Read Obama's first State of the Union address 2010
Transcript of Obama's State of the Union speech
Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the president shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.
The Republican response to Obama's State of the Union speech by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
I'm joined by fellow Virginians to share a Republican perspective on how to best address the challenges facing our nation today.
We were encouraged to hear President Obama speak this evening about the need to create jobs. All Americans should have the opportunity to find and keep meaningful work, and the dignity that comes with it.
Many -- many of us here tonight -- and many of you watching -- have family or friends who have lost their jobs. In fact, 1 in 10 Americans is unemployed. That is unacceptable.
Read and listen to the Pundit response to President Obama's State of the Union
Laura Ingraham's State of the Union response
Laura's 'State of the Union' Address - January 27, 2010
LAURA INGRAHAM: The State of our Union is imperiled because we knowingly went down the path OF Obamanomics, Obama's approach to foreign policy and basically an absentee approach to the culture - where life is dispensable, Hollywood is coddled and its party time USA every Wednesday night at the White House. The State of our Union is imperiled.
VIDEO: Rachel Maddow's State of the Union response
Rachel Maddow- Building on the State of the Union
RACHEL MADDOW: The list of pecific proposals the President made tonight. A lot of them are very conservative ideas. Ideas that have been auditioned politically in recent years by Republican politicians. Things like off-shore drilling, capital gains cuts, business tax cuts, the spending freeze, so-called "clean coal". Terminology that makes me just want to cringe. Singling out earmarks...
VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh's State of the Union response
My Letter to President Obama
RUSH LIMBAUGH: I penned a message to Obama that I would like to deliver now. Because Mr. Obama, I think it's time we had a heart to heart talk. Let me be the father that you never had or never really knew, because I think you need some guidance. It's time to man up. It's time to grow up. That speech last night was an embarrassment. You couldn't focus, you lashed out in all directions, you refused to accept responsibility for your own actions, and you were angry.
And he was, folks! He was mad. Being president is a big job. It's a big responsibility. You wanted the position, Barack. You campaigned for it...
Laura Ingraham appeared on 'The O'Reilly Factor' to talk about the Healthcare bill. Before the discussion, Laura lightheartedly chided Bill for his "gushing" over the Obama family the night previous when he spoke of attending the White House Media Christmas Party. Bill takes offense at Ingraham's dig and in typical fashion overheats, angrily making note of Ingraham's stubbornness as an ideologue.
VIDEO: Ingraham Calls O'Reilly Out for Kissing Up to the Obamas -
Did You Eat an ACORN Cookie Last Night?
The O'Reilly Factor December 17, 2009
LAURA INGRAHAM: ... Its like you and Michelle Obama, we're like this
BILL O'REILLY: (facetiously) Hey me and Michelle Obama are very, very close
INGRAHAM: I'm gushing over your gushing last night over the Christmas Party
O'REILLY: I' gonna call you out on this. I thought she was very nice at the party... she was nice. I reported what happened and you have a beef with it
INGRAHAM: I have one question for you Bill - Did you eat an ACORN cookie last night? Yes or no?
O'REILLY: Oh bull! You are a blind ideologue, and even if somebody is nice to you. You won't admit it. Talk about a kool-aid drinker I mean c'mon...
Jon Stewart channeling Keith Olbermann at his snarkiest cut a promo on Conservative Radio Talker Laura Ingraham. It was part of a segment highlighting some of the humorous aspects of the Tea Party protest against the administration's Healthcare proposals which was well attended by demonstrators and politicians. Stewart took exception to Ingraham's cynical appropriation of the renowned 'Holocaust poem - 'First they came'
December 16, 2009: Highway to Health - Last Tea Party Protest of the Year
JON STEWART: Look! I get it, you're a little frustrated by policy choices that may or may not come to pass. But you do realise that the phrase "came for" in the poem is a euphemism for round up and kill. So let me today make this pledge to you, if the government begins to round up and kill the rich, the land-owning and those who choose to bear arms - I'll speak up
VIDEO: Highway to Health - Last Tea Party Protest of the Year
The Alaska governor appeared on NBC's "Today" show Friday, continuing a feud with the CBS "Late Show" funnyman over his joke earlier this week that Palin's daughter got "knocked up" by New York Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez during their recent trip to New York...
The controversy may wind up giving both Palin and Letterman attention at a time both could use it. Palin is considered a potential future candidate for national office, and standing up for her family could make her a hero to her fans. Letterman is in the second week of his new competition with NBC's Conan O'Brien...
