Fred Thompson Says Fox News Is Biased Against His Campaign

Photo of Noel Sheppard.
By Noel Sheppard | November 25, 2007 - 15:58 ET

This should certainly raise the eyebrows of folks around the country who believe Fox News is too conservative.

On "Fox News Sunday," Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson told a somewhat stunned Chris Wallace that FNC is biased against his campaign.

I kid you not.

As reported hours ago by TheHill.com (video available here):

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In an interview on "Fox News Sunday," host Chris Wallace pressed Thompson on how some conservatives have lambasted Thompson's campaign and showed clips of Fox conservative commentators Charles Krauthammer and Fred Barnes criticizing the former senator.

Thompson said, "This has been a constant mantra of Fox, to tell you the truth." He noted that other conservatives have praised his bid for the GOP nomination and took issue with a Fox promo that focused on polling in New Hampshire, where Thompson is registering in the single digits.

[...]

Thompson, in a firm, but measured tone, scolded Wallace: "...for you to highlight nothing but the negatives in terms of the polls and then put on your own guys who have been predicting for four months, really, that I couldn't do it, kind of skew things a little bit. There's a lot of other opinion out there."

[...]

Wallace denied to Thompson that "Fox has been going after you" and asked, "Do you know anybody who thinks you've run a great campaign, sir?"

Thompson responded, "It's not for me to come here and try to convince you that somebody else thinks I've run a great campaign." He added that National Review magazine has praised him for issuing detailed policy proposals on Social Security and immigration.

It's going to be fascinating to see whether this gets much coverage by the mainstream press, and, if so, how they use it to prove FNC is indeed conservatively biased.

Stay tuned.

Full interview video available here.

—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.

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Fred did well

That was a small part of the interview actually. Fred acquitted himself very well, once again. He makes sense on taxes, border security, over turning Roe V Wade, and on social security as well as rebuilding the military.

There is no doubt that he is easily the best candidate for president.

http://www.gatorsense.com/

Here's the whole interview.

Here's the whole interview. Fred was incredible!

http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-fred-on-fox-news-sunday/email/

I hope you agree.

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Fred was awesome!

Yep! I linked the video on my site. Fred is the man, anyone paying attention will get that. Sadly some seem to only focus on the very small portion about Fox in the video. I would hope Conservatives would be far more interested in the substance of Thompson, and his ideals and plans.

http://www.gatorsense.com/

And from what I have seen

And from what I have seen from Fox News, they have been biased against him. Chris put the two pundits spin clips on and Fred swatted them like flies. Gotta love this guy! 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

There is no doubt that he

There is no doubt that he is easily the best candidate for president.

  He may be the one to be the best president but he has not been the best candidate.  You don't get to be president if you are not an effective candidate.  His campaign so far has been fine if he were running for Senator again.   But running for president is a whole different animal.

So the media says

Sorry, I think the MSM has done their best to hurt Thompson's canidacy. Again, they want to talk style, not substance. BTW, I love Fred's style. The MSM though? They fear Conservatives they think can win.

http://www.gatorsense.com/

The MSM has put bulls eyes

The MSM has put bulls eyes on the backs of all GOP candidates.  Which in a way is a compliment because the Republicans can stand on their own.  All the dem candidates?  They can't stand at all if the MSM (in the words of Forest Gump) didn't give them 'Magic Legs'.

The MSM definitely "fears

The MSM definitely "fears the Fred". Freddie (Krueger) Thompson is their Nightmare on Pennsylvania Ave.

I have liked Fred from the get-go. And if the MSM hates you, that is by far the best endorsement one can obtain.

When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).

Fred Thompson Says Fox News

Fred Thompson Says Fox News Is Biased Against His Campaign

And many of us FNC fans agree with him that they seem to favoring Rudy G. over the rest. Sad.

McGruff... AGREED! Get

McGruff...

AGREED!

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Yep. Not a new thing for Fox News.

The boss likes the idea of a "choice" between either Hillary or a NYC-RINO. But it's not so much anti-Fred as it is pro-Rudy/HRC bias, and all other candidates have been affected.
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

Was thinking the samething

Was thinking the samething myself the past few days.

Ofcourse they favor

Ofcourse they favor Giulliani. He is pro-abortion. He has supported gun-control. Need I say more? 

