CBS strike could put Democratic debate in disarray

[DeepModem Mom]

Source: The Politico

By: Jeffrey Ressner and Michael Calderone
Nov 21, 2007

A strike authorized by CBS News writers this week could throw the “CBS Evening News,” “Face the Nation” and a network-sponsored Democratic presidential debate on Dec. 10 into disarray. While the Writers Guild of America has not yet called for such a strike against the network’s TV and radio news operations, it now has the authorization to do so at any time.

Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, all said Wednesday they would not cross a picket line to appear at the CBS debate, with Clinton issuing a statement which said, in part, “It is my hope that both sides will reach an agreement that results in a secure contract for the workers at CBS News, but let me be clear: I will honor the picket line if the workers at CBS News decide to strike.” Spokesmen for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd also said those candidates would not participate.

The Writers Guild of America, East issued this statement in response to Wednesday's statements issued by Edwards, Clinton and Obama:

“We are thrilled by the strong support we’ve received today from presidential candidates John Edwards, Hilary (sic) Clinton and Barack Obama. We are grateful to John Edwards for his decision that he and Elizabeth will not ... appear on 'The View' next week, in support of our striking writers there. In addition, his, Hilary (sic) Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s public commitment not to cross potential picket lines at CBS News, should our WGA-CBS News members go on strike in the near future, sends a powerful message that our members' cause is just and important. They have given us more reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving. We hope everyone follows their leads.”

After the candidates announced their intentions not to cross picket lines, CBS issued a statement saying, "We are going ahead with our plans for the debate and hope the WGA — in the interests of the American public — will pull down the pickets for the period of the debates." Although the WGA East has not yet called for a strike against CBS News, the WGA West's members striking against TV and movie companies have already been picketing the network's studio facility on Beverly Boulevard, where the debate is scheduled to take place.

In a later statement, the WGA said Michelle Obama is also canceling an upcoming appearance on "The View."...

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/7011.html

[BenDavid]

1. Lets not forget it was HRC that first made it known to CBS

that she would not cross the picket line. Then once Obama and Edwards got win of it, they followed suit....Good for all three

Ben David