Call PBS to Discuss Gwen Ifill's Recusal From the Debate

Oct. 1, 2008 | Self

[Viking Ski Bum]

Should Gwen Ifill recuse herself from the VP debate given that her Obama book is coming out Jan. 20, 2009?

For those who think she ought to, they might make their feelings known to PBS CEO Paula Kerger. Her phone is 703-739-8619. They might also wish to address their concerns with Sharon Rockefeller, CEO of WETA/Washington from where Ifill broadcasts and does her show. Ms. Rockefeller’s phone is 703-998-2089.

[Dustbunny]

Email sent.

[Viking Ski Bum]

Awesome!

[Diogenesis]

Lehrer is as bad as her, because he was in on the deceit.

The ONLY choices are:

1) John Bolton

2) Mark Steyn

3) Monica Crowley

4) Insert sentient fair person’s name here

[Cicero]

I sent an email to the Debates Commission, but I think people should email PBS as well, asking them if they think they deserve taxpayer support for doing this kind of thing.

McCain apparently took Palin away from her earlier handlers and gave her to a new bunch, hopefully more competent. Anyway, the McCain campaign didn’t know about this forthcoming book.

But Gwen Ifil certainly did. And I believe that PBS knew about it, too. Does anyone believe that Ifil wouldn’t have mentioned her book to her co-workers at PBS?

And it’s pretty obvious that Obama knew about this book, too, yet said nothing during the negotiations.

[Notasoccermom]

I think it is in best interest to keep her there and make public known that she had vested interest in Obama. It may raise doubts in people’s minds just like they had about Rick Warren and Saddleback.

[Mr. K]

[Mr. K]

I thought the moderator of the first debate did an OUTSTANDING job! and set a new standard

[Ca3ey3]

Actually, McCain at this point should say nothing, at least not before the debate. Expectations for Gov. Palin are low so Palin may on Friday look very good. And if Ifill goes over the line and seems partisan then I think you have notion that the MSM is out to get McCain-Palin taking on more resonance. We have to tap into the resentment of the MSM to give McCain-Palin momentum again. Leaving Ifill in place is better not worse for the overall objective

[mass55th]

And of course there is no contact number for the Commission to voice our complaints to.

[austinaero]

What about Mara Liason from NPR?

I don’t think Ifill should have to step down, that looks like the GOP having too much of a temper tantrum, plus you know the MSM and the DEMS will spin it as racism. However, I do think it would be profession for Ifil to disclose her book and interviews of Obama at the beginning of the debate. It would go a long way toward letting the audience know she has a vested interest. I would expect her to have some interest considering she is an American. I could see her acknowleding the book and her previous positive reports on Obama as a sort of compromise.

[pattty]

Janet H. Brown is the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Her EMail is : jb@debates.org

Thank You! Email sent.

[GnuHere]

Has anybody seen an email addy for I-full herself? ‘Cause I want to send her a fan letter. Um, yeah, a fan letter - that’s it.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

hmm . . . busy. I wonder why.

[tgslTakoma]

Here’s a number for the commission:

(202) 872-1020

Can't get through. Busy signal for past 10 minutes of trying. Will keep trying... thanks for the info.

[Doctor Raoul]

Yes. She even complained about a plan to put a “day work pickup shelter” next to the offices of that PBS station. What ah hypocrite liberal Democrat.

[marilyn123]

Email for Janet Brown, exec dir of debates commission is:
jb@debates.org

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

I don’t have a direct email but I did find this:

http://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/feedback.html

that may help a little.

[penelopesire]

GREAT!! Thanks for posting it!

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

I think a lot of freepers are calling. At least, I hope.

[Cinnamontea]

Her EMail is : jb@debates.org

Polite but firm email sent.