s entirety? Nowhere..because it doesn’t exist.how can this guy get on TV and sell a plan that is non-existant.Snake-oil..and..simple math tells u we’ll be waiting for care.if u add just 1/2 the uninsured, 20 million..where are the additional doctors nurses and hospital beds comming from? Our parents,brothers and sisters,sons and daughters will die waiting in lines.

Originalist,
You nailed it on the head. Well put!!

There is a major difference between a staged presentation and a debate. A staged presentation is designed to spotlight the person; in this case, Mr. Obama. A debate is designed to spotlight the issue; in this case, government-controlled health care. Lacking open and honest debate, I choose to forgo today’s ABC News Obama fest, and the last gasps of ABC News.
The Obama Propaganda Machine is at it in full force, at the expense of all it uses. ABC News is committing suicide today, and the Obama people knew it when they arranged this puppet show. The dying Grey Lady (NY Times) pounded a nail in her coffin the other day with a profoundly skewed article based on a poll stacked with Obama supporters. That article conveniently and dishonestly claimed 72% of Americans support government-run health care. By the end of the day, ABC News big whigs and the Obama team will be high-fiving themselves for pulling off the biggest misinformation and disinformation campaign this country has ever seen. Today’s questions will be skewered the same way, as will the answers.
Watch this nonsense before judging it? You must be joking! We have been watching this trash for weeks in different venues, and NY Times poll or not, Americans are catching on to the fact that they don’t want what these jokers are cramming down our throats.
Third world leader mentalities rely on these propaganda tactics. You want to watch it? Go for it. Be the dupe they have already tagged you to be.
Me? No way. I am capable of gathering valid information about the health insurance/health care issues, and formulating opinions on my own.

@ Holly,
Your kidding me right? True, Bush was not the best President, Nor, The worst. You however are so deep in the tank for Obama it is frightening. You complain about Republican spending in 8 years (I hated it) Yet you have no problem with Obama spending easily twice as much in 6 months? FOX is Number one in the Cable ratings and that will grow as more Americans get cable. They ARE fair and balanced regardless what your talking points say.

This is atrocious! ABC is blatantly currying favor…this is tantamount to a campaign contribution…did they gove Bush an unopposed hour when he was trying to sell the surge policy that save 27 million people from genocide at the hands of Al Qaeda…I think that issue called for more public feedback then whether or not Obama is going to put the federal gov’t in charge of which doctors we can take our kids to when their sick.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Does the word “Pravda” come to mind in all this?

I am tired of the media indoctrination. My answer is a personal boycott of the sponsors of ABC news. To my chagrin the first sponsor I noticed was the manufacture of my favorite frozen dinner, which I eat frequently for lunch. But true to my word I am no longer eating Marie Callender meals. You just got to make a stand somewhere.

Kind of funny not hearing a word in the news about Pelosi since she lied to us. Typical of the Dems tho, if we don’t talk abut it, it will go away and we will all just forget she lied. What a place we live in……………

As a former ABC news watcher, I have now turned off the TV as I am tired of the lack of professional jounalisian being show by the media. It is all one side and no one is being open to listen to the other side. Many things that the government is doing are not being looked into as odjective journalism. It is time for the media to start doing it work for the people.

It is just so embaressing the way the MSM gloat over him. They don’t even try and pretend they have any Journalistic integrity. Hope the Honeymoon will be over soon and we can get some serious questions and some transparancy that was promised. However, I seriously doubt it will be anytime soon.

I prefer to get my news from an honest and fair source…..Pravda.

Speaking of slanted……I remember FOX News (Hannity) interviewing Former Vice- President Cheney, I remember FOX News (Hannity) interviewing (Senator Mc Cain)and I remember FOX News (Hannity) interviewing Rush Limbaugh…..We were sold the war in Iraq……..Those were informercials……so what’s the difference ?

I will eat my hat if ABC presents opposing views, in front of the President, in the WhiteHouse. Give me a break. They are bought and paid for by the Dems.

State Run Media

Remember when all of us were a sleep in government class back in school. We only took business classes in college. The libs we made fun of took those classes and became journalist, Govt. clearks, and political hacks. Now we are paying for it. They don’t care or understand where the money comes from. If only the ‘Greatest Generation was around to see what we have done”

I am actually scared when I read some of these statements. For you Obama supporters, where does it stop. You are willing to blindly follow a politician without any regard for the bigger picture. Where does it stop? If Obama came out and said he has appointed himself dictator for life (not too big of a strectch for him) all of you would stand up and say yeah, great idea, I love it and try to blame Bush somehow.
The purpose of the media is to provide another check and balance on the government. That is why Constitution provides freedom of the press. To have a press that blindly endorses the governement and tries to convince the people of the governments agenda is not the intention. That is Russia, that is Venezuela, that is Iran. There is no need for debate? Do you actually listen to yourselves? We just need to shut up and do what the president wants. My god people, Iranians are dying in the streets because their voices were not heard and they are fed up. And some of you people actually have the nerve to say that Obama won so anyone who disagrees with him needs to shut up and go away. Look in the mirror and consider that statement. It is not only our right, but our duty to question our government at all times. When you blindly follow any politician (regardless of party, I really don’t care) you are being incredibly naive. Obama is just another polotician, Bush was just another politician, they are not gods. You people need a reality check. Or maybe that is what you people want. You would be more than happy with dictatorial rule by Obama because man he is cool. This country is in deep trouble when people start cheering on congratulating blatent desregard for freedoms in this country. And don’t give me “Bush did it too.” Because when he did, he was pounded on by the media, by the people, by everyone. So compare it to today. Obama does some of the exact same things and the media is silent and you people are telling the complainers to shut up and accept Obama’s rule. I for one refuse to shut up and I will question every single action that this or any government takes because it is my duty.

This is simply an example of the Progressive Fairness Doctrine

i wonder if mr. westin realizes that the “sorry spectacle” he is referring to is actually his own joke of a news network pretending to present a fair and balanced representation of this sham of a healthcare plan.

Everyone needs to remove their political stance and just look at the subject matter. Regardless of your party preference, the expansion of government in private life which includes healthcare… is unconstitutional. It seems as though we have been so complacent as to not even understand what our Constitution stands for. My healthcare records are private to me alone and not for government preview. Why have privacy laws if the Government can remove them through socializing healthcare. Only 60% of the american citizens pay taxes. If you don’t pay taxes then you have no voice. My money, My life, My decision. Not yours and certainly not a bunch of bureaucrats.

So you’ve been waiting all day at O-Care to treat acid burns received when your O-Mobile blew up while on your way to the insolvent O-Bank to cash your rubber O-Check. O-Vision comes on the waiting room TV to let you know everything is O-Kay. What a great life we’re ‘gonna have in O-merica.

If Bush had Fox News into the whitehouse to present a one-sided “discussion” on WMD in Iraq, you libs would have gone crazy.
When did we vote on a State run media? Maybe we should have added “separation of media and state” when we wrote “separation of church and state”, because clearly ABS et al are de facto State Run Media.

ABC “News” now officialy has zero objectivity or credibility.

Sorry, I just can’t watch it! It will be bad enough having to see it in print.Somebody please put the breaks on.

Bobj72 – Honor, integrity and self respect went out of style during the Clinton Administration – Did you sleep through the Clinton era? Democrats have no honor, integrity or self respect, slick willy proved that, the only difference is they can get away with it as the media is in the tank for them, and is controlled by the Obama White House.

Personally, I’ll watch even though I fully expect no surprises. What I will also be noting are the sponsors of this Billy Mays ObamaCare After School Special, and from that point forward, vote with my wallet.

LOL, Where’s my teleprompter???

ABC + OBAMA = BIG BROTHER

Holly you need to lay off the kool-aid——-BHO has deen bring this country down ever since he got in office and ABC has done nothing but help !!!!!!Thank goodness ABC is not the only news channel !!!!!!!!

Wake up folks. We are losing our country and no one is doing anything about it. The public just complains but accepts whatever Obama wants to do. This is truly frightening, the government speaking through only 1 network. What’s next?

ABC should be fair and balanced like FOX and only carry Conservative/Republican propaganda.

To all the liberals replying here … what if Fox would’ve done the same for a policy proposal by Bush??? You would’ve screamed bloody murder about it. But when it comes to your beloved Obama, you turn into hypocrites. No, Anthony, I don’t need to “watch it first.” As a member of the press, ABC should be just as tough on Obama as it was on Bush. They shouldn’t be cheerleaders — they should be journalists.

“Thank God everyone only gets one vote.”
Not if ACORN has anything to say about it.

You might as well just put all the news networks except FOX into 1 pool and call it the Chairman Maobama News Network. This man does nothing but lie. Maybe all you liberal lemmings don’t mind having your life and money controlled by the government but I do.
Welcome to the Obama, Pelosi, and Reid Destruction of America Tour.

Why are we having a conversation about nationalized healthcare when most people do not want, nor do they need, it? Let’s leave it to the individual states to decide how to cover their needy.
Healthcare is imperfect but most of America doesn’t want it (unless you read the NYTimes slanted polling)- why do we listen to politicians and the media who continue to tell us that we need it so badly? Sure seems like a power-grab to me. Let’s drop this before we add another nail to the coffin of our great country, we can’t afford another “reform” right now.
Call your representatives and tell them ‘NO!’ and you’ll back your opinion up in the next election if the representative votes for it.

Yes, Holly’s an idiot who is apparently unaware of what a Pareto chart is or how much cheaper it’d be to just BUY the 10 million (no, not 47 million – that inflated number includes illegales and those who make $75k+/year that choose not to get insurance as well as another cohort that is eligible for S-CHIP and Medicare) genuinely uninsured private health care insurance.
Speaking of caving, anybody got any numbers on how much the trial lawyers gave Obama? Isn’t this really about putting those hated Doctors and the Medical Profession under the thumb?
After all, even at an average of $1000/mo/uninsured, this monster wouldn’t cost more than $10-$50 BN/year. Instead, they’re talking about at leat 100 BN/year.

Hypocrisy at it’s finest. I would surmise that anyone “concerned” about the actions of ABC is most likely a watcher of Faux News. Where there may be a lack of “fair and balanced” on one particular network or network program; isn’t this balancing the scales from Faux News COMPLETELY imbalanced perspective where preference is always given to the right? Nature has a funny way of balancing things out, don’t she?

You Repubs have totally lost it!!
It’s about the American people and what we want!!!!!! This is not about you and your very unresponsive Republcian Party.
Get over it! You lost the election big time and now you look like the biggest bunch of sore losers to ever come done the pike.
We are so disgusted with the likes of you folks who do nothing but oppose everything we the people voted for!

Its funny how left has such a twisted mindset. Back when GW was in the oval office they complained about EVERYTHING the administration did or even thought about. Now that their guy is in there, no criticism is allowed regards whether its legit or not. Perhaps this is due to their hate and need for revenge for the two elections that were “stolen” from them, eh? Recall how they pissed and moaned, toted sings about calling for impeachment, war crimes and etc.? Nevermind that when their news icons did their own recounts GW came out on top each time. So why would anyone capable of logical thought think that left’s concept of “fair and balanced” was something other than if the left doesent like what its hearing then its neither fair nor balanced. Also the left thinks it shouldn’t have to be held to the standards that all others, especially those with opposing views are. Which of course explains why they WERE upset of GW firing some lawyers that serve at the wim of the President BUT NOT upset when IG’s that serve at the wim of Congress which the current President fired for actually doing their job.

