Should Gwen Ifill Recuse Herself?

[Texas Golfer]

Should Gwen Ifill recuse herself as the moderator tomorrow night since she has a pro-Obama book being released on Inauguration Day?

She has a vested financial interest in his success in this campaign.

Discuss, please.

[ChipOC]

Yes. If Obama wins, she makes a ton of money. If he doesn't, she makes virtually nothing. She can't be unbiased.

[The Banterer]

I think it's definitely possible that she could moderate fairly, but she probably shouldn't be put in the position to given the conflict of interest.

[atxtraveler]

Let her keep going... I love watching losers stink it up on TV. JERRY JERRY JERRY!

[Texas Golfer]

She says she will not recuse herself. She may be forced to be extra lenient with Palin to overcompensate for the perceived bias for Obama.

[baylorles]

Are you going to transport all of Downing's threads over here?

[tommie]

Of course not. She's not a judge, she's a moderator. She's also been picked by both parties and the book was announced in July.

Finally, don't both candidates get the same question? Ifil has likely done a lot of work to be prepared for this moment. She's not Hannity.

[Texas Golfer]

Are you going to transport all of Downing's threads over here?

Knowing that I haven't been on their R&P board in weeks makes this yet another ridiculous post from you. But thanks for discussing the issue.

[Texas Golfer]

Of course not. She's not a judge, she's a moderator. She's also been picked by both parties and the book was announced in July.

Finally, don't both candidates get the same question? Ifil has likely done a lot of work to be prepared for this moment. She's not Hannity.

I don't know how much "announcement" has been made since the debate commission didn't know of the book.

I, personally, think alot of Ifill and think she can do a credible job as moderator. But, since she has a financial interest in the outcome, the talk should be about the candidates and not about the moderator.

[baylorles]

Here's the "issue": The book isn't even out yet. On what basis is it judged a "pro" Obama book?

Now here's the issue: She's black.

[ChipOC]

What's the name of the book? Doesn't it supposedly address how Black politicians are moving up in America and it uses him as the main example?

[baylorles]

What's the name of the book? Doesn't it supposedly address how Black politicians are moving up in America and it uses him as the main example?Well, so what if it does? Isn't he the "main example?"

This is about a sorry way to spin the debate before it even starts. Of course, the GOPes do have a lot to worry about.

[Bexar Fan]

The only winners in these debates ate the members of the press, IMO. They get something to write about, and always hope for gaffs to exploit.

We the voters don't really know much more about the candidates after these little showcases. The debates are about showmanship. Yes, a public personna is important for a president to have, but we learn little if anything about the candidates ability to comprehend, or think, or manage problems.

[baylorles]

Here you go (http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/2008/view.bg?articleid=1122877&srvc=home&position=rated):

But Ifill shrugged off criticism of her upcoming book - which is prominently mentioned in her biography on the PBS Web site - saying she hasn’t even written the Obama chapter yet.

“I’ve got a pretty long track record covering politics and news, so I’m not particularly worried that one-day blog chatter is going to destroy my reputation,” Ifill told the Associated Press. “The proof is in the pudding. They can watch the debate tomorrow night and make their own decisions about whether or not I’ve done my job.”That's Gwen Ifill telling whoever to kiss her ***.

[Volunteer]

She seemed to be pretty fair. She pressed both Biden and Palin.

She was, however, rude. She had her back to the audience the entire time and told them they couldn't applaud.

[SoTex]

Overall Gwen did well with the exception of two questions that appeared to be aimed right at Palin. 1) same sex issues and 2) cause of global warming. In both cases, Palin held her own. She didn't do great, but she did well.

[baylorles]

She seemed to be pretty fair. She pressed both Biden and Palin.

She was, however, rude. She had her back to the audience the entire time and told them they couldn't applaud.
:thumbup1:

[Missile]

That's Gwen Ifill telling whoever to kiss her ***.

whomever :blush:

[ChipOC]

She did a good job. Palin's delivery was good, but she avoided answering a lot of questions and went to the stump speech. I was disappointed in her content.

[Bexar Fan]

Gwen did a professional job. Maybe she should do presidential debates instead of whatsisname.