McCain Campaign Working the Ref in the VP Debate
These attacks against Gwen Ifill are so transparent. I don't know why we're even having a legitimate discussion about their validity. The McCain campaign is desperate to have the moderator of the VP debate go easy on Palin. So they are working her over, ahead of time.
In essence, they are threatening her career if she doesn't act "objectively." And their definition of "objective" is someone who asks very easy questions to Sarah Palin. They have already called the most innocuous foreign policy questions in other interviews "gotcha" questions or "trap-door" questions. They're sending a warning to Ifill. We will try to destroy your reputation as an objective reporter if you're tough on Palin.
The second reason behind this obvious gambit is that if Palin bombs they can say, "See, of course, with that biased moderator she didn't get a fair shake. It wasn't her fault. The deck was stacked against her with all of those 'gotcha' questions from an Obama supporter."
Looking at it this way, you can see why this is a smart political move. They lose nothing and possibly gain easier questions and an excuse if their candidate does not do well. That is why it is up to the media to point out that this is sheer political gamesmanship and not let them get away with this nonsense. Treating this issue as if it has any legitimacy is unacceptable. And, by the way, also completely unfair to Gwen Ifill.
One final thing on this debate. How well the moderator does tonight is going to completely dependent on how she asks follow-up questions. A debate where you just let either side give their talking points on any given issue and move on is a terrible, boring and useless debate. The public only learns how well that candidate has memorized their talking points. Follow up questions are critical. This is what has made Katie Couric's interviews with Sarah Palin so good. Simple, fair follow-up questions to get an understanding of what the candidate actually means.
It will be tragically ironic if Ifill actually mars her reputation as a journalist by not asking pertinent follow-up questions because she has been intimidated by the right-wing into going soft on Palin.
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Well, if Gwen feels bad about doing the moderating, I am sure Letterman would be happy to fill in...
You know, there is no "gotcha" question if one really knows her stuff. You can't play "gotcha" with Obama or Biden. "Gotcha" is an excuse for not knowing what the h*ll you're talking about.
Couldn't agree more! The McCain campaign knows this isn't going to go very well and they are all ready making excuses.
Ifill's performance as moderator will indicate whether the McBush pressure got to her. If she goes soft on Palin, then disaster for Ifill the likes of which she may never recover from. Ifill shoulda recuse herself. By accepting the job as moderator, Ifill became an issue by her own actions.
Will Ifill, at the debate, disclose the fact that she has a book deal? Damn is she does, damn if she doesn't, right? Now on to the debate itself; the format may "prevent" Ifill to follow up on Palin's "answers", a good excuse, er, reason for Ifill not to press Palin. Palin demonstrated in them Alaska debates that she can filibuster with the best of 'em, so don't be surprised if her non-answers take great chunks of time to the point where Biden has little time of his own to answer/respond. Will Ifill step in to stop Palin's obstructionist tactics?
Biden can give Palin part of his time so Palin can explain just exactly what she means when she non-answers the questions. Biden can state that Palin aint responding to the issue at hand and then point to her inconsistencies as just a couple of reasons why he, the gentleman that he is, is giving part of his time to Palin so she can explain herself.
Palin can be an instant expert in that darn debate. Thanks to wireless technology, Palin can be the receiver and repub hacks behind the scenes can be transmitters.
From what I've seen of Gwen Ifill, she won't compromise her journalistic integrity because of veil threats from the McCain camp. And, as she pointed out, she hasn't even written the Obama part of her book, so why the assumption she's "in the tank" for Obama?
You're right, Gwen Ifill is every bit a professional, her integrity is above reproach. McSame Caveman will do anything to try to become president. Lie, cheat, steal, choose Palin for his VP, and anything else you can think of. How Sad.
Ifill shoulda recused herself, but she didn't and the rest is history. Journalists should never become part of the story. Now that Ifill is stuck as the moderator of the debate, let her performance speak itself. Hope integrity beats the need to be seen as "fair"/soft on Palin.
If I were Bided, I would let her talk.
The more she talks, the deeper she will insert her foot into her mouth.
1. There is a moderator who has a financial interest in whether or not Obama is elected, yet the foul is that McCain camp is pointing that out?
