Posted by
MHKapp on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:52:35 PM
One week from today, network news will be broadcast from the Blue Room of the White House, in what could easily be interpreted as a sparkling endorsement for socialized health care. The ABC News ‘Prescription for America,’ moderated by Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer, is the network’s first occasion to air from inside the administration, as compared to CBS’ 60 Minutes on election night, and NBC’s recent primetime special. ABC programs including Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline will cover, all day long, what many fear to be a mere ‘infomercial’ for the president’s health care agenda, far from a legitimate public debate.
Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Ken McKay requested the opportunity to present opposing views, at least in the ‘town hall forum’ segment of the program. This request was flatly denied. We should be pacified, however, by ABC News Senior VP Kerry Smith’s reassurance that producers are “looking for the most thoughtful and diverse voices on this issue.” In keeping with campaign coverage protocol, only screened audience members will be admitted, and no questions will be asked of the president that he is not prepared to answer. According to Smith, “ABC News will have complete editorial control.” That's a relief....
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