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The ABC Debate: A Shameful Night for the U.S. Media

Posted April 16, 2008 | 10:16 PM (EST)

Read More: Abc, ABC Debate, Barack Obama, Bill Ayers, Charles Gibson, Clinton, Clinton Bosnia, George Stephanopoulos, Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Tuzla, Jeremiah Wright, Mccain, Media Coverage Of 2008 Election, Obama, Obama Bitter, Obama Bitter Comment, Obama Bitter Pennsylvanians, Obama Calls Small Towns Bitter, Obama Flag Pin, Obama Jeremiah Wright, Obama Lapel Pin, Weather Underground, Breaking Politics News

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

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.

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

Greg Mitchell is author of the new book, So Wrong for So Long: How the Press, the Pundits -- and the President -- Failed on Iraq. It has been hailed by Bill Moyers, Glenn Greenwald, Arianna Huffington and many others and features a preface by Bruce Springsteen. Mitchell is editor of Editor & Publisher. Email: gmitchell@editorandpublisher.com.

 

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collapse Cymbeline See Profile I'm a Fan of Cymbeline

Even the questions on issues were trivial or gotcha questions. On Iraq, for example, Charlie & George just wanted to know whether the candidates would take conditions in Iraq at the time into account, or whether they would stick to a strict timetable of withdrawal. If they said they would take account of conditions they would be immediately slammed as insincere in their pledge to withdraw. When they both came down on sticking to a strict timetable, it allowed David Brooks to predictably slam them for being so rigid they would ignore the realities on the ground. They're damned whichever answer they give.

Yet there was nothing about al-Maliki essentially forcing U.S. troops to back up his bungled attack on Basra. No question about the wisdom of arming Sunni insurgents who were attacking our troops andnow are supposedly helping us. Can we trust their loyalty, or the loyalty of the 430,000 Iraqi Security Forces we trained and armed? What do we do if Moktada declares "open war until liberation?" etc.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:09 PM on 04/21/2008
collapse Advocate2008 See Profile I'm a Fan of Advocate2008

I disagree.

The HARD questions have not been asked of Obama YET!! Wait until the general election and wait until the Republicans began talking about his associations with Tony Rezko and Nadhmi Auchi. Those WILL BE the hard questions!!! So, Obama, stop complaining about the debate questions. You have not heard anything YET!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:18 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse moffle See Profile I'm a Fan of moffle
Moderator's Pick

HuffPost's Pick

We cripple Obama by trying to protect him. ABC did him a favor.

We nominate admirable people who are unable to survive the images created for them by the Republican evil genius. Would we really rather lose another election than recall all those 2004 ads showing Senator Kerry"s graceful figure windsurfing back and forth across the wave?

We stand in grocery checkout lines gazing at gossip magazine covers, wondering how anybody could believe that stuff, much less buy it¦ until we see that attractive person next to us pick it up and put it in his shopping basket. Why do we Democrats approach the selection of our candidate believing that, in the span of an election cycle, we can teach people to become high-minded, to ignore the political equivalent of gossip magazine titillation. Is that not "out of touch"? Is that not the definition of elitism?

We still whisper our disbelief that a voting public could have elected George Bush twice after hearing him speak just once. Until we understand how and why, we can expect to stand bewildered while we lose again¦.and get more conservative judges, more war, less healthcare¦ Oh good grief!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:37 PM on 04/19/2008
collapse Changeizgood See Profile I'm a Fan of Changeizgood

If you think John Kerry was slammed for flip flopping on issues, then wait til Naftagate and Bosnia Gate start in the general from the far right.
They'll have her on top of a barn like a weather vane swinging in all directions.

Don't for get the theme(s) of her inevitable candidacy. Experience? Solutions for America? Nafta. Change agent? I guess so, she's as many themes as she's run states. Who is this viper of distraction, kicking and screaming her way through the electoral process. This self destructive bush-like self absorbed political hack, who lies to Americans in their faces, they want to hear more BS.

To the Clinton Supporters:

Honesty and integrity are a major charecter for the Presidency. Hillary has neither.

