beth in Alaska : Mr. Obama must assign a more pointed blame for this financial mess. He can not just use the nebulous "wall street" but must point to the current government for the last 8 years and thier downright criminal negligence in regulating ruinous business practices. And by the way...Sarah Palin is no reformer...I don't think I can print what I think about her at this point.

Jasmine : It's the ugliest attack on voting rights we've seen in recent history--if you live in Michigan and you're in danger of losing your home to foreclosure, Republicans will try to take away your right to vote.1 McCain's response? Silence. Like Bush in 2000 and 2004, he's trying to keep a safe distance from these tactics, while benefiting from them. McCain could end this with a phone call. But he won't. It's voter-suppression at its worst. They're taking advantage of folks falling on hard times and using it for political gain--kicking people while they're down. It's time to hold McCain publicly accountable for this strategy. For years, Republicans have engaged in "caging"--challenging the eligibility of voters on election day to suppress turnout and intimidate voters.2 They'll often try to reject voters by claiming they don't live at the address where they're registered. This year, they've taken it to a new low--the chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County, Michigan said last week, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses."3 In other words, they'll target every voter whose house is on a foreclosure list, and challenge their voting rights on election day. But just because your name is on a list, it doesn't mean that you've lost your home or moved. In fact, many homeowners stay in their homes for months after the foreclosure process has begun, and some people are able to catch up on their payments and reverse the process.4 So why are Republicans illegally targeting homeowners who've had a tough time under Bush's economy? Because they know they're likely to vote for Democrats, and for Obama for President. In Michigan, over 60% of sub-prime loans were made to African-Americans.5 And in general, people who've been hit hard by the economy are less likely to vote for Republicans. This tactic won't just affect struggling homeowners--it will cause longer lines and delays at the polls for everyone that lives in a neighborhood with a high number of foreclosures. And that's the point. After making the plan public, Michigan Republicans are backtracking and claiming they were misquoted.6 But everything indicates that these are exactly the kinds of tactics they'll use,7 and they're just trying to squash an embarrassing story.8 Similar tactics are being used across the country, but the McCain campaign simply sits in the background, quietly benefiting from voter suppression. The Obama campaign is fighting against this plan in the courts,9 but they need our help to expose these dishonorable tactics and make this a national story. If enough of us step up and connect the dots, we'll give the press a reason to make the connection between McCain and what's happening in Michigan. And as we've seen in our other campaigns,10 when we stand together behind a clear message, the press covers it and moves our message forward. Calling on McCain to publicly reject these tactics is just the first step in our campaign to shame the Republican Party for attacking the voting rights of struggling homeowners. CAN VOTERS GET MORE INFORMATION ON TACTICS USED TO THRART VOTING RIGHTS? WHAT CAN VOTERS DO TO GUARD AGAINST THE TACTICS OUTLINED ABOVE AND OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE DELIBERATE SHORTAGE OF VOTING MACHINES IN MINORITY AREAS TO MAKE VOTING MORE DIFFICULT. AFTER THE LAST TWO STOLEN ELECTIONS, I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE FULLY.

Tuna Tugger : Will the press look into Obama's ties to the Fannie/ Freddie mess. In the last 4 years Barack has taken $90,000 from Fannie/Freddie.Fannie Mae's CEO who helped create this disaster in charge of finding his Vice President. Fannie's former General Counsel is a senior advisor to his campaign. What kind of "Change" is this?

Carol Baumgartel : Let's remind everyone: Intelligent women ARE united for women--women's rights--not for bubble head throwbacks to the fifties. What I want to request: At the debates...ALL of them: who's checking the candidates for wired or wireless audio feeds in their ears???? Been there, done that. Let's not see that slip by Gwen, or Jim , or Bob.

