I'm pretty surprised how stupid these trained politicians made themselves look last night. It was like a middle school playground shouting match with Anderson Cooper playing the role of the recess lady. Its amazing that when they all decide not to bash Hillary they still can't come up with anything to talk about other than bashing each other.

Huckabee was brilliant though. Even McCain had some moments. But it really was overshadowed by the Guiliani and Romney bickering all evening.

On an aside, now in Virginia to vote in the primary you have to swear a pledge of allegiance that you will vote for whomever wins the Virginia primary in the national election - despite the inability of them to ever check to see how you vote. I wonder if that will chase Republicans away from the polls who might be afraid of people like Guiliani winning but in favor of the rest of the bunch.

I am thinking Huckabee has now got the edge on Giuliani, because Huckabee has not been tainted by scandal.

Rudy is now being brought to task for the manner in which funding was being hidden in various agencies budgets for the security for his then mistress, as he was still married at that time to another woman.

I just don't see folks letting these things continue to slide.

I am not so sure. Cheating on your wife is almost status quo right now for the Republican Party. This one was with a woman instead of a man, which is leagues ahead of the Foley and Craig scandals to hit over the past few years. I don't think they care enough to make an issue of this to be honest.

You mean like Clinton did?!! Had to say it.

They all suck, Demodummies and bank robbing Republicans.

Vote Libertarian in '08!


Yeah, I know, it'll never happen....

I am not so sure. Cheating on your wife is almost status quo right now for the Republican Party.No, you're thinking of being a gay-hating homosexual. ;)

Huckabee looks great for social conservatives, but the money side of the party (Club for Growth, etc.) don't like him compared to Romney. The Republican race is really fascinating to watch, in a 4 trucks plowing into an intersection kind of way.

At least the Republicans are have a variety.

I am not so sure. Cheating on your wife is almost status quo right now for the Republican Party. This one was with a woman instead of a man, which is leagues ahead of the Foley and Craig scandals to hit over the past few years. I don't think they care enough to make an issue of this to be honest.

The issue is not the cheating on the wife, but the playing with public funds, and hiding security costs and travel costs in other agency budgets; said funds being used for security and travel with a mistress. It is the money that is at issue.

At least the Republicans are have a variety.

The Democrats are do have big variety, too!

I really think Hillary and Obama are vastly different in terms of ideals, background, and plans. And what is more varied ... 6 old white guys or a Black guy, a woman, a Hispanic guy?

I really think Hillary and Obama are vastly different in terms of ideals, background, and plans. And what is more varied ... 6 old white guys or a Black guy, a woman, a Hispanic guy? I'm not electing someone's skin to office, I'm voting for the person.

I've watched large chunks of the last two Dem debates. They all basiclly believe the same on the full spectrum of issues. Abortion, immigration, Iraq, ... etc. all the same pretty much. The Reps have every option for each issue, except maybe abortion... and most of them are willing to let the states decide on that.

Just my observation, but the Dems aren't doing themselves any favors not battling it out more now...

I am stuck between Edwards on the Dem side, and Huckabee on the Rep... Too bad Huckabee most likely wont make it :(

It's also telling that the Reps (though hesitatingly) went on CNN's joke of a debate while Dems refuse to go on FoxNews. CNN's Democrat debate allowed people who were supposedly 'Undecided' but they turn out to be very much invested in the Democratic party. That's fine, it's their debate.

But then CNN gives the Rep debate people who are Democratic operatives as well. I like Anderson Cooper, but is CNN corrupt or just wanting the Dems to lose next fall?

It's also telling that the Reps (though hesitatingly) went on CNN's joke of a debate while Dems refuse to go on FoxNews. CNN's Democrat debate allowed people who were supposedly 'Undecided' but they turn out to be very much invested in the Democratic party. That's fine, it's their debate.

But then CNN gives the Rep debate people who are Democratic operatives as well. I like Anderson Cooper, but is CNN corrupt or just wanting the Dems to lose next fall?

FOX News is what is a joke, Akipt. I have yet to see any interviewer allow the person they are questioning give a complete answer if it was not supportive of what the interviewer was trying to make a point of, or conceding that the questioner was right about an issue. They constantly interrupt and talk over the people they interview.

And, they must be having ratings problems, because I have noticed higher hem lines and less behind the desk shows (Rupert using sex to sell his show, LOL).

Byl, I must be watching a different Fox News. I always hear complete answers, whenever theres an interview, regardless of the question.

To say Rupert is using sex to sell his show, is a bit of a joke.
I can think of several things I'd rather see than Sean Hannity prancing about in a thong.

CNN is just as guilty. Just look below:

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/anderson.brooke.jpghttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/lee.carrie.jpg
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/erica.hill.2.jpghttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/hendricks.susan.jpg
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/meade.robin.jpghttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/stouffer.linda.jpg
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/paul.christi.jpghttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/westhoven.jennifer.jpg
All attractive women that work at CNN.
OMFG! Ted Turner is using sex to sell teh newz!!!
That Robin Meade is particularly insidious. I can watch her mouth for hours.....

Perhaps Byl wasn't referring to attractive women being anchors/hosts but to items like (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-marsh/oreilly-fox-sell-sex_b_72643.html) these (http://www.taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=25925).

FOX News is what is a joke, Akipt. I have yet to see any interviewer allow the person they are questioning give a complete answer if it was not supportive of what the interviewer was trying to make a point of, or conceding that the questioner was right about an issue. They constantly interrupt and talk over the people they interview.

And, they must be having ratings problems, because I have noticed higher hem lines and less behind the desk shows (Rupert using sex to sell his show, LOL).That's a pretty weak excuse, even if it were true that the moderators would be "unfair" and talk over the nominees. Afterall, they have time limits for each question for a reason. And what does having pretty girls have to do with it? Ever look at Greta? Oh, she's the liberal one anyway...

Roger Ailes had Rudy Guilani preside over his wedding. Do we really need to go any further with this?

CNN has a liberal bias, occcasionally, due to bad reporting and the fact that they are almost criminally lazy.

Faux News is basically a political organization. Brit Hume, Hannity, Gibson, O'Really, Cavuto, even the dipshits on Fox and Friends. All of them are openly partisan and engage on a daily basis on political mouth piecing. It is the relentless drumbeat of indoctrination.
Why the Democrats wouldnt go on Fox News is simple. They don't need it, and there is no point in going on it. The only tangible result of Democrats going on it would be to give legitimacy to the channel.
The Republicans need CNN. They have the Fox News viewer. Guiliani can go on for the 9th Time on Hannity and Colmes. But they will never get about 24% staying in the Echo Chamber that is Fox News, and they know it.

Jeesh, it seems to me that Bill was trying to make point with his questions, that the pictures in question aren't anything special.

BTW WTH is that ad up on the right hand side of that page?

http://www.taylormarsh.com/images/RadioShow.jpg (http://www.taylormarsh.com/taylor_marsh_live.php) Isn't that using sex to try and sell "news"?

They don't need it, and there is no point in going on it. So much for reaching across the ailes.

Jeesh, it seems to me that Bill was trying to make point with his questions, that the pictures in question aren't anything special.

BTW WTH is that ad up on the right hand side of that page?

Isn't that using sex to try and sell "news"?

C'mon Sixee, you are not really this dense.

Showing pretty faces when I was talking about short hem lines is making what point? Tune in any Sunday morning to Fox and look at how uncomfortable the lady looks in her short skirt; she used to always sit behind a desk, when I have seen her before. Pandering to the far right Republican base apparently is not bringing enough viewers for the sponsors money, so time to show some more legs. Rupert is just making himself look more and more foolish with this channel.

a Black guy, a woman, a Hispanic guy?