Liar liar, pantsuit on fire.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:11 AM on 04/21/2008
collapse Bettysdad See Profile I'm a Fan of Bettysdad

I will guarantee that the people who scream the loudest about Rezko and Auchi know nothing more than the names they've been fed by Hillary.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:50 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse furelise See Profile I'm a Fan of furelise

Barack Obama met Antonin Rezko while attending Harvard Law School. Mr Rezko, a Syrian, offered a job to Sen. Obama, which he turned down since he wanted to finish and get his law degree. After graduation, the senator moved to Chicago, also Mr. Rezko's home, and went to work for a law firm, one of the clients, Mr Rezko. Obama represented him in a law suit brought by the City of Chicago accusing Mr. Rezko of not providing heat to some of his tenements during Winter. While state senator, Sen. Obama wrote letters to state and local officials recommending Rezko's company receive a contract for $14mil which he did manage to do. Rezko has had a long standing relationship with a billionaire Iraqi businessman, Nadhmi Auchi. Auchi conspired with Sadamm Hiussien to kill the former president of Iraq. he was later released and move to Paris. While in Paris, he became a bagman for Sadamm in the oil for food scam. He was convicted of fraud in France. Auchi later was appointed to a Harvard study group and was in the USA in 2003 and in Chicago met Obama at a fundraiser held at Tony Rezko's house. He made a donation to Obama's campaign through a company registered in his wife's name.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:26 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse furelise See Profile I'm a Fan of furelise

He also loaned $6mil. to Rezko which apparently the Fed. prosecutor can't find. Obama and Rezko have been friends for fifteen years and when Obama wanted to buy a $2mil home in an exclusive Chicago suburb, with Tony Rezko helped. . Obama bought the house on the same day Rezko's wife bought the adjoining property. Michele Obama bought a ten foot strip of land from Rezko's wife for $160,000..
Rezko is now on trail in Chicago charged with money laundering, fraud, influence peddling and others.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:33 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse Changeizgood See Profile I'm a Fan of Changeizgood

Aree you wearing your pantsuit now?

Liar liar, pantsuits on fire.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:14 AM on 04/21/2008
collapse transendentilist See Profile I'm a Fan of transendentilist

Obama has had it easy so far. Hillary has been kind, in comparison to what the GOP will try to do to him. By the time they're through, he'll be begging for any votes he can get. He'll have to tone down that air of superiority.
And all those trashing Hillary and her supporters, may be left wondering why Obama failed to get millions of votes, by being an elitist, and trashing a member of his own party.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:10 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse RobinL See Profile I'm a Fan of RobinL


WHAT?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:22 PM on 04/20/2008
collapse sweetstafford See Profile I'm a Fan of sweetstafford

Advocate is right. Obama talks sooo much, and nothing bad sticks to him...He has morality problems-- let his white mother die in a charity hospital and didn't visit her while she was dying; dissed his white grandparents and step-grandparents, who supported him (meanwhile wrote longingly about his disappearning father); worked for a slum landlord; supports and praises his facist minister...and as for me and my ilk (small town rube), looks like we are way more supportive of American "values" than him and his church circle.
Also, I'm waiting for his stinging pyschoanalysis of the inner city, urban and suburbia folks. Wow. those should be real zingers(not)!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:55 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse Advocate2008 See Profile I'm a Fan of Advocate2008

I am surprise that Hillary Clinton was not allowed to comment on the comment Obama made about Bill Clinton's apparent pardons. If Bill Clinton pardon someone, then they were not associates, friends, and acquants of his. Bill Clinton apparently made those pardons based on recommendations of others. HOWEVER, William Ayers, instead, WAS an associate and friend of Obama, with whom Obama had arms-length associations. Bill Clinton never visited in the homes of those he pardoned. Obama DID visit in the home of William Ayers and DID work with Ayers with an organization.

