• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

Conflict of Interest?

Yanuck

Well-known member
A debate “moderator” in the tank for Obama; Update: McCain campaign didn’t know about book
By Michelle Malkin • September 30, 2008 10:13 PM

My first syndicated column of the week, filed this afternoon, shines light on PBS anchor Gwen Ifill, who will moderate Thursday’s only vice presidential debate. Try as she might to deflect questions about her impartiality, her biases — and her conflict of interest — are clear. But don’t you dare breathe a word about any of this. You know what will happen if you do…

RACIST!

Sidenote: TVNewser reports that Ifill has broken her ankle, but she’s still going to do the debate. But will she disclose her conflict of interest? Inquiring minds want to know.

Ask the Commission on Presidential Debates if she will acknowledge her conflict of interest: 202-872-1020.

And here’s the e-mail address of Janet H. Brown, Executive Director of the Debates Commission: [email protected]

Hopefully, their email system works better than the House.

Tons of readers recommend that Sarah Palin open her debate remarks by congratulating Ifill on her book and asking her to tell everyone the title.

***

A debate “moderator” in the tank for Obama
by Michelle Malkin
Creators Syndicate
Copyright 2008

My dictionary defines “moderator” as “the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting.” On Thursday, PBS anchor Gwen Ifill will serve as moderator for the first and only vice presidential debate. The stakes are high. The Commission on Presidential Debates, with the assent of the two campaigns, decided not to impose any guidelines on her duties or questions.

But there is nothing “moderate” about where Ifill stands on Barack Obama. She’s so far in the tank for the Democrat presidential candidate, her oxygen delivery line is running out.

In an imaginary world where liberal journalists are held to the same standards as everyone else, Ifill would be required to make a full disclosure at the start of the debate. She would be required to turn to the cameras and tell the national audience that she has a book coming out on January 20, 2009 – a date that just happens to coincide with the inauguration of the next president of the United States.

The title of Ifill’s book? “Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.” Nonpartisan my foot.

Ifill’s publisher, Random House, is already busy hyping the book with YouTube clips of Ifill heaping praise on her subjects, including Obama and Obama-endorsing Mass. Governor Deval Patrick. The official promo for the book gushes:

“In The Breakthrough, veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power…Drawing on interviews with power brokers like Senator Obama, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vernon Jordan, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many others, as well as her own razor-sharp observations and analysis of such issues as generational conflict and the ‘black enough’ conundrum, Ifill shows why this is a pivotal moment in American history.”
Ifill and her publisher are banking on an Obama/Biden win to buoy her book sales. The moderator expected to treat both sides fairly has grandiosely declared this the “Age of Obama.” Can you imagine a right-leaning journalist writing a book about the “stunning” McCain campaign and its “bold” path to reform timed for release on Inauguration Day – and then expecting a slot as a moderator for the nation’s sole vice presidential debate?

Yeah, I just registered 6.4 on the Snicker Richter Scale, too.



Despite the protestations of her colleagues that she will be fair, Ifill has appeared on numerous radio and TV talk shows over the past several months to cash in on her access to the Obama campaign. She recently penned a fawning cover story on the Obamas for Essence magazine that earned much buzz. The title? “The Obamas: Portrait of an American Family.” A sample of Ifill’s hard-hitting investigative journalism, illustrated with Kennedyesque photos of the Obamas and children posing at home on the backporch and by the piano:

“Barack Obama is sitting in the back of his rented luxury campaign bus with its granite counters and two flat-screen TVs. The Illinois senator’s arms are wrapped around his wife, Michelle, whom he doesn’t get to see much these days. At this very moment he is, of all things, singing.”
During the Democratic National Convention, Ifill offered her neutral analysis before Michelle Obama’s speech on NBC News: “A lot of people have never seen anything that looks like a Michelle Obama before. She’s educated, she’s beautiful, she’s tall, she tells you what she thinks and they hope that she can tell a story about Barack Obama and about herself…”

During the Republican National Convention, the PBS ombudsman fielded numerous complaints about Ifill’s coverage of Sarah Palin’s speech. Wrote Brian Meyers of Granby, Ct.:

“I was appalled by Gwen Ifill’s commentary directly following Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech. Her attitude was dismissive and the look on her face was one of disgust. Clearly, she was agitated by what most critics view as a well-delivered speech. It is quite obvious that Ms. Ifill supports Obama as she struggled to say anything redemptive about Gov. Palin’s performance. I am disappointed in Ms. Ifill’s complete disregard for journalistic objectivity.”
Like Obama, Ifill, who is black, is quick to play the race card at the first sign of criticism. In an interview with the Washington Post a few weeks ago, she carped: “[N]o one’s ever assumed a white reporter can’t cover a white candidate.”

