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Committee or whatever it is for presidential debates is not doing its job by hiring this hack.
Ridiculous how in the tank the media is for Obama.
jencab on October 1, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Drudge has this story front and center.
backwoods conservative on October 1, 2008 at 12:07 AM
She’s not in the tank. She’s in his jock strap. Too bad there’s nothing there either. The best revenge will be to defeat them and defeat them well.
THIS is not helping. You Virginians need to get off your asses and volunteer in any way you can.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 12:07 AM
How do we know that the McCain campaign even knew?
Mark1971 on October 1, 2008 at 12:08 AM
So, Palin will come off all the better, given that she has two opponents in the debate.
Like they were going to find a media hack who wasn’t in the tank. That tank must be the size of Lake Michigan.
Merovign on October 1, 2008 at 12:08 AM
philnewkirk on September 30, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Then I assume you thought it was perfectly alright when George Stephanopoulos (who worked for President Clinton) was the debate moderator in that one debate Obama got pounded in during the primary?
Then I assume you thought it was perfectly alright when George Stephanopoulos (who worked for President Clinton) was the debate moderator in that one debate Obama got pounded in during the primary?
terryannonline on October 1, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Yes.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Drudge is linking to the Amazon comments to her book. Feel free to tear her a new one.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Man, could you imagine if it were opposite? A Republican moderator that had written a book about McCain?
Double standards.
If she asks a question and then both candidates respond to the same question and debate each other over it, I don’t necessarily see this as a problem. I’m not sure if that is how this debate will be run though. If she asks them different questions it will be a problem.
Guardian on October 1, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Let’s keep in mind, as I pointed out in the first comment, that McCain knew well ahead of time — as early as August 5th — that Gwen Ifill is to be the moderator. He knew about her forthcoming book.
I see this conveniently-timed “revelation” (even though it was on Amazon.com for weeks) as a desperation move to soften the blow that the McCain campaign will receive on Thursday evening.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Gonna throw out a conspiracy theory here. How about, McCain knew she was in the tank, and agreed to it. Then leaked it a full day before the debate, so that no other moderator can be substituted. Then any tough questions of Palin by the moderator will be seen as the moderator being in the tank for Obama.
Just saying, makes perfect sense.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Then I assume you thought it was perfectly alright when George Stephanopoulos (who worked for President Clinton) was the debate moderator in that one debate Obama got pounded in during the primary?
Personally … I didn’t think that was fair. One because Steph used to work for Clinton and two … because I know Steph and he’s an idiot who shouldn’t moderate any debate. You’re talking about a man who once had his cell phone stolen in downtown D.C. from his locked car. Of course … he was driving a convertible and parked it with the top down …
Gonna throw out a conspiracy theory here. How about, McCain knew she was in the tank, and agreed to it. Then leaked it a full day before the debate, so that no other moderator can be substituted. Then any tough questions of Palin by the moderator will be seen as the moderator being in the tank for Obama.
Just saying, makes perfect sense.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Agreed. It’s not even a conspiracy theory; McCain agreed to the choice of moderator on August 5th anyway.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:19 AM
I’m sure that McCain knew and it is no mistake that this news is breaking now. It puts Ifill in the position of going soft on Palin or twice as tough on Biden to prove her impartiality.
rw on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
But, the media is in the tank for Obama anyway, as GOP has been hashing and re-hashing ad nauseum these last few weeks. She should provide an explanation to clear up any controversy before the debate, if there is any.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Also no surprise to see Larry Craig’s bathroom buddy Alan Simpson on the Presidential Debate Commission, giving RINO cover to the four registered Democrat/liberal “moderators” for this campaign’s debates.
Simpson likes to troll the Georgetown cocktail parties now, with his nouveau liberal aura, purchased at PBS and other lib hangouts. The 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Amnesty was just a start for this douche-in-waiting.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Sure phil, but did McCain know that she’d be releasing a book that’s success actually DEPENDS on the outcome of the election? Seeing as how he agreed to it two months ago, I doubt it. She should have come clean with enough time to get a new moderator and admit her personal bias.
If the media were doing their jobs, Obambi would not have a chance. They’ve always favored the liberals, but it seems to me that something has happened during the Bush-era. They now seem more militant and belligerently anti-conservative. Many no longer even try to hide their love for certain liberals and disdain for conservatives. Last week, just before the debate, Chris Matthews was interviewed by a Memphis conservative radio host. Matthews threw a rod when the local host told him he would never get a chance to interview Sarah Palin because he is a known lefty. He started screaming that he is hard on both sides. I stopped watching him a long time ago, but I find it hard to believe he has ever been hard on Obambi, certainly not since he defeated Hillary. He’s a joke, just like most of his peers.
flyfisher on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
@ jimmy the notable on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Google Cache has the book listed on Amazon AT LEAST back on Sept 11th of this year. That is several weeks ago, plenty of time for someone to figure this out.
So either McCain didnt do, ANY vetting at all, or it was part of his plan.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:37 AM
All I can say is that people on the left are just absolutely despicable wastes of flesh.
progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Okay then. I wasn’t sure if her book had been publicized before August 5. Even so, hysteria is an incredible force, rules be damned. I give it 30% that she steps down if this actually becomes a news story tomorrow.
In the flush of the current presidential campaign, when crowds of blacks and whites caught up in Obama fever chant together, “race doesn’t matter,” and even the mainstream media seems delirious with the possibility that the U.S. may be poised to elect its first black president…
The challenge for 2008 and beyond is for us to embrace the hope represented by the widespread acceptance of public figures like Barack Obama and Colin Powell, while continuing the hard work of sorting through the lingering effects and reality of white supremacy in our society.
econavenger on October 1, 2008 at 12:41 AM
This is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it will play very well in certain demographics.
Do you honestly believe that the McCain campaign said to itself, “Hey, you know what? Before we sign off on the debate moderators, we should check to see if they’re secretly writing any books about the Age of Obama that are scheduled to be released on inaguration day!”
If they knew anything, they knew she was writing a book. That’s it.
What sort of person writes a book about the AGE OF OBAMA and has a financial interest in his election, and then moderates a debate in the Presidential election? Only the most deluded person on the planet would think that there’s no conflict there.
She has to step down.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Sarah should find a reason to quote Gwen’s book at some point. People will talk about it, and it won’t seem like she’s complaining.
Oh I dont know, I would expect them to at least google her damn name, wouldnt you? An intern with 15 minutes could have found out about this book. The name of the book is telling enough, and it was out there at least a MONTH before McCain even chose a running mate. There are really only 2 choices I can see. Either McCain didn’t know about it, which would tell me volumes about their organization, or they knew about it and were going to use it, possibly the day before the debate as we see now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:51 AM
How about the FIRST link, on PBS.org, gives the title of her book when you google her name. McCain HAD to know about this.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Sarah should find a reason to quote Gwen’s book at some point. People will talk about it, and it won’t seem like she’s complaining.
Ronnie on October 1, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Yep Sarah should bring up Ifill’s book and say, hey gwen you have a a book coming out about Obama right? Thats not a conflict of interest is it? LMAO
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Sounds like Muyoso is getting it up the ass from Obama.
Sakaki on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I’d also like to ask why Caroline Kennedy, who headed up Obama’s VP search is one of the directors of the “nonpartisan” Commission on Presidential Debates?
