Worst. Debate. Ever.

Read more reactions from Huffington Post bloggers to ABC's Pennsylvania Democratic debate

Going into tonight's debate in Philadelphia, the two millionth one we've had so far this primary season, I had one significant worry: that the bulk of the time would be taken up with process questions and media obsessions, and that issues of import would end up getting sidelined. As it turns out, I was depressingly, distressingly correct. In fact, there were times when tonight's debate ventured into territory so utterly asinine that I could scarcely believe what I was witnessing.

Twas not until the nine-o'clock hour drew nigh that a single issue-oriented question was asked. The entire first hour was dedicated to silly campaign queries and scandals both du jour and d'antan. Before a single question was posed about the War in Iraq or the economy was asked, the viewing audience had to wade through the following:

Any chance at a "Dream Ticket?"

"Bitter, much?"

"Do you think your opponent stands a chance against McCain?"

"What about Reverend Wright?"

"Wait. I have an even stupider question about Reverend Wright."

"Seriously. Who were you fooling with that Bosnia shizz?"

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"Hey, Hussein! Why no American flag lapel pin?"

"Hey, Sean Hannity wanted me to ask you something, Barack! I got a question on the Weather Underground! Maybe later we'll talk about the Symbionese Liberation Army!"

All of these questions have been beaten to a pulp, grim death. And neither candidate really had anything new to add to the responses they've already offered time and time again. It was as if ABC News, left out of the twenty-four hour news cycle that spawned these zombo-droid queries, needed to get in their licks on the same matters, too, just so they could feel like they'd played a part in every last one of the primary season's glittering inanities.

Why in the world George Stephanopoulos felt compelled to ask Barack Obama if Reverend Wright "loved America" after he had already been made to give another recitation of his repudiation of Wright's remarks is a question that simply defies the imagination. What sort of sensible answer can be given to that question? It would require astral projection to properly gauge another man's emotional state. And if you want to ask Hillary Clinton to account for the odd contortions she advanced on the matter of her Bosnia recollections, just sack up and ask. Don't hide behind the additional, pointless cruelty of a random voter's scoldings that Clinton lost their vote. What a wholly superfluous pile on!

And the flag lapel pin question came with this admonishment from Charles Gibson: "It keeps coming up, again and again." Well, no shit, Charlie! It keeps "coming up, again and again" because the media resolutely refuses to obtain the necessary courage to stop doing so.

Gibson and Stephanopoulos did deign to squeeze in a few questions of substance, on the Iraq War, taxes, Iran's nuclear ambitions, gun control, and energy independence. But it was quite clear that the moderators could have cared less about the content of the candidate's responses. Instead, they concerned themselves with pinning Obama and Clinton down on a series of absurd "pledges," for the purpose, no doubt, of providing the "gotcha" questions of tomorrow.

To their credit, Clinton and Obama were thoughtful enough to broach the topic of the housing market. Good thing! It didn't occur to the moderators to ask!

The string of issue-oriented questions didn't last long. The debate concluded with a question on how the candidates would "use" George W. Bush in the future. (As a hat-rack, maybe?) And the invitation to make a closing statement required each candidate to imagine how they would win the support of a superdelegate. Process nonsense to the end.

Throughout the night, ABC returned from commercials with bumpers that featured random quotes from the Constitution, because something, apparently, needed to substitute for gravitas.

Like I said, there have been several thousand of these debates. Most, I've watched. Many, I've covered or liveblogged. A few, I have sat very still, and hoped for the sweet release that only the icy hand of death can provide. Tonight was the first time I would have dearly loved to see Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama team up and turn the tables on their interrogators.

Before ABC signed off for the evening, Gibson heard a reaction from the audience and observed, "The crowd is turning on me."

If only they'd done so sooner.

Read more reactions from Huffington Post bloggers to ABC's Pennsylvania Democratic debate

Comments

[musselmanm]

Here is the deaL, I laughed my as off at the stupidity of the questions. I loved the remark about what does what happened when I was eight have to do with my values or the formation of my beliefs, other than some historical facts?
I want another debate on ABC, one moderated by Reverend Jessie Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton.
Now that would be something to see!
How about having Bill Clinton there to stand next to Hillary just like Leiberman does with McSame!
He could whisper in her ear just like Joe does.
Maybe he would convince the world to support Hillary with some of the same thoughts he has used in this primary season. You remember, the politics of personal destruction in the Clinton style which we are all remembering from his presidency!
Yes, Yes, Yes, we can!
Yes, Yes, Yes, we will!
Yes, Yes, Yes, we are!
Obama, 08

[harriscrl3]

I thought the DUMBEST question asked was do you think Rev Wright love America as much as you do. I was stunned that such a question came out of the mouth of a Journalist. What kind of question is that? How the hell do you answer a question like that. I have seen such idiocy. THe worse debate ever and thats an understatement.

