[NeedKarma]

You know, after all of the attacks on Palin the past few weeks it's been eerily quiet here since the debate.

It's been half a day - we don't live here.

[speechlesstx]

It's been half a day - we don't live here.

Thank God for that. Somehow I think the eagerness to jump all over any chance to bash Palin in the last few weeks would have surfaced first thing this morning if she had met all your low expectations. "You guys" can't wait for a gotcha moment.

[BABRAM]

She did fine, but if she had such integrity she would have disclosed her upcoming book to the commission. I don't care what anyone says, that was a conflict of interest.

She was never under any obligations to indulge the writing of any books. That's never been a criteria for a moderator, and she's not the first moderator to write a book on politicians. Her book is on current history of African American leaders, not solely about Obama. She went on the request of both parties, in agreement.

Palin also did a fine job and Biden did no harm, he managed to take both sides of several issues. "Hard coal miner" Joe can't decide whether he's for or against clean coal. Helicopter Joe mocked McCain for thinking Shias and Sunnis could ever get along while bragging on his work on Bosnia between factions that have been fighting a "thousand years." And he changed the rhetoric on our military being stretched so thin we can't do anything else by saying we had the capability to do something in the Sudan. He almost had a Hillary moment and shed a few tears there at the end for icing on the cake. Meanwhile, Palin not only held her own she surprised a lot of people last night and clearly rankled "stand up for Chuck" Joe a few times.

Palin's a gloried cheerleader that was coached for days in preparation in hopes of not embarrassing her campaign base. If it was a beauty contest she'd win going away. She only revieved high marks from her Republican base. The Dems and Indies favored Biden. http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-...,4318398.story

Gwen Iffil had to ask Palin, repeatedly, to address the questions because she failed to answer after babbling on in Tina Fey fashion. Palin was uncomfortable and wanted to speak about what she chose on topic. Bad move! Palin was sorely out pointed on the issues due to her lack of knowledge. The latest CBS poll on last night's debate showed the public has Biden's knowledge approval rating at approximately 98% and Palin only 14%. Palin's not ready for any high ranking office in Washington anytime soon.


BTW Joe lost his first wife and daughter in a wreck (almost his sons as well). Give the man a little space. For a brief moment he was extremely saddened over his losses and the difficulties he endured. Do yourself a favor and avoid that campaigning route.

[tomder55]

No we won't go that route .that is why NO ONE brought it up . There is a valid topic to discuss related to it if this becomes an issue however.

[speechlesstx]

[QUOTE=BABRAM;1304267]She was never under any obligations to indulge the writing of any books. That's never been a criteria for a moderator, and she's not the first moderator to write a book on politicians. Her book is on current history of African American leaders, not solely about Obama. She went on the request of both parties, in agreement. /QUOTE]

Agreement or not, Ifill should have disclosed. Period. End of story. That is integrity.

Palin's a gloried cheerleader that was coached for days in preparation in hopes of not embarrassing her campaign base. If it was a beauty contest she'd win going away. She only revieved high marks from her Republican base. The Dems and Indies favored Biden. In survey, independents back Biden -- themorningcall.com

The study "gave an immediate but unscientific glimpse into how the candidates fared." It means no more than the Fox News text poll that showed an 86 to 12 percent victory for Palin.

Gwen Iffil had to ask Palin, repeatedly, to address the questions because she failed to answer after babbling on in Tina Fey fashion. Palin was uncomfortable and wanted to speak about what she chose on topic. Bad move! Palin was sorely out pointed on the issues due to her lack of knowledge. The latest CBS poll on last night's debate showed the public has Biden's knowledge approval rating at approximately 98% and Palin only 14%. Palin's not ready for any high ranking office in Washington anytime soon.

LOL, you guys can't admit she did a good job, far and above the expectations you've set for her. Watch the polls and we'll all see soon enough... except for those skewed samples that AP and Yahoo like to use.

BTW Joe lost his first wife and daughter in a wreck (almost his sons as well). Give the man a little space. For a brief moment he was extremely saddened over his losses and the difficulties he endured. Do yourself a favor and avoid that campaigning route.

Like talking about Palin's parenting skills because her daughter is pregnant?

[tomder55]

As far as polls go ;currently over 546,000 people have registered an opinion at the AOL on-line poll. Palin is leading 47% to 45% . I know already that the AOL method is not scientific but many more people register an opinion than those various professional polling agencies ;and I have real doubts about the impatiality of the CBS poll.

