Inside PBS Blog

There may be an unfinished post out there in the land of Oz.

#1 - I would like to know which person/people Gwen would credit as being her mentor as she came along. She may want us to believe that she was born as a savvy journalist, but I think that she grew into it.

#2 - During the NewsHour and Washington Week all of you journalists not only dig out the news for us, but you all seem to enjoy what you do and your collegues much more than a lot of people enjoy what they do. Or are you all excellent actors?

Thanks so much. Gwen, you're one of the best!!

Hi Gwen,

Thanks for answering questions! I am a news junkie and love to watch you on NewsHour and Washington Week.

My question... I was so upset to hear about your fellow media talk show host Tim Russert's passing. As a huge fan of Meet the Press, I'm feeling a hole in my Sunday mornings as NBC tries to fill his shoes. Do you have any interest in the gig?

Thanks!!!

Dear Gwen,
I admire your work and enjoy watching you. Who has been the toughest interview for you and why? Who would you like to interview you?

Thanks!
L.J.

How would you compare your broadcast work on PBS with your print work for the New York Times?

The media all-but-unanimously pronounced Colin Powell's fact-challenged Feb. 2003 UN presentation "compelling."

As a direct result, the public supported a disastrous and unnecessary war.

What has changed in Beltway reporting as a result of this deadly fiasco?

I know he's had his 2nd heart attack(?) since 1998. Is he okay? Will he return to the News Hour? I can't believe we haven't heard word one about his prognosis...I'm hoping this gaff will be repaired soon. Thanks so much.

Dr. Jennifer Manlowe

Did the Pentagons use of former analyst to promote the Iraq war in American media violate the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948?

I would like to know who is gaining the big profit from the current high gas prices: the well owner? the oil refiner? the gas station on the corner? Someone else?

With all the talk about FISA, why isn't it explained more clearly for people who aren't political junkies and are just getting interested because of the presedential election? Thank you. Can you offer a simple explanation?

I have constantly been amazed at your ability to cut through side issues proposed by others - whether talking heads or guests - and return a topic to its core issues.

That seems to be at the root of why I always enjoy hearing your views - on Washington Week in review - even when you are not the interviewer.

Many times a host - mostly on 'commercial' stations but even here on PBS -will seem to shout over guests. I hate that and watch such shows less as a result. I will not name names or programs in this paragraph.

But I wonder at the blurring of that as a distinction between PBS and 'commercial' stations. It seems that some stations believed they found a growth model through that as an emphasized 'mode of operation.'

Do you think that some the "shout fests" that distract viewers from core issues are beginning to enjoy an insidious growth here on PBS?

Gwen....my wife and I are big fans of yours.....2 comments...
1. who ever is in charge of your lighting on Wash. week should get big kudos....always makes you look the best of all the other programs you are on...
2. Whoever selects your clothes, (maybe you).....also gets the gold medal.....you always look really fantastic.
Tom
Toronto, Canada

Your interview of Al Gore last year begin rather abruptly:

GWEN IFILL: Mr. Vice President, welcome.

AL GORE, former vice president of the United States: Thank you.

GWEN IFILL: The book reads as a screed. It's an attack on media, on politics, and mostly against George W. Bush. Is that what you intended?

What specifically in the book in your view reduced it to the level of a screed? Looking through it on line I find quotes such as: "To the extent that money and the clever use of electronic mass media could be used to manipulate the outcome of elections, the role of reason began to diminish." Here is an excerpt from Time: "It is too easyâ€"and too partisanâ€"to simply place the blame [for what is wrong with our democracy] on the policies of President George W. Bush." Does this read as more of a screed than PBS guest Pat Buchanan's work?

Gwen over at the blog Firedoglake during a discussion about who would fill Tim Russerts shoes I suggested that you would be the person I would choose, but wondered out loud whether you would be willing to take a step down in integrity and step up in power and money? Someone at FDL said that there was "bad blood"between you and MSNBC...or maybe NBC. Is this true?

You would be my pick to fill Russert"s shoes. You are an incredible moderator. Would you take that job if offered?

