On Wednesday’s Newsroom program, CNN’s Rick Sanchez referenced New York Times columnist David Brooks and The Atlantic’s Andrew Sullivan as “conservatives” during a short segment about Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s response to President Obama’s address before a joint session of Congress. Both men are known for their less-than-conservative stance on social issues, particularly on the issue of homosexual “marriage;” their sharp criticism of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin during her bid for the vice presidency last year; and their sympathy for Obama.
The anchor cited the two writers a quarter of an hour into the 3 pm Eastern hour of the CNN program as examples of how Governor Jindal “hasn’t exactly been getting accolades from members of his own party” for his handling of the official Republican response to President Obama’s speech. Sanchez referred to Brooks as the “heralded conservative columnist for The New York Times,” and read a quote where he criticized the governor’s attack on big government: “It’s just a disaster for the Republican party. In a moment when only the federal government is actually big enough to do stuff, to say government is the problem -- it’s just a form of nihilism.” He then read an apparently sarcastic quote from “noted conservative” Sullivan: “This guy [Jindal] is supposed to be the smart one.”
Sanchez wasn’t the first CNN anchor this week to cite a “conservative” writer who likes to bash Sarah Palin and social conservatives. During an interview of filmmaker John Ziegler on Tuesday’s American Morning, Kiran Chetry read an excerpt from an anti-Palin column by Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker: “Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.”
Ziegler replied that this criticism of Palin has been “a great career move for people like Kathleen Parker....You would never quote Kathleen Parker in a million years if she said nice things about Sarah Palin, and that’s a phenomenon that goes on in the news media. If you’re a Republican or conservative [who] bash [sic] Republicans, all of a sudden CNN wants to quote you and thinks that you’re noteworthy and credible.”
That line of thinking could very well apply to Brooks and Sullivan’s criticism of Jindal. After all, they wouldn’t be “heralded” or “notable” in the mainstream media’s view if they weren’t consistent critics of other conservatives.
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
David Brookes is an "even
February 25, 2009 - 19:34 ET by motherbeltIMO, David Brookes is an "even conservative" and Andrew Sullivan is just a snob.
As for Kathleen Parker, she had better clear her calendar; she is going to be in great demand after this slobberfest she penned recently:
Flying on Air Force One With the Obamas
And, no doubt, she can look forward to many more flights, in addition to Matthews' and Olbermann's attention.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
The David Gergen Conservative
February 25, 2009 - 19:37 ET by allanfNothing helps a conservative get attention as much as bashing conservatives in liberal media. Want to go to the hot Washington parties hosted by Andrea Mitchell. Bash conservatives.
The David Gergen Conservative.
Bashing or being a maverick AGAINST the
February 25, 2009 - 20:19 ET by Cape ConservativeRepublican Party is the ticket for top billing in the msm - just ask John McCain!
He soon found out how easily he could be tossed aside once he represented the Republican Party (sorry to have to type that, folks!)
I hope the well-known MAVERICK watched and listened as our latest traitors to our party allowed the bill to pass that will most certainly be the ruination of our country!
Yes, Senator McCain, that is how DISGUSTED we all felt EVERY time you just had to rub George Bush's nose in it for the 2000 campaign and vote AGAINST REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES! Somehow your recent reform just doesn't ring true...I hope I'm wrong - it would be nice to see if you could return to the man, prior to 2000, once considered a 'conservative' in the Senate.
As for these three columnists, I agree with others - they would still be just a name had they not decided to turn on conservatism. Oh well, you know the old saying, GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH! Does that date me??? I feel it is very applicable to these writers - I hope they remove the conservative label ASAP since it does not, and has not for some time, been accurate! I have NEVER, and will NEVER, read Kathleen Parker since her vicious attacks on Sarah Palin. Bye Bye, KP!
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
Cape..
