“They Think You're Stupid”: Glenn Beck's Manipulation Of His Audience

Glenn Beck frequently pitted his Fox News audience against his foes, telling his viewers that progressives and the media “think you're stupid.” Beck also praised his viewers' intelligence while attempting to sell them on his theories, claiming that his audience “will change the course of a nation.”

Beck Validated His Message By Claiming Not To Treat His Audience Like “Idiots”

Beck Delegitimized Other Media Outlets By Suggesting They Think Their Viewers Are “Morons”

Beck Demonized Progressives By Pitting His Audience Against Them With Claims About Intelligence

Beck Attributed His Ratings Success To Not Treating His Audience Like “Idiots”

“We Set Records”: Beck Touted His Audience's Willingness To Buy Books As Evidence Of Their Superiority

“This Audience Will Change The Course Of A Nation”: Beck Hyperbolized About The Role Of His Audience

Beck Validated His Message By Claiming Not To Treat His Audience Like “Idiots”

Beck: “This Is Complex, But I Have Never Treated You As A Moron.” From Beck's Fox News show:

BECK: This is complex, but I have never treated you as a moron. As you will see, there are -- there are two answers that will solve this problem and that is the light -- the light. We need the light. And then the light, as in sunlight, is the best disinfectant. Those are the two answers.

There is a fight for power right now and it is obvious that America has lost power. We are not leading the world. You know that and I know that. And you know we -- something's not right here. And now what's happening is the players in the world are fighting to take the top dog spot, and they don't agree on everything. But they do agree on these few things -- I showed you at the beginning. They're anti-Israel. They want to realign the power. They want to defeat capitalism or the western way of life. They're anti-American, anti-west. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 3/24/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “I Think Most People Just Believe You Are A Simpleton Who Can't Decide For Themselves.” From Beck's Fox News show:

BECK: I mean, we told you about social justice. It's a code word. Not every time you hear it, but you should question it every time you hear it because it's a code word -- comes from the Fabian society, the communist, and the progressives here in America.

It's really used mainly by those with an agenda or those who are just oblivious to what it really means, where the origins are from. Now, if that's the only evidence I had to support the theory, then it wouldn't be a very strong case and I'd probably be off the air. That's why we've devoted this entire week of shows to diving deeper in this story. Far deeper than the, you know, oh, so intellectual pro, anti-Mubarak demeaning news that they dumb down because, you know, I think most people just believe you are a simpleton who can't decide for themselves.

I know you can. I've even told you, don't take my word on anything. You know, you proved it. I told you on, what was it, Monday, when I did this, or Tuesday, I said, please look this up. I said, pause the show and look up the word “caliphate.” This is a word that the left is dismissing as a crazy conspiracy theory.

You know, it's weird that they're dismissing it as a crazy conspiracy theory because that's exactly what Cass Sunstein said in a White House memo, that you should dismiss people as crazy conspiracy theorists even, quoting, “Even if some conspiracies end up being true, they do not cease to be conspiracy theories for that reason.” Oh. You learn from Cass Sunstein. You get out of here, you knuckleheads.

You didn't take their word for it. You didn't take my word for it.

Let me show you the Google trend report from the day of that episode. Here's the chart, caliphate -- oh, by the way, we're on it at 2:00 p.m. West. Caliphate went to number one at Google trends. You see the spike? That's when this program is on.

So, let me, first, humbly thank you for not taking my word on it, humbly thank you for not sitting there as a mindless stooge. When I ask you to do your homework, you do. Thank you. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 2/3/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “The Media” Think That You Are “Stupid”; “They” Think “You're A Moron.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood and Code Pink -- I thought they were for democracy and peace. Will they retract their love for Hamas and for the Muslim Brotherhood? Will anyone demand an answer from anyone that is involved in this overseas or here in America?

Now, the media will continue just to punch the clock at best or will continue to believe that you are so stupid -- that they'll just call anybody a freedom fighter or democracy lover, and you'll buy into it. You're not that stupid.

[...]

BECK: Do you see what they've done? They are taking the horrific ideas of communism -- a system that has produced nothing but misery, poverty and slaughter of tens of millions of people, hundreds of millions globally and packaged it around democracy, the republic, Thomas Jefferson.

They think you're a moron. This is not a revolution in Egypt. This is an Islamist socialist revolution in Egypt. It has nothing to do with democracy.

I mean, they must think we're really dumb. I mean, the ad that Code Pink is running on the Muslim Brotherhood's Web site says, “Join us in cleansing our country.”

