Who Lost Debate? Looks Like ABC Did

I was working last night and absentmindedly forgot to record the Democratic debate in Philadelphia. Apparently, it's a good thing because judging by the responses I've read so far, my blood pressure would have soared and I might not be feeling so hot this morning.

It looks like neither Obama nor Clinton won last night, but ABC definitely lost. There's even video posted of moderators Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous being heckled as they broke for commercial. It's pretty impressive when the audience members see what's going on. I suppose the razzing Hillary received when she tried to push the Obama "bitter" comment last week during a speech didn't click with the producers or the moderators at ABC. And the ABC website had some wonderful commentary by visitors to the site after watching.

"...I haven't watched ABC "news" in a few years. I see I haven't been missing much! MORE THAN half the debate turned over to Bittergate, Rev Wright, the Weathermen, Tuzla, FLAG LAPEL PINS? Most of the televised debates I've seen this campaign season have been lame, but this one takes the prize. Either you guys are morons or you think that we are. Either way, I'm glad to have seen the last of you. Really, really bad. No winners in this debate, but a definite loser: ABC "NEWS""

"...Are you kidding me? "We don't have much time left. Let's have a MINUTE to talk about gas?" Charlie and George, you need a crash course on the distinction between "issues" and an "agendas." Hint: The candidates have the former; you have the latter."

"...Has ABC News noticed that your so called "debate" has been universally panned? Charles Gibson is a pandering person more fit for the National Enquirer than a responsible news program. Stephanopoulis is barely better. I am so disappointed but not surprised."

After 15 months of campaigning, you'd think that the media would finally get around to talking about substantive issues. Unfortunately, it's has become all O.J. all the time. Why speak about something silly like the Iraq occupation when you can ask the world where Natalie Holloway is? Why worry viewers with trivial things like the foreclosure crisis or the high prices of oil and gas, when you can focus on "real" journalism like Heath Ledger's or Anna Nicole Smith's death?

Congratulations ABC. You turned a pivotal Democratic debate into nothing more than a slap fight, devoid of substance and important issues that the American people really care about.

It looks like Fox News has competition.