After the "Today" show aired yet another portion of Matt Lauer's prime time interview with Larry Craig and his wife, NBC's Meredith Vieira asked Tim Russert to analyze the ramifications the Craig scandal could have on Republicans in '08 and noted that the Democrats had "been quiet so far." The "Meet the Press" host responded by highlighting the obvious harm the Craig scandal could have on the GOP but observed the Democrats felt "it's best left unspoken." Of course that's easy for the Democrats to do when NBC News is doing all the speaking about Craig for them. So far "Today" has buttressed Lauer's Tuesday night prime time special with four segments on Craig in the past two days alone.
The following is the relevant exchange from the October 17, "Today" show:
Meredith Vieira: "Does it hover over other politicians as well? We have an election, obviously, coming up in 2008. Will this have any impact on either the, the Republicans who are running or the Democrats?"
Tim Russert: "Well we learned in 2006 with Congressman Mark Foley of Florida, the whole page scandal, and there can be ramifications. The Democrats will use this as an issue."
Vieira: "But they've been quiet so far, haven't they?"
Russert: "Of course, they want this issue to continue to fester from a political standpoint. Because every time the Republicans raise the issue of traditional family values, they'll say, 'Really? Is that what Larry Craig represents? And why aren't you Republicans dealing with this internal issue in your party? Why is he still a U.S. Senator?' It's best left unspoken by the Democrats, they believe."
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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I don't get the sense that,
October 17, 2007 - 13:02 ET by Chris NormanI don't get the sense that, despite the MSM's best efforts, that Craig is on the front burner anymore.
Just a few questions
October 17, 2007 - 16:50 ET by connmanfor the drive by media.
1.) Why has this been called a "Sex Sting" operation? They wouldn't have to report the truth which is: It was a GAY "Sex Sting" operation. After all, they weren't trying to entrap Men propositioning Women were they?
2.) Knowing nothing about Senator Craig previous to this scandal, it seemed as if he were hiding something. But after watching the interview I came away thinking that he was a good honest man. He denied the charges and denied being a Homosexual after repeatedly being asked ML. If he refuses the allegations and answered all questions where is there a story?
3.) Later in the interview with triple chin Russert , MV reported that Lynn Cheney has discovered that Dick and Obama might be 7th cousins to which turkey neck replied: Yes Merideth it's Darth Vader vs Luke Skywalker. Stop it! I'm begging you ! (no question here)
ok one more time
October 17, 2007 - 13:29 ET by TruthMonger"Of course, they want this issue to continue to fester from a political standpoint. Because every time the Republicans raise the issue of traditional family values, they'll say, 'Really? Is that what Larry Craig represents?
Yes Tim, Larry took responsibility for minor disorderly conduct - the charge was highly dubious to say the least - perhaps even politically motivated in a blue state like Minnesota - never the less Senator Craig respects the authority of our police officers and voluntarily conceded anyway - demonstrating the crucial family values of responsibility and respect for authority so woefully lacking on the Democrat side - as in the case of Congressman Jefferson.
So when the Democrats bloviate about the so-called Republican "culture of corruption" we can rightfully ask
REALLY, IS THAT WHAT CONGRESSMAN JEFFERSON REPRESENTS?
Or are you assuming Larry Craig is gay? Is there a problem with being gay, Tim? Are you a ass-backwards homophobe, Tim?
A service of the new NB respect police
you're kidding ...
October 17, 2007 - 13:49 ET by tenthreeleader...Larry Craig is a REPUBLICAN? Thanks to the drive-by media for clearing that up. Over. And over. And over. And over. And over again.
This has to be a record
October 17, 2007 - 14:25 ET by deerjerkydaveIt is amazing how much coverage this silly scandal has gotten. I think Big Media have outdone themselves. I'm reminded of Trent Lott's being under the Big Media microscope for TWO WEEKS after saying that Strom Thurmond should have won Presidency back in the 60s! Coverage of Democratic scandals doesn't even come close to this.
Tim Russert: "Well we
October 17, 2007 - 13:53 ET by MidAmericaTim Russert: "Well we learned in 2006 with Congressman Mark Foley of Florida, the whole page scandal, and there can be ramifications. The Democrats will use this as an issue." Vieira: "But they've been quiet so far, haven't they?"
Perhaps the dems know this could backfire. The Foley issue was about misconduct with underage pages. Craig is accused of soliciting another (consenting) adult. The only way to use Craig as a political weapon is to bash gay behavior.
So I say let them bring it up in the campaign. Then ask them if they support gay expression or if all gays should be closeted.