It’s not the color of your skin, sweetie. It’s the color of your politics. Perhaps Ifill will be able to conceal it this week. But if the “stunning” “Breakthrough” she’s rooting for comes to pass on January 20, 2009, nobody will be fooled.

***

Here’s the video clip of Ifill’s reaction to Palin’s RNC speech:

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=4zafLsAtp_Q

***

As Instapundit’s newsroom correspondent put it: “The fix is in, and it’s working.”

Bob Unruh adds:

Ifill declined to return a WND telephone message asking for a comment about her book project and whether its success would be expected should Obama lose. But she has faced criticism previously for not treating candidates of both major parties the same.

During a vice-presidential candidate debate she moderated in 2004 – when Democrat John Edwards attacked Republican Dick Cheney’s former employer, Halliburton – the vice president said, “I can respond, Gwen, but it’s going to take more than 30 seconds.”

“Well, that’s all you’ve got,” she told Cheney.

Ifill told the Associated Press Democrats were delighted with her answer, because they “thought I was being snippy to Cheney.” She explained that wasn’t her intent.
Uh-huh.

***

Greta Van Susteren reports that McCain didn’t know about Ifill’s book. “[T]he campaign (actually both) should have been told before the campaign agreed to have her moderate. It simply is not fair - in law, this would create a mistrial.”


http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/30/a-debate-%E2%80%9Cmoderator%E2%80%9D-in-the-tank-for-obama/
 

fff

Well-known member
Let me be sure what you're saying here: Are you saying that the McCain campaign screwed up by agreeing to the moderator of the debate when it's public knowledge that she's written a book that has his name in the title?
 

Mike

Well-known member
fff said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here: Are you saying that the McCain campaign screwed up by agreeing to the moderator of the debate when it's public knowledge that she's written a book that has his name in the title?

"Public Knowledge"? The book won't be public until Jan 2009. :lol: :roll:
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Let me be sure what you're saying here, FFFFFF; There's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate?
 

backhoeboogie

Well-known member
Mike said:
fff said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here: Are you saying that the McCain campaign screwed up by agreeing to the moderator of the debate when it's public knowledge that she's written a book that has his name in the title?

"Public Knowledge"? The book won't be public until Jan 2009. :lol: :roll:

She is from New York, supports Hillary, she's black and supports Obama with race comments, and works for PBS. But if you don't know - Try this :

Hard as our lot is, we are in some sympathy with TV journalists, who suffer endless accusations of bias based not only on their reporting, but also on their facial expressions and tone of voice. Via Poynter we learn that PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler has received complaints that Gwen Ifill, New York native and moderator of The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, wasn't cheerful enough in her remarks after the Sarah Palin speech to the GOP Convention. (Example: "Her attitude was dismissive and the look on her face was one of disgust... It is quite obvious that Ms. Ifill supports Obama...")
 

fff

Well-known member
Awww. :( :( Poor babies. This sounds very similar to the Oprah's mom thread: "but I didn't know." Where's the personal responsibility? :shock: The McCain campaign agreed to the moderator. :lol: :lol:

McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

The wrangling was chiefly between the McCain-Palin camp and the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which is sponsoring the forums.

Commission members wanted a relaxed format that included time for unpredictable questioning and challenges between the two vice-presidential candidates. On Wednesday, the commission unanimously rejected a proposal sought by advisers to Ms. Palin and Senator John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee, to have the moderator ask questions and the candidates answer, with no time for unfettered exchanges. Advisers to Mr. Biden say they were comfortable with either format.


Instead, they say, they wanted Ms. Palin to have opportunities to present Mr. McCain’s positions, rather than spending time talking about her experience or playing defense.