Outraged : McCain, the man who has no honor left! At least 20 McCain fundraisers have lobbied on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, netting at least $12.3 million in fees over the past nine years. Rick Davis served as president of an advocacy group led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that defended the two companies against increased regulation.

joan black : Ms. Ifill, congratulations on being awarded the VP debate host. I am very concerned about this woman becoming vice-president, and, of course, potentially, president. I have long been a proponent of separation of church and state, but given the grilling that Senator Obama received with the Jeremiah Wright situation, I think it is only fair to reveal Sarah Palin's very strange church, in which her minister has made his fame on a village in Kenya where he ridded the community of a witch. He is famed for his rather bizarre cultish following( including Governor Palin) where talk of witches, and witch hunts, and some other rather extreme practices, that are really beyond the pale of a typical evangelical community have been reported. Knowing how Governor Palin has a knack to fib about her real life history, I would never expect her to tell the truth, but is there a way that you could broach the subject if you do a little research on this matter. I heard about his on MSNBC. Keith Olbermann's show to be precise, and I don't know if any other media outlet has called it to the public's attention. I do this not to deny our right to private religious beliefs but her idealogy is so right wing, so extreme that it will effect our county if the McCain/Palin ticket wins. I am scared, and I know many others who are as well. Good luck and I know you will be fabulous as you always are.

Barb : If you think Palin is unqualified for VP, here is a small thing you can do in two clicks: Vote NO on the PBS Pole: Here's the link: http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

Ed Zip : Dear Gwen Ifill, Mrs. Palin has begun to wear her hair down now. Could you please insure Sarah Palin is not using an ear piece to help her with her responces during the debate? That would be like cheeting on an exam, wouldn't it?

Maurya : Thanks to Barb, I just voted NO to Mrs.Palin's qualifications for VP. It took her five schools to complete her BA in Journalism w/ a minor in Political Science. No comparison to Obama's educational background and intellectual strength if both faced a 3a.m. situation. Her collective experience, with all her jobs in Alaska, does not instill the ability and necessity for broad, deep, clear thought, required to hold the highest office in the nation. I can't imagine the world's view of us if Sarah Palin became VP, not to mention the President of the U.S.

janechange : Please verify that the email poll circulating regarding Sarah Palin's qualification as potential VP is legitimate. It seems that one can vote again and again on this poll thus skuing the numbers. Thanks

UnfetteredReporting : In the VP debates, I'd like to hear Sarah Palin asked if she and her running mate, in the name of reform, would take action to change the position of the Republican Party, in their efforts to promote "abstinence only" education, to use denial of foreign financial aid to prevent education on birth control. In countries with very high birth rates and widespread poverty and famine, such a policy seems to be a crime against humanity.

Seriously? : I'd like to know why PBS is funded with tax dollars when it is clearly a left wing, liberal media outlet. Anyway, it's about time the news is less about Sarah Palin and more about the presidential nominees. You would have thought the race was Palin vs. Obama.

DenverIndependent : The "Troupergate" issue has the potentail of providing a gateway into Ms Palins thoughts about Power. Gwen, I think that if you ask her about Troupergate you will probably hear about "Democratic Hijacking" etc. The one question that I would most like to see her asked is "Since most people in the US believe that a subpeona must be honored, what is the LEGAL reason that you believe that your people can ignore them?

Dianne Valentin : I am concerned with Sarah Palin's husband being a secessionist, or former secessionist. I personally believe he only changed his party from Alaska Independence Party to Republican Party, not his ideology. I find it hard to believe that John McCain, while running on a Country First slogan would select someone whose husband is a secessionist. If she were truly a strong woman that would be one thing, but she allows him into her realm of governing as Governor of Alaska. Isn't anyone else worried about a secessionist being a whisper away from Vice President who is a heartbeat away from the Presidency? We seemed to up in arms about Michelle Obama's comment about being proud of her country for the first time. She was tarred and feathered in militant garb and splashed across the cover of New Yorker magazine engaging in what some chose to call a 'terrorist fist bump'. So why are we so deafeningly quiet about Sarah Palin's husband being a secessionist who embraces a party and philosophy that actually hates the country? Who are the media and journalists afraid of? What regime has scared them so thoroughly that they are again willing to take away our right to a free press? We can't have gone back to the Bush, Cheney, Rove days of the past seven years of selective reporting and no investigative journalism on issues and people that they don't want investigated and reported on. Peace & Blessings

