CNN's Cafferty: 'Hardliners' in GOP Mistaken to Label Democrats 'Socialists'

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Jack Cafferty, CNN Commentator | NewsBusters.orgCNN’s resident curmudgeon Jack Cafferty blamed Republican losses in the 2008 election, in part, on their use of the “socialist” label against Democrats during his regular commentary on Friday’s Situation Room. After reporting on a “conservative faction of the Republican National Committee” wanting to use this label against their opponents, and how they petitioned RNC Chairman Michael Steele to consider a resolution about it, he continued by labeling this faction “hardliners.”

Before reading some of the viewer responses to his commentary, he returned to gushing over Michelle Obama, suggesting that she might be president in the future. Cafferty also told one apparently conservative respondent who used the fascist and communist labels to “lighten up.”

The commentator made his regular “Cafferty File” commentary seven minutes into the 5 pm Eastern hour of the CNN program. He began immediately with his swipe at Republicans: “Wolf, it seems like some Republicans still have not figured out that they lost big-time last November, in part, because the American people are sick and tired of their style of politics. Exhibit A: a conservative faction of the Republican National Committee wants the party to brand Democrats as socialists.”

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After quoting from a RNC member’s accusation against President Obama, Cafferty complimented RNC Chairman Michael Steele’s apparent response to it, and used the “hardliner” label against the conservative Republicans: “A RNC spokesman wouldn’t say what Steele thinks about all of this, but...a memo...earlier this month suggests that while he agrees with hardliners who say the president is leading the country toward socialism, he’s probably not going to make it official party policy -- good thinking on his part.” He also recounted how some Republicans “threw around the ‘socialist’ label during last year’s campaign...and more recently, Congressman Spencer Bachus of Alabama claimed that there are 17 socialists in Congress. None of this seems like a real good way for the Republican Party to attract voters. I guess we’ll find out.”

He asked his “Question of the Hour” as if it were rhetorical: “The question is this: is it a mistake for some Republicans to try to brand Democrats as ‘socialists’? Go to CNN.com/CaffertyFile, post a comment on my blog. Here’s a hint:  yes.”

Before he came back and read some of his viewer responses near the end of the hour, Cafferty responded to preceding report about Michelle Obama’s multiple visits to federal agencies, all the while gushing over the first lady: “...She is just so gracious and so appealing. Who knows -- maybe she’ll be president one day.” As you might expect, all but two of the responses that he read agreed with his viewpoint. He told one of the two who disagreed with him to “lighten up.”

CAFFERTY: Linda writes from Kentucky, ‘This is precisely why I have no faith at all in the Republican Party. They keep trying to appeal to their knuckle-dragging base. I notice Meghan McCain [coughs] -- pardon me, making the rounds, trying to yank the party back to some semblance of reason. More power to her.’

Bruce from St. Paul writes, ‘There are multiple problems with this strategy. First, people do not associate socialism with any particularly evil regime. Many don’t even know what it means. Others think we could use a little socialism around here. Secondly, they’re using it as a defense against healthcare reform and a more fair tax system, without offering any intelligent alternatives.’

Reed in Washington says, ‘Politically, the approach will not pay off for the Republicans. It can only serve to rally a portion of the base that doesn’t require it, while alienating moderate Republicans such as myself.’

Kerry says, ‘It is much, much worse than the perceived socialism. My guess is they are now headed (thanks to Obama) on a road to fascism and/or communism!’ Oh Kerry, lighten up.

Charles in Oregon: ‘Jack, the Republicans are using the labels socialist, fascist, etc., to raise fear in the hearts of Americans. To them, it’s like cooking spaghetti: if it sticks, then it’s done and ready to be used to fool the people of the U.S. Unfortunately, they’re showing how trivial they are because they have no new ideas of their own.’

Scott writes, ‘The Republicans are wrong; there are way more than 17 socialists in Congress.’

And Kim in Nebraska says, ‘Probably, but give ‘em enough rope and they will hang themselves. I believe they almost have enough already.’

Cafferty briefly returned to fawning over Mrs. Obama at the end of the segment, asking anchor Wolf Blitzer, “You’d vote for Michelle Obama if she ran for president, wouldn’t you Wolf?” This is from the man who confessed his crush on the first lady in March. It’s not surprising that the commentator proposed this question, since CNN itself conducted an online poll at the beginning of April asking if Mrs. Obama should run for president in 2020.