Come on you guys – you know that ABC is right…er I mean left. Afterall, look how many times they conducted their programs in the White House when President’s Bush, Reagan, Bush really needed or wanted something passed on our behalf…you could have heard the crickets on that obvious over sight.

Well we all know that the GOP has never tried to scare us into believing them….
No not ever…..

Universal health care has many naysayers even in the Democratic party
What is not being mentioned in the media right now is that Congress will be voting on Cap and Trade on Friday and possibly Card Check
I love the way they wait until the end of the week to do this and hope that no one is looking.
Get ready for EVERYONE to be taxed.

The show is slanted and you know that BEFORE it is even aired because no one from the other points of view are allowed any air time, no questions, no perspectives, etc. Those media personalities are known liberals and certainly will NOT ask hard questions nor try to hold pitiful responses to follow up questions. I have actually read a good part of Ted kennedy’s health care bill drafts and I can honestly say it can’t work. Yes, reform is needed, but reform does NOT equate to socialized medicine. At the very least, ABC had a responsible obligation to be sure both sides were being presented and sadly, they are not. As an Independent, I am sorry to say that much needed medical reform won’t be something that happens without a fight because Congress is politicizing it and the media is helping. Sad Sad Sad!

Wait and watch it to see if it is biased? Are you kidding? BHO and his cronies are making an infomerical for his socialist health care program and ABC is directing and producing it! You’re wondering whether it is going to be biased?? There are no other views being allowed. How can it NOT be biased? That’s the definition of biased!

to you people who say “watch it first, then decide”. please dont be so disingenuous. its a freakin town hall forum. if you think regular people will stand up to obama and harp on weaknesses in his policies like his political opposition will, you are either dumb as a rock, or just dishonest.
you clowns probably also think a debate would be fair if obama were to pick some random person out of a crowd as his opponent! “dont judge until you see the debate!” would be your excuse.
im not a republican, but nor am i a socialist or an ignoramous, and obama scares me because he thinks that he is smart enough to break the laws of reality because he is so smart and charming.
his auto manufacturer shenanigans will be his undoing, i guarantee. my only hope is that it happens sooner rather than later, so that less overall damage is done.
i fear that may not be the case though, because republicans have been so stupid and irresponsible when in power, and dont seem to know how to fix it

You folks that are accepting this crap on face value are truly some of the most gullible sheeple I’ve ever encountered. You deserve to pay through the nose for whatever this clown/fraud that you voted for puts in front of you. I guess it’s not enough that nothing has changed since January 20 except that you and everyone else in the USA is in hock up to their -ss! Don’t tell me about Bush, he has a lot to do with this failure, but this cool Negro that everyone salivates over is screwing you to death and smiling while you are receiving it. Lay back and enjoy it, because there’s more coming your way!

ABC has lost any credibility it had left by prmoting the Obama Health Plan Infomercial!! Name something government does good…nothing…now you want them in healthcare too!? It will be ok, as long as we only get sick during our rationed scheduled time to go to the doctor once every 3 years.

ABC News and Westin suck. Anyone who buys their bologna and propaganda regarding open “debate” must also believe that Hitler was re-elected in Iran. They purposely don’t counter Obama, and then claim afterward that they are looking out for Americans. You can’t have it both ways Westin. You can’t bend for Obama, and then also claim you are not partisan!

“And yes. I would say the same if Fox News or any other news outlet had done the same thing.”
Actually, Fox and several of the other news outlets have done the same thing – while Bush was in office. Of course, nobody said anything at the time because it was considered reporting on the news. It’s still reporting on the news when ABC does this while Obama is in office and whatever Republicans want to say doesn’t change that fact.

ABC already began this farce today. Diane Sawyer already interviewed Barak and a doctor that agreed in principal with ABC et all.Fix the border problem and get government out of the health care industry. Has the Government ever run anything properly ? All of you who have a wait and see attitude , get ready for higher taxes , higher energy cost and more job losses!

ABC Fires Blanks!
They are proud to be “in the tank”
for the president as are CBS, NBC,
CNBC, CNN, The New York Times,
The La Times etc!
They are and have been for several
years now a Disgrace to Jounalism!
There can be No dissent when the
“Dictator” speaks.
Is that the new motto for ABC News and
their above mentioned Obama controlled
media colleagues!
No wonder there is not much media
outrage about the Iranian govts
brutal tactics against the
freedom demonstrators in Iran.
I guess they feel “empathy” for
Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs!

Hugo Chavez controls the media as well. The majority of us with health care will end up suffering so the 12 million illegals without can have it. What’s wrong with that picture?

For those taking the “Wait and see if it’s biased” approach, you need to wake up. If the very premise of something is biased, it’s already biased – there’s no need to ‘wait and see’.
If ABC were to allow Republicans on the show or offer the Republicans a time period of their own, that would show balance. They’re not doing either, and offering only one point of view or having just one side give a response is a BIASED PREMISE.

sic’em ABC, SIC’EM!! Don’t let’em bully and bluff you!

I hope Disney, ABC’s parent, is happy. The higher taxes will make it harder for people to go to their parks. I’ve moved my vacation to San Diego and let Disney know why.

Please remember, when crying about the “fairness” of ABC’s presentation:
Pravda was an arm of the Soviet government for years. “Pravda” is the Russian word for truth.