Gwen, now that computers are getting involved in government, what do you think are the chances that direct democracy movements like the Metagovernment ( http://www.metagovernment.org ) could succeed?

You always have a firm grasp on the issues you address in your roundtable discussions. How many hours do you spend reading background resources on the issues? Whom do you consult with the most in preparing for your discussions? Who do you think was the smartest person you've ever interviewed or held a discussion with? Who do you think was the worst prepared? What was the most unexpected reaction from one of your guests?

I watch the News Hour every day. It is the only reliable source of news for me. 24 hour news channels are complete garbage in my opinion. You never get the full story from them and you never get expert, in depth analysis from the reporters. The're too busy trying to look and sound good. You, on the other hand, look good, sound good and are so smart. Keep up the great work. People like you and the News Hour are essential for our democracy and humanity as a whole. Your smile lights up my plasma screen!

Hi Gwen, you are a hum-dinger.

Here is my question:

To Senator Obama and to Senator McCain-
and to every member of Congress.

You swore to defend and protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. That was your oath of office.

The FISA bill is an attack of the Constitution and Lawful government.
Why aren't you defending the Constitution against it?

Dear Gwen -

I was struck by your ability not to be outraged whle I listened to your interview with the Zimbabwe ambassador to the US (or UN??) who was justifying his government's decision to go ahead with election despite the global community condemnation.

My question is: How do you manage to keep your personal politics at arm's length when you are engaging with people who are dissembling/dishonest/representing the dark side of humanity?

Dave
London, UK

Hello Gwen

My wife and I in Perth west Australia try not to miss any of your broadcast replayed for Australian viewers.We enjoy your skillfull
interviews and thoughful questioning.

Here in Australia we were living with gasoline prices of $4.73 per gallon which has now jumped to $6.00.

My question is? Would the price drop if the President threatended
to release supplies from the strategic reserve.?
What lasting effect would it have on the price speculation?

Hi Gwen. I've watched The News Hour regularly since I was a young adult (I've in my mid forties now). One of the things I enjoy about the program is the unbiased reporting. In depth news coverage about issues which affect Americans and the world as a whole. No matter what the subject.

I have noticed, however, you seem to have a clear political bias towards the republican party and the conservative agenda. While no specific references come immediately to mind, my partner and I have observed this, particularly during this campaign primary season and now the general election campaign.

My question then is, why do you allow your personal political bias interfere with your professional responsibilities?

Thank you for your response.

DangerWillRobinson

Why should people trust the information from a "news" program that is sponsored by The National Mining Association, Boeing, and Constellation Energy?

1. Back in 2006, you offered two guests discussing an issue, and they turned out to be on basically the same side. Have you considered that debates between two people who basically agree is how things were done in the Soviet Union and how things should not be done in the U.S.?

Details:

lonewacko.com/blog/archives/006003.html

2. At a "average voter" panel you moderated, a supposed "regular voter" (who turned out to be a wonk) made various inflammatory claims, none of which you called him on. Why didn't you do that? Was he a "plant", similar to what CNN did with audience members with their debates? And, why couldn't you find a regular voter who supports our laws?

Details:

lonewacko.com/blog/archives/005823.html

1. Politicians and commentators with an admitted bias on a position often produced facts to support their side of an argument. What do you do to ensure that these facts accurate? I ask this only because increasingly in various news organizations I see commentators use weak or unsupportable facts and their claims go unchallenged.

2. The Bush Administration has been famous for not engaging with the press and particularly with reporters they are concerned will press them on an issue. Have you experienced this problem? How do you strike a balance between robust coverage and agreeing to constraints made by the administration so as to get an interview?

Ms. Ifill,

I find your talent to be eclipsed only by your beauty! Your smile is as intense as your interviews. I have been one of your biggest fans for several years now and I have notice that you are not married; either your work schedule is just that busy or the gentlemen in our capital have lost their collective minds.

I hope that your name is at the top of the list of those worthy of following in the footsteps of your former boss and mentor (another one of my favorites) Tim Russert. Continued success to you!

