Ill-timed candor

Perhaps the most insightful moment about pundits and the press was off-air, in an exchange between MSNBC's Chuck Todd and his guests, conservative commentators Peggy Noonan and Mike Murphy.

Not knowing their comments were being broadcast, the real opinions of all three were revealed. Both Murphy and Noonan disparaged the Palin pick. Noonan -- on the same day she wrote that Sarah Palin presented a "real and present danger to the American left and to the Obama candidacy"-- responded to Todd's question if Palin "is really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?"

Noonan: "The most qualified? No! I think they went for this -- excuse me -- political bull---- about narratives."

Todd: "Yeah, they went to a narrative."

Murphy: "I totally agree."

Noonan: "Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at, they blow it."

Murphy: "You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical."

Cynical and gimmicky is right. About the pundits, that is. Both Noonan and Murphy resumed their Republican roles after the commercial break, just as their Democratic counterparts often stay in character when the camera is on.

Their lack of campaign candor suggests a political/media industrial complex heavy on heat and, well, light on light.

But perhaps the most cynical is NBC's Todd, a journalist, who should insist on candor, not caricature, from people purporting to be expert analysts. If key commentators close to the candidate and the party aren't in sync with the party talking points, that's news.

And isn't that what the cable news networks are supposed to be about, anyway?

JOHN RASH

• "After listening to her speech ... it appears that once she makes up her mind, that is the end of it. We live in a gray world, not every answer is black and white."

Diane Murphy, 42, Sterling Heights independent

• "I was completely underwhelmed. She was a Republican novelty act with a sophomoric script."

George Lentz, 66, Southfield independent

"Who is Sarah Palin? I'm sorry but I still don't know anymore about this young lady tonight than I did last night."

"Nothing worked for me. I found her barrage of snide remarks and distortions to be a major turn off. She is not a class act. The most important point she made is that she will be an effective attack dog."

Jan Wheelock, 58, Royal Oak independent

"Sarah got as much applause as Hillary did, and had a friendly, appealing appearance. Her delivery style reminded me of a high school valedictorian who also might have been a cheerleader. I thought she would appear more professional, more stateswomanly. She's no match for Joe Biden."