Fox News's Chris Wallace was once again Steve Malzberg's guest on WOR radio Thursday, and the host of "Fox News Sunday" made some comments about Eliot Spitzer, Geraldine Ferraro, and the current Democrat campaign for president that are guaranteed to raise eyebrows on both sides of the aisle.
In an interview that covered many subjects, Wallace said of Spitzer, "Gosh, what an idiot," while strongly disagreeing with Geraldine Ferraro's recent statements about Barack Obama, and concluded by saying that the "identity politics" the Democrats have been playing for years "is now coming back to bite them, big time" in such a fashion that it could "tear the Party apart."
To get things rolling, Malzberg asked his guest about the Spitzer resignation (15-minute audio available here):
It really is an unbelievable story. And, you know, you have to shake your head and talk, and think about the stupidity of the man, and the delusion of the man. And I even have to say I felt it in his final speech, his resignation speech yesterday. For a guy who did something as stupid and as self-inflicted a wound to kind of, almost give a campaign speech after he'd apologized, about what his vision of New York and America is, it just struck me this is the last guy that should be delivering lectures about any of this. And then to look in the papers today and see these pictures of this girl, and that was my overwhelming reaction -- "She's a little girl." She's not a lot older than his daughters. She's 22 I think, and, gosh, what an idiot...It's a level of hypocrisy and stupidity that really does verge on, on some kind of delusionary activity.
Indeed. Yet, what really makes Wallace so special is his willingness to espouse positions that might not fit neatly into current conservative dogma. For instance, here was Chris's views concerning Geraldine Ferraro's recent comments about Barack Obama only having risen to his current level within the Democrat Party as a result of his race:
The fact of the matter is being an African-American in this country is not an advantage. You know, you can say that, that Obama would not have been in the particular position he is, to give the keynote speech in 2004 which got a lot going, but, you know, if he weren't an African-American conceivably. But, on the other hand, you know, I think it's an obstacle he's had to overcome not an advantage...I can understand that it certainly adds to the fascination, and I'm certainly, one of the things that intrigues me is the idea of this country electing an African-American. You know, I think it would say, not getting into a discussion of whether I like Obama or don't like Obama or whatever. But I think it would say something wonderful just in general, you know, whether it was Condoleezza Rice or Obama, if we elected an African-American who's qualified, who's the best person, that would be a wonderful statement about, you know, for a country that has been so riven by race. But, I don't know that to sort of say, "Gee, isn't he lucky he's African-American," I don't even know why it was even worth, why it was something she needed to bring up. And, it does play the race card...It's an effort to diminish Obama and sort of say that he's a race candidate when he's clearly much more than that.
My view exactly, Chris.
Moving forward, Wallace elaborated on this race baiting theme. In fact, although most media outlets have shied away from an honest discussion of how the Clintons have used the race card during this campaign -- as reported by NewsBusters on January 27 -- Chris hit this subject in a fashion that most press members would never dare:
There has been a series of these comments whether it was the guy in New Hampshire who talked about, you know, doing a little blow, or something, whatever it was, the drug, the drug comments about Obama. Whether it was Andrew Cuomo, the brother of your, your previous citation's brother who said something about "Shucking and jiving." You know, there have been a number of racial comments which, have, it seems to me have been an effort to appeal to people and kind of in effect say, "Hey, don't, you know, don't forgot, Obama is an African-American"...You know, there have been so many of these you have to wonder whether Hillary Clinton is ordering it or not. Whether there is a kind of pattern here of the campaign of the Clinton campaign playing the race card. And obviously, when you see this kind of racial disparity in a state like Mississippi, bringing it back to your question, you could understand why the Obama campaign would be concerned because they have tried very hard, and I think pretty successfully, not to run a racial campaign, and to run as kind of a color-blind candidate, and to the degree that the Clintons are trying to pigeon-hole him, and put him in that box, that's something that he's gotta try to resist.
Next, Wallace disagreed with those in the media that view Obama's connection to Rev. Jeremiah Wright as not being a big deal:
I have to say that I had not heard him before, and I saw some soundbites of him, uh, you know, he, I agree, he would raise questions if you think this is the church this fellow goes to, it does raise some issues.
