"What’s worse than the liberal media’s sycophantic coverage of President Barack Obama? ABC’s George Stephanopoulos actively helping design and deliver the Administration’s strategy and message - which he is then charged with reporting."
That was MRC President and NewsBusters Publisher Brent Bozell's reaction to Tuesday's report by Politico that the "This Week" anchor has daily strategy and message chats with former Clinton administration alumni: Rahm Emanuel -- Obama's White House chief of staff -- and CNN pundits Paul Begala and James Carville.
“For Stephanopoulos, the line between journalist and liberal strategist would be completely obliterated were it not for the fact that it apparently never existed at all. He didn’t fail in his attempt at transformation from liberal operative to journalist – he never made the effort," Bozell concluded.
The full press release exists after the jump.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓ALEXANDRIA, VA – Tuesday’s Politico broke the news that ABC News's Chief Washington Correspondent and the host of ABC's Sunday morning news show This Week George Stephanopoulos has daily phone discussions with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel during which he helps formulate and shape the thoughts of and messaging for Emmanuel and the Barack Obama Administration. And that he has had these conversations with Emanuel throughout his tenure at ABC.
CNN liberal pundits Paul Begala and James Carville also participate in the daily round robin telephonic strategy sessions. In the article, Begala said he often can’t remember the originator of any particular insight, and is quoted as saying “We talk so much — was this my idea that James changed, or was this George’s observation that Rahm tweaked?”
Stephanopoulos first joined ABC News as an analyst in 1997. He was serving as a fill-in anchor by 2001 and became host of This Week in September of 2002. When named to what would seem to be an unrealistic post for him in June of that year, Stephanopoulos asserted “If I were biased, I don’t believe I would have gotten the job.”
Emanuel was elected a Democratic Congressman from Illinois in November 2002. As head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee he helped the Party retake control of the House in 2006.
And Emanuel accomplished all of it with the daily assistance of ABC News’s Stephanopoulos. And he continues to receive Stephanopoulos’ help in his new role as President Obama’s Chief of Staff.
Brent Bozell:
“What’s worse than the liberal media’s sycophantic coverage of President Barack Obama? ABC’s George Stephanopoulos actively helping design and deliver the Administration’s strategy and message - which he is then charged with reporting.
“Will Stephanopoulos be critical of the White House’s plans when he spends every morning helping to craft them? Not likely. He must from this point forward recuse himself from any reporting involving the Obama Administration.
“For Stephanopoulos, the line between journalist and liberal strategist would be completely obliterated were it not for the fact that it apparently never existed at all. He didn’t fail in his attempt at transformation from liberal operative to journalist – he never made the effort.”
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Amen, Mr. Bozell! In the
January 29, 2009 - 15:03 ET by motherbeltAmen, Mr. Bozell!
In the thread earlier today I said that Stephanopoulos was the worst offender of the three. For the Head Washington Correspondent of ABC News to be chatting every day with the White House Chief of Staff is simply mind-boggling!!
As for any attempted claim that nothing goes on other than chit-chat, Emanuel has already made that a non-starter by saying (as he was quoted for the Politico piece):
The calls “are about what’s happening, what the implications are of what’s happening and what’s going on,” (emphasis added)
Does this mean Obama's win is tainted?
January 29, 2009 - 15:05 ET by AgentAmericanWould there be a new election? Call GWB back for interim?
The media cheated...plain and simple.
2010: A GOP Hill
No surprise here
January 29, 2009 - 15:06 ET by bigtimerNo surprise here whatsoever.
Zilch.
Honest msm journalism died long ago....especially since the Clintoon team came to be....has been made into nothing but a full complete political arm for the dem party...thank you Hill, Soros and all of their team, and there are a lot in that team.
Stephie isn't going to recuse himself....not about to, most likely when hell freezes over.
There is nothing we can do about any of this that I know of.
Howie Kurtz is going to have a field day with this...