I’m loving this. all the Obama haters are up in arms while the Messiah worshipers are walking around as if their crap doesn’t stink.
Yup, sounds just like American politics.

Once we have nationalized health care freedom is over. They will be able to justify everything as for the benefit of your health. Someone else will decide for you what you eat, how you sleep, what you drive, what you do. Ownership will be by the Government. They will eventually decide who could have babies, who shouldn’t. Who should get health care and who shouldn’t. Quality of life will not be an individuals’ issue anymore, government would decide it for you because its more cost effective. Whether at age 75 your worth saving or not, is it cost effective. It’s already happening in other countries who have government healthcare. Financial insentives to have abortions to help save 80 years of healthcare costs. Especially if your DNA shows some sort of flaw or family history of cancer or such. We give government this, they’ll own us. I am not kidding.

How many times Bush&Co have been on Fox News with a favorable panel of commentators ?
Those republicans are really pathetics…

I owe my soul to the COMPANY store

I’m sorry, but since is a one sided presentation a genuine attempt to inform the people. Onesided view points are ment to brainwash people. It matters not if it comes from the Republicans or the Democrates. ABC has failed miserably to uncerstand that cheerleading for Obama ruins any credibility of presenting a fair and unbaised reporting on the issue. I don’t care how you package your biased agenda, it still stinks. Passing off your editorals as news is journalistic malpractic.

My family and I will not be watching the performance tonight, nor will be be watching ABC in the future.

Shame on you abc.Banana Republic news shame on you.Im very disapointed in you I cannot trust your news now.I always gave you the benifit of the dought till now, I will have to ask my self is it slanted or not when I hear your news from now on,When you lose your trust in news media youve lost EVERYTHING.

It would behoove all of us in this country to be aware of what’s happening in countries like Iran where people are fighting for their freedoms which have been taken away for a long time. I would not want this to happen in this country yet I can’t help but worry when so many things continue to be shoved down our throats in such a hurry, spending so much money so fast. Why not take the time to debate? What’s Obama afraid of? That he only has till 2010 when the people that will have woken up will turn the tide again? Obama is reminding me more and more of Chavez in Venezuela and the situation in Iran. Listen to his responses when he doesn’t like the quesion. Cuts the questioner off. A true leader listens to all sides. So much for his claims, during the campaigning, that he would be a bipartisan president. What a joke!

When people call republicans liars and not remember when President Clinton based he didn’t lie because of the word the lawyer asked. What about the whole water boarding thing with the Speaker? When what about John Edwards? I hate to say this what about JFK? His brother? Before you call people liars and stand up for the Demicrated party make sure you are not stand on sand. People in politics lie. Get over it. Yes there are few that are honest but few and far between. Obama has lied and if you have not seen it get involved and learn.
Have you asked questions about unverseral health care to some one that has it? That it takes more than a year for back or knee surgery. Have you noticed that we never hear the news talk about Europe healthcare? That is because it all negative. That is why. Let me try to make this personal, let’s say your mom gets breast cancer and she is over 50. She will not care because it cost too much.
Have you noticed that our private health covers less because the economy is down? How is the government going to do and not be in the red? How are they going get great doctors if their pays is capped? I am sorry but they don’t make enough. If you don’t good doctor and have a malpractice issues law suit on hand. You might not get anything because the government will quickly end malpractice lawsuits.
Now with ABC, they think this will help there ratings. I think it would have been great if they made this into a debate. I want to hear facts, true facts. Take the survey that say 72% of Americans want government health care. When most people are were Obama’s supports. How is this fair survey? So any data that comes out of Obama’s mouth will be bias. Look at the CBO info that came out about it.
I challenge all of you learn about the money this will cost and pros and cons of this.

Journalism is dead. Why are they so afraid of another viewpoint? What do they want to hide? The American public deserves to hear both sides so they can make an intelligent decision. Contrary to what this administration thinks, we don’t need the government telling us what to think.

Look at the brite side, at least he’ll be at the White House, maybe even stop by the Oval office for a CHANGE, instead of flying around NYC in Air Force One, playing golf, having a weenie roast with his new friends from Iran; date night on our dime, Hey we can only HOPE. All I’ve seen so far is someone who takes from those who work to give to those who won’t

If this was being done for the Republicans, David Weston would have a cow!

I wonder if we will here, “This is Barak Obama and I approve this message” before the infomerical.

Facts don’t matter. Journalism is dead. Can you say SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL?

ABC is now in the same league as NBC and CBS, well maybe not quite that low. But who really cares? I wish people like Diane Sawyer, Charles Gibson, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Franks, etc. would have to go to a Veterans Hospital to get their primary health care and not Walter Reed. Then they would find that the doctors are inferior, that they can only prescribe certain medicines, veterans for instance cannot get Lipitor even if it is the only cholesterol lowering drug that works for them. They would also find that if they need glasses that they might not be able to use them because they use an inferior lens maker. By the way, wasn’t the Metro train that crashed run and monitored by the government?

