ABC criticized for handling of Democratic debate

The morning after the latest Democratic debate, the talk doesn't seem to be about which candidate -- New York Sen.

[Derrick Durroh]

I'm still not sure how Hillary one the debate, according to the polls. Given what questions were asked and how each candidate responded I had Obama winning. When Hillary was asked about bosnia she said, " I lied but lets get over that". When Obama was asked about being bitter he said, " it was taken out of context, I should have chosen my words better." His basic message, is that people are tired of unfulfilled promises, so they are comforted by something that makes them feel good. I think this is self explanatory. Some people when they are seeking comfort they eat, workout, play games, what ever the hobby is, it realy is a true statement. Obama was smart for not taking the bate of attacking Hillary about bosnia. This will divide the two candidates further. In conclusion, the debate was irrelevant to electability in november. ABC was doing it for the ratings. Keep controversy in air to get viewers. This is what happens when special interest is involved in politics.

[Pete]

Is this news? John Valenti just ripped some quotes out of other papers. Hey John, next time watch the debate and report on it. Perhaps you should go back to HS Sports.

[SayWhat]

What do you expect? We have become a nation of idiots who have no aptitude for issues, so the media gives the people what they want - mindless superficial gossip and innuendo.
Maybe we should return to the days of John Adams (thanks HBO) when candidates did not run for office, they stood on their record of accomplishments in furtherance of the country, but then we would have to give up the four year beauty contest and marathon of stupidity that our presidential candidates now must take part in.

[MCR]

I voted for Obama, but it seemed clear that Hillary won this debate - her brand of pandering was smooth and efficient last night... she did do a good job of outlining a lot more specifics than Obama.

The story to me is the shameful, disgraceful first 45 minutes of the debate - I was so angry at the trivial questions - ABC and George and Charlie should have plenty of restless nights after behaving like a tabloid news show.

Thankfully, the debate became more substantial in the last 45 minutes.

ABC S-U-C-K-S!

[Opinion]

Shame on ABC for stacking the deck on the Clinton Obama debate.

I am not a supporter of either but watched.

The first half of the so called debate was simply making Obama defend himself over the stupid Minister and letting Hillary attack. No real issues for the first 45 minutes.

This was a horribly monitored debate by ABC. This was a gang-up trashing of Senator Obama. He took the high road several times with Clinton and yet she continued to attack him along with Gibson who continued to interrupt Obama's answers. And why would they have Stephanopolis there who was staffed by Clinton. This was a totally biased debate. Shame on ABC.

[Marsha B]

Why does the Washington Post's opinion matter to people on long island and ESPECIALLY the Huffington Post? The Huffington WHAT??? Who finances that piece of $^#& website? And who cares what they think? they r a bunch of shills.
Look, r we to believe that if it ain't giving BO a pass on his personal choices, then it aint important to voters? I personnally thought it was important to hear first hand what BO had to say about those things he's been quoted saying and who he's been assosiating with.

he did okay. she did okay. i wouldn't vote for either of um if al gore was in the running.

[Belle]

Last night's debate?? was a complete FLOP, thanks to the irrelevant, insignificant,repetative and boring questions they were made to endure. Why don't we have just the two candidates question each other which would ensure a lively and honest debate.

[Joe American]

Obama should be brought to light. He is a member of that bigoted church for 20 years ! He has said that the Rev Wright is his mentor . What kind of hateful church would support a Rev Wright ?

[Pat]

Pete wrote:

Is this news? John Valenti just ripped some quotes out of other papers. Hey John, next time watch the debate and report on it. Perhaps you should go back to HS Sports.

Exactly. Not only did he rip other people's opinions but Valenti also decided to use the most left-wing opinions available. This is not surprising given that Newsday is ultra-liberal and the media elite are in the bag for Obama.

Unfortunately, Valenti, Newsday, the Washington Post, and Huffington Post (I mean who quotes the Huffington Post?!?) are all missing the true loser of this debate: the Democratic Party. Neither Obama nor Hillary will be elected given their polarizing deficiencies.

[Average Joe]

ABC Moderators – the best ABC could come up with?

Two high school students could have done a better job.
At least specific questions about major issues could have been asked.
Most of the time was trying to create a cat fight over who knew who and who said what.
Raising or cutting taxes on people earning 100 to 250,000???? Why not questions for the average American earning 0 to 100,000. Maybe a question about NAFTA killing the average Joe.

