Sure, the sitting Democratic governor of Illinois has been arrested and charged with attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. But enough about that. Jay Leno is starting his show 90 minutes earlier!!
Yes, a bit after 1 PM today, MSNBC actually pre-empted its Blago coverage to go to a news conference at which NBC honchos, with Leno present, announced that the Tonight show host would be moving from 11:30 to 10 PM.
Andrea Mitchell was in the midst of a serious dialogue with Pete Williams, when someone apparently whispered in the NBC justice correspondent's ear . . .
PETE WILLIAMS: Couple of other points here, Andrea. Number one, there's no indication in any of these federal documents here that Barack Obama had any idea himself that this was going on, or that his transition team was in any way aware of this.Cut to the Leno news conference just as an NBC exec launches into a loopy laugh and lets viewers know he's "going to say a few words about how thrilled we are."
And the second point here is that the governor and, you know, the U.S. attorney was asked about this several times—Andrea, I'll talk to you more but I understand I need to go back to you.
ANDREA MITCHELL: Pete, Pete, I think we have to interrupt you for another breaking news story; we'll talk more about this later. You're watching live pictures of a major announcement by NBC about late-night star Jay Leno, and here is the announcement coming from Burbank.
If you're happy, we're happy, I guess. Now can we get back to Blago?
Note: As for Williams' insistence that neither Obama nor his transition team knew anything that was going on, have a look at the latter part of Noel Sheppard's fascinating item . . .
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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IDC
December 9, 2008 - 13:43 ET by MillerTimeWarpIDC
It's deflection time at
December 9, 2008 - 13:47 ET by Scuba DudeIt's deflection time at MSNBC, they will attempt to avoid any mention of the corrupt political machine that gave birth to coke-head Obama and concentrate on the insignificant.
I'm sure Chrissy and bathtub boy are at Defcon 1 at this moment.
Yes, well
December 9, 2008 - 14:11 ET by FinerThingsClubMemberInTrainingI guess The Mortician was griping last night about losing his 10pm rerun slot to Leno.
I don't watch MSNBC, as it's my belief anyone doing should get hazard pay, but it's going to be fun tonight!
Let's see how the parasites spin it!
Gawd, AMitchell must be besides herself right now. Her little cheerleading outfit must be ready to rip at the seams!
butt, have you noticed ..
December 9, 2008 - 14:50 ET by nathanbforresthaven't seen any msm reports which labeled blago a dem .. plus, and even more interesting, while holder's peep's are at justice 'transitioning', all of a sudden patty boy whacks blago .. in the middle of a major investigation .. hoping it won't go any further ? .. i mean he dragged on loudly in the plame case forever til he could get one of Bush's people .. and he already knew who did the leaking .. this smells of johnny sutton .. not to mention regular chicago politics .. unfortunately, there's simply not a damn thing we can do about it now .. all the 'true conservatives' voted against McCain thereby giving the election to The (corrupt) One ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail
and now for something completely different
December 9, 2008 - 13:52 ET by katainkentand now for something completely different
*cue dancing elephants*
"part of what I'm hoping to introduce as the next president is a new ethic of [government enforced] responsibility" - B. Obama
→ kata
December 9, 2008 - 13:56 ET by Cool ArrowI believe "A man with two buttocks" is announced after "Now, for something completely different"
LOL
December 9, 2008 - 13:58 ET by katainkentall I could remember was "the larch"
"part of what I'm hoping to introduce as the next president is a new ethic of [government enforced] responsibility" - B. Obama
→ Correction: Three buttocks
December 9, 2008 - 14:01 ET by Cool ArrowAnd now for something completely different. A man with three buttocks!
From the archives.
They could have recorded
December 9, 2008 - 13:55 ET by SeashellThey could have recorded the Leno thing easily and shown it a little bit later. I can't believe that MSNBC would interrupt an important news story for a fluff piece.
Oh wait, yes I can.
breaking news? hardly
December 9, 2008 - 14:00 ET by SouthJersey1953I heard about Leno on GMA this morning. They just needed excuse to get off that 'uncomfortable' story involving the non-Republican Gov (can't say Democrat and scandle in same story)
Luke 23:34
PALIN/Jindal '12
In a semi-related story,
December 9, 2008 - 14:14 ET by DavidRIn a semi-related story, you'll never guess what the United Nations declared Dec. 9, 2008 to be: International Anti-Corruption Day!
( http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-anti-corruption-day )
Unbelieveable!
December 9, 2008 - 14:15 ET by SeashellUnbelieveable!
Thank goodness
December 9, 2008 - 14:26 ET by general companyFor anti Corruption day, bet there are a lot of nerves Dems out there.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Rod Blagojevich
December 9, 2008 - 15:41 ET by MillerTimeWarpAnson Williams called. He wants his head back !
I don't watch him or
December 9, 2008 - 17:21 ET by RR GOPI don't watch him or Letterman anyway...I think they're a couple of punks and really aren't that funny.
But, anyway, interesting that they would actually interrupt breaking news with this tripe. I suppose there were too many folks in the studio in hysterics that this might, might mind you reflect negatively on Dear Leader.
So they had to go to some fluff while they restored order, got the camera men to quit hyperventilating/crying hysterically, and get some smelling salts for the various interns and staff who had fainted.
That's my theory anyway. ;-)
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Mark....I finally broke
December 9, 2008 - 18:22 ET by bigtimerMark....
I finally broke down today and turned it to msnbc since the election at one PM my time I think it was, there was Andrea, this was right after the Fitz presser, so I thought I'll see how msnbc is going to handle this for their saviour...I'm listening to good ol' Pete W. and like you report...here comes Leno as if this is important breaking news...
I could not believe it! It went on and on and on for hours off and on...(not like I left it there, but I did check back and forth during the afternoon in between word here....
This was has had to be the most blatant obfuscation, denial, whatever word is appropriate for their intention of NOT reporting this.
I know, they didn't have time to get their talking points sent to them yet via the O team....so go to Leno...stay there until we get the wagons circled.
For instance, Axlerod and Rahm have both changed some words they have said now about O's closeness, let alone communication with Blogo.
Some things never change..it's CYA time.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Rosie
December 10, 2008 - 07:57 ET by left_handed_right_thinkerFor the first time, I actually wish I could have seen Rosie O'Donnell's face when she found out. NBC canned her prime time 'variety' show almost before it finished airing. Two weeks later, they give Leno 5 hours a week in prime time. Rosie probably had to go hug a toilet for a few hours after she heard the news.
If so, I feel sorry for the toilet.
And now, back to the news...