Today on CNN Newsroom, anchor Rick Sanchez attacked Senator James Inhofe's (R-OK) assertion that Barack Obama is disarming America. Joining Sanchez was Jim Arkedis of the Progressive Policy Institute. Sanchez wanted viewers to believe the PPI is a nonpartisan think tank. He ran a video of Inhofe denouncing Obama's proposals followed with:
SANCHEZ: Cutting and gutting the military budget.Joining us now is Jim Arkedis.
He's the director of the National Security Project of the Progressive Policy Institute.
You guys check on these things...
JIM ARKEDIS, PROGRESSIVE POLICY INSTITUTE: We do.
SANCHEZ: ...to make sure the figures are right. So because you're down now in the middle, I'm going to ask you the question -- is Senator James Inhofe correct to say that President Obama is "gutting the U.S. military budget?"
In fact, he goes on to say disarming America.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓ARKEDIS: Obviously, the senator's words are pretty ridiculous. President Obama has proposed an increase, as the numbers you just rattled off suggested. And there's absolutely no hint any time in the future that America's military budget is going to be gutted or we're going to be incapable of fighting the wars that -- that we are in now and we will look to in the future -- or have to in the future.
SANCHEZ: And just to be clear, you're -- you're not a lefty, right?
You're not coming at this from oh, I'm a defender of Barack Obama or the Democrats' proposals here, right?
ARKEDIS: Well...
SANCHEZ: Your organization is?
ARKEDIS: We are the Progressive Policy Institute. So I'll let the -- the title speak for itself. But we are a centrist progressive organization.
The Progressive Policy Institute is clearly partisan and makes no effort to hide it. The organization's Web site notes:
Called "Bill Clinton's idea mill," PPI's policy analysis and proposals were the source for many of the "New Democrat" innovations that figured prominently in national politics over the past two decades. The Institute also has been integral to the spread of "Third Way" thinking to center-left parties in Europe and elsewhere.
PPI's mission is to define and promote a new progressive politics for America in the 21st century.
For those not paying any more attention to political discussion than Rick Sanchez, "progressive" is the term preferred by liberals who for obvious reasons don't wish to be identified as liberals.
PPI states it is "a project of the Third Way Foundation Inc." The foundation's chairman is Al From, founder and CEO of the Democratic Leadership Council.
To his credit, Arkedis didn't deny defending Democratic proposals. When asked about that, he began with "Well..." Sanchez cut in, not wishing to cloud his own claim that PPI is "in the middle."
It's down the middle about as much as you usually are, Rick. In the middle of left field.
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Comments Policy
ROFLMAO! Sanchez is sooo
April 9, 2009 - 20:03 ET by bigtimerROFLMAO!
Sanchez is sooo obvious it's comical anymore.
He did a report last night that I caught (a repeat no doubt when I watched it) that was along the same lines...I think if was MM or some affiliated group that he was talking to there on the same exact subject...and just about the same old talking points from Sanchez.
Hilarious he didn't want Arkedis to answer when it fit his agenda.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
I reject
April 9, 2009 - 20:22 ET by reelman46I reject the premise that secular socialism is in any way "progressive" to a country or a culture....so I never use the term.
Let's ALL use SECULAR SOCIALISM to accurately describe modern liberalism. Start now.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
I'd rather use the term...
April 9, 2009 - 21:33 ET by Tailgunner...'police state'.
That's what these 'socialist' governments always seem to turn into once they've nationalized the economy and disarmed the citizenry.
There's nothing but force and tyranny ahead of us.
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
Repeating Rick, bigtimer
April 9, 2009 - 20:38 ET by Mike BatesHe did a report last night that I caught (a repeat no doubt when I watched it). . .
He's in re-runs? Just like Mr. Ed. Only less politically astute.
Mike... ...Of
April 9, 2009 - 20:44 ET by bigtimerMike...
...Of course.
(Please tell me you got that? Pretty please?)
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Yes, bigtimer
April 9, 2009 - 20:47 ET by Mike BatesI got it. But only because you asked with pretty please.
Mike... :-)...it works
April 9, 2009 - 20:54 ET by bigtimerMike...
:-)...it works almost every time.
Besides that...we are showing our age...with pride I might add.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
showing our age
April 9, 2009 - 21:00 ET by Mike Bateswe are showing our age
Our age? You're most kind.
Thar's it Mike?
April 9, 2009 - 21:06 ET by cocodrieNo sugar on top? You're easy.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Easy, cocodrie
April 9, 2009 - 21:11 ET by Mike BatesYou're easy.
Well, maybe when I was younger. . .
LOL... Uh-Oh... Doubling
April 9, 2009 - 21:07 ET by bigtimerLOL...
Uh-Oh...
