VP Debate Moderator Pens Obama Book

[Sherry]

VP DEBATE MODERATOR PENS OBAMA BOOK

Questions are being raised about the objectivity of Thursday's vice presidential debate moderator after news surfaced that she is releasing a new book that appears to promote Barack Obama and other black politicians who have benefited from the civil rights struggle.

Gwen Ifill, of PBS' "The NewsHour," is expected to remain as moderator, however.

"The book has been a known factor for months, so I'm not sure what the big deal is," said NewsHour spokeswoman Anne Bell.

She told FOXNews.com that there were no concerns about Ifill's neutrality, and that the debate Thursday between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden would go forward as planned. Ifill also moderated the 2004 vice presidential debate.

"We were pleased that the (debate) commission once again turned to Gwen to moderate the debate," Bell said. "They've known and trusted her as a moderator and that's wonderful."

Ifill's book, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," is due to be released about the same time the next president takes the oath of office.

In her book, Ifill contends that the black political structure of the civil rights movement has cleared the way for post-racial politicians to ascend to new heights.

Some are wondering whether Ifill can be fair and balanced, and whether she should be the moderator of Thursday's 9 p.m. ET debate.

"Clearly her books aren't going to do as well unless Obama wins, so it looks like she has some investment, literally, in one candidate or the other. And she's supposed to be sitting there as a neutral arbiter during the debate," said NPR's Juan Williams, a FOX News contributor. "I think the world of Gwen Ifill but I know there's a perception problem."

FOX News political analyst Michelle Malkin argued in a post on National Review that Ifill is "so far in the tank for the Democratic presidential candidate, her oxygen delivery line is running."

But Ifill questioned why people assume that her book will be favorable toward Obama.

"Do you think they made the same assumptions about Lou Cannon (who is white) when he wrote his book about Reagan?" said Ifill, who is black. Asked if there were racial motives at play, she said, "I don't know what it is. I find it curious."

Ifill said she's got a "pretty long track record" covering politics and that "I'm not particularly worried that one-day blog chatter is going to destroy my reputation."

John McCain told FOX News Wednesday he believes Ifill will be "objective" at the debate.

"Does this help if she has written a book that's favorable to Senator Obama? Probably not," McCain said. "But I have confidence Gwen Ifill will do a professional job."

Palin also told FOX News' Sean Hannity in a radio interview that "I'm not going to let it be a concern."

She said the news about Ifill's book "will make us work that much harder."

Click here to read Malkin's entire post.

[KBevangelist]

Many are calling for her to recuse herself from this debate.

However, I think it is a little late and another ploy of politics. Ifill knew she was writing this book when they selected her and should have told the committee. Expect more "gotcha" questions for Palin and more how is your grandkids for Biden.

KB

[Dr. Ron]

I think it is cool.....cause if Palin does poorly (nahhhh), she can blame Ifill for it.....if Biden does poorly (he will) they will just say what they always do....'Ah, shucks folks, that's just how ole Joe is"....yukyukyuk

So, I pray she makes it appear to be one sided......It will incense the public. She knew what she was doing....but these folks have such EGOS....