Thursday Links & Open Thread
Latest cable news links [7:15 pm]:
Wednesday's numbers: Factor big. MSNBC resorts to "phony promos"?
Obama, Hillary, now Dean!
Gutfeld on FNC's balls.
Profile: Liz Claman, Q&A: Alexis Glick (via/TVN).
Hotline quotes.
Most influential: 20-11.
Shuster subs for Schultz?!?
FNC's silent majority.
Pix: Sadr City.
Arianna banned? Keith's non-denial denial.
Interesting CNN t-shirt.
Factor fallout: Philly Burbs, Chickaboomer, Nichols, SF Gate, HuffPo, Infinite Regress, Instapundit, NY Observer, Strange Fascination, The Councilor.
Q&A: Aaron Brown.
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
On The Mark
Someone has actually resurrected "Silent Majority"! All the Marys in Heaven Help Us! I suppose there are millions of Americans who have never heard the phrase before, but for those who have, the memories aren't good or positive.
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The only interesting comment I have heard about last night's gabfest: Perhaps Clinton can become a Fox analyst. Good idea. Sooner, rather than later. I won't watch her, but I'll say I will if it helps speed things along.
Remember how Diana, Princess of Wales described three (3) people in her marriage, making it a bit crowded. That was my general impression of the gabfest. Two (2) people crowded out by two (2) enormous egos. I'm surprised there was room for the cameras and sound equipment. I don't think the session was particularly good nor bad, but are there really that many people who want to spend an hour listening to two (2) other people talk about themselves? If so, there are existing alternates: Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh, Scarborough are all there for the sole purpose of talking about themselves. Maybe tonight, Clinton and O'Reilly ought to make up a batch of fudge or wash and set each other's hair. At least that would be different.
May 1, 2008, 7:52:41 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
Today's list. Such fun!
I am so please to find Brazile and Todd. Two (2) of the finest, yet very different political analysts in America.
Interestingly, Colbert, also on the list, had Brazile on last night. Pretty funny stuff. Brazile said, I am a woman, so I am drawn to Clinton; I am an African-American, so I am drawn to Obama; I am grouchy, so I am drawn to McCain.
Olbermann as "A disciplined and smooth performer."? I would have never concluded that, but it ought to set of all the Olbermann Obsessors, which is tremendous fun.
May 1, 2008, 9:33:36 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Johnny,
I know FNC has some pundits that have talk radio shows or who sit in for talk radio hosts, but does the network have an actual REPORTER who subs for a talk radio host?
May 1, 2008, 10:14:45 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
I can't think of one, let alone one who guest-hosts programs that are specifically ideological.
May 1, 2008, 10:18:06 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Johnny, I want to tell you how pleased I am to have discovered your site during OW's upgrade.
Your Place is perfect to start the day out while sipping coffee and nibbling on toast. Then on to The New and Improved Olbermann Watch for more news and now also cordial conversation.
I hope that report of Huff 'n Puff being banned from MSNBC, including Keithy, is nothing more than a scurrilous rumor. My world will definitely be a drabber place knowing that I will never again see them together. A sad, sad day without a doubt.
May 1, 2008, 10:49:59 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Grammie, thank you so much! It's interesting to note that even the Kossacks aren't buying Keith's non-denial denial, as you can see reading down the replies a bit.
May 1, 2008, 10:59:58 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
I watch a number of political shows fairly regularly, cable and network, and most of them seem to have fallen into a regrettable pattern of repeating the same stories, ad nauseum, with a different spin based upon the hosts' or networks' philosophy. Please correct me if I have missed something, but the Ron Paul people, those of fame for chasing Hannity down the street in New Hampshire, have remained extremely active and effectively shut down several of the district/county GOP conventions in Texas, and the state GOP convention in Nevada. I have heard, not on the best of sources, that they have gone about creating similar mischief in other conventions and meetings. Although Paul remains in the race, he is certainly not going to derail McCain's nomination. Word from local political blogs is, however, they are planning all manner of mischief in Minneappolis (outside of the airport men's room). No doubt, this is for attention, perhaps some small concession here and there, but largely for delay and disruption as an expression of displeasure with the high spending proclivities of Republican office holders and with the continued Occupation of Iraq. I actually think this may make for some tense and tenuous moments at the convention. If I am correct, and this is being ignored or uncovered, I presume it is simply because it is viewed by the news folks as simply irrelevant? Does that seem a wise course? A course true to mission?
May 1, 2008, 11:12:37 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Just a correction to another widespread myth. The Paul supporters (and 9/11 truthers and white supremacists) did not "chase Hannity down the street in New Hampshire". Hannity was going from the portable studio in NH to the restaurant where the focus group was held to thank them for participation. The Paulies were gathered outside the restaurant to try to be seen thru the windows there. Contrary to the suggestion that Hannity was running away from them, he actually walked UP TO them, through them, and past them into the restaurant.
May 1, 2008, 11:19:45 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Kos commenters to the Olberssiah (asterisks added by me):
1) "Thanks for the clarification, *sir*."
2) "Thanks for making primary season *bearable* and *holding the Bush gang accountable every night*."
In their eyes, it's "all hail the almighty Olbermann."
May 1, 2008, 11:21:14 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Aaron Brown thinks Oralmann is "smarter, funnier, better read and eminently more talented" than BOR. I guess I know where *he* stands. He's at PBS in the spirit of Bill Moyers.
I have nothing to say about the "Factor fallout" links other than the reactions are about what I'd expect.
May 1, 2008, 11:29:34 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
Yes, Johnny, which explains my use of the word "fame," a concept that most often seems to vest ironically or inappropriately in today's common usage. As little value I find in anything Hannity says and does, I am not impugning his manhood. If I were, I would have gone right to the verb. Generally, the passive voice is for politicians trying to cast off accountability.
May 1, 2008, 11:39:56 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
Mike:
I have never been much impressed by the intelligence or humor of either O'Reilly or Olbermann, and I don't think either is very well-read. These days, outside a select few, Carney, Lehrer, Todd, Will, Williams, Zakaria and a handful of others, I would be amazed if any of the media personalities are well-read. I do, by the way, find Brown articulate and intelligence, despite his rather odd (mis-)characterization of Olbermann. We are in the midst of a dumb-down time. If this continues, the F&F folks may well be seen and mental giants some day. I don't expect it will go that far, however. I sense we are entering a more cerebral era, and Age of Enlightenment, as it were.
May 1, 2008, 11:49:37 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Johnny and Mike, I just to have share this in case you all missed it:
" I think they're all just playing roles (2+ / 0-)
Recommended by:dougymi, Matrix Dweller
Scarborough, Matthews, Olbermann, Abrams et. al. are all playing to niches in an overall corporate strategy to appeal to both the most passionate supporters and the most vile instincts of others all in pursuit of overtaking Focks Nooze in the ratings. As for me, I watch Olbermann when I can since his "truth" seems to be closest to my own. But, sadly, then comes "Oddball" and American Idol coverage and I'm reminded that he, whether he likes it or not, is serving his corporate masters and playing to their "tabloid sells" instincts. He's the best we have, but it's still within the parameters set by the big bosses.
by CDH in Brooklyn on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 07:31:01 PM PDT"
Ko's "truth" is closest to his "truth". I guess I've been confused all these years thinking that part of "truth" is the objective facts its based on.
How do these guys know what the "truth" is when they are all screaming that everyone has been bought and paid to lie. Is the truth coming in on their tinfoil hats?
May 1, 2008, 12:05:05 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Grammie,
This may be just urban legend, but I read somewhere a story where a young Jane Fonda after meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury, told him that his truth was not her "truth".
He replied, "But my dear, was is true, is true."
May 1, 2008, 2:33:59 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
You are damn sure in what my father called "a hellish shape" when Olbermann's or Kos' "truth" is the closest to your own... :D
May 1, 2008, 2:39:02 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Johnny,
I'm not especially an O'Reilly fan, as I have said, and I know that Hillary is as calculated and driven as they come and that the "relaxed" attitude is something well-studied by both HRC and O'Reilly. That said, I enjoyed the "vibe" between them. There was an adult quality to it that I can't wholly explain.
Journalists manage to do professional interviews everyday, without either party acting like a spoiled child, but it is "professional" in the sense that you do "see the wires", it's technical. You sense what you can't see too-- the political baggage behind the curtain.
I've haven't seen the sort of interview I saw growing up-- of two adults in a structured civilized setting, being cordial, warm, polite, in good humor, etc, for quite awhile.
I'm not for an instant suggesting they're friends or that either one of them isn't an egocentric handful, but there was an enjoyable maturity there.
I'm not sure that makes much sense, but it was a well-done bit of television.
May 1, 2008, 3:01:58 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
It's the sort of thing that makes Keith "nauseous": opposing points of view. And yet it was handled with professionalism on both sides. They're gnashing their teeth on OlbyPlanet. Part two tonight.
May 1, 2008, 3:05:48 PM EDT – Like – Reply
FNCFan20
Shep just interviewed this woman about a cult that got raided in New Mexico. He sounded pretty angry.
May 1, 2008, 3:39:15 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
I agree. They both seemed to be much better versions of themselves last night.
In fact I don't ever remember seeing HRC look and act so appealingly.
When do the ratings come out?
May 1, 2008, 3:53:48 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
I just grabbed that Shep interview and it will be up shortly. He was really getting riled up!
May 1, 2008, 3:56:26 PM EDT – Like – Reply
olbysucks
I remember having to watch that tool, Brown, when I was in Ft. Worth. The war had just sarted and the hotel I was staying in only offered cnn! I wasn't the news junkie I am now, prior to 9/11 so I hadn't seen much of Aaron boy. I've never seen more negativity pour from a tv then I did while having to watch that man. He wouldn't report a victory, even the smallest ones that I had heard about on the radio commuting back and forth from Will Rogers to the hotel if his life depended on it. The man made me sick just hearing his voice after less than a week.
May 1, 2008, 4:39:54 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Cecelia, why aren't you a fan of BOR? Is it because he's independent and fair to both sides? I love that about him. I guess that's why I also like Dennis Miller, but can't stand the conservative doctrinaires of talk radio...and in one case, TV at 9PM Eastern and Pacific.
That was an excellent post by Greg K over at The Blogging Councilor.
That *was* an interesting CNN t-shirt. Is that a t-shirt making site through CNN?
May 1, 2008, 4:40:10 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
It's on CNN.com. I can only figure that they offer some customization feature and some smart-aleck (not me) took advantage of it!
May 1, 2008, 4:46:21 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Uh...no, Mike, believe it or not, I like news/analysis shows that air all sides of an issue. I'm funny that way.
I don't like O'Reilly because, as Andrew Sullivan (in a rare moment of accuracy) said, he argues like an ignorant drunk".
He did quite a good job with the Hillary interview though.
May 1, 2008, 5:34:32 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
>I don't like O'Reilly because, as Andrew Sullivan (in a rare moment of accuracy) said, he argues like an ignorant drunk".<
And, in that context, Sean Hannity and John Gibson are sober?
May 1, 2008, 6:07:11 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Let me rephrase that: In that context, I guess you'd find Sean Hannity and John Gibson sober.
May 1, 2008, 6:09:41 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
And I mean no offense.
May 1, 2008, 6:10:12 PM EDT – Like – Reply
cee
3.7 million viewers for O'Reilly and HRC....very impressive. Congratulations to Mr. O'Reilly and condolences to Mr. Olbermann.
May 1, 2008, 6:24:08 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Johnny, thanks for the ratings FINALLY!
I follow them but not as if I'm going to have a test on them so correct me if I'm wrong. My impression is that not only did BOR slaughter KO in the 8 o'clock show {both demographic and total viewers} but all the later FNN shows, including BOR's rerun, fared better than they usually do in comparison to CNN and especially MSNBC.
May 1, 2008, 6:30:15 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Take that, Oralmann!
May 1, 2008, 6:42:57 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Johnny, I am sure you will be very interested in the first story on Brit Hume's show.
It sure made my mouf drop open!
May 1, 2008, 6:56:35 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Grammie, I was in the basement tending to laundry at the time. What was it ?
May 1, 2008, 7:03:31 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Cee,
Let me repeat my greeting that I issued on another thread-- Welcome!
Johnny has made the cyberworld equivalent of Cheers here!
May 1, 2008, 7:14:42 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Mike,
I really don't know about Hannity enough to say. I don't watch.
However, John Gibson is terrific! I only hear the snippets of his radio show that Johnny provides here and at OW. As far as his tv show went, he constantly gave equal-time and rarely talked over guests as O'Reilly and Matthews do. (Although I admire Chris Matthews very much.)
May 1, 2008, 7:19:13 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Brit played a clip from the saintly Right Reverend Wright's speech at the NAACP over the weekend.
First I shet ma mouf and then it flapped open.
The Reverend Wright might want to constrain himself a bit or he is going to wind up part of Nurse Rachit's flock.
May 1, 2008, 7:34:08 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
I know the left wing nut loon trolls, here and mostly at OW, are incapable of understanding this but we right thinkers definitely have very different political ideologies and personal preferences.
What we do have in common is an open mind and a true, as opposed to the progressive ersatz brand, tolerance for differences in taste and minor moral and political differences..
May 1, 2008, 7:47:25 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Grammie,
You mentioned that OW had been linked on Drudge. If you're still around here, would you please direct me. I can't find it.
May 1, 2008, 7:56:21 PM EDT – Like – Reply
On the Mark
How lovely. We have Conservative Caucasians doing jive talk. I would have never thought that this wonderful site would have become some retro Amos & Andy soundstage. What a shame.
I wanted to talk about today's Gregory show, but why bother?
May 1, 2008, 8:32:14 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Well, Gramme's "jive talk" wasn't up to the entertainment value of Wright imitating white speech, white marching bands, and ridiculing classical music, but her irony is far more palatable than his rage.
May 1, 2008, 8:42:04 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
> I wanted to talk about today's Gregory show, but why bother?
Well, nobody's forcing you to, but nobody's stopping you either. One way to get a conversation on track is to put it there, rather than sniping at someone else. But that's just my opinion; I could be wrong.
May 1, 2008, 9:29:36 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Oralmann continued his desperate diminishing of BOR's big interview with Hillary. Just because Bear, LK, and Cynthia McFadden have also interviewed her, BOR isn't as significant. Also, Olby quoted BOR speaking to Dennis Miller during last night's Miller Time segment. A Google search of "o'reilly instant gone" seems to yield NewsHounds as Fat Ass' Blue Blog Source, but here's the original--and, as always, undoctored--video:
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=04f71cfa-14c3-4d58-80c9-ac8d43e46426&referralPlaylistId=0259b3a1fc9e2d64b892f2ac53b8dda39a1865a3
The line Olby quoted in a doctored fashion via NewsHounds (apparently) begins with 1:42 left.
May 1, 2008, 10:07:14 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Fox Fan
"I've haven't seen the sort of interview I saw growing up-- of two adults in a structured civilized setting, being cordial, warm, polite, in good humor, etc, for quite awhile."
I think this was the crux of your point, Cecelia, and I completely agree. I remember when news was more structured and civilized in general, whereas today it focuses on entertainment, egregious extrapolation, extemporaneousness, and exaggerations. The BOR HRC interview was truly enjoyable journalism.
I might be more biased than you on this however, I'm an O'Reilly fan...
On The Mark, why you all up in Grammie's grill 'bout her jive? Ain't no thang but a chicken wing, li'l beeyotch!
May 1, 2008, 10:27:14 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Mark's all man.
May 1, 2008, 10:36:57 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
" How lovely. We have Conservative Caucasians doing jive talk. I would have never thought that this wonderful site would have become some retro Amos & Andy soundstage. What a shame.
I wanted to talk about today's Gregory show, but why bother?
On the Mark | 05.01.08 - 8:37 pm | # "
Jive talk? JIVE TALK? JIIVE TAALK? Anyone who would characterize "shet ma mouf" as jive talk is hopelessly mired in some kind of sludge. You need to get out and about more, dear .
Forgive, me OTM. As a true daughter of the south I am horrified that I offended you and kept you from one of your marvelous essays about Gregory.
We are all waiting with bated breath!
May 1, 2008, 10:50:31 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Well, Johnny, now that you have hopefully recovered from the vapors that I undoubtedly caused with my "jive talk" have you had a chance to check out the segment on Brit Hume that caught my eye?
May 1, 2008, 11:21:20 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
No I haven't but I will before I retire for the night. I've been kinda busy today.
May 1, 2008, 11:31:29 PM EDT – Like – Reply
