"Voice of the opposition": How Fox News won the 2010 election
During the 2010 election cycle, Fox News, its employees, and its parent company engaged in an unprecedented campaign in support of the Republican Party. The network served as the communications and fundraising wing of the GOP while fervently promoting -- and sometimes creating -- the party's candidates.
Fox News execs declared network the "voice of opposition," "the Alamo"
Fox parent company donates $2.25 million to GOP-linked groups
FoxPAC: Fox News figures raise big bucks for GOP
Karl Rove's shadow Republican National Committee
Dick Morris' one-man campaign for the GOP -- and for Dick Morris
GOP candidates "speak through Fox News"
2010 election features Fox News candidates
Network heavily promoted, took ownership of tea parties
Tea Party Express: Fox News' very own Tea Party affiliate
Beck uses Tea Party credibility to guide them toward the GOP
More than 30 Fox Newsers support GOP in 600-plus instances during midterms
Looking forward: The 2012 Fox News presidential primary
Fox News execs declared network the "voice of opposition," "the Alamo"
Ailes: "I see this as the Alamo." The Los Angeles Times reported on March 6, 2009, that according to Glenn Beck, in a meeting with him, Fox News chief executive Roger Ailes "shared a message of his own: The country faced tough times, he said, and Fox News was one of the only news outlets willing to challenge the new administration." From the article:
"I wanted to meet with Roger and tell him, 'You may not want to put me on the air. I believe we are in dire trouble, and I will never shut up,' " said the conservative radio host.
But before Beck could say anything, Ailes shared a message of his own: The country faced tough times, he said, and Fox News was one of the only news outlets willing to challenge the new administration.
"I see this as the Alamo," Ailes said, according to Beck. "If I just had somebody who was willing to sit on the other side of the camera until the last shot is fired, we'd be fine."
That couldn't have suited Beck more. In making the jump to the top-rated cable news channel from HLN, where he had a show for two years, he hoped to alert more people to one of his consuming fears: that the government's handling of the economic crisis is ushering in an era of socialism.
Shine: Fox is "voice of opposition on some issues." A March 23, 2009, report on NPR's Media Circus featured clips of Fox News vice president for programming Bill Shine calling Fox News the "voice of opposition on some issues":
DAVID FOLKENFLIK (NPR media correspondent): How has the Fox News Channel fared in the age of President Obama? Quite well, thank you, says Bill Shine, Fox News' senior vice president for programming.
SHINE [audio clip]: There were a couple of people who basically wrote about our demise come last November, December, and were, I guess, rooting for us to go away.
FOLKENFLIK: Ratings estimates from Nielsen show audience levels are up; crazy high for a news channel, and among the highest of all basic cable channels. And Shine says that's because Fox has taken a skeptical eye to the new administration.
SHINE [audio clip]: With this particular group of people in power right now, and the honeymoon they've had from other members of the media, does it make it a little bit easier for us to be the voice of opposition on some issues?
FOLKENFLIK: Let me answer that for him: Sure it does.
Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer similarly acknowledged that Fox News is the "voice of opposition in the media" during the June 17, 2009, edition of Special Report with Bret Baier.
Fox parent company donates $2.25 million to GOP-linked groups
News Corp. donated $1.25 million to Republican Governors Association. On August 16, Bloomberg reported that News Corp. gave the Republican Governors Association (RGA) "$1 million in June" and that News Corp. was "[t]he Republicans' biggest corporate donor" this year. The money "goes to candidates and the state parties, as well as independent expenditures to help elect gubernatorial nominees," according to Bloomberg. The New York Times further reported on August 17 that the donation "is one of the biggest ever given by a media organization, campaign finance experts said." On October 15, The New York Times reported that News Corp. donated an additional $250,000 to the RGA in July.
- Donation the result of appeal from RGA chairman Barbour to Murdoch. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, the chairman of the RGA, has said of the donation that he "asked Rupert Murdoch to help us, and he thought about it, and called me back, and said he wanted to help us. I'm very grateful." Murdoch reportedly told the Politico that the donation was the result of his "friendship with John Kasich," who previously worked for Fox News before running for Ohio governor. He later called that comment a "foolish throwaway line."
- News Corp. spokesman: "the RGA's pro-business agenda supports our priorities." On August 16, Politico's Ben Smith reported that he had received the following quote from a News Corp. spokesman: "News Corporation believes in the power of free markets, and the RGA's pro-business agenda supports our priorities at this most critical time for our economy."
- DGA asks for Fox News disclaimer during coverage of gubernatorial campaigns. On August 18, Smith reported that in a letter to Ailes, Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle wrote:
In the interest of some fairness and balance, I request that you add a formal disclaimer to your news coverage any time any of your programs cover governors or gubernatorial races between now and Election Day. I suggest that the disclaimer say: "News Corp., parent company of Fox News, provided $1 million to defeat Democratic governors in November." If you do not add a disclaimer, I request that you and your staff members on the "fair and balanced" side of the network demand that the contribution be returned.
- Fox offers intermittent disclosure of parent company's donation. In their reporting and discussion of gubernatorial races, Fox News often neglects to disclose News Corp.'s donation to support Republican candidates.
- Fox's media criticism show virtually ignores News Corp. donation, paints it as pushed by "distractors on the left." The sole coverage Fox News media criticism show Fox News Watch has provided of the story came during its August 21 edition (accessed from Nexis). Before the last commercial break, guest host Eric Shawn teased the story by saying that "Big media companies donate to many causes, even some political. Now a News Corp. contribution causes the liberal media to take shots at Fox News." After the commercial break, Shawn said, "Fox News was targeted this week by distracters on the left, who attempted to attack the news operation of this network because of a political contribution made by our parent company." After airing a clip of Bret Baier discussing the donation, Shawn stated, "Well, General Electric, owner of NBC, ABC's parent company, Disney, and Viacom, which owns CBS, well, they've all donated money to political parties this year. None of those donations seem to raise much concern." But News Corp.'s donations clearly differ from those of other media companies in both their size and their party slant.
Fox donated $1 million to the GOP-linked U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On September 30, Politico reported that News Corp. had donated $1 million to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Politico noted that "the chamber has said it plans to spend $75 million in connection with the 2010 election, and has so far has directed substantial amounts to Republican Senate candidates."
- Murdoch: I "just though I was being a good member" of the chamber. On October 6, Politico reported that Murdoch explained the chamber donation by saying, "We are members of the Chamber of Commerce, and I just thought I was being a good member." Murdoch also said that "We didn't expect" the chamber donation to become public; the chamber is a non-profit organization that does not disclose its donors.
- Fox offers intermittent disclosure of chamber donation. Fox News' Special Report has discussed allegations that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has spent millions from undisclosed donors on GOP attack ads in a total of seven segments on four programs. But in only one segment has the network disclosed News Corp.'s donation to the chamber.
Murdoch on donations to GOP-linked groups: It is "in the interest of the country ... that there be a fair amount of change in Washington." During an October 15 shareholder meeting, Murdoch was asked how the chamber and RGA donations "further the strategic interests of the company and its shareholders." Murdoch replied that "it's certainly in the interest of the country and of all the shareholders and the prosperity of the -- that there be a degree of -- a fair amount of change in Washington."
FoxPAC: Fox News figures raise big bucks for GOP
Sarah Palin raised nearly $5 million during the 2010 cycle. According to OpenSecrets.org, based on FEC filings, through October 25, Fox News contributor and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's SarahPAC has raised $4,940,818 in the 2010 election cycle. SarahPAC has contributed $192,000 to federal candidates; with the exception of a $5,000 contribution to conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, all donations were to Republicans. During a November 1 appearance on The O'Reilly Factor, a caption promoted Palin's Facebook page, which features a prominent graphic and link urging contributions to SarahPAC.
Newt Gingrich raised more than $24 million during the 2010 cycle. Fox News contributor and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (GA) is chairman of 527 organization American Solutions for Winning the Future. Based on the group's filings with the IRS, OpenSecrets.org found that the American Solutions 527 has raised $24,416,928 during the 2010 election cycle. Gingrich's American Solutions PAC has raised $337,544 through October 25, and has donated $5,000 to federal candidates, all to Republicans.
Mike Huckabee has raised $1.6 million during the 2010 cycle. According to OpenSecrets.org, based on FEC filings through October 25, Fox News host and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's Huck PAC has raised $1,643,597 in the 2010 election cycle. Huck PAC has contributed at least $83,467 to congressional candidates, all of them Republican. Huckabee has repeatedly used his Fox News program to promote his personal website, which links to his PAC's website, and the website balancecutandsave, which redirects visitors to his PAC's website. In December, Howard Kurtz reported that "Fox executives told Huckabee to stop plugging the Web site on the air after learning that it linked to his political action committee, which the network deemed a conflict of interest." Huckabee nonetheless continued to promote his website on-air.
Rick Santorum has raised nearly $2.5 million during the 2010 cycle. Fox News contributor Rick Santorum has raised $2,449,084 for his America's Foundation PAC through October 25, according to OpenSecrets.org. He has contributed $35,000 to federal candidates, all to Republicans with the exception of a $1,000 donation to Hoffman. Santorum is also the chairman of the Iowa Keystone PAC, which stated that it plans to "donate at least $25,000 to candidates before November."
Karl Rove's shadow Republican National Committee
Rove advises and fundraises for American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS. On March 31, National Journal reported that Fox News political analyst Karl Rove has "promoted" the 527 group American Crossroads to "Big time donors fretting about Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele's troubles." National Journal reported that according to a GOP lobbyist, "American Crossroads is being set up so that big donors view it as the 'destination 527' for where to send their campaign loot this year." Politico has reported that American Crossroads formed the affiliated 501(c)(4) group Crossroads Grassroots Policy Solutions, which does not need to disclose its donors, because they were "struggling to raise money from donors leery of having their names disclosed." Rove has described himself as an "informal adviser" and "fund-raiser" to both groups and said that he is "absolutely doing everything I can to raise money for them."
Rove-backed groups aiming to raise $65 million for 2010 cycle. On October 13, Politico reported that an American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS "spokesman announced that with the $13.3 million raised the last week, the groups had pulled in $56 million since their creation, and were setting a new goal of $65 million."
Groups run ten of thousands of TV ads attacking Democrats and bolstering Republicans. According to data compiled by PoliticalCorrection.org, between August 1 and October 31, American Crossroads ran 14,661 ads in 15 races, while Crossroads GPS ran 18,104 ads in 16 races. According to data compiled by OpenSecrets.org, American Crossroads has spent $21,553,227 on independent expenditures advocating for GOP candidates or against Democratic candidates during the election cycle, while Crossroads GPS has spent $16,017,664. OpenSecrets.org also reported that between October 1 and October 21 alone, the two groups spent $17,792,707 on independent expenditures.
Morris: "in effect," Rove "is the Republican National Committee these days." During an October 13 appearance on Fox News' Fox & Friends, Fox News political analyst Dick Morris said of the 2010 elections, "The independent expenditures that are going on are enormous. Karl Rove has done an incredibly good job in raising a massive amount of money -- really, in effect he is the Republican National Committee these days, not Steele."
Dick Morris' one-man campaign for the GOP -- and for Dick Morris
Dick Morris' Super PAC for America aims to win 100 House seats for GOP. In an October 4 appearance on Fox News' Hannity, Morris announced that the next day, he would be "launching a new PAC" through his website. In a letter posted on Morris' Super PAC for America website (a version of which was also posted to Morris' personal website on October 5), Morris stated that his goal for the PAC is to raise $20 million in order to target and win 100 House seats for the Republican Party. An email from Morris on October 25 stated that the PAC has raised more than $3 million. According to OpenSecrets.org, the group has spent $1,633,786 on independent expenditures either in support of Republican candidates or against Democratic ones. Morris has repeatedly promoted the PAC on Fox News.
Morris used Fox platform to push group that paid him. According to its October quarterly report for the Federal Election Commission, Americans for New Leadership, an independent expenditure political committee organized to defeat Sen. Harry Reid, paid Morris' Triangulation Strategies a total of $25,228.18 for "fundraising email expense." Triangulation Strategies is Morris' firm: the company and Morris share the same address, and past payments for Morris' political services have been sent to Triangulation Strategies' New York address. ANL paid Morris $9,728.18 on July 28, $8,500 on August 31, and $7,000 on September 21. In turn, Morris plugged ANL on Fox News three times after the payments were made. Morris has sent seven emails through his DickMorris.com email list from ANL, all of which contained the footer, "Paid for by Americans For New Leadership."
GOP candidates and groups have paid Morris at least $168,228 this cycle. During this election cycle, Morris has received payments from the Republican-aligned group Americans for New Leadership ($25,228), New York State Senate candidate Greg Ball ($5,000), the Alabama Republican Party ($15,000), Pennsylvania Republican Party ($10,000) and the Christy Mihos for Governor campaign (MA) ($80,000). Four federal candidates -- Steve Pearce for Congress (NM), Brad Zaun for Congress (IA), Nan Hayward for Congress (NY), and Dan Debicella for Congress (CT) -- have paid Morris' firm Triangulation Strategies $33,000.
Morris fundraises for candidates on-air. Morris has asked Fox News viewers to send money to Republican candidates. For instance, during a June 14 appearance on Hannity, Morris said viewers should "send" U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle (NV) "money." On June 28's Hannity, Morris asked viewers to "be helpful" to Angle. On August 30's Hannity, Morris urged viewers to give money to U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson (WI). During the May 26 broadcast of Fox & Friends, Morris plugged his website as the place to "give" GOP candidates "money so that they can win."
Politico: Morris "has become something of a principal himself," has "pad[ded] his bank account of the midterm elections." In a September 25 article, Politico reported:
[I]n his latest iteration, Morris has become something of a principal himself, headlining rallies, fundraising and advocating for Republican House candidates. He's formally endorsed some of the party's top prospects, raised money for a slate of GOP House candidates including David McKinley in West Virginia, and Bob Gibbs and Tom Ganley in Ohio, and even blasted out a message to his e-mail list subscribers heaping praise on David Harmer, a challenger for a northern California-based seat.
House candidates who haven't received material political benefits from Morris also report having informally discussed their races with the consultant and current FoxNews commentator at conservative events.
[...]
While Morris stressed that he provides informal assistance to candidates on a pro bono basis, he has nevertheless found ways to pad his bank account off the midterm elections.
Indeed, Morris regularly endorses and appears at fundraisers for Republican candidates.
GOP candidates "speak through Fox News"
Palin to O'Donnell: "Speak through Fox News." On the September 15 edition of Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor, Palin advised Christine O'Donnell, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Delaware, to "speak to the American people. Speak through Fox News and let the independents who are tuning in to you, let them know what it is that she stands for, the principles behind her positions."
O'Donnell reportedly said she had Hannity "in her back pocket." On October 14, Huffington Post's Howard Fineman reported that "according to two top GOP insiders," O'Donnell "said at a strategy meeting with DC types last week: 'I've got Sean Hannity in my back pocket, and I can go on his show and raise money by attacking you guys.'"
Fox source: O'Donnell appeared on Hannity to "get a certain kind of treatment." Media Matters' Joe Strupp reported that a Fox News source said O'Donnell appeared on Hannity in September after cancelling on Fox News Sunday to "get a certain kind of treatment."
Fox & Friends is launching pad for GOP general election campaigns. Following their primary victories, Republican candidates have routinely turned to Fox & Friends as their favored venue to mark the launch of their general election campaigns. Through softball interviews, Fox & Friends, in turn, provides them an open platform to promote their campaigns.
GOP candidates use Fox appearances as fundraising opportunity. During a July 14 interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle was asked why she's often "on Fox News or talking to more conservative outlets but maybe not going on 'Meet the Press' or a 'This Week.'" She replied:
Well, in that audience will they let me say I need $25 dollars from a million people go to Sharron Angle.com send money? Will they let me say that? Will I get a bump on my website and you can watch whenever I go on to a show like that we get an immediate bump. You can see the little spinners. People say 'Oh, I heard that. I am going and I'm going to help Sharron out because they realize this is a national effort and that I need people from all around the nation. They may not be able to vote for me but they can certainly help."
In September, Angle bragged to supporters that her appearances on "friendly" press outlets like Fox News are profitable, specifically stating that when she made an appeal on "Sean Hannity's television show we made $40,000 before we even got out of the studio in New York."
Indeed, Fox News consistently allows Republican candidates to flog their websites and ask the Fox audience for assistance.
