Fox News: Glenn Beck with Laura Ingraham and Michelle Malkin

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!

Andrew Wilkow versus the college students of Hofstra University

During the third Presidential Debate at Hofstra University between John McCain and Barack Obama, another left VS right showdown was also taking place.

Sirius XM to provide special coverage of third and final Presidential Debate
Sirius XM Radio is broadcasting today live from the campus of Hofstra University, the site of the final US Presidential debate.

The event will be headlined by a post-debate simulcast of political channels Sirius Patriot (ch 144) and Sirius Left (ch 146), where hosts Andrew Wilkow and Alex Bennett will preside over a post-debate 'town hall' discussion with Hofstra students.

Below are some notable quotes from the event and audio of Andrew Wilkow sparring with Hofstra University students.
Listen to Andrew Wilkow at the Town hall meeting in Hofstra University - Clip 1 and Clip 2


Wilkow explaining the night's Town Hall format and flexing his muscle

I apologize for being to good at this. It was kind of unfair... the intention was that Alex Bennett and I were suppose to moderate comments and questions from students more directed at each other than directly at us. And of course then I became Public Enemy #1. Like I said it was a couple of hundred liberals VS one conservative. Which was not fair they should have brought more liberals.

Wilkow on standing up for your principles

I do not blame these college kids. I do not blame them personally. I blame the system that is indoctrinating them. I blame the sewer pipe of refuse that is being pumped into their heads on a day to day basis. What's fascinating about Liberals VS conservative in principles and debate. And I'm not personally attacking Alex Bennet but when you look at the foolishness of the room. You have two choices, you could either stand up and let the fools boo you but remain steadfast in your belief or you could try to appeal to the foolishness...

Wilkow on dealing with a hostile crowd

What are you shaking your head at? You like that? The kid just shakes his head at me. I know I win and an angel gets his wings whenever there's that moment of silence

Wilkow on the hubris of youth

All of us at some point can admit to ourselves that when when we were 18, 19, 20 years old. We didn't have the exact firmest grasp on everything... But do you hear the powerful condescension minus substance and understanding?

Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin invited to speak at CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference)

Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh are arguably the two most popular and polarising conservative figures in America today. Both seen as the defacto leaders of the GOP and removed from Washington. Palin, a first term Governor for Alaska. Rush, an influential radio talker with a listernership of 20 million.

Whilst they are both formidable in their grassroots appeal. Liberal pundits and strategists may be willing to accept Limbaugh and Palin as Defacto leaders of the GOP as it allows them to paint a "controversial and extreme" face for the GOP.

On Rush Limbaugh as the Defacto Head of the Republican Party
"Rush is a double-edged sword, he cuts both ways" said Phil Musser, a Republican consultant and former executive director of the Republican Governors Association. "Sometimes you love him, sometimes you cringe at his impolitic (he'd say honest) fusillados."

John Weaver, a former senior aide to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), said that Republicans must be careful not to allow their Democratic rivals to paint them all with the brush of Limbaugh.

"The Democrats and the far left will do all they can to grab electoral turf," said Weaver. "And one sure way to do it is take some of the most controversial voices on the extreme right -- like Limbaugh and [Alaska Gov. Sarah] Palin -- and try to insist they speak for all members of the center/right movement."

The annual (Conservative Political Action Conference) CPAC conference's speaker list has been a traditional measure of the most influential voices for Conservatism. Once again despite attempts to marginalise them, Talk Radio remains a powerful voice for conservatives. Based on their placement on the schedule, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin are Conservatism's proud marquee names.

Rush Limbaugh, Joe Scarborough, and Sarah Palin to Speak at CPAC
The annual CPAC convention of conservatives is expected to be a sellout because two huge names are coming to deliver red-meat speeches: Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin.

Other notable pundits invited to speak include:
- Joe Scarborough
- Tucker Carlson
- Ann Coulter
- Michell Malkin
- Glenn Beck
- John Ziegler

Prominent politicians include, GOP Presidential contenders, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul
- Download the schedule of events here for CPAC 2009

Movers and Shakers: Where are Pundits like Hannity, Maddow, Beck and Garofalo headed for 2009

In case you're wondering what to expect from you're favourite pundits for 2009. Below is a listing of the changes, promotions and movements surrounding the roster of APF pundits.

Janeane Garofalo starring in '24'
Janeane Garofalo joins '24', the series thriller known for its 'conservative' portrayal of Washington and it's handling of terrorism. Interestingly Janeane's previous medium-term acting gig was for the 'West Wing', a show that portrayed Washington though a liberal reality.

