This was inevitable. When the Obama administration effectively took over General Motors, Obama-friendly media hacks were going to tout the company's products . . .And so it was that on his MSNBC show this evening, Ed Schultz offered up an unpaid infomercial for GM's new Camaro. Most grotesque was Schultz's boast that the Camaro was outselling the Ford Mustang. Take that, private-sector company that declined to take Obama's dime!
View video here.
ED SCHULTZ: How about General Motors? They got a winner. The new Chevrolet Camaro, muscle car. Folks, this is the hottest new vehicle on dealer lots. Buyers were putting down deposits on the Camaro before the first one was built back in March. It's outselling the Ford Mustang.
Schultz's guest was GM CFO Ray Young. Schultz schmoozed the buttoned-down exec, asking if he expected the Camaro "to be this hot." He also let Young run down a list of other GM products in the offing, all of which, Young assured us, "are going to be exceptional winners."
Yup. If the Ed Schultzes of the world have anything to do with it.
So come on down to Easy Ed's Government Motors lot. BS walks, billions of taxpayers' dollars talk.
PS: note how Schultz inserts his first name, Ed, into the "Revved Up" graphic. This is Schultz taking sides, personally promoting GM over its private-sector competitors. Welcome to the brave new post-capitalist Obama world, where the government picks winners and losers and the Ed Schultzes do their duty.
Bonus Coverage: GM Emerges From 'Brankruptcy'
We might have a new entry for NewsBuster Jack Coleman's list of Schultz's Trail of Error. On the show tonight, Schultz proclaimed that GM had emerged from "brankruptcy."
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Uh...
July 10, 2009 - 19:57 ET by Saint ZeroIt did, for one month. I don't see a problem there.
I'd certainly take one over a Ford.
Full disclosure...
July 10, 2009 - 20:10 ET by BKeyserBob <--- Camaro enthusiast. I've had three 67's; I sold the last one last fall. But I've not fallen for the new one yet. Why Chevy chose the 69 to emulate I'll never know- they only built that body style for one year.
But as for Ed Schultz- his lack of knowledge on the subject is striking and quite hypocritical (as if that had to be mentioned...) First, the new Camaro is not a product of the New GM, it's a product of a concept car designed to compete with the other retro cars by Ford and Dodge; the last one to hit the market, and late at that. It's certainly no green machine, as the SS version is loaded with horsepower -not exactly indicative of a fuel efficient Obamauto. I don't know about sales, but its likely that since its an order-only model at this point, it can't possibly be outselling the Mustang, or even the Challenger (which btw, I think looks more like the early 70's product it's designed to replicate than either the Camaro or Mustang.)
It's also rather foolish to tout a model that is likely to be the first cut in the New GM's quest for early CAFE standards compliance. I predict the Camaro has a two-year run.
Re 69
July 10, 2009 - 20:36 ET by slickwillie2001The 69 (and first half of the 70 year, technically) is imho one of the best styled cars of all time. 67-68 were a little bit more boxy, nice but I'll take a 69. The 09 though is a poor repro of either. They didn't have to change a single thing to make it a success, but they couldn't resist messing with it.
Agreed Challenger, it looks like a much more faithful reproduction of the 70-74's. (I always preferred the slightly different styling of the 'Cudas.) These will sell well too.
The total FUBAR though is the Dodge Charger revival, it's butt-ugly.
I'm surprised the Bamster hasn't killed off all of them.
Slick...
July 10, 2009 - 20:52 ET by BKeyserDisagree slightly on the Camaro comments- the quarter panels on the 67's and 68's were rounded, while the 69 was flattened somewhat; same with the fenders which had a trailing edge into the door panel. But that's semantics and I respect your opinion. The 69 was more popular due to the ground gained by the 7's and 8's. And since so many more were built in 69, they were more prevalent during the hot rod 80's.
I agree completely on the Charger. It would not have been hard to improve on the original since it was something in the neighborhood of 35' long! And that goofy wing on the SuperBee! But, Dodge found a way to change -but not improve the styling- I think they photoshopped a Ram pickup and the Chrysler 300 to somehow squeeze out the Charger. And don't get me started on the Caliber!
BK & slick
July 10, 2009 - 21:01 ET by BlondeI am still in love with my 2005 Anniversary Edition T-Bird.
A 1956 'bird hauled my newborn butt home from the hospital....and it's latter day twin hauls me around today. Fun!