Carol

[Dannydel]

Spot on! The utter pretentiousness of Gibson, with his granny glasses perched like Ben Franklin, was enough to make me want to slap him. He's a talking head, not an intellectual for goodness sakes. If you took away his notes and turned off his teleprompter, he'd probably wet himself. And the 'questions' posed by the two hosts made me wonder if the debate were being sponsored by the National Enquirer. If Gibson ever gets the boot from ABC, he's got a job waiting at 'E' or the TV Guide channel as a gossip monger. Somebody at network news should put down their latte' and watch a BBC newscast or perhaps the News Hour with Jim Lehrer, to see what a serious discussion is really like.
The proof of just how far off base the networks are, could be seen in some of the videotaped questions submitted by voters. Once again, the Rev. Wright issue came up, the Bosnia claim came up,
and I'm surprised someone didn't ask Obama how long he's been a Muslim. It's sad, it's pathetic and it's a cheap ratings grab. There's nothing professional about it. Last nights farce was the best example yet of why the networks have become laughably irrelevant.

[desmirl]

I haven't watched ABC for years! It's the only network I rank beneath FAUX NEWS.

[blubastian]

Right on! If you don’t agree with someone’s values and beliefs you disassociate yourself from them, you speak out, you boycott, you don‘t leave any room for doubt.
This is the lesson that Obama needs to learn if he really wants to lead this country.

[treadway123]

I'm for boycotting abc, don't have a problem with that at all!

[Cyndee1113]

blubastian

All I am going to write to you Clinton/McCain supporters is, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT!

[Leppy311]

"WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our candidate was actually asked some tough questions. WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[renoir]

Tough? What are you talking about? Lapel pin tough? Guilt by association tough? How about asking about the environment? Maybe this is tough for you because you're a republican and those questions sufficed for substance? For the rest of us it was like eating a wafer cracker. No nutrition, man.

[TheOtherMaven]

I didn't bother to watch the debate. Apparently I didn't miss a damn thing.

[renoir]

Good call, Maven! You have earned your moniker. We should of all turned it off, trainwreck that it was.

[azcamp]

The only good news after such a dismal ABC performance is that NBC and CBS will be the preferred hosts of the general election debates. This network can not be trusted to shed light on the issues of the 2008 election.

This may be the result of the media consolidation that leaves our country poorly served by the corporations who "own" the public airwaves. CNN and MSNBC have invested in talent who can distinguish between news and gossip. ABC has not so we get a team of clowns trying to host the debate. Mickey Mouse and Goofy would have done a better job for Disney.

I called ABC with my opinion today even though I know that it will make little difference. Thanks to the Internet, I do not have to depend on ABC to know that Iraq, the economy and government incompetence will drive this election. The future of our children is at stake and these guys are in denial about the state of our country. Charles and George lack the intellect to comment on meaningful news so I guess the biggest loser last night was clearly ABC News.

[democraticjack]

They discussed Iraq, the economy, taxes, Social Security, the oil industry, education, the Second Amendment and religion. Where were you? Oh! All you heard was Obama stumblin', mumblin' and lying! It was OK when Russert and his posse were pushing Clinton, wasn't it? When the shoe gets put on the other foot, we have outraged plaintive wailing en masse from Obamabots and that term gets more relevant by the minute.

[sarafina49]

If you call "30 seconds, please" a discussion, you are the one who was not watching. Nothing of substance was discussed. And, oh, what rudeness - interrupting the speakers. I have never seen the like!

[nevergiveup]

Another media drone supporting the corrupted, corpate MSM.

More proof that TV makes you stupid.

[belairpatrol]

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"
Just because Obama answered the questions poorly, doesn't mean
the questions weren't appropriate.

[MikeInMaine]

Our New National Anthem: ABC Version

OH GIVE ME A HOME/
WHERE THE IMBECILES ROAM/
AND GREED IS OUR FAVORITE DISEASE/

JUST TURN OFF YOUR MIND/
KISS THE PLANET GOOD-BYE/
SIT BACK AND ENJOY ABC

Mike Nobel, Gorham, Maine
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=170140

[aquaglass]

Yes, you are so right!

His facial features said it all. If he looked that uncomfortable with difficult questions that voters have a right to know and need to hear his answers, than I can't possibly imagine what he will be doing when the republicans get a hold of him!

I don't see him winning the general election.

[nevergiveup]

That's because you are drunk on the Clinton Koolaid. You can't see shit.

[StandingStill]

Well if you keep your eyes closed, you won't be able to see...but I'll watch him win for both of us. I don't wear blinders.

