You're right. This is insane.

Thank you Greg for noticing.

ABCNews = FoxNews lite

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/abcnews-unmasked-as-foxnewslit.php

You know, Matthew, I agree with you (!)
Clinton is spouting generalities and Obama is trying to be too specific and getting lost in the details.

Ugh.

And sniper fire. They did ask one of "those" question AT Hillary, lest we forget.

Unfuckingbeliveable!

Enough of debates for this pair!

Anyone who thinks these have been real questions must think the National Enquirer is a serious newspaper!

Come on.

No one has done more for gun control than Barack Obama.

don't forget "The surge is working, will you surrender no matter how much the generals warn you to not surrender??!"

Excellent debate.

There were real questions on Iraq, Israel & Iran, on CiC issues, on gun control, and mostly on the economy and taxes.

Obama seems lost. He stammers and fumbles.

It was at least 44 minutes in before ABC got a real question, instead of idiocy like why won't you wear a flag pin? Even when they get around to asking about issues the questions are so asinine it makes me want to go back to the ballgame. Oh goody, to wrap up another horse race question!

Charlie Gibson get some freaking tri-focals, what is this glasses looking like testacles hanging from his face thing?

To complain to ABC, write at
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346&cat=ABC%20News%20Specials

Josh nails it again.

9:46 PM ... No Charlie. It hasn't been a "fascinating debate." It's been genuinely awful.

Did Hillary not hear the question?

I think it's disingenuous for TPM to decry questions on the "small town comments." I've read innumerable posts about how those comments have not downed Obama "YET" in the last four days. You all have been among the crowd saying that those comments were important. Too late to back out now.

Are there any online polls about this "debate" that we can see?

The Cardinals are beating the Brewers 5-1, top of the 6th.

Not the best debate, started good and then went bad..

No freaking detail on energy policy.. nothing on national security.. but how they pick thier pastors, like I give a fvck...

As if the type of toilet paper they used would matter...

I liked the smug pan to Chelsea, reminded me of the Bakers and Christian TV.

Whoa. What just happened? They were just about to go to commercial and people started yelling and Stephanopolous and Gibson. I've got TIVO and keep rewinding but can't hear what they're saying. Anyone else seeing this?

Somewhere McCain is snickering

O honey - he's been asleep for hours, are you kidding? Men that age are in bed before it's dark this time of year.

Well this "debate" has inspired me to go right now give a little more to Obama. At least there's that...

Watch Countdown!

I'm stuck away from my TV right now, gdubs, counting on my computer for info. Please keep us informed!

She won? you mean, like Pyrrhus? Please. I don't even understand the whole point of that debate. She can't win the nomination and she won't win the nomination. So really, Weaver and the trolls, can you explain to me the value of the exercise?

Lame debate. The most important thing is that it over. Less than a week until we never have to think about Pennsylvania again.

Although, like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, I'm slowly coming to like the place.

(P.S. Hillary is Ned Reyerson in this metaphor. Needlenose Ned. Ned the Head.)

I sent an email complaint to ABC half-way through the debate. What has happened to broadcast journalism in America? This was really pathetic!

Well there"s two hours I'll never get back. What a complete waste of an opportunity.

Seems to me that ABC just spent two hours asking these campaigns to respond to cliques and rumours.

"will you take a 'read my lips' pledge and say NO tax increases on people making less than $200,000." Who died and put this idiot in charge? Who says that not paying a dime more in taxes is our top concern? Are people really saying they'd rather cut benefits for future retirees than pay payroll taxes on income over $100,000!!!

And since when is someone making $175,000 middle class? Especially since we've decided everyone who isn't totally rich is middle class and have lost the term working class and working poor. And we all know how well the 'read my lips' pledge worked.

I'm completely disgusted with these people. Anyone else notice the lack of ethnic and gender diversity on the podium -- not to mention intelligence and insightfulness.

Olbermann reporting that Hannity gave Stephanopolous the Ayers question on his radio show. No kidding.

jefo:

ABC sucks, its shame because they use to be such a great network back in the 1990s, what happened.

