| Michael Getler: Some of the comments about Ifill deal with how she appeared on screen when asked by Lehrer to sum up the reaction on the convention floor after the powerful speech delivered by Palin. I don't know whether Ifill was tired after a long night, or simply trying to talk over very loud noise and music in the background, or struggling to hold her earpiece in place the whole time. But she clearly reported that delegates "exploded with excitement" over Palin's speech and that they "couldn't have been happier." Apparently, that's not enough for some viewers. You have to smile and reflect enthusiasm in order to avoid being painted as biased. Ifill, who played a solid, in my view, and central role in PBS coverage of both conventions, will be the moderator of the vice-presidential debate on Oct. 2 which now promises to be one of the most heavily watched events of this long campaign season. The Washington Post published this article about her on Thursday. |
| Following the speeches on Wednesday evening, when the perspective shifted to Gwen Ifill on the convention floor, her disgust with the proceedings was barely concealed and her comments clearly defined her bias towards Obama and the Democrats. If a professional news person cannot maintain at least a surface level of objectivity then perhaps she should seek employment at CNN or MSNBC who make no pretense at being unbiased. Public Television should represent the American public, no matter what their political position is, and public TV more than any other outlet should be unbiased and objective. Very disappointing. Christopher Spilker, Royal Oak, MI I was appalled by Gwen Ifill's commentary directly following Gov. Sarah Palin's speech. Her attitude was dismissive and the look on her face was one of disgust. Clearly, she was agitated by what most critics view as a well-delivered speech. It is quite obvious that Ms. Ifill supports Obama as she struggled to say anything redemptive about Gov. Palin's performance. I am disappointed in Ms. Ifill's complete disregard for journalistic objectivity. I have come to expect more from PBS. Brian Meyers, Granby, CT PBS's coverage this week of the RNC has been a continued decline, and clearly biased view from those within PBS who most definitely want to "convince" the public that the RNC has nothing to say. The absolute horrible comments and appearance from Gwen Ifill after Sarah Palin's speech last night should be an embarrassment for PBS. She looked clearly disappointed, she appeared bothered and could not come up with one positive or objective comment. Pittsburgh, PA I am shocked at questioning by Gwen Ifill on the MacNeil/Lehrer Report about whether Sarah Palin can be both a VP and a mother. That question is so far out of line it's in the stratosphere. Gwen Ifill attempted to justify the question by saying Palin said she was a hockey mom. Lame, and she knows it. AND your viewers know it. Questions about Palin's experience are obviously OK, but whether she should run as VP with a family? Was Barack asked that question? I think not! I expect that line of questioning from NBC, but not PBS. I have been a MacNeil/Lehrer viewer for years and until this evening always thought the program's staff were professionals. Now I'm not so sure. That line of questioning should never have happened. Once it did, it should have been on the floor of the cutting room. I understand you want to elect Obama, but interviews like that lose votes for Obama. You all could use a week off for ethics training. Dennis Hughes, St. Petersburg, FL |
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