CP on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
First of all, there’s no sign of McCain complaining about the arrangement.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Or he knew that they weren’t going to pick anyone better anyway so he agreed acknowledging the reality of the situation. Most journalists are liberal. They’re not going to pull one from Fox News for the debate.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
That’ll have very little impact. Your average American doesn’t read the Drudge Report and I’ll gladly eat crow if this shows up on CBS Evening News. If she flails, people will still see her as having flailed. SNL even parodied the unbalanced questions given to Clinton opposed to Obama. It wasn’t a secret that moderators tended to go easier on him. He still won.
I’m sure she’ll give full disclosure about her book at the outset. OR NOT.
CP on October 1, 2008 at 12:56 AM
@ Sakaki on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I am having gay sex with Obama because I said what exactly? That McCain probably knew about this moderator before today? Yep, thats seals it.
I hate stupid people.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Either McCain didn’t know about it, which would tell me volumes about their organization, or they knew about it and were going to use it, possibly the day before the debate as we see now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Or they knew and don’t care because they’re almost all in the tank for Obama but at least this one’s open about it.
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.
macummings on October 1, 2008 at 12:58 AM
If Ifill doesn’t giv full disclosure, and Palin bring up the book deal and that she is a Journalism Major, and that Ifill is lacking in Journalistic Ethics Palin wins the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:58 AM
How about the FIRST link, on PBS.org, gives the title of her book when you google her name. McCain HAD to know about this.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:52 AM
So … you’re saying that McCain ought to have searched for “Jim Lehrer”, also, before agreeing to let him moderate the first debate? Come on.
Who would even think that someone would so stupid as to write a pro-Obama book to be released on inauguration day and even try to present herself to be a moderator for one of the debates?
progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
@ amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 12:55 AM
I am operating on the assumption that this makes all sorts of news tomorrow, which I don’t know how it couldnt. When something is splashed on drudgereport in all its glory, it usually finds its way into the news. There are 2 full days for this to fester now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
If Ifill doesn’t give full disclosure, and Palin brings up the book deal and that she is a Journalism Major, and that Ifill is lacking in Journalistic Ethics, Palin wins the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
@ progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Someone who has dealt with liberals for over 30 years in Washington??
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
I am operating on the assumption that this makes all sorts of news tomorrow, which I don’t know how it couldnt. When something is splashed on drudgereport in all its glory, it usually finds its way into the news. There are 2 full days for this to fester now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
I don’t recall Drudge hiding the Edwards scandal, yet most mediums didn’t report on it until he admitted.
Very true. But I highly doubt this will be similar to that.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:02 AM
@ amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:00 AM
because the story here is about the media being in the tank, and by not running the story, they are just confirming it even more.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:03 AM
If Ifill doesn’t give full disclosure, and Palin brings up the book deal and that she is a Journalism Major, and that Ifill is lacking in Journalistic Ethics, Palin wins the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Palin would win the debate in the first 3 minutes by default, the moderator would be discredited.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:05 AM
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:02 AM
As do I. I think it’ll possibly be more hidden. The Edwards scandal was perhaps the biggest political scandal of 2008 and it went unreported. A simple matter of a moderator writing a book (as they see it) doesn’t really warrant front page coverage. Again, I’ll gladly eat crow to see this brought up in any significance.
Idk, she risks looking petty. If the moderator does a good job being fair, and Palin nails her on being partisan, won’t look good.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:06 AM
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:03 AM
If they don’t report it, the general public won’t know that it existed and they didn’t report it. Political/news junkies will know and they’ve probably already chosen sides on the media’s bias.
Idk, she risks looking petty. If the moderator does a good job being fair, and Palin nails her on being partisan, won’t look good.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:06 AM
I doesn’t matter, that will remain the minds of the public, every question that Ifill asks..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:08 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Idk, she risks looking petty. If the moderator does a good job being fair, and Palin nails her on being partisan, won’t look good.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:06 AM
It doesn’t matter, that will remain the minds of the public, every question that Ifill asks..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:09 AM
I emailed them to warn them that this story will be all over cable news in the next 24 hours.
csdeven on October 1, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Believers, please pray for Governor Palin. She’ll feel it.
capitalist piglet on October 1, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Gwen Awful, “Hey everyone welcome to the Debate, I have to disclose my conflict of interest… I;m in the tank for Barack Obama.. you see.. well.. I really Barack Obama to get elected in November because I have a Book about him coming out in January, if he loses nobody will buy my book that Random house is furiously advertising right now.. so ummm… I will try to keep the questions as fair as I can.. Umm.. If you see and Liberal Bias just try and ignore it like you always do when you’re reading the NY Times, or the LA Times, or any other News Paper for that matter or any of the big 3 TV stations or CNN or MSNBC… you know.. it’s all in the talk for Obama if you will.. so without further ado.. lets play gotcha with Sarah shall we? I mean lets start the Debate”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Gwen Awful, “Hey everyone welcome to the Debate, I have to disclose my conflict of interest… I;m in the tank for Barack Obama.. you see.. well.. I really need and want Barack Obama to get elected in November because I have a Book about him coming out in January, if he loses nobody will buy my book that Random house is furiously advertising right now.. so ummm… I will try to keep the questions as fair as I can.. Umm.. If you see and Liberal Bias just try and ignore it like you always do when you’re reading the NY Times, or the LA Times, or any other News Papers for that matter or any of the big 3 TV stations or CNN or MSNBC… you know.. it’s all in the tank for Obama if you will.. so without further ado.. lets play gotcha with Sarah shall we? I mean lets start the Debate”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:20 AM
This media bias on this election cycle is way off the reservation. For McCain to win this is going to be the equivalent of Truman beating out Dewey. Think about it… from here on out, this campaign will get nastier, ACORN is in full throttle, the networks, print media with cable will be doing a full court press ignoring all Obama/Biden gaffes, the dumpster diving will be hyper-accelerated and don’t tell me that they will pull some stunt 3 days before the election like they did to Arnold Schwartzeneger when he first ran for governor (the groping charges from 30 years ago). Color me depressed.
Sergei on October 1, 2008 at 1:20 AM
At a minimum, Palin should mention Ifill’s outright financial conflict of interest in the beginning. Otherwise, Ifill will try to defuse it and will probably then spin for Biden later on.
Frankly, I think Palin should just flat out state to all Americans that despite Ifill’s financial conflict of interest, she came to the debate because she wasn’t going to let a biased moderator stop her from presenting her case to the American people. Let Ifill and Biden choke on that for a while.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 1:24 AM
If Palin points out the conflict of interest and Ifill gets mad, Palin should shoot back that if Ifill had Journalistic Integrity
#1 Ifill should have stepped down and let someone else moderate the debate
or
#2 Ifill should have disclosed the conflict of interest before the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:27 AM
disgraceful, but 100% inconceiveable that Team McCain didnt have the chance to sign off on the choice of Ifil.
Inconceiveable. I expect Ifil to go after Palin hammer and tong while tossing softballs to Biden, but the fact is McCain’s people approved the choice and should have researched the options properly.
This needs to be the #1 story on talk radio and the rightside blogosphere. As many people as possible need to call Ifill on this IN ADVANCE. First Charlie Gibson, then Katie couric were allowed to get away with savaging Palin in a way they never did or do with Obama and Biden.
