Chat with Judy Woodruff
Archived from Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Engage launches its first of a new series of live chats with NewsHour Senior Correspondent and Political Editor Judy Woodruff. Judy is just back from Florida where she has been reporting on the economic and political issues playing out in that critical presidential battleground state -- her reports can be seen all week on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and at the Online NewsHour. She takes your questions about the campaign, the debates and what it is like to cover one of the most historic presidential races in modern history.
Archived Chat
Hello and welcome to the Live Chat Series. Judy joined the PBS Engage team at 1pm EST Tuesday September 30, 2008.
Jim:
We've seen reports that Florida is still in play for the Presidential election. What did you find there?
Judy Woodruff:
I just came back from there with the NewsHour crew. Florida is very much in play.
2 weeks ago there was 6 point lead by McCain and today it is a dead heat. The experts say this is largely due to the financial crisis, but no one completely understands what is behind it. What they do say is that there are several voter groups that could determine the outcome in Florida. Older voters. Younger voters. Hispanics. African Americans. And Jewish voters. Doing poorly in any one of these groups could change the results on November 4th in Florida.
2 weeks ago there was 6 point lead by McCain and today it is a dead heat. The experts say this is largely due to the financial crisis, but no one completely understands what is behind it. What they do say is that there are several voter groups that could determine the outcome in Florida. Older voters. Younger voters. Hispanics. African Americans. And Jewish voters. Doing poorly in any one of these groups could change the results on November 4th in Florida.
Sarah, Falls Church, VA:
What is one of the most difficult interviews you've had and why?
Judy Woodruff:
All the interviews I do are challenging.
Probably one of the most difficult was an interview I did at the 1992 Republican National Convention with then First Lady Barbara Bush. Her husband was struggling in the campaign for re-election, he was facing criticism in his own party, and it was a delicate exchange.
Probably one of the most difficult was an interview I did at the 1992 Republican National Convention with then First Lady Barbara Bush. Her husband was struggling in the campaign for re-election, he was facing criticism in his own party, and it was a delicate exchange.
Jessica Renfro, Silver Spring, MD:
Have you noticed any difference between the ways both presidential campaigns field questions from reporters?
Judy Woodruff:
Early in the campaign, both candidates were much more available to the press than they are now. John McCain had daily sessions with reporters. Barack Obama met regularly with the press corps following him.
But as time has gone by the campaigns are much more selective and stingy in making the candidates available for questions. They are talking to reporters and no doubt the least accessible candidate is Governor Palin, who in 5 weeks has had only 3 interviews with reporters - unprecedented in modern American politics.
But as time has gone by the campaigns are much more selective and stingy in making the candidates available for questions. They are talking to reporters and no doubt the least accessible candidate is Governor Palin, who in 5 weeks has had only 3 interviews with reporters - unprecedented in modern American politics.
Sandra Nyaira, Cambridge, Massachusetts:
What do you think of the way the media has so far covered the race to the White House?
Judy Woodruff:
Since 'the media' includes everything from The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, the New York Times, MSNBC, The Houston Chronicle, The HuffingtonPost, and blogs across the political spectrum from the far left to the far right, the answer has to be that its done a terrific job and that its done a terrible job.
There are examples of extraordinary, enlightening coverage and of scurrilous rumor-filled commentary. In general, though, I give most of the media a good grade for giving American voters a broad array of choices of information. Enough to help them make the decisions they need to make on election day. P.S. I'm glad I work for The NewsHour!
There are examples of extraordinary, enlightening coverage and of scurrilous rumor-filled commentary. In general, though, I give most of the media a good grade for giving American voters a broad array of choices of information. Enough to help them make the decisions they need to make on election day. P.S. I'm glad I work for The NewsHour!
Scott Foval (www.scottsbigmouth.com, Chicago, IL:
How has your transition from CNN to PBS affected how you report?
Judy Woodruff:
It really has not affected my reporting much at all. I spent 12 years at CNN as a reporter and anchor of Inside Politics and that experience added to the decade I had spent earlier at the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. I bring the sum total of all my reporting experience to covering this election which stands alone for the history it's making and for the sheer unpredictability from the start right up until today.
Jake Zatzkin, Alexandria, VA:
How do you report on the financial crisis in a manner that doesn't insight panic?
Judy Woodruff:
This has to be one of the most challenging stories for ever - for all of us in the news media. Because we are citizens and consumers and people with checking, savings, and retirement accounts ourselves.
I think what we have done at The NewsHour is to treat it as a serious story and to ask hard questions of all the key players involved - from Wall Street to Washington to everywhere in between.