Can I get another round of applause?

If I were him, Id be a little more wary about campaigning in gun stores so much, because it has to be embarrasing to said employees there when Fred cant seem to give an interview without shooting himself in the foot... But if your trying to figure out why Ron Paul is beating Fred Thompson in New Hampshire, just watch this mornings interview with Chris Wallace. And that my friend, has nothing to do with bias.

Um, third eye, if it's not too much trouble

...how about some specifics from the interview.  I'm not yet in Thompson's camp, but I thought he did very well.

I suspect the biggest reason you guys dislike fred Thompson is that his presence destroys the claim that Libertarian Ron Paul is a "conservative." 

Oh, and while you're discussing someone shooting himself in the foot, maybe you could explain away Ron Paul's Democrat-style cut and run proposal for Iraq....

No trouble RJ

First off, I do not support Ron Paul in any way, shape or form. Never have, never will. I was just pointing to the recent polls that show Ron Paul has 8 percent in New Hampshire to Thompson's 4 percent which I was using to illustrate Thompson's poorly managed campaign.

As far as the interview is concerned, I couldnt help but painfully cringe everytime he tried to answer a question. Hes awfully slow and really doesnt have any specifics on the issues to share with the people. I seriously doubt he thinks hes going to win. In fact, hes been overheard saying just that by Carl Cameron I believe. As far as specifics are concerned, and the reason why I say he shot himself in the foot this time, is because he said Fox News, the channel who happened to be interviewing him at the time, was biased aganist him. Even if that is the case, dont say that when they're interviewing you. Have some respect for the channel that was gracious enough to interview you in the first place. That's a faux pas in my book. But lets put that aside for a minute and go back to his interview on "Meet the Press" where he meet Russert and was treated very civily, in my opinion. And then he goes on to say he's pro life one minute, then for some reason beyond me, goes on to say he opposes the human life admendment. It seemed absolutely contradictory to me, and I still dont understand why hes aganist it.

I support America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, for those who didnt know.

 

 

http://www.realclear...

If you think Thompson talks too slow, Third Eye...

...let me guess. You're from somewhere North.

Since you like Rudy, that sounds like Northeast.  How'm I doing?  (probably all wrong, right?)  ;^)

But if you support that Democrat in Republican clothing, of course you don't like Southern Conservatives.....

Thompson did answer with specifics.  You were just listening through prejudiced ears.   I'm not in Thompson's camp (yet), but, unlike you, I'm actually listening to what he says.   In today's interview, he showed that he's a CONSERVATIVE....unlike Rudy.

What?  Respect "because" they interviewed him?  What a wussy, ingratiating attitude.  "Gosh, Mr MSM interviewer, I'm sooo GRATEFUL."

Obviously, the reason you don't understand his position on the "human life amendment" is that you don't understand state's rights....but I'm not surprised....

 

RJ... I wonder if anybody

RJ...

I wonder if anybody really listens at times...he explained loud and clear about leaving it to the States and why...

Plus he is right, it would be an impossibility at this time with the way the country and Congress is to even pass an Amendment like that.

third eye... I have a

third eye...

I have a very good reason to not vote for Rudy....

No more RINOS!!! 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Clear

I find all of this incessant punditry totally boring.

Seriously....who cares what those (nice) people in Iowa think?  Or the 4 Republicans in New Hampshire?

The real political season doesn't heat up until South Carolina's primary.....

Oh, yay....Fred's on.  Going to listen for a bit. 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Hi Blonde... It seems odd

Hi Blonde... It seems odd that everyone always forgets how unimportant Iowa and NH really is. Or it could be that the media just wants us to think they are important? They gotta report on something, so why not make themselves look important and keep poeple watching their shows.

Still a fact.... You can't win without the South! 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Precisely, Clear

Precisely.

I choose not to listen to the media....I'm capable of independent thought....I can read, visit candidate's websites, listen to debates, etc.

The media is becoming tiresome beyond belief.

And you better bet there's no winning without the South.  So I think I'll hang out for a couple of the southern primaries before I hang my hat on the media's predictions.  They'll be wrong, they always are.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

I have said from the

I have said from the beginning that Fred could win this. For those of you that remember my story, I followed Fred in his campaign for his senate seat in TN, and what I saw was simply brilliant. He knows exactly what people want in a leader and he's sharp enough to know that he can provide it. But he is still humble enough to know that he's a very lucky man.

