Fox News: 100 Days of "Opposition" to Obama (Video)

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Fox News has reason to rejoice as President Obama marks the media-manufactured milestone of his first 100 days in office. The conservative cable network's ratings are sky high under the new Democratic president. Yes, it looks like it couldn't be happier serving as "the voice of [Obama's] opposition," to paraphrase Fox News senior vice president Bill Shine.

Not surprisingly, Fox's success as the president's "opposition" stands in stark contrast to the way Americans now view Obama. According to the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, Obama enjoys the "best job approval rating at this point in 20 years," with 69 percent of Americans approving of the job he's doing. Further, the poll found that "half of Americans now [say] the country's headed in the right direction," as opposed to the scant 19 percent holding that view just before Obama's inauguration.

So, what gives? Apparently, Fox's definition of "fair and balanced" has nothing to do with the practice of good journalism -- where fairness means truth and balance means exploring all sides of an issue. No, it is only offering up the "yin" to America's "yang."

Earlier this month, Fox even threw a nationwide party -- a "tea party," if you will -- to celebrate its "opposition" to Obama and his policies. That's right. Despite encouraging viewers to "say 'no' to biased media," Fox News jumped the shark with dramatic flair, airing dozens of segments imploring its audience to get involved with tea-party protests across the country described by the network as primarily a response to the president's fiscal policies. In all, Fox aired 107 ads for its coverage of tea-party protests. Over a 10-day period, you were more likely to see Fox pushing its revolt against Democratic Washington than you were to see commercials featuring that familiar troupe of singing pirates extolling the virtues of free credit reports.

For all the fun and games on display at its tea parties -- cries of fascism, tyranny, and socialism abounded, as did wild conspiracy theories -- Fox hasn't abandoned the perverse "they're coming to get us" mantra that has underscored its coverage of late.

Fox News has gone to tremendous lengths mainstreaming the sometimes violent, revolutionary doomsday rhetoric of the far right, which used to be confined to the extremist fringe. Appealing directly to the feelings of anger and anti-Obama paranoia in its own audience, Fox hosts have become louder and meaner than anything whispered in the shadows of previous presidencies.

Witness Fox News newcomer Glenn Beck, the network's conspiracy-theorist-in-chief, who, on a recent broadcast, imitated the president pouring gasoline on an "average American" while saying, "President Obama, why don't you just set us on fire? ... We didn't vote to lose the republic." A fan of bizarre imagery to be sure, Beck also portrayed Obama and Democrats as vampires "going after the blood of our businesses" before asking, "Who's next?" and suggesting we "drive a stake through the heart of the bloodsuckers."

Aside from Beck's sideshow theatrics, other Fox News hosts, anchors, and reporters seem to be reading from a unified set of talking points that begin and end with scary sounding "-isms." If Mary Poppins had "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," Fox has "social-fasci-commun-Nazi-McCarthy-Marxism." With great gusto, they've used terms like socialism, communism, fascism, and Marxism at least 1,400 times since the inauguration in their never-ending assault on progressives.

Meanwhile, hosts like Sean Hannity have taken to playing the role of victim with remarkable aplomb. Like many of his Fox News brethren, Hannity worked himself into a lather this month over a declassified Department of Homeland Security report detailing the threat of a potential increase in right-wing extremism. Hannity informed his viewers that "critics of the report say their definition of a right-wing extremist sounds awfully close to somebody who might simply just disagree with the Obama administration." It's telling that folks like Hannity would read a report about the threat posed by right-wing fringe extremists and think, "Hey, they're talking about me!" Don't forget, like a similar report released about left-wing extremists, the groundwork for this report was laid by the Bush administration.

When they haven't been going to war against progressives, they've been playing defense for conservatives and the previous White House.

During a recent broadcast of his top-rated show, Bill O'Reilly took a moment to feign concern over a potential bipartisan investigation into the torture policy of the Bush years. You see, he was concerned it might -- wait for it -- "polarize the country." I kid you not. Those are his words. Shortly after O'Reilly expressed his concern, text appeared onscreen stating: "The battle lines are drawn. Americans need to take a side." Which side will it be for O'Reilly, the self-styled master of conflict resolution -- the pot or the kettle?

What the remaining days of Obama's first term hold for Fox News is anyone's guess. If the first 100 days are any indication, however, this right-wing carnival ride is far from over. After all, ticket sales are booming.

Karl Frisch is a Senior Fellow at Media Matters for America, a progressive media watchdog, research, and information center based in Washington, D.C. Frisch also contributes to County Fair, a media blog featuring links to progressive media criticism from around the Web as well as original commentary. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook or sign up to receive his columns by email.

Comments

[iride]

As for them supporting the Tax Day Tea Parties, I seen on flyers that were handed out for their shindig that said "Revolution Is Brewing". Fox must want this as no other network gave sooooo much coverage to these sore losers.

[AgentMuu]

Fox News can do whatever they want, I just wish they'd go ahead and remove "Fair and Balanced" when they've clearly admitted themselves that it's not true.

[SoulReaporKoul]

I'm just glad I finally found out that the difference between socialism and capitalism is a 3% tax increase on the wealthiest 10%.

