If you are any guide, this was a debacle for the network. One reader:
This debate was disgusting. But, it only motivated me more and made me realize how very important it is that Obama and the politics that he represents wins this election. I don’t make much, but ABC just convinced me to make another small donation to Senator Obama.
And, as a side note, it seems like it would’ve been better to have had George Will moderate the debate. I have much more faith in his fairness and concern with policy than what these two just put forward.
Another:
This debate was the biggest sham I’ve ever seen. The first hour was nothing but substance-less nonsense, soft ball questions and prattle.
Another:
The best part of this "debate" (likely the worst I’ve ever seen) just occurred a few minutes ago when the audience booed Charlie. I can’t believe I just sat through 2 hours of that.
How many debate moderators actually get booed on live television? That’s how bad it was. Another:
You can tell Gibson and Stephanopoulous are out of touch. They both don’t have to worry about health care. It’s why not a single question was asked about the issue that I care about so deeply, and instead hours were spent discussing the inane and insane. As an American who can’t find a job because of my health care problems, I’m ashamed of ABC News.
Stephanopoulos was schooled in Morris-Rove politics. Under the tutelage of Hillary Clinton and James Carville. I repeat the obvious:
"No questions on the environment, none on terror, none on interrogation, none on torture, none on education, none on spending, none on healthcare, none on Iran … but four separate questions in the first hour about a lapel-pin, Bitter-gate, Wright-gate and Ayers. I’m all for keeping candidates on their toes. But this was ridiculous. And now we have affirmative action? Again, it’s not illegitimate as such – but the only reason it is asked is to try and trip these people up and make Gibson and Stephanopoulos look smart."
Yes, Clinton narrowly bested Obama. But all you could see was the trainwreck of the network. Don’t you miss the League Of Women Voters?
The Dish 