Well, can I ask you something? In this day and age of rhetoric, when you are working with a group -- two groups that want to destroy and kill Jews, this one and this one, do you really think it's a good idea to use the word “cleanse”? “Help us cleanse our country”? Does anybody think it's a bad P.R. faux pas that they are using, “cleanse our country”? Help us? [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 2/3/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “I'm Not Going To Treat You Like You're A Moron.” From Beck's Fox News show:

BECK: Oh, we're going to unpack everything this week. There are going to be people that are upset at me on the left and the right. I'm going to tell you why we really went to war in Iraq before the hour is through. It's going to take a few days. There's a lot of information.

I'm not going to give you the two-minute sound byte. I'm not going to treat you like you're a moron. I'm going to treat you like you really do want to understand what's going on in the world and we'll piece this whole thing together. It's going to take a few days but I invite you to DVR this show every night and don't miss an episode. Tell your friends, don't miss an episode.

This is important stuff. A few people have it right. Over the weekend, we talked to so many experts and I have chalkboards full of questions. But we also have the answers. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/31/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “I Have Never Treated You, As An Audience Member, As A Moron. I Haven't. I Think You're Intelligent.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Tonight, we're not going on a passionate quest, we're going to go on an intellectual and spiritual quest, if that is still allowed in America. This cannot be visceral. We can't lump everyone together. If that's what you like to do, you should turn the show off. If you are willing to listen and listen in context and try to figure out what the heck is happening in our country, then join me.

Tonight we're going to tell the mostly unknown -- and most people avoid this part of it, the story of America. Come on.

You know what? I have faith in America. I have faith in Americans. I have never treated you, as an audience member, as a moron. I haven't. I think you're intelligent, and the day I start treating you like a moron or stop telling you what I really believe because it's too politically costly, I think we are going to be losing our Republic. We just have to be measured and reasonable when we say it.

[...]

BECK: Tonight, I'm going to do what no one in television is dumb enough to do. I'm going to take it a step further and count on my fellow Americans to listen as reasonable human beings. We are living in dangerous times. And unless we understand what people are saying and why they are saying it, how they arrived at those words, then too many Americans are going to be fooled. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 7/13/10, via Nexis]

Beck: “America, I've Never Played Down To You. I Don't Think You're Stupid.” From the show:

BECK: Do you remember Al Gore's -- my gosh, I'm turning into that teacher that we all hated going to school. I got chalk all over me. Do you remember Al Gore's hockey stick chart?

OK. This is the one that changed the world, helped move national consensus to actually believe global warming was a hoax. Right here: earth has a temperature and I'm doing things with (INAUDIBLE) right here. It goes up. Remember that?

OK. America, I've never played down to you. I don't think you're stupid. But maybe because a guy gets into a scissor lift, you know, you might think -- whoa, that chart is real. He had one of them fancy liner things that went up and down. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 6/29/10, via Nexis]

Beck: “I've Never Treated You Like A Moron, Mainly Because I Don't Believe You Are A Moron. ... You're Not A Dummy.” From the show:

BECK: Hello, America. Glad you're here.

I never treated you like a moron, mainly because I don't believe you are a moron. And since I -- because I believe those things, I don't always take time to fill in the blanks on what I believe you already know or it is your responsibility as a citizen to find these things out.

My comments because of this are routinely taken out of context. The irony is, of course, it is done so by people who do think you are stupid -- people like Howard Dean who recently admitted as much. Listen to this.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

HOWARD DEAN, FORMER DNC CHAIRMAN: What I think I would do is, first, I would be bring back the Fairness Doctrine, so you couldn't have spectacle of a FOX flues, which makes stuff up and as a propaganda outlet. You actually have to have some sentient human beings talking to the other side. And it would serve -- MSNBC would have to do the same. It would have to have some conservatives on there, too. I think that's much better for the country. Americans don't know what's going on and therefore, the media can have their way with them intellectually.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BECK: I would ask Mr. Dean to help me out. What is it that we make up?

I would ask you to just take a moment here. Do you really believe that I could or anybody here at FOX News could just make things up and remain on the air?

No. You're not a dummy. I do expect you to know what's going on, because nefarious people will have their way with dummies. And I guarantee what I will say tonight will be taken out of context.

Listen carefully. Do your own homework. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 11/29/10, via Neixs]

Beck Delegitimized Other Media Outlets By Suggesting They Think Their Viewers Are “Morons”

Beck: “People Wonder Why This Show Or This Network Is Successful -- Because We Don't Think That Our Viewers Are Morons.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Hi, kiddies. I should wear a sweater and sneakers today. I feel like Mr. Rogers, because everybody out in the neighborhood seems to be stupid, mindless zombies. Yes.

