I Know You Are, But What Am I?
Leave it to ODub to criticize a conservative for accusing the media of being biased against Bush by responding with an accusation that the media is biased for Bush.
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Where did I say the media is biased in favor of Bush? Unlike you guys on the right, we know you can’t go inside someone’s brain and say “see, biased!” instead its quantified – by saying that AP has on numerous occasions carried water for Bush. I don’t pretend to know what’s on their minds or weave conspiracy theories of Howard Dean calling up the AP news desk.
This coming from an employee of Media Matters…
“This coming from an employee of Media Matters…”
If I were a Conservative I’d probably nod sagely at the mention of the biased Liberal website paranoidly pointing out things in the press.
Except it’s not, the presentation’s even deliberately kept as dry as possible.
Not that that is the issue. The issue is, here’s a video that proves once again that the President of the United States of America is a liar and incompetent, and here are GOP numpties assuming that the AP is being funded by Democrats to smear him, because God knows Bush can’t possibly do anything wrong.
And all you can say to retort is “This coming from an employee of Media Matters” as if that makes a dime’s worth of difference to anything.
I have to take issue with the fact that the video showed incompetence. It did not define the terms used by the Corps of Engineers nor did it touch on the reports from the local and state governments that all was well with the levees. This was left to later reports not as widely reported. Also, the level of destruction was frankly outside the experience of ALL those involved. The hysterical rantings from reporters (even those from FOX) inside New Orleans in the immediate days following the hurricane who could only see two hundred yards from their broadcast trailers were highly misleading. The hundreds and hundreds of miles of destroyed infrastructure made getting immediate help to that particular location very difficult.
As to bias one way or the other in the press – there have been numerous studies that show that the press does have a left-of-center slant. For example:
http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=6664
I have read the media matters analysis of the above study. The criticisms are weak. But, they are arguments
So, lets examine the political parties that most reporters claim as their own. This should also, of course include the editors, editorial staffs, and owners (if they clearly influence the news outlets reporting). Using this measure, it is clear that the vast majority of “mainstream media” is pulling for the Democrats. I’d define “Mainstream” as the TV and Radio services of the big three networks and possibly CNN. FOX, despite liberal claims to the contrary is pretty evenly balanced. While the major newspapers (which are generally in deep decline) are blatantly Democrat. The papers are by far the most obvious.
Sadly, what’s missing in just about ALL the news outlets is actual investigative reporting and distilling facts. Most are reduced to picking up the political chant of the moment as spoken by the political figures of both parties. Though the liberal/Democrat chants are given stronger emphasis.
“FOX, despite liberal claims to the contrary is pretty evenly balanced.”
Kay, I’ve stopped reading now.
I’ve seen Fox, and I know for a fact that isn’t true.
Well, I guess it is better for some people to close their minds and remain ignorant. Hope that works out for you. You should be welcome at any Democratic Party office in the country.
If the other media is biased, and FOX is not – to the untrained eye they would seem biased. But, whatever. Is O’Reilly balanced? Compared to who? Larry King? Chris Mathews? Al Franken? The commentators and interview shows ALL have a bias one way or the other. But the core news shows are the telling factor.
CBS News 60 minutes (2) used fabricated documents to try and discredit the President weeks before the election. That is an example of a mainstream and biased news outlet.
When Bush’s father was running against Clinton, NPR would play Clinton sound bites and READ Bush sound bites (to be sure and put emphasis where they wanted it). That is an example of a mainstream and biased news outlet.
I think it’s not jumping the gun to say that not only is Bill O’Reilly’s show is slanted, but the fact that FOX doesn’t carry a similar show from someone in the left side of the spectrum speaks about FOX’s slant.
This has nothing to do with the other stations. Just look specifically at FOX and say whether or not it is balanced. Specifically, in the past four years or so. Maybe it really was “fair and balanced” during its early years, but the major concern is the present condition. And in my opinion, the network is very slanted to the right.
O’Reilly has definate opinions. And he does come down on the right alot. But – not always. He’s been highly critical of the oil companies for example. If you really watch him – he gives his guests a chance to argue their points – though he’s clearly wrong sometimes and does dominate a conversation. But, he’s NOT news is he?
So, lets look at the line-up:
1. Hannity and Colmes is balanced.
2. Van Sustern talks about legal and crime. I get sick of the sensationalized view of some cases. But – I’ve seen that on other networks also. But, is she right wing? I don’t think so.
