I really shouldn’t watch TV. Today, after I got home from school (I’m a 6th grade teacher – semi retired) I foolishly turned on MSNBC when Chuck Todd was demonstrating, again, to me, that he plays a great pawn for the Obama haters and the right wing establishment. Honestly, in the part of the show that really caught my eye – where they (Todd and the pundits he had on with him) were lamenting the Donald Trump “phenomenon” and all the ways it could destroy the republican party – I couldn’t help but be reminded of how Todd allowed himself in the 2014 election to be a pawn for Mitch McConnell (and, I have to say, I’m not sure if it was intentional or not). Here he (and the others) were speculating on how the republicans could get rid of Trump without destroying their party – while, in my view, continuing the curious obsession the American media has with actually propping Trump up.
Really, that’s all I hear about when I force myself to catch a bit of “news.” It’s Trump this, Trump that, and Trump, Trump, and Trump. And, Mr. Trump is correct. He doesn’t need to spend a penny on advertising – the cable networks are providing him with 24/7 FREE advertising. Plus, I don’t see evidence that the very people who are lamenting his candidacy the most on TV “get” that they are playing into his hands. Just as many of these same people have (correctly) pointed out that Trump is playing into the hands of the so-called “terrorists” with his offensive, racist, bigoted rhetoric. It’s no wonder America is in such a state. Traditionally, we were supposed to be able to “trust” the “fourth estate” – meaning the media, to provide information to the public. These people are dead set on providing entertainment, and when they get sucked in, boy “Katie bar the door.”
I listened the other day to Bernie Sanders commenting on Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric along with sharing his experience regarding a visit he had with leaders of the African American community in Baltimore and suggesting how “we the people” might address the deplorable conditions many are enduring in America’s inner cities. As I listened to Sanders all I could think was that his rhetoric was too sensible, too practical, and was aimed at actually beginning the process of helping America’s middle class and those in poverty (47 MILLION) address the need to change the direction of this country in a way that honors workers and focuses on restoration – not only of the middle and lower classes, but of the infrastructure that is the foundation of any strong society. What Bernie is saying and proposing SHOULD be what is broadcast on all the news shows and news wires. Not, the offensive rhetoric of Mr. Trump. Yes, Trump is gaining “steam” – but, the sad reality, to me, is that the media who’s complaining about him is the source that’s propping him up! If he was FORCED (like every other candidate) to pay for advertising to get his message out, we wouldn’t be forced to listen to this garbage. Makes me wonder what the REAL motivation of the media pundits really is???
Of course, Todd couldn’t leave it at that. He had to bring on a pundit to report on the testimony of the Secretary of Defense (I believe his name is Ash Carter) before a Senate committee this morning. The only thing I know about that committee (I listened to about 20 minutes of the testimony) is that John McCain is on the committee. I almost gagged listening to McCain essentially berating Mr. Carter because America has not placed “boots on the ground” back in Iraq and Syria. Of course, if you’ve listened to McCain much, that would not be a surprise – and, it wouldn’t take much to point out that he gets (got) it wrong EVERY STEP OF THE WAY regarding the destabilizing of the Middle East. McCain has a history of incompetence that goes all the way back to Viet Nam. So, I have to wonder, why do people like Todd – and, in this instance MSNBC – continue to give McCain and his ilk “cover?” Why do what they say have any credence? As I forced myself to watch Todd comment on the situation in Syria it was no surprise to me that he gave one subliminal hint after another that our government policy is – well, he just shook his head in a non-verbal slam.
I’m convinced with people like McCain and Todd (and others – including Trump) being given this presumption of credibility our nation is destined to end up in another stupid phase of Bush/Cheney’s “endless war.” Yes, our corporate behemoth and our war mongers will go to any length to make this happen. It’s as if Osama bin Laden knew EXACTLY how America would react to 9/11 and people like Trump, McCain, and media personalities like Todd and outlets like MSNBC just continue to make his point. Be very afraid! To me, Chuck Todd is either a shill for the republicans or a stooge who has no idea how he’s being played.
