Over the weekend, on Fox News' "Geraldo At Large," actor/comedian Richard Belzer declared his hope for Barack Obama to redefine America from the "warmongering," "far right," "intolerant," atmosphere-"raping", poor-"demonizing" nation that it's become under the Bush administration. Prompted by host Rivera to reveal his choice in the 2008 campaign the "Law and Order" star took off on the following anti-Bush/pro-Obama tirade:
We've been redefined for seven years now as a war-mongering, far right, intolerant nation who's raping our own atmosphere and demonizing the poor and letting the banks rob us blind. I think if, any incremental move away from that would be a Godsend. And I think Obama will, at the very least, put the brakes on this madness and in some ways heal it. Another thing, if I may Geraldo, being a man of color, I think the rest of the world, if they see that America elects a man of color I think they'll breathe a big sigh of relief and not think that we're this warmongering, rich white guy country.
The following is the full exchange as it occurred on the March 2, edition of Fox News’ Geraldo At Large:
GERALDO RIVERA: I haven’t heard that you’ve endorsed anyone. You did endorse John Kerry in 2004 and you wrote some pretty scathing, some hot stuff on the blog about the Republicans then. I haven’t heard too much about who you are endorsing this time around. Why?
RICHARD BELZER: Well I’m ready, I mean I voted in the New York primary for Obama. And I think Obama it’s, it’s beyond politics at this point. I think that they say he’s a rock star but it’s beyond rock star. He’s clearly touching something in people’s hearts and souls and minds and he has a shot at redefining who we are. We’ve been redefined for seven years now as a war-mongering, far right, intolerant nation who’s raping our own atmosphere and demonizing the poor and letting the banks rob us blind. I think if, any incremental move away from that would be a Godsend. And I think Obama will, at the very least, put the brakes on this madness and in some ways heal it. Another thing, if I may Geraldo, being a man of color, I think the rest of the world, if they see that America elects a man of color I think they’ll breathe a big sigh of relief and not think that we’re this warmongering, rich white guy country.
RIVERA: Let me ask you this Richard, though, do you think, a lot of his support, so far, is based on the energy of young people, some of the first time voters. Do you think that, that energy can sustain for eight long months [to] the general election?
BELZER: I partially disagree with you Geraldo. I think in, in, the thing that’s really inspirational is that young people are getting involved as never before. But when I talk to people. I’ve spoken to Republicans, not a lot, but some who are gonna voter for Obama. There are a lot of Democrats that used to say, "Well I’m voting, if I vote, you know with my head I vote for Hillary. With my heart - it’s Obama." Now Obama has combined the heart and the head. He proves everyday with his unflappability, his grasp of the issues that he is capable of being president. He’s more experienced than Abe Lincoln was when he became president. John Kennedy was considered a frivolous playboy. He evolved into a great president. So I have every confidence that this man will surround himself with all the right people. Not every candidate knows everything and I think he’s smart enough to know that.
RIVERA: Richard Belzer that’s a really eloquent endorsement. I appreciate you coming on the program. I knew it would be good. Thank you very much.
Video: (1:03): Windows Media, or MP3 audio.
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.




















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Oh the insanity of these
March 7, 2008 - 13:57 ET by bigtimerOh the insanity of these two.
Pure simple insanity.
Talk about rose-colored glasses...this is a perfect example of what is wrong with this country.
Nothing is reality in their world...statements like raping our atmosphere alone is unreal, I could go on and on, I'm quite sure others will.
Pathetic...really pathetic.
Btw...I just wonder what is going to happen to critters like these and there are obviously millions of them, what are they going to do when Obama loses...exit the USA again as half of La-La-Land promised to do if Bush was elected and reelected...talk about crying me a river, there will be oceans of tears...
Fun fun fun to be had.
