Re “In fact-check moment, Crowley didn’t overstep” (Editorial, Oct. 18): Whether you’re a liberal or a conservative, it is beyond doubt that moderator Candy Crowley stepped way over the line with her “fact-check moment” at Tuesday’s debate.
First, she is substantively wrong. Yes, President Obama did utter the phrase “acts of terror” at the end of his speech the day after the Benghazi attack, but in context it was a throwaway line at the end of his remarks and was not made in reference to either the attacks on either the US consulate in Benghazi or the US embassy in Cairo.
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Sorry, the very opposite is true. The moderator was correct to intervene. This was not an issue of interpretation, whether this or that policy worked. It was as if Romney said something had happened on a Tuesday though in fact it actually happened on a Wednesday. He claimed Obama did not say the attack was an "Act of Terror" when...whoops...he did. You think that was a throwaway line? OK, that is your belief. You are entitled to it. It is not a fact. Should the momentum of the debate have been allowed to shift to Romney based on a blatant inaccuracy--one which would have been reported on page 1, with the correction being reported perhaps a week after on p. 27? I don't think so. Mr. Romney stated he will create 12 million jobs and that certain studies supported his claim. Really? Well, not actually. Have you see that little fib corrected anywhere? He got away with a lot. He should be happy. Here is the moral of the story: if you are going to directly question the President of the United States in the manner of a prosecutor, in violation of both debate rules and considerations of decorum, you better know what you are talking about.
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LocalObserver - completely off topic. The FACT is that Obama DID NOT refer to the Benghazi attack as an "act of terrorism." Again, just because you are a liberal doesn't entitle you to your own facts. Obama told dozens and dozens of lies during both debates. It is the debate opponent's job to do the "fact-checking" on the veracity of the other's statements.
More of these moderators should have the resolve to stop the blatant lies and distortions these politicians spew at any time. Candy Crowley should be applauded for her fact checking. Let's see if bob Scheiffer keeps up the sanity,which I think he will.
It is not the moderator's job to "fact-check," especially when the "fact-check" turns out to be inaccurate.
There's something about blustering that some people find attractive. Once upon a time Republicans were supposed to be the level-headed, think-before-you-act Party that prudently weighed consequences before taking action. President Eisenhower comes to mind or Elliot Richardson. Now their standard bearer and his friends are issuing press releases explaining a situation 5,000 miles away even before the smoke had even cleared, assigning blame, demanding action, implying cowardice and sympathy for murderers and in those that fail to jump on their train to ignorance. Most grownups are familiar with the "fog of war" and the errors that can follow from decisions made on the basis of things not clearly seen. To the fog of war in this situation should be added the fog of mind to those who rush to judgement. Politics ain't beanbag but sometimes its simply idiocy. For those who care to read the sequence of statements and their contents go to http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/09/12/us/politics/libya-statements.html
First of all, this idea that you have any idea or understanding of what the Republican Party was, or is supposed to be, is simply not believable since you're obviously an Obama supporter. Second, there was no "fog of war" that "most grown-ups" are familiar with. Within 12 hours, CIA knew with 100% certainty that the Benghazi attack had was a planned and organized terrorist attack and had nothing to do with an anti-Muhammed video. Third, "most grown-ups" (which nahantjim clearly isn't) can understand the meaning of words in a speech or statement. So, nahantjim, the phrase "act of terror" was NOT in reference with the Beghazi attack. If that was Obama's position, how is it possible that Obama, Jay Carney and Susan Rice maintained for TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ATTACK, that the attack was a spontaneous riot due to the infamous Muhammad video. Like all good liberals, you can disemble to your heart's content, but you are not entitled to your own facts.
She did thr right thing. Moderators should point out and stop blatent lies.
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You are wrong and you know it. Stop trying to defend the indefensible actions of Candy Crowley in that debate.
You said, "utter the phrase"? "throwaway line"? "not made in reference to either the attacks on either the US consulate, etc...."? This IS the "context" in which President Obama spoke in the Rose Garden. The "context" was about speaking of the deaths of the four US diplomatic staff. The president said, "No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done" Unfortunately, the mother of the former Navy SEAL lives in the Globe circulation area (Winchester) and I sincerely hope she didn't read your letter about "throwaway line".
Now "ObamaFan" who, despite his handle is a huge Mr. Romney, is trying to parse the distinction between the phrase "act of terror" and "act of terrorism," as well as proposing the usual giant Obama administration cover-up and conspiracy. This is all Fox News/Limbaugh stuff. Relax, your guy lost the debate according to both polls and pundits. Rather than blame it on Crowley, here is some advice that you can pass on to our former governor:: 1) Don't be rude to the president of the U.S...be tough but maintain the correct deportment 2) Stop being vague about your plans...let's hear your plans straight -from-the-shoulder...Medicare...paying for tax cuts, women's health issues, etc 3) Stop the inconsistencies and compulsive changing of positions.
Apologies ObamaFan. Didn't mean to say you were "a huge Mr. Romney," but rather that you're a huge Romney SUPPORTER despite your name. Just a typo.