Weekend Links & Open Thread
Sunday cable news links [updated through the weekend]:
New York Times: Olbermann and Matthews off MSNBC debates/elections, David Gregory in!
MSNBC: What would Bill Paley do?
MSNBC: is it screening, or rigging?
New York Daily News: dump Olbermann!
Video: Coop goes to the dogs.
GretaPix: RNC chow line.
CNBC goes live, FBN goes home.
Exposed: CNN racism!
Profiles: John King, Erin Burnett, Rachel Maddow (under fire).
O'Reilly on Obama / O'Reilly.
Preview: Greta's Palin profile.
Greta Monday: Live from Anchorage.
TV's newest hit.
Sunday talkers: HuffPo's roundup.
R.I.P. Carol Cafferty.
Use our valuable bandwidth to post your comments on any and all cable news topics in today's open thread. Standard rules apply. fox news cable news
Interloper
Alisyn's hot principal impersonation should be good for a ratings bump.
September 6, 2008, 9:01:01 AM EDT – Like – Reply
puck30
Johnny, why don't they just replace the MSLSD logo with the AAR logo?
AAR is on 'Full-Time' around a whole 30 staions!
That's 15 more than Mike Malloy. LOL!
September 6, 2008, 9:55:19 AM EDT – Like – Reply
JC in OC
Is Conan O'Brien correct in his observation that the McCain hecklers will be given shows on MSNBC?
September 6, 2008, 12:00:36 PM EDT – Like – Reply
puck30
stations OPPS!
September 6, 2008, 12:30:23 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
I think it's a very progressive, accepting, and kind thing MSNBC is doing in giving a transgender person his/her own show.
September 6, 2008, 1:17:34 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike C.
That's a little too low, FF. I'm not Rachel fan, but being a hardcore lesbian with a masculine hair style does not make you transgendered.
September 6, 2008, 5:51:44 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike C.
Kudos to Bob Raissman. Not surprising, the comment thread for his column has brought out all the OlbyLoons.
September 6, 2008, 7:18:08 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
GREAT CHICKABOOMER LINK!
Amen and amen, brother!
September 6, 2008, 10:30:05 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Missy
I need help!
Does anyone remember an interview of a couple years ago with Anderson Cooper? I remember the interviewer stating what an unassuming guy he was, and that he hardly ever used the word "I" in conversation, focusing on others instead.
Google was of no with this search. But if there are any big AC fans out there, maybe you can locate it for me. Thank you.
September 6, 2008, 11:09:43 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
I would have thought the smear Rachel campaign might have waited until she actually started her show.* I feel for her. Looks like she is going to have the same Olbermann-obssessed types lcoked to their computers mindlessly and crudely criticizing the way she looks, dresses, speaks and every bit of content on her program. Well, it worked to turn Olbermann into a star with a loyal following. If the obsession worked for that semi-literate hack, no telling how well it will work for Rachel. As a Rachel fan, I probably ought to say keep it coming, folks! Maybe Ailes will find it necessary to fund an anti-Rachel site soon. Let's hope he funds it generously, indeed. Rachel's up against whom? Hannity or Greta and Campbell or Cooper? Since she's smarter than all four (4) combined, I would think she would have a loyal following, but intelligence seems not to be widely respected on cable news. So, we are going to need the Rachel obssessives.
---
*Not accusing you of being one of the torch carriers, Johnny, although the picture you used seems to betray an incipient editorial prejudice.
September 6, 2008, 11:14:30 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Oh does it? Then I guess Rachel should never have posed for it. Care to guess whose website it came from?
As for her intelligence, I'm sure she's bright. But she wasn't bright enough to avoid making factual errors that Olbermann had to correct for her on a subsequent show. And your belittling of someone like Greta, who has a law degree (not a trifling accomplishment in my humble opinion) concomitant with all the educational accomplishment that requires, is severely disappointing.
September 6, 2008, 11:19:32 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Don't forget his belittling of Stanford grad (with honors) Gretchen Carlson too, Johnny. Her looks, intelligence, etc.
Perhaps Roger Ailes will fund a site defending Gretchen so he can park his butt on it in order to obsessively criticise her and other FNC staffers-- their clothes, manner of speaking, distracting mannerisms....
