CNN apologizes for debate query

A CNN official has apologized for the network's undue influence on one question posed to the Democratic presidential hopefuls during their Nov. 4 debate at Faneuil Hall. In the days since the event, Brown University student Alexandra Trustman has said that the network dictated the content of the question she asked -- whether the candidates preferred Macs or PCs. Many observers saw it as an inconsequential diversion from more serious concerns.

Writing in her school newspaper, Trustman said that she was "confused about the question's relevance" and that a CNN executive producer insisted she ask it because it would give the politicians a chance to relate to young voters.

The debate was cosponsored by the cable network and Rock the Vote and was intended as a forum in which young people could directly engage the Democratic candidates.

"The bottom line [is] this was an attempt to encourage a light-hearted moment within the debate, but the producer working with Ms. Trustman clearly went too far," said CNN spokesman Matt Furman. "CNN regrets that he did." Asked if any other debate questions were devised by CNN, Furman said "all the other questions originated with audience members."

Alethea Pieters, the former Tufts student who asked the candidates which of their rivals they would most like to party with, told the Globe she came up with a number of questions -- some serious, some lighthearted -- before CNN selected the party question as the one to ask.

Yesterday, a CNN official confirmed that in some cases, the network picked its favorite from among several questions submitted in advance of the debate by audience members.

Schwarzenegger visiting Leno again

Arnold Schwarzenegger will take time out from working on California's budget crisis and its recovery from devastating wildfires to visit "The Tonight Show" later this month.

Governor-elect Schwarzenegger began his political career on the show in August, when he told host Jay Leno and the NBC audience that he would run in California's recall election.

Voters ousted Gov. Gray Davis in the Oct. 7 election and replaced him with "The Terminator" star.

Schwarzenegger is set to take his oath of office Monday. He'll visit "The Tonight Show" on Nov. 26 and give Leno an update on the first nine days of his administration.

The governor-elect has promised to repeal the tripling of the state's car-registration fees that helped fuel the recall. He also has a multibillion-dollar budget deficit to address. Also, his camp has hired a private investigator to look into allegations that he groped a number of women in the past.

Other scheduled guests on the Nov. 26 "Tonight Show" include golfer Annika Sorenstam and singer Nelly Furtado.

KNIGHT RIDDER

Globe on NECN

Here's what's happening on "Around the Globe" today on NECN: 12:30 p.m.: "Globe at Home" -- assistant sports editor Reid Laymance and Michael Linnane, spokesperson for the L Street Running Club, talk about how to stay safe and healthy running outdoors in winter. 4 p.m.: "Around the Globe" 6:30 p.m.: "New England Business Day" 8 p.m.: "NewsNight" Schedule is subject to change.

On Boston.com

Noon: Globe child care columnist Barbara Meltz talks about parenting.

Talk of the dial

2 p.m. WROL-AM (950) -- "The Frankie Boyer Show." Guests: Dr. Earl Mindell, author of "Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century," and Steve Ottariano discuss drugs, over the counter medications, and the Canadian drug controversy.

2 p.m. WBIX-AM (1060) -- "Dollars & Sense." Guest: Brian Knestout, associate editor, Kiplinger's magazine, discusses a story in the November issue regarding the best values in public colleges.

5 p.m. WBNW-AM (1120) -- "PM Magazine." Guests: Carol Super, author, "Selling (Without Selling)"; Richard Tedlow, author, "The Watson Dynasty" and "Giants of Enterprise"; Phil Barone, executive chef, and Leo Kremer, executive sous-chef, of Concord's Colonial Inn, discuss holiday recipe menus and secrets.

Other radio highlights

7 a.m. WCRB-FM (102.5) -- Sullivan's Pirates overture; Pinto's Rondo in E-flat; Mozart's Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter."

Noon WUMB-FM (91.9) -- "Live at Noon." Guest: Paul Geremia, acoustic blues musician, performs following interview.

7 p.m. WGBH-FM (89.7) -- "Jazz With Eric in the Evening." JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, "Stefon Harris Quartet at Kennedy Center Jazz."