This could actually be a blessing in disguise. I like the idea of Palin making explicit mention of Ifil’s book, during the debate. Point out the obvious conflict after Ifill hands Biden some of Palin’s scalp on a plate. It would electrify the country, most of whom already believe that the press are going out of their way to help Obama and hurt Maverick & Moose.
Mike D. on October 1, 2008 at 1:28 AM
At a minimum, Palin should mention Ifill’s outright financial conflict of interest in the beginning. Otherwise, Ifill will try to defuse it and will probably then spin for Biden later on.
Frankly, I think Palin should just flat out state to all Americans that despite Ifill’s financial conflict of interest, she came to the debate because she wasn’t going to let a biased moderator stop her from presenting her case to the American people. Let Ifill and Biden choke on that for a while.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 1:24 AM
It’s not just that Ifill likes Obama, Ifill has a financial Interest in the outcome in the election, she needs to step down and be replaced..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Ifill has NO Journalistic Integrity, why didn’t she recuse herself soon as Obama got nominated?
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:35 AM
recuse
To disqualify or seek to disqualify from participation in a decision on grounds such as prejudice or personal involvement.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Michelle is reporting she broke her ankle. Good excuse not to show up, or a good reason for the media to say Gov. Palin was “beating up on an injured black woman” if Gov. Palin says anything about the book (and she MUST). Don’t think the media won’t go there.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Michelle is reporting she broke her ankle. Good excuse not to show up, or a good reason for the media to say Gov. Palin was “beating up on an injured black woman” if Gov. Palin says anything about the book (and she MUST). Don’t think the media won’t go there.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Oh boo-hoo Poor Liberal Moderator, Wahhh!
The woman has a financial interest in the outcome of the election!
She shouldn’t be doing the debate let the same guy that did it last time do the debate. Or get Brit Hume, or Greta Van Sustern She knows Palin the Best out all of them and shes even a Democrat. I believe..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Michelle is reporting she broke her ankle. Good excuse not to show up, or a good reason for the media to say Gov. Palin was “beating up on an injured black woman” if Gov. Palin says anything about the book (and she MUST). Don’t think the media won’t go there.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Ifill is going to be hopped up on drugs and pain killers she shouldn’t be going the debate.. and she has a conflict of interest anyhow.. scrap her for someone else..
This is BS, the debate shouldn’t be about the moderator, just like football shouldn’t be about the referees!
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:51 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:49 AM
The woman has a financial interest in the outcome of the election!
Then again, don’t we all?
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Then again, don’t we all?
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Yes, but hers is rather apparent, with a HUGE Book deal ABOUT OBAMA!
If he loses, guess what? NOBODY WILL BUY THAT POS BOOK!
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:54 AM
I hate stupid people.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Self-loathing is so unattractive…
theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Ifill is going to be hopped up on drugs and pain killers…
@ theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Admitting you are lonely on a blog is a great first step. I commend you.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 2:03 AM
The woman has a financial interest in the outcome of the election!
Then again, don’t we all?
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Yes, Obama will Raise your taxes, and raise the taxes on Business thus your job will be outsources and no new jobs will created.. also, the Democrats will not allow for Domestic sources of energy thus making people in America lose more jobs and causing us to import more energy, So, don’t vote for him..
Democrats don’t understand that we all live on the same planet if they believe in “Global Warming” then getting Oil and natural gas from a tiny piece of ANWR is no different than getting it from Colorado or 50 miles offshore or getting it from Russia or Venezuela (It’s actually better getting it from the United States because in the United States we have MUCH stricter standards than other parts of the world.. IF they really cared about WORLD which they DONT”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:08 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:08 AM
Yes, that was the joke.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 2:09 AM
We are in this predicament with Leftists running the central nervous system of the country, the media, for one reason: we have allowed it to happen.
We can whine about it, and we can “expose their bias” all we want. But they just laugh at us from their positions of power and continue doing the work of Pravda.
It’s not the “bias” that’s the MSM’s problem, it’s their ideology. As long as we grant them the gift of “good intentions” they know their power will go unchallenged. We have no elected leader willing nor able to tell the truth about this. Even Palin was nice in the face of Couric’s venom.
Halley on October 1, 2008 at 2:13 AM
Governor Palin won’t say anything; she won’t want to be seen as a whiner.
Full disclosure from Gwen Ifill herself would be appropriate and fair, and I’ll start holding my breath for that in 5, 4, 3…
I sent a Barack worshiper the link to the community organizer spoof Iowahawk did. His response was, “I don’t get it”. So easy, so many, so little time. (Full disclosure, I wasn’t sure if it was a spoof at first when it was originally linked here at HotAir a few weeks ago. I totally “got it” once I was told what the site was about).
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:20 AM
A debate moderator moderating a debate while taking painkillers?
Sounds like a free “get-a-new-moderator” card.
Besides, until Gwen shows bias, mentioning her presumed bias is a needless torpedo hit to the McCain/Palin ticket.
Waiting until, say 15 minutes of airtime have elapsed (too late to stop), then congratulating Gwen on her book, really levels the playing field.
Gwen and the networks will them have to be scrupulously fair and complete.
Joe “High IQ” Biden will then have to handle an assortment of incoming fastballs, knuckleballs and other assorted givers of pain for the rest of the evening. Doubtless, he has already thought of this eventuality.
Arbalest on October 1, 2008 at 2:23 AM
“Governor Palin, could you explain to the American people with a straight face how you could possibly think you are experienced enough to hold the position of Vice President, or President, if the need should arise? And please try to avoid answering in tongues.”
“Senator Biden, would you say ‘Hi’ to Barry for me?”
Gwen Awful has already given Biden the questions in advance..
He knows every question that he’s going to be asked, and already has his lines prepared.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:35 AM
LMAO @ Ronnie….it’s funny because it’s true.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:35 AM
Chakra…that’s a very valid point. If she’s that close to Barry it wouldn’t surprise me.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:36 AM
I hate stupid people.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Self-loathing is so unattractive…
theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
@ theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Admitting you are lonely on a blog is a great first step. I commend you.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 2:03 AM
Nice try. Just kidding, though. I don’t really believe that everyone I disagree with is stupid.
Of course, they’re obviously not smart either, or they’d agree with me…
I will say, though, that all you’ve demonstrated is that McCain might have found out that Gwen Ifill had an Obama-tongue-bath book coming out before agreeing to let her moderate the VP debate. You really can’t prove he did know it. That makes it interesting enough to propose as a wild conspiracy theory, I guess, but nothing more.
theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 2:41 AM
Of course, if Gwen is congratulated on her book and article about 15 minutes into the debate, …
– Will Gwen risk looking like a paid stooge?
– Will Gwen think her way out of the bind, and maybe change the questions a bit?
– Will Joe “Super Genius” Biden see the beanball coming?
Tune in this Thursday, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.
Arbalest on October 1, 2008 at 2:56 AM
Why don’t we start donating to Mccain-Palin campagin every time something lke this happens? That’s what the Dems do, raise money on perceived slights.
promachus on October 1, 2008 at 3:03 AM
Gwen Ifill should be replaced as moderator. This is unacceptable.
CP on October 1, 2008 at 3:18 AM
She asked Cheney and Edwards about the epidemic of AIDS among black women. That was sure a top-drawer issue in the 2004 campaign, eh? No doubt she’ll come up with a similar gem or two that neither Biden nor Palin will be prepared for.
But I’ll bet money the first question Gov. Palin gets is about the rape kits, or the Bridge to Nowhere. They are determined to paint her as a right-wing nutjob and a liar.
rockmom on October 1, 2008 at 3:19 AM
Let her ask about the “Bridge to Nowhere”. She could mention how Obama and Biden both voted for it TWICE.
Guys, they are not going to replace her this close to the debate. The moderator has to prepare also. But a flood of phone calls and lots of email too the CPD might, I say just MIGHT, have the desired effect of pressuring Ifill into a clean debate.
csdeven on October 1, 2008 at 6:56 AM
McCain agreed to the terms of the debate, including the moderator, weeks ago.
Seems he vetted her as well as he vetted his running mate LOL.
philnewkirk on September 30, 2008 at 11:57 PM
This idiotic rumor that McCain’s camp didn’t vet Palin must stop being taken seriously. Truth is they did vet Palin. Apparently what they found out didnt cause any major concern to McCain. And so far, with all these networks and newspapers running around Alaska turning over every rock and literally going through peoples garbage, what major rumor or “proven scandal” has been uncovered that McCains vetters missed? In the immortal words of Al Capone “They got nothin’”
As for the debate moderators — I really don’t think there are any conservative debate hosts this time around. However, conservatives, especially McCain/Palin should be used to that adversarial atmosphere by now.
titus_pullo on October 1, 2008 at 7:12 AM
I’d also like to ask why Caroline Kennedy, who headed up Obama’s VP search is one of the directors of the “nonpartisan” Commission on Presidential Debates?
CP on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
A second point here might be – what, exactly, are her qualifications on debate moderators in the first place? She’s an idiot leftist activist, whose sole claim to relevance is that her Dad was assassinated.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:35 AM
sorting through the lingering effects and reality of white supremacy in our society.
I am getting so sick of the racist thing. I seldom watch TV, but was flipping channels and came across that reality wife swap/trading places show or whatever it was. The black wife had to go into a white family,,, and she is spewing racist garbage about ‘all that the whites have taken from her and the black race having to stand up and demand it all be returned” or some such garbage. It was never challenge, though i could not stomach to watch the show until the end.
Black racism towards whites is seldom challenged, becoming alarming mainstream and is dangerous.
It’s sometimes good to be a conspiracy theorist. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.
macummings on October 1, 2008 at 12:58 AM
It is this clown’s defining characteristic.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Remember a while back there was a story of a “media conference” where Ed Rendell stood up and was at the podium and said it was “embarrassing” how in the tank MSNBC was for Obama. He said it was neither fair nor acceptable. The moderator immediately stood and interrupted him off the stage at that point, to audience applause. Those reportedly applauding his removal included Gwen Ifill. I’m not a campaign staffer or Drudge or Michelle Malkin, but I took note at that name at the time it was mentioned.
Marcus on October 1, 2008 at 7:43 AM
I think Governor Palin should handle the matter as follows. When asked her first question, Palin should, as is customary, thank the crowd and the organizers of the debate, then look straight at Ifill and say the following:
“And I want to congratulate you, Gwen, on the upcoming publication of your new book: ‘Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.’ You’re quite a good writer and I know I’m looking forward to buying a copy–incidentally, in spite of what some may believe, we have several bookstores in Wasilla! I’m sure, Gwen, that your book will be a bestseller, as it will no doubt deserve to be.”
Message delivered humorously, effectively, and briefly.
radjah shelduck on October 1, 2008 at 7:48 AM
McCain’s campaign didn’t pick this nitwit, but they did accept her. The Presidential Debate Commission is a farce and should be abolished and revamped. Their pool of potential moderators is 100% Democrat liberals, and the best choice they have is to weed out the most egregious clowns, like everyone from MSNBC.
But they missed big time on this Obama sycophant. I blame Wimp Simpson, author of the Simpson-Mazzoli illegal alient amnesty bill.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:49 AM
Maybe McCain & Co. thought it would be better to have someone obviously, demonstrably biased toward the 0 campaign rather than someone who could make some small claim to impartiality, like Gibson. (Those were his only choices.)
Quisp on October 1, 2008 at 7:49 AM
Guys, they are not going to replace her this close to the debate. The moderator has to prepare also. But a flood of phone calls and lots of email too the CPD might, I say just MIGHT, have the desired effect of pressuring Ifill into a clean debate.
csdeven on October 1, 2008 at 6:56 AM
I agree. To late to replace her. But this could rattle Ifill (who, when she doesn’t have her script, “uh’s” almost as much as Obama) and maybe force Ifill to be fair.
If the commission thought Ifill should make a disclosure statement, that would be hilarious, but I don’t think it’s going to go that far.
Wethal on October 1, 2008 at 7:55 AM
Remember a while back there was a story of a “media conference” where Ed Rendell stood up and was at the podium and said it was “embarrassing” how in the tank MSNBC was for Obama. He said it was neither fair nor acceptable. The moderator immediately stood and interrupted him off the stage at that point, to audience applause. Those reportedly applauding his removal included Gwen Ifill. I’m not a campaign staffer or Drudge or Michelle Malkin, but I took note at that name at the time it was mentioned.
Thank you Gwen for moderating this debate and I’d like to thank Washington University for hosting.
Gwen I also would like to add that I wish you great success on your new book coming out on the same day of John S McCains inaugaration.
I know you hoped that you would sell more copies if your choice for president, Barack Hussain Obama had have won.
This is kind of disturbing … and that’s an understatement. What if she somehow forwards Joe Biden a copy of the questions she intends to ask in the order she intends to ask them? Joe Biden can then “study” for those questions only. Additionally, knowing the “order” of the questions … he can then control the “tempo” of the debate to choreograph the whole thing and craft essentially a 90-minute ad in prime time for Obama.
I don’t think that her giving him the questions is a stretch given her background and the fact that … she stands to earn a LOT of money … if Obama wins … much more $$ than if he loses.
This is just one of many blemishes on our election process, which has has been a joke for a long time now. The idiot box tells people what to wear, what’s cool, how to talk, and who to vote for. Progress, indeed.
She’s in the tank, but everyone knows that she is in the tank, so it cancels it out somewhat.
reaganaut on October 1, 2008 at 8:17 AM
Replace the moderator with Sean Hannity or Rush Limbo.
SaintOlaf on October 1, 2008 at 8:26 AM
It will truly be a miracle if McCain wins this thuing. There are soooo many forces against him. It would be close even in a legit “straight” race, but all the pressures of the world, tv media, print media, dirty leftist tactics, kooky liberals, commie front groups, islamo facist groups…it’s maddening.
Alden Pyle on October 1, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Actually, I hope they keep her as moderator of the debate.
At this point, they would replace her with someone as equally biased, if not more-so, just less ‘in-your-face-I-wrote-a-book-about-Obama’ biased.
Then McCain/Palin loses the mileage they can get from this.
Better yet, Palin knocks this out of the park and has a liberal, biased jackhole moderator.
Bonus.
cntrlfrk on October 1, 2008 at 9:03 AM
I hope ‘jackhole’ isn’t copyrighted.