Regards,

Treadwell47

Dear Gwen,

I think that you'd be the perfect person to fill the now empty Tim Russet spot at Meet the Press. You have a lot of credibility, have been a moderator of a serious, terrific political show. I think that picking you for the spot would show that the people at NBC really want the best person for the job.

There has been a lot of talk about how well-prepared and how persistent Tim Russert was as an interviewer. But while TR was better than most (You are, IMO, among his few peers), he was always forced to stop short of the truth, especially when the truth meant exposing the lies of a high-profile guest "get" and potentially alienating the show and reducing its chances of ever again securing an interview with the subject. Dick Cheney's "Aluminum Tubes" visit to MTP, the one that Bill Moyers rightly exposed in "Buying the War," is probably the most glaring example of this sad phenomenon. Without access to the "best" guests, a show dies. But using that access to ask demanding questions (and then not settling for prepared spin) can also be death for a show. In the end, isn't it true that this dynamic ensures that TV news interview shows are doomed to deliver pablum and prefab "answers"?

Thanks.

Gwen, First I want to say I admire your work and like the way you report the news. The question I have concerns the price of oil and how it is effecting every aspect of our lives. I live 50 miles from a huge oil find in Montana. Everyday I see oil tankers , many oil tankers going north for this oil. The Bakken shale formation is a proven thing in our part of the world. We know oil companies are not doing everything to get this oil out of the ground. We know they have offshore leases they are not drilling on. I guess my question is why isn't more pressure being put on oil companies to quit playing games . To do the right thing for the people in THEIR country. And one last comment we hear everyday about no new oil refineries being built. I live 200 miles from to huge oil refineries, actually 3. Exxon, Conoco and Cenex. All of these refineries have dramatically increased in size in the last 20 years. Increasing capacity, building new storage, and upgrading big time. So don't tell me no new refineries. Do some reporting on how refineries have increased in size that is a story. Thanks for your time, Sandy

I would like to know ,why hasn't the media pickup Ethe people hasn't said to any of our presidential candidates that the Voting Act that is past do to become law. People don't even think about people coming in to the country and becoming U.S. citizens while blacks who have been here for centuries still have to have a act that has to be signed every 7 years that can be done by Mr. Obama if this does happen how and why would he even sign a act that would be so past do that it would be morally wrong .

Gwen; I would like to know if Barak Obama is a Muslim? Peace be upon you. Ahmed

When is the CPB going to start reporting independently and stop acting like another propaganda arm of the Bush White House?

Further, are you planning to regurgitate American government propaganda to start more illegal, immoral, and unnecessary wars of aggression that ruin the nation, murder innocent people, and drain the blood of our youth and the national treasury?

I would like to know. If so, I will continue boycotting your biased, garbage, lightweight news coverage and telling everyone that they shouldn't waste their time on it. If not, then I will return to being a donating supporter.

Thanks,
Wexler

Can terrorist organizations and drug cartels "park" their excess dollars in oil futures markets without the United States government ever finding out about those transaction?

Why do I know so much more than you do Gwen? You are a pleasant person, but our country is in crisis. Ask a real question for a change . . . do a little of that journalism thing . . . please?

Seymour Hersh is reporting that our troops are already fighting inside of Iran. There is a private corporate controlled military force that is driving around killing Iraqi civilians.

I know its pledge week but . . . please . . . please . . . report the news before its too late.

Maybe it is already.

"87 channels and nothing on..."
Just saw this page and wanted to take the opp to say how grateful I am that there IS something worthwhile to watch - Washington Week and the McNeil-Lehr news hour - esp. with Gwen.
There's intelligence - common sense - depthful reporting - no stupid transitions - if something is sad they're not smiling through it - and your sense of humor and warmth adds so much. I turn off the tube feeling there IS some logic left in the world.