Fox drew criticism for allowing "partisan on-air fundraising." On the October 15 edition of his Fox News show, Sean Hannity allowed John Kasich, the Republican candidate for governor in Ohio and a former Fox News contributor, to promote his campaign website, then asked: "I want to put this -- put some emphasis on this because this is really important. Explain to people why -- we cannot afford to lose that race?" In response, Baltimore Sun TV critic David Zurawik, who describes himself as "often defending Fox News the past year against attacks by the Obama administration," wrote:
There isn't a reputable mainstream newspaper in the country that lets its editorial page be used for partisan fund raising. What Hannity allowed Kasich to do on his show Thursday crosses the line as to what's acceptable for any news organization, and we all know it isn't the first Hannity time has done this.
If Fox News management wants mainstream critics to defend the organization's right to be treated like a news organization, it needs to behave like one -- all the time. Hannity's bosses need to publicly put an end to such partisan on-air fund raising now -- not sometime in November after the election.
Likewise, in September, the Democratic Governors Association filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission for what they claim are two apparent violations of Ohio Election law connected to Kasich's appearances on Fox:
The Democratic Governors Association cited two apparent violations of Ohio law: A prohibited in-kind contribution in the form of free political advertising, and failure to include a proper disclaimer for the political advertising. The complaint says Kasich raised more than $21,000 from the appearance, citing an Aug.21 speech that Kasich made in Cincinnati, where he reportedly said, "The other night, I was on a show with a man who always gives you the last word, Bill O'Reilly. And I said, if you want to help my campaign, our campaign, and you have any extra nickels or pennies, send them to us. In the next 21 hours, we received over $21,000."
Fox concludes campaign with GOP GOTV effort. In its final week of election coverage, Fox News almost exclusively hosted GOP candidates, who lined up for softball interviews. On October 26, Fox hosted seven Republican candidates in the course of 24 hours, and RNC chairman Michael Steele twice, while hosting just one Democratic official, DNC chair Tim Kaine. On October 27, Fox hosted hosted three more GOP candidates as well as the campaign attorney for Angle. On October 28, Fox hosted six more GOP candidates while hosting just one Democratic candidate as well independent Charlie Crist and Kaine. On November 1, Fox hosted 13 GOP candidates or campaign officials, and one conservative candidate, while featuring only three Democrats.
2010 election features Fox News candidates
Angela McGlowan. On the May 14, 2008, edition of America's Election Headquarters, Fox News contributor Angela McGlowan announced on-air that she planned to return to Mississippi to "beat" Rep. Travis W. Childers (D-MS), telling fellow contributor Bob Beckel, "That's all right, sweetie, that's my district, and I'm going there soon to beat your Democrat colleague, honey. I'm going soon. 2010 is my year. Announcing it right here." Between that appearance and February 2010, when her Fox News contract expired and she announced her run for office, McGlowan made dozens of appearances on Fox Business and Fox News, often speaking as if she was already a candidate for office. Shortly after her official announcement, McGlowan made appearances on America's Newsroom and Hannity. During the campaign, McGlowan regularly touted her Fox News affiliation and also received a late endorsement from Fox News contributor Sarah Palin. After she was defeated in the Republican primary, she was re-hired as a Fox News contributor.
John Kasich. On March 27, 2008, the Columbus Dispatch reported that Kasich announced "he is paving the way now for a gubernatorial bid" and quoted Kasich stating, "I'm going to go forward even more aggressively, and we're going to continue to ramp it up (for a gubernatorial run)." Between March 28, 2008, and July 1, 2009, when Kasich officially announced his candidacy, Kasich frequently guest-hosted or appeared as a guest on Fox News. Fox paid him $265,000 in 2008. On July 15, 2008, Hannity encouraged Kasich to run. After Kasich announced his candidacy, he sat for numerous softball interviews with Fox News hosts; Hannity, Huckabee, and Gingrich all headlined fundraisers for Kasich; and he received contributions from the political action committees of Huckabee and Santorum, as well as $10,000 donations from Rupert Murdoch and his wife.
Pam Bondi. Republican Florida attorney general candidate Pam Bondi -- who does not appear to have been a "Fox News contributor" -- made at least 100 appearances on Fox News between 2002 and December 1, 2009 (the day of her announcement), according to a Nexis search. The Palm Beach Post noted that Bondi's "frequent appearances on FOXNews over the past decade have turned her into a quasi-celebrity among the conservative faithful and translated into friendships with Sean Hannity, the mere mention of whose name elicits applause from conservative voters on her bus tour, and other FOX favorites." The Post added that "Bondi's not shy about dropping the names of her FOX friends. She touts her connections with Hannity and Palin's endorsement at each of her stump speeches and in Ocala delighted the audience with her praise of the network." Since officially announcing her candidacy, Bondi appeared on the April 13, May 14, July 1, and August 17 editions of Hannity, where she was introduced as "our friend."
Ron Johnson. During a May press conference announcing his U.S. Senate candidacy in Wisconsin, Ron Johnson said he was inspired to run because of Fox News. Johnson stated: "I was sitting at home watching Fox News and Dick Morris came on and said 'Hey, you know, Feingold is vulnerable. You know, if you're a rich guy from Wisconsin, step up to the plate.' I kind of looked at (my wife) Jane and said 'is he, like, talking to me?'" Morris repeatedly solicited GOP candidates on Fox News. He told Greta Van Susteren on February 5 that "[w]e need somebody to run against" Russ Feingold in Wisconsin. On February 1, Morris similarly told Sean Hannity: "I want to do a paid commercial here. If anybody out there lives in Wisconsin or, Oregon, or New York, or Indiana, and would like to be a United States senator, if you're a Republicans, run. Run. Win all those seats."
John Gomez. On March 7, prior to his announcement that he would be a congressional candidate in New York, Newsday reported that Gomez is "among the GOP front-runners to take on five-term Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) because he has an 800-pound gorilla in his corner: megastar radio and Fox TV conservative pundit Sean Hannity." Newsday further reported that "GOP sources say Hannity touted his boyhood friend as a conservative who can win, vowing 'to do all he could' to promote Gomez, help fundraise and bring in headliners for events." Newsday subsequently reported in September, after Gingrich headlined a Gomez fundraiser that "Gomez arranged Gingrich's visit through childhood friend and TV host Sean Hannity." According to FEC records, Hannity and his wife donated a total of $9,600 to Gomez's campaign for the primary and general. Gomez was endorsed by Palin and heavily touted by Morris.
Movement building: How Fox created the Tea Party movement
Network heavily promoted, took ownership of tea parties
Network was chief promoter of April 15 "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." In the lead-up to the April 15 tea parties, which the channel repeatedly described as "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties," Fox News frequently aired segments publicizing and encouraging viewers to get involved with the protests. A Media Matters study found that from April 6 to 13, Fox News featured at least 20 segments on the "Tea Party" protests, and a subsequent Media Matters study found that from April 6 to 15, Fox News aired at least 107 commercial promotions for its coverage of the April 15 tea parties.
FNC broadcasted live from protests on April 15. On April 15, Fox News hosts Beck, Neil Cavuto, Hannity, and Greta Van Susteren each provided live coverage from the sites of separate tea parties. Fox News also dispatched reporters and other hosts to the April 15 protests.
Fox News' coverage boosted protests, pushed other outlets to cover. Following the rallies, dozens of national and local news reports credited Fox News for publicizing and boosting the protests. On the April 18 edition of Fox News Watch, host Jon Scott asked: "Did the Fox coverage and promotion of the coverage, did it force the other networks to pay attention to it?" Then-Fox News contributor Jane Hall replied: "I think it did because the other TV networks ended up leading with it." CNN and Washington Post media critic Howard Kurtz remarked, "I don't think I've ever seen a news network throw its weight behind a protest like we are seeing in the past few weeks with Fox and these tea parties."
Fox News gave publicity to Republican governors' "Tea Party 2.0." Van Susteren did a May 13, 2009, segment on the "Tea Party 2.0," a public tele-conference hosted by the Republican Governors Association, and stated, "If you wanted to go to a Tea Party on April 15 but could not make it ... tomorrow's your big chance." Fox Nation also promoted the event.
Fox promoted anti-health care reform disruptions of town halls. Following the August 2, 2009, disruption of a town hall event hosted by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Fox News personalities repeatedly lauded such protesters and urged viewers to take similar action. Fox & Friends guest co-host Peter Johnson Jr. said to protesters, "[W]e thank you for representing Americans, and we hope that other Americans get out there." Additionally, co-host Gretchen Carlson asked viewers: "Are you gonna call" your member of Congress "or are you gonna go to one of these receptions where they're actually there?" Co-host Steve Doocy similarly said: "If you want to contact your congress members and sound off, go to FoxNation.com." Fox & Friends also ran the on-screen text, "Hold Congress accountable! Now is the time to speak your mind." Hannity also said of town hall protests: "That's a pretty good way to fight back."
Hannity helped Bachmann start anti-reform protest. During the October 30, 2009, edition of Hannity, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) announced what was dubbed a "House Call on Washington" protest for "the people" to "tell their Representatives to vote no" on reform. Bachmann invited Fox News viewers to participate, adding, "You can go to MicheleBachmann.com for more information." Along with Hannity, Gingrich, Beck, the hosts of Fox & Friends, Andrew Napolitano, and the Fox Nation promoted the protest in the days leading up to November 5, 2009. Additionally, Fox News provided significant coverage for the protest on the day of the event. Fox News.com hosted a live stream of the protest as well. Bachmann repeatedly credited Fox News for helping start her protest. Fox & Friends also credited Hannity for providing a forum to start the protest.
Fox News promoted anti-health care "Code Red" rally. Fox News personalities such as Steve Doocy and Michelle Malkin as well as The Fox Nation promoted the December 15, 2009, anti-health care reform "Code Red" rally, which featured a speech by Fox News contributor Laura Ingraham. Fox's "news" hours, in turn, gave the protest live coverage.
Tea Party Express: Fox News' very own Tea Party affiliate
Consultant proposed the Express saying it would "give a boost to our PAC," highlighted possible friendly coverage from "Fox commentators." Following the April 15, 2009, tea parties, Joe Wierzbicki, a senior associate with the GOP consulting firm Russo Marsh, proposed creating the Tea Party Express bus tour in order to "give a boost to our PAC and position us as a growing force/leading force as the 2010 elections come into focus." Wierzbicki also wrote in the original memo proposing the creation of the Express that the effort could get "some mentions and possibly even promotion from conservative/pro-Tea Party bloggers, talk radio hosts, Fox News commentators, etc..."
Fox News "hops aboard the first Tea Party Express bus tour. Fox heavily promoted the first Tea Party Express bus tour with a month of positive coverage on Fox News, Fox Business, The Fox Nation, and FoxNews.com. On August 28, 2009, Fox News dispatched reporter William La Jeunesse to provide live coverage of the Tea Party Express kickoff in Sacramento. Fox News correspondent Griff Jenkins travelled with the first Tea Party Express bus tour, purporting to "document it and see as much as we can and to challenge it," but frequently expressing support for the movement and its members.
Fox highlights "major grassroots support" of Fox-promoted Tea Party Express II. In October 2009, Fox Nation and Fox News both promoted the kick-off of the "Bigger & Better" Tea Party Express II. Tea Party Express co-chair Mark Williams appeared on the November 12, 2009 edition of Fox & Friends to discuss the conclusion of the Tea Party Express II tour. Co-host Gretchen Carlson noted that the tour "focused on small town U.S.A.," while Steve Doocy lauded the tour for its "major grassroots support."
Fox provides unending coverage of Tea Party Express III kick-off rally, along with its keynote speaker. Fox News provided all-day coverage of the March 27 kickoff rally for the Tea Party Express III bus tour, with the network's hosts and on-site reporter Casey Stegall frequently praising the rally's participants. At one point, Fox aired a graphic of the bus over the text, "Conservative Woodstock?" Fox provided live coverage of the event's keynote address -- given by Sarah Palin.
"Party On!": Fox promotes Tea Party Express IV. Fox relentlessly promoted the kick-off of the Tea Party Express IV bus tour, devoting numerous segments to the launch of its latest tour as well as hosting its chairman for softball interviews.
Express backed Republican candidates during 2010 elections. The Tea Party Express lists endorsements of dozens of Republicans on its website. The group rescinded its only endorsement of a Democrat, Rep. Walt Minnick (ID), in late October.
Beck uses Tea Party credibility to guide them toward the GOP
Beck promoted April 15, 2009, Tea Party protests, hosted his show live from Alamo rally. In the month leading up to April 15, 2009, Beck frequently promoted the Tea Party protests and hosted organizers of several Tea Party events. While discussing the April 15 protests on his April 6 program, Beck suggested that viewers could "[c]elebrate with Fox News" by either attending a protest or watching it on Fox News. Beck stated that in addition to himself, hosts Cavuto, Greta Van Susteren, and Sean Hannity would be "live" at different protests. While Beck spoke, on-screen text labeled those protests as "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." Beck hosted his April 15 show live from a Tea Party rally held at the Alamo.
Beck launched 9-12 Project, which he said spurred "millions" to get "involved" in protests, including 9-12 march on Washington. On March 13, 2009, Beck announced the launch of his 9-12 Project for those "looking for direction in taking back the control of our country." At the conclusion of this broadcast, Beck told his viewers to get to work and, "We'll meet back here in six months, all right?" On August 12, 2009, Beck described the 9-12 Project as giving "ourselves an outlet of voice to connect, because you needed to community organize. ... Well, you've already done it. There are 9-12 Projects and rallies happening all over. The biggest one seems to be in Washington, D.C., on September 12." On August 27, 2009, Beck said of the 9-12 Project: "A few months ago, I told you, you got to know you're not alone. You've got to know. You got to unite. Talk to people. Make sure you know you're not alone, through the 9-12 Project. We started that. Millions all involved across the country and the 9-12 Project and other organizations like it. I knew we needed to connect with one another."
- Fox News relentlessly promoted 9-12 protest. Organizers involved with the September 12, 2009, March on Washington credited Beck with inspiring the 9-12 movement, and Fox News, led by Beck, relentlessly promoted the 9-12 march. Fox News also aggressively promoted the Tea Party Express tour -- whose last stop was on September 12, 2009, in Washington -- on Fox News, Fox Business, TheFoxNation.com, and FoxNews.com -- going so far as to cheerlead for the protests and advertise the Tea Party schedule so viewers "can be a part" of the events. Indeed, a Fox News producer was even caught coaching the crowd to cheer during a stop on the Tea Party Express. Following the protest, Beck and other Fox News hosts exaggerated the number of participants, with Beck at one point going so far as to claim -- based on calculations by a "university" that he could not "remember" -- that "1.7 million" people showed up for the march. PolitiFact.com reported that a fire department official said "he thought between 60,000 and 75,000 people had shown up."
Beck tried to make peace between nakedly political FreedomWorks and other Tea Party groups. On the April 17 edition of his radio show, Beck announced that he had taken on the corporate-backed right-wing organization FreedomWorks as a sponsor. The announcement came shortly after a Politico report on other Tea Party leaders accusing FreedomWorks chairman Dick Armey, the former House majority leader, of "trying to hijack the tea parties." Beck urged his radio audience to "link arms" with FreedomWorks, calling them "the only organization that we have seen that really truly has the organizational power." Beck subsequently called for an end to "infighting" between 9-12ers, Tea Partiers, and FreedomWorks, and convened a summit on his Fox News program of Tea Party factions that included FreedomWorks president Matt Kibbe.
Beck credited as a leader of the Tea Party movement. In the wake of his 8-28 Restoring Honor rally, which drew hundreds of thousands of attendees to the National Mall, Beck was credited as a leader of the Tea Party movement. Indeed, according to a July report from the Democratic polling firm Democracy Corps:
Glenn Beck is the most highly regarded individual among Tea Party supporters of the people we tested. He scores an extraordinarily high 75 percent warm rating, 57 percent very warm.
This affinity for Beck came through very clearly in the focus groups. The only news source that participants said they could trust was Fox. Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity were cited as people who "are not afraid to tell it like it is" and support their arguments with solid facts. Beck was undoubtedly the hero in these groups. Participants consider him an "educator" (in contrast to the popular Rush Limbaugh who is an "entertainer") who teaches people history and puts himself at risk because he exposes the truth. In the words of a woman in Ft. Lauderdale, "I would trust my life in his hands."