Below is a roundup of the controversy from several APF pundits
1) Conservative pundit John Ziegler, best known for his media criticism largely built on evidence of biased treatment against Sarah Palin continues his crusade with the launch of FireDavidLetterman.com.
2) Comedian Bill Maher, who himself has experienced losing a show over a controversial monologue joke pushes the envelope in a provocative defense of his fellow comedian and friend
VIDEO: Bill Maher Monologue, Palins versus Letterman
BILL MAHER: Sarah Palin said "It would be wise to keep Willow away from him". That's right he's 62 years old, he's gonna f*ck her right there on the stage. He's gonna pull open his jacket, take the stem from his heart surgery out and have his way with her right there (feigning sexual act)... the only bright side to this is that finally there's a comedian under fire for inappropriate remarks and its not me
3) Rush Limbaugh on the inconsistent treatment David Letterman has received compared to Don Imus.
Letterman's Attack on Palin and Her Family Exposes Lib Hypocrisy
Letterman has just sunk to a shadow of himself. He used to be genuinely creative and funny back in his NBC days, but he has now just degenerated into an angry old man, filled with cynicism, not humor. It's a sad thing to see, actually, because he was so good at one point and apolitical. But he's like everybody on the left. They've just become enraged about things. Even after their side wins, they're just enraged.
4) Air America's Sam Seder appears on a CNN Panel discussing Palin as a soft target and analysing jokes. Sam Seder also makes an appearance at the David Letterman protests revisiting two things he's done before 1) Challenge protesters 2) Be a thorn in John Ziegler's side
VIDEO: CNN's The Big Question - Palin VS Letterman: Who's Right
SAM SEDER: I don't know if he's commentating. He is making a joke. With that said I am a father and if somebody had made a joke about Alex Rodriguez knocking up my daughter, I would take offense but that's because I'm a Red Sox fan. I mean in the final analysis -- it's a joke... He's just a late night comedian... he's done it for years and years and he's done it about all sorts of people for all different ages
VIDEO: Fire David Letterman Protest: War on (Palin) Jokes @ BreakRoomLive.com
5) Laura Ingraham talks about how the media has managed to still paint Sarah Palin as the bad guy. Listen to Laura Ingraham's take on the Palin/Letterman controversy
LAURA INGRAHAM: There's nothing funny about what he [Letterman] said. It's in poor taste and it's not funny. Some things are in poor taste but its funny. Let's face it, this was not even funny.
Much was made about President Obama's politically incorrect gaffe during his appearance on Jay Leno, the first appearance of its kind by a sitting President . It is telling of two things; 1) Obama's broad appeal as a "Celebrity President" which troubles critics like Rush Limbaugh who worry that "Celebrity" is the oeprative word rather than "President". 2) Obama is returning to his proven "campaign mode" to charm people turned off by the Administrations' governing.
Though the appearance was meant to be a charming distraction away from the political wrangling in Washington. It instead created headlines when the relaxed President Obama made a joke about the 'Special Olympics'.
Many conservatives used this moment to pounce on President Obama. Less so on the charge that the President was insenstive towards the handicapped but instead pointing to the double standard of condemnation had a conservative said the same thing.
One Conserative pundit that didn't join her colleagues' condemnation of President Obama was Laura Ingraham. This was due in large part to the outrage she herself was the center of, making politically incorrect statements made in jest. Discussing the matter she said:
The President on the Razzle Dazzle tour out in Los Angeles and this is gonna surprise maybe many of you - Big deal! OK? This is what we were talking about with the absurd reaction to our riff on Meghan McCain last week. People sending snippets and sending them around, "Oh this means that he doesn't like disabled people" (referring to President Obama), "This means that she doesn't like plus sized models" (referring to herself). What?! This finally shows that maybe he does have a sense of humour... but guess what the left would never jump on him for this. Maybe they'll get him into a little trouble.
Listen and download Laura Ingraham defending Obama on his politically incorrect comment on 'Leno'
It was a show of consistency for Laura Ingraham who had spent the week minimising the faux outrage created by her statements towards Meghan McCain. You might be forgiven for thinking that Laura Ingraham was only willing to defend President Obama because it served her interests. Interestingly she has been complimentary towards Obama in other ways, whilst still asserting her opposition.
