We were in awe, and not in a good way, listening to some of the questions asked of the candidates at the last Democratic presidential debate before voting begins in Iowa. At one point Tuesday night, we were sure we heard the audience laughing after a question was asked but before any answer was given. That's not a good sign for the media in charge of the event, that is, CNN. The network is getting grief this week for the way it framed questions, with the emphasis on framed. What's the next step, guys?
QUESTION: Welcome to our viewers. Let's get right to the debate. Mayor Pete, we heard that Elizabeth Warren called you a big meanie. What is your response? Let's you and her fight.
A: Well, I'm not--
Q: Your time is up. Thank you, your time is up. Thank you. Sen. Warren, what did you think when he called you that? Let's you and him fight.
A: I think that my friend--
Q: Time, please. Thank you. Your time is up. Sen. Sanders, several of your opponents have said your Medicare for All would bankrupt the country. What names can you call them? Let's you and them fight.
A: Technically, the country can't go bankrupt--
Q: We're going to ask again that your questions don't go over the time limit. Thank you. Sen. Klobuchar, one poll says people don't like you as much as Joe Biden. Why are they stupid?
A: First, I've never seen that poll--
Q: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Steyer, why is your take on the national debt not political suicide?
A: Do what?
Q: Thank you. Mayor Pete, why isn't Amy Klobuchar prepared to be president? Sen. Warren, why can't Bernie Sanders beat Donald Trump? Mr. Steyer, you leered at Joe Biden just now--what do you think of that, Mr. Biden? Raise your hands if you don't think the person to the right of your opponent on the left is fit for not being the person not selected by voters. In one second or less, describe your doctrine if you're elected. When did you stop cheating on your taxes? And apparently you didn't prep for this debate.
And always remember, this is CNN.
Editorial on 01/18/2020