I can use it, get my point across, and not get banned all at once!
cntrlfrk on October 1, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Regarding McCain camp approving Ifel as moderator… what would be said about him had he not approved her? He would have been labeled a racist.
Blowback
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McCain agreed to the terms of the debate, including the moderator, weeks ago.
Seems he vetted her as well as he vetted his running mate LOL.
philnewkirk on September 30, 2008 at 11:57 PM
What an embarrassment! All we are asking is for just a bit of honesty from these people, without having to pry it out of them.
DaveS on September 30, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Did she max out her campaign contributions to Obama as well?
roninacreage on October 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Up yours!
Let’s not over-react here. What’s done is done. No whiners.
connertown on October 1, 2008 at 12:01 AM
The success of her book depends on Obama winning the election. This is a clear conflict of interest.
Mark1971 on October 1, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Don’t blame McCain for this. It’s not like he had a huge selection of “unbiased” reporters to choose from. There are no virgins in brothels.
HondaV65 on October 1, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Committee or whatever it is for presidential debates is not doing its job by hiring this hack.
Ridiculous how in the tank the media is for Obama.
jencab on October 1, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Drudge has this story front and center.
backwoods conservative on October 1, 2008 at 12:07 AM
She’s not in the tank. She’s in his jock strap. Too bad there’s nothing there either. The best revenge will be to defeat them and defeat them well.
THIS is not helping. You Virginians need to get off your asses and volunteer in any way you can.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 12:07 AM
How do we know that the McCain campaign even knew?
Mark1971 on October 1, 2008 at 12:08 AM
So, Palin will come off all the better, given that she has two opponents in the debate.
Like they were going to find a media hack who wasn’t in the tank. That tank must be the size of Lake Michigan.
Merovign on October 1, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Then I assume you thought it was perfectly alright when George Stephanopoulos (who worked for President Clinton) was the debate moderator in that one debate Obama got pounded in during the primary?
terryannonline on October 1, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Yes.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Drudge is linking to the Amazon comments to her book. Feel free to tear her a new one.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Man, could you imagine if it were opposite? A Republican moderator that had written a book about McCain?
Double standards.
carbon_footprint on October 1, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Well at least you are trying to be consistent.
terryannonline on October 1, 2008 at 12:14 AM
If she asks a question and then both candidates respond to the same question and debate each other over it, I don’t necessarily see this as a problem. I’m not sure if that is how this debate will be run though. If she asks them different questions it will be a problem.
Guardian on October 1, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Let’s keep in mind, as I pointed out in the first comment, that McCain knew well ahead of time — as early as August 5th — that Gwen Ifill is to be the moderator. He knew about her forthcoming book.
I see this conveniently-timed “revelation” (even though it was on Amazon.com for weeks) as a desperation move to soften the blow that the McCain campaign will receive on Thursday evening.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Gonna throw out a conspiracy theory here. How about, McCain knew she was in the tank, and agreed to it. Then leaked it a full day before the debate, so that no other moderator can be substituted. Then any tough questions of Palin by the moderator will be seen as the moderator being in the tank for Obama.
Just saying, makes perfect sense.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Personally … I didn’t think that was fair. One because Steph used to work for Clinton and two … because I know Steph and he’s an idiot who shouldn’t moderate any debate. You’re talking about a man who once had his cell phone stolen in downtown D.C. from his locked car. Of course … he was driving a convertible and parked it with the top down …
HondaV65 on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Watch the video that MM linked to. This is our moderator???
vdocam on October 1, 2008 at 12:15 AM
I didn’t think it was fair either. He shouldn’t have been moderating that debate.
terryannonline on October 1, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Agreed. It’s not even a conspiracy theory; McCain agreed to the choice of moderator on August 5th anyway.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:19 AM
I’m sure that McCain knew and it is no mistake that this news is breaking now. It puts Ifill in the position of going soft on Palin or twice as tough on Biden to prove her impartiality.
rw on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
But, the media is in the tank for Obama anyway, as GOP has been hashing and re-hashing ad nauseum these last few weeks. She should provide an explanation to clear up any controversy before the debate, if there is any.
philnewkirk on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Also no surprise to see Larry Craig’s bathroom buddy Alan Simpson on the Presidential Debate Commission, giving RINO cover to the four registered Democrat/liberal “moderators” for this campaign’s debates.
Simpson likes to troll the Georgetown cocktail parties now, with his nouveau liberal aura, purchased at PBS and other lib hangouts. The 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Amnesty was just a start for this douche-in-waiting.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Sure phil, but did McCain know that she’d be releasing a book that’s success actually DEPENDS on the outcome of the election? Seeing as how he agreed to it two months ago, I doubt it. She should have come clean with enough time to get a new moderator and admit her personal bias.
jimmy the notable on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
rw on October 1, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Exactly.
Cardiganfox on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
If the media were doing their jobs, Obambi would not have a chance. They’ve always favored the liberals, but it seems to me that something has happened during the Bush-era. They now seem more militant and belligerently anti-conservative. Many no longer even try to hide their love for certain liberals and disdain for conservatives. Last week, just before the debate, Chris Matthews was interviewed by a Memphis conservative radio host. Matthews threw a rod when the local host told him he would never get a chance to interview Sarah Palin because he is a known lefty. He started screaming that he is hard on both sides. I stopped watching him a long time ago, but I find it hard to believe he has ever been hard on Obambi, certainly not since he defeated Hillary. He’s a joke, just like most of his peers.
flyfisher on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
@ jimmy the notable on October 1, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Google Cache has the book listed on Amazon AT LEAST back on Sept 11th of this year. That is several weeks ago, plenty of time for someone to figure this out.
http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:rl4Ab2e2GtEJ:www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Politics-Race-Age-Obama/dp/038552501X+The+Breakthrough:+Politics+and+Race+in+the+Age+of+Obama&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:31 AM
All Palin needs to do is come out and wish Gwen good luck on her book in light of her and McCain planning to win. Game over.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Oh, and here is a Fox News article which references the book all the way back on July 11th of this year.
http://74.6.239.67/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=The+Breakthrough%3A+Politics+and+Race+in+the+Age+of+Obama&fr=yfp-t-501&u=www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul21/0%2C4670%2CAPonTVTavisSmiley%2C00.html&w=breakthrough+%22break+through%22+politics+race+races+racing+age+ages+obama&d=VMnuV_ReRf9q&icp=1&.intl=us
So either McCain didnt do, ANY vetting at all, or it was part of his plan.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:37 AM
All I can say is that people on the left are just absolutely despicable wastes of flesh.
progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Okay then. I wasn’t sure if her book had been publicized before August 5. Even so, hysteria is an incredible force, rules be damned. I give it 30% that she steps down if this actually becomes a news story tomorrow.
jimmy the notable on October 1, 2008 at 12:40 AM
It IS curious that during the Couric interview he brought up “gotcha journalism”. Heh. McCain you brilliant ol’ coot!
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 12:40 AM
The Age of Obama?
The Relevance of Nooses and Lynching in the Age of Obama
by Sherrilyn A. Ifill (Gwen’s cousin)
econavenger on October 1, 2008 at 12:41 AM
This is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it will play very well in certain demographics.
Ronnie on October 1, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Muyso, get real.
Do you honestly believe that the McCain campaign said to itself, “Hey, you know what? Before we sign off on the debate moderators, we should check to see if they’re secretly writing any books about the Age of Obama that are scheduled to be released on inaguration day!”
