Time Magazine Asks 'Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?'

Time Magazine Asks 'Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?'

By Noel Sheppard (Bio | Archive)
September 17, 2009 - 12:37 ET

As Glenn Beck's popularity and ratings increase, so does the attention he's getting from the Obama-loving media.

To be sure, most of the recent articles and news reports have been scathing, especially after his comment on FNC's "Fox & Friends" this summer about President Obama being a racist.

Yet, despite the headline, "Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?", Time magazine's David Von Drehle actually managed to offer some positive insights to the man that is taking radio, the book industry, and cable news by storm (h/t NBer kevcad):

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He is the hottest thing in the political-rant racket, left or right. A gifted entrepreneur of angst in a white-hot market. A man with his ear uniquely tuned to the precise frequency at which anger, suspicion and the fear that no one's listening all converge.

As I said, this really isn't the hit-piece you would expect from Time:

Beck is 45, tireless, funny, self-deprecating, a recovering alcoholic, a convert to Mormonism, a libertarian and living with ADHD. He is a gifted storyteller with a knack for stitching seemingly unrelated data points into possible conspiracies - if he believed in conspiracies, which he doesn't, necessarily; he's just asking questions. He's just sayin'. [...]
As melodrama, it's thumping good stuff. But as politics, it's sort of a train wreck - at once powerful, spellbinding and uncontrolled. Like William Jennings Bryan whipping up populist Democrats over moneyed interests or the John Birch Society brooding over fluoride, Beck mines the timeless theme of the corrupt Them thwarting a virtuous Us. This flexible narrative often contains genuinely uncomfortable truths. Some days "they" are the unconfirmed policy "czars" whom Beck fears Obama is using to subvert constitutional government - and he has some radical-sounding sound bites to back it up. Some days "they" are the network of leftist community organizers known as ACORN - and his indictment of the group is looking stronger every day. [...]
He is having an impact. Along with St. Louis, Mo., blogger Jim Hoft, whose site is called Gateway Pundit, Beck pushed one of Obama's so-called czars, Van Jones, to resign during Labor Day weekend. Jones, whose task was to oversee a green-jobs initiative, turned out to be as enchanted by conspiracies as Beck - he once theorized that "white polluters and the white environmentalists" are "steering poison into the people-of-color's communities" and signed a petition demanding an investigation into whether the Bush Administration had a hand in the 9/11 attacks. On Sept. 14 the Senate overwhelmingly voted to cut off all federal funds to ACORN, and the U.S. Census Bureau severed its ties to the organization. This followed Beck's masterly promotion of a series of videos made by two guerrilla filmmakers who posed as a pimp and prostitute while visiting ACORN offices around the country. The helpful community organizers were taped offering advice on tax evasion and setting up brothels for underage girls.

And, he's very successful:

There are bigger one-voice enterprises in the world: Oprah, Rush, Dr. Phil. But few are more widely diversified. In June, estimators at Forbes magazine pegged Beck's earnings over the previous 12 months at $23 million, a ballpark figure confirmed by knowledgeable sources, and this year's revenues are on track to be higher. The largest share comes from his radio show, which is heard by more than 8 million listeners on nearly 400 stations - one of the five biggest radio audiences in the country. Beck is one of only a handful of blockbuster authors who have reached No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller lists with both nonfiction and fiction. (Among the others: John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell and William Styron. Unlike them, however, Beck gets a lot of help from his staff.) His latest book, Arguing with Idiots, will be published this month, and if things go as expected, it will be the third No. 1 with his name on the front published in the past 12 months. Taking a page from Stephen King - who once called Beck "Satan's mentally challenged younger brother" - Beck recently entered into a partnership with Simon & Schuster that pays him a share of profits rather than a traditional author's royalty, and he plans to create a range of books for every audience, from children to teens to adults.

In the end, though Von Drehle wasn't gushing and fawning over Beck, with all the vitriol that most in the media have directed at the controversial author/radio-television personality of late, as well as the high-profile idols he's taken down like Van Jones and ACORN, this piece by Time is remarkably balanced, and one that even Glenn's followers might find surprisingly informative.

Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing.

—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.

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Sorry to jump in first on

September 17, 2009 - 12:48 ET by motherbelt

Sorry to jump in first on two threads, but I gotta go....

Beck has made the big time.

Our own Tim Graham covered it at the time.

Why is it that they never worry about whether someone like Al Gore, or any other liberal, is "bad" for America???

I agree. Al Gore is bad news

September 17, 2009 - 15:58 ET by CO

I agree. Al Gore is bad news not just for America but for the whole world. Global warming is the biggest hoax in history and Obama and every dem who has supported it will eventually go down in history for looking quite stupid.

Sad part about that, I

September 17, 2009 - 16:02 ET by b4m4wy

Sad part about that, I heard John McCain agreeing with the effects it has already done here in Colorado, when he was at Estes Park. I didn't realize he was so much in the center.

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

Ronald Reagan

"Time Magazine is Bad For America."

September 17, 2009 - 16:10 ET by farstar99

We should start our own meme.

Fringe Media

September 17, 2009 - 12:49 ET by cajun2

Glenn Beck may indeed be a mad man, but he speaks to the "angry mob". The Fringe Media have not figured out that Mainstream America has nowhere else to go for the truth, honest and fair reporting. It is true that Beck does not speak for all of us, but he presents information in such a way to let you decide. That is more than the Fringe have learned, hence, poor profits and poor ratings while Beck is #1 in mid afternoon. The majority of Americans have many views on different issues. We are a very diverse nation. Over 50% of the people have lost confidence in this president and Congress has the worst rating in 25 yrs. Get it. And, 50% of the population is not stupid, not unAmerican, and we are not racist. OK, Fringe, start here.