Peter Jennings died...

Look at least the Freepers at FreeRepublic e

O I think I'd rather not. Thanks. :)

Listen up - as per Atrios: Light 'em up - keep those lines busy all night.

Main ABC switchboard: 212-456-7777

In the post debate interviews, even Hillary supporter, Governor Ed Rendell lacerated George and Charlie for spending the first hour on stupid gotcha questions, instead of asking about the real issues that they voters are concerned about.

Need a fighter not a whiner.

Poor dumb thing. Still doesn't get it. Never will.

Need 2 million fighters.
And 2 million whiners.
Maybe 3 million...

Here is where you whine:
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346&cat=ABC%20News%20Specials

And you good folks know where to click to give Barack $25 or $50. It is that time again folks. Let's kick some ABC butt.

Make it so...

I wouldn't trust Charlie Gibson to edit a high school yearbook. Jeebus what a train wreck.

For those of you criticizing ABC, how many of you call Olbermann to complain after his Pro-Bama comments? COME ON.

dijamo - I honestly gave you the compliment of thinking you were smarter than that - anyone who would defend that disgusting excuse for a debate is really messed up. Sorry.

that was just Right Wing bullshit - start to finish and it's insupportable for a Democrat to think that was in any way ok.

Everyone,
Thanks for sparing us west coast people from the pain of watching this. I'm definitely doing something else with my time tonight.
Also, let's not forget that ABC is the same network that put out the controversial 9/11 movie. Corporate media see friendlier skies with McSame.

ooohhh...Royals v. Angels while I'm grading papers, nice.

Hillary has no plan to make The Social Security Trust Fund solvent. Her answer was: " I am sure that we will figure out a way to save it". Ready on day one, My Arse!

i swear the freakin debates on the Root of all Evil with Lewis Black on comedy central are better then this crap.

This debate is proof that the continuing primary is damaging to the entire Democratic party.

The only consolation was watching Hillary twist on the Bosnia question. Ummmmmmmbuuubuuttwhaaaaaa?

Here's the thing. These are EXACTLY the issues that will be brought up in the general election. How will Senator Obama be prepared if he is not expected to face them in the primary.

I already addressed that - it is the stupidest excuse going. You don't hand your enemy the clips for his AK to shoot your fellow soldier.

Just that simple.

She's a traitor to the Democratic party and she cannot be elected. She has pissed off more Democrats all over this country than you apparently are aware of. She cannot win - the Archie Bunker Democrats aren't enough and the Republicans vote for real Republicans - every goddamn time, which is why it is such folly to run to them. But you apparently don't get that either.

I withdraw my compliment.

Even Pat Buchanan admits it was an attack job by ABC.

Just donated another $25 to Obama.

Seriously disgusted with the corporate media right now. Thank goodness for the internet.

dembillc said: "An anti Obama debate was perfectly fair after the anti Clinton debate on Msnbc. Funny how Obama supporters think what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. Obama has serious issues with some known associates." (would someone please tell me how to use the html tags for the cool quote box?)

First, thanks for recognizing it as an anti-Obama debate. I'm not so sure the MSNBC was as one-sided as this one, though. This one was far more sophmoric and sensational than anything I've seen yet.

More importantly, does staging an "anti-Obama debate" that make it okay?

Rachel Maddow just called the debate "disappointing and gross." Pretty funny.

An anti Obama debate was perfectly fair after the anti Clinton debate on Msnbc. Funny how Obama supporters think what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. Obama has serious issues with some known associates.

Do you work overtime to earn your handle?

It's not what she did - it's HOW she did it.

She morphed totally into a Karl Rove Republican right before our eyes.

She's been working up to the metamorphosis for weeks and she just about went all the way to Pat Buchanan land tonight.

Fuck Hillbillary - she cannot win. Too many Democrats will not turn out for her now.

HELLO!!!! THE ENEMY ALREADY KNOWS ALL THIS STUFF AND IS WAITING FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION TO USE IT.