Jean : During the VP debate, please query Gov Palin regarding Wasilla sexual assult victims who are/were required to pay for rape kits and forensic exams. (Her watch) Why???? What is the thought process? Recent article attached. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/opinion/26fri4.html?em

joe : I would like to see if Mrs Palin knows that crude oil is a globally traded commodity. If she does she should know that any oil may find or produce goes into the global pool and will not necessarily have any impact on the cost of petroleum products here in the US. So much for drill, drill, drill.

gluee : Palin fired the librarian because she refused to remove controversal book, "DADDY'S ROOMMATE" a book about children of liesbian and gay parents

gluee : McCain said the troops know he will take care of them, that a lie, MCCAIN opposed the GI BILL, that was to generous, let's not forget that McCain only signed for GI BILL because he is running for president and kiss kiss for vote THE TROOPS DONATED MORE TO OBAMA CAMPAIGN, BECAUSE MCCAIN SAID THEY CAN STAY THERE FOREVER, MEANING DON'T SHOW THEIR FACE ON AMERICAN SOIL, MCCAIN IS HATE

M.J. Kitchens : Gov. Palin indicated at the Republican convention that she thought that democrats "looked down" on "small town America. Please ask Sen Biden where he was from, how he was educated, what his income level is, etc. If Palin goes after Obama for "elitism", would you please ask her if she knows how Sen. Obama and/or Sen. Biden financed their education? Does she know how Sen. McCain finance his? Thank you

Diane : No - she is NOT qualified. She took a debt-free community & left it $22Million in debt. She does not represent the mainstream of society NOR does she have a fraction of the experience 100's of thousands have who could do the job better. Terrifying idea that she would get anywhere near the White House.

bisquit : We need substantial and long term solutions to the financial crisis. That being said symbolic gestures may be important too. Would both presidential campaigns stop their ads and donate the $ to the bailout, paving the way for current and former Wall Streeters to do likewise.

David : Hi Gwen, love your stuff. I am concerned that there has been little or no attention paid to the simple fact that Sarah palin chose to bring a Downs infant into the world knowing the chances were almost certain that that would be the case. A quick Google search shows that the chancew of a woman at 44 are 1 in 52. A father over 40 adds significantly and oddly the fifth pregnancy in line adds even more . The chances were highly in favor of a Downs infant. Knowing that she would not abort,and allready in possesion of four beautiful children, Ms Palin chose to get pregnant.That was a reckless, careless, immoral, unethical decsision in anybodys dictionary.The same kind of behavior that President exhibited when invading Iraq.Sarah Palin knew the risk when she had the amniocentesis early in the pregnancy. This is clear evidence that she aais not an appropriate person and was not an appropiate pick as VP. thanks and could you bring this up ion the debate ? This is clear, truthful and not abusive. It is evidence.

Ken Charles : If this Drudgereport headline is accurate: "VP DEBATE MODERATOR RELEASING 'AGE OF OBAMA' BOOK ON INAUGURATION DAY" - with all due respect Ms. Ifill needs to recuse herself from being the debate moderator because she has a clear conflict of interest. This will only confirm what the right has always believed: that all Main Stream Media are liberally biased. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=76645

Tom : Gwen Ifill is releasing a book of adoration of Obama on his assumed inauguration day. She and the rest of you biased, hate filled people are disgusting. Sarah Palin will shock you on Thursday, even with Ifill firmly in the Obama/Biden corner. The liberal press no longer rules.