Then there’s Chris Matthews – he comes on the same channel a bit later than Todd. The frustrating thing to me about Matthews is that I know he should know better. I’m just finishing a book written in the late 80’s by Hedrick Smith titled “The Power Game” in which Matthews is quoted repeatedly while he was a member of Tip O’Neil’s staff during the Reagan administration. Additionally, I’m getting emails from Matthews wife who is running for Congress as a Democrat back in Virginia (or Maryland) which causes me alarm at some of the things I hear on his program. The same day I’m referring here to Todd and his comments regarding Trump, well Matthews – and conceivably EVERY other member of the cable “media” – were “on” the same subject – for the entire length of their programs. The part that was revealing to me as I tried to stomach as much of the Matthews program (called “Hardball”) as I could handle was when Matthews referred to, essentially, how entertaining the election cycle was going to be due to the “Trump phenomenon.”
Matthews, of course, was referring to all the “nuances” this Trump candidacy exposes regarding our political process and how it will (and is) affect(ing) the republican party.To him, it seems as if it’s entertainment and more viewers. One of the pundits on his show (I can’t remember her name, but what I do remember is that she’s a writer for “The Nation” – a true liberal publication) was not amused by Matthews references to how Trump makes this next election cycle entertaining. She clearly understands the ramifications this has on our nation and the importance of the next election and how we shouldn’t be focused on “entertainment” – especially in the broadcast “news” media. Trump has been proven correct when he suggests the American voting public is “stupid.” People like Matthews who have some level of a “bully pulpit” (I have no idea the level of his program’s viewership) should, in my view, be focused on the real issues and, from a true pundit’s point of view, how to best address them. NOTHING Trump does or says is aimed at REALLY addressing America’s true issues – in fact, I believe it’s not hard to argue that Trump is making the solutions to our REAL issues more complex.
The thing that Trump is obviously good at is USING the media to generate excitement with the insignificant number of people who might be inclined to follow someone who has a racist, misogynist, anti-labor, demagogue, militarist message. When you total it all up, I believe Trump has a following of around 10% (or so) of America’s voting public. Why would we want to broadcast this as an exciting movement to our allies around the world at a time like this? Honestly, there’s NO WAY it happens without the cooperation of our “liberal media.” Clearly, Trump understands that sensationalism sells. I’ve just focused on Todd and Matthews here, but there appears to be a long list of people trying to crowd into the line broadcasting nearly every word Trump spews at this point. I had to turn the TV off the day I’m mentioning, but – on a so-called “news cast” – they were actually waiting for Trump to give a stump speech, somewhere in New Hampshire, and were going to broadcast it as if anything the man says is “news.” This is all so unbelievable to me that I’m having a hard time accepting that it’s actually happening. I keep thinking, is this simply a bad dream?
Of course, it would be the “family values,” “pro life,” “conservative,” republican party that would be the launching post for someone like Trump. I mean the guy has screwed over who knows how many thousands of people in his multiple business BANKRUPTCIES, he’s on his third marriage (I’m not judging, I’m just “sayin”), he’s a casino owner (seriously, think about that one all you “Tea Partiers”), and he basically would be incompetent regarding how our government works! (OK, I realize that puts him in the same category as Reagan and GW Bush and many others – I’m sure my good friend, who I often have breakfast with on Saturdays would include Obama on that list) He continues to generate “excitement” among the “base” with one outlandish (and racist) “proclamation” after another – seemingly, every time his “poll numbers” start to decline well, here comes another bombshell comment that we can count on people like Todd and Matthews parsing for days, and in some cases weeks. This is all getting to the level of the absurd!
A couple weeks ago we had a HOME GROWN Christian TERRORIST shoot up a Planned Parenthood office in Colorado and, based on the “news” you would think it never happened. A police officer (who was also a pastor), a Iraq war vet, and a young Mom were KILLED along with 9 people injured, and – basically – this act of terrorism managed to bypass our “liberal media.” Of course, the massacre in San Bernadino has garnered the media’s attention – with the help of Trump’s anti-Muslim comments – 24/7. I guess because this HOME GROWN TERRORIST was a Muslim, that made the San Bernadino murders more “newsworthy.” Our media outlets have managed to get the FEAR FACTOR ginned up to bright red because of San Bernadino, but I certainly don’t remember the same results after Sandy Hook, or Umpqa Community College, or Virginia Tech, or – well, I could go on and on, because there’s been more mass shootings in America this year than days! Yet, people like Todd and Matthews (and, of course, the Fox “news” people are worse along with just about every other broadcast outlet – with the exception of Free Speech TV) would have us focused on San Bernadino (I don’t have to tell you the reason at this point – I hope) along with the racist comments of Donald Trump!
