You'd think the deal called for having Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter mock the candidates between comments. No, even unfiltered, unedited, live debate between loyal Democrats couldn't be entrusted to Fox News.
The approach of outfits such as MoveOn.org is so juvenile it's laughable. Imagine if every political organization created litmus tests for news organizations before agreeing to appear on their programming. Republicans would have boycotted PBS, CBS, NBC, ABC, National Public Radio and The Associated Press decades ago.
This hyperventilation results from the fact that far-left Democrats have no comparable media outlet, nor any widespread national appeal, for their radical views in favor of heavy-handed regulation, wealth redistribution, diplomatic capitulation and economic protectionism. So they attack their rivals' messenger with a reckless barrage of rhetoric that cuts down their own allies with friendly fire.
By Friday, the Nevada Democratic Party caved in to the lunatic fringe and began seeking a more "appropriate" television partner.
Comedy Central, perhaps?
It is sad that the last line is only partly tongue-in-cheek.
Also interesting is the recent John Edward comment when he was called on his pandering:
(via Extreme Mortman)
In the interview, Edwards said the activists' concerns had no influence on his decision. "I saw the list of debates that we had and the list of things we're doing specific in Nevada, and I said, 'Why are we doing Fox?' I said, 'No, tell them no.' " Asked whether he knew about the bloggers' concerns, Edwards said, "I didn't personally know, no."He called on Saturday to say: "The correct answer to that is I was generically aware that the Net-roots hates Fox. I did not know about any specific activity about this."
One paragraph up in the article it states:
Last week, Edwards announced he would not participate in a Nevada Democratic debate, co-sponsored by Fox News, which Net-roots activists had been asking the candidates to boycott. His decision was made public in an e-mail from senior campaign adviser Jonathan Prince to the Daily Kos, one of the most prominent liberal blogs.
Honest question to my liberal readers, Does anyone believe that Edwards canceled the debate outside of any knowledge of the netroots getting all frothy about the matter? I don't often throw the term "Liar" around, but. . .
2 comments:
Sirocco,
I don't know if you have noticed, but you are not really a netroot. Obviously, your reasons for not wanting FOX to do the debate may differ from others.
For most of the netroots, it obviously IS a litmus test thing. The fact that they were considering adding an Air America panelist as a compromise speaks volumes. Say what you wish about FOX news, you have to admit that it is several strata above Air America on the professionalism front. I would add several other news organizations too, although I know that you wouldn't.
I also have to admit that even though the media has a liberal bias, it isn't a mouthpiece for the Netroots yet. That is why they need to do stuff like this, in order to give themselves some equivalence to FOX news as far as stature goes. Right now their credibility is not even close to that of FOX news.
Sadder yet is that John Edwards has sold out to them. If you are going to do that, at least admit it ala Howard Dean. Trying to play off that you aren't dating when you obviously are makes you look even worse. And it WILL get back to the netroots eventually.
Bravo to kralmajales for pointing out that there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around when it comes to politicians. Newt's recent atrocious statements about his infidelities when sucking up to James Dobson is another great example. McCain, meanwhile, ought to be ashamed for how he is kowtowing to the same people who trashed his daughter, wife and war record in 2000.
Having said all that about the GOP, I'm a little weary of the demonizing of FOX News on the Left. Their blathering about FOX is just as ludicrous as the right-wingers who have been ranting about the "liberal media" for decades. Edwards LOST some points with me on that score...and he IS my early fave for our party's nomination.
Journalists have their own views as any of us do. I don't find those on FOX to be any more "biased" than on any other network. Owners of media outlets have been exercising their influence for years. That's their right, I suppose, but I've learned to filter it when I listen to networks or read papers where the owners have well-known slant on the issues.
These folks exist on both the Left and the Right. Practicing journalists work very hard to be objective and fair. I find that to be true with those on FOX, CNN or any other network. Media "conspiracies" are the bogeymen for those across the ideological spectrum who are wont to see cabals everywhere!
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