You know I've decided you have to say something nice about somebody everyday. If you're gonna have criticism you're going to have to say something nice. He [Barack Obama] has beautiful posture, I like people who sit up straight. Square shoulders.
Whilst being soft on Obama Laura Ingraham voices her criticism towards the GOP political leadership. Citing conservative Talk Radio and a few Republicans on Capitol Hill as the lone opposition to the Obama Administration.
I'm done carrying the water for these Republicans! Not that I ever did because look at what we did with the Bush administration and got me on the persona non grata list. But these Republicans can't get out of their own way. Obama is vulnerable... I am beginning to think that they are constitutionally incapable of offering a meaningful opposition... Talk Radio has been the meaningful opposition.
Listen and download Laura Ingraham being critical of the GOP's response to the Obama budget
This is by no means telling of a shift in Laura Ingraham's allegiances. But shows that she is willing to stake a position that is not always predictably ideological but still serves to her advantage.
Meghan McCain has been interacting with influential APF pundit women lately. After calling out Ann Coulter, she sat down with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow to talk about it. This prompted Laura Ingraham to talk about Meghan, inserting snide comments regarding the young McCain's weight in her rebuke of her. Listen and download Laura Ingraham's smackdown of Meghan McCain
This led to a counter by Meghan on the 'Daily Beast' on the "unecessary" dig on her weight
Quit Talking About My Weight, Laura Ingraham
Recently my not-size-0 body has come under fire again by the conservative pundit Laura Ingraham. On her radio show recently, she sarcastically commented that I was "too plus-sized to be a cast member on the television show The Real World" and needled me about my weight with a comment about Barbie's 50th anniversary. Instead of intellectually debating our ideological differences about the future of the Republican Party, Ingraham resorted to making fun of my age and weight, in the fashion of the mean girls in high school.
However it is this line by Meghan that I will be following up on
At this point, I have more respect for Ann Coulter than I do for Laura Ingraham because at least Coulter didn’t come back at me with heartless, substance-less attacks about my weight.
Ann Coulter, if she is anything like the wrestling heel (villain) I've claimed her to be will see this as a challenge. Unlike Rush Limbaugh who downplays his villainry ("I'm just your harmless, lovable little fuzzball", Ann has has built her reputation on her gleeful and gratuitous villainry. As Meghan said herself of Ann
My Beef With Ann Coulter
I straight up don’t understand this woman or her popularity. I find her offensive, radical, insulting, and confusing all at the same time.
Update:
Laura Ingraham has returned fire at Meghan, telling her to "toughen up" and inferring she was a "useful idiot".
LAURA INGRAHAM: What they're trying to do is the Ol' Razzle Dazzle. One the one side "The Republicans are fighting with Rush Limbaugh la la la" Steele, Cantor and all these people
MIKE PENCE: It's ridiculous!
LAURA INGRAHAM: Forget it! You know what's happening? This country is being destroyed from within and they want us to be distracted by what you're saying about Rush or what Rush is saying about Steele. Who cares. None of that matters. What matters is we're being destroyed from within. That's the passion gap. We need the passion of Rick Santelli, Congressman, within the Republican party. That's what we need.
MIKE PENCE: Let me tell you something else... we need passion about defending the right of every American. Whether it's Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or the guy down the street...
Fox News' latest addition Glenn Beck has made quite a splash in recent weeks. Below are two posts from liberal blog 'Crooks and Liars' and conservative blog 'Hot Air' headlined by Glenn Beck. Video: Glenn Beck on with Laura Ingraham
Beck-Ingraham duet on Fox: Incoherent ideological babble has the ring of Newspeak - by David Neiwert from CrooksandLiars I dunno about you, but I blame Jonah Goldberg for Friday's exchange between dueling wingnuts Laura Ingraham and Glenn Beck -- in which Ingraham came off looking really sane in comparison: "BECK: We are really, truly, stepping beyond socialism and we're starting to look at fascism. We are putting business and government together!
INGRAHAM: Glenn, you're throwing a lot of terms around, and I'm going to play devil's advocate, because this is fair and balanced. Now, moving from socialism to communism, that's, that's a pretty big leap -- socialism, obviously, the economic system, communism the political system..."
Can you tell whether they're talking about fascism, socialism, or communism? Or are these all just basically one big mushy concept to Beck? This kind of incoherence-unto-meaninglessness is indeed the hallmark of Goldberg's work on these subjects.
