The Debate Over the Debate

There's controversy about tonight's VP debate. Gwen Ifill, the PBS journalist who will be moderating the debate, is writing and selling a book to be released in January, the day the president is inaugurated. The book is called, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," and many people are concerned that this gives the appearance of impropriety. The strongest argument against her is that she stands to profit financially if Barack Obama is sworn in as president on January 20.

Sarah Palin said she is not going to let this be a concern. In fact, she said, "It is motivating to me, to hear Gwen's comments there, because, again, that will make us work that much harder and that provides even more fairness and objectivity and choices for the voters on November 4 if we try that much harder." John McCain said that although she wrote a book that is favorable to Obama, he still thinks that she will do a totally objective job because she is a highly respected professional. Gwen Ifill says, "The proof is in the pudding. They can watch the debate tomorrow night and make their own decisions about whether or not I've done my job." And America will be watching!!

Personally, I think that this can only help Pailn. Since the effects of the debate often lag behind the debate itself, many people do not reach a final judgement until the talk about it with others and observe the media reaction. Gwen Ifill's actions/questions directed at Palin are going to be scrutinized, and the media will be all over her if she shows favoritism.

Just a side note... One of the key predebate strategies is to create low public expectations of a candidate's performance. The media has helped to do just that! Sarah Palin has participated in many debates before and I think will do just fine but the McCain campaign is not doing much to combat the hype because when she does debate well tonight, it will appear as a major victory.