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A debate so "healthy" it makes you sick

October 28, 2009 11:42 pm ET by Jeremy Holden

During the October 28 edition of her Fox News show, Greta Van Susteren purported to host "a healthy debate" about health care reform.

During the first 35 minutes of the show, Van Susteren interviewed Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ), and -- for 10 minutes -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to discuss health care reform. (Van Susteren also interviewed Fox News contributor and former GOP Sen. Rick Santorum and Jeff Birnbaum of The Washington Times about issues not related to health care reform.)

So what, you might ask, makes it a "healthy debate"? The on-screen text, of course. And Fox News graphics wouldn't lie.

To think Fox News has been criticized for being the communications arm of the Republican Party.

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    • Author by mdey (October 29, 2009 12:36 am ET)
      8  
      This is a typical nightly lineup on Greta's show. Wall to wall right-wing talking heads and the sycophantic Greta.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by chefacree@aol.com (October 29, 2009 9:52 am ET)
        4  
        She needs to stick to covering stories of missing women and drug addicted fat tired dope fiends.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by classicliberal2 (October 29, 2009 2:15 pm ET)
           
        This was actually pretty typical of all programs on all subjects on all channels up until very recently, and, for the most part, it's still SOP--either uninterrupted righties, or conservatives matched against phony "liberals"--which gets to a point I'd like to make about MMFA: You guys are spending waaaaay too much time on Fox. It's like shooting arthritic fish in a really small barrel, and, honestly, the rest of the press isn't that much better, and could use a lot more criticism than it's been getting here lately.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by alienofwar (October 29, 2009 2:35 pm ET)
          2  
          They seem to go after the most outrageous lies and distortions and it just so happens that Fox "News" keeps winning this contest.

          If MMFA is not on top of it, than who else will? They do an awesome job at keeping on top of things.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by mattcable250650 (October 29, 2009 4:39 pm ET)
             
          Yeah, but if Fox was getting criticized more broadly so that there was a national consensus that Fox is a propaganda outlet, then MMFA could relax and concern itself with other subjects. As long as they're pretty much the only ones doing it, they fulfill a critically necessary function that no one else does.
          Report Abuse
      • Author by markbfoot199 (October 29, 2009 4:16 pm ET)
          2
        Yea, Cause MSNBC bring on a large number of Republicans, I mean really we should follow their lead, call individuals Liars, Piece of Crap and many other names Olbermann (Mr. Large Audience Himself) and party call those whom they do not like on a daily basis.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by political_left-religious_right (October 31, 2009 3:54 pm ET)
             
          I can hardly wait to read your first legible post.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by ReasonAndResolve (October 29, 2009 1:11 am ET)
      7  
      Hilarious
      Report Abuse
      • Author by Bad News (October 29, 2009 1:48 am ET)
        2 2
        Hilarious is Spot-on.
        Pathetic also works, with either word you can't go Wrong.
        Shepard Smith is the Soul Survivor of Credibility on Fox.
        "On the Record" talk about an Oxymoron Segueing into a complete Crock.

        Speak truth to power.


        Mr. News
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Bad News (October 29, 2009 2:08 am ET)
          1 5
          Bill O'Reilly, Why are you still Unwilling to Apologize to Andrea Mackris?
          You have time to call Judge Edward Chin a Radical but no time for This?
          If you bumped into Andrea Mackris at the Mall i imagine you would say Excuse Me?
          But if you committed "Phone Rape" No Apology, No Contrition & No Empathy for Thee?

          Speak truth to power.


          Mr. News
          Report Abuse
        • Author by Conchobhar (October 29, 2009 2:42 pm ET)
          1  
          "Shepard Smith is the Soul Survivor of Credibility on Fox
          As evidenced by this.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by DellDolly (October 29, 2009 1:23 am ET)
      11  
      What if we had a debate and no one from one side of the debate came?