Finally, Wallace made some observations about the current presidential race that deliciously go counter to the mainstream media meme:
You know, it's so interesting. The Democratic Party has talked so much about identity politics over the years, and African-Americans, and gays, and all of these groups. And it's now coming back to bite them, big time! Because they're seeing the Party split by all of this identity politics. And you've got these crazy rules, I mean, you know it does raise some question about how, you know, should Democrats run the country if this is the way they run their own Party? Because, it's a mess...Think about this for a second. After 2000, and the Gore campaign, and the talk about every vote has to count, if, if they finish all the voting, and let's say they do find a way to do a redo in Michigan and Florida. And, if, uh Obama still has the popular and pledged delegate, delegates elected by the voter, lead, which he might very well at that point, if Clinton, I mean, if the Clinton machine is able to turn this around and capture the nomination, uh, and deny an African-American who has the lead in popular votes and pledged delegate votes, I just think it's going to tear the Party apart. And I don't say that with any great joy. I just think that it would, I don't know how the Party could sort of live with its own conscience under those circumstances, and I think it would be so incredibly divisive that -- not that you're going to have the rioting in the streets you had in 1968 in Chicago -- but it would, it would split the Party in that same kind of way.
Isn't he a breath of fresh air?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
We should have the news
March 14, 2008 - 14:49 ET by ConservativeRexWe should have the news shortly on when the prostitute Kristen plans to resign.
What in the h3ll does that
March 14, 2008 - 21:45 ET by WiggyWhat in the h3ll does that have to do with anything?
He is a breath of fresh air
March 14, 2008 - 14:58 ET by sarcasmoBut I wish Fox had used Chris for "Fox NewsWatch" if they didn't want to keep Eric Burns (which was a mistake). I don't like the new guy as well.
Every time someone tries to subtly remind me that Obama's black I try to remind him/her that Obama got to the very top of the Harvard Law Review. Any law review is tough, and rising to the top at that one means "guaranteed cushy job" and causes contestants to work very hard. One of the refreshing things about Obama, regardless of his nutty preacher, is that he's NOT acting like Jackson or Sharpton acted when it comes to race. It's sad, but fitting, that the Clinton side is constantly bringing it up even as he has tried to avoid the ugliness.
Finally, here's Chuck Baldwin's take on the Spitzer mess. Looks like I can thank Bill Clinton's FINCEN and his "crime" of paying cash for a truck for that libertarian streak Chuck displayed this election...
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
Learning from the mistakes of others
March 14, 2008 - 15:26 ET by general companyis that he's NOT acting like Jackson or Sharpton acted when it comes to race.
Why would he, their bid for POTUS went nowhere. His "nutty preacher" does lead one to wonder though.
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest". Mark Twain
I think that Chris Wallace
March 14, 2008 - 15:01 ET by marpelI think that Chris Wallace is being a lot more fair and balanced than his Dad. At least he's making the effort.
marpel... I agree with
March 14, 2008 - 15:14 ET by bigtimermarpel...
I agree with you.
He isn't one of my fav's but he is a lot better than his Dad...he does okay on Fox News Sunday at times, my best recollection of him will always be his interview with Bill Clinton...that was really rich, priceless.
It is seared, seared into my brain...lol.
BT, I was going to mention
March 14, 2008 - 15:24 ET by marpelBT, I was going to mention that interview because that's when I knew that Clinton was starting to lose it. Now, I can't wait to hear what Bill Clinton has to say while on the campaign trail. To me, it's hysterical.
But, that interview was one of the best. Did you think Bill was drunk during that interview? I thought he was.
marpel... I don't know
March 14, 2008 - 15:33 ET by bigtimermarpel...
I don't know but believe it me it crossed my mind that he was on something...booze or otherwise...although we all know he has a horrific temper.
As an aside are you listening to Sean?
I just tuned in because I
March 14, 2008 - 15:38 ET by marpelI just tuned in because I have been away from my desk. Missed the first 30 mins. I'm listening and he's playing his interview w/ McCain. What did I miss? Anything?
The part I caught was about
March 14, 2008 - 15:49 ET by bigtimerThe part I caught was about Sean asking where was Oprah and where is her voice about this all since she supports Obama, it was suggested that she went to this church too by some gal on the View with a clip that was played on the air.... I don't know how long or if it is even true...
Anyway...
Well, Oprah's a rascist and
March 14, 2008 - 16:04 ET by marpelWell, Oprah's a rascist and lives in Chicago. Could be that she did attend that church. She's not going to say a dang thing, especially if she did attent that church. Thanks for the update.
Chris Wallace is the best interviewer there is. Period.
March 14, 2008 - 15:24 ET by R D HelmFox News Sunday is the only Sunday news show I watch, and it is largely because of Chris that I even bother.
LOL-But he's wrong about Ferraro.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Dick Morris fell over
March 14, 2008 - 15:37 ET by Chris NormanDick Morris fell over himself to admonish Ferrarro for her comment. It seems that these guys have to get that in lest they be considered "racists" too. It's almost humorous.
Chris... I saw that
March 14, 2008 - 15:43 ET by bigtimerChris...
I saw that too...and I agree with you, plus it is humorous to me...then again Dickie suck my toes Morris has always been comical to me.
Chris & bt,
March 14, 2008 - 16:05 ET by R D HelmActually, I am still waiting for the now obligatory McCain apology to Obama for what Gerry said.
I think Dicky Morris is a perfect example of how all this race hyper-sensitivity has so many walking on eggshells these days, even many conservatives.
Here we have a man who is quite literally now just two steps away from the Oval Office, which is arguably the most powerful office on the planet, and everybody is afraid to so much as breath around the guy out of fear of being tagged as a racist.
All this has done is reinforce my belief that this country has not yet reached a sufficient stage in its maturity, particularly on the left, but even to a certain extent on the right, to elect a black president.
That will not change until the day comes when a black candidate, particularly one for the presidency, will be scrutinized at the same level as any other, or at least a point far beyond the level that Obama has experienced to date.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Hey RD... Just one
March 14, 2008 - 16:09 ET by bigtimerHey RD...
Just one real quick example here of blatant hypocrisy with the left ist party... the leftist msm when it comes to a black candidate...think Michael Steele.
It hasn't been our side of the aisle...not even now, they are eating their own selves up, in fact devouring each other, it has been a long time coming, this PCness has been their own creation, their own monster, now they are reaping what they have sown.
I for one sit back and enjoy it.
bt, you're correct, and it isn't just Michael Steele.
March 14, 2008 - 16:50 ET by R D HelmIt's J.C, Watts, Clarence Thomas, Condi Rice, Janice Rogers Brown, Colin Powell (before he rolled) and a whole host of other black American's who have left the liberal plantation, or were never on it in the first place. These people are treated like lepers by the left, as the liberal mantra has always been that minorities cannot make it on their own in this country. That is not just mere condescension, but flagrant racism, at least as I define it.
The left, and particularly the lefty MSM, is still stuck in the 1960's. They need to grow up. Seriously.
The really ironic thing is what is now occurring in the Democrat Party. For nearly fifty years, these people, who claim to believe in equality, have maintained their power by dividing everyone up into groups. These groups were set up according to race, gender, sexual orientation, geographical location, ancestry, the phases of the moon, or whatever.
Then, the dims would play these groups against each other by affording one group more "rights" than another, then sit back and watch the carnage unfold. When the wailing and knashing of teeth became sufficiently audible, the dims would step in and reallocate certain "rights," all in the interest of "fairness" and "equality," of course, and the whole hideous process would start all over again.
It appears that five decades of deception and manipulation has finally come back to bite them squarely in the ass, and I really don't think the MSM can prevent what I believe is going to happen to the Democrat Party from taking place.
Maybe now many black Americans are going to finally wake up and realize they have been had.
I certainly hope so.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
bt,While I was watching
March 14, 2008 - 16:08 ET by Chris Normanbt,
While I was watching Morris confidentally analyzing and predicting last night, I was thinking that here's the same guy who was confidentally predicting Hillary's nomination and coronation not that very long ago. Now, he says she's toast. I'd say he's as slippery as a weasel, but I don't know if weasels are that slippery.
BTW, did you watch the Dhue Point segment last night? O'Reilly did again what we said he does, yesterday - he dismissed every criticism of him. Although, I think Laurie Dhue objected to his dismissal of the networks not identifying Spitzer as a Democrat as a "secondary" issue. He cut her off before she could argue. She did say, she would have more about it later. I don't think she was happy.
I changed channels when the
March 14, 2008 - 16:09 ET by marpelI changed channels when the Dhue point came on. Didn't want to hear O'Reilly being rude to her. She's just doing her job.
I always watch the Bernie and Jane segment. I love Bernie Goldberg.
Dang!!! Sean Hannity is playing the Rev. Wright's sermons over and over again. Glad he is.
marpel, ...I always like
March 14, 2008 - 16:16 ET by bigtimermarpel,
...I always like Bernie, last night I liked both Jane and Bernie.
Btw...did you catch it when Sean said Kemp sent him a note about Obama and republican response about him regarding his interview with Kemp the other night on H&C...he said Kemp said he may have been wrong.....I LMAO!
No, I didn't!!!
March 14, 2008 - 16:18 ET by marpelNo, I didn't!!! Hilarious....LOL At least Kemp is admitting it....I'm shocked.
Chris... I watched it, I
March 14, 2008 - 16:12 ET by bigtimerChris...
I watched it, I thought of our conversation too.
I liked it when she said I don't always agree with you to BOR...lol.
I disagree with Wallace and
March 14, 2008 - 16:30 ET by stratmanI disagree with Wallace and you about race not a factor in Obama's ascension, and Wallace enunciates my point for me.
While I agree that Obama's blackness is not the sole reason for his current position in the presidential primary, it certainly is a looming factor which has given him an edge. If he were not a charismatic and resonably attractive human being (clothes horse so to speak), he never would have made it this far. If his message was not engaging or captivating to the masses he would not have gotten this far (forget the substantive details on acheiving those goals and the freshman policy blunders such as Tea Time with Dictators, invading Pakistan and NAFTA). If he were not a Democrat then MSM face time and positive coverage would certainly be demonstrably different and the impact blunted.
The critical racial factor which has helped propel Obama is described by Wallace:
After meeting a certain critical mass for presidential consideration, Obama's 'X Factor' is a populace tinged with guilt and a desire for unity. The X Factor is a desire to further embrace the ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr., to show that we, as Americans, can prove we are not bigoted or show we do not want to be bigoted.
Like Affirmative Action being born not only from undeniably disparate data but also from guilt (a powerful motivator for change), there is a similar desire to bridge a disconnect via an Obama presidency. People are willing to forego critical examination of the candidate and personal introspection of their choice to assuage a deeply placed emotional conflict.
All this is not necessarily a bad way of going about making changes in behaviour and policies. But it is a poor method of selecting a president, just like voting for someone who is a woman or a white man without critically examing the candidate's life, associates and policy details.
Natural born citizenship and age have qualified Obama to run for the presidency. His civic and political experience combined with his oratory skills and opinions have moved him in the primaries to a position of interest and gravitas with supporters. If the MSM had done its job earlier on of critically examing Obama's life, associates and policy details, and if the Democratic Party did not filter everything through a prism of race and socioeconomic class, then I doubt we would be where we are today with kid-gloving Obama about his associates, his freshman campaign mistakes, his lack of leadership and policy experience, the paucity of details on acheiving his goals, or even his wife's bizarre statements.
Critically exploring some of these issues might require touching on racial issues, something the MSM and most people in general are reluctant to do for fear of being considered bigoted. No questions, no answers, no problems.
To paraphrase the odious Pastor Wright, the chickens have come home to roost for the DNC in the divisiveness they so dearly manipulate in order to gain and retain power.
RRAM Tough!
Spitzer just another Nifong
March 15, 2008 - 20:57 ET by j17ghsSpitzer was just another of the Democrats' many politically correct fools, like Michael Nifong. But even as corrupt as the Democrats are, they knew that Spitzer had grown too unstable (a useful idiot gone awry) and had to be removed. No big deal, though, as Spitzer was little more than a street thug with a law degree who collected "protection" payments for Marxists masters. He was a dime a dozen to Soros and Company.