WaPo's Wemple: 'Really Disgraceful' That O'Reilly Called Protesters 'Far-Left Loons' and 'Anarchists'

By Brad Wilmouth | October 09, 2011 | 13:17

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On Sunday's Reliable Sources on CNN, host Howard Kurtz and guest Erik Wemple of the Washington Post both took exception with FNC's Bill O'Reilly for recently calling some of the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters "far-left loons" and "anarchists." Kurtz noted the contrast in how MSNBC and FNC have responded to the protests:

Keith Olbermann at Current TV and also Ed Schultz at MSNBC playing up these protests, criticizing the coverage or lack thereof. A marked contrast to the way Fox News is treating them. Bill O'Reilly the other night saying that these are "far-left loons" and "anarchists." Well, some of them may be anarchists, but still.

Wemple responded:

I think that the, look, whenever you have, I believe this is pretty much characteristic of left-wing protests. You see the protesters and they have the signs - one justice for movie goers - you know, everyone has their own, so it's easy, it's low-hanging fruit for people like O'Reilly to start making fun of them. I think that's really disgraceful.

When asked by Kurtz why he used the word "disgraceful," he continued:

I think it's disgraceful because, you know, you can always find someone in a crowd of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 people to mutiliate, I mean, and to mock. And so I think that's really low-hanging fruit and I think it's crazy.

Kurtz soon added:

And it's striking to me that Fox News was so much more sympathetic couple of years ago to the Tea Party - or just two years ago I should say - and then it was the liberal media that was accused of picking out a few intemperate protesters who had crazy signs or were yelling at Congressmen at those townhall meetings.

Below is a transcript of the relevant portion of the Sunday, october 9, Reliable Sources on CNN:

HOWARD KURTZ: Keith Olbermann at Current TV and also Ed Schultz at MSNBC playing up these protests, criticizing the coverage or lack thereof. A marked contrast to the way Fox News is treating them. Bill O'Reilly the other night saying that these are "far-left loons" and "anarchists." Well, some of them may be anarchists, but still.

ERIK WEMPLE, WASHINGTON POST: Right, I think that the, look, whenever you have, I believe this is pretty much characteristic of left-wing protests. You see the protesters and they have the signs - one justice for movie goers - you know, everyone has their own-

KURTZ: Save the whales, world peace.

WEMPLE: -so it's easy, it's low-hanging fruit for people like O'Reilly to start making fun of them. I think that's really disgraceful. I think that, you know, there is something that prompted this, it's very real-

KURTZ: Why "disgraceful"?

WEMPLE: I think it's disgraceful because, you know, you can always find someone in a crowd of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 people to mutiliate, I mean, and to mock. And so I think that's really low-hanging fruit and I think it's crazy.

SHARON WAXMAN, THEWRAP.COM: I find it, I actually find it kind of interesting that Fox has taken the position it has because it could just as easily coopt these protesters as a symbol of how Obama is failing. I don't agree that this is a left-wing issue.

These are people that are hurting in an economic, a long swing of the economic pendulum that has, that has really hurt the middle class that the, you know, that we've been reporting about for many, many years. So the right could just as easily adopt these people and embrace them as their own, but instead they sort of look at them as anarchists - anarchists is such a weird word that I'm hearing.

KURTZ: And it's striking to me that Fox News was so much more sympathetic a couple of years ago to the Tea Party - or just two years ago I should say - and then it was the liberal media that was accused of picking out a few intemperate protesters who had crazy signs or were yelling at Congressmen at those townhall meetings.

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Comments

Don't like the same medicine you used on the Tea Party, Wemple?

Submitted by drsamherman on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:20pm.

You and your ilk described the tea party in the most insulting, disgraceful and disgusting language and called them bigots, racists and worse. Now that Fox News and other outlets are covering your precious "Occupy" movement for the Soros-funded, deflecting astroturf that it is, you can't stand it.

Too bad, so sad that your skin is so thin. Quoting my daughter here.

But remember

Submitted by hbnolikeee on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:28pm.

it's fine to call the Tea Party: tea baggers, racists, gun toting bible huggering Astroturffer. That's just fair and balanced, yes indeed.

And the fact that they're crapping in the streets wearing clown masks should not in anyway disparage these patriots, correct?

hbnolikeee

At least the tea party

Submitted by BD on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 5:15pm.

At least the tea party bathed.... No evidence that these guys do....

He is best who is trained in the severest school." -Thucydides, "History of the Peloponnesian War" (431-404 B.C.)

I'm not much of an O'Reilly

Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:40pm.

