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Medved interspersed clips from Kucinich's DNC speech with clips of Adolf Hitler

August 28, 2008 5:53 pm ET

On his radio show, Michael Medved interspersed clips of Rep. Dennis Kucinich's speech at the Democratic National Convention with clips of Adolf Hitler saying, "Sieg Heil." Afterward, Medved stated of Kucinich's speech that "[e]verything was there except for 'Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer,' " a reference to the Nazi slogan meaning "one people, one empire, one leader."

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On the August 27 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Michael Medved interspersed clips of Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich's speech at the Democratic National Convention with clips of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler saying, "Sieg Heil," as Daily Kos diarist "mediaprof" noted.

Medved played the end of Kucinich's August 26 speech, in which he said:

This is not a call for you to take a new direction from right to left. This is call for you to go from down to up. Up with the rights of workers. Up with wages. Up with fair trade. Up with creating millions of good paying jobs, rebuilding our bridges, ports and water systems. Up with creating millions of sustainable energy jobs to lower the cost of energy, lower carbon emissions and protect the environment.

Up with health care for all. Up with education for all. Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits. Up with peace. Up with prosperity. Up with the Democratic Party. Up with Obama-Biden.

Wake up, America. Wake up, America. Wake up, America.

After airing Kucinich's remarks, Medved stated: "Well, what's interesting about this is in the version that you saw on TV, they didn't have microphones in the audience, and when you actually hear what was going on in the audience, you understand why Congressman Kucinich, a Democrat from Ohio, was getting so excited at the end of his speech. Here's what the speech sounded like when you actually hear the audience response." Medved then played clips from Kucinich's speech interspersed with clips of Hitler leading an audience in chants of "Sieg Heil":

KUCINICH: Up with health care for all.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with education for all.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits.

HITLER: Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with peace.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with prosperity. Up with the Democratic Party.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with Obama-Biden. Wake up, America.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Wake up, America. Wake up, America.

After airing the clips of Kucinich and Hitler, Medved stated that "[e]verything was there except for 'Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer,' " a reference to the Nazi slogan meaning "one people, one empire, one leader." Medved continued: "I mean, this is pretty, pretty amazing. He [Kucinich] has the same stature as a former orator." Indeed, as the Daily Kos diary noted, Medved's website summarized the first hour of his August 27 show as: "Hour 1: Dennis Kucinich sounds like another short guy."

Medved

As Media Matters for America noted, on the February 11 broadcast of his Fox News Radio show, Tom Sullivan similarly aired what he called a "side-by-side comparison" of a Hitler speech and a speech by Sen. Barack Obama.

From the August 27 broadcast of Salem Radio Network's The Michael Medved Show:

MEDVED: All right. Wake up, America. Now, and in case you think he forgot his main theme of "Wake Up, America," he concluded his speech on this inspiring basis.

[begin audio clip]

KUCINICH: This is not a call for you to take a new direction from right to left, this is a call for you to go from down to up: Up with the rights of workers. Up with wages. Up with fair trade. Up with creating millions of good paying jobs, rebuilding our bridges, our water system, our sewer system, our ports. Up with creating millions of sustainable energy jobs to lower the cost of energy, lower carbon emissions, and protect the environment. Up with health care for all.

MEDVED: Try some decaf.

KUCINICH: Up with education for all. Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits. Up with peace. Up with prosperity. Up with the Democratic Party. Up with Obama-Biden.

MEDVED: Up yours.

KUCINICH: Wake up, America. Wake up, America. Wake up, America.

[end audio clip]

MEDVED: OK, now he was getting pretty excited. And when you actually see this on tape -- and very few people saw it live. If by the way you agree with Dennis Kucinich, and you think this was a fine speech, please give us a call: 1-800-955-1776. You kind of wonder, how did he get so excited? Well, what's interesting about this is in the version that you saw on TV, they didn't have microphones in the audience, and when you actually hear what was going on in the audience, you understand why Congressman Kucinich, a Democrat from Ohio, was getting so excited at the end of his speech. Here's what the speech sounded like when you actually hear the audience response.

[begin audio clip]

KUCINICH: Up with health care for all.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with education for all.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits.

HITLER: Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with peace.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with prosperity. Up with the Democratic Party.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Up with Obama-Biden. Wake up, America.

HITLER: Sieg Heil!

KUCINICH: Wake up, America. Wake up, America.