Beck uses Tea Party popularity to drive GOP get-out-the-vote. Throughout September and October, Glenn Beck used his Fox News show to urge his audience to vote and to "[g]et your friends and neighbors to go in record-breaking numbers to vote." Beck warned that if they did not do so, progressives would "de-develop the United States" and "[m]ake us poorer and make the poor countries richer." While Beck had claimed, "I'm not telling you who to vote for" and that he doesn't "care if they're voting for Democrat or Republican," on the October 26 edition of his Fox News show he dropped all pretense, turning his Fox News show into an hour-long telethon and GOTV drive for Republican Reps. Michele Bachmann and Jason Chaffetz and Sen. Jim DeMint. Beck at one point turned to DeMint and asked, "What kind of help do you need?" DeMint promptly directed Beck's viewers to a GOP fundraising website. Beck also allowed Bachmann to plug her Facebook page, where viewers could donate to her campaign, and her political action committee.
More than 30 Fox Newsers support GOP in 600-plus instances during midterms
Fox Newsers support Republican candidates and organizations. During the 2009-2010 election cycle, more than 30 Fox News personalities have endorsed, raised money, or campaigned for Republican candidates or organizations in more than 600 instances. The Republican support has been given to more than 300 different races or party organizations in at least 47 states.
Republicans routinely tout Fox News in campaigning. Media Matters found that Republicans routinely tout the Fox News affiliation of their supporters. For example, on his September 13 Fox News program, Hannity told North Carolina congressional candidate Ilario Pantano that "you belong in Congress, I'm very impressed." In an email, Pantano highlighted the Fox News exchange to raise campaign funds. The campaign also issued a press release calling Hannity's praise a "significant achievement."
Looking forward: The 2012 Fox News presidential primary
Politico: "How does a news organization cover White House hopefuls when so many are on the payroll?" In a September 27 article, Politico reported:
With Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee all making moves indicating they may run for president, their common employer is facing a question that hasn't been asked before: How does a news organization cover White House hopefuls when so many are on the payroll?
The answer is a complicated one for Fox News.
As Fox's popularity grows among conservatives, the presence of four potentially serious Republican candidates as paid contributors is beginning to frustrate competitors of the network, figures within its own news division and rivals of what some GOP insiders have begun calling "the Fox candidates."
With the exception of Mitt Romney, Fox now has deals with every major potential Republican presidential candidate not currently in elected office.
[...]
At issue are basic matters of political and journalistic fairness and propriety. With Fox effectively becoming the flagship network of the right and, more specifically, the Tea Party movement, the four Republicans it employs enjoy an unparalleled platform from which to speak directly to primary voters who will determine the party's next nominee.
Their Fox jobs allow these politicians an opportunity to send conservative activists a mostly unfiltered message in what is almost always a friendly environment. Fox opinion hosts typically invite the Republicans simply to offer their views on issues of the day, rather than press them to defend their rhetoric or records as leaders of the party.
Fox News candidates "speak through Fox News" at least 269 times in 2010. Media Matters for America searched the Nexis database through September 18 for network and cable television appearances in 2010 by five potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates who currently have relationships with Fox News. The five potential candidates -- John Bolton, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and Rick Santorum -- have appeared 269 times on Fox News and a total of six times on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, and CBS combined.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/you-know-who-was-a-big-loser-in-this-election-george-soros-106640398.html
PLEASE, please, please stop feeding this troll!
He's clearly NOT trying to participate in any kind of fair and reasonable debate!
Look at the post that you replied to - was it ANY kind of reply to what the previous poster had written?
Of course it wasn't. Macaco put out some bait, trolling for a victim to give him some negative attention. Stop taking the bait.
What do you CARE about the "good ole days" anyway? Even WITH the women voting you couldn't win. I guess it just goes to show you that you need to do MORE than just WHINE about something ... you've got to actually VOTE on it!! What part of that did you think would NOT happen in the democratic process?? Do all of you sheeple think others won't vote simply because YOU whined about something? We may not be democrats, but WE know enough to vote!
Did you notice the economy is already expecting better things?
At least you keep the good whining going; "middle class robbed blind for 40 years, but I won't vote to change that", is basically what liberals are saying to themselves this morning, huh?
You talk big now. Which is funny, as you still only control the house. What are you gonna do, huh? Put us in a lame duck session? Yeah, thats how things are already. wont make much of a difference, since all your party does is nothing.
I know this is the happiest day of your life..which is truly sad, of course. But look on the bright side; Soon, as all evil does, your side will rip itself apart in scandals and wastes of taxpayer money. Not like republicans should have to pay taxes if they arent actively receiving that service. Pointless investigations, corporate handouts, outright deception, and pure, disgusting hatred is all thats in your future.
No one who talks like you do online is in a stable, happy relationship. No one who gloats and guffahs and struts about because he doesnt realise he just sold his soul to Mammon. and that makes me sad for you. Even when you win, you feel the need to spew vitriol across the place. Not a pleasant person, im trying to say.
Well, you know Floyd, same ole, same ole.
Don't expect anything different from the Repubs, their whining and obfustication got them this far, I'm sure they expect it to carry them the rest of the way in 2012. Expect more of the same from here until the next election.
Wow, quite a concession considering the dems had control before Tuesday. Just goes to show WHY they were voted OUT. Thanks for that clarification.
prepare to lose more seats in 2012! You might keep the White house(seriously no one wants to vote for any repub for president either), but the agenda and policies will be dead in the water.
21 months later from a man that supposedly took responsibility but continues to blame someone else
I believe your profile picture has more common sense than you do
What part of that do you NOT understand, doofus?
Now the campaign for President begins! This is the new age of the never-ending political campaign. Let the money flow from the corporate elites once more. They should know by now the exact cost in dollars of buying power at this point.
Try telling that to the millions who went to the polls angry and frustrated because the economy still sucks. Try telling them that all their economic concerns are a sham that was just perpetrated on them by corporate elites and their cash. Try telling them their angst and anxiety is really nonexistent and they only resoundingly voted against the current direction of the country because they were influenced by corporate elites' money.
Try telling them all that.
As far as this forum, looks like sour grapes.
Not to mention most of the Democrats which stalled their party's legislation were likely bribed by lobbyists.
Yes, the anger and disparity is there but its likely that some of that anger is unfounded or simply aimed at the wrong people.
#1 Strawman
Obviously the economic problems we're facing today are real. Who says they aren't? However, the real scam is that the masses of uninformed Fox Viewers were told everyday that the entire deficit started on President Obama's watch. Are you going to try and tell me that none of our current financial problems started with pre-Obama deregulation, and that President Bush wasn't spending like crazy for eight years?
#2 You can't be this Pollyanna!
The last part of your post refuted the idea that people didn't know what they were voting for and were influenced by corporate money.
RightOn, I don't like it and deep down I imagine you don't like it either. The fact is we now live in permanent campaign/propaganda mode, or at least we do when people not completely owned by the large corporate interests have any measure of power.
I hate to say this, but you're one of the enablers. You'll miss good old fashioned democracy as much as the rest of us, but you'll be blaming socialism as they raise the corporate logos over the courthouse, police station, and White-house steps.
Secondly, this ridiculous myth that corporations are exclusively in bed with the GOP is such a farce. Your Democrats are as cozy and comfortable with them and their moneyed influence as anyone else is. So work within your own party to rid them of their influence first, that might be a good place to start - if you can admit it.
While this is very true, I blame our side for not investing in a progressive communications infrastructure and mounting a counter-offensive.
We're always on the defensive even though these proto-fascist extremists on the right have absolutely nothing that we need to crouch from. When we are on the offensive, we don't speak from our morals and values, we speak in stats and facts, which are important, but they go in one ear and right out the other with voters in the middle. It's pathetic.
I mean seriously people, Republicans are flippin' anti-democratic corporate totalitarians, they have nothing behind their words but a handful of bazillionaires funding their propaganda machine. They can go straight to H*ll.
But really what happened yesterday? We lost 29 of the 54 blue dogs. Big whoop, good riddance. Meanwhile, only 4 of the 79 members of the progressive caucus were ousted.
Sounds like a good reason to stick to your progressive principles of effective government, mutual responsibility and broad prosperity and not sell out to the conservative ideology.
And then the corporate nonsense again, as if the saintly Democrats want no part of their money or their courting. Give it up. Both parties are as invested in doing the nasty with corporations as the other one is. When you finally realize that you might make some progress.
And when you also realize the public has no stomach for your brand of "straight to h*ll" compromising, you may make a little more headway.
Sorry, you will have to deal with a more relevant GOP now, better get used to it and figure out how to work together instead of just whining endlessly about how you couldn't get your message out.
Seems to me it was heard loud and clear.
All you did last night was get rid of the conservo-Dems. Thank you very much. You couldn't put a dent in the progressive caucus.
Baloney. Unless you're trying to tell me that the GOP won on anything other than being the party of 'no'. That dog won't hunt. Obstruction was y'alls strategy and it worked. Now, good luck getting anything good for the country besides tax cuts for millionaires and more green lights to rip us off on Wall St. out of the right.
If your whole meme is that the public was hoodwinked because of all the lies from the right, think again. And I, unlike you, have also no interest in "y'alls strategy". Tell that to the political operative and partisans that will never admit that their message needs rethinking or retooling or whatever. Because you are so invested in your ideology that it blinds you to the truth of what elections very clearly tell you.
The public isn't eating up the big government big spending agenda anymore from Obama than they did with Bush.
The actual results of policy initiatives of the anti-democratic right; starvation of the public need (government) and market fundamentalism that Republicans pursue are terribly destructive for the country. But people are loyal to the GOP brand because Every Republican stays on message and repeats the same moral narrative of freedom from big government and big spending.
People were angry that the turnaround from a disastrous previous eight years of governance wasn't happening fast enough. So in their anger, they gave the republicans, whose policies have failed again and again, huge gains in congress at the expense of the party in power. The dems of course did a bad job explaining this to the American people, but then again they always do.
I know I could never dream of convincing you that this is what happened, but I think that is an accurate summary of this election.
Sorry, show me the money as the saying goes, or show me nothing.
2012 will have 20 senate seats and a presidency on the line.
You feel the room starting to get a little smaller yet? You should.
You forgot something ... we have VOTERS. You DO know what that means, don't you? It means when you get done passing all your miss-information, you should have actually VOTED. If you're going to depend on changing the minds of people who actually DO vote, then you need more than "stats and facts", especially when most of those S+F's you bring are mis-represented.
The actual reason your side lost is because Americans DON'T want to live life the way YOU think they should. And your side doesn't feel it's important enough to vote.
The 65 and over voters cashed their social security checks and turned out for this election in droves to vote against government spending. Meanwhile, the under thirties stayed home. The old white righties are furious with government because the Koch brothers funded tea party told them their America is fading and it's all the fault of government (no reasonable person believes we can get out of this mess without government help.) So, they go and vote for the anti-democratic GOP while the liberals stayed away from the polls dissatisfied that the Dems seemingly didn't fight hard enough.
And what really happened to the Dems anyway? We lost 47% of the blue dogs. GOOD. See ya. Only 1% of the progressive caucus was unseated. That tells me progressive values and leadership resonates with voters. Luckily for you, the Democratic strategists will probably miss this lesson and steer the party further right and cause further losses.
That's the Liberals problem. The House and Senate, and even the Presidency are NOT positions of power. That is the people's representation of our power. That's why the Democrats were voted out. They used their positions as a position of power. They heard what the people wanted them too do, and did the opposite. Too think that they would not suffer consequences for it is foolish. And to think that you wanted these people to be your policy makers is scary. Quit thinking that there are politicians out there who are willing too do the right thing when no one is looking. It doesn't matter if they are republican or democrat. but at least the republicans didn't force feed you a health care program doomed to fail as all other government programs have as well.
Bull, Trevor. You wanna talk about political parties usurping the peoples voice, why don't you take one look at the unprecedented power grab "the decider" implemented? From stripping consumer rights through deregulating the banksters, insurance and credit industries to the Patriot act, the Republicans didn't give a d#mn about we the people.
People were thirsting for healthcare reform before Luntz disseminated his bs throughout GOP land. The Dems caved and made no effort to make clear the moral imperative that healthcare is freedom. It was a failure of communication. Nothing more. Healthcare reform was the right thing to do, as was Wall St. reform, which if you'll recall, the dimwit right fought that too.
Y'all just love your Wall St. bankers.
Also, you right wing extremists on the Supreme Court absolutely gave our democracy away when corporations were given total freedom to buy our elections with unlimited campaign contributions.
Why don't you fascist right wing punks shut your smarmy pie holes and watch and listen to what your filthy Republican dogs are doing to our country.
Tell us how you really feel about Republicans, RH. Don't hold anything back now.
That seems only fair right? Since he couldn't have done anything to actually affect it in those months, we get the vouchers to use on that many months of the start of Obama's presidency, allowing us to blame Bush with impunity, yes? Obama truly was not in a position to do anything, its only right that we now get the same amount of time back, since you seem to truly value a fair, honest, balanced justice system.
Since the rightwing has declared Obama the first "Terror Baby", that means that for the last year, and the next 500 months, we get to put the blame on Bush totally. Its only fair, after all. We dont want anyone thinking you're giving the republicans preferential treatment, right? Cause I thought you were the tea party. So that would make it really odd, ya know?
The CU or "convenience unit" measures time at dynamic and ever-changing intervals in relation to the standard Gregorian Calendar.
Convenience units (CU) measure those bizarre temporal phenomenon where Democrats become instantly responsible for bad policy the day they take office, and republicans are excused of all blame for their bumbling well into their second and third terms, even if they inherit a sound economy.
If you had any grasp of reality, you'd know that by now.
Go troll somewhere in South Carolina.
Conservatives will support anyone who claims to be one of their own--regardless of whether they actually know what the first amendment is or runs wildly racist campaign ads. Running with an R behind your name? Tea party backed? Conservatives are on board.
It's got all the marks of a typical GOP talking point.
It's put in limited context, it's simple and excludes most of the relevant information. It makes them feel good about their ignorance.
One day, according to the GOP, the Democrats have some crazy anti-white agenda, the next day they're racist for not supporting a specific candidate who happens to be a poor choice. Whatever the smear of the day is, the loyal GOP followers drink it up like watered down kool-aid.
No feel for sarcasm, huh?
Do you mean the dems manipulation of the mortgage market that directly led to the housing bubble? They still have plans for Fannie and Freddie, notice how their "financial reform" omitted any restraints of those 2 entities.
just like the dems did when they 'stole' power two years ago, right team?
I guess this proves the point that we haven't heard the last of the faux outrage and obfustication.
Why don't you post a link to a non-partisan source that shows the mortage meltdown/housing bubble was caused by the Dems and Freddie & Fannie.
Don't worry, I won't hold my breath.
My god, the democrats are unstoppable! Thats why they have hundreds of bills stalled on in congress. Republican filibusters are their only weakness!
The mind of the rightwing is a terrifying place..The Clinton surplus came from Bush and Reagan, the iraq war and 9/11 were the fault of Clinton, Barack Obama is responsible for the market crash that was invested in almost primarily by right-wingers, and that occured in 2007. Bush is responsible for the increasing jobs that started six months after his presidency ended.
And all they needed to do was synchronise their watches, station themselves in the exact, perfect, most effective locaiton, then take a huge amounts of acid to come up with that mangling of reality. It sounds like good stuff.
Yeah, now they won't have to worry about fillibusters or secret holds or nothing.
It is only 20% who are liberal and OBAMA is leader of them.. rest are moderate independent or conservative..
MMFA and all liberal media forgot to mention though president was BUSH.. the economic downturn started under DEM control congress and senate..
Mr. President declare in latino radio that fellow american is latino communities enemy.. but in last 4 year (yes last 2 year under Bush and 2 years under Obama).. they could not able to pass Immigration reform.. but nocall from Media (I do not expect that from liberals)...
MMFA and liberal often forgot to mention that Obama's campaign does not had a address verification system.. half of his campaign money was donated by small donor and without address varification resulting a chance of free flow foreign money..
MMFA defend that Moveon never sponsor ad (and it is a PAC) but for Obama campaign there was thousands of volunteer, which is actually millions of dollar and no disclousure.....
Yes.. men were men and women have the vote.. (Fool me once, shame on me.. Fools me twice.. ???????????)
Gosh, you are so far off base you can't even get a simple idiomatic expression correct.