January 29, 2009 - 15:20 ET by krendlerOn the other hand, as Chris Matthews explicitly admitted (eventually), it IS the MSM's job to help Obama be successful, just as it was their job to help get him elected.
What previously was simply "painfully obvious to anyone with a shred of objectivity" is now completely, apologetically out in the open.
kren... Bingo! You put
January 29, 2009 - 15:35 ET by bigtimerkren...
Bingo!
You put it the best as far as I am concerned with your last paragraph.
Perhaps a boycott of ABC
January 29, 2009 - 15:21 ET byPerhaps a boycott of ABC News is in order? Why doesn't someone get a few Republican senators on the phone and ask them why they would spend their time on ABC when this is the result?
Stephanopoulosworks for
January 29, 2009 - 16:52 ET by kgStephanopoulos works for Obama and ABC pays his salary to do so as well as allowing him air time for daily briefings.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Hitlers' people---
January 29, 2009 - 15:48 ET by misterbillHitlers' people--- -- commanded the media too. There was no more factual reporting, only stories that glorified the leader and denigrated the opposition.
Sound familiar????
Well, when Obama invades
January 29, 2009 - 18:54 ET by JasonCWell, when Obama invades Poland and starts building concentration camps I'll come back and congratulate you on your foresight.
Ahh
January 29, 2009 - 19:12 ET by general companyBut maybe you wont, he locked up and murdered many of his countryman too. But Hhmm, he was Austrian though? Wasnt he,,, And Obama, is from where? This is too spooky : ]
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
JasonC, by that point, it will be too late.
January 29, 2009 - 20:42 ET by R D HelmIf the fact that the federal government under PrezBo is now working to silence the dissent expressed by a private citizen (Rush Limbaugh) doesn't have you shaking in your shoes by now, then you deserve exactly the kind of country that you will end up living in.
Think of your children.
Consider for a moment that George W. Bush, while president, had called out Rachel Maddow by name, and had been working to employ the police powers of the federal government to shut her up.
I bet you libs would have had a collective conniption if he had.
My God, man, pull your head out of your ass!
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
WHOA! WHOA! WOW! HOLY COW!
January 30, 2009 - 03:22 ET by JWFOdd that you would see the name Hitler and go from there straight to Obama. What is crawling through the dark recesses of your brain? Mrbill never said Obama.
Oh, and nice straw man there. Let me knock it over. No one said Obama is invading Poland. Done.
Speaking of President Obama, our Commander in Chief. Looks there have been some military deaths since he started running this war. Still opposed to it Mr. Opposed the War Boy Scout Honor Badge? Come on now. President Hopeychange is running the show now. http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/
1. Wanting America/The President/The Military to fail in a war is treasonous and rational people are enraged by such statements.
2. Calling other behavior treasonous diminishes the word and should be roundly condemned by rational people.
3. You want to oppose this war, fine. Just don't wear it like it's a boy scout badge. It is not some kind of couragous behavior.
4. Congress declares war. Not the President. They did so in Oct of 2002. You had time prior to that, and then another 4 full months until Mar 2003 to voice your opposition. Once the troops hit the ground, and most especially once they are under fire, it is no longer the time to voice opposition. America should speak with one voice after that.
5. The only acceptable dissent after the troops come under fire is how we should best achieve victory. Sen. McCain & Gen. Petraeus were good examples.
6. You have a problem with the war or reasons for entry thereof. Take it up with the 535 members of Congress. They have had 6 years to withdraw funding. They have declined to do so every day of those 6 years. Why? Because they know doing so would diminish the respect of the United States on the world stage and would be Political Suicide. Don't bring your whining about the war here. We are seriously tired of the whining after 6 years and most especially when victory is within sight.
7. This is a right leaning site that draws conservatives like flies to honey. If you come here with what you PERCEIVE to be a valid argument from the left, you will have your weewee shoved in your watch pocket. Look at the motto, it is "COMBATING liberal media bias"
8. There are no valid arguments from the left. Keep your watch pocket empty and take some motrin. It's gonna hurt.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
§ JW...Nice Points...PERIOD!!!
