Opinion: How CNN moderators slanted the Democratic debate

[kenn3d]

CNN wanted a bullfight. But for the most part, the candidates were more interested in discussing their own ideas than trashing their rivals, and rightly so.

WATCHING the Democratic debate was an exercise in frustration, but not with the candidates.

Under the guise of raising "concerns that voters have" about the candidates, CNN's Anderson Cooper opened the debate by repeating every well-worn line of attack against them.
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-guest-writers/how-cnn-moderators-slanted-the-democratic-debate-1.1435380

[FarPoint]

1. It was an equal opportunity debate...

Each candidate had ample opportunity to showcase themselves.

[tech3149]

2. I think you missed the "point"

The entire candidate gala was engineered to try and bring down the perception of every candidate.
How long did they sell Clinton "scandals" and avoid or denigrate Sanders? They were picking a fight. If the candidates weren't willing to fight each other the media would pull no punches from outside the ring.
The other candidates were only too willing to commit political suicide to gain a few points in the polls.
Sure, the opportunity was equal between the candidates but CNN showed that it was willing to kill democracy so long as it profited them.

[FarPoint]

3. If you think campaigns are going to be honest and fair....

You have much to learn....I learned my lesson during the Howard Dean Primaries.... So, anyone entering the Primaries needs to know the scale.

[tech3149]

4. Funny your reference to Dean

I was a strong supporter of Dean He had the background and used new media to get the support that made him a viable candidate. The 50 state strategy was exactly what was needed.
Do you remember where when and how he was taken out of the picture?
May I remind you? Chris Matthews "break up media " followed shortly by the "Dean Scream".
Sanders may not be the consummate politician but he's not in this for political gain. It's all about correcting the screw ups we've allowed for the last 60 years because life was good for us.
Having followed Sanders for a decade or so I know he absolutely understood the challenges facing his candidacy.
The two party system was bad enough with party insiders pushing people who only supported the party not the people and the nation.
The traditional media is the absolute gate keeper. They will tell or sell your story based on how much $ it can garner.
I don't have a freakin clue how this will all shake out but I've had too many decades of accepting "the best we can get" policy. People like me and those that would be our grandkids just aren't going to take it anymore.
It's a new world and you can either live in it or live with it!

[FarPoint]

6. I was in De Moines pre, post during Iowa Caucuses....

School of Campaign Hard Knocks working the Dean Campaign... I know it all too well. It was vastly educational and loads of fun....Also helped get Dean his first Congressional Endorsement....Retired Senator Howard Metzenbaum.

[brooklynite]

5. Not unreasonable...

...I realize that some people think that debates should have the content of a policy symposium at Oxford, but potential weaknesses in a candidates electability (which they'll have to respond to eventually) are also worth discussing.