WE KNOW THAT - IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT FOR ONE DEMOCRAT TO DO THAT TO ANOTHER.

SHE'S A REPUBLICAN NOW.

quit yelling.

ABC host heckled after the show
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/16/abc-hosts-heckled-after-d_n_97124.html

dijamo,

Who are you? a Bob Johnson surrogate. Yes, I'm glad you thought the first hour of the debate was somehow relevant given that there was absolutely no discussion of policty... this from a HRC kool-aid drinker who gets annoyed when ppl question the viability of a health care mandate?

You really should be parroting Barack's connections to Tom Coburn the KILL ABORTIONIST Senator. This is your new Talking Point. You are dismissed.

djamo, the bullshit troll in drag:

I also think this debate has exposed his weaknesses GREATLY and even Obama supporters agree which is why you guys are up in arms.

I am afraid not fake sista...
Did you major in BS in High school?

You and your Clintons are going to lose in Indiana, Oregon, and, of course, North Carolina. You might even lose Pennsylvania too. Certainly Barack will close within the 10% margin which he so WISELY set as his goal over a month ago.

And let's get one more thing straight: Liberal Historian is right. Obama supportes should complain like one loud hurricane. Obama's campaign isn't about just Barack Obama. It is about millions of us kicking Hillary's ass and McCain's ass, ABC's ass, and yea... your fake black ass too all the way back to Tuzla Timbuktu.

Together we are strong. Whereas you Hillary folk?
Whatcha got? A couple of no-life marginal playing trolls with multiple nicks? Posting around the clock like hamsters masturbating on steroids!
Good luck with that phony sista...

[PS: I got your MAC address. I know who you are and what you are up to. You want to spoof? Fine. But don't spoof a hacker asshat.]

I stumbled upon a guy on youtube who might be Michael Weaver, no b.s. no rickroll crap. i'm serious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaSPQnHUnLQ&feature=related

And even if it turns out not to be, it's a great visual for what his rants sound like in person.

yeah this was the worst debate ever most boring piece of bullshit. I'm exhausted with this whole thing and can't wait for it to be over. Talk about a bunch of meaningless questions -- the only thing they asked them about how they'd actually run the country were hot button issues like taxes and guns. everything else was personality, PR crap, spin, public perception, and mostly things the candidates had already answered exhaustively in the past

yeah this was the worst debate ever most boring piece of bullshit. I'm exhausted with this whole thing and can't wait for it to be over.

You and me both. I have never seen such a disgusting display in my life and Bill and Hillary Clinton turning into Dick and Lynn Cheney right in front of my eyes.

It's just sickening, but the choice is so very clear - Hillary-Joe ClintonLieberman or a Democrat - Barack Obama.

She's fucking hung herself with Democrats. It's the stupidest thing I've ever seen.

I'm out

One love

I was BITTER and exhausted ever since she lost her 12 in a row!

I mean I have been BITTER and exhausted ever since then......I misspoke....(hah)

ABC news rightfully should question Obama about this "cling to" comments, Fox is looking at the relationship of Obama and terrorist William Ayers and Obama (another legit question). And with regard to the wonderful Reverend Wright, the good REV will remain an issue through the general election if Obama is the nominee. Barry hasn't told the USA just who is Barack Obama?

Thanks for ABC & FOX.
FU: NBC/MSNBC, Tweety, Olbertwitt, Fat Timmy

True enuf.

Go pick your fro, dust off your daishiki and live in Black-erica since you are unwilling to accept diversity of political thought within the black community.

You got whitey! Love the way you practice what you preach (diversity) in the "black community." Phraud. Phony. Potty mouth.

Now get down on your knees and say "Ah." You got your head tilted just right to make it meaningful.