So, when I point out this nation (America) is on the “slippery slope” toward fascism, that’s what you should FEAR! It really is time for the United States of America and her wannabe leaders to stop playing into the hands of terrorists around the world. Also, it’s time “we the people” take a deep breath and realize how privileged we are and how the liberties granted us by our founders were hard fought and can only be given away – no one will take them away. People like Trump and the other republicans running for the 2016 presidential nomination are like “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” If we allow them to succeed America will be on its way to becoming a corporate dominated (I know, we’re almost there already) fascist state. I would say to Chris Matthews, Donald Trump’s rhetoric is NOT entertaining, it is downright scary. Many people have no idea what could lie ahead – and, in my view, that’s the role of our “liberal media” – not to be attempting to “be like Fox” – and, their laughable “fair and balanced” – and, not to be entertaining us (meaning “we the people”), but to be educating us to the real ramifications of what Trump (and the other republican candidates) represent. As I said above, I’m not sure Chuck Todd understands how he’s being used by republicans, but I know for sure that Chris Matthews knows better!
America is thirsting for a change of direction that exposes the rip offs of the past 35+ years (remember, Ford pardoned Nixon, Bush 1 pardoned Reagan and the Iran/Contra bunch – which likely included himself, Clinton looked the other way regarding Bush’s role in Iran/Contra and Obama blocked ALL investigations of GW Bush/Cheney et al’s wrongdoing) and the sad reality is that America has become divided into the “haves” and the “have nots.” Sadly (and predictably) the “haves” don’t seem to have any limits as to what they “want” (regarding sucking the wealth from the middle class) and the republicans (and some democrats) are willing to enable this behavior because they’ve been purchased by the very people who are destroying this nation. Bernie Sanders is speaking DIRECTLY to the issues that have created this great economic inequality – but, you wouldn’t know it because, evidently he’s not very entertaining. He’s also PULLING Hillary Clinton farther to the left – so, you’d think that if our media really is “liberal” they’d be at least covering something regarding Sanders and Clinton. Our “liberal” media needs to wake up before it’s too late. I can tell you with assurance, should people like Todd and Matthews (if that’s their goal) manage to prop up Trump or one of these other “clowns” (remember, the republican “field” for president has often been referred to as the “clown car”) to actually make it to the White House, the next few years WON’T be very entertaining!
OK, lets say you are right about the comments you are referring to. You seem pretty convinced that these guys are just dupes for the Right. You can call the this all you want. But your perspective is from the far Left. Who on the Right has ever said that Chuck Todd or Chris Mathews are Right Wingers? The answer is Zero. Most would rather jump off a cliff than even hold hands with either of these two jokers. Absolutely no one will believe your accusations except perhaps other Left wingers like yourself.
The truth is that your point is relative to the judgment of the masses. In mass, again….no one believes you are correct. Attacking your own side is really odd. I suggest you lighten up on the criticism of you team mates and concentrate on supporting your candidate.