It is our job not to draw conclusions but to help the public to understand what is going on and to act as the public eyes and ears as we sit down and talk with those who are making decisions for the rest of us. It is always important for us to get it right - it is particularly important in a situation like this one.
I think what we have done at The NewsHour is to treat it as a serious story and to ask hard questions of all the key players involved - from Wall Street to Washington to everywhere in between.
It is our job not to draw conclusions but to help the public to understand what is going on and to act as the public eyes and ears as we sit down and talk with those who are making decisions for the rest of us. It is always important for us to get it right - it is particularly important in a situation like this one.
andrea, san francisco, ca:
What is the mood in Washington D.C. regarding the current domestic economic crisis? Is it affecting your planned coverage? *
Judy Woodruff:
It is dominating the coverage and up-ending any previous plans for what to cover and how to cover it. It is THE story, it's the main story we are all focused on. Especially after yesterday's specticle of watching members of The House of Representatives ignore their leaders in both political parties, the President, both nominees for president, the treasury secretary, and the chairman of the federal reserve in delivering a resounding "no" to the rescue package.
Until this is resolved, it will be the lead story for every news organization.
Until this is resolved, it will be the lead story for every news organization.
Lacey:
What story or issue have you covered during your journalism career that you think has somehow changed or defined your life?
Judy Woodruff:
I've covered so many stories that have had an affect on me that have had to do with children, victims of war, people with disabilities but I would have to say that the sum total of all the political stories I've ever covered, going back over 3 decades, has shaped me more than anything else because I've watched powerful people up close.
I've had the privilege of asking questions to presidents and world leaders and that experience has taught me volumes about how decisions are made in our democracy, what's good about our system of government, what's bad about our system of government, and it's given me an understanding of how the American people are well-served or not by their leaders that's been an extraordinary privilege. It has shaped my view of the importance of journalism in our society.
I've had the privilege of asking questions to presidents and world leaders and that experience has taught me volumes about how decisions are made in our democracy, what's good about our system of government, what's bad about our system of government, and it's given me an understanding of how the American people are well-served or not by their leaders that's been an extraordinary privilege. It has shaped my view of the importance of journalism in our society.
Dikko, Daytona Beach, Fl:
With the economic situation in Florida, did you find more registered democrats leaning republican or vice versa? *
Judy Woodruff:
This one is easy to answer - the economic crisis is clearly benefiting Barack Obama.
We found a number of Independent and Republican voters who have switched their party affiliation or have simply decided to vote democratic in November because of the economy. But the race is still close. There are 5 weeks to go and McCain has time to turn this around by stressing his position on economic issues - especially taxes - something he is trying to do now.
We found a number of Independent and Republican voters who have switched their party affiliation or have simply decided to vote democratic in November because of the economy. But the race is still close. There are 5 weeks to go and McCain has time to turn this around by stressing his position on economic issues - especially taxes - something he is trying to do now.
Nick, St. Paul, MN:
How does the level of public enthusiasm in this year's election season rate with those you've covered in the past?
Judy Woodruff:
It is off the charts!
I've never covered an election drawing as much interest and enthusiasm as this one. You see it with young people who turned out in record numbers in the primaries and you've seen it in the polls from the beginning of the campaign. The Democrats have had an advantage for most of this election but McCain's choice of Governor Palin energized Republicans in a way they had not been before.
In state after state election officials say they are expecting record turn out on November 4th. That's when we'll find out just how much enthusiasm and interest there is out there.
I've never covered an election drawing as much interest and enthusiasm as this one. You see it with young people who turned out in record numbers in the primaries and you've seen it in the polls from the beginning of the campaign. The Democrats have had an advantage for most of this election but McCain's choice of Governor Palin energized Republicans in a way they had not been before.
In state after state election officials say they are expecting record turn out on November 4th. That's when we'll find out just how much enthusiasm and interest there is out there.
Greg Tilton, Boston, MA:
What sort of impact do you expect younger voters to have on this year's election?
Judy Woodruff:
They've already had an enormous effect.
They've broken turnout records in the early primaries starting in Iowa on January 3rd. There are dozens of groups organizing young voters right now - encouraging them to register and vote. Many of them for the first time.
I've spent a good amount of time reporting on younger voters going back to the Generation Next documentaries I helped produce for PBS. And I believe there is every reason to expect that they will make a difference to the outcome in November.
They've broken turnout records in the early primaries starting in Iowa on January 3rd. There are dozens of groups organizing young voters right now - encouraging them to register and vote. Many of them for the first time.
