News-Record.com

I wish Gwen (who really should have been removed as moderator) would have asked two more questions:

Of Palin: How fair do you think the "gotcha" questioning of Couric was and have you ever gotten those things you promised her?

Of Biden: Why do you screw up so much and what exactly did you mean by calling your top of the ticket running mate "clean and articulate"

Gwen is/was a joke.

JR, you would never let a reporter moderate a debate if they were writing a book about that subject -- and it happened to come out on the day they would take office if they won (if they win the book gets purchased because the win confirms the premise of the book...)

No, I wouldn't. But I take McCain at his word that he had no problem with her.

I just thought she asked vague questions that only occasionally came close to the sorts of things that would have elicited information the American voter would have been interested in.

I wouldn't have asked your questions, either. :)

I just thought she asked vague questions that only occasionally came close to the sorts of things that would have elicited information the American voter would have been interested in.

Maybe Gwen should have asked Joe to expand his answer about how we kicked Hezbolla out of Lebanon, I would really like to have heard that, maybe it happened that time he was in the middle East and got shot at! Beau

A few more that might have been good:

* If you were president, what would bailout package you sent to Congress look like? Ignore the need for political compromise: if the world danced to your fiddle, what would have the government do right now?

* Would you, as was talked about with Vice President Cheney, ever vote for the so-called nuclear option in the Senate, that would attempt to redraw the majority rules of the chamber so that only 51 votes would be needed to pass legislation or approve a judicial appointment? Why or why not?

* How do you balance government openness versus the occasional need secrecy? Where does privileged end and the public's right to know begin? Outside of national security matters, does the public have the right to know who the vice president is meeting with and what they are talking to him/her about?

After being in Congress for so many years, what past political mistakes or miscalculations have changed the way you go about your decision-making process today?

BIDEN: "Mike Mansfield, a former leader of the Senate, said to me one day -- he -- I made a criticism of Jesse Helms. He said, "What would you do if I told you Jesse Helms and Dot Helms had adopted a child who had braces and was in real need?" I said, "I'd feel like a jerk."

He said, "Joe, understand one thing. Everyone's sent here for a reason, because there's something in them that their folks like. Don't question their motive."

I have never since that moment in my first year questioned the motive of another member of the Congress or Senate with whom I've disagreed. I've questioned their judgment."

How will the dynamics work between what you bring to the ticket (experience) versus Obama's strengths (vision and personality)?

BIDEN: "With regard to the role of vice president, I had a long talk, as I'm sure the governor did with her principal, in my case with Barack. Let me tell you what Barack asked me to do. I have a history of getting things done in the United States Senate. John McCain would acknowledge that. My record shows that on controversial issues. I would be the point person for the legislative initiatives in the United States Congress for our administration. I would also, when asked if I wanted a portfolio, my response was, no. But Barack Obama indicated to me he wanted me with him to help him govern. So every major decision he'll be making, I'll be sitting in the room to give my best advice. He's president, not me, I'll give my best advice.

And one of the things he said early on when he was choosing, he said he picked someone who had an independent judgment and wouldn't be afraid to tell him if he disagreed. That is sort of my reputation, as you know. I look forward to working with Barack and playing a very constructive role in his presidency, bringing about the kind of change this country needs."

John, are you proud of this crap being posted on your web site?:
http://blog.news-record.com/staff/culture/2008/10/sarah_palin_porn_is_a_go.shtml

If this is for real. Seems John needs to fire someone! TODAY!

Very disgusting content, even for the N&R. I thought you guys stuck to subtle liberal bias, but I guess all-out partisan attacks are now part of your repertoire.

Thanks JR.

But I actually think the questions I would have asked are more in line with what (and how) normal people think and talk about.

Palin seemed blindsided and Couric really was pushing a bit too hard. I'm sure many real people are wondering how a newcomer to 'real' Washington politics is feeling about the new level she's being exposed to.

I am also sure real people would wonder if she ever got that promised list for Couric.

These are just plain subjects and seem questions that an average PERSON -- not political 'Journalists' see fit to ask.

For Biden it's the first chance to really get to explain his 'clean and articulate' comment. And, it's quite well known that Biden is a walking gaffe machine... how does this happen? Is he too unrehearshed and trying to be folksy... or are these calculated things that go awry?

These questions are not normal for Journalists, but they would unveil quite a bit about each candidate.

The formula used today by political Journalists is not working -- like most traditional print 'Journalism': it takes everything entirely too seriously and everything those 'Journalists' do seems like a job interview for THEIR next job.

It's way past time to start getting real... even if 'real' questions seem laughable to you. Actually, you helped prove my point for me.

Have a good Monday!

Killian, got his point across, this is being emailed everywhere. Got mine over night. John, you now have a chance to prove your real character. A real company would fire this guy! Jaycee, they can not control what this jackass does, the proof in the pudding, is whether they fire him are not!