[BABRAM]

Agreement or not, Ifill should have disclosed. Period. End of story. That is integrity.

Steve, you're arguing the earth is flat the day after Columbus proved otherwise. You're spending way too much time torturing yourself foolishly here. The VP debate has concluded and for the record Gwen Ifill was quite fair by all measurements in last nights debate. That is integrity. I have the proof, and you have the sky is falling "chicken little."

[The study "gave an immediate but unscientific glimpse into how the candidates fared." It means no more than the Fox News text poll that showed an 86 to 12 percent victory for Palin.

You can save your speed dial technique for the radio station contests. That goes for you too, Tom. The Fox text poll allows you to text over and over like it's an American Idol vote. CBS, CNN, and others are one and done, random and non-random polls.

LOL, you guys can't admit she did a good job, far and above the expectations you've set for her. Watch the polls and we'll all see soon enough...except for those skewed samples that AP and Yahoo like to use.

She did a great job if you wanted to elect a cheerleader. However, I don't need the rah-rah-rah. I'd rather hear about solutions over issues that have failed this country for years now, and not a pep-rally for more of the same.

Like talking about Palin's parenting skills because her daughter is pregnant?

You're inviting me? Wonderful! I'll start! Sarah Palin, and hubby, failed to keep tabs and communication lines open with:

A) a beached whale off the icy shores of Alaska

B) a lost Russian sailor drifting in the Bering Strait

C) a "pregnant" daughter

[inthebox]

I thought Ifill was fine and fair.

I think Palin did okay - kind of like getting a 10 yd gain on 3rd down after losing 10 on 2nd down.

I think she defended Mccain's healthcare proposal well

That doesn't cost the government anything as opposed to Barack Obama's plan to mandate health care coverage and have universal government run program and unless you're pleased with the way the federal government has been running anything lately, I don't think that it's going to be real pleasing for Americans to consider health care being taken over by the feds

But could have pointed out the benefit for those who don't have employer sponsored health insurance.

Also this is a CREDIT, not a deduction.

For a married filing jointly no dependents household the fed tax bill is $6697.5 - a $ 5000 credit takes it to < $2000.

If Biden uses that 12000 per year figure - under the current system that is all after tax income - if they don't have h insurance through work.

With medicare and ssi going bankrupt in 20 years or so, this trillion dollar bailout, how much is Obama going to RAISE TAXES to afford "universal healthcare"

Bush's HSA are even better because you can roll it over year to year.



Biden told half truths about tax benefits to oil company - he did not mention farm subsidys did he? Or the fact the taxes per gallon are actually higher than the profit per gallon that the oil co's get.

Palin played it off beautifully with her EXPERIENCE in Alaska and dealing with oil companies.
You see she has actually DONE SOMETHING to benefit the people of her state.



Anybody can point out the economic facts and the problems with war, the economy, gas prices, healthcare, job growth, etc... and anybody can PROPOSE solutions... you'll get it "free" from the government for example, but what has Obama actually DONE?
WHAT IS OBAMA's EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE?

IFILL: So, Governor, as vice president, there's nothing that you have promised as a candidate that you would -- that you wouldn't take off the table because of this financial crisis we're in?

PALIN: There is not. And how long have I been at this, like five weeks? So there hasn't been a whole lot that I've promised, except to do what is right for the American people

[NeedKarma]

[speechlesstx]

Steve, you're arguing the earth is flat the day after Columbus proved otherwise. You're spending way too much time torturing yourself foolishly here. The VP debate has concluded and for the record Gwen Ifill was quite fair by all measurements in last nights debate. That is integrity. I have the proof, and you have the sky is falling "chicken little."

Bobby, nice attempt but I've already judged Ifill's performance as "she did fine." That however, doesn't change the fact that a journalist of integrity would have disclosed this conflict of interest. Integrity was your word, not mine, and I know what it means.

You can save your speed dial technique for the radio station contests. That goes for you too, Tom. The Fox text poll allows you to text over and over like it's an American Idol vote. CBS, CNN, and others are one and done, random and non-random polls.

Thanks for pointing out what I've already pointed out, it means nothing - just like the "unscientific glimpse" you cited. At least we agree.

She did a great job if you wanted to elect a cheerleader. However, I don't need the rah-rah-rah. I'd rather hear about solutions over issues that have failed this country for years now, and not a pep-rally for more of the same.