[end audio clip]

MEDVED: OK. Everything was there except for "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer." I mean, this is pretty, pretty amazing. He has the same stature as a former orator. Surely, this is -- it's pretty amazing. You talk about Big Tent Democrats. You feel comfortable in the same party, do you, with Dennis Kucinich? If you do, you can give us a call: 1-800-955-1776.

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    • Author by RABBITLUVR (August 28, 2008 5:56 pm ET)
         
      This jerk needs to get a room with Peggy Loony-Noony. Preferably an all-red room with a life-sized Hitler portrait, swastika-emblazoned sheets, and a skull lamp.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by carlileb5935 (August 28, 2008 7:13 pm ET)
           

        Is there anyone more directly opposite of Adolf Hitler- in every conceivable way-- than Dennis Kucinich?

        So what possible comparison is there? The imagery doesn't match at all. It's just a braindead analogy.

        Is there something in these guys' brain chemistry that just isn't firing right? You can just see them giggling all the way to the mixing board with this daft joke.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by captfoster2 (August 29, 2008 12:59 am ET)
             

          CARL,

          You couldn't have said it any better......

          About the only thing I can think is.......

          projection?

          fear of a liberal having a say in government matters?

          stupidity?

          ignorance?

          hate?

          Any of these would work I suppose..... Medved needs a new job!

          Report Abuse
      • Author by TadekKorn (August 29, 2008 12:43 am ET)
           

        Rabbitluvr, you're being far too kind.  "Jerk?"  That's too mild.  One or two Yiddishisms are more appropriate for Medved: I suggest schmock or potz.  (Sometimes I'm embarrassed by members of my tribe--and unfortunately there are far too many such embarrassments in the Bush administration.  There's even the Senator from Connecticut.  But that's an entirely different topic, and an opportunity for learning another Yiddishism: tuchiss-lecker.)

        Report Abuse
    • Author by DAWUSS (August 28, 2008 5:59 pm ET)
         
      Isn't something like Michael Savage's job? Inserting Nazi reference after Nazi reference?
      Report Abuse
      • Author by neon desert (August 28, 2008 6:29 pm ET)
           

        Has campaign season has already passed the Godwin threshold?

        Michael Medved stars in this latest screwball comedy by Michael Medved.  Produced on a shoe-string budget by Medved Media, it's preposterous plot provides few laughs and even fewer moments of entertainment.

        When Dennis Kucinich (himself) gives a speech, the words of Adolph Hitler (stock footage) anachronistically become audible, providing the backdrop to a non-stop snooze, even with Medved interjecting what were intended to be clever Woody Allen-like asides.

        Few will find anything worthwhile in this tasteless, witless, clumsy clunker.  There’s no chemistry, no humor, and no surprises except for the astonishing level of ineptitude.

        ONE AND A HALF STARS for the entertainment value of Medved embarrassing himself – he should have stayed in a theater with the rest of the raincoat crowd.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by Col. Harlan Sanders (August 29, 2008 1:38 am ET)
             

          Another 10, Argon. I just wish I'd thought of it.

          The only reason I ever tune into Medved's radio show is to hear his movie reviews. Once a semi-pro "player" on the Hollywood scene, he outgrew his appeal to middle-aged movie biz guys, went into the closet , started a family, and became a Republican.

          In order to not offend his wingnut audience, he only reviews children's movies now. It's so sad, I almost stop laughing sometimes as he applies his vast knowledge of the Cinema to the latest Spy Kids sequel.

          Report Abuse
          • Author by neon desert (August 29, 2008 9:25 am ET)
               

            Thanks, Col.  Pretty weak execution by my own judgement - just threw it together too quick.

            I've never really had much use for movie reviewers.  And Medved, above all the others, comes across as someone who's bitter at all of Hollywood because he never had the talent to be a part of the creative clique.  Any chance his right-wing perspective comes from that feeling of inadequacy?

            Report Abuse
    • Author by nerzog (August 28, 2008 6:00 pm ET)
         
      Aw, isn't this cute. Medved thinks he can do radio comedy, just like PigBoy Limbaugh.

      And this is why conservative talk radio dominates the market? Somebody want to recite that Market Forces bullsh*t for us again?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by shaggles (August 28, 2008 6:01 pm ET)
         
      I can't think of anyone less Nazi-like that Dennis Kucinich.  Flanders needs to try again.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by nerzog (August 28, 2008 6:16 pm ET)
           
        Seems to me that Kucinich did a pretty good job of cataloging Republican corruption. Too bad the press won't investigate any of it.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by sandss981580 (August 28, 2008 8:29 pm ET)
             
          seems to me stevens is under indictment.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by captfoster2 (August 29, 2008 1:02 am ET)
               

            How dare you point out that the Republicans are by and large a dirty nasty group of over-acheiving thugs that will all see an indictment soon enough.... and jail time if there really is justice in the world!

