Politico's Roger Simon claimed Sunday that John McCain and Sarah Palin are responsible for the anger being expressed towards Barack Obama by their supporters.
Unfortunately, he had nothing to say about who's responsible for the hatred being expressed towards Sarah Palin on television, at rock concerts, and even at sporting events.
I wonder why.
Appearing on Sunday's "Reliable Sources," Simon gave the following response to host Howard Kurtz's question concerning whether or not it's fair of the press to blame McCain and Palin for some recent ugliness at campaign events (file photo):
Well, it may be that McCain and Palin are stoking the anger. It seems to me that John McCain is riding a tiger, and he's trying not to fall off that tiger and get eaten by it.
When your vice presidential running mate goes around the country saying Barack Obama is palling around with terrorists, and when you run ads that say, you know, he's a liar, he's not telling the truth about this unrepentant terrorist, and then you wonder why people in the crowd shout out "terrorist" when you mention the name Barack Obama, this anger is coming from somewhere. It is being ginned up by a campaign, and it is logical, I think, to assume that these people are only responding to what they have heard from the candidate's mouth.
Really, Roger? It's logical to assume these people are only responding to what they have heard from the candidate's mouth? Why?
Mightn't they be responding to something they read on the Internet or in the papers? Or heard on the radio? Or saw on television?
Mightn't the anger folks are expressing stem from a belief that Obama is a media creation that wouldn't even be in this race if not for the press's amazingly biased coverage since this campaign began?
Or maybe they're just concerned like the overwhelming majority of the nation's CEOs that an Obama presidency would be disastrous for the country.
On the other hand, if McCain and Palin are responsible for people's anger towards Obama, are Obama and Joe Biden responsible for people's anger towards Palin?
After all, as my colleague Terry Trippany reported earlier today, Palin was greeted with some boos in Philadephia Saturday evening before she dropped the ceremonial puck at the Flyers' home opener.
And, earlier in the week, Madonna went on a vulgar tirade directed at the Alaska governor at a concert in New York's Madison Square Garden.
I wonder why Kurtz didn't bring up either of these incidents for a little balance, and ask his guests who might be responsible for stoking all this hatred towards a woman that probably less than five percent of the nation even heard of before she was announced as McCain's running mate less than two months ago.
*****Update: NBer expat raises a fabulous point that needs to be shared and then elaborated on...
I would take Politicos [sic] concern about the temperture [sic] of polictical [sic] debate in this election a little more seriously if he could remind me of a single article he wrote about the over-the-top-hatred of President Bush. For example, I am sure he must have written about his growing concerns about the rising level of hatred toward President Bush that a movie dipicting [sic] his assination [sic] was made and not roundly condemmed.
Fabulous point. How much of the Bush Derangement Syndrome regularly expressed by Democrat leaders such as Pelosi and Reid as well as their media minions is responsible for how our President is despised by so many left-leaning citizens?
Maybe if folks like Simon spoke against the invective being regularly espoused by Democrats and liberal press members toward the most powerful man in the world, the political tone in Washington and throughout the nation would be considerably better than its currently deplorable level.
Sadly, people like Simon only see this as a one-way street, and never seem willing to point their microscope at themselves. Too bad for us, huh?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.




















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Oh really
October 12, 2008 - 18:34 ET by 10ksnookerAnd who is tossing out the race card every chance they get? The party of segregation and the KKK playing the race card. Buraq Obama must not know much about American history.
The only ones who believe in
October 12, 2008 - 18:42 ET by sjanus11The words of MLK are Conservetives. We judge not by the color of a man's skin, but by his Character................and barry just don't have any. It's the Libs always playing Race card............MLK would be proud. You have set race relations back 30 yrs and possibly started next race war..............I hope I'm wrong, but if not, so be it, I am ready Steve
"If your 20 and not a Liberal, You have no Heart. If you are 40 and not a Conservative, You have no Brain" Sir Winston Churchhill
Hey Roger of Politico....
