More oh-eight: YouTube fallout

Posted: Friday, November 30, 2007 9:04 AM by Domenico Montanaro

The Los Angeles Times delves into the conservative blogger angst over how Democratic partisans were allowed to ask questions in the debate. "A review by the Los Angeles Times of the debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube four months ago found that the Democratic presidential candidates also faced queries that seemed to come from the conservative perspective. At least two of the citizen-interrogators had clear GOP leanings."

McCain ripped CNN for the questioner who asked about gays in the military and who is part of a Clinton steering committee. "I think that should have been revealed," McCain said per the New York Post. "I think that should have been made public if this individual was a member of another . . . campaign. Then people would, obviously, have a better way of judging the quality of the question."

The Washington Post: "CNN Admits Holes in Screening of Questioners."

Meanwhile… “ABC News and WMUR-TV have announced back-to-back Democratic and Republican candidates' debates on Jan. 5. Fox News and the New Hampshire Republican Party plan a GOP debate Jan. 6. But New Hampshire GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen raises the prospect of Republican candidates skipping the WMUR debate in favor of the Fox event, both to be held at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown.”

EMAIL THIS

Comments

McCain is right that a connection to Clinton's campaign should have been revealed, the man did not merely submit a video, he was "in the audience", if CNN didn't know, it should have known. If CNN did know and choose not to disclose, it suffers from a lack of ethical standards.

I wouldn't vote for any of the Republicans, but when CNN fails to disclose, either because of questionable ethical standards, or laziness, that plays into the conservative belief that the media is left wing!

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:12 AM)

"I think that should have been made public if this individual was a member of another . . . campaign. Then people would, obviously, have a better way of judging the quality of the question."

So wait.. the "quality" of the question was worse because it came from a democratic candidate and not from a real person? Oh wait, Dem. candidates are real people too. I can't imagine that Hillary Clinton is the ONLY person in all of the United States who wanted to know an answer to that question. Republicans are showing more and more that they have not a snowballs chance in hell of winning in 08. It really is just pathetic how out of touch they are with reality.

Devin, Champaign, Illinois (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:22 AM)

These kind of "across the aisle" questions are quite appropriate and healthy for the process. The debate should be about the tough issues. Of course they'd rather be thrown softballs setting them up to discuss their favorite talking points.

Johnny U, WA State (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:23 AM)

CNN is a sham 'news' cable channel. They put out nothing but propagnda for the Democratic party. CNN is the official media wing for the Democrats.

Mary Roscoe, Pittsburgh PA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:28 AM)

So, I guess it's only "good" when conservative media pundits rip liberals and Democrats over the airwaves. It's only "good" when Tim Russert is going for Hillary's juggler.
But, it's a terrible travesty when CANTservatives have to answer a few questions from someone who isn't connected to the RNC, or FAUX Noise.
SCREW EM'!
As far as I'm concerned any "media bias" which favors the Democratic Party makes up for FAUX Moise's biased and INNACURATE coverage of political events, and the news in general. It makes up for 'round the clock rhetoric and propaganda from hate-speak radio announcers like Limbaugh, and Hannity.
As far as I'm concerned I'm all in favor of "Liberal Media Bias" and I think we should have MORE of it!

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:37 AM)

If you can't or won't answer the questions, why should we even consider voting for you? Once again, it looks like the Rethuglican view of unifying America is to agree with them or assume the position. Haven't we had enough wide stances for one political cycle?

Joe Einloth (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:40 AM)

What does it matter who the querstioner supports? It was a fair question that the GOP candidates would not have volunteered to answer if they had not been asked. It is important to know if the potential president of the US will represent EVERY american and not just a selected few who feel they are superior by reason of their religious faith and self presumed higher moral standards.

RAM (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:40 AM)

Republicans are big cry babies. They should be able to field questions from both sides of the aisle. If they can't than they shouldn't be a candidate for president. What....they only want right leaning questions and questioners???? Boo Hoo???

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:40 AM)

The point has been made that Candidates of either party should be able to answer any question posed to them concerning the problems of the country. We The People have had enough of a President who doesn't think about anything much. Lighten up, open up, speak up.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:40 AM)

A lot of hullaballoo about nothing. Who cares who asked the question if the question is valid? Just answer the questions, Candidate, we're all Americans, who, if you're hired, will be your employers. If you don't like the interview, maybe you're not suited for the position.

Jon, Memphis TN (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:45 AM)

Oh Please! These guys are gripping about being asked questions from partisians? I guess they expected to take a page out Bush's handbook and surround themselves with plants like good old Gannon. This debate only proved what I already knew. I will never vote for a republican for pres again. (local and gubnatourial are different) What about the middle class? global warming? Health care? Mike Huckabee seemed to be the only sincere man there. But because of his overly religous references I will not vote for him. The religous right has done enough damage.