3. Tony Snow? 4. Britt Hume? I think botrh do a good job showing balance. They don’t tow the same liberal line say MSNBC or even CNN do – But I think THEY aren’t balanced.
5. Cavuto? Business news mostly. But yes. Right.
6. Gibson. Right.
7. The Beltway Boys is decidely liberal.
So – Some right? Yes. O’Reilly I think defies definition however. Some balanced? Yes. Some left? Yes. Some neutral business and legal news (eve if not always very important news)? Yes.
But again – most of the above names are commentary. NOT Pure news. Snow and Hume do a good job with the news and have balanced discussion panels afterward. And, the pure news IS, I believe more balanced than the some other news outlets. Of course, it is just ONE network compared to multiple that live somewhere in the left spectrum. Agreed on THAT point? And, the vast majority of print press remains left. Agreed?
Matt, I know it’s expecting a lot of you to read, but outside of Fox News Channel, Media Matters has never claimed the media is “biased”. MRC makes such a claim, and repeatedly the claims die because they can’t substantiate it. Media Matters monitors misinformation propagated by conservatives (see the mission statement here, the word “bias” never appears, unlike MRC’s “about us” page), and reports on when the press carries water for the right by amplifying the misinformation, and we attempt to stop it.
And not that anyone really watches the show but the statement “The Beltway Boys is decidely liberal.” is about the funniest thing I’ve ever read.
Closing my mind. Sure. Did you miss the bit where I said “I’ve seen Fox and know that isn’t true”?
I guess it was the “Kay, I’ve stopped reading now.” statement. Which, you were apparently wrong or lieing about.
“Carry water for the right”????? What exactly does that even mean?
Not joining in the endless attacks on Bush while offering absolutely NO solutions.
Not giving applause at the fact they managed to kill Social Security reform – but with no alternative reform offered?
Not joining in the attacks on Supreme Court nominees? NPR said Alito “bragged” about his ties to the Princeton Alumni Group om his resume – how exactly do you brag on a resume? Capital Bold letters?
Not joining in the outing of a secret and successful intelligence program?
No – NOT being part of the active left media does NOT mean you are slanted to the right.
OK – so I’ve been reading. “Carry the water” for the right is apparently an undefined term. It is used more as a chant than to define any explicit action. Much like “Stay the course” or “Culture of Corruption”. The terms are used as marketing chants.
OK – so, just nonsense. At least I get you now Oliver.
Carrying water means (you should probably crack a book sometime) that when George Bush says “the sky is purple”, the AP simply prints “the sky is purple” without you know, checking.
Who cares about the media bias or not.
Bush knew —his staff knew—the question is who cares how its reported WHY DID SO MANY DIE? WHY DID BUSH again wait DAYS before he responded? C’mon anyone see the pattern? Something haapends to America and Bush sits and waits. Let’s face the man has a learning/mental disability or something.
But you know what the best part of broadcasting that video conference/call is all about–that finally someone listened in on Bush’s perhaps “private” phone call just like he’s asking our gov. to do on citizen’s. At least we know the law works for everyone.
Oh and by the way Matt… have a great time on vacation-the people of New Orleans and our soldiers in Iraq are happy that while they fight for each day of their life you can take a vacation for a war you support.
mike
Oliver, I’m actually pretty well educated. And your assertion is ridiculous. The press are 90% card carrying Democrats who actively HATE George Bush. Did FOX ever use fabricated documents to attack a Democrat? No, but CBS certainly did.
My point is that you use that phrase as a chant. You have few specifics (if any) and NEVER answer specifics put forth by a conservative. Your chants are like cries from the little boy who cried wolf. You criticize EVERYTHING. So, when you have a valid point, it becomes lost because you have no credibility. Just because you say it over and over and over doesn’t mean it’s true.
And Mike. Those conference calls are always recorded. And, you saw a limited portion and failed to see the follow on definitions of the words used and the assurances of the governor that the levees were fine. I guess that was your point. Though you come across as a little incoherent and maybe you should consider NOT typing after you’ve been drinking.
Mike and Oliver, Here is a plausible scenario to serve as a discussion tool:
A terrorist with a recently smuggled shipment of enriched uranium stops on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and pays cash at a vending machine for an activated Cell phone. No name is assigned to it.
He stops at the next exit and goes to a Panera Bread. He logs onto their wireless network with his laptop and opens a new yahoo account with a bogus name. He uses words from the menu for his name and address. Then, he sends his new phone number to a hotmail account owned by a terrorist in Pakistan.
