SHOCKED, SHOCKED - AT 7:23:  From The Washington Times:

Relations between ABC News and President Obama are being criticized as becoming too intimate, as the network announced it would produce a prime-time broadcast from the White House that includes questions solicited from viewers without equal time for the Republican point of view.

Media credibility and fairness are at issue, with waggish bloggers renaming ABC the "All Barack Channel."

At issue is "Prescription for America," a live, one-hour special to be moderated by ABC's Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer, set to air at 10 p.m. June 24 from the East Room. Even before that prime-time hour, Ms. Sawyer will have interviewed Mr. Obama on "Good Morning America," and Mr. Gibson will have anchored "World News Tonight" from the White House's Blue Room.

COMMENT:  I find it shocking, shocking, that some rabid right-wing, Bible-thumping, Iraq-liberating, missile-defending, tax-cutting bloggers would accuse that fine news organization of anything but absolutely balanced reporting.  I'm upset enough to complain to Bill Moyers.

Why, don't you recall Charlie Gibson's fair, balanced and entirely gracious interview with Sarah Palin during the last campaign?  The way he helped her through, showing respect and deference.  Mock this neutral journalist?  That's treason.

You can stop laughing now.

June 17, 2009