They all are similar... they all have a penis

Byl, if you have proof of short hem lines, I'd be interested to see....
My point is, ratings are gotten through various means.
All of the various outlets use different means; some try to scare you (Is your Thanksgiving Turkey going to kill you? Tune in at 6, and find out!), some use pretty faces.
I don't know about you, but I'd watch this, if it came on TV, like it does in Canadia....

http://www.nakednews.com/
(Warning: NSFW)

Now, imagine if Naked News' stories were about how gays, libruls and internet porn were destroying traditional family values, and I think you'll see what Byl was driving at.

in related news this debate was one of the highest rated cable news broadcasts ever.

I turned it off when what's his face stated that he felt funding for NASA was a waste of money.

Byl, if you have proof of short hem lines, I'd be interested to see....


Step 1. Find your TV/Cable remote

Step 2. Turn on

Step 3. Tune to Fox News channel, Sunday morning being a good example

Step 4. WATCH

Fox News is amazing for drinking games, or just drunken laughter.

You really cannot expect anyone to take a network seriously who features Sean Hannity as one of their headliners.

Which network(s) do you take seriously?

Personally, I don't take any of them seriously. They each have their own agendas and prejudices. Sneering arrogantly at Fox News while excusing another network (like CNN) for basically the same type or even worse in some circumstances says alot about the accuser.

I don't really watch television news. I just think it's funny to watch Sean Hannity, who couldn't even get a bachelor's degree, to yell at doctors and stuff on his show.

Like I said, it's funny when you're drunk. ;)

I have better things to do when I'm drunk.

Michael Dell and Bill Gates "couldn't" get a degree either ... that didn't hinder their success or show a lack of intelligence. But anyway, you continue to enlighten us with your snobbery.

http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=850633

You are wicked smart, funny, irreverent and hip, oozing enthusiasm and creative energy. This position requires strong people, reporting, story telling and writing skills. Managing tight deadlines should be second nature. Knowledge of the enviro beat is a big plus, but not a requirement. And that was the first position I googled.

I don't really watch television news. I just think it's funny to watch Sean Hannity, who couldn't even get a bachelor's degree, to yell at doctors and stuff on his show.

Like I said, it's funny when you're drunk. ;)

The arrogance of this statement is enough to make me giggle.

Wasn't it Einstien himself who had trouble with elementary level math?

Don't ascribe everything you think you know about a person to a document that isn't worth what it used to be.

I love this "conservatism" that disdains education. Keep rolling down that dead end.

Hannity is a populist demogouge. Basically Huey Long with a cable show.
Hannity isnt a journalist. He is a "personality". PT Barnum didn't need a degree either to sucker the rubes for their cash.

And again, there is a big difference between Fox and CNN. Neither are worth a shit, but CNN's agendas or shown bias is due to sheer incompetence. Fox is working hand in hand with the conservative "movement".

Akipt, open your eyes. Our media sucks, this is recognizable. But for the most part it is because they sold their integrity for profit. Fox is part of a concentrated effort by ideological forces that are trying to control informational outlets as a tool of political control. These arent necessarily working together, but are closely aligned and all play to the same drumbeat. You have your radio personalities, Fox News, Drudge, and a few dozen blogs.
It doesnt take a genius to see how a story is spun and played out over this network. A major story hits, and you can see when they all receive their fax recommending a unified "treatment". I dont know if its from a thinktank like the Heritage Foundation, or from RNC publicists, but they are very good and informational bombing is very rapid.

The next step in the indoctrination process is to vilify and destroy in the minds of your audience all credibility from all other news sources. Accuse them of doing exactly what you are doing. Its like a racist who accuses black people of racism. Basically, modus operandi on the Limbaugh show.

Its really sad. CNN is pathetic, but the right wing noise machine is evil and damaging to our democracy.

I have better things to do when I'm drunk.

Michael Dell and Bill Gates "couldn't" get a degree either ... that didn't hinder their success or show a lack of intelligence. But anyway, you continue to enlighten us with your snobbery.

http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=850633

And that was the first position I googled.

You do know thats a freelance position I.E. they pair you with a staff producer who does all of the reporting for you? You just read in front of the camera from a script the editor approves. A parrot could do a freelance host job for an internet-only broadcast :)

They also filled the position months before they posted that. You never get a job like this cold. They just have to post an opening because of the union bylaws.

CNN's agendas or shown bias is due to sheer incompetence.By itself, I would assume you're jesting, but by my recollection over the years that's about the 4th time you've excused a media outlet of it. How long before an excuse becomes the modus operandi? If you say "The Most Trusted Name in News" or "All the News Fit to Print" enough times and people will believe it. Apparently you're good proof of that.

You've also termed it 'indoctrination' about 3 times in this thread alone. Say it enough times, maybe it'll stick.

You just read in front of the camera from a script the editor approves. Then why the good writing skills requirement? To catch the editor's bad grammar?

Probably just for show. I'm 100% positive the producer writes scripts for freelance talent in all cases. And then the editor approves the producer's script.

Actually thinking about it more, if they ever intend to bring a freelance person on to fill a full time vacancy then they'd want to have someone who can help the producers write the stories. Like the past few days I've been working with Rachel Nichols. While she doesn't write the stories just by herself, she certainly gets very involved in the writing process since her reputation is on the line as the face in front of the camera.

Again, another example.

You say if you repeat something over and over again, people believe it.

The bottom remains, the slight liberal bias in the main stream media is nothing compared to the overt partisanship on the Right Wing News. They do not equal out. CNN try to be fair, they bend over backwards to accommodate conservative viewpoints, and flog themselves ritualistically if a report lets his viewpoint show.

Don't try to compare the two, they are light years apart. And Im not defending CNN. I just recognize its a piece of shit for entirely different reasons that FOX.

This is "news"
http://www.bluegrassreport.org/bluegrass_politics/images/cavuto200602242.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/95/218099907_19c31d421d_o.jpg

http://www.changetowin.org/connect/WindowsLiveWriter/NeilCavutoTerroristPropagandist_8B9A/image%7B0%7D_thumb%5B1%5D.png
Asked if his News Corp. managed to shape the agenda on the war in Iraq, Murdoch said: “No, I don’t think so. We tried.” Asked by Rose for further comment, he said: “We basically supported the Bush policy in the Middle East…but we have been very critical of his execution.”
gimme a break.

If you say "The Most Trusted Name in News" or "All the News Fit to Print" enough times and people will believe it. Apparently you're good proof of that.So L2 saying CNN suffers from "sheer incompetence" means that, to him, they're the "most trusted name in news?" Heh.

the slight liberal bias in the main stream mediaQuantify that. Is that like slightly pregnant?

Sean Hannity hosts an adversarial program, in which he basically screams unintelligibly at people who are 99% of the time more qualified to comment on whatever subject they are talking about. Sean Hannity has no education, but he uses his position on the show to overpower anyone who he disagrees with. It's painful to watch people who are making complete sense be droned out as he regurgitates whatever bullshit is coming from the GOP corner that week.

He was a radio personality. I'm curious as to where he received his vast knowledge on so many things, and why there are so many people who consider him credible enough to actually watch his joke of a show.

Arrogance? I want my physician to have his MD, which means he is qualified to practice medicine. My lawyer has his law degree. When someone spends 8-10 years in higher education to get their doctorate in any kind of political science/international relations field, I believe it follows that they are the most qualified to comment on political issues (Although everyone always knows best in regards to politics). Furthermore, they specialize in a very precise area of study. When they talk about immigration, for example, they invite someone who is an expert on immigration. Sean Hannity then just yells the party line at them, while completely ignoring any logical argument presented to him. Bill O'Reilly, on the other hand, while employing the same strongarm tactics on his show, at least attempts to follow logic when having debates.