That's It!!

September 17, 2009 - 13:56 ET by HoosierEm

That is exactly right - Glenn Beck doesn't tell his viewers/listeners/readers how to think - he presents the case like a gifted lawyer and lets you come to your own conclusions.

The fringe media spins their stories and views to whatever (or whoever) they are rooting for at that specific time and make the viewer feel so smart because the viewer agrees with them.

Glenn Beck is most representative of the American people and his success proves that. The fringe media live in their own little world of elitism - exactly where the politicians live - and they lose objectivity.

3 words about Beck..

September 17, 2009 - 12:51 ET by Paul G

He's the best!

Ratings say it all.

September 17, 2009 - 12:52 ET by black47211

Ratings say it all.

Mr. Beck is speaking those things that no one else seems to want to say.

Gotta love it.

http://www.pelicanmarsh68.blogspot.com

Beck Seemed Fine for America

September 18, 2009 - 07:42 ET by allanf

.. when he worked for Time Warner's CNN Unit.

Glen is in the front line.

September 17, 2009 - 13:11 ET by Franksam

Glen is in the front line. When my wife suggested that his antics are sometimes hysterical and over the top, I asked if he was any different from the feminist shock troopers who burned their bras forty-some years ago.

He is outrageous, which fits the theme of our times perfectly. The venue he has provided to the ACORN tapers is invaluable. theose two young people deserve the admiration of everyone. Brave and smart, they may have changed the course of history.

Better question

September 17, 2009 - 13:15 ET by Beukeboom

A more apt and applicable question is, "Is Time magazine bad for America?"

Maybe a better question, If

September 17, 2009 - 13:25 ET by dscott

Maybe a better question, If a Time magazine edition is laying on the coffee table, is it read?

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.

Yes, and a better title for Time Mags cover should be:

September 17, 2009 - 13:30 ET by pahuber

"Can America handle the Truth"

EVIL CONSERVATIVE INDUSTRIES...

September 17, 2009 - 14:00 ET by danybhoy

Beck seems to be bad for his old employer, CNN/TimeWarner. He leaves CNN/HeadlineNews & just kicks their(&everybody else's)butt.

"...How blind can you be, don't you see...

...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."

Nightwish

Is Time Bad for America?????

September 17, 2009 - 14:42 ET by Poljunk

Duh, that's why we cancelled our Membership a year ago, along with Newsweek and I must admit I want to throw up anytime the New York Time sends subscription offers! What a joke!

I say we should all be asking are the any form of liberal publications, TV, Radio etc.... that is not detrimental to the country?? Easy answer: NO, they have all managed to become nefarious at best!

Recycle Congress and Boycott all Forms of Liberal Communication, Boycott all Products (as much as is possible) advertised on MSNBC.

Just Askin'

September 17, 2009 - 13:18 ET by okiehawk44

Do more people watch/listen to Glenn Beck in a week or read the weekly published TIME?

Yes

September 17, 2009 - 17:15 ET by StogieGuy

The answer is yes - Time subscriptions + newsstand sales equal about 3.2 million per week and are falling fast. That was at last check several months ago and may well be less than that now. Beck's radio show has more than that many listeners for at least a quarter hour of each day and his show on Fox is running well over 2 million on a daily basis. Research shows that at least half of his viewers on Fox don't usually listen to his radio show. And his listenership and viewership is growing fast.

It explains the obnoxious, basically sneering tone of the article. You can literally tell that the author has a personal dislike of Beck and the slant is obvious to all but the dumbest or most liberal of readers (ok, that's the same group). It's yet another reason why Time is on the way down and Beck is on the way up.

Somewhat off topic, but...

September 17, 2009 - 13:19 ET by BKeyser

you wanna know who's bad for America?

I'm listening to the Pacifist in Chief honor a fallen soldier with the Medal of Honor. This President doesn't deserve to be in the same room with the MoH and the soldier's family who must listen to his condescending tone as he blathers on about things he has no concept of, no metal to ever achieve, and no regard for the brave man that warrants such an honor. Obama cheapens this posthumous award.

And I challenge any liberal out there to question my anger on this subject- my guess is, unlike me, you never served your country in a military uniform. I'm sorry for my tone, this really bothers me.

Is Glenn Beck "bad for America?'

September 17, 2009 - 13:19 ET by Delsa

Glenn is only Bad for AMERIKA ala SOBama !

He GREAT for AMERICA, FREEDOM, and the FOUNDERS!

Glenn is only Bad for AMERIKA...

September 17, 2009 - 13:47 ET by MaximusBraveheart

That was great... so true! He is messing up their socialist plan. They don't want us to hear the truth. Like Obama's Czars are a DIRECT REFLECTION of OBAMA's values! That is a HUGE story that could go on and on investigating his values as reflected in his staffs' histories. M-B

I wish all the other

September 17, 2009 - 13:24 ET by Bruzilla

I wish all the other commentators were like Beck! The guy doesn't back down from any threats and more importantly... he doesn't get distracted! Rush's biggest problem is that whenever the Dems want to get him off their case, all they have to do is make some bogus pronouncement and Rush chases after it like a lab retriever after a stick. When the Dems were taking heat for reversing themselves on Iraq a while back, and Rush was calling them on it, they just claimed Rush was making fun of sick people. Rush was essentially off the air for weeks as he defended himself day in and day out. This week, they said Rush is a racist and whosh... he's off topic and off to the races again. Hannity is the same way.