Thank you
Jackie

Ms. Ifill, you have mentioned that you have enjoyed social evenings with Secretary Rice. Has this led you to treat her differently? Are you perhaps more harsh in order to avoid the appearance of favoritism? Do you think you owe it to your viewers to detail your social interactions with her?
Are there other newsmakers with whom you socialize? If so, do these relationships cause you to report differently, and should we viewers know about them?
Some bloggers have posited the concept of a 'village' in DC that includes journalists as well as their subjects in a self-protective network of associations. Have you ever seen evidence of this effect?
Thank you,
Peter Crowley

What a completely sad and sorry excuse for any kind of news outlet you are. Pathetic.

Why is it that corporate commentators rapidly fall into line with vague Orwellian changes in language? As an example using "harsh interrogations techniques simulating drowning" rather than torture and water boarding or even the term coined by Torquemada during the Inquisition- "the Water Cure?"

The changes, similar to the non-reporting of civilian deaths in our wars tend to make our newscasts of our activities less repulsive.

Hi Gwen-
Thanks, as always.

Could you offer some insight on how stories are developed for the NewsHour. Do you consult as a team (Ray Suarez, Jeffrey Brown, and others) or are reports developed entirely independent of each other? I ask because sometimes the program seems particularly well-crafted with stories that build on each other. I'm curious to know how that happens.

Hi Gwen, I remember you from Meet the Press and I loved you on the show. I just did not know your name until Tim had passed. My question is what was like to work with Tim Russert?? I am also becoming a fan of yours on Washington Week. If I can't have Tim, I can have my friends on MSNBC and Al Hunt on Bloomsberg.

One other thing, the next time you are in Atlanta, give a bigger plug. I missed out on seeing John Harwood, who is also another one of my
faves.

Hi Gwen, I remember you from Meet the Press and I loved you on the show. I just did not know your name until Tim had passed. My question is what was like to work with Tim Russert?? I am also becoming a fan of yours on Washington Week. If I can't have Tim, I can have my friends on MSNBC and Al Hunt on Bloomsberg.

One other thing, the next time you are in Atlanta, give a bigger plug. I missed out on seeing John Harwood, who is also another one of my
faves.

As much as I tire over the decades debate regarding women's pro choice and pro life stance, I am particularily interested in Sarah Palin's response to the question of " Do you support the rights of women to choose either abortion or a preventative measure such as birth control" ? Because we know that Sarah Palin is pro life ; what we don't know is if Palin is also against birth control and sex education. Many pro life advocates DO NOT believe in birth control and want to RESTRICT women's access to birth control in all sorts of ways (lack of insurance coverage, severe overcharging and passing state bills to deny a pharmacist filling a birth control prescription because of religious reasons). So I think the question is very relevant to this election and would prefer to hear Palin speak to this issue not only from her own experience but for all women. What is her position; one of prevention or one of restriction or ??? We are listening. Judith Ingram

Why were important foreign policy questions not asked during the Sept 26th presidential debate? The important issues relating to causes of terrorism, identification and recruitment of supporting nations, reactions to France's leadership in the Russian invasion of Georgia, role of congress in declaring and ending war,etc.were among issues not addressed. There did not appear to be any clear winners of the debate but unfortunately Jim Lehrer, one of the world's nicest person, was a loser in his role as moderator and question chooser.

In a debate with Giuliani and Romney, John McCain said,"I have had a strong and a long relationship on national security, I've been involved in every national crisis that this nation has faced since Beirut, I understand the issues, I understand and appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face from radical Islamic extremism. I am prepared. I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training. I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time."
[John McCain--explaining at an Oct. 2007 debate why Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney are not qualified to be president]

Sarah Palin, why are you more prepared and qualified to be president than Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani?

It's been widely touted on the news this week that Sarah Palin is sequestered in "Debate Camp" to bone up for the debate this Thursday night.

But the "job" of Vice-President, or heaven forbid, President, that could confront her is something that cannot be "crammed for." I'm a Vietnam Veteran, never been in politics, but I know a LOT more about our country, other countries, economics and the world situation that she does, with years of reading, study and actual experience overseas as well as running my own company. That is experience that's in my bones, so to speak.