I've spent a good amount of time reporting on younger voters going back to the Generation Next documentaries I helped produce for PBS. And I believe there is every reason to expect that they will make a difference to the outcome in November.
Brett Cooper, Virginia Beach, VA:
As more people rely on "new media" for information, what do you see as the future of traditional media? *
Judy Woodruff:
I think new media are the future of journalism. And I believe that both print and television must continue to adapt to this reality.
It is a painful transition. Newspapers are shutting down all across the country, reporters are being laid off or taking buy-outs, the competition has never been more fierce in television news, and we don't know what it will all look like when the shake-down is over.
My hope is that the values that have made America's traditional news media the strong and respected institutions that they are will survive and be passed on to the brave new world of online media. I think it would be a terrible loss in the rush to brilliant new technology that we forget what journalism is all about. And that is informing our citizens.
It is a painful transition. Newspapers are shutting down all across the country, reporters are being laid off or taking buy-outs, the competition has never been more fierce in television news, and we don't know what it will all look like when the shake-down is over.
My hope is that the values that have made America's traditional news media the strong and respected institutions that they are will survive and be passed on to the brave new world of online media. I think it would be a terrible loss in the rush to brilliant new technology that we forget what journalism is all about. And that is informing our citizens.
Juliet:
How did you get into journalism? What recommendation do you have for young journalists starting out in the digital age? *
Judy Woodruff:
It was during the middle ages...
No seriously, the late 1960s when I graduated from college with a degree in political science unsure of what I wanted to do. All I knew then was that I was interested in government and politics but after learning opportunities for women in Washington were limited, I was urged consider reporting on politics. I was hired as a secretary at a television station news department in Atlanta. Once I got my foot in the door I fell in love with reporting and never looked back.
Today the opportunities are very different and it is even more competitive than it was then. I encourage any young person interested in journalism to read widely, everything from science to economics to philosophy to history, and to get as much experience in writing as they can because these will stand them in good stead whether they write for The New York Times or Bloomberg News or a medical trade journal online.
No seriously, the late 1960s when I graduated from college with a degree in political science unsure of what I wanted to do. All I knew then was that I was interested in government and politics but after learning opportunities for women in Washington were limited, I was urged consider reporting on politics. I was hired as a secretary at a television station news department in Atlanta. Once I got my foot in the door I fell in love with reporting and never looked back.
Today the opportunities are very different and it is even more competitive than it was then. I encourage any young person interested in journalism to read widely, everything from science to economics to philosophy to history, and to get as much experience in writing as they can because these will stand them in good stead whether they write for The New York Times or Bloomberg News or a medical trade journal online.
Emily Achler, Washington DC:
What do you think is the most critical issue in this election? And which candidate has done a better job of addressing it?
Judy Woodruff:
Voters are telling pollsters that far and away the economy is the main issue in this election. By 3 to 1 they are saying it is the economy over the war in Iraq, healthcare, education, and other issues. This is a change from a year or more ago when the Iraq war was playing a much bigger roll in voter attitudes.
One thing I would add to this is that more than any other election I believe voters are weighing carefully the character, judgement, and temperment of the person they choose. My sense is that voters realize that the person who is elected President will be facing problems the likes of which the country as never seen before and they want to be sure they've chosen someone who is up for the job.
I've enjoyed this very much. Your questions are very interesting and I'm sorry we couldn't get to all of them. And I hope most of you will be able to tune into The NewsHour this week for our coverage from Florida and for the Vice Presidential debate on Thursday night being moderated by my colleague Gwen Ifill.
One thing I would add to this is that more than any other election I believe voters are weighing carefully the character, judgement, and temperment of the person they choose. My sense is that voters realize that the person who is elected President will be facing problems the likes of which the country as never seen before and they want to be sure they've chosen someone who is up for the job.
I've enjoyed this very much. Your questions are very interesting and I'm sorry we couldn't get to all of them. And I hope most of you will be able to tune into The NewsHour this week for our coverage from Florida and for the Vice Presidential debate on Thursday night being moderated by my colleague Gwen Ifill.
Joseph St Amand, S Windham CT:
Why is there little or no discussion on what would be the status of Social Security if it had been privatized by this current ad *
Thank you, Judy, for joining us today and thank you all for participating.
Starred (*) questions have been edited by PBS editors for brevity and/or clarity. The original, unedited question can be found to the right under Audience Questions.
Judy Woodruff, you're the
Judy Woodruff, you're the best! I've been a big fan of yours for many years [I'm an old woman now] and have always been impressed with the excellence of your interviews and reporting. Thank you for your contribution to the vibrancy of our great democracy.
