Format
Moderator John McLaughlin along with four commentators are present — usually Pat Buchanan, Eleanor Clift, Rich Lowry, and either Clarence Page or Mort Zuckerman. The identity of the regular panelists has varied over the years. One (or sometimes even two) of the four seats may be filled by a “guest” commentator if any regular is not present that week.
A typical episode covers three or four issues. The first is introduced by McLaughlin, beginning with, "Issue one..." which is explained by him, usually in a prerecorded video segment accompanied by his voice-over. He then proposes a question for the panelists, starting with Buchanan (if present). The conversation is usually sedate at the beginning of the program, but as opposing viewpoints emerge there is more verbal rough-housing, good-natured gamesmanship and occasionally very loud crosstalk as panelists attempt to out-yell the others, all of which are the show's trademarks. The panelists are supposed to yield when McLaughlin speaks, and he sometimes reminds them of that rule during the show. McLaughlin will usually present an "Exit question..." so that each panelist may make a closing remark on the issue. Subsequent issues (possibly separated by advertising breaks on commercial stations) are begun by McLaughlin in a similar fashion, but open heated debate begins more quickly.
Time permitting, McLaughlin may ask the panelists for "Predictions" at the close of the episode, at which time each panelist makes a near or long term prediction on a topic of his or her own choosing. Occasionally McLaughlin will ask for a "Forced prediction" from the panelists regarding a specific question, such as, "What will the unemployment rate be at the end of 2009? Forced prediction, Pat Buchanan...." Other questions may close the show as well (ex. "Who will win the election Tuesday? Pat.."), but if time is tight he may simply end with, "Out of time. Bye-BYE." and tack on a holiday greeting, if applicable that week.
PBS stations sometimes show extra footage not seen on the commercial stations at the end of the show. Since there are no commercial breaks, and the transitions for commercial breaks are removed, time sometimes permits predictions or a relatively frivolous or disjointed final topic.
Two episodes at the turn of the calendar year are reserved for “The McLaughlin Group 19XX/20XX Year-End Awards.” Each panelist announces his or her choice for each category such as “Biggest Winner of 2008,” ”Best Politician,” “Most Boring,” “Turncoat of the Year,” “Enough Already,” “Most Underrated,” etc., followed by McLaughlin’s choice. During the second of these special episodes, the participants dress in formal eveningwear.
Read more about this topic: The McLaughlin Group