Or maybe he can find a blog site that will allow him to focus all that criticism on Hillary supporter female commenters or conservatives ones, as OW used to afford him.
We can only hope...
September 6, 2008, 11:41:52 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
lcoked to their computers mindlessly and crudely criticizing the way she looks, dresses, speaks and every bit of content on her program.
by mark
A massive dose of hypcrisy. Thanks, mark!
September 7, 2008, 12:37:08 AM EDT – Like – Reply
vstol
Don't expect a quick response from Mark. He's looking up the word "concomitant."
September 7, 2008, 12:52:21 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
I don't think the question of how or why the picture was made or from whence it came is of the slightest relevance. The fact is that Rachel has entered a new stage in her professional life, and the intent behind using the old picture, res ipsa loquitur. It "speaks" to nothing of what she is now. It is akin to a piece on Schwartzenegger's accomplishments in office accompanied by a picture of him largely nude and oiled up from his body-builder days. Editorial discretion, to be sure, just poor discretion it seems to me.
Actually, I don't belittle Greta's education or accomplishments. I once had the highest respect for Greta and her work. I was even excited about her move to FNC, thinking she would get more time and exposure to do her work. Then, that joke of a show changed everything. I tend to believe she may be on the verge of returning to a solid show once again, and I will likely watch her from time-to-time. She has much to offer.
And, really, Cecelia, let's not throw Gretchen into this wash. It wouldn't come out at all well. I do not for a single minute believe that you find her work admirable or enjoyable. You have too much class for that. Johnny, I realize, basically has to be her champion. He does it well, and I won't fault him for that. You don't have the same "need", and I rather imagine Johnny isn't all that fond of her work.
Lastly, Cecelia, the part about Hillary is a distortion. You know very well that there was a time I was an ardent Hillary supporter. My quarrel with her was substantive. In the course of the campaign, she became far too conservative for me in an effort to pander to voters. She is a great, wise accomplished, intelligent, motivated, articulate woman whom I respect. Her biggest problem was she surrounded herself by a host of men who advised her poorly, Bill, Mark (Penn), Howard and Lanny, and she listened to them. She paid a heavy price. If there is a next time, I suspect she will have learned her lesson.
Now, really ....
September 7, 2008, 1:21:01 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
Actually, vstol, I know "concomitant," but Jeff's "hypcrisy" has me totally lost. I can't find it in any dictionary. I'm off to bed, but if you can find a definition for me overnight, I would be most appreciative.
September 7, 2008, 1:23:45 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
> Editorial discretion, to be sure, just poor discretion it seems to me.
Aw, if I were you I wouldn't deign to set foot in a site that uses a photo of Rachel Maddow from that horrible den of iniquity, democratic underground.
Perhaps you could look at the one and only photo that adorns Rachel Maddow's official website and explain to me the difference in its 'significance' vs the one I used. Even the freaking shirt is the same in both shots!
I can't believe I'm wasting ergs typing a response to such a cynical, hypocritical, and tendentious pseudo-complaint.
September 7, 2008, 1:34:22 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Mark,
You should drop your obsessive criticizing of the way Gretchen Carlson looks, dresses, speaks, and every bit of content on her program.
It might result in making Fox and Friends the leading cable news morning show.
Oh, wait...
September 7, 2008, 2:05:29 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Johnny,
Mark is only being chivalrous.
He would prefer that you use the more presentable pictures of Rachel Maddow where she is in heels and a 1962 Dior cinch-waist dress.
September 7, 2008, 2:11:29 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
I don't think the question of how or why the picture was made or from whence it came is of the slightest relevance.
by mark
Of course you don't, now. Nice back pedal.
September 7, 2008, 2:29:57 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
the picture you used seems to betray an incipient editorial prejudice.
Mark | 09.06.08 - 11:19 pm |
We all look foreward to your post at DU criticising them as you did Johnny for using that horrible pic that Maddow approves of, herself. Sarasm cranked.
September 7, 2008, 2:42:10 AM EDT – Like – Reply
vstol
Actually, vstol, I know "concomitant," but Jeff's "hypcrisy" has me totally lost
Mark | 09.07.08 - 1:28 am | #
OK Mark,
We'll try and build upon what you know to help you find your way.