Looks like he was right.
Next time, try cheering for our country.
And you are absolutly right. Madison warned in that article of the danger of factions. He also outlined how the constitution was designed to defeat factions. Even a large majority faction can be defeated by the constitution if followed. That is why this country is ruled by law, based in the constitution, and not by people, who can be greedy and power hungry, and prone to violate other's rights.
That is why people like me (Tea Party) are going to closely watch our new congress. And if we get the same old big spending, big governemnt we've had since '00 we will vote new poeple in.
Personnally I'm looking forward to two years of govenment gridlock and ineffectiveness. It would be an improvement over the last four years. Then maybe we can get it completely turned around in 2012.
How completely un-American of you.
As George Will recently pointed out, "Gridlock means the system is working".
Sometimes we need things to stop for a bit to level out. Look at the partisan idiocy that continues. The hypocrisy on both sides is astounding.
I beleive America is great because of it's people and their freedom. I beleive the government as it has been run for nearly a century is un-American. I believe America can do just fine without governemnt interference for a couple of years.
I hope we move to undo the damage done by four years of democratic control in congress, thirty years of CRA, and a century of the 16th and 17th amendment. I know none of that will be possible as long as democrats control the Senate and the White House, so I will settle for gridlock and ineffectiveness. For now.
Police? Fire? National guard? Social Security and Medicare? The agencies that try to ensure clean air, water and soil? The agencies that guard against contamination in drugs? The agencies that provide housing for the elderly, and safety nets for disabled and sick people?
Please explain how these government services should be ineffective and/or eliminated because you want lower taxes.
Medicare, tear it down start over, too much fraud
Social Security, tear it down start over, too much fraud
Department of Education, get rid of, put back with the states - It has 22 agencies within itself
FYI, Police, Fire are local, not Fed
Housing and Urban Development, Full of Fraud, put with local governments
The new insurances agencies, think 118 were created with the new Health Bill
Office of National Drug Control Policy
President's Advisory Board on Tribal Colleges and Universities
Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students
Office of Science and Technology Policy
President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board
President's Intelligence Advisory Board
Minority Business Development Agency- its time has come and gone.
Just some we can say bye, but take a look at what wasteful spending we do in all the agencies. Just a way for the government to waste or tax dollars.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_federal_agencies
Have you checked into why HUD was created, what it's function is, and what would occur if it was dismantled?
Are you aware of what should be done about rising health care costs for individuals and businesses that are crippling people already?
As for the other agencies, how much do you know about them, and how much money would be saved by eliminating them?
Just rattling off agencies without really knowing how they function or how they help people is one way to spout off about "big government" by people that don't know how to govern.
35 Million just in the story - http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/44-charged-in-huge-medicare-fraud-scheme/
Mary, do not be that ignorant about these two money pits. I did not say take it away, said tear it down and start over.
Dept of Education - Budget 2010: $46.7 billion. Take half and give back to the states the took if from, other would be a nice cut in spending.
Mary, I could do this all day, the government is blotted.
You and your friends..all bad people. Its frigthening how distant yo uare from the real world, and I pity you. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for...
"I believe that the system routinely voted in is wrong, and it should be taken down. Because I think its bad. So then its lawful for me to attack it. Because other people have different ideas and interpretations, I am allowed to do or say anything without consequences!" You think you're sooo special, dont you? No. You're a person who taunts others online, claiming to know everything. Thats the surest sign you know nothing.
I honestly do not see why we should completely shut down the government. What, are you trying to give China a chance to catch up on their robotic bombers? Their ICBMS? Oh, you're trying to let the terrorist orginizations we've been fighting take full control over their countries by us suddenly not participating.
Cybernetics. Vaccinations. DNA-specific medicine, stem cell research, quantum computing, astronomy, fuel, space weaponry, anti-riot weaponry, personal armor resistant to tank shells that renders its user nearly invisible. We are on the verge of these things.
But you seem happy to give our enemies the years they need to catch up. I, however, enjoy being the dominant military power. I have to assume that living somewhere that isnt is quite unpleasant. Also, since this will be turned into a 3rd world country when republicans ship all the jobs overseas while hiring illegal immigrants, pretending to stop their crossing to do what little work is left in the States.
An informal fallacy is an argument whose stated premises fail to support their proposed conclusion.
YOU are the one who make a bogus allegation of a strawman argument.
NO fair person could uprate your post - thanks for showing us that you control 3 sockpuppets plus this screen name so that you can uprate your posts to offset the legit thumbs down you got for making a useless argument.
Still, Id rather lose than win how they did: Taking bribes from foreign companies and secretly funneling them to attack ads. The whole thing speaks to their delusion: How any republican could trust Fox, a company that made its money promoting liberals (tracey ullman), anti-rightwing cartoons (simpsons, family guy, futurama, etc.,) and really any else that got viewers, no matter how not right wing.
Of course, then Murdoch got smart. He realised that he didnt have to even pay actors..He could get the entire political system into a circus! Free, mindless, thoughtless programming, a well defined plot, an unstoppable but still thwartable villain, and painting one subset as the underdogs. Really, the political theater of Murdoch and his ilk are just one long, drawn out, stupid, vapid, Fox Reality Show. So it has been, so it will be. And now theyre going to go to all new levels of insanity, since winning elections is destructive to Fox's profits.
I bet within a month, Fox tries to sink other republicans in order to get itself back in the news. I guarantee it. They go where the money is
Is the "It's Bush's fault" cliche getting so worn out that we have moved on to "It's Fox's fault"?
I like true statements like "Obama was the largest recipient of money from BP EMPLOYESS"
Now, I know the unbiased folks at Media Matters (it's so nice to have a media voice that has no agenda whatsoever...WHOA! a bolt of lightning just struck very near me) debunked the claim that Obama received the most money from BP, they just forgot to comment on the fact that he did receive the most money from BP employees...I wonder where they get their money?
Is there a rumor that Boehner received the most money from Fox news, but that actually he received the most money from Fox News employees? I mean that would make a difference, right?
Is there a contest to see how much hypocrisy can be shoveled out before people revolt?
Keep deluding yourselves that it is OK to twist the truth and not be ashamed to be a hypocrite and you will certainly reap what you sow.
We see these false equivalency arguments made here all the time. They are entirely without foundation.
And the ONLY reason Obama got the most money from BP EMPLOYEES was because their North American HQ's are in a suburb of Chicago! As such, the employees were more likely to give money to an Illinois senator and Chicago resident! And MMFA NEVER made this point, doofus. You don't know what you're talking about.
It's undeniable and NOT in dispute that NewsCorp gave $2.5 million to rightwing groups and nothing to liberal groups. Undeniable. There is no comparable unmatched corporate donations to left-leaning groups.
The Chamber of Commerce
Published: October 7, 2010
To the Editor:
Your Oct. 6 editorial “Clean and Open American Elections” repeats unfounded and unproven allegations by an advocacy group with a blatant political agenda. The liberal Center for American Progress posted a blog alleging, without offering a shred of evidence, that the United States Chamber of Commerce uses foreign money to fund its political education program.
The blog post is a desperate diversion by people upset about current poll numbers and losing an election. As we’ve said loud and clear, the Chamber of Commerce complies with all applicable laws, and no foreign money is used to finance our political activities, which are only a fraction of the work we do to promote free enterprise in America.
Thomas J. Collamore
Senior Vice President
Communications and Strategy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington, Oct. 6, 2010
This report is what Goerge Soros just donated a million bucks to this organization for, and you guys come here and lap it up like it's your morning feeding.
That, my friend, is culty thinking.
And honestly, what's wrong with one billionaire donating to a liberal site, when dozens donate to Fox and BigGovernment on a weekly basis. If you guys do it we should be in the right to do it too, hypocrite.
It is a breeding ground for idiots like you that have a fowl mouth. Which, might I add is protected my the men and women that died for our great country to defend our rights, so even people like you can spout your stupidity.
PS: What does the first ammendment have to do with anything? Are you just giving yourself a constitutional b0ner?
The "stupidity" on display here is YOURS, and that of your rightwing buddies.
Game ender incoming:
Freedom of speech b***ch!!!
We have as much of a right to voice our opinions, right or not, as you guys do. I just personally believe that the statements that MMFA writes have more truth than the ones Fox and BigGovernment write. The one thing that MMFA doesn't do is portray itself as an unbiased news organization, but instead as a liberal media issues group.
Nothing on this site is objective and is always open to criticism, which is why they let people like you voice your "opinions" instead of silencing them.
You do realize that in countries that practice the type of government that you seem to long for, there would be no discourse at all. Just toe the party line and all will be well. Object, and spout off and you can disappear to a indoctrination camp. Is that what you are hoping for?\
I have cousins that left East Germany as soon as the wall came down for fear it was done as a mistake and then getting to hear them talk about friends disappearing because they spoke out against the government.
Careful what you wish for there youngin'.
A foul mouth maybe, but he'd never speak chicken or turkey like you do! Ha!
The other matter, about freedom and defending the country; I've heard rumors that a lot of Democrats have fought and died for our counry as well as Rs.
"freedom" is a non-partisan concept that many have fought for, on every "side."
I didn't say R or D.
"freedom" is a non-partisan concept that many have fought for, on every "side."
Which defends what?
"George Soros, AAAAHHH!"
Just take the whipping you deserve and quit whining.
who are you? the southern taliban or something?
And about millionaires, in case you missed it, the income gap is greater now than any time since the robber baron days. Which led to the Great Depression.
And about Fox, if you want to know why they have high ratings, read John Dean's book Conservatives Without Conscience.
Tea party Republicans annoy the hell out of me, and for good cause. This thread is a perfect example. Go back to, well, any story pre-this one. Watch how, rather than discuss, they just scream and insult. And now, even when they win, it gets worse. We see whole comments full of pathetic hooting and self-aggrandizement, as if this was truly their crowning glory.
Its disgusting, because these are not children, the right wingers here are *grown human beings* but they act like a child who just realized its existance, and now has to bang and scream and cry and shout to confirm that existance to everyone, even though most never wanna ehar it.
Fact, logic, they are unecessary, being unreliable or undeniable as the situation warrants. It is based on a pool of hand-chosen experts. "experts", I should say. They just circle the full party ticket and saunter on out with a superior grin, so sure of themselves that they dont even know who they're voting for. All of our experts are false, theirs are always true. Everyone we have is lying, they are incapable of such action.
A bunch of screaming children, who cant stand not having everyone give in to them at all times and for any reason, who want it all NOW, And if they dont get it...well, "you wouldnt have been attacked if you had just given in" to rightwing talking points completely. Just ask Dr. Tiller and...oh wait, they shot him. Ask the guy h=who went to the holocaust museum, He's surely still around right..? Oh, nope. Died with a gun and a bible in his hand, yup.
The "pro-life" party everyone: Pro life until its born, then youre on your own! Unless the republicans decide they want to kill you, then they are no loner right-to-life. Hm? What? oh, no no public schools anymore, republicans needed the money to give companies obama bailed out no-bid contracts and to fund our new war for Megido. Whats that? Vouchers? We already gave out all the vouchers 20 years ago. You shouldve thought of that before being born. If you DO get a voucher though, you'll have your choice between anglican private school, evangelical private School, Beck Our Holy Father work camp, Protestant Taffy Shop, or if you dont want a religious education, we can just kick you down the bottomless pit.
Everything they do is a lie, everyhting they say has ulterior goals. Indoctrination, deciet, hate. It wont take long for them to start forcing out their own. Muslims, jews, catholics...all abominations in the eyes of the religious right. Even beck will be thrown to the curb some day. And then, we can only hope, the right forgets how to read their magic fake book.
The Nielsen Co. said Wednesday that just under 7 million people watched Fox’s election coverage Tuesday night, a rough night for President Barack Obama. In 2006, which was a rough night for President George W. Bush, the network had 3.1 million viewers.
CNN had 2.4 million viewers on Tuesday night, while MSNBC had 1.9 million. Nielsen had no immediate estimate of the audience for the broadcast networks, promising it for Thursday.
Each of the cable networks had a smaller audience than in 2008, when Obama was elected. The difference was most stark at CNN, which had an election night audience of 12.3 million two years ago.
This is complete nonsense. How many people watch FOX as compared to the entire country?
This election cycle is a shot against BO and his spending, unemployment, foreclosures, health care, etc.
It's the economy, stupid, and ours sucks right now.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
That aside, I'd like some proof to back up your argument on democratic campaign funding.
"WE spent a fortune to elect Barack Obama -- $60.7 million to be exact -- and we're proud of it," boasted Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, to the Las Vegas Sun this week.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/item_cnW7XbCa9yS3ONgARv9gJL#ixzz14Eua47L4
How about this?
Officials say the fast-growing union spent $85 million during the campaign season last year, and that it was well worth it: The Obama administration has appointed union officials to top posts and is backing legislation to make it easier for workers to organize. "SEIU is on the field, it's in the White House, it's in the administration," SEIU President Andy Stern said in a video to members to mark the Obama administration's first 100 days.
But Mr. Stern also said campaign spending eroded the international's funds. The union took out $25 million in loans last year to meet expenses and saw its net assets fall by nearly half -- to $34 million at the end of 2008 from $64 million in 2007.
"We maxed out the credit card and now we're paying it off," said Mr. Stern. He said the union took out the loans for election work last year because monthly dues from local unions wouldn't arrive in time for the November election. "We couldn't say to Barack Obama, 'Excuse me, we can't run your ads because our locals were late in paying their per capita,' " he said.
Nice. Sounds like they are right in line with Dem notions...take as much as possible from the people, borrow even more, and then count on the people to payback the borrowed amount as well. Sounds fiscally responsible to me....
I am going to try that on my kids. I will take all of the money they saved in their piggy banks, spend it frivolously, and then make them pay back the credit card too. They should go for that.
I will, of course explain to them that it is for the good of the family.
HAAHAHAHAHAH, back at you.
Nope, it won't.
Massive FAIL, doofus!
I swear, get a clue.
I agree, unnecessary deficit spending is stupid and unwise. That's why I was arguing against the Republicans removing the PayGo rules that the Dems had implemented (and reinstated once they got back in control of Congress 2 years ago). That's why Bush's unfunded tax cuts, especially the unprecedented one during wartime, and his unfunded Medicare Prescription drug benefit, and the totally unnecessary and unwise invasion of Iraq got panned by ME!
See, I'm consistent. I'm NOT a hypocrite like YOUR side is.
There are times to have deficit spending. If you don't have budget surpluses, and you hit a recession, you need to have deficit spending to tide us over until consumers start spending again - their spending fuels 70% of our economy!
Obama's spending? Totally justified and appropriate. Bush's? Totally unjustified and incredibly inappropriate.
Dem's "notions"? In line with realistic expectations and sound economic policies. Rightwing plans? Ridiculous in how they expand the wealth of the wealthiest Americans and hurt the middle class, in direct contradiction of the best interests of almost every TeaParty member! It's not OUR flaw that YOUR ideas are SO stupid.
This was more than Fox. In teh immortal words of James Carville, "it's the economy stupid". If these people had jobs, the dems probably would have lost seats but not the beating they're taking tonight.
Fox isn't the bogey man mmfA leads you to believe. They're just the low hanging fruit.
Nope but; they certainly are a bunch of partisan hacks disguised as a cable news network.
BTW It was the economy stupid. As a very few people have pointed out, Americans want satisfaction NOW. Unfortunately for the Dems (and the country as a whole) they voted against the party in power, thinking that this is somehow going to magically create jobs. The Repubs have had plenty of chances to prove that their policies don't work, they just can't believe the reality of that.
And in 2006, they voted for the dems, thinking it was going to magically bring some integrity to congress (isn't that what Pelosi promised?), and all we got was some new postage stamps and an increase in minimum wage that left the highest unemployment rate in history among those under 24.
In 2008 they voted for a false god who promised "hope" and "change". He shattered the hope with his many broken promises, and the change we got was a bigger gov't payroll, more unemployment, a falling economy, and thug politics.
What happened to the man? While the nation is falling apart, he is golfing, vacationing, and yucking it up with dictators. He is giving speeches bashing the right (which he has done since day one, remember his "I won" comment?), and has never once reached across the aisle.
The people have voiced their displeasure with his useless policies, and those who support them. They dolts in Congress should have been listening a long time ago.
Anything after this is ocmpletely not worth reading.
