Shouldn't Stephanopoulos have been disqualified? Maybe they could have borrowed Dick Morris from Fox.

"Shouldn't Stephanopoulos have been disqualified?"

They haven't disqualified any other pro-Democrat moderators in the debates, even at the Republican debates. Stephanopoulos may be pro Clinton but Olbermann is pro Obama and wasn't disqualified.

and what the hell was that with the repeated camera pans to Cheleas face while she sat there in her own special little light show.

after the third time I was ready to slap her AND the president of ABC.

...Chelsea's face...

WASHINGTON--Amid allegations that his thoughtless and insensitive decisions have damaged his relationship with the nation, President George W. Bush vowed Monday that he would, starting now, "make everything better."

During the 14-minute address Bush acknowledged that he and the country had drifted apart. He accepted some of the blame, but stressed that it was partly the American people's fault, and went on to chide them for not giving him an opportunity to explain, not standing behind him, and failing to understand his "very real" need for unchecked executive authority.

"My job is stressful," Bush said. "Trust me, things will calm down in a few months once I don't have to deal with it anymore."

The president, whose approval ratings have dropped steadily in recent years, said he had no idea how bad things had gotten until he found out that an overwhelming percentage of Americans didn't even bother responding to an opinion poll this month about his recent $3.1 trillion budget proposal.

Bush has since taken steps towards reconciliation with the American people, including promoting a promise to help alleviate the fiscal woes the U.S. has faced in recent months. Bush said he knew that the $300 he intended to give to every citizen "couldn't possibly make up for how [he has] governed," but nevertheless asked the nation to have faith in him.

"I know it's not much, but it's a start, right?" Bush said. "And it hasn't always been bad. Doesn't this remind you of that other $300 rebate I gave you in 2003? You always forget all the times I'm a really great president. We have really had some wonderful moments."

"Cut me some slack here, for Christ's sake," Bush continued. "I'm trying. I really am."

In addition to providing economic relief, Bush said he has taken other measures to strengthen his bond with the nation. According to the president, his newly proposed warrantless-wiretapping bill will greatly broaden the reach of his personal attention to the American people's needs and put him in a position to be more directly involved in their lives.

The president concluded by imploring the nation to help him rectify the situation, stressing that he always has America's best interests at heart but cannot be expected to improve things all by himself.

"You have to realize that everything I do, I do for you," Bush said. "Do you think I like denying health care to underprivileged children, or plunging the country deeper and deeper into debt? Well, I don't, and I hope someday you'll understand that. In the meantime, I'm asking the American people to try to meet me halfway on this."

excerpted from THE ONION

The debate sucked. And, I'll agree with the commercials. This is the first one I've watched live (I've got better things to spend $650 a year on than cable TV). PUT THEM ALL ON PBS NEXT TIME. Get them out of the hands of people who make money on controversy. That's part of why we have a public broadcaster in the first place!

"and what the hell was that with the repeated camera pans to Cheleas face while she sat there in her own special little light show. "

Any truth to the rumor that Bill Clinton directed this farce?

KBM, Olbermann has never worked for Obama or his wife.

Napoleon Complex George has worked for the Clintons.

nut, WTF does that have to do with the debate?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno."

-John "100 Year War" McTrollop

We place entirely too much importance on the subjective, faux-democratic processes major parties use to select their candidates. Most of us have been tricked into thinking that the GOP/DNC nomination processes are some kind of semi-final election that narrows down our official choices.

Last night's "debate" was nothing more prestigious than a bickering contest between two people jockeying for the approval of corrupt party insiders.

Hell even Ed Rendell thought the debate was despicable.

I thought it was a fairly good debate. Yes, ABC did ask some trivial stuff but the debate monitors Gibson and Stephanopoulos also asked a number of questions on various serious issues (Iraq, etc.) and did not let either Obama or Hillary get away with dancing around their answers. I'd have to say overall that Hillary (by a slight margin) won that debate but both of them did not give the kind of answers that are going to win them the Presidency -- particularly on gun control issues.

Didn't watch it. I'd forgotten it was on. What was the best moment of the night?

It's getting a little shakey when the dems start cussing the dems.