—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.


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As mad as I get everytime I

As mad as I get everytime I read a post quoting Cafferty's outrageous and whack "commentary", I take comfort in knowing that, with each passing day, less and less people are tuning in to hear his inane ramblings. It's evidence of CNN's dwindling fortunes that they have to settle for this tenth-rate "commentator", who otherwise probably couldn't get hired at a small town 50 watt radio station . They are rapidly becoming the Yugo of news.

The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.

Chris... You are really on a

Chris...

You are really on a roll today...how cutting, "the Yugo of News" is gut-splitting funny!

How appropitate!

ofDoubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

Should we label them Capitalists?

ROFLMAO!!

Maybe Jack doesn't understand what Socialism is AKA Democratic (progressive) policies of bigger government, more taxes, more regulations, government control over business, egalitarian work policies, unions ect...

Socialists like 99% of Democrats are economically illiterate.

Obama: "Cap & Trade Will Cause Electricity Rates To Skyrocket"

If it looks like socialism,

If it looks like socialism, smells like socialism, tastes like socialism, then it muct be socialism. 

"DumbAssity of Dope"

He's right. They're

He's right. They're COMMUNISTS.

A nation cannot be free without a free, unbiased media. We are not free.

Hey Roger and Pop... good points - both

During his press conference last week at the summit, Obama .. said (my bold):

We showed that there are no senior or junior partners in the Americas; we're simply partners, committed to advancing a common agenda and overcoming common challenges.

 

Common agenda?? 

Personally, I don't share a desire to "advance a common agenda" with Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega, Rafael Correa, or Evo Morales.

And that common agenda does not include capitalism, open free markets, or a free press (not that ours is worth brown stuff).

(;~/ gary

"Kerry - Lighten up?"

Listen, Jackie boy.  When a government takes everything from everyone and then says 'don't worry, we promise we'll distribute it fairly', that's COMMUNISM.  And that's exactly what Obama says he wants to do - with his talk of 'redistribution' and 'everyone has to have some skin in the game'.  What do you think he means by that?

But don't be too hard on ol' Jackie-poo.  He's just playing the game that GE/NBC is playing:  they're betting their last dollar that Obama is going to 'communize' the media and put all their dying networks on the government payroll, with the Obama media czar issuing their marching orders every day. 

Their network is dying.  And they know the only way to 'save' it is to sell their souls to the Democrats in exchange for money directly from the pockets of the American taxpayer. In the meantime, Jack, Keith and Matthews have to prove their loyalty by licking Michelle's armpits and slobbering over Barak's chest.

So they're obviously gambling that the Democrats will be in total control for a LONG time. 

Sly...Your post is

Sly...

Your post is perfection with exactly what is going on now, one exception though, the majority of these characters had sold there souls long ago, so it's not one bit of a problem for them now.  

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

zombies

  Beware.... they may not have souls.

A zombie is a creature that appears in folklore and popular culture typically as a reanimated corpse or a mindless human being.

Forget socialist then, we will call them what they really are

Flaming commies.

-Dave

This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.

This shows that Socialism is no damn good. Even...

Liberals who are mostly Socialists at heart don't want to be thought of as being Socialists.  This Cafferty character no doubt doesn't even realize what a Socialist he himself is.  On the other hand, there are people who call themselves Conservatives but are no such thing.  David Brooks for example, so in a way that shows that Conservatism is pretty darn good.  Summing it up:  It seems to the casual observer that there are lots of people who are Socialists who don't want to be known as Socialists as opposed to lots of people who aren't Conservatives but want to be known as Conservatives.  Ever wonder why?  Jim Webster

Keep calling them what they are - Socialists

Unless they support Economic Freedom and Personal Liberty they are Socialists. So keep calling them what they are and when they protest ask if they are Capitalists. The liberal brainwashing will make them knee-jerk respond "no". Socialists are so clueless they do not even know what they are.

I agree they don't want to be called for what they are and will usually label themselves "Progressives" which is nothing more than  to slowly move toward full Socialism through a mixed economy. All this has taught us is every single thing the Government runs is an utter failure, including it's constant interference in the economy.

Obama: "Cap & Trade Will Cause Electricity Rates To Skyrocket"

PT... Yep, couldn't agree

PT...

Yep, couldn't agree more.

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

The difference between

The difference between Socialists and Communists is that the Socialists don't feel that one has to sing the Internationale.

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!?).

Socialists....

....also give you a trial before they shoot you in the head.

I am waiting for an American

I am waiting for an American Cromwell to appear. 

Cafferty....

Jack...you've got the White House, Senate and House...why do you ramble every day about the Republicans? Habit? Why do you care that they call the Libs "names?" Who cares about "labels?"

Signed,

Right-wing Extremist

 

Obama let his Socialism leak out

"What this legislation does, then, is to help harness this patriotism and connect deeds to needs," said Obama April 21, 2009

Socialism's slogan is: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his DEEDS."

Communism's slogan is: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his NEEDS."

 

Share the Wealth???

"Share the Wealth" is not Socialism?  Government control of private business is not Socialism?  It's certainly the Democrat's way of doing things.

Is there a limit of stupidity that can be reached that would make someone incapable of being on CNN or MSNBC?

Trick question!  Of course not!

Obama's "Social Justice"

Capitalism by default, places humans in different 'Economic Classes' - self determination and 'Hard Work', simply produces more than indolence, 'Play Times' and the life of a professional beggar (welfare).

Social Justice (Socialism) wants 'Equal Outcomes' based on the theory that all humans would do well, if given the proper Social Justice.

Barack Obama and Liberals, 'Hate America', not only because America is rooted in the 'Rule of Law', but fits their theory that all 'Oppression' is caused by the powerful.

Not only is America the most powerful Nation in the world, but the rights Americans have, is predicated on the inalienable rights granted by the Creator - God.

Barack Obama and Liberals believe that not only is 'Man' the cause of all problems - 'Man'  also can be the cure of all problems.

Some simple illustrations of that thinking, is 'Global Warming' and the 'War on Poverty'.

Barack Obama and Liberals think their Quest for Social Justice is so 'Noble and Pure' that it should NOT be questioned nor criticized.

Barack Obama's clarion call is that a true American Patriot should be willing to 'Sacrifice for the Common Good' - even if that means giving up your personally held values and property.

I actually agree with the old fart

Democrats are poseur-socialists, and closet-capitalists.

 

"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann

Answering one of Caffery's moronic viewers

One of Cafferty's viewers comments:

Bruce from St. Paul writes, ‘There are multiple problems with this strategy. First, people do not associate socialism with any particularly evil regime. Many don’t even know what it means.

Yeah, Bruce, that's what the Dems are counting on. 

...Others think we could use a little socialism around here. 

Being from Minnesota's capital city, I would imagine a number of people around you believe that. 

...Secondly, they’re using it as a defense against healthcare reform and a more fair tax system, without offering any intelligent alternatives.’

How would you know?  You're watching CNN.  Republican ideas don't get past their filter, unless it's in some wildly distorted form.

 

When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.

Bruce from St. Paul writes,

Bruce from St. Paul writes, ‘There are multiple problems with this strategy. First, people do not associate socialism with any particularly evil regime. Many don’t even know what it means. 

As Jack Cafferty would say, Exhibit A: http://news.bbc.co.u...

...Others think we could use a little socialism around here.

In the words of Jack Cafferty, Exhibit B:  http://news.bbc.co.u...

"....Exhibit A: a

"....Exhibit A: a conservative faction of the Republican National Committee wants the party to brand Democrats as socialists.”

One can look at Europe to see socialism.  Then one should watch the party that longs to bring the United States into the same world as Europe.  Branding them socialists?  Whats the problem, Jackie boy?

Just calling a spade a

Just calling a spade a spade.  Obama is a socialist...actually a Marxist...and Jack Cafferty is a lush.  Here's a tip for one of CNN's resident drunken drivers: when you seek to limit free speech by telling a political party what it can and cannot call its opposition, you certainly don't dispel the perception that you're a socialist.

"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

every time I see Jack..

..I picture him in a front yard angerly waving a rake at some young kids that wandered too close to his property.

Poor old Jack Cafferty.

Poor old Jack Cafferty. Someone should tell him it's time to abandon ship because the SS CNN just hit an iceberg and is sinking fast.

Save yourself Jack! If you start swimming right now you might be able to get on board the HMS MSNBC.

 

He's right

He's right that the Democraps aren't Socialist they're way past that! They are COMMUNISTS! "Progressive" has been the code word for communist since early last century and anyone with a brain knows that. Hillary and some of the others proudly call themselves "progressive" thinking people are too stupid to know they mean communist. Why else would comrade president obama reach out to the Castro brothers, Chavez and all the other communist dictators?

Cafferty has a point,

Cafferty has a point, Democrats while espousing socialistic solutions are not really socialists.   They are an organized criminal gang using the guise of a polical party to achieve enough power to pillage the country like Al Capone. Think about it, they use the Robin Hood model to seduce the population into accepting their benevolent thuggery.  This is like accepting a legal job from the mob, but being paid with money derived from illegal activities. 

The Democrat Party offers all kinds of goodies to people in order to induce them to accept their insidious gift, these people in turn vote to keep them in power in order to keep getting more gifts.  The money of course comes from the ill gotten gains the Democrats looted from the whole of the country.  Why else do you think the community organizer in chief claimed he is targeting those making over $250k?  There aren't many of them and their are lots of people accepting the illicit gift.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.

Many dems admit socialist

From Rasmussen, 30% of democratics would prefer a socialist system, so while it may not be correct to say that all democratics are socialists, there is a significant fraction of them that are.

Just 53% Say Capitalism is Better than Socialism: http://www.rasmussenreports.com

Ignorance is Bliss

So when government has an 80% stake in one of the world's largest insurers and calls their shots...

...when government has a controlling stake in what little remains of American manufacturing (GM, Chrysler) and calls their shots...

...when government has a stake in many financial institutions and banks and calls their shots...

...when government aritificially manipulates the monetary system...

...when government takes a progressive taxation system and turns it into a progressive redistribution system...

And people (not just conservatives or republicans) properly label this for precisely what it is - socialism - by very defi(f#*king)nition, it's suddenly slanderous? 

The truth apparently hurts.

You forgot

Healthcare (17% of the economy) becoming operated by the Government,

The fact that all social programs have approximately 3X the dollars of national defense has (http://home.comcast....).

Increasing federal spending by 2X. 

"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."


G. W. F. Hegel

Well, I was trying to be

Well, I was trying to be brief!

G. May... You are both

G. May...

You are both spot on....

We are so screwed....no matter how you look at it for the time being...and the laws they pass now will be hard to undo in the future...as we all know.

Damage Done. 

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

This is especially true

This is especially true when you consider Obama's willingness to meddle in health care is not from altruism but a diversion, a ruse from the larger issue.  Just as the SS trust fund is going negative cash flow in the next few years, the Medicare Trust Fund is going negative even faster.  The whole point of universal health care is to get the taxpayer to finance the upcoming Medicare Trust Fund deficit without "raising taxes" overtly by forcing everyone to subsidize it via their health insurance premiums. Just look at RomneyCare.  The idea, everyones health insurance is going to go down by a couple of thousand dollars by accepting Obama's plan is an outright LIE.  This has nothing to do with the uninsured (13 million illegal aliens) not paying their medical bills, this has everything to do with the government deciding it too is not going to pay their bill either!  Guess who has to pay, SUCKERS.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.

just another pinko commie

He's the same puke commie he was when we had him here at channel 4nbc in NYC. And then at channel 11 in NYC...same commie manifesto. Puke head! I bet he was only 1 of 5 people in the theatre watching the great che' movie.

rw65... I bet you were all

rw65...

I bet you were all glad to get rid of that Excedrin Headache.

Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart

yes

Yeah i was glad all right. BUT!! Where one leaves, another comes in and fills those shoes right away. It's like a sunami of commie-pinko leftwing algore loving-treehugging freaks comming out of journalism school. For every ONE Con reporter, there are three hundred of them. It's overwhelming. Someday we will own the airways. Someday....we already own the radio airways, and of course they're comming after that now. So let the battle begin!

I've been calling them

I've been calling them "socialists" for decades based on their record for socialist policies, not because we lost this past election. Moron.