Originally posted by: JayhaVVKU
Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Originally posted by: PJABBER
She really does irritate you doesn't she?
Have you actually read any of her books or just the commentary in criticism of her writing?
Is the agenda of the lefty (no reviews or criticism of Left oriented or "Progressive" authors or commentators) Media Matters yours as well? To the point that you will not independently examine opposing positions?
Funny, you accuse Pens1566 of not "independently examining opposing positions" when you fail to do so yourself.
With that being said Ann Coulter is one of the most vile things to come out of modern politics. She has no care for the issues one way or another, she simply wants to profit from creating virulent discourse. No matter if what she was presenting was true or not.
Who would be considered the "leftist" equivalents of Rush, Hannity, Beck, and Coulter? I would think even the most objective observer would find these people to be well beyond the likes of Olbermann and Co.(the liberal media) or anyone else in their hateful and misleading speech.
I can't fathom anyone more unpleasant than these 4, except maybe their respective audiences..
Obviously the thread is getting off track, hopefully it doesn't evolve more into some kind of a back and forth on who is best able to trash talk and claim the equivalent of Pyrrhic victory.
The hostility toward the OP author is kind of interesting and indicates an inordinate amount of sensitivity to criticism from inside the Democrat liberal camp. Why?
As to the accusation that I do not consider or spend any effort in "independently examining opposing positions" - how do you know? Can't I express an informed opinion reached after considering all the sides?
Understand that I don't generally get to watch popular TV, so most of my news comes from streaming international, domestic and financial news feeds, more raw data and less opinion. I tend to rely on The Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal (rated most liberal newspaper in the US?) I also like to read a wide variety of international newspapers, but I do not look to them for a view on what is happening in U.S. politics.
I, for one, do not get much of my news or opinion from
any of the above commentators. I have heard each of them but they don't play much of a role, if any, in my consideration. From afar, these are my impressions, inadequate as they may be since I am not a rabid fan -
The Olbermann show is one of the most vile things I have seen on American television. There is a level of lunacy there that one cannot even approach in rational discussion. Almost the entirety of his tirades are aimed at demonification. The epitome of a gas bag and leftist hack.
The Maddow show is a bit better, but the emphasis is so much on the viewpoints of the Left that any minor attempt to offer up an opposing viewpoint is always accompanied by her disbelieving smirks and innuendos. Opposition viewpoints are rare, and then she is apt to play a form of gotcha questioning. Poor entertainment at best and kind of juvenile. Positive point is that she does bring up some science stories once in a while, at least she did in the few episodes that I watched.
The Matthews show used to be one of my favorites a long time ago. Over the years he has become even more of a partisan hack. He throws a lot of softballs at those who are in his camp, he is a confrontational and bullying interviewer with opponents or contrarian opinion holders. I did see a few interviews with him challenging Democrats. He has been very clear in saying that he is an Obama supporter and has said that now that he and other media have gotten Obama elected they must make sure that they put in all of their support to insure he succeeds, so he is a cheerleader in the end.
I can't watch the Ed Show, it is that boring. Why is he on TV at all?
Why are all of the above advocacy shows so reluctant to include competent opposing commentary in their programming? Their ratings reflect the lack of trust that people have in their very partisan approach.
Does Coulter have a TV show? She is a regular guest but she needs more time to develop her more complex arguments, so she doesn't come across as well as she might.
The Hannity show is a mixed bag. He is an advocate for the right, a cheerleader for America Right or Wrong. I don't like it that he doesn't get into the depth of anything, but I think he keeps his discourse accessible to a general audience. One commendable thing that I noticed is that he
always invites informed opponents to be on his show. He had a point/counterpoint segment with Alan Colmes (brother-in-law of Monica Crowley, she takes a more right leaning perspective) and often prevails in the give and take IMO. In other segments I saw he was willing to let the opposition express their views at length. I listened to his drive time radio show once in a while during the electioneering last year and I think he comes across better in that medium. He also allowed opposition viewpoint to be regularly aired on the radio show.
The O'Reilly show is kind of a folksy look at things. I believe he is the most independent of the commentators. I guess viewers agree as his ratings are astronomical. He covers a lot of ground and once in a while is willing to get in the face of pompous and lying politicians such as Barney Frank. If I had an hour or so to kill in prime time I may keep him on in the background.
Some of my friends have recorded episodes of the Beck show, mostly those dealing with economic issues where I have an interest. He makes an effort to explain complex topics more or less successfully. He sort of reminds me of Jim Cramer, lots of manic energy. I guess I can watch him for entertainment, but I tend to tune out the grandstanding.
I sometimes listen to Rush Limbaugh, again at drive times. I find the presentation kind of bombastic and rambling. I usually switch to other channels as he doesn't normally do interviews with other people. Having said this, I think he is quite intelligent, and I am basing this on a two part interview conducted by Greta Van Susteren for Fox. This was quite an eye-opener for me - if you haven't seen the interview, make a point to see it in the entirety. I can see why the Left hates him, he can be quite effective in pointing out their foibles.
Here is the recorded interview -
Greta Van Susteren - Rush Limbaugh interview
Obviously I am not impressed with most TV commentary. So, who would I make a point to watch?
I do try to listen to recordings of
This Week with George Stephanopoulos, the ABC Sunday interview show and find he always does a great job in covering the issues of the week, mildly from the left.
Finally, again reflecting my predilection for finance and in-depth discussion, Neil Cavuto on Fox at 4P EST is really my favorite because he doesn't shy away from detail. A very, very good interviewer. I miss him on CNBC, but will often keep business news on one monitor with Neil on Fox News on a second feed.
These two guys keep the discussion elevated and do good in-depth reviews of current issues. Just my opinion.
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