October 12, 2008 - 18:38 ET by Texndoc....did you see the gentleman from Wisconsin : "I'm mad! I'm really mad! And it's not the economy. It's that this country is about to be taken over by socialists."
We're legion, baby.
Logical Response to whats coming out of Obama's Mouth...
October 12, 2008 - 18:47 ET by JayTeeYou A...Hole Democrats threaten us with Riots in the Streets if Obama Loses, well here is some more Advice . . .vice ...versa, and we're not waiting until Nov. 5th.
Answer, Code Pink, Jane Fonda are not Republicans. Shut up, Sit down, and watch ACORN Employees get arrested for the next 3 weeks.
OINK! OINK!
October 12, 2008 - 18:55 ET by pocomocoWhen the truth hurts liberals squeal like stuck pigs.
And Just What Are the Dem's Doing to Palin?
October 12, 2008 - 19:03 ET by ChasvsThe liberals and MSM are upset about McCin and Palin challenging the character of a Marxist Candidate for President.
All the while the Dems call Palin everyting dirty and rotten they can think of. No one on the LEFT seems to mind that at all!
Too think that the SCUM that makes up the Democrat party is going to get the Empty Black Suit named Obama elected is nauseating!
Barack, you can kiss my ass suka!
Maybe..
October 12, 2008 - 19:06 ET by GForceMaybe he should have checked out Michelle Malkin's latest blog entry.
It's a must read!
http://michellemalki...
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it"-Aristotle
GForce... The link isn't
October 12, 2008 - 19:09 ET by bigtimerGForce...
The link isn't working on my end anyway...I will go check later though...or check the site itself after the upcoming game.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
missing link
October 12, 2008 - 19:36 ET by mom_roxlink
Haven't read this yet, but here's the link to Michelle's article mentioned above.
regarding Barack Obama's tax plan - I never received a job from a poor person.
Ooops..
October 12, 2008 - 21:05 ET by GForceLead Story;
copy and paste this
<href="http://www.michellemalkin.com" target="_blank">michellemalkin.com</>
michellemalkin.com
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it"-Aristotle
news
October 12, 2008 - 19:11 ET by TheAssessorFace the 0bamanation? Race baiting news done by toxic drips. But here's a headline for ya:
The Assessor says, 0bama's a Political Pimp ... you betcha.
Barak Obama, Afraction American
The only thing that astounds me...
October 12, 2008 - 19:17 ET by nwahsThe only thing that astounds me is how durable the race card is.
The Democrats would be a fool not to use it as long as it works. And it will work as long a people allow themselves to be bullied by it.
Why isn't it held in the same contempt as false sexual abuse claims?
The state senator around where I live, Derrick Sheppard (D), claimed his FBI indictment was racially motivated. This past week, in a plea bargain, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money.
IMO he should get 5 years extra for falsely claiming this was a racially motivated prosecution. If there are no consequences for falsely accusing racism, why would anyone stop using this powerful tool?
Really, nwahs!
October 12, 2008 - 21:17 ET by Scout FinchThis fellow SHOULD get an extra five for FALSELY claiming racial motivation.
It would surely stop any other tools from using this sorry excuse.
Survey says...
October 12, 2008 - 19:18 ET by moovovaI'm mad at Barack Obama and his league of socialist lefties because Barack Obama and his league of socialist lefties MADE ME MAD.
DO NOT blame it on anyone else!
THE DRIVE-BY MEDIA...
October 12, 2008 - 19:21 ET by danybhoyI believe when the truth is told after the dust settles on this election cycle, & I think it should cover from the turn of the century, the American people will find out they have been lied to by the MSM. It amazes me that ANYONE who cares about the country would ever go back to the very people who have been engaged in a active campaign to get Obama nominated & elected. The MSM has given Obama well over a billion dollars of advertising if you consider the fawning coverage of the man. The MSM will line up to kiss his @$$, & will not risk offending the choosen 1. As for McCain, who they loved for years, the MSM has pissed all over him since he got the nomination. McCain, Palin, & his staffers should realize that & smack them down every cance they get. The MSM is never your friend when you are a conservative, learn it, live it.