More at the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/us/politics/21debate.html?_r=2&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin&oref=slogin[
 

backhoeboogie

Well-known member
fff said:
Awww. :( :( Poor babies. This sounds very similar to the Oprah's mom thread: "but I didn't know." Where's the personal responsibility? :shock: The McCain campaign agreed to the moderator. :lol: :lol:

So cut to the chase. Start telling us about Biden winning the debate now so that we will know which attributes to watch for in your upcoming twists :D :D :D

Are there any previews out there on the net yet?
 

TSR

Well-known member
Mike said:
fff said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here: Are you saying that the McCain campaign screwed up by agreeing to the moderator of the debate when it's public knowledge that she's written a book that has his name in the title?

"Public Knowledge"? The book won't be public until Jan 2009. :lol: :roll:

Its very hard for me to believe that the McCain people didn't know this moderator and her background. Could it possibly be that post debate it will give the McCain people some "ammunition" to excuse Palin's performance should she not do so well?? And if she does do well, they can say," in spite of our biased moderator........... Yep politics is a game many times. :wink: :wink:
 

backhoeboogie

Well-known member
TSR said:
Mike said:
fff said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here: Are you saying that the McCain campaign screwed up by agreeing to the moderator of the debate when it's public knowledge that she's written a book that has his name in the title?

"Public Knowledge"? The book won't be public until Jan 2009. :lol: :roll:

Its very hard for me to believe that the McCain people didn't know this moderator and her background. Could it possibly be that post debate it will give the McCain people some "ammunition" to excuse Palin's performance should she not do so well?? And if she does do well, they can say," in spite of our biased moderator........... Yep politics is a game many times. :wink: :wink:

Now that does make sense TSR. This lady is more biased than anyone Palin has interviewed with thus far. You know she won't press Biden just like the media let him skate over wind power before. You also know that she is going to try to get in cuts at Sarah. So I already feel like this is a wash, just as you are saying.
 

backhoeboogie

Well-known member
Also, what credible news agency would even suggest such a biased reporter in the first place? PBS knows this lady as well as anyone. They exposed their hand.
 

fff

Well-known member
backhoeboogie said:
fff said:
Awww. :( :( Poor babies. This sounds very similar to the Oprah's mom thread: "but I didn't know." Where's the personal responsibility? :shock: The McCain campaign agreed to the moderator. :lol: :lol:

So cut to the chase. Start telling us about Biden winning the debate now so that we will know which attributes to watch for in your upcoming twists :D :D :D

Are there any previews out there on the net yet?

You're not paying attention. I've said on this board that I think she has a good chance of winning. With the low expectations that have been set for her, all she has to do is not fall on her face.

As for "winning" :lol: :lol:

Although the fate of tonight's presidential debate in Mississippi remains very much up in the air, John McCain has apparently already won it -- if you believe an Internet ad an astute reader spotted next to this piece in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal this morning.

"McCain Wins Debate!" declares the ad which features a headshot of a smiling McCain with an American flag background. Another ad spotted by our eagle-eyed observer featured a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis declaring: "McCain won the debate-- hands down."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html
 

backhoeboogie

Well-known member
fff said:
backhoeboogie said:
fff said:
Awww. :( :( Poor babies. This sounds very similar to the Oprah's mom thread: "but I didn't know." Where's the personal responsibility? :shock: The McCain campaign agreed to the moderator. :lol: :lol:

So cut to the chase. Start telling us about Biden winning the debate now so that we will know which attributes to watch for in your upcoming twists :D :D :D

Are there any previews out there on the net yet?

You're not paying attention. I've said on this board that I think she has a good chance of winning. With the low expectations that have been set for her, all she has to do is not fall on her face.

As for "winning" :lol: :lol:

Although the fate of tonight's presidential debate in Mississippi remains very much up in the air, John McCain has apparently already won it -- if you believe an Internet ad an astute reader spotted next to this piece in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal this morning.

