As an avid viewer of public television and one who appreciates the quality programming provided by WTTW-Ch. 11, I was appalled by the debacle presented as a “forum” or debate by WTTW on the Feb. 25 “Chicago Tonight.”
I have no particular interest in either Illinois candidate for U.S. Senate (I’m an Indiana resident), but I do have an interest in seeing such a forum presented objectively. This was no objective debate. More properly, it would be referred to as a gang attack on Peter Fitzgerald.
Each question was posed to Mr. Fitzgerald first. The questions were more often accusatory than inquisitive. While Mr. Fitzgerald answered, he was frequently interrupted by host John Callaway. He was often cut off in mid-thought. The host even had the audacity to “wink-and-nod” ridicule in his direction with a comradely aside of “This is turning into a lecture” to candidate Loleta Didrickson.
After mercilessly attacking Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Callaway turned to Ms. Didrickson with repeatedly watered-down versions of the original questions. Having had much time to consider and develop a suitable answer, Ms. Didrickson was permitted to give her answers uninterrupted. Mr. Fitzgerald had no opportunity to prepare an answer. All political opinions aside, it was obvious that Mr. Callaway simply did not like Mr. Fitzgerald. This may be so, but it should not appear so obvious in a forum that he is moderating!
Anyone who missed this show should get a copy to view what is truly one of the most poorly executed debate formats ever witnessed. I am disappointed and believe WTTW owes Mr. Fitzgerald an apology. A big “thumbs down” to the host for failing to live up to PBS standards.
Given the chance, I’d probably vote for Ms. Didrickson rather than Mr. Fitzgerald, but I hope that nobody lets their opinion be swayed by the unbelievably unfair display of partisanship showed by Mr. Callaway.