I wish Hillary had been allowed to make those comments. I'll bet the Republicans will have time to make the connection. Again, Obama should stop whinning!!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:49 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse Changeizgood See Profile I'm a Fan of Changeizgood

The day we take any advice from the broken down Clanky Clintonista campaign, is the day we all take prozac and watch Fox News.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:17 AM on 04/21/2008
collapse Artos See Profile I'm a Fan of Artos

Thank the maker that I vote as an Independent. While I can not stand McCain and feel he will only help the Republicans take us further down the road to ruin, I like you guys even less. You all sound like piranhas. If you are an example of what Democrats are like I doubt I will want to have any of you in office either. I can only hope that somehow we can find someone somewhere that has nothing to do with either the Dems or the Repubs to elect cause you guys are worthless.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:35 PM on 04/19/2008
collapse SifSkade See Profile I'm a Fan of SifSkade

So because both sides are "worthless," you either won't vote at all or you'll write in some random with a snowball's chance in hell, in which case you might as well throw your ballot directly in the trash and cut out the middleman. Do whatever you want with your right to vote, but if someone you hate ends up in office, you only have yourself to blame.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:04 PM on 04/20/2008
collapse santos514 See Profile I'm a Fan of santos514

What about the Peter Paul case, I assume the Clinton's did not know him too Hillary should not through stone if she live in a glass house.she lie too much

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:33 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse Miguel See Profile I'm a Fan of Miguel

Obama's and Hillary's "gaffes" as they've been glancingly referred to herein are more than just verbal missteps. They are a window into Hillary's and Obama's souls/minds, harboring world views which have been given a radical free pass in the MSN in both their cases. For people (columnists, bloggers, "journalists" and posters) who fancy themselves wordsmiths, amoung other positive self-proclamations, I'm surprised that free thinker and truth teller aren't amoung those in-house descriptions. The wide open, overt truth is that it's an open secret that both these people have been continuously sheltered and covered up for in the MSM, particularly Obama, as a matter of editorial policy, sometimes referred to as "public policy"'. MSM's protection of Hillary and Obama from real questions is so shocking that even the notoriously left-leaning British press isbeginning to ask real questions of these two, despite the embarrassing display of press bias their actions bluntly show of American "journalism"; print, tv and cable. Their problems would disappear if they could just pay 'protection money' to the MSM.

Why is it that CBS news is routinely surpassed by the main cable news channel?, the NY Times continues to lose money? Mc Clatchy(sp) co. has lost $500,000,000.00 in the last 3 years? It's because MSM has told over half of America to go screw itself in service of it's ubiquitous biases! All of our numerous local small papers here in Sacramento, by contrast, are flourishing.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:42 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse HereticalPolemicisit See Profile I'm a Fan of HereticalPolemicisit


It can be assumed the A-B-C's of enhanced, political interrogation were sufficiently carried out by George (all-i-need-is-a cropped-mustache) Stephanopoulis and Charle (just a monacle and a scar, please ) Gibson to your liking on the "Moorish panderer of platitudinoo
us Hope" to an insinuating Gobbelesque degree.

The legacy of our Fourth Estate seems more like the Third Reich in its manipulation of public information, than the heroic search and championing for the truth for which Edward R Murrow bequeathed as the "gold standard"-still revered at the grass roots who will vote to put a slam dunk on the plutocracy of the pundits.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:05 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse Miguel See Profile I'm a Fan of Miguel

HP,
Yes, it is a "plutocracy of the pundits" out there. Unfortunately they're mostly all from the halls of leftist thinking, blindly encouraged within the various priesthoods of 'higher education's" marxist theologies, promolgated ubiquitously therein. Thoughtlessly, they trample all vestiges of the "free thought" they piously self-appoint of themselves; and are stunned whenever the tables are rarely turned.

The whiners who are so upset with ABC have witnessed but 1/1000th of the slanted press that I must swallow always, now that I've learned of leftist hypocracy. It's been a brutal road for me and my new comrades as we continue to more clearly see Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" through the smoke and mirrors of the myriad so-called intellectuals' collective surrender of their own intelligence as they supinely wallow in their transfixed guilt absolution presided over by their kindly priests of marxist theologies.