Though almost ANYONE can cram for a big test, and even do well at it, do they have the knowledge, experience and ability to USE that knowledge after that test is over? When you're given the answers to possible questions, does that give you ANY of the knowledge you need to go out in that field and actually do something with them? If someone crams for an exam in medicine or science or any field that requires more than mere scholarship, would you trust them to diagnose an illness, perform an operation, build a bridge, tunnel, or even a home?

Some might, but not anyone I know.

Thank you.

Hi Gwen:

I have a question for Governor Palin

Can you tell us what the job of Vice President is NOT within the Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branch?

Hi Gwen:

I have a question for Governor Palin

Can you tell us what the job of Vice President is NOT within the Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branches?

Hi Gwen,

Please ask Governor Palin this:

Your decision for you, your husband and senior staff not to testify in "troopergate" makes you look guilty - AND that you are following the example of V.P. Cheney. Is Dick Cheney your role model for Vice President?

i would like to know how sarah palin can kill animals if she is so pro life.

Do you not think it is an OUTRAGE and a complete collapse of journalistic integrity for you to moderate the Vice-Presidential debate while you stand to profit from a Pro-Obama book?

I call on you to step down immediately...

Why is your book set to be released on Inaguation Day?

Are you expecting Obama to win and boost your sales?

Do you want Obama to win and boost your sales?

If so, how can you claim be impartial?

Why don't you step down as moderator of this debate, now that your bias has been
exposed?

I have a question I would love to have answered by these Vice-Presidential candidates:
I consider myself Pro-Life AND Pro-Choice. Why is it impossible in this country to have public policy that severely restricts abortion while at the same time, encouraging women's reproductive choice in every other aspect: accessible and affordable birth control and contraception, family planning, intelligent sex education?
Thank you.

Ethics, Honesty and Integrity.

Gwen, here are some questions for your debate Thursday:

Senator Biden, why do you think there is such a vast chasm of "difference of opinion" between the political parties in regards to Ethics, Honesty and Integrity?

Governor Palin, do you think a debate moderator such as myself can write a book about the Democrat Presidential Candidate, schedule it for release on inauguration day and still be impartial during the debate to the opposing political party?

Senator Biden, exactly how much alcohol do you consume in your typical day on the campaign trail? Do you think your alcohol consumption will increase or decrease if your are elected Vice President?

Governor Palin, do you think you have more or less Foreign Policy experience than Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter at the time they were elected to the office of President?

I would like to know why Ms. Ifill was not forthcoming to the campaigns about her book when being considered for the moderator of the upcoming VP debate.

It clearly shows an egregious character flaw and this clear bias should have BOTH campaigns worried.

Frankly, it would seem that the Obama campaign should be concerned that her resounding bias will outrage the female voters that Obama is trying to woo.

And McCain campaign should be concerned that voters will be furious at the foolishness of them agreeing to Gwen as the moderator.

Is not the purpose to have a moderator who can be as nonpartisan as possible?

My question for Gwen is, considering this information, how can the American public be expected to believe that you are impartial? And, will you have the integrity to disclose the publishing of your book and your bias at the opening of the debate?

While I really enjoy your views on most subjects, I also want to know if your writing a book about Obama will qualify you to be impartial. As a moderator will you be asking the same questions to both candidates? I know that you will do an excellent job of trying to be fair, but please watch your expressions. That is more telling than what you say. Again I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as I really enjoy the programs you participate in. Thanks for the truly amazing job you generally do.

Certainly, you would agree a judge should excuse their self from adjudicating a trial, if there is ANY conflict of interest?
How then, would you answer these five questions?
Question 1: You, in your unbiased, impartial journalist role are posing questions to two individuals for the benefit of getting their candid response. One individual is coupled with another individual you, gwen, have written a book - with the intent of publishing in January - lavishing that second individual. What is your favorite color?
Question 2: What magazines and newspapers do you read?
Question 3: What is the correct spelling of the Presidents names of Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Question 4: Are either of them friends of yours
Question 5: Do you honestly feel you can keep your body language, expressions, vocal tonality non-judgemental?

We'll be back after this plug for Gwens new book...

If a debate participant slides away from actually answering a question or addressing a topic, will you be able to point this out? We sure hope to get real answers and not just blather from those two.

Would like Gwen Ifill to ask the candidates the following question: Outside of the Bible, what 3 books have influenced you the most?
Thank you.
-Susan Beckley

How can you "moderate" a debate in which you have a financial interest in the out come? You have a positive book of Obama scheduled to be released on inauguration day. Let's face it, if he doesn't get elected, you will make alot less money on your book. Having you ask questions of Mrs. Palin is like having Rush Limbaugh ask them of Sen. Biden. It is so obvious the media is in the tank for Obama, just ask Hillary Clinton. And you wonder why average americans can't stand or trust you guys. After Ms. Palin's speech at the convention I saw your critique of her. If I didn't know you were a "journalist" I would have thought I was listening to one of Obama's spin doctors they send out after a debate. If this were a trial and you were a judge, you'd be thrown off the case because of conflict of interest. What a shocker!!!! What a JOKE!!! You should be honorable and step down as moderator.
s yoder

OBAMA MEDIA BIAS ... NOW, OBAMA DEBATE BIAS !!!
The nation already is skeptical about the fairness and objectivity of the mainstream media regarding election coverage ... so, why in the world is Gwen Ifill the debate moderator, when she is writing a book about Obama ... especially since her book sales would increase if Obama/Biden win? The moderator in a debate ... especially one of this importance and magnitude ... should be seen as completely fair, objective and above reproach. This is a terrible choice, and could easily have been remedied by choosing from hundreds of other more objective potential moderators. I can imagine the outcry if Michelle Malkin, or Ann Coulter was chosen as the moderator for the first Vice Presidential debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. FURTHERMORE ... Everyone knows that Roland Martin is in the tank for Obama ... and regarding his call for Palin to either 'put up, or shut up' ... for millions of Americans, we still feel that Obama never adequately explained why he chose to spend TWENTY YEARS, yes TWENTY YEARS, in Jeremiah Wright's anti-American, racist, black liberation church, which gave a life time achievement award to Louis Farrakhan, and Obama only quit the church due to public outrage and personal ambition.

Ms. Ifil: Please do the right thing and step down as the VP debate moderator. Your journalistic integrity hangs in the balance!

I would like Gwen to ask Governor Palin precisely where she stands on Equal Pay for Equal Work. What is her view of Senator McCain having opposed this and his argument that "women need more education and better training."? Where does she stand on the Ledbetter Fair Play Act?

Thank you.

Question for Biden "why when you were being introduced as Obama's running mate did you say that your beautiful wife also has a PHD and sometimes that can be a problem." I never heard any comment from the liberal press on that comment.
Gwen, there is no way you can be an impartial moderator, if you don't step down, I hope PBS removes you.

Question for Biden:

Do you believe that tax payer money should be spent on an organization that employs 18 to 25 year olds to be professional protestors? Who receive salary, healthcare to "agitate, intimidate and provoke" businesses into complying to their views of social justice?
There is such an organization that you may want to ask Senator Obama about. He started that up in Chicago, called Public Allies. And this fascist organization of brown shirts Obama-youth is now in may other cities.

Another brain child of the Democrat part is "Acorn". It is under investigation of wide spread voter fraud, voter registration of dead people, taking names randomly out of phone books and matching those up with fony social sec. numbers..... To then push for absentee-write in ballots in crucial election states.
Senator Biden, are those two organizations in any way connected and that we now have professional voter fraud organization paid for by the tax payer?

Senator Biden, Acorn was also involved in getting people Fanny Mae and FreddyMac mortgages without credit histiry and without social security numbers. It is one of main reasons why we got in trouble as a nation.
So why did the Democrat leadership insist that out of proceeds of the bail out plan 20 % would go to Acorn?