Penguin (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:46 AM)

Re: Debate schedule: It goes like this. Hillary sent Bill out many moons ago with a task. Enter FOX's unsuspecting Chris Wallace who, toward the end of a rasonably good interview was suddenly and inexplicably attacked by Bill for furthering FOX's "agenda." Tantrum-Task completed. Follow up: Hillary and the also-running sheep had the cover they needed to avoid the FOX venue for debates. Result: the dems won't be truly tested until the general election (if then) when 30 second bites won't get it anymore no matter what the venue. Follow-up: planted questions, denials, smelly bookeeping, denials, revisionist Iraq history, denials, hollow, pandering promises (baby bonds, mandated health insurance,etc.)
But, for reasons I will never understand, the unthinking electorate still take these two seriously. Go figure.

Bunny (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 9:56 AM)

They don't call it the Clinton news Network for nothing.

of course the GOP will go to the Fox event.....
They have the one thing CNN and the democrats wished they had: Fair and balanced reporting......

Haven't heard any names being mentioned in the democratic debates where GOP people were allegedly used. Let's have a few names. A blogger for Fox found out the history of all the people who asked the GOP candidates questions in less then 3 hours. Can the democrat bloggers do the same?

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:04 AM)

If the Republican Candidates can't take questions from Liberal leaning Americans, how can we trust them to take on Al Qaida?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:05 AM)

Why would they want to filter questions by people from another party? Does the fact that they might have difficult questions make their questions any less valid? This should be true for BOTH parties. They should not have a censoring process to pre-screen all of the questions so that they are 'safe' to ask. I thought that was the purpose of these? So we could get to know who we are voting for.

Politicians are all idiots.

DJRumpy (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:07 AM)

Wonder why the question about the 2 trillion dollars taken from Social Security was side stepped so deftly. The "problem" would go away if that was replaced, along with interest generated

John Nelson (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:14 AM)

I thought the YouTube debates have been great and found them quite informative. I remember the first one with the Dems and recall those questions coming from conservatives and never thought twice about? I'm amazed at the whining from the Right which must be the result of the years in which Fox News has been perpetuating one sided news and I can see why, when they get a tough question instead answering the questions to these important matters they insult our intelligence change the subject with the help of the mass media to whether or not the person that asked the question is a supporter of Hillary or if the roles were reversed Rudy? Is this not a democracy and is it not reasonable to suggest that if a question on gay rights is asked it would come from progressive or liberal minded Americans? You in the media allow this whining from the right and always accuse Hillary especially for not either being pressed or asked and then not answering the question. So why is it that the Republican candidates and especially Rudy are never pressed by anyone in the media like the other night when Anderson Copper softball-ed the billing question to him?, which was by the way not one of Anderson Coppers best journalist performances...Where was Russet or Williams when you needed them?

Nick L, Elizabethtown, KY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:20 AM)

Poor baby Repubs, just can't handle it when someone asks them a question that isn't softball. No one complained when the question came up at the Dem Youtube debate when the guy described his gun as his baby & wanted to know how they'd protect his "baby."

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:24 AM)

The quality of the question? What does the backround of the person asking have to do with the question itself? Mc Cain is just looking for excuses.I think people can judge the quality of a question just fine themselves.

Jenn, Staten Island, NY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:27 AM)

I wonder if McCain or any of the other candidates had any comments on the audience's booing of Keith Kerr when all they knew about him was that he was a retired general of 40 years' service and openly gay.

Michael, Long Island, New York (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:31 AM)

Why does no one, Democrat or Republican, like being put on the spot anymore? Both sides campaign so much about being the truthful and honest candidate, yet they do not want to be placed on the spot by the other side as they do not have a prepackaged answer for that.

The state of politics on either side is extremely sad!

JCA, Richmond, VA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:37 AM)

Anyone running for President is running for a position of leadership for all Americans, not just Republicans or Democrats. How a Republican will answer the question of Democrats and vice versa is extremely relevant to primary voters as these are questions they will be forced to address if nominated.

I feel it's simply wrong to screen questioners at all, if a candidate can't handle a hostile question they have no business even attempting to become an American leader.

Mike Cooke, Astoria, NY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:37 AM)

I would bet my last dollar this was set up by Hillary who will do anything to win. This woman is dangerous to America and our freedoms. She is a known socialist and will try to destroy anyone in her way. People think she is so smart, do they know she flunked the bar exam the first time. She is raising money in Arkansas from the same people she called hicks when she first arrived in Arkansas. Personally i like Mike go Huckabee.