I was never a fan of Ford (I'm still not, really)...but it was just a car I had to have. The old camaros were lovely, as were many of the muscle cars of that time. One of these years I'm going to go up to Palm Beach for Barret Jackson. But I'm going to leave my checkbook (what's left of it) at home.
I hope he fails, too.
I'm more of a mustang
July 10, 2009 - 21:29 ET by ThatDudeI'm more of a mustang enthusiast. I like the 09 mustang, and am unsure of the 2010 model (it looks like a fake ferrari.) The camaro doesn't impress me (though admittedly I've never been much a fan of that line.) However, the challenger is an amazing vehicle reminiscent of the classic models, yet still sleek and new.
Aside from all that, what is the deal here? This truly does amount to the media shilling for government run business. The meme continues: attack anyone who disagrees with the Dems or refuses their "assistance". It pains me that there would be a need make the distinction that any of the big 3 is a private sector company. It pains me even more that the other two aren't. As much as I've liked Chevy products, I'm not likely to get one when my Ford eventually breaks down (which shouldn't be for a long while) just because of the government intervention.
Whoa there Ed, whoa whoa
July 10, 2009 - 20:20 ET by SnappyWhoa there Ed, whoa whoa whoa.....
My tax dollars are going to produce this gas guzzling muscle car? Thats not what I signed up for... I thought GM was going to turn out some eco friendly green lithium ion mobiles......whats going on here?
If only GM had gotten this car on the road pre- bailout money and banckruptcy... I might have looked at it, as it is now? (In my best Don Corleone voice ) GM and Chrysler are dead to me, you hear? Dead.
Hi Snappy
July 10, 2009 - 20:32 ET by TN MomMy tax dollars are going to produce this gas guzzling muscle car? Thats not what I signed up for... I thought GM was going to turn out some eco friendly green lithium ion mobiles......whats going on here?
Didn't you get the memo: Apparently the USA doesn't have stockpiles of lithium, we would have to purchase it from some third-world country (buddy of Hugo Chavez). Oh, and the GAO just released a report saying the electric cars will make little difference to greenhouse emisions- due to plugging the little buggers in using electricity-powered by un-friendly greenhouse emissions!?!!
Poor. Stupid. Democrats. They ALWAYS SPEND FIRST, ask questions after!
Better yet... make sure you
July 10, 2009 - 20:52 ET by SnappyBetter yet... make sure you dont buy a GM product produced before July 10, 2009 as they will not be held liable for any manufacturing defects, problems etc. The OLD GM is responsible for all cars made prior to the bankruptcy. And the Old GM is broke.
Snappy - where do you find
July 11, 2009 - 12:22 ET by momdmSnappy - where do you find this info? My son says this is not true and I was trying to verify. I see only where Saab, Hummer and Saturn would be under the old GM.
Let me clarify, Waranties
July 12, 2009 - 18:42 ET by SnappyLet me clarify, Waranties will be intact and honored, lawsuits and damage claims will not. Furthermore, it looks like GM will retain some responsibility while Chrysler managed to shed all.
http://www.californiainjuryblog.com/2009/06/gmchrysler_bankruptcy_will_hav.html
http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/15/news/companies/auto_bankruptcy_plaintiffs/index.htm?section=money_topstories
http://www.motorsliquidationdocket.com/
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=8016340&page=1
ED there is a cure..
July 10, 2009 - 20:25 ET by TN Momnote how Schultz inserts his first name, Ed, into the "Revved Up" graphic. This is Schultz taking sides, personally promoting GM over its private-sector competitors.
...with little disregard for the millions lost by the secured creditors, retirement accounts of teachers/others, and the American people who were forced to prop up failing GM.
oh, and Ed might want to rethink that ED graphic; the first thing I thought of was he needs Viagra....
T-Mom... Your last lines
July 10, 2009 - 20:29 ET by bigtimerT-Mom...
Your last lines have me snickering, that was funny.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Hello Bigtimer
July 10, 2009 - 20:34 ET by TN MomCouldn't resist. Shultz is such a joke!
I don't think the Camaro is
July 10, 2009 - 20:33 ET by ricklailI don't think the Camaro is going to be the savior for GM. They are going have to sell more than just that. They are probably going to lose the truck market to Ford and Toyota. Nobody except a bunch a liberals are going to buy their small cars that Chairman Maoboma is making them build.
Semper suprene nitens
North Carolina now has the worst government money can buy.
rick
July 10, 2009 - 20:41 ET by TN MomI don't think the Camaro is going to be the savior for GM. They are going have to sell more than just that.