Despite the fact he ma not actually be constitionally qualified to be President, or that EVERYBODY from his past is of questionable character. Frank Marshall Davis, Rev.J Wright, Rev.Otis MossIII, Father Fleiger, Ayers, Dorn, ACORN, Odinga, Franklin Reins, Jim Johnson, & whoever else is out there, they are all bad people who are SOCIALISTS, MARXISTS, COMMUNISTS, ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-SEMETIC, ANTI-WHITE, ANTI-CAPITALIST, or are CROOKS. You are who you roll with, & I believe that this Obama is better at presnting what he represents better than any other hardline lefty in the history of American politics.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
scary
October 13, 2008 - 13:12 ET by peace_55My goodness, such hatred being spewed here. Tell me, do you put your fingers in your ears and start saying LALALA, when someone tries to point out the truth? I'll bet the only news you listen to is the FNC -Fox News....right? Why don't you go to web sites like factcheck.com (and others)? I know you probably won't take my advice, people like you can never admit you may be wrong about anything! Under-educated "low knowledge"conservatives like you scare the hell out of me.
P.S. You may want to check your spelling.
Peace
October 13, 2008 - 15:37 ET by NorthCoasterDanybhoy has his heart in the right place. You migh want to go further than Factcheck.org to look at as many original documents as possible before you dismiss someone who is passionately against the verbal and written abuse foisted on Republicans in the name of Politics and Journalism.
Great post Peace
October 13, 2008 - 15:48 ET by cocodrieYou win the "Educated Moron Prize" for today. Spoken like a true liberal. Enjoy your kool-aid
mindless liberal
October 13, 2008 - 16:21 ET by MrShy"The MSM is never your friend when you are a conservative, learn it, live it."
Spot on.
Peace_55, all we have is Fox to give us the *other* side of things. That's all we have.
Are you unable to grasp, at all, the tremendous disadvantage and odds a party is up against to get *their* voice heard when it's filtered and fudged by the untold number of "liberal versions of Fox" (meaning, just about every news outlet not named Fox) that do all they can short of completely exposing themselves as mouthpieces and cheerleaders for any Democrat candidate?
Do you have a clue what this site is all about?
Do you have a clue the extent of the damage done to the Conservative/Republican brand by about 90%-plus of all news/information outlets and maybe 98-99% of all other heavily liberal-biased media, including movies and TV shows?
Nope, you haven't a clue. For all I know you may be "over-educated", but that does not equate wisdom or common-sense thinking, which you are devoid of.
Vote for your dangerous, smooth-talking, looks-are-everything socialist hero Barack.
Keep banging your GOP/Fox-is-evil drum, doing all you can to have your one-thought/one-idealogy utopia world realized.
Keep on keeping on.
NOW PLAYING:
Governor Palin Get Your Gun
rofpmsl
October 13, 2008 - 16:28 ET by candanceI'm sure he appreciates getting spelling advice from someone who recommends he read factcheck.com.
And it's a myth that conservies get all their news from Fox.
Under-educated "low knowledge"conservatives like you scare the hell out of me.
My God he's calling us "low knowledge" - them's fighting words! And we scare him, oh the horror! John McCain's citizen police brigade and organized truth squads do sound scary...oh right, those are Obama's ideas.
fox news
October 13, 2008 - 17:25 ET by peace_55Geez, so ALL the other tv channels are wrong about everything? ALL fact checking web sites are lying too? It must suck to always be so paranoid. Take the blinders off - try to open your mind a little. Stop being brainwashed by FNC - think for yourself!
Step up to the plate, peace
October 13, 2008 - 17:29 ET by BlondeShow us what you've got.
I'm betting fifty seven (57) DNC talking points.
But let'r rip.
We're waiting.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Good evening Blonde
October 13, 2008 - 17:41 ET by cocodrieThere are actually 57 states: The Organization of the Islamic Conference [OIC]. It is an international organization of fifty seven islamic states dedicated to "safeguard the interests and secure the progress and the well-being of their peoples and of all muslims in the world". It may show where his true loyalties are.
Ah, thanks, cocodrie
October 13, 2008 - 17:45 ET by BlondeNow I understand the source of B. Hussein's confusion.
Love this site...learn something new every day!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I know you're happy Blonde
October 13, 2008 - 17:55 ET by cocodrieYour Gators gave us a "jolly good thrasing" the other night. My opinions havent changed but since I began frequenting this site I realize how so uninformed I am. I feel that I have a world of new friends.
Cocodrie
October 13, 2008 - 18:06 ET by BlondeSorry about that thrashing (not really)....I am a huge LSU fan when my Gators aren't involved. Truly...check the archives...I picked LSU to win it all early on last season. Having said that, tho, GO GATORS!
NB is such a fun site....we have so many here who are experts at so many diverse topics. If you just read, and follow the bouncing ball, you must broaden your horizons.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
that's your comeback?
October 13, 2008 - 19:04 ET by candanceWow you are one lazy lib.
It's all they've got, can
October 13, 2008 - 19:09 ET by BlondeAnother turdler....drop a little post and run.
Sheesh!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
This is getting seriously depressing.
October 12, 2008 - 19:26 ET by R D HelmWhere do these imbeciles come from?
I realize the Marxist Socialist Media (and from what I have seen in this election cycle, that is exactly what they have clearly become) declared war on this country at some point during the Vietnam war.
Call me naive, but I never thought we would reach the day where this same MSM would go to the lengths it has to install a Marxist president, as I have always believed the "silent majority" would never allow it.
Does anyone still employed in the media today have any concept of freedom left within them? These people have stretched the boundaries of intelligence beyond thier breaking point.
From conservatives, the only real anger I have seen is pretty much aimed at the MSM and John McCain, who is running what must be the weakest campaign in history.
Most of what I see directed at Barack Hussein Obama is fear.
-Dave
Barrack Hussein Obama must be defeated.
Roger isn't the brightest
October 12, 2008 - 19:31 ET by bigtimerRoger isn't the brightest leftist bulb in there room...but he'll do in a pinch...always has for them.
I saw this segment earlier...and laughed out loud, when he talks, I don't really listen...quit doing that long ago, he is nothing but a leftist lap-dog with talking points for the msm.
The Politico was created for the left and the elections.
Simple Simon...
October 12, 2008 - 19:49 ET by HockeyKidSimple Simon...
I'am I the only one who
October 12, 2008 - 19:35 ET by smoto66I'am I the only one who feels that after the last eight years whom ever the next dem elected to the potus is an open target that should be hounded protested made fun of and shouted down to at every possible chance?
A dem?
October 12, 2008 - 19:45 ET by TheAssessorNewp.. not the only one
Barak 0bama-Afraction American
No
October 12, 2008 - 19:49 ET by Jnobleyou don't want to become like those who've hounded Bush 24/7/365 for the last eight years regardless of it was fair or not.
Look, if Obama is elected I'm not going to like it. And I don't trust him one bit. But for the sake of the country and my own standards of behavior, I'm not going to hate on him just because. If he fails, we fail.
No, because the sides are
October 12, 2008 - 19:54 ET by HockeyKidNo, because the sides are not equivalent. As Chris Plante recently told a caller, there are differences. The liberal caller said that conservatives don't even like McCain, and we'll start complaining about him 2 months after he takes office, so why vote for him?
Mr. Plante explained that the right complains about their elected officials because we hold them to their promises, we are honest, and we expect them to be honest as well. We don't worship our candidates the way the left does--we hold them responsible.
Assination is not hatred?
October 12, 2008 - 20:19 ET by ExpatI would take Politicos concern about the temperture of polictical debate in this election a little more seriously if he could remind me of a single article he wrote about the over-the-top-hatred of President Bush. For example, I am sure he must have written about his growing concerns about the rising level of hatred toward President Bush that a movie dipicting his assination was made and not roundly condemmed.