Not sure you carefully read my post. I suggested that Matthews should know better than to continue to prop up people like Trump and the others in the “Clown Car” – as far as Todd is concerned – what I said was, either he’s a shill for the “right” or he’s a stooge and has no idea how he’s being played by the right wing politicians. To me, both of these guys are more interested in ratings, and making themselves marketable, than reporting “news.” When you say, “no one believes you are correct” I guess you’re assuming you understand what EVERYONE else is thinking. Actually, I have no idea who (or how many) people think I’m correct – if that was my thought process I’d probably not be writing these posts. Honestly, I don’t care. And, you seem to be so far to the “right” that I appear to you to be “far left.” I suppose, because of people like Todd and Matthews who have participated in allowing the dialogue in this nation to drift (for the past 35 years) so far to the “right” that I do appear to be on the “far left.” In actuality, 30 years ago I considered myself “conservative.” Dwight Eisenhower wouldn’t be allowed on the same stage as these people who represent your political party. They are pushing America to a fascist state and long standing republicans who are unable (or unwilling) to call it like it is – are enabling this. Unfortunately, in my view, America’s airwaves have been permeated with “experts” like these two who either don’t care or can’t figure out what the consequences of sucking up to the corporate interests that control our media outlets could entail. And, of course, I’m not even mentioning “your guys” – the Fox propagandists that republicans embrace wholeheartedly with, evidently, no ability to do rudimentary 6th grade fact checking of all the GARBAGE they throw out (as per my comment regarding their incorporation of the Goebell’s “Big Lie” theory). You apparently have no problem with that. (And, by the way, when you accuse me of attacking my “own side” – which side are you referring to? I’m not sure how you are able to draw any conclusion there – other than I support Bernie Sanders – who’s an independent – yes, he’s running as a democrat, but I’d be supporting him no matter what “party” he chose to affiliate with. I will say this, under the present conditions, there’s NO WAY I could bring myself to vote for a republican – you’re making presumptions as to how that relates to the opposition and my take on it)
I think we both know which side you are on. You don’t like labels I understand. However, I’m afraid it like this. You’re not always the one who gets to put the label on. Other people say Chuck Todd is a democrat. His job is to be a political commentator. By design he is not suppose to directly express his affiliation. But its pretty clear which side he favors. As for Chris Matthews, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think he is a democrat…. even Chris. Its just disingenuous of you to even suggest either of these characters are republican supporters. As for Bernie Sanders, the democratic party enforces him as one of their presidential candidates for president.
I really think you need to blog a list of political definitions so other can understand what you mean when you write.
I’ve been clear on which side I’m on. The side that is in favor of voting EVERY republican who makes the pledge to vote in lock step with the “money changers” OUT OF OFFICE! I don’t understand why that’s so hard for you to “get.” (unless, of course, you’re feeling a bit uneasy about being on the side of the “money changers” yourself – I’m sure you remember that in Jesus time they were the ones he kicked out of the Temple). It’s obvious Matthews is a Democrat – if you didn’t get that from my post, you didn’t read it. And, Todd? I’m not so sure. If he is, that means he’s an unsuspecting stooge for republicans – which, is actually worse in my mind. What my point was – in case you didn’t read it carefully – that these two “news” persons should NOT be propping up politicians (in this instance Donald Trump) with the intention of helping to make the next election more exciting (and, therefore, bring in more viewers). If MSNBC is truly the “counterweight” to Fox (and CNN, etc.) then I would expect if they were propping up anyone it would be either Bernie or Mrs. Clinton. I rarely hear their names mentioned when I listen (or watch). It matters NOTHING to me what their (Todd and Matthews) political affiliation is – what bothers me the most is their fascination with right wing wack jobs (Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush, etc.) because of an apparent focus on sensationalism. As I pointed out in the post, Bernie Sanders made a very cerebral (and pointed) response to Trump’s (latest) Fascist comment (ie – register all Muslims and/or prevent them from entering this country – even if they’re serving in the military) – these two guys can’t seem to take their “eyes” off of the right wing republicans who are a dangerous threat to this nation. (I really hope I don’t have to be saying “I told you so” in a few years) If they’re democrats, why aren’t they reporting on the democrats on a regular basis? Occasionally, Matthews shows that he “gets it” with some of his commentary – that’s why I’ve said, “he knows better.” All I’ve ever seen from Todd is someone who believes he’s a political “expert” while allowing himself to be used by right wing politicians – presumably unknowingly. My point in the post, is that it’s possible it’s not “unknowingly.” MSNBC took a couple true liberals off the air and Todd is one of the replacements. If he claims to be a democrat (not sure where you get that, I’ve never heard that he is) then he’s like the “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
One more thing – this is the same kind of “agenda” (ie – focus on entertaining the audience, giving us “what we want to hear”) that bothers me about almost any outlet claiming to represent the news in today’s America (and, I believe it’s because their focus is the fight – against Fox – for ratings, not to report, for example, what I would consider “news”). For example, MSNBC spent several DAYS focused on the San Bernadino MURDERS – virtually 24/7 – helping to gin up the anti Muslim fear in America right along with the outlets I would expect to do that – but, just a few days prior to this a Planned Parenthood facility was shot up and people were MURDERED (in fact, one of the victims was a police officer/pastor) and the “story” died within a day or two of the MURDERS. To me, I have to wonder why we’re still focused on the act committed by a “homegrown” Muslim, but there’s virtually NO INTEREST in the attack by a homegrown Christian???? And, I don’t understand why our “news” outlets (including MSNBC) don’t want to “report” on the Mass shootings that are a regular occurrence in America – apparently unless the killers are Muslims.
