In addition to the super-early debates in Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina we've told you about, ABC News has announced forums for the fall and early winter: Iowa in August then New Hampshire events in October and January.
The most peculiar part of the debates is the fact that some of them will be moderated by George Stephanopoulos, a former staffer in the Bill Clinton White House and a key member of the 1992 campaign that got him elected.
It strikes me as a huge conflict of interest for that man to be up there attempting to moderate an event with a participant who was both his boss's wife and a fellow key member of that 1992 campaign.
How can we possibly believe he'll play an impartial role in the forum?
3 comments:
Brad,
George is and has been an impartial member of the the Press for years... as has Chris Matthews and others.
As best I can tell, they are successful because they keep their opinions checked at the door.
I agree Brad. I don't believe any so called media person, who has ever declared a membership in, or worked for a particular party is impartial. This would be like having the NRA or NOW moderate a debate. The Clinton steamroller is mowing down the competition.
I really don't have a big problem with Stephanopoulos moderating a debate. If anything, he knows the elephant in the room, and will go out of his way to be fair, and (if necessary) tough with Hillary. NBC's Tim Russert has a long history as a Democratic staffer, and noone questions his credibility each Sunday and in other debates.
I believe that as long as journalists prove themselves to be fair and impartial, they should be given the benefit of the doubt.
As a weekly viewer of Stephanopoulos on "This Week", I think he's proven to be tough on both sides, and therefore has earned my nod and respect as a moderator.
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