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ABC Blows It!

Posted April 17, 2008 | 06:24 PM (EST)

Read More: ABC Debate, David Brooks, Democrat Abc Debate, Democrat Debate, Democratic Abc Debate, Democratic Debate, Pennsylvania Debate, Pennsylvania Democrat Debate, Breaking Media News

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

ABC News desperately wanted to provoke controversy in last night's Democratic debate. Why else would they have wasted half of the debate on inconsequential topics like Bosnia fire, Reverend Wright, and the "bitterness" of Pennsylvanians? Why else would George Stephanopoulos have taken the incendiary remarks of FOX's Sean Hannity regarding Weather Underground and try to pass them off as his own question? The FOXification of the mainstream media has just gone from bad to ludicrous. And if it was controversy ABC was clamoring for, it was certainly controversy they got.

As the boos became audible towards the end of ABC's coverage, Charlie Gibson threw up his hands playfully and said, "The crowd's turning on me. The crowd is turning on me." Well Charlie, I know we Philadelphians have the reputation for being unduly harsh -- it's widely held that we once booed Santa Claus at an Eagles game, after all -- but every single jeer you heard last night was more than justifiable.

If Pennsylvanians (and the rest of America, for that matter) are bitter about anything, it's that ABC squandered a golden opportunity to allow two presidential hopefuls to discuss issues like the Iraq War Recession we're currently suffering. This was ABC's last chance to elevate discourse to a national level, but instead you focused on the mucky politics of irrelevance. As Will Bunch seethed in his Daily News blog, "There almost isn't enough space -- and this is cyberspace, where room is unlimited -- to list all the things you could have asked about but did not."

So what to do now? Let's create an alternative solution! In the comment section below, write us the questions you think ABC should've asked Senators Clinton and Obama last night. Play moderator for a minute... If there is one question you would like our Democratic candidates to answer, one issue they should address, what would it be? We'll compile the answers and make sure your voices are heard.

And don't forget to sign MoveOn's petition. It's time we let ABC know what we're truly bitter about!

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


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collapse doc1400 See Profile I'm a Fan of doc1400

Great idea ZP. My questions would include:

Each candidate, answer this question.
1. Why or why not, would you require everyone to participate in your healthcare plan? Exclude children.
2. To expand on question #1. What is your remedy for those who refuse to participate in your healthcare plan? Why?
3. Do you, or do you not favor, the control of name brand drug costs? If yes, how will you control the costs?
4. Will you reduce personal income taxes? If so, how? Given the fact that the country is now running a deficit, how will you reduce the deficit and at the same time reduce personal income taxes?
5. How will you reduce the imbalance of trade with China?
6. Do you believe in a lower dollar evaluation with other world currencies such as the euro? If so, how can you reconcile this policy (which will help make our manufacturing sector more competitive) with the rising cost of oil?
7. What will you do to reduce poverty in the United States (poverty as defined as families with income below the government defined poverty level)? What percent of these families can you improve above the poverty level?

This is just a short list. In my opinion, ABC can go away, because I for one will never watch them again. Their idea of a question is to jack off with supermarket tabloid journalism.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:36 AM on 04/19/2008
collapse CaptainObvious See Profile I'm a Fan of CaptainObvious

What changes, if any, would you make at the FCC, in order to ensure that broadcasters perform their "fourth estate" function and honor the "public trust"?

Will you investigate the actions and policies of the bush administration, and if necessary, send them to The Hague to be tried for war crimes?

Will you create a program with the scope and size of the space program of the 60's, to research and develop the energy source of the future (hydrogen, IMHO)?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:46 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse PuritanDescendant See Profile I'm a Fan of PuritanDescendant

I'd like to know about the other war, the one on Americans, err, I mean drugs. Do the candidates advocate letting states control whether medical marijuana is legal? I'd also like to know if Hillary agree's with her husbands drug policies and what she would do differently.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:39 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse kgb999 See Profile I'm a Fan of kgb999

Well, It's not as pressing as the economy ...

