Here's an interesting idea: instead of replacing the soon to retire Bob Schieffer with another liberal shill, CBS should "tweak the format" of its Sunday stalwart "Face the Nation" by having two hosts with opposing viewpoints...let's say former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the Global Warmingist-in-Chief Al Gore.
Now THAT would be entertainment.
Before you get all excited about this possibility, such was just one suggestion amongst many in a New York Observer article Wednesday about how CBS should deal with Schieffer's imminent departure (emphasis added throughout, h/t TVNewser):
Larry Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, says that if CBS decides to tweak the format of the typical Sunday morning show, they should consider taking two garrulous former pols, one from the right and one from the left, who could match up evenly in a spirited weekly clash.
“If you’re talking ideal: Al Gore and Newt Gingrich,” said Mr. Sabato. “They could get their guests engaged and argue with them in a constructive way. That would be a circus. But it would be an instructive, educational circus.”
Sounds good to me. Here were some other suggestions:
If CBS News wants someone who can step into the Face the Nation job with little hand-holding and a sizable built-in audience, they might choose Chris Matthews—the host of MSNBC’s Hardball and NBC’s Sunday morning The Chris Matthews Show. [...]
With CBS Evening News stuck in a distant third place in the evening news wars, Mr. Moonves could use the Sunday morning opening as an opportunity to juggle his top news talent.
Reese Schonfeld, the former president of CNN, said that if it were up to him, he would move Ms. Couric to Face the Nation, expand her role on 60 Minutes, give her a series of prime-time specials, à la Barbara Walters, and recruit somebody else for the Evening News. “She’d probably end up making more money for the company that way than by sticking around doing the third-place evening show,” said Mr. Schonfeld.
Interesting thought. Of course, if CBS did this right after Hillary either lost the Democrat presidential nomination in August or the general election in November, this could be the official death knell to the seemingly endless Decade of the Woman.
Cue Alanis.
*****Update: Sabato's suggestion is absurd, for Gore would never do this. He has positioned himself to potentially become a billionaire selling global warming hysteria. At this point, if CBS paid him $5 million/year, why would he do it when he can make that in a week convincing fools that carbon dioxide emissions are destroying the planet? Think about it.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Might be a Conflict
April 3, 2008 - 09:29 ET by Gat New YorkNoel:
Having Gingrich and Gore co-hosting Face The Nation could be a serious conflict considering Gore might be the Democratic nominee for President.
Also, I never saw a s-l-o-w-e-r, more m-e-t-h-o-d-i-c-a-l pedantic pontificator than Al Gore and never saw one on a talk show of any kind.
Newt Gingrich the biggest Hypocrite ever and now a Sell-out
April 3, 2008 - 09:41 ET by PopularTechNewt Gingrich, Ph.D. Modern European History (no science degree)
Newt Gingrich is the biggest Hypocrite EVER!
"Former House speaker Newt Gingrich was having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Bill Clinton over the Monica S. Lewinsky affair, he acknowledged in an interview with a conservative Christian group.
"The honest answer is Yes" - Gingrich
His environmental record is incredibly liberal too...
Newt Gingrich on the Environment (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Maybe the left will fall for his con job which is why he is selling out to Gore.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
No contest
April 3, 2008 - 09:52 ET by cvgbuckeyeNewt vs Gore would be the intelectual equivalent of Newt having a gunfight with an unarmed man.
In today's political world, Newt's only political, intelectual equivalent died in the person of Bill Buckley.
Big Al's equivalent can be found in the person of Jimmah Catah or some other mental midget found in a professional wrestling ring or hosting some show on msnbc at 8:00 PM.
I'm not so sure, cvg.
April 3, 2008 - 10:24 ET by JerI'm not so sure, cvg. I agee that Newt is highly intelligent, but Gore is pretty smart [although he was admittedly an academic underachiever].
Incidentally, many years ago, I recall my dad mentioning that Bill Buckley considered Gore's father, Al Gore, Sr. to be one of the most formidable debating adversaries he had ever faced on Firing Line.
Jer
Al Gore's "Intelligence" is overrated
April 3, 2008 - 10:47 ET by PopularTechAl Gore only has a B.A. in Government (no science degree)
The Education of Al Gore (The Washington Times)
"Mr. Gore's high school performance on the college board achievement tests in physics (488 out of 800 "terrible," St. Albans retired teacher and assistant headmaster John Davis told The Post) and chemistry (519 out of 800 "He didn't do too well in chemistry," Mr. Davis observed) suggests that Mr. Gore would have trouble with science for the rest of his life. At Harvard and Vanderbilt, Mr. Gore continued bumbling along.
As a Harvard sophomore, scholar Al "earned" a D in Natural Sciences 6 in a course presciently named "Man's Place in Nature." That was the year he evidently spent more time smoking cannabis than studying its place among other plants within the ecosystem. His senior year, Mr. Gore received a C+ in Natural Sciences 118.
At Vanderbilt divinity school, Mr. Gore took a course in theology and natural science. The assigned readings included the apocalyptic, and widely discredited "Limits to Growth," which formed much of the foundation for "Earth in the Balance." It is said that Mr. Gore failed to hand in his book report on time. Thus, his incomplete grade turned into an F, one of five Fs Mr. Gore received at divinity school, which may well be a worldwide record."
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
PopTech...You are citing
April 3, 2008 - 11:16 ET by JerPopTech...You are citing achievement test scores. His SAT verbal and math scores--which are more indicative of raw intelligence--were considerably higher. I believe they tranlated to an IQ of around 135. No dummy.
Jer
Al Gore was so intelligent he smoked Pot excessively!
April 3, 2008 - 11:53 ET by PopularTechNothing says you are a weak minded idiot unless you smoke pot excessively.
SAT scores are indicative of people who are good at guessing. As my one friend used to call them - multiple guess. He could sleep through classes and score A's and B's on any multiple choice test but barely pass if it was any other type without studying.
Al Gore's class work showed the capabilities of a below average student. He was so smart at Math yet he got C's in Calculus? And then C's in English and History? Please Al Gore is hardly a "genius".
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Gosh, PopTech...didn't McCain
April 3, 2008 - 12:17 ET by JerGosh, PopTech...didn't McCain graduate almost at the very bottom of his Annapolis class? I suppose, in your eyes, that makes him an absolute imbecile. No?
Jer
I don't think Gore would put
April 3, 2008 - 13:07 ET by fitzfongI don't think Gore would put himself in the position to face opposition directly anymore. I believe he overrated his own performance against Ross Perot years ago, as he was simply the beneficiary of an unhinged opponent. Then he made himself look like a bully and a fool in the first debate with George W. Bush. He was emasculated in the infamous follow-up sit-down debate with Bush and by the time the 3rd debate came up, he was damaged goods when it came to direct policy confrontation. Ever since, Gore has protected his reputation (such as it is) the way baseball managers protect their ace pitchers' arms...limiting his outings, micro-managing the content of his performances, bailing out at the first sign of resistance. He won't debate anyone honestly on the subject, choosing instead to reductively define any and all challengers as "deniers", "flat earthers" or "statistical outliers". He surrounds himself with a posse of spin doctors and protectors who simply parrot his assertions ad nauseum...repetition, repetition, repetition. From there he builds what has become the coward's best friend...unquestioned concensus (from media, government, entertainment and even corporate entities)...to drown out and shame dissenting voices. If forced to face opposition directly, he'd wilt.
McCain is an idiot on Global Warming .
April 3, 2008 - 18:30 ET by PopularTechJer, you are REALLY talking to the wrong guy about McCain who I find is an absolute idiot on Global Warming. Try to keep up...
John McCain (Graduated 894th out of 899 in his class)
John McCain - McCain and Lieberman Push for New Anti-Global Warming Legislation (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
John McCain - McCain Pushes 'Cap-And-Trade' Plan to Fight Global Warming (Business & Media Institute)
John McCain - Senators McCain and Lieberman Propose Energy Tax (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Beware of Cap and Trade Climate Bills (The Heritage Foundation)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
PopTech...That was certainly
April 4, 2008 - 13:31 ET by JerPopTech...That was certainly an intellectual challenge, but I believe I was able to "keep up". Thanks for the info.
Jer
IQ ???
April 3, 2008 - 12:21 ET by LionKingPlease. Achievement tests are no measure of IQ.
LionKing...I'm not sure if
April 3, 2008 - 12:29 ET by JerLionKing...I'm not sure if you are responding to PopTech or me. In any event, your comment is precisely my point.
Jer
It's tough to use things
April 3, 2008 - 14:25 ET by RainsfordIt's tough to use things like the SAT to determine intelligence, since a 600 dollar class can almost guarentee your score above 1350. However, a history of poor grades does say a bit about the person (not smart enough to pick it up naturally, and not commited enough to put in the effort).
Rainsford...I can't say
April 4, 2008 - 13:23 ET by JerRainsford...I can't say with certainty SAT prep classes didn't exist at the time, or that Gore didn't take one, but I was not famiiliar with any at the time, and really don't believe they were widely available or utilized until several years after Gore entered college.
Jer
It doesn't matter
April 4, 2008 - 19:04 ET by PopularTechGore's class work shows a below average student, I am not impressed.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
That would be a great show!
April 3, 2008 - 09:50 ET by Missouri ConservativeI would love to watch Newt Gingrich destroy Gore.
"women and minorities hardest hit"
Gore
April 3, 2008 - 10:02 ET by iveseenitallGore is a complete moron. I wouldn't want to watch the guy for a minute. For what? To see this idiot with a plodding mind spew his ignorance would be pure torture. I wish the guy would simply go away. He does serve some purpose, however--he shows young people that if you have had an influencial father who made millions in the tabacco industry, you need only to be a corrupt hypocrite to become rich and successful.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Will he "destroy" him before or after he agrees with him?