George, similar to others of the chattering class, came directly from the Clinton administration into the "news"; in an overt demonstration of pan network/print "news" bias, which isbone deep. What Obama got in this little interview was almost zero compared to that which the human monsters of North Korea, Iran and Syria, et al (who can kill whole cities unblinkingly) viciously have in store for this Carter-like light-wieght.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:48 PM on 04/19/2008
collapse Artos See Profile I'm a Fan of Artos

Between reading some of the inane comments on this forum, as well as the stupid questions asked by Media types who's bias is reflected in those questions, I am not surprised that our Country is in deep shit. Wasn't George a Clinton man. Whose idea was it to put him on that panel? When are these people going to ask serious questions about the problems our country is undergoing right now. They can grill the Democratic Candidates about stupid stuff show how tough they are , but I am remembering how easily the media types were constantly cowed by Bush and Cheney, unable to ask them anything tough at all. Either they are a bunch of sissies or they are such Bush lovers that they don't want to ask him a tough question. Either way I have no respect for these blowhard media types. We need to take the debate process out of their hands and put it back into the control of Non-partisian organizations. Their needs to be a fairness brought back to the process of debate and also stick to asking pertinent questions. Not this devolution into scandal rag mentality. Do we as Americans want a Serious candidate elected in a mature election process or are we so immature that we will settle for grade school playground immaturity? If we choose the latter then we had better just bend over, grab our ankles and kiss our butts goodbye, because we are doomed.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:41 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse WilliePilgrim See Profile I'm a Fan of WilliePilgrim

The title of this piece was obviously cut-off, as I'm sure you wished to begin with the two words: "yet another" or "as usual".

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:01 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse daddysboy See Profile I'm a Fan of daddysboy

Did anyone, anywhere expect anything else from the tattered remains of what used to be television journalism? And speaking of tattered remains, david brooks has never been anything but a total cheerleader for everything neocon. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a tattoo of ronald reagan on his chest, or at least printed on his underwear.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:55 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse llbaisi See Profile I'm a Fan of llbaisi

I think last night was a good day for the media. Barrack has had a free ride since day one and as a result some very serious question about character have never been addressed. It seems to me that that"s how we ended up with Bush "we couldn"t look past the fact that he seemed so friendly and just the kind of fellow you could sit down and have a beer with. Pretty stupid to elect a president because he sounds good eh? That what we are about to do again, and once again because he sounds good.

I want to know why this man has had a 20 year close relationship with a racist bigot who believes and espouses that white folks introduced AIDS in America to exterminate blacks .Do you believe that Barrack? No: Then why don"t you denounce this lunatic outright-have you not boundaries Barrack? "or is it a question of backbone?

I want to know why he befriends known terrorist, I want to know why it"s ok for his bimbo wife to proclaim to the world that we should be ashamed of our own country. I want to know why everything that shows up in Barrack"s life and associations is Anti American- I think this character has the potential to become the most disastrous president America has ever had "yes even worse than bushwhack-At least Bushwhack doesn"t hate his country. Barrack and friends do!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:15 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse SifSkade See Profile I'm a Fan of SifSkade

Barack Obama has already answered these questions. Time and time again. Perhaps you couldn't hear him because you didn't want to; perhaps you were too busy repeating these questions at the top of your lungs with your hands clamped over your ears, as many Hillary and McCain supporters seem to like to do. It's much easier to keep throwing the questions/accusations around than it is to listen to Obama's answers, process them, and see if they satisfy your curiosity. The problem with that approach is that after a certain point, asking these same old questions doesn't have the effect that you wanted it to -- it doesn't make Obama bad; it makes you look like an idiot because you're still behaving as if these questions are open issues.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:13 PM on 04/20/2008
collapse quest44 See Profile I'm a Fan of quest44

llbaisi while your having a good time listening and watching your candidate drag her opponent into the mud your not paying attention to the Republican's who are having a field day watching Democrats tear each other apart over their chosen candidates .
If this bashing doesn't stop the Democrat supporters of the candidate who doesn't win the nomination are going to be so angry they won't vote for the nominee and McCain will walk off with this election and the Republican's will be cheering at what fools we have all been to get caught up in all these smear tactic's some of which have been put out there by Republican's .

Hillary and her supporters need to see what they are doing here. We are becoming a divided party leaving the door wide open for the Republican's .

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:13 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse llbaisi See Profile I'm a Fan of llbaisi

If the questions about Barack were not so serious and so fundamental I would agree with you whole heartedly. - But they Are- Would an outright bigot and hater be you spiritual leader, mentor, and moral compass? - I don"t think so. If your minister was a vile person such as Wright is- would you have him marry you, baptize your children, donate $26,000 (last year) to his hate filled ministry? Somehow I don"t think so. Do you t really think we should disregard the seriousness of the implication with respect to the true character of MR Obama?

