CNN's Soledad O'Brien Can't Take Having Liberal Preconceptions Questioned
CNN’s Soledad O’Brien isn’t used to criticism. In the world of media elites, she’s a beloved figure and an award-winning news anchor. But last week, she revealed her true, decidedly non-neutral colors. And she’s not happy about the hoi polloi questioning her hallowed journalistic objectivity.
Last Thursday, O’Brien interviewed Joel Pollak, editor-in-chief of the late Andrew Breitbart’s online empire. Breitbart’s BigGovernment.com released a 1991 video of Barack Obama (then a 30-year-old law student) at a Harvard rally embracing radical racialist Derrick Bell and his push for more aggressive race-based hiring at Harvard. Bell is a proponent of critical race theory (CRT), which posits that America remains a hopelessly racist country dominated by Jews and white supremacists.
O’Brien lost her cool when Pollak shed light on Bell’s fringe legal theories. Acting more like an Obama campaign surrogate than a disinterested host, she angrily jumped on Pollak’s mention of CRT. “That is a complete misreading of critical race theory,” she shrieked. “That’s an actual theory. You could Google it and some would give you a good definition. So that’s not correct!”
When viewers took to Twitter to pepper O’Brien with follow-up questions about critical race theory, the CNN star had a twit fit. She invited a liberal professor, Emory University’s Dorothy Brown, on her television show to back her up and then lashed out: “See? That was our critical race theory 101. Stop tweeting me. We have moved on, people.”
Not so fast, sister.
Turns out that O’Brien, a Harvard grad, has a rather emotional connection to Bell. As documented at my new Twitter curation/aggregation site Twitchy.com, O’Brien tweeted that it was a “rough day” for her when Bell passed away last fall. She wrote that she had “just started re-reading” one of his books and mourned again: “RIP Prof. Bell.” O’Brien also shared tributes to Bell from fellow Harvard prof and friend of Obama Charles Ogletree. That’s the same Professor Ogletree who bragged that he “hid” the Obama/Bell video during the 2008 campaign.
O’Brien failed to disclose her pro-Bell bias to viewers before her segments.
O’Brien also failed to disclose that the liberal prof who denied on her show that critical race theory had aaaaaanything to do with bashing America as a white supremacy-ruled government actually wrote the exact opposite. In one of her own books, Brown asserted that the purpose of CRT was to “highlight the ways in which the law is not neutral and objective, but designed to support White supremacy and the subordination of people of color.” Oops.
O’Brien is entitled to her opinions, of course. The problem is that she masks her political activism under the banner of corporate media “diversity.” Of multicultural heritage, O’Brien has won countless accolades for her “Black in America” and “Latino in America” documentaries for CNN. The medical school at historically black Morehouse College created the “Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award” to honor “outstanding catalysts of social change.” The first recipient of the activist award? Soledad O’Brien, of course.
O’Brien is also a card-carrying member of two racial/ethnic-centered journalism lobbying groups: the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. These organizations are inherently politicized entities that enforce a skin color-deep ideological solidarity and push a social justice agenda of advocacy journalism. I know because I’ve fought their collective herd mentality for the past 20 years.
Liberal minority journalists have themselves acknowledged their slavish fealty to Obama and his progressive agenda. During the 2008 campaign, the NABJ, NAHJ and Asian American Journalists Association held a “journalists of color” confab where then-candidate Obama was welcomed with Justin Bieber-style mania. One journalist squealed, “He touched me!” after Obama’s address, which was interrupted multiple times with standing ovations, cheers and whistles by the press.
Organizers were so concerned about public displays of Obamedia affection that they issued several warnings to their news professional members that the speech would be broadcast live on (Soledad O’Brien’s) CNN. “Professional decorum” was encouraged. One wire story even fretted: “Can minority journalists resist applauding Obama?”
Nope, liberal minority journalists simply can’t resist carrying water for Obama. That’s because their journalistic unity demands political unanimity. If you don’t accept the left-leaning agenda of “social change” journalism, you’re enabling racism. If you don’t support the pursuit of racial hiring goals as a primary journalistic and academic goal, you’re selling out.
Now you know the reason for O’Brien’s thin-skinned reaction to Obama’s critics. When you vet the president, you vet the media. And they don’t like the narrative table-turning one bit.
Michelle Malkin is the author of “Culture of Corruption: Obama and his Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks & Cronies” (Regnery 2010). Her e-mail address is malkinblog@gmail.com.