And what Sen. Obama looked was disappointed and frustrated that we can't move pass gossip and guilt by association to real issues, I know I was disappointed with the first HOUR of questions, "why don't you wear a flag pin?" "is Rev. Wright more patriotic than you?" "why did your neighbor, who set bombs 40 years ago, come to your house for a neighborhood association meeting? Foolishness!

[Dannydel]

The questions were juvenile.

[helloworld2008]

ABCNews = FoxNews Lite

I'm glad they are unmasked as the sleazy hacks they really are.

Gibson and his GOP talking points, George and his double teaming with his former boss.

Don't get mad, donate!

[madycat]

I agree I stopped looking at these new staions because they are not doing this because they care about people loosing their homes, gas prices, food and etc. Hillary is playing right into the hand of the RNC and the MEDIA .Everyone need to be true to themselves I was going to vote for Hillary , I saw in her a lot of me but she has taken this too far , Im unemployed bitter and wondering how Im going to buy food and send my three boys to college Im not worried about what that so called Bashing on one candidate in your own party mess. Hillary is just destroying our chances of taking the white house back because of her ego thats not being a fighter that all she wants to do is fight we should be tired of that there is too many babies that went to Iraq and has been laid to rest I have a nephew that serving as I speak not I want Mr. Gibson and Mr George to ask some real.Hillary has spread like cancer in the Dnc Everyone talking down on each other. You people are letting JOHN MCCAIN get a free ride all the way to the white house and so is the MEDIA.

[blubastian]

In my opinion ABC did a fair job with this debate. They focused on the issue of character and electability. The major issues, Iraq, NAFTA, Health Care..., have been gone over and debated time and again. This debate addressed Obama's judgement and Clinton's honest. The two issues of character that people bring up when supporting one candidate or the other. This debate may help the super delegates make up their minds and it will also help undecided voters.

[renoir]

Character-schmaracter. We already have that information ad nauseum. Both of these candidates and the American people deserved better and more challenging questions.. Issues not covered to my satisfaction include the environment, separation of church and state, the environment, supreme court nominees, FISA issues, torture, corruption in the White House, the environment, Bush's solution to our economic woes being "give them all a check that won't even cover one month's rent or mortgage, McCain's walking from the new GI Bill, missile defense in Russia, genocide and our responsibility to that, global starvation, China owning our debt, and of course the environment. Honestly, there were probably a hundred other questions that could be asked before that bullcrap one about the lapel pin. Okay, so let's pretend that ABC did these candidates a favor by asking the the lamest questions that will come up in debate with McCain... the really dumb ones that uninformed people are interested in. Even on that basis this was horrible! If the moderators were playing devil's advocate then they should of phrased the questions in that way, for instance: "Some are concerned with the question of the Democratic nominee being a weak candidate against McCain's clearly demonstrable war hero status. How will you handle that in debate. How do you handle the "flag lapel pin" issue?" Instead we got some poor woman asking this question and looking like a fool. We've been down that road. How about posing intelligent questions?

[aquaglass]

I agree!

[Dannydel]

Thats right, don't focus on real issues, see if you can throw some salacious gossip at the candidates and make them flinch.
Moron.

[bowlegs339]

blubastian, as we can see, we have a nation of people who are sooooo concerned with judgement and honesty in our presidential candidate. And I'll bet you would say that lil bush and cheney have GREAT judgement and are the most honest politicians in office. Jesus!!! What's wrong with you people.

[Cyndee1113]

bowlegs339

I have stopped trying to explain to Hillary/McCain supporters. They just don't get it. That is all you can say to them. They just don't get it!

[Rocky4356]

The thought i was watching the three stooges last night. Really couldn't tell who was playing Curly. While our kids are dying in Iraq for Exxon Mobile. While the ice caps are melting. While some folks have to chose between eating or buying gas. While the small town folks are forced to stop driving their SUV's. We have the audacity to debate the wearing of a lapel pin. We have to hear a question like Do you think Rev Wright loves America? Really i could care less if Rev can still get it up. Please tell me how am i going to feed my family and pay for college. Please tell if my pension plan will be there. ABC should pull the plug on itself. It has become of little worth.

[Economike]

In the future, college will be irrelevant, in fact college will be a handicap. Knowing how to fix a generator or fix sewage pipes in your neighborhood wil make you the hero of your block.

