Posted on 10/07/2004 9:43:26 PM PDT by mack98
**Shieffer Speaks at Olsson's**
ARLINGTON, VA -- CBS's Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer appeared at Olsson's bookstore in Arlington, Va, where he signed his latest book [highly recommended--see Amazon.com], discussed current events, and answered a few questions.
He mentioned this "10-minute" interview and the picture above (he likes the photo and appreciates that he looks statesmanlike).
He's a personable fellow, comes across as upfront & sincere, and will probably do quite well as moderator at the prez debates next week. Smiling, Schieffer said that he's very excited about the opportunity to moderate the prez debate in Arizona next week.
Schieffer told the group, which included many who had to stand [seating ran out], that his debate questioning of both candidates will focus on domestic issues, but he considers Iraq the top priority in this election. Apparently, he was originally scheduled to moderate the foreign affairs debate, but was bumped to the third debate. He said he had no problem with that, and researched US domestic issues so he would enough questions. [He said he learned a great deal about foreign affairs after interviewing former envoy Dennis Ross for several hours. That was before he learned of the change in moderators. Since Shieffer had to research domestic issues instead, he simply started over the following week, he told the crowd.]
Schieffer said that the nation and its leadership ought to focus on how to get out of Iraq rather than past mistakes.
His opening remarks included sorta-endorsement of the national draft. While he commented that a possible draft is, in his opinion, on the minds of many young people, he believes that a 2-year minimum national service for all 18 y/o would help restore national unity. [He recalled the rally-around-the-flag national unity immediately post-9/11.]
He added that he believes that today's US is bitterly divided along ideological lines. He attributed the extreme partisanship to the nasty electioneering on both sides, citing, in particular, the latest prez elections TV ads. Lately, he said, Republicans and Democrats can't even seem to attend the same church services or live in the same neighborhood.
When asked about last week's prez debate, he felt that Bush was off his game and that it was not the Bush he knew. [Apparently, from his remarks, Schieffer has known Bush for many years.] Schieffer predicted that Bush will smile much more in tomorrow's [Friday] debate.
And, what did Schieffer say about the controversy involving Dan Rather and President Bush's military records? He said that Rather got burnt by a source.
###
Schieffer's younger brother, Tom, worked for Bush when he ran the Texas Rangers baseball club. After Bush resigned to run for governor, Tom Schieffer took over the presidency of the club.
Prior to working for the Rangers, Tom worked as an attorney and was active in Democrat politics, being elected to the state legislature. After Tom was defeated for re-election, Bush gave him a chance to build another career.
In actual fact, Bob Schieffer should have a warm feeling for Bush -- but I doubt that his own liberal bias would allow it.
"Bush could have used the questions asked very effectively."
Bush must be prepared to say:
"Well Bob, I don't like the way you phrased this question. I'm not sure America trusts CBS News to be fair, any more. The right question is..... and this is my answer to this question."
That's a bit of a clumsy seque, but you have the idea. The issue is not A but B.
Bush did terrible in the debate, there is no question. I was online that night, talking about what a disaster it was. And I never blamed the moderator. Bush blew it on his own.
But putting that aside, Leher's questions were almost uniformly framed as "Senator Kerry - you've said this, care to explain and expand on that?"
Then "President Bush, you've said this, despite this and this which contradicts you, why are you always wrong?"
If Scheiffer wants to moderate like a serious professional, he should emulate Gwen Ifill and forget he ever watched Jim Leher.
My point in posting those words was that he clearly demonstrated that he is rooting for Kerry (he's back on his game!), and spinning the Democratic line (it can't be the USA going it alone against the Muslim world!)
Dopey comments like that asinine strawman do not instill in me any faith that he will even attempt to moderate without bias.
He wants to make sure the Kerry message gets out there cleanly.
And I'm up too late again. Goodnight.
"That's a bit of a clumsy seque, but you have the idea."
Well phrase it better, then. But that is the idea.
Bush is the President, we are at war and we deserve to be well led.
I'm sure he prepares, and SHOULD BE able to pull of such a tactic. He does need to be on his game.
 OH DANNY BOY  |
   John "V" Kerry now admits he was at the VVAW Executive Steering Committee Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri from November 12-15, 1971 This was John "V" Kerry's first US Senate vote. Kerry claims he voted "Nay". Isn't that special! |
   |
"His opening remarks included sorta-endorsement of the national draft. While he commented that a possible draft is, in his opinion, on the minds of many young people, he believes that a 2-year minimum national service for all 18 y/o would help restore national unity. [He recalled the rally-around-the-flag national unity immediately post-9/11.]"
There is a big difference between "the draft" and "mandatory national service." Big difference.
I hate that the draft bill that was totally defeated was attributed to Bush, rather than Rangel who was the author of the bill, who evidently ended up voting against his own bill.
Most people won't know the difference.
At this point I think it will probably be a plus. He just might end up bending towards Bush to give the illusion that they're impartial. It would just be too obvious the other way.
Phil, you're at it again! Most excellent, as usual.
Is that a ping list I see in #30? If so, can you add me?
Bob Schieffer is one of the good guys. Had he replaced Cronkite instead of Rather, CBS wouldn't be trying to backfill now. He'd have been a contender.
That said, I still wish that Brian Lamb were the moderator for all of the debates.
He has one of those weird, inappropriate, permanent grins. Somewhat like the inappropriate grin of John Edwards. It makes them both look untrustworthy, IMO.
Never forget! CBS promoted FORGED DOCUMENTS!! By the way, isn't it ILLEGAL to mess with official military documents?!
And, what did Schieffer say about the controversy involving Dan Rather and President Bush's military records? He said that Rather got burnt by a source.He is dreaming. Dan Rather got burned by running with a story DESPITE warnings from folks regarding the FORGED documents he used in his excitement to try to SMEAR President Bush. Rather should step down, and SOMEBODY could go to jail over those documents, too !!
haha! The Kohn-head plan !!
..... By the way, isn't it ILLEGAL to mess with official military documents?!Yes, it is. Someone could and SHOULD go to prison over that, too!!
Yes it is. And it's unfair for a "news" organization to continually bring up false charges that Bush was AWOL or deserted from the National Guard, or that Bush is secretly planning to reinstate the draft.
It's also unfair for the "news" organization to REFUSE to investigate LEGITIMATE questions about Kerry's anti-war actitivities or to delve into John Kerry's self-stated "secret plan" to win the War On Terror.
At this point, Scheiffer is not going to be replaced. But MAYBE if conservatives cause a ruckus, he will be motivated to make his questions a bit more fair and balanced.
For instance: "Senator Kerry, can you name one thing of substance that you have ever accomplished in your entire 20 years in the Senate, besides casting a deciding vote here and there?"
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