One aspect that never get's talked about is his ability to unite people. This harkens back to the Reagan years, something I miss more as every year goes by. No...Fred is not the Gipper, but he is the best man to continue the Reagan Revolution.

This country needs Fred.  

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Clear

Unless something substantitive changes in the next two months...I'm going to vote for Fred in the primaries.

I don't really care what the national media has to say about Rudy....don't get me wrong, I like Rudy, but not as my first choice. 

And we DESERVE a first choice (as well as a second choice).  I refuse to be dictated to by media pundits and political talking heads.

So, I shall wait & see.  I think Thompson's campaign so far has been spot-on.  He's a thinking person's candidate thus far.  He'll turn on the charm for the masses later.

He's got it. In spades.  JMO. 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Now hold on there!

Wait just one cotton pickin' minute there!

We all know that it's really Ron Paul that FNC is biased against!

Just like it's really Ron Paul that the MSM is biased against.

Just like it's Ron Paul whom NewsBusters is biased against.

Just like it's Ron Paul whom NewsBusters bloggers are biased against.

Just like it's Ron Paul whom Republicans are biased against.

Just like it's Ron Paul whom Democrats are biased against.

Heck, we all have been told this over and over and over and over and over. . . .by you know who.

Sheesh!

Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.

Whine, whine whine.

0 content, though, as usual
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

Whine, whine, whine yourself

"WAAAHHH!!!  They are picking on Ron Paul!  NOBODY should be allowed to pick on Ron Paul the Shahinshah!!!  WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

And yet you whine "Whine, whine, whine."

0 sense of humor as usual. 

Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.

And 0-content from you, as usual, too.

Look, when I say NB's biased, I bust 'em to the point that a NB editor had to change text. It was a basic admission he'd swallowed the AP's anticapitalist bias hook, line, and sinker. I bust bias here, period, and if it's from NB itself, I still bust it. Like it or not.
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

As humorless as Ulbricht; -1 content this time 'round

Lighten up.

TRY to have some fun in life.  It is just too damn short.

Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.

With all the hysteria & whining here

I'm having more fun than I've ever-had in politics in my LIFE, so you're off-base on that attempt at a jab, too! Batting 1000, again! :)
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

I thought he was going to

I thought he was going to have a Bill moment.Did he expect Chris to throw him softballs like the msm does with Dems?Chris brought a question that has been out there from more than Fox.Actually he gave Fred a chance to answer his critics.So why play the victim?Oooh Fox is picking on me.

well99... You evidently

well99...

You evidently did not watch the same interview that I did. 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Actually I did.That (they

Actually I did.That (they are picking on me) is Hillary's ploy.I dont know who I going to vote for but they best be able to handle tough question.Which leaves out the Dems.So if the Reps get hit with tough questions deal with it.Dont play that they are against me routine.

ClearT & Well

And 99X, even if he WAS thrown some hard-ish balls his way (ok, that didn't sound quite right) that is proof that Fox does NOT reflexively pander/suck-up to Republican nominees, the way the MSM sucks up to their ilk (er, the Dem candidates.)

But, um, now I'll go look at the interview and see for myself... :p

 

"MY end justifies THAT mean." - Shakespeare (not really)

Someone has to ask tough

Someone has to ask tough questions.Either that or just let the candidates hand out a paper with which questions you should ask.Kinda like the Dems.Maybe be like CNN going green by putting all the plants in during last Dem debate.

Touche Fredman

Fredman continues to astound me in how Reagan he is like. He comes in and knocks down the big targets time and again.

Chris Wallace can only come back with a limp line.

I have pointed out here that if you know history and have read Reagan you will see that Fred Thompson is following his script exactly. There was no sense in announcing early and Reagan did not. There was no reason in spilling all what Fred would do as Reagan instructed then the media would just spin it, "Oh he said that before".

Thompson is running a perfect campaign. Romney is on the ropes in Iowa to Huckabee and Rudy is failing to both Conservatives on a national scale.

Thompson is running this exactly as it should be and it is time Fox stopped the girly attacks just because they are not adept to see what his campaign is really doing.

