TresSugar

Station Censors Mistake in Debate & Fact-Checking Last Night

CitizenSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:00:02 -0700

This is an odd case of censoring that if applied at the debate last night, could have made things look very different. In a congressional debate in Pennsylvania, a TV station has censored remarks made by one of the candidates because they were erroneous. Bleeping out a mistake? Yep, because the statement was about the economy. She said that two major banks had failed - when actually they hadn't - a mistake uncorrected at the time by either her opponent or the moderator was zapped from the debate before it was broadcast.

The general manager of the station who made the decision (after consulting with the FCC and the NAB) said, ''In the end, we did not feel that broadcasting the names of the banks served the public in any way. Because of the economic times we're in . . .a statement on television can cause an immediate effect.'' The debate aired with a disclaimer approved by both candidates.

To see what could have happened if this fact-checking censoring were to have happened at the debate last night, read more.

McCain described Colombia as the "largest agricultural importer of our products." Actually? It's Canada.
Obama said all of McCain's ads have been negative. While that applied for one week recently, at times Obama has run a higher percentage of negatives.
McCain pegged Obama's health care proposal as "single-payer" based on a five-year-old quote. Obama's current proposal is not.
Obama said he's willing to break ranks with Democrats when he's voted with them 97 percent of the time since becoming a senator.

If you want more, the whole debate has been fact-checked so you can separate truth from . . . the bleepable. Is the notion of censoring mistakes a dangerous precedent? Was it OK in the example of the economy? If so, where's the line?

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Front Page: Joe the Plumber Speaks, Social Security Benefits to Rise, EU Firm on Climate Goals

CitizenSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:00:42 -0700

Joe the Plumber Speaks:
After being the star of last night's debate, mentioned conservatively a dozen times, "Joe the Plumber" has come forward. His name is Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio man who wants to buy a plumbing business. He had spoken with Obama in Toledo this week, and told him his tax plan would prevent him from buying the business. He said of being the example of the night, "It's pretty surreal, man, my name being mentioned in a presidential campaign." He won't say who he's voting for - if he's registered - "That's for me and a button to know."

Social Security Benefits to Rise:
Social Security benefits will go up 5.8 percent for 50 million people next year. It's the largest pay rise in more than a quarter of a century. The increase will begin in January and will mean $63 extra per month for the average retiree. The raise is double increase from January this year.

EU Firm on Climate Goals:
European Union leaders are resolved to meet their targets and timetable for addressing climate change, despite objections from some countries. Worries that given the global economic situation cutting greenhouse gas emissions will be too costly has caused some countries to threaten to block the plan. French President Sarkozy says, "The climate package is so important that we cannot simply drop it, under the pretext of a financial crisis."

Debate Rebate: Our Reactions to the Last Presidential Debate

CitizenSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:37:58 -0700

They may have very well saved the best for last. This was the most direct, most on task, most like an actual conversation debate we've had thus far. And not a moment too soon. The candidates were juxtaposed beautifully and answered questions not only on specific policies, but on the conduct of their campaigns. It was nail-biting, uncomfortable at times, but deftly handled by moderator Bob Schieffer. Here's what we thought:

Citizen: Wearing each other's "team" ties in what I hoped was a nod toward cooperation, the economy was ripped open right at the start. Both candidates spoke straight at the camera, directly it seemed, to me. It was eerie and wildly effective, with Joe the Plumber becoming an instantaneous celebrity, the cornerstone of their duel over small business taxes. Earmarks and pork barrel and budget overruns, oh my. I do like Obama's line of needing a "scalpel, not a hatchet," if only because it comforts me that he intends to cut spending as well.

When Schieffer pinned the candidates down on the negative aspects of the campaign I was breathless. It was baldly frank (seeming, I mean it is politics) talk, and when McCain whipped out the stat that Obama had spent the most money on negative campaign ads, it hit home - but was parried well by Obama's stat that six in 10 perceive McCain as negative. Then, the politest knock down-drag out on Ayers and ACORN. We knew it was coming all day, but when it did it was all the more potent. When Roe v. Wade popped up, I was actually heartened to hear civilized talk of the difference between choosing judges for their ideologies, and choosing judges for their adherence to the Constitution - it could be the most cogent debate on the issue we've had thus far.