David Anders, Pharr, tx. (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:39 AM)

For once, I agree with the GOPers here. That debate was a complete sham that focused on cliche/stereotype questions about the GOP--not the great issues of our time. As much as I disagree with the other side on MOST issues, forcing them to again and again talk about biblical literalism and gays in the military is a joke and a disservice to the electorate. Coming on the heels of the pro-Hillary ridiculousness of the recent CNN Dem debate (where 90% of the crowd were here supporters and she was not pressed on ANYTHING), CNN has lost ALL CREDIBILITY as a serious news network in my opinion. They actually ran a story about the effects of booing during these last two debates, like it was some great trend or something. No, it turn the debates into some cock-eyed comedy skit. What a disgrace.

Jeff, Little Rock, AR (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:43 AM)

Jerry, Re: Debate schedule: It goes like this. Hillary sent Bill out many moons ago with a task. Enter FOX's unsuspecting Chris Wallace who, toward the end of a reasonably good interview was suddenly and inexplicably attacked by Bill for furthering FOX's "agenda." Tantrum-Task completed. Follow up: Hillary and the also-running sheep had the cover they needed to avoid the FOX venue for debates. Result: the dems won't be truly tested until the general election (if then) when 30 second bites won't get it anymore no matter what the venue. Follow-up: planted questions, denials, smelly bookeeping, denials, revisionist Iraq history, denials, hollow, pandering promises (baby bonds, mandated health insurance,etc.)
But, for reasons I will never understand, the unthinking electorate still take these two seriously. Go figure.

Bunny, Winston-Salem, NC (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:48 AM)

What's the matter with the cry-baby Republicans??? They only want soft ball questions from the right? Too bad...if they can't take the tough questions which they should be asked, then they shouldn't be running for president. For too long this group has been given a pass by the press and by their ability to screen out people with dissenting views. Boo Hoo....poor Republicans.

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:49 AM)

David Anders, are you paranoid or what??? Again I ask you what is wrong with any question being asked of any candidate? And why is Hillary Clinton dangerous to our freedoms and America and George Bush not? After all he is the one who has trampled all over the Constitution and our rule of law. He's the one who has no regard for the rights of the citizens of this country. You must be living in some alternate universe if you think that it's Hillary Clinton who is the threat. Perhaps you should do a little research before you make an idiot of yourself.

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:52 AM)

Under the new McCain "campaign law" must all citizens who have worked in government or received compensation through public funds (including employees of private agencies providing contractual services) disclose there enitre history of political "involvement" before asking candidates about their view?

Show me where a citizen's rights as a voter to question candidates for public office in a public forum somehow end when asking on your own time.

CNN may have used poor judgement, but if McCain (or any other candidate) can't handle a question from retired Gen. Kerr, now can voters be confident they as President could defend the nation?

Gary, Franklin, WI (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:52 AM)

Get a grip, people; this is POLITICS!! Republican plants, Dem plants, whoever---if the question is tough and puts you on the spot, cry foul. When I was a teacher and I asked something my students obviously hadn't studied for, they'd all cry "Trick Qustion!" If the question's tough, answer it. Then find out who asked it, but don't negate the question's seriousness by whining about who asked it.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 10:55 AM)

of course the GOP will go to the Fox event.....
They have the one thing CNN and the democrats wished they had: Fair and balanced reporting......
-Jerry
------
Jerry, are you kidding me! Fair and Balanced! Now I know you are nut. Even republicans I know admit that Fox is the GOP Pravda.

pat huntington ny (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:02 AM)

For David from PHARR tx, it is common for everyone to fail their Bar exams at least once. I know many lawyers who have failed more than once and have gone on to become extremely successful.

As for her being dangerous, is Gearge W your idea of what is good for America? Even his own party is abandoning him. He is the biggest failure in American history. A dog would make a better, more intelligent president than him

RAM (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:02 AM)

pat huntington ny (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:06 AM)

"I would bet my last dollar this was set up by Hillary who will do anything to win." Wow, if all Democrats have to do to beat the GOP is to ask them a question that didn't come from a friendly questioner the election will be walk in the park.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:07 AM)

Laurie i have a life,and i did my research and i guess you cant take the truth, and by the way george Bush has kept you and your liberal buddies from being attacked. You better get ready for all the truth ads that will be aired on Hillary. No doubt you are a womens lib and would vote for the devil if a woman, so you are voting the right way.

David Anders, Pharr, tx. (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:08 AM)

David & Jerry, What's dangerous is the fraud in the White House now. I hardly think you could even remotely compare a 29% approval as it stand now for Bush and when Clinton left office it was 64%. I know in your twisted Fox News universe that the opposite is true and the suspending of critical thought is your best defense against the truth and the use of mirrors. Ignorance must be bliss since you seem to get pleasure out of it?

Nick L. (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:09 AM)

When will people drop the labels of Republican/Democrat and judge someone by the content of their character???

For goodness sakes people please check out RON PAUL. His message is FREEDOM from the government and tyranny. Anything less than that isn't worth the poo i stepped in yesterday.

P.S. Thank you for participating! Most people are slugs when it comes to actual action.

Nathan, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:09 AM)

David what's dangerous is the fraud in the White House now. I hardly think you could even remotely compare a 29% approval as it stand now for Bush and when Clinton left office it was 64%. I know in your twisted Fox News universe that the opposite is true and the suspending of critical thought is your best defense against the truth and the use of mirrors. Ignorance must be bliss since you seem to get pleasure out of it?

Nick L. Elizabethtown, KY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:13 AM)

Mary Roscoe, from Pittsburgh PA., siad she thinks that CNN is nothing but an arm of the Democratic party. I thought CNN is an arm of the Republican party. I guess CNN is impartial. It is just Mary and I that are not impartial.

Art Deckard, Vancouver, Wa (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:19 AM)

Why does it matter who asks the questions? As long as they are legitimate questions then anyone, whether democrat or republican, should be allowed to ask a potential President of the United States a question. Just because it's a republican debate means that only republicans can ask the questions? That's ludicrous. If McCain can't take questions from democrats then he shouldn't be running for the presidency. What does he think if he wins he will only govern for the republicans? Oh wait, I guess that's the way it is now so maybe he DOES think that is the way it should be.

Joe, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:19 AM)

Why have we come to this level low level of affairs when politicians seem tp "buy" into the Msm, Cnn, and similar venues and deprive the public of objective news reporting. Has the press and CNN taken over the role of electing officials?? Is this why We the Public have no trust in the News Media and see the demise of the Newsppaper Industry, ( Ny Times and Co)?????

Len , Alexandria, KY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:20 AM)

The question I have is this:
All candidates should be able to welcome questions from ALL voters.. This would be a fair and balanced way to conduct a Debate where relevant questions about Edyucation, Social security,military, National Defense, Medicare, entitlements need to be discussed... But the meaningless planted questions which left everyone wondering what went on at CNN is really a travesty ...SO what will the Future Debates look like?? A CNN Joke or a Serious one like NBC and Fox conducted???

Len , Alexandria, KY (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:24 AM)

A plant for another campaign or not, He's still an American Citizen and these men are running to become the President of these United States. Answer the question. Candidates whining about the affiliation of a citizen asking them a question is like griping about what color of apples went into the apple pie you are eating - even though its good pie.

Berto Huste, Coeur d'Alene, ID (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:34 AM)

We're worried here about "plants" put into the audience at a debate? Get real people. There are much bigger issues here, then "planted questions"...what about the direction this country is heading in? What about the threat of Iran attacking Israel? While Iran stalls the United Nations, and continues building their nuclear program, and makes threats towards Israel and the West....there is another threat at home. That's the threat of our "free Republic" being turned into a Socialist State, should a certain "individual rights"-hating candidate get into office. Wake up America, or soon you will no longer truly be "free", if we even really are now.

Todd Louis (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:37 AM)

Todd Louis, Oak Park, Michigan (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:39 AM)

Tied for first in Iowa, tied for second in NH, tied for first in Florida, not to mention strong and improving in every state, plus Michigan, South Carolina. Mike Huckabee is winning the nomination with positive, "Vertical" politics. That's what America wants. Someone who is honest, humble, and is "for the people." Get ready for a Huckabee-McCain ticket. Bring It On!! Hillary

Josh C., MS (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:44 AM)

Just answer the question!

Andrea, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:45 AM)

I am as republican as one can get, but I have to say, they should field that question. However, it should be noted that this is a republican debate, and there will be plenty of time for Hillary to ask that one herself in the future debates. It seems the point is to show that the media is left-biased enough to let it happen not necessarily to avoid a question they should all be able to answer.

Sam, Augusta, GA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:46 AM)

As a registered Independent voter, this election campaign has been hopeful, if anything. The usual
"Beltway" candidates are clearly defined and finally
the voters of America are getting a clear picture of
who they are. I applaud all the candidates who have
kept their composure and not turned to the "dark side"
of nasty name calling and stuck to the issues.

John McCain is clearly not the choice of any majority
and his tirades and unfair personal attacks on others running for President will surely close this chapter.

America will not be fooled again...

The horse of nation building is dead, Sen. McCain,
could you please stop beating it with a stick and
move on.

And on that note, I just want to notify the McCain camp that Ron Paul just broke the $10 million mark
for the fourth quarter... that's got to really sting.

Jim, Wis., USA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:48 AM)

All you have to do is look at who CNN put in the audience at the 2 debates from the Military. At the Dems a mother and her soldier son who were against the war and at the GOP a retired solider asking about Gays in the military. It speaks to the whole tone of both debates. Softballs vs Got ya

Rick Walker (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 11:49 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=489008