All you IDIOTS who have been mesmerized by the “Obomination”, I feel sorry for you. The Liberal-Democrats are the biggest liars in D.C. (District of Criminals), although there are some choice few lowly Republican scumbags following suit to them on their coat tails. They’re ALL Tyrants! Wake up Americans! Wait till you NEED an operation or some type of urgent medical care that is life-threatening. You will NOT GET IT! Thus, you will probably expire, and Barak Hussein Obama could give a crap!… The medical lines will be forming along with the bread & toilet paper lines down the streets for miles. The “mighty usurper” is turning our country into the “USSA”. He’s taken over the auto industry, the media is next you knuckleheads. Then it will be the medical industry. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself, since he has FREE MEDICAL for anything that he needs or asks for. You on the other hand will not get the medical attention that you desire, since you’ll be so far down on the list for whatever you need, you’ll probably be dead a few years before your name gets to the top of the list. Why in the heck do you think the Canadians, the Brits, and those from other countries travel to America for medical? Because theirs SUCKS thats why! Social medicine is for the birds, so why in the Hell do you want anything to do with that?? If you follow it along with B.H.O.’s recommendation, then you’re just one of his many brainwashed sheep. Get ready to be ‘sheared’ and slaughtered.

True “Journalism” is dead. They’re not even trying to appear unbiased anymore and I suppose if Americans are so willing to be manipulated and stupid enough to watch this and fall for it then they get what they deserve. You don’t see calls for the fairness doctrine now- do you?

Well the Russian Newspaper Name is Pravda meaning Truth…Yeah right. The only way to get the networks to starting dealing fairly with both sides is NOT to watch them. Don’t buy any of the products the advertise and most importantly don’t believe any of the CRAP they spew!!!.
Exercise the hands and turn this stuff off!

ABC is probably paying the Obama administration for the priviledge of covering him. All questions will be reviewed well in advance of the ‘show’. You can bet that just like CNN in Iraq that ABC will only air what is acceptable to the Obama administrtation as to keep their front row seat in the ‘show’.

This is nothing more than an infomercial for political gain. Had Bush done something like this with Fox News the whole thing would have become one big scandal.
I have seen a few posts that make a most excellent point about the fear mongering of the administration. Everything has to be a crisis and we have no time to even read the details before bills are passed. Maybe because the “devil” is in the details.
The policies of this administration are very dangerous for our country. There is no such thing as a free lunch. At some point the bill is going to come do and what will we do then????
You can raise taxes all you want but the results will be the same. In the end the higher taxes will stifle any economic growth we might have had and we will continue to decline as a world leader in anything. No one should be surprised by the continued lose of American jobs to other countries as companies just realize they can no longer afford to do bussiness here.
Also PLEASE remember this is the “CHANGE” you voted for.
Enjoy

I wish everyone would stop trying to argue that their “side” is better and really work together to help their fellow Americans. There are many Americans, like me, who work hard and always pay their Health Insurance premiums, but cannot afford expensive treatments and surgery to save their life. While you all are POSTURING, we are DYING and I’m not sure you even care-especially if your side doesn’t win.

David Westin’s is in the bag for Obama end of story. First NBC now ABC, they should just make one channel CCCP. This is why their ratings are so low. Thanks for airing only one side of every story.

here you have it. you’re anoited one will get his way with all of these idiots following him for only what he wants and stands for.

It seems this whole country is falling apart, life is getting more miserable, since Obama took office. Taxes going up, energy going up, food prices skyrocketing and almost everyone I speak to is losing their job as a result of Obama policies. He is such a mistake. I will never believe a Democrate again. All bunch of crooks!

the same modern liberal mindset that allows people to go along with abc’s one sided approach to political coverage, also would like to impose the so called ‘fairness doctrine’.
and along the same lines, while people like connie demand ‘informed’ thought, they rarely ever offer it themselves.

my Tea Party group Will Be Protesting the Obama Commercial Tomorrow. And many 9-12 groups are blocking all ABC programming Tonight and not unblocking until until Friday AM. I am sure ABC ratings will be in the toilet for all their affiliates.

I am concerned with the complicity of ABC News with the Democrats in providing a one-side prime time program in support of the President’s health care initiative. A news company should report, challenge and provide alternative views. A news organization should not get into bed with any polictical [arty. Where is your objectivity? I also heard today that ABC will not run ads questioning the health proposals of the administration. I ask you to be objective, not a pimp for the President.

ABC News is a disgrace!
These liberal media outlets are so intellectually dishonest it is sickening. They try to put up this facade of “objectivity” and “fairness” but they are simply working as diligently as possible to seize power away from individuals and give it the Democratic Party.
Every move the liberals cheerlead – Control CEO pay, Healthcare reform, stimulus bill, Increased regulation on financial companies, Auto bailouts, judicial activism – are just excuses to take more control and amass more power for themselves. They do not want intellectual discussion and decisions made on the basis of what works and what is fair.
They want power and control. Get in their way, threaten that agenda (Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas, George W Bush, Sarah Palin, Joe the Plumber, etc) and they will quickly close ranks and work tirelessly to destroy you!

Westin writes ” we are proud to work for a company willing to devote valuable airtime to serious consideration of a subject so worthy” if he really means that how come they did not allow equal time for Republicans? If he truly believes that you can have “serious consideration” of a subject without allowing both sides to voice their views he is no longer a news person and ABC news is is no longer a news organization but ABC Advertising Company.

Great news! NBC is launching a new Web site dedicated exclusively to tracking Barack and Michelle’s bowel movements 24/7. What a great way to learn more about the health of the First Couple! It will have real-time reports and updates, forecasts, analysis, commentary, interviews, panel discussions, photos, videos and more. This is so cool!

ABC News President David Westin is dead on. Republicans thrive on the drama, using emotional wording designed to manipulate the weak-minded. It’s time to start laughing at them for their hypocrisy and outright lies. Maybe it’s also time to start handing out little Oscar statues to the likes of Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, and their little thespian group for “best performance” and “lifetime achievement.” Unfortunately, they probably would not get it.

I applaud ABC for presenting the President’s view on health care. The Republicans already have a venue to express their voice on this issue. FOX NEWS, (oxymoron!!!!!!) Fox news is the unchecked voice of the Republican party and all it does all day long is bash the President and his policies without opportunity for rebuttal.