To see the rest of my thoughts, and what Liberty has to say, read more.

As for the "Gore sighs" the nonverbals that will kill a performance: both were guilty of the smirk, if only perhaps to relieve the tension. I know I could barely handle it, it stands to reason it had to express itself somewhere, so to speak. In all, the debate was like a floaty butterfly fairy tale meets a brick wall. The second you got caught up in the story Obama was spinning, then came McCain with his smack down of reality. Even 20 months in, it was confusing and captivating and perfectly encapsulated these diametrically opposed yet unflinching campaigns - and illuminated the very choice we all have to make in 20 short days. Now as Bob Schieffer's mother says, "Go vote now. It will make you feel big and strong."

Liberty: In the most high tension, and perhaps most conversational, debate John McCain came out looking for a game changer. McCain seemed rested and eager (did you hear the Al Gore sighs?) while Obama seemed reluctant and a little low on energy. Still, Obama's calm demeanor allowed him to rise above a potential catty debate, and focus on his issue advantages.

Coming out strong, McCain's crisp statement: "Senator Obama, I'm not President Bush" had no matching punch line from Obama, perhaps giving McCain an edge in the sound-bite battle.

In the middle, the candidates spent much time talking about attack ads, leaving me lamenting that this is what the American people get to listen to from their presidential candidates. By noting that William Ayers has become the center of McCain's campaign, Obama made McCain's campaign look deaf to the real issues facing the American people. After setting the record straight about his strained connection to Ayers, Obama then took the opportunity to make a positive and reassuring argument about the capable people who will advise him, such as Warren Buffet and former NATO head Jim Jones.

After a discussion on healthcare, which left me thinking Obama knows more about McCain's plan than McCain does, the two got talking about abortion. Obama called out the McCain/Palin refrain that he supported infanticide, pointing out that there was already a law on the books requiring care to babies of botched abortions when he voted against an Illinois bill for other reasons.

Obama then took the dialogue to another level saying that he wants everyone to work together to reduce the number of abortions and promote adoption. McCain went on to slam the pro-choice movement with the pejorative "pro-abortion." I'm still wondering if considering the country's at war and in an economic crisis, and after eight-years of a pro-life President and more Roe v. Wade, whether the abortion discussion was worth the time.

While this was McCain's best performance by far, I think Obama maintained a presidential and informed presence. Maybe I can find Joe the Plumber and ask him what he thinks.

What did you think?

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Last One! Who's Watching the Presidential Debate With Us?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:45:13 -0700

The fat lady is tuning up for the final hurrah, the last debate before the presidential election. Hosted by Bob Schieffer at Hofstra University in New York, the debate starts at 9 p.m. EDT and will last the standard 90 minutes with the candidate sitting side by side. Touching distance. And since McCain has promised to whip his you-know-what that proximity could be . . . you-know-what. We're settling in to watch all of the action and will be right here in the comments - come join us!

In the meantime, there is so much out there to take in - it's like a little debate prep of our own! Following the "whipping" comment, Obama came out saying that he's "ready for Ayers" but that he's using the debate to discuss his plan for the economy. McCain might be feeling the sting of a less-than-positive tone lately as six in 10 voters think he's been spending more time attacking than explaining what he'd do as president. That didn't stop him from hosting a record-breaking fund-raiser.

There are tons more goodies, including what kind of host we're getting ready for. To find out, read more.

Bob Schieffer has already promised he's not afraid to push for answers, the proximity he'll have to the candidate, plus a host of other suggestions - like asking about the elephant in the room - might make this last debate the liveliest yet.

With Obama's debate talking points leaked, and the polls heading not exactly in McCain's favor, I leave you with this one tidbit to take to your debate-watching parties - only one other candidate has come back from the deficit McCain is facing now: Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Thoughts? Predictions? Debating-watching menus? We want to know it all!

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A List Candidates Want to Avoid: Biggest Debate Blunders!

LibertySugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:00:26 -0700

Tonight is the last chance Barack Obama and John McCain have to show Americans how their visions for America differ.

That's swell, but we all know what tonight's debate is really about - it's the last chance either candidate has to make a major blunder and self-inflict a campaign crippling wound.

Esquire went back to the archives to find examples of how presidential campaigns destroyed years of campaigning during a few seconds of debate time. Here are some of the highlights (or low points). You can check out the videos on Esquire's site.

1960: Nixon vs. Kennedy: Richard Nixon made the horrid mistake of refusing to wear makeup. His pasty skin, five-o-clock shadow, and unfortunate weight loss due to hospitalization distracted viewers and helped shift the momentum to a tan JFK.
1988: Bush vs. Dukakis: When asked if his wife was raped and killed, would he want the death penalty for the killer, Dukakis said: "No, I don't, and I think you know that I've opposed the death penalty during all of my life.” His lack of emotion didn't fly.
2000: Gore vs. Bush: Gore's sighs and eye-rolling. Enough said.

Is there a good chance we'll add to the list tonight - or are the candidates going to play it safe?

Briefing Book! Last Night's Debate . . . Comic Book Style

LibertySugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Series of Town Halls: A few highlights from Nashville in graphic-novel form. - 23/6
Debate Winner: The winner of the debate? That one. - Huffington Post
Arnold: What did the Terminator say to the Hockey Mom? Miss Alaska is beating Mr. Universe. - Radar
Smoking Laws: No Smoking? Shanghai outlaws smoking inside public places, but only during certain hours. - Shanghaiist
Palin: What does Fred Thompson think? Ex-candidate defends Sarah Palin. - Townhall
Authors: Melissa Walker is the latest author to throw her two-cents for Obama in the YA for Obama blog. How can the under-18s get involved? Here's how. - YA for Obama

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Debate Talk: Who Said It?

LibertySugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:45 -0700

There's no doubt about it: Presidential and vice-presidential debates offer some of the most exciting fodder along the campaign trail. While we all tuned in to watch John, Obama, Sarah and Joe face off at their prospective matches I got to thinking about some of the great debates of the past. Do you know who said these memorable quotes?

Question 1 of 6

"I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency."

Debate Rebate: Reactions to the Second Presidential Debate

CitizenSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:53:44 -0700

The much be-hyped town hall debate brought the candidates close together on the bright red carpet, the people closer to the candidates, and perhaps the undecideds closer to a decision? Between the discussion happening here, and the sparkily veiled tension on the stage, how did this match up fare? Here's what we thought:

Citizen:
The biggest shot in the arm this debate format provided was bringing the issues down to the individual level. The audience was intimate and the scrutiny felt equally as close - both from the questioners and Tom Brokaw, who proved to be a ruthless but level moderator. I was nervous about the "real people" questions (you saw the snowman debacle, I don't always like a Pro-Am) but some of them were great.

One in particular from an 80-year-old who lived through the Great Depression - she asked what kind of sacrifice we as Americans should make that wasn't just the blood of our Armed Forces. McCain's answer focused on spending saying, "We're going to have to tell the American people that we're going to have to have a spending freeze. . . we can establish priorities and full transparency. . . and I'm going to tell you Americans that we'll get to work right away." Obama continued the answer speaking to civilian service and expanding the Peace Corps, a different take on it to be sure.

To see the rest of my thoughts and what Liberty had to say, read more.

When the discussion turned to health care the tension ratcheted up several notches along with the interest. McCain lasered in on the government mandated aspect of Obama's plan, and slammed home the choice-and-freedom aspect of his $5,000 tax credit. Then Brokaw asked a point-blank smacker: is health care a privilege, a right, or a responsibility. McCain answered "responsibility," Obama, "right."

Overall McCain was not shy about going for the jugular, on several instances catching everyone off guard with his good-natured intensity. In particular, his calling out of Obama as "that one," was a heated moment no one missed. The last question, "what don't you know and how will you learn it?" provided the candidates a moment to wrap up. McCain seized the opportunity for his most compelling and lucidly forceful riff of the night saying, "I know what it's like to have your comrades pick you up and put you back in the fight, and that's what this country is all about."

A game-changer it was not, but an inning? Yes, and then some.

Liberty:
Tonight both candidates seemed a little tepid and defensive. I kept waiting to see some spirit or contagious passion.

During the discussion on government spending John McCain kept hitting Barack Obama on "increased spending." Obama defended his position as smart taxing and smart spending. He made it clear that it's inevitable that the government is going to tax and it's going to spend - but what's crucial is giving the tax breaks to the right people, and using the collected money for efficient and fair programs.

The dying debate got a burst of virility during the health care discussion - McCain described health care as a responsibility while Obama called it a right. Obama spoke clearly and concisely about his position. He came off as genuinely concerned about the uninsured and those with preexisting conditions, and pointed to the drastic differences between his plan and McCain's. He landed a strong punch when he noted that the Chamber of Commerce said McCain's health care plan would destroy employer-based coverage. McCain drew up concerns of government mandates and bureaucracy, while Obama said he wanted to preserve choices.

Obama took McCain's theme from the last debate, that Obama "doesn't understand," as a chance to highlight differences in judgment. Connecting the economy to Iraq, he noted that the US spends $10 billion a month in Iraq, while Americans are out of jobs. Noting that no country has maintained military superiority while its economy declined, Obama made it seem like McCain is the candidate that does not understand a complex world.

What did you think? Did McCain do what he needed to? Was there a clear winner?

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors, CitizenSugar and LibertySugar, and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Sugar Inc.

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Here's #2! Who's Watching the Nashville Debate With Us?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:45:43 -0700

Get ready, 9 p.m. EDT, it's the second verse, same as the first? Decidedly not my friends, (no drinking yet!). But given that it's a town-hall-style debate, a format McCain is quite comfortable with, I expect the "my friends" to come flying, so prepare yourselves.

So the scoop: of the six million questions submitted online (!!!) only 15-20 will be answered. The candidates will answer questions from uncommitted voters and while the candidates have agreed not to include follow-up questions, though moderator Tom Brokaw hasn't himself agreed to cut them out. Most of the stories today have underscored McCain's need for a "game changer" given his favored status in the format, and his need to reverse Obama's gain in the polls.

McCain has, with a grin, signaled he's ready to shuck the gloves, and while the Obama campaign acknowledges his competence in a town hall, they're readying their gloves as well. They said, "I hope during the course of that he also has time to speak to the state of our economy, which is in deep trouble right now. But we are prepared for a very aggressive debate."

Are you prepared? Any predictions on the relative game-changeriness? Who's watching the debate with us?

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McCain and Obama Meet For Debate #2 After Day of Clashes

CitizenSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:00:01 -0700

The second presidential debate is on tonight in Nashville, TN, and it stands to bring the candidates closer to each other - and to voters than they've been to date. The townhall format could be a dicey proposition given the . . . strong turn talk has taken in the last couple of days.

With fewer than 30 days left, McCain said since Obama was "taking the gloves off," he leveled a strong criticism of Obama's accusations over the credit crunch. He said, "I guess he believes if a lie is big enough and repeated often enough it will be believed." In Albuquerque, McCain continued saying, "For a guy who’s already authored two memoirs, he’s not exactly an open book. It’s as if somehow the usual rules don’t apply, and where other candidates have to explain themselves and their records, Senator Obama seems to think he is above all that."

To see what Obama's said lately, and how the the new format changes the whole game, read more.

Obama isn't taking the criticism lying down. He's planning a multi-media campaign to hit McCain on his involvement in the Keating Five scandal. He's adding a stringent ad saying, "Three quarters of a million jobs lost this year. Our financial system in turmoil. And John McCain? Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy. No wonder his campaign wants to change the subject."

With all of the strong words lashed back and forth, facing off on the same stage tonight in Nashville, townhall-style, could stand to be a little more than tense. What do they need to do to deal with the change in format? Slate's John Dickerson has the nuts and bolts on how to deal with a townhall audience - especially given the dark turn the campaign has taken lately.

Have the hard hits been equal? Are you geared up for the townhall format?

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