If they knew anything, they knew she was writing a book. That’s it.
What sort of person writes a book about the AGE OF OBAMA and has a financial interest in his election, and then moderates a debate in the Presidential election? Only the most deluded person on the planet would think that there’s no conflict there.
She has to step down.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Sarah should find a reason to quote Gwen’s book at some point. People will talk about it, and it won’t seem like she’s complaining.
Ronnie on October 1, 2008 at 12:46 AM
@ Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Oh I dont know, I would expect them to at least google her damn name, wouldnt you? An intern with 15 minutes could have found out about this book. The name of the book is telling enough, and it was out there at least a MONTH before McCain even chose a running mate. There are really only 2 choices I can see. Either McCain didn’t know about it, which would tell me volumes about their organization, or they knew about it and were going to use it, possibly the day before the debate as we see now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:51 AM
How about the FIRST link, on PBS.org, gives the title of her book when you google her name. McCain HAD to know about this.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Yep Sarah should bring up Ifill’s book and say, hey gwen you have a a book coming out about Obama right? Thats not a conflict of interest is it? LMAO
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Sounds like Muyoso is getting it up the ass from Obama.
Sakaki on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I’d also like to ask why Caroline Kennedy, who headed up Obama’s VP search is one of the directors of the “nonpartisan” Commission on Presidential Debates?
CP on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
First of all, there’s no sign of McCain complaining about the arrangement.
Or he knew that they weren’t going to pick anyone better anyway so he agreed acknowledging the reality of the situation. Most journalists are liberal. They’re not going to pull one from Fox News for the debate.
That’ll have very little impact. Your average American doesn’t read the Drudge Report and I’ll gladly eat crow if this shows up on CBS Evening News. If she flails, people will still see her as having flailed. SNL even parodied the unbalanced questions given to Clinton opposed to Obama. It wasn’t a secret that moderators tended to go easier on him. He still won.
amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 12:55 AM
I’m sure she’ll give full disclosure about her book at the outset. OR NOT.
CP on October 1, 2008 at 12:56 AM
@ Sakaki on October 1, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I am having gay sex with Obama because I said what exactly? That McCain probably knew about this moderator before today? Yep, thats seals it.
I hate stupid people.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Or they knew and don’t care because they’re almost all in the tank for Obama but at least this one’s open about it.
amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Great point. He had to have known.
It’s sometimes good to be a conspiracy theorist.
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.
macummings on October 1, 2008 at 12:58 AM
If Ifill doesn’t giv full disclosure, and Palin bring up the book deal and that she is a Journalism Major, and that Ifill is lacking in Journalistic Ethics Palin wins the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:58 AM
So … you’re saying that McCain ought to have searched for “Jim Lehrer”, also, before agreeing to let him moderate the first debate? Come on.
Who would even think that someone would so stupid as to write a pro-Obama book to be released on inauguration day and even try to present herself to be a moderator for one of the debates?
progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
@ amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 12:55 AM
I am operating on the assumption that this makes all sorts of news tomorrow, which I don’t know how it couldnt. When something is splashed on drudgereport in all its glory, it usually finds its way into the news. There are 2 full days for this to fester now.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
If Ifill doesn’t give full disclosure, and Palin brings up the book deal and that she is a Journalism Major, and that Ifill is lacking in Journalistic Ethics, Palin wins the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
@ progressoverpeace on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Someone who has dealt with liberals for over 30 years in Washington??
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 12:59 AM
I don’t recall Drudge hiding the Edwards scandal, yet most mediums didn’t report on it until he admitted.
amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:00 AM
@ amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:00 AM
Very true. But I highly doubt this will be similar to that.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:02 AM
@ amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:00 AM
because the story here is about the media being in the tank, and by not running the story, they are just confirming it even more.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:03 AM
Palin would win the debate in the first 3 minutes by default, the moderator would be discredited.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:05 AM
As do I. I think it’ll possibly be more hidden. The Edwards scandal was perhaps the biggest political scandal of 2008 and it went unreported. A simple matter of a moderator writing a book (as they see it) doesn’t really warrant front page coverage. Again, I’ll gladly eat crow to see this brought up in any significance.
amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:05 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Idk, she risks looking petty. If the moderator does a good job being fair, and Palin nails her on being partisan, won’t look good.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:06 AM
If they don’t report it, the general public won’t know that it existed and they didn’t report it. Political/news junkies will know and they’ve probably already chosen sides on the media’s bias.
amerpundit on October 1, 2008 at 1:07 AM
I doesn’t matter, that will remain the minds of the public, every question that Ifill asks..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:08 AM
It doesn’t matter, that will remain the minds of the public, every question that Ifill asks..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:09 AM
I emailed them to warn them that this story will be all over cable news in the next 24 hours.
csdeven on October 1, 2008 at 1:14 AM
Believers, please pray for Governor Palin. She’ll feel it.
capitalist piglet on October 1, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Gwen Awful, “Hey everyone welcome to the Debate, I have to disclose my conflict of interest… I;m in the tank for Barack Obama.. you see.. well.. I really Barack Obama to get elected in November because I have a Book about him coming out in January, if he loses nobody will buy my book that Random house is furiously advertising right now.. so ummm… I will try to keep the questions as fair as I can.. Umm.. If you see and Liberal Bias just try and ignore it like you always do when you’re reading the NY Times, or the LA Times, or any other News Paper for that matter or any of the big 3 TV stations or CNN or MSNBC… you know.. it’s all in the talk for Obama if you will.. so without further ado.. lets play gotcha with Sarah shall we? I mean lets start the Debate”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Gwen Awful, “Hey everyone welcome to the Debate, I have to disclose my conflict of interest… I;m in the tank for Barack Obama.. you see.. well.. I really need and want Barack Obama to get elected in November because I have a Book about him coming out in January, if he loses nobody will buy my book that Random house is furiously advertising right now.. so ummm… I will try to keep the questions as fair as I can.. Umm.. If you see and Liberal Bias just try and ignore it like you always do when you’re reading the NY Times, or the LA Times, or any other News Papers for that matter or any of the big 3 TV stations or CNN or MSNBC… you know.. it’s all in the tank for Obama if you will.. so without further ado.. lets play gotcha with Sarah shall we? I mean lets start the Debate”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:20 AM
This media bias on this election cycle is way off the reservation. For McCain to win this is going to be the equivalent of Truman beating out Dewey. Think about it… from here on out, this campaign will get nastier, ACORN is in full throttle, the networks, print media with cable will be doing a full court press ignoring all Obama/Biden gaffes, the dumpster diving will be hyper-accelerated and don’t tell me that they will pull some stunt 3 days before the election like they did to Arnold Schwartzeneger when he first ran for governor (the groping charges from 30 years ago). Color me depressed.
Sergei on October 1, 2008 at 1:20 AM
At a minimum, Palin should mention Ifill’s outright financial conflict of interest in the beginning. Otherwise, Ifill will try to defuse it and will probably then spin for Biden later on.
Frankly, I think Palin should just flat out state to all Americans that despite Ifill’s financial conflict of interest, she came to the debate because she wasn’t going to let a biased moderator stop her from presenting her case to the American people. Let Ifill and Biden choke on that for a while.