1. Do you agree that this man is an enemy combatant operating on US territory?
2. Do you agree that this would be true even if he was a U.S. citizen (remember, EVERY Confederate soldier killed at Gettysburg was a U.S. citizen)
3. Do you agree that it would be in the best interest of the people of the United States to intercept these communications and to capture or kill this man?
4. How will YOU intercept this computer message?
5. How will YOU monitor this phone?
6. Do you agree that the New York Times publishing the details of an intelligence operation designed to catch this man would be… well, bad?
7. Do you think that the New York Times would be “carrying water for the president” if it refrained from publishing these details.
By the way, I expect no coherent answer from either of you. I think I’ll just see more rant and chants.
your all gay
kayla – we await your next stupid statement with baited breath.
And, for this context – you mis-spelled you’re.
Hey! Whatja know? Outside of hatred, slurs, and silly chants the left has NO ANSWERS TO ANYTHING!
Kahn,
First of all we were talking about, WHY DID SO MANY HAVE TO DIE in New Orleans and WHY DID BUSH again wait DAYS before he responded? You couldn’t answer those questions at all. Instead like all good republicans you change the subject when you have no answer and just ask more questions based on a tangent. I mean this whole thing was such a big fuck up.
Besides to answer your questions I think anyone with a hint of creativity will find a way to do whatever they want. Secondly your scenario is very creative and Your plan that you wrote on a public blog might give someone an idea. Perhaps someone should report your creative efforts to authorities. I mean it is such a detailed plan how can we assume it is not code for a terrorist? Perhaps that terroist is you Kahn. Defend it as you may but I think I or Matt should forward this blog to the proper authorites just in case. I mean you do claim to have military experience.You have given this plan such detailed thought it might make others wonder why you are writing such plans of actions and ideas and spreading them online via a public blog website. Is Kahn code name for something.
As far as “telephone” and privacy issues if you’re so open, can we all listen to your “phone conversations” between you and the men and women who will only talk with you after they take your credit card number and ask what you are wearing? Oh you naughty boy you.
Now for my tangent. To Kayla-Thanks truly I think it’s great.I love being gay–straight is boring.
Oh to Kahn, you just looked like a bigger fool to Kayla—just to let you know you might want to check the spelling on your “mis-spelled”. There is no dash-also the correct spelling for your “baited” is bated as in “To his dying day he bated his breath a little when he told the story” (George Eliot). Please learn to read I will even send you a free library card.
Why did so many people have to die in New Orleans? Easy… Mayor Nagin didn’t exacuate the city.
Matt
Actually he tries to evacuate the city-somepoor didn’t have any televisions or communications to here of the exit strategy. But what about after the hurricane where was your boy Bush then–oh yea flying over the city. Why didn’t he come down to street level like he did in NYC and give another rousing speech to the people-oh yea that’s right he’s not running again in 2008. By the way Matt how was your vacation. We wrote the troops in Iraq how much you needed a break. YOu know they have great vacations in the middle east why not volunteer for a few years and help out the troops for a war you support/supported. I’m sure with all your opinions they could really use your help putting an end to the civil war. Cmon Matt sign up put your belly wear your mouth is…or do you?
Matt also why is Bush’s approval rating so low?
Yah, I did bad spelling.
I thought the blog was about “I know you are but what am I”. Which I took to be the liberals constant inane attacks with no ideas of their own. Mike – your posts are an excellent example of this.
New Orleans was hundreds of miles within a region devastated by a major hurricane. Roads, power, and communications were out over the entire region. You have a very small and inexperienced view of the world. Just because the cameras were showing New Oreleans over and over and over does not mean that it was the only place hit. Help had to fight it’s way in from all the surrounding regions. The task they had to tackle was enormous. A word that you clearly do not understand the meaning of.
I’m getting sick of liberals acting smug and superior when they actually are ignorant of soooo many things. Good example – the UAE ports deal. FYI – the UAE is not part of Saudi Arabia. And, your attacks on our major ally in the area were racist and ignorant. Looks the Democratic party is turning back towards its roots. Maybe Senator Byrd will dust off his white hood.
Attack Mike! Attack! Gooood Dooooogggg.
Oh, but did I notice. You didn’t have any answers to my scenario did you? Just checking.
Aarf arf Kahn-A dog can smell 10000 times better than a human-which means your bullshit sure does stink.
Anyway I’ll answer your questions, I’m a nice guy.