2. The McCain camp can't possibly threaten the career of Gwen Ifill. She works at PBS for crying out loud. Tell me Cenk, exactly how much pull does the republican nominee have over there at PBS. If anyone is threatening the careers of journalists it's the political left with the talk of bringing back the unconstitutional fainess doctrine.
3. I respect Gwen Ifill, but she messed up and deserves to be called on it. Her ability to moderate fairly is irrelevant. She has a financial conflict of interest and has a duty, as a respected journalist, to recuse herself.
The neocons whine and cry foul about EVERYTHING anyway. That is, unless it spins things in their favor. Stop trying to pussyfoot around them. They're a bunch of infants.
I am so glad I took the time to write that. I never thought I would get such aninsightful and thought out response.
I never thought of the "they are a bunch whiners" angle. Now it all makes sense to me.
McCain's campaign people agreed to have Ifill moderate weeks AFTER her book was announced in several different mediums. A quick google search by any of his staffers would have turned it up. Either his staffers did not do their research before they agreed to her, or they saw an opportunity exactly as the writer points out. Maybe they are both true, but at least one MUST be true.
I would also like to point out that Brokaw is moderating the last presidential debate, a mad who famously wrote a book about veterans and is a pretty vocal fan of McCain. Obama's camp has not whined once.
Your argument is ridiculous.
Tom Brokaw does not have a book coming out next January that is likely to sell more copies if McCain is elected, ergo Tom Brokaw does not have a financial conflict of interest.
Nothing else matters except this: Gwen Ifill has a financial conflict of interest.
Who knew what and when is also irrelevant. Nobody should ask Ifill to recuse herself. They shouldn't have to!!
As a respected journalist she should be no where near a moderators table with a direct financial stake in the outcome of the election.
We are not voting for the VP. The VPs were nominated by the candidate we elected. We are voting for the President. This begs the question of exactly HOW did Ifill mess up? Her plans for the book were made public months ago. She is a very good reporter. She will do her job and she will be fair. The Republicans make every excuse for Palin. She just needs to prove herself for the savvy debater that she has proven herself to be in Alaska,
What are you nuts???? Gwen Ifill's book is about black politicians. Her financial gain does not depend on whether Obama wins or loses, so nothing foulto point out. Besides, the McCain camp knew she had a book in the works when they agreed to Ifill moderating this debate. The information was disclosed back in July. So what does this mean...the McCain straighttalk express has once again gone of the tracks. Let's get some truth here to pull that bus out of the ditch....s
So do you think a book about black politicans will sell more or less at its January release if Obama wins?
She may be a fair journalist, but she should step aside because she has a conflict of interest.
A funny thing happened to Dan Rather a few years ago re: Bush & National Guard. The man is still trying to recover.
BS. This gives the GOP the way out if necessary. If she loses the debate, she can just cast stones at the moderator, who is writing a book about Obama. If it was sometime writing a positive book about McCain, we'd be raising seven kinds of hell.
All I can say is, Where was the McCain camp when they agreed to this debate? Out to lunch?...n
Out to lunch? Hardly. They had this planned. They saw the angle. This works for them even if they didn't have a numbskull as their candidate. Did 0bama's team see this coming? Apparently not.
If Ifill had disclosed to the debate committee that she had a book coming out on Obama (which is most certainly a financial stake in the outcome of the election) she wouldn't be moderating this debate. She either intentionally neglected to mention it, or it was a momentary lapse, or she didn't think it mattered (I think she is smarter than that), but regardless only she can be blamed for the current questions concerning her possible bias.
If the tables were turned, there would be outrage on these boards.
Get your facts straight. The book is not about Obama, it is about black politicians of which Obama will have a chapter. Ifill's writing this book has been public knowledge since July. You shouldn't speak about things for which you have no knowledge.
hello the subject of the book is NOT Obama. you might try to educate yourself before you spout off accusations.
Not to mention that word was out in the press about Gwen Ifill's book at least as far back as mid-August or late July. The McCain campaign should have known about the book before they approved of her as a debate moderator.
All of these comments are an insult to Gwen Ifill. She is a consummate professional and would never allow her personal perferences to interfere with her job and for you to insinuate otherwise is wrong.