Video: Glenn Beck - The Road to Socialism
The reddest red-meat roundtable evah - by AllahPundit of HotAir The boss (Michelle Malkin), Glenn Beck, Star Parker, and a guy who used to lead the Club for Growth, egging each other on about how new entitlements lead inevitably to socialism? Good lord. Toss in a few exchanges about Palin and Darwinism and this would be the greatest Hot Air clip of all time.
I can only assume that, with Colmes gone, the Foxies have decided to abandon all pretense and dump the liberal panelists, too. Farewell, Bob Beckel, we hardly knew ye!
Filling in for O'Reilly, APF pundit Laura Ingraham offered her prescription for mending the GOP and addressing the deficiencies the Democrats lapped them on.
Ed Morrisey of HotAir summarises Ingraham's prescription:
Charisma - Regardless of... Barack Obama’s (lack of) experience, he became a leader that people wanted to follow... The Republicans have to find leadership that inspires. Fundraising/grassroots/Internet use - These are the infrastructural changes that the Democrats made under Howard Dean and the GOP have neglected... Staff unity - ...Ronald Reagan called it the Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of your fellow Republicans. Criticize policy, but no personal attacks...
Interestingly Laura didn't highlight any faults in the implementation of conservative philosophy during the past 8yrs of Republican Presidential reign. As is the the thesis of this blog, often times the priorities of the political parties are on
a) Presentation
b) Winning
The election of Barack Hussein Obama was not political. It was cultural. This is the end result of years and years of dumbing down American education... and putting a tremendous focus on entertainment and distractions above all else. We have gotten soft. We value style over substance. Our Presidential election is now American Idol: White House Edition.
Notice what she said is structural, not philosophical...
I mean, can anyone tell me what the Bed Rock beliefs of the Republican Party are TODAY?
Small Government? Not over the last 8 years...
Free Enterprise? Not with the REPUBLICAN sponsored bailout...
Higher Ethical Standards? Alaska’s Senator rules that out...
Hmm, I think ways to “fix” what ails the Republican party that come out so soon after a drubbing are not necessarily the way to go...
1) It’s more than just leadership that inspires, it is ideas.
2) It is more than just using technology - it is understanding how your base uses it.
3) ... as an aside, Sarah Palin kneecapped herself plenty good, no help required...
It will be interesting to see what the Obama administration delivers. To measure their achievements after one (possibly two) terms relative to their promises. George W Bush won the Presidency on the promise of "Compassionate conservatism" and the "Adults being in charge". In 2001, George W enjoyed an approval of nearly 90%, receiving a "mandate" after being reelected in 2004. It took 6 years into the Bush' Presidency for the GOP to be punished for the disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Surrendering the House and Senate in the 06' midterms and finally the Presidency in 08'.
The most impressive and lasting legacy of the Bush Years was the effectiveness of the Karl rove strategy in winning elections. Obama with David Axelrod and team have presided over arguably the best Election campaign operation in American history. It will be interesting to see if the Obama Administration delivers more than just "Winning and Presentation". It will need to for America to overcome its monumental challenges.
In the last week there have been a string of prominent Conservative pundits airing strong reservation against the McCain/Palin candidacy with tacit endorsement of the Democratic nominee Barack Obama. The timing of these public objections prior to the final debate is notable as it serves to undermine any gains McCain might from the encounter and further deflates further his already sagging campaign.
Gettin’ All Mavericky by Heather Mac Donald
There was a time, however, when conservatives upheld adult standards—such as clarity of speech and thought—without apology, even in the face of the relentless downward pull of adolescent culture. But now, when a vice-presidential candidate talks like a teenager, mugs like an American Idol contestant, and traffics in syntactical dead-ends and non sequiturs, we are supposed to find her charming and authentic.
APF pundit Laura Ingraham invited Heather Mac Donald for a spirited debate and to explain her piece. Laura and Heather clearly have mutual respect for each other and they are pained by they're contradicting stances. Listen and download the showdown between Laura Ingraham and Heather Mac Donald
Heather's appraisal of Sarah Palin
I think conservatives are just trying to beat liberals in their own game. When she was first nominated, she presented herself as the continuation of Hillary Clinton... "women are going to break the glass ceiling, we're not done yet"... since then we've had an expansion of the gender politics to lifestyle politics where she's being celebrated for being so normal... these are all fine traits... but they do not constitute qualification for the Presidency
Heather's tacit endorsement of Obama
I feel that Obama has the capacity to think through issues that makes me have confidence that he's going to be able to take on the hard issues of the economy and possibly foreign policy... I for one, I have not come out for Obama and it's not the issues alone. It's the capacity to make judgment under pressure...