A s s i n a t i o n is not hatred?
October 12, 2008 - 23:38 ET by R D HelmLOL-Don't know about it being hatred, but it sure sounds painfull.
-Dave
Barrack Hussein Obama must be defeated.
Show Me the Money!
October 12, 2008 - 20:43 ET by Lakewood BobI realize Democrat politicians and their surrogates in the media have always been very adept at lying to themselves and the American people, but it has gotten absolutely absurd. I cannot help but believe there is some serious money involved.
May God Bless America!
Rage rising
October 12, 2008 - 21:24 ET by Vivaldi5Excellent point, Mr. Sheppard. Personally, I have been wondering today if Obama/Biden were responsible for the burning of the McCain sign in Gene Scrutton's yard in Portland. Seems an instance of what I call "Rage rising on the Obama campaign trail," don't you think?
I hope NewsBusters will be able to do something in coming days to cover more instances of this troubling "rage," for which the media will surely hold Obama/Biden just as responsible as they have McCain/Palin (yeah, right).
Funny, I have been to 2
October 13, 2008 - 13:34 ET by peace_55Funny, I have been to 2 Obama rallies and he did not waste his time or ours attacking McCain or Palin. I would say Sarah Palin seems to enjoy "stirring the pot", and gets a free pass because of her gender. Obama & Biden are too smart to take that bait. I'm sure all you conservatives would love to have the gender "card to play! The only thing Palin has really been honest about is her accurate description of herself as a "PITBULL"
Cunvoluted thinking
October 13, 2008 - 13:52 ET by cocodrieIf this is correct then Israel is guilty of the violence in the middle east because it exists as a nation and as a race of people and 9-11 is our fault because we are a mainly christian people
Peace,
October 13, 2008 - 15:53 ET by NorthCoasterBarak has let Biden do the name calling for him so he can look and sound Presidential. Haven't you read up on his history. That's what "Community Organizers", get everyone agitated then the agitated go out and do the dirty work while they sit balk with clean hands.
These folks have a problem
October 12, 2008 - 22:07 ET by ckc1227These folks have a problem with what's going on because they know it could cost them the election, despite them trying to tell everyone that it doesn't really matter. It does matter, they know it, and the polls *may* now be showing it too.
Obama's Economic plan: more taxes, more spending, more regulation. Prosperity here we come.
Obama's lead in Gallup...
October 12, 2008 - 22:20 ET by AgentAmericanDown to 7 from 11 (cause for panic?)
Zogby has him by 4 over McCain
Drill ANWAR
What is the level of idocy..
October 12, 2008 - 22:25 ET by nwahsWhat is the level of idiocy that makes one think any left leaning source is going to give McCain helpful advice? If Obama pundits are coming out saying McCain should get off of Ayers and onto the economy if he wants to have a chance, it only means the Ayers ads ARE WORKING.
Yea, they're offering helpful advice to make the election sporting eh?
This isnt really on topic
October 12, 2008 - 22:25 ET by KevpotThis isnt really on topic but it's something I've wondered about; why doesn't the media ever mention that Obama is a smoker? I'm pretty sure that if McCain or Palin smoked they would analyze it endlessly; the bad role model for kids, supporting the evil tobacco companies, the inability to quit an addiction...
Barak Hussein Obama lacks willpower and good judgement.
Obama smokes?
October 12, 2008 - 22:28 ET by nwahsObama smokes? If Palin smoked, I'm sure we 'd know it.
Obama smokes????? Who is the last President that smoked?
Obama has a nicotine addiction???
I agree
October 12, 2008 - 22:55 ET by jaywlSimon has discovered the truth about conservatives. I am a good Republican and I hate all those people my leader tells me to hate, and only those people. I love every other person. My leader has not sent a direct message to hate Simon, but I will remove the tin foil at 2AM for reception of routine info. Til then, listen on sub-channel 4a for emergency stuff.