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Comments
O'Brien
Submitted by driguana on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 9:21am.
O'Brien is not a news caster/reporter....she is a shill for Obama....period. For that matter, so is CNN. In that regard, she has proven to be not very intelligent.
And she's
Submitted by misterbee241 on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:07am.
not even pretty. She could never get hired by Fox.
Soledad
Submitted by Jersey Girl on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 9:23am.
Soledad and Rick Sanchez ~ Perfect together.
I can see them together on
Submitted by celator on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 9:25am.
I can see them together on Dancing With The Stars.
Now there's a combination
Submitted by CO2Maker on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 5:02pm.
Solenoid O'Brien (turn the current on and watch her go magnetic) and Run Down Ricky "Galapagos Five-O" Sanchez.
sigh
That was one of the most
Submitted by forest on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 9:31am.
That was one of the most pathetic displays I've seen from a "journalist". It's not so much the lack of knowledge or ever the flagrant bias. That stuff is common. It's the way she completely lost her composure in the exchange with Pollack. It was just pitiful.
I wish all the progressive fake journalists were that easy to take down.
I want them to lose their composure
Submitted by Galvanic on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:11am.
It exposes their bias even to those who are still uncertain about MSM bias.
O'Brien's argument with Pollak insisting more than once that he was wrong is a great example.
When O'Brien spouts off like a sophmore poly-sci major, the shallowness and lack of objectivity is revealed. And once it's on the air, it's on the record, and MRC/NB has it.
Yeah, I loved it. For a
Submitted by forest on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:18am.
Yeah, I loved it. For a moment there I thought she was about to shout "I hate you Mom!" and slam her bedroom door.
I agree - it's great when they lose their composure
Submitted by NC Boy on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:23am.
CNN viewers (those that remain) got a real glimpse of the "man behind the curtain." She thought she was going to blow that young whippersnapper out of the water and couldn't take it when he gave much better than he got.
One of the people on the panel referred to "what's left of the Breitbart" organization during that clip. Yeah, buddy, I think you are going to be hearing A LOT from those "has beens".
And the other guy on the
Submitted by forest on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:27am.
And the other guy on the panel wasn't any better. Sputtering "as a white guy...as a white guy" about six times. We can see you, dude. You're on television.
And "as a white guy", Derrick Bell hated you. How's that?
Making it even more delicious
Submitted by NC Boy on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:40am.
Joel Pollak's wife is black. Give it up liberals!
And they BOTH
Submitted by chiefpayne on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 2:19pm.
And they BOTH marched for equal rights for blacks in South Africa, from what I understand!!!
Gotta LOVE it when someone is trying to say a man like that has a problem with blacks!
LOL
Notice the pattern?
Submitted by Galvanic on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 5:15pm.
When it became apparent that O'Brien had been humiliated and was losing control, that other white guy -- Jay Thomas -- quickly intervened to change the subject and infer that perhaps Pollak would be satisfied if Obama went easy on white supremicist groups.
This sophomoric verbal jiu-jitsu is standard Race Card play, and right out of the Alinsky book. "Don't let your enemy define you (In this case, O'Brien as idiot), define your enemy (Pollak as white racist)." Being smart than Thomas, intellectual Pollak didn't fall into the trap.
The graft of exclusion
Submitted by David Kramer on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 9:51am.
has become an art form for the leftists. See, they have to continue to be able to vilify those that do not follow their collectivist beliefs, so they use standards in their journolism to foment a narrative. Never call out any of the vile actions of their protected classes, but do so vehemently those few from their "enemies", the individualists.
Classical liberalism is about the protection of inherent right of the individual, where as the "liberalism" or "progressivism" or "Marxism" is the control of the collective, no protection whatsoever. They use terms like "human rights" to change the narrative of true inherent rights. Human rights usually stem from privileges that come from the stealing of inherent rights, to give to those within the collective. Collectivists throughout history have done atrocious acts to supposedly provide human rights to their collective.
It is all done by the manipulation of the narrative. There should be no Mexican-Americans. There should be no African-Americans. There should be no White-Americans. There should be no Asian-Americans.
There should only be Americans and the true rule of law, where no one is protected any differently based upon the color of their skin or their ethnicity. The Golden Rule is the base for just law. To attempt to criminalize, penalize or promote based on anything but ones character or actions, is willful tyranny.
Watching Soledad implode on Joel Pollock was better than sex.
