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My view and notes:
Journalism and ABC News: I was under the impression that the goal of such debates was to provide moderated discussion of issues. It seems that what I view as journalism has been usurped by sensationalistic questions, echo chamber reverberations, and apparent gotcha topics whose issue-based ties can only loosely be interpreted as 'character-orientated'.
Such avoidance of actual issues that will affect the citizenry of our great country (for approximately half of the allotted debate time) reinforces my sad realization that ABC News is no longer in the business of journalism, but entertainment and marketing. I understand that the 20 preceding debates have focused primarily on issues; which has allowed people further introspection on the candidates' stances beyond the written platforms put forth on their websites. I had hoped that events which have transpired since the latest debate (Senate hearings on the Iraqi surge, the Bear Stearns bailout, commodity and gas prices) would be discussed. Unfortunately those who chose the questions decided that we the people are not intelligent enough for such important discourse (or perhaps that the issues are not weighty enough to debate?). It seems that ABC and the media in general have left their journalism roots and news credentials at their desks and embraced the entertainment and 'high energy' controversy (no matter how contrived) in order to drive ratings. I must conclude also that ABC's family of companies and sponsors condone such base discourse as opposed to upholding the journalistic charge of their profession.
Such facts lead me to a point of sad realization. I did not think that such a negative re-branding of a company (ABC) or sector as a whole (political media coverage) was possible before last night. I now realize that in our new world of communication there are fewer and fewer people and organizations that strive to uphold the reporting of news, the proliferation of honest debate, and the critical analysis of issues and candidates' stances.
I frequent blogs, opinion pages, and columnists to stay abreast of gossip, talking point, conjecture, and sensational items; but I had hoped that journalists and news organizations would focus on finding the facts behind such topics and reporting them rather than bringing them into the framework of a debate.
Alas, I will now move forward by placing ABC News and her affiliate companies into the category of sensational entertainment and duplicity. I do not know how the company would be able to regain my trust and respect; but it would take a great effort and a lengthy amount of time. I can only suggest that those in production meetings who pushed for focusing on actual issues and stressing the imperative view of an evenly moderated issue-oriented debate be elevated in their responsibilities and respect. Conversely, those moderators and production managers who pushed for sensationalistic questions and media-focused introspection should be marginalized in their responsibilities and duties.
Journalism has its responsibilities and charges; more weighty than most professions. The facts are that ABC News and other purported news organizations are the primary conduit for informing the populous of the views, issues, and detailed policies of candidates for all political offices (even of more importance when it comes to the highest office in the land).
I rarely if ever write to comment on issues but felt compelled to inform you all of my opinion. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings.
Regards,
Jeff Scott