Some of the conservative
October 12, 2008 - 23:31 ET by Rush FanSome of the conservative commentators who are John McCain supporters believe the McCain campaign should downplay Obama's relationship with terrorist Bill Ayers, his relationship with convicted criminal Tony Rezko, and Obama's relationship with the organization ACORN and concentrate on topics such as the economy.
I'm sure that the McCain campaign would rather not go too negative on Obama and concentrate on John McCain's policies and goals. If the media were doing their job, John McCain could concentrate on other issues. But as long as the media covers for Obama and his questionable associations, who else but the McCain campaign is going to bring those associations to the forefront?
By the way, don't count on "nonpartisan" organizations such as FactCheck.org to set the record straight. FactCheck "evaluated" McCain's ad about Obama's association with terrorist Bill Ayers and found: "We find McCain's accusation that Obama "lied" to be groundless." So much for nonpartisan and fair and balanced media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
“You’re not going to see me ever be partisan. I’ll never take a position on a candidate or an issue.” ~ CNN ‘s Campbell Brown
Spewing Hatred versus TRUTH
October 13, 2008 - 07:05 ET by SlasherI find it un-amazing that when the McCain/Palin team points out factual truths, re:
Obama's relationship with the likes of convicted felon Rezco, unrepentent terrorist Ayres, tyrant Odinga ( to name a few) the liberal press and Obama perpetrate it as "stoking anger" towards Obama.
When the truth hurts, liberal educated (using that word loosely) journalists find a way to put their own spin on truism!
Will the mental midgets of the Press Corps ever see the light? Not likely. They will continue to perpetrate feeding the masses dried heifer dust - also called bullsh*t!
Guilt by association
October 13, 2008 - 07:30 ET by Sergeant ROCK"The broad masses of a population are more amenable to the appeal of rhetoric than to any other force."
- Adolph Hitler
PALIN/McCain 2008
Roger Simon's myopia.
October 13, 2008 - 09:04 ET by paulejbpaulejb
Wonder if Roger has one of those Sarah Palin is a c**t tee shirts? He must have been on a tea break when the reports of a fire bombing of a McCain sign in Oregon & vandalism of republican headquaters in Pennsylvania came in. Perhaps he also missed the the rallies by Obama's brown shirt organization, Acorn. It is frustrating to see the blatant double standard in the MSM but we will have to soldier in in the face of their lies & distortions.
2 Ridiculous
October 13, 2008 - 15:23 ET by ZuccoZoidYet more contempt for the truth. Barry Hussein Obama's spiritual mentor of 20 years "goddamns america", he's endorsed by Farrakhan and Hamas, fundraises with at least one domestic terrorist we know of - and now that McCain's finally addressing these crucial facts, he's "stoking anger and hate" - ?
Why do they now dismiss all of this as a "distraction from the real issues" - ?
Why did the MSM ignore Obama's ties to ACORN?
I can't believe they're all that stupid - they have to be grand acts of omission to protect their candidate. Dissent or disagreement has become a new hate crime.
And it's all too obvious if a Repub candidate had even remote ties to white racists, that candidate would either be crucified or tarred & feathered and run out of town; the party certainly wouldn't rally around him [unless you're in the politically correct party, ask Robert KKK Byrd].
It's all about demoralizing Republican voters, hoping they won't go to the polls - remember, WE NEED ALL MCCAIN VOTERS TO COUNTERACT THE PHONY VOTES the OBAMATRONS WILL BE FLOODING THE POLLS WITH !
If you don't vote, you've just given Obama anywhere from 2 to 10 votes by your absence.
Here's a GREAT video link that sums it all up:
http://www.thepeople...
WHAT ABOUT THE ANGER FROM
October 13, 2008 - 11:41 ET by sembyWHAT ABOUT THE ANGER FROM THE DEMOCRATS TOWARDS BUSH -- OR ROGER ARE YOU BIAS BEING THAT OBAMA IS AFRICAN AMERICAN AND HE'S HELD TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD...
THE MEDIA REALLY SUCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!