GOP Complains About ABC's Obama Health Care Special; Network Promises Fairness
Barack Obama
ABC has rejected a request by a Republican group to rebut President Obama's health care plans on an upcoming day of White House-themed news specials. In response, the network has stated that its coverage will nevertheless be balanced.
The Republic National Committee referred questions to a fundraising letter posted on GOP.com that asks supporters for donations to buy air time during the ABC programs. "What are the Democrats and their media allies afraid of? The truth?" RNC chairman Michael Steele said in the letter. "That is outrageous! And we will not take it!"
Kerry Smith, a senior vice president of ABC News, also posted a letter on the network's website that promised fairness in their coverage. "ABC News prides itself on covering all sides of important issues and asking direct questions of all newsmakers," Smith's letter says. "Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control," saying that the network will choose from among the most thoughtful and diverse voices to make up the audience for the day's proceedings.
On Wednesday, ABC will broadcast Good Morning America from the White House's South Lawn, Charles Gibson will anchor a live broadcast of World News from the Blue Room and a primetime special titled Questions for the President: Prescription for America will be moderated by Gibson and Diane Sawyer.
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