Sydney Carton on October 1, 2008 at 1:24 AM
If Palin points out the conflict of interest and Ifill gets mad, Palin should shoot back that if Ifill had Journalistic Integrity
#1 Ifill should have stepped down and let someone else moderate the debate
or
#2 Ifill should have disclosed the conflict of interest before the debate.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:27 AM
disgraceful, but 100% inconceiveable that Team McCain didnt have the chance to sign off on the choice of Ifil.
Inconceiveable. I expect Ifil to go after Palin hammer and tong while tossing softballs to Biden, but the fact is McCain’s people approved the choice and should have researched the options properly.
This needs to be the #1 story on talk radio and the rightside blogosphere. As many people as possible need to call Ifill on this IN ADVANCE. First Charlie Gibson, then Katie couric were allowed to get away with savaging Palin in a way they never did or do with Obama and Biden.
This could actually be a blessing in disguise. I like the idea of Palin making explicit mention of Ifil’s book, during the debate. Point out the obvious conflict after Ifill hands Biden some of Palin’s scalp on a plate. It would electrify the country, most of whom already believe that the press are going out of their way to help Obama and hurt Maverick & Moose.
Mike D. on October 1, 2008 at 1:28 AM
It’s not just that Ifill likes Obama, Ifill has a financial Interest in the outcome in the election, she needs to step down and be replaced..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Ifill has NO Journalistic Integrity, why didn’t she recuse herself soon as Obama got nominated?
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:35 AM
recuse
To disqualify or seek to disqualify from participation in a decision on grounds such as prejudice or personal involvement.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Michelle is reporting she broke her ankle. Good excuse not to show up, or a good reason for the media to say Gov. Palin was “beating up on an injured black woman” if Gov. Palin says anything about the book (and she MUST). Don’t think the media won’t go there.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Oh boo-hoo Poor Liberal Moderator, Wahhh!
The woman has a financial interest in the outcome of the election!
She shouldn’t be doing the debate let the same guy that did it last time do the debate. Or get Brit Hume, or Greta Van Sustern She knows Palin the Best out all of them and shes even a Democrat. I believe..
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Ifill is going to be hopped up on drugs and pain killers she shouldn’t be going the debate.. and she has a conflict of interest anyhow.. scrap her for someone else..
This is BS, the debate shouldn’t be about the moderator, just like football shouldn’t be about the referees!
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:51 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Then again, don’t we all?
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Yes, but hers is rather apparent, with a HUGE Book deal ABOUT OBAMA!
If he loses, guess what? NOBODY WILL BUY THAT POS BOOK!
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 1:54 AM
Self-loathing is so unattractive…
theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
That’s ‘must see’ TV!
fluffy on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
@ theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Admitting you are lonely on a blog is a great first step. I commend you.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 2:03 AM
Yes, Obama will Raise your taxes, and raise the taxes on Business thus your job will be outsources and no new jobs will created.. also, the Democrats will not allow for Domestic sources of energy thus making people in America lose more jobs and causing us to import more energy, So, don’t vote for him..
Democrats don’t understand that we all live on the same planet if they believe in “Global Warming” then getting Oil and natural gas from a tiny piece of ANWR is no different than getting it from Colorado or 50 miles offshore or getting it from Russia or Venezuela (It’s actually better getting it from the United States because in the United States we have MUCH stricter standards than other parts of the world.. IF they really cared about WORLD which they DONT”
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:08 AM
@ Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:08 AM
Yes, that was the joke.
muyoso on October 1, 2008 at 2:09 AM
We are in this predicament with Leftists running the central nervous system of the country, the media, for one reason: we have allowed it to happen.
We can whine about it, and we can “expose their bias” all we want. But they just laugh at us from their positions of power and continue doing the work of Pravda.
It’s not the “bias” that’s the MSM’s problem, it’s their ideology. As long as we grant them the gift of “good intentions” they know their power will go unchallenged. We have no elected leader willing nor able to tell the truth about this. Even Palin was nice in the face of Couric’s venom.
Halley on October 1, 2008 at 2:13 AM
Governor Palin won’t say anything; she won’t want to be seen as a whiner.
Full disclosure from Gwen Ifill herself would be appropriate and fair, and I’ll start holding my breath for that in 5, 4, 3…
capitalist piglet on October 1, 2008 at 2:14 AM
Maybe Gwen will use Barry’s teleprompter…
I sent a Barack worshiper the link to the community organizer spoof Iowahawk did. His response was, “I don’t get it”. So easy, so many, so little time. (Full disclosure, I wasn’t sure if it was a spoof at first when it was originally linked here at HotAir a few weeks ago. I totally “got it” once I was told what the site was about).
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:20 AM
A debate moderator moderating a debate while taking painkillers?
Sounds like a free “get-a-new-moderator” card.
Besides, until Gwen shows bias, mentioning her presumed bias is a needless torpedo hit to the McCain/Palin ticket.
Waiting until, say 15 minutes of airtime have elapsed (too late to stop), then congratulating Gwen on her book, really levels the playing field.
Gwen and the networks will them have to be scrupulously fair and complete.
Joe “High IQ” Biden will then have to handle an assortment of incoming fastballs, knuckleballs and other assorted givers of pain for the rest of the evening. Doubtless, he has already thought of this eventuality.
Arbalest on October 1, 2008 at 2:23 AM
“Governor Palin, could you explain to the American people with a straight face how you could possibly think you are experienced enough to hold the position of Vice President, or President, if the need should arise? And please try to avoid answering in tongues.”
“Senator Biden, would you say ‘Hi’ to Barry for me?”
Ronnie on October 1, 2008 at 2:33 AM
Gwen Awful has already given Biden the questions in advance..
He knows every question that he’s going to be asked, and already has his lines prepared.
Chakra Hammer on October 1, 2008 at 2:35 AM
LMAO @ Ronnie….it’s funny because it’s true.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:35 AM
Chakra…that’s a very valid point. If she’s that close to Barry it wouldn’t surprise me.
SouthernGent on October 1, 2008 at 2:36 AM
Nice try. Just kidding, though. I don’t really believe that everyone I disagree with is stupid.
Of course, they’re obviously not smart either, or they’d agree with me…
I will say, though, that all you’ve demonstrated is that McCain might have found out that Gwen Ifill had an Obama-tongue-bath book coming out before agreeing to let her moderate the VP debate. You really can’t prove he did know it. That makes it interesting enough to propose as a wild conspiracy theory, I guess, but nothing more.
theregoestheneighborhood on October 1, 2008 at 2:41 AM
ok while you guys are all worked up…
Help Needed: Click This, Help Soldiers
It’s this simple. Click here. Scroll down and pick Soldier’s Angels. Enter.
Kaptain Amerika on October 1, 2008 at 2:46 AM
Of course, if Gwen is congratulated on her book and article about 15 minutes into the debate, …
– Will Gwen risk looking like a paid stooge?
– Will Gwen think her way out of the bind, and maybe change the questions a bit?
– Will Joe “Super Genius” Biden see the beanball coming?
Tune in this Thursday, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.
Arbalest on October 1, 2008 at 2:56 AM
Why don’t we start donating to Mccain-Palin campagin every time something lke this happens? That’s what the Dems do, raise money on perceived slights.
promachus on October 1, 2008 at 3:03 AM
Gwen Ifill should be replaced as moderator. This is unacceptable.
