Carolyn Washburn

Carloyn Washburn is currently the vice president and editor of The Des Moines Register. [ [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/12/12/moderator_comes_to_iowa_debates_armed_with_questions/ Moderator comes to Iowa debates armed with questions - The Boston Globe ] ] She was also the executive editor of The Idaho Statesman until 1999. Washburn began her career in journalism in 1984 at the Lansing State Journal. She later moved to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle in 1987. [ [http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2005/september/nw0902-2.htm Carolyn Washburn named editor of Des Moines Register; Bob Gabordi joins Tallahassee Democrat as executive editor (September 2, 2005) ] ]

Des Moines Register Presidental Debates

Washburn came under harsh criticism for how she moderated the 2007 Des Moines Register Presidential Debates. She was criticized for controlling the pace of the debate and for her lengthy introductory remarks. [http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS/71212032/1001/NEWS] The Iowa Independent wrote that the debate "was a train wreck, difficult for even the most ardent political junkie to watch. What seemed like a good idea on paper - avoiding over-discussed, politically charged topics about Iraq and immigration reform and forcing candidates to keep their answers succinct - actually made me yearn for a surreal surprise a la the YouTube debates." [ [http://www.iowaindependent.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1630 Iowa Independent:: Thompson Winner Of Flawed Des Moines Register GOP Debate ] ] The Wall Street Journal wrote that Washburn treated the Republican candidates "like schoolchildren." [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120871712799529363.html?mod=rss_opinion_main The Media's Man - WSJ.com ] ] Also, when she asked the Republican candidates to raise their hands if they believed climate change was caused by humans, Fred Thompson asked to explain his position and his request was denied.

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