Ready for Palin? Revisiting Charlie Gibson's 'Embarrassing' Debate Performance in April

As ABC's Charles Gibson gets ready to conduct the first "real" national media interview with Sarah Palin -- and dozens of media folk offer up good questions -- some have warned not to expect much, based on his past performance or inclinations, with his mishandling of the April Obama/Clinton debate often cited. But what actually transpired there?

I thought it would be useful to reprint below exactly what I wrote here this past April 16.
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In perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate in years, ABC News hosts Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos focused mainly on trivial issues as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in Philadelphia. They, and their network, should hang their collective heads in shame.

Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the health care and mortgage crises, the overall state of the economy and dozens of other pressing issues had to wait for their few moments in the sun as Obama was pressed to explain his recent "bitter" gaffe and relationship with Rev. Wright (seemingly a dead issue) and not wearing a flag pin -- while Clinton had to answer again for her Bosnia trip exaggerations.

Then it was back to Obama to defend his slim association with a former '60s radical -- a question that came out of right-wing talk radio and Sean Hannity on TV, but was delivered by former Bill Clinton aide Stephanopoulos. This approach led to a claim that Clinton's husband pardoned two other '60s radicals. And so on. The travesty continued.

More time was spent on all of this than segments on getting out of Iraq and keeping people from losing their homes and -- you name it. Gibson only got excited complaining that someone might raise his capital gains tax. Yet neither candidate had the courage to ask the moderators to turn to those far more important issues. Talking heads on other networks followed up by not pressing that point either. The crowd booed Gibson near the end. Why didn't every other responsible journalist on TV?

To top it off, here is David Brooks' review at the New York Times: "I thought the questions were excellent." He gives ABC an "A." Of course, "A" can stand for many things.

Comments

[phughez]

Gibson and others engaged in the "American values" marketing campaign are paid well to distract the voters.

[RR2009]

Here's a question to ask Sarah Palin: how can you say "Country First" when you have worked so hard to siphon money from all American taxpayers for Alaska pork projects? As Mayor of Wasilla, she hired lobbyists to secure $27 million in earmarked funds for her town. (Earmarks which were criticized by John McCain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin)

The Bridge to Nowhere, which Palin supported, may not have been built, but Alaska still got the money. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridge

Putting Palin on the ticket is how McCain brings change to the "do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd"???

[vinny]

Country First?

How does not wanting to pay taxes put your country first?

[BeckyJustice]

Do you feel like you are a tiny voice in the wilderness? This is absolutely insane.

A couple of months ago, Palin didn't even know what a Vice President's duties are. Read McCain's 17 page POW account on USNEWS & World Report. HE says on the 2nd page that he collaborated after 4 (FOUR) days in captivity, (AND NO TORTURE) then later, that he held out for months? He contradicts himself time after time throughout, but is very candid that all his Promotions in the Navy were accomplished by his daddy, because he wasn't qualified for them. In fact, he seems extremely proud of the fact. He is of the opinion that he is entitled, so to obtain the Presidency he expects the voters to buy a pig in a poke, because he is entitled to be President you see.