Is there any Republican you don't vehemently defend? Just watch his show for Christ's sake - he has no idea what he is talking about. He just caters to the part of the Republican base that wants constant reaffirmation that their ideals are good and what's right for this country.

You're missing the point Ainwein.

Anyway, here's more slight liberalism from the so-called impartial clearing house Associated Press:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071201/ap_on_go_pr_wh/clinton_hostage_leadership

By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer
Sat Dec 1, 11:51 AM ET

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - When the hostages had been released and their alleged captor arrested, a regal-looking Hillary Rodham Clinton strolled out of her Washington home, the picture of calm in the face of crisis.

The image, broadcast just as the network news began, conveyed the message a thousand town hall meetings and campaign commercials strive for — namely, that the Democratic presidential contender can face disorder in a most orderly manner.It goes on.

And is more sinister than anything Hannity does. At least you know what you're getting with him.

Right.. because the MSM never runs fluff for the republicans? Right?

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1689522,00.html?imw=Y

also from the Librul AP today!

Mike Huckabee is the easygoing ex-governor of Arkansas who charms his audiences with homespun stories of growing up in a family of modest means while sprinkling in broad policy stances under the themes of patriotism and core values. The former Southern Baptist minister tends not to dwell on the details of policy matters, choosing instead to tug on his audiences' heart strings.

BTW.. heres a better analysis of why CNN sucks. It has nothing to do with Librul Bias either. (Oh and its from the Librul LA Times!)
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-et-rutten1dec01,0,2787112.column?coll=la-politics-campaign

It has been in all honesty a brutal week for the Republicans. Guilani gets caught up with the "Sex in the City" Scandal. Romney goes negative and is sputtering as he loses ground to Huckabee(!). Fred Thompson is deader than Grampa Munster.

Looks like McCain may be the man after all.

We could go back and forth all week on this, but you can't compare a Time piece on a presidential candidate to a news report from AP which could be confused for a press release from the very subject.

The fact that you can't see the difference is my point.

And yes, CNN is corrupt. You can affix whatever reason to it that helps you sleep at night.

And you keep being an apologist...

David Broder's OpEd in today's paper made for some interesting reading. He puts forth the idea that because McCain and Huckabee are the two who come out of the debate(s) still showing some class and character, the Republicans would do well to consider what it will take to keep the White House, and go with a McCain-Huckabee ticket. This prospect was also mentioned on Face the Nation this morning.

Giuliani is a non-winner due to his scandalous history and weakness on core religious right issues; his connection to his recently indicted buddy/appointee as well as the tens of thousands of dollars of hidden police expenses for his security while seeing a mistress; and, his determination to keep the country scared, focused on the past (9/11) rather than the present and future.

Romney is a non-winner because he is Mormon, and there will be too many conflicts between the Christain and Mormon beliefs brought into the campaign which will alienate and distract from the serious issues.

Fred Thompson lost before even declaring he was running, with his lack of fire and energy; nobody wants an "aw shucks, I guess I will serve if elected" leader.

McCain and Huckabee can undo much of the Bush-Cheney mistakes, while at the same time addressing domestic issues that have been ignored these last seven years. They are also both possessing the qualities of statesmanship that our allies have been missing, and which can be useful in regaining our former status on the world stage.

Now, if only enough readers in Iowa and New hampshire read the same op-ed, and start doing some thinking of their own rather than what the media spin-doctors and pollsters have been selling them, we might have more of an interesting campaign season. It does offer perhaps the best challenge to the Democrats.

http://www.shutter7.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/12126/4998foxnews%7E0.jpg
(http://img.waffleimages.com/a8aaddbda00a690c8477c0959303de7c636b9afa/4998foxnews.jpg)

lol

And you keep being an apologist...Such as.... ?

hahahhaHAHAHAHAHHAHA the #1 president on mideast matters, rofl, good shit wein

That Mark Foley picture looks like Woody Paige from ESPN/Denver Post.

Ainwein that is great...LOL
Good reason for me always watch something from netfliks instead of nightly news. lol