Beck doesn't seem to get distracted. When he was focused on Jones and ACORN, the day after Obama's health speech, he opened his show with "I know we're supposed to be focused on this speech, but it's a distraction." If Rush and Hannity could just be that focused.

Exactly!

September 17, 2009 - 13:41 ET by centurion2674

That's one of the main reasons I like Glenn, and he's the one with ADD!

"Do you consider your position so weak, that it cannot withstand a debate?" - Lt. Commander Data

a thought on why Beck is so popular:

September 17, 2009 - 14:59 ET by Ascended Conservative

so i recently heard another one of my favorite radio guys (he shall remain nameless, but i'm sure most can guess) say some pretty disparaging things about Mr. Beck. what's so shocking is that Beck says a lot of the same stuff this person says. why cannibalize our own people (conservatives, for all those race baiters out there). this man is an intellectual giant whom i respect very much, and i'd hope jealously is not to blame. perhaps there was some personal issue, but i digress.

Beck is so popular because he goes much further than presenting a recent outrageous statement or action by the progressives and showing their hypocrisy and sinister motives. He shows the puzzle peices to the audience and let's them put them together to formulate their own picture.

it's funny how some in the media at this time think questioning your government makes you a "dangerous" individual.

the main concepts behind our current, apparent dichotomy in America is collectivism and individualism. i believe that collectivism is essentially slavery. collectivism requires a centralized power model while individualism relys on a distributed power model. to me, it's quite obvious that a centralized power model is much, much more easier to corrupt, poision or infect with disease than a decentralized one. it's a simple rule that can be observed in nature herself.

in my opinion, conservative politicians need to make this arguement central to their theme and promote individual liberty, responsibility and choice. but hey, i'm a simple person who does not like to tell people what they should and shouldn't do. that's for them to decide.

-ascended conservative

THE GREAT ONE...

September 17, 2009 - 15:17 ET by danybhoy

I'm assuming you are refering to Levin. Yeah, he really does'nt care for Beck. It has something to do with Mark's book, but I'm not sure about all of Levin's complaints.

I like listening to both Beck & Levin, they both do their thing very well, & are contributing to trying to stop Obama in their own ways. Levin does alot a legal work with his group the Landmark Legal Foundation, he's good at what he does, & he deserves our support. Beck is doing his part by bull rushing (he won't understand that, he does'nt know much about sports) Obama through his connections, his czars, & his allies. Beck is on the front line exposing the corruption of the Obama White House. He is doing a great job, & he is in the liberal free fire zone. But he is firing back, & that just it. The conservatives need both Beck & Levin, along with the rest of the right to defeat the Obama thugs.

"...How blind can you be, don't you see...

...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."

Nightwish

Well said. A lie

September 17, 2009 - 16:29 ET by compman

Well said.

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. - Sir Winston Churchill

dany.. I come out about

September 17, 2009 - 19:19 ET by celator

dany.. I come out about where you are on this. We need all these voices, each with their slightly different take, to put it all together. They each have their virtues and faults, like all of us.

I don't like it when one of the commentators bashes or demeans another commentator on the air. It's not classy, and it's dissappointing.

They are all speaking to the same audience, roughly, and I want them to take the high road when they comment about one another, publicly at least. I don't care what they think about each other privately. But they all have their foibles, just like us.

No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.

He brings the facts, sarcasm, faces, humor, tears

September 17, 2009 - 13:25 ET by StarAZ

What more do you want of one man? If you think he's a nut, don't watch. Oh--and he noshes on camera--he's the whole package. And one does kind of get the impression he is looking out for us, unlike someone who used to say that.

I know who you are talking about

September 17, 2009 - 13:45 ET by cvgbuckeye

You know, O'Reilly has kind of made my backside tired for some time but I continue to watch him.

Now lately, he has gone totally off the reservation, seemingly belittling Glen Beck, saying that Beck is a conspiratorialist, saying that Beck believes that Obama is evil and that he (O'Reilly) does not believe that. Seems that he is trolling to get an interview with the Chairman Obama.

Frankly, I believe that old Bill has a serious case of the jealousies and would throw Beck under the bus in a minute if Beck becomes too serious a threat to his #1 position. Last night he voiced that he thought it was unfair to tie Obama to ACORN and others.

Beck, of course denies all this and defends O'Reilly. This may be temporary.

O'Reilly is a coward and maybe he ought to move his show to CNN. He's not quite bad enough for msnbc yet.

Yes, I was wondering if Bill even watches or reads...

September 17, 2009 - 14:04 ET by StarAZ

When O'Reilly said it was unfair to link Obama with ACORN, had he seen those segments where Obama promises them a seat at table, says they are "smack dab" in the center of things, blah, blah. Crowley brought up links, too--besides his campaign kicking ACORN over a pot of money...O'Reilly said, well, wouldn't YOU give them money? What is UP with him? (Obviously, I still watch, too...)

I too am becoming very

September 17, 2009 - 14:27 ET by Captain Repus

I too am becoming very tired of O'Reilly lately, and more in tune with Beck. Recently O'Reilly had Beck on his show and when asked by Beck why he, O'Reilly, hadn't covered the Van Jones story, O'Reilly responded by saying the story wasn't big or important enough for his show. I believe his following segment was about some middle-age slut in Oregon who walks around outside naked, then a segment with two of the Fox boob-bearers talking about some other meaningless story.