Fredman has been exactly on point on all he is doing with literal plans which appeal to Americans.

 

*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS

I'm waiting for one of the

I'm waiting for one of the GOP candidates to tell the dominant Media Center Leftists, "Screw you!".  And Thompson goes after Fox News?  Have any of the Republicans criticized those networks that are relentlessly hostile to them to this extent?

When Republicans participate in the "Youtube Debate" on the Chomsky Nader Network, will they call it the lefty-rigged farce that it is destined to be?  Or will they continue to passively collaborate with those who sneer at the GOP, the military, and the United States in general?  Any one of them doing the former will get a donation from me, if not my vote.

 

Support the Windfall-Marriage Tax

Easy choice

"Or will they continue to passively collaborate with those who sneer at the GOP, the military, and the United States in general?" I choose this since they dont feel the need or have the moral courage to call the msm on their openly bias reporting.

That was sad.

"...a constant mantra at Fox News".

Wow, he must not have been present for those unchallenged lovefests, er interviews, that Sean Hannity did for him. I wonder if Fred? wants cries to go with his waahburger.

I like how he also pointed out that he is running second nationally. That will really help him out on the day that we hold the national primary. Oh wait...

What a sad and utterly weak performance.

 

<insert something clever>

OIF, here's where you <insert something clever>

Like maybe some specifics of why it was a "sad and utterly weak performance?"

Because he was whining.

Because he was whining. Whiners aren't winners. He was blaming Fox News because his poll numbers in the early primaries aren't the greatest.

He was crying about the "constant mantra" coming from Fox News. IIRC, which I do, Fred Barnes and Charles Krauthammer have been critical of all the candidates at certain points and on certain issues. You haven't seen any of them use the Hillary ploy of "they are picking on me", have you?

 

<insert something clever>

Disagree, OIF

I just watched the interview ten minutes ago.

Fred was merely stating a fact.  To my POV, there was no whine about it. 

And I think he's right.  The media darling of late has been Mike Huckabee....and Fox has been featuring him postively alot lately.

And literally all of their stories have been "Thompson's slipping". 

Did you notice Wallace's numerous attempts to get Fred Thompson to shred Huckabee?  I saw some of Wallace's liberalism slip through, but IMO, he's the best "journalist" around....and was just angling for a story. 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

That's it? That's your <insert something clever>?

As I said, I'm not in the Thompson camp (yet), but I can see that Fox has been giving him the short end of the stick in their coverage.  

Most positive coverage?  Rudy. By far.  In spite of the claims of the left, Fox is no "conservative" organization, and Rudy fits their corporate profile more than Thompson does.

And Fox is no less likely to succumb to playing toward their favorites than any other MSM operation.  When they get called on it, it's not whining.

RJ

I agree.

 

<insert something that says something like "insert something clever">

:p

OIF... Thompson wasn't

OIF...

Thompson wasn't whining...he was stating facts.

Period.

Whining is what Hillary does.

Btw...who are you pulling for? Might tell me something about your posts too when it comes to Fred...lol! 

OIF... That was a very good

OIF...

That was a very good interview and you know it.

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

i wasn't aware Fred had a

I wasn't aware Fred had a campaign.

You obviously have not been

You obviously have not been paying attention!

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

I was all for Fred and made

I was all for Fred and made a point of watching his announcement on Jay Leno.  Since then he has been all but invisible and often incoherent.  Sorry, but Fred has lost any chance he had.

Who are you pulling for jj?

Who are you pulling for jj?

Don't bet on it.

Fred Thompson is running his campaign by his own rules.

The old rules don't work....the internet has overtaken the dinosaur media...who controlled the early primaries, and the news coming out of them.

This is a whole new ball game, and I think Fred Thompson gets that.  He's going to marshal his assets for when it counts....South Carolina and beyond. 

Wait & watch.  The race hasn't even begun yet, as much as the old media would like to proclaim Rudy vs. Hillary.....they don't get that big of a vote any longer.  Too bad, so sad....the media no longer controls anything (else John McCain would be the nominee for our party, as of six weeks ago).

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

JJet... What other GOP

JJet... What other GOP candidate has issued real plans like the following....

 Following is a listing of Fred Thompson's white papers.