The McCain camp on Gwen is unfair and just plain stupid. She is a professional journalist who always is above board. To have them say one word after the debate will prove that they were terrified of Palins performance and will, one again, as they are want to do, blame someone else!
any patriotic american would have a hard time being even handed considering the possibility of a palin presidency.
another thing- couric should have asked her what right wing talk radio blowhards she listens to, not what she reads. she is the limbaugh talk radio candidate and it is likely her command of the talking points is what has propelled her to this point. and all of a sudden she has to deal with the real world.
Wow Cenk,
I'm actually a fan and enjoy your work but your post is seriously lacking.
In every case that McCain (or Palin) was asked about Gwen hosting the debate McCain laughed and said "sure I would rather not have someone who is writing a book about Obama but I trust her professionalism".
Palin didn't even say she would rather have someone else. She welcomed it.
Look they may be boobs but you seem to be arguing a red herring. It IS the press that is pushing this story. The McCain camp despite all their other problems are not actually harping on this at all.
Seriously Cenk I'm very disturbed that you see a campaign "working the ref" when they aren't even really complaining about it.
There are so many good arguments someone as talented as yourself could be making.
Is it really necessary to make up non-existent arguments and take a side?
Seems silly at best.
Um, with McCain, you have to keep up with his mood swings. Today he's saying he wishes they'd pick somebody else, and it's going to make it harder for Palin since the moderator is an Obama supporter. And then he says, quote "but, life's not fair".
I'd call that harping on it.
Not silly at all.
McCain is "working the refs" through his campaign's surrogates at Faux Noise, Limpbough, and the right wing media, get it? McCain doesn't have to lift a finger and can maintain plausible deniability.
It's all a matter of distraction, sleight of hand, and keeping our attention diverted from what is really going on, namely, the implosion of the McCain campaign.
kingofscotts - check out the story on McCain complaining (on Fox, today I think) about Gwen Ifill and then whining about how "life isn't fair." The story is here on HuffPo.
It's not a book ABOUT Obama. It is a book where his story is discussed as are others who are African-American and succeeded in politics since the Civil Rights era.
The debate should be fun. Something I want to hear from Palin: "I've been running for vice president for six weeks; Barack has been running for president for 18 months, and he still has no idea what he's talking about with regard to foreign policy."
You mean to tell us that his wanting to get us the hell out of Iraq is not foreign policy?
To be obvious-Gwen Ifill had a following before she became moderator of "Washington Week...". Both Gwen's past followrs & newer fans watch "News Hour..." to to get unbiased reporting. Destroying Gwen's reputation as a thorough & objective reporter would be a most difficult task. I think that Ms Ifill is incapable of being biased. Making her look biased would fail as O'Reilly's use of gotcha camera crews. If the FAUX gotcha crew appears on the scene, the other crews video the gotcha crew, not the event, for there is bound to be a moment when the gotcha crew is confronted by the object of the gocha crew's attention & the gotcha crew turns tail & runs from the confrontation. The gotcha crew still can't manage to pick up & pack up its equipment & run to the nearest exit. It's still a slow, stumbling departure as they try to run with the mike, camera & disc recording box. Often rival crews get the money shot of a gotcha crew member wetting his/her pants that shows the stain spreading from crotch to pants cuff. That shot is always featured in the feed.
Those who try to smear Gwen are like FAUX gotcha crews, they end up bungling & being objects of ridicule. It's fun to watch the fumbles of a gotcha/smear crew; they're the Keystone Kops of 2008. They're a laugh riot of ineptitude.
One of the things I love about you, Cenk is that you're a street fighter who brooks no BS, either from Republicans or Democrats.
The Republicans always claim to be "the party of personal responsibility," but it often seems that their idea of personal responsibility applies mainly to anyone other than themselves.
If Palin can't take the heat, she has no business being first in line for the presidency if something happens to McCain. What happens when she has to face down Putin or any other leader of one of America's rivals on the world stage? Will her handlers warn these guys against bullying her or not giving her a fair shake?
