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Veep Moderator’s Obama Problem

Includes a Cheney and a Palin problem, viewers complain. Silly viewers. Isn’t that what you go to PBS for?

Look for the big “Age of Obama” tome in January, by tomorrow night’s veep debate moderator. Here’s a thought. Maybe Palin should use some of her time to ask the moderator a question or two. World Net Daily: 

The moderator of Thursday’s vice-presidential debate is writing a book to come out about the time the next president takes the oath of office that aims to “shed new light” on Democratic candidate Barack Obama and other “emerging young African American politicians” who are “forging a bold new path to political power.”

Gwen Ifill of the Public Broadcasting Service program “Washington Week” is promoting “The Breakthrough,” in which she argues the “black political structure” of the civil rights movement is giving way to men and women who have benefited from the struggles over racial equality.

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.

But she also was cited in complaints PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler said he received after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin delivered her nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., earlier this month.

Some viewers complained of a “dismissive” look by Ifill during her report on Palin’s speech. According to Getler, some also said she wore a look of “disgust” while reporting on the Republican candidate.

At that time she said, “I assume there will always be critics and just shut out the noise. It is surprisingly easy.”

Come on. Isn’t Olbermann available? At least he’s honest.

WND notes there is no disclosure at the Presidential Debate Commission and Washington University sites re “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama,” due to be released on inauguration day. That’s a bit of a gamble. Sounds like Ifill has a financial interest in Hope and Change. Though in fairness, when he tanks, she’ll have plenty of time to sub in a bitter last chapter about how racism triumphed, and that could still be a big hit.

Malkin updates: McCain campaign didn’t know about the book. Like I said, Palin may want to consider turning tables and be the one cocking her eye at the moderator.

Topics: Obama, media, pols

  Posted by Jules Crittenden at 8:38 am on Wednesday, October 1, 2008

3 Responses to “Veep Moderator’s Obama Problem”

1. Cheat Seeking Missiles » Media Bias #78 Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 10:19 am

   [...] thinks so, as does Michelle Malkin, WND, Sister Toldjah, Jules Crittenden and dozens of others.  Heck, if you haven’t read about Ifell in the last 24 hours, where [...]

2. RebeccaH Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm

   If she were being fair, she could still sell a book about Obama’s historic candidacy and the rise of young, black politicians even if Obama should lose. But you’re probably right, Jules. The final chapter “Racism Wins” is probably obligatory.

3. Surprise! Another unbiased journalist in the tank for Obama « The Right Daily Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 12:49 pm

   [...] Trust, But Verify Through the Veil Faith and Facts Riggword Weblog Patterico’s Pontifications Jules Crittenden The Saloon dot net Political Byline The Dude’s Blog Media Bias #78 IMAO NonBlondQT ~ [...]

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