Personally, I have decided I will no longer watch ABC,even though some of my favorite shows are on that network. I am pretty sure it will not have any devistating side effects on my life. If everyone who disagrees with ABC’s decision just quit watching then they would hear the message. Same goes for all the Hollywood actors. Your occupation is to act. I don’t really care what your political views are.

I have no interest in watching a one sided program featuring Obama. I plan on watching other entertainment

I wrote ABC an e-mail and told them we will be boycotting any sponsors of their informercial tonight. They are totally in the tank for Obama! Let’s see how much they love his obamacare when they have to watch their parents die because they aren’t worthy of a new heart transplant or any other treatment they are rationing. Ask anyone in Canada or Europe how much they like it!!! (4 or 5 months wait to see a doctor, lines down the sidewalk) Once it’s done, there will be nothing we can do about it. We have to stop this!

According to the latest poll,conservatives have a mighty bit lead-come on, boycott, boycott, boycott. Let’s see just how anti-capitalist the folks at ABC really are.

Its sad to see abc become a biased propaganda machine for either party. What ever happened to journalistic independence and well flat common sense in this country. NBC and CBS have lost all their journalistic integrity…but now abc…Then theres fox the hated news org. but the funny thing is they are blowing away every other news org in the ratings none of the other news orgs. are anywhere close. Guess there must be a lot of right wing extremists out there…or maybe just alot of normal everyday people that have some common sense left and can call bs when they see it. Please abc get back to reporting the news from an unbiased postion or I may have too god forbid start watching that fair and balanced channel.

Whoa, talk about deja vu! Apparently, the conservatives on this forum suffer from short term memory loss. Do any of you remember these gems? During the Presidential campaign, when the question of ending the war in Iraq was raised, the response was “we can’t leave Iraq until we achieve victory”. When asked what constitutes a victory the response was “err…ummm…we can’t just cut and run”. Or how about this one? “This budget is a travesty. Obama is incompetent.” Well, gentlemen what is your alternative? “We’ve got your budget right here”. But, your budget proposal doesn’t have any numbers. “Well, err…ummm…Obama is a Socialist, err… Marxist… err…. Communist”. Shall I go on? Gentlemen, you agree that the course we are on with our current Healthcare system is not sustainable. What do you propose we do about that? “Umm … err… The opposite of whatever President Obama is proposing.” I could go on, but I’m sure you get the point. You folks are ####ing about not having the opportunity to present an opposing point of view, yet you, on any front, haven’t been able to come up with any ideas. Where are your leaders? Where are your ideas? Can anyone outline the Republican Healthcare agenda for me?

C-SPAN?
Why aren’t they televising this live like the debates, inquiries, committee meetings, sub-committee and every other thing they have a live and uncommented feed on?
Why can’t it be multi-network like anything else our President’s have televised?
Mostly, C-SPAN exists to do this. So I’d like a real explanation for ABC being given the ball this time. What parameters of this event make it so special?

I’m trying to get to the most recent comments so I can see a response to my last post. Why isn’t that an option?

According to the Nielson ratings few get their news from ABC, NBC and CBS. Fox News and Internet is the way to get fair and objective news reports. In all fairness, ABC should either air a Republican response or allow them to broadcast paid commercials during Obama’s “infomercial.” Nobody should be surprised as the media’s infactuation with Barak continues.

This is nothing more than an Obama Info-mercial. Perhaps we should bring the “fairness” doctrine to ABC.

ABC is owned by Disney, NBC by GE, CBS by Viacom. You imply that the MSM is in bed with the President. To What end? These are huge corporations, that will, by your reasoning, suffer from an Obama “agenda”. The reason that he is in the spotlight is that he is proposing changes that warrant press coverage. Sure, he could have taken the GW route and spent days upon end on a “ranch”. The hypocrisy is astounding. On the one hand, you suggest that he is taking on too much, too soon. On the other, he is getting too much press. Can you please pick a reason to dislike our President? My head is starting to spin.

ABC might regret becomming the Home shopping network for Obama’s policies.
The sorry spectacle is the slobbering love affair. The Idea that somehow having a serious debate about TRILLIONS in new tax spending is being anything other than responsible is Old Politics at it’s very worse. Families always have a serious discussion about Huge ticket purchases. To suggest we would treat political proposals for spending tax revenues into the next generation with any less astuteness is insulting.
ABC has abducated it’s role to provide facts, and opted instead to try to sell americans using the a staged deception including planted questions, and contrived responses.
That is a sorry spectacle!

At least FOX allows Democrats on to participate in the conversation. Minimally a 4 trillion dollar decision (most likely will end up much higher) and ABC decides not to allow the opposing side. They assert in their response to critics its not a political discussion, that somehow health care legislation that is proposed by Obama is above all that. This is unbelievable. It is the most major piece of legislation ever proposed. Its bigger than the budget. Its actual legislation, how much more political can it get! They insinuate that anybody who is opposed to Obama’s ideas have alterior motives such as “high political theater….to gain votes…” or they are part of “a sorry spectacle”. Its nothing more than argumentation through condescension and insinuation. Like it or not, the takeover of such a large part of the economy by the government is political and there are 2 sides to the story. ABC’s response to critics and the format of the show are such obvious indicators that this will be nothing short of propaganda. What a shocking deriliction of duty.

This is exactly the kind of thing liberals always claimed Fox and Bush would do, but when ABC and Obama do it they rush to defend them. I completely gave up on dialogue with liberals when I realized you can’t possibly cut through this type of hypocrisy. You show it to them point blank where any fool couldn’t miss it, and they have some silly joust of “why can’t you just be open-minded?” Like they were about Bush?