...but I'd like to know if Obama has a position on the proposed revamp of the FAA's funding structure currently working through congress. The current administration has taken a position that has serious negative impact on private pilots. I'd like to know if he is aware of the issues related to user fees and if he would be willing to listen to AOPA president Phill Boyer's views on the matter and help to protect general aviation pilots.

I would also like to know what his positions are on net neutrality.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:19 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse jdmccl See Profile I'm a Fan of jdmccl

i don't think they mentioned immigration. The Billions of dollars in illegal drugs coming in? The kidnapping of more US Citizens than got killed in the Iraq war by Mexican drug cartels? the Capital gains question was the best of the night. I didn't watch because I knew the important issues would be buried. So 10 million wasted their time. Big miss for ABC but it is after all for ratings. I laughed my ass off at Cheney, nice to know he has a comic career to fall back on. Oh no don't ask BHO any bad questions, what about finding out does he have the thick skin required for the job? I never watch This Week because George is Hillary Biotch but judging all the crying, maybe they did not so bad.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:49 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse Guitarsandmore See Profile I'm a Fan of Guitarsandmore




The next debate the questions will be all about Lindsey Lohan's problems and Britneys new boyfriend.


What do you think Hillary that Lindsey should do next, movies or tv? Inquiring minds want to know.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:29 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse GoodwithWood See Profile I'm a Fan of GoodwithWood

LOL!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:49 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse GoodwithWood See Profile I'm a Fan of GoodwithWood

I want to know if either candidate is going to overturn bushes executive order that grants unmonitored money to churches to do social work. Money that was stripped from my counties mental heath services, leaving hundreds of people cold turkey without their meds, doctors and counselors. The building became a ghost town while the money was turned over to Christian churches.
So, rather than getting medical treatment they were supposed to get Jesus. It was a disaster in my community.

GWW

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:26 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse wwsword See Profile I'm a Fan of wwsword

Obama blows it! Stop blaming ABC News for Obama's collapse. Obama simply doesn't have it. He was exposed last night. Not ready for Prime Time.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:41 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse December7 See Profile I'm a Fan of December7

Where are the Flag pin waring patriots?
I didnt see this on Faux news
Military Denied Benefits to Surviving Son
By GARANCE BURKE,
AP
Posted: 2008-04-17 12:26:22
Filed Under: Nation News, Politics News
FRESNO, Calif. (April 17) - Forced to leave the combat zone after his two brothers died in the Iraq war, Army Spc. Jason Hubbard faced another battle once he returned home: The military cut off his family's health care, stopped his G.I. educational subsidies and wanted him to repay his sign-up bonus.
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/military-denied-benefits-to-surviving/20080417072509990001

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:08 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse Javalation See Profile I'm a Fan of Javalation

On the subject of health care, I'd like to know if their programs would force the inclusion of acupuncture, biofeedback and other non-drug & non-surgical alternatives. If we just force everyone toward drugs and surgeries, then our health care cost will simply get more expensive.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:39 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse billflannigan See Profile I'm a Fan of billflannigan

Senators Clinton and Obama- do you think the Defense budget is too big and if so, by how much would you cut it? What are your plans for spending on infrastructure in the US? When will America become energy independent? Will you allow foreign nationals to invest in America in exchange for a green card?

George and Charlie- shame on you! Ask questions about what is IMPORTANT- not what YOU think is important. So disappointing- you guys really blew it and I hope you are shut out of important stories in the future.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:31 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse gregjones See Profile I'm a Fan of gregjones

ABC IS PATHETIC. IT'S ABC/DISNEY BOYCOTT TIME !!!!!!!!! THEY MUST LEARN THAT AMERICANS ARE NOT DUMB SHEEP !!!!!!!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:19 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse flameworker See Profile I'm a Fan of flameworker

I agree. Isn't it ironic that I have to watch BBC America to find out what's really going on in our country?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:38 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse GreatFutureForAll See Profile I'm a Fan of GreatFutureForAll

"As President, what specific actions would you take to change the very negative world opinion of the United States? And, as follow up to this question, how would you propose changing the hearts and minds of those hostile to us in the Middle East?"