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Even though the budget did
April 9, 2009 - 20:05 ET by AcrosEven though the budget did go up from $512 billion to $534 billion the left says that it has increased the budget,but Gates cut $55 billion from projects in the works for years so instead of $534 billion the budget was $589 billion until the cuts......
Ah hell
April 9, 2009 - 20:14 ET by Joe CamelIt is only the defense of our country..like we defend anything anymore. You can run a whole country up our southern and norther borders..and with those whack jobs from the CBC, including my own Mr. Abortion lover, the Reverend Emanual Cleaver; Cuba will soon be in on the mix as well..How does one say we are screwed nicely??
Joe... You just
April 9, 2009 - 20:20 ET by bigtimerJoe...
You just did.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Joe
April 9, 2009 - 20:32 ET by Jack HermanI lived in KC when that idiot Cleaver was mayor. I always wanted to ask someone living there now; how did that clown ever get elected to Congress?
Sanchez's Show
April 9, 2009 - 20:20 ET by TexndocListen, anybody watching this tool's show is either a fan who agrees with his agenda - or a foe looking for laughs (or working for Newsbusters). His audience knows what's black and white. What, he thinks he shapes policy and public opinion? Remember, you can search this very site and have ample evidence this dunce thinks HE'S "middle of the road". Indeed, the fact that he's gone past left and into loony-left territory says to me he's very soon to be Shuster-d by his network if the numbers don't go up.
Translated into stark reality, that means Sanchez's middle...
April 9, 2009 - 20:26 ET by R D Helm...is running headlong down the left field foul line.
LOL-With any luck, it will fail to detect the warning track and slam head first into the wall.
We should be so lucky. :-)
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
head first, Dave
April 9, 2009 - 20:41 ET by Mike BatesWith any luck, it will fail to detect the warning track and slam head first into the wall.
Listening to him some days, it seems that already may have happened.
LOL-that would esplain a few things.
April 9, 2009 - 21:01 ET by R D HelmActually, that would esplain a lot of things. :-)
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
Sanchez, you honestly dishonor yourself and your race by your
April 9, 2009 - 20:40 ET by pahuberlies. Keep smirking. I love Mexico and its wonderful, hard working people, yet you continue dishonoring them with your lies. Please do not taint your people w/ your "climb to 'success'"
duplicate post
April 10, 2009 - 11:41 ET by Tailgunnerduplicate post
Why is Sanchez' race relevant to this issue?
April 10, 2009 - 11:39 ET by TailgunnerAnd why must his actions reflect on his 'people'?
In my experience, only liberals expect minorities to think and act as a group instead of individuals, some good, and some not so good.
Your post is unbelievably patronizing, borderline racist, and once again utterly arrogant.
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
TG you you did not respond to many of my questions posed to
April 10, 2009 - 12:51 ET by pahuberyou before. You could not site facts relating to your charges... in fact, you finished your last post to me with "click"... lol
"In my experience, only liberals expect minorities to think and act as a
group instead of individuals, some good, and some not so good."
Only liberals?
Anyway, my post was directed at the clown personally since they (liberals) seem to do what you say only liberals do, as far as "think and act as a group instead of individuals." While you are correct as far as your assessment of people judging others based on race I take issue with your personal application.
"Your post is unbelievably patronizing, borderline racist, and once again utterly arrogant. "
I disagree. While you are correct that I have adopted a bit of their tactics by mentioning race I was appealing directly to this individuals self respect as it reflects on his people & family name. His journalistic style impugns himself, as well as anyone else connected with it.
However, I myself, do not impugn his race for his style of propaganda & deceit. I greatly admire his race for their hard work & determination.
There you go again...
April 10, 2009 - 17:46 ET by Tailgunner...What in the hell does race have to do with anything in this story or these posts?
You are the only one here who's trying to tie Sanchez with race.
'I greatly admire his race for their hard work & determination.'
Do you mean 'his race' that's murdering judges and police and shooting at US Border Patrol agents over drugs and political power?
Or is it 'his race' who prey on US servicemen in sleazy border towns?
Or is it 'his race' that are invading our country by the millions, murdering our citizens, and soaking up our social services?
Or is it 'his race' who are in fact hard workers and devout Christians?
It should be obvious to everyone (but isn't, obviously) that there is no monolithic 'race' all having the same traits and qualities.
Only racists hold that opinion, whether for good or bad.
And yes, I planned to leave you in your ignorance, but this outrageous drivel is over the line.
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
tg ~ you are clearly entitled to your opinion.
April 10, 2009 - 18:04 ET by pahuberI wish you the best.
pahuber
The Progressive Policy
April 9, 2009 - 20:47 ET by TN MomThe Progressive Policy Institute is clearly partisan and makes no effort to hide it.