Are you proud of your party that is the most corrupt since the days of Gengis Khan?

i call on you to step down also. you are in the tank for obama and i don't beleive you could be fair. this stinks of no good

Ignore the haters and respect your profession, the public's right to make informed decisions, and your own intellect.
Seeking truth,
Alison Romain
Georgetown U., class of 1980
African-American woman
mother of 4

1. Do you really believe humans and dinosaurs coexisted?
2. Do you really believe in witches?
3. Do you really believe that the end is nigh?

I'd like to know how Gwen Ifill can possibly say she's an objective journalist hosting the VP debate when she has a financial stake in Obama winning the election. She has a pro-Obama book scheduled for release on inaugeration day! It's clearly to her advantage that Obama wins! Is there any doubt that she's going to try to give "gottcha" questions to Palin and softballs to Biden. This is a joke, the liberal media fix is in. I implore the people of America to fight back as we slip towards a socialist dictatorship complete with Obama "Dear Leader" children singing to him which his hollywood buddies had on youtube yesterday. It has since been pulled down because it creeped nearly everyone out.

Dear Qwen,
When I heard you would moderate the VP debate, I was elated, and wanted to share my take with you.

In my opinion, Sarah Palin is a joke and incredibly unqualified to be on the same stage with Joe Biden. I do not want a ' joe six pack anything' in or near the white house. We as a nation, especially right now, require serious people to make serious decisions. She is rude, uninformed and disrespectful. On one hand I support her right to be wrong and make a fool of herself. On the other hand as a women she is an embarrassment to me.

You know your stuff. Please don't let her off the hook. Thank you and best wishes.

Sincerely,
Pamela Brooks-Haines

Ms. Ifill recuse yourself from this debate. If you want to sell a book, go on Oprah. This country, and the candidates, deserve to have a fair and impartial moderator.

Why has the mainstream media been silent on the issue of our U.S. Armed Forces members being denied access to the Supreme Court and the two Congressional bills?

On Saturday, 27 Sep 2008, the House of Representatives after a floor debate passed the Equal Justice for Our Military Act, HR 3174. This would for the first time in America's history grant service members equal access to the Supreme Court. A few Republicans Senators are now trying to block a floor vote in the Senate. Only blogs, military and law publications have picked this up. See below links.

Currently enemy combatants have the right to direct review in the Supreme Court because Congress passed the Military Commissions Act of 2006. So the worst enemies have access to the high court but our service members are being shut out. Mainstream media has spent much time reporting about the rights (or lack thereof) of enemy combatants. But what about the due process rights of the men and women that wear the uniform to protect and defend us? Why hasn't anyone in the mainstream media reported on this? I think most American citizens would be outraged to know that our servicemen and servicewomen are being shut out of the Supreme Court while enemies they capture have direct review rights in our high court.

Finally, do you believe the mainstream media has an ethical obligation to report on this topic? After all, our troops put their lives on the line for the freedoms we routinely take for granted - and even for the first amendent right to freedom of the press that reporters enjoy.

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/09/30/supreme-court-access-for-military-me...

http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2008/09/service-members.html

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/09/military_courtmartial_appeal_092908w/

http://www.takingbackpolitics.com/2008/09/a-soldier%e2%80%99s-right-to-f...

The Engage blog series "5 Good Questions" with Qwen Ifill was posted on June 23, 3008. You may read her responses to the 5 Good Questions here. You may ask Tavis Smiley a question here or read a preview of the Vice Presidential debate here.

 Thanks,

Lauren,  Engage Producer

Governor Palin:
Senator Biden's son will soon be deployed with his military unit to the Middle East. If you had a chance to write a letter of encouragement and appreciation to Beau what would you write?

___________________
Senator Biden
Governor Palin's son was recently deployed with his military unit to the Middle East. If you had a chance to write a letter of encouragement and appreciation to Track what would you write?

You stand to gain financially from the sale of your book about Obama, scheduled to be released next January. That being said, you should recuse yourself as the moderator of tonight's Palin-Biden debate. If this were a legal matter, the situation would be declared a mistrial. Time for you to do the right thing--Step Down.