American Politics Journal -- Russert Loses GOP Debate



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Doc's DIS-patch
Russert Loses GOP Debate
by Dave "Doctor" Gonzo

Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 (AmpolNS) -- The Doc was trying not to laugh too hard.

But laughing he was.

Last evening's GOP debate in New Hampshire was the testiest, most differentiating and most informative of the campaign season so far -- and also the most amusing. The candidates went at each other -- and also went for a few well-delivered laughs.

And all of this happened despite the efforts of so-called "moderator" Tim Russert to steal the spotlight from the six POTUS-wannabes.

Rather than do a blow-by-blow of the debate, the Doc will recount a few of the candidates' better -- or worst -- moments:

George W. Bush did his dad's "Read my lips" one better, promising, ""This is not only no new taxes. This is tax cuts, so help me God." This was the sound bite of the night, picked up as big news by the major papers, cable news and wire services -- and is poised to become Bush's big issue. Bush also sounded far better than he looked -- he was still smirking at all the wrong times and looked stiff at all the moments when he should have appeared relaxed and approachable. My favorite red-meat conservative radio talker David Gold observed last night that Bush is great one-on-one in interviews, and The Doc agrees. Why is he having so much difficulty bringing this laid-back, earnest and direct vibe to the speaking podium or the debate stage?

During debate over Elian Gonzalez, John McCain began a question by talking about the Cuban boy, then looked at Orrin, said "Ha-ha! That's not what I'm going to ask you about!" and changed the subject to Internet taxation! The audience ate it up -- even Orrin loved it! McCain also responded vigorously to implicit and explicit charges of campaign finance reform hypocrisy concerning his pushing for approval of a TV license transfer involving Paxson Communications, whose top dog is a big-money supporter of "JJ." Somehow, the press seems to have failed to mention that this deal had been stalled for well over a year beyond the usual time it takes for the FCC to sit on paperwork -- something McCain took pains to point out. The Doc predicts it'll take until the Sunday shows to see if his answer knocked the wind out of those "oppo research" sails.

Gary Bauer was in reruns, spending most of his time in reruns on his top three issues (abortion, abortion, and -- unconsciously -- his ever-changing eye color) when he wasn't in reruns attacking Dubya.

Steve Forbes spent most of his time talking taxes and attacking Bush's tax plan, proving that it is possible for a conservative to be intelligent, articulate, and have no charisma at all.

Alan Keyes was his usual off-the-wall self, as always, but his high-octane oratory was less grating than it was last time around -- in fact, he unleashed his share of surprises. He pretty much broke with the pack and said the Gonzalez boy should be returned to his dad. He also took a shot at Russert, whose incessant interruptions and calls for reactions from specific candidates trashed the agreed-to format, when he said, "I begin to wonder when Mr. Russert will declare his candidacy." The audience -- and the Ampol media room -- erupted in laughter and cheers. Touché!

And one of our favorite pols, Orrin Hatch, was feisty and funny -- telling Russert defiantly "I'm takin' my time here" as he answered one of Tim's questions. At another point, as he claimed he was complimenting Bush on his fundraising acumen, he said he didn't have to spend $70 million to prove he's a conservative.

No kidding, Orrin! One listen to any one of your gospel CDs and even an idiot will know you're no liberal!

But I digress.

Far and away the worst performer of the evening was Russert. He kept trying to provoke conflict between individual debaters, and was constantly referring to Bush and McCain -- essentially marginalizing the other four candidates. Of course, there is little if any likelihood of Forbes or Hatch getting the nod, let alone fringe-dwellers Keyes and Bauer who are in the fight to elevate their name recognition and hike their speaking fees -- but Russert's unfairness in the handling of the "open" debate and attempting to "set up" conflicts was an outrage.

He must have been thinking that what works on Eat the Press -- namely, creating conflicts, asking ambush questions, and letting one's incipient bias control the direction of questioning (all of which, by the way, don't work) -- would work in a presidential debate. He also must have assumed that adopting a little bit of a wise-ass tone would also be a plus -- he acted a bit like Fox News Sunday's conserva-hipster front man Tony Snow in his sometimes smart-alecky attitude, but seems to have forgotten that Tony saves it for interviews on issues, where it is wholly appropriate for juicing up discussion, and that such an approach has no place in a Presidential debate.

And Russert's unconscionable conduct actually generated headlines. Shortly after the debate, Forbes protested that Russert had given too much time to Bush McCain during the more open, free-wheeling second half of the debate. This morning, the Manchester Union-Leader -- which sponsored the debate, and has also endorsed Forbes -- ran a page one editorial, which reads in part:

We Apologize

If readers or New Hampshire viewers of last night’s Republican event in Durham are upset this morning, it is no more so than this newspaper.... Unfortunately, last night’s moderator did exactly what many of his brethren in the national media often try to do -- decide the contest before the New Hampshire voters have a chance to do so. NBC’s Tim Russert apparently decided to make this his own two-man show with candidates George Bush and John McCain, virtually ignoring the four others for much of the questioning. No wonder the two are ahead in the polls! The national media have it all figured out for us. Bush the name versus McCain the hero. No others need apply. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy!... As they have done many times before, we hope the voters will set the national media straight. That’s the New Hampshire way.

Now, if The Doc hadn't witnessed Tim's immoderation last evening, he might be prone to assume that the Union-Leader was carrying water for their 'droid... er, man Steve.

But this front-page editorial was fully justified, if a bit off target. The Union-Leader expected a moderator -- which they got Wednesday night when ABC's Peter Jennings did a fine job keeping the Democrat Bickersons, Al Gore and Bill Bradley, at heel. Instead, prima donna Russert's buffoonish brand of hot-dogging subverted the Presidential debate.

It is Russert who owes the candidates, the Union-Leader, the citizens of New Hampshire, the nation and the NBC networks and affiliates -- whom he has embarrassed on a national level -- an apology.

And if he doesn't, NBC should find a way to swiftly terminate his contract.

'Nuff said.