H/t David Shuster. What's that? David Shuster, liberal MSNBC avenger, now a NewsBusters source? Not exactly, but read on . . .
Watching a special Saturday-morning edition of Morning Joe, I was surprised by CNBC chief DC correspondent John Harwood's willingness to pronounce Fred Thompson's political epitaph even before voters went to the South Carolina primary polls today. Shuster was similarly struck, going so far as to suggest a headline.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: What about Fred Thompson? Is it the end of the line, John, for him tonight, or is there a way he can rejuvenate his campaign?
View video here.
JOHN HARWOOD: It appears extremely unlikely that he can rejuvenate his campaign. It's been the popgun campaign --
Host Joe Scarborough decided to play the provocateur.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Hey John, you can just say it's over.
HARWOOD: What's that?
SCARBOROUGH: You can just say it's over, that's OK, we won't call you rude. It's over, isn't it?
HARWOOD: Uh . . . yes.
As pictured, general mirth and hilarity ensued, but Harwood soldiered on.
HARWOOD: But does he want to keep helping his friend John McCain by taking votes in the South away from Mike Huckabee?
BRZEZINSKI: That's a good question.
HARWOOD: That's really what, the effect he could have on February 5th. There's a whole lot of Southern delegates at stake, and Fred Thompson can't do a whole lot of damage but he can take a chunk of those away from Huckabee. He could make the crucial difference, by the way, in McCain's victory. If McCain wins South Carolina, Fred Thompson will have had a lot to do with it.
That's when David Shuster [shown captioning the story] gave us our headline.
DAVID SHUSTER: You know, I love the screaming headline that we now have: "John Harwood on Thompson: It's Over!"
And being the obliging sorts we are . . .
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Joy in Mud(slinging)ville
January 19, 2008 - 09:32 ET by RJ"Hooray! We're about to get rid of one of those pesky conservatives! Quick, call Huckabee for our daily Morning Joe chat."
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber lib Mika Bresinski
Just a few moments ago, Mika
January 19, 2008 - 09:58 ET by DaBirdJust a few moments ago, Mika said that many of Huckabee's positions are "far, far to the right". It is so obvious that these uber-liberals want the Huckster to do well.
Scarborough is playing guitar with Huckabee this week-end
January 19, 2008 - 10:27 ET by RJAs if we didn't need more proof that Morning Joe is pushing the candidacy of Huckabee:
-Daily live, friendly interview/chats
-Visiting him in his headquarters
-At a rally this week-end, Scarborough will be on-stage playing guitar with Huckabee.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber liberal Mika Brezinski
That is wild RJ
January 19, 2008 - 11:31 ET by Dee BunkDoes Scarborough disclose is support on his show? I don't watch any of these shows anymore, but I can't imagine most of these hosts who consider themselves fair and balanced would give open support like that, especially without disclosure every time the topic comes up.
Scarborough should call his show Morning Mantra.
Dee, this is amazing this
January 19, 2008 - 12:09 ET by DaBirdDee, this is amazing this morning. I rarely watch MSNBC but I can't help it today, it's like a car wreck. It is a full court press for Huckabee. Mika has more than once said that Huckabee has "far right" postions. I don't think Shuster and Mika really like Huckabee, but he is their type of conservative (i.e. NON-conservative).
Dabird - It will be interesting to see
January 19, 2008 - 12:35 ET by Dee Bunkhow they act when he loses(he better lose). I wonder if they will give the same favorable treatment to the eventual Rep nominee. My guess is that their Huckabee fawning will morph seamlessly into Obama or Clinton fawning. I'll never know except from Mark or the rest of you because I won't watch.
How interesting! So, free
January 19, 2008 - 15:10 ET by MikeBHow interesting! So, free or in-state tuition for illegal aliens is now "far right wing". Tax hikes are "far right wing". Wow, Mika, I am certainly glad you straitened me out on that.
