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Vote 2008: Presidential Election Coverage

Presidential Race

Reporter's Notebook: Gwen Ifill on the Palin Game-changer

By Steve Goldbloom on September 10, 2008

As both Sen. Barack Obama and the newly minted Republican ticket of Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin hit different parts of Virginia Wednesday, Gwen Ifill discussed the profound impact that Palin has had on the race.

0910_mccainpalin.jpg “The one thing we knew that was consistent even though it was narrow throughout this kind of post primary process was that Barack Obama seemed to have a slight edge. Sarah Palin has changed all that. And she’s changed it at least for the short term among white women, who have decided to wake-up and flock away from Barack Obama …to John McCain,” Ifill said.

But the carefully stage-managed approach to her rollout to the American public could turn out to be a double-edged sword, Ifill warned.

“The last time I remember such an unknown person being put on the ticket was when Dan Quayle was nominated by George H. W. Bush to be his running mate in 1988,” she told the NewsHour’s Steve Goldbloom. “Shortly after that happened he came out in a series of live interviews with the press … where he did not acquit himself well in which he did misspeak on several occasions and certainly no one wants to repeat that on the Republican side. So they are carefully guarding Sarah Palin preparing her for what is certain to be merciless scrutiny … over the next several weeks and trying to preserve what is best about her without tarnishing what is a brand new brand.”