Laura Ingraham is vigorous in her critique of Obama and comes to the defense of Sarah Palin
... whatever you say about Sarah Palin. I think what we know about her is that she has conservative impulses, that she thinks government has gotten too big. She thinks these institutions need to be reformed for the betterment of our country and our people and that framework I think is what people like about her Heather. Not the "golly gee", "Shucks", "say it ain't so Joe". I mean that's not why I like Palin, not because of the down home stuff. I like Palin because she's closer to my political philosophy than Barack Obama could ever hope to be
Laura makes the case for Alaska governor Palin to be the to be first female vice-presidential candidate for Republicans.
As an aside I've heard pundits like Dean Barnett and Mark Levin remark the last few months about her being an "attractive" choice. Speaking of attractive, an earnest Sarah Palin fan page with a slightly unwholesome Web domain - VPilf.com
One of my favourite bloggers Allahpundit of HotAir mused about a possible Sarah Palin choice a few days ago...
Laura Ingraham: Palin for VP?
Actually, Greta’s more excited about the idea than Ingraham is. I’m continually amazed by how much support there is for Palin, basically sight unseen, here in the comments at HA even though putting her on the ticket would obliterate the GOP’s strongest line of attack against The One. She’s personally appealing, represents a physical manifestation of Change, and is alarmingly young and inexperienced for such a momentous job. Remind you of anyone you know? Nor am I sold on Greta’s argument that women voters would flock to her. Conservatives love Palin because she’s down to earth to an extent that’s almost too good to be true... the perceived difference in emphasis might be enough to turn Clintonites off to someone like Palin who doesn’t fit the traditional image of a feminist as well as Her Majesty does...
Still, not the worst VP idea I’ve heard today. Exit question: I’m pretty sure I’ve asked this before, but I’ll ask again. Why would Palin make a better pick than, say, Huckabee?
APF Pundit Glenn Beck offered his endorsement of Sarah Palin and why, they both share a child of special needs.
Perspective, she understands the gift she's been given (in regards to the birth of her child)
Super Tuesday primary results HUCKABEE:
Alabama, Akansas, Georgia, Tennesse, West Virginia MCCAIN:
Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma ROMNEY:
Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Utah
Rally for Romney
Let’s face it, none of the candidates are perfect. They never are. ... The only one left standing who can honestly be said to share most of our conservative principles is Mitt Romney. I say this as someone who has not been an active Romney supporter.
RUSH Limbaugh on Romney
"I think now, based on the way the campaign has shaken out, that there probably is a candidate on our side who does embody all three legs of the conservative stool, and that’s Romney."
Sean Hannity on Romney
"I'll be voting on the new York primary on Tuesday. I'll probably be voting, not probably, I am voting for Romney..."
Michael Medved on McCain
The truth of the matter is, look, folks have to come to terms with the fact that McCain is very likely going to be the nominee. So, for nine months are we going to be attacking a Republican nominee every single day, and calling him McVain and calling him McLame and calling him McAmnesty?
Ann Coulter on not McCain (and Hillary)
Manifestly, if he's our candidate, then Hillary's going to be our girl, Sean, because she's more conservative than he is. I think she would be stronger on the war on terrorism. I will campaign for her if it's McCain.
Talk Radio on McCain
Radio Talkers on the line against McCain
Talk radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh said that if McCain or Mike Huckabee are nominated, "it's going to destroy the Republican Party." Mark Levin calls the senator "John McLame." On Monday, Laura Ingraham said she was "concerned about the mental stability of the McCain campaign" and had cuckoo-clock sound effects accompany his words.
"Sen. McCain is a great American, a lousy senator and a terrible Republican," Hugh Hewitt told The Associated Press. "He has a legislative record that is not conservative. In fact, it is anti-conservative."
Regular readers will be familiar with the wrestling-style ratings system I've assigned for every APF Pundit. For those unfamiliar here is a quick recap: (regular readers can skip this part)
Pop - The favorability and popularity of the pundit Heat - How despised and marginalised the pundit is Persona or Orientation - Is the pundit a 'face' or a 'heel'? A 'face' is a hero, someone the people idolise. A heel is someone people love to hate. The pundit can shape how people respond to them, by being antagonistic to critics etc...