Everyone knows PPI is Liberal/Progressive! Sanchez is lying and everyone knows it.
Everyone knows
April 9, 2009 - 20:57 ET by Mike BatesSanchez is lying and everyone knows it.
My guess is a good percentage of his viewers don't. The uncommonly bright (with an exception or two) folks over here do though.
Sanchez peaked when he was
April 9, 2009 - 20:51 ET by d1carterSanchez peaked when he was hanging on a light pole covering some hurricane...
Rick's aiming to peak again
April 9, 2009 - 20:54 ET by Mike BatesHe's said that he's working on a book. I'm unsure if that means he's trying to write one or trying to read one.
Sanchez takes fibbing notes
April 9, 2009 - 20:59 ET by katainkentfrom the White House.
_____________________________________________________
Obama does not perform as advertised. I'd like a refund.
Taxed Enough Already.
Judging by his driving
April 9, 2009 - 20:59 ET by fitzfongJudging by his driving record, I don't think Rick Sanchez is fit to determine the center of a traffic lane, never mind the center of an ideological debate.
"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
And am I the only one here
April 9, 2009 - 21:08 ET by R D HelmAnd am I the only one here mildly troubled by the term "Democrat [Think] Tank?"
LOL-I mean, it sounds like something one might want to stay well away from, lest it were to explode with a highly destructive force.
After all, high concentrations of methane can be downright dangerous. :-^)
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
methane is dangerous
April 9, 2009 - 21:09 ET by Mike BatesAfter all, methane is dangerous.
Sounds like something that should be taxed.
Mike, they traced the
April 9, 2009 - 21:15 ET by cocodrieMike, they traced the Hindenburg disaster to the bean supper served while over the Atlantic the night before.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
the Hindenburg
April 9, 2009 - 21:28 ET by Mike BatesOh, the humanity!
→ Hindenberg theory
April 10, 2009 - 11:52 ET by Cool ArrowThey traced the origin to the boys bathroom and a BIC lighter.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Good evening Cool
April 10, 2009 - 11:58 ET by cocodrieThere was a news article sometime back about a man who lit up a smoke in an outhouse with disastrous results.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
disastrous results
April 10, 2009 - 12:27 ET by Mike BatesThere was a news article sometime back about a man who lit up a smoke in an outhouse with disastrous results.
Federal tax of over a dollar a pack is disastrous enough.
This may be the very first
April 9, 2009 - 22:02 ET by ConservativeRexThis may be the very first time Progressive has been described as "down the middle". Sanchez is a clown. But the thing is, the folks that think he is really a news source will believe this crap. And there is no way to get them to think otherwise.
Re Sanchez
April 9, 2009 - 23:54 ET by slickwillie2001Tonight Beck was on O'Reilly to discuss attacks on him by the liberal media by Sanchez and others. Beck reviewed Sanchez's drunk driving hit and run incident where he seriously injured someone who later died. O'Reilly looked very uncomfortable.
uncomfortable O'Reilly
April 10, 2009 - 10:40 ET by Mike BatesO'Reilly looked very uncomfortable.
But I noticed Beck didn't identify Rick Sanchez by either name or network. O'Reilly mentioned he's on CNN.
→ Tru dat, Bates
April 10, 2009 - 10:54 ET by Cool ArrowI think they've both enlisted in this fight.
If you caught Cavuto's monologue yesterday, he pointed out the agenda of the left leaning MSM in its decision to ignore the Tea Parties. He pointed out that FOX covered other Marches, Million Man in particular, that did not have universal American support, and wondered aloud what was the difference.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
What's the diff, Cool
April 10, 2009 - 11:12 ET by Mike BatesHe pointed out that FOX covered other Marches, Million Man in particular, that did not have universal American support, and wondered aloud what was the difference.
I dunno, Cool. I was busy that weekend. Did the MMM offer Calypso music?
→ I think so
April 10, 2009 - 11:20 ET by Cool ArrowLots of Ganja and Oil Drum beating.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Next to Sarah Brightman
April 10, 2009 - 11:31 ET by Mike BatesLots of Ganja and Oil Drum beating.
My second favorite type of music.
TED BAXTER ALERT!!
April 10, 2009 - 04:29 ET by SgthulkaAn hispanic Ted Baxter with a drinking problem.
Oh yea, and he likes to drive when he's loaded.
Bias here can be measured
April 10, 2009 - 10:00 ET by slickwillie2001You know staff, the labeling of conservative think tanks and the avoidance of labeling for liberal think tanks is an obvious point of bias in the old media, just as much as the labeling of indicted politicians is. Bias is hard to demonstrate statistically, but like the latter case, labeling of think tanks is open to statistical analysis. Anything but hard number measurements will be brushed off by the old media.