straight shooter : Did you know tht Sarah Palin's great-great- great uncle was a John Wilkes Booth co-conspirator? and that her great-great grandfather was the best friend of Bruno Hauptman who kidnapped the Lindberg baby? and her great grandfather was a confidant of Adolph Hitler? and that her grandfather helped to create the AIDs virus in his basement laboratory and then spread it in Africa during a safari? and that her father is a grand poo-bah in the Klan? and that her husband is a convicted felon who has a gambling problem? and that Palin herself loves to dress up in the freshly skinned furs of baby harp seals and dance nude on her internet webcam?!!! This woman must be stopped at all costs. If she is elected (through the blatant tactic of disenfranchising Michigan voters who bought more house than they could pay for and then were foreclosed upon and somehow then are unable to vote thus completing another deep dark election thievery secret of the GOP), we will have old people thrown out in the streets, babies will starve, rivers will run backward, polar icecaps will melt, famine will envelop the world, cannibalism will become rampant, satanic sacrifices will commence all over the USA, and on, and on. I know this all to be true, cause I heard about it on Keith Olbermann. The truth-bearer.

Jim : Qwen. You a the moderatotor for the VP debate on 10/2, no? Why did'nt you anounce that you will release a PRO-OBAMMA book in January whose success will be determined by an Obamma/BIDEN win? That is a clear conflict of interest and goes to show that the press IS INDEED PARTIAL TO OBAMA/BIDEN. Shame on you.

MsMHS : How in the hell can this woman be expected to be a fair moderator at the VP debate this week -- just another reason to prove to the world that PBS is not an impartial reporter of news. Another reason why I would never give a penny to PBS. This is disgusting and more so is the fact that the VP's have not demanded a different moderator, one that hasn't written a book idolizing the upstart running for president.

MsMHS : For any of you that would slam Sarah Palin's right to have a fifth child, let me tell you all something right now. How about slamming all these young women who choose to become pregnant without a father on site and without an education and without a job!!! Let's talk about their lack of responsibility for a change. Let's call it like it is, folks. You lost your home -- that's right == YOU lost it, not me. You have no address -- you don't vote. Sorry, that's the way it is or should be. We all have a brain and if you haven't the money you have no right to have the baby or vote -- so Sarah chose to have a fifth baby -- she's married, she can afford it and it is her faith not to abort -- give the woman some credit for doing as she preaches.

Distressed, FL : I believe very strongly that Ms Ifill should be pulled from the Pres Debate as moderator because of her book which I believe is a conflict of interest politically. NPR is very biased and doesn't deserve public support with these kinds of tactics. I rather see Bill O'Reilly moderate that anyone from NPR/PBS. I seriously doubt I will ever be able to support either of these entities with funds in the future.

Bob : I heard Ifill is an Obama supporter and is writing a book supporting him. She should recuse herself from moderating the VP debate.

HTS : I wonder whether Gwen Ifil would lift a pinkie to help Black Republicans like Allan West, J.C. Watts, Maurice Washington or, Missouri State Assemblyman Sherman Parker, now running for Congress. Gwen Ifil clearly has no love for the party of Lincoln. Last time I checked, you didn't need to be Black to be biased, just human. Ifil should step down instead of making the Vice Presidential debate a farce.

FRED S. MCINTYRE : MS IFILL SHOULD RECUSE HERSELF AS MODERATOR OF THE BIDEN-PALIN DEBATE DUE TO HER FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN THE SUCCESS OF THE OBAMA-BIDEN TICKET.

Sandeep : FOR GWEN IFLL Pls. if u can ask VP candidates to shed some light on: 1. Where does there respective states rank among 50 states in HS school performance and what have they done for their state in this regard,(Alaska getting the most amount of money per capita) which they can replicate for the entire country. 2. About KYOTO, USA being the only developed nation not to ratify, what changes they would want in the KYOTO Protocol to accept it. 3.What is there position on Supreme court Justices and how will their coming in power effect their recommendation for replacements. 4.Mrs. Clintons pet project is Health care, Al Gore's is Global warming, Henry Paulsen's is Environmental. What specific causes do they support and how will they go about implementing their strategy? Thank you.

eLise : Given your biased reporting and book on Sen. Obama, you should recuse yourself from moderating the VP debate. I'm disappointed you even thought this wouldn't become an issue. Sad to say, you have little respect left from me.