I guess Bill is back in the mode where T&A is more important than Communist racists in the White House.

Re BOR

September 17, 2009 - 15:02 ET by slickwillie2001

BOR's excuse sounds much like Politico's excuse on ACORN doesn't it? (Hint to NB Staff)

BOR also finds time for his puerile quiz segment which is just his opportunity to torment Doocy and MacCallum with questions that his staff gave him answers to.

Ditto, lol. In TUNE w/ BECK!!

September 17, 2009 - 15:51 ET by MaximusBraveheart

O'Reilly is being too self serving and calculating while Beck is just out to expose the truth. THAT is so valuable right now since the MSM is not doing their job. Traitors be exposed! May the truth expose the rats who love the dark under their MSM ROCK.

M-B

THE NO SPIN ZONE...

September 17, 2009 - 22:10 ET by danybhoy

I have been an O'Reilly guy forever, but I do think there is something to the critical views hear of Bill-O. Mine is that he seems to be trying waaay too hard to be fair. Way too hard. Maybe he knows that Beck & Hannity can be more attack minded. He actually has journalistic cred, Beck & Hannity are going on instincts, but have no real journalistic cred, in the classic sense of the word.

I still like Bill, but he seems to be softening just a bit. I hope that does'nt mean he loses his edge. He still kicks @$$ in the ratings though, & as long as BathTubBoy is his b!TcH, that is just fine by me.

"...How blind can you be, don't you see...

...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."

Nightwish

OMG! Thank you so much Captain!

September 17, 2009 - 23:41 ET by gailannr

Your comments were my sentiments exactly.

about O'Rielly

September 17, 2009 - 15:06 ET by Ascended Conservative

many have noticed an apparent change in O'Rielly's presentation; however, i wouldn't be so quick to jump all over his back. i think it's a business savvy move by O'Rielly et al. to get more viewers and play to O'Rielly's down the middle, republi... oops ;) independent, nature.

he still is the same O'Rielly, the show has just changed a little possibly due to Beck on the seen. although, this could be solely a personal decision by O'Rielly to try and get more progressives on his show or maybe it's another reason.

regardless, let O'Rielly be O'Rielly before you start to relabel him or something. let's watch and see what happens.

-ascended conservative

Agree,

September 17, 2009 - 16:59 ET by DEVILDOCMOM

My husband is totally convinced O'Reilly voted for bho...I don't agree, but I sure wondered when I saw two of his shows in a row where bor gave the number for the 9/12 marches as 75,000! I was actually shocked when he said it once and angry when he said it again the next night. Admittidly I was not there, but the reports I hear of 1.2 million and up seem more accurate. I truly wonder where O'Reilly's head is at.

O'Reilly is like in his mid

September 17, 2009 - 17:52 ET by deerjerkydave

O'Reilly is like in his mid 70s. I suspect it will not be long before we hear of his retirement and we may soon see Beck sitting in O'Reilly's time slot.

lol

September 17, 2009 - 18:15 ET by DEVILDOCMOM

He's not THAT old...he just turned 60 I think, in any case, I would like to watch Glenn Beck at a better time here in Arizona. 1400 is early, I have been off work a bit and can see Beck now, but won't see him as much when I am back to work.

Oops, you're right. lol.

September 17, 2009 - 18:58 ET by deerjerkydave

Oops, you're right. lol. Why did I think he was in his 70s? I must have misheard the number.

:)

September 17, 2009 - 19:01 ET by DEVILDOCMOM

;0)

Yep, 5:00pm here in the

September 17, 2009 - 22:16 ET by GregE

Yep, 5:00pm here in the east. My guess is the east is Becks biggest audience, based on the time. Central and Mountain wouldn't have the numbers of people, then West does but the timeslot is so early. So when his numbers are #2 and #3 in cable news, you can be sure that the only thing keeping his show from rivaling O'Reilly is it's timeslot.

→ You got it Greg

September 17, 2009 - 22:20 ET by Cool Arrow

I get it here in Texas at 4:00 PM. If I didn't have DVR I'd miss it most days.

So, yes, people jump through hoops to watch Glenn.

LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

DVR counts toward ratings,

September 17, 2009 - 22:25 ET by GregE

DVR counts toward ratings, only if it's watched by a certain time, is my understanding. I DVR stuff then never watch it. lol

But you're right. No way that many people are actually watching it at the time it airs.

→ Every day

September 17, 2009 - 22:37 ET by Cool Arrow

I fire up the DVR with Beck as soon as I get home at 7:00 PM. I hope it counts

LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

I saw an article

September 17, 2009 - 23:37 ET by katainkent

about a new program that gets more accurate ratings for programs that are being DVR'd or (like myself) watched on Hulu. I guess Nielsen is all in a stink about it.

____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes

If I catch him, I catch the

September 17, 2009 - 23:59 ET by Lord Elicani

If I catch him, I catch the early AM (1, I think) showing.

"We can go from boom to bust
From dreams to a bowl of dust
We can fall from rockets' red glare
Down to 'Brother, can you spare...'"

- Rush, "Between the Wheels"

Beck~

September 18, 2009 - 09:06 ET by Georgia Girl

Here in Georgia, they have O'Reilly on at 8 p.m. and then run him again at 11 p.m. I wish they would have Beck on at 11 p.m. instead...but maybe that's a little late for some.