The only issue where Huckabee's position might be considered "far right" by Mika the moron would be his stand against abortion. Everything else Huckabee has advocated by his words and actions before this Presidential campaign has been right out of the Democrat Party playbook.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
I'm sorry because I like
January 19, 2008 - 10:00 ET by motherbeltI'm sorry because I like him, but I have to say if Thompson is out, it's his own fault, IMO. You can't start campaigning when "tradtionally" the campaigns used to start; not when everyone else is WAY ahead of you. Even HRC, who according to Dick Morris, was furious at having to start much earlier than she planned on, broke down and announced once she realized the train was leaving the station without her.
It's like saying you refuse to go along with the earlier and earlier Xmas shopping and you're going to wait until December. You can do that, but when you get into the stores, everything is going to be "picked over" and the choices will be limited, because everyone else went early. In politics, it's the money advantage that's lost by waiting too long. And like it or not, that hurts.
I agree, mb, if Thompson has to leave
January 19, 2008 - 10:15 ET by RJmuch of the fault is his....but the media has helped grease the skids with nearly non-existant coverage. Even the coverage they've given him has a bemused coloration. Mark's photo of their hilarity at the prediction of his leaving makes it clear that these phony buffoons are pleased to get rid of another conservative candidate.
As Rush says, the media is actively trying to decree who the final choices for Rebublicans will be.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber lib Mika Bresinski
Great point about the
January 19, 2008 - 10:27 ET by motherbeltGreat point about the coverage, RJ. But I have to lay the blame on Thompson himself. By lying back and acting like there was no hurry, he gave the MSM the molten metal to cast the template that he was lazy and uninterested.
And they seized upon it to tailor their coverage to fit.
Yes, they are definitely gleeful that he may be out. I think they are thanking their lucky stars that he didn't jump right in; they know he would have been a much stronger candidate then. Well maybe he will be the VP pick...then he can build his reputation and would be an unbeatable candidate 8 years from now.
How's that for optimism???
I Couldn't Agree More On Thompson
January 19, 2008 - 13:17 ET by BourbeauI couldn't stand Thompson's piddling around during the summer, then finally getting into it in September. So, regardless of what the MSM did, or didn't do, if this is the end, it's his own fault. I will say this, between the Giulianni and Thompson campaigns, it will make two very interesting Harvard Business Review case studies on how not to run a campaign in the 21st century. I hope whoever does win, looks to Thompson for his VP slot. I, for one would have been pretty comfortable with a Thompson/Romney ticket.
Hmmm.......I like that!
January 19, 2008 - 15:49 ET by Scout FinchRomney/Thompson 2008/2012 and 2012/2016
Thompson/? 2016/2020 and 2020/2024
Does anyone else see this?
January 19, 2008 - 10:12 ET by OldSailor88Have you noticed that Thompson is always a non-issue with the media? My theory is that they are scared of him for two reasons.
1. He doesn't take a stupid question lightly. He calls a spade a spade, and when he's given a stupid question he lets the interviewer know in no uncertain terms what he thinks about it. Personally, that's why I like him. His B.S. factor is really low and I feel like I can trust him to do what he says.
2. He's as close to a true conservative as there is out there, and if he gets the nomination it's curtains for the Democrat nominee. The last thing that the media wants is a President that will continue to make America strong and keep the tax cuts.
I for one would definitely vote for him in November. And, if you take a look at a slice of true conservatives, here on NewsBusters for instance, they all favor Thompson. I'm kind of angry that we can't get a fair discourse in the MSM. I'm not surprised, but I have stated here before that I have always thought America as a whole is pretty smart, and we can decide for ourselves what is good for the country. Now, it seems, the majority of people believe everything that they see and are told in the media and they have no wish to look any further. I will continue to trudge on and talk to co-workers and family about wheat is going on, but it's discouraging sometimes. Anyone else feel the same?
Stultus est sicut stultus facit
I agree to some extent,
January 19, 2008 - 10:35 ET by motherbeltI agree to some extent, but who was it that said "You go to war with the army you have." And you have to fight the war in the conditions that exist.
