Ralston on the Right?

By Dana Gentry

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 | 3:51 p.m.

I've always believed one of the most important aspects of Face to Face is Jon's ability to disguise his personal bias. He plays devil's advocate so well, it's usually impossible for the viewer to discern where he really stands.

So imagine my surprise when Jon's recent Channel 8 interview with Barack Obama, who good-naturedly parried with his inquisitor, drew derision from the left (and more blogged insults aimed at Jon than even I've dreamed of hurling) and partisan praise from the right, which hails him as John McCain's new Media Messiah.

Sure, Jon's breadth of knowledge and agressive style render him a standout on the local or national scene. His ability to evoke provocative responses, when too many others are content with pat answers to unimaginative questions, is noteworthy. But given the response to the Obama interview, are so many viewers really blinded by anything except the narrow, but familiar vista from their polarized spectacles?

I invite all of Jon's new followers to take in the view from Face to Face. If information is what you're after, we'll point you in the right direction. We just won't let on which way we lean.

Tonight: Former District Court Judge Don Chairez was a last minute scratch from today's program with candidates for Supreme Court Seat B. Chairez says he was called to testify at the Nevada Judicial Commission hearing regarding Judge Elizabeth Halverson's future.

Nancy Allf, Kris Pickering and Judge Deborah Schumacher discuss the Supreme Court's recent ruling on term limits and more.