Oh sure, sometimes they love to hate us, but one thing is clear: NewsBusters is must reading for MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
As I noted here, Scarborough and panelist Willie Geist blasted Media Matters on today's "Morning Joe" for using a "phony story" to go after Rush for his "phony soldiers" comment. Joe and Willie recognized the truth of the matter: that Rush had been speaking of one phony soldier indeed, Jesse Macbeth, and not of anti-war soldiers in general.
Later, at 8:03 A.M. EDT, in the context of the Media Matters-inspired attack on Rush, Joe and Mika made clear that they have NewsBusters on the noggin.
Video (0:52): Real (1.41 MB) and Windows (1.60 MB), plus MP3 audio (404 kB).
JOE SCARBOROUGH: [The Media Matters attack on Rush] just like the MoveOn.org ad [attacking General Petraeus], it will whip up the base and they will get a lot of contributions, they will make a lot of money. And that's what these organization are all about, on the left and on the right. We've got organizations on the right always viciously attacking poor Mika [who could they have in mind?]. We have to stand here and defend her honor. But you know what?
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I enjoy it.
SCARBOROUGH: They make money, they make money doing that.
WILLIE GEIST: You're no phony soldier, Mika.
SCARBOROUGH: You are no phony soldier.
BRZEZINSKI: It's kind of fun to read that stuff. It keeps you sharp.
SCARBOROUGH: It does keep you sharp. I always like reading Media Matters and I also like reading NewsBusters to see if I did something that was over the line. And usually I disagree when --BRZEZINSKI: You're a star at NewsBusters!
SCARBOROUGH: [continuing thought] they say I'm over the line, but sometimes they get it right.
BRZEZINSKI: That's right.
My only quibble, speaking for myself and my colleagues at NewsBusters: we aren't mercenaries; we believe passionately in what we write. That said, we're glad to count the "Morning Joe" crew as fans.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
But, unlike Media Matters,
October 2, 2007 - 18:49 ET by Chris NormanBut, unlike Media Matters, we don't have the power to drive the headlines on MSNBC.
we don't have the power to
October 2, 2007 - 19:02 ET by SMGalbraithwe don't have the power to drive the headlines on MSNBC.
Not yet. But Olbermann can't live forever.
Can he?
Anyway, T.S. Eliot said there are no lost causes because there are no won causes. Every day is another battle, another fight, another struggle.
We're not guaranteed tomorrow much less a good tomorrow.
(too much wine with my dinner tonight, perhaps?)
SMG
Waxing philosophic, tonight,
October 2, 2007 - 19:06 ET by Chris NormanWaxing philosophic tonight, are we? Pursuing the truth further, if the media was fair enough to use points from NewsBusters on their shows, there would be no need for NewsBusters, yes?
Ahh -
October 2, 2007 - 19:50 ET by FastEdthen the Mission Statement would have been successful - LIBERAL media bias exposed and combatted - a win-win, which is RIGHT.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
i think you would still
October 2, 2007 - 19:51 ET by TruthMongeri think you would still need us
i need me i think
me thinks
October 2, 2007 - 19:56 ET by FastEdwe need us, I need this site, it allows for the truth, good or bad, unlike the msm (Lsm) which is agenda driven, meaning, USA = bad, Bush's fault (anything and everthing), Billery = good, taxes = good, socialism = good, terrorists = good, winning in Iraq = bad. 'Course, we believe that msm = bad.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Imagine there's no biased
October 2, 2007 - 20:03 ET by Chris NormanImagine there's no biased media. I wonder if you can. No unbalanced coverage. Plus, no Olbermann. Imagine all the people, getting fair and balanced new-ew-ew-ews. You may may say I'm a dreamer. But, I'm not the only one...
- with no apologies to John Lennon :)
JL doesn't need apologies,
October 2, 2007 - 20:12 ET by FastEdthink of Rocky Racoon for "reporting" - msm (Lsm) take notice, that would be how it's done.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
I thought my pretty song
October 2, 2007 - 20:15 ET by Chris NormanI thought my pretty song would make a good anthem for NewsBusters. Much better than the original hypocritical commie lyrics. :)
OK, fine
October 2, 2007 - 21:28 ET by FastEdI give it a 94, and it's easy to dance to.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Aint that the truth.MSM
October 2, 2007 - 19:03 ET by well99Aint that the truth.MSM doesnt know how to vent stories.They take what Media Manipulation and Kos Kids say as the gospel.Maybe the msm should try hiring real reporters.
Scarborough sounds like.................
October 2, 2007 - 19:05 ET by DanoJumpin' Joe sounds like he's trying to run through the raindrops. Um.........somewhat like Hillary.
That can be done, y'know,
October 2, 2007 - 19:52 ET by FastEdwhen you spin, spin, run, run, spin, spin, repeat.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Little Context - Little Minds - Little Reliability
October 2, 2007 - 19:12 ET by BondPlainBondInteresting that Scarborough feels some kind of accountability from NewsBusters. "I also like reading NewsBusters to see if I did something that was over the line," as opposed to simply reading MediaMatters... for entertainment, perhaps?
Disappointed the part of the above conversation which was left out was Scarborough saying the voluminous rabidity of the reporting on the "Limbaugh thing" by he and his cohorts was "a little context problem," dismissive shrug included. Should have been taken to task for that "little" comment.
Hey Mika!
October 2, 2007 - 19:22 ET byShe likes it!
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I enjoy it.
I don't believe that there has been any serious "attack on poor Mika". Pointing out truthfully when someone presents a biased view as being unbiased is not an attack. Actually it is more an opportunity for self-reflection. I believe that both sides value honesty, right? Are we being honest, Mika?
Yes, you are even more annoying than Blonde. the EYE
NewsBusters Making Impact
October 2, 2007 - 19:32 ET by general companyNewsBusters Making Impact at 'Morning Joe'
As well they should, great job!! Nice to have some reassurance that the "big" world is paying attention.
Now only if the RNC would
October 3, 2007 - 08:11 ET by dscottNow only if the RNC would pay attention, then the 2008 election would be sewed up. Sigh, not going to happen, they are too busy listening to the Dems and frightened of the next accusation that they are rolled up in a ball to defend themselves. When are we going to have a Repub with spine take the microphone away from these people and demand to be heard like Reagan???? Ann Coulter recently noted this wiff of fear. Come on Repubs, the Dem house of cards will fold if you just show guts like Senator Inhofe does.
These con artists scream the loudest just before the collapse since that's all they can do. Thus we hear Harry Reid and company make their rediculous pronouncements/assertions in the hope that no one will challenge all their false assertions. Remember who we are dealing with in liberals, an unchallenged assertion is an enabled lie. Like the terrorists, they have the luxury of failing 99 times to have one successful unchallenged false assertion, whereas we must bat down 100% of their assertions otherwise we end up unwittingly condoning their premise.
When you feel you have to walk on eggshells to avoid problems with the MSM you are being codependent, the cure is to stomp on the eggshells
Hey, Joe Scarborough, want to retract this?
October 2, 2007 - 19:36 ET by RJI posted this morning about their references to NewsBusters, Mark, but did you catch the following, where they seemed to defend pedophilia?
In discussing Elton John's collection of photos of young boys, one of them said (closely paraphrasing) "Those English seem to like little boys"....and another said, to general agreement "Yeah, they're quirky about their sex."
Whaaat? Pedophilia is "quirky?"
Hey Joe! Want to retract this? :^)
I'm SHOCKED!!!
October 2, 2007 - 19:47 ET by FastEdthey know how to read?!? Seriously, they have fallen into my thesis that talking heads, rip-n-readers, etc., "reporters" are, in general, lazy. Proof - these guys are reading blog entries (editorials) instead of getting "hard" news. Don't scuff those new shoes folks - not to worry, nobody cares what's below the camera view, just like you guys don't care about the folks who are below the line. (if you have to ask, you REALLY don't know the business). How about extolling the virtues of checking YOUR sources, before, really, before quoting a bad storyline. Make the attempt to work.
Anyway, if you want to become a leader in the biz, you will need to try, TRY, to follow the old, tried and true, of "who, what, where, when and how" and if you have to explain the "why" then you're editorializing, and personally, I don't care - I just want the news, good, bad and indifferent, but skip the editorials, we're not as dumb as you look.
Oh, and if you want to know how to "report", follow Mark - he knows how to wear out shoes, 'cause he's walked the walk.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Bravo!
October 2, 2007 - 20:13 ET by BondPlainBondI concur.
Mika & NB
October 2, 2007 - 19:43 ET by BlondeThis is the one of the funniest things I've seen in a while.
I've become so disgusted with "Fox & Friends" that I've actually flipped over to Joe's a.m. show a couple of times in the last week or two.
After reading several blog posts about Mika...I actually have seen her in action. Vapid & vacuous. To the max. Sheesh. Double sheesh!
"Oh, well, um, they um, quoted my dad so maybe I shouldn't...um...well my dad said...blah, blah, blah".