I'm not much of an O'Reilly fan, but if he's right, I'll give him credit for it...........and all he's done here is tell the truth. If the MSM doesn't like it - well, tough sh*t.

And speaking of 'low-hanging fruit'..............this guy Wimple seems to define the term.

Let's not forget that these 'anarchists' are calling for more government - like they always do!!!! Complete morons!!!

Nancy Pelosi

Submitted by rance on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:40pm.

I just heard that Nancy Pelosi repeated the lie that Tea Party members spat on congressmen.

Now why would you care

Submitted by hbnolikeee on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:50pm.

what the Botox Queen thinks?

hbnolikeee

Yeah, considering that the

Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:12pm.

Yeah, considering that the dried-up rattlesnake has been spewing venom on the American people for years!!!

That's just the typical Demoncrat

Submitted by Dbak61 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 10:13pm.

strategy of Revisionist History 101: "Repeat the Lie." After all it mostly worked for them against McCarthy whose only mistake was underestimating the Commie problem; not only in Hollywierd, but the entire democrat party who hold up Saul Alinsky as their hero and the Commie Manifesto as their bible...when they aren't praising almighty Darwin and the Climate Gods of Change.

this is hilarious

Submitted by kata on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:52pm.

The OccupyWallStreet people speak for themselves ... you only need to simply just turn on the camera and not say a word and they just write the story. It's hard not to laugh and gasp at their naivety and ignorance. Just take five minutes on their livestream.

Name calling is not nice but if "loon" is really that devastating they need to gather some intestinal fortitude.

Give Peas a Chance. ☑ ABØ in 2012

I'd rather be called a loon...

Submitted by DumbCanuck on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 10:32am.

...than a racist terrorist. Bill'O has gone easy on that crowd. 'Anarchists' may be a little strong, though. It's hard to classify someone as an 'anarchist' if they're calling for MORE government.

Let's just stick with Soros-funded "hand-puppets", shall we?

"There... Are... Four... Lights!"

Keith Olbermann at Current TV and also Ed Schultz at MSNBC

Submitted by Texndoc on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:55pm.

So these two are hyping the protests. Small wonder, as they're probably being staged by Van Jones and Valerie Jarrett. A shame that photos like some jerk defecating in public on a police car are spoiling it for the rest of the media who are starting to run away from the nonsense.

It will be over by next weekend, like the "Coffee Party", a colossal failure.

Coffee party??

Submitted by NewLife56 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:59pm.

You Said:
It will be over by next weekend, like the "Coffee Party", a colossal failure.

ROTFLMBO, uh huh, after the 100% complete blowout in the 2012 elections, please consider moving to Cuba, you'll love it there after we regain America

NewLife56

yeah Texn!

Submitted by kata on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:07pm.

The left wing communist/socialist/marxist movement combining forces with the anarchists are in the now!

A totalitarian communist state is so yesterday.

Give Peas a Chance. ☑ ABØ in 2012

? Do you know what the Coffee Party was?

Submitted by Texndoc on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 3:12pm.

The Coffee Party was the Obama Administration's counter to the Tea Party. I understand why you may not remember it, as there were reportedly about 5-6 people at each meeting.

'Far-Left Loons' and 'Anarchists'

Submitted by NewLife56 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 1:56pm.

This guy is right about O'Reilly, he should not have caled them 'Far-Left Loons' and 'Anarchists', he should have said, complete, Utter freaking idiots and baffoons

NewLife56

Waxman is ignorant of the facts, disingenuous, or lying

Submitted by Galvanic on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:14pm.

SHARON WAXMAN, THEWRAP.COM: "I find it, I actually find it kind of interesting that Fox has taken the position it has because it could just as easily coopt these protesters as a symbol of how Obama is failing. I don't agree that this is a left-wing issue."

Corporate-government collusion is certainly a Tea Party issue. But are the protesters demonstrating against Obama? Not that I know of. In fact, the demonstrators interviewed by the MSM are often taped supporting him

I'd invite Ms. Waxman to read the Declaration of the Occupation of New York and tell us that this group is not left wing.

http://nycga.cc/2011/09/30/declaration-of-the-occupation-of-new-york-city/

It's not a call for less government. It's a call for more government. What is it in this manifesto that conservatives would embrace?

did you note in the side column

Submitted by kata on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:24pm.

October 9, 2011 9:30 am    Workers World Party 2011 National Conference The Global Capitalist Economic Crisis: What it will tak
October 9, 2011 12:00 pm OPEN FORUM: SLAVOJ ZIZEK
October 9, 2011 1:00 pm    OPEN FORUM: Teach-in on Participatorty Economics
October 9, 2011 2:00 pm    OPEN FORUM: Updates on the National Domestic Workers Alliance Movement
October 9, 2011 3:00 pm    OPEN FORUM: Mass Incarceration and the other 1%

Nope not a left wing group at all.