People like Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton are just two examples of women who had the brains and and brawn to mix it up with the bad boys and never flinch. They have done this with guts to be sure, but also with intelligence and understanding of the issues. Sarah Palin has shown no such intelligence or understand. All she seems able to do is deliver well-timed zingers, which is probably what we can mostly expect from her tonight ... that is, to be McCain's attack dog with a coy smile.
Unfortunately, this approach often works very well with unsophisticated viewers who can't digest more than good sound bites. Hopefully enough of us will see through the pose.
Seriously? You don't think it is AT ALL relevant that the woman has a book about Obama coming out on inaugaration day, and stands to gain financially by his election? I dislike both candidates, but the fact that you don't even think this is an issue shows how blinded you are by party. I can imagine if Sean Hannity had a book coming out on inaugauration day called "The age of Palin Begins", and he was the debate moderator, you wouldn't have any problem with it, would you Cenk? Excuse me while I laugh heartily.
You were actually making a good point until you compared Gwen Ifill to Sean Hannity. I wouldn't let Keith Olberman or Rachel Maddow host a debate either of course, but Gwen Ifill is a real journalist
you were listening to hannity yesterday , huh. no right wing talk radio blowhard is qualified ot be animpartial moderator. actually it would be difficult for any moderator who loves their country and who is not a peabrained fool like hannity to be even handed considering the possibility that palin could be a heartbeat away to the presidency. the notion that ifil would compromise for money says much about those who make this argument. but putting money above country seems to come naturally to republicans, as we see so clearly now.
bkbigfish - You need to do a little research regarding Ms. Ifill's book. It's not a book about Obama. It covers many current politicians, including Colin Powell.
Comparing Sean Hannity to Gwen Ifil IS LAUGHABLE! HAHAHA!
Yes, because in your world, a pathetic hack like Hannity is the equal of every mainstream reporter in the press. In other words, trusting you to evaluate media sources is kind of like trusting a sex offender to teach kindergarten.
You might respond that Ifill's book has "Obama" in the title. But, of course, you haven't read that book. So the question goes to the past records of each reporter. Ifill has a long history of being a good and fair reporter, and has never found herself attacked as much as now, suddenly, when the Great Alaskan Hope of the Republican party is about to appear in her only debate.
So, either you're judging her on a book you haven't read, or you're saying that she can't put her job above her book revenues and is suddenly not trustworthy when she has so often been worthy before. Or, you're saying that her skin being the same color as the Democratic candidate's should disqualify her.
Which is it? Care to explain?
Fine, forget Hannity. How about ANYONE who was writing a book titled, "The age of Palin". Written in glowing terms. With it- by sheer, sheer coincidence- coming out on the day that Palin is sworn into office. Which means, if she lost the election, and was never sworn in, the book is going to tank.
With all of that, you don't even think the question should be raised? Then you're naive. And yes, I think the McCain camp is totally incompetent when it comes to this matter.
The bottom line is this: The debate moderator has a financial interest in who wins this election. And, is that appropriate. You can fuss all you want about who should have known what, is it whining, (yes) but at the end of the day, that still remains the essence of this matter. And in my opinion, it is completely inappropriate to have a debate moderator who stands to sell substantially more books if Obama wins. All of your posturing cannot get around that.
And who says Ifill is worthy? What do you know about her? What, you don't think a book written by an outspoken Obama supporter called, "The age of Obama" is going to be anything but glowing. Don't be ridiculous. Try thinking for yourself for once and not what your beloved party tells you. Try thinking about the THEIVES in the senate of both parties who just stole 850 BILLION dollars of your money yesterday, and not this trivial crap.
Great commentary--I'd already heard it on your radio program, but it's still dead-on.
Gwen Ifill has nothing to be afraid of. Her career has been long and entirely objective throughout. She'll do great, as long as she doesn't go too easy on Palin. That's what could ruin this debate for America. Like you said, Ifill can't just let Palin recite talking points--she has to get to the core of what she knows and what she believes.
Keep it up with The Young Turks. Great program.
I hope so too, but Ifill must be ready to take the hit if Palin under performs. Ifill still shoulda recused herself. Seems to me she threw caution aside for another star on her resume. Thing is, depending on what happens AFTER the debate, she may be better off not listing this stint as a moderator.
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