      If we call it a debate, but there's no one from the Democratic side of the aisle, can it still be called a debate?
      Report Abuse
      • Author by National_Insecurity (October 29, 2009 2:23 am ET)
        7  
        Sure, it can still be called a debate as long as the segment producer gets Roger Ailes's approval, the Chryon operator types it in and the Technical Director remembers to push the right button on the effects bank to super the font.

        And you thought propaganda was easy? It's a lot of work.

        [sarcasm]
        Report Abuse
      • Author by National_Insecurity (October 29, 2009 2:23 am ET)
        4  
        Sure, it can still be called a debate as long as the segment producer gets Roger Ailes's approval, the Chryon operator types it in and the Technical Director remembers to push the right button on the effects bank to super the font.

        And you thought propaganda was easy? It's a lot of work.

        [sarcasm]
        Report Abuse
      • Author by fairliberal (October 29, 2009 11:54 am ET)
        1 12
        You seem to forget that was exactly the strategy of the dems in the last election. Now they are avoiding Fox in an attempt to control the media. A free press is an important part of our country, it is too bad the Obamanation does not think so.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by all your eyes (October 29, 2009 12:00 pm ET)
          5  
          You're so fair, fairliberal.

          FOX News: Real journalism, fair and balanced. We Report, You decide!

          Anyone who advertises their "fairness" is probably lying.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by DellDolly (October 29, 2009 12:49 pm ET)
          6  
          What was exactly the strategy of the Democratic Party in the last election? They had things they called debates without any Republicans present?

          Funny, but I don't remember that happening!

          And it's a strawman argument to suggest that a free press isn't even MORE important to those on the left right now versus those on the right who support FoxNews, considering how badly their version of the news is tainted with distortions and omissions!
          Report Abuse
        • Author by captfoster2 (October 29, 2009 2:29 pm ET)
          2  
          Not fair Nor liberal

          You seem to forget that Fox News.... IS NOT NEWS!!

          Fox is a circus act which claims to be news! A big reason why Bush/Cheney types fall all over themselves clamoring to get their collective mugs on TV and normal people like president Obama stay away as much as possible!

          On Mitch McConnell:

          Why does this man always look as if he stares at light bulbs all day?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by slowtyper (October 29, 2009 3:49 pm ET)
          1  
          if you could somehow work "honest" with the free press you speak of..you might have a point..but with fox you get a free "press" with no hint of honesty or credibility..they have opt-ed out of the news..and have never been anything but a haven for wrong-winged nutjobs..

          since they have decided to self identify as an opposition political arm of the republican party.. democrats have rightly (and finally) decided to call a spade a spade and treat them as simply the opposition..

          if you find fox to be entertaining and worth your time..more power to you..have at it..but don't expect right-minded..intelligent folks to take you seriously..
          Report Abuse
      • Author by alerted (October 29, 2009 12:51 pm ET)
        3 4
        Much like the Republicans are being locked out of closed door meeting with Democrates to discuss healtcare reform?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by all your eyes (October 29, 2009 1:28 pm ET)
          4  
          The Republicans have made it very clear how serious they are about negotiating any health care reform that would pass muster with the Democrats, who resoundingly swept the election last year, if you remember.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by neon desert (October 29, 2009 1:40 pm ET)
            2  
            Besides that, the republicans have not yet offered their sacrifice of swine as required to gain an audience with Democrates, the Greek god of vaccine.
            Report Abuse
    • Author by magnolialover (October 29, 2009 7:54 am ET)
      7  
      And here I thought debates had opposing viewpoints on to, you know, debate. Not some republican circle jerk with repeated talking points.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by neon desert (October 29, 2009 9:14 am ET)
        4 1
        Resolved: How bad health insurance reform is. Some say it's REALLY REALLY BAD and others say it will lead to the nazification of the American Republic.

        Discuss.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by DellDolly (October 29, 2009 10:50 am ET)
          2  
          That was laugh out loud funny, Neon. Thanks for getting my blood moving this morning - it's a little cold and dreary where I am.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by skiploader1111 (October 29, 2009 9:02 am ET)
      4  
      Sounds more like "A Healthy GOP Master Debate."
      Report Abuse
      • Author by latichever (October 29, 2009 10:00 am ET)
        8  
        And Greta is always trotted out as the liberal one.

