Obama's Case for Sanity - Step One: Shun Fox

He's trying hard to make that case. As I write, there he is, leading by example on every Sunday morning talk show -- except the Crazy Channel. Which was an interesting choice, especially when coupled with his core message, repeated in almost identical language in every interview. Namely, that the way to get on TV is to be rude, as he put it so delicately. He actually meant screaming hate-filled lies. Of course that was what helped Fox to niche dominance from the beginning, but their decision to sponsor and promote those tea-bagging truther events in recent months was the last straw. It should be enough to seal the deal for the rest of us.

There is no such thing as "Fox News." Every citizen with a platform -- every politician, writer, professor, every talking head in the land who still has a conscience -- should shun Fox, too. Just say no. Don't fall in with the pretense that Chris Wallace presides over another universe from the one in which Glenn Beck peddles his venomous racism. Just say no. When they call, say, "I don't do Fox."

That would be a start.

 

 

Comments

[Motik70]

In response to some earlier comments the Black community has already targeted FOX News. The rapper Nas, wrote a song that was critical of FOX News and also led a protest in front of the FOX News studios. Spike Lee has also shunned FOX News reporters saying, "I don't do FOX News."

[netgalfan]

I only watch msnbc " The Ed show", "Keith Olbermann" and my most favorite of all Rachel Maddow. I quit watching Foxy news years ago.

[Colorado Bobby]

Excellent blog point. Faux Snooze should be investigated by the FCC and held to task for all its lies, deceptions, instigations, and pure dishonesty. Mr. Rupert Murdoch is committing acts of sedition daily and his license to broadcast should be withdrawn.

[DLazar1]

The President certainly can continue to preach to the choir, as they say, but it certainly is NOT how you win over a growing public who opposes the Democrat version of Health Care Reform. The Fox News audience almost equals the sum total of the rest . . . why not speak to ALL of America. But then again, he can't control the message on Fox. So maybe . . . yeah . . . he was smart to stay away.

[StevenM]

Don't you know how to work your remote? Or is your TV broken and can only get Fox?

[Shookones]

AGREED!!! Finally, someone says it!

Please shun this network full of clowns!!

[JohnFromCensornati]

That would be wise for all non-Republicans (politicians AND talking heads).
I won't hold my breath.

[G O P-disliker]

All the smart people who really know what Fox is all about have been waiting on the sidelines, hoping it will just go away. Well, guess what, folks? It won't go away until we all stand up and make it go away. We need some serious protests, with millions of people who are fed up with this corrosive garbage that's dividing and ruining our country. BTW, where is the Black community on this one? We need them to step up and let Fox know that they won't tolerate the racism any more. How about some boycotts of advertisers and some awareness campaigns on radio and TV talk shows. And the most disgusting thing about these people like Beck, Hannity and Reilly is the fact that they are getting R.I.C.H off all of this.
I love America, but we must stop these people from dictating their agenda to the majority through innuendo, hearsay, gossip and lies. WE NEED FACTS!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!! Peace out

[Faith1]

Really smart people read and obtain their information from more than once source of news, and make up their own minds. Why is it that as soon as anyone dares criticize this President, they are immediately branded as racist??? Wow, does that mean he gets a free pass from any scrutinizing of his policies? Have you ever actually watched any of the news on FOX, or are you assuming they are racist liars because that is what you have been told by the Huffington Post, ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN?

I thought that questioning your government was the highest form of democracy in action...or is that only when you question a republican? Do you not think that anchors and so called news reporters on other networks don't get rich doing their jobs? Or do you think socialism is the way to go in this country.

In our President's own words before his inauguration: "We are five days away from fundamentally changing the government of this country." What do you think that means????? And any American who cannot stand up and voice their opinion without being branded a racist has lost the most basic rights of bbeing an American citizen...their freedom.