February 25, 2009 - 20:31 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. did you see that story on FNC tonight about some obscure Republican Senator that said he will sue the GOP if they run someone against him in the primary? I forget his name. He also said that Sen. Cornyn can't read English as well. Probably a turn-coat that needs to be tar'd and feather'd.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
David Gergen is Conservative?
February 25, 2009 - 19:49 ET by nolotrippenDavid Gergen is Conservative?
For what, about two minutes? In the 80s? On an editorial page of USN&WR (which is now dying a bi-weekly death)?
Flexible Conservative
February 25, 2009 - 20:05 ET by allanfDavid Gergen is a "flexible conservative". He will agree with whoever is paying his salary. The phrase "David Gergen Conservative" refers to people who identify themselves as conservatives and use the identification as cover to bash conservatives. They are faux conservatives.
That's the truth. We
February 25, 2009 - 20:38 ET by celatorThat's the truth.
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to
public office
--Aesop (~550 BC)
HE IS FLEXIBLE...
February 26, 2009 - 15:05 ET by danybhoyDavid "Rodham" Gergen is like most moderate cons in the MSM, they need to be flexible in order to bend over & take it when the libs/progs decide to put it to them.
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
Correction - USN is 'monthly' now! With weekly internet updates
February 25, 2009 - 20:21 ET by Cape ConservativeIt is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
David Gergen is Conservative?
February 25, 2009 - 19:49 ET by nolotrippenDavid Gergen is Conservative?
For what, about two minutes? In the 80s? On an editorial page of USN&WR (which is now dying a bi-weekly death)?
Let David Gergen know..
February 25, 2009 - 20:19 ET by Sergeant ROCKI went to his website and clicked on the 'contact' link and e-mailed him this:
Would you please correct the hosts of these shows you appear on when they identify you as a 'conservative'? It's inaccurate and misleading.
Feel free to do the same.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
Thanks - will do!
February 25, 2009 - 20:22 ET by Cape ConservativeIt is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
Sarge - you didn't see the word 'conservative' anywhere
February 25, 2009 - 20:34 ET by Cape Conservativeon his webpage! Being employed by Harvard in the JFK School - and now a CNN correspondent kind of makes one suspicious of any conservative leanings he might have ever had.
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
Gergenopolis
February 25, 2009 - 20:39 ET by Sergeant ROCKAhh.. so, these talking heads are indeed pulling a fast one, eh?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Bolton/KEYES 2012
These three are
February 25, 2009 - 19:50 ET by DJEddleThese three are conservative? Sure...I suppose they're also going to tell us that Obama is like Lincoln.
I wonder if these clowns had anything to say about these aspects of Obama's speech. Granted, Jindal's delivery wasn't good, but the substance was right on and put to shame Obama's message advocating for massive government expansion.
These guys are a joke.
*If you like the comments, check out the articles.
Jindal Did A Great Job
February 25, 2009 - 19:52 ET by deerjerkydaveI felt Jindal did a great job articulating the conservative gospel. It was a breath of fresh air given the last 8 years of Bush's big government spending and lack of political debate. The Republican Party needs to wake up to its conservative roots and proselytize it in order to win the hearts and minds of the people. Conservatism is by far the best message and people will flock to it regardless of ethnicity or race. Reagan is proof that it works, and overwhelmingly. I think the liberal media knows it too, which is one reason they work so hard to marginalize conservatives. But somebody from within the party needs to articulate the message. Bush failed at it. Perhaps Jindal is the new minister of conservatism. I for one welcome it.
Sanchez wouldn't know a conservative...
February 25, 2009 - 19:54 ET by R D Helm...if he were run over by one.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
I want to know who the
February 26, 2009 - 04:13 ET by danybhoyI want to know who the headhunter/talent scout was that saw Sanchez & said to himself, "...I got to hire this guy". So I look this clown up, turns out he got a scholarship through CBS/WCCO in Minneapolis. Put it this way, Jason Lewis(Rush's fill in host)calls WCCO as WDFL(DFL=Minnesota's Demacratic Farmer Labor party), so I am not shocked by that fact Sanchez got his start in this progressive paradise. I did laugh when I read that he had been on MSNBC in 2001, but he should be there now.