Gutsey
March 7, 2008 - 19:58 ET by docbDo not know this man but he is speaking the truth about healing that is needed. We need that and my friends in the UK and Europe are so pleased with the prospect of an Obama presidency. They have seen that the clintons have a total lack of moral turpitude with a win at any cost attitude that does not bode well for foreign relations. They find her claim of 35 yrs experience laughable.. they look forward to a person who listens and does not become the preaching, whining, tearing schoolmarm when confronted. My Middle eastern friends see her as a corrupt easy mark.
She has delivered nothing and Obama delivers hope, integrity and a vision backed by solid accomplishment.
docb
March 7, 2008 - 20:23 ET by BlondeI could hardly care less about how your Euro-pals feel....that is the very last thing on my mind.
Obama delivers nothing but Euro-socialism.
If you're so in love with your euro-pals, why don't you just go live there with them?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
"Obama delivers hope,
March 7, 2008 - 20:34 ET by fitzfong"Obama delivers hope, integrity and a vision backed by solid accomplishment."
Accomplishment?!?!? What accomplishment? Obama and the term accomplishment are mutually exclusive.
His "accomplishment"
March 8, 2008 - 06:48 ET by motherbeltHis "accomplishment" consists of getting elected.
docb, are you serious?
March 8, 2008 - 07:07 ET by motherbeltSo we should elect Obama because it will make Europe happy?
And by all means, please explain how electing this man or anyone else can "heal" anything. When he is President people will love each other? Crime will disappear? There will be no more poverty?
And to claim that he doesn't "preach" is just priceless. That's ALL he does!
You have drunk the Kool-Aid, my friend.
He is a man, nothing more. Ask his wife. He not only puts on his pants one leg at at time, he stinks in the morning.
No wonder he likes Obama
March 7, 2008 - 13:58 ET by greenfairieBelzer sounds just like Mrs. Obama. What's it with these successful people thinking America is a pit of crap?
Ever see him in his hit movie "Groove Tube"?
March 7, 2008 - 14:04 ET by kgEver see him in his hit movie "Groove Tube"? He hasn't changed much nor grown wiser. Chevy Chase was in it too playing a singing drum or something like that.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
...what a doofus...
March 7, 2008 - 14:02 ET by VT Con Manwho cares what this idiot thinks?!? I am sick and tired of these "actors" acting like they are on a higher ground and can expound to us dumb Americans what we should think.
sheesh
DUCT TAPE ALERT!!!
March 7, 2008 - 14:52 ET by motherbeltWho cares what this idiot thinks? Damn skippy! And who cares what the rest of the world thinks of us!
I think they'll breathe a big sigh of relief and not think that we're this warmongering, rich white guy country.
Why are all these liberals so damn worried about what the rest of the world thinks of us?
When they need us, when the barbarians are at the gate, so to speak, they will be very happy to overlook our "warmongering", as long as we're "mongering" on their side.
And which of these useless governments ever refused American help on the grounds that we were a "rich white guy country"? Flood, earthquake, tsunami....has any country ever said "Stay away, warmongerers!! We don't need you!!"
Yeah, right.
Man, after today, I seriously need to replenish my duct tape supply.
Correct...
March 7, 2008 - 14:59 ET by BeresfordSomeone should remind Beltzer that Silence is Golden...
and Duct Tape is Silver.
Belzer comments
March 7, 2008 - 15:50 ET by merlin61Motherbelt. I too need some duct tape. Who do
these "rich" idiots think they are knocking everything about America. If all these "other
countries in the world are so great, why are these
"world lovers" still here? They are making
money hand over fist as fast as they can and
then stand up and make fools of themselves
complaining about our wonderful country.
Get the duct tape, I'm about to explode!!!!!
First, this douche bag was
March 7, 2008 - 18:29 ET by red_dragon311First, this douche bag was a has been 20 years ago (but I hate to admit I DO like Munch)
and
"When they need us, when the barbarians are at the gate, so to speak, they will be very happy to overlook our "warmongering", as long as we're "mongering" on their side."
MB I don't think so they will have the "we deserved it" attitude
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
I know that Belzer is
March 7, 2008 - 14:06 ET by Hero SquadI know that Belzer is tagged a "comedian." Can anyone point me to anything he's ever done that's funny. Always seems like a severe cat to me.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
HS... I, for the life of
March 7, 2008 - 14:09 ET by bigtimerHS...
I, for the life of me cannot think of anything he has ever done that is funny...zero...zilch...nada.
Comedy Club
March 7, 2008 - 14:14 ET by Gat New YorkYears ago I saw him in a comedy club and he was not funny at all. Actually depressing.
But he did manage to get satisfaction by calling an audience member who was a Marine Corps officer a Nazi.
Oh the old "you're a nazi"
March 7, 2008 - 14:20 ET by Jack BauerOh the old "you're a nazi" gag. That's just hilarious, and original. And very intelligent too.
Didn't Beltzer get his start winning an Open Dick night at the infamous Comedy Sewer?
Richard Belzer, Margaret
March 7, 2008 - 15:07 ET by Hero SquadRichard Belzer, Margaret Cho and Paula Poundstone. Now there's a triple bill that will guarantee your sides will not hurt the next morning from laughing too hard... or at all.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
C'mon, bigtimer, you can't
March 7, 2008 - 15:28 ET by fitzfongC'mon, bigtimer, you can't think of anything he's ever done that is funny?
How about getting assaulted to within an inch of his life by Hulk Hogan? That was pretty funny, right?
You don't find his trademark "shades indoors" routine funny? I certainly do! :-)
No? How about ruining the legacy of his own alter-ego, John Munch, by moving it from the great Homicide to the tragic-comically bad Law & Order SVU? I chuckle every time I see the idealist phoning it in for the paycheck on SVU.
How about when he gets self-righteous about Ronald Reagan using Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" at campaign events on the grounds that Reagan hadn't a clue what the song was really about? I find his rage hilarious...and precious.
How about when he let the color drain from his face (what color, you ask...OK, now you're just splitting hairs) as John Munch when Jerry Orbach's Lenny Briscoe informed him that he had slept with his wife? Priceless, I say!
How about when he removes his toupee and sits in as the liberal foil to Sean Hannity? Oh, Alan Colmes is somebody different? Sorry, my bad.
You know what? There's just no pleasing people sometimes. :-)
fitz... Priceless...plus
March 7, 2008 - 16:41 ET by bigtimerfitz...
Priceless...plus you have me LMAO.
Thanks, bigtimer. So the
March 7, 2008 - 18:49 ET by fitzfongThanks, bigtimer. So the laugh score reads...
fitz 1
Munch 0
Correction: Fitz
March 8, 2008 - 22:16 ET by stratmanCorrection:
Fitz 1
ButtMunch 0
RRAM Tough!
beware Belzer
March 7, 2008 - 14:07 ET by candanceBelzer is among the liberal elites picking up this tune of our soldiers joining the Army because they're too uneducated to get a job. Even Bill Maher said that was too abrasive for him - yet here is Geraldo Rivera giving Belzer a platform.
The blame in this doesn't lie with Belzer. It lies with Rivera for inviting him on to a "news" show knowing what he said about our troops.
We're returning to the late 60s/early 70s when our troops were treated as war criminals by our own population: John Murtha was the beginning.
The fact that this man is invited to give his opinion on a news channel shows us what direction the media wants to go.
The blame in this doesn't
March 8, 2008 - 07:11 ET by motherbeltThe blame in this doesn't lie with Belzer. It lies with Rivera for inviting him on to a "news" show knowing what he said about our troops. -candance
Rivera is proof that you can take the boy out of the "tabloid talk show" but.....well, you get it.
Every time I see him I think, "sin verguenza." That's a great Spanish description of him....it's an insult meaning completely without manners....shameless.
What Qualifies Belzer?
March 7, 2008 - 14:09 ET by Tom PaineHere is part of Richard Belzer’s biography straight from Lib O Pedia
"After high school, he worked as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post. He attended Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts for a year and a part of a semester before being asked to leave for leading too many student demonstrations. According to one interview, he was majoring in Physical Education."
What, exactly, qualifies this failed gym teacher to lecture the rest of us on civics?
unreal
March 7, 2008 - 14:11 ET by MOONSTRUCKHe is the sole reason I quit watching this show two years ago. I am sick to death of THEIR hatred. Thank heaven for remote controls, and I am able to turn their spewing off as soon as I see one of "them" on my television.
"It is for us to make the effort, the rest is always in God's hands."
Sleeper Hold
March 7, 2008 - 14:19 ET by KillgraveBack in 1985 Hulk Hogan cut off oxygen to Belzer's brain.
It's amazing that there is still enough synaptic activity rattling around up there to move his legs.
Who cares what people like
March 7, 2008 - 14:20 ET by Captain RepusWho cares what people like this third-rate venom-spewing actor think. If he is like most of his ilk, his qualifications for commenting on world affairs consist of getting a 'C' in middle-school (likely his highest level of education) in government class at a time when there were far fewer than 50 stars on our flag.
These people have done more to destroy the world image of our country than any act of the Bush administration. At the very least, GWB has changed the image of us being reflected by having the hired help under the oval office desk servicing a sex perverted leader.
The ears have it
March 7, 2008 - 14:27 ET by Jack BauerWell Belzer seems to have Barry the Aitches big sticky out ears. Maybe they are related in some odd genetic way.
Oh... and what do you call a man who wears sunglasses while being interviewd live in a studio...?
Those are known as
March 7, 2008 - 14:38 ET by Captain RepusThose are known as 'hangin-on handles' for most Hollywood folk - their equivalent of missionary
Belzer
March 8, 2008 - 00:11 ET by Xango AnnieOnly in America, could someone this stupid and dare I say, ugly..make a great living in the country, he so hates.
"what do you call a man who
March 8, 2008 - 10:53 ET by Jerry"what do you call a man who wears sunglasses while being interviewd live in a studio.."
Usually you call them "blind"... Ray Charles... Stevie Wonder... so I guess it fits the bill. Belzer's about as blind as you can get.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
"what do you call a man who
March 8, 2008 - 10:56 ET by Blonde"what do you call a man who wears sunglasses while being interviewd live in a studio.."
Stoned.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I didn't know Belzer was still alive
March 7, 2008 - 14:36 ET by YahooWatcherNot that I care one way or another.
Certainly Has Soured Since His Sha Na Na Days...
March 7, 2008 - 14:46 ET by Santino CorleoneBut seriously, 95% of these Hollywood types have been so pickled by the rampant anti-American, socilaist movement that has existed in La La land since Stalin's days. This turkey peaked in Scarface---unfortunately the guy w/the big head got shot and not Belz.
Anyone taking any political, lifestyle or whatever cues from the Kremlin, er...Hollywood is someone that needs a healthy serving of reality.
Oh and speaking of Scarface didn't our good friend, that proud American, Brian DePalma direct? Why don't all these rabid, moonbats take the time machine back to the groovy 70's, tank up on hallucinogens and celebrate Jimmy Carter taking this country down the toilet??? That would make them happy, no?
Have a nice weekend.
»→ Bowzer
March 8, 2008 - 10:57 ET by Cool ArrowBowzer was a cousin to Belzer. Was Belzer in Sha Na Na also?
♣ a seal
C'mon, Munch, you're in a
March 7, 2008 - 14:47 ET by fitzfongC'mon, Munch, you're in a studio and you have sunglasses on. How seriously are we supposed to take you? By the way, don't you know you're on Geraldo's show? You never know, he might be back to his ambush television roots...Hulk Hogan is in the Green Room. Repeat. HULK HOGAN IS IN THE GREEN ROOM!
fitzfong...
March 7, 2008 - 17:22 ET by ArmedDadHulk Hogan came out for Obama last week.He and The Belz can stand around and shout"Down with Whitey" together.
Belzer's opinion is worth as much as Spongebob Squarepants'.