So you think that somehow the “Press” is supposed to be objective and at the same time whine when the press focuses on something other than what “you” think is right. You can’t have it both ways. The truth is that there has never been a time in the history of the printing press, or internet for that matter, when the press has been neutral. The very nature of an opinion is not being neutral. Of course EVERYONE has a political agenda including everyone in the press. Why do you think its such a big deal if we elect an R or a D? Because they appoint SUPREME COURT JUDGES. They are anything but objectively neutral and they are at the highest level of government. Both R’s and D’s manipulate justices of all ranks to do their bidding when they can’t find the votes to get their way. The press, aka “The Fourth Branch of Government”, is no different .
Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely. In my opinion the Press is the most powerful agent on earth. Ergo…. Never Trust Anybody In The Press.
I guess I’m not explaining this to you well. I’ll try to spell it out. What bothers me more than just about anything regarding the press is when they claim to be providing “news” and falling all over themselves trying to convince “we the people” they are “fair and balanced” – to use the ridiculous misnomer adopted by Fox “news” – while purposefully or unwittingly propping up one side or the other, with me using the example of two “reporters” (or whatever you might call them) from MSNBC which has allowed itself to be considered “progressive,” but seems obsessed with right wing politicians. I’m actually not expecting them to be neutral – but they certainly shouldn’t be doing the bidding of people like Trump, Cruz, Bush, etc. while leaving the impression that they’re “progressive.” In fact – and this is the point I’ve been trying to make – this is MORE dangerous, to me, than the wack jobs at Fox “news” because their bias is not subtle! Fox is CLEARLY an “arm” of the right wing republican party. MSNBC allows itself to be portrayed as something on the lines of a “balance” from the progressive side. Of course, when you listen to people like Todd and Matthews absolutely fascinated by right wingers such as the aforementioned Trump (and the others) while virtually ignoring the progressive candidates – I personally find that alarming. As I said in the post, I’m not sure if it’s “on purpose” or if they’re simply being “played.” In fact, I said that, in my mind, I have no doubt that Matthews “knows better” – which would suggest to me that ratings and “excitement” in the election are more important to him than “reporting” on actual candidates who can be reasonably considered viable (and, of course, I am talking here about the democrats – Clinton and Sanders [Sanders, technically, is an independent]). Todd, as I said, I’m just not sure about what motivates him – is he a shill or a stooge? It’s the end result that bothers me. Both of them (along with a plethora of others fighting for “ratings”) seem infatuated by Trump’s sensationalism approach to politics and they seem willing (as do others) to give the man FREE advertising ad nauseum. While, Bernie Sanders (and, I presume Mrs. Clinton and Martin O’Malley) continue to campaign addressing actual issues of importance to middle class Americans. Evidently, if they (Clinton and Sanders) want some “news” coverage, they need to make some absurd claims so we can continue America’s dialogue (for the past 30 some years) of irrelevant wedge issues that have nothing to do with actual governing so our nation can continue on its downward spiral.