Talk about riding coattails.
"BRZEZINSKI: You're a star at NewsBusters!" This only sweetens the pot.
We should have a NB alert going here....think Mika will whine that "Blonde on NewsBusters said I was vapid & vacuous?". I'll have to call the paramedics for sure.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
But Blonde -
October 2, 2007 - 19:45 ET by FastEdyou didn't yell - -
TROLL!!!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
What disgusts you about F &
October 2, 2007 - 19:45 ET by Chris NormanWhat disgusts you about F & F? Their annoying and unrelenting silliness?
Bad Chris....bad bad Chris
October 2, 2007 - 19:55 ET by BlondeYou had better go to your room for setting me off on this rant.
Let's see...what annoys me about F & F?
Steve Doooofus. With the idiot grin.
Brian's toupee. And his incessant and really lame double entendres. The horndog routine is amusing with a young guy. But Brian is getting a little long in the tooth.
Oh...and blatant self-promotion of their stupidly titled books. Mr Happy? Huh?
Gretchen Carlson. From Minnneeeesota. E.D. was annoying. But not STOOPID.
Perpetual "teases".
Having on a great guest & doing a one minute moronic interview.
Perpetual commercials.
Idiot sound effects.
Does that about cover it?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Oh, Flaxen Hair -
October 2, 2007 - 19:57 ET by FastEddon't sugar coat it, let us know how you REALLY think.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
bt, I'm with you on the
October 2, 2007 - 20:10 ET by motherbeltbt, I'm with you on the perpetual teases and the perpetual commercials, but that's not just F&F, all the AM shows do it. Which is why I don't watch any of them.
Coming up: the amazing story of XYZ . Before every commercial break. So you wait till after the break, and nothing. Same thing next commercial break. That's all they ever do it TALK about the damn stories.. Then when they finally get to the story in the last 10 minutes of the show, it's a 2 minute nothing.
All of these morning nothings have outlived their usefulness. I don't know what they think a "morning" format is....other than having a set that looks like Regis and (insert name here).
But, motherbelt, if you skip the morning shows, you miss
October 2, 2007 - 20:14 ET by RJwonderful things like Barbara Walters telling Nancy Pelosi that they want to "do" her husband....and Whoopie telling Pelosi she wants to "do" her.
Just make sure
October 2, 2007 - 20:17 ET by FastEdyou have eaten a "colorful" breakfast - this way _____________ (fill in the blank)
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
MB
October 2, 2007 - 20:18 ET by BlondeI'm not BT.
That was a Blonde rant.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Does that about cover
October 2, 2007 - 20:13 ET by Chris NormanDoes that about cover it?
Let's see:
Check
Check
Check
Check
Yep, that about covers it. :)
Check?
October 2, 2007 - 20:16 ET by FastEdWe've already PAID for this slop - we have to pay again, and again, and . . .???
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Ed, Until I saw you're
October 2, 2007 - 20:28 ET by Chris NormanEd, Until I saw you're subject line, I was wondering what in the hell you were talking about. Now, I see it and :)
Tossing My Hat Into the Rant Ring, Too | F&F
October 2, 2007 - 20:37 ET by BondPlainBondI'm with you, Blonde, regarding the show these days. I'm actually flipping to CSPAN, for crissake, in hopes of finding news and serious commentary.
I know it's an early morning show, viewers are just waking up and brains may not be fully engaged, but, we're adults now and 3-D cartoons are not a necessary part of our morning routine.
Hell, even MSNBC and CNN are interesting to watch, if not just to keep tally of the snide, sarcastic, and decidedly Leftist remarks and commentary by those stations, and every other Left-leaning station, regarding Conservative politicos and activities.
I keep waiting for the WarnerBrothers, Porky Pig, Th-th-th-that's All Folks, with the triple Steve-Gretchen-Brian unison wave before every commercial break. Gretchen's constant "motherly" eye rolls and Steve's feigned disbelief at Brian's oft-innane commentary is another tally.
And if my e-mail is the first one received in the "send us your e-mail comments now" segment, I don't want a copy of your book, I want FoxNews to load me up with a goodie bag filled with logo-emblazoned items, tons of 'em, some for me - some to distribute to my friends and co-workers... advertising... helllooOOOooo???????
They've got a new and very expensive set - use it wisely. I'm not a hobble-minded Liberal interested in backyard gossip and stylish trends. I want the news and intelligent commentary. Even at six-in-the-morning.
Love the Tammy Bruce segments.