I think the last time we suspended our common sense " it was because we could after all sit down and have a beer with this fellow "the cost of that beer is now approaching a trillion dollars and thousands of live. For me happy hour is over "I now want to know who the hell I am voting for.
By the way I am officially a proud independent?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:42 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse nanton29 See Profile I'm a Fan of nanton29

Bless your heart Greg Mitchell for writing it as it is. The moderation of that debate should be used in journalism classrooms to underscore everything that is wrong with journalism today. What is even more dissapointing is that Charles Gibson whom I respected would take his questioning que from Sean Hannity. Probably it would not be a bad idea for Katie Couric to hang around a little longer at CBS, she might just see an increase in viewership.
During this democratic primary it has become painfully obvious that the main stream media is angling for a major trip up by Barack, and failing to get any so far , are prepared to trivialize these forums by a constant barrage of questions that have been answered. I need to know the candidates position on main issues affecting our lives. I have had enough of Jeremiah Wright, 60's underground, and ducking Bosnia fire. I am at the point where the media is making me 'bitter'.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:40 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse furelise See Profile I'm a Fan of furelise

Did you really object to the Bosnia question? Somehow, I doubt it.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:04 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse Jazziette See Profile I'm a Fan of Jazziette

I think I know exactly how nanton29 feels about the Bosnia question. I resent the way it was put to Clinton. Why didn't they ask it accurately? Why didn't they ask her how she planned to gain back the public trust after she was caught lying about her trip to Bosnia. Since when does gaffe mean lie? Let's call it like it is! She still has not admitted to lying. She still has not apologized for lying. She has been caught red-handed in a whopper and they are coddling her. So yeah....the Bosnia question was objectionable....the way it was asked.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:43 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse transendentilist See Profile I'm a Fan of transendentilist

The Bosnia thing was stupid. Hillary should have known it would would bite her in the butt. It was a silly attempt for a girl to look macho in an all boys club. No one was hurt by this white lie.
Obama blaming the Iraq war on a fellow dem IS damaging. It hurts the overall perception of the democratic party. His lies are harmful. Hillary's have just been silly blunders. She hasn't tried to split the party by falsely accusing Obama of something.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:33 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse furelise See Profile I'm a Fan of furelise

Is that the only question you objected to? What about Obama lies? For example; his parents met, married and concieved him because of Slema, Al riots? He was born four years before Selma. What about his NAFTA lie? His economic advisor met with Canadian Consul and discussed NAFTA. He denied it twice. He said in one debate, Tony Rezko had donated $150,000 to his senate campaign and "most" of it had been given back. Last month when it became necessary to report donations, he told the Chicago Tribune, his campaign had " discovered" another $100,000 most of it unaccounted for. Then there is the woppper. He doesn't take corp. donations. Bosnia is the only thing you have. Everything else said about Sen. Clinton is recycled lie from the Republicans. Talking about Bosnia everyday will not change the fact that others have moved on. It can't damage her anymore.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:00 AM on 04/18/2008
collapse santos514 See Profile I'm a Fan of santos514

Can the case with Peter Paul put her in the bitter lying camp forever she choose the right Professional lawyer (lying) Hillary please leave while you can gracefully.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:47 PM on 04/18/2008
collapse tginmn See Profile I'm a Fan of tginmn

This is a classic example of why the traditional TV is tanking and they are laying people off. I will not listen to anymore debates run by a networks with pretent journalist. Let's bring in the

I would love to see them ask McCain how his party managed to double the national debt and call themselves conservatives. Other questions I would love to see is how he can be independent of special interest when he has 59 lobbyist on his capaign staff, some are even receiving pay from their off lobby firms.

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

It seems like 99% of the chatter online and in the media preceeding the debate was reflected in the "debate" last night so what is everybody bitching about? The only difference was the candidates making the news were asked what were they thinking when they did what they did. I don't have a problem with that. Obama objected more than Clinton to the line of questioning. Did he have more to be embarrassed about? Clinton cooly admitted to gaffes as she should have and showed some class in doing so. They must have scared the hell out of her before they landed in Bosnia and it may have been imprinted in her mind that it really turned out that way. No excuse mind you but war is hell, especially for one who is not prepared in any way for it and I mean minutes b