YouTube debate was mostly a stunt IMHO

Michael Gartenberg | July 24, 2007, 12:23 PM

I watched the replay of the super hyped CNN/YouTube debate last night and I wasn't that impressed. The format was interesting but it clearly needs some work.

First, the questions ranged from the predictable, the personal and sillly. (Asking about the candidates favorite teachers? sheesh). I wonder how much time was spent picking just what got asked. Seems like there had to be some better questions to be asked of these folks.

The second problem was with the moderator. Despite pleas from the first questioner for the candidates to answer the questions that were asked, almost none did. Anderson Cooper who seemed in awe of the whole YouTube concept did little to get the candidates to actually answer direct questions.

Only good moment was when Cooper asked all the candidates "How many people here took a private jet or a charter jet to get here tonight?" almost all responded that they did but some of them were clearly embarrassed at the question and raised their hands like a timid student unsure of the correct answer.

Bottom line? the format could work and if it allowed for more for the types of questions that MSM would not likely ask. Of course, a moderator is needed to push for candidates to actually answer them.