Give Peas a Chance. ☑ ABØ in 2012

Exactly!

Submitted by JanineC on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 4:43pm.

The dingbat doesn't recognize that the collusion between big government and big business (not all, only the chosen big boys who get special exemptions, loopholes, subsidies, kickbacks, special loans, etc. for campaign donations and other goodies that enrich the pols) is the RESULT of a giant Federal Government that is out of control. Most of the idiots on the street think that the problem is just business (any business--not those in bed with Obama and others). That is why they are far-left radical loonies, Waxman, and their goals are NOTHING like that of the TEA parties (plural).

Got it Janine*

Submitted by cajun2 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 10:06pm.

This is the list of Fortune 500 biggest corporations Take a good look at them in terms of "interest" from DC.

But lets not forget there are 27.2 MILLION small businesses in the US. that didn't make the list but employ over 67% of all non government labor in this country. Too bad we dont have "cronies" for small businesses in DC. They might be able to "create" jobs if they had the attention GE or GM receives.

perhaps-just perhaps the crapping in the street types-

Submitted by JIMMY1660 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:06pm.

just may typify what Billy,O' is speaking of.
No one of sane mind and love of country, a Greenie-would crap in the street, leave garbage all over the Parks.
when the war starts those who do not crap in the streets are on my team.

Fast & Furious along with Solyndra are example of who BHO is BHO Policies have caused Failed Economy- Liberals = Wealth Re-distribution

Hey..............it's

Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:16pm.

Hey..............it's organic, man.........................peace out, bro......................chill, dude......................it's my trip.................don't lay your lame rules on me!!! Power to the people..............................truth to power...................................hey, you got a couple bucks I can have for a coffee and bagel???

Hey killa37!

Submitted by gailannr on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:46pm.

That was worth spitting my coffee all over my keyboard!

I can almost hear the drags

Submitted by Bhaal on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 7:05pm.

I can almost hear the drags on the joint at each .......... segment.

"For evil to triumph it is enough only that good men do nothing".

I think it's a combination of

Submitted by killa37 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 11:53pm.

I think it's a combination of taking a hit off the joint, trying to remember what you just said, and then trying to put three words together for the next thing you're going to say!!!!!

ROFLMAO

Submitted by MacWell on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 6:47am.

That reminds me of frisco in 67, only you ask for spare change. It's hard to believe that some of us made it through the 60's, but it seems that enough of them did. The problem is that they focused on education and took over the classrooms and indoctrinated our kids.

You should had heard Andrew Wilkow the other day

Submitted by Boudin on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:21pm.

Telling these cretins that they can get away with this crap in the PC urban domains. But once they bring it to Main street they will be on the business end of the Armed Americans

Seek Truth, Defend Liberty

disgraceful?

Submitted by michiganruth on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:23pm.

on the one hand, here's Bill O'Reilly calling someone a "loon." golly gosh.

on the other hand, here's what Keith Olbermann said about Scott Brown on MSNBC after Brown won the special election:

"an irresponsible, homophobic, racist, reactionary, ex-nude model, tea-bagging supporter of violence against women and against politicians with whom he disagrees."

when it comes to disgraceful comments, MSNBC beats Fox hands down. come to think of it, it's the only thing they COULD beat Fox at.

Sarah Palin speech.... she has a bigger mission

Submitted by JamesPhilip on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:25pm.

I submit a video you have to watch. It is Sarah Palin's speech on Friday night. This is what I consider to be one of, if not the best, speech that Sarah Palin has ever given... especially after her saying no to running for the Presidency.

Question... after you watch it, do you really think any of the Republican candidates could or would be able to make a similar speech. That is why she is not running. She has a bigger mission.... to attack the entire corrupt system and to promote her Conservative principles.

Sarah Palin Unshackled - Defending the Republic - http://tinyurl.com/6bdpfvz

Please...

Submitted by ckc1227 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 5:08pm.

She's not running because she knows she has no chance in hell of winning. Nothing more, nothing less. These other vague excuses are just cover for leading so many of her followers on for months. Sadly, it appears some would rather continue to be led on than face reality.

Really ckc?*

Submitted by cajun2 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 5:46pm.

Let's see how well Obama would do and what a "thick skin" he would have if the media spent any time at all uncovering his childhood, his educational background, his employment history, his voting record in the state legislature then in Congress. Lets talk to his closest friends, relatives, and co-workers from college to the present. Lets do all of it with the intention of denigrating, demeaning, insulting, demonize everything that he stands for and everything he has accomplished in his life. Then tell the same stories and repeat the same lies over and over for 4 years. How long do you think Obama, Mr Narcissist himself, would last?

