Sunday Roundup
In my new book, Right Is Wrong, I show how the lunatic fringe of the right has hijacked the media (along with our democracy) -- not via FoxNews and the blowhards of talk radio, but through the complicity of high-profile enablers in the mainstream media. This week's disgraceful debate on ABC was further evidence. The slime parade was straight out of the Rovian playbook. For much of the night, I wasn't sure if I was watching Gibson and Stephanopoulos or O'Reilly and Hannity. In fact, Stephanopoulos' ludicrous question about 60s radical Bill Ayers had been suggested to him by Hannity the day before the debate on Hannity's radio show. After Hannity made his Ayers pitch, Stephanopoulos revealed the hijacking in process, saying: "I'm taking notes right now." And indeed he was.
 | My new book, Right is Wrong, is coming out on April 29. Please click here if you'd like to pre-order |
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The "mainstream media" as in Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and their local affiliates, are playing the game to win the ratings over the political '08 season. Plain and simple. However, we as citizens, do not need to rollover and play dead. We can pick and choose or turn off the channels. Thus far, we have the choice, I think, anyway. Not quite, a red, commie country. (Yet)
I agree with you 100%. The only people who want to here about all the trivial things that ABC brought up were the right wing nut jobs that have been in control of this country for far to long. I,m still trying to figure out why Hillary Clinton is trying out all of the Republicans talking points now? That confuses the hell out of me. Here is a website that EVERYONE should check out and pass along. WE DON'T NEED JOHN MCSAME TO BE PRESIDENT HE'LL BE BAD FOR THIS COUNTRY MORE SO THEN BUSH AND CHENEY. QUESTIONS FOR ABC TO ASK MCBUSH. http://obamavsmccain.typepad.com/
The entire debate reminded me of nothing so much as the scene in the "Chronicles of Narnia" where the white witch, abetted by a hooting, howling, hissing mob of imps and ogres, presides over the shackling, shaving, and destruction of Aslan the Lion.
The good news, as anyone familiar with the story knows, is that a deeper magic prevails, Aslan triumphs, and our intrepid band of heroes and heroines sets right all that was wrong. In the end, all the forces of evil discover that Aslan is not a tame lion.
Here's a message to Hillary, McBush, and their shrieking enablers in the MSM: Aslan is on the move.
Obama is going to win because of a "deeper magic"? I think that's exactly what has so many people sitting on the fence.
Dems are now officially toast. Kiss the election goodbye.
ABC News...talk about a contradiction in terms!
Ariana: Bill Ayers hasn't been convicted of any crime. Contrast this with the convicted murderer of two men who spoke at the 2004 Republican convention and campaigned for Bush, appearing on the same stage. Of course I'm speaking of flag-waving, lapel pin wearing, Fox News favorite, and convicted felon Don King. 'nuff said.
"...the lunatic fringe of the right has hijacked the media (along with our democracy)" -- No kiddling? Hey, no one among the "liberals" stood up to complain about Ron Paul being blacklisted by the media. He is not "right wing" -- which reduces itself to a McCain-type fascist as their representative. Paul is the only one trying to stop the neocon takeover of the Republican Party. Huffpost folks seem more worried about the media candidates -- Obama, Hillary, and McCain. McCain will will. Of course, when Iran is attacked we can expect a boatload of complaints about how we were all "hijacked" -- No kidding?
If Obama could have answered these questions now he would have effectively diffused them, and the sting would not be there in November. However Obama couldn’t he folded like a girl in a heavy weight boxing fight, he has left them open for the repugs. Did he think that he wouldn‘t be asked about Ayers ever? Does Obama feel that he should get a free pass on his life? Apparently he does because he was woefully unprepared, and it showed.These questions are still important after all he is running for President his choices in mentors, preachers, and friends shows if he has good judgment. I would have preferred the questions be about reversing President Bush’s erosion of our rights, habeas corpus, and his approval of torture, maybe Arianna could host a debate and Bartcop could co-host.
When the media was piling on Hillary, I didn't see the outrage here at HuffPo.
When Saturday Night Live so succinctly pointed out that Obama was being mollycoddled by the media like an infant rabbit, things changed.
Now that he's being treated like any ordinary politician rather then the new Messiah, his acolytes are up in arms.
All I'm saying is Obama needs to learn how to spar, jab and duck BEFORE the GOP slime machine gets their talons into him.
We need a Democrat who can win In November, and all this whining and bitching won't enure Obama against the streetfight he's about to encounter.
I didn't think Obama was whining--I thought he was pointing out that the American people deserve better journalism. He expected that Gibson and Stephanopoulos would conduct themselves like grown-ups, instead of 6th graders. Obama probably learned a lot last week. He'll have to dummy down his message--not to Americans, but to the TV media.
My gut feeling is that the MSM loved Obama when he was a phenonomen; but now that he may well be our next president, they're scared. I'm not sure why, though.
Pigliacci is right--Aslan is on the move--Yes we can!
Looking down from this perch, I am certain Obama KNOWS how to spar, jab and duck. All you need to do is LISTEN to what he has to say after every slime is slung at him. Just because he is not yelling his response like a raving lunatic it does not mean he is not fighting back. You on the other hand sound rather frustrated because you don't know how to fight Obama. He is too smart to get into the gutter with you and yet he can KO you with just a look. Hence if anyone is doing the whining and the bitching IT IS YOU.
Megadittoes. Obama knows how to fight back with dignity and class. When Hillary is criticized she turns into a snarling cornered rat. She and her supporters can't seem to understand why so many people are repelled by this.
Obama does not play in the gutter unlike Mrs. Clinton, but do not confuse Obama's decency for weakness. He doesn't whine and bitch; most of the time he laughs it off.
Amen, sister!
Just do what I do during this laughable Presidential debate on ABC; tune to NBC.
If anyone makes their decision on who they are going to elect by what Gibson and Stephanopoulos asked the candidates, you should have your head examined.
BIGGEST ISSUES FACING AMERICA TODAY:
#1 The Economy
#2 The Iraq Oil War
When was the first question asked about either subject?
55 minutes in...55 minutes in.
Grow up neo-children, this wasn't a debate...it was a rally!
And voters should have their heads examined because Clinton's numbers have gone up since the debate. I don't know what people are thinking.
Obama 08
HuffPost's Pick
I found the debate to be a celebration of tabloid journalism, demonstrating that the corporations that control the media are much more interested in ratings and pandering to those who get a kick out of watching ignorant fighting in the likes of a Gerry Springer episode or a cock fight. When the institutions in this country that were meant to inform the public so that we the people can make intelligent decisions toss their ethics out the window in order to inflame divisions, we are in serious trouble. As Thomas Jefferson noted, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”
I find the recent disclosure that the viewers of the Daily Show and the Colbert Report are better informed about the important issues facing us today pretty telling. It seems to me that mass media institutions have joined the trend in government in dumbing down the American public so that they can forward their agendas without dissent. What a shame.
It's no wonder mass media has undermined the message of Barack Obama - he has promised to buck that system by not pandering to corporations. By not taking their money (bribes) he has undermined their power and they will do whatever they can to prevent that. The more that the likes of Limbaugh, Scaif, Murdoch... corporate America attempts to take Barack Obama down, the more I believe he must be elected. If they're that threatened by him he must be doing something right.
The dumbing down of America fits right into the right-wing game plan.
Stupid people vote republican...always have, always will.
"Not all conservatives are stupid, but most stupid people are conservative."
John Stuart Mill
I don't see how you can make a blanket statement about who is dumb and who is not. That is so bigoted, narrow minded and elitist, I don't even know where to begin. After being in the education field most of my life, I can tell you that the Democrats have their fair share of the blame in the education field. Tell me how would educate in a 72% Hispanic population with 25% that barely speak a word of English and Democratic Politicians favor amnesty.Then kick in NCLB and throw their scores into the mix. In CA alone there are 16,000 illegals aliens going to school on my/our dime, rewarded for entering illegally. But the real blame lies squarely upon the shoulders of the American people. We get what we vote for. Call me what you like,. but I am a conservative that went to an inner city minority laden school in gang country to make a difference and we have made a difference.
Q. Who was the first President to establish education as a priority of the federal government by elevating it to a cabinet level department?
A. Jimmy Carter, the pariah among Democrats and liberals.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Education
Q. Who was the first President to campaign to abolish the Department of Education as a cabinet level department?
A. Ronald Reagan, the darling of Republicans and conservatives.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41802
Eloquently said, Tane. Here's a thought: If Barack Obama has gotten this far by bucking the system, by organizing like minded persons who are disgusted with business as usual, perhaps we can do the same. Let's get organized! If we write en mass to ABC executives demanding that Gibson and his little pal be fired, if we boycott ABC or for that matter any mainstream media for yellow journalism perhaps we might effect a change. Given the number of comments all over the blogs indicating anger and disdain at ABC for such a deplorable display, it seems that we can indeed begin to turn the tide not only in our political system but also in the "Fourh Estate". ABC is touting their ratings for the debate and absolutely unapologetic for allowing such a travesty. Let's deal with them the only way that will make a difference......refuse to buy what they are selling. I'll bet that a few million viewers switching the channel until those twits are fired will get their attention!
What message? Correct me if I'm wrong, but a large part of his economic message is the status quo approach of using market-based solutions for social problems (look at Obama's healthcare plan for a stellar example).
The only Democrat that had any real vision or message was Kucinich, which is why he had to be barred from any sort of media exposure. Putting him on the stage along with HRC and Obama would have illustrated how devoide of content the upper echelons of political life in the US really are.
Tell me, were stupid questions NOT expected? Or are Obamabots just saying this because he did woefully had. Had Obama performed better, there'd be no criticism of ABC. Nothing but praise for how well Obama handled it.
Well said Tane. I have been steadily more disillusioned by the MSM. Some news anchors and news show hosts that I once admired, seem to change their tone and tune with the political wind. While there may be a place for the type of questions that took over the debate at ABC, this was not the place for that. These moderators do not serve as the mouthpiece for neocons. The American people deserve thoughtful issue oriented questions. The media does not want to eat their own and are afraid to voice opinion about fellow "journalist". I believe they are afraid of the debate. Afraid to take a good look at the truth. Is it really all about ratings?
Tane, HuffPost picked rightly.
A person cannot become a better human being without listening to criticism and learning from it. Collectively, we are the U.S. How are we to become a better country unless we feel free to openly criticize ourselves?
In the NYT today Frank Rich's column about the debate, "Shoddy! Tawdry! A Televised Train Wreck!", he talks about an Associated Press luncheon for newspaper editors in Washington last week where both McCain and Obama were guest speakers, McCain was given a standing ovation, while Obama was not. We can see the way the wind is blowing, and it is not going to be favorable coverage for Obama--while everything McCain will be (and already is) glossed over.
According to Glenn Greenwald (on Democracy Now on Friday) this is true: Newspaper reporters do love McCain. But Editors are not reporters, necessarily. And maybe the reporters, being -- I don't know, maybe... I don't know....I just hope...well....maybe...maybe the reporters will stop going to McCain barbecues and swinging on his tire swings and thus not be as beholden to him for his gracious hospitality -- as they were before, as they are now. Maybe. I am hopeful, for one.
I read McCain's book and I do think that there is some kind of heroism in SIMPLY SURVIVING. I do. There is. But McCain's values and policies, when looked at closely (which I admit I haven't taken notes on) would set this country back even further. He is indeed Bush III.
The secret behind the love affair by reporters for McCain isn't exactly one at all.
He just allows a lot of access and he has a sense of humour.