Re Time Slot

September 18, 2009 - 10:27 ET by slickwillie2001

Easiest solution, move Shemp Smith from 7pm ET to 5pm ET, and Beck to 7pm. His ratings would explode.

Slick~

September 18, 2009 - 10:52 ET by Georgia Girl

I like it.

O'Reilly needs to be

September 18, 2009 - 05:00 ET by Rowane

O'Reilly needs to be deprogrammed, Obambi got him at the interview.

******************************************************************************
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

TIME mag is fishing. They

September 17, 2009 - 13:27 ET by ConservativeRex

TIME mag is fishing. They already know how they feel. They just want to see what the comments to this story look like.

Beck is bad for TIME but not for America. When he finally sets his sights on media such as TIME, they know they will be exposed to a larger audience to what they really are.

And why throw in that quote from King? Unnesscessary. King has his opinion, I know King is a knucklehead, who ought to be the last person to bring Satan into any conversation. Maybe he should stay off his bike for awhile.

‘Is Glen Beck Bad for

September 17, 2009 - 13:28 ET by ForeverOnTheRight

‘Is Glen Beck Bad for Obama?’ There fixed it. 'Is Glen Beck Bad for the Liberal Agenda?' is another way of putting it.

Beck

September 17, 2009 - 13:29 ET by rockyracoon

Although I don't watch or listen to him, he's not my cup of tea. I'm glad he's doing what he's doing, and I support him.

that

September 17, 2009 - 14:09 ET by katainkent

pretty much sums it up for me. Although I would say he can occassionally be my cup of tea when I feel a need for a catharsis coming on. Much like Mark Levin. I wish safety for himself and his family.

____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes

Conspiracy Boy, as I fondly

September 17, 2009 - 14:18 ET by Lord Elicani

Conspiracy Boy, as I fondly call him, isn't quite up my alley, but you know he's got to be doing something right if the Left's in such an uproar over him.

"We can go from boom to bust
From dreams to a bowl of dust
We can fall from rockets' red glare
Down to 'Brother, can you spare...'"

- Rush, "Between the Wheels"

Who before Beck was

September 17, 2009 - 13:31 ET by d1carter

Who before Beck was covering the Czars, ACORN, the NEA politicization, etc. I fear for GB's safety.

Here's Time's take on Van Jones

September 17, 2009 - 13:34 ET by JeffWeimer

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1686811,00.html

You couldn't create a better advocate for the green-collar movement
than Jones. A Yale-educated lawyer who founded the Ella Baker Center
for Human Rights in Oakland, the magnetic Jones moves easily between
worlds, at home preaching to inner-city high school students or mixing
with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. But everywhere Jones goes, he
repeats a simple message. "Give the work that most needs to be done to
the people who most need the work," he says, and solve two pressing
problems--pollution and poverty--at once.

Notice a difference? When profiling a "rightie", they never get better than "balanced", making sure to include some of the worst along with the good (the Stephen King Quote, really?). They also invariably include the filthy lucre they are making - a very subtle swipe suggesting they really don't represent those with which they ally, and suggesting money is the only reason they do what they do.

But a lefty? Nothing about controversial pasts and such, labeling Van Jones with the anodyne "human-rights activist", and certainly no mention of the money they make doing what they do.

Here's Time's take on Van Jones

September 17, 2009 - 13:54 ET by MaximusBraveheart

Your example shows a HUGE problem that threatens the future of the USA. No objectivity; it is propaganda. Nothing to protect our history and freedoms. This is not CHINA. Ship the MSM there if they hate USA's freedoms and free enterprise.

Journanalist or urinalists? M-B

Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?

September 17, 2009 - 13:39 ET by CobraMan

"Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?"

No more so than any other talk show host, newspaper commentator, or public speaker. Was Jerry Springer bad for America? Is Oprah? Any talk show host on Air America? Any commentator of the NYT's? Any politician giving a speech? Or, for that matter, anyone talking to someone else? The answer to all of this is NO!.

Beck is exercising his freedom to speak openly. How is that bad for America? Even if he says things people don't like, the fact that he's free to express himself without fear of Government retribution is GOOD for America. Just as it was when our Founding Fathers spoke out against THEIR government back in the early 1700's.The only difference between then and now is that our Founding fathers faced retribution for speaking their minds.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution

Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court

Is Network News Bad For America?

September 17, 2009 - 13:42 ET by Jack Bauer

I suppose it all depends on whether you think it's a good thing the elite media pulled out all the stops to get Obama elected.

And hasn't stopped since.

Liberal nutjobs shouting 'racist conspiracy' to anyone criticising Barack Obama are all crazed... RACERS

WHO IS BAD?

September 17, 2009 - 14:34 ET by danybhoy

A few things are bad for America...

The MSM...

The NEA...

The Dept. of Education...

The Dept. of Energy...

The trial (slip & fall) lawyers...

The Green Movement(really red)...

ACORN...

George Soros...

The Federal Reserve...

Hippies in Che T-Shirts...

Idiots with "Coexist" bumper stickers...

General Electric...

The UAW...

& last & certainly least, Ed Schultz...

There are many I missed, but it can be argued that all of the above are "bad for America".

"...How blind can you be, don't you see...

...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."

Nightwish

Idiots with "Coexist"

September 17, 2009 - 15:58 ET by dvdaughtry

Idiots with "Coexist" bumper stickers...

I want my foot to "COEXIST" with someone's butt when I see that stupid sticker.

You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?

I'll take "Sinking Liberal Magazines" for $100, Alex.

September 17, 2009 - 14:02 ET by Chris Norman

"Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?"