"Those that would rather follow than face reality?"

Is this your definition of revolutionaries?

Cajun

Submitted by RESTLESS 1 on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 7:04pm.

And don't forget to put his kids through the same ringer. If it had stopped with Sara, that would have been bad enough, but these peasants go after here kids as well. Maher, griffin, o'donnell, (both of those o'donnell chicks), and the like should all be shot.

"I don't like repeat offenders, I like dead offenders". - Ted Nugent

Fat chance,

Submitted by Boudin on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 9:17pm.

Sarah has gotten more folks elected the Clinton and Obama combined. She will help us elect conservatives state and National. Everyone will know, if Sarah supports them, they will get the votes.

Who else can say that?

Seek Truth, Defend Liberty

Just watched it

Submitted by MacWell on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 9:32am.

You naysayers can wax poetic about why all you want. The real reason she's not running is because she wants OTHER Americans to understand how important citizen government is, and why. It's really THAT simple.

I keep telling you what a

Submitted by buddyc on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:38pm.

I keep telling you what a putz Kurtz is. He is the worst of the worst. He not only pretents to be this judge of media morals but actually pretends to be impartial. If you go back I guarantee you that you will find Kurtz attacking the tea party and never once, not one single time, in any way, direct or indirect saying anything sympathic towards them.

HE IS A SCUMBAG HACK!

Washington Post?? You gotta be kidding me!

Submitted by gailannr on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:41pm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QZlp3eGMNI

Life of Brian

Submitted by kata on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:54pm.

You all have to think for yourselves!

Give Peas a Chance. ☑ ABØ in 2012

Great Video

Submitted by Conservator on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 3:02pm.

Thanks for posting the link. I just love that these "far-left loons" and "anarchists" who repeated the words of with the people with the microphones - just like marionettes, but where are the strings?.

I'm curious if WaPo's Wemple said something like "you can always find someone in a crowd of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 people to mutiliate, I mean, and to mock" about Tea Party protesters in 2010?

Great Video

Submitted by Conservator on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 3:23pm.

I'm curious if WaPo's Wemple said something like "you can always find someone in a crowd of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 people to mutiliate, I mean, and to mock" about Tea Party protesters in 2010?

every picture

Submitted by jimtrees on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:49pm.

Maybe Bill was talking about the the guy crapping on the police car. I still can't believe that 5 democrats have done more damage to this country than all of our enemies combined. They are Obama, Dodd,Pelosi,Waxman and Frank. Reid and Pelosi are one in the same but not one mention of this in the msm. The republicans should run ads everyday from here on out about these men.

LOWS

Submitted by HardRightTurn on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:51pm.

Ne'er-do-well would be a step up for the LOWS - Losers Occupying Wall Street.

To more fully comprehend the Left, one must read “Leftism As Psychopathy” by John Ray, M.A., Ph.D. Caution, it might scare you a little bit.
http://jonjayray.tripod.com/psycho.html

That last sentence from Kurtz

Submitted by bohratom on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 2:57pm.

That last sentence from Kurtz hit the nail right on the head.

"and then it was the liberal media that was accused of picking out a few intemperate protesters who had crazy signs or were yelling at Congressmen at those townhall meetings."

Typical politics at play from both sides depending on who they are rooting for. Conservatives backed the tea party and the liberal press derided it, Liberals back the occupy wall street and of course the conservative press denounces it.

Not just a few...

Submitted by JanineC on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 4:32pm.

The leftists did not pick out a few intemporate to condemn...they chose to paint the entire movement with a broad brush based on a few intemporate (which were likely leftist infiltrators in the first place).

Leftists are hypocrites

Submitted by JanineC on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 4:31pm.

The leftists have been attacking TEA party groups since the beginning with the most vile words possible. These same idiots called them racists, astroturf, that vulgar word with the "bag" in the middle, extremists, terrorists, nazis, etc. You are all hypocrites and liars.

Yes, it is completely disgraceful

Submitted by GregE on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 8:46pm.

...to call far-left loons and anarchists far-left loons and anarchists.

It is also utterly reprehensible to call a spade a spade.

Any day spent NOT talking ...

Submitted by Fredy on Sun, 10/09/2011 - 9:06pm.

About the ABJECT FAILURE of the Obama economic policy is a good day!

I do wonder WHY the CNN crew left off O'Reillys inclusion of George Soros money, both directly through media matters and indirectly through the tides foundation, in his assessment?

I guess that one hits far to close to their homes!