"It's getting a little shakey"

Well, you're the expert. Still seeing bats eating mice off the wall?

"It's getting a little shakey when the dems start cussing the dems."
Posted by Sniper at 2008-04-17 06:00

YEAH!

Sort of reminds' me of what Democracy should look like!

Can I get a RuberStamp on that, anybody?

It's ABC, what do you expect? They're by far one the most right-leaning non-24hr-news Networks.

You only have to look at the leadership and their political affiliations to see that.


Best part of the debate:

"It's not the first time I made a misstatement that was mangled up, and it won't be the last," said Obama, with refreshing candor. But candor is dangerous in a national campaign, what with network newsniks waiting for mistakes or foul-ups like dogs panting for treats after performing a trick. The networks' trick is covering an election with as little emphasis on issues as possible, then blaming everyone else for failing to focus on "the issues."

We live in a silly country. Lapel pins? Who was wearing one last night? Maybe I need glasses -- well, I definitely need glasses -- but I didn't see any. Guilt by association politics? Mc Cain should be denied the Presidency simply for that hug he gave Mr. silver spoon in mouth, bad cowboy talkin, failed businessman, elitist trash, never worked an honest day in his life, Pres. Bush 2. (not to mention the fun lovin' American taliban mullahs he's so proud to be sponsored by).
Yeah, we'd be foolish if we follow the lead of the know nothings into the zip lock bag of empire crumbs they've laid out for us. But then again, this is a nation that takes pride in its lack of intelligence and worldliness, that wears the badge of a constipated mind with the pride of a fresh faced weeblo made Boy Scout. Yes, indeed, we live in a silly country. And if we give the repubs four more years, if we do not hold our MSM to task, or simply ignore them into well deserved obscurity, then we deserve the penalty for silliness. And it isn't the comfy chair.

crazy...
when will ANYONE in the media ask the candidates:

1. What will the parameters be that would end the occupation of Iraq? What is a successful outcome in this situation?

2. What will you do, if anything, to discontinue the use of signing statements?

3. How do you propose to get the US quickly into usable mass transit (rail, subway)?

4. How will you deal with the growing illegal alien problem? No sir/ma'am, a "guest worker" program does not meet the definition of "dealing with."

5. How do you propose to prop up the weakening dollar and spiraling inflation?

I'm not holding my breath on answers. This may be the first year I don't vote, or vote a write-in or something like that.

Yep, ABC sucks. This is already known.

Sambarber -- while supporting Obama (he scares the right and that is almost enough in itself for me. Almost) I agree with everything you said, and asked.

last night was a very important night. People who pay attention and actually listen to what is being said came away from the show with the only thing they really need to know.

What's that you ask?

Let me spell it out for those of you who are spellbound.

Hillary and Obama are both liars.

that's what people learned. And on free network national tv to boot! Whod'a ever thought.

Neither of these politically correct frauds will be the next president.

Finally libs have offered up proof (perhaps even once and for all) that affirmative action is a bad policy for this country regardless where it's used in the chain.

Buh bye!

Obama and Hillary are both toast.

The NC Govenor wants another debate. Hillary is willing but Obama say's, no way.

Not to worry though, Obama will probably just hide behind the childen (in this case college students) like his relatives over yonder do.

Visitors to ABC's site weren't much kinder. Here's a sampling on page 1:

...This is AWFUL. Thank goodness for Jon Stewart and Comedy Central. He does a better job of interviewing and asking relevant questions of his guests in 5 minutes than these 2 yahoos have in more than an hour. ABC should be ashamed. George should be ashamed. Charlie should be ashamed. This isn't a debate. This is a hit job.

...Asinine questions - abysmal debate. Fire these silly moderators NOW. They insult the intelligence of the American people.

...I haven't watched ABC "news" in a few years. I see I haven't been missing much! MORE THAN half the debate turned over to Bittergate, Rev Wright, the Weathermen, Tuzla, FLAG LAPEL PINS? Most of the televised debates I've seen this campaign season have been lame, but this one takes the prize. Either you guys are morons or you think that we are. Either way, I'm glad to have seen the last of you. Really, really bad.No winners in this debate, but a definite loser: ABC "NEWS"

...This is the WORST debate I have ever watched. Never in my life have I been more disenchanted with the news media as a whole, especially a news organization such as ABC that I believed to have some sense of purpose to bring substantive information and perspective to the American people. Americans are tired of the snipping between the candidates and the lack of discussion about what each candidate will do to help the country. ABC News should be ashamed for presenting such a failure of a debate.