        She's a ghoul who made her career on OJ.

        She's also the daughter of Joe McCarthy's campaign manager, and a Scientologist.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by usp (October 29, 2009 11:53 am ET)
             
          sweet! extra points for scientology! hahaha wwlrhdd?

          what would l ron hubbard do?

          start his own religion!
          Report Abuse
    • Author by terrapin53 (October 29, 2009 10:04 am ET)
      4  
      I chose the world series over Greta last night. Smart move on my part. The Phillies were more fair and balanced than this show.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Samurai Cowboy (October 29, 2009 10:19 am ET)
      3  
      Mitch McConnell reminds me of Howdy Doody. I wonder who is pulling his strings and making his mouth move.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by jdevlaeminck (October 29, 2009 10:36 am ET)
      1 8
      Perhaps MSNBC and the Ed Show isn't lined up with Democratic talking heads? I don't remember seeing a Republican on Olbermann..ever? Please, Fox isn't the only one who does this. McConnell and Republicans are the minority. Democrats are killing your Health Care plan
      Report Abuse
      • Author by DellDolly (October 29, 2009 10:58 am ET)
        8  
        Where to start?

        Did you read the posting? I guess that's my first question. Because if you did, you'd see that the topic here is the lack of any opposing voices in this so-called debate. It's not a debate if you don't have two opposing sides, you know. There's a problem if you call something a debate that's not a debate.

        That problem doesn't disappear by your claims about what personalities do or don't do on MSNBC. See, two wrongs don't make a right. It's wrong to claim to have a debate without an opposing view being present. And they called it a "healthy" debate. Now, I understand that was a play on words, but it was portrayed as not just a regular debate, but even better. But it wasn't a debate at all.

        Do you understand this better now - that the issue was that they claimed they were having a debate, but they weren't?

        Complaining about your issues with MSNBC doesn't mitigate the sins of FoxNews in any way. Do you understand this better now?

        If MSNBC has claimed to have a debate, but only invited one side, please provide us with an example with links to that event.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by fairliberal (October 29, 2009 12:03 pm ET)
            6
          You might be right, I would compare this segment to Maddow's Talk Me Down segments, where she debates far right guys like Howard Dean and Paul Krugman. Google it.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by jarossiter (October 29, 2009 12:36 pm ET)
            6  
            The right is afraid to come on Maddow's show. She eats you guys for breakfast.

            I love what she did to Dick Armey on MTP a couple of weeks ago.
            Report Abuse
            • Author by alerted (October 29, 2009 12:55 pm ET)
              1 6
              The President is scared to go on Fox News, what's your point?
              Report Abuse
              • Author by jarossiter (October 29, 2009 1:21 pm ET)
                1  
                Yeah, those two are equal.

                Report Abuse
                • Author by alerted (October 29, 2009 1:23 pm ET)
                    5
                  Your right...the President being scared of anyone is much worse.
                  Report Abuse
                  • Author by jarossiter (October 29, 2009 1:29 pm ET)
                    1  
                    Tell me, which show on fox deserves to have President Obama (or any President for that matter) appear on it. Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck?

                    After he's been on MSNBC, then you can complain he hasn't been on fox, maybe, but not until.

                    As to fear, you keep thinking that. The ONLY person on fox who has a chance to keep up with the President is Britt.
                    Report Abuse
              • Author by skiploader1111 (October 29, 2009 1:28 pm ET)
                2  
                The President HAS gone on Fox News both as a candidate and as president.
                Report Abuse
          • Author by skiploader1111 (October 29, 2009 12:43 pm ET)
            3  
            Do you know even know what the term "talk me down" means and when it is used in the modern English language? Maddow's segment is EXACTLY what the phrase implies. It implies a debate in which she disagrees with someone who she usually agrees with. DDUUUYYY!

