Identifying the worst moment in last night's (hopefully) final Democratic debate is, I realize, a matter of taste. But identifying the source of those moments is easy: Tim Russert. Memorable moments include the following:
- Russert reminding us, again, of his blue collar credentials, acquired on the mean streets of Buffalo, NY: "And I was reminded of your campaign in 2000 in Buffalo, my hometown, just three hours down Route 90 ..."
- Russert trying to draw a connection between Obama and Louis Farrakhan, based solely on the fact that the latter supports Obama's campaign -- an unsolicited endorsement. But ever the one to ask "tough" questions, Russert felt the need to impersonate your garden variety right-wing talk radio host by asking, "Do you reject his support?" This line of questioning then continued for approximately an eternity.
- After failing to pin down the candidates on withdrawing troops from Iraq, Russert gave them a chance to reassert their bellicosity with a bizarre hypothetical: "If we -- if this scenario plays out and the Americans get out in total and al Qaeda resurges and Iraq goes to hell, do you hold the right, in your mind as American president, to re-invade, to go back into Iraq to stabilize it?"
In light of this, allow me to re-recommend Paul Waldman's piece on Tim Russert from last year.
--Mori Dinauer