No, that strategy belongs to the left. Anyway, I was following the lead of someone in here who referred to the "culty" thinking of the right wing. If you read the posts of others, instead of spewing off-the-cuff, then you would know what I was talking about.
Good luck with THAT request!
I have yet to meet anyone who voted for Obama because they thought he was:
"A God"
"The Messaiah"
"The Progressives answer to St. Reagan" etc.
BTW Health Care, Financial Reform, I think those count as successes even if they didn't go far enough or not.
The president can suggest legislation but; it is congress that writes the laws.
When democrats were elected in 06 running on the promises of 'fixing what republicans broke', they didn't tell us it would take 12 years. I was under the impression they meant they would fix things right away. When you say you WILL fix something, you actually need to fix it, not just SAY you will.
I don't listen to Chris or anyone on Faux.
He's a wishy-washy guy who seems to support whoever is popular. He's not one of our guys, doofus!
Just because Chris might not say everything you want to hear or play by whatever "rules" you have established for TV personalities does not mean he isnt a progressive promoter.
Flip the coin and you get Bill O'Riley.
Neither side can stand on the moral high ground.
They are NOT comparable. They don't lie, distort and omit relevant info in the same way that the Dems do. That's undeniable, yet you deny it!
Being anti-intellectual must suck. You dont even know how to properly punctuate an online insult. And no, you still lost. We still have control, enough to beat back your tide of hate. And we always will. Every time you gain control, you lose it faster and faster. Its how fox stays in business. And Fox is a business that all the right loves.
Your mocking words will leave you all the more stunned as your job is outsourced to the third world..AkA, middle america circa 2011.
Fox News actually came about during the republican majority in congress. You know, the first one in 40+ years? That kind of shoots your theory down, especially considering that it's been a popular source of information since its inception.
Check the MMFA archives for the mocking that went on in 2004 and 2008. The road goes both ways.
Folks were not endorsing the Republicans in this election. They were sending a clear message to the President and Congress that they need to find some common ground in solving the nations problems. If the President fails to adjust course and congress fails to share the sandbox, then they will all be tossed out in the next election.
Radicals at either end of the spectrum will never be happy as the majority of folks in this nation straddle the center with moderate tails.
And if they were looking for compromise, who better to vote for than Boehner and the other right wing purists who've already said they have no intention of compromising on anything.
More than likely the pendulum will swing back in 2012 after the Republicans seek to completely purify their side of the isle and hand the president re-election and the congress when the nation once agains sees that cutting taxes during bleak economic times helps no one but the already wealthy.
Why would you be happy with a group that would compromise its beliefs and go against the will of the people who voted for them? Conservatives are voted in by people who think conservatively, and a massive health care bill or a massive cap and trade bill are not conservative ideas, they are based on marxist ideas.
Why else do you think the dems lost?
Because too many Americans are stupid. Stupid to think that the recession could be ended in less than 2 years. Stupid to think that health care reform is marxist. Stupid to think that teabaggers have any constructive ideas.
And mostly, stupid to think this election is a mandate.
If you want that way of life, why don't you go to a socialist country? Why the insistence of changing the one your in?
Explain how the new Tea Party Congress will pass anything when whatever they come up with has to go to the Democratic controlled Senate and if it clears, then be signed by a Democratic President.
Is that why NOTHING got done the past 4 years? Because democrats would NOT compromise after gaining control of the national political power? That could be one reason dems LOST this time, that reason and because liberals couldn't stop smoking pot and forgot to VOTE.
Regarding Boehner, Polosi, and the rest of the lot, I will reserve judgment until I see how they actually play together.
Anyone who thinks the president is "to the left" isn't paying much attention. If this were true why are all the left wingers screaming that he isn't "liberal enough"?
I don't expect this to change either. No new ideas equals same old same old.
Yeah, but we VOTE! What was the turn-out in YOUR area like?
What?! The GOP made gains in the HOUSE and SENATE in 2002.
"The Google" is yer friend.
Much more troubling (and not reported) is how many State Legislatures turned from Blue to Red. North Carolina first time since 1870's; Alabama, first time since the Civil War; Wisconsin turned, I think Maine turned, and several others.
That high tide lifted many boats last night (many you didn't hear about)
This is what you need to start the healing process from failed policies rebuked by voters.
You're entitled to your express you brainwashed little minds, but why do it in such a stupid, childish way?
You guys lost a long time ago, and your "reputation" will only get worse in the future.
Good luck with that! It's not about winning elections fool, it's about governing and face it, your side just can't!
One reason why I hate to see members of Congress running for the presidency, especially with the current wave of career politicians who have no clue what it's like to live on the outside of politics.
you all are going to be MIGHTY busy.
chenney busy ashcroft rums...
never mind
This is the mentality you're dealing with.
Four years and they couldn't find one thing to campaign on this election cycle. Nobody wanted to be seen with Barry (he was too busy playing golf anyway) and when he did show up it for races that were a forgone conclusion.
Looks like sour grapes from the peanut gallery.
If you want to make a point that Obama wasn't helping Democrats enough, perhaps.
Just remember, Republicans will have to actually do something positive to hold their seats. Tides go in and out.
And like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of our (political) Lives. ;-)
Hmmmn, I think Bush rode his bicycle too much! And I'm a bicycling enthusiast. Ha!
Yeah, we will see if teabuggers can do anything. Ron Johnson (who beat my fave Russ Feingold) said the constitution was so hard to read (seriously). That campaign should prove to ROT (right On tommy) that a huge infusion of corporate cash to run slash and burn ads works. But NO, the corporate entities didn't buy this election. :rolling eyes:, like Jeter, ha!
The difference is Ike presided over a relative time of peace and prosperity with UNEMPLOYMENT around 4%. Barry has close to 10% UNEMPLOYMENT, 17% UNDEREMPLOYMENT and just had his presidency repudiated by the American people.
If you haven't seen Barry playing golf it's because you haven't been looking. Then again, the press has protected him so you actually probably haven't seen him on the TeeVee, like they used to show Pres. Bush and even Clinton.
Since I'm in a giving mood, I'll help you out a wee tad. Take a gander at Obama's score card...
If he keeps it up, he just might be a Tiger.
You'd have a better discussion if you didn't insist on using the name "Barry" which is rather juvenile. Unlike G.W., he worked hard to succeed, and I believe he's earned respect.
It's just a cheap shot to imply that Pres. Obama is just goofing off during this lousy economy. Get real.
Okay, so you want to make excuses for the fact that he plays golf while the country's in turmoil, how about addressing the many vacations he has taken while the country's in turmoil?
How about addressing the trip with 3000 personnel and 150 journalists to India (a trip that could have been scaled down considerably, but wasn't) that is going to cost us $200 million a day, while the country is in turmoil. This man (and his wife) have a total disconnect, and a total disregard for America and its people. When are people like you going to stop defending him, stop kissing his ring, and realize that he acts like he is a king?
Please share what successes you think he has, and how it is that he has earned respect?
Nothing like a Carrier Wing to protect you from those pesky Hindus!
No wonder he doesn't have time in his schedule to visit the border or fix the economy...he's "entertaining" Americans!
Poor AF-1 is going to have to be retired after Barry gets done with her. He's taken more trips to campaign for dems and go to parties thrown by Big Oil families during the BP disaster and of course take Michelle and the girls to Paris, Spain, and now India?
Didn't Bary say he was out of touch in his mea culpa address?
http://www.opensecrets.org/index.php
Corporations bought and paid for the Republican success this year.
Hey dell/sue, you know how the democratic process works, don't you? Does it work like this: liberals whine about issues, others vote on issues?
Yeah, the whining is everywhere. Finally, in 2008, enough did turn out to vote with whining if full force by R's and D's, but then in 2010, back to apathy, mostly by the D's.
Most of the "corporate" donations you're seeing are EMPLOYEES of corporations.
But you don't even KNOW that. So, as I have repeatedly said, you're too poorly educated on this topic to TRY to school anyone else.
... says the pot to the kettle
I am fairly interested in this topic and have done a lot of reading. My formal education is substantial and includes more than enough background to comprehend the information.
It's like wrestling with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.
She continually shows how little command of the issues she has even as she scolds fellow posters and calls names.
There are some rational posters on this forum. DSQ isn't one of them.
It's the REPUBLICANS who got tons of funding from corporations, NOT both sides.
That's a fact.
And based upon the entirety of your postings, your allegations of substantive formal education bjf is totally bogus.
It could have been an election to remember, but you forgot to actually VOTE! You DO know that voting is ONE of the requirements after all that whining? Ooops, sorry. Let this be a heads-up for next time; whine about your issues, then actually vote for them.
Sing 'Sheep' next, that would be a good tribute song for you sheeple.
PS DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!
Again, an example of why you will lose. Arrogance and ignorance. BTW, it's spelled vocabulary.
There is no arrogance or ignorance in being tired of Floyd's $#!t and his complete inability to write a post without including ay of the following words: "[liberal] hypocrite", "whine", "sheep", "sheeple" or a completely deep and well thought "BAAAAAH".
Lecturing a fellow poster - Two cents
Not spelling the subject of the lecture right and getting called out for it - $ Priceless!
We've all hit the save button when we needed an edit button.
I haven't seen your name before so if you're new, don't take it personally, welcome to the forum and have fun entering the fray.
Even though it's one-sided here it's pretty fun.
Ok, I'll expand my vocabullary to include words like "idiot" and "talking points" like YOU do. Your posts are Soooo much more intellligent than mine because you've been skooled.
joh-- And in th end, Floyd is still an idiot.
Well, I guess not ALL your posts.
This coming from a regular poster on a website that is nothing but talking points.
A shot against BO because it was Fox and Limbaugh that made people hate him and wary of him. Yes it's only a small portion of this country aht watches fox but it's also a small portion of this country that votes.. DUH.
These idiot viewers of Fox have no clues on anything gov related. If they had to answer 100 questions on a test about gov, this admin and what it's done in 2 yrs, they'd fail miserably.. maybe get 8 questions out of a 100 right.
IT'S NOT THE ECONOMY.. THE ECONMY HAS GROWN.. HOW COME EVEN YOU DON'T KNOW THAT?
UNDER Bush we lost 750,000 jobs per month when Obama took over.. those fox viewers don't know that, don't believe it, and think it all happened after Obama took ofc.. they are imbeciles.
The right will retain the proud American heritage and history that has put us on the map! God Bless America and GW!!!!
HOORAY FOR CONSERVATIVES! WE WIN! COMMIES LOSE!
Life is so good. Life is so sweet! What a wonderful day to be alive.
So, I assume now you'll work with us? Now Beck will stop proclaiming his Weekly Martydom? Now they wont keep saying the US is dead? Oh, and mr. "I have no sense of scale." WE STILL HAVE THE MAJORITIES AND THE PRESIDENT. Even if you win control of the House, who cares? Well, besides you and your wrong, tilted view of reality. Your slightly bigger minority is still that--a minority. You still have no power. You still have no goals, no designs. All you have is a single night before you realise your side completely screwed you over. I mean, Obama killed the country before he took office. I cant wait to see what they will say about YOUR guys.
But hey, im sure a couple more years of rightwingers killing their soldiers and promoting domestic terrorism over actually helping the country wont be a problem at all. Once you are through showing off your immaturity and age (60+?) Ill let you realise that allll the last two years, four years, more, your party has been lying to you. Using you. Youre just a useless pawn now, and all the things you think they'll do? They wont. Such a sad state for all you new 60 year old voters. You don't realise that the entire right wing is lying.
Remember how they controlled all three branches of the government and repealed abortion laws and banned gays? Oh, no, they didnt do that. But they closed the border right? Hm. Got Bin Laden? Noo..we started an extra war for that under Bush. Oh, but he definetly kept us out of utter bankruptcy..no again? He caused it? How weird!
Ah well, your side will soon be saying Obama was in one of the 9/11 planes anyway. May as well crazygasm yourself here, since in real life, someone would get very tired of your pathetic attitude. I hope you enjoy being a third-world country, cause your side is shipping all our stuff off to the highset chinese bidders, to pay for your war and your corporate collapse.
"I am a liberal, but my ideas do not work. I will accept the voters decision across America. Hope and change is not real. Glen Beck was right"
Which ideas didn't work?
Why don't you explain to me how they worked? What effect did they have on the companies and the economy? Why do you hate Wall St, cuz your prez tells you that you should?
Do you have any clue what it's like to have a high-level management position?
Then, please, by all means, inform me.
Here's a couple facts I DO know - that most of the anti-stimulus Republicans accepted stimulus money. And that the auto industry is still here and thriving. Are you anti-auto industry jobs?
Which auto industry is thriving? Have they hired back those that were "laid-off"?
Ford has posted its sixth consecutive quarterly profit with a net income of $1.7 billion.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/ford-posts-sixth-consecutive-quarterly-profit/
General Motors Co., 61 percent owned by the U.S. government, reported second-quarter net income of $1.54 billion
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-12/gm-profit-rises-to-1-54-billion-on-auto-sales-gains.html
Using the google and reading is not that difficult. Ignorance is easy.
Just because you say it worked doesn't make it true. From where I stand these reforms couldn't be more interfering. My interests are hurt and in turn other will be hurt. Who is the government to dictate rules? Do they rule over us? Do they control us? Are they supposed to? The only control the Federal governemnt is supposed to have over us is to protect us from people who would violate our rights. I know you hate this idea but rich people have the same rights as middle class people and poor people.
None of these ideas have worked. None of them will ever work.
True that.
Obama said the stimulus would keep unemployment under 8%
You believed that? What he should have said was the stimulus would keep unemployment from reaching 15%.
GM just shut down pontiac
Yet they are still in business and Ford had it's most profitable quarter in years.
Health insurance rates are skyrocketing this year.
Rates have been skyrocketing for years. Only now they can't let you die for a pre-existing condition.
Financial reform is causing investors to hold on to their money
Wrong. Wall St. is not lending because they are having a hissy fit about being regulated. You do remember what helped cause this mess, don't you?
rich people have the same rights as middle class people and poor people.
Under Republican rule, they have more rights. Glad to know the rich have you fighting their battles for them.
Ford didn't take any bailout money remember, so they can't be included in this debate. I thought Pontiac was dead also? Last I heard production is dead and models stopped hitting showrooms this year. The Dealership may still be there to sell the last G6, but they're not building anymore.
Welcome back foghorn.
What are you doing drinking so early in the day?
So your arguement is since his plan failed to do what he said it would do he should just change the parameters?
Kind of like extendng the federal debt limit so they can just keep on spending money we don't have.
Rates have been sky rocketing for years do to pre existing government interference in the the health insurance industry. If you are dying of something go to the hospital and see what happens. You will find they will save your life. You will also find that if they don't have to deal with insurance or the government in any way (like paying cash), doctors charge alot less.
I'll give you partial credit on this one. Wall street firms are still making bad loans because they are run by the governemnt now. Private banks and other private investors are not lending because they don't want THEIR money to go down the toilet due to governemnt infringement on THEIR rights, which you so innocently refer to as regulations.
And boy do I remember how that housing bubble burst and cause all the mortgage companies to fail and how the governemnt swooped in and rewarded them for their horrible business practices. Why would the governemnt bail out these terrible business practices. Becasuse the governemnt made these businesses do these horrible business practices.
Another partial credit since I'm not a republican and they are part of the problem.
Under liberal democrat rule it is common and in fact expected for the ruler to infringe upon the rights of certain groups of people in order to "help" another. It is fine, in your opinion, for governemnt to establish rules to pay for goods and services of one part of the population at the expense of another. And you believe it is acceptable to do these things at the point of a gun.
Under conservative governance everyone's rights will be equally observed and protected. And everyone will enjoy an equal OPPORTUNITY to excel. It's not my fault if you are unable to excel due to laziness or constant crying.
Go to a hospital and they will save your life? This is another one of your made up fantasies? It is our humaniy that allows for treatment of those, of anyone who enters the ER. Do you understand that using the ER as your primary care alternative is expensive form of treatment? You obviously don't understand that many chronic illnesses such as diabetes,high blood pressure,Asthma and COPD left untereated can cause death and when caught in later stages the treatment is costlier and the prognosis not good thus shortenening life expectancies? This could be eliminated by providing everyone access to affordable insurance. Oh and try paying cash for an open heart surgury,or dialysis treatment,or each time you go to the ER for a bronchodilator treatment for your asthma attack or your childs? How about paying cash for your breast cancer surgery and radiation and chemotherapy?