/rant
Good Rant, Bond
October 2, 2007 - 20:48 ET by BlondeMaybe WE should do the a.m. Fox Show.
Bond & Blonde.
Interesting guests. Good interviews.
NO ANNA NICOLE, BRITTNEY, or other blonde bimbos (Greta included).
CSPAN is sometimes funny, sometimes totally inane. The had an elderly lady rant this a.m. that absolutely had me spewing coffee. I'll turn to CSPAN as the primaries heat up...but for now...it's kinda hit & miss.
Okay, Bond. I think we need an agent.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Dotted Line
October 2, 2007 - 20:59 ET by BondPlainBondFabulous idea, Blonde! Great show title, too!
I'm with you all the way on this one.
Greta? She's when I turn the channel to Jeopardy. During the OJ thing, the first OJ thing, she was interesting. A new face. Now? Oh, puh-LEEZ! She's the National Enquirer or Geraldo Rivera a la 70s. Just... can't... take... it.
CSPAN is a hoot! Some of those callers? Good grief! I LOVE the old men that call and are making the strongest point possible. Can just feel that finger-wagging through the phone lines and the TV. And they are SO outer space, too! Oops, sorry, Greta.
Okay, Blonde, have your people call my people and we'll be on the set soon!
Who will be our first guest? I nominate...
Newt Gingrich (someone from whom I learn)
or.....
Nancy Pelosi (someone I'd like to teach a lesson or two).
Bond & Blonde's new a.m. show
October 2, 2007 - 21:10 ET by BlondeI'm kind of thinking Hillary.
I want to ask her about the cackle. Or cankles. Take your pick.
You can ask her some pointed pol questions...I'll do the cat routine and go after her wardrobe, hair, and of course, I must find out who her FABULOUS new plastic surgeon is. Dr. Christian Troy from Nip/Tuck?
SOD, this has some real possibilities.
Buh bye, Gretchen!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Lights, Camera...
October 2, 2007 - 21:40 ET by BondPlainBondI saw Hillary's interview last Sunday with Chris Wallace. She side-stepped every question. Every question. And here you are thinking she's going to give up her hair and wardrobe tips. Not... gunna... happen. It's hilarious the Lefty commentators explaining that is Hillary's "natural" laugh. Good grief! Spare me!
I'd love to ask Hillary some questions, though, even softballs, and, when she invariably side-steps, continue to ask her, politely and unwaiveringly, to answer the question... until she finally implodes as each of her failed attempts at being direct and non-obfuscating causes her minuscule, cold, dark soul to disintegrate.
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: Why did your husband insist Chelsea's photograph be removed from an uptown eatery's front window?
SENATOR CLINTON: My recycled health care plan ensures...
[INTERRUPTED BY BOND]
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: You're not answering the question, Senator Clinton. Why did your husband insist Chelsea's photograph be removed from an uptown eatery's front window?
SENATOR CLINTON: Let me explain again. Even though taxes will have to be raised substantially, I think...
[INTERRUPTED BY BOND]
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: You're not answering the question, Senator Clinton. Why did your husband insist Chelsea's photograph be removed from an uptown eatery's front window?
SENATOR CLINTON: I've answered your question, twice.
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: No, Senator, you haven't. Booth. Roll tape, please.
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: Allow me to ask you again, Senator. Why did your husband insist Chelsea's photograph be removed from an uptown eatery's front window?
SENATOR CLINTON: *fake and prolonged CACKLE*
BOND TO SENATOR CLINTON: We have a few moments left in the segment, Senator. Please answer the question. Why did your husband insist Chelsea's photograph be removed from an uptown eatery's front window?
SENATOR CLINTON: *another fake and prolonged CACKLE*
SENATOR CLINTON TO BLONDE: [Post-implosion] You have pretty hair...
I like Alisyn Camerota. She's got an edge that's very appealing.
Cackle or cankles. A whole lotta new "middle names" are cropping up for Hillary these days.
Dear Bond and Blonde
October 2, 2007 - 22:36 ET by MikeBDear Bond and Blonde show,
May I suggest as guests you have Newt and Pelosi on the first day, and let them debate issues you give them. Each would have 3 minutes to make their point, then each would have 3 minutes to rebut the other's ideas.
On the second day, may I suggest Hillary and Ann Coulter with the same format.
On the third day, Harry Reid and Rush Limbaugh.
I might even pay to see those debates on pay-per-view.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
John Edwards and
October 2, 2007 - 22:41 ET byTammy Bruce
Barack Obama and Uncle Jimbo
John McCain and Tom Tancredo
Howard Dean and Mark Levin
Yes, you are even more annoying than Blonde. the EYE
Brucie
October 2, 2007 - 22:44 ET by BlondeCakeboy & Uncle Jimbo?