[groovychaos]

money talks! boycott all disney company subsidiaries! here is a complete list from wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Walt_Disney_Company_subsidiaries

[blubastian]

Why would you blame the media for Obama’s poor performance? He had an excellent opportunity to show his stuff, to show that he’s the fighter this country needs and you get mad at ABC because Obama froze. I guarantee you that the questions will be a lot tougher than this in the general election and we need to know which candidate can beat McCain come November. Obama should have been prepared for the questions he was asked, he should have stood up there with an air of confidence and answered the questions honestly and concisely. He did neither, he looked like a deer in the headlights.
Well, maybe you are right to blame the media but not ABC and the Disney Subsidiaries. If anyone is to blame it’s CNN and MSNBC for coddling Sen. Obama all these months. They toughened Sen. Clinton up and led Obama to believe that all he had to do was smile and wax poetically about hope and change.

[democraticjack]

Exactly. The Obamanics cringed as their man had his feet held to the fire for the first time in the process. They attacked Mayhill Fowler last week and today's target is ABC.
They really can't handle that cold dash of reality water in the face. It would be laughable if they weren't so pitiful. The mass hysteria is scary as well.

[Star123]

Deer in the headlights? I may watch the follow-up ad nauseam deal this evening. Got to see that deer thing!

[groovychaos]

i actually am a clinton supporter! i, too, thought that obama did an awful job in the debate. i am also am one of those who think he will lose in the general, once the republican machine comes at him full-force. i am very, very afraid of that happening.

my intention was to say that this so-called debate was an embarrassment to us as Americans. in the first debate in weeks and perhaps the last, i needed and wanted to hear substantive questions. ABC, owned by Disney, failed miserably and for those who choose to send a message, boycotting is one method to have one's voice be heard.

it was tantamount to the press conferences i recall with dubya and tony blair. dubya an embarrassment and then blair begins speaking, circumspect and intelligent. ABC would be dubya in this scenario; the candidates blair, doing the best they could given what they were given to work with

hillary clinton '08!!!

[Aleka]

Gee you are a bright one, aren't you?

If he was not as graceful as usual, it is because he was being interrogated, dummy. See how graceful YOU sound when people are interrupting you and badgering you and trying to get you to contradict yourself.

She was -more- graceful than usual, because they gave her first shot at the questions and just let her give little prepared speeches uninterrupted.

Why do you think people are making a fuss? Because the thing was an ATTACK. If you think it simply amounts to a "poor performance" then I hate to point out that you - and your lazy critical thinking skills - are EXACTLY the "stupid" audience that debacle was aimed at.

Good job on being the lowest common denominator - the 29% still fooled by Bush.

[TXpastafarian]

Even the wine I was drinking last night couldn't dull my incredulity as Chuck & George lobbed such ridiculous fare in the form of questions. "Are you kidding me?!!" emanated from my mouth more than a few times. They're interaction with the candidates was also stunning - like they were trying to pick a fight at a bar or felt it was their personal responsibility to corner and/or humiliate the candidates.

It's not an easy thing to moderate a debate - Russert and Wolf have also pulled off less-than-stellar performances. But ABC brings the standard to a new low. Perhaps when the moderators remember their performance is not about them, things will improve.

Laughable, Chuck & George. It was laughable. And I did laugh. But not because of the wine.

[Aleka]

Exactly! I was appalled!

Obama wasn't given debate questions, he was being interrogated. How graceful can one sound when people are interrupting you and badgering you (ARE YOU SURE!?!!) and trying to get you to contradict yourself. I mean, they used interrogation tactics.

If she came off better, well DUH. They gave her first shot at the questions and just let her give little obviously prepared speeches uninterrupted.

And still a lot of the MSM were fooled. "Obama performed poorly" Well DOH, wouldn't you? and one vid on msnbc made out like him being on the defensive was HIS fault and some kind of flaw. WTF? Doesn't anyone think anymore?

[blubastian]

Obama knew he wasn't doing this debate in front of MSNBC. He should have known before hand that he would be asked about Wright and Ayers and his "bitter" comments. His poor performance proved that he did not prepare for the debate AND he is not prepared to lead this country. To bad he wasn't offered a pillow, the fall might have been less painful!

I love the way everybody but Obama is to blame!

[cobraxus]

of course Charlie Gibson was taking time out from his busy schedule of PR work for those polygamist mormons down in Texas who miss their kids so much(and their welfare entitlements even more).Forget that 14 year old girls were being married off to their 60 year old half-brother/cousin/uncles,good old right-wing Charlie wants to show us real family values.these guys make me sick.

[benderisgreat]

Nobody won, EVERYBODY lost. It was a complete waste of time.
By the way, I didn't get shot at on Sunday. But since i got a full 8 hours of sleep last night, I still remember that I didn't get shot at on Sunday. There's nothing wrong with sometimes admitting that you're full of crap. In fact, wasn't that part of Bill's appeal? 'Hi, I'm Bill Clinton and I'm completely full of crap!' Everybody tells fish stories, Senator. But don't tell me that you have a hard time getting your stories strait because you don't sleep enough.