Tuesday Links & Open Thread
Latest cable news links [7:25 pm]:
Strategy streaming and more.
Profile: Tucker Carlson.
Olbermann shows his stuff.
Audio: Roehmer "endorses" Fox.
Monday's numbers. Weekend numbers. Ranker.
F&F PR flap.
Video: outrage du jour. Bonus!
Matthews: MSNBC bias is "not official!"
Primary coverage; prepare for clichés.
Web evolution, reorganization.
Hotline quotes.
No more hiding?
Let's play hardball. Warm-up?
CNN "taking a dive"?
Tobin pix from Gaza.
Alan's mailbag.
Video: Olbermann's race card?
Odd couple?
It must be an "addiction"!
Use our valuable bandwidth to post your cable news comments in today's open thread. fox news cable news
On The Mark
The reaction to the CNN story is fascinating to me. The reality is that the Wright and Ayers (an uncharged, unconvicted "radical," which I do not believe to be an illegal classification) issues have all been thoroughly vetted and aired, processed and digested. As that process has ended, we have a group, perhaps the substantial majority, who believe these issues do not impact upon character issues regarding Obama. This group has reached the same point most Americans, including this American, have reached with McCain in the Keating context, or in the context of his sad and tawdry divorce. CNN recognizes this.
We have another group, far smaller, who will continue to treat Wright and Ayers as the most significant issues facing America since fluoridation and racially integrated restrooms. That is their right, and there is no doubt that we will have "leaders" who will willingly pander to this group. Certainly, we see this in the extreme right-wing blogs and in the slightly more accepted musings of Hannity.
An interesting thing has happened, a corner has been turned. As these issues become championed by the less than mainstream, less than legitmate media, the issues themselves become fringe and illegitimate. Not a bad thing from my perspective ....
Politically, the fact is, the people most interested in these issues are people who were never going to vote for Obama, who were never going to vote any way but straight Republican, if, indeed, they vote at all. So, it all becomes clutter and chatter. A wonder sense of balance about it all, to recognize that both major parties have fringe elements ....
I do think it may be a bit unfair to cast this wide net of condemnation of MSNBC. A number of posters seem to believe that Olbermann is an Obama flunkie. Perhaps, he is. I don't watch often nor long enough to form an opinion, although heaven knows watching the show, knowing what is aired, doesn't seem to be a requirement to criticize it and Olbermann. I can speak more authoritatively to others at MSNBC, particularly Matthews and Gregory. Both have dealt with Wright and Ayers extensively, Gregory to the point of exhaustion and ridicule.
I simply rejoice that these issues have been consigned to the fringe and that we can, hopefully, begin to address the endless and bloody war, the struggling economy, the degradation of our civil and Constitutional rights and all the other significant issues before us.
May 6, 2008, 8:14:56 AM EDT – Like – Reply
ImNotBlue
QUOTE:
"...these issues have been consigned to the fringe and that we can, hopefully, begin to address the endless and bloody war, the struggling economy, the degradation of our civil and Constitutional rights..."
On The Mark | 05.06.08 - 8:19 am
How about this OTM... we've already discussed all those issues. We already know how the war began, and who authorized it... we already have discussed the economy and the housing market... and we've already cleared up that no Constitutional rights have actually been taken away from the average citizen. Why do we need to keep talking about it?
We have a group, perhaps a substantial majority (hey, if you're going to pull out the unsubstantiated claims of a "substantial majority," than heck, so can I) of the people, who already know all this stuff... and would like to move on. These people are tired of hearing the same "Bush blah blah blah" that we've been hearing for over 7 years.
Sure there may be another group of people, people who want to keep bringing these things up because in their revisionist history, they believe they were the "good guys" in this fight... even though they were part of the problem as much as anyone else. But they want keep talking about this stuff, because they think it helps their candidates.
I hope we can finally reach a point where we can start talking about the important things like... um... (not the war, economy, civil rights, or Obamas sketchy past) we can talk about uhhh Hillary and, um lunch?
Feh.
May 6, 2008, 10:06:38 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
Of course, the war and the economy are on-going issues which directly and substantively impact upon the lives of ordinary Americans, sometimes in the most tragic sorts of ways. That is vastly different than the Wright and Ayers issues which affect few, if any, and are truly historical snapshots, locked in time. When the war ends, if it ever ends, and when the economy improves, you may have a point, but even then, the family of a deceased or injured soldier or a family spending its college fund for gasoline or foreclosed out of their home is far more impacted by these crises than anyone is by Rev. Wright or Ayers.
When this election is over, I hope we can all reflect on the coverage of it. I think it has been appalling, and in this regard, FNC is no worse than MSNBC or CNN, and CNN and MSNBC are no worse than FNC. Ratings-driven news serves no one other than the anchors', narrators' and reporters' agents.
May 6, 2008, 10:18:34 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
I am not very media savvy as many here seem to be so I am asking for others' opinion about what is next for Tweety in TV/radio if he does not renew with NBC next year.
I don't think his childhood ambition will be fulfilled so is there another channel that would welcome him and his cheer leading as a host? Talk radio? Pundit ala Pallidin, Have Mic, Will Travel? Back to a political job such as for the love of his life, Obama?
Something I've noticed a few times here and am curious. I have noticed several people mentioning private E-Mails with other commentators. Does J$P have a buddy way to get in touch with those who are both agreeable? I know News Busters, Koz and Huff 'n Puff have such mechanisms.
Thanks in advance.
May 6, 2008, 10:20:18 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
I will forward email addresses on request with the approval of the forwardee. That requires that the email address being used by either side is not a phony of course.
May 6, 2008, 10:25:55 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Thanks, Johnny.
What do you think might be Tweety's fate down the road. Will his hanging out there for all to see infatuation with Obama be disqualifying for other major outlets to consider him in the future?
May 6, 2008, 10:51:58 AM EDT – Like – Reply
ImNotBlue
"...substantively impact upon the lives of ordinary Americans..."
On The Mark | 05.06.08 - 10:23 am
So questioning a candidates judgment, their ability to judge character and know right from wrong... you think that has no impact on American life?
That's what this issue is about. What was Obama thinking? Why didn't he leave the Church earlier, when he first heard these offensive things? And if he can't even judge his own pastor, after sitting in the pews for years and years and years... how will he be able to make decisions of real importance BEFORE they affect everyone's lives?
This is a job interview... and so far Obama has a few questionable associations... that he still hasnt really answered for. You wouldn't hire a teacher, who had been friends with pedophiles, would you? You'd question their judgment and have reservations... wouldn't you? Obama can move past this... but if he keeps letting those in the press dodge and spin for him, it will continue to haunt him throughout this election.
May 6, 2008, 10:53:19 AM EDT – Like – Reply
olbysucks
The obama/wright is very relavent as even obama himself has said. Rest assured, there will be more to come on the matter. Until then, we can talk about ayers and what a nice fellow he is...
May 6, 2008, 10:57:19 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
Matthews will run for office. He will do better than Al Franken.
May 6, 2008, 11:01:40 AM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
INB:
Maybe it's just the sordid circles in which I run, but I have had 3 times more people talk to me about the impact of fuel prices upon this year's grain harvest and the impact of ethanol production upon the price of corn than I have had talk to me about Rev. Wright. So far, no one has bought up Ayres. So, no, I don't think Rev. Wright and Ayres are great burning issues.
Having said that, I am glad you wrote about this. I have been waiting for someone who took the opposing view, could articulate it well and could put it into some perspective (even if I take some exception to the emphasis). Most of the Wright/Ayres-phobes are Hannity parrots. You are a most welcome exception.
May 6, 2008, 11:20:35 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
That was an excellent video at OlbyWatch.
May 6, 2008, 11:23:38 AM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
And it's Ayers.
May 6, 2008, 11:24:16 AM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
> That was an excellent video at OlbyWatch.
Thanks. I stayed up way past my bedtime working on it!
May 6, 2008, 11:49:09 AM EDT – Like – Reply
olbysucks
Maybe it's just the sordid circles in which I run,
posted by 'otm'
It very well must be.
May 6, 2008, 12:09:57 PM EDT – Like – Reply
olbysucks
"Better than al franken."
Let's hope so, for slobber faces sake. al owes taxes in how many states? 7? What a clown. He should stick to what he knows, comedy.
May 6, 2008, 12:54:34 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Friday night, Fat Ass made excuses for Franken.
May 6, 2008, 1:11:21 PM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
I ran by the house during the noon hour. Brian Williams was on NBC. I wish someone of his caliber were the norm.
May 6, 2008, 1:18:10 PM EDT – Like – Reply
cee
OTM lives in a fantasy world. The Democrat Party Presidential Primary would have been over after PA if it was not for two items.....
The bitter cling-on comment (which will come up again, and again)
The Wright controversy.
Remember SNOBamessiah's speech in Philly PA that the left drooled over?....That was supposed to end the problem over Wright's, Trinity UCC's and SNOBamessiah's radical theology. It did not because the radical nature of the doctrine made the average Dem voter uncomfortable and polling, as well as the PA results, forced the candidate to rethink his plans.
One month later, SNOBamessiah decides to change course regarding Wright, 180 degrees, and his supporters are mimicking the campaign's talking points...."The Wright issue is over NOW and we are to only talk about issues that are important to the American people."
The problem is that it is not just about Wright...it is about ideology and membership in organizations (churches, clubs, parties, etc) show people what one believes in.
OTM is just playing the sycophantic SNOBamessiah supporter....pity him, do not blame him....He has invested his heart into a poll driven savior-figure who is no longer one AND someone who said he was a new type of pol....He totally finished that one off by abandoning his high rhetoric of just one month ago with the usual politician reaction of last Tuesday.
INDEPENDENTS who have yet to even pay attention to the election (they usually start making up their mind AFTER LABOR DAY!) have had universal reactions to the ideology of Wright and SNOBamessiah in my experience...revulsion....It will be brought up again in 527 advertising as will the "bitter cling-on" leftist elitism quote and the Ayer's standing on Ol' Glory....Why?....they are powerful visual and audable examples of how radical SNOBamessiah is in political ideology.
Comparisons will be made to the moderate McCain (who is now being helped by Huffington to distance himself from Bush), and he will be able to stay solidly in the center both in economic recommendations and social issues.
Abortion will actually be a big issue in the fall, I predict, and SNOBamessiah's very radical and minority views will also help define him correctly.
The war will continue to decline in importance in the average American's worry list. SNOBamessiah will actually benefit from this because McCain still has an advantage over him in most polls regarding foreign policy trust.
So OTM, and his SNOBamessiah man-crush, is not an authority on what the average MODERATE American is thinking about the man and his radical inner-circle. First, he thinks something happening in APRIL has an effect on the average GE voter who only starts evaluating the candidate well after the conventions. (See when the SWIFTBOAT VETS started up last cycle)Secondly, he is so heavily invested in the man and his image that anything that objectively shows he is no more the same pol as HRC, Bill and the r
May 6, 2008, 2:31:40 PM EDT – Like – Reply
On The Mark
I can't tell you how pleased I am that you do not feel constrained by the topic at hand to help me understandd my thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs.
May 6, 2008, 2:48:55 PM EDT – Like – Reply
cee
I never intended to help you, OTM. Your post was your opinion and my post presents my opinion of where the candidate and you have decided to try to get over the controversy. Sorry, it is not the candidate's right to tell the electorate what is important about their resume.
I like to delve deeply into an issue, and I have discovered that black liberation theology is fascinating in its origin and demands of "whites." So the subject of dismissing "The Wright Issue" was addressed in my post. Your typical narcissism once again leads you to the wrong conclusion.
May 6, 2008, 3:10:02 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
All right, guys, break it up.
May 6, 2008, 4:08:41 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
OTM, I am shoacked, shocked I tell you to learn that KO is going to devote some of his precious time and energy away from the serious issues of the day to Baseball Cards.
Until, and if, this war is over, our Constitutional rights are restored, the recession is solved, affordable food and fuel [entire college funds being poured into the family car's tank is simply not acceptable] are available once again and these foreclosures are stopped I can't believe anyone can think of anything else much less pursue it.
In fact, I am surprised that the entire entertainment industry hasn't gone onto a WWII footing and cordinated everything to the great effort of change putting the new messiah in the Oval Office where he can make our world whole again for OTM and his "sordid" freinds.
Mike, whatcha think? Do I have note that this is sarcasm or do you think it speaks for itself.
May 6, 2008, 4:13:37 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
After reading your comment thoroughly, I can tell you were being sarcastic.
May 6, 2008, 4:25:38 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
This is sort of related to cable news. I sent a friend request to Meghan Asha, a semi-regular "Red Eye" guest, on Facebook. It was just a roll of the dice, as it always is with me and women, but I sense a big fat denial of that request because of who she is and the fact that she doesn't know me from Adam, as a friend of mine would say.
May 6, 2008, 5:08:56 PM EDT – Like – Reply
ImNotBlue
I wonder if someone on Huff&Puff will let Jason Linkins (see "Bonus" link) know that "Hardscrabble" is a town in Delaware.
Without that, and as written, it doesn't really make any sense.
May 6, 2008, 5:14:54 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Scrabble is hard...at least once you're left with the least-often used letters like Q, X, and Z.
May 6, 2008, 5:35:50 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Mike, thats when the tough make 100+ words out of those lemons.
May 6, 2008, 5:50:23 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
Johnny,
Please don't try to titillate or to alarm your readers with headline such as "Olbermann Shows His Stuff".
Some of us peruse your site while we are cooking and eating and have full stomachs.
May 6, 2008, 5:51:29 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
Nice catch, Cecelia, that went right over my head and it is funny.
May 6, 2008, 6:04:50 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
You should know that "Olbermann Shows His Stuff" would be too insignificant to merit a headline unless it had something to do with baseball cards.
May 6, 2008, 6:08:04 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Cecelia
That was an interesting piece on Tucker Carlson. I'm a fan of his.
He defies "niches" and I think that's hurt him in the news/analysis industry.
I
May 6, 2008, 7:26:02 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
It's been quiet for past 90 minutes. I guess everyone's commenting at OlbyWatch. I'll stay over here.
I've been switching back and forth from FNC, the Strategy Room stream, and IMing a friend online.
May 6, 2008, 9:04:03 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
OlbyWatch is having some sort of server problem. Not much talk there tonight because it's too hard to get in! Lot of talk on the 'lie of the night' post above this one but it's basically about the lies of the fox haters.
How's Strategy Room with Shep? Better than Brian Wilson? I like them both.
May 6, 2008, 9:06:48 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Since 12 minutes ago, the audio from Obama's speech has been mixed in with--and is overriding--the Strategy Room feed. It's basically turned into a mix of wrestling play-by-play, a DVD audio commentary, and "Mystery Science Theater 3000." But Obama's rhetoric, mixed with the crowd's reactions, drove me nuts. So, I've muted the feed until it's over.
May 6, 2008, 9:25:27 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
...which likely will not be for another 20 minutes...at least! This is, after all, Obama. He talks longer than Fidel Castro.
May 6, 2008, 9:26:15 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
He's done! Thank goodness!
May 6, 2008, 9:35:45 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Grammie
I still only have the vaguest idea how the vote has turned out b/c I had grandkids and we watched the Narnia movie.
I guess there were no surprises.
May 6, 2008, 9:43:27 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Obama won NC; IN too close to call.
May 6, 2008, 10:09:57 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
84% precincts reporting in Indiana. It's 52-48 Clinton.
May 6, 2008, 10:19:58 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Steve Brown reporting via Shepard Smith's Blackberry that the mayor of Gary, Indiana, is deliberately holding the votes from Lake County because he's an Obama supporter.
May 6, 2008, 10:27:50 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
This was reported on the FOXNews.com streaming video.
May 6, 2008, 10:29:11 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
This was reported on the FOXNews.com streaming video.
May 6, 2008, 10:29:11 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
That was sent twice for some reason. Let me rephrase, though, the mayor is holding to delay Hillary's speech.
May 6, 2008, 10:29:59 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
Now, no results in Lake County until 1AM ET or till all ballots are counted.
May 6, 2008, 10:31:22 PM EDT – Like – Reply
Mike Chimeri
I'm done updating. Watch the stream or FNC for the latest information. Unless somebody else comments here, see you in the Wednesday thread.
May 6, 2008, 10:36:20 PM EDT – Like – Reply
johnny dollar
I appreciate the updates, since I'm multitasking and can't listen to the strategy room. I'll look for some good links for tomorrow's post.
May 6, 2008, 10:42:29 PM EDT – Like – Reply
