In this image released by The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, correspondent Gwen Ifill from the PBS program, ” The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” is shown. (AP Photo/The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer)

Debate Moderator Plans January Release

NEW YORK — Many are questioning PBS anchor Gwen Ifill’s ability to be objective when she hosts Thursday’s vice-presidential debate after news that Ifill is planning to publish a book that some see as supportive of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Ifill is moderating the 9 p.m. debate between VP candidates Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. Her book, “The Breakthrough,” is due out in January.
Ifill writes in her book that “the black political structure of the civil rights movement has cleared the way for post-racial politicians to ascend to new heights,” according to FoxNews.com.

FOX News political analyst Michelle Malkin blasted Ifill in a column for Wednesday’s National Review. Malkin says, “There is nothing ‘moderate’ about where Ifill stands on Barack Obama. She’s so far in the tank for the Democratic presidential candidate, her oxygen delivery line is running out.”

Naturally, there’s plenty of opinion lighting up the blogosphere Wednesday. Below is a sampling of the reaction to Malkin’s post:
mkwintexas says, “Gwen should, but obviously does not have, the good sense to have waited until AFTER the debate if she wanted to exploit her ignorance.”

wacotexan says, “There is subliminal messaging here. Even in the McCain / Obama debate, the camera made Obama appear larger than McCain so it would look like he stood out. Ridiculous!! Could you get a less impartial host??”

cindylu says, “I think that Gwen is professional enough to be able to conduct this debate in an objective manner. She is a class act.”

jonathan21 says, “This seems like typical Fox News reporting - writing a book about black politicians being able to come forward as a result of racial equality is not per se a “pro Obama” book. It’s a pro equality book. Which is a good thing no? What the Republicans do time and again is make excuses for their failings.”

bleegreerjr says, “Even if the moderator swears on her objectivity, it speaks volumes of her integrity that she would not step down simply due to the appearance of this fiasco.”

Ifill Recovering From Broken Ankle

Ifill has a broken ankle, but she’ll still serve as the upcoming vice presidential debate’s moderator.

The veteran PBS newswoman tripped in her Washington area home while walking downstairs Monday, carrying material she was using to prep for the debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.

Despite the pain, doctors have given her the OK to travel to St. Louis, where the vice presidential debate is scheduled for Thursday.

“Another crazy twist in a crazy week,” Ifill said, confirming her injury in an e-mail.

Ifill is moderator of PBS’ “Washington Week” and senior correspondent on “The NewsHour.”