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| Candy Crowley |
When the presidential debate moderators' names were released this month, the announcement was met with criticism. People, television networks and even journalistic associations complained that the four moderators--Candy Crowley, Jim Lehrer, Bob Schieffer, and Martha Raddatz--lacked diversity. The fact that Crowley was selected as the first female presidential debate moderator in 20 years was almost completely forgotten (Raddatz will be moderate the vice-presidential debate). What these people do not seem to realize, though, is that it is hard to put together an extremely diverse group of people when only four moderators can be selected.
Not every group can be represented with such a small selection of moderators. Keeping that in mind, I would like to point out that the choice of Crowley as a moderator was a major step toward diversity. Earlier this summer, three teens made an online petition and lobbied the Commission on Presidential Debates in an attempt to make women's voices heard. As a female journalist, and especially as a young woman in general, I know what it is like to have my voice ignored in a room full of men who do not think I can hold my own. I commend these teens for pushing for this step toward diversity, and I am also thankful the Commission made the effort to create a gender-balanced and well-rounded group of moderators--even if some people cannot see it.