I love how associations mean nothing for Obama, like unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers, a racist pastor and mentor and I'm sure the latest, his poker buddy from the Illinois legislature now under investigation, but mean everything for a guy that's rankled both sides of the aisle and a governor that is a Washington outsider that too on the good ol' boy network in her state. I'll take the hockey mom that has taken on the big boys and says "Never will we be exploited and taken advantage of again" over a "change" to even more failed, massive government programs.

You're inviting me? Wonderful! I'll start! Sarah Palin, and hubby, failed to keep tabs and communication lines open with:

A) a beached whale off the icy shores of Alaska

B) a lost Russian sailor drifting in the Bering Strait

C) a "pregnant" daughter

Just what I thought, you didn't really mean Biden's "Joe-motion" was off limits.

[BABRAM]

Nk-

So true!

[BABRAM]

Bobby, nice attempt but I've already judged Ifill's performance as "she did fine." That however, doesn't change the fact that a journalist of integrity would have disclosed this conflict of interest. Integrity was your word, not mine, and I know what it means.



Thanks for pointing out what I've already pointed out, it means nothing - just like the "unscientific glimpse" you cited. At least we agree.



I love how associations mean nothing for Obama, like unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers, a racist pastor and mentor and I'm sure the latest, his poker buddy from the Illinois legislature now under investigation, but mean everything for a guy that's rankled both sides of the aisle and a governor that is a Washington outsider that too on the good ol' boy network in her state. I'll take the hockey mom that has taken on the big boys and says "Never will we be exploited and taken advantage of again" over a "change" to even more failed, massive government programs.



Just what I thought, you didn't really mean Biden's "Joe-motion" was off limits.

Steve,

I've come to the conclusion that you are replying from a laptop at a bar. Put down the drink and sober up. Your going after a moderator that did a wonderful job. And you argument is so naïve and silly that I'm really surprised at your actions here. First off every moderator votes. Do you want them to disclose whom their voting for every time that are asked to moderate? Secondly, your logic is contradictory to your evaluation of Palin's performance in the debate.

You're wrong on the conclusion about the polls. The text poll allowed for multiple hits from the same individual. The CBS, CNN, among many others was a random and non-random polls and you only got one chance. While none of the polls are scientific, because they are not using a whole analysis, the ones that come closer to factual representation of the public are the polls that do not permit redundant votes.

Lastly, do you really want to talk about Joe Bidens first wife and daughter that's dead? Get your act together here and stop embarrassing yourself. I've got family to be with today and better things to do!

[speechlesstx]

Steve,

I've come to the conclusion that you are replying from a laptop at a bar. Put down the drink and sober up. Your going after a moderator that did a wonderful job. And you argument is so naïve and silly that I'm really surprised at your actions here. First off every moderator votes. Do you want them to disclose whom their voting for every time that are asked to moderate? Secondly, your logic is contradictory to your evaluation of Palin's performance in the debate.

LOL, is an Obama victory so important that you had to switch from arguing the points to insults? Not very constructive, Bobby, especially when you're ignoring the fact that I have yet to "go after" Ifill unless saying "the commission dropped the ball" and "she did fine" twice is an attack. You argued for integrity and I countered that a person of integrity would have disclosed a potential conflict of interest. That's hardly "going after" someone, it's a fact.

It isn't naïve, silly, surprising or illogical to point out that fact regardless of her performance. Whether she votes or not is irrelevant, I would expect most journalists do vote but this was still a clear conflict of interest. David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun - who I know nothing about - explains it admirably:

PBS anchorwoman Gwen Ifill, who is scheduled to moderate Thursday night's vice presidential debate between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Sarah Palin, has written a book that features Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama prominently. It is slated to be released in January when the next president takes office, and it would surely be a more valuable publication if Obama is elected.

Conservative Web sites WebNetDaily and NationalReview.com were among the first to raise questions about a possible conflict of interest this week, but ultimately, this is not a matter of ideological warfare. It is a matter of ethics, and the questions are valid wherever they come from.

And the organizers of the event had better deal with the matter before the debate starts -- or risk having the results of the encounter between Biden and Palin wind up being discredited in a blaze of partisan charges and counter-claims.

The book, which has not yet been released, is titled Breakthough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama, and Ifill can be seen talking about it in a promotional video on YouTube here. As she describes it, Obama is one of four African-American politicians featured in the book. Ifill says she interviewed the Democratic candidate for the book, and that is the first conflict.

As someone who has written a non-fiction book, I know access can make or break the project. If Obama gave her access, as she says that he did, then they were essentially in business together -- him in telling her story, and her in recording and then reporting it.