From my recliner in front of the TV it looked like a crooked poker game with two dealers both dealing from a stacked deck.

[TeriB]

What Obarubbush. This debate was the most fair one yet. I liked that the responses were timed, and each were given an equal amount of time. I liked that the questions were staggered, and that they "flipped a coin" to see who would go first on opening and closings. I was impressed that both were challenged with tough questions and not allowed to wiggle out of fully answering.

ABC handled this debate in a very admirable way, and I think both candidates supporters should have been satisfied with the fairness of the debate, for a change. This is how journalists should handle debates. Both got hit with three very tough issues. Obama: Rev. Wright, his infamous "bitter" remarks, and his association with William Ayers. Clinton: Her Bosnia exaggeration, her purported statements that Obama was unelectable, and a public opinion poll about her honesty.

For his part, Obama rationalized, made excuses, stammered a lot, and declared the subjects absurd and a distraction from the issues. While Clinton apologized and ate a lot of crow for her "mistakes," describing her trip to Bosnia and got badgered into saying Obama is electable.

Their discussion of the issues wasn't anything all that new; however, Obama did stumble a bit on his position on payroll and capital gains taxes. My main observation is that Clinton was ASKED questions about her positions on Wright and Obama's bitter comments, and she responded, owning her position, while Obama hedged on the Bosnia question, admitting his "campaign" was hammering on it, "of course," yet somehow dodging personal responsibility for what his campaign is doing? That just seemed dishonest to me. If his campaign is doing it - HE is. I'd much rather see the candidates own their positions and actions, than try and appear above the fray, when their actions don't match the perception they're trying to falsely portray.

[Bob from Patchogue]

We have finally made the ultimate reality show and unfortunately its for the most important job in the world at the most difficult crossroads our nation will face. Hooray for ratings-driven news! Whomever is picked to be the next President will have to figure out how to turn the economy around, or be saddled with presiding the next great depression. Our media has decided to ask questions that are so trivial, its as if they are girls in junior high talking about the cutest guys at school.

It amazes me that as news programs turn to light entertainment and commentary and ratings drop, even for Fox, that they continue to dumb down the news instead of returning to real news content that may actually raise ratings. Ugh.

[lmn1]

After hearing about the Rev Wright and putting Mrs. Obama's comment about finally being proud to be an American-I truly wonder about the influence and what is really in Obama's attitude and mindset. People talk about not trusting Hillary-I don't trust Obama.

[marty]

Why is the media silent on Rev. Hagee and McCain?

[East Ender]

I am having second thoughts about Obamas' credentials after seeing his poor debating skills. Hillary really shredded him apart. I believe that Obamas' weak responses will definitely hurt his campaign. By the way, ABC News really sucks! It took 1 hour to really get to the subjects that we all are interested in!

[salamander]

Joe American wrote:

Obama should be brought to light. He is a member of that bigoted church for 20 years ! He has said that the Rev Wright is his mentor . What kind of hateful church would support a Rev Wright ?

Joe American. Did you listen to the Wright sermon that has been often quoted without context? The guy is mad at all the **** the American gov't has done to its own citizens. Isn't outrage warranted?

[JJJ]

Last night doesn't matter. If either one wins, LBJ's Great Society will pale in comparison to the things they have in mind!!!!

[FREEDOM OF SPEECH]

Ladies and gentlemen...we are living in an era of irreverent clowns (hiding behind their masks) in high-places...who obviously think we will go along with their buffoonery.

Where are our honest, forthright, egalitarian, ethical men and women of these United States of America. Stand up an be counted. Do not let the idiots, take over our beloved country.

[Unreal]

I thought it was great! The Media that is upset with the results of the debate are Pro- Obama and he came off flat...just down right bad. He had no answers. If the Dems put Obama against McCain they will surely loss. He came off like a big time amatuer...the Huffington post "Please"

[Andy from Seattle]

Having tuned in for only the latter half of the debate, I thought both candidates did a fine job. I could not tell that Obama had been more focused upon during the first 45 mins. What struck me about the debate is that it was no debate at all, it was more like a Sunday morning news interview show. Nothing I am hearing makes me change my view that Obama is brighter, more articulate, and gives the US a chance at a less cynical public discourse.