Submitted by KyWriter on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:23am.
Her subsequent gyrations, writhing and moaning in defense of her performance have just enhanced the experience for me. Ahhh. Anyone got a cigarette?
Dude, you need to get out
Submitted by ex buff e-dub on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:08am.
Dude, you need to get out more. There's a law student from Georgetown who might be of interest...
Naah, given her record of contraceptive usage...
Submitted by KyWriter on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:25am.
...I'm afraid I would develop performance anxiety.
Hollow weenies
Submitted by Pilgrim1949 on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:23am.
Typical "sensitive" leftist narcissistic response.
Ultra-thin-skin, empty/hollow interior, and whenever someone knocks on its exterior it makes lots of loud noise.
"Ye canne change the laws of physics....." but some politicians believe that with the right legislation you can pretend they don't really apply to your own pet projects...
Soledad O'Brien was
Submitted by motherbelt on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:26am.
Soledad O'Brien was well-suited to MTV.
Maybe when they get "all serious" about the election later this year, she can go back.
Lefties can dish it out,
Submitted by fscarn on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:29am.
But can't take it when it's dished back at them.
This was the balls and genius of Breitbart who was fearless in doing just that.
The Soledad (who gives a child that kind of name anyway) shows herself as not ready for prime time, not ready to play the sort of game required in the playoffs. None of these liberals are. They so used to controlling the narrative that they believe that there isn't even another side.
Bill Whittle dissects it nicely, including info on the Frankfurt School aimed at destroying our culture,
http://tundratabloids.com/2012/03/critical-race-theory-peeling-the-layer...
Soledad OBrien
Submitted by misterbee241 on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:33am.
That name cracks me up. Reminds of of a character out of an old "B" Western - Chito Rafferty.
Restaurant Chain
Submitted by Joe W. on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 4:45pm.
Or a new chain of restaurants a la "Carlos Murphy's".......
Her name ...
Submitted by CO2Maker on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 5:07pm.
I think it's a combination of ciudad (city) and solenoid (annoying individual with a magnet).
BTW, anyone notice that she vaguely resembles Katie Curic?
racism
Submitted by sngnsgt on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:48am.
Racist bigot - plain and simple.
About Time, Soledad
Submitted by rammingspeed on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:50am.
Soledad was basically called out - actually, she called herself out with her shocking hissy fit over someone challenging a dictator (Bell) of her core beliefs. The thin veneer of faux objectivity was shredded in a split instant. It was shocking, but not surprising. This woman is a phony "journalist," and is nothing more than an extreme left wing propagandist.
Here's the deal, Soledad: The Internet and now Twitter and Facebook have provided here-to-fore disinformed people access to the truth. And you got zinged, but good. Bet it's still smarting. You deserve it, you shrieking fraud.
Every time I read a story about Soledad...
Submitted by almostacowboy on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:54am.
it reminds me of the girl in the Waitress's song, "I Know What Boys Want" who sings:
I got my cat moves
That so upset them
Zippers and buttons
Fun to frustrate them
They get so angry
Like pouty children
Denied their candy
I laugh right at them
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
Boys like, boys like me
Nah nah nah nah nah,
nah nah nah nah nah
I see your sad now (I will let you)
Sorry I teased you (I will let you)
This time I mean it (I will let you)
Anything you want (You can trust me)
I really want to (You can trust me)
How would you like it? (You can trust me)
SUCKER! hmhmhm
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
Boys like, boys like me
Nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah,
nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah,
nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah
Wow, that's a blast from the
Submitted by Schofield Kid on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 2:46pm.
Wow, that's a blast from the past, talk about your one-hit wonders! I remember that from like the mid-80's and was only played on one radio station in LA (KROQ).
Good One, forest
Submitted by rammingspeed on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:52am.
To forest:
Best zinger (Bell hated the "white guy" defending him on the O'Brien show) I've seen in a long time.
Soledad was correct when
Submitted by Snappy on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 10:58am.
Soledad was correct when trying to explain CRT to Joel, to a point.... however, her explanation stopped short of an actual "theory". I believe she said it was the study of the intersection of race, politics and the law. What she didn't say however was what the theory posits. Which of course is really the meat of the whole conversation. She really has shown her ignorance here, to use another popular theory, it would be like explaining the theory of evolution to be merely the study of how man came to be the ruling intelligent force on the earth, and leaving it at that. If you were not aware of what the evolutionary theory was, how would the above statement inform you? It doesn't, and she shows either a woeful lack of knowledge on the subject of CRT or a blatant disregard for the facts and willful shilling for the left.
Snappy
Submitted by Tugboat Phil on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:43am.
Go to the Wikipedia page for CRT and then play the video. When she starts her "explanation" it's as though her producer is reading that text right to her....which is probably how it happened.
She has no idea what she's talking about most of the time. This episode proves that most media types can dish it, but can't take it. She experienced a fraction of what Sarah Palin got served every day of the campaign, yet there is no "melt down" footage of her.
Look at what the candidates this year have taken, as each became the "frontrunner." While there may be some word flubs and stupid quotes, there's no melt down. O'Brien was spastic. Imagine how Baraka Soetoro would react if he were dealt a tiny bit of the same criticism.
I agree with you and am quite
Submitted by Snappy on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 11:55am.
I agree with you and am quite sure it was read right into her ear... she obviously knew nothing about what she was talking about and her subsequent guest interviews had actual authors of CRT contradicting their own writings. I was merely pointing out that in her definition she actually stopped short of actually defining anything. Instead exposing (once again) her obvious bias and over the top shilling for the administration, all objectivity and journalistic ethics were checked at the door quite a while ago.
Thanks, Michelle
Submitted by nolefan2 on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 12:11pm.
for exposing Ms. O'Brien for what she really is. I can't stand to watch her so I missed this, but I can picture in my mind the look on her face when she got her panties in a twist over this interview.
Let's sum it up.......
Submitted by Herbster on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 1:16pm.
.......another useful idiot parroting the (Black liberation) party line.
Eugenics is an "actual" theory too, Soledad
Submitted by CobraMan on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 2:13pm.
"That’s an actual theory."
So is Eugenics, but how many people actually accept it?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus. The US Supreme Court
Or Anwar al-Awlaki.
She might as well have said...
Submitted by diskinetic on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 3:07pm.
"That's an actual string of words. In English!"
Eugenics
Submitted by Tugboat Phil on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 4:27pm.
I'm pretty sure that's a Plank in the DNC Platform.
Sole-dope O'Brien: A Racist Twit's Twitter Tribulations
Submitted by Motormouth KOS on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 4:25pm.
What a shock.
Sole-dope has a bias and she will neither set it aside and debate objectively, or admit it.
That makes her more fit for MSLSD than for CNN. I am amused at the alleged love affair between the general public and this shallow, bi-racial twit.
While I can understand that she might have a different perspective, and I might even respect that if she copped to it and could then be fair about the debate, I can't forgive her utter dishonesty.
She's a chubby little clown who stamps her feet when she can't control the narrative and shill for Barry and be viewed as some icon.
The Obamination... A crisis leading to a catastrophe..(please donate to MRC)
Soledad
Submitted by djwolf12 on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 5:48pm.
All of this whining she does about people daring to criticize her makes me want to flood her twitter page even more!!!!! Keep it up, everyone! Make her be the first news anchor to have a mental breakdown since Keith Olbermann!!!!!
You nailed it, Michelle
Submitted by SaguaroJack on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 5:48pm.
"Skin-color deep" precisely expresses the problem with just about anything liberal -- it's all so shallow, so superficial, so simple-minded. Contrary to what they would have us believe, they are NOT the Party of nuanced argument.
No wonder liberals go in for silly slogans, shout-downs and name-calling -- it's the best they can do.
Another Greatest Miss from Soledad's past...
Submitted by seen the light on Wed, 03/14/2012 - 8:22pm.
was the Duke Lacrosse case. She went down to North Carolina to interview the false accuser Crystal Gail Mangum, but for some reason, didn't air the footage. Gee....I wonder why that could be? Maybe because she found out the woman was LYING and the "White Boys" were innocent? She set a precedent the story was important to report on by spending CNN's resources going down there. It was, after all, one of the biggest stories of that last decade.
What did she do? Pass on a moment to actually have some healing in society because the outcome wasn't to her liking, as she knew (and it was apparent to everyone) that the woman was lying. Soledad is really brainwashed by lefty racism and she really does have an agenda.
Read about it here. Particular highlight:
Mangum reveals in her book that CNN’s Soledad O’Brien came to North Carolina this past January and interviewed her for four hours, but CNN never aired the footage. CNN has not returned her calls or explained why the interview did not air, Mangum said.
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/3790668/