  Border Security and Immigration Plan

  Israel

  Revitilizing America's Armed Forces

  Saving and Protecting Social Security

  Traditional American Values

  Education

 Tax Relief and New Economic Growth Plan

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

Hey Ct... You beat me to

Hey Ct...

You beat me to it...I was going to look for the links to at least four of his plans he has laid out for all to see, just plain simple facts and plans on what he is for....which by the way the msm has not covered.

....by the way jj....still waiting on your answer about who you are leaning towards or pulling for....just curious, it may explain why you feel like you do about Fred too....if you don't know much about Thompson click the links Ct gave above here...it may fill in some things you didn't know.

Agent provocateur

jj is just an agent provocateur Leftist, I suspect...

(This is one of those times I WANT to be wrong.)

Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.

Good Reading

Thank you for the links.  It has been a long time since I agreed as much with a politician as I do currently with Thompson's white papers. 

He appears to be a straightshooter who doesn't parse/mince words.  His low key personable speaking style is refreshing, especially for its lack of hucksterism and glad-handing.

Could Thompson's MSM described lack of appeal be due to the media's own penchant for MTV style fast paced conversations and camera cuts, with Americans more interested in looking good and sounding hip than analyzing the content of the spoken word?

Thompson did have an uphill climb against his opponents in that they had already gone through many of the awkward/stumbling events that occur at the beginning of every campaign.  Was Thompson prematurely written off by the MSM for normal nascent campaign stutters?  (Not to mention a concern by the MSM as to a viable Thompson candidacy that could become more popular than the Democrat candidate, hence the attacks on him and his wife before he even entered the race.)

Thompson's white paper positional statements show intelligence, candor and maturity.  Thompson expresses his policy positions in most all the hot button topics in such a fashion that does not allow for flip-flopping or creative hemming and hawing as the campaign progresses (ie sort of being for driver licenses for illegal aliens before being against it, particularly when the polling numbers change).  We get to see Thompson's domestic and foreign policy in unambivalent language containing actual details, warts and all.

I don't fully understand why people say they are willing to overlook certain insufficiencies of candidate X when Thompson is expressing Conservative positions with such clarity and completeness.

If these white papers are truly representative of Thompson's positions then Fred is my choice until proven otherwise or another candidate wins the primary.

stratman... Fred's white

stratman...

Fred's white papers come directly from his official website.

I agree with your assertion about the media. Fred does not have a cache of sound bites, so what else can the media say. I guess whatever they want. Fortunately, we know better. 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

"Fred's white papers come

"Fred's white papers come directly from his official website."

Yes, I saw that.  I am interested in whether Thompson stays true to what he has published on his website.  At this point in time I have no reason to disbelieve him nor fear he will flip-flop.  Regardless, I will stay vigilant.

The best way to marginalize Thompson is to continue to promote the assertions he is lazy, less than fully invested in becoming the POTUS, is a dullard and to keep his policy positions from being heard in the MSM. 

I do not see him as lazy, instead having an economy of motion that foresakes phreneticism for groundedness. 

I can not be sure of his desire and commitment to becoming POTUS, though I doubt he takes his candidacy capriciously.  His age, health, family situation and revenue stream and ego stroking from being an actor would convince most to avoid a campaign.  I think he's in it to win it... on his terms to a healthy extent. 

I do find him to be boardroom dry at times, but the content of his words is spot on for the most part.  Former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan was not the most dynamic speaker but people hung on most every word he uttered like in the old Merrill Lynch commercials.  Why?  Because of the content and effect of Greenspan's words, not their presentation.  I believe Thompson carries some of that same gravitas which should increase as his message is heard more by the public.  When Fred talks I'll listen.  I hope my fellow Americans will as well.

Could Thompson have handled the needling by Wallace better without saying FOX treats him unfairly... yes.  Am I dissappointed by his response... no.  So often we in this forum have complained how Bush and Republicans in general have not fought back or corrected an inequity by the Democrats and MSM.  Thompson showed a little backbone, a willingness to call out those that would disparage him.  I hope that he will focus his umbrage on more rightful recipients, such as the rest of the MSM and the Democrats, in the future.  I would not spank FOX twice for their lesser infractions.

Strat,

I disagree.

I think Fred answered each and every question asked, tonight, fairly.

I don't think he whined at all about the Fox coverage (although he would have been within the realm of doing so, IMO).

I am totally sick and tired of the media (Fox included) trying to tell ME who I should vote for...from my own political spectrum.

I am sick of it (and them....particularly FOX)  all.

 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Blonde: We are in

Blonde:

We are in agreement. 

I did not say Thompson whined.  I think he flexed a muscle in his response to Wallace.  Could Fred have handled the question differently without "appearing" to have "whined" as some have suggested in this thread?  Yes.  He could have turned on the Southern charm machine and said something to the effect "Those boys are entitled to their opinion, but I believe them to have judged in haste.  When they hear my just published policy positions then I'm sure they will be XXX", where "XXX" is some endearing Southern home-fried axiom.  I imagine Thompson will continue to polish his presentation as the race continues, though he's pretty darned good for having been out of the political rat race for some time.

There are those more deserving of his displeasure than FOX.  I hope Thompson was trying out his "I'm going to take you to the woodshed, son" response with Wallace before leveling it on the truly deserving entities.

I think Wallace is one of the better journalists and moderators in the media today.  He asks tough questions of all the candidates.  I wish his colleagues were more like him across the board.  The public suffers when The Press has a lovefest with the candidates. 

strat

Why is it that there is no reasonable discourse, in a political sense?

It's all adversarial....or at least it should be...from my way of thinking.

I'd like all journalists, all of the time, to ask "hard" questions.

It's the only way we'll know the proper answer.

But hey, that's just me. 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

All the presidential

All the presidential candidates need to be asked the difficult questions irrespective of political stripe.  The MSM is doing a supreme disservice to the country when they fail to ask (and follow-up) uncomfortable policy and character questions of the candidates.

Whatever our MSM can dish out will be of such minor inconvenience to the candidates as to what foreign governments and terrorsists will spew once they are president.  We, the public, should demand that the media expose the pretenders to the throne and the weak-willed nancy boys/girls via thoughtful constructive questions and vigorous debate - not this 'pearls or diamonds' crap or the U-Tube debate debacle.  No wonder our enemies think us weak and debauched.

 

Blonde

You got my vote.I want answers and I am tired of all the spin.If someone wants to be president then act like you can handle the job.Take a stand and back it up.

Well well well...Thompson

Well well well...Thompson seemed to ruffle Wallace's feathers this morning...I found it all rather amusing.

Fred just states the facts as they are...we can't have that now can we?

Fox has been pulling for Giuliani for quite awhile now if you watch with any regularity...Fred Barnes, Mort, Charles and Hannity are not the be all end all...there is quite a ways to go yet and quite a bit of country to cover where we see things much differently than the msm....which we will just have to let them know loud and clear with votes in the primaries.

The whole interview tickled me pink.

Thompson/Hunter '08

Fred's interview

I thought he was extremely considerate in his remarks, and his policy positions were also well considered.

And Fred Thompson articulated them well.

Chris Wallace is still a democrat....no doubt about it.  Fair & Balanced is all well and fine, except when the bias creeps out occasionally.

I am sick to death of the "punditry" going on prior to the first "real" primary.....South Carolina.  Sorry Iowa, too bad, so sad, New Hampshire....you may be first, but to the rest of us....your opinion is irrelevant.  All of the gaming that goes on there....sheesh....how much has Romney spent to try to win Iowa?

Didn't Howard Dean win Iowa?

Iowa is irrelevant in the over all scheme of things.

We'll start cooking with gas around mid-February.  And I think Fred is playing his hand rather smartly.  A la Ronnie Reagan.  Good for him.

 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Blond

Far and Balanced is never good. The truth is just the truth. I don't want the balanced spin on the truth, there is no such thing!

My understanding is that

My understanding is that Roger Ailes, President of Fox News Channel, is a friend and avid supporter of Rudy, and that relationship trumps Fox's normal conservative leanings.  So Fred may have a point.

Jer

Interesting, Jer

If that's the case, you can bet the news staff at Fox is well aware of it...and know which side their bread is buttered on.....

I refuse to believe this statement, Jer

There's no doubt that Fox commentators lean right. There is a very specific reason they do...profit.  That's what Fox is about, first and foremost.  They may shill for a candidate if it helps their bottom line, but I don't believe the network will shill for a candidate based on ideology, like CNN does for Hillary.

Rudy had a jump on other candidates because he was a national pundit during the 2004 campaign.  (he was everywhere)  Any perceived preferential treatment he gets from Fox and others is likely based on history.

I think Fox is pining for a close race, and they are going to get it.  Add Huckabee to what is now a 5 horse race with no clear cut front-runner and you have a primary race for the ages.  I'm looking forward to it because I think it strengthens the party for the general election and it forces the candidates to hone in on the issues that are most important. 

You miss the point, timothe

It doesn't have to be "shilling" for Rudy. Just the knowledge that he's a close friend of Ailes would be enough to unconsciously shade coverage.  Have you ever seen the way the staff fawns over Ailes when he's on air?

The shading would happen automatically and without forethought....like laughing at the boss' jokes....

timothe...the "shill"

timothe...the "shill" charge may be a little too harsh to pin on either network.  But, I certainly wouldn't dispute the possibility of subtle news management and information orchestration by CNN and/or Fox to further both ideological and "bottom line" objectives.

Jer

Jer

Jer,

I think it's simpler than this: everybody has biases. In the end, that's what this site is about. And, they can't be hidden.

Is it so tough for people to imagine that maybe most folks working at FNC support Rudy? He is the front-runner, and might be the best chance to beat Hillary.

That said, I was surprised at how tough Wallace was on Thompson. ns

Noel... Wow, I did not

Noel...
Wow, I did not expect a curveball from you.

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

CT

CT,

What do you mean? ns

Your hat tip to Rudy. Get

Your hat tip to Rudy.

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

CT

CT,

I wouldn't look at it as a hat-tip. Just being honest about a possibility.

Look, I'm just saying that folks do have their biases, and that many people at Fox, like anywhere else, have identified their candidate of choice.

Would it be so surprising to you if many at Fox are for Rudy? I don't think there's any question that Hannity is. ns

Noel... Fair

Noel...

Fair enough.

Let me explain how I took your comment. First of all, I have yet to see a NB contributor take what might be considered sides. Sure you guys have talked about media bias about candidates but nobody to my knowledge has come out and endorsed. What you wrote sounded a like an endorsement.

Secondly, I read everything you post and you come across as a very Conservative individual, so your comment about Rudy threw me. 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

CT

CT,

No. I'm endorsing nobody. Way too early. I want whoever can beat Hillary. Period. ns

Then you don't want Rudy

Rudy is great at attack-dog politics.  Unfortunately, Hillary is better at victim politics and Rudy will drive the fourth-year voters right into Hillary's arms.

 

I guarantee you, If Giuliani is the GOP candidate, the GOP will lose the 2008 election.  Even 2-D Tancredo has a better chance than Rudy.

Noel

I thought Chris was "unusually" agressive in his interview with Fred Thompson as well.

Particularly after his recent interviews (with Silly Bill & GHWB, for instance).

But, I suspect he's just on the hunt for a story, rather than being biased.  So, bad me, I just think he's doing his job.  Which I wish the rest of the retards in the press would try to do, instead of tossing softballs all the time.

That Chris chose to start being a "real" reporter again with the Fred Thompson interview is perhaps, just a stab at getting back to the profession of journalism (I am hoping).

But I thought Fred Thompson parried every journalistic thrust and parry....but hey, that's just me.

I'd like to see a battalion of Chris Wallace's on the regular news....he's a little left (sometimes) but I think he's the best "pure journalist" of the day. 

Britt Hume is now a host, not a journalist. 

I'd really just like to see pure journalism.  Questions without an agenda.  The objectivity of a journalist to allow a full answer.  Like that.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Actually

That is the way Chris Wallace is.He ask tough questions.Apparently it is suppose to be selective.Just like the msm.I see alot of bias but it wasnt on the video.

I'm with you, Blonde.

This wasn't a contest, it was an interview. Wallace did a good job asking the tough questions, and Thompson did a good job in answering the questions.   Both of them did well.

Fred's Exactly Right About FOX News AND Huckabee!