Atul : Gwen, It is all upto you...please don't let the McCain campaign bully you on accepting rules that let Palin get away with nonanswers. Please do read Andrew Halcro's article (link below) and do not let Sarah Palin hide behind "nonanswers and the glittering generality". - Atul Check out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20081001/cm_csm/yseaquist What it's like to debate Sarah Palin By Andrew Halcro Wed Oct 1, 4:00 AM ET When he faces off against Sarah Palin Thursday night, Joe Biden will have his hands full. I should know. I've debated Governor Palin more than two dozen times. And she's a master, not of facts, figures, or insightful policy recommendations, but at the fine art of the nonanswer, the glittering generality. Against such charms there is little Senator Biden, or anyone, can do.

Michael Bacon : Gwen, I have no doubt that you would be completely fair and balanced. However, the publication of your book (especially on inauguration day) creates the perception of a conflict of interest. If you don't withdraw from your moderating role, your participation will be the story, the focus of republican attacks and democratic responses, and it will detract mightily from the real story. For these reasons I urge you to withdraw now, before you, and not the debate, becomes the focus of attention. Thanks.

Janice W : It is a shamble that this liberal Obama supporter is being given the role as moderator in the VP Debate! Fairness has been thrown out the window. She MUST BE REPLACED!!!

Nate : David, you say Sarah Palin's decision to have a child knowing the child would have Downs was "reckless, careless, immoral, unethical." That is an absolutely unbelievable, preposterously sick analysis on your part. Have you considered just how depraved and dissolute your view is? Her decision to have and keep the child just shows her commendable maturity, value for life, and the character and resources to welcome the special needs child into their family. Palin wisely calls this child "perfect." Even Bill Clinton said about Palin's young child on 9/23/08, "I like that little Down syndrome kid — one of them lives down the street, they're wonderful children."

Janice Wentworth : GWEN - You clearly have a conflict of interest and should excuse yourself from the VP Debate. That is the fair thing to do and I am sure you do not want to be in the middle of this controversy with your book supporting OBAMA. Please excuse yourself!

Bill : I will boycott and never again fund PBS unless you remove that obama insider IFLL REMOVE IFLL and put a real neutral moderator in!!!!

Bill : Jasmine... you have to hold democrat voters to the rules... you don't like it because your party continually will attempt to manufacture votes with dead people, illegals, prisoners etc... you'll stoop to any level to rock the vote!!!

Shamika : Why is this forum subsidized by MY tax dollars. This is one of the most uneven reporting I have ever seen. The comments seem to be all about how to ‘stick it’ to ONE of the candidates (the candidate that by the way will not profit Ms. Ifill by her coming out well on the debate). This is shameful and the professional response is for Ms. Ifill to dismiss herself from this MODERATOR post. Who is looking to the PROFITS now? Step up - be honest.

Shamika : YOU have GOT to be KIDDING!!! Why did you NOT disclose this to the commission and then let them decide if your Obama book should disqualify you (and it SHOULD) as moderator . That sounds deceptive & manipulative that you did NOT disclose that very important piece of information! quoted from MSN - 'The host of PBS’ “Washington Week” and senior correspondent on “The NewsHour” said she did not tell the Commission on Presidential Debates about the book. The commission had no immediate comment when contacted by The Associated Press. - You even have Obama's name in your book title “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama". This wait and let the people decide after the debate is absurd! Your bias can win the election for your CHOSEN candidate. Oh... but then it won't matter if you loose your reporting job, maybe your good buddies in the White House will make you Press Secretary. The claim you are staking is expanding to being more than about money for your book isn't it? It is like having an umpire with all their money riding on ONE of the teams! MODERATOR. You are clearly NOT moderate in your views between the two candidates.