Because of the divisiveness in politics today its highly likely that a pundit will polarise opinion. They may be loved by their ideological peers and demonised by their opponents. This is where charm factors in.
Read more in previous posts:
See the full list of Pundit Ratings on the myspace page
A case study with Conservative talker Dean Barnett
Read up on the terminology, in our Glossary page
I bring all this up because the Right Wing News website has released their annual list of 'Favorite People on the Right' (2007). It is a list compiled though a survey of bloggers ranking the most admired conservatives. Not surprisingly pundits featured heavily, with the top three spots being occupied by APF members.
Funnily enough 2 of those in said top three are classified as "heels". This leads us to one of two conclusions. 1) The APF has been wrong in that designation or 2) Conservative bloggers are impressed not only by how these Right Wing champions represent their ideals but more importantly how effectively they infuriate the left.
Below is a snapshot of this year's list. I've highlighted the pundits in bold:
21) Tom Tancredo – 5
21) Condi Rice – 5
21) Charles Krauthammer – 5
21) Hugh Hewitt – 5
21) John Bolton – 5
20) Sean Hannity – 6
20) Jim DeMint – 6
16) Judge Antonin Scalia – 7
16) Jonah Goldberg – 7
16) Tom Coburn – 7
16) Glenn Beck – 7
13) Glenn Reynolds -- 8
13) Duncan Hunter – 8
13) Neal Boortz – 8
10) Victor David Hanson – 9
10) Laura Ingraham – 9
10) Dick Cheney – 9
9) Rudy Giuliani – 10
8) George W. Bush – 11
6) Fred Thompson – 13
6) Thomas Sowell – 13
5) Newt Gingrich – 14
4) Mark Steyn – 17,
2) Michelle Malkin – 19
2) Ann Coulter – 19
1) Rush Limbaugh – 28
It's clear how influential pundits are in our political discourse as evidenced by this list. I see two notable omissions however, highly rated commentators Michael Savage and Sean Hannity. It might be worth investigating why conservatives felt they didn't make the cut for 2007.
Just wanted to highlight two interesting clips from APF pundit Laura Ingraham.
1) Conservative Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney appears on Laura's show. Mitt reinforces some of what I said in the last post, about how people vote for the person and not the policy. How a person portrays themselves is more defining to the voter than their plans as leader. "in my view it is the characters of our Presidents that had the biggest impact on this nation, even more than the policies that they espoused at the time"
2) Laura on her book tour has welcomed a less partisan discourse. She chats with WABC stablemate Ron Kuby on matters ranging from Iraq, protecting America and partisanship. It's a fiery debate, but its clear that Laura has softened her stance in the spirit of the conciliatory tone of her book, Power to the People.
Listen to Laura chatting with Mitt Romney Listen to Laura duelling with liberal radio talker Ron Kuby Click here if you'd like to hear more Laura Ingraham clips.
A standard measure that you've "made it" in your chosen field is an invitation to meet the president. In punditry it has different implications. In punditry there is a cache placed in being a maverick, an outspoken no holds barred personality. There is an 'outsider' aesthetic that a pundit must project. They achieve this by deriding and distancing themselves from the MSM (Mainstream Media), which they will contemptuously describe as being 'elite' and 'corporate'. They also reject Washington. By using oppositional terms such as 'inside the beltway' to describe establishment types, it cements the impression that they are the ones in touch with the common man. In the past APF pundit Rush Limbaugh has made a point of telling his audience that he is loathe to stay in Washington overnight, implying the beltway influence is all-consuming.
Meeting the President poses a bit of a quandary. On the one hand it is a personal milestone and the highest honor on a professional level. On the other hand it disturbs the illusion that the pundit is an everyman not seduced by power. There is a danger that the pundit may no longer be viewed as being impartial or maybe cowed into being less critical of the administration in the future. The remedy for this is simple - overcompensation and bravado.
Its a two step process: show humility by praising the President's admirable qualities and appreciating the honor of meeting an esteemed world figure. Then show strength and independence by assuring their audience that they spoke candidly with the President and "they had their disagreements". This allows the pundit to preserve their 'straight talker' status.
Recently 10 conservative pundits were invited to meet the President in the White House. This included APF pundits: Hugh Hewitt, Mark Levin and Laura Ingraham.