This racist blame game by the Obama's influenced by Rev Wright is really disgusting for a candidate that promises hope and a new direction. It’s one thing to criticize with concrete examples of why you believe a person is wrong in their view. It’s quite another to simply say that a white person is racist or to call a black person an Uncle Tom if they do not support Obama.
Oh, that’s right. They couldn’t exactly say, “Look at all of the work Obama’s done as Chairman of that Senate Foreign Relations Sub-Committee,” because he hasn’t done a damn thing. They also couldn’t say, “Look at how well he organized those neighborhoods and looked out for minorities in Chicago,” because we should all know by now that he and his pal Rezko sold those folks up the river and let a number of his “constituents” freeze their asses off in the dead of winter due to political expediency. Those were Black asses freezing might I add. You could not even say he opposed Dick Cheney's Energy Bill, the reason gas prices are so high, Obama voted for it.
Obama is for Big Oil and has very little experience period.

Who the fuck is Jack Tapper why should I give a shit? I mean...give a real snapshot of the debate, that the American People see, not the crap you WANT us to see.

I REALLY want to take on the Journalist after this political season, they act like the asshole spammers in my email inbox. Like Im so stupid and desperate to think "You can find REAL love tonight...click this link".

First, yes this was a horrible debate, but not because either Clinton or Obama won or lost. And yes, there was little doubt that this was as good as if they had debated on Fox Noise.

Next, yeah: I have no reason to whine. I will do what I normally do, and that is avoid any ABC "news" programming (much as I do most cable "news" and infotainment. I have always felt that boycott is much more effective than leaving messages that are primarily ignored anyway.

Finally, I'm sure most Clinton supporters feel this was a wonderful debate, since having the first 55 minutes focus (with one exception) on all the Obama nontroversies was, well, not really Fair and Balanced. But bottom line for me is simple: I'm going to just chill. This will have just as much effect as the Bittergate nontroversy in "overturning" Obama's lead.

He did look tired, so Hill may have scored some points, but she has the energy infused by her bipolar disorder to buoy her up (and wasn't the sole focus of dogged questions for an hour, which does tend to leave you a little more fresh and crisp.

It was an unbalanced non-debate and both did okay (at least until Hill promised "massive retaliation" if Iran attacked any of our allies in the Middle East. Meaning if the Sunni dominated Saudis (proud sponsors of 14 of the 19 attackers on 9/11) are attacked by those Iranian terrorists, we will commit to global nuclear conflict when Hill gets her finger on the football's trigger.

At least one piece of news came out of the debate tonight, and that was it.

This debate reminded me of how hard it is for even a good team to play well in a badly officiated basketball game against an undisciplined opponent. My guess, and it is just a guess, that there will be a big backlash against the debate itself.

The major story should be that Hillary Clinton apparently is an imperial president wannabe.

What we really learned is a lot about Gibson and Stephanopoulos. I have already stopped watching local TV news and CBS News, so ABC is no real loss.

If we didnt know by now, the media is fucked up. Whats funny is the HRC supporters better be careful with this. They act like all of her controversies went away.....They can dish it out but cant take it. Kinda like the question to her about the last time she fired a gun by the reporter....Yeah, she handled that greeeeaaaaatttt.....You know thats not a relevant...blah,blah,blaaaaaaahhhh

I admit it, I am an Obama supporter. I started out just wanting ANY Democrat to win in November. But, I, a white 60 year old woman (Hillary's base) have come to be impressed by Obama's poise, intellect, ability to analyze, his judgement on significant issues, et al. Most of all, he has run such a great campaign, financially successful, bringing in tons of new voters, and taking the high road when he could have easily gone the other way. Considering the questions raised tonight, I thought he really held his own.

Hopefully, as Marshall suggests in his last post, the Democrats will take back the debates from the networks by turning them over to "The League of Women Voters," or some other neutral organization. That way, network Tim Russerts can promote their latest book somewhere else.

Oh I'm sorry the 4th amendment protects his right to steal my sister's MAC address? Didn't se ethat part in the constitution. Nice to know Obama supporters support this asshole. Hope someone does the same thing to you.

Obama and his minions need to shut up, suck it up, and Barry O needs to grow a pair.

Obama lost the debate, hands down, he plained sucked. What would you expect from an empty suit? Does America want to entrust the POTUS to a 3 year Senator with a manufactured image? Hope not.