That conflict has already been done -- and can't be undone. It can only be acknowledged by Ifill to the tens of millions of voter-viewers who will be watching tonight, so that they can judge her accordingly. She should also acknowledge to viewers whether she presents his story in a positive light.

Her other potential conflict is the one that commentators at the conservative Web sites have emphasized -- the vast difference between the value of the book should Obama be elected president versus him being defeated. I do not know how Ifill can convince some viewers that the difference doesn't matter to her.

In the end, it doesn't even matter if there is a genuine conflict. There is already clearly the appearance of one, and that is a serious enough problem.

Last week, in an interview with me about his goals as moderator of the first presidential debate, PBS anchorman Jim Lehrer said, "Fairness and the appearance of fairness are critical, because everything must appear to be absolutely straight and driven by the views of these people who want to be president, rather than by some agenda that the moderator may have."

Tell me how she did not have a conflict of interest Bobby.

You're wrong on the conclusion about the polls. The text poll allowed for multiple hits from the same individual. The CBS, CNN, among many others was a random and non-random polls and you only got one chance. While none of the polls are scientific, because they are not using a whole analysis, the ones that come closer to factual representation of the public are the polls that do not permit redundant votes.

Follow me closely, Bobby. You didn't cite CBS or CNN, you cited an "unscientific glimpse" by "HCD Research with the help of Muhlenberg College's Institute of Public Opinion." I based my reasonable conclusion on what you put on the table, not what wasn't there.

Lastly, do you really want to talk about Joe Bidens first wife and daughter that's dead? Get your act together here and stop embarrassing yourself. I've got family to be with today and better things to do!

Have a great day, but not once did I discuss Biden's tragedy, I mentioned his Hillary moment which appeared contrived because I don't recall anyone suggesting that because as a man, he "don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone" or worry if a child will make it. I don't remember that being an issue, do you?

[BABRAM]

LOL, is an Obama victory so important that you had to switch from arguing the points to insults? Not very constructive, Bobby, especially when you're ignoring the fact that I have yet to "go after" Ifill unless saying "the commission dropped the ball" and "she did fine" twice is an attack. You argued for integrity and I countered that a person of integrity would have disclosed a potential conflict of interest. That's hardly "going after" someone, it's a fact.

Steve, until Gwen Ifill does something that's harmful to society, I'll stand beside her actions. You, on the other hand considering integrity, I would find most difficult to defend based on days spent attempting to ridicule a professional news woman that was so highly thought of, that both camps requested her to be the moderator. The smoking gun fact is that she proved to be a moderator that was fair by all measurements. My only possible defence on your behalf is that you are either drunk or insane. A judge would look right through you're bias ignorance and laugh me out of the courtroom for taking on your case.

It isn't naive, silly, surprising or illogical to point out that fact regardless of her performance. Whether she votes or not is irrelevant, I would expect most journalists do vote but this was still a clear conflict of interest. David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun - who I know nothing about - explains it admirably:

Tell me how she did not have a conflict of interest Bobby.

Easily. Gwen Ifill was no more in a conflict of interest than, upcoming moderators "Tom Brokaw", or "Bob Sheifer," or any other moderator ever. Each of these moderators exercise their right to vote every election.

Media Matters - Debate moderators

Two things to keep in mind:

1) The October 7 presidential debate will be moderated by NBC's Tom Brokaw, who currently serves as NBC's liaison to the McCain campaign -- while spreading pro-McCain misinformation on Meet the Press. In fact, the McCain campaign hand-picked Tom Brokaw to moderate the October 7 debate:

Mr. Brokaw said he had been told by a senior McCain aide, whom he did not name, that the campaign had been reluctant to accept an NBC representative as one of the moderators of the three presidential debates -- until his name was invoked.


"One of the things I was told by this person was that they were so irritated, they said, 'If it's an NBC moderator, for any of these debates, we won't go,' " Mr. Brokaw said. "My name came up, and they said, 'Oh, hell, we have to do it, because it's going to be Brokaw.' "
2) CBS' Bob Schieffer moderated one of the 2004 debates, despite the fact that he is a longtime friend of George W. Bush who had previously acknowledged that his personal relationship with Bush made it difficult to cover him. Schieffer's brother was a business partner of Bush's before Bush became president -- and Bush made him an ambassador.

Follow me closely, Bobby. You didn't cite CBS or CNN, you cited an "unscientific glimpse" by "HCD Research with the help of Muhlenberg College's Institute of Public Opinion." I based my reasonable conclusion on what you put on the table, not what wasn't there.