One point you make is certainly true with me. I ABSOLUTELY do NOT want Donald Trump or Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush or any of these republicans appointing another Supreme Court justice (that’s a post for another day – actually, I’ve written about this numerous times before). Bush/Cheney may – when history looks back on this time – have created more of a MESS by nominating Roberts and Alito to the Supreme Court than by invading Iraq. The Citizens United decision was the WORST Supreme Court decision, in my view, in the HISTORY of this great nation. If we end up with a fascist government, that decision will be the root cause. Both of those justices railed against “judicial activism” in their confirmation hearings (I listened to both) and then led the way on the worst case of “judicial activism” in our nation’s history. Enough already – it will be until my daughters are as old as I am before we purge our nation of those two – getting one more will be – well, I can’t think of anything worst than that.
I’ll end with this – I just read your first statement again. Yes, I believe the press is supposed to be objective (it was Reagan who repealed the “Fairness doctrine” in 1987 – which birthed the right wing propaganda “machine” on our unsuspecting nation – appears to have you as a victim) and I’m not “whining” when the focus is on “something other than what I think is right.” I’m simply pointing out that (I guess you have to be able to make an inference to “get” this) the press becomes dangerous when they are surreptitiously propping up political perspectives that are contrary to our national foundation. When the press is participating in an organized propaganda scheme, such as Fox “news,” that’s dangerous, but I’m not sure it’s more dangerous than people like Todd and Matthews coming across as “progressive” while propping up right wing fascists – because it’s “entertaining.” If these people have an agenda, in my view, it should be to enlighten “we the people” about how this nation is on the “slippery slope” toward fascism. And, honestly, I don’t understand how you can’t see this.
I seems that you have a value judgement that is not shared by the media, elected officials, the judiciary or your own neighbors. You express deep frustration at this point. I get it… you march to the beat of a distant drum… that only you hear.
Everybody in the media arena that has an ax to grind will do so if possible. Are you faulting them for expressing their opinion? Or, are you faulting them because someone else is funding them to express opinion? In a free society we get to do that. It’s not only “OK” It’s unhealthy not to hear contrary view points. Fascism begins when you put and end to the opportunity of free communication. If you don’t like the message the media is putting out, get people to read and act on your commentary.
I’m not sure how to respond to this one, other than to say I love having you here and I enjoy the dialogue. Your response doesn’t make sense to me – I keep wondering if you’re actually reading what I’m saying. It appears that your comments are clouded by pre-conceived opinions on your part that you just can’t part with. I’d almost think you’re a Fox “news” viewer from what you’re saying. First of all, I would caution the use of words like “Everybody” when your giving what amounts to your opinion. Likewise, your “accusation” that I “march to the beat of a distant drum… that only (I) hear” is, well, your opinion. However, I believe there’s MILLIONS of people who think along the lines of what I’m espousing on this site. Frustration? Of course, I’ve said from the start that is what caused me to begin “venting” in the first place. The reality is my “frustration” is with the people you seem to blindly follow. There definitely are two sides to the American political scene (Of course there’s more than that when you consider all those in the “middle”) – but, to me it’s either a government focus on the blue collar working class of people or it’s the those who believe “the powerful and rich should rule.” That’s an oversimplification, but that’s the difference I see between Bernie and Trump. However, my post was simply that if the two reporters on MSNBC are “progressive” then they should stop propping up Trump. I’d like to write more, but I have to leave to have breakfast with a really good friend of mine. By the way he’s a right wing Christian – and I love the guy!
I think you hit the nail on the head. Class warfare is what the Democrats have always been about. I like your definition.
Just one question: Do you think that rich and powerful democrats support their cause expecting no benefit of either personal prestige, pubic power or prolific profits?
Actually, I believe there’s many “rich and powerful people” who believe in the fundamental values that made this nation great. I think there’s many who support whatever cause they support because they believe it’s the right thing to do. It’s just that the ones who seem to be “floating their own boat” or, maybe a better way to put it would be “investing” in our government (and, of course, expecting a significant return on their “investment”) seem to me to align themselves with the republican party. I still get the idea you want to categorize me as a “democrat.” Seriously, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. There are people out there who believe in values and don’t want to be pigeon holed in our two party system. I’d love to see a republican come along who was genuinely promoting a plan that was focused on “The least of these” (in the words of Jesus Christ). I don’t think I’d be the only “progressive” interested in supporting someone like that. (Of course, I’d have to be convinced they weren’t on board with the “sheep mentality” – where, to be a republican you have to vote as your told).