Why ESPN? Why??

So, I'm watching the Badgers-Michigan State game yesterday on ESPN, and at almost every commercial break they play a promo for Monday Night Football. Not that it's shocking, because ESPN is all about self promotion (they are the best in the business at that). What shocked me is the amount of times I had to see Chris Berman's (Fred Flintstone) face and hear how Freddy was going to be interviewing both Barack Obama and John McCain during halftime of the game on Monday night.

The thing I can't get over, is that it's Chris Berman doing the interview. Chris Berman. Then I go back in my mind and recall who had done interviews with the candidates this week. Sean Hannity, Larry King, Rachel Maddow, Wolf Blitzer, just to name few.

Berman's not in the same category. Not in the same class. Hell, Freddy Flintstone isn't even in the same universe. He is an anchor. He does highlights very well. His nicknames (even though old) are somewhat amusing. What he is not, is an interviewer.

What in the world is he going to ask the candidates. 'Senator Obama, what do you think the Redskins need to do in the second half to win?' 'Senator McCain, what do you think of Mike Tomlin's start as Steelers coach?' Ridiculous.

Neither Obama or McCain really should be on ESPN the night before the election, but I understand why they are there. It's called getting face time, and the candidates figure a lot of prospective voters will be watching MNF. So, ok, I get why they are doing these interviews.

But if you're ESPN there is no way you can let Freddy get anywhere near this. You want someone to interview these candidates? I have a great suggestion. How about Bob Ley?

Sure, he's an ESPN original (just like Freddy), and sure he doesn't have the personality that ESPN likes from their anchors, but he is the only person there with an ounce of journalistic credibility. Just watch Outside the Lines and you'll know what I mean. He's also the only one who can conduct an interview without throwing out any softball questions. The fact that ESPN chose Berman over Ley for the assignment is just further proof that the suits in Bristol, CT prefer sizzle over steak.

They may get a lot of people to watch Freddy stumble and bumble and stutter over his questions. They may get a lot of people to watch him try and yuk it up with the candidates. But I won't be one of them. Nope. I'll take a break during halftime and come back when the GAME resumes.