LOL!
Our ratings have already topped Joe's. We have 3 viewers.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
blondey
October 2, 2007 - 22:55 ET byin each case the participants were chosen for their 'complimentary' stances
Yes, you are even more annoying than Blonde. the EYE
Got it, B.
October 2, 2007 - 22:59 ET by BlondeKinda like Larry Craig's "wide" stance.
Well, in Hillary's case, anyway.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
the orange pantsuits
October 2, 2007 - 23:03 ET bywill be worn in honor of Halloween and Harvest Moons
Yes, you are even more annoying than Blonde. the EYE
Okay, MikeB
October 2, 2007 - 22:42 ET by BlondeAs the first e-mail respondant to today's topic, we're sending you a fully loaded glad-bag of BOND & BLOND bling (no stupidly named books, BTW).
Thanks for the viewer input....we like it and will put the interns to work.
BOND & BLONDE IN THE MORNING. Stay tuned.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Great show format
October 3, 2007 - 09:06 ET by general companyMost of your guest will be promoting "stupid named books". You should not say what you wont do, it helps keep your foot on the floor. A real debating show would be great fun I think. Hhmmm, witch one of you are going to give the liberal point of view? Qualifications please
Cant wait for the show.
Oh, new thought
October 2, 2007 - 20:03 ET by FastEddid any of you guys ever look into the hillary boast that SHE started MediaMatters? Did any of you ever TRY to follow the money? That would be a real story, maybe lift you butts out of the bottom dwellings. Or, are you afraid of the clinton "hit machine"? It worked with Vanity Fair (was them right?) Like my thesis says, too lazy to be a Reporter, with a cap "R".
How about a report on Soros' connection to these lefty websites - go ahead, I dare 'ya. Money says they DON'T do it!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Look into?? Look into??
October 2, 2007 - 20:12 ET by motherbeltLook into?? Look into?? Are you kidding? Have you even heard that reported, other than here??
They have already buried the quote. It will not see the light of day.
And yet,
October 2, 2007 - 20:14 ET by FastEdthey spout - We're NOT biased!! (but unspoken, unless it concerns the clintons - they might hurt us - oooooh)
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Bubbles & Pole Joe
October 2, 2007 - 20:13 ET by Lame CherryThese people at MSNBC are doped on fame, intoxicated on reading their name on internet lights and just plain piss ant stupid in laughing at people lying and ruining other innocent people's lives.
God help these literal fools as they are disgusting.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Get over yourselves, Bubbles
October 2, 2007 - 20:45 ET by fitzfongGet over yourselves, Bubbles and Joke Scarborough...if not for NB, no one would know who you are...certainly more people hear about you through NB than watch you on MSNBC.
BRZEZINSKI: "It's kind of
October 3, 2007 - 00:04 ET by Conservative_in_mass.BRZEZINSKI: "It's kind of fun to read that stuff. It keeps you sharp."
You call yourself "sharp" Mika? Thats like calling Bill Clinton faithful....geesh.
Ladies and gentlemen of the NB community, I suggest we re-double our efforts. Our result (a "sharp" Mika) IMHO is still quite sub standard.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. ~ Unknown
Joe, you should ask
October 3, 2007 - 06:59 ET by AntiMediaJoe, you should ask yourself why Media Matters doesn't go after you. Is it because they like your liberal slant.
Scarborough announces...
October 3, 2007 - 07:48 ET by Sergeant ROCK... moments ago, that he's sick of conservatives attacking him and that he's "one of the last conservatives standing."
Indoctrinate-U
Our Education. Their Politics.
But later, Ann Coulter questioned Scarboro about that
October 3, 2007 - 08:56 ET by RJ...leading him to ask her well are there any conservatives in congress? (Kind of a weak defense of your "conservativism" Joe.)
Coulter also questioned his assertion that conservative emailers were "attacking" him...leading to her telling him that Fox News is not conservative (something WE all know). :^>
Ol Joe was definitely not comfortable with that....but Ann went on to say that Fox is the "debate" station, not the "conservative" station. She also derided the liberal MSM stations for having liberals debate each other, while Fox typically sets up conservative vs. liberal....
}}---> Good point from Coulter
October 3, 2007 - 09:00 ET by Cool ArrowI guess Conservatives lose sight of the fact that a Liberal vs Conservative debate seems lopsided because Lib arguments fall apart when facts and logic go up against feeelings.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~