It may be that Fred Thompson would be a knock-em-dead President. But unfortunately you have to be a successful candidate first.
Well put!
January 19, 2008 - 20:30 ET by heldmywBut the war is just begun. There are 10 months to go.
I'm not ready to count out Thompson just yet.
We've seen the fortunes of Giuliani wax and wane, Huckabee, I think will recede as well. The more his scars and warts are shone under the bright lights, the less I like him.
Since we don't have to make a decision right this minute, and the MSM would love to make it for us...
How about a little more 'wait and see'?
Nothing will irritate the media more!
Yes.
January 19, 2008 - 11:03 ET by c5thenFred is one of the few actual conservatives running for the Republican nomination. The liberal media are doing their best to minimize, marginalize and negate any conservative in the race. The liberal MSM would love nothing better than to have the November race be between a moderate populist running as a republican and a liberal democrat.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
This is exactly what I've
January 19, 2008 - 13:55 ET by CortillaenThis is exactly what I've been saying for weeks. They don't just dislike Thompson, they're genuinely terrified of him. It seems there was a decision on part of the major networks that Thompson was too threatening for their standard smear tactics, so they would just keep him out of the spotlight as much as possible, make him appear to be an impossible hope while they build up McCain and Huckabee as the Reps' best chance candidates.
www.rhjunior.com Great comics with a hefty dose of Christian and anti-nutjob goodness.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." -Miyamoto Musashi
One Simple Question
January 19, 2008 - 10:38 ET by RovinWell, maybe not that simple for John Harwood. Did Mr. "Hard-head" ask Fred Thompson if it was over?
Would Mr. Hardwood report a story that General Electric was selling off their news division and was "dropping out" or if GE said they felt it was "OVER" for MSNBC, without going directly to the source for verification?
This kind of irresponsible "journalism" is exactly why people don't trust the credibility of most media outlets. What Politico did (on the morning of the Iowa Caucus) and Fox News repeated that Fred Thompson was "dropping out"----without going DIRECTLY to the source, (Thompson), for his statement, is nothing short of hack journalism with an agenda.
BREAKING NEWS----FRED THOMPSON IS NOT DROPPING OUT, AND IT IS FAR FROM "OVER"-------LIVE WITH IT!
Rovin
Unfortunately we live in an
January 19, 2008 - 11:27 ET by GregEUnfortunately we live in an America now in which the media can determine the "top tier" candidates. That's an extremely unfortunate phenomenon that is not good for our country. Yes, the media leans heavily Left, but even if it leaned heavily Right, the influence the media would have would be the same in principle.
Polling is completely out of control. Polls occur daily or several times daily, and the media reports it with gusto, pushing certain candidates up the ladder because people are looking at the "leading candidates" and will act (in the voting booth) on that information instead of on information about WHAT the candidate stands for and WHERE the candidate is on important issues of our nation.
It's a real shame what we've come to regarding elections and how the media does what it does regarding elections. Objectivity is no longer important in news, and America is worse off for it. American people are sheep and the media are the shepherds.
Elections have become like a sports game. It's all about who can win and the celebration of winning, when in reality winning an election is not the endgame, it's the beginning of WORK. And today it's the perpetual election. November 2006 Congressional elections were barely over and the trumpets began for the 2008 presidential elections, and politicians calculate their actions based on the next election and retaining their seat at whatever post to which they've been elected. It's pretty pathetic.
Elections have become like
January 19, 2008 - 11:39 ET by motherbeltElections have become like a sports game. It's all about who can win
and the celebration of winning, when in reality winning an election is
not the endgame, it's the beginning of WORK. And today it's the
perpetual election.
I agree. I have always said that politicians view each office as a rung on a ladder. No one believes in doing the job they were elected to do (Senators, call your offices!); they immediately start aiming for the next rung.
As for the media and the sports game...they "handicap" the race according to their preconceived assessment of each "team." Who's got the most money, the most staff, the best "ground game" etc. And the "best media play" is definitely a major advantage.
I also agree that we, as a country, are worse off for it, but I don't know the answer. Last year, someone was floating the idea of an "American Idol" type show called "America's Next President". Unfortunately it wasn't a parody. I sometimes fear that we are coming perilously close to that becoming a reality. If some of the Democrats get their way and manage to dispose of the Electoral College, we may indeed be electing people that way eventually.
Very well said Greg.
January 19, 2008 - 11:54 ET by RovinVery well said Greg. Your description of the "perpetual" election cycle reminds me a bit of the way the Hollywood left begins each year with their "parade of back-patting" (golden globes, SAG awards, Oscars, etc.) Good thing the writers are putting the "crimp" on their egos.
Nothing has been more frustrating for me than to realize the media-driven machine has far too much leverage on this decision making process. Even the blogosphere has little chance of slowing down the run-away MSM train when they are at full speed. It seems we need a thousand Newsbusters just to correct the daily fabrications the media puts out there as the gospel. I'm thinking outright sarcasm may be more gratifying in the long run to maintain a semblance of sanity.
Rovin
He may be dead (I don't
January 19, 2008 - 12:08 ET by wiwfHe may be dead (I don't think so!), but the points remain the same.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Is Thompson Dead in the Water?
January 19, 2008 - 12:27 ET by pbthinkerI'm the eternal optimist so this is just another opinion, but I don't believe Fred is Dead, yet. South Carolina and Florida will determine just how dead he really is. I've talked to quite a few people, in Florida, that plan on voting for Thompson and I was really surprised to hear that. I planned on voting for him anyway, since he is the "conservative" candidate. Limbaugh was saying that Fred was picking up, in South Carolina, so it's always possible that the voters will put him in a spotlight the media seems to be avoiding. Sorry, but that's about the only hope Fred has. With a shortage of cash, he's dependent on voters forcing the press to pay attention to him, which in turn will bring in some much needed cash to his campaign.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
Im genuinely curious
January 19, 2008 - 12:44 ET by third eyeOk question for Fred Thompson supporters, assuming he bows out tonight and backs McCain, who would your second choice be?
I'd love to say Hunter, but
January 19, 2008 - 13:49 ET by CortillaenI'd love to say Hunter, but I've got a pragmatic streak and he doesn't have a prayer. After that, Romney or Rudy, and I'd only vote for Huckabee, McCain, or Paul if they end up as the Rep candidate. All of them are better than either of the Dems, but the gap diminishes swiftly after Thompson and Hunter are off the list.
www.rhjunior.com Great comics with a hefty dose of Christian and anti-nutjob goodness.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." -Miyamoto Musashi
IF he backs out.....
January 19, 2008 - 14:04 ET by OldSailor88There's no flippin' way he endorses Shamus McAnus. Other than the war, they're nearly polar opposites. If he backs up anyone it will be Romney. IMHO the Romney Thompson ticket would be one that I would vote for.
Stultus est sicut stultus facit
History Repeating?
January 19, 2008 - 16:13 ET by third eyeWell Fred did back McCain in his 2000 run
http://www.cnn.com/A...
My first choice would then
January 19, 2008 - 16:18 ET by fitzfongMy first choice would then be Romney or Rudy. McCain and Huckabee aren't choices at all.
Fred Thompson '08
January 19, 2008 - 13:03 ET by Philly Pete 07I like Fred! I think he is the only real conservative running for President this time. Rudy and/or McCain don't do it for me although I think the MSM would like one of those to be the candidate. I did not think Rudy could have beat Hillary for that New York Senate seat back when he had to withdraw due to his poor health. I don't think he can beat her for President today. He carries way too much baggage, most of it the kind that conservative religious people find distasteful. Have no fear that the HRC machine will have all of that garbage on full display during the campaign. Romney would be my second choice after Fred but I'm hoping that somehow Fred hangs in. McCain may as well be a democrat as far as I'm concerned. He reminds me a little of our resident Senator RINO, darlen Arlen. I don't know much about Huckabee. Come on Fred!
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.
January 19, 2008 - 14:34 ET by R D HelmPipe dream though it may be, I sincerely hope Fred can remain in the mix until Super Tuesday, when we real conservatives finally hit the booths to cast our votes, as we have yet to be heard from in all this.
Besides, if Fred does not make it, I will have to vote libertarian next November (unless it is Ron Paul) and I would really prefer not to have to do that.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
We're seeing
January 19, 2008 - 15:36 ET by pagarthe same effort here by the news media, that we saw in 1968 with Walter Cronkite and his news that America had lost in Vietnam, because of the 1968 Tet Offensive. The loss was only in the minds of Anti Americans like the news media http://www.theconser...
"In reality, the Tet offensive was one in which the Communist
guerilla movement was not only defeated in battle but was virtually
annihilated as a major military force. From there on, the job of
attacking South Vietnam was a job for the North Vietnam army.
Politically, however, the Tet offensive was an enormous victory for the Communists -- not in Vietnam, but in the United States.
The
American media, led by Walter Cronkite, pictured the Tet offensive as a
defeat for the United States and a sign that the Vietnam war was
unwinnable."
In the liberal media's mind, Fred Thompson must be stopped just like any win by the US military must be stopped. A conservative in the White House might allow America to win and they just can not allow that. In the minds of the liberal media, America must never be allowed to win.
Picture Caption
January 19, 2008 - 15:54 ET by fitzfongSchuster: Actually, I'm hung like a staple, but when I'm asked I'll say "eh, it's about that big, give or take..."
Well any of you Thompson
January 19, 2008 - 18:36 ET by bigtimerWell any of you Thompson supporters out there...are we ready for the numbers and the talking heads with the upcoming results that will be made top of the news soon?
I was hoping he would do better in Nevada early on where I see he was tied for third and such...
Btw...where the heck is sarc lately...Paul is ahead of McCain in Nevada, you think we would see his happiness somewhere around...maybe he is on his way to SC...heheeee
Thompson/Hunter '08!
Hi BT - I'm glad Romney won if it couldn't be Thompson
January 19, 2008 - 18:42 ET by Dee BunkI'm still hoping Thompson pulls an upset in SC. I'm glad the race is the way it is for the Republicans, because there are not just a couple of states deciding it.
I've seen so many articles referring to the "Chaotic" republican race trying to make it seem like a bad thing. I think it's great myself.
Howdy back Dee... Well as
January 19, 2008 - 18:52 ET by bigtimerHowdy back Dee...
Well as you may know Romney is and has been my second choice so far anyway for quite awhile now, the more I see of how he is treated by the media the more I tend toward him, but anyway I am praying Thompson does pull an upset much to the msm's chagrin, because really he is the only one that is a conservative along with Hunter in the race, but anyway we deal with what we have to deal with at times...I do wish as I have said earlier elsewhere that Thompson would of used the msm to his advantage when he could have earlier, even though I love how he responds to them, if he would of used free air time earlier he may not be in the bind he may be in now...
Oh well...such is life.
BT - When do you vote?
January 19, 2008 - 19:10 ET by Dee BunkI think this is kind of cool because I vote Feb 5th and it may actually make a difference this time. Living in IL, my vote for President in the Primary and the General almost never matters. Of course I always vote anyway.
We are Super Tuesday too
January 19, 2008 - 19:14 ET by bigtimerWe are Super Tuesday too Dee...but a Caucus...which I am not happy about...
I would love to part of it but can't because of personal reasons...dang it all.
If You Think The Media Had Fun With Spinning About Fred...
January 20, 2008 - 16:38 ET by Winghunter...just wait until you see what they do to RINO candidates. With real records and past actions conservatives loathe.
Don't wait for them to tell you, find out what it's all going to be about in short order;
Candidate Research - Know Who You're Voting For ( The Easy Way ) http://tinyurl.com/2sowta