             

            Report Abuse
          • Author by Col. Harlan Sanders (August 29, 2008 1:40 am ET)
               

            seems to me stevens is under indictment.(Hissy)

            I hope he doesn't take down the entire McMahon-Tate advertising firm! Wait, am I as confused as you are?

            Report Abuse
            • Author by neon desert (August 29, 2008 9:16 am ET)
                 

              Hey, wait a minute...  You look different.  I don't think you're the same Col we saw yesterday.

              Are you?  You kind of look the same, but...

              Now I'm confused.

              Report Abuse
    • Author by snoopy (August 28, 2008 6:08 pm ET)
         
      Oh gee, what a shock! ANOTHER nazi reference by the republicans! Poor little temper tantrum throwing babies sure do hate it if you turn the tables though.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by MoonbatYouBet (August 28, 2008 6:09 pm ET)
         
      Do all these blowhards have the same "Moments in History" desk calendar or something?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by nerzog (August 28, 2008 6:13 pm ET)
         
      Medved is an idiot. I once heard him argue that Hollywood only cared about money. Then, in the same program, he claimed that Hollywood kept foisting money-losing R rated movies on the public just to promote their "agenda".

      He's just another Religious Right Republican Talk Radio Toady.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by megabot (August 28, 2008 6:40 pm ET)
         

      This is how pathetic and panicked the authoritarian right-wing are becoming - they are comparing every fiery liberal Democrat with the Nazis. Michael, who helped build up the Bush family fortune?

      Yeah, that's right. Go back to reviewing movies.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by mary59 (August 28, 2008 6:51 pm ET)
           
        ooh how naughty of you to bring that up!  The Bush/Babs families were just being good 'ole corporatists.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by pithaughn (August 29, 2008 11:04 am ET)
             
          Yes, as long as an activity or enterprise generates profits, then it is to be revered, praised and showered with adoration. Matters not who was destroyed in the process, no consideration is to given to the enviroment or health of human beings.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by wookie (August 28, 2008 6:42 pm ET)
         
      In the future, everyone will be Hitler for 15 minutes.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by jeter2 (August 28, 2008 6:52 pm ET)
         

      Well quite frankly I thought Kucinich looked a tad nutty waving his arms about while he delivered his speech, but inserting this "Sieg Heil." stuff by Medved was totally over the top.

      Anyway, everyone knows Cons are Nazis, & Libs are Commies. Geez, how many times do I have to remind folks of this ;-)

      Report Abuse
      • Author by mary59 (August 28, 2008 7:05 pm ET)
           
        And centrists are weenies ;-)
        Report Abuse
      • Author by Pyrrhonist (August 28, 2008 8:41 pm ET)
           
        Awww, Jeter. Kucinich isn't nutty; he's exuberant.  We are a big tent with a lot of interesting personalities.  It makes for happier teevee than the angry GOP convention.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by magnolialover (August 29, 2008 8:58 am ET)
           

        Actually, Kucinich IS a kook! But then again, that's what I love about the guy. I was totally on board with Kucinich for President even though I knew that he wouldn't get even close to the nomination.

        Anyway, all of those things that he said in his speech, Medved acts like those are BAD things.

        Report Abuse
    • Author by larsontv1671 (August 28, 2008 7:20 pm ET)
         
      WOW--the Republicans, and the right-wing radio world that feeds off the hatred they've tried to foment, must just be PANICKED.  Medved AND Noonan have BOTH nonsensically raised the Nazi subject, which pretty much only comes up when someone wants to throw a verbal firebomb because they have nothing substantive to say.  Gee whiz.  And the columns! The columns! The Greek columns! They're just losing it...the stage is very reminiscent of what Bush used in 2004, and I don't recall anyone on the right minding it then.  But then again, Bush wasn't a Democrat and a man of color...now, in THIS situation, they're freaking out to use anything to try to diminish Sen. Obama...and to diminish US, the voting public...and hang on to their power.  It's pathetic. I pray that it won't work this time.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by annes10 (August 29, 2008 9:04 am ET)
           

        Larson, I agree. The RW is terrified and on the run. So is the MSM, who settled easily into Bushworld and now is acting pretty rattled.    

        Report Abuse
    • Author by mefirst (August 28, 2008 7:48 pm ET)
         
      home ownership = nazism.  who knew?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by sandss981580 (August 28, 2008 8:27 pm ET)
         
      i don't think it was adolph hitler saying sieg heil.  that's like saying, heil myself, ala to be or not to be.  it was the crowd saying sieg heil.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by mefirst (August 28, 2008 8:50 pm ET)
           
        are you confusing that with heil hitler?
        Report Abuse
      • Author by Pyrrhonist (August 28, 2008 8:56 pm ET)
           
        No, sieg heil means "hail to victory" and Hitler did say it, a lot.  Don't you get the History Channel?
        Report Abuse
    • Author by zamfir273114 (August 28, 2008 8:32 pm ET)
         
      It's no wonder the Anti Defamation League is sick and tired of Hitler images being used over and over for political purposes. Not only does it belittle the millions of Jews that died from a true tyrant, it is also the lowest form political discourse that exists. In WHAT WAY can Kucinich be compared to Hitler? They are nothing alike? Although I have never met him personally, I get the impression that Kucinich is a wonderful person (that conclusion based on his political stance in many areas). Medved now tops my list of komplete $#1theads.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by sandss981580 (August 28, 2008 8:43 pm ET)
           
        i don't know if he is a nice guy or not.  but his wife is damn hot.  a tall statuesque beautiful redhead, she towers over him.  how did he get so lucky.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by zamfir273114 (August 28, 2008 8:50 pm ET)
             
          Yeah Kucinich's wife is absolutely beautiful. I'd vote for her too :)
          Report Abuse
          • Author by MiddleLeft (August 29, 2008 12:20 pm ET)
               

            Yeah Kucinich's wife is absolutely beautiful. I'd vote for her too :)

            But she refused to show the press her tongue stud when asked.

             

            Report Abuse
        • Author by deeznuts (August 28, 2008 9:00 pm ET)
             

          Lefties get all the hotties.

          Michelle Obama? Totally hot.

          Elizabeth Kucinich? Smokin' hot.

          Susan Sarandon? I'd do her.

          What to the righties have?

          Laura Bush? Her eyes are freakishly far apart. I get dizzy just looking at her.

          Cindy McCain? Puh-leez. Scary stepford wife who's had too much "work" done.

          Ann Coulter? Don't get me started.

          Report Abuse
          • Author by zamfir273114 (August 28, 2008 9:46 pm ET)
               
            Good Point! I tried to think of some good-looking Republican's while I was working out at the gym and I couldn't think of ONE. Not that it matters, I just wonder if there is a direct correlation between greed and becoming ugly.
            Report Abuse
          • Author by Brabantio (August 28, 2008 9:57 pm ET)
               
            Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
            Report Abuse
          • Author by sandss981580 (August 28, 2008 10:34 pm ET)
               

            i think cindy is totally hot.  we had the opportunity to go to their house and meet them, but it was ten thousand bucks.

            i think laura is quite beautiful.

            but kucinich's wife takes the cake.  although i think she has a tongue stud. that's a turnoff, but apparently it's good for oral sex.

            Report Abuse
            • Author by Col. Harlan Sanders (August 29, 2008 1:42 am ET)
                 
              10 grand is a lot for a threesome with Grampy and Cindybot. You actually considered it?
              Report Abuse
              • Author by magnolialover (August 29, 2008 8:57 am ET)
                   
                Name dropping from this guy, again (not you Col). He can't help himself. It's an affliction for him I think. He must have about 20 homes around the US considering the people that he "runs into" all of the time.
                Report Abuse
            • Author by worrierking (August 29, 2008 9:06 am ET)
                 

              Has nayone ever told you that you were "totally hot"?

              If not, let me be the first. For now, I'd take a couple of Tylenols, and go to your doctor.

              Report Abuse
            • Author by Easy to refute wingnuts (August 30, 2008 2:25 am ET)
                 

              McCain and Cindy:

              Shrimp on a Barbie.

