Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
The George and Charlie Show
In 1988, I wrote a piece for Esquire about the late ABC anchor Peter Jennings. I began reporting the piece shortly after a Bush 41/Dukakis presidential debate over which Peter presided. Afterwards, a lot of people remarked that Peter had been the only participant in that event who came across as "presidential".
What happened tonight on ABC's air could never have happened on Peter's watch and it was particularly disheartening that one of the two moderators/judges/interrogators was the man Peter chose to replace him, Charlie Gibson.
Peter Jennings wasn't perfect, but dignity, fairness and respect for his subjects were inshakable components of his code. All I can say to George and Charlie is that I knew Peter Jennings, Peter Jennings was a friend of mine, and you guys are no Peter Jennings.
Comments (3)
I loved Peter Jennings too. A class act all the way, as so many Canadians are. Tonight's "debate" was an embarrassment for ABC and for the entire US media. What a travesty.
April 17, 2008 2:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why do the candidates supinely agree to have a third person in the process, beyond a timekeeper.
It's a debate:Barack asks Hillary a question.
she answers, he rebuts.
Hillary asks...etc.
WTF??
The "moderator" format grew out of the multiple-candidate-early-debates. But why now?
April 17, 2008 7:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
I too wish we had debates without moderators. But from my reading over the years most if not all of the candidates refuse to do it. I think they're all afraid of a real debate. They sit down and negotiate extensive rules for each debate.
April 17, 2008 7:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment