Jim Lehrer Quotes

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Jim Lehrer

Profession : Journalist

Birth : May 19, 1934

One of the problems is that everybody is used to the old-fashioned debate system, which is very controlled, and where the moderator plays a more active role.

Jim Lehrer

My conscience is clear.

Jim Lehrer

Well, to tell you truth, I have learned a long time ago that the trick when doing a debate, any kind of debate, is to just turn off the judgment switch in my head.

Jim Lehrer

A debate has one purpose, one purpose only, and that is to facilitate the exchange of ideas directly between two candidates, and that's it.

Jim Lehrer

If we're going to have debates, let's have real debates.

Jim Lehrer

I'm a gatekeeper, and the gatekeepers all used to be mostly old, white men.

Jim Lehrer

Well, I don't know about objectivity, but I know for certain that it's always possible for a professional journalist who understands what he or she's up to to be fair, and that's the key word. Fairness to individuals, fairness to ideas, and to issues and whatever - that is critical, and that is also part and parcel of what the job.

Jim Lehrer

I believe an invitation from the Commission on Presidential Debates is similar to a draft notice - a civic responsibility.

Jim Lehrer

Preparation is based on one driving force for me and that is to be relaxed enough to be able to listen to what the candidates are saying and react appropriately.

Jim Lehrer