Listen to the Hugh recount his encounter with the POTUS Listen to what Mark Levin thought of the meeting
The most influential conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh wasn't included in this meeting of 10. Instead he was granted a more personal encounter
CALLER: My topic this morning is, I have heard the accounts of many of your colleagues meeting with the president Wednesday morning -- RUSH: Mmm-hmm? CALLER: -- and I was wondering why the man who is running America, "you know it and I know it," was not there. RUSH: Because I went yesterday afternoon and last night. CALLER: So that was your super-secret meeting?... CALLER: What a privilege for you, I'm sure. RUSH: Well, it was a privilege for them. CALLER: (Laughing.) RUSH: You know, people have been asking me, "Well, what did the president tell you last night?" That's not it. "What did I tell the president?" is the correct question. CALLER: (Laughing.) So he also recognizes that you're the man running the country? RUSH: Well, who doesn't? I mean there are certain things that don't need to be said. Now, I'll just tell you this. Well, this is nothing new. I tell people this every time that I have been with him. He is the most confident man. He is a barrel of laughs. He is at ease. He is unfazed by any of the criticism that he gets. He doesn't care about it...
Of course its easy for pundits to go the 'Macho' route when meetings are off-the-record. Its harder to project resistance during a televised encounter however as its in the best interest of the pundit to not upset the President if they intend to preserve access. There is a certain level of decorum expected, a respect for the office of the President as well as the privilege granted. These interviews when handled by like-minded pundits are often folksy, empathetic and littered with softball questions.
Neil Cavuto chooses the softball approach. Watch APF pundit Jon Stewart, skewer Neil's performance with Bush.
Bill O'Reilly chooses the empathetic approach. Watch Bill spending time with the president
In the early stages of the video (Talking Points), Bill reiterates the points made in this post, "interviewing a President is very different. You can be direct but you can't be disrespectful".
See more Bill O'Reilly with President here: Part Two and Part Three.
See Bill at his macho best. Also take note of how he positions himself as the second most hated person in America behind the President.
But as always there is an exception to the rule. What if a pundit doesn't want to preserve access? Stephen Colbert was a rising star in (comedic) punditry in 2006 when he was invited to roast the President for the White House Correspondence dinner. Stephen mercilessly mocked the President like any good roaster but it was controversial as many believed he went too far. Richard Cohen in an op-ed for the Washington Post wrote at the time, "The sort of stuff that would get you punched in a bar can be said on a dais with impunity. This is why Colbert was more than rude. He was a bully". Read the entire op-ed here.
See Colbert's speech and judge for yourself
This balancing act also occurs in the world of wrestling. Whilst wrestlers are the masters of their domain and larger than life characters, relative to other entertainers they are still considered niche and outsider. The wrestling world often welcomes "mainstream" names into their universe, usually to boost exposure from the wider audience. Celebrities like Kevin Federline, David Arquette and Donald Trump have entered the wrestling ring in the past. The former two having won Championship belts. For the Celebrities they also have an interest in promoting themselves to a certain demographic that wrestling has unique access to. These visitors bring with them an established persona and backstory based on their real identities. These celebrity personas will compete with the manufactured personas of the wrestlers. As with any effective drama, the conflict needs to be evenhanded. The trick is in negotiating between making the celebrity visitor have their victories so their reputations are not compromised. More importantly, they must achieve these victories in a fashion that does not diminish the wrestler's aura.
A pundit has little to gain from upstaging the President. The President conversely must ensure the pundit's reputation is intact as their authentic endorsement is in the POTUS' best interest. The meeting of Pundit and President, not unlike the meeting of Wrestler and Celebrity is all about mutual advantage. Its a crossover that allows both parties to benefit from each other's reputation and pulling power. The trick is making sure it doesn't backfire.
------------ Watch APF pundit Jon Stewart, skewer Neil Cavuto for his gushing questioning of George W Bush. Listen to the Hugh recount his encounter with the POTUS Listen to what Mark Levin thought of the meeting
Watch Bill O'Reilly with the President here: Part One, Part Two and Part Three. Watch Colbert mercilessly roast the President at the White House Correspondent's dinner
Read Rush' account of his meeting with the President here
In the last post I mentioned Henry Rollins' contention that there is a power higher than the politicians and the pundit class. In this post we'll be asking who has more influence over the people, the pundits or the politicians.