            If she had a conservative or Republican on, the term "talk me down" wouldn't make sense. The title is literally telling you that a Republican will not be on the segment!

            OTOH, "A Healthy Debate" is not even a debate.
            Report Abuse
            • Author by Conchobhar (October 30, 2009 8:58 am ET)
                 
              "OTOH, "A Healthy Debate" is not even a debate."
              Of course not. How could it be healthy if it was infected with facts and un-American, Commie, Pinko, fascist, modern left-wing ideas?
              Report Abuse
          • Author by mikeybee (October 29, 2009 1:20 pm ET)
            3  
            my understanding was that Gretta was being held up as an example of "straight news" that Fox offers, whereas someone like Rachel Maddow would be an opinion show. Much like the argument has been made that you cannot judge the veracity of Fox based on Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck who are quite clearly "opinion" people. So to compare this to a segment on Rachel Maddow's show seems unfair. likewise, to call this segment a "healhty debate" is also unfair and inaccurate, in my opinion.
            Report Abuse
          • Author by alienofwar (October 29, 2009 2:39 pm ET)
            1  
            You obviously don't watch the shows because she always invites opponents onto her show for a debate. In fact, at the moment she is trying to get Joe Liebermann onto the show but his office won't even pick up the phone.
            Report Abuse
            • Author by political_left-religious_right (October 31, 2009 4:02 pm ET)
                 
              Maddow has also repeatedly challenged Lynn Cheney, to no avail. Cheney is at least bright enough to know it will come out badly for her.
              Report Abuse
    • Author by vonbargen9388 (October 29, 2009 10:52 am ET)
      7  
      Bill O'Reilly used to use Greta and Alan Colmes as examples of the balance on Fox, claiming that Greta was a liberal. That was when she only covered missing co-eds night after night and they could pretend she wasn't one of Roger Ailes' hookers. "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."
      Report Abuse
      • Author by fairliberal (October 29, 2009 12:05 pm ET)
        2 7
        O'Reilly always has lefties on, sometimes 2 of them to debate him. Of course you ignore that and prefer the typical name calling practised by the left.

        Whose hooker are you?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by jarossiter (October 29, 2009 12:37 pm ET)
          4  
          You mean he has 2 liberals so he can shout over what they say.

          O'Reilly belongs to the same school as my father did. "He who shouts loudest is the most right!"
          Report Abuse
    • Author by toombsie (October 29, 2009 11:19 am ET)
      6  
      I thought Greta was an example of Fox News being "unbiased"?

      Guess I have to cross her off the list. All that remains is Shepard Smith and I'm sure he'll get fired before the next election.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© (October 29, 2009 1:50 pm ET)
      1  
      I am living in a socialist hellhole

      A report on health care from a neighbor to our north.

      ( <sarcasm> tag for those who need one.)

      ~
      Report Abuse
      • Author by RedChocobo (October 29, 2009 4:43 pm ET)
           
        Gosh, when you read things like that it really makes you want to rush down and demand single payer.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by DeirdreFlanagan6 (October 29, 2009 2:40 pm ET)
      2  
      For Greta and Fox the healthiest debates are when there is no opposition...that way they're never wrong. I just wish they all wore matching robes...you know because all they do is sing to the choir!
      Report Abuse
    • Author by mikatollah (October 29, 2009 5:50 pm ET)
         
      Fair AND balanced...
      Report Abuse
    • Author by David G (October 29, 2009 7:15 pm ET)
      1  
      Fox News is a Joke!!!!! Fox is a Conservative Right Wing Political Organization. When they actually have 1 Progressive thinker, you also have 3 3or 4 consevatives dog piling the Progressive, trying to make him look like a fool. This is what Fox considers fair and balanced. People watching Fox News are either whack jobs, or they watch to see what the next outrageous statement they are going to make, for a good laugh.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by bookemdano (October 29, 2009 7:31 pm ET)
         
      Greta was a joke when she started as a commentator for Court TV during the OJ trial and she has declined since then. She should be filing suit against the guy who hit her in the face with a 2x4.
      Report Abuse

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