Ann Coulter and James Carville went head-to-head on Good Morning America this morning. Incredibly, James Carville survived.
At least, it sounds incredible until you read the transcript. A total of nine questions were asked of the two pundits, seven of which went to Coulter. Carville, on the other hand, was simply allowed to respond to Coulter without questioning - an unfiltered rebuttal, with free airtime provided by ABC.
This, however, was not the most egregious point of controversy. Carville was allowed, with no challenge from the host, to provide ad-hominem attacks against conservatives – as well as irrelevant, non-sequitur praise for Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The transcript speaks for itself:
SAWYER: Let me ask about that, Ann, because the qualifications, when you read them are so impressive. She was summa cum laude, as James said, at Princeton. She was on the Yale Law Review.COULTER: Yes. She does have a very impressive background. Academic background. The un-personal background. But as James just alluded to, so did Clarence Thomas. That didn't impress the Democrats. I think it's especially audacious for Democrats to be touting, isn't this wonderful, the first Hispanic nominee to the Supreme Court. Miguel Estrada had a pretty impressive background. He came here as a teenager from Honduras, not speaking English. Graduated from law school. And the Democrats specifically blocked him. And likely headed to the Supreme Court. So, I'm not really interested in hearing the enthusiasm for a Hispanic now after blocking Miguel Estrada, who also has an inspiring story.
CARVILLE: We can only aspire to reach Alberto Gonzales standard, but we will try. I mean, with that kind of competence –
COULTER: I didn’t mention Alberto Gonzales. I mentioned Miguel Estrada.
CARVILLE: I mentioned Alberto Gonzales.
COULTER: He had nothing to do with the Supreme Court.
Indeed. Alberto Gonzales was not, to the best of the information available, being groomed for a Supreme Court nomination. But Miguel Estrada was. Not only is this a neck-snapping non-sequitur (in that it is so completely unrelated to the subject at hand), it is an ad-hominem attack on Miguel Estrada. Guilt by association, one would presume, is nonsense up with which Democrats would not put. Moving on:
SAWYER: Let's – I want to go back and pick up on what you said before. Not leave it before we leave this topic. Ann, you said it is racist what she said?COULTER: I was quoting Stuart Taylor, not a conservative, writing in "The National Journal.” Yes, certainly saying that someone would decide a case differently, better, in fact, because she is a Latina, rather than a white male. I mean, that statement is, by definition, racist. I'm not saying she's a racist. But the statement sure is.
Here, we have a host who is shocked – shocked, I say – to find that Ann Coulter would accuse the recent Supreme Court nominee of saying racist things. Coulter correctly points out that she was quoting a liberal writer. A word of caution to Coulter: Despite being undeniably correct, that defense hasn’t seemed to work for Rush Limbaugh so far. Next, Carville chimes in with:
CARVILLE: I think she was trying to say, and I think many people do, and I think the President – You know, I have to tell you, as a Democrat – I was just, I was taken aback. I was choking up to see an African-American President of the United States, first Hispanic woman to the Supreme Court. It was quite a moment, I was touched by it. I got to say.
That, by the way, was completely unabridged. He transitioned – and I use the word loosely – the line of discussion from ‘Ann Coulter is a racist,’ to ‘hey look, a Hispanic woman!’ A yo-yo doesn’t change direction that quickly. And of course, this non-sequitur is met with skepticism from the host, right?
SAWYER: Were you moved by the Hispanic breakthrough, Ann?
Apparently not. Coulter gamely keeps up with the intellectual swerving:
COULTER: Why aren't Democrats – why aren't they choking up over Clarence Thomas or Miguel Estrada? Come on. Why are we only supposed to weep only when it's a liberal Hispanic or a liberal black?
Later, finishing up the interview, Sawyer throws a final question to Coulter:
SAWYER: Quick summary question this morning on the politics. Ann, do you think there will be a filibuster among Republicans? Should there be?COULTER: I think there should be. I think they ought to follow the lead of the President of the United States. President Obama voted against Justice John Roberts, Justice Sam Alito. And he specifically rejected the idea that had been put forward in the past by Orrin Hatch saying, look, the President is the President. He should judge judicial nominees on character judgments. And Obama said, no. I reject that. I'm going to look at how he decides cases. So I think Republicans should follow the President
SAWYER: Will she pass?
COULTER: Who knows? I would not have thought that the Senate would vote 90-3, not to shut down Guantanamo. So, who knows? Public opinion can change things.