...Are you kidding me? "We don't have much time left. Let's have a MINUTE to talk about gas?" Charlie and George, you need a crash course on the distinction between "issues" and an "agendas." Hint: The candidates have the former; you have the latter.

...ABC News . . you should be ashamed of this debate. Where did you get these questions?? Where are the ISSUES. We have heard enough about Rev Wright and what Hillary did or didn't do in Bosnia. Let's hear about issues that matter such as the cost of Health Care, the war in Iraq, the Energy Crisi, the Crisis in Our Schools, and THE ECONOMY, STUPID!!

...Geoirge and Charlie= narcissistic elite "journalists" trying to score a rating point, but asking questions that would yield a "F" in middle school journalism. This debate may be used for years in journalism classes, on how to not run a debate. Disney-who owns ABC- get better cartoon characters to run a debate. Elmer Fudd would do much better.

...Has ABC News noticed that your so called "debate" has been universally panned? Charles Gibson is a pandering person more fit for the National Enquirer than a responsible news program. Stephanopoulis is barely better. I am so disappointed but not surprised.

"The comments on ABC News' Web site were angry, sometimes profane and occasionally funny. "Why not have Paris Hilton moderate next time?" one poster wrote. One man repeated the word "bad" 48 times. A sampling found opinion was running against the network about 8-to-1."

It's ABC, what do you expect? They're by far one the most right-leaning non-24hr-news Networks.

Posted by COMMONSENSE

In your dreams. Even fox isn't a right wing news station. A couple if their programs are a little right but their news isn't.

"It's getting a little shakey when the dems start cussing the dems."
Posted by Sniper at 2008-04-17 06:00

YEAH!

Sort of reminds' me of what Democracy should look like!

Can I get a RuberStamp on that, anybody?

Posted by Redneckville

Dito! except for the fact that we are not a Democracy yet, Thank God! Only don't tell Bush. I think he likes the word. At least he can pronounce it.

As a Liberal Democrat, I had no problem with the debate however, any campaign that has a problem with the questions or format usually lost the debate.....

Unlike MSNBC, ABC did not go into the tank for Senator Obama, I just want these networks to report the News not Make News....

Fox News, dislike all Democrats, that why they were not in the tank for either Obama or Clinton, the so called Liberal Press, has been for Obama from day one, all one has to do is read the Progressive sites, the love fest for Obama is so clear. In that sense Fox has been the Fairest of all of the Networks, they have hated them both an distorted there positions all the time....

I can an will vote for either one of the Democratic Candidates, but for anyone to say that the Liberal Press was anything but anti-Clinton is a JOKE!!!!

Crispy chicharrone has jumped the shark.

Celisorry....you lost all credibility as a sane member of society by announcing your socialism..This means you believe we should be burdensomely taxed even more; you're anti-military and national defense; you believe the government is the solution to all societal thoughts and actions; you're pro-gay; you're anti-white-male, except for gays; you believe the constitution should be changed to ensure us dasterdly conservatives no longer have the right to protect our families w/ gun ownership, and, you hate America and blame us for all the world's ills.

The press and much of the population are skeptical or dislike Hillary 'cause she's a bitch, a liar, and a crook. Your "liberal" ineptitness supports a censored press. One that encourages all liberal bullshit and tries to censor differing ponts of view through politically active judges and corrupt politicians.

Unlike MSNBC, ABC did not go into the tank for Senator Obama, I just want these networks to report the News not Make News....

Not likely to change. Networks want ratings, and they'll manufacture "news" if they have to. Hell, they'll manufacture "news" just for the ratings.

Also, MSNBC isn't in the tank for Obama. Olbermann certainly seems to present him more positively than Clinton, but there's "Morning Joe", "Verdict" and "Hardball." Matthews isn't a fan. In fact, he's an active detractor of Obama.