Infringe apon the rights of others ? We live in a society not in isolation of each other and despite your gripping about taking from the rich the economic indicators all show the rich getting richer and poor getting larger and poorer. While you scream of business uncetainty (another made up fantasy)profits have soared. Even B/P despite the incident due to neglignece and cutting corners to save money costing 11 wage workers lives(it seems we always sacrifice our lives for the profits of a few)even saw a profit! So by all indicators it is the rich that are sucking society poor and driving the middle class into poverty not the other way around. It is this same humanity and compassion that says we must treat anyone who comes into our ER with the same care as the richest person regardless of ability to pay or pass sins(sloth)that drives us to create a society that is guided by compassion and not greed and open to more and more of it's citizens to participate in it's economic and democractic successes. That is the journey I am on and the dream I have for America. I never thought the road would be straight and free from obstacles this electoral set-back is just a bump in the road I have faith in the good will of the American people to eventually see through this facade being perpetrated by front groups for big business and finance that helped rebrand the discredited Republican Party into the Tea-Party. Already Jim Demint is saying they will have to raise the debt ceiling and txes will be raised on those who work for a wage for a living paying for the tax-cuts for those who clip Wall St. coupons for a living. I have no doubt that the coporate vampire sucking it's workers dry while campaigning for less and less responsibility to pay livable wages or any other social rresponsibilities will cause a resultant fightback. This widenening chasm between rich and poor cannot will not be tolerated for long.
LIAR. He NEVER said that.
That was the initial estimate BEFORE they got updated information on how bad the 4th quarter of 2008 really was!
Because the Obama Administration KNEW that we were getting ready to enter a bad recession, BEFORE Obama was actually IN office, his transition staff was working with Congress to get an economic stimulus bill ready in early January.
And there were not solid numbers available from the 4th quarter of 2008 available in early January.
By the time Obama actually signed the bill, they KNEW that their early estimates were not still accurate because the economic numbers upon which those numbers were created had gotten worse.
I've explained this countless times, yet you fools STILL get it wrong.
Therefore, that's intentional dishonesty on YOUR part.
I'm sure that if this trend continues, our trolls will assign all the credit to the new republican controlled house. Some things never change.
However, since the executive branch has the power to veto Republican bills, the only kind of reform is still likely to come from the left, if it can survive the house, that is.
And what "transformation" am I after? Is "transformation" one of those totemic ritual words that have meaning only to those in the fox cult?
Only a small percentage of the population watch Fox News. Liberals who blame the loss on them clearly didn't get the message .... fix the economy!
Why does he hardly ever wear his wedding ring?
Every time I've seen the president on TV he's been wearing his wedding ring...
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/09/wheres-obamas-wedding-band-getting-repaired-.html
The ring was gone around Sept 8th or so. Looking at the White House site, I see a photo on Sept 22nd where he had it back on! So, it was gone for two weeks or less.
It was being 'repaired'. It was out of round from the reports I've read. It was a short-term thing, and the previous poster is simply ignorant and trying to stir up things with insincere, untrue troll posts.
Because obviously none of those problems existed before January 20th 2009. So how does Obama fix stuff without spending any money?
Again, it boils down to: liberals whine, others vote
It's the economy, stupid, and ours sucks right now.
bring on the next two years- i can't wait- where will i be able to pick up my bread and roses? do i go down to Haliburton headquarters? how longs will it take you choads to fix "the holy one's" mess?
care to tell?
Mr. "I can't speak without a teleprompter" Obama has shown himself for the unqualified buffoon he really is. His only talents are a spending money we don't have and convincing liberal morons to vote for him in the first place. I'll give odds the Democrats won't let him run in 2012. Obama's about to be thrown over the side by his own party and it will be an absolute pleasure to watch him be eaten by his own kind.
Maybe he & Jimmy Carter can collaborate on "The Idiots Guide to Falling from the Top to the Bottom in Two Short Years".
Kan yoo spel "LAME DUCK PRESIDENT"? I can.....
BAAAA HAAAA HAAAA HAAAA!
Mr. "I can't speak without a teleprompter" Obama
I know I'm wasting keystrokes, but I refer you to that televised summit Obama had with congressional Republicans. Use the google.
Ask yourself why.
I've said before that conservatives have no concept of self awareness. I stand by my comments.
god bone stupid.
Oh my lord, are you talking about the health care "meeting"? What a publicity stunt that was. The republicans knew what that was all about from the beginning. Where were you?
Why would there be another "summit"? Have any of the rep's ideas been considered? Why bother when you have a whiny, teleprompter-reading phony who refuses to acknowledge that you even exist?
Why is it so hard for you to understand politics, and the reasons why the right to vote is the most important????
Who the hell wants some spaghetti-spined, wishy-washy, dolt who is either going to have splinters on his a$$ from sitting on the fence, or go along with whatever some smooth-talking democrat wants, representing them? I want a person who is going to stick to the values that he campaigned on, the same values he promised when I voted for him. If he can't deliver, he's out the door the next election. If the reps do not share an enthusiasm for socialist bills, it may be bad for you, but good for him.
I'm just following the "progressive" lead.
Now Obama won't have the power to provide a "nanny state" for all the union freeloaders and liberal whiners boo-hooing "it's not fair, everything has to be fair".
Obama wanted to make America into France, where everyone works 28 hours a week and the nanny state will wipe your bum with socialized TP until you retire at 60. Well guess what? France in beyond broke and is starting to dismatle the nanny state that drove them into bankruptcy.
Intelligent Americans saw what the Socialist Obama was up to and gave his ilk the HEAVE HO!
So bow down to the buffoon Obama while his ship sinks. It just means there will be more air for the rest of us.
They are turning us into an extremist 3rd world naion run by corrupt corporations and kept in power by STUPID people. There is no question that the huge majority of voters really don't know a damn thing regarding facts, stats and anything else they vote on.
They want impeachment because Obama is a marxist - welcome to dumbed down America.
You have defined your intelligence by calling people this name.
Calling someone a nasty nicknmae to make yourself feel better. It's a well documented behavior that starts when children are around 4 years old. Children usually grow out of it around 12 or 13.
Get potty trained & grow up.
1) What is your proof that the President is a Marxist?
2) Do you know what Marxism is?
3) Is it illegal to be a Marxist?
Is that illegal?
Bush was a Bushist
Obama was a Obamaist
Wow, I didn't realize labeling people was so easy. Johaely is an idiotist. I hope this post has more intellectual value in it, instead of my usual "liberals whine about sheeple" comments.
Marxism is a political philosophy, as well as an economic and sociological worldview, which is based upon a materialist interpretation of history, a Marxist analysis and critique of capitalism, a theory of social change, and a view of human liberation derived from the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
he's not a marxist.
I'M a marxist. get a book at the store- read all about it. it costs about 6 bux. and no, can't use your food stamps- go trade in some of you beer cans and pony up the dough- then you can talk about marxism- before that? shut your ignorant pie hole.
Wrong. They want impeachment because Obama isn't an old, white man.
Randy
Um, BUSH????
I don't know...being from MA, I feel pretty good about the results (sorry, rest of the country), which in turn makes me feel optimistic about 2012. Most of the crazies didn't come close to a victory tonight; it'll be same old, same old.
All I worry about is the right-wing response; I honestly think that the extreme right expected a sweeping victory, and their low is going to be far worse than their high, as it usually goes.
Yeah, you sure know how to pick 'em.
i also amd a bit heartened that unlimited monies in california couldn't buy the high offices. yay team.
again- swing and a miss...must be from arlingnton ;)
Gee, Americans are abondoning the liberal press and throwing the liberals out of office.
Maybe you should ask yourself why?
Call us when the shuttle lands.
America got a look at Obama and his Communist wannabe friends and decided to SEND THEM PACKING! BAAA HAAA HAAAA HAAA!
Blame it on FOX. The only alternative is that America don't like you no more, and that is past a liberals tolerance to accept. Let's see you cry! I'm laughing and dancing!
Maybe Soros can give the out-of-work commies jobs at his propoganda webistes. TEEE HEEE HEEE!
But don't cry, you'll have to get used to LOSING!
BAAAA HAAAAA HAAAA!
It isn't Risk either, but you liberals seem to think it is a game the way you fearmonger all the issues and try to scare people into voting your way. Your delusions didn't work did they? Maybe NEXT time you will try VOTING instead of WHINING.
sad. i thought they were 'real' americans.
who knew we could be such sheep.
Of course democracy is named after the Democratic Party. There's no way it could be an ancient Greek style of governing and originate 2 thousand years before the United States even came into being.
They have a pill for that, y'know. Clears it up in day, and your genitals might not fall off.
Randy
BAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAAA!
Additionally, I think people will start to notice that the republicans are all bastards when ultra-right wing policies start cropping up all over the place.
Finally, no moar safe healthcare 4 yew!!!!
(obnoxious laughing!!!)
What excuse have they used for the last 4 years explaining why they couldn't get anything done? I'm suspecting they will continue using the same excuse. What's the characterization of insanity again? Keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results each time?
I guess we get another 2 years of continual whining then another day of liberals NOT voting.
yea, obama was too right leaning- he tried to compromise with the thugs. never again. if it were me? enter steam roller stage right.
The witch from the east won't make it back up on the spank wall until she re-surfaces with her new job at fox ha ha.
The outsourcing of jobs continues and it isn't being addressed. Until we have a manufacturing base once again, the economy may "recover", but it will be yet again another jobless recovery and the shrinking of the middle class.
I am glad to see that the World Wrestling Federaltion wont be in the Senate. Bet you feel better already.
FOX does not lie about facts. MMFA and a lot of you people spin what they say as lies by taking things out of context and even making things up. Prove FOX lies with independent sources. On the other hand, MSNBC does stretch the truth. And they sure fit the liberal mold of smug condescending snobs.
"without the racism......."
Just can't resist playing the race card, can ys?
Acorn
Nuff said.
I'd spend a little more time navigating this web site if I were you.
While I enjoy reading MMFA and the comments therein, I do not trust them to be an independent, non-biased source. You shouldn't either.
Again, you get something totally wrong.
FoxNews and CNN and MSNBC are in similar numbers of households and the total viewers for FoxNews and MSNBC in a monthly period are very similar.
CNN reached more than 100.1 million viewers in October, while FNC had 85.5 million, HLN had 85.2 million and MSNBC trailed with 83.7 million viewers.
The sooner we repeal the 20th and 21st Centuries, the better off we will ultimately be. It will take a couple generations to bottom out and rebuild, but it'll happen and it will be necessary. There's no other way.
Until this car is a smashed hulk, burning at the bottom of the ditch, Americans will not recognize the drivers have been drunk and retarded for the last 30 years or so. They'll watch their NASCAR and they'll Dance with the Stars while they are slowly fleeced and bled dry. That's not sufficient. We need a crash, a BIG crash, and sooner rather than later.
Too bad that many of the occupants will die. Think of them as collateral damage in a non-violent revolution. Like dead Iraqi children, they will have died for the long term benefit of society.
So, thanks, Fox. Thanks wingnuts and baggers. I always wondered what it would have been like to live during the Gilded Age. This is the chance for average Americans to live like most of the rest of the world's population. It'll be an invaluable sociology and history lesson, and we definitely need a refresher course in history.
It's just too bad the R's didn't get the Senate too. That may delay our final plunge somewhat and prolong the agony before the impact. I hope not. I'd like to be around when the survivors attempt to rebuild on the ruins.
So, let's get this show on the road. I look forward to seeing the throngs of working poor lined up at the gates of the oligarchy. I can't wait for the day when I can look out my window and see hundreds of poor and diseased selling pencils out of tin cups. Prostitutes will be a dime a dozen and if you have a dollar a day, you'll be able to afford a full time housekeeper. I can't wait to see 100 years of prosperity and social progress wiped out. The thought of it just makes me giddy with anticipation.
Heck, if you can't visit the third world to see an oligarchy, the next best thing is to build one in your own backyard. Thanks again Fox, baggers and wingunts.!! Really! Congratulations.
Dubya would describe you as "uniquely American".
really...sharon in nv? are you kidding me? where is your bob dole? where is your tretn lott? where are your heavies?
you don't have them.
you got nothing but obstruction- and that's going to help the economy how?
how come no one answers????
Instead of discussing how to put american auto workers back to work, the focus became the pay of auto workers. some wanted their pay to be regulated by the government. the same group went ballistic when it was suggested that auto company officers and CEOs have their bonuses limited by the government who bailed them out.
Fox called the tune, and the rest of the media danced.
Or will they tell the elderly about those great prisons and workhouses for the surplus population?
Because the mis-information by liberals for the past 4 years sure turned voters against you. Which is why you LOST this election. Either that or liberals simply don't vote. Which is it?
And you are saying Fox News had no influence in the election.
Randy
what's up with that? your name is so studly---come on-
dish some facts
How come none of the non union auto makers needed bailouts...OH yea, they have sound business models.
Speak truth to falling power.
Another example is that US automakers' production costs are thousands of dollars more than foreigh automakers due to health insurance costs.
Are you arguing for universal health-insurance to avoid future bail-outs?
Many of the above listed manufacturers do a considerable amount of production in the US. Their employee health costs are a fraction of what the Big Three pay. No one is dying in the streets. It comes back around to the plans that the unions struck with the companies. Its the companies fault as much as the unions.
I believe they do. If unions were formed in these companies US plants production costs would go up. (while at the same time quality would taake a hit) Every time a union contract was worked out production, healthcare, and pension costs would rise. Eventually these companies would have a choice:
1. Continue US production at a loss. Until bankruptcy
2. Cease US production and import
3. Continue US production at a loss till the last minute and then ask for a bailout.
The jobs these companies create are US based.
Unions in the US plants would cause big changes.
Why do you think GM is going to invest 500Mil. in a Mexico plant and not the US.
I know, Andy Stern said "workers of the world unite." We will see how that goes.
The alternative to companies having to contribute to society for the profits they suck out of their workers is to go to areas where they don't have to pay for healthcare of their workers,or a living wage. So you justify companies moving to places where there is no regulation of the waste from the products they produce ,so you have workers and their families building huts on asbestos filled land.
Your solution to this is to agree with the corporations to lower the living standards of those here to the level of third world nations or else? You want what they have there here? Tell me how a US worker could provide healthcare,shelter,food,clothing and education on the wages of a Mexican worker? Shezz the Mexican worker can't do it. Workers of the world unite? U betcha! It makes common sense.
Or, you can go to mmfa and whine about how you had ANOTHER election STOLEN from you.
I got all the main information I needed on issues from this site. I voted. Do you get your information from this site, also? Did YOU vote?
Democrats LOST because their followers DID NOT VOTE. From what I've seen there was roughly a 40-50% turn-out. That means about half of you dems didn't even think this election was important enough to vote in. And that includes YOU johaely!
Think about the FACT you didn't vote the next time you whine about elections being "stolen".
Republicans have a majority in the House, don't feel happy about that but there is nothing i can do to change that. The only thing i was expecting was their supporters to have in this occasion some class, but then again the "conservative" reaction will alwasy be predictible: complain and throw a fit if they lose because things don't go their way; rub in the faces of democrats and liberals if they win all the hwile expecting democrats to compromise.
You mean that when I ask you if you voted, that is being equal to not having any class? Good. If that's what it takes to get YOU off your lazy ars and actually VOTE for the issues you've been whining about for the past year (or so).
What was your excuse for NOT VOTING again? Oh yeah; I forgot.
Republicans have a majority in the House, don't feel happy about that but there is nothing i can do to change that. The only thing i was expecting was their supporters to have in this occasion some class, but then again the "conservative" reaction will alwasy be predictible: complain and throw a fit if they lose because things don't go their way; rub in the faces of democrats and liberals if they win all the hwile expecting democrats to compromise.
And way too many of us Americans are stupid to expect an economic recession to be solved in less than 2 years.
And regarding health care reform, America likes it when 50,000 of their friends, neighbors, and relatives don't die every year due to lack of available/affordable health care. They like it that their children can stay on their policies up to age 26.
So, we were left with a huge chunk of voters who were either completely ignorant or deliberately misinformed about virtually all the issues they thought were important. We ended up with an entire political party built on misinformation, hate and ignorance and that supported candidates only slightly less ignorant then themselves.
A raft of politically cynical Republicans exploited this ignorance and used it to their own benefit as well. Shake well and you end up with what we ended up with.