Final score: Coulter 1, Liberal Media 0, despite Coulter being outnumbered two-to-one.



















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CARVILLE: We can only
May 27, 2009 - 17:43 ET by motherbeltCARVILLE: We can only aspire to reach Alberto Gonzales standard, but we will try. I mean, with that kind of competence –
COULTER: I didn’t mention Alberto Gonzales. I mentioned Miguel Estrada.
CARVILLE: I mentioned Alberto Gonzales.
COULTER: He had nothing to do with the Supreme Court.
I can't think of anyone else who would come back that fast and strongly to Carville. Carville was trying to derail the conversation and she wouldn't let him.
Oh, wait, Laura Ingraham did that to a woman when she subbed for O'Reilly. The lady threw in some comment like "and probably you too" and tried to go on, and Ingraham jumped her like a pit bull and wouldn't let her get away until she cleared that up.
Looks like the ladies have all the cojones on the conservative side. They guys should ask them where to go to get a set.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
→ mb
May 27, 2009 - 17:55 ET by Cool ArrowThat was Carville's way of saying; "Well, Estrada - Gonzales - Garcia . . . they all sound the same"
Bet your booties a Conservative wouldn't slide on that one.
Isn't Diane Sawyer just the berries as far as a moderator
May 27, 2009 - 20:06 ET by Cape Conservativegoes?!?! It was just one more case of 2 or 3 or 4 liberals against 1 conservative! And they still lose bigtime! (but will never admit it ;-)
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise known as a RWRE!! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
How else is a DA redneck supposed to survive w/o ridicule in
May 28, 2009 - 01:34 ET by pahuberthis world w/o being liberal?
As a Republican James Carville would be eaten alive.
As a Democrat he can continue to make asinine statements.
Looks like the ladies have
May 28, 2009 - 08:55 ET by Mr.BohLooks like the ladies have all the cojones on the conservative side. They guys should ask them where to go to get a set.
Totaly agree Motherbelt.
I'm waiting for Palin to jump back in and show some of these GOP ninnies how it's done.
Carville is an ass. His front porch, downhome, Southern drawl has enchanted the Dems into believing he has some kind of wisdom.
Coulter 1, Liberal Media 0
May 27, 2009 - 17:52 ET by Sergeant ROCKHa! Ha! Ha! Stupid Sawyer.. Carville. No wonder they hate Ann so much.
"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
If one hasn't seen the clip its shows what a stumble bum Viper
May 27, 2009 - 18:08 ET by upcountrywaterhead is.. Clip of Ann whacking a bunch of liberals
Reagan VS Carter and 0bama
Hey ucw... Thanks for the
May 27, 2009 - 18:37 ET by bigtimerHey ucw...
Thanks for the whole clip...I saw the shorter version on another thread and commented...just got done watching this one.
As always, I love Ann's quick wit, Carville couldn't hold a candle to her if he tried.
Nice to know Carville also got all tingly just like Geraldo with O and Sotomayor standing side by side....gawd these talking points get old.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Yea bt, the viper head was really SLOWWW today LOLOLOL
May 27, 2009 - 19:21 ET by upcountrywaterReagan VS Carter and 0bama
That is HILARIOUS!
May 28, 2009 - 07:42 ET by HockeyKidThat is HILARIOUS! Especially Cueball's attempt to wrap it up at the end: "Dirka dirka LIMBAUGH dirka dirka dirka COULTER dirka LIMBAUGH AND COULTER dirka..."
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Gotta love Coulter
May 27, 2009 - 18:17 ET by Kat Outta the BagWhile I usually agree with what she says, I don't always agree with how she says it. One thing is for certain, though...if you get into a battle of wits with that woman, there won't be anything left of you to bury.
Classic Coulter. Smart,
May 27, 2009 - 18:32 ET by metaphorsbwithuClassic Coulter. Smart, quick on her feet, funny, able either to transition or avoid being distracted, on the mark every time despite being in the liberal crosshairs. No wonder the left-wingers detest her so much.
metaphorsbwithu
Does anyone else think...
May 27, 2009 - 19:14 ET by jdlybrand...Carville arrives in a chauffer driven UFO? I swear I saw him in the "Star Wars" bar scene. Playing some type of flute or piccolo. No make up was needed.
Ann Coulter leaves NO doubt that she is a woman to be
May 27, 2009 - 19:53 ET by Cape Conservativereckoned with...and she 'takes no prisoners' - I love it!
James should just go back to Georgie Porgie and Rahmie to figure out how to deal with this dynamo - I guess their conference call this morning didn't do the trick ;-)
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise known as a RWRE!! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
Ann Coulter!
May 28, 2009 - 11:36 ET by GeneralAlAnn is Beautiful, Intelligent, Quick Witted and loaded with talented personality! She beats these loser liberal loons at every turn! I suppose the Huff and Puff Post and Dainty Kos will have to attack her personally! They'll probably dig into the cess pool to accomplish this, but what would you expect from a bunch of intellectual brain stems!
Cajun barbeque is way out of line
May 27, 2009 - 21:43 ET by cocodrieThis clearly calls for deep fried cajun turkey..
Run him down to Port Sulphur and they'll show you how it's done.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
→ coco
May 27, 2009 - 21:47 ET by Cool ArrowI was hoping you, with your Louisiana life experiences, would weigh in on the "cajun barbecue" headline.
lol
Cool
May 27, 2009 - 21:55 ET by general companyShe dont have to go all the way down to Port Sulphur, she can come to Tickfaw instead. Ha
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Good evening General
May 27, 2009 - 22:01 ET by cocodrieYou could probably do it better there since you are personally motivated.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Yea,
May 27, 2009 - 22:08 ET by general companyMotivated is right. : ]
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Good evening Cool
May 27, 2009 - 21:58 ET by cocodrieAnd on the way here, stuff the northern end of that southbound turkey chock full of cayenne.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
→ but coco
May 27, 2009 - 22:02 ET by Cool ArrowBut when we touched the powder off the gator lost his mind
Fired our guns and the British kept a coming.
Sorry, I got caught up in the Battle of New Orleans for a second there.
Suddenly
May 27, 2009 - 22:14 ET by general companyThanksgiving cant get here soon enough. Ever smell anything better then a frying turkey? Wonder what Carvill smelled like after Ann fried him?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
general
May 27, 2009 - 22:23 ET by cocodrieYou would be well advised to stand upwind. A word to the wise should be sufficient.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Thats why I only wonder?
May 27, 2009 - 23:13 ET by general companyHope you folks are doing well on the southshore.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
You have a point...
May 27, 2009 - 22:24 ET by dronetekWe cant forget about Liz Cheney. Hey, I'm all for te more backboned woman of our party to step up and lead.
→ Me too dronetek
May 27, 2009 - 22:29 ET by Cool ArrowBachmann, Blackburn, Palin, Cheney.
If this is the party of old white men, why are we looking to the women for good sense?
Mike Sargent - I don't understand what you mean when you write
May 28, 2009 - 01:29 ET by Rush Fan"Despite being undeniably correct, that defense hasn’t seemed to work for Rush Limbaugh so far."
What defense? Work with whom--liberals and the drive-by media?
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“Understand something about liberalism. They never stop until they get what they want, and when they get what they want, it's never enough. That's why it's a constant thing to have to oppose them. You can't join forces with them, you can't moderate them, you can't slow them down by joining them, you can't make them like you and have them change their agenda. They have to be stopped.” ~ Rush Limbaugh
that Coulter would come out
May 28, 2009 - 09:13 ET by pgrossjrthat Coulter would come out ahead on this is no surprise, she is world class when it comes to reparte. Those two clowns had no chance. And given the Thomas and Estrada escapades, this topic drips with hypocrisy that is easily thrown back in the faces of the Sotomayor fans.
X
May 28, 2009 - 14:38 ET by serfer62We have Palin, Coulter, Cheney etc. When it it happen that the GOP women have more balls and brains then all of DC GOP?
serfer I think that is a fait accompli (sp) ;-)
May 31, 2009 - 19:25 ET by Cape ConservativeThis comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise known as a RWRE!! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
Are they getting nastier in
May 28, 2009 - 23:54 ET by RR GOPAre they getting nastier in some kind of weird inverse relationship dependent on how their Socialist agenda is going down the tubes, screwing up the country, emboldening our enemies, and a truly lackluster performance by our Acorn in Chief bolstered only by his and his sycophants' bull$hit and bluster?
Rather like whistling in the dark.
They have no real plans. Everything they try just leads to more problems. They have no answers to real world problems. But, they just go on and on as if by being nasty and repeating the talking points then everything will be just fine.
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!?).