This question has been playing out in America at this very moment. Generally speaking APF pundits spend their time in conflict with their ideological opponents whether they be politicians, celebrities, voters or other pundits. If there is any discord from an ideological familiar, its usually in the interest of the pundit to ignore the issue. It can turn away voters or be used as ammunition or offer comfort to their opponents.
Political realities come into play for those in power from corporate interests and other lobby groups. This can trump the interests of the ordinary voter as personified by the talk radio listener. Pundits have the luxury of not being as directly swayed from these influences.
Ironically its much easier for pundits when their political representatives are out of power. It is at this moment of weakness that pundits are at their most effective. This is because when a party is out of power, by nature they are disjointed. There are many voices offering viewpoints on the course to reclaim power. They can afford to be more principled and hardline because their is no expectation or consequence as their representatives don't have the power to enact those suggestions. Its all theoretical. Thinktank-ed. A game of rhetoric.
Every so often pundits will dissent from the party line. Its particularly notable when those in power upset their pundit constituency. Whilst it is necessary to revolt against the party to change a wrongheaded course, it also fractures the party's power. Its particularly confusing for voters when the pundit class are divided themselves. The Republicans are facing such a dilemma now with immigration. The right wing pundits and the GOP have not always been together on a united front, notably during the Harriet Miers nomination and the Dubai Ports scandal. This issue has particular impact this time around however as the Republicans are no longer in power.
Below is a sample of the right wing pundit class unhappy with their leaders. Pay particular note to references to Trent Lott, the Republican party's No. 2 in leadership. Senator Lott feeling the pressure has taken to bad mouthing the right wing pundit class, raising their ire.
Listen to Mark Levin mad at the GOP and Smacking down Trent Lott. Read and Listen to Rush's take on Lott and his slur against talk radio Listen to Laura Ingraham lay the smackdown on White House spokesperson Tony Snow Listen to Hugh Hewitt praising Laura's smackdown Listen to Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin in solidarity against their wrongheaded representatives
One of the oldest spots in wrestling is when two tag partners in the process of attacking their opponent inadvertently hit each other instead. Usually its done for comic effect, at worst it can lead to the partnership dissolving and may escalate into a feud. At any rate what makes it exciting is the embarrassment it causes. The suspension of hostilities against their enemy as they turn their attention towards each other. Tension between two allies is far more compelling than that between sworn enemies as it is more personal and unexpected.
I'll be linking to some recent episodes where likeminded pundits start conversations cordially enough but slowly turn on each other.
APF pundit Laura Ingraham talks to Conservative commentator Fred Barnes about the recent controversies surrounding Alberto Gonzales. Laura is disappointed at the performance of Attorney General Gonzales. Fred Barnes takes her to task but Laura fights back. Listen to snippets here. Read the discussion here.
Bill O'Reilly talks to his radio audience about the same controversies surrounding Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Bill faces unexpected opposition from his co-host Lis Wiehl.
WIEHL: That's right. But there's no transcript of it. There's no way that we're -- the people are gonna find out about it.
O'REILLY: No, wait a minute. Hold it. That's another lie.
WIEHL: No!
O'REILLY: You see. I don't like you today.
WIEHL: Why not?
O'REILLY: Because you are not -- you did not do your homework.
WIEHL: Yes, I did!
O'REILLY: No, you didn't. You did not do your homework. There is a record of every word that is said.
An example of a softer disagreement, but embarassing nonetheless. Sean Hannity tags in Colonel David Hunt after being harangued by two democrats. Hannity doesn't get the reinforcement he expected. Listen here.
Update:
Bill O'Reilly gets into a shouting match with Geraldo on the subject of illegal aliens. Read the discussion on this clash here.
Hugh Hewitt is a conservative radio talk show host, author and blogger. He is considered one of the savviest APF pundits in the realm of New Media. Hugh is the Executive editor of Townhall, a leading conservative website. Townhall.com hosts Hugh's blog as well as a comprehensive archive of his Radio show. His columns are featured in publications such as the World Magazine.
Laura Ingraham is a conservative Radio host and author, she has been a fill-in host for the O'Reilly Factor multiple times. Laura famously went to Iraq in pursuit of showing the positives in Iraq which she feels is poorly represented by the media. Pictures of her trip can be found on her website. Laura's Radio show covers topics ranging from politics to Hollywood and the News Media.
She has written 2 books: The Hillary Trap: Looking for Power in all the Wrong Places and Shut Up & Sing: How Elites from Hollywood, Politics, and the UN Are Subverting America.