"McCain Wins Debate!" declares the ad which features a headshot of a smiling McCain with an American flag background. Another ad spotted by our eagle-eyed observer featured a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis declaring: "McCain won the debate-- hands down."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html

You were the one who said something about whining. I'm laughing about it. They stacked the deck and it is going to go against them. Many of the left have already noted the media persecution of Palin. :D :D :D

Well the "level playing field" has her hanging ten on the far edge, before it even starts. Biden has been handed a heck of a head start. If he doesn't win hands down, it isn't going to be good for him at all. - and he is a dipstick.
 

alice

Well-known member
backhoeboogie said:
You were the one who said something about whining. I'm laughing about it. They stacked the deck and it is going to go against them. Many of the left have already noted the media persecution of Palin. :D :D :D

And many of the right are holding their shaking heads in their hands over her nomination. Some are actually calling for her to step down.

Alice :)
 

TexasBred

Well-known member
alice said:
backhoeboogie said:
You were the one who said something about whining. I'm laughing about it. They stacked the deck and it is going to go against them. Many of the left have already noted the media persecution of Palin. :D :D :D

And many of the right are holding their shaking heads in their hands over her nomination. Some are actually calling for her to step down.

Alice :)

hmm....haven't heard anything about this. Have heard many are wanting Biden to step down for Hillary and will do so after the debate.
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Sandhusker said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here, FFFFFF; There's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate?

You libs are masters at avoiding questions.

Maybe you all should do a little internal examination and ask why certain questions on your "faith" are so hard to answer with any honesty.
 

fff

Well-known member
Sandhusker said:
Sandhusker said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here, FFFFFF; There's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate?

You libs are masters at avoiding questions.

Maybe you all should do a little internal examination and ask why certain questions on your "faith" are so hard to answer with any honesty.

ROTFLMAO! "libs are masters at avoiding questions." I guess if that's the case you, personally, are a master at avoiding answers. You keep asking the same questions, even though people have given you sensible answers. :lol: And as for faith and honesty, claiming to be a strong Christian doesn't stop the people who post anonymous emails and attack messages without sources, on this board. And I may be wrong, but they seem to all come from the right, the conservative side of the spectrum. I don't think I've ever received an anonymous, ugly email about McCain. I think we've all seen a lot of them about Obama.

But I can answer the "there's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate" question. No, there's no problem. Senator McCain today said:

"I think that Gwen Ifill is a professional, and I think she will do a totally objective job because she is a highly-respected professional," McCain said.

More at the link: http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/1008/McCain_Gwen_Ifill_is_a_professional.html
 

TSR

Well-known member
fff said:
Sandhusker said:
Sandhusker said:
Let me be sure what you're saying here, FFFFFF; There's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate?

You libs are masters at avoiding questions.

Maybe you all should do a little internal examination and ask why certain questions on your "faith" are so hard to answer with any honesty.

ROTFLMAO! "libs are masters at avoiding questions." I guess if that's the case you, personally, are a master at avoiding answers. You keep asking the same questions, even though people have given you sensible answers. :lol: And as for faith and honesty, claiming to be a strong Christian doesn't stop the people who post anonymous emails and attack messages without sources, on this board. And I may be wrong, but they seem to all come from the right, the conservative side of the spectrum. I don't think I've ever received an anonymous, ugly email about McCain. I think we've all seen a lot of them about Obama.

But I can answer the "there's no problem with her filling the role of impartial moderator in the debate" question. No, there's no problem. Senator McCain today said:

"I think that Gwen Ifill is a professional, and I think she will do a totally objective job because she is a highly-respected professional," McCain said.

More at the link: http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/1008/McCain_Gwen_Ifill_is_a_professional.html

That pretty much ends this debate imo.
 

TSR

Well-known member
backhoeboogie said:
TSR said:
Mike said:
"Public Knowledge"? The book won't be public until Jan 2009. :lol: :roll:

Its very hard for me to believe that the McCain people didn't know this moderator and her background. Could it possibly be that post debate it will give the McCain people some "ammunition" to excuse Palin's performance should she not do so well?? And if she does do well, they can say," in spite of our biased moderator........... Yep politics is a game many times. :wink: :wink:

Now that does make sense TSR. This lady is more biased than anyone Palin has interviewed with thus far. You know she won't press Biden just like the media let him skate over wind power before. You also know that she is going to try to get in cuts at Sarah. So I already feel like this is a wash, just as you are saying.

Its just that the majority of the public may not think the way you are thinking as they watch the debate.
 
Top