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Comments

  • Posted:
    09/10/08 at
    10:08 PM
    SusanGabriel : Love Gwen Ifill. Love hearing her take on this. The protection and secrecy around Sarah Palin by the McCain campaign seems to be a mirror image of the George W. Bush White House. Very alarming, indeed.
  • Posted:
    09/10/08 at
    10:19 PM
    Hilary G : Have you heard about the new anti Palin blog that is sweeping the nation? Started by 2 women last week who sent out 40 letters. It is a wonderful story of user generated political content. The response has been immense! We've heard from women of all ages from all over the US and internationally. Here's our blog: http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com It's incredibly inspiring to read so many intelligent, wise, and impassioned opinions.
  • Posted:
    09/10/08 at
    10:27 PM
    Skeptic : If it's only clear so far that it's a change "at least for the short term," what justifies the overheated, sensationalist notion that it's a "game-changer"? Is this PBS or FOX?
  • Posted:
    09/10/08 at
    10:56 PM
    Meri Walker : Please send someone IMMEDIATELY to interview Andrew Halcro who is an Alaska State Representative. His blog gives a point by point analysis of the mis-truths Sara Palin is putting forward about her "record" of service in Alaska in the one speech she keeps repeating. Read it here: http://www.andrewhalcro.com/grading_palins_speech_a
  • Posted:
    09/10/08 at
    11:18 PM
    Karen : Sara Palin sounds impressive but she may actually be a wolf in sheep's clothing. I'll have to wait and find out more about her in the debate and interview processes to come. I don't like politicians who hijack religion for political gain. If her faith in God is genuine it will be revealed in honest and integrity and equality for all. I think time will tell if she's the "real deal".
  • Posted:
    09/11/08 at
    12:26 AM
    Dawn AM : I've never done this before. Oh, I've blogged and posted comments but I've never taken the time to try and make my feelings known regarding a political campaign to anyone. And, I've never been so insulted by any political action as I am by the Republican's turning Obama's lipstick on a pig into a "sexist" comment. How stupid to the Republican's think I am? It's obvious that this comment was in no way intended to comment on anything Palin is or has said. And the fact that the campaign is making this mountain out of this non-existent mole hill has got me riled. Riled enough to find some blogs to comment on. But I've got to give them snaps. Their tactic worked. They got me off my Hilary fence. But it backfired for them with me at least. Hopefully other smart women are seeing beyond this ruse as well. Although the Dole/Hagan campaign here in NC is hitting new lows on both sides. Sigh...
  • Posted:
    09/11/08 at
    12:39 AM
    paul baker : In tonight's education segment, neither of the campaign representatives mentioned that the No Child Left Behind is an under-funded mandate. The Act's goals are notable, but to date the Feds have not supplied the funds that were promised in the first place.
  • Posted:
    09/11/08 at
    12:41 AM
    Viewer in Wisconsin : I just saw News Hour Q&A 9/10/08 with Lisa Graham Keegan for McCain and a representative for Obama. Keegan answered none of the pertinent questions and simply mimicked the McCain talking points. Kudos for McCain campaign coaching and staying on message. An "F" to the McCain representative and the campaign for not contributing to an intelligent exchange that will educate voters. As an aside, when Keegan mentioned choice in education, how is it that choice works in selection of schools, but not for women in control of their own reproductive rights?
  • Posted:
    09/11/08 at
    12:52 AM
    Jason : The McCain campaign cannot have a debate without using fallacy arguments. Normally I expect this of bloggers, but not of their so-called 'experts'. Here is an example: We just heard from McCain's adviser on education and she repeatedly brought up the issue of school funding in America since 1958. This is an AD HOC argument employed only because McCain does not have a relevant education policy-he simply wants to perpetuate No Child Left Behind, which most educators consider a failure. Bringing up an extraneous point when cornered on policy as McCain's adviser just was tonight, is not a valid form of debate. You bring up an ad hoc argument, you lose. You bring up an ad hominem attack you lose. You appeal to authority you lose. You bring up pity, you lose. These are all arguments that are illegitimate. The American public desperately needs to be educated on these forms or it will be continuously misled on the issues as McCain's campaign has done tonight. Look up "fallacy arguments" on google if you have any questions about this.
  • Posted:
    09/11/08 at
    06:16 AM
    DaleHeckman : Governors of U.S. border states commonly meet, for commercial purposes, with their counterparts in neighboring countries. It would be useful to ask whether Gov.Palin has met the two Russian governors on Alaska's western border.
  • Posted:
    09/12/08 at
    01:58 AM
    Kekina : Can anyone convince Hilary to weigh in and regain white female support for Obama? Be aware of this supposed debunking of Palin rumors (& notice its obvious link to Republican agenda): http://explorations.chasrmartin.com/2008/09/06/palin-rumors/
  • Posted:
    09/14/08 at
    02:16 AM
    Kallie : Gwen Ifill is one of my favorite commentators and I've admired her for years. She's typical poised, intelligent, thoughtful. However, her interview Wed night of Susan Keegan, McCain campaign surrogate is an abject FAILURE. By asking Keegan to respond to the McCain campaign's ad claiming that a law Obama voted for in the Illinois senate promoted teaching of "sex education" to kindergarten children she DIGNIFIED the FALSE CLAIMS. PBS's own web site has a link to factcheck.org - which that same day described the claims as false. Perhaps Gwen didn't have the opportunity to see that before her interview, however, it should have been CLEAR this was unlikely to be true. Therefore she should have checked the facts for herself before asking such an open ended question. In hindsight I'm sure she see's CLEARLY that she should have presented the facts in the law and asked Keegan why they they distorted the facts so grossly. F minus Gwen. We can't afford this kind of shoddy work.