And you're not going to hear the word “crosshairs.” Huh! Pretend you didn't hear it that time. Because if you do, you'll rise up off your couches like little robots and you'll say, “Crosshairs: must kill something, must find target.” Yes, yes.

Apparently, that's true -- not on this network, but on the gold standard of news, CNN. Watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We were just having a discussion about the Chicago mayoral race just a moment ago. And my friend Andy Shaw, who now works for a good government group out there, used the term “in the crosshairs” in talking about the candidates out there. We're trying -- we're trying to get away from that language.

Andy is a good friend. He's covered politics for a long time, but we're trying to get away from using that kind of language. We don't always be perfect. So, hold us accountable when we don't meet your standards.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BECK: That's the dumbest damn thing I've ever heard in television. I'm trying -- I'm trying really hard not to use things that people will use in everyday speech all the time. We're trying. And next week, we're going to eliminate the word “the” entirely. And if we violate your standards, you hold us accountable.

Let me tell you something. I don't even know who the hell you are. I have no idea who you are. I don't know what your standards are. Your standards may be higher than mine or lower than mine.

I'll tell you what? You hold yourself account to believe your standards and I'll hold myself accountable with my standards. And if they meet up -- great. If they don't -- turn the channel. What do you think?

How stupid -- how stupid does CNN think their viewers are? Maybe that's why there are so few of them, because they insult them every single night.

People wonder why this show or this network is successful -- because we don't think that our viewers are morons. CNN, are you really going down this road? Because you're going to have to ban other things, you know. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/19/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “I Do Not” Think People Are Stupid And Can't Handle The Truth. From his show:

BECK: The show on ABC was called “Having an American Conversation.” And they wanted to continue the conversation to truly seek answers. Well, the answers they're looking for happened. Violence rears its ugly head with their cameras rolling.

Actual news happened during their broadcast and ABC chose not to run it. Instead, they brush it under the rug and say, oh, by the way, this little thing happened and we're not sure what it is. Move on people, nothing to see here.

They want to report a pre-written script.

Now, because of a friend of mine just started running ABC News, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt, that maybe ABC thought they were trying to be fair and didn't want more uprising. But that doesn't really make sense unless you believe people are stupid and can't handle the truth. I do not.

If they didn't show it, which they didn't, they just brush it under the rug, that's not a news. That's not news. That's a problem with your news. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/17/11, via Nexis]

Beck: The Media Believe “You're So Simple-Minded, So Stupid, Such Sheep.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Now, the question is: Why at Fort Hood did they constantly say, “Don't jump to conclusions”? They believe you're so simple-minded, so stupid, such sheep, you know, the people in the streets. That stereotyping of entire group would lead to more violence against Muslims. It's not just wrong, which it is. It's not just wrong. You're sheep. And when you do that, they'll be rounded up and they'll be killed.

Even the president said he was tired of the American-Muslim families being rounded up in the middle of the night. He said that during the campaign tour. I've never seen it happen but he wanted it to end.

And I think that's one of the first things I agreed with him on, I just didn't know it started. But if it is, I'm with him. I want it to end, too. He doesn't want anybody rounded up, and neither do I.

And apparently, the way to get people rounded up, according to the president, is to jump to conclusions and to stereotype an entire group. You see where I'm going here.

They are using fear. I believe it was Yoda who said fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate and hate leads to suffering. Oh, yes. You would hate to have a situation where you feared a whole group of people, right? That is a good piece of advice.

Recap, here's what they're saying. They reported on this a million times. Don't call him a Muslim or say he's acting on behalf of Muslims, but that is stereotyping an entire group. And that will lead to more violence against Muslims.

The people of America will apparently grab their cup of coffee in the morning and their gun and start attacking Muslims, and they won't even realize they're doing it. It's just because we stereotyped a whole group. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/11/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “FOX Treats You Like An Adult. Bill O'Reilly Treats You Like An Adult. They'll Treat You Like Boys And Girls.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Now, some will go out of their way to point out that people like me or let's use Bill O'Reilly because -- I mean, can't we make him a target once in a while, again? Please? Please?

Bill O'Reilly blends facts and opinion all the time. I hate him for that! They say that's dangerous. I'm with you. You should pardon him for a while.

The president said in “Rolling Stone” magazine that FOX, people like Bill O'Reilly, me, people that blend fact and opinion together is, quote, “destructive” to our country. Wow!

Let me ask you this: What is the difference between me and the newspapers, or the networks, or “The New York Times” -- besides we still have ratings or people that watch, or pay attention?

The difference is this: I tell you that this is an opinion show. I tell you, and I expect you to understand the difference between fact and opinion. I expect you. They do not -- no, no, not only do they not expect you to know the difference, they are counting on it. I believe they think that you are too stupid to figure it out.

I'll treat you like an adult. FOX treats you like an adult. Bill O'Reilly treats you like an adult. They'll treat you like boys and girls.

Is it coincidence that FOX News came out as the top most trusted news source in America? We have highest marks, 42 percent, trusting FOX News. That is -- you know, I would hope it would be higher than that. But then let's look at MSNBC. Twelve percent.

And that's why broadcast news and, yes -- they tell me, I haven't seen it -- they tell me broadcast news on it, what, at 5:00 or 6:00 in the afternoon, they're still doing it. Who knew?

It's why newspapers are dying. Why? Because they deny that they have an opinion when they blatantly do. You see, the journalists have gotten so good at blending fact and opinion together that they can no longer separate the difference between the two. And people can see that.

You want to know what the facts are. Then you want to hear somebody say, well, here's why it is this way. Here's what I think is happening.

That's what you want. You want to know what the truth is on the facts and then you want somebody you trust to tell you, I think this is what is happening. You engage with them in some critical thinking. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 9/29/10, via Nexis]

Beck Claims Media Didn't Show Footage Of Gaza Flotilla Because “They Know You're Not Stupid.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Look, people are going to make mistakes, but I trust them. I trust them when they get all of the facts, they'll correct the mistakes. Martin Luther King knew if the American people were presented with pictures side- by-side, they'd pick the right one.

Let me show two pictures side-by-side. Show me Nancy Pelosi and Martin Luther King.

You don't have the Nancy Pelosi/Martin Luther King thing?

OK. I'll show it to you in a minute.

The pictures of Martin Luther King and -- OK. Thank you.

There it is. Here's Nancy Pelosi. Here's Martin Luther King. This man is afraid. This man, this woman is putting on a show.

When you see them side-by-side -- is it possible to zoom in? Can you bring camera in? Zoom in on these people here.

You see fear in their eyes. You see fear in their eyes. They were standing up for something and they were afraid.

Now, move the camera over here.

These people aren't afraid. When you put pictures side-by-side, you can see the truth and you know in your gut, we've already decided who the good guys and bad guys were. We've seen it before.

Show me the next one.

How is it the good guys are the ones with the club?

Can you put the other guys on from the -- there it is.

Which of the -- this is from the 1960s -- which one is the good guys or bad guys? This one is a little tough. Were they looting? Because it looks like there was a broken window. What was happening here?

This isn't just somebody surrounding a guy and just beating him. But I would tend to think Americans would say, oh, yes, because you know the circumstances, it was the cop. Right?

Why do you think the videos of this flotilla raid are not being shown on mainstream media? Because they know you know. They know you're not stupid and it doesn't fit their agenda. It doesn't fit the desired story line. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 6/3/10, via Nexis]

Beck Demonized Progressives By Pitting His Audience Against Them With Claims About Intelligence

Beck: “I'm Not A Progressive. I Believe The American People Are Smart.” From his show:

BECK: Let me tell you something. If anyone tries to shut down Keith Olbermann -- I find this guy reprehensible, wrong, easy to beat. But that's a different story. But I stand shoulder and shoulder with him to defend his right to say the nonsense that he says. Never do I want him fired for what he says. My guess is: he wouldn't do the same for me.

But the difference here is, I'm not a progressive. I believe the American people are smart. And in the end, they'll get it.

I also believe the American people are good.

The left believes Americans are stupid. And they need some overlord to figure it out for them. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 10/21/10, via Nexis]

Beck: “I Don't Think We Are All Dumb Dogs. I Leave Those Kinds Of Thoughts To People That -- Well, Cash Checks From George Soros.” From Beck's show:

BECK: I truly believe that when presented with a choice -- just like Dr. Martin Luther King -- when presented with a choice Americans will choose correctly. It might take them a little time. They might have to go through hell to get there, but I have faith in Americans. I don't think we are all dumb dogs. I leave those kinds of thoughts to people that -- well, cash checks from George Soros. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 10/28/10, via Nexis]

Before Playing Clip From “Liberal Talk Radio,” Beck Tells His Audience: “I Want You To Remember This -- You're An Idiot.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Welcome to THE GLENN BECK PROGRAM.

I want you to remember this -- you're an idiot. You can't think for yourself. You just do whatever the guy on television or radio tells you to do. You know that's not right.

