ABCNews.com is asking what Charles Gibson should ask Gov. Sarah Palin during The First Palin Interview later this week. Along with suggestions for specific questions (world leader pop quizzes, Fannie and Freddie, global warming, sex ed, etc.), readers are advising (begging?) Gibson not to go soft:
PLEASE don't do the regular "walk along the shore/family background/shucks, we're just folks" type of interview filled with softballs, no follow-up, and just accepting it when they don't address your questions - this is too important to not do your job...
And:
Please, please don't ask the usual softball, cream puff questions that are the hallmark of network news...[P]lease don't grovel because you got the first interview. Stand up, be brave...
And:
I have a very simple request: please conduct a serious interview with a political candidate about whom so little is known... Just stick to serious politics, issues, and press her when she avoids answering in full or simply spins. Do this as you would with any politician, but please spare us the "human interest" nonsense... Just once pretend that we still have serious journalists, and leave the silly stuff to the tabloids.
And:
I've watched ABCNEWS for years, ever since I was a cub reporter. I have pretty low expectations that you will do a hard news interview with a Republican -- particularly since I'm sure the McCain campaign is ONLY granting interviews is reporters show "respect and deference" to their celebrity pitbull. Yet, for a moment, think of your children and grandchildren. Think of your legacy...
I am so disappointed in you Charlie Gibson. I can't stand CBS/NBC, and your earnest and straight news has been comforting...your sign off "I hope you had a good day, now have a good night" is wonderful. But what in the world has turned you into the Sarah Palin pit bull reporter you've become? Will you be doing the same with Joe Biden? When? She is a VP candidate for pete's sake (and who was Pete by the way). Yes she is interesting, but two days of hardball questions just waiting for her to make a mistake so we can all gloat on her not being qualified. Keep trying...eventually everyone will make a mistake, and then you can sieze on that moment as your crowning glory that "we got her now"!!! How sad...how disappointing, when I thought you were the real newscaster we could count on to bring us a neutral story. Oh Charles, why did you cave and become part of the "drive by" media....is your job on the line?? I hope not....and I hope you have the opportunity to as Joe Biden (remember, the other VP candidate) similar questions. FDR, JFK, RR would not be pleased with your hounding of this candidate without equal time with the other. Where have you gone, Charlie Gibson?
I was very disappointed in the whole approach Charles Gibson had during both interviews with Sarah Palin. Would you approach a male VP candidate the same way? you seemed very bothered and angry throughout the whole interview. You seemed like you wanted to get Senator Palin in a corner and not let her out.
I applaud Senator Palin's ability to hold her temper and maintain her composure throughout all the interviews. Your direct approach is always appreciated Charles Gibson but not the whole attitude of " I am here to destroy you" was very upsetting...
Maybe Barbara Walters should interview Mr. Biden or maybe even YOU..