There were two key differences that did come out last night. One was Clinton's stand in the ME, the other was Obama's. If you were paying attention, Clinton's should have scared the hell out of you.

I can an will vote for either one of the Democratic Candidates, but for anyone to say that the Liberal Press was anything but anti-Clinton is a JOKE!!!!

Posted by celisary

Agreed... and with reason... she is so totally unlikable... always with that supercilious smirk... reminds me of the asshole in the WH.

YoMeLib Since GHWB has Practically adopted Bill Clinton has His own Son that makes Hellary GHWB's Daughter in Law. Therefore Dubya is Hellary's Brother in Law therefore Hellary has learned how to smirk like Her Brother in Law. Therefore if You support Hellary Clinton-Bush You are supporting a member of the Bush Family. What a tangled web they weave.

Larry Mohr

Matthews isn't a fan. In fact, he's an active detractor of Obama.

Posted by YAV

Wow! That comment gave me a tingle up my leg.

"...Since GHWB has Practically adopted Bill Clinton has His own Son..."

I'd give you a funny flag if Ididn't think you were being serious to a degree.

That said, you'd be willing to adopt just about anyone, Bubba or whoever, if everyone knew you as Dubya's dad.

ABC:

All
Banal
Constipation

Look who co sponsered the debate with ABC news and its no wonder it was a disaster. Cosponsering the debate was the "National Constitution Center" . Now look who the board members are.

NATIONAL HONORARY COMMITTEE
Mrs. George H.W. Bush
President & Mrs. Jimmy Carter
President William J. Clinton &
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Mrs. Gerald R. Ford

CHAIRMAN
President George H.W. Bush
This really needs to get to the papers.

I was being serious. GHWB has practically adopted Bill Clinton has His own Son. They are always together just about. You might as well Hyphenate the Clinton name with Bush.

Larry Mohr

"....For the first 52 minutes of the two-hour, commercial-crammed show,....."

I didn't watch because I was sure that this would be yet another low in the personality-driven, money grubbing commercial media that has been inflicted upon us. Seems I was right.

Iraq and Afghanistan are going badly, people are losing their homes, the country is in recession, the dollar is worth shit, we are disrespected by nearly every other country in the world, gas is about $3.40 a gallon even here in Dallas, the constitution is being shredded, the current president is a bad joke and on and on. And what do these geniuses ask in the few minutes allowed between commercials? Why don't you wear a lapel pin and all sorts of other irrelevant crap hoping for a gotcha moment they can negotiate into bigger bucks next time their contract comes up for renewal.

It's amazing that Dems and folks to the left of the freeway are so bent out of shape on the debate.

Obama has had a free pass for what?-- a year and a half--NO ONE KNOWS who this guy is!

So he gets some character questions and people are upset that he is not given the free pass anymore?

WTF!

Can't blame the Dems too much though--since there is a real disdain for Hillary.

Connect the dots folks..

Dot--Wright--a racist and hates America, loves Farrakhan and Obama's mentor for 20 years.

Dot--Ayres--a guy who bombed America in the 60's--yeah that was when poor Obama was only 8 and in Indonesia getting his foreign policy experience. The bomber isn't sorry to this day. He said they should of done more! And Obama goes to this guys HOUSE for a fund raiser and is his friend--NOW--NOW--NOW.

Dot--Obama's own comments about American being bitter over economics--what a fool! And he doesn't back off what he said! He is a moron.


You know if this was a conservative who attended a David Duke church and broke bread with McVeigh--it makes my head spin for what the left and the Dems--right here on this site would be saying!

But there are folks in the tank for Obama--come hell or high water.

They don't care who he looks up to--who he is friends with--how Obama lies to make excuses for his naivete and stupidity--

Character does count--and Obama has the worse--and he is so arrogant he doesn't see how it matters.

You reap what you sow--Obama will have a real sorry-assed harvest come the fall when he loses big time in the general election.

Maybe then he will Change his stripes--but you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Murphy

SNIPER - Anything said in the news that does not meet with the world view of the left is right wing (no Grey areas here).

murph you can ask the character questions all you want

obama > hillary > mccain.

bottom line.

like it or not
vote obama ;)

Gag yourself Kliff! ;o)


Murphy

Yes--the left MSM is in the tank for Obama--the one for change and given a pass for 2 years.

