AS A MEMBER IN good standing of "Poliyical Junkies Anonymous" (or "PolyJuNan" for short), it is truly amazing that this weekly syndicated panel show escaped our notice for so long. Afterv stumbling on to it a few years ago; it remains a must see and a high point in our weekend.
PERHAPS THE FACT that the program appears over PBS In our market has had something to do with this. Here in Chicago, we are blessed, or perhaps not, by having not one, but three Public Broadcasting System affiliates available to our viewing pleasure.^ Inasmuch as so much of what these stations put out is either egghead, highly esoteric or just plain boring; a show such as INSIDE WASHINGTON may easily be overworked.
BRING PRODUCED BY the ABC affiliate in the District of Columbia, It features one Gordon Peterson as the Moderator. Mr. Peterson is the News Anchor for that station and proves to be the right guy to be sitting in the big chair. Gordon is fair and even handed; never betraying neither his own personal feelings nor his Political leanings. His attitude is one of a friend to all; keeping the discussion moving and ensuring equal participation by all.
AND WHILE WE are speaking about the panel, we must mention what has been the usual line-up these last couple of years. Going from left to right (on our screen, that is), we have: Syndicatyed Columnist-Colby King, from National Public Radio-Audrey Tottenberg, Mark Shields-Political Pundit/Syndicated Columnist & "Domer"** and Dr. Charles Krauthammer-a trained MD, Psychiatrist, Columnist and Commentator.
WHEREAS ALL MAY hold widely disparate opinions on the various issues of the day, they express themselves passionately, yet in a civil manner; all the while furthering an old fashioned American custom called "Civil Discourse."
WOW! WHAT A UNIQUE and quaint, old concept! What a great idea It would be if we could all follow such a fine example as this; especially in this day and age!
NOTE: * In the Chicago Television Market, we have: WTTW Channel 11, WYCC Channel 20 (belonging to the Chicago City Collrgrs) and WYIN Channel 56 Northwest Indiana.
NOTE: ** Definition: "Domer"; a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, from ND's famed Golden Dome.