CP on October 1, 2008 at 3:18 AM
She asked Cheney and Edwards about the epidemic of AIDS among black women. That was sure a top-drawer issue in the 2004 campaign, eh? No doubt she’ll come up with a similar gem or two that neither Biden nor Palin will be prepared for.
But I’ll bet money the first question Gov. Palin gets is about the rape kits, or the Bridge to Nowhere. They are determined to paint her as a right-wing nutjob and a liar.
rockmom on October 1, 2008 at 3:19 AM
Let her ask about the “Bridge to Nowhere”. She could mention how Obama and Biden both voted for it TWICE.
artchick on October 1, 2008 at 3:45 AM
This is the prominent headline on Drudge
cyclosarin on October 1, 2008 at 5:50 AM
Guys, they are not going to replace her this close to the debate. The moderator has to prepare also. But a flood of phone calls and lots of email too the CPD might, I say just MIGHT, have the desired effect of pressuring Ifill into a clean debate.
csdeven on October 1, 2008 at 6:56 AM
This idiotic rumor that McCain’s camp didn’t vet Palin must stop being taken seriously. Truth is they did vet Palin. Apparently what they found out didnt cause any major concern to McCain. And so far, with all these networks and newspapers running around Alaska turning over every rock and literally going through peoples garbage, what major rumor or “proven scandal” has been uncovered that McCains vetters missed? In the immortal words of Al Capone “They got nothin’”
As for the debate moderators — I really don’t think there are any conservative debate hosts this time around. However, conservatives, especially McCain/Palin should be used to that adversarial atmosphere by now.
titus_pullo on October 1, 2008 at 7:12 AM
A second point here might be – what, exactly, are her qualifications on debate moderators in the first place? She’s an idiot leftist activist, whose sole claim to relevance is that her Dad was assassinated.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:35 AM
I am getting so sick of the racist thing. I seldom watch TV, but was flipping channels and came across that reality wife swap/trading places show or whatever it was. The black wife had to go into a white family,,, and she is spewing racist garbage about ‘all that the whites have taken from her and the black race having to stand up and demand it all be returned” or some such garbage. It was never challenge, though i could not stomach to watch the show until the end.
Black racism towards whites is seldom challenged, becoming alarming mainstream and is dangerous.
JellyToast on October 1, 2008 at 7:37 AM
It is this clown’s defining characteristic.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Remember a while back there was a story of a “media conference” where Ed Rendell stood up and was at the podium and said it was “embarrassing” how in the tank MSNBC was for Obama. He said it was neither fair nor acceptable. The moderator immediately stood and interrupted him off the stage at that point, to audience applause. Those reportedly applauding his removal included Gwen Ifill. I’m not a campaign staffer or Drudge or Michelle Malkin, but I took note at that name at the time it was mentioned.
Marcus on October 1, 2008 at 7:43 AM
I think Governor Palin should handle the matter as follows. When asked her first question, Palin should, as is customary, thank the crowd and the organizers of the debate, then look straight at Ifill and say the following:
“And I want to congratulate you, Gwen, on the upcoming publication of your new book: ‘Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.’ You’re quite a good writer and I know I’m looking forward to buying a copy–incidentally, in spite of what some may believe, we have several bookstores in Wasilla! I’m sure, Gwen, that your book will be a bestseller, as it will no doubt deserve to be.”
Message delivered humorously, effectively, and briefly.
radjah shelduck on October 1, 2008 at 7:48 AM
McCain’s campaign didn’t pick this nitwit, but they did accept her. The Presidential Debate Commission is a farce and should be abolished and revamped. Their pool of potential moderators is 100% Democrat liberals, and the best choice they have is to weed out the most egregious clowns, like everyone from MSNBC.
But they missed big time on this Obama sycophant. I blame Wimp Simpson, author of the Simpson-Mazzoli illegal alient amnesty bill.
Jaibones on October 1, 2008 at 7:49 AM
Maybe McCain & Co. thought it would be better to have someone obviously, demonstrably biased toward the 0 campaign rather than someone who could make some small claim to impartiality, like Gibson. (Those were his only choices.)
Quisp on October 1, 2008 at 7:49 AM
I agree. To late to replace her. But this could rattle Ifill (who, when she doesn’t have her script, “uh’s” almost as much as Obama) and maybe force Ifill to be fair.
If the commission thought Ifill should make a disclosure statement, that would be hilarious, but I don’t think it’s going to go that far.
Wethal on October 1, 2008 at 7:55 AM
I’m not Drudge or Malkin either, but here it is:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0808/Rendell_Obama_coverage_was_embarrassing.html
Tuning Spork on October 1, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Thank you Gwen for moderating this debate and I’d like to thank Washington University for hosting.
Gwen I also would like to add that I wish you great success on your new book coming out on the same day of John S McCains inaugaration.
I know you hoped that you would sell more copies if your choice for president, Barack Hussain Obama had have won.
TheSitRep on October 1, 2008 at 8:01 AM
The upside is that she can’t hide behind the veil of non-partisanship.
They might as well had Oprah moderate.
TheSitRep on October 1, 2008 at 8:04 AM
This is kind of disturbing … and that’s an understatement. What if she somehow forwards Joe Biden a copy of the questions she intends to ask in the order she intends to ask them? Joe Biden can then “study” for those questions only. Additionally, knowing the “order” of the questions … he can then control the “tempo” of the debate to choreograph the whole thing and craft essentially a 90-minute ad in prime time for Obama.
I don’t think that her giving him the questions is a stretch given her background and the fact that … she stands to earn a LOT of money … if Obama wins … much more $$ than if he loses.
HondaV65 on October 1, 2008 at 8:13 AM
This is just one of many blemishes on our election process, which has has been a joke for a long time now. The idiot box tells people what to wear, what’s cool, how to talk, and who to vote for. Progress, indeed.
She’s in the tank, but everyone knows that she is in the tank, so it cancels it out somewhat.
reaganaut on October 1, 2008 at 8:17 AM
Replace the moderator with Sean Hannity or Rush Limbo.
SaintOlaf on October 1, 2008 at 8:26 AM
It will truly be a miracle if McCain wins this thuing. There are soooo many forces against him. It would be close even in a legit “straight” race, but all the pressures of the world, tv media, print media, dirty leftist tactics, kooky liberals, commie front groups, islamo facist groups…it’s maddening.
Alden Pyle on October 1, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Actually, I hope they keep her as moderator of the debate.
At this point, they would replace her with someone as equally biased, if not more-so, just less ‘in-your-face-I-wrote-a-book-about-Obama’ biased.
Then McCain/Palin loses the mileage they can get from this.
Better yet, Palin knocks this out of the park and has a liberal, biased jackhole moderator.
Bonus.
cntrlfrk on October 1, 2008 at 9:03 AM
I hope ‘jackhole’ isn’t copyrighted.
I can use it, get my point across, and not get banned all at once!
cntrlfrk on October 1, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Regarding McCain camp approving Ifel as moderator… what would be said about him had he not approved her? He would have been labeled a racist.
Oink on October 1, 2008 at 9:12 AM
nice!
bridgetown on October 1, 2008 at 9:35 AM
She should not be the moderator.
Dave Rywall on October 1, 2008 at 11:01 AM