Rebecca : As an independent voter, I have a tough time finding a source of data/news/journalism that is without bias. And PBS, unfortunately has become more flagrantly left and liberal to an extreme, and then one of its own, Ms. Gwen Ifill who writes about Obama and stands to benefit from his election in book sales, is about to moderate a Vice Presidential Debate. I hope that we see as well a moderated debate as we did last week by Mr. Lehrer. Still, giving her the benefit of the doubt, I don't think she should moderate nor should anyone with such a clear bias toward or against a particular candidate or party. Things that are bugging me: -Accountability: an unpopular idea these days, because it requires consequences to actions; and that goes to CEO who mismanage money; elected officials who make poor decisions and then lie their way out of explaining their part in it; borrowers who are smart enough to purchase a home but not smart enough (according to some ) to be held accountable, at least in part, for their part of that decision; it goes to the popular, liberal candidate as well as to the conservative who sees a different point of view. If you research records, you see that the liberal powers had plenty to do with this and had plenty to do with failure to do anything; and now want to point fingers and fail to take any accountability. it is simply ignorant to believe that the financial crisis we are in is any one President's or any one party's sole doing. There is plenty of accountability to go around. -It is not about right and wrong; good or bad; just different. Ourleaders, economists, small business owners, teachers, ....... have each their own view of their world and how to better it; am I not arrogant to think my way is the only way??? When can we get back to some respect for that. I hear more venom from the liberal left than I ever have from most conservatives. I hear bluster and loud postulating from some conservatives but not nearly as much damaging, angry, get-even mentality. In our neighborhood, in the 2004 election season, all the Republican yard signs got ripped up and thrown about; not one of the Democratic signs did. That reflects on the vandalizing group as well as on the group who chooses to allow the other to keep their signs out. Get off the victimization, self-righteous cross! - PBS funded by public funds as well as private, yet represents a half of the political point of view about 90 % of the time. Or perhaps it represents its private foundations leanings and heck with the public. -Media flagrant bias in all areas. Can't find an impartial rendering or investigation anywhere. What's the point if you are going to only read and listen to that which agrees with you? That says to me that there is less or no interest in the truth, just agreement. -Uproar over researching Obama's life and business which should be open; but much has been closed by his supporters unless enough scrutiny placed on the issues (University of Chicago Woods Foundation/Annenberg Foundation ). Also, look at how he blocked his opponents from running against him in Illinois Senate race, using a California law to get them off the ticket; allowing him to run virtually unopposed. -Palin attacks represent partial truth and her devotion to motherhood and family actually criticized. When did that become a negative? Any other mothers or fathers out there that are upset over those characterizations? Is it possible that she is as complex and multi-layered as any male executive who balances work and family? And, those of you who have had a teenager who was pregnant, would you like to explain the failings of a parent that they didn't prevent it or educate their child better? Oh right, teens have a mind and body of their own. I'm not her greatest fan, but I detest how she has been attacked in areas that are personal (SNL's comment about incest during their second episode) rather than on topics that actually should be challenged and questioned. - The Grand Hypocrisy coming from the kind, gentle, helping-handed liberals - what I hear most is petty judgement; judgement from those who call themselves "non-judgemental, diverse, accepting, fair, those who "care" about the common guy/gal", that is, unless they have the audacity to believe differently or join the wrong party. I admire good education, but when did a parchment from an ivy league school automatically give you good judgement or good character? So, I can't say Obama is or isn't a man of good judgement or character because we have been kept from much of his history by those who yell loudest when anyone ventures near his life history unless it is the history they or he has discerned that we should have. Yes, I'm being sarcastic about liberals, and I truly respect that point of view and don't want to demean, but it has become a parody of the real liberal that rarely exists anymore, and I am fed up with the faux liberals, the trendy liberals. -Equality. I want equal treatment and I have seen nothing near it in this election. In fact, between the worship I see directed toward Obama and the determined hatred of GWB and the Republican Party scares me as it is a perfect set up for following blindly as some nations have of a ruthless dictator or perceived saviour. NO, I'm not calling him a Hitler, just analyzing the public's ability to lose their own good sense. When I hear Ashley Judd or Matt Damon (both fine actors) state their opinions which don't have any real substance, I just want to turn off the TV permanently. What gives them more authority than you or I? It just gags me to see the use of their celebrity to further their own cause. -Record & Character vs. Force Feeding: I began the season with an uncertainty about for whom I would vote. Unfortunately, I've made my decision in part on the one candidate's general character and record, and in part by the media's forcing their biased opinion down my throat and not caring to represent at least half of this country's voters. Like it or not, there are as many who oppose Obama's points of view out here as there are who support him. So how about sharing a bit of typespace and air time with them? -Last, interesting that Obama has raised more money, spent more money over 18 months (nearly) while McCain has raised much less, spent much less, and has not been the favored son of his party through much of the campaign; and yet, they run neck and neck. Sounds kind of like a familiar child's story doesn't it? Sorry for my rant, but " I'm mad as h.... and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