  • Posted:
    09/22/08 at
    01:37 PM
    C Bozoti : I have to wonder how a biased individual can moderate a VP debate. Reading all of the comments to this very obvious left leaning media provider I have to wonder how anyone that is associated with your group can honestly be non-partisan. I didn't realize Sarah Palin was running against Barak Hussain Obama as many appear to think. Why try to dis-credit someone before they are heard. Just think, Obama was an un-known just a few short months ago. Oh and by the way, I am a registered Democrat.
  • Posted:
    09/22/08 at
    07:25 PM
    John : I have heard that the Palin/Biden debate will show 'deference' to Palin because the McCain campaign's worry that she is "inexperienced," and could be unable to answer tough questions. Wait a minute! Not because she is female, mother, governor, etc., but because she is a candidate for VP, the viewing audience should see how she handles tough, not unfair, questions. Do you suppose the GOP will ask Putin go 'go easy" on her because of her inexperience??? John Bethesda, MD
  • Posted:
    09/22/08 at
    11:08 PM
    K2 : I have heard Sarah P talk about Children with Special Health Needs.I think she is new to this issue and has not done her homework. Several federal agencies and parent advocate groups are strong voices. I would like to suggest a homework assignement for her and a few questions to ask her during the debate. A question for her: Does she know the HHS agency that has the Division for Children with Special Health Needs. What are the programs in her state of Alaska for such children? Is she familiar with Title V? Here is the link to the Children with Special Health Needs Survey http://mchb.hrsa.gov/cshcn05/SD/alaska.htm Does she know when Child Health Day is? Does she know of the family to family grants? Is she familar with the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008 sign by Bush this May? S1858. McKain was not a co-sponsor of this bill This is the beginning of an education process. Before she says she is an advocate - better look at the history.
  • Posted:
    09/28/08 at
    09:18 AM
    joe : Noone talks about the gross national debt. The 700 billion proposed is simply a rounding up of the debt ceiling from 10.3 trill to 11 trillion. We need to be talking about the 11 trillion. If people think 700 billion will clobber the economy, what do they think 11 trillion is already doing?
  • Posted:
    09/28/08 at
    01:03 PM
    twbarney : It's scary to see how angry all of you liberals can get. Please get a life.
  • Posted:
    09/28/08 at
    01:04 PM
    priscilla : I am concerned about Palin's view of the world in which we live, specifically its challenges and complexities and possible solutions. In her interview with Katie Couric, Sarah Palin said that she has gotten her education about the world from books,rather than travel to other countries. I am curious to know (and would like to see this asked of both candidates in the upcoming debate) which books and magazines have been most influential in shaping her views on the issues we face today. What is she reading now? Does she have a favorite book she has read recently about the U.S., the world? Also, given the complex and dangerous world we will face for the next decades, and the increasing diversity of our nation, together with the inadequacies of our public education system, what changes does she think we need to make in the education of our youth so they will be able to succeed in the world?
  • Posted:
    09/29/08 at
    11:11 AM
    Lucy Fischer : Gwen Ifill: For the Thursday night debate, please treat Sarah Palin as you would any other vice-presidential candidate. As a feminist, I am appalled by the notion that if one is "hard" on Palin it is somehow "sexist." This is ridiculous. She has chosen to put herself in the arena for the second most powerful job in the UD; she deserves to be rigorously vetted and challenged. The ball is in your court. Don't drop it, please. Lucy Fischer
  • Posted:
    09/30/08 at
    04:46 PM
    Barbara : I have been watching Gwen for years, and love her. Is there a way to make sure that there will be no earpieces during the VP debate this week? I think we should hear what they have to say with absolutely no aides. If there is no rule against it, then the media should be told who has an earpiece.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    02:00 AM
    Connect the dots : Many are concerned that Gwen Ifill has a tremendous conflict of interest in the outcome of this debate. She has a book scheduled to be published in January: "Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama" during which she had very close ties to the Obama campaign. I think her potential financial windfall if Obama wins should be declared at the beginning of the debate. But I'm not holding my breath.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    10:35 AM
    Tim : You should disclose at the outset of the debate that you are publishing a book about Obama, that the book is being promoted for sale on inauguration day, and that you have a financial incentive for the democrats to win. Anything less than full disclosure is a confirmation of the bias of PBS, and worse.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    10:42 AM
    Con10tious : Very alarming considering she's so enthralled with Nobama she wrote an admiring book on him. So far this year I have been appalled by the people who have wrongly used their positions to advocate for a political figure. But this Ifill has managed an even greater depravity of character. She should withdraw at once.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    10:44 AM
    Richard Brees : Lucy fisher. Could'nt have said it better myself!
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    10:44 AM
    dw : Gwen should recuse herself from moderating vp debate as she is extremely biased toward Obama. Are there any REAL unbiased and ethical journalists out there anymore? Were there any --ever? If Gwen moderates debate, my wife and I will not watch. And we certainlly don't give a damn about her book either.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    11:31 AM
    Cassandra : Hey viewer in Wisconsin, the difference between choosing to send your child to a better school and choosing to kill your child in the womb should be pretty clear.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    12:08 PM
    wow : Let's see if Gwen can treat Sarah Palin with respect. How about Gwen take herself off the moderator position since she has written a book about Obama and stands to profit from the sale of the book. How about she face the fact many think she has fed Biden the questions before the debate even takes place. If she is such a good reporter, then be fair here
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    01:01 PM
    Cheryl Bogart : Dear Ms. Ifill, Please consider recusing yourself from moderating the Vice Presidential Debate on October 2. It is clear from the title and publicity notes about your upcoming book that you have a dog in this fight and your ability to remain neutral in your questions will be suspect. You stand to gain financial from the election of Sen. Obama to the Presidency. Your partiality cannot help but infect your ability to moderate the debate. Please step down and allow the Commission to substitute a moderator who will be able to accord the same deference to both parties. Thank you
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    01:23 PM
    Tristan : Take it the truth does HURT
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    03:27 PM
    c d'angelo : Dear mrs Gwen Ifill, Please step down as moderator of the VP debate, there's too much at stake. Republicans will use your every mannerism or tone as a reason for Palin's failure.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    03:51 PM
    glenn shepherd : Gwen Ifil has been a reporter that I can depend on to be fair in providing information. Once again, some people are trying to create adversity with statements that she will be bias as the moderator for the up coming debate because of her book that hasn't been published yet. I know that intelligent people will ignore this and watch her handle the debate with professionalism as she has done through out her career in journalism.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    04:10 PM
    Grace : I find it very curious that Gwen Ifill will be the moderator during the Palin/Biden debate. She is biased in favor of Obama and has written a book praising him. This is unfair and unbalanced. With all the media bias already in play this is, to me, another nail in Palin's casket. I am disgusted and find this unethical and un-American.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    05:42 PM
    Bob : I am hopeful (but not holding my breath) that Gwen Ifill will recuse herself from moderator of the VP debate, for 10-2-08. It is definitely a CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST! This is unfair and unbalanced. With the media bias already in favor of B.O., I concur that this is "another nail in Palin's casket". I am disgusted and find this unethical and un-American. I am asking PBS to intervene in the interest of fairness!
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    06:30 PM
    jacy1040 : To dw: The answer to your question about whether there are any real and unbiased journalists left is NO. I think that there actually used to be a few. Remember Chet Huntley or David Brinkley? They may have been biased about some things, but you sure couldn't tell from their reporting. By and far, journalism is dead. What we now have are a bunch of hacks, including Ms. Ifill. To Glenn Shepherd: What's this about Ms. Ifill's professionalism? Oh, you mean professional like the way she handled her reporting after Sarah Palin's acceptance speech. Right? I have never seen such a sour face in my life. If she had even tried to smile, her face would have cracked.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    07:36 PM
    tkellis : Give me a break...this lady is to be a moderator. She needs to be replaced regardless of how many debates she has done. Why on earth would someone pick a moderator who is strongly involved with the Democratic candidate? It doesn't make sense. A voter based on her strong beliefs she wrote a book. You know the rest. Vietnam Veterans and Retired Officers Assoc over 3.5 million strong. Replace her.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    07:43 PM
    Ipek : Gwen Ifill needs to recuse herself.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    08:49 PM
    Chuck haney : I think Ms. Ifill should recuse heerself from the debate tomorrow night. She stands to profit from a an Obama win of the whitehouse...if she has any class at all, she will recuse heerself. Thank You Chuck haney csblend@msn.com
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    10:41 PM
    big al : What date was this written? Check the polls and update.
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    11:10 PM
    Martha N. Copenhaver : About Gwen Ifill..... I my opinion had been sought out (which it was not), I would have asked that you NOT choose Gwen Ifill to be one of the persons to interview Sarah Palin. I would have told you that I believe that Gwen Ifill is NOT CAPABLE of being fair to Sarah Palin. I would have said that she is an unfair moderator, and you will be considered unfair, as well, if you have her do this interview with Governor Palin and Senator Obama. What is the Debate Commission thinking? You are being very unfair. I believe that PBS is grossly unfair, in almost all political respects, and is VERY left leaning. Bill Moyers is an example of the left leaning opinionated network, but this Gwen Ifill mess is REALLY showing where you come down. Gwen Ifill will not be fair. I will watch the debate, but have not faith that she has any intention of doing a fair job of running the debate. Selling a book is one thing, but selling her reputation is even worse. She will become wealthy if she helps Obama win the election. Get a grip. She does not care to be fair, and she will not be fair. You should be ashamed of herself, and so should PBS! Martha N. Copenhaver Tryon, NC 28782 Sincerely, Martha N. Copenhaver 95 Broadway Avenue Tryon, NC 28782 828 859-5401
  • Posted:
    10/ 1/08 at
    11:18 PM
    Lynch, Melissa : I am absolutely appalled that Gwen Ifill did n ot disclose the book. How convenient? Disgraceful!!!! She should withdraw immediately! Totally biased and a opportunist!
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    12:11 AM
    Michael : No question - she must step down as moderator. Why is this even being debated? A moderator by definition is "nonpartisan." Its not a hit on Gwen Ifill, but she can not moderate this event.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    12:21 AM
    Please : I'm just wondering if all of you self-described "dittoheads" travel in packs around the Web? I keep reading the same phrases over and over, even though they are factually incorrect. Since nobody has read Ifill's book - and since she hasn't written the chapter on Obama - how could you possibly know whether her unfinished book is pro-Obama or not? Ifill and her colleagues are the closest thing we have to fair - and real - journalism these days. As John Weaver, a former adviser to Mr. McCain, said today: “Gwen Ifill is as honorable and fair a journalist as there is, and all of us in our business know that.” This Ifill hullabaloo is an obvious, transparent ploy to give Palin cover if she does a face-plant. But this is the big leagues - she needs to succeed or fail on her own, no excuses, no whining.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    12:24 AM
    Allen : If PBS allows Gwen Ifill to moderate the VP debate, your illusion of "impartiality" will be severely impaired. I can't believe that you would allow someone so invested in the election of Obama to even be in the same studio as Palin.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    12:58 AM
    thisniss : There is only one question that I am really, really hoping Gwen Ifill will ask the candidates during the debate: "What is the Vice President's job?" Seriously. After Cheney, that's not an unimportant nor an "easy" question to answer. I have heard people make the comparison of Biden's selection to that of Cheney (older, more "experienced," thought to add gravitas, etc.), so I would like to know what role he sees himself playing in an Obama administration. And since Palin is on record as stating that she doesn't even know what the Vice President does, I would like to hear how she sees herself the role.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    07:23 AM
    anne : None of us here has read her book so it might be prudent to withhold conclusions about her assessment of Obama. I've read that the book will survey black politics since the 1960s - that's nearly a half century of history of which Obama himself only figures a small part. There have been impressive, and not so impressive, black politicians and leaders from both sides of the divide that might drive this narrative (Lewis, Powell, Watts, Berry, Rice). It seems awfully presumptive then to suggest that she is in the tank for Obama. Perhaps the write-ups emphasize him because we are in an intense election and that will sell books! All said, what in Ms. Ifill's history as a respected reporter suggests that she will be biased? I've followed her reporting for many years and believe she has earned her reputation for balance and professionalism.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    02:18 PM
    Shelby : Given McCain's age and Palin's inexperience, I am concerned that they will have a microscopic earpiece implanted, which will be hidden from the world. This needs to be brought to the attention of the sponsors of the debate. No one should be able to cheat.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    04:43 PM
    : Ifill-you are a jaded journalist. You need to recuse yourself from the debate!
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    07:13 PM
    Jerry : Question to ask Palin. If Palin can say Obama's community work does not qualify him to be president, because "the world is not a "community," how can Palin, with majors in journalism and political science, not know the works of the most famous Foreign Affairs journalist of the 20th century (Walter Lippmann - subject of my M.A.), who contradicts her position completely . Lippmann's works cover the "Atlantic Community",the "Western Community" and his vision of the future a "World Community." Lippmann said, "Communities exist throught the world." QUESTION TO ASK: If Walter Lippmann were here tonight, how would you refute his position on world "communities", & his vision of a future World Community, and convince him of your position.
  • Posted:
    10/ 2/08 at
    11:53 PM
    Spudchapp : Biden clearly won the debate. Palin didn't have a clue and was completely clueless and robotic with memorized canned responses, but produced no major gaffes. The clear loser was Gwen Ifill who permitted Palin to make a mockery of the debate by failing to press Palin to answer the questions and stay on topic. This was an embarrassing performance by Ifill.
  • Posted:
    10/ 3/08 at
    05:04 PM
    CCSpaulding : Sadly, there was no moderator last nightat the VP debate. I have watched and listened to Gwen Ifill for years with respect. She destroyed my opinion last night. All she did was ask a question and allow the candidates, in particular Palin, to answer whatever question "They" wanted to, which did not include the one she asked. How is that Moderating? I suspect Gwen Ifill was intimidated by the criticism of her as moderator thrown at her from the Right. How sad that is. I thought she was better than that. I am deeply disappointed to find out that she is not.
  • Posted:
    10/ 3/08 at
    07:24 PM
    swk : I am disappointed at Gwen when she allowed Palin to not answer questions when asked. She allowed Palin to go off a tangent with her talking points. Gwen must have feared that she would be accused of showing bias because of the pre-debate scrutiny. That to me doesn't reflect good journalism. That reflect to me giving in to the majority.
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