Media figures note Russert's repeat performance as Clinton's "opponent" during debate

from MediaMatters

Summary:

After the October 30 Democratic presidential debate, numerous media figures commented that co-moderator Tim Russert had acted as, in the words of The New York Times, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (NY) "third toughest opponent on the stage." During the debate, Russert asked a total of 30 distinct questions (not including follow-up questions).* Fourteen were either questions directed to Clinton or questions directed to other candidates about Clinton. Many media outlets took note of Russert's focus on Clinton. Russert has received media attention for his conduct toward Clinton in previous debates as well, including criticism following a debate he moderated in 2000, when Clinton was running for Senate against then-Rep. Rick Lazio (R-NY).

In writing about the October 30 debate, numerous media figures noted the conduct of the moderators, and Russert's in particular:

• An October 31 New York Times article on the debate reported: "Mrs. Clinton walked into the debate expecting to be the target of attacks but as the night went on, she appeared surprised by the intensity as she was challenged not only by her opponents but by the moderators, Brian Williams and Tim Russert of NBC." The article later described Russert as "arguably" Clinton's "third toughest opponent on the stage."
• In an October 31 Washington Post "Media Notes" column, media critic Howard Kurtz wrote: "At times, it seemed like 4 against 1, with Brian [Williams] and Tim [Russert] repeatedly pressing Hillary as well."
• ABC News senior national correspondent Jake Tapper wrote in an October 31 blog post that "Russert flatly accused her of being duplicitous on Social Security, saying to him and at an AARP-hosted debate that she would not increasing [sic] Social Security taxes, then telling a teacher -- and being overheard by an AP reporter -- that she would consider it. 'Why do you have one public position and one private position?' Russert asked." Tapper added: "Clinton denied she did, saying -- when pressed on her private conversation with a teacher -- that 'everybody knows what the possibilities are, Tim. Everybody knows that. But I do not advocate it. I do not support it.'"
• Philadelphia Daily News columnist John Baer noted Russert's treatment of Clinton in his October 31 column. Baer wrote: "OK, I ADMIT it. I've got Clinton fatigue. It settled in firmly during last night's Drexel debate as Hillary fended off Barack Obama, John Edwards and Tim Russert on 'voting Republican,' using 'doubletalk,' inching toward war with Iran and more."
• While live-blogging for the New York Times political blog The Caucus on October 30, reporter Katharine Q. Seelye wrote of Russert's questioning: "Mrs. Clinton is getting a tough grilling tonight from Mr. Russert and she's being very assertive, very adamant, in making her points."

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