This guy looks good, & he reads the telepromter well, & he's from another country. He can't think on his feet too quickly, but speaks well. You might be looking at a future President of the United States, you never know...
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
Three 2nd rate writers.
February 25, 2009 - 20:06 ET by IamTinmanNone of these three writers are people that I would consider a voice for the conservative movement. If anything they may have something in common with the country club republicans that have cost us so dearly in the last election and have gone straight to the hog farm with billions of earmarks in the newest spending bill.
If Sanchez wants conservative responses he should have gone to Newt, Tom Sowell, or Bill Cristal, someone who has a grasp of the conservative principles espoused by Governor Jindal.
As an aside, my brother-in-law a lifelong democrat was extremely impressed with Governor Jindall and said he would consider voting for him since Obama was disappointing him.
Great to hear about your brother-in-law - hope there are many
February 25, 2009 - 20:28 ET by Cape Conservativemore with similar feelings of having been 'fooled' by this charismatic man. Brings to mind another old saying - Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me!!!
Again, it might be comical and wouldn't hurt so much to realize that this charlatan had hoodwinked so many except for the fact that it is our country that he is damaging beyond recognition!
May God Bless AMERICA!
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
Inevitable
February 25, 2009 - 20:42 ET by ReaverI think a certain amount of dissatisfaction among Obama's supporters is inevitable.He ran on a platform of vague platitudes and slogans. As he puts his agenda into policy and legislation many supporters are bound to say "That isn't what I was voting for."
If stupidity got us into this mess,
then why can't it get us out?
--Will Rogers
feast...FEAST...FEAST!!!!!
February 25, 2009 - 20:14 ET by NCguyfeast...FEAST...FEAST!!!!!
Rick Sanchez on Jindal
February 25, 2009 - 20:34 ET by sccRick Sanchez can not tell the difference between substance and style !!!!!!!!
EXACTLY!!! He isn't referred to as an empty suit for nothing!
February 25, 2009 - 20:36 ET by Cape ConservativeNo matter how much you pay for the suit, if there is NO substance, it is quickly determined (at least by those willing to look for it!!! )
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
Cape
February 25, 2009 - 20:44 ET by sccCape
The Emperor has no cloths !!!!!!!
Ziegler is right
February 25, 2009 - 20:49 ET by ekslibWriters like Kathleen Parker would be nobodies if they didn't attack Conservatives.
They are useful tools for Leftwing pundits who have an agenda.
As usual
February 25, 2009 - 21:02 ET by ReaverAs usual Rush summed it up best- "If we're going to start throwing genuine conservatives overboard for specious reasons, we deserve to get our butts beat."
If stupidity got us into this mess,
then why can't it get us out?
--Will Rogers
David Brooks,Andrew
February 25, 2009 - 21:06 ET by MightyMouthDavid Brooks,Andrew Sullivan,Kathleen Parker?
In my best Vernon L. Pinkley voice..
Neever heard of em....
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
OK Mighty... I'll
February 25, 2009 - 21:46 ET by bigtimerOK Mighty...
I'll bite...who is Vernon L. Pinkley...I've neever heard of em either?
CNN doesn't know any better . . .
February 25, 2009 - 21:35 ET by CKA in Red State USABut if they did, they'd pick people like they did.
Gotta remember: In the Age of Hope and Change, EVERYTHING is being redefined by His Hope-and-Changeness and his thugs and thugettes in and out of the advocacy/adversary media.
MSM
February 25, 2009 - 21:39 ET by ConLosRepublicanosNoThis is the same thing they did with McCain. When he used to
bash Bush and conservatives he was "a maverick that put politics aside." Now that he has the courage to stand up to "the one" and he is just a blood thirsty, hatemonger, racist and any stupid word you can think of. When David Brooks doesn’t serve their purposes anymore they’ll wipe their asses with him. If I was any of this three individuals I would enjoy the tea-parties as much as I can, the end is coming.
Filp it around
February 25, 2009 - 22:00 ET by brerolAnd I suppose CNN will turn to Joe Lieberman for a liberal view on the situation in Iraq.
Sanchez needs a nickname
February 25, 2009 - 22:23 ET by bjc123I move that he is referred to as Dirty Sanchez going forward. All of those in favor, say aye.
That HAS to be the quote of the year...
February 25, 2009 - 23:10 ET by krendlerBrooks: In a moment when only the federal government is actually big enough to
do stuff, to say government is the problem -- it’s just a form of
nihilism.”
Great. The federal government is now the only one that can actually do stuff. And it is the only one that can do stuff because...it is so big.
Funny, I never really thought the government ever did much of anything, other than being a model of waste and inefficiency.
Why didn't we need our big government to "do stuff" back in 1981 when economic conditions were actually a lot worse than they are now. How come a 1,000-Billion dollar spending spree wasn't necessary then? Eh, David?
I have to say I did not watch either speech but
February 25, 2009 - 23:13 ET by DelsaI did hear Jindal's speech and I liked what he had to say.
What they looked like should not matter at all compaired to What they each said!
I knew what the SOBama was going to say but what I did not know, is what Jindal would say.
Listening to Jindal gave me hope that there are Conservatives out their fighting for all of us and the Constitution!
SOBama lies and Jindal spoke the truth!
Disoriented
February 26, 2009 - 00:30 ET by nkviking75No wonder Rick Sanchez thinks he plays it "down the middle". It's obvious he's completely disoriented about the conservative-to-liberal spectrum.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Keith Olbermann
February 26, 2009 - 01:53 ET by Dustin JolleyKeith Olbermann even called Juan Williams of Fox News and NPR a Conservative on Countdown, despite the fact that Williams is a Democrat, not a Republican. Get your facts straight, Keith. You sorry excuse for a human being! Lol!
The next Conservative CNN
February 26, 2009 - 02:25 ET by ConservativeRexThe next Conservative CNN has on it's program or mentions in a good light will be the first one they have ever had or mentioned.
They're not fooling anyone. Like the monthly liberal rag's, CNN's time is running short as well.
Delenda est Washington
Reminds me of the line from
February 26, 2009 - 02:52 ET by RR GOPReminds me of the line from The Lion of the Desert where an indignant Omar Mukhtar (Anthony Quinn) jumps on an Italian during negotiations about daring to interpret their (Muslim) religion for them.
We have had the MSM defining who 'Conservatives' are for quite some time now.
I can't help but to chuckle when they try label Charles Krauthammer as a Conservative...give me a break. Just appearing regularly on Fox News for a pay check and toning down one's Leftist rhetoric doesn't make one a Conservative.
These guys are actually quite dangerous. I've had George Will thrown in my face because he's a "Conservative" but went against my Conservative beliefs. I guess guys like George Will are somehow the gold standard for Conservativism.
No, we Conservatives don't agree on everything, but our weakness is that the Communists do agree on everything...even if they really don't.
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.
Why, in order to get a job
February 26, 2009 - 10:25 ET by marpelWhy, in order to get a job on cable news, do you have to be mentally ill? Think about who is on any of the cable channels...they're all nut jobs. Some stand out more so than others, like KO, Chris Matthews, Rick Sanchez (who must have some sort of palsy too w/ the jerking motions)...even Bill O'Reilly is so self centered it's become a mental illness. This is so creepy.
David Brooks is the
February 26, 2009 - 10:25 ET by fitzfongDavid Brooks is the quintessential straw man. Whenever left-wing "news" organizations want to portray discord among conservatives, they trot out this New York Times blowhard to admonish Republicans "from within". Brooks is NYT's token "conservative"...a title that could only possibly be achieved because (as far as we know), he was one NYT employee who didn't leak sensitive counterterrorism information to the very terrorists who want to destroy us. He is an ignorant man who's paraded around as a political prop because he claims to be a conservative. He's given a seat at the master's table because he gladly traded in the principles he claims to represent to get there. While at that table, he pollutes the objectives of his reputed fellow members (and advances his own selfish personal objectives) by intentionally misrepresenting their intelligence and values. He acts morally superior and pretends to be one of our intellectual leaders. Little does he know that the audience he sucks up to has as much contempt for him as the audience he stabs in the back does...and the moment he stops proving useful to them, they will discard him like a condom.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Maverick Nonsense
February 26, 2009 - 11:23 ET by slickwillie2001This 'maverick' nonsense was sold to us lock stock and barrel by the liberal media that pushes the most liberal Republican candidate just in case they win. I held my nose and voted for McCain in 2008 because he was only a little better than Obammy. Consider the fact that the Fair Ladies of Maine and Specter the Defector are just as much 'mavericks' as McCain is, and we have very little regard for them.
Those that claim to be 'mavericks' are simply sending a message -'you can't depend on me to vote the way you think I will'. I don't care to hear from McCain ever again, or hear the word 'maverick'.
PS If Palin has any sense, she will never again use the word. If asked why she should blame it on McCain's campaign management.
Nonsense indeed
February 26, 2009 - 11:44 ET by doug1950Any time anyone refers to themselves as a "maverick" I cringe exactly the same as when someone refers to themselves as a "stud". If you have to constantly remind people of who you think you are....You ain't! Excellent observations about the Three Stooges (Snowe, Collins and Specter) too. Anyone who does not know the true definition of what a stooge is should go look it up. It fits these three clowns to the T.
May their constituents give all 3 the heave-ho next election!
February 26, 2009 - 19:53 ET by Cape ConservativeMake that 4! I, too, am sick and tired of holding my nose to vote!
GIVE US A CONSERVATIVE NEXT TIME!!!!
We really need to have the primary elections changed - with today's technology, two small states should not be responsible for determining who will be the eventual candidates.
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams
I have also said I will
February 26, 2009 - 20:06 ET by bigtimerI have also said I will never hold my nose again either...
Either we have a real conservative that has some fire in the belly...or I will write in who I want if not on the ballot.
One thing about it...we have some time yet...I don't want anybody forced down my throat this early, by anyone...espcially the msm.
Calling Brooks, Parker, and
February 26, 2009 - 11:27 ET by Chris NormanCalling Brooks, Parker, and Gergen "conservatives" is like calling Rick Sanchez an unbiased journalist.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
If anyone thinks...
February 26, 2009 - 11:29 ET by jawebster1Brooks, Sullivan and Parker are Conservatives, that tells me one thing. Those people are so far to the left, they think "a little to the left" is Conservative. A little to the left is not Conservative, it is Liberal! A Conservative would never mouth or write the words those three have said or written...NEVER! What makes a Conservative a Conservative is adherence to Conservative principles. Brooks, Sullivan and Parker fail the basic test. Jim Webster
They're this year's crop of
February 26, 2009 - 11:34 ET by Chris NormanThey're this year's crop of "useful idiot conservatives". They perform like trained seals in exchange for the fish tossed to them by the liberals in the MSM.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Who has identified Gergen
February 27, 2009 - 01:18 ET by JerWho has identified Gergen as a conservative in recent years? At one time, he was a center/right [presumptive] Republican whose views during the mid-90's shifted to center/left "independent".
Sullivan has zig-zagged ideologically from left to right and then back to the left. Sanchez if out of his mind to describe him as a conservative.
Brooks can be legitimately described as a conservative, but is not a member of the school of "movement conservatism" which has comprised the philosophical core of the Republican party for the past three decades.
Jer