Comments on <<我們有權選總統>> (TVB USA) - 2008/10/26

Hi Gigi,

Here are my comments on last night's debate show.

First of all, you were the star of this episode, along with Dr. Tsang.

- The debate was quite chaotic, with the debaters talking over each other - I felt bad for Marina Tse at several instances.
- The show covered many topics, though not enough time for each topic.
- It would make more sense for the "independent" Dr. Tsang to sit in the middle. However, I understand the male-female-male arrangement that you had. Also, the sofa was too small for the three debaters.

Who was the best?
Dr. Tsang > Chester Chong > Marina Tse

- Dr. Tsang: Calm, knowledgeable, articulate.
- Chester Chong: Calm, okay but not spectacular.
- Marina Tse: Nervous, hurried, confused. Failed in her effort to be a GOP loudspeaker.

For the most part, Dr. Tsang and Chester Chong walked all over Marina Tse (maybe because Marina has difficulty with Cantonese? Or maybe because she was confusing facts with GOP spins?). It was to the point that Marina started to make things up. Here are two examples:

1) She stated that the U.S. has 50% of the world's oil reserve. The more common number I have heard about 3%. I'd be interested to know how Marina arrived at the 50% value.
2) She referred to "Obama's Islamic background"? That's a myth originated early in the campaign season and it has long since been debunked. It was memorable when Dr. Tsang gave an expression of "付之一笑" in his response to Marina.

Two other classic GOP comments by Marina Tse:
1) Marina seemed to imply that all Muslims are violent extremists. Ironically, this characterization of Muslims makes Marina quite extremist as well, pun intended.
2) Marina mentioned that Sarah Palin has been a governor for "many years." The fact is that Palin has been governor for less than 2 years. Interesting to note that Obama has been a senator for more than 3 years.

Of course, the highlight of the episode was when you rebuffed Marina's "Michelle Obama never loved America" comment as 斷章取義. Twice.

Overall, you kept the debate reasonably under control, given the format. Good job as moderator.

Thanks.
P.S. Please congratulate Dr. Tsang for me.