All right boy scout you've lost your compass again. I'll do the leading here, thank you.

CBS Poll: More Uncommitted Voters Saw Biden As Winner - Horserace

UPDATED CBS News and Knowledge Networks have conducted a nationally representative poll of 473 uncommitted voters to get their immediate reaction to tonight's vice presidential debate.

After the first presidential debate, a similar survey showed that more uncommitted voters identified Barack Obama as the winner

Final numbers from tonight's poll have yet to come in, but we do have some early results. (These numbers may change as more respondents complete the survey.) They suggest that once again more voters have responded favorably to the Democratic candidate.

Forty-six percent of the uncommitted voters surveyed say Democrat Joe Biden won the debate, compared to 21 percent for Republican Sarah Palin. Thirty-three percent said it was a tie.

Eighteen percent of previously uncommitted percent say they are now committed to the Obama-Biden ticket. Ten percent say they are now committed to McCain-Palin. Seventy-one percent are still uncommitted.

Both candidates improved their overall image tonight. Fifty-three percent of those surveyed say they now have a better impression of Biden. Five percent say they have a worse opinion of the Delaware senator, while 42 percent say they debate did not change their opinion.

Fifty-five percent say they now have a better opinion of Palin. Fourteen percent say they have a worse opinion, while 30 percent say their opinion hasn't changed.

After the debate, 66 percent see Palin as knowledgeable about important issues – up from 43 percent before the debate. But Biden still has the advantage on this – 98 percent saw him as knowledgeable after the debate. That figure was 79 percent before the debate.

Uncommitted voters' views of Palin's preparedness for the job of vice president also improved as a result of her debate performance - but they are still nowhere near the percentage that thinks Biden is prepared.

Fifty-five percent say Palin is prepared for the job, up from 39 percent before the debate. Ninty-seven percent say Biden is prepared, up from 81 percent pre-debate.

Although Palin made some gains on the question of whether she could serve as president if needed, she rose just 9 points on that measure. Now 44 percent say the Alaska governor could be an effective president. Ninety-one percent said Biden could be effective as president, up from 66 percent before the debate.

We will have a full report on the poll later on. Uncommitted voters are those who don't yet know who they will vote for, or who have chosen a candidate but may still change their minds.

Have a great day, but not once did I discuss Biden's tragedy, I mentioned his Hillary moment which appeared contrived because I don't recall anyone suggesting that because as a man, he "don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone" or worry if a child will make it. I don't remember that being an issue, do you?

No, "Steve." That was not comparable in anyway to Hillary Clinton's breakdown or Sarah Palin's pregnant healthy daughter. Joe Biden chose to speak to the public because he wanted to convey that he is very understanding of family difficulties. The fact you think Biden contrived that moment tells me that your not as close to your child, or children, as you think you are. I suggest you reconcile by taking some time out the day to reflect on your own life.

[speechlesstx]

You, on the other hand considering integrity, I would find most difficult to defend based on days spent attempting to ridicule a professional news woman

Bobby, I'm a bit shocked at how an election has turned into you into an insult machine toward someone with whom you were once a friendly, fellow Cowboys fan. I'm even more shocked at your ignorance of your own posts and the reality of mine. Until you realize that one, I have never in my life attempted to ridicule Gwen Ifill - not on these boards or in real life - and two, that I never addressed CNN/CBS or whatever polls because that was not the study you cited, we'll get nowhere. And if you can't see the ethical concerns of not disclosing this book under these circumstances I pity you - it isn't me that needs to take time out and reflect on my own life. That's all I have to say on the subject, so insult me and spread your meandering imaginings all you want from here on out. I stand on every word I've said about it with no shame.

[BABRAM]

Bobby, I'm a bit shocked at how an election has turned into you into an insult machine toward someone with whom you were once a friendly, fellow Cowboys fan. I'm even more shocked at your ignorance of your own posts and the reality of mine. Until you realize that one, I have never in my life attempted to ridicule Gwen Ifill - not on these boards or in real life - and two, that I never addressed CNN/CBS or whatever polls because that was not the study you cited, we'll get nowhere. And if you can't see the ethical concerns of not disclosing this book under these circumstances I pity you - it isn't me that needs to take time out and reflect on my own life. That's all I have to say on the subject, so insult me and spread your meandering imaginings all you want from here on out. I stand on every word I've said about it with no shame.

