Across the Aisle

I didn't catch the GOP debate, but I like what NRO's Michael Graham is selling:

Did this debate accomplish anything, other than to remind us that Tim Russert is the most overrated journalist in television?

Preachit.

Comments

But he's, like, so prepared and stuff!

Posted by Angry Sam | January 25, 2008 12:24 AM

While I broadly agree with your criticisms of Tim Russert, I actually thought that he was better in this debate than in past debates (and on Meet the Press generally). I say this for the simple reason that he asked the candidates not only about their past positions or other candidates' statements about them (both of which largely seem a waste of time, esp in a debate format where candidates can ask one another questions), but because he forced the candidates to confront facts about the real world. He reeled off a list of how various economic indicators had changed from 2001 to the present, and asked the candidates to address the GOP's recent history on economic performance. While this perhaps is also not the best use of journalistic effort, at least the benchmark Tim Russert used here is the real world in the here and now, rather than 10 year old statements by the candidates.

Posted by Kevin | January 25, 2008 12:46 AM

Is Russert the most overrated journalist in television? That would imply that he's a journalist, and I'm not willing to go there. So, no.

Posted by fostert | January 25, 2008 12:50 AM

d00d,

you have some super-awesome bloggy real estate here, and you can't seem to be bothered to watch the primary debates and make snarky comments like a good blog-monkey.

you FORGOT about the last (or maybe previous to last?) Dem. debate, and just brazenly admit not "catching" this one.

if you're too busy going to Wizards games or whatever, i'm sure someone else would be happy to have their name on a tab under the Atlantic masthead.

Posted by Matt in LA | January 25, 2008 5:13 AM

Yes, and you notice how he completely failed to call bullshit on St. McCain's obvious lie. So, Matt, tell us again how Russert's shtick isn't biased toward Republicans?

Posted by gustav | January 25, 2008 6:36 AM

@Matt in LA:

Respek.

Posted by southpaw | January 25, 2008 6:37 AM

A Tivo autorecord wishlist for "Presidential Debate" (with 15 minutes of padding at the end in case they run long) would help with your forgetfulness.

Posted by hilker | January 25, 2008 1:01 PM