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July 2009
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The debate between Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, Republican challenger Mike McGavick and Libertarian Bruce Guthrie is now history. I had the privilege of moderating the exchange, so here's a little of what goes into preparing for a big political debate. KING 5 set certain criteria regarding political support and campaign funds for debate eligibility. Senator Cantwell and Mr. McGavick easily met those standards. But when Libertarian candidate Bruce Guthrie loaned himself over a million dollars for his campaign, he became part of the debate. That changed the dynamics and how the panelists would ask questions of the candidates. The reporters on the panel were KING 5's Robert Mak, Joni Balter of the Seattle Times, Austin Jenkins of the Public Radio Northwest News Network (and a former KING reporter), and Nadine Woodward who is an anchor at our sister station in Spokane, KREM-TV. We met two times along with Peter O'Connell, the station's executive producer of special projects, and Mike Cate, he produces Up Front with Robert Mak. At our first meeting we whittled down the subjects we wanted to cover and came up with a preliminary set of questions. At our next meeting, we further refined our questions with more specifics. We also decided we'd direct our questions, not just to one candidate, but to all the candidates together. The disadvantage was we would not get into any rebuttals. The advantage was we got to more questions in our one hour time limit (we asked a total of 15). And the day of the debate, the panelists (I also asked questions) went over the questions one more time. We were done and ready for the show. I introduced myself to the candidates prior to the taping and explained the one minute time limit for responses, though I would give them an extra 5 to 10 seconds if they were finishing up a thought. I rarely had to insert myself as "time cop," as the candidates were good at summing up their thoughts. The debate went off on time in a very hot studio. Shortly into the debate a camera operator fainted and the debate was temporarily halted. The camera operator was helped out of the studio (he's OK), and we resumed taping shortly thereafter. Then it was over. The candidates shook hands. Their supporters applauded them. And we have a little bit more information on which to base our vote this November. 14 Comments |
I am a 17 year old student at Kentridge High School, and I watched the senate debate over the internet. I must say this is a very important time for me as an American Citizen and Native Washingtonian. This is my first ever Debate/Election that I plan on following and actually understand. One Nominee, Republican Mr.McGavic really won my vote. I figure that there is no way he will ever have time to talk to a kid like me, but if he were to be reading this right now..I would tell him that he has some very strong points...and I truley believe that he would do the job that is needed. He is truley a one of a kind man, and I believe he got to the points without "beating around the bush". I must thank him for being the only one keeping a professional image during the debate as Cantwell flirted with my all time favorite New's anchor Dennis bounds about his age and looks, and while Mr. Guthrie made an inappropriate and disrespectful remark towards alcoholism in congress. That's my opinion. Hopefully someone reads this and will respond with their thoughts and feelings. For tonight, I say Goodnight, GoodEvening, and Goodbye.
Mcgavik looked like nixon at the nixon kennedy debate.
do they still show that in HIGH SCHOOL?
Sweating is not a good look to have from a
leader!
Do they teach you about drinking the kool-aid in High School?
Respect my butt, he was speaking the TRUTH
Do they teach you about truth in High School?
Please learn all you can in High school, and I applaud you for taking interest in your states politcal process.
The State of Washington Voters' Pamphlet Published by the Office of the Secretary of State
lists Aaron Dixon as a candidate for United
States Senator. Other criteria of fundraising
or popularity in previous elections are not
valid criteria for elective office in a democracy. If he has opinions on the War in Iraq
that are not promoted by millionare politicians
endorsed by King5, they should be given free expression as a candidate.
Well I don't think it's got anything to do with what their teaching me in High School. As a matter of fact, Teachers aren't allowed to give their political opinions to students these days because of offensive things that could be taken from it. I must say that it is really quite astounding that you would compare Mr.McGavic to President Nixon. It sounds to me as if we have a Liberal on our hands standing up for the weaker party. I must say that it bothers me that people applaud Kennedy so much considering he was screwing around on his wife and it wasn't that much of a big deal, but when President Clinton did it...It seemed like the end of the world to some people. It's really interesting how people in politics pick and choose the good things about their party, and then use the bad from the other's party.I look forward to continuing this conversation. I have to move on to my next class. See ya after school!
[B]Do they teach you about drinking the kool-aid in High School?
Respect my butt, he was speaking the TRUTH
Do they teach you about truth in High School?
