The media's "Fair and Balanced" principle in practice, Phase One:

[elperromagico]

By Elperromagico

The Players:
Chip Racerman, Anchor/Talking Head
Wally Burger, right-wing spokesman
Ted Rieger, left-wing spokesman

And now: A debate about the death penalty:

CHIP: Here with us today to discuss the death penalty are Wally Burger, president of the Kill 'Em All Foundation, and Ted Rieger, director of Mercy Incorporated.

TED: Thanks, Chip.

WALLY: Great to be here.

CHIP: Wally, let's start with you. Some have argued that the death penalty is not a deterrent. How do you feel about that?

WALLY: Well, Chip, I can't disagree with that more. Countless studies show that the death penalty does deter murder. When someone's thinking about committing a crime, the thought of being executed makes them think twice. I think the studies are pretty clear on this issue.

CHIP: Ted, I understand you disagree with what Wally's just said.

TED: I do, Chip. There have been many studies showing that the murder rate in states that don't have the death penalty is either lower or the same as in states that do. There's just no evidence that the death penalty deters crime, violent or otherwise.

CHIP: Wally, I see you shaking your head over there. Do you disagree?

WALLY: I do. As I said before, Chip, countless studies have shown that the death penalty does deter murder ---

TED: That's just incorrect. No study shows ---

WALLY: Ted! Ted! You had your chance to speak. I let you speak. It's my turn to speak now!

CHIP: Ted, I'll give you a chance to respond in just a moment.

WALLY: As I was saying, Chip, countless studies show that the death penalty does deter murder.

CHIP: All right, Ted, I'll give you the last word.

TED: Where do I begin? Studies show ---

CHIP: Sorry to cut you off, Ted, but we're out of time. Wally Burger of the Kill 'Em All Foundation, and Ted Rieger or Mercy Incorporated - thank you for this great debate.

WALLY: Thank you, Chip.

TED: Thanks, Chip.

There. Didya learn anything from that "news" debate?

[zbdent]

1. Yup - "countless studies"

equals no studies.

Plus, if you support the right wing, they invite you to not only get in extra statements but also to cut off any other debate.

Oh, and you don't have to actually name any of those "countless" (non-existent) studies . . .