He needs to take a pill--

What will happen to this guy in the fall when Obama loses the election?

The disgrace is Obama.

Murphy

And apparently Obama was friends with Ayres since 1995. He was introduced to Ayres and his bitch bomber at Ayres home by Alice Palmer--the gal Obama kicked out for the senate seat in ILL.

Since 1995!

Does this guy have no shame--NO!

check the Politico--

And at the same time he is in the pews of Wright.

And the MSM has the nerve to puke about the questions in this debate when they should have been asked 2 years ago?

Obama should never have gotten to first base.

Now it's too late--and the bleeding hearts are out in force and can't stand that their candidate is a schmuck.

They will do and say and print anything to continue the pass.

Astounding the lack of critical thinking that is the Dem party.

And good ol' Dean is screaming for the SD's to make their choice NOW--LOL!

Yeah--make 300 Dems make their choice NOW--right NOW!

Too funny--too tragic...

Murphy

Yeah, I don't see what the Obama fans are crying about.

He's been getting cheezy slow-pitch lob balls over the plate for the last 6 months to hit out of the park.

He needs some real pitching if he's going to hang in the GE.

I cant believe some of you although I dont know why.
you talk of trivial questions and they were questions that were direct and important. so you think that asking barry what relationship he has with a TERRORIST BOMBER from the 60's who admits it and says "WE DIDNT DO ENOUGH" and you think thats trivial
or the demeaning insult against americans who believe in God and guns...and you call that trivial
just as others have said........the media has selected obama to be thier boy and they get allupset like some have written here when anyone Has THE GALL to ask questions that they might not like the answer to.......

and speaking of trivial....lets get in the wayback machine and go back to one of those republican debates......holding up hands to tell us who believes in certain issues....what....THATS A DEBATE QUESTION
and the youtube horseshit stuff asking about religion in some cockamamy way....
and little GEORGIE who Iusually hammer away HAS to get credit for some questions she asked hillary and I refer to the tax issue...when told that RATES GO DOWN REVENUES GO UP....obama acted like he was insulted that he would have to ACTUALLY ANSWER THAT QUESTION and then of course NEVER DID
so you are telling me that these two clowns are ready to deal with islamic terrorists who might have nukes but charlie gipson and short stuff stephenopolis are TOO TOUGH???????/

what a crock of shit........

AGAIN....the media has adopted obama as their boy and they have their dresses all blown up because two of their own didnt coddle him and make him look bad........BEST MODERATORS YET .....because they tried to MAKE THEM ANSWER THE QUESTIONS>.....

didnt make him look good.

toy boat
toy boat
toy boat

and this great communicator,elite prep school, harvard educated man couldnt handle the heated questions about his advisor and other views from the moderators??

and hillary....she is just a liar. her asnwer to the sniper thing was so frickin lame.

Apparently if you don't let Obama play tee-ball at the debate, your network is "despicable." The sense of entitlement among Obama fans borders on the absurd.

tv as a whole is a whore.

so wish for swine to become airborne before you see anything resembling the truth.

it's going to get worse before it has any hope of becoming better.

tv "journalism" is a mockery.

surprised?

BL2, I despise the gotcha politics on both sides of the aisle.

I watched the debate last night and tuned most of it out as rehashed talking points that had very little to do with the political direction of this country and much more to do with political spin.


For the record I found "giuliani in drag", "romney dog on car", and the recent "mccain cunt wife" to be just as insulting and distracting. Sure you can back room psychoanalyze each one of these situations till the cow's come home, but wouldnt a more telling marker of how they will lead the country be a more in-depth review of their political voting records? Wouldn't the country be better served by discussing the proposed policy and direction changes? Instead we get entire segments on guilt by associations, misspeaks (from both candidates), and the friggin lapel pin question.

As far as I was concerned last nights debate held 2 interestign tid-bits. The candidates pledge to drawing down the troops in Iraq, and the tax-pledge.

I'm not saying I completely agree with either point, but to me it was the only concrete moment in an hours worth of hot air.

Slap Chelsea.....................

