NBC's First Read on Beck's comment that Obama is a "racist": Such rants used to "actually cost the ranters their jobs"
July 29, 2009 10:58 am ET by Media Matters staff
From a July 29 post on the NBC News blog First Read by political director Chuck Todd, deputy political director Mark Murray, political researcher Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg:
*** On the Glenn Becks and Howard Beales: The White House doesn't want to give Glenn Beck a bigger platform or extra oxygen -- especially regarding his remark yesterday that the president has "a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture" -- so they won't comment, even off record. Beck, after all, is a radio DJ who somehow ended up getting a national platform to give his opinion on politics. What's most amazing about this episode is that what Beck said isn't a fireable or even a SUSPENDABLE offense by his bosses. There was a time when outrageous rants like this would actually cost the ranters their jobs. But not anymore; if anything, it's now encouraged. And all of this could turn ACTUAL journalists into the next Howard Beales. It's getting nuts that the folks who are creating the perception of an ideological/polarized media world are people who have never really spent their lives being journalists. Whether it's former political consultants-turned-TV execs or former radio DJs, or former California socialites, the folks helping to accelerate the public's perception of the media off a cliff made their livings trying to do other things. Of course, Beck's crazy language could have one unintended consequence: It could cost him bookings with any Republicans who want to be popular outside Beck's hard-core bizarro-land viewers.
Morning Joe crew slams Beck over Obama is "a racist" comment
Beck: Obama has "exposed himself as a guy" with "a deep seated hatred for white people"
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The Friday Rush: A series of conflicts
Contrary to media hype, Sarah Palin is very unpopular
"I've been quoted out of context!"
"That isn't what I meant!"
"Why is the liberal MSM so bent on my destruction!"
"I AM A VICTIM."
10, 9, 8, 7, 6...
Fox does not want him to change his tune, anymore than MSNBC wants Pat Buchanan to temper his comments, or CNN wants Lou Dobbs to back off.
If these folks are outrageous, they get media attention, with no negative consequence. And then, to top it off, shows like NBC's Today continue to reward these jerks with prime exposure. Hence, you have Michelle Malkin getting to spout nonsense with Matt Lauer this morning. And Malkin is as offensive as they come.
The MSM is a sham.
Walter Cronkite is rolling in his grave...They come up so short....