January 30, 2009 - 03:32 ET by TheSterZING.....POW!!!
Nuff Said.
Ster.
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
Didn't the media and Dems
January 29, 2009 - 16:01 ET by Chris NormanDidn't the media and Dems try to get George Will drummed off This Week years ago when it was revealed Will had coached George H W Bush for a debate?
"Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Chris Norman
January 29, 2009 - 16:15 ET by thebutlerdiditI remember that! And yes, they did. I also think it's wrong for Begala and "The Troll" to continue as pundits on said networks. Their opinion is taken as fact by most of the viewers, so why do they get to shape the discussion?
Bringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke
I also think it's wrong for
January 29, 2009 - 21:22 ET by motherbeltI also think it's wrong for Begala and "The Troll" to continue as
pundits on said networks.
Like it or not, they are "pundits."
Stephanopoulos, however is the Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News. A newsman. Their lead reporter.
That's a whole 'nother thing.
Karl Rove unbiased journalist
January 30, 2009 - 17:26 ET by dmaley1714I can not wait til Rove has his own Sunday morning show and he gets calls from sarah palin's campaing manager every day and it is not re
ally a big deal
Keeping it above board
January 29, 2009 - 16:14 ET by WR JonasPerhaps ABC News should be required to run a crawler across the bottom of the screen advising viewers that George Stephanopolous is a paid spokesman for the Democratic Party .
I think that would be fair .
Speech impediment...
January 29, 2009 - 17:30 ET by RackieHow can little George say anything with his lips pushed up hard against Obama's ass.
Didn't Karl Rove work as a
January 29, 2009 - 18:52 ET by JasonCDidn't Karl Rove work as a consultant/analyst for FoxNews. I seem to see bim on BOR and Hannity quite a bit. Anyone care to elaborate on why that's different?
Let's just start with he
January 29, 2009 - 19:03 ET by bigtimerLet's just start with he doesn't have his on show to use for propaganda.
Come again?
January 29, 2009 - 19:42 ET by JasonCCome again?
Why?
January 29, 2009 - 19:56 ET by general companyAnyone care to elaborate on why that's different?
Some things just should not need any explaining.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
I said "come again" because
January 29, 2009 - 20:02 ET by JasonCI said "come again" because BT's explanation - and I suspect it's just because of a simple typo, but I'm not sure - doesn't make sense.
As for yours, that's a pretty piss-poor argument: I'm right because it's too obvious to explain. Well done.
Jas.... Own or on...same
January 29, 2009 - 20:09 ET by bigtimerJas....
Own or on...same difference when you think about it...he's always on with his propaganda no matter when the camera lights are.
You knew what I meant very well..
...Or you knew very well what I meant.
Gotta' make a grocery list...fix dinner and watch a game a bit with my other half.
Later Jas...it's been fun.
I really wasn't sure what
January 29, 2009 - 20:17 ET by JasonCI really wasn't sure what you meant. What difference does it make if it's his own show?
Try and imagine a world
January 29, 2009 - 20:27 ET by ironchefofmunchiesTry and imagine a world where ABC would have a weekly news show hosted by Karl Rove to talk about whatever "stories" he wanted to forward that week.
After Karl Rove just got done meeting with Dick Cheney and Karen Hughes.
We ALL know that would NEVER happen.
I hope that cleared it up for you JasonC.
Good evening Jason
January 29, 2009 - 20:54 ET by cocodrieYou are a master at being deliberately obtuse.
Jesus Loves You
Yet another non-argument
January 29, 2009 - 21:37 ET by JasonCYet another non-argument waste of space.
At the very least, explain how you consider my post(s) to be obtuse. This one is pretty straightforward.
Jason
January 29, 2009 - 22:28 ET by cocodrieYou deny the obvious and refuse to accept the truth.
Jesus Loves You
Right coco - Jason knows there's a big difference
January 29, 2009 - 22:45 ET by Dee BunkI don't know why he plays these silly games.
Anyone knows that Karl Rove is a CONSERVATIVE analyst on Fox. His purpose is to give the CONSERVATIVE perspective. Fox has LIBERAL analysts like Hillary's campaign manager (drawing a blank on his name - the bald guy) Neither of these two or most other analysts on FOX are ever portrayed as neutral.
Stephocaucus isn't supposed to be a horrible Republican eating machine, he's supposed to be a "political analyst" in the generic sense. He's supposed to be fair and if not then Jason needs to explain why ABC doesn't have a Conservative analyst.
Every show on fox has at least one liberal analyst. Fox is by far the fairest of the cable and networks combined.
p>
Dee Bunk... The bald
January 29, 2009 - 23:19 ET by JerDee Bunk...
The bald guy: Howard Wolfson. Fox hired him last year when they initiated their "tilt toward Hillary" [after years of relentless Clinton bashing] to sow further discord between the Clinton campaign and Obama. It dovetailed nicely with Rush's Operation Chaos.
Your point about Stephanopoulos' role is a fair one. Your claim, however, that ABC doesn't have a conservative analyst is a false one. George Will, the smartest political pundit of the right [and IMO the smartest, period] has been a fixture on This Week for years.
Fox the "fairest"...: That's, unsurprisingly, your opinion, and, likewise unsurprisingly, not mine. But, as I've often noted, I don't mind the network's conservative leanings at all--just its ludicrous slogan.
Jer
George Will is not on the nightly News
January 29, 2009 - 23:59 ET by Dee BunkHe's on once a week and McCain was too conservative for him, so that's no bone.
They hired him when he became available. They didn't tilt toward Hillary. It's sick how brainwashed you guys are that any criticism of Obama means a tilt towards the other person. Fox was all over her false sniper fire stuff and all her screeching and her giving Drivers licenses to illegals and many other things.
It's not a ludicrous slogan at all. Brit Hume's Special Report and Chris Wallace's Fox News Sunday are by far the most fair, balanced AND PROFESSIONAL news shows out there. Chris Wallace still leans left. The rest of their shows are not news shows but are still more balanced than ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and of course MSNBC. Every single one of their shows gives a min of 30% - 50% representation to the other side. Those other networks often give Zero % conservative on their nightly news.
Dee...you say the following: George Will
January 30, 2009 - 17:48 ET by JerDee, you say the following:
George Will is not on the nightly News. He's on once a week and McCain was too conservative for him, so that's no bone.
I'm not sure, other than the anchor, Charlie Gibson, who may be current contributors to ABC's evening news broadcasts. Furthermore, your post referred to that network, in general, which obviously encompasses This Week--on which Will is the one regular panelist who is present every Sunday. Regarding your statement about McCain being too conservative for Will, well--how can I put this delicately: I'm sorry, Dee, but your claim is absolutely absurd. [By the way, are you suggesting there are "liberal" contributors on Brit Hume's Special Report. Who are they? I have watched only very sporadically in recent years.]
In my view, the tilt by Fox toward Hillary was obvious and deliberate. (And, for the record, I'm neither "sick" nor "brainwashed.") There is, to be sure, criticism of the Clintons--frankly excessive criticism--but it does not presently [at least during the past campaign] come anywhere close to the relentless, merciless hammering they took from Fox for many years. During that time, my step-father [who has every book Ann Coulter ever wrote prominently displayed around the living room] would get his nightly "fix" from the non-stop Clinton-pounding [delivered primarily by O'Reilly and Hannity]. As a further aside, he would boast to me how all the Fox regulars were "fair and balanced" except for that "raving leftist lunatic, Alan Colmes". But it is simply not open to question that Fox shifted to comparatively more favorable coverage of the Clintons over the past year or so--and especially during the recent presidential race.