[edfree]

You are a fool.If you think that you got a tax break you are mistaken.The cost of living will sky rocket,your taxes will go up.You see ,when you raise tax on "The Wealthy" you actually tax business and the earners that spend millions a day keeping the economy going.What happens in business when taxes go up,that's right, profit margins are squeezed.How do you address profit margins,that's right,you either raise prices or lay people off.Either way you are the victim.When CAP AND TRADE goes through,same thing,your energy cost goes up.Obama will also raise taxes you don't see.Property,cigarretts,beer,ect.The 800 in tax breaks will be offset by 2000.00 in other adjustments.That's right ,you' ve been had.Your standard of living is to be cut in half to pay for Socialism.The poor will be hit the hardest.Thank God I am republican.I learned long ago that the government cant help you.So I work and invest and ill be just fine.You will be waiting for the help that never comes

[edfree]

P.S. Capitalism is the free market that in 300 years have made us the envy of the world.Socialism is government ownership of industry,like the banks,auto,energy ,and health care.This is what is used in places like Cuba,Venezuela,and other poor countries.It is what keeps them poor.

[Taaif Mehadi]

What do you suppose happends when the 95% of americans gets a tax break? they have extra money left in their pocket for what? Buying other products, helping other industries (car,technolgy etc) grow and thus helping the economy grow. This crap about your standard of living will decrease has no validity. CAP and TRADE is NOT just taxing, its taxing the things that hars this world, thos ehwo pollute the most cO2 should be taxed accoring to how much they pollute, this will allow government revenue to be invested in Green technology and at the same time push those industries to also move toward green technology, CAp and trade is not something that can stay forever, but atleast in the beginning its necessayr until we have made the transaction into a green economy and standward of living and working. Yes Capitalism is the free market that made us the envy of the world, and now we are being blamed for the world recession and rightly so (You will probly just say i am a blame america guy, thats ok i know thats all the right has) + And if you are so against Socialism than you should probly leave this country or ask your govenrment to shut down the Post Office/Police departments/Fire departments... because they are all run by the tax payers money. So we already have socialism in our governemnt so all yourarguments are invalid and should educate yourself instead of getting your "facts" from faux news.

[iride]

The only trickle down that has occured during Repubs reign since Reagan from business' was down his leg when he couldn't control himself.

[just4shiggles]

I have come to realize that there is something very wrong with the ratings scale that fox "news" uses. The polls show over and over again that Obama has a very high approval rate yet fox "news" is supposedly getting more viewers regularly than MSNBC or CNN? I think not. It isn't surprising at all that this rating thing along with everything else they say is a flat out lie.

[d00derman]

Hotel lobbies, Restaurants, Gas stations, Truck stops, Airports, Bus stations, Bars, Hospital lobbies all have their tv boxes on Fox News. So Fox News plays on moreTV sets, but no one is actually watching.

[FightTheLies]

I think they lump together ALL fox stations. Where the competition only have 1 station, they have quite a few. So the news stations may be getting beat out by Sponge Bob and other cartoons showing at that particular time.

[tiotom77]

In Missouri, while mocking tea parties, the President says he's willing to discuss the economy.
After the sleep-fest press conference, O'reilly, Hannity and Greta all invited the president on their shows to discuss issues. Does the President have the courage to accept this offer.

[htowncarrie]

Why should the President waste his time appearing on a bunch of propagandist shows? Or comedy shows? 'Cause they sure as hell ain't news shows. How many times do we have to say this? YOU LOST. Get over it. Stop whining.

[Clearing-Brush]

I would be very disapponted if he did. It would be undignified for this president (any president) to even acknowledge this group of hypocrits.

[R8RBOB]

Don't believe the hype. These hosts are grandstanding on air. Why would anyone want to into the enemy camp? Since Fox News have decided that they oppose everything that is Obama, the President appearing on any Fox News show would be viewed as appeasement. Keep the opposition going. Maybe Greta, Hannity and O'Reilly can call on Sarah Palin. Her schedule is free these days.

[edfree]

They dont oppose Obama ,They oppose his policies.The same as liberals do when a Republican wins.Republicans agreeing with Obama would be like liberals wanting freedom

[Jezreel]

Does Hannity have the courage to accept Keith Olbermann's challenge on Waterboarding?

[ThirdSection]

I got to day 30 in the video and got bored. A bit repetitive, isn't it?

[totalliberal]

And those 38 million people who do not drool over Fox News and get their news from the networks? Fox's 3.5 viewers are a blip.

[JazzyJim]

It really is time to right your congressman about Fox's misleading use of the word "news" - although as they like to defend themselves as "entertainment" - let's get the "fairness" in politics law back at least! So they would "really" have to live up to the standards of "both views".

[tiotom77]

After the press conference O'reilly, Hannity and Greta invited the president to appear on their shows. Will the President go "on the record"

[Jezreel]

Will Hannity go on record to accept or decline Keith Olbermann's Waterboarding challenge?

[daveny]

I'd prefer to "write" my congressman rather than attempt to "right" him by myself...