Oh? Before you had suggested that Gwen Ifill lacked integrity, and now you've added that she's not ethical? But that's not ridiculing in your book?? Son, I have news for you! You're not entitled to be called my friend. Friendship is earned, not because two people are fans of the same football team. And my friends, by the way, wouldn't call me a liar either, but you did. I just posted the CBS poll that I was citing and still you would claim otherwise. Yup! According to you ,"CNN/CBS or whatever polls because that was not the study you cited." I'm going to stop your childish shenanigans. Here's my promise, if any person on this board, can find this mystery poll that Steve thinks I used... it's worth a check in the mail for one hundred US dollars. That's right! Go back through the threads relating to this VP debate discussion.

[speechlesstx]

Here's my promise, if any person on this board, can find this mystery poll that Steve thinks I used... it's worth a check in the mail for one hundred US dollars. That's right! Go back through the threads relating to this VP debate discussion.

No problem. Under BABRAM She was never under any... Yesterday, 05:28 PM, Babram's third post on this thread and first mention of any poll/study - right after I said Ifill "did fine."

"Palin's a gloried cheerleader that was coached for days in preparation in hopes of not embarrassing her campaign base. If it was a beauty contest she'd win going away. She only revieved high marks from her Republican base. The Dems and Indies favored Biden. http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-.. 4318398.story"

Link to "mythical poll" I've been referring to.

Text of "mythical poll' I referred to when I said "The study "gave an immediate but unscientific glimpse into how the candidates fared." It means no more than the Fox News text poll that showed an 86 to 12 percent victory for Palin."

The study, conducted by New Jersey-based HCD Research with the help of Muhlenberg College's Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown, gave an immediate but unscientific glimpse into how the candidates fared among self-described Republicans, Democrats and independents.

I haven't lost my mind, Bobby.

[BABRAM]

No problem. Under BABRAM She was never under any... Yesterday, 05:28 PM, Babram's third post on this thread and first mention of any poll/study - right after I said Ifill "did fine."



Link to "mythical poll" I've been referring to.

Text of "mythical poll' I referred to when I said "The study "gave an immediate but unscientific glimpse into how the candidates fared." It means no more than the Fox News text poll that showed an 86 to 12 percent victory for Palin."



I haven't lost my mind, Bobby.

Steve, let this be a lesson to you. Never try counting the teeth in mouth. You'll get bitten every time. The time of my post was at 2:28 pm in Vegas. It may appear to you as 5:28 pm in your time zone. But most importantly it was my post, my citing, and my reference. So for you to argue that I was not referencing the CBS poll is your own undoing here.


From my post...

The latest CBS poll on last night's debate showed the public has Biden's knowledge approval rating at approximately 98%

Now from the CBS poll...

CBS Poll: More Uncommitted Voters Saw Biden As Winner - Horserace

"But Biden still has the advantage on this – 98 percent saw him as knowledgeable after the debate."

Notice the similarities?! That's what I've been referencing. I even gave that same reference on the political board.

[Wondergirl]

From Politico --

Fox's Carl Cameron asked John McCain today (10/01/08) if he thought that PBS journalist Gwen Ifill should recuse herself from moderating Thursday's VP debate in St. Louis.

"I think that Gwen Ifill is a professional, and I think she will do a totally objective job because she is a highly-respected professional," McCain said.

"Does this help that if she has written a book that's favorable to Sen. Obama?" McCain asked. "Probably not."

There's been an uproar today over Ifill's forthcoming book, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.” As I mentioned earlier, it's been known that the book's been in the works for a while, but has just gained traction now, primarily through conservative websites, cable news, and talk radio.

On the air today, Rush Limbaugh said Ifill was " totally in the tank for Obama."

"This is a conflict of interest,” Limbaugh said. “She has a financial stake in Obama winning the race."

Next, Limbaugh played a clip from McCain being asked on another radio show whether he thinks Ifill should be moderator.

“I don't make that judgment,” McCain said. “I am confident that Gwen Ifill, or whoever is the moderator, would be fair.”

McCain said he “had not heard about a new book or anything else,” but added that Ifill would be "scrupulously fair.”

*************************

Ifill didn't write the questions nor did she speak/act any way other than objectively. And thank God she's female so as not to give the McCain camp a reason to feel ganged up on.

Hannity can moderate the last debate.

Now, saying that, I hope you watched the skit at the beginning of SNL tonight.

[NeedKarma]

Now, saying that, I hope you watched the skit at the beginning of SNL tonight.

Tina Fey As Sarah Palin In VP Debate On SNL (VIDEO)

;) <-- the patented Palin wink.