I love it when they disingenuously put their opinion in the form of a question. It's just like in "Jeopardy".

The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.

If Glenn Beck is bad for

September 17, 2009 - 14:06 ET by Ick

If Glenn Beck is bad for America then I must want them all to be bad for....... wait..... um..... GEE, I am thinking the media is already bad for America so that cliche doesn't really work all that well.....

Actually, Time RAG

September 17, 2009 - 14:10 ET by Delsa

may have done us all a great service.

All the Time readers, NOT knowing who BECK is, may take a moment to find out.

IF they do take that one moment, it may open their eyes to what is going on in our country.

Might help save us??????

just sayin

Slime Magazine.

September 17, 2009 - 14:24 ET by blazermaniac

Glenn Beck is great for America. Slime Magazine, Newsfreak, NY Slimes, Washington Compost & the network media are not!

Joe who? More

September 17, 2009 - 14:21 ET by buddyc

Joe who?

More importantly, is Time magazine bad for America?

"Joe who? "

September 17, 2009 - 16:48 ET by Rukus

As I said in another thread, Joke-Line. He's a friggin' joke! Sheesh!

Gary

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace. -- Tom Paine

Didn't they run...

September 17, 2009 - 14:35 ET by Robert17

Didn't they run this same cover line on Rush about 15 years ago? Now I understand Mark Levin's comments last night that some in the media are attempting to switch their coronation for head of the Republicans from Rush to Glenn.

Sounds like someone is hiding a purple monster

September 17, 2009 - 14:47 ET by SickofLibs

Geez, could Van Drool be any more of a snarky little b*tch?

"Unlike them [other best selling authors] however, Beck gets a lot of help from his staff."

Then, "If things go as expected, it will be the third No. 1 with his name on the front."

Name on the front. Get it? Unlike Obama, Hildabeast, and Pelosi who all penned their tomes by themselves.

What jerks these NYT guys are. Just imagine if your [well paid] job was only to come up with a few dozen column-inches per week of this crap?

Is Time Bad for America?????

September 17, 2009 - 14:43 ET by Poljunk

Is Time Bad for America?????September 17, 2009 - 15:42 ET by Poljunk

Duh, that's why we cancelled our Membership a year ago, along with Newsweek and I must admit I want to throw up anytime the New York Time sends subscription offers! What a joke!

I say we should all be asking are the any form of liberal publications, TV, Radio etc.... that is not detrimental to the country?? Easy answer: NO, they have all managed to become nefarious at best!

Recycle Congress and Boycott all Forms of Liberal Communication, Boycott all Products (as much as is possible) advertised on MSNBC.

Who's complaining?

September 17, 2009 - 14:45 ET by wolfemanic

Depends on what side of the fence your on.

He's bad for the progressive liberal Marxist America.....and thats fine with me. Chew em up and spit em out!

Goooooo Glenn!

add Shepard Smith to the list of idiots

September 17, 2009 - 15:08 ET by cajun2

I just heard John Boener and other Rep. talking about committees all closing doors to Acorn to stop to flow of money from various Gov. agencies. When done Smith says " there the Rep. marching in lockstep". A hellava reference when we have had enough labeling and name calling. When Pelosi, Reid, and 3 other Dems stand together to put a stop to this "health care fight", I wonder what reference he will use for her and her co-conspirators? Any thoughts?

Cajun~

September 17, 2009 - 15:25 ET by Georgia Girl

Not surprising. Shep lets out snarky or sarcastic comments all the time, even when giving the straight news ... I admit, it bugs me more when it goes against conservatives, but it is irritating to me every time he does it. He didn't used to be like that so much -- I guess he has just gotten rather cocky -- he strikes me as someone who is trying too hard to be the "cool kid." But, for me, his biting little comments are unprofessional, especially when he is doing straight news items. I'm rather surprised FOX hasn't reigned him in some...they must get plenty of emails/letters about it. I've also noticed him being so glib with some he's interviewed that it's just downright rude -- it comes off like he's a real smart alec.

Shemp's Codewords

September 17, 2009 - 15:36 ET by slickwillie2001

And we know who "marches in lockstep", don't we?

should have said

September 17, 2009 - 15:06 ET by realpatriot

Is Glenn Beck back for our liberal causes,

they don't give a crap about america,

only their limited liberal readership.

should have said

September 17, 2009 - 15:07 ET by realpatriot

oops double entry.

Beck is good for America but wreaking Hell on Obama's Amerika

September 17, 2009 - 15:23 ET by R D Helm

And that is a good thing. :-)

-Dave

I agree with Rush. It's time for Obama to resign.

RD HELM...

September 17, 2009 - 15:39 ET by danybhoy

You are refering to "White America, the U.S. of KKK-A", right?

"...How blind can you be, don't you see...

...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."

Nightwish

No RDH is saying the same as USSA

September 17, 2009 - 16:01 ET by MaximusBraveheart

RE "KKK" and protests, it was Pelosi who was just on TV about to cry saying how mean it is AND may result in violence like in the 70s in San Fran. You should have seen her; what an actress! Likely to make youtube. It is the LIBS that will be incited by our racist political leaders: Pelosi, Obama & Carter. M-B

As Beck points out....

September 17, 2009 - 15:54 ET by MightyMouth

I can't take your money or your property or your freedoms!

Who can? The Gooberment and it's Messiah!!

Now who's bad for America!?