Imagine being faced with the task of telling millions that virtually everything they know is wrong. It is an impossible task. Only major disaster will suffice to make them even begin to think about the possibility they have been lied to, duped and misled.
So, bring it on. At this point, there's no sense educating people about the current direction of the economy. It will be back on the same downward spiral it was on during the Bush years soon enough. Ten years from now, you'll see a wiggle on the graphs representing economic activity and other metrics during these last two years. If you wonder what they mean, they were the spike up in private employment, the spike up in the market. The tax break you got but didn't even know about. The reduction in the budget deficit Fox forgot to mention to you. The profit banks no longer got just to administer government student loans. The respite before the top 10% accumulated the remaining 25% of the country's wealth they don't already have now. It was all those things you just rejected with your vote today because you let your hate and the rightwing media blind you to facts. It was our last gasp.
People pay the price for their laziness, their anti-intellectualism, their ignorance of history, their love of simpleminded solutions and their willingness to have their heads stuffed full of pre-digested, easy to parrot propaganda and misinformation. The 24 hour cycle of 2 minute hate comes at a price. We deserve what we are about to get.
I sincerely hope that the remaining Senators, and Obama just stop everything, every initiative, every bill, every piece of legislation they possibly can. The right doesn't want to govern. They don't believe in it. Let the Dems get out of the way and be the "Party of No". I hope this country is trashed in short order. We deserve every bit of it.
A true liberal American! At least you're an honest liberal idont. I'll bet your parents and kids are proud of you!
BTW, remind me to never share a fox-hole with the likes of you. I'd be much more concerned with "friendly fire" then getting shot be the enemy.
Wow. You know I never even thought such a thing when the Dems held the majority. I wanted our country to succeed no matter who was in "charge".
So you lost the House. Are you so bitter that you want this nation to fail?
And if we fail, don't forget to also blame the Democratic majority in the Senate. And the Democratic President in the White House.
This is just more ignorance. The majority of people wanted health care reform. To the extent they didn't like "ObamaCare" was that it didn't go far enough. A majority favored the public option, for example.
What they also didn't like was all the things that the liars on the right said it did, like "Death panels". They didn't like the straw man version that wingnuts created to ridicule it.
Survey after survey proved that the more people knew what it actually was, as opposed to the wingut caricature, the more they liked it.
Now, it will be picked to pieces. It won't be repealed. Repubs just told you useful idiots they'd repeal it. (Like they told them they'd outlaw abortion). You guys never learn, do you?
Instead, they'll get rid of all the parts their ins. co. sponsors don't like and keep the mandate. They'll dump the part about pre-existing conditions, rescission, lifetime caps, etc. So, you morans will end up with the worst of both worlds. Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!
pathetic
The same way they always win...preying on the ignorant.
Fox News had nothing to do with this election. As of yesterday, their total (all day) viewers number 2.3M. That's a tiny fraction of those who voted, but it is one helluva lot more than #2 CNN, which doesn't break a million.
MMfA has a teapot into which they are constantly trying to inject a tempest. Will they ever grow up?
You are just upset that your propaganda network couldn't sway enough voters. How come Misinformation Matters, HuffPost, Organizing for America, Daily KOs, MSNBC, NY Times, etc. couldn't get the job done?
I know, I know conservatives are the source of all the evil in the world. LOL.
Speak truth to fallen powers.
when's that going to start. i thought y'all had a magic pill.
With NO progress happening ... the dems get kicked out of office. Well, no progress and NO LIBERALS VOTING. Johaely, did YOU vote?
Johaely, go ask your teacher for help on this one and let me know the answers he gives you to type in. Because, obviously, since YOU aren't even capable of registering to VOTE, I DOUBT you pay attention to national issues and I would be wasting MY time asking YOU to answer those questions.
The environment? Gulf drilling reform, carbon dioxide rulings, etc.
Education system better? Trashing and reconfiguring "Leave no child behind", improving childhood eating habits, college student loans, etc.
Energy system better? Economic stimulus for alternative energy, better relationships with the middle east, solar panels back on the White House, etc.
This is NOT rocket science. An impartial person would ADMIT all these things.
How many people voted?
CNN reached more than 100.1 million viewers in October, while FNC had 85.5 million, HLN had 85.2 million and MSNBC trailed with 83.7 million viewers.
How many people voted?
Probably somewhere close to 90 million.
Hmmm, very close to the number of viewers of only ONE of the 3 big cable news networks.
Denying that FoxNews affected the election because only a small amount of voters watch FoxNews is RIDICULOUS and UNSUPPORTABLE!
Media Matters for America seems to think that Fox News is the Illuminati what with all the coverage MMFA's devouts to it. It would seem you do as well, Dell Dolly. But something to keep in mind is that, for all the articles MMFA has on Fox News, the actual amount of minutes out of the 1440 minutes per day where Fox News is allegedly making stuff up in order to "advance the conservative agenda" is like 10-20 minutes a day, which is only...yeah, less then 1% of the actual airtime per day. Those clips of Fox News that MMFA has in their articles is usually a few minute clip of several different shows. MMFA is doing nothing more then pointing out outliers in which Fox News pushes an allegedly false conservative position and then claiming "Fox News is a 24-7 political operation." The way I see it, MMFA is whining and b!tching cause there actually is a news network that devotes a percentage of its time espousing conservative principles (and interviewing conservative candidates for Congress). If Fox News is a 24-7 political operation, then why can they only find clips of alleged lies that amount to less then 1% of daily broadcasting? Even by MMFA's standards, Fox News stays out of trouble over 99% of the time. Its the few outliers that they love to run with, and quite frankly, alot of those outliers are easy to debunk, such as when MMFA falsely claims the stimulus bill succeeded.
And Dell Dolly, why is MMFA claiming Fox News won the election when the $2.25 million that the group who OWNS them (not Fox News itself) gave to the GOP is not even 1/2 of 1% of the total amount of money the GOP raised? Or how about the fact that the $2.25 million News Corp spent on the GOP doesn't even come remotely close to covering the spending gap between Republicans and Democrats?
It is ridiculous on every level to say that Fox News won this election. Heck, Fox News isn't really that conservative on the whole. You will hear liberal analysis and conservative analysis on Fox News. Not necessarily 24-7 (I don't think Beck has ever had left wing hosts on his show), but even on O Reilly and Hannity you'll have various left wingers being interviewed. I think this is much more enjoyable and informative than anything I get from ABC, NBC, or CBS, where the only "conservatives" interviewed are the likes of......Colin "there's illegal immigrants in your house and mine" Powell and David Brooks. Say what you will about conservatism on Fox News, but at least you see people like Ellis Henican and Bill Maher on there (heck, you can even see progressives destroy conservatives like Mahr did to O Reilly in that interview on religion a few weeks back).
If this isn't enough, then consider this: Fox News, while it murdered everyone head to head for individual shows (O Reilly vs. Olbermann and that new Spitzer show, Hannity vs. Maddow and King, etc), Fox News apparently only reached 7 million more people then MSNBC and 15 million LESS then CNN. Point being, even if Fox News is a 24-7 political operation (which it's NOT), the voters still got a "fair and balanced" view of the election.
And that's assuming every single person who watched Fox News also voted, which is highly unlikely.
Bottom line: Fox News was but one of the million players who affected this election. You had the numerous Tea Party groups across the nation, some well-organized on a national scale (Americans For Prosperity, Tea Party Express), some organically formed at the local level (google them for heavens sake!). You had think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and the CATO Institute emailing millions of people with intellectual firepower. You had publications like Imprimus and National Review being read by millions. You had Tea Party rallies being organized for a year and a half. You had millions of conservative Americans making phone calls to get their fellow conservatives to the polls.
And of course, you had talk radio: Limbaugh reaching 20 million viewers, Hannity 13 million (not his Fox News program), Mark Levin 5 million.
The wipeout the Democrats experienced was not caused by Fox News. There are way too many other players in this race to say an entire election was won by one news company. IMHO, the reason the Democrats got so thoroughly wiped out is two fold:
A. The conservative movement (AKA, the Tea Party movement) was more well-organized and effective then it had been in decades. The tens of millions of conservatives and libertarians who voted are disgusted and appalled at the direction Barack Obama and his Congress are taking us, and are appalled at the mess that the so-called "progressives" have made so much worse then the one they inherited.
B. The rest of the American People want jobs and a prosperous economy, and in 4 years in control of Congress (2 years with a left wing president) the Democrats have not been able to give them that with ANY of their policies: not the TARP bailout, not the stimulus bill, NOTHING. Whenever the party in power fails to revive the economy, it usually suffers losses in the next election.
Add it all up and you get the following conclusion: the Democrats got wiped out because of the popular will of the American People (and yes, the same thing happened in 2008 and 2006 when the Republicans lost).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKtBaE6Y_ZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AFdekkWyKQ
These videos embody the problem with the political systems in the United States. The problem isn't only Fox News. The problem is American ideology and the failing political systems. The problem is your misunderstanding of government.
How can conservatives not see that cutting government services is lip service only. We would have to target defense, social security, and other entitlement programs. Republicans will not. This is why you see them lambasted with the question, "What would you cut?" and they begin spewing talking points.
How can "intellectuals/progressives" not see the fact that we demand government services and then pass the costs two generations down the line. How can "intellectuals" not understand the struggles caused by entitlement? People who receive from the government will not easily give up what they are receiving. How can "intellectuals" fail to understand why erasing pre-existing conditions within the health-care system will pass costs onto other payers?
Clinging to progressive theology due to social issues is extremely short sited in the face of the overarching problems we are seeing as the United States slowly breaks down. Corporate, union, and lobbyist agendas are what lead this country.
The change in power within the country that just took place wasn't a win for Fox News. It wasn't people saying, "I like Republicans". It was the groaning of a nation who realizes something is wrong, but they just haven't placed their finger on the issue.
As the great world leader Martin Luther King once said:
"F**k this, I'm moving to Canada"
- Martin Luther King
Hey I'll pay your way. But no coming back.
davy crockett
They have close to 90 million viewers every month!
We don't THINK that fools like you are ignorant and ill-informed - we KNOW it.
We KNOW that FoxNews lies, and distorts, and omits relevant information that misleads their viewers and poisons our national discourse with that toxic disinformation! We KNOW that MSNBC does NOT behave in a similar way. WE KNOW that FoxNews viewers are the most poorly informed cable news viewers!
Mr Byrd on the other hand...
Wake us up when you guys have an original thought.
Here's one for you: VOTE on election day! I realize that is too late (and original) for liberals, but if you start planning early, you might be able to remember that you've got to actually VOTE for all those issues you keep whining about.
You know, republicans didn't win this election, liberals LOST it by NOT VOTING. Do you think liberals will change in 2 years? Neither do I ... the meaning of insanity comes to mind for the reason as to why they will do the same thing next election.
I'm curious though, if this republican machine was so diabolical and unstoppable what with all the foreign money and influence, then why was it not a clean sweep last night?
Certainly an impressive majority in the House, the gap closed a bit in the Senate, and some nice governor gains, but how do you explain NV, or CA, or someone like Frank getting re-elected?
I keep hearing this theme of how quickly people forget, or how stupid they are, how easily manipulated they are by media or catch-phrases. Does "yes we can" ring a bell? Anger swept the current politicians in, and it's beginning to sweep them out again.
I mention Chris Christie, Bob McDonnell and Scott Brown, and you reply with "Too bad she was flattened by Harry Reid."
Yikes.
Good grief man.
Congrats, you've found ONE example of a controversial statement spoken by a controversial blogger. Show me the politicians who won last night that advocate repeal of the 17th Amendment.
And try to do so without being arrogant.
You are bloviating about this one particular position taken by some conservatives.
My original point being that if Fox won last night, then MSNBC, MMFA and the Progressive Left lost. That's what's important.
Here's one:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/11/01/republican-candidates-repeal-seventeenth-amendment/
And try to do so without being arrogant
I write:
Try to do so without being an azzhat.
not sarcasm.
leviathan means whale if im not mistaken
If "Troglodyte" is not offensive enough, let me know and I'll try something better.
I made a reasonable point, and your response was bloviating and name-calling. That's not reasonable debate.
If you would like to offer something constructive, then please do so.
MSNBC (most of these are coast to coast)
NY Times
Newsweek
Time
HuffPost
Daily KOs
Misinformation Matters
Moveon.org
Organizing for America
Tides Foundation
Center for American Progress
Open Society Institute
CBS
ABC
NBC
NPR
PBS
Comedy Central
Lib. talk radio (Ed Schultz)
Its OK for Dems though.
1) Tides, Center for American Progress, the Open Society Institute have zero involvement in American news and American media as whole and are simple funding organizations whose "sinister" acts are beyond false and are antagonized by "intellectual marvels" like Glenn Beck and Bill O'riley. Again, NO involvement in American media.
2)Daily KOS, Huffington, Moveon, and even MMFA don't have the audience or the exposure to make them compete with the larger media giants, sad as that is.
3)CBS, ABC, NBC, NPR, and PBS mostly do entertainment and most of their news segments aren't very aggressive politically.
4)NY Times, Newsweek, and Time do have their liberal commentators, but also swing to the right now and then in the adversity of truth.
5) Comedy Central... 0.o
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BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! :D
Really?? You really think that COMEDY Central is a threat to your political positions? Really? You can't be serious? For the most part, Comedy Central swings on almost daily basis, and roasts liberals as much as republicans. Its called realist ideology!! Its something Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert due all the time, not to mention South Park! Seriously? OMG you need to figure out what satyrical comedy means.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
*Woo Boy*
*Whew*
6) *ahem* MSNBC. Okay, yes, MSMBC is clearly biased toward the left, and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot. But this is the only one that comes close. But look at MSNBC's viewership and ratings in comparison to Fox's. Now look at their funding.
7) Finally, Ed Schultz...
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He does radio too? Cool, I need to find his station.
There, enjoy your argumentative asswupping. ;)
Have a nice day :)
I know you libtards have trouble seeing the forrest for the trees.
Plenty of a$$ left!
If they are guilty of anything its trying to teach the people watching not to sensationalize everything they are told on the news and to look at issues in an analytical light. Dude, attacking Comedy Network is like attacking Obamas daughters, or a baby seal. Easy target, BUT COMPLETELY INNOCENT!!
Liberals can't see the forest of a free Iraq from the trees of thousands of dead solidiers and innocent Iraqis and billions in wasted resources.
Liberal's can't see the forest of job-producing rich guys from the trees of the unemployed and homeless and foreclosed-upon.
That or blame it on the liberals. (oh snap!)
And yeah, since only a fool votes republican, if a republican wins, the people have been fooled.
And as for who wants to repeal the 17th Amendment? Hell, even your beloved Fox News ran a story about it. You can find it here. Unless, of course, you don't trust Fox News?
I did read that article from Fox, and found it pretty worthless. So what? This is not a mainstream conservative issue that will be at the top of any agenda.
Why must it be "my beloved Fox News?" I watched as much MSNBC last night as I did Fox. Neither of them are "beloved" to me. They are both different sources of information and opinion.
There was a time that I tried to be reasonable with unreasonable people... back in the Golden Days of the Numbnuts Bush reign. My efforts were met with hatred, condescention and physical threats, especially if I questioned any aspect of the "War on Terror".
So, I decided life is too short, and insulting Troglodytes is much more fun than trying to reason with them.
On the other hand, when reasonable Republicans post reasonable arguments here, I refrain from calling them Troglodytes. However, liars like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and most of the FOXtards have done nothing to earn any respect from me.
It becomes very hard to take just about anyone who supports Republicanism seriously, and as nerzog said, you reach a point where you realize trying to be reasonable with unreasonable people is futile.
I firmly believe that the policies of the right are damaging to our nation, and that a good portion of the people who support those policies are hateful segregationists with whom there is no compromise.
Therefore, marginalization is our only option. I am absolutely intolerant of the message of the new right.
I feel the same frustration that you do in that you don't see things my way, but that doesn't mean we have to become unreasonable in our disagreement.
Birthers are fringe. Physical assaults are too few and with questionable circumstances to discredit a whole ideology. Delegitimizing the press? The press delegitimizes itself. Media Research Center highlights this. Your other two complaints are just bloviating.
People who assert that we're insulting people who push nonsense solely because we disagree with their opinions are DELUSIONAL.
Our comments have NOTHING to do with "disagreeing with an alternative opinion." We refute LIES, DISTORTIONS and OMISSIONS OF RELEVANT INFORMATION! And when we see that disinformation from the right, we mock those who try to get away with spreading it.
I know you're one of the resident crazies, but come on.
I'm not delusional. I haven't lied, or distorted anything. I was actually having some pleasant interaction with people i disagree with. So are you just trying to be confrontational here?
Lets see if you can avoid that double-dip recession thats around the corner. Its all on you, make us proud. ;)
"I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's."
Na, na, na, na, na, naaaaa.......
And GOPers are kicking but in the Govenor races too! This will be very important in re-districting based on the 2010 census!
Happy days are here again!
But on the positive side, Pelosi will probably resign before too long.
We've debunked that countless times.
It started with Republican deregulation.
It was made worse by selfish speculators and mortgage security brokers and bundlers who got rich off thinking that real estate prices couldn't/wouldn't crash.
It wasn't caused by people being let into the market who had been unfairly excluded before.
Prove to me and this forum that the constitution was ever threatened at any point since Obama's inauguration!
Prove to me and this forum that healthcare reform was in anyway a step down in supplying affordable healthcare to America's general population!!
Prove to me and this forum that Obama was ever a threat to you and this country!!!
You ignorant bastards just blew the only chance this nation will ever have at real reform and change for the next half century!! You just assured a war with Iran, the re-privatization of healthcare, and a second economic collapse within four years!! If only you would just diversify your damn views you would have seen how ignorant you really are. You and your fellow Republicans just destroyed Americas future as an advanced and proactive society! Enjoy your freedoms while they last because, if the opportunity calls for it, the people your voted into office will criminalize you, demonize you and bankrupt you!!!
Congratulations, you have doomed us all.
Oh and you forgot to source your second quote. Just FYI.
Fox is single handidly destroying this nation. We are becoming a third world nation. Education at a n all time low.. We're way behind other countries on skills, education, healthcare.
We are #1 in 2 things: Military power and confidence (seen as "arrogance", and rightly so by the rest of the world).
Our country is a joke
Let's remember folks. He said his #1 priority is destroying the president. He and Boehner haven't stepped forward to help on one single legislative move since Obama took ofc.
And you'd better send a message to your fellow Democrats, and to the Republicans as well - you'd better learn how to work with each other and stop whining, and finger pointing, and crying, and positioning yourself to blame the other guys. People are sick of it.
Memo to all politicians who won yesterday; GROW UP!
I mean, coming out of a recession this bad and with such an uncooperative house, its hard to fix it overnight. I think Obama was antagonized unfairly in this respect. Fox may of been an accessory to this midterm election, but them alone didn't sway the vote.
Finally, Right On is right about how cooperation is necessary in order to succeed in economic recoveries. But after two years of calling us liberals communists, Nazis, and un-American, I have the feeling that the Republicans aren't going to cooperate. Obama tried bipartisanship in 08 and that ended with one hell of a GOP cock-block. In short, don't expect an economic revival any time soon.
Shouldn't the Democrats who enjoyed a super majority in both houses have been more cooperative with their President? The dirty bashtards.
Your infantile cynicism is pathetic. Typical of the left, but pathetic, none the less.
Oh, you mean you were lying to the country, as always?
Of course you don't. You can't even figure out how to register to VOTE. We don't expect too much of you, johaely, and that is what we get in return. So, don't sweat it.
Hey, Mary ... just how "classy" was that KKK picture that you liberals are giving the 'thumbs up' to? Have you ever thought of NOT being so hypocritical?
He needed THEN to counter the Republicants and their arguments but he just didn't do it until it was too late. I think that he needs to reach across the aisle and slap them in the face with the reality that he won't do for them what they wouldn't do for him because the economy IS coming back WITHOUT the Republicants lifting a finger and when it happens, the Republicants will take credit for it and he's going to look even weaker than he does now
When Reagan took over, I told my friends to be patient because he wouldn't turn it around right away because it had taken a long time to get where we were and it wasn't going to get better just like that. The economy got better but it took time but what took even longer were the jobs to come back. When Obama took over, I said the same thing and now, nearly two years in, it's the same song as before. The Republicants can't make it better with tax breaks and they're NOT going to step on the third rail for some of the cuts that they would have to make that WILL lose them the House and the Senate in 2012 so what's the upside for him to compromise? The Tea Baggers are going to have to push hard for programs that will lose the older votes that have been dismissing warnings about what they'll do if they're in power OR they're going to have to back of and then they'll lose the far Right because they became just like the people that they beat. Again, what does he have to win by compromising with them?
1. Will you now concede that your policies were a failure and that the Republicans were right?
2. Will you now finally work with Republicans now that the people have spoken?
Those were the same questions asked over and over and over and over and over by the Mainstream Media cretins like:
Savannah Guthrie from MSNBC, Jake Tapper from ABC, Ed Henry from CNN, and Chip Reid of CBS.
And although I have only watched the post conference analysis on CNN and MSNBC the analysis was the same (as it will be on the other networks)
"The president still doesn't get it"
The fact of the matter is that the only ones who don't get it are MMFA as I have tried to explain over and over again here.
Watch the press conference and see if you don't agree. The Ignependents determined this election just as they have the last four, and unless they are all watching Fox News (like MMFA does)they were brainwashed largely by the Mainstream Media.
On a daily basis the White House and the Democrats will get the same message from the Mainstream Media. "The Democrats have to move to the Center". "Obama has to move to the center". That "center", of course is whatever the Republicans want. If Obama vetoes anything the media will declare that Obama has to move to the "center".
That in sharp contrast to George W. Bush who only began to veto bills in 2006 when the Democrats took over the Congress. At that time the message was the same from the Mainstream Media......."The Democrats have to move to the center". Then Bush will sign it. MMFA used to understand this. Not any more.
That being said, what FOX does is WAY different. They manufacture stories and facilitate outright lies. MMFA only monitors them and reports the fact on those situations. I doubt any of them would say it is the ONLY reason for the election results. Part of the problem is a FOX talking point becoming a mainstream talking point out of pressure to not seem bias. look back at MMFA analysis on the steps from FOX lie to headline news! Its a cycle and now Fox has even more control of the narrative. Its assumed the country agrees with those "facts" even though that isnt what happened
That the media loved Obama and did the same thing is a false narrative that the media itself spread through bogus repetition. The is no Nexis database data to substantiate it. Pew research did an analysis before the economy melted down RIGHT BEFORE the 2008 election. The number one "issue" discussed by the media before they were forced to discuss an actual issue (the economy) in Oct 2008 was "The Reverend Jeremiah Wright" and how that reflected poorly on Obama's character.
Then after the election they simply repeated over and over that they (the Media) was somehow in love with Obama. Of course, the losers were on TV as much as the President. And when Obama gave his first policy speech, the media ran Dick Cheney opposite him and spent the next week deciding - "Who Won the debate?".
Good enough for the average forgetful American who has a retention span about as good as a mosquito attracted to the light of a Television Set.
You mean like when Obama said, right after he was elected, to the republicans after they offered some advice on policy, "I won" so they need not offer anything? Or how 'bout when Obama, Ried, and Pelosi promised transparency but wouldn't allow a single republican into the Obamacare?
Ya know what, nevermind. I'm tired of pointing out all of the left's hypocricy. It falls on deaf ears (or, more likely mentally disabled ears).
This election was an historic repudiation of the policies of the Democrats, and RINOs of the Beltway.
The American people understand that more government means less freedom, and they began the process of voting the anti-liberty elitists out.
Good-bye, slavery!
Hello, freedom!
It's not close to over. There is still a lot of work to do. Reid and Pelosi and Obama et al are still in need of removal. The GOP still harbors many RINOs.
But, I can see 2012, 2014 and 2016 from here!
May your fantasies continue to bring you pleasure, Soros-suckers.
That is what this nation fell for! They will be sadly mistaken when they realize that less government involvement and the repub "trickle down" economics will only make the rich richer, poor poorer. They tricked you into forgetting that Bush/Chenney were in bed with wall street, Oil companies, and Enron. More of the same is what de-regulation will get us.
Just because millions of people misrepresent or misunderstand the facts, doesnt mean the fact change
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100820/bs_yblog_upshot/news-corps-number-two-shareholder-funded-terror-mosque-planner
I feel sorry for the ignorant folk who buy into Fox News lies and voted Republican. If you were smart you would know that Republican presidents over the last 50 years have INCREASED the national debt (Eisenhower being the exception and doesn't matter who controlled House and Senate) and Republicans have the nerve to cry about the Dems spending and taxes?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_by_U.S._presidential_terms
For the record tax rates for the wealthiest under Eisenhower, the only Republican in the last 50 years to shrink the debt was at 91%...Just goes to show how powerful Fox is at spreading lies and misinformation and blaming Obama for everything he inherited.
And as far as socialism is concerned, I like my public library and schools, thank you. And I'm sure those crying socialism will be the first to turn down Medicare when they are eligible, right? Or disability if they are injured on the job, right? It's like the people on the motorized scooters paid for by medicare at the Tea Party Conventions shouting Obama's a socialist, and less government and they're against healthcare reform. And how did you get that scooter again?
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/17390/210904
My solution: We should segregate the country into right and left and those who are Republican should have access to none of the "socialist" things the government provides, like public schools, transportation, libraries, medicare, etc and let the wealth of wealthiest trickle down to the poor Republicans. We will see how well that works out for them.
Anybody out there know?
Meanwhile, in the rest of the world I would suggest that Murdoch watchers catch up with the following:
Man Bites Murdoch by Bruce Guthrie, the former editor in chief of The Melbourne Herald Sun, who recently successfully sued News Limited for wrongful dismissal.
Australian Broadcasting Corp Radio National program "Why is James Murdoch so angry?"
ABC television program regarding UK telephone hacking scandal
Uncle Rupert has a lot of problems around the world and increasing pressure over his U.S. activities can only help to bring him and the less savoury elements of his empire to heel. Bear in mind that certain elements of his family are decidedly unhappy with the U.S. operations. The conventional view among local (Oz) Murdoch watchers is that the whole empire is basically held together by a "cult of personality" within the empire. Any perceived loss of clout by his nibs could see the whole house of cards collapse.
We can all learn from each-other's experience and perspective.
http://tinyurl.com/23a4sx6
^^^ Rand Paul speaking b4 an armed militia group, Rand calling Americans, "Marxist" repeatedly.
I would have thought a grown up might have identified a little sarcasm when he sees it. I guess I was too subtle for your superior intellect. I suggest you re-read my post and offer an apology.
P.S. Where can I pick up the keys to your house, or doesn't your mother let you lock up?
Locally Washington went against the national trend and had a turnout comparable to the 70's.
Are you really comparing MMfa's impact to that of Faux Gnus?
How many of that smart population knew about the tax break they recieved from this administration.
All this brewhaha would be obsolete if we had public campaign financing.
Couldn't find the more recent report that I based that on so will have to go with 2008 Pew Research finding that 66% of his audience considered themselves Conservatives.
Instead of blaming Fox news for everything, try to figure out why all the liberal media is going broke while the rating for Fox are going through the roof. Why is Air America gone while Rush Limbaugh has his highest ratings ever? Conservatives go on FOx and hardly ever on the other stations. I saw the Matthews interview with Michelle Bachmann on MSNBC. The reason is obvious. He had no interest in learning anything from her about her point of view. Even the most liberal bug eyed wacko could see that he only wanted to insult her and get a good "gotcha" on tape.
No wonder conservatives do not go on MSNBC. Matthews had no intention of any sort of an intelligent debate. Another reason why conservatives do not go on MSNBC, CNN, and the others is because politicians do TV to get their message out the people. MSNBC's rating are so low that they can do just as well by sitting in a closet and talking to themselves. Whats the point?
Fox News won the election. Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? What percentage of USA are Fox viewers? Corporations bought the elections. I voted. Where is my check? Should I send a bill to GE? Last I heard Wall Street corporations were sending cash primarily to the democrats.
On CNN, etc. the questions will be asked and frequently not answered. Rarely will an unanswered question be asked twice. If a CNN reporter keeps asking the same question trying to get an answer from a Democrat, they end up reprimanded or fired.
If you want equal time for the Democrats, they have to be willing to answer questions. If they don't answer questions they look bad and that's why they avoid Fox News.
All your whining isn't going to change it.
Some Questions to Obama from the Washington Press Corps following Democratic losses in 2010 election November 3, 2010 (from official transcript).
NOTE: The Press conference followed statements and releases from Republican leadership (John Boehner and Mitch McConnel) that stated: The election yesterday was a rejection of the Obama – Pelosi agenda. The press, as usual, reinforced the Republican talking points.
Ben Feller at AP.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. Are you willing to concede at all that what happened last night was not just an expression of frustration about the economy, but a fundamental rejection of your agenda? And given the results, who do you think speaks to the true voice of the American people right now: you or John Boehner?
Savannah Guthrie. At MSNBC / NBC
Q Just following up on what Ben just talked about, you don’t seem to be reflecting or second-guessing any of the policy decisions you’ve made, instead saying the message the voters were sending was about frustration with the economy or maybe even chalking it up to a failure on your part to communicate effectively. If you’re not reflecting on your policy agenda, is it possible voters can conclude you’re still not getting it?
Following Obama’s answer Guthrie insisted:
Q Would you still resist the notion that voters rejected the policy choices you made?
Peter Baker. NY Times
Q Thank you, Mr. President. After your election two years ago, when you met with Republicans you said that, in discussing what policies might go forward, that elections have consequences, and that you pointed out that you had won. I wonder what consequences you think this election should have then, in terms of your policies. Are there areas that you’re willing -- can you name today areas that you would be willing to compromise on that you might not have been willing to compromise on in the past?
Jake Tapper. ABC News
Q Thank you, Mr. President. I have a policy question and a personal one. The policy question is, you talked about how the immediate goal is the Bush tax cuts and making sure that they don’t expire for those who earn under $200,000, $250,000. Republicans disagree with that strongly. They want all of the Bush tax cuts extended. Are you willing to compromise on that? Are you willing to negotiate at all, for instance, allow them to expire for everyone over $1 million? Where are you willing to budge on that?
Laura Meckler. Wall Street Journal
Ed Henry. CNN
Q Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to do a personal and policy one as well. On personal, you had a lot of fun on the campaign trail by saying that the Republicans were drinking a Slurpee and sitting on the sidelines while you were trying to pull the car out of the ditch. But the point of the story was that you said if you want to go forward, you put the car in "D"; if you want to go backwards, you put it in "R." Now that there are least 60 House districts that seem to have rejected that message, is it possible that there are a majority of Americans who think your policies are taking us in reverse? And what specific changes will you make to your approach to try to fix that and better connect with the American people?
And just on a policy front, "don’t ask, don’t tell" is something that you promised to end. And when you had 60 votes and 59 votes in the Senate -- it’s a tough issue -- you haven’t been able to do it. Do you now have to tell your liberal base that with maybe 52 or 53 votes in the Senate, you’re just not going to be able to get it done in the next two years?
Following Obama’s response Ed Henry insisted:
Q -- the idea that your policies are taking the country in reverse. You just reject that idea altogether that your policies could be going in reverse?
Matt Spetalnick of Reuters.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. How do you respond to those who say the election outcome, at least in part, was voters saying that they see you as out of touch with their personal economic pain? And are you willing to make any changes in your leadership style?
WHEN IS MMFA GOING TO GET OFF THE FOX NEWS OBSESSION AND GET AFTER THE ONES WHO ARE BRAINWASHING THE INDEPENDENTS WHO DETERMNINE EVERY ELECTION - THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA ???
Typical quote from the Huffington Post
When I watched the press conference I did not see any conciliatory tone.
Obama proclaimed that the American people are impatient and their expectations are too high.
How is that conciliatory?
Not to many folks are going to make it all the way through this thread, but if there are any more talking points not preasent so far, by all means throw them in.
Among to numerous daily threads I usually check through once a day. If I see you I'll probably report you as a troll and move along.
For the folks below as well. Check out what kind of democrat lost seats in the house. There is a little differrence politically between a blue dog democrat and today's republican. Mind you, they don't get you controll of the House.
Yes I expect you will have alot of fun with the pain to the others over the next two years.
MMFA is the Alvin Greene of political discourse on the web.
You mean the place where white slave owners, fighting to retain the slave-owning rights, were killed off by Mexicans?
That Alamo? Are you sure this is the historical reference you want for Fox News?
...oh wait.