March 7, 2008 - 15:05 ET by c5thenMaybe even a little less.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Dude, he lives in pineapple
March 7, 2008 - 15:07 ET by balboaDude, he lives in pineapple under the sea. How could he NOT be brilliant?
Spongebob
March 7, 2008 - 15:11 ET by Cool ArrowAbsorbent and yellow and porous is he
Spongebob is a true visionary, like Rob Thomas
♣ a seal
I thought he had a condo in Malibu and one on Park Ave.?
March 7, 2008 - 15:12 ET by c5thenThe day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Oh, he is brilliant all
March 7, 2008 - 15:15 ET by RESTLESS 1Oh, he is brilliant all right. Who else could surf, UNDERWATER, make camp fires UNDERWATER, make killer Krusty burgers UNDERWATER? That guy could save us all. ;>)
I'm not worried about either
March 7, 2008 - 15:07 ET by RickTaLifeI'm not worried about either of them honestly. I don't think anyone of a sane mind takes Geraldo seriously....I've always seen his role on Fox as comic-relief. And who gives a damn what Richard Belzer said? How long can you get by on that "self-loathing Jew" act anyway? He wouldn't have a career if it wasn't for Law and Order...and everybody knows that people only watch that to see Ice-T. :-P
Peace 8)
I am Curious George
March 7, 2008 - 15:12 ET by Mica the MagnificentI think it's fate that the white Curious George endorses the Black Curious George.
Mr. Belzer. Clinton: "I believe in killing."
March 7, 2008 - 15:19 ET by Gary HallMr. Belzer, the US does what it has to do. We have some leaders who have to conduct war for the better of society and for the protection of the US - we have others, who do it because they like it.
Would someone ask Belzer where he was [why he was so silent] before 7 years ago. Bold added for emphisis:
I've heard Belzer work his
March 7, 2008 - 15:37 ET by Chris NormanI've heard Belzer work his radical liberalism into his lines on Law & Order. Yeah, he sounds just like a real-life cop...
Is Belzer
March 7, 2008 - 15:38 ET by okiehawk44Is Richard still living in France? Ah, that very tolerant country that shipped how many Jews, homosexuals and Nazi fighters off to Hitler's concentration camps. He hates the war-mongering America that twice in 25 years saved his new homeland by WAR-MONGERING with the Germans. And, by the way Richard, the French have a history of war-mongering. Why don't you try taking off the dark glasses and try reading about, oh let's see, NAPOLEON!
Rebuttal puh-lease!!!
March 7, 2008 - 15:43 ET by kdizzydazeOK Belzer (you douche tard) - -First off, didn't he marry a porn star? I had to throw that one out there.
OK, here goes --
"We've been redefined for seven years now as a war-mongering, far right, intolerant nation"
First off we are at war mainly due to the eight previous years of boob-like incompetence (thanks Bill) which included 16 broken UN resolutions with NO - I repeat NO - action on the part of the US (save me the economic sanctions - those did nothing to hurt Saddam-those only hurt the Iraqi population) paired with lib-like committees from that previous administration advising the FBI and the CIA that they cannot communicate with one another (thanks Jamie Gorelick). Those two items alone have led to what is now our kicking ass and taking names in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, since we are rebuilding the infrastructure of these countries (schools, hospitals, police and military training), I would say we are anything but war-mongering.
"who's raping our own atmosphere"
Every time I read up a little more on AGW, I find that we are less and less in control of it. Furthermore, the fact that one side (the AGW alarmists) refuses to even listen to the other side and claims "consensus" makes me wonder about that side. Oh, and I would imagine old Belz probably flys first class or even has his own driver in a gas hogging limo. "do as I say, not as I do" - right Belz?
"and demonizing the poor"
WTH?!?!?!?! Seriously, that line is so far out there it is truthfully beyond comprehension. Hands up, those of you who have made the poor feel "demon-like"? This guy is truly a flat-lining brain scanned moron.