ZP, sadly it took me less than a minute to formulate these two questions. ABC had endless time to do much better than I.

I live in Pennsylvania now. But, I still have family in New York and am very concerned for their safety following 9/11.

ABC wasted my time and that of my neighbors, ZP. I will vote for Barack as he is clearly the best candidate I've seen in years. But, I was very much looking forward to having both candidates speak to the issues in greater detail (and for a much longer period than barely a half hour).

THIS IS NOT A GAME! ABC placed ratings ahead of the country. They are history in my house.

Anyway, thanks for your writ.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:17 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse BigRube See Profile I'm a Fan of BigRube

That wasn't a debate just a big joke. What a bunch of idiots.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:09 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse EvereaderinSC See Profile I'm a Fan of EvereaderinSC

The question I've been wondering about for years, Obama's already answered, at least partially: Will those in the Bush Administration who've clearly broken laws be investigated for law-breaking? ABC should have asked it last night, especially since it was on ABC that Bush when interviewed admitted he ok'd the illegal tortures. To that I'd ask another question: Will you punish those responsible to the full extent of the law - not just slap them on the wrist?

One last question. Who the heck was that guy Gibson added at the end who gave is extremely biased pro-Clinton analysis of the debates, closing with "Obama's going to have to do a lot of talking when it comes to the superdelegates..." or some such rot? BTW did Gibson mention anything about the growing number of e-mails to ABC protesting the shame of the debate, on tonight's news? I didn't check if he had his handy dandy flag lapel pin on or not, but I don't think he actually did, the Commie!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:14 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse suwhki See Profile I'm a Fan of suwhki

After 40+ minutes of hammering Senator Obama with a bunch of inane questions...questions he's already answered repeatedly--about Rev. Wright, why he doesn't wear a flag pin, (Note: they never asked Hillary why she doesn't wear one) questioning who's more patriotic than whom....the fact that he knows a member of The Weathermen...even though he was just 8 years old when that event took place in Greenwich Village ...and then allowing Hillary to continue the attacks...without either moderator asking her about some of the questionable characters she and Bill have been closely associated with---all I can say is it was a sad night for journalism. Peter Jennings must be turning in his grave.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:09 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse inthenitemare See Profile I'm a Fan of inthenitemare

My question to Senator Obama:

George Bush has been spending the last 7 years breaking laws and shreading the same Consitution that he swore to protect and uphold. Whats most important to me is that this is to be prevented in the future, so that no president can just waltz into office and cancel all our civil liberties at whim.

What will you do to prevent this from happening again?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:03 PM on 04/17/2008
collapse ljsfolly See Profile I'm a Fan of ljsfolly

The tally of 10 million was it that watched the "debate" last night will tell the tale about how little value was place by ABC on what we americans know are at crisis levels across the nation. Our economy, the war, our military, the lack of good working equipment to support our troops, the lack of mental health care resulting in massive amounts of suicides, the lack of support for military families after so many deployments they are falling apart and the children are suffering with no one to take care of the problems,gas prices, bush and McCain on Iran? All of these things plus many more were largely ignored by ABC moderators and they actually gave over to Hillary the times she could do the republican slashes and stabs at Barack. They piled on Barack and did not even challenge Hillary on the very things they attacked him on. Patriot games was another lousey thing. Does every man woman and child have to wear a flag pin from birth to show the love the US? I noticed Hillary never wears a flag pin or anything that might make her look more female. Charlie and George I cannot remember ever seeing a flag pin on them either. Mad as hell I am and bitter not even close to how I feel about ABC and the three idiots ganging up on Barack.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:03 PM on 04/17/2008
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