The NewsBusters Weekly Recap: November 24 to 30

CNN's Clinton Crasher at GOP Debate

From CNN's perspective, what would be the perfect addition to its YouTube Republican debate? Why, someone who is on a steering committee for the Hillary Clinton campaign! Keith Kerr, a retired, gay general was in the audience for the November 28 debate and grilled the Republican candidates over the issue of homosexuals in the military. Somehow, CNN forgot to mention his connection to "LGBT Americans For Hillary Steering Committee." The next day, network anchors even tried to cover up their knowledge that the general was an "activist."

Don't be Bigoted Against Campaign Operatives!

CNN's audience, however, probably shouldn't be surprised at the network's actions. Prior to the debate, anchor Anderson Cooper defended the usage of such plants by asserting, "Well, campaign operatives are people, too. We don’t investigate the background of people asking questions…that’s not our job..." The cable channel's tricky tactics marred an otherwise commendable debate. As noted on NewsBusters, a majority of the YouTube questions aired by CNN were from a conservative perspective.

Still Digging That Dreamy Obama

Over on ABC, "Nightline" anchor Terry Moran gushed that Barack Obama is a "fresh face" who represents "real change." The ABC co-host, who last year lauded the Democrat as a man who might "unify the country," rhapsodized about the historic nature of Obama's candidacy.

But No Preachers, Please

Republican candidate Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minster, didn't fair as well with his media coverage. "Good Morning America" host Diane Sawyer seemed horrified that the former Arkansas governor used a onscreen graphic featuring the phrase "Christian leader" in one of his campaign spots. The host wondered if the ad "crossed a line." MSNBC's Chris Matthews offered no respite to Huckabee. He was appalled that the "liberal media" wasn't exposing the '08 contender's "crazy" views on guns and the Second Amendment.

"Don't Tase me, Bush!"

Finally, leave it to CBS and the perennially low-rated "Early Show" to find a new kind of "torture" to fret about. Co-host Hannah Storm informed viewers that a U.N. committee is looking into whether or not tasers are a "form of torture."

Great Christmas Present

Looking for the perfect Christmas present to turn around your liberal brother-in-law? Be sure and check out "Whitewash," the new book from the MRC's Brent Bozell and Tim Graham. It thoroughly exposes the liberal media's fawning coverage of Hillary Clinton and reveals everything you need to know about the 2008 candidate.