April 3, 2008 - 10:08 ET by PopularTechNewt Gingrich Out-Greens Al Gore? (FOXNews)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Right
April 3, 2008 - 10:33 ET by iveseenitallSpot on,Popular Tech. And wouldn't it be much better to have some real scientists on a show like this? We have gotten away from reality when we suggest that "celebrities", which both Gore and Gingrich have become, are the source of truth about anything. This doesn't augur well for America. Rather than educate, a Gore/Gingrich show would create even more ignorance than presently exists about many things--if that's possible in today's world. The "elite" often do more harm than good.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
The Softball Show
April 3, 2008 - 10:54 ET by PopularTechThey should call it "The Softball Show" because anytime topics ala Spitzer or the Environment comes up they will be throwing Softballs.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Hard Reality
April 3, 2008 - 10:32 ET by BayshoremanAlgore will NEVER host/co-host a talk or news show where he would be subject to unscripted questions forcing him to defend his global warming "facts". That's also why he will never run for political office again. His GW "scamchise" is just too lucrative to put at risk.
Al Gore's Generation
April 3, 2008 - 10:42 ET by Hunter12Al Gore's Generation Investment Management, LLP just hit $5B in assets. Makes the $5M investment (known as all his "profits" from "An Inconvenient Truth") seem like a smart thing to do. If we had known this guy was such a financial genius, it might have made a difference in 2000. [Ok, I was lying about making a difference.]
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Perfect Match
April 3, 2008 - 10:46 ET by CaringwhiteguyWhat a great match a Gore/Newt show would provide. However there might be a lot less fireworks than you'd expect. We'd see less debate and more detente because these are two guys who have unashamedly whored themselves out, and the bigger whore just might be Newt. Since the left succeeded in beating Newt down, he's been desperately trying to gain MSM favor.
Poor Newt. Gore has one upped him on gaining favor from the press. He found the perfect scam in global warming, and now walks on water. The water, by the way, comes directly from melting ice caps.
Gore's success hasn't kept Newt from trying to curry favor and lots of face time from MSM. There isn't a show Newt won't go on to show how willing he is to work more closely with the other side. Perhaps if he had worked a little harder as Speaker, doing a little less pontificating and a lot more legislating, he wouldn't feel so starved for attention today.
And thanks for the update - I almost hurt myself..
April 3, 2008 - 10:48 ET by Gary HallAnd thanks for the update - I almost hurt myself.. when I saw your headline. Neither would Al Gore allow himself to be in a position where an intelligent person might challenge him in public view (he doesn't have any answers.)
In the end, CBS would probalby maintain the MSM standard balance. Let's see, the panel would be: Newt vs Dan Rather, Bernie Sanders, Joe Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and produced by Mary Mapes.
Al Gore would be a bore.
April 3, 2008 - 11:54 ET by stratmanAl Gore would be a bore. The only value would be watching Newt effortlessly dismantle Gore on a few topics like Edward Scissorhands pruning a bush. Sadly, AWG would not be one of them. Shame on you Newt.
I would, however, enjoy seeing Dennis Miller versus Blow Maher or Jon Stewart. Definately good for a couple of laughs and cheers for all.
RRAM Tough!
The Gore Fortune
April 3, 2008 - 12:41 ET by okiehawk44Did the Gore Family make more money on:
Farming a rocky hill country Tennessee farm?
Oil? (somehow dirt poor folks from Tenn. cobbled together enough money to invest heavily -- check the records and family statements -- in Occidental Oil)
Mining? (no matter how much environmental damage it did to the rivers and streams in good ol "Rocky Top Tennessee)
Carbon Credit Scams (you name the problem and the solution -- you win numerous awards from your friends for "identifying" the problem and make money from providing the solution -- or absolution -- Wow!)
Which one would be the
April 3, 2008 - 12:44 ET by fitzfongWhich one would be the liberal?
As long as there's not any HINT
April 3, 2008 - 12:46 ET by sarcasmoOf a libertarian on the set, we'll be ok...Oh, and antilibertarian mediabias does not exist.
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
The liberal?
April 3, 2008 - 12:53 ET by JerThe portly, pedantic one.
Jer
Oh, that clarifies it. ;-)
April 3, 2008 - 13:10 ET by fitzfongOh, that clarifies it. ;-)
so to repeat . . . .
April 3, 2008 - 13:10 ET by Caringwhiteguywhich one would be the liberal?
This may be one suggestion among many"
April 3, 2008 - 13:18 ET by sarcasmoBut from this conversation, I'm getting the feeling it's the suggestion that's likely to come true.
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
"Cool" Algore in a "hot" medium
April 3, 2008 - 13:12 ET by nkviking75Looking at this as a broadcaster, which I am, Al Gore would be an awful choice as a TV host. If I recall Marshal McLuhan correctly, Gore would be a "cool" personality (and I use the term loosely) in a "hot" medium. He'd fade into the background behind Newt.
I agree with the others who think Gore would never put himself in this kind of position. If there's any chance that he'd seem to be any less than the smartest guy in the room, he won't go there.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Gore won't have time for a TV gig...
April 3, 2008 - 19:23 ET by R D Helm...as he will be too busy running for POTUS on the dem ticket, while running away from his carbon credit scam, as well as trying to heal the rift in the dem party.
All at the same time.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
How would they have time
April 4, 2008 - 13:44 ET by bigtimerHow would they have time for any guests to speak with the two of them on the same show?
That is my question..talk about filibusters...
LOL!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill