Very tough first half for Obama

Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:51 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
The Obama folks may complain about the lopsided questioning in the first 40 minutes but the bottom line is that he didn't perform very well. His answer on Ayers and the flag question were simply weak; He seemed unprepared for them; Kinda surprising because he normally has a decent rant against "old politics" and yet "old politics" questions seemed to stump him.

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Comments

Jesus ABC this is a GRILL JOB. Unbelievable how one sided this is. A circus - no real issues being discussed, it's like a reality show.

Mark F, NC (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:57 PM)

I couldn't disagree more. Senator Obama answered the questions the only way he can - truthfully. Sorry if it didn't turn you on Chuck.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:58 PM)

These commentators are ridiculous as are the questions posed--what is this 'gotcha'? I'm disappointed in the flow of questions and on the intent of the broadcast network. Do they honestly believe this is what we want to talk about? Why don't you write that!!!!! It's politics as usual.

Dr. Darla Wilshire (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:58 PM)

Which debate are you watching? I think he gave great answers to those questions, especially when he said President Clinton pardoned two weather underground people.

Venkat, Sterling, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:59 PM)

Obama is "old politics". In fact, he didn't wait until after he was president, like Clinton did, to cash in big on book deals. He's ahead of the game when compared to the Clintons.

Arnie Dunks (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:00 PM)

A lot of times the media's take is a lot different from the people that matter Chuck. THE VOTERS.

Andre, Daphne, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:00 PM)

Chuck,

You have been slamming Obama since this morning. If you have issues with this candidate you shouldn't be a political director for MSNBC. Bow out now.

Anthony Alvarez, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:01 PM)

Obama did just fine... even if the "refs" are in the Clintons pocket. He is right on about the ridiculous topics they want to discuss / go after. What difference does it make to me and my family who is grade school teacher was?

NV - New Hampshire (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:02 PM)

Heavens above - Chuck! He was being ambushed on stuff which is not interesting and not relevant. This kind of stuff and comments like yours result in these despicable sound byte politics which we're stuck with. What did you want? A one liner that brought the house down? That's the politics of the tabloid newspaper. Barack in all cases gave nuanced and subtle answers. I think he performed very well - about the flag pin: he wasn't about to say they were tacky was he?

Martin (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:02 PM)

I hope Obama got his shots before the debate. I mean, mingling with the common folk, you never know what you might catch.

Jerry Cee, Krendall PA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:03 PM)

Interesting, I actually thought that Obama dealt well with the attacks. He is not at his sharpest, but he certainly has not harmed himself!

Brian Little, Oak Park, IL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:03 PM)

Shame on you Chuck Todd, SHAME ON YOU. Did you know that George got that question from being on the Sean Hannity Radio Show? Bet you didnt. If Ayers is so important, why have you guys asked him about that in your numerous debates?

hnmnf (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:04 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
There are so many skeletons falling out of Obama's closet he'll never get them all back in.

twocanpete (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:04 PM)

I disagree also..I believed he handled them well...spin on Chuck you guys just want to keep Hillary in the race

Tom (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:04 PM)

This is the worst debate I have ever seen. These questions illustrate why Americans are so fed-up with politics. They don't see any substantive debate on the issues. Only reality-TV-Show drama. Honestly, we care about REAL stuff, not a freaking flag-pin. At least Obama is getting "vetted" so he will fare well against McCain in November.

Bonnie S (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:04 PM)

What is Chuck Todd talking about. Sen. Obama looks more presidential than Clinton tonight. This debate is a joke. Just like the forum Chris Matthews had with Sen. McCain. Waste of viewing time. It seems that the sole intent of tonight's debate is to focus on so-call negativities on Obama. Chuck, I often side with you but not on this subject.

Richard, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:06 PM)

The FLAG question, Chuck? Obama didn't fare well on the FLAG question? Come on! Maybe he expected a real debate. I'll tell you what, if Clinton puts in one more plug for her freaking website, I'm gonna hurl. It's tacky.

sherri (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:06 PM)

ABC has been disgusting for the last hour. They spent a full hour crucifying Obama and not talking about Clinton's gaffes, but allowing her of course unlimited time to reinforce the attacks by simply saying, "And Senator Clinton, your response?" If they want to continue bringing up weak criticisms of Obama, then why shouldn't they do the same for Clinton?

Of course Daily Kos is pointing out that Stephanopoulos wrote down questions like the one about Ayers while on Sean Hannity's show yesterday. So I guess he takes his cues from Fox News??? Oh and let's not forget that Stephanopoulos worked in the Clinton White House - but he's not biased, riiiight???

After calling my family in the heartland at the break, I have to disagree with your assessment Chuck. You and the rest of the media suggesting that you can assess this from a regular American's point of view is absurd, I'm sorry - you're out of touch. My family thought he was rising above it and was the only one pointing out that Americans want to hear about real issues, not this gotcha game that the Beltway likes to play to create news stories (especially those that have their own names attached so they can bask in their own vanity) where none exist.

MK, Baltimore, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:07 PM)

What terrible moderating. It took 45 minutes to get to the real issues? A flag lapel pin took precedent over Iraq? Goodness gracious!

Laura Harrison, Newport News, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:08 PM)

N0 FOLLOW QUESTIONS ON HILLARY'S BOSNIA LIE.
OBAMA IS ANSWERING THIS WELL, CHUCKIE. PEOPLE ARE SICK OF THESE DISTRACTING QUESTIONS THAT DO NOT AFFECT THEIR LIVES AND THERE WILL BE A BACKLASH AGAINST CLINTON AND YOU THE MEDIA. YOU ARE FALLING FOR THESE WEDGE ISSUES AND I PRAY THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF NOTHING GETTING DONE BECAUSE OF THESE POORLY COVERED ELECTIONS. IT'S NOT ABOUT THE HORSE RACE, IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT DIVIDES US; IT IS ABOUT THE ISSUES. GET TO IT, CHUCKIE!

SEAN DALLAS TX (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:08 PM)

Finally! They must have listened to Sean Hannity on Fox. ABC, thank you for finally addressing issues that need to be of ALL CANDIDATES, especially Obama who NO ONE KNOWS OF. Being president is too critical to have any neophyte. I might need to ask that CNN and MSNBC not to do debates of candidates.

I can't believe all these issues were not brought up before during debates. Unbelievable. I know Edwards is P-I-S-T right now.

Objective Analysis (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:08 PM)

I agree with all the comments,This is really disappointing on ABC part. The gentlemen that are asking the questions are doing a very poor job. It seems they are against Obama.Let have a fair debate. The issues is all I want to hear or I am going to turn and watch CSI.

Rochella Alozie, Herndon, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:09 PM)

What a lame debate. Is this meant to boost McCain or Clinton? Are these questions serious? Who cares about lapel pins? Probably the same people who would vote for someone based on their wanting to have a beer with them. This debate is very, very bizarre.

Jill, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:09 PM)

There should be a BOYCOTT OF ABC until they apologize to American People for putting on such a despicable debate.

A BOYCOTT OF ALL PROGRAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

justwaitandsee (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:10 PM)

I think he seems a little off too (from the parts I've seen, maybe the last fifteen minutes). He seems tired and parsing his words carefully. I mention this because I've also noticed it in Clinton of late. I think physically the campaigning just takes a toll. I think we can all understand that. 3 a.m. poof, they need to be sleeping!

Lisa in working class New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:11 PM)

Should rename the network MONBC. More Obama National Broadcast Company.

Satch Martin (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:12 PM)

Crap debate. George Steph sucks....

Ky Observer (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:16 PM)

Worst debate ever.

Jill, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:17 PM)

What a farce.

No disclosure about Stephanopoulos's ties ti the Clinton White House.

The director cuts away twice for reaction shots from Chelsea & once for Wes Clark nodding his head.

Now, Gibson is using different tones for the candidates.

Greg P., Winnipeg, Canada (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:18 PM)

This is the worst debate I have ever seen in my entire life. I have never seen a debate so one sided. You would almost think George S. worked for the Clintons. Oh wait. HE DID.

Josh Pittsburgh (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:20 PM)

Obama walked into an ambush and i think he did well considering the situation. George S. should not have been one of the moderators.

Eric, Denver (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:20 PM)

Let's see...

No questions on Clinton vs Clinton & Penn on Free Trade.

No questions on the HALF-BILLION library fund.

No questions on Hillary now going after China on labor's behalf after spending five years on the Wal-Mart board.

I'm surprised how imbalanced the questioning has been.

Greg P., Winnipeg, Canada (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

ABC = HRC

Anyone actually remember that George S. was an advisor for President Clinton. Does not seem so balanced now does it... they might as well had Bill O' Riely moderating this one...

EJ, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

George Stephanopoulos's questions about Ayers and seemingly every known associate of Barack Obama sounded too much like HUAC and "Tailgunner Joe" McCarthy in the 1950's. It's bad enough when Hillary and the press channel Karl Rove; now, they're channeling Joe McCarthy.

Billy Jack, Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

Pathetic job moderating. Where's Matthews!?

Randy E (SC)e (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

Chuck...
I'm shame of ABC..

MAP,Sr (Montgomery, AL) (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

Chuck--you have now lost my respect. And ABC--you no longer exist on my TV changer. I never watch FOX, and it appears you are in FOX's pocket. Thank you for pointing out that Steph got info from FOX news (and I use the term loosely). I'm thoroughly disgusted...

Dr. Darla Wilshire (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

Yeah, all three threw nothing but red herrings his way, and said catch, catch, catch. But, if God is on his side, it will be alright. I believe it will.

donna, pgh., pa. (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

I do not see A flag pin on Sen. Clinton why was she not asked about it. I think Sen. Obama is doing a great job ! This debate is a joke. I am going to boycott ABC!

Lori, Fishers IN (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

I have to say have been rather surprised by Chuck's assessment, he has proved to be pretty fair on previous occasions on this one. It was to be expected that as the marginal front runner and with a former Clinton employee as morderator, Obama was going to face a tougher grilling. But by I take the contrary view that he dealt well with all the attacks. I will give you the benefit of the doubt on this one Chuck and leave it as a difference in perspective.

Brian Little (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

Chuck Todd:

Just another talking head who thinks he knows more than he does.

It's apparent to most people, other than the intelligensia, e.g Chuck, when the fix is in. How does this qualify as a "debate" Chuck? Isn't this more like an inquisition by a former employee of Bill Clinton?

Why don't you try some objectivity for a change?

Grant Schuetz, Edmonds, WA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:26 PM)

I have written to all the networks, etc asking for fair coverage and accurate journalism. i do believe this has become too much to ask for, which is sad...........because I now realize I spent a year in the Iraqi desert, so that this biased reporting could continue. The networks should be above this. Obviously the sensationalism gets the better ratings? I am glad that my family and I can use our gray matter to make our decisions.

Barbara Slater (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 PM)

The Ayers question is the one Sean Hannity gave to Stephanopolous yesterday on his show. Sean Hannity told him to ask the question, and Steph said he was writing it down. NEARLY WORD FOR WORD! Pass it on - do we want Sean Hannity writing debates for Democrats? This is absolutely despicable - that Sean Hannity (Rush Limbaugh's Gilligan) could direct this line of questioning! Please write ABC now for this ridiculous Sean Hannity question.

Erick J (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:31 PM)

Yes chuck they stump him because he is a moron

Pissed in Pa (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:33 PM)

The debate was unfair to Obama, honestly. HRC was smiling all the way the first 45mins.
It's obvious.George S was lousy.
I'm an educated Asian immigrant. I'm not biased towards a white/black since I have friends from both sides.
What I valued is truthfulness.

bk (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:34 PM)

ABC News feedback:
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346

I'm letting them know how pathetic I find this moderating.

Randy E (SC) (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:35 PM)

Chuck, what are you smoking? You need to sober up in time to appear on Countdown and offer your usual, even-handed assessment of the race. Three against one, and Obama is beating the lot of them.

TrueBlue Hussein (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:36 PM)

Chuck...this is more than "lop-sided"...this is a joke! This isn't a debate at all.

Best line of the night was Obama asking if he should also apologize for Sen. Coburn's remarks about giving the death penalty to abortion providers just because they are friends in the Senate.

Jill (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:36 PM)

I think Chuck's analysis was right on. Obama's problem is still related to Obama's lack of expertise in debates versus Clinton. The unbalanced opening questions didn't help at all.

Greg P., Winnipeg, Canada (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:39 PM)

This is NOT a debate on ABC "news" and I use that term sparingly, it took an hour to get to an issue. This is more than RIDICULOUS!!!!!!! It looks to me like this is nothing more than a lets all get the next Democratic nominee Senator Obama, so tell me ABC "news" are you owned by the republican party like Fix News or are you all just AS*HOLES?

DJ, Tallahassee (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:40 PM)

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