Tim Russert wasn’t moderating a debate. He was setting up a skit for Saturday Night Live. When a “newsperson” changes sides and becomes the “newsmaker,” as Russert did, the event is no longer a debate, it’s Russert controlling the discourse - and feeding his ego. Why would anyone take the “Russert Pledge”?

Imagine this: Tim Russert, will you pledge that George Bush will not attack Iran while in office? Tell me, how many people would pledge for the actions of another person or country?

The pledge exchange between Tim Russert & Hillary Clinton gave real insight into her skill in handling persistent, but impossible demands. This was not staged; this was not spin. This was a candidate with the good sense not to promise something although Russert apparently has given little thought to the actions that might be necessary to carry out his “silly” pledge. For all the attacks Hillary took, the pledge exchange was her time to shine; Russert looked silly.

In addition, Russert’s UFO inquiry seemed like a gotcha, aimed at Kucinich, rather than providing insight to viewers on real issues facing this country. The retired worker in Chicago who asked what the candidates will do about health care was targeting an issue of far greater relevance to voters; that should be the standard for debate questions. Russert seemed to be auditioning for SNL, perhaps because Brian Williams is this week’s host.

Maybe it’s time for the League of Women Voter’s to restore a nonpartisan touch to debates, so the media can report on a campaign event rather than “make the news”.

Russert did what a good moderator should do in these days of “sound-bite answers”…he stirred the pot and exposed Hillary Clinton for what she is: someone who will pronounce two diametrically opposed positions on the exact same issue in an effort to get everyone’s vote.

Anyone who has watched her campaign see this…notice how the few “flip-flops” Romney was hammered for suddenly disappeared from much of the mainstream media once Hil’s continual F/Fs became more widely obvious.

While I agree Russert’s “Pledge” routines are just dramatic effects,
a trustworthy candidate should say: “No, Tim…I cannot pledge anything to The American People unless confronted with all the facts, in context of the event’s situation. To do so would be, at best, presumptive and, at worst, potentially dangerous.”