cindy510 : HOW IS THIS WOMAN MEDIATING THE VP DEBATE??? SHE IS DISHONEST AND SHOULD HAVE STEPPED DOWN KNOWING SHE IS PURELY PARTISAN. SHE HAS NO PLACE IN THIS ROLE.

Shamika : For anyone who is interested to know if Ms Ifill can deliver unbiased attitude as a MODERATOR in the debate please check out her previous comments about the Presidential Race. Let her own words enlighten. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gwen+ifill+palin&search_type=&aq=f

KB : BethinAlaska says: "Mr. Obama must assign a more pointed blame for this financial mess. He can not just use the nebulous "wall street" but must point to the current government for the last 8 years and thier downright criminal negligence in regulating ruinous business practices." Gee, Beth, maybe you should do your homework. Go to Youtube and see the videos of the Republicans warning in 2004 about the crisis and the Dems blocking them every step of the way. Guess who was a lawyer, going after lenders who would NOT make the subprime loans? Does the name "Obama" ring a bell? Sheesh, do some homework before spouting off.

wesley : you should excuse yourself from this debate. this is wrong on so many levels. this is not helping get out.

Barbara Sutton : How can PBS give Ifill the debate when she has written a book about her favorite Obama. I am so digusted with PBS and the media I could scream. All you see is Obama. The news people will let you know as soon as they open their mouth who they are for as President. (9/10 are for Obama...If I owned a media outlet it would be neutral. We are getting more like other countries. The media owns the candiates......

maryal521 : PBS is right there alongside all of the other liberal media outlets, as one-sided as ever. How many millions will Ms. Ifill make on her book deal if Obama wins the election? Also, I'm not voting for Vice President; I'm voting for President. Everyone seems to expect McCain to drop dead the day after he wins. Barack Hussein Obama and his far, far left cronies are not what this country needs...I never in my wildest dreams could imagine that we might have a president named Hussein -- very scary.....

Jay in Ga : This lady should not be the mod. Conflict of interest. Buy my book.......

objective5 : I look forward to Gwen Ifill moderating this debate. It's nonsense to think she should recuse herself from moderating such a debate. Perhaps she should because of her gender and race as well. She strikes me as a level minded objective professional. Say no more about Gwen, just watch Sarah insert foot into mouth. Let the candidates speak, if what you call speaking, is Palin's blithering into the cosmos.

Kevin in IA : Gwen Ifill asked several questions that were softballs for Joe Biden and as expected one sided. It is very difficult to find a person that is completely fair, so the questions should be cleared prior to debates.

Integrity : Gwen Ifill should realize that she just put her integrity on the line by not being honest and upfront to the debate committee on her book deal and political viewpoint. The public would like an objective and fair media to report out on the political news. PBS will lose audience and public funding from allowing her continue forward with this type of unfair behavior. They lost my donations.

Freddie B. : I think the poll on Sarah Palin's qualification should be changed from "Vice-president" to "President." Because that's that's the crux of the matter. And I bet the results would be different.

hazel puyet : I do NOT think Sarah Palin is qualified to run as Vice President of the USA.

Maete : Sarah Palin is more qualified to be VP than "B Hussien Obama" for Pres. She has more executive experience over the years, than 143 days of legislative govt, e.i. voting "present" is wishy washy, GO MCCAIN & SARAH!!'08