One of the reasons we learned nothing about the candidates is that Russert spent the entire debate asking “gotcha” type questions. He seemed to think the debate was all about his “tough questioning” rather than the positions of the candidates.
Tim is the only journalist so far to pressure Hillary about the source of her campaign loan. Where did the $5M come from that she lent to her campaign. I think that is a serious and legit question. She refuses to disclose her tax returns and that only enhances the perception that she is getting illegal campaign funds. She is ALWAYS on the fringe of being proven corrupt. Her pattern of secrecy and special-interest money behaviour is very disturbing. The press should be pressing harder on this issue overall.
Tim Russert is as partisan a Democrat as you'll ever find. His purpose was to appear tough on Obama, whom he probably supports at this time, so that Obama would appear capable of handling tough questions. Russert ain't runnin' no reality show. It's theater.
Right now, no Democrat gives a rat's patoot about Obama's position on anything. He is the candidate by acclamation. He is not Mrs. Bill Clinton. That's plenty good enough right now. As far as positions go, as soon as the witch is really dead, the Democrat pundits, including Russert, will come together and give the Golden-Tongued Annointed One all the positions he needs.
BTW, you see the way my man Obama handled that tough old Russert's questions? He was gooood!