Answer:Its a scenario as you said…like a bad Tom Clancy novel.
Like most republicans you’d rather spend your time making up stories then trying to attain real understanding and facts in our day to day world. Please continue the creative writing though.
Also please enjoy the Bush’s low gallop poll ratings. You’re right he is doing a “bang” up job. Literally.
Real question though why does the USA not watch its own ports from stem to stern? I don’t understand. It seems it would employ more americans/american companies. Any info of why we don’t and haven’t in past would be appreciated
Mike. You didn’t answer. This is what the NSA is looking for. Coward.
What are you going to do about untraceable cell phones and anonymous internet accounts? How are you going to keep these from being used for terrorist communications? It is a pretty strait forward question – and YOU refuse to answer it.
I refuse to join in the Democratic Party’s racial hatred attacks. Though I do notice that returning to this mode is really returning to your roots. You accuse Bush of being simplistic and of fostering fear. Racists.
You don’t understand how the ports are run or what the terminals deal even meant. The UAE already runs the terminals in Miami and The Peoples Republic of China runs the terminals in Los Angeles. Most cargo ships are foreign flagged. So, the companies that specialize in shipping branch into terminals. Security and the personal running the ports were, are, and will remain American. But hey – don’t let ignorance stop you. It is the uniting characteristic of racists everywhere.
Kahn
whatever…
yes i know there have been foriegn mebers mamnging a portion of the ports but why not let americans run the ports from stem to stern? I do not understand.
Plus the rascit comments really whatever you just like to argue I’m not here for that besides you couldnt keep up. And plus i think recall you arguing with people who didn’t exist on this website n the first place.
Plus did you get a chance to ask Matt why he hasn’t enlisted a question I asked to you months ago that you didn’t answer.
Yah Mike, I knew it was you (the weasal). I know you lie, and don’t answer questions, and aren’t very knowledgable. But arguments posted here are for the benefit of all readers – not just died in the wool wackos (like you).
Wacko Democrats want to censure and impeach the President for being smart enough to answer the scenario above that you could not. The answer is; you scan ALL the airwaves with sophisticated software running on lots and lots of very fast computers. You look for patterns among known enemies. And, you track traffic coming out of target areas back to here. But, you don’t know anything about that do you? I ask because, well you brought the subject up.
The “ports” are a web of businesses that include docks, loading equipment, trucking companies, repair and fueling facilities, and more. They are private property. You are free to buy and run one if you wish. But, well you don’t really know anything about them do you?
The Democrat led (bud sadly Republican followed) attack on the UAE ports deal was increadibly racist, cynical, and short sighted. We slapped our major ally in the region right in the face. Look for them (it is beginning already) to cool to us. Look for them to cancel the multi-billion dollar deal to buy Boeing jetliners ( I mean jeaz – arabs and jetliners – what were WE thinking). Look for them to buy Airbus instead. But hey, you don’t know anything about that either – do you?
Oh – and Democrats good going on Social Security. I’m so glad you killed the Republican plan and replaced it with your own. Oh wait! You didn’t have a plan? The problems remain? Getting worse every day? Oh well, you really didn’t care about the country did you? So long as you could “get Bush.” Good job.
Yes Mike, the weasal, the ignorant spouter of left wing rants don’t bother trying to actually find anything out or understand how things work. Facts and stuff would just get in the way.
Thanks though for illustrating how dangerous your views and party are. Thanks for that.
Hey Kahn
again whatever..thank you though explaining the port deal… but still would you rather see the ports on American coastlines being sold to foreign companies no matter who they are all for their profit or would you rather see the ports be contracted to American companies that would/should be required to hire Americans? Which would you do?
The ports are not being sold. The terminal concessions are. It’s complicated. The staff is American – though whoever owns them it is not required.
Don’t feel alone – the vast majority of Americans agree with you. It’s just too bad that the opinions are based on ignorance and racial hatred. And the attack was led by Democratic Senators and Congressmen.
Like Social Security – a defeat for the nation is seen as a win for the Democrats because they hurt Bush. The deal would not have affected security one bit. But again, ignorance is bliss I guess.
http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/products-docex.htm
There is more to the Iraq story than people care to admit.
Kahn
“The ports are not being sold. The terminal concessions are. It’s complicated. The staff is American – though whoever owns them it is not required.
It’s complicated.” THATS YOUR ANSWER??
Seems like perhaps you are a racist against hard working Americans.In Mexico you can’t control a port unless you are a citizen of Mexico.