"The bureaucracy is growing to meet the needs of the growing bureaucracy"

Is "Time" supposed to be

September 17, 2009 - 16:00 ET by b4m4wy

Is "Time" supposed to be biased? They definitely try to lead their reader with those type of headlines.

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

Ronald Reagan

My feeling is Time is bad

September 17, 2009 - 16:04 ET by CO

My feeling is Time is bad for America. It's not news. Perhaps Obama had some shares in the magazine. It would explain a lot. Anyone remember when the media would ask the president hard questions and be looking for wrong doing in the white house? This really is state run media. If the voting dems don't see it they really are the proverbial frog in hot water. If we still have elections allowed in 2012 I doubt Obama will be voted in. But what scares me is can America be turned around or has he already done irreparable damage? Any thoughts?

Noel, I respectfully disagree

September 17, 2009 - 16:40 ET by G. May

Sorry, but your closing paragraph is a bit off, unless you mean to say that the "balance" and "vitriol" is relatively neutral in regards to their normal bilge. If I read you incorrectly, then my apologies.

The intent of that piece was clear - bash Beck. The reason they have a hard time doing it is because it's difficult to argue with success. But it was clearly an attempt to malign Beck in what few ways they reasonably can.

I thought the content of the

September 17, 2009 - 17:57 ET by deerjerkydave

I thought the content of the article wasn't as harsh as it could have been, but the headlines and the tone of the article were clearly designed to appease their few remaining diehard liberal subscribers.

They probably didn't fully go ape on Beck because he is not a registered Republican and he frequently bashes President Bush.

Bad Beck

September 17, 2009 - 18:09 ET by cajun2

Beck involved or not, something has changed. I wanted to see if the idiots in Congress were paying attention after 9-12 crowds overwhelmed them no matter the media undercounting. It seems they were listening to us and not the party line. The vote in the house today to stop Acorn funding was 343-75. Methinks today there are a lot of Democrats in "fear" not of violence, but of not getting re-elected. That means they remembered who they answer to and it is not that guy from Kenya.

Time Is On My Side

September 17, 2009 - 18:35 ET by rammingspeed

The article is apparently doing one good thing. Just came from checking my crazies at HuffPo and they're all dropping their subscriptions to Time because Von Drehle actually tried to present two sides of the Beck story. Bye-bye, Time. Fox News, or somebody, give Von Drehle a chance once his job goes.

NINJA Loans are Bad for America

September 17, 2009 - 19:22 ET by Retired Geek

One of Barack Obama’s tasks at ACORN, where he worked with Madeline Talbott, was teaching community activists how to use “direct action” and be more forceful in demanding change.

The “in your face” style preached by Barack Obama was used by activists to stage sit-ins and demonstrations at banks to garner publicity and support for more bank loans for (sometimes unqualified) poor people.

(ACORN staged a two-day sit-in at the House Banking Committee room in 1991.)

ACORN Tactics included picketing at the homes of bank executives and calling them racists for not lending to the poor.

Among the banks targeted by Talbott and Barack Obama was Chicago’s Bell Federal Savings (which no longer exists).

The Chicago Tribune, in September of 1992, referred to the ACORN agenda as “affirmative action lending.”

Critics later refer to those types of mortgages as “Ninja” loans (“No Income, No Job, No Assets”) or “liar’s loans,” because the bank takes the applicant’s word for his stated income, assets, and job stability without verification.

Remember when Barack Obama informed financial CEO's, that he was all that stood between them and the 'Pitchforks'?

Barack Obama is using and will continue to use these tactics, to bring about ObamaCare.

How to Understand Barack Obama

September 17, 2009 - 19:24 ET by Retired Geek

Understand Obama by His Students

Barack Obama taught ACORN well.

If you want to see what kind of "Character" Barack Obama has - just look at ACORN.

If you want know what America will be like while Barack Obama is POTUS - just look at ACORN.

If you want to understand the 'Morals' Barack Obama has - just look at ACORN.

If you want to know how 'Honest and Truthful' Barack Obama is - just look at ACORN.

http://biggovernment...

Glenn Beck

September 17, 2009 - 21:22 ET by Jimcinsc

Like Rush Limbaugh, dares to tell the truth on a national forum. That makes him dangerous to the socialists and the marxists, not to America.

Liberals can't handle the truth. It's like silver or daylight to a vampire. Or water to the wicked witch.

Glenn Beck doesn't tell me what to think. He simply provides information that we will never see or hear on all of the other networks or in the newspapers.

Glen Beck has the ratings because the average American knows that the MSM is piddling on their boots and telling them it's raining. The MSM thinks they're smarter than the average American, but as usual, the MSM is totally wrong.

"Liberal Rag: Is Time

September 17, 2009 - 22:08 ET by GregE

"Liberal Rag: Is Time magazine bad for America?"

Beck first

September 17, 2009 - 22:33 ET by cajun2

Politico has a piece on Rush and Beck, who is #1. Doesnt really matter as long as they give us information so we ask the right questions. Otherwise, neither can find me a job, neither can raise my taxes, neither can stop Iran from having nuclear weapons, neither can stop Chavez from selling arms to Cuba. But they sure can help us put pressure on the ones who do have that power. And I dont care if they are first or last or get mega rich doing it. Just keep on doing it. The left is getting so nervous they are now trying to pit Beck against Rush. Whats next? I know. They will call us all racist.

I can recall 30 years ago

September 17, 2009 - 23:57 ET by marvl

I can recall 30 years ago when Time was a good bit more relevant and a good bit thicker. But, as it has drifted farther and farther left, and become less and less concerned with true journalism, it has shrunk in size and circulation. One day I expect it to shrink to about 3 pages of leftist progaganda and ads for liquor and hybrid cars, as it circles the drain of history's toilet. And then, suddenly, it will disappear into the foul sewer of dead and irrelevant news magazines. It will not be missed.

Toxic for Obama's Amerika...

September 18, 2009 - 00:08 ET by wnaegele

Sigh!

Network envy

September 18, 2009 - 01:00 ET by Cool Arrow

Don't tell me Katie, Brian, Charles, and Diane didn't cheer when Howard Beale went on his tirade.

The envy of SubPrime Media is palpable as they realize the highwire act Glenn Beck performs daily (without a net, mind you) is Howard Beale personified.

Consumed with the scrupulosity of the ideals they once held, and the Dorian Grey Portrait they now see, how can they do aught else than wallow in analysis paralysis.

Post-decisional regret will follow their squandered vocation.

LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

This is it. This is the

September 18, 2009 - 01:00 ET by RR GOP

This is it. This is the time. These Communists aren't going to dilly-dally any longer. They will not back down, they will not give up the reigns of power to the Republicans ever again if they can help it (and we let them)...and this goes beyond what we are used to in American politics. Put yourself in their place...why would you screw around for another 50 years subverting the country?

Johnson, Carter, and Clinton weren't the ones to bring Marxism in to America as the pre-eminent political/statist power establishment.

Those of you that go on about "free speech", the "we can agree to disagree" junk, "civil discourse", the "pendulum theory" and the like better enjoy it while you can. These are the very things that will hang us.

These people have no use for us, they see us as their enemies and they would jail us, exile us, "re-educate" us, or shoot us if need be. In how many countries has all this happened? These aren't really Americans. They are committed Communists, and Communists are internationalists and classists...they are beholden to no country and despise patriotism.

One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.

They need to get off Glen's

September 18, 2009 - 04:39 ET by Rowane

They need to get off Glen's back, he's only doing the work that other journalists just wont do.

For cripes sake, he has been the only one covering one of the most important stories in recent history so of course he's ruffling some feathers.

******************************************************************************
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

THANKS... for reminding me

September 18, 2009 - 04:51 ET by OldJoe

why I stopped reading TIME (and Newsweek) a long time ago!

Well

September 18, 2009 - 08:42 ET by Ghostbuster

Well, the TIME piece is slightly more fair than I'd expect, but they still miss the point. They have the cause and effect backwards. Pieces on Glenn tend to indicate that his point of view is a carefully planned business maneuver. Glenn is a businessman, but he chooses his stories based on a genuine love for this country and the belief that the message needs to get out.

So, overall, they got it wrong AGAIN.

-Ghostbuster

Will Time see the light when

September 18, 2009 - 08:57 ET by pcantidote

Will Time see the light when their magazine sales and web traffic explode on this one edition?

Enforce Term Limits if They Won't: Vote Against ALL Incumbents in 2010.

Beck vs. Time

September 18, 2009 - 09:17 ET by jimrunner

Simple contrast (since it's not really a comparison):

Beck - good for America!

TIME - destructive to America!

BECK-TRAIN WRECK

September 18, 2009 - 11:03 ET by RRP

You mention......"As melodrama, it's thumping good stuff. But as politics, it's sort of a train wreck." This thought apparently occurred to some else and asks if Beck enjoys the game...or just the fame. Very entertaining musical commentary:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spKr46-KPC0

How long before

September 18, 2009 - 11:59 ET by Infidelphia

Fox moves Beck to prime-time? Those who still have jobs in this country need to tevo Beck to watch. BillO and Hannity are solidly encamped, leaving only Greta as a possible swap. Then again Beck after Hannity would be too much, too soon...I'd move him to 7 pm and drop Shep from the line up...Shep is primarily and extended version of Brett Bair anyway.

Hmm,

September 18, 2009 - 14:14 ET by jessieH

Hmm, the rag-mag time says Beck is bad for America. I guess they didn't see his ratings. They need to stick with what they know. obamaobamaobamaobamaobamaobamaobamaobamaobamaobama

WaPo Writer Defends Time Article

September 18, 2009 - 15:10 ET by momodo

Time Magazine is coming out with an attack piece on Glen Beck and Media Matters thinks it isn't vicious enough (surprise). Joel Achenbach of the Washington Post defends the Time article writer and starts a inter-league squabble with Media Matters. Follow all the action here:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/achenblog/2009/09/media_matters_glenn_beck_and_t.html

Dowd Report: All MoDo, All The Time

Glenn Beck is much better for Time than who would come next

September 18, 2009 - 16:10 ET by Avitar

During nearly eighty years of opperations Time magazine has made it abundantly clear that they are not good for America or the human race. From supplying cover for North Vietnamies Intelliigence agents to popularizing polywater and global warming, Time has provided less than reliable reporting Glenn Beck is occupying a niche ooptimistic toward the future. The other commentators in that niche like Mike Savage recognize Islam as the greatest problem of the future.

I do wish that their Time-Warner unit would make some good movies or that their cable systems would carry some moderate channels.

Again, I'm ahead of the curve.

September 18, 2009 - 20:22 ET by nwahs

About a month ago I posted this.

Today, Politico posted this.

Again, I am ahead of the curve ;)

I've also said Glenn Beck will not be able to keep the pace, he will burn out and not be on TV next year (2010). He's a bright fire with little wood (i.e. flash in the pan).
FYI

Politics is showbiz for ugly people