[gparks]

Uhhhh ... you protest too loudly! We know that ALL Repubs are not racist ... just the ones that are! Unfortunatly for YOU ... too many folks that self-identify THEMSELVES as Repubs ARE racist. Have you read the reports of what was said at the "Values Summitt" from this weekend? Did you not SEE the signs at the "teabagger" march a couple of weekends ago? Did you not read the about the statements Beck, Limbau and others have made? Your argument about Repubs NOT being racist does not hold up. Look at the lack of representation of "people of color" at any of the Repub events ... if you've ever given a party you might notice something ... people who do not feel comfortabe in your presence usually do not come! In this instance and with the Repub party ... people of color ... do not feel welcome! It is because THEY are not! Hey ... is your sheet showing?

[StevenM]

Re: "Why is it that as soon as anyone dares criticize this President, they are immediately branded as racist???"

On the other hand, why is it that when Republicans make racists statements about this President, other Republicans pretend they do not exit?

Not every criticism against Obama is rooted in racism. Not every Republican is a racist. Unfortunately, many of the most vocal in the Republican party are making racist statements. Why would you want to associate with them? What does this say about you?

[Aerows]

I don't need 5 other media outlets to tell me that Fox News is extremely biased, I can watch it for 30 seconds and see that it is biased. In the guise of presenting the news, they brand *everything* - if it is pro-GOP, it is described in positive terms. If it is counter to GOP goals, it is described in negative terms. They don't exhibit neutrality, which is what good journalists are supposed to do - report the facts and let the viewer form their own opinions.

[Eugene Skidmore]

why people are consistantly duped by the myopic corperatist agenda of fox "news" is a mystery to me. as a country i believe we all would be better off if we spent more time helping each other rather than watching tv.

[Faith1]

Um, why do you think people who watch Fox News are being "duped"? Maybe you are the one being duped.

[HeevenSteven]

YES!

[JAJ2007]

I find it amusing that the right-wing channel (Fox News) with all thier flag-waving, faux "patriotism" is owned by an Australian (Rupert Murdoch).

Thus - the "my country first" crowd is handing their money, their ad dollars, etc to a foreign entity.

[Joyomama]

Actually, Murdoch became an American citizen so he could own a television station (that's the law). What a patriot.

[Shayrae]

The author says: '' Just say no. When they call, say, "I don't do Fox." That would be a start.''

I agree. That would be a good start indeed.

[doublels]

Fox is not worthy of having President Obama on their network.

[Faith1]

Does everyone on this message board forget that the President REPRESENTS the people...he works for us, we DO NOT work for him. He is answerable to ALL citizens, not just those that agree with him.

[StevenM]

Your statement means nothing, and says little which is not already well known. Three is no reason for Obama to go on Fox unless he wants to. Hopefully, you are able to watch more than one TV station. Or is your TV broken and all you can get is Fox?

[Aerows]

He works for all of us, but he can't please all of us, either. Try to please everyone and you end up pleasing no one. That's exactly what is happening with Health Care reform. As for him not going onto Fox, frankly, I don't blame him. They aren't a news outlet, they are an entertainment channel.

[tantrictim]

great article, and just to elaborate on your point, is there any substantial difference between fox news and fox sports as far as corporate ownership is concerned, the answer is no and that is why i have been suggesting that black atheletes, in baseball and football, say the same thing when asked to do on camera interviews, "...i dont do fox", and lets see what kind of reaction that has on the crazy channel

[JustifiablyParanoid]

If only...

[Faith1]

Why should black athletes boycott FOX? Why is this a race issue? I do not agree with the President's policies and the decisions that he is making...does that make me a racist. I don't agree with all white republican politicians either, does that mean I hate white people?

[moleif]

Run Murdoch out of your country before it's too late. It's all just entertainment to this low life. He'll do and say ANYTHING if it'll increase ratings.

[helgathewitch]

Fox is embarrassing to America.

I commend the President for having the backbone to ignore them.
This is why I like Obama. He is his own intelligent person. It is so refreshing.