Time right for Garofalo on '24'
Actress-comedian Janeane Garofalo, an outspoken liberal, is set to co-star on the conservative-leaning real-time drama, whose co-creator/executive producer Joel Surnow jokingly describes himself as a "right-wing nut job."

Former CNN pundit, Glenn Beck defects to Fox News

Fox News Hires Glenn Beck Away From CNN
The Fox News Channel brought in a big name from a rival Thursday when it announced that it had signed Glenn Beck, the host of a widely viewed talk show on Headline News, a sister network of CNN.

Mr. Beck, who has frequently raised hackles in liberal circles with his acerbic conservative commentary, will host a new talk hour on Fox News from 5 to 6 p.m. weeknights.

Sam Seder and Marc Maron officially return to a full time schedule on Air America Radio
After playing with an upstart video format for a year. Sam and Marc's intimate video show - 'Maron V Seder' got picked up by AirAmerica in the months leading up to the Presidential Election as an 'internet only' live video program. The program has since been renamed 'Break Room Live' and backed with the full production values of Air America continues as an ongoing program.

About BREAK ROOM LIVE
BreakRoomLive.com will also be home to exclusive on-demand video content from Marc and Sam. Along with a fully interactive blog, Marc and Sam will provide BreakRoomLive.com with interviews, political discussions, and irreverent comedy that can’t be seen anywhere else.

John Gibson no longer on TV but his radio show is retained by Fox News

So, What's The (Big) Story With John Gibson?
Last night, faux newsman Stephen Colbert had a send up of real newsman John Gibson of FNC, saying "the network announced that it is canceling the Big Story."

At the time, John Gibson's show was removed to make way for Election season programming - 'America's Election Headquarters'. The timeslot has since been allocated for Glenn Beck's new program.

Tucker Carlson no longer has a show but remains a contributor to MSNBC

Tucker Canceled; Other Programming Changes Ahead
Insiders tell TVNewser Tucker Carlson's 6pmET show Tucker is getting the axe, but Carlson stays on as a political contributor to all MSNBC shows at least through the 2008 election.

MSNBC's Chief White House correspondent, David Gregory assumed Tucker Carlson's former timeslot.

Stephen Colbert honours John Gibson and Tucker Carlson in a satirical segment devoted to Elliot Spitzer

STEPHEN COLBERT: But as the saying goes John Gibson, Tucker Carlson and prostitution scandals come in threes...

Rachel Maddow's role refocuses her radio presence as her TV star rises

Maddow rechannels energy at Air America
During the election last year, Maddow established herself as one of the big three at MSNBC, which had its best run ever, with her show following Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann.

But she was a charter host on Air America in March 2004, so she and the radio network have now figured out a way to give her an ongoing presence there.

She has dropped her daily evening show on Air America, but will "provide content" for an hour-long morning program, largely built on her MSNBC show of the previous evening.

The problem, says Maddow, is that something had to give...

[Sean] Hannity and [Alan] Colmes part ways

Hannity and Colmes no longer. Who will Hannity face next?
After a remarkable twelve year run, Alan Colmes is set to leave FOX News Channel's top-rated Hannity & Colmes at the end of the year, according to key sources...

Sean Hannity has the timeslot to himself and is rating very well thus far. Alan Colmes remains a FoxNews contributor and continues to host 'The Alan Colmes show' syndicated by Fox News Radio.

Media Malpractice: John Ziegler appears on 'The View'

John Ziegler appears on 'The View' to talk about his new documentary - 'How Obama Got Elected'


In wrestling "heel heat" is the reaction a villain character receives from the audience - usually animosity. This stems from the provocative actions and objectionable aura the heel (villain) character exudes. "Heel heat" is often present on ABC's 'The View' when Conservative guests appear. Whilst 'View' co-host Joy Behar exhibits heel-like qualities herself due to her brash and insistent cheap shots, she enjoys home court advantage which blunts any "heat". In fact she often receives the opposite of "heat", known as a "pop" through supportive crowd applause.

John Ziegler was the most recent Conservative guest on 'The View'. During the promotional tour for his documentary slated for release in 3 weeks, much has been made about Ziegler's combustible personality. Not surprisingly Ziegler's sitdown with the ladies of 'The View' was loud and heated but interestingly it was John who displayed the most composure. Finding himself stuck in the crossfire between Joy and Elisabeth and being prodded by Barbara Walters.

Perhaps it's a mark of a good heel? When Ann Coulter was on 'The View', she was dishing out and taking a lot of the abuse. For John, his mere presence created a climate that made everyone around him more abusive and confrontational. But perhaps it wasn't John Ziegler who was getting the "heel heat" It might have actually been directed at Sarah Palin, John Ziegler simply became the proxy. You be the judge.