[SingingGuy]

Their ratings can possibly be explained by the fact that people are fascinated with train wrecks and car accidents. Someone did compare them to the National Enquirer. That is kind of a good analogy. Both Faux News and The Enquirer have never let facts get in the way of a good sensational story.

It is also quite interesting to see these blowhards who once called anyone who criticized Bush in any way a traitor as they pillory President Obama. Hypocricy at this network knows no bounds.

To each and every one of the Faux talking heads i ask. " At last, have you no shred of decency?"

[fiatpax]

Fox's network ratings are sky high, but so are Obama's approval ratings. Sixty-eight percent of Americans think he's doing a good job. So who is watching Fox news? How is it possible that their ratings have increased since Obama took office, most people approve of him, but all Fox does is bash him? There must be something seriously wrong with the ratings system.

[StillIRise]

I'm not exactly sure how ratings work, but I assume that the 25% of Americans who disapprove of Obama, who will never accept him as the President and who feed off FOX News and Rush Limbaugh 24/7 have some impact on the ratings.

The other 75% of Americans aren't spending all day every day listening to the fear mongering and idiocy of FOX. We have lives beyond hate, whereas FOX viewers thrive on the hate that FOX promotes, especially in respect to President Obama.

Also, for some people and in some places (such as our troops in Iraq), FOX is the ONLY "news" venue available - outside of the internet.

I'm sure that other factors are considered, but this may be a small part of it too.

[JazzyJim]

I think most of America is concerned with Fox and their NeoCon tactics and therefore, like reading the National Enquirer (i.e., Boy Trapped in Refrigerator, Eats own Foot fame) as a rubbernecking oddness and with a sense of total, "...I can't f***king believe this sh*t" interest. It's not that America believes that nonsense, but I as a Democrat tune in occasionally to see how outrageously NUTZ that station is and how far NUTTY RIGHT it goes. By the way - their rating are vs. other "cable news" which there are many and most people don't watch Fox for News (obviously) but some form of sick entertainment - of course, there are those whom follow Nascar that believe everything they hear (sorry Nascar - you're a red-herring I know to get the viewers "to" FOX, like baseball and football) and they are the zealot minority ignorant, whom like Glenn Beck - have no real education or sense of history or global view outside their own insulated home (as in home schooling) and are afraid of their shadow so they scream like the little chicken hawks and/or chihuahua's they are. I think most of us HOPE that Fox comes back to earth, but the above video proves alas, Pravda is alive and well at Rupert Murdoch and Bill Ayers house of lies, misdirection &*misinformation to those whom cannot disseminate fact from fiction. There are Democrats vomiting in their mouths working for Fox to pay their mortgage - believe it.

[map2history]

ratings schmatings. Cable stations and their news outlets are designed to appeal to certain niches - that's also one of the causes behind the seeming "polarization" of America. Rush Limbaugh makes a ton of money, as does O'Reilly and the other neocon talking heads primarily because their target market can be relied upon to watch and listen. We're referring to a target market that is poorly educated, or if educated, educated in business schools which provide for litting educational backing in the complexities of foreign or social policies. The problem with, say, the liberal crowd is that they are as likely to get their information from NPR, from print media, from digital sources like, say, the Huff Post, and other media as they are from the likes of Air America or MSNBC. In short, Fox touts only half-truths about their ratings - they are in fact high, but high only in comparison to other cable networks. Furthermore, ratings are designed to signal to corporations lucrative venues to advertise their wares rather than to accurately account for the number of viewers.

[tiotom77]

Will the President go "on the record" with Greta van Susteren?

[patrickmcdougal]

I thought she moved to Alaska..

[daveny]

You really have no idea, nor could be bothered to get any idea, of how ratings work and what they represent. Fox's average primetime ratings are in the neighborhood of 3-3.5 million viewers. That's ONE percent of the population of the us, and a slightly larger percentage of eligible voters. It's nearly 3% of registered voters.

So in other words, if everyone who disliked obama watched Fox News, the president would have a 97% approval rating or higher.

You can, however, expand its influence a bit by the way that not all of the 3.5 million primetime viewers are the same every hour and every day, the impact of its website, its influence in pushing opinions.

Their ratings have increased because the "backwash" 1/3 of the country that doesn't approve of Obama is desperate to have their opinion validated... so they're going to gravitate towards the one place that gives justification to their paranoia and conspiracy theories.

[lefty joymonger]

Where's David Frumm and his "false equivalencies" now?

[underoath]

I love it everybody with even half a brain knows FOX is a joke!

[constitutional 1]

opposition is a bad thing?

[Gib]

Lies and hypocrisy are bad.

[unite4change]

Constitutional 1, No but unfounded ignorance and misinformation should be a crime!

[Eris23Skidoo]

Ha ha. O'Reilly is afraid that an investigation into torture policies would "polarize" the country. If he's so worried about polarizing the country, why doesn't he just retire and stop trying to polarize the country?

[tonydon]

The only reson their rating are high is the American people need agood laugh, look at the line up of Comedian, Oriely, Hannity and of course the loon BECK All they need is the big drug head Ruxh