Just what will ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC do when Obama’s bloom starts to fall off the rose. It’s going to happen and when it does many of the silent majority will be exceedingly pleased to see this elitist twit crumble. Hope and change is doomed to fail.

Bank on this everybody: The Messiah makes a living on saying one thing and doing another. This show has some contrived challenges but not much else.

The newly formed “Media Fairness Caucus” with their new-found outrage over a President manufacturing a media event. The Reps aren’t questioning the way the White House is marketing its ideas, they just can’t stand the fact that he’s so much better at it than they are.
I mean on one hand we have a President trying to improve the health care system and on the other we have Gov. Sanford joining the Republican spiral down the drain. Wouldn’t you want to distract the masses with a side show?
And what’s all this outrage that politics isn’t fair? I suppose that this new Confederacy of Dunces would be just as outraged if a Republican President manipulated the media by leaking the names of American agents with opinions they want to discredit, by cherry-picking intelligence sources to argue for war and by favoring one network over the others? Right?

ABC = Pravda. This is truly a dark day for America. RIP the independent press.
Between this and Obama’s press conference set-up questions, I’m watching the Soviet Union reborn from DC.

I intend to boycott your products for sponsorship of the ABC News hour long presentation for President Obama’s Healthcare Plan. The fact that they have refused paid advertisers of an alternative view is unamerican and I am opposed to ABC’s bias towards and promotion of the President’s plans. It is not the plan I oppose, it is ABC’s unprofessional, non-journalistic, and clear backing of everything President Obama does that I am opposed to. It is appalling and you only support this unamerican activity of the channel. I am boycotting your products so long as you advertise on ABC. Amy Waddell, Florida resident.

I was disgusted that ABC was just a shill for obama., have you no integretty as a news organization. what is wrong with you
Paula

your a nothing but a shill for obama, where is your integretty.
Gary

ha? Republicans don’t need to do anything right now.. Ever check the polls? Obama is imploding on his own.. 6 to 9% this week alone. Republicans don’t need to do a thing.. Just watch Obama screw up this country even more and they will win by Default. At the rate he is going he will be a lame duck in a year and a half.

Economy wasn’t broke to begin with. It was a housing hiccup that got blown 200 times out of proportion by media like ABC news. It created widespread panic accross the board. Homes, stocks, Oil, were overpriced in the first place and needed a 30 to 50% correction. It was driven up by people like Clinton and Bush. There is no alternative to fixing the economy. We should have taken the recession 5 years ago and we would have been fine right now.
There is nothing broken with my health care. I like it the way it is right now. I get too see who I want, when I want, and pay minimal fees..
People elected Obama to end the wars, end torture, and gitmo.. And so far he is failing. He is Geroge Bush Junior. And he gets an F- in my book.

OH, such wailing and gnashing of teeth. You’ve got 24 hours times 7 days times a dozen or so news outlets and a few hours on one of them represents the end of civiliztion. You know where this outrage will be a couple of weeks from now? Gone and forgotten for most of us.
‘Course there’s still that 26% that will just let it smoulder. They see socialists behind every idea, traitors behind every diplomacy and the utter destruction of this country is (according to them) a couple of months overdue.
Pity them, just think what it must be like to live in their little world, I mean country – after all, the world doesn’t matter to them just a country of “real” Americans who all agree to agree about everything. And they think we’re deluded.

Thanks ABC. The complainers won’t be watching anyway. The rest of us want to be informed. Nothing this administration does will be alright with them. They’re out for their own self interests.(getting re-elected). A party of no with supporters who only know how to say no. How fair is that? Country first? Who are they fooling? The country spoke and we need to trust the POTUS and to give him the time to work to right the mess that was left after Bush. Give Obama a chance. If it works, he helps everyone. Even the complainers who probably listen to Rush and watch Fox “news” channel a bit too often. I mean the ones who want the policies and the president to fail. I love America too much to want that.

The biggest problem with the event is that there is no follow up or rebuttal on any of the questions asked. That makes the entire thing a huge fraud and nothing more than propaganda. People can ask tough questions and Obama can give an answer (or more likely answer a different question without addressing the real issues that people are concerned about). This makes it appear as if Obama has all the answers to all the questions and he never gets called out on his BS. Those who take the time to study the issues will be able to see the wholes in his arguments, but they would have done that without the townhall meeting. For those who just happen to be tuned in and don’t take the time to listen to both sides, it will appear as if Obama’s plan is the solution to all of our problems.

Hm. In fairness, ABC can do what they want.
Personally, I think this is really bad form. I’d rather see Obama interviewed by Limbaugh or O’Reilly or be on FoxNews.
I think news organizations have a responsibility as journalists to ask tough questions of leadership. I think they shy away from this responsibility regularly.
I’m an Independent. I think if all people registered as independents and forced the two parties to be forced to deal with actual issues instead of personalities and followers and zealots, we may actually get some good leadership. This administration as well as the last 4 or 5 have all been either morally, ethically, or fiscally in the toilet because of the existing system. I voted for neither candidate in 08, because they both supported the stimulus bill at the time.
Where are the tough questions there?
Just this week banks are raising salaries by 50% and increasing bonuses because of the stimulus money, and John Kerry is defending it, despite being absolutely opposed to it just 6 months earlier. Both parties make me sick with their pandering and lies.
You news organizations need to ask tough questions. No wonder your audience is dwindling. No one wants to watch a bunch of Andy Devine’s rallying around a president whose financial policies are to double and triple down on the worst parts of the previous administrations and Jimmy Carters.

ABC News has officially LOST ALL CREDIBILITY. Not that they really had much before this

I’m happy with my PPO coverage. I don’t want obama-care. I don’t want to pay for someone else’s obama-care. If you ask most people if they want to pay $160 billion per year for government-run healthcare, they will say no. The NY Times poll on this subject is biased and bogus. ABC is going to pay in sponsorship for ramming this garbage down our throats.

Based on some of the comments, it seems some readers of this article did not follow the link to both letters and read them. The letter from the legislators was very respectful and polite. The reply from ABC took offense and attacked the legilators. The tone was not appropriate for a corporate executive.
I suspect the Obama supporters would feel differently if Fox News were doing the same thing for the Bush administrtation.
I will watch the program with an open mind, however, if there are no opposing viewpoints from equally competent experts with equal time and no tough questions from those experts, than the critics will have been right to criticise this project.

“Fear and Misinformation” was the theme of the Bush Whitehouse. If the Republicans wanted better healthcare, they could have acted years ago. They have again proven themselves to be in the pockets of the corporate world and against the working class and poor.
Give me a break!

Unfortunately, most of the population won’t watch the President. We have a disconnect between politicians and the media and the average citizen. The standard new channels are suffering because they have lost credibility with the viewers. Personally, I’ll watch something else. Our polictians don’t seem to care what their constiuents think or what is a correct course of action. That goes for both parties.
Who is paying for the time? If it is the government, then there should be a rebuttal. If the time has been bought by the DNC or the President, then the RNC or a group of conservatives should pay for rebuttal time.
I thought our President had a thicker skin than this. It seems to me that everytime someone criticizes him, President Obama whines about it.

ABC who?
Never heard of them.
Here is a puzzle: Why did the cost of lasik eye surgery decline from 10k per eye to $500 per eye in less than a decade?
Answer: No public or private (heavily regulated) insurance would pay for it. (It has recently risen in cost because it is now covered.)
Why did vaccines which cost 5-7 dollars a shot in the 70, 80, and early 90′s jump to 40 to 60 dollars a shot in the mid nineties?
Answer: The Clinton’s unable to get through their health takeover and rationing plan settled for nationalizing the vaccine industry and the result has been shortages and huge cost increases.
The market works – and government works best when it is limited.

Has anyone tried to read the 800-plus page first draft of the bill? I have, and I know less now than when I started the exercise. I depend on the press, the so-called Fourth Estate, to do the analysis and come up with the meat in the bill — I have little need to know about all the little changes and definitions and exhaustive linkages to other statutes.
“We will include a variety of perspectives coming from private individuals asking the President questions and taking issue with him, as they see fit,” And just how well-informed and thoughtful will be those questions and debate points from individuals? How complete will the discussion be?
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I know too little about the bill to begin to ask the necessary questions about the bill, let alone have any informed discussion. That’s why I depend on the press. ABC, where will the insightful coverage come from? Magazines?

Corruption and compromise is what it is!
I’m just sayin….
Compromising ABC’s integrity for ratings and political bias will cost ABC it’s future.
Once you sell your soul…
‘Tis a shame….
Damn fools!

It is Mr. Westin and ABC that has caused it to become such a political spectacle because it is exclusively theirs and has made it a political stage for Obama and the supporters of a program, that we already know won’t be read by members of Congress before they vote yea or nay on it. We have to make sure that people know the details of such a bill and understand that in order to do this, there will be Liberties that they have to give up and it will have to violate the Liberties of others, and they are doing this in the name of Liberty. Everyone has equal Liberty right now. If only they would take the Liberty to exercise Liberty, then we wouldn’t be here.

Dems have the power, the voting public has spoken. Having said that, the Republicans should take it to the public how they would like to see health care done. Like tort reform, cost and who will oversee what ever program may pass. Is this what you voted for? Will your insurance be taxed?

i did not watch did they ask him for his birth certificate?

I was just wondering if everyone really know who wins if Obama’s health care and energy bills pass thru congress ? In case let me help you with the answer Goerge soros from G.E. who also sits on Mr Obama’s advisory board Hmmmm.. Interesting wouldn’t you think. How big is the kick back and also now Acorn has been pushy for health care reform ever since Mr O. won the white house…

It’s called giving the public information, keeping us informed about what is going on. The silliness of the GOP move here is beyond description. I suppose some would be happy if all was kept secret. If you think you already have enough information then I suppose you can refuse to watch it.

I did not watch your programming and I vigorously protest your new approach to broadcasting. Your company is fast becoming an arm of the government. This is the most dangerous of all the possible pitfalls for our democratic way of life: government control of the media. And ABC has now taken more than the first step in that direction.
The issues are too big for the people to be presented with a one sided approach presented in a scare tactic mode. It is too big for the Congress to rush into a plan that may have some very nasty unintended consequences.
The role of true journalism is to present all sides, and then to probe and investigate the claims and solutions presented by all sides, providing the people with all the facts- the facts that each “side” would wish were not disclosed. For decades we have relied on the media to be the watch dogs. ABC has chosen to become a lap dog.
Your actions may have bumped your ratings temporarily; you may be able to get a few more advertising dollars. The cost: your journalistic integrity.

Wonder how many complaints those Congressional Republicans have written to Fox News so far.
————-
Wonder how many slanted pieces Fox has aired so far. Do you ever think before you write?

The Republicans griping about this HAVE to be some of the most paranoid people ever born!!! What are they afraid of? That the general public will like all or part of Obama’s plan and demand their representatives agree to it or be voted out of office? If that’s not it, then exactly what ARE they grumbling about? Just to hear their own voices? Again?