The World is Talking. Global Politics

I said yesterday regarding the CNN You Tube debate: "A problem remains: CNN chose the questions. That is a legitimate editorial function, but I do not care to trust CNN to do a good job of choosing."

Seems there are many others who think the same thing. Howard Kurtz has a round-up.

My problem with CNN choosing the questions has nothing to do with so-called liberal bias for reasons you can easily discern from my previous work on that topic (the most popular single page on The Rhetorica Network, BTW).

My problem is twofold: 1) CNN is a TV product, so the imperatives of that medium will drive the choices people make, and 2) Journalists are biased in favor of drama and bad news.

You could add a third thing to that list: Lack of care in vetting. Clearly, Retired Brig. Gen. Keith Kerr should have been more carefully checked out. And he should never have been allowed to deliver a mini-speech at the debate.

But what surprises me is the idea that Republican candidates should only face questions from Republican sympathizers--clearly the implication of many of the complaints. It would be irresponsible and unethical for CNN not to include questions from a variety of perspectives.

More:

CNN Admits Holes in Screening of Questioners

Tag: journalism
Tag: rhetoric
Tag: politics