But there are studies that are out now. Here they are from liberal talk radio.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

JOHN DEAN, FORMER NIXON COUNSEL: What the studies show, the empirical studies over -- almost, you know, well over a half a century of studying this issue, they really show that about 25 percent of a given population easily follows into the authoritarian personality-types.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BECK: This is great. We learned about this last week in Bernays. But it was 100 years ago. This is today. Twenty-five percent of the American people or any group want authoritarian rule. They want to be told what to think, what to eat, where to drive, how to live.

[...]

BECK: OK. Got it? Palin, me, O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, all of us, we're smart enough to know that 25 percent of the population that listens to us are all the dummies that want to be controlled and they'll do whatever we say.

I've never met a single person at a Tea Party rally -- I've never met a fan of mine that says, “I am so sick of this freedom stuff. Just give me -- just give me welfare and let me just sit around. Just tell me what to do. Just, please, Mrs. Obama, tell me what to eat.” I haven't met that Tea Partygoer.

See, what you're being told is not exactly a lie. It's a perversion of the truth. It's always very clever when you take the truth and then you pervert it just a bit. What is that called? Oh, I remember what that's called, evil.

Come on. Let's look at evil in the eye tonight. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/17/11, via Nexis]

Beck Claims Health Care Reform Is An Attempt To Allow The Government Into Your Homes Because “They” Think “You're Too Stupid Or Too Dangerous” To Make Your Own Decisions. From the show:

BECK: Not a lot has changed since Bernays. Health care bill of today, what does it have in it? It's an attempt to establish voluntary home visitation from the government health officials. They will counsel you on things.

It's exactly the same kind of thinking. They want to counsel you, because whether you're too stupid or too dangerous, there is something deep inside of you they don't trust and you need to be managed by a group of elites who can't be trusted with your own decisions.

This president has even made it clear that he has a commitment to use behavioral psychology as a major tool in his administration. Obama had his top people before he even got in reading this. Now the title kind of makes sense, doesn't it? “Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy.” All you have to do is nudge them. Move the herd one way or another. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/13/11, via Nexis]

Beck: The “Entire Premise” Of Leadership In Washington Is Based On The Idea That “You're So Stupid You Can't Make Decisions That Affect Your Life.” From the show:

BECK: Well, that's what's happening now, America is waking up. You don't put America back to sleep. We are forced with a choice of two starkly different visions of America.

Now, I'm not talking about policy here, I'm talking about you. How do our leaders see you? What is your role in the future of this republic?

What do you want it to be? Do you want it to be that you want to be coddled? Because that's one option, it's simple. You need help. You can't do it by yourself.

Mommy is going to push you on the swing at the playground, but not on a dangerous swing because you could get boo-boos. Gee, really? Yes. You can't get moving by yourself either. Mommy will be there to push you.

Now, that might be helpful when you are four, but is that where America is now?

In some ways, this path is lined with good intentions. But once you get down to the path, it becomes more and more disturbing.

The entire premise of the leadership that is based in Washington now is based on the vision of you. You can't do it by yourself. You're so stupid. You're so stupid you can't make decisions that affect your life. You need them.

Did you hear Mrs. Obama? She was talking about she needs $400 million for food deserts so we can make the right choices and we have the right food available so when can all have carrots? You know what, Mrs. Obama? Would you do me a favor? When you can get your husband to stop smoking in a federal building, then call me.

As our president said, it's his agenda that's on the ballot. So, it makes sense that the motivation behind that agenda is on the ballot, too. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 10/28/10, via Nexis]

Beck: Progressives Think “You're Stupid, You're Gullible, You're Racist, You're Hate Filled.” From Beck's show:

BECK: They have done everything they can to shut me up -- that didn't work. They tried to shake down my sponsors to shut me up -- that didn't work. They've tried to take some of my sponsors and make them testify in front of Congress -- that didn't work. They tried to whine to my boss to shut up -- that didn't work. They tried to whine to my boss' boss -- that didn't work.

They certainly failed in the marketplace as FOX News destroys the network he was being interviewed on. But now, they are left to try to whine to Sarah Palin and plead to her, because they respect her so much. The question is: why is it so important? What is it so important to George Soros? Gee. (INAUDIBLE).

I've got news for you -- this isn't about shutting me up. It goes back to the last segment and what progressives think of you: you're stupid, you're gullible, you're racist, you're hate filled.

They have to stop me from talking because you can't be trusted with you. Their life's work is wrap up in making sure that you don't hear my point of view or a conservative point of view or any -- George, shall we tell them? Any point of view, because it has been decided, the global order will happen and you'll be left in the dust. I mean, it's a sad and pathetic existence, but that's they way they are. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 10/28/10, via Nexis]

Beck: Progressives And Some Republicans “Think They're Better Than You.” From Beck's show:

BECK: Last night, I showed you how progressives think they're better than you. They know more than you. But that's not a problem just exclusive to the left. That is Republicans as well.

Lindsey Graham -- hi, Lindsey Graham, I love you so much come down. Why don't you come down here and have some sweet tea with me? Getting hammered by the tea partiers for his left-leaning tendencies. Good. Keep it up, tea partiers.

They say they'll vote him out. Well, Lindsey didn't like that. So, here's what his statement was from a staff member. “Senator Graham is a thinking person's conservative. I expect him to do well among voters who have I.Q.s in triple digits.”

Oh! Can't you say something like that in a more snotty tone? Yes, yes!

So, you're not being presented with a choice. You're not being listened to because you're stupid. You don't have triple-digit I.Q. And Washington will do whatever it chooses to do. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 8/4/10, via Nexis]

Beck: I Think The “Overwhelming Majority Of Congressmen And Senators ... Hold You In Contempt.” From the show:

BECK: I want to show you a video now of Democratic Representative Peter Stark from California, it came out again this week.

Now, this is -- this is the guy who taunted the Minutemen, what, about a month ago, said, “How many illegals are you killing today?” He was taking questions at another town hall meeting in Hayward, California, about the power -- the limited power of the federal government.

Here is how he responded:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. PETE STARK (D), CALIFORNIA: The federal government, yes, can do most anything in this country.

(BOOING)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You sir and people that think like you are destroying this nation.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BECK: Here comes the king.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STARK: Well, I'm sure glad you're here to save it. Makes me feel very comfortable.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BECK: He is a king. He is a ruler. He knows best, you little people.

These are his constituents. The arrogance oozes off this man at every, every single corner. He's not even trying to hide it.

And have you noticed? There are a lot of people that aren't trying to hide it anymore. Look, I wouldn't even pay this guy any mind if he were a lone, arrogant jerk. I mean, I wouldn't give this clown the light of day if it was just him, but it's not.

I think this is the overwhelming majority of congressmen and senators, and how they view you. They hold you in contempt.

Quite honestly, I think many people in television hold you in contempt as well. “You know, part of the people over there across the river, I don't even know what land that is?” Oh, I don't know. You mean, across from this teeny island? That's called America. “Oh, but they can't even read. Do they have books over there?”

They think you're stupid. Evidence? How many times did you call your representative, how many times did you call your senator and get hung up on or given the run-around? How many times did you call to get information on health care town hall or an event and be lied to about the time, the date, the place of the event, or we're not sure?

Or how many times did you call and say, “Hey, where do they stand on this?” “Well, the senator hasn't made a decision yet.” And two minutes later, they're voting on it. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 8/3/10, via Nexis]

Beck Attributed His Ratings Success To Not Treating His Audience Like “Idiots”

Beck: Credits Ratings Success In Part To Never Treating His Audience “Like Idiots.” From his show:

BECK: What the country needs from all of us - integrity and courage. It's what is missing in the formula. It's time for all of us to grow up and stand up and say what we mean and mean what we say.

The left needs to do that. I'm tired of it. What they want to say is there is simply too much free speech in this country. Well, say it. Stop hiding behind victims in a tragedy and come out and have that discussion like an adult.

James Clyburn, Louise Slaughter, Media Matters, David Brock - you know why I'm easy to attack? I'm easy to attack because I will tell the American people exactly what I am thinking and I don't care what the consequences - if they leave and they don't watch the show, that's OK.

I am who I am and I will say what I mean and mean what I say. It's also the reason we have ratings success. People know who I am. Sometimes it gets me in to trouble. That's OK.

I've never treated my audience like idiots, because they're not, and neither are the American people. And I think people are tired of the game. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/11/11, via Nexis]

Beck: “We Are The Most Successful Cable News Program In This Time Slot Of All Time” Because, In Part, “We Don't Treat You Like You're An Infant.” From Beck's show:

BECK: America, hello, by the way.

I want to talk to you a little bit and kind of give you a little preview and a prelude of what is happening this week. If you are a long- time fan of this program, you know what happens when you Facebook post or tweet a positive or a defense of me or something that we talk about on this program. Try it if you haven't done it before. Oh, you are in for a treat. The flood gates of progressive hell open up on you.

And there is a seemingly, seemingly endless barrage of comments that pour in from people from all over the world strangely enough. And they are all the left of the left. Many of them are paid and fully purchased by the Soros regime.

Most of the comments that you'll get back won't be directed at me. They will be directed at you. You will be demonized for defending or even stupid enough to buy anything on the program.

I've asked you before and I'll ask again -- this week especially -- do not believe anything I tell you, because I tell it to you. Make sure you do your own homework.

If this is the first time seeing this program -- well, I think you're in for an eye-opener, too, because you've heard me described as a guy who's just full of hate, a racist, a conspiracy theorist, just trying to get people to blow stuff up or create another Oklahoma City. That's the latest from the Soros clan. Well, if that were true, then America just isn't the place that I thought it was. Most likely not the place you thought it was. I mean a racist, hate-filled host who is openly trying to get people to be violent would have zero viewers in the America I know and love.

As it turns out, we are the most successful cable news program in this time slot of all time.

So, what is it that we're doing and doing right? Well, there are a few things and you will see them demonstrated this week. We don't treat you like you an infant. We don't treat like you're a fool. We speak plainly to you and openly to you whether you like it or not.

We also say the things that others may be thinking, but we verify them. And we get it right. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 11/8/10, via Nexis]

Beck Says His Show Got Record Ratings “Because I Don't Treat You Like A Moron.” From the show:

BECK: These people in history, progressives, have always treated you as a nincompoop. They have always said that the American people are stupid, and that it's too confusing, et cetera, et cetera. I don't believe that.

Our show gets ratings that have never ever been accomplished before at 5:00 p.m. -- never! Why? Because I don't treat you like you're a moron. I expect you to get it and I expect that you want to get it and you'll do your own homework.

So, let me give you the seed and then you go and search this information out. [Fox news, Glenn Beck, 5/27/10, via Nexis]

“We Set Records”: Beck Touted His Audience's Willingness To Buy Books As Evidence Of Their Superiority

Beck: “It's Amazing How People Paint This Audience As Stupid, Uneducated And Yet You Buy More Books Than Anybody Can Possibly Imagine. We Set Records.” From the show:

BECK: I -- I want to thank you for watching tonight. We were -- we were number one on Friday with our “Founding Fridays,” our “Founding Father Fridays,” or whatever -- I can never get the name of it right.

It's amazing how people paint this audience as stupid, uneducated and yet you buy more books than anybody can possibly imagine. We set records. Every time we talk about a book on this program, it goes through the roof.

Our “Founding Fridays,” every time we do one -- higher ratings than the week before, and yet you just -- you don't know anything about history. It's amazing. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 7/6/10, via Nexis]

Beck To Audience: “Look How Far You've Come Intellectually And What You Know About History In This Country.” From his show:

BECK: I started this program asking you remember how far you have come in the political process in the last two years. I want to end here. Look how far you've come intellectually and what you know about history in this country. How many books have you read in the last two years compared to the two years prior?

How much do you know that you had no idea - no idea? I want to show you - because remember, you're the stupid one. I have a clip now from the Restoring Sanity rally on Saturday. Now, you have to know that Keynesian policies -basically stimulus, just bailout, just keep putting more stimulus in and that will start the economy again.

It's John Maynard Keynes. That's Keynesian economics which Obama is. Watch what happens - watch what happens when somebody comes down with a microphone and a sign about the Keynesian economics. Watch.

(begin video clip)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why do you have the sign?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you disagree with it?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That he's Keynesian(ph), that he's not like American? Is that what you are saying?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I mean, we're asking a question.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was born in Hawaii. That is a state of the United States. He's born here legally and an awesome president.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is he a Keynesian?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, absolutely not.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's possible. I mean, I'm not going to go and judge people.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't matter. Maybe it would matter on his views on things. But like most of us come, you know, from Ireland, Germany, Italy. You know, most of us come from different countries.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Until there is proof to the contrary.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What do you want? He gave you proof. He gave you proof. He was born in Hawaii. What proof do you want?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you think it establishes he's definitely not Keynesian?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it does. Yes, it does. I mean, you people are trying to something out of nothing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't really see how it's relevant to his presidency. It is important, but it shouldn't be the only thing looked at.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's stupid, and that's what that sign is - stupid. And Americans, I'll tell you what. Hopefully, on November, that people are going to know that most Americans are not stupid and don't buy this.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know what his economic policies really are, personally, so I can't really answer that question.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's hard to know until we have proof one way or the other, right?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought you said Kenyan.

(end video clip)

BECK: Even the guy who knew - this is a guy who knew - didn't even know what Barack Obama's economic policies are. Uh, stimulus - hello! But you're the dummy. Don't buy into any of this crap. By the way, you can find that video at “TheBlaze.com.” Send it around to your friends. It's fantastic. It's fantastic. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 11/2/10, via Nexis]

Beck: “This Audience Reads An Awful Lot. Don't Let Anybody Tell You This Audience Is Stupid.” From the show:

BECK: America, you know, if you watch the show and you watch the bestseller list, this audience reads an awful lot. Don't let anybody tell you this audience is stupid.

And I tell you to read everything. And I tell you to read - and these are communists that wrote this. It's currently out. If you haven't read “Atlas Shrugged,” you've got to “The Road to Serfdom.”

The only way that we're going to fix our future is to understand the past. We have an incredible show on the fiction that morphed into reality next week. You don't miss it. From New York, good night, America. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 6/8/10, via Nexis]

“This Audience Will Change The Course Of A Nation”: Beck Hyperbolized About The Role Of His Audience

Beck: “This Audience Will Change The Course Of A Nation, And Thus Change The Course Of A World.” From the show:

BECK: I don't know how many of us fully really appreciate what this country means, what freedom means -- and liberty and freedom unmatched anywhere in the world. I'm sorry, but we are not like the rest of the world. We do not want to lose it to appreciate it.

Ronald Reagan said this: “Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.” It is true. If we're lucky, our children will taste it again. But have we done enough to even teach them that it's worth something?

Our children will not mourn for something they didn't even understand. What is our freedom about? Stuff?

We don't even know our own history. Millions have died for what most of us now take for granted. Countless treasure has been spent to further the cause that I hope we hold dear. A greater amount has been -- has been wagered all around the globe to destroy it.

You've heard me tell this story a million times before. It's about Ben Franklin. He walked out of the constitutional convention in Philadelphia, and a woman approached him and said, “What have you given us, Mr. Franklin?” He said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Can we?

That statement looms larger today than perhaps any other time in our history -- maybe with the exception of the Civil War. Take the time to consider the values and the principles and the history of this country -- what we were founded on. The values and the principles, the role they play, not only in our country, but they play in our own life.

It is my goal -- I really truly believe with everything in me that this audience will change the course of the nation, and thus change the course of the world, if we are our highest self, if we have -- if we've done the hard work. And it's hard, especially before the problem really hits.

I ask you tonight -- take an inventory of your own life. Take the 40- day and 40-night challenge, a blueprint for national survival. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/19/10]

After Midterm Elections, Beck Congratulated Audience On Standing Up Against “Every Special Interest ... This Was David Versus Goliath.” From Beck's show:

BECK: America, do you realize what you did yesterday? Do you know who you were against yesterday? Every special interest, every giant, everybody. I mean this was David versus Goliath. You had a rock and a slingshot.

Look what you did. It was a bloodbath for Democrats last night. It was historic. It was a mandate against their fundamental transformation. It was a loud and clear stop. Stop spending. Stop the government intrusion. Stop.

I don't care who did it. I don't care what you inherited. I don't care. When I woke up, the house was on fire. I'm awake now. Just stop what you're doing. That's what this was. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 11/3/10]

Beck: “Prepare To Be A Shelter And A Teacher For Others, Because They Will Come.” From his show:

BECK: My family - we are not canning but we are purchasing food. We've done it over the last year. You don't want to go up and run and just put all your money out there. So we did it in little bits and drabs and we went and we got the food. Now, we have a year's supply.

If nothing happens, that's cool. I tell you, as a dad, there is nothing that has been more stress-relieving than me sitting down on the steps - and I never saw this coming. I never thought this would happen. I sat down the steps and I looked at a year's worth of food, that accomplishment.

And I actually - I know this isn't a surprised. I actually wept out of relief. I thought I could lose my job and my kids are going to be fine. You might not lose your job. Maybe everything I say is coming doesn't happen.

That's OK. That's all right. Maybe somebody down the street loses their job and you can be a shelter and a comfort for others, for your family.

This is what we have to do. First of all, teach yourself. Read the original sources. Read the truth. Don't just take my word for it. Find out for yourself. If they make fun of you, fine.

Prepare to be a shelter and a teacher for others, because they will come. And be who you were born to be. Yes, I can because I am - I am worthy. I'm competent. I'm smart enough to do it.

Do these things. Get yourself out of debt. Have the essentials that you need, lots of them, in your shelf. And in two years, if nothing has happened and then you really want - I mean, really, I mean this sincerely - we can all get together and you can all mock me. It's OK.

Why don't you store that mocking up for a rainy day? Let's wait for two years. Just wait. If you don't need, if everything is fine, mock me all you want. Please. Just do your own homework. Listen to your gut and consider sanity for just a moment. Remember the voice of your grandparents. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 11/11/10, via Nexis]