"and letting the banks rob us blind"
Last time I checked, my bank was paying me some tiny little interest rate on my bank balance. I was actually making money by letting my money sit in the bank.
Perhaps he is talking about those evil lenders that were, gasp!!! predatory. Well, all I can go on is my own experience in that my lender explained my options. When they got to the 5 year ARM and 3 year ARM, etc. they explained balloon payments, rising interest rates, etc. I determined what was best for me. Point is, I was made aware and oh yeah, I have yet to meet anyone that was a "victim" of a predatory lender. Were they out there? probably so, but nowhere near the numbers in terms of what the MSM or this lib-douche Belzer might be claiming in their retarded logic.
One more "hands up those of you who" situations. HANDS UP, those of you who flip burgers for a living but were told you could live in a $600,000 home? AND BELIEVED IT!!!
I rest my case.
»→ Rebuttal
March 7, 2008 - 15:49 ET by Cool ArrowIsn't a rebuttal only necessary after someone's disasster?
♣ a seal
Well, all I can go on is my
March 7, 2008 - 16:15 ET by Dan The Man 2Well, all I can go on is my own experience in that my lender explained my options. When they got to the 5 year ARM and 3 year ARM, etc. they explained balloon payments, rising interest rates, etc - And I seem to remember last time I financed I signed 10 million peieces of paper saying all was explained to me in a satisfactory matter and I undertood what they said. People!!! dont sign what you dont understand.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Belzer
March 7, 2008 - 16:15 ET by buddycWho?
Ordinarily, I'd say that the actor, comedian or musician who has
March 7, 2008 - 16:38 ET by Teddysaid things like these needs to be smacked ugly.
But in Belzer's case, it's clear that I've been beaten to it.
Belzer
March 7, 2008 - 17:02 ET by msofmanStick to being the Munch Man, Dick, er, Richard.
Belzer
March 7, 2008 - 17:49 ET by doug1950What I want to know is who said this dink is a comedian? Ive never heard him say anything funny let alone profound. Now, if you want to see funny, find the video of Hulk Hogan choking this wiener out on national television. I think Hulk settled out of court and that is how the dweeb paid for his crib in France. It was probably worth it to Hogan. I imagine it could be mighty satisfying putting your hands around his pencil sized neck and hear the familiar "gwark" when he realizes he done messed up.
Definition of an ACTOR
March 7, 2008 - 19:19 ET by GForceA jester, joker, fool, or buffoon is a specific type of entertainer that came into popularity in the Middle Ages.
They are now known as "actors" and or "actresses".
Synonyms:
Joey, actor, antic, banterer, buffoon, card, clown, comedian, comic, cutup, droll, fool, funnyman, funster, harlequin, humorist, japer, joker, jokester, kibitzer, larker, madcap, pale face, pantaloon, practical joker, prankster, quipster, trickster, wag, wisecracker, wit, zany
This is the first thing that comes to mind when any "Hollywood" type opens it's mouth.
FOOL
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it"-Aristotle
Democrats
March 7, 2008 - 22:16 ET by RebelThis so called Actor seems to forget that the Liberal Democrats also help pass the Resolution for the Iraq War and have also gave the money for it.
Never vote for Byrd
At my wife's work there is a
March 8, 2008 - 12:32 ET by jcrapes4At my wife's work there is a salesman that is voting for Barack Obama. The reason he is voting for him is because a. we need change. b. He is black. My wife asked him what Obama's plan was if he became President. The response sent chills up my spine. His answer was he will figure that out once he takes over as President. The igit is voting for someone and he does not even know why he is voting for Obama other than the color of his skin.
Sunglasses
March 11, 2008 - 12:51 ET by doug1950He wears the sunglasses because w/o them you will see what a pathetic looking little specimen he is. He has a weak face and would probably not be given a second thought. He most likely found out somewhere in his dubious career that he could hide behind the glasses much like some of the internet commandos do while talking tough and feels invincible. If you have ever seen him without the glasses he has beady little eyes real close together like a flounders, interrupted only by the honker suspended between them. He's got a** eyes.