Please learn all you can in High school, and I applaud you for taking interest in your states politcal process.
[/B]
Instead of attacking the poster...why not attack the position
You end your blog stating that we have a little bit more information on which to base our votes. But when candidates are refused participation in your forum based on their inability to pay $1 million to media which is supposed to be impartially informing voters, I guess the lesson that we should take away is that money, not ideas, is the qualification we should look for in our candidates. No wonder we have so many congressional financial scandals in both parties.
Wake up people. You are being lied to daily. Habeas Corpus died yesterday, did anyone notice? Go to whatreallyhappened.com if you want the truth. Vote Democrat and hope for the best.
Im a little bit disappointed to see that this sight is nothing but Liberals. It's sickening. You guys complain about the world today, but you dont wanna do anything to change it.
KING5,
Thanks for the debate coverage. However, why was Maria Cantwell pleasantly lit from multiple angles with nice highlighting on her hair and shoulders while Mike McGavik and Bruce Guthrie were just front lit, giving them a darker appearance? A little equal treatment would have been nice - or did you have an agenda here?
Correct me if Im wrong, But I think they were going for the Barbara Walters look. haha.
VoterBoy:
The lighting is the same for each candidate, but hair color and clothing choices do make a difference. Before the debate, the candidates drew lots and chose their podium.
Vote Democrat and hope for what? inaction? lies? tributes to terrorists? Appeasement of Islam? Kim Jon Ill? So this is what you want?
The Democrats can't lead a mouse from a maze with a blueprint stamped on their behinds and you expect these misfit leftists to protect America?
You do know that the Democrats support illegal aliens because they can get the illegals to vote illegally in OUR ELECTIONS?
Cantwell did lie as the Congressional record states, she does support benefits for illegals because illegals bring an unfair and illegal advantage to the party of gangsters and traitors.
I don't like cantwell either. The lesser of two evil's. Then she will go the way of the leiberliar in CT.
DO NOT VOTE IF…
A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM TvNewsLIES.org
Download printable flyer version: Click here!
You get your facts from corporate TV news or radio
You have no factual information about the issues
You do not hold your government accountable
You support a candidate without specific reasons
You believe what is said in “smear” campaign ads
ARE YOU AN INFORMED VOTER?
DO YOU KNOW…
How many convicted felons George W. Bush has appointed to office?
How many international treaties the Bush administration has broken?
How many environmentally vital, life protecting regulations have been eliminated by George Bush and that he is considered the worst environmental president in history?
How many members of the Bush administration have been employed by companies who are making a fortune because of the Iraq invasion?
What PNAC is and which of its members are in charge of the foreign policy of your country?
That Dick Cheney used Iraqi oil maps to plan his energy policy during secret meetings in 4/01?
How many people have been detained in the US without being charged with any crime and without access to legal assistance?
How many lawsuits Dick Cheney has been involved in during the past 3 years?
How many investigations for serious felonies the White House is involved in?
That huge funds and resources for the war on terror were diverted to the invasion of Iraq?
That, despite the growing deficit, the failed war in Iraq will cost taxpayers 100s of $billions of more?
That George Bush has isolated the US from the global community?
How many people in this county are unemployed who were working prior to the Bush presidency?
That the Medicare bill was passed through Congress by a person who quit after the bill passed to work for a company that will make money representing the pharmaceutical industry?
That the new Medicare bill does not permit price negotiation for prescription drugs?
How the Bush tax cuts have resulted in increased local taxes and reduced public services like education, fire departments, parks, police, healthcare, highway development, and other needed services?
That for 12 weeks George Bush totally ignored the potential criminal exposure of a CIA operative by someone in the White House? This is a potential felony that endangered many CIA agents’ lives.
That the US Constitution is being systematically replaced by the Bible as the guiding document to determine legislation in this country?
That at least FOUR Supreme Court Justices will be appointed by the next sitting President?
That George Bush has failed at virtually every level of leadership from the moment he assumed office?
Voting without understanding the issues is like jumping out of an airplane without reading the instructions on your parachute.
The ground is approaching fast, start reading……!
An informed American is a responsible American. Be a patriot. Be a responsible American. Become informed BEFORE you cast your vote.
A MISCAST VOTE MAY MEAN THE END OF DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT
Good site! I'll stay reading! Keep improving!