 To anyone who leaves FOX News on while they're working like I do, there's no question Fred is absolutely correct...One night I'm watching Brit Hume with Carl Cameron reporting and Carl was building Fred up so much it was almost embarrassing. The very next day the reports were ALL negative and they've stayed that way ever since...about 4 months ago I think. I'll try to find a closer date in what I was working on at the time.

 Now, you folks are going to love this. Do you remember how Huckabee was attacking Fred for taking the Federalist view by giving the states back their right to limit abortion??

Well, it appears so did the Huckster and not that long ago either;

 

On 2/12/95 an article Ralph Z. Harlow from the Washington Times wrote under the caption “Conservatives Hold Fire On Abortion” the Huckster said this:

“In the spirit of federalism, the proposed GOP revision also would replace the abortion amendment with a statement saying the issue should be left up to the individual state legislatures to deal with as each sees fit. 'That's exactly what we have looked for, and if it's left up to the states, more of them are going to put some restrictions on abortion,' Arkansas Lt. Gov. Mike Huckabee said in an interview after appearing on a conference panel yesterday." 

On 4/ 2006 in an interview with John Hawkins on RightWing News the Huckster was talking the same talk: http://www.rightwingnews.com/interviews/huckabee.php

“It would please me because I think Roe v. Wade is based on a real stretch of Constitutional application — that somehow there is a greater privacy issue in the abortion concern — than there is a human life issue — and that the federal government should be making that decision as opposed to states making that decision. So, I’ve never felt that it was a legitimate manner in which to address this and, first of all, it should be left to the states, the 10th Amendment, but secondly, to somehow believe that the taking of an innocent, unborn human life is about privacy and not about that unborn life is ludicrous.”

BUT then on 11/19/07;
Huckabee Rejects Letting States Decide Whether to Allow Abortions
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312107,00.html

“If morality is the point here, and if it’s right or wrong, not just a political question, then you can’t have 50 different versions of what’s right and what’s wrong.”

“For those of us for whom this is a moral question, you can’t simply have 50 different versions of what’s right,” he said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”

“But my surprise was nothing compared to the surprise of people across America who had been faithful supporters of right to life,” said Huckabee, who is challenging Thompson’s claim that he is the most reliable conservative in the GOP field.

“Fred’s never had a 100 percent record on right to life in his Senate career. The records reflect that. And he doesn’t support the human life amendment which is most amazing because that’s been a part of the Republican platform since 1980,” Huckabee said.

Now, let me spell this out; Anyone who changes his position like the Huckster just did to fool the people into believing he has always wanted an abortion amendment to our Constitution as a quick fix is bad news on a stick. The only thing that could be lower is if he turned around and ridiculed someone else who still stands by Federalism as the right way to allow limits to abortion on demand...oh, that's right...the Hucksters already done that to Fred.

Winghunter... I got a

Winghunter... I got a chuckle out of this when I read about it on Freds official website. Why is it that politicians have bad memories right around election time? Hmmmmmm? 

Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html

I hadn't seen it yet,

thanks for the link and the heads up! Some day politicians like the slick Huckster will learn that they can't hide from the long arm of the internet, eh? LOL!

 

Uhhh, anyone see any silver bullets around here, I seem to have dropped a few...

Winghunter... Here's the

Fred was absolutely

Fred was absolutely correct. Fox has been against him from the beginning. Fox is pretty clearly for Rudy or Romney and both of them are nothing more than light versions of Hillary.

Fred is the only conservative in the field and I don't expect biased treatment from Fox but I do expect fair treatment.

Both Barnes and Krauthammer

Both Barnes and Krauthammer have been stumping for Giuliani for months.Neither of them can be considered as giving unbiased analysis.

Has either one openly admitted to this?

If so, I missed it. But I *totally* agree with you, it's not so much anti-Fred (though that aspect is certainly there) as it is blatantly pro-Rudy.
JMR

Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.

I watch Fox News Sunday

I watch Fox News Sunday nearly every week. [I haven't seen today's program, but I have it recorded.]  Chris Wallace is an excellent interviewer.  If he is a "little left", it certainly isn't evident in his questioning.  I think he is very good at playing it straight down the middle.

And while I'm passing out the accolades, I was somewhat surprised, and pleased, with the job that Tony Snow had previously performed as host/moderator--considering his solid conservative credentials.

Jer