[bvw]

David Gergen, the moderator, was taken aback, but could not manage to change the subject

Why did he attempt to change the subject? Why should any moderator who changes the subject about such an important vetting of whispered rumor be "greatly respected"? Why do many DC/Davos types claim "repesct for" Gergen. Is he a Don?

[Southack]

David Gergen, the moderator, was taken aback, but could not manage to change the subject

"Why did he attempt to change the subject? Why should any moderator who changes the subject about such an important vetting of whispered rumor be "greatly respected"? Why do many DC/Davos types claim "repesct for" Gergen. Is he a Don?"

Not a Don, a Talleyrand. David Gergen is the morally bankrupt but brilliant (and fortunately, powerless) Talleyrand of our times.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Reference:

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord