I watched last night’s debate between Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and then I watched the analysis that followed.
I did like that the debate didn’t really take any truly nasty turns. Real debate is based on the participants having studied their own positions and presenting them in the most convincing manner, the better to inform the audience. It’s not tirades and jabs, criticisms and caustic comments.
The after-show summed much of what I thought, although I felt the commentators made too much of Hillary Clinton’s final remarks and whether they were valedictory in nature. What I liked most, however, was an opportunity to change an opinion I’ve held for a long time about Anderson Cooper, the moderator of the analysis.
When Hurricane Katrina decimated much of New Orleans, he was on the scene. I saw him interview a young woman who had lost almost everything and was obviously distraught. Cooper seemed unaware of her state and continued to position her for the best camera angle while asking inane questions, such as “How are you feeling right now?”
Had I been that woman, Mr. Cooper might have had two black eyes. No, had I been that woman I wouldn’t have agreed to be interviewed. But this doesn’t absolve the interviewer from being insensitive.
I vowed I would never watch Anderson Cooper again . . . and I haven’t. Until last night. Granted the context was different, but I thought he conducted himself courteously, asked relevant questions, and didn’t interrupt the respondent. Maybe he’s better in a studio than on the street. Or maybe he’s learned better interviewing techniques. Either way, he got a second change to make a first impression with me.
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