              Report Abuse
        • Author by manndan (August 28, 2008 9:22 pm ET)
             
          Has was stated by a poster on this site about a year ago Kucinich has a hot wife because liberal men have huge penises.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by zamfir273114 (August 28, 2008 8:36 pm ET)
         
      P.S. If Kucinich had any chance of winning the Presidency I would vote for him in a heartbeat.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by deeznuts (August 28, 2008 9:01 pm ET)
           
        Yeah, he's a bit of a Presidential pipe-dream for me too.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by nerzog (August 29, 2008 8:27 am ET)
           
        I took one of those online tests that matches up your views with a candidate. Mine came up Kucinich.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by hurricaneyankee52983 (August 28, 2008 9:15 pm ET)
         
      I had some respect for MEDVED before this post. Now i think he swims with the rest of the RIGHT WING  SHARKS.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by LarryE (August 28, 2008 10:27 pm ET)
         

      Actually we should be grateful to Mikey for this bit because it reveals where he stands on the issues. We can now safely conclude that he is against:

      workers rights, higher wages, fair trade, good paying jobs, rebuilding our infrastructure, sustainable energy, lower energy costs, lower carbon emissions, the environment, health care, education, home ownership, retirement benefits, peace, and prosperity.

      Sounds like a pretty run of the mill wingnut to me.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by Rsw58 (August 28, 2008 11:17 pm ET)
         

       Medved is a moron! So Kucinich calling for fair trade, peace, health care and education for all is just like Hitler huh? What planet is Medved from?

        I have heard more Nazi references from right-wing demogogues these past couple months that I have heard in ages. Apparently everyone who is a Democrat is a closet Nazi. When Obama drew huge crowds in Germany he was compared to Hitler by the conservative blowhards of talk radio.  When Obama called for more equity for the poor he was called Hitler. Now when Kucinich makes a passionate speech for social justice he too is called Hitler.  Are all wingnuts this brain dead?  If ANYONE is like the Nazi's it is right-wing Republicans. They love war, hate minorities, endose torture and live to serve the corporate State. If anyone should be playing a recording of Hitler's followers saying "Seig Heil" it should be at the Republican National Convention!  

      Report Abuse
      • Author by Col. Harlan Sanders (August 29, 2008 1:46 am ET)
           

        Don't laugh,Rsw58. There's been more than one wingnut poster at this site, convinced by their radio puppeteers that because the Nazis had the word "Socialist" in their name, they were liberal.

        I'm not kidding.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by doggone-ga (August 29, 2008 6:55 am ET)
             
          Does that mean the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a paragon of democratic principles?  (that's North Korea to those who dont know their official name)
          Report Abuse
    • Author by piggles (August 29, 2008 12:36 am ET)
         

      Isn't it ironic how Democrats get smeared with these Nazi/Hitler comparisons, but its the conservatives and Republican party that is in fact closer on the political spectrum to fascism than liberals are?  Fascism and and Nazism are considered far right-wing in political science, and Democrats fall on the left.  How come they just don't try to compare liberals to Leninist communism or something?  It would make more political sense.

      Can we poll registered Republicans and ask them if they know which totalitarian regimes fall where on the political spectrum? 

      Report Abuse
      • Author by T-Hone (August 29, 2008 8:53 am ET)
           
        They think they have some sort of intellectual justification to call liberals fascists ever since Jonah Goldberg came out with his Liberal Fascism book.  The book has very strange reasoning for connecting liberalism with Nazis.  It goes something like this: "Nazis liked a.  Today's liberals liked a.  The liberals must be Nazis."
        Report Abuse
        • Author by piggles (August 29, 2008 5:29 pm ET)
             

          I've heard of this argument and I recognize that it conveniently keeps the political spectrum on two-dimensional grounds of left vs. right.  The problem is that political science recognizes an intersecting dual-axis system as more representative of real politics.  Goldberg only looks at the social power scale and not the legal power scale of individual vs. the state.  Fascists are full-scale authoritarians with conservative power holders, while communists are full-scale authoritarians with liberal power holders.

          Its really amazing at how propagandists will leave out key information in established sciences in an attempt to misinform.  By making fascists leftists, they've clear the far-right of the spectrum of any taboo groups that no one would want to be associated with.  So what's to keep people from moving further to the right into the hands of conservative power holders?

          Report Abuse
    • Author by unhipcat (August 29, 2008 1:15 am ET)
         
      wow. comparing Kucinich to Hitler. who could have seen that coming?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by T-Hone (August 29, 2008 8:10 am ET)
         
      To answer his question, yes, I feel completely and utterly comfortable with Dennis Kucinich.  I consider him one of our nation's finest legislators.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by pithaughn (August 29, 2008 10:58 am ET)
         

      I see on the internets that the Risskies have a new leader with sam last name as this feller, is he a red spy?

      Report Abuse