You find it easy to be captious and pontificate on the perceived errors of others yet when confronted with your own inane and egregious statements, you ignore them and slink away in the hope that they will be forgotten by the time you return to enlighten and shepherd the poor, unfortunate inhabitants of J$P.
Concomitant with that behavior is the sanctimonious character of hypocrisy, no matter how you spell it.
Case in point:
The RNC is not what anyone could characterize as diverse.
Mark | 09.05.08 - 7:36 pm
The audacity of that statement is monumental; i.e., It is not possible for anyone to characterize that X is Y.
Oh yeah!
The RNC is diverse.....
Take that, fella!
vstol | Homepage | 09.05.08 - 7:55 pm | #
September 7, 2008, 3:35:02 AM EDT – Like – Reply
sharm
"I can't believe I'm wasting ergs typing a response to such a cynical, hypocritical, and tendentious pseudo-complaint."
I can believe it.
Mark threw in so many distractions to get away from the point: Rachel is the Pharisee here. She said that Palin said something she didn't in order to claim that Palin screwed over the people. Looking at the facts, 78% of the cost of the jet was recovered with the rest recouped over time because of the savings in fuel, maintenance, repair, and crew. Better on the environment, too. But I guess she could have kept the jet. After all, Al Gore does it and he is the golden boy.
September 7, 2008, 8:14:09 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
Since your response was a non-response, never bothering to address the issue, I shouldn't have bothered wasting ergs, either.
---
I do, however, want to thank you for the Cafferty piece. He's my favorite curmudgeon, perhaps the last viable one left on television, and he did adore his wife. Rather inspiring. Thanks, again.
September 7, 2008, 9:29:56 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
Not only did you choose a terrible picture of that transgender person johnny, but you also accidentally put the MSNBC logo upside down. Oops! FYI...
September 7, 2008, 9:35:19 AM EDT – Like – Reply
tess
Rachel is not a transgender person. She is a lesbian. I believe Ann Coulter is transgender. She is the man!
September 7, 2008, 11:00:29 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
What an interesting, apocryphal, functional definition of "Pharisee". Then, to add Al Gore at the end. Well, I suppose we all know how well that argument went to those who advanced it. But, not to mind, Sharon. I am sure Rachel was not counting you in her fan base, anyway. And, on that note, I end my contribution to this weary line of discussion.
---
I, too noticed, the upside down logo, FF, but I was just too much of a gentlement to mention it!?!?
---
I am going to be out of the US for the first (and, perhaps, the second) presidential debate. I understand that CNN International and BBC World will be broadcasting (so my thanks to cable news). I was in Brussels for the first debate in 2004, one of those neighborhood hotels. Coverage began at 0300 Hours, and I think the lights and television went on in every apartment around me. I bet it's even going to be bigger this year.
I'll probably go with the BBC as CNN International picks up the US feed with all that annoying commentary. The BBC will do the debate, then bring away to "Yachting International" or some such.
September 7, 2008, 11:20:03 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
Thanks for the correction, tess. You have brought the realization to me that I must be attracted to transgender folk if that's true about Ann Coulter. I never knew this about myself, thank you for the epiphany!
From what I understand, Mark, BBC usually uses C-SPAN coverage which is commentary free. It's my preferred network for speeches and debates.
September 7, 2008, 11:45:08 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
Olby Sucks | 09.07.08 - 2:47 am | #
vstol | Homepage | 09.07.08 - 3:40 am | #
Avoid these posts like the plague, mark. They contain statements you can't back and prove your hypocritical views.
September 7, 2008, 12:29:44 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
I didn't realize that BBC used C-Span, FF, but I agree with you about it being my preferred coverage as well. There is some good commentary "out there" but little of it is instantaneous, and I object to many of the editorial and commercial-driven inclusions and exclusions. I like to view and digest, without Hume, Matthews or, Heaven forbid, Blitzer, telling me what I just saw.
September 7, 2008, 12:32:05 PM EDT – Like – Reply
puck30
Very telling point from Mr. Bob Raissman.
"Shouldn't Olbermann be preparing for his interview tomorrow night with Barack Obama rather than providing comprehensive analysis on Chad Johnnson changing his name to Chad Ocho Cinco?"
Ah! but Mr. Raissman, don't you know Olbermann gets his show prep from the Kos-Kids, Newshounds, MM?
Since you write in the sports section Mr. Raissman maybe you should be asking a question like.
What's the over/under on how many cases of 'Chapstick' will be delivered to Olbermann's office Monday Morning?
September 7, 2008, 12:36:59 PM EDT – Like – Reply
sharm
Actually, Mark, I have never said anything condescending about Rachel personally. I think she spoke from the hip, just like McCain did when he said that she sold it on ebay for a profit.
Funny, you first referred to me as a Pharisee because you claimed I used the legal sense of the phrase "put it on ebay" when you believe she implied she sold it on ebay. Let's say she sold it on ebay for 2.1 million. How has the argument dramatically changed? Sheeze, even Begala says to hang it up. Al Gore uses a private jet; Governor Palin decided to forego the jet. Interesting that I am the Pharisee here.
September 7, 2008, 1:02:39 PM EDT – Like – Reply
ImNotBlue
Wow... that article on CNN's "racism" is pretty special.
I'd call that guy a loon... but then he'd call me a racist. Of course, I probably exhibit many racist "non-verbals," like moving my head and blinking too. He'll probably pray I develop skin cancer, as punishment.
Really "wow." If you didn't look at that "article," or haven't seen that guy's site... you really have to. Some people are crazy... and then some people are so crazy, that it puts the people you previously thought were crazy, to shame.
September 7, 2008, 2:40:57 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
"Ah! but Mr. Raissman, don't you know Olbermann gets his show prep from the Kos-Kids, Newshounds, MM?"
Please, puck. Olbermann does not get his "news" from the dog pound. The dog pound gets their "news" from mm, etc. Olbermann gets his "news" from the blue blogs. In that order. The newsliars are nothing more than parrots flailing in the wind at the back of the bus.
September 7, 2008, 2:45:51 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
You're right INB, that site is insane! Sad that some people (oops, was that racist?) have nothing more to do than hypocritacally charge racism at everyone without introspecting on the racism motivating their charges...
September 7, 2008, 3:06:47 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Ashley
Olby Sucks | 09.07.08 - 2:50 pm | #
How DARE you insult Parrots.
September 7, 2008, 3:20:56 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
One learns many things at this site. I had no idea parrots flailed in the wind at the back of the bus. Do they do that at the back of subway cars, also, or do parrots just take the bus?
September 7, 2008, 3:45:15 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
The BACK of the bus??? !!!
You people are all racists! I can tell by your writing styles and inferred white supremacy lingo.
September 7, 2008, 4:19:35 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
philby, please see 12:34.
September 7, 2008, 4:21:08 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Damail
Newswoofs update: Greta's hour-long bio on Sarah Palin got slammed by Ellen, and once again she stepped in it. She sputtered something about Greta ignoring the "Troopergate" investigation. WRONG! Greta covered that at the 35-minute mark of the program.
Swi-i-ing and a misss!
September 7, 2008, 9:17:32 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Ashley
From Drudge:
"MSNBC TAKES INCENDIARY HOSTS FROM ANCHOR SEAT... DEVELOPING..."
Hmmmmmmmmm? Is it possible that someone high up at NBC just discovered that a number of buffoons have been taking over their news network?
Watch, it's Scarborough and Tucker.
September 7, 2008, 9:35:23 PM EDT – Like – Reply
SteveMG
Drudge Reports:
"MSNBC drops Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from anchor chair... David Gregory will anchor news coverage of the coming debates and election night.... Developing... "
A little late in the day but about time.
Let's see if Mr. Olbermann walks.
September 7, 2008, 9:36:15 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Ashley
Now Drudge is reporting
MSNBC drops Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from anchor chair... David Gregory will anchor news coverage of the coming debates and election night.... Developing...
Oh please God, please let there have been someone video recording Mr. Czechoslovakia when he got the news...
Good night and good luck Olby.
September 7, 2008, 9:39:18 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
MSNBC drops Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews from anchor chair... David Gregory will anchor news coverage of the coming debates and election night.... Developing...
The above is from Drudge, Johnny.
September 7, 2008, 9:42:47 PM EDT – Like – Reply
david
How long ago did I predict that MessNbc would regret the Lefty swing towards Chris and KO, now it appears that they are both off the political beat, with David Gregory taking over the news leading up to the elections. I wish I could pick football games this easily!
September 7, 2008, 9:44:54 PM EDT – Like – Reply
puck30
Did my eyes tell what I just saw on Drudge?????
Olby & Chrissy out of the anchor chairs for the rest of the election??
Maybe it was just a flashback. Somebody go check.
September 7, 2008, 10:00:23 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Man I picked a bad time to take a few minutes away from the computer. Just updated with Drudge's headline.
This is "huge".
September 7, 2008, 10:05:16 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
Now that there's an outcry about it I bet MSNBC backpedals and gives them other prominent positions in the coverage. They can't have their #1 ratings guys take that hit!
Johnny, don't feel bad about being away from the computer. It's usually a good thing.
September 7, 2008, 10:13:22 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
Oh jeez, it's a NYT article.
Not a bad article, but the source...blecch.
September 7, 2008, 10:19:01 PM EDT – Like – Reply
david
I'll take that bet FoxFan.
September 7, 2008, 10:24:33 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
What're the terms, david? I like bets.
September 7, 2008, 10:37:41 PM EDT – Like – Reply
david
Here's just a little political observation regarding the elections and cable news. McCain/Palin win in a route in November and NBC knows it. So best to cut loses now and mend fences or be shut out by ABC, CBS, CNN and most importantly FoxNews for the next 4 years. I love it when a plan comes together!
September 7, 2008, 10:39:51 PM EDT – Like – Reply
puck30
However you want to view the Olby/Chrissy story. The bottom line is this.
Olby just got spanked!
Now let's see how the brat reacts.
September 7, 2008, 10:59:33 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
I found it ironic and instructive that I could have easily said exactly what I did say [9/11 tribute at Repub convention inappropriate], exactly when I did say it, if I had been wearing a different hat, and nobody would have taken any issue, he said."
Olbermann quote in NYT article...
------------------------------------------
And Phil Griffin explicitly stated that this idiot understood the objectivity required of his new role...
September 7, 2008, 11:22:18 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Olby Sucks
And Phil Griffin explicitly stated that this idiot understood the objectivity required of his new role...
Cecelia | 09.07.08 - 11:27 pm | #
Olbermann and objectivity are oil and water, as we all know.
September 8, 2008, 12:11:40 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mark
How nice we have such clear-headed thinkers who are not jumping to any conclusions at all. To be sure, it's always a positive thing when Olbermann's air time is reduced. But, do we really know that is going to happen? We know he's not going to be anchoring. Seems to me that may not be a reduction in air time. He anchored from NY last week, and he had less air time than the others. If Olbermann is not anchoring, he may be freed up to offer the kind of commentary that drives the rightists nuts.
Also, good thing to have Matthews having other duties. He lacks the temperament to anchor. And, this too frees him up for commentary without the bounds of objectivity.
Gregory. Geez. He's only marginally better than Blitzer and Hume. I see a PBS election coming, and that's probably a good thing.
Actually, David, and it kills me to say this, may have a kernel of truth and light in what he is saying. I suspect the "sexism" cries of Palin's handlers may be behind all of this. To that extent, and perhaps just to that extent, a campaign muzzled the media. I find absolutely nothing to rejoice in that. Still, I suspect the truth will somehow find its way out. It's not like that many people routinely watch cable news anyway. And, if it doesn't, we're accustomed to perpetual war and economic downturn now, anyway.
Edited By Siteowner
September 8, 2008, 12:33:20 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Johnny,
For the first time I forsee a glimmer of a possibility that MSNBC may put pressure on Olbermann to provide some rebuttal on Countdown.
September 8, 2008, 1:01:00 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Nah, probably the other way around. To placate him over this demotion, they'll give him (and Maddow) an even freer hand during their time slots. Chances are he's ripping mad over this.
September 8, 2008, 1:06:07 AM EDT – Like – Reply