Shoddy, Tawdry" for sure. My permanent move to France is starting to look like a good move if this media "wind" keeps on blowing in the direction it is.
I was an Edwards’s fan until Obama's speech on "race". Now I see Obama as the best (intellectual) choice to run against McCain.
It will be a “bitch” to get him elected, but if there is any political sanity left in this country he needs to be elected. Any other choice at this stage is insanity.
To continue on depending on the same old "politics" expecting a change in the direction this country needs to go in is insanity.
Believe me, if Obama as the nominee loses to McCain my choice of where to live “vertically” will make to seem to be a genius.
The US needs to get off the oil “tit”, completely rebuild its infrastructure and change its social policies (taxpayer paid Universal Health Care) to benefit the greater good or we will continue down the “banana republic” path we are on now.
Barack Obama apparently seems the closest to a President that can lead us toward the policies that will change our direction toward recovery from the nightmare of the past eight years.
Remember, even Henry ford understood that you have to pay a worker a decent enough wage so that worker could afford the product he produced.
wasnt frank rich a broadway music critic for years so good to hear from the more masculine side of american politics
Have you ever met a New York critic? They equipped with titanium nards.
Great post Arianna, this farce of a "Debate" on ABC, was like what, the 500th of this political century; it seemed like it anyway. I just read that there is yet ANOTHER one scheduled, and I for one, don't think I can take anymore. When it has reached the point where all the importance of who does or does not wear a "Flag Pin" and why they do or do not choose to wear one is the reason for why one should be elected as President of the United States, the debate thing is clearly worn out, as well as the moderators lack of intelligence in their choice of questions; Bert and Ernie could have done a more professional job, and would have asked more questions concerning the many things that really matter. Glad the writer"s strike is over, when the next "Debacle" is on,(pleaseeee let it be the Last one...) can make better use of my time by catching up on Boston Legal.
Here's my question:
Why hasn't anyone absolutely ridden ABC over the enormous conflict of interest in allowing George Stephanopoulos to ask any question in this debate due to a conflict of interest? This was a conscious decision on the part of ABC and they should be held accountable. I'm certainly hoping this is a watershed moment in politics and the media...however, I really think that the majority of America will continue to act like apathetic sheep and not fight the system. Clinton is Bush in bough-out sheep's clothing; Obama is gifted eloculator, but I have the feeling that when push comes to shove, he'll either not have the ideas or the backing of Congress to get things done; McCain....good Lord, no. At this point I don't think we have any viable candidate who will truly make any deep or lasting changes.....especially since this will be a rebound presidency. I'm just waiting for someone to start playing their fiddle while Rome burns.
We have to vote for Obama.
There is no choice.
America is in the pocket of a major conspiracy.
Obama may be the only way out !
Wake up! Obama is being backed by the ultra-rich Internationalists, they also put Jimmy Carter in office, David Rockerfeller and George Soros
And who is Hillary being backed by? The MIC.
Just keep parroting the MSM, I'm sure you're satisfied with where they've taken this country so far.
Hank48188, you are seriously misguided and misinformed. Ultra-rich internationalists? Who paid $500 million for the Clinton library? Which presidency is allowing sovereign wealth to buy up U.S. companies?
Get your facts straight before you write - and before you vote.
Arianna,
Two years ago in a public forum in Los Alamos, NM I asked Bill Richardson if he knew of anyone who was approaching the energy crisis as a real crisis...such as the Manhatten Project (atom bomb)where the government put it's best minds and money towards solving this problem. He said no he did not know of anyone.
He began having this conversation during his run for President..
On Tuesday night Barak Obama furthered the call from Bill Richardson to treat this crisis as a crisis and approach it like the Manhatten Project.
I have heard of no follow up on these important words. There are people in Los Alamos ready willing and able to put the effort needed in this current problem.
This is so much more important than the non-stories these newsmakers think as important.
I hope they are reading these threads. Katherine Guidry
full disclosure - my daughter just graduated from Berkeley with two masters in Journalism and Latin American Studies
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