I heard today on Cavuto (or Beck) that GM's most profitible year was in 1992 and not due to cars sold but due to GMAC, their finance division. Surely Obama and his Car CZAR were aware before they committed our money!?
Cool Doors on the Camaro
July 10, 2009 - 20:41 ET by BlondeBut the rest of it looks kind of clunky to me. Definitely doesn't have the retro styling edginess (it actually looks more like the old Firebird than the old Camaro) of the Mustang or even the *cough* Thunderbird.
If that model is their saviour, they are well and truly doomed.
I hope he fails, too.
!!!! COME ON DOWN TO BIG
July 10, 2009 - 20:47 ET by GregE!!!! COME ON DOWN TO BIG EDDIE'S BRANKRUPTCY OBAMATHON !!!!
WE GOTCHA BIG CARS, YA SMALL CARS, YA FAST CARS, YA SHINY CARS - WE JUST GOT CARS - OBAMA SPECIALS SURE TO LIGHT UP THE STREET !!!!!
COME ON DOWN AND GETCHA A BRAND SPANKIN' NEW HOT OFF THE TAXPAYER DIME CHEVROLET CAMRARO !!!!
THAT'S RIGHT, I SAID "CAMRARO!!!" THIS BABY IS BEATING SALES OF FORD MUSTANG ALREADY, EVEN THOUGH NONE HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN PHYSICALLY DELIVERED YET - NEVERMIND THAT DETAIL, AND THAT FACT THAT FORD ISN'T GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED AND GOVERNMENT MOTORS WOULD BE GONE IF NOT FOR MY SWEET DADDY BARACK!!! GOVT MOTORS IS ON THE FAST TRACK TO BE #1 IN THE WORLD !!!!! ALL HAIL BARACK OBRAMA!!!
WE'LL SEE YA SOON!!!!!!!
NOW CHECK OUT OUR COMMERCIAL!!!!!
http://www.youtube.c...
... be sure and take the
July 10, 2009 - 21:01 ET by bigtimer... be sure and take the Slauson cut-off and when you get there, cut off your Slauson.
Go See Ed... Go See Ed... Go See Ed.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
I'm not so sure Government
July 10, 2009 - 20:47 ET by TN MomI'm not so sure Government Motors will sell many cars. I expect a backlash from any would-be buyer: "You took my tax dollars, you owe me a huge discount" will be heard at dealerships across the nation...
Also, I expect ACORN will show up demanding FREE GM cars for the entitlement class; how can the Democrats resist?
Sorry you jabba the hut
July 10, 2009 - 20:53 ET by nadadhimmiSorry you jabba the hut lookin' fat ass. Mustang is outselling Camaro and outperforming it too. $ for $ the comparable priced Mustang wins.
Heard something interesting
July 10, 2009 - 20:52 ET by GregEHeard something interesting today. The way the year is shaping, US auto manufacturers will hold about 30% of US market share. In Japan, Japanese manufacturers hold 95% of the Japanese marketshare, and even European manufacturers about 60% of European share.
What kind of idiot would buy a car from a government car company
July 10, 2009 - 20:54 ET by R D Helm...run and built by UAW union goons, and expect to have a good experience?
-Dave
"Obama's health care 'reform' plan is to blow up the building in order to fix a leak in the roof." - Herman Cain
On another note...
July 10, 2009 - 20:56 ET by BKeyserhas anyone seen a Smart car on a golf course yet? I figure some enterprising golf enthusiast has to have counted on saving cart fees during these tight economic times...
Actually, it's funny that
July 10, 2009 - 22:36 ET by ThatDudeActually, it's funny that you mention that. Someone brought a smartcar to the park attached to the golf course I was working at a few years back. When I parked up beside it to go about my work I strangely noticed that the golf cart was bigger. Fancy that!
Check THIS out. I heard
July 10, 2009 - 21:04 ET by GregECheck THIS out. I heard it mentioned this morning....
http://www.autoguide...
OMO! Boneheaded to the Max
July 10, 2009 - 21:07 ET by BlondeUm, I mean to type "obamaheaded"....same diff, actually.
If that doesn't take the cake. A freakin' new logo. Yep, government motors at play.
I am truly, truly shaking my head.
I hope he fails, too.
Greg, I heard that on the
July 10, 2009 - 21:11 ET by bigtimerGreg,
I heard that on the FBC too this morning, but the guy reporting said they weren't on any of the models he was showing, which included the camaro, I guess it will be to the so-called hybrid cars etc..who knows, all the people around this area are saying they will buy nothing from GM when it gets around to talking about all of this.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
how about a Scooby snack!
July 10, 2009 - 21:19 ET by i was just thinkingBrankruptcy! Ruh-Roh, Shaggy!
Scooby Snack!
July 10, 2009 - 21:22 ET by BlondeThanks for that...I'd forgotten all about that term.
Giggling all the way to the fridge!
I hope he fails, too.
gotta admit...
July 10, 2009 - 21:24 ET by i was just thinking... I kinda cracked myself up, too. hehe
(He can't fail soon enough!)
Like your tag, too!
July 10, 2009 - 21:27 ET by BlondeGMTA, eh?
I hope he fails, too.
Obama's disrespect for contracts makes his cars too risky a deal
July 11, 2009 - 00:55 ET by snaggletoothieI cannot understand why anyone would ever buy anything from an Obama run company if there were any other choices. He has demonstrated that he has no respect for contract law. So any waranty that the vehicle is sold with is of no value. But you are paying for the waranty regardless. It looks like a 4 figure gift to Obama that will probably be spent on his reelection.
HEY GANG! IT'S THE UAW SHOW!
July 11, 2009 - 03:42 ET by SgthulkaIt's like a shop steward was given a show on a national network. With all the wit and insight that would come with such.
The Fat Man offered up another tasty tidbit in this episode:
July 11, 2009 - 06:11 ET by SickofLibsGM's Young mentioned he hoped GM might be able to do an IPO in early 2010.
Finance whiz Schultz responded "So when will this INDEPENDENT Public Offering take place?"
In other news, Schultz's baby picture has surfaced on the internet.
I owned some GM stock that I
July 11, 2009 - 07:53 ET by momdmI owned some GM stock that I bought about 3 or 4 years ago. I bought it because to me it was a company that ran parallel to America. I thought GM could never fail because that would mean America fails. I also loved the GM car I had. I thought it was somewhat patriotic to invest in GM and buy GM cars. It's so ironic that now that GM is owned by America, it seems so un-American to me.
I've never liked Ford
July 11, 2009 - 10:18 ET by KJ_sezI've never liked Ford vehicles; I decided to never buy a Chrysler vehicle after they were bailed out back in the day. I've owned 2 Toyotas (Corola & 4x4 pickup) and 4 Chevy vehicles (2 Blazers, a Corvette, and a Silverado). I decided - on the same day that I heard GM would be bailed out - that I would never buy another Chevy (even though I'd love to have another 'vette). The whole bankruptcy/feeding at the public trough thing pisses me off, and some people - unlike the government - don't reward thievery and failure.
Government sucks, but AT&T is worse. Really.
had a '68 and '69 camaro.
July 11, 2009 - 11:06 ET by tonemeisterhas anyone seen the new offerings from gm?. a crossover buick suv,cadillac station wagon?. still making the same crap that got them in this mess in the first place. i've seen the inside of the new camaro.....way too much cheap looking plastic.worse than the new mustang. i was a chevy man all my life (46 yrs.) and as a mechanic for 20 + yrs. i will never buy another gm product until osamabama gets out of the picture. why not just copy the 69 camaro and just update it for '09 emissions and safety. there are aftermarket companies that make all the components to do this .... a brand new '69 camaro. a kid in california drew a concept car several years ago that looked alot better than this piece of crap. a guess gm wouldn't use his design. ego and all that. friggin engineers .......the new challenger srt8 looks alot nicer..425 horse hemi and a manual trans. doesn't have the look (engine wise) of the old hemi though.if you want to see something to lower your spirits. if you go to disney, go to the gm pavillion . everything is old and crappy. was there in 8/07. also there used to be an old saying attributed to i think gm's ceo "whats good for gm is good for the country"ha
Wonder how much of his own
July 11, 2009 - 15:25 ET by RR GOPWonder how much of his own money Friend Ed has invested in GM?
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Screw American Automakers and the UAW...go bankrupt
July 12, 2009 - 18:32 ET by maxvoltFor the first time in 30 years of buying cars...I bought a foreign car, a Nissan... I have only bought American cars up to now, but I REFUSE TO BUY FROM TRAITORS, AND THE UAW AND OBAMA ARE TRAITORS,...LET THEM ALL ROT IN HELL! NISSAN makes a nice car, US workers, no UAW, screw them.