DebateScoop.org: CNN Post Debate Coverage

CNN Post Debate Coverage

By Allan Louden 06/03/2007 11:29:34 PM EST

Following the Democratic primary debate from St. Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH Larry King led the parade of CNN program hosts "analyzing" the debate. There were some strong moments in their coverage, but . . . .

The hermetically sealed system of debate coverage witnessed in the MSNBC debate last month happened with CNN coverage as well. Throughout the two hours of post debate coverage the network's talent (show hosts) provided the analysis from "from our own crack team of political observers, the best political team on television." Naturally one understands self promotion, but elevating their coverage uniquely insightful creates a closed interpretive system.

Immediately after the debate Larry King interviewed several candidates and asked each if Wolf Blitzer did a good job as moderator. Each was "forced" to say that they like the format and the Wolfe had a hard job. Then King talked with Blitzer, as part of his panel of experts, and told him on several occasions that the all the candidates reported he did a "great job." The circle was complete, self congratulation with CNN as the primary actor in this passion play.

Tags: Democrat debate, primary debate, media coverage, New Hampshire, Wolf Blitzer

Certainly I recognizing that Wolf's job is extremely difficult and that drawing out differences and nuance are part of his task. Nonetheless the following observations are also descriptive.

*    Wolf's tone of response was often dismissive following a candidates turn
*    Interruptions were common, often with claims there was no time to explain
*    Hypothetical questions - would you lob a missile at Ben Laden with collateral damage.
*    Raise your hand, as if they were obligated to yes and no simplicity -- if you "want to step in it politically" raise your hand
*    Gotcha Journalism performed by blatantly asking the candidates to attack one another

Maybe Dodd's Talk Clock got to the problem. Blitzer talked the second most of anyone in the debate.

The best segments were video excerpts from the actual debate. Also the CNN website did a much better job in providing coverage.

< LiveBlog - Dems in NH in June | First News and Notes on Dem New Hampshire Debate >

CNN Post Debate Coverage | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)

Gergen was the only credible one (none / 0)

There is the "talent" -- Larry King, Wolf, et al.

Then the "experts".

Carville: Clinton campaign operative.

J.C. Watts. Jobless GOP guy.

Arianna Huffington. Media mogul of the internet. She was President of the Cambridge Union debating society, however, so I give her a pass, and she argued Hillary won even though Arianna is not a fan generally.

Donna Brazille. OK, she has credible experience, too.

Two other GOP flacks.

A guy that shouted at "average voter" focus group.

The first person they interviewed post-debate? The Hillary spinner. Second? Axelrod, Oaoma's guy.

Again, you are right on about the network effect. That's why the Democrats do not want a Fox primary debate. The Fox "talent" includes Bill O'Reilly who says "white, male Christian" leadership is threatened by the Democrats.

That's a shame because when it comes to moderating a debate and asking good questions, Fox has done the best job so far.

Be the debater you want to see.

by Ross Smith on 06/04/2007 01:00:45 AM EST

CNN Post Debate Coverage | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)