As for the Fox "fair and balanced" slogan, let's just agree to disagree. I like Brit Hume, but I stopped watching Special Report years ago when during the week or so before 9/11, he seemingly became obsessed with the alleged delinquency of the MSM in reminding America that Gary Condit was a Democrat. Tony Snow, despite his strong conservative background and activism, performed admirably as moderator of FNS, as has Chris Wallace. Wallace is certainly not as conservative as Tony, but I'm not so sure he leans left. The favorite president of his dad, Mike Wallace, was Ronald Reagan (but he was mine too, so there you go). With repect to your left/right percentages--which presumably are just guesses by you--the comparison you offer is uncompelling in that it pits nightly news casts against opinion format shows.
Jer
And I thought I was being
January 29, 2009 - 21:17 ET by general companyPolite? You see, those of us with ethics dont need them explained to us. BTW never said I was right, never offered you an argument.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
"Didn't Karl Rove work as a
January 29, 2009 - 20:57 ET by R D Helm"Didn't Karl Rove work as a consultant/analyst for FoxNews"
Yes, but that is different:
Rove never claimed to be, nor was intended by Fox to be a journalist, objective or otherwise. Steffi has always claimed to be an objective journalist.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
Didn't Oliver
January 29, 2009 - 21:36 ET by JasonCDidn't Oliver "What-could-go-wrong-or-be-regarded-as-treasonous-with-selling-weaponry-to-Iran" North have his own show for awhile? If not, I know he was a regular guest on the aforementioned pundit shows.
I don't recall a scrolling message on the screen reminding me of his indiscretions and obvious biases.
He still has a show.
January 30, 2009 - 03:32 ET by JWFIt is called War Stories. It is about the honorable men and women who have fought and sometimes died for their country.
Yes. He is a guest and sometimes host of H&C. He offers his opinion. He never claimed to be an unbiased journalist.
Didn't I see you on that new MSNBC show. Hippy Stories. That show about the oh so courageous* opposers of war.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
*not!
Good morning JWF
January 30, 2009 - 03:46 ET by cocodrieJason is totally incapable of understanding Col. North's brand of honor and integrity.
At the time I was working night shift and was blessed to be able to watch the Iran-Contra hearings. Col. North made total asses of all the left-wing extremist senators. It was a joy to witness.
Thanks for "Hippy Stories". That must be Balboa and nwahs sitting with him.
Jesus Loves You
I had to scrub my screen with alcohol after reading Jasonc slime
February 2, 2009 - 17:07 ET by JWFOnce again, the master emits his favorite word "treasonous" Pshaw. He oughta know huh?
Now that we have seen the words of a biased liberal here on a site dedicated to COMBATING liberal media bias. Let's get some honesty on the screen for once.
Oliver L. North is a combat decorated marine, a #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a syndicated columnist, and the host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel. Yet, he claims his most important accomplishment is to be “the husband of one, the father of four and the grandfather of eleven.”
North was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the silver star, the bronze star for valor and two purple hearts for wounds in combat.
Assigned to the National Security Council Staff in the Reagan administration, Lieutenant Colonel North was the United States government’s counter-terrorism coordinator from 1983-1986. He was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on the Island of Grenada and played a major role in the daring capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. After helping plan the U.S. raid on Muammar Qaddafi’s terrorist bases in Libya, North was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, the infamous terrorist found dead in Baghdad in August, 2002. President Ronald Reagan described him as “an American hero.”
Since 2001, North has been the host of War Stories — the award-winning military documentary series on Fox News Channel. He has also authored eleven books — all of them New York Times bestsellers. His latest book, American Heroes, based on his extensive coverage of U.S. military units engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Philippines was released in May 2008 and is yet another New York Times Best-Selling Book.
North is a life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the NRA board of directors. He is also the founder of Freedom Alliance, a foundation that provides college scholarships for the sons and daughters of service members killed in action.
Read it all at his web site:
http://www.olivernorth.com/
You want to see a marine or soldiers face light up? Look at them when Col. North is around. He has made many many trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. He ranks right up there with Gary Sinise when it comes to picking up the morale of our troops. Bob Hope would be proud of both of them.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Georgie in trouble
January 29, 2009 - 20:23 ET by slickwillie2001The only possible defense the liberals might come up with is the 'everyone does it' defense, but to sell that they must ignore the distinction between news anchors/journalists and talking heads/representatives/advocates. If they want to grant that point, then fine, let's have everyone on the news channels declare which party they are supporting. Then it will be obvious that nbc/cbs/abc/npr/pbs/msnbc/mtv/cc/cnn/hnn/cnbc are 95% democratic party hacks.
“What’s worse than the
January 29, 2009 - 21:18 ET by Jer“What’s worse than the liberal media’s sycophantic coverage of President Barack Obama? ABC’s George Stephanopoulos actively helping design and deliver the Administration’s strategy and message - which he is then charged with reporting. [My emphasis]
“Will Stephanopoulos be critical of the White House’s plans when he spends every morning helping to craft them? [My emphasis]
Reiterating my point stated on Warner's related thread....
From a fact-filled article posted on Politico, virtually the lone sentence reflecting the unproven speculation of the author is pulled out and morphed into objective reality. It may be true. It may not be true. But prematurely reporting it as "fact" is sloppy journalism.
As Noel says...Sheesh!
Jer
I was twelve when Clinton
January 29, 2009 - 22:21 ET by choselife3xWas elected the first time (on my birthday, as a matter of fact). Obviously, I wasn't that into politics during those years, but even I knew Stephanopoulos was a Clinton toady.
What do you think the odds are that it isn't true?
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
TWELVE????
January 29, 2009 - 22:38 ET by cocodrieMy God I'm old.
Back then Stephie was a left-wing extremist punk. Now he is a middle-aged left-wing extremist punk.
Glad to see you're a little girl with a good head on your shoulders.
Some of the heads that post on here belong in a cabbage patch.
Jesus Loves You
Cocodrie
January 29, 2009 - 22:53 ET by choselife3x*laughing*
I'm sorry, what was that? I dropped my paccie and didn't hear you......mmmmph.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
choselife...
January 29, 2009 - 22:58 ET by JerI was twelve when Clinton [w]as elected the first time (on my birthday, as a matter of fact)...even I knew Stephanopoulos was a Clinton toady.
I would ask if you light a commemorative cigar to celebrate, but I can't top your cigar joke from the other day.
A toady. Not exactly. A strong supporter for a number of years, yes. But he left on not the best of terms with the Clintons.
What do you think the odds are that it isn't true?
That he participated in phone calls with the others? Close to 100%,
That he engaged in a nefarious collusive effort to craft administration plans and design strategy to actively frustrate and thwart Republican opponents? 14%
As I said on the other thread, there is at the very least an appearance of impropriety which George in particular needs to address and explain his role in the "chats".
Jer
What Republican opponents?
January 29, 2009 - 23:11 ET by choselife3x*I'm laughing, at the generally spineless and ineffective Repubs*
Here's hoping they prove worthy foes from here on out!
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
choselife...
January 29, 2009 - 23:34 ET by JerFrom my perspective, the Republicans have had their spines surgically removed in order to bend over backwards while kissing Rush's ring. I call it performing the "Limbaugh limbo".
Case in point: Rep. Phil Gingrey [R-TN] who mildly criticized the Grand Poobah of Conservatism, only to call him up the next day for several minutes of drooling and groveling. He will hereinafter be known to me as The Hon. Phil Gumby.
Jer
ethics 101
January 29, 2009 - 22:53 ET by TN MomHe must from this point forward recuse himself from any reporting involving the Obama Administration.
Brent, I'll go even further: Since Rahm Emamuel is involved Obama should demand the daily calls stop; well, since Robert Gibbs is claiming "we're the most ethical administration ever in history"
Change? Looks like the Obama adminstration changed the definition of ethical to meet their own needs!
"words mean something" -Obama, 2008
I won't hold my breath waiting for those 'changes'
January 30, 2009 - 17:03 ET by Cape ConservativeIt is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams