If there was a worse platform to host a heated debate on, CNN certainly is actively trying to find it. Twitter may be a great place for real-time updates and short quips, but a grand platform for discussion it is not.
Kicking the panel off was Jeffrey Robinson, author of the book “Bitcon: The Naked Truth About Bitcoin.” It’s the book Robinson claims the bitcoin community doesn’t want anyone to read. He did a great job playing the part too as he started off immediately by setting his stance. Ben Doernberg, another panelist who aided in the reveal of alleged scammer Ryan Kennedy, responded politely.
Also read: CNN to Talk Bitcoin
https://twitter.com/BenDoernberg/status/545624012689539073
Unfortunately, that’s all the panel consisted. CNN asked a total of five open-ended questions, some of the other panelists answered them, and Robinson pulled punches the whole time louder than anyone else. It was not an area of discussion and debate; it was an opinion-fueled battleground with 140 bullets per tweet.
https://twitter.com/BenDoernberg/status/545626587417563136
It wasn’t all bad though. Through the clutter, some discussion happened between CNN Money’s cybersecurity reporter Jose Pagliery and pro-bitcoin panelist Dug Campbell.
https://twitter.com/Jose_Pagliery/status/545626541510918144
And even though it may not be popular opinion, some controversial points were made by that same CNN reporter.
https://twitter.com/Jose_Pagliery/status/545630069830725632
Even Andreas Antonopolous, arguably one of the most prolific and educated bitcoin experts today, stepped in to respond to CNN questions. He wasn’t a part of the panel, but for a moment it felt as though he was.
Anotonopolous’ tweets received more retweets and favorites than most of the panelists involved.
Ben Doernberg also received quite a bit of attention, maintaining a level head against Robinson. Doernberg is obviously biased to cryptocurrency, but he did a good job of keeping a level head and not letting his opinions overcome him.
https://twitter.com/BenDoernberg/status/545629423345868800
https://twitter.com/BenDoernberg/status/545631527007420416
All in all, the CNN Bitcoin panel should have been a televised event to allow for moderation rather than chaos. There were opportunities for serious discussion from all parties, as they were all exceptionally credible, but, unfortunately, Twitter is too great of a place to fit opinions into 140 characters.
Images from CNN Tech’s Twitter page and Shutterstock.