YOur turn to answer my question:Would you rather see the ports be contracted to American companies that would/should be required to hire Americans? Or NOT?
Plus did you get a chance to ask Matt why he hasn’t enlisted?- a question I asked to you months ago that you didn’t answer.
Mike,
Hahahahahahaha. Are you serious? Sooooo judging from your post, it actually IS too complicated for you to understand? The terminals are private business. They are a concession for managing the loading and unloading facilities. They manage, and collect fees. US longshoreman union workers actually do the work.
Security? Police and Coast Guard. Fuel? Just like gas stations really. Could be Shell, or Exxon or whoever.
Most terminal operations worldwide are run by a few large corporations who happen to be in the shipping business. It’s seen as a corollary to their core business. But, whatever. The UAE won’t be running these terminals. And your failure to care or understand is keeping in line with most Americans. Don’t live in Washington do you? When the UAE cancels the airliner deal that’s really going to suck, eh? But again, whatever. Your irrational descriptions of MY racism are really quite ludicrous.
On you attack on matt for not joining the military. In the last few weeks documents and recordings have come to light in reports by ABC and the military and analysis has been reported in several books describing pre-war Iraq and our attack strategy. Rather than me describing here so you can ignore it and shift subjects again – why don’t you look into this and let me know what YOU think? I expect it will be one of your normal irrational ill-informed rants. But maybe you’ll surprise me.
I guess not.
Well – look at Drudge today. john.r.green@abc.com sure looks biased to me…….
Oliver? Still there?
Kahn again in your paragraph you never answered the question:
Would you rather see the ports be contracted to American companies that would/should be required to hire Americans? Or NOT?
For Matt and others-Look if you support the war then why not volunteer? That includes you Kahn. I’m sure they could use your experience.I know none of you will and none of you will say “I’m just to chicken shit to enlist-Id rather have others fight for me. I liked Matts past answers or should I say non-answers “I support the troops in my own way and I don’t need to justfy it to anyone.” He’s right he doesn’t for we can alreay see his transparent lack or conviction and his cowardness. He is a parasite and he knows it.
Also Bush is an ASSHOLE! He said he would leave it up to future presidents when it would be an appropriate time to leave IRAQ! HE IS A TYPICAL DRUNK/DRY DRUNK! MAKE AMESS OF EVERYONES LIFE AND ASKS EVERYONE ELSE TO CLEAN UP HIS MESS! DICKHEAD!
mike
Mike,
No. I do not believe that the TERMINALS should be owned by American companies that are forced to hire American citizens. What you propose is clearly immoral, unconstitutional, and unnecessary. You know nothing about how the “ports” work. Heck, you don’t even need to be a citizen to join the military. And they give you a gun (sometimes quite large) there. Revel in your ignorance.
As to the rest of your rant – you are clearly out of Prozac and should seek to replenish your supplies immediately. I asked pointed questions about the NSA thing in response to one of your earlier (milder) rants. You refuse to take anything seriously – instead attacking people and making crazy statements. Sadly, you are a typical liberal in this.
“Michael Chertoff, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, said it yesterday in a speech. He was up there at the CFR, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Chertoff said that the international shipping firm DP World “could have helped implement stronger security at many ports where the US now has limited influence. ‘We could have actually built in some additional assurances, which would have given us more security in the wake of the deal than we had before the deal. The oddity of this, the irony of this,’ he said, ‘is that had the deal gone forward, we would have had greater ability to impose a security regime worldwide on the company than we have now.’”
From Rush’s site
Kahn,
Oy! Bubby….if you are quoting from Rush L.’s site then you are more sad and worse off and less informed then I suspected..do you also get your news from Fox?
As for being “liberal” thank god u can see that. You have your head so far up the republican ass that you are truly blind..but once again no one on this site will stand with their lives for their convictions.
If you are for thiswar then fucking enlist “MATT” and “KAHN” who gives a fuck if you already “said” you served to ask others to die for you for a fight that you support but will nto put yourself outhere makes you chicken shit.
Look I live in NYC was down there moments after the buildings fell, breathed in tyhe terrible air and gasses while I helped my good friend Dr. Rubin with his team account for all the body parts that bloddied the neiboring lower roffs and walks (you didnt see that on TV) I iwas there I felt I should help I wanted to help and did not ask others to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Basic line sit there and jerkoff behind your computer while men and women are dieing. You are fuckin hypocritical chicken-shits do your self a favor—don’t come to NYC.