Slap Hillary you bitch!!!!

Yes, the questions were so bad that halfway through I turned it off.

The putzes didn't ask anything important but sure tried to pin them down on subjects that were never going to be something the president would be able to control.

wrong again potato ag ROTTEN.....


george asked one question in particular of hillary that had to make her piss in her pants.


gus.......

subjects that were never going to be something the president would be able to control.

Posted by moneywar at 2008-04-18 03:01 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)
FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusiv
e

capital gains tax
immigration
war on terror
CHARARACTER

these are things that would seem to be in most peoples control....at least to the point of vetoing or not.

gus.....we all know thier voting records..hillary voted for the war and obama....well he doesnt have a record to speak of.
the issues of wright and bitter and ayres are ALL things that we have every right to know all about and I am sure that there is plenty of people investigating with the old fine tooth comb on mccain.

and lets take another trip in the wayback machine

ITS THE ECONOMY STUPID

CHRARACTER COUNTS......

and yes we sure found all about that 2nd one DIDNT WE???????

here is another way to look at the things you talked about
by bringing those things up doesnt that give obama the huge audience to ANSWER THOSE CHARGES and also to answer those charges with hillary standing right there....so IF he could have explained things to people's satisfaction, it seems like it would HELP him by giving him all he needs to reach a lot of people and explain things........

How dare the debate moderators ask such tough questions! Don't they know that they're only allowed to ask questions that make the candidates look good?

Finally, we get to hear Obama speaking without having a scripted answer. And, he was an embarassment. Obama may win the nomination, but McCain will wipe the floor with him in November.

Funny, main stream has been so liberal its not funny, but when they dare pick on liberals, out of the woodwork come the losers , waaaaa, stop crying, one time out of thousands to they even question the liberals they protect and you all start screaming foul... stfu. bout time they had to deal with all the trash they spew and never get called for it. they may have asked questions about their plans but since both of them dont really have any plan's or guidance for this country, i guess the only questions they could ask is the ones your so upset about.. lol

KC101

How about a link to a liberal news item. Is it anything you disagree with. Facts are left wing I bet.

The media has been conservative since 1982.

moron.

"McCain will wipe the floor with him in November"

Let's hope....but it is not looking good. Class warfare and nanny state-ism plays well in an economic downturn.

McCain won't be able to compete on any level. The election will be an embarrassment for Conservatives.

We're definitely sunk. Buffalo_Bob gave us His Psychic Prediction. Sighhhhhhh

We certainly wouldn't want any questions about character to be asked, would we? Isn't that a question that's just supposed to be asked to Republicans? Those damn fascist newsmen should have known better!

Larrymohr

Was I fucking with you? Did I insult you in some way? What exactly is your problem? Don't talk to me, and both our lives will be brighter.

What was the best moment of the night?

Posted by OohRah

The Toyota Tundra commercial about half way through....

We certainly wouldn't want any questions about character to be asked, would we?

An hour of asking McCain all kinds of inane 'character' questions like this? Ok, if you insist. Hey, we might even get the first FCC fine for a debate!

BB,

You will never ever convince the righties that the media is conservative, they will find any and all ways to show that isn't the case.

We certainly wouldn't want any questions about character to be asked, would we?

Yes, ask baghdad bob mccain about aerobus contract and he would stumble and lie and then claim it was an unfair question and whine whine whine, just like the beast hillary.

they will find any and all ways to show that isn't the case.


Posted by moneywar at 2008-04-18 08:31 AM | Reply


Except link to liberal news items.

When did Arianna Huffington turn conservative?

Obama can't answer tough questions and could not handle tough situations. There is no way that he should be president.

now that the voting public is getting a fairer shake on obama, i wonder how many more half peeled off sticker of his i will see around charlotte?

the msm tried, but you can only protect him from his past for so long.


again, he is done.

Lol, done. Right to the bank!

Spin spin spin.

What happens when Hillary does not blow him out of the water 'scooter'? Will he be done after Indiana or North Carolina?

Let me know because I have a feeling the guy winning right now will continue to be winning.

Ny times
abc
cbs
nbc
msnbc
cnn

Yes, these just have to be conservative.