Where is CBS?

Tonight, instead of the second Presidential Debate, we’ve got each candidate pitching under the banner of NBC and ABC.

Perhaps the moderator will end up on CBS.

I still remember the days of ABC 3-anchor Network: Max Robinson (Chicago), Frank Reynolds (D.C.) and Peter Jennings in London (wearing a tan London Fog).

Maybe I will watch old movies tonight. At least, the world I know remains predictable, with happy ending…unlike today’s, where Johnson and Johnson (I assume that’s the names of 2 founders) couldn’t agree on to trial or not to trial (the covid vaccine).

They said when you keep seeing “re-runs” on TV like M*A*S*H* and Taxi, you’re too old.

Like going vinyl and flair pants.

Like going on a Ferris wheel (instead of indoor water parks).

Like putting on a stamp and sending out a Thank-you note.

Like using a Thomas Nelson map book (or an Atlas) for road trips.

I know readers can relate to these changes, but at least we can agree that the rate of change has lately been much accelerating e.g. Amazon and Apple, Facebook and Google. Where are these Four from? in the rear-view mirror where objects appear closer than they actually are? Or it’s the other way around.

I know one thing: American are decent, wise (after all the trial-and-error shopping on/off line) and optimistic. The outcome of this election will prove my points. Until then, should I tune in to CBS tonight?

See, we miss the “most trusted” man in America once anchored CBS. Or Jim Lehrer of PBS, who moderated multiple Presidential debates with firm hands and clear head. We upheld high journalistic expectation once. And we can do it again. Maybe I will rush out and buy Robert Putnam’s The Upswing – about how American once came together and can do it again.

Let’s hope so. Let’s not channel-surf on Presidential Debate night. It’s un-democratic. It’s not nice – like walking out on some musician’s in the middle of the set.

I hope and pray for the return of normal. Just saying, as if it’s possible in the times of Covid. Tell that to the Parisien smokers who sleep during the day and only come out at night like Vampires on lockdown.