Read previous John Ziegler posts here:
- How Obama got Elected: John Ziegler vs. David Schuster
- How Obama got Elected: John Ziegler vs. Nate Silver

Watch how "heel heat" looks in wrestling,
Video: Vickie Guerrero and Vladimir Kozlov booed on WWE's Smackdown

No Stimulus and "Speaking Democrat": A Primer by Congressman Thaddeus McCotter

There has been a lot of debate in Washington over President Obama's stimulus package, a larger supplement to the George W Bush stimulus packages signed in his closing year in office.

The Obama Administration, with its emphasis on post-partisanship and "change" hopes to leave behind the cheap political point scoring and ideological name calling. At it's height during the Presidential campaign seasons in 04' and 08' and ever present for George W Bush' 8 years in office. Creating a climate that infers America has shifted from a 'Terrorist' Presidency to a 'Socialist' one.

That "hope" of a new tone may be short lived as the minority House Republicans unanimously opposed the Stimulus bill. Despite attempts by President Obama to foster a less divisive climate in Washington.

A great example of the type of division and apprehension politicians from opposite sides have for each other is demonstrated in this video featuring Republican Congressman Thaddeus McCotter from Michigan.

VIDEO: Speaking Democrat - A Primer by Rep. McCotter

"Speaking Democrat: A Primer" (transcript)
THADDEUS McCOTTER: We're going to learn how to speak Democrat today...

We hear the word change which means the 1970's. Democrats will bring you change. Translation, Democrats will bring you the 1970's.

Government means socialism. Democrats support proactive government. Translation, Democrats support proactive socialism.

Enhance revenues translates into raise taxes. Democrats will enhance revenues. Translation, Democrats will raise taxes.

This is my favorite part. The rich means you. For example, Democrats will only tax the rich. Translation, Democrats will only tax you. Ouch.

The congressman providing a tongue-in-cheek lesson on the rhetoric used by his liberal colleagues. Whilst certainly exercised for comedic effect. Its the type of ribbing usually delivered in the form of chain emails, cheekily forwarded to colleagues to aggravate or amuse. Not something to be acted on the House floor with props. McCotter's promo was done in 2008 when Obama's promise of post partisanship was still a campaign slogan and not a Presidential decree.

It's reminiscent of the parody segments in Wrestling, where wrestlers use excessive amounts of ring time to stage elaborate stunts and mocking displays to aggravate their opponents and escalate feuds. Not as immediate or substantial as a face to face staredown with an opponent, or a direct exchange of words and fists. More a psychological taunt.

VIDEO: DX parody 'The Corporation'

Superbowl 43 picks: Pundits Keith Olbermann and Rush Limbaugh

Super Bowl XLIII: Tampa Bay 02/01/09

I can safely say noone is interested in much else today but Superbowl 43 - between the heavily favoured Pittsburgh Steelers and the surprising Arizona Cardinals, who are making their first appearance in the big game.

To get in on the action I've brought Superbowl predictions from two marquee APF pundits. Representing the left and the right, the two who arguably know the most about sports - Keith Olbermann and Rush Limbaugh.

In 2003, Rush Limbaugh had a short lived career as a weekly analyst for ESPN's 'Sunday NFL Countdown'. Keith Olbermann's major start in punditry was as co-host for ESPN's SportsCenter. He since moved on to pointed political opinion on his news show 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' but still has sporting duties as co host of NBC's Football Night in America

Rush Limbaugh's pick for Superbowl 43 - Steelers

Rush & The Hutch Talk Super Bowl
RUSH: Well, I'm going to tell you what I think, my brother.
THE HUTCH: Sure.
RUSH: I think blowout 34-10 Steelers.
THE HUTCH: Woooo!

RUSH: And I'll tell you what. I think it's the job of the NFL and the writers to hype every Super Bowl game for audience to make sure that each team is portrayed as having a legitimate shot. We are talking... Ahem. You know, and I love Arizona, don't misunderstand. John McCain lives there, but I still love Arizona.

THE HUTCH: (laughing)
RUSH: We're talking about a team that has never been there. I don't see this seven, ten-point victory by the Arizona Cardinals over a legendary National Football League franchise.

Keith Olbermann's pick for Superbowl 43 - Steelers

Celebrity picks for the Super Bowl
KEITH OLBERMANN: The Steelers, fairly profoundly. Arizona has thus far beaten up an Atlanta team that was only just jelling as the regular season closed, and staved off a Philly team that was as dead as Jacob Marley's ghost the day McNabb was benched. Pittsburgh has been the real deal all year. Then again, I said the Falcons would crush them. And then I said the Eagles would crush them. Can I just re-submit my Giants pick from last year?