Judy's Frontline Work
Judy, your work on the Frontline series is and allways will be appreciated by all of us who cherish reality as the bottomline of the frontline. Thanks and keep up the good work.
i thoroughly enjoyed your
i thoroughly enjoyed your chat today. i only wish you could have answered more questions. you were the perfect choice to kick off this new series of live chats!
NObama No puede - Hillary supporter and Liberal for McCain 2008
Obama is such a haughty conceited child.
Hispanics, jews, whites in his own precinct all say he has done nothing for them in Chicago, he just voted 129 times "present". He's a political prostitute who will say anything to get elected but never walks the talk.
The truth?!!
If Hillary had been in that debate she would have given real solutions to our very real problems, unlike those two, still reciting the same old sound bites. Had Senator Clinton been in the debate she would have run circles around both those duds! Those rare few who saw the first 21 debates watched her do just that to Obama and we haven't seen it since.
Quit picking losers America!
McCain won the first debate hands down.
Too little too late Obama always talking about how he's gonna wanna do something yap yap yapper and never does... what a joke! And his supporters always turning a blind eye to his talk and no walk. What a joke!
Obama divides the party, alienates 18 million voters and he's suppose to unite the country?!! Don't make me laugh! The selfish self-serving Obama will be a disaster we will come to hate as much as we do Bush, another do nothing who was inexperienced and unqualified for the office. Liberal for McCain 2008!
Taxspayers 700 billion
I think the IRS should remove the age and penalties
to get to your retirement accounts to pay off
debts, instead of watching your money going down
with the market.
I think it is criminal to not let people get
to their money,while watching their money dwindle with the market.Do you think we will have a
class action suit down the road? If they pay
this money out to singled out companies and
not others-isn't that partial treatment and
discrimination?
Bailout
Instead of bailing out the financial institutions, why not use the bailout money to bail out the American people. The bail out money divided out to the American people could be taxed so as to save government. Even with the tax, the American people would have enough to pay off mortages which would save the financial institutions. I think a more serious look, outside the box, at other options should be given. Private citizens are the ones who's taxes support the government and the financial institutions why not bail us out and in turn this would bail out America.
This is a great comment :0)
One of the best comments and solutions I have ever seen. I hope God blesses you greatly, just fantastic.
18 USC 3059
Could you tell me why the media hasnt exposed the horrible government racketeering and abuse from Title 18 USC 3059 which was repealed as unconstitutional in 2002. Billions of dollars have been wasted because of horrble abuse of these unconstitutional statutes yet the media never said anything when all three were repealed???
Once a statute is repealed (serious matter) it is unconstitutional from the day it was enacted and all acts performed under it unconstitutional (Am Jur) Now why havnt any off you said anything about this atrocity? Why were these statutes repealed, who decided to repeal them ? Did one particular (pathetic) case cause there repealing :0)?
When is the media going to admit these three federal statutes were repealed because of ME when I submitted my briefs in 2002 exposing the racketeering of 18 USC 3059 while maliciously imprisoned for a "harassing phone call" for 5 years ?? Check all the way up to the Supreme Court, Appellate Court and Federal Courts in FL., TX , LA, GA and MO you will see my legal fight solving my own pathetic "case" . This is why 18 USC 3059 was repealed and nothing has ever been said about this?
I am viciously destroyed to this day, expecially by the sick Bush administration and the state of Texas and its wimpy Gov named Perry and whole media is allowing this ?
Kevin A. Wiederhold
Corpus Christi, TX
Why does PBS assign a
Why does PBS assign a clearly biased reporter to be the moderator of the VP debate?
How do I know Iliff is biased?
She has a book due out that highlights the greatness of Obama and his campaign. If he wins she stands to benefit significantly financially.
She has gushed over Obama and his wife in a personal interview.
She panned Senator Palin and her speech during the Republican Convention and all pbs could say about that was that she was tired.
During the 2004 VP debate she made a snide remark to Cheny regarding time to answer a question and she later reported how pleased her democratic friends were for her comment.
Where does PBS get off for being so outrageously biased. Last I heard you got your money from taxpayers and the public both liberal and conservative. I thought you guys were suppose to be fair. If so get this woman off the VP dais.
Thank you
Marc Skora
Mark Skora
Maybe we should have Mark as the moderator
So Close
Look I missed Judy by only 6 questions, this is the closet I got to a major reporter, Im getting better :0).
Watch now PBS will erase my fine question just like all other corrupt media people. This is why I have -"All American media"- on my corporate disclosure statements in every brief since 2002 :0).
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