Out of the mouths of young, untrained reporters come the unspoken beliefs of the liberal media. Speaking to Matt Lauer as they tour Virginia for this morning's Today, NBC newbie Luke Russert reported from the University of Virginia. Just before the 8:30 break, Lauer asked him if that campus was representative of students statewide, and young Russert asserted:
"You have to remember, the smartest kids in the state go there, so it's leaning a little bit towards Obama."
Update: Russert issued the following apology/clarification on MSNBC's "First Read" blog:
Earlier this morning on the Today Show I misspoke and made what is without a doubt, quite simply a dumb comment.
Matt Lauer talked about UVA being a smart school and whether or not it could be considered a microcosm of Virginia at large. I said UVA had a lot of smart kids and so the school was leaning Obama.I MEANT to say that many of the kids who go to UVA are from affluent, highly educated households who are leaning Obama and hence their kids lean Obama. Plenty of smart college kids will vote for John McCain from UVA, and plenty of smart kids go to Virginia Tech or George Mason and they, too, could end up being big Obama voters.
Today was one of my first lessons in the perils of live television...lesson learned.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Smartest Kids in Virginia are Stupid by Any Standard!
September 24, 2008 - 07:48 ET by ChasvsOf course Obama appeals to the "smartest kids" in Virginia!
So does many forms of dope on any campus in America!
Obama is an empty black suit! The Presidency is NOT an Affirmative Action position!
this is too funny
September 24, 2008 - 07:50 ET by political mavenYes, real geniuses....support a radical leftist , empty suit,with ties to terrorists, and anti america preachers.
The whole Obama phenomenon is like the emperor's new clothes...the "thinkers" don't want to admit there is nothing there, for fear of being viewed as non-thinkers.
Liberal condescension at
September 24, 2008 - 07:56 ET by motherbeltLiberal condescension at its most blatant.
MB,
September 24, 2008 - 08:14 ET by Indiana JoeCondescension, hubris, arrrogance and elitism.
All wrapped up in contempt for the average American.
Isn't that special?
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Motherbelt, Are you
September 24, 2008 - 09:04 ET byMotherbelt,
Are you speaking from experience? What University/College did you graduate? Did UVa beat your school in some event and you hold a certain bias against The University? One of the latest polls shows Obama 52%, McCain 43%...my guess Luke is spot on with his estimate.
Ubercon
Still,
September 24, 2008 - 09:07 ET by IamTinmanDoesn't make Motherbelt wrong. Your Dad would be shaking his head Luke. He might have thought it but wouldn't reportit as news.
"You have to remember, the
September 24, 2008 - 09:16 ET by motherbelt"You have to remember, the smartest kids in the state go there, so it's leaning a little bit towards Obama."
That's not condescending?
It has nothing to do with the University. It has to do with Luke Russert implying that naturally the smart people favor Obama.
And Ucon displays his own
September 24, 2008 - 09:19 ET by Indiana JoeAnd Ucon displays his own condescension with the old "what university did you go to?"
Yer foot's bleedin'.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Not only that, but he/she
September 24, 2008 - 09:42 ET by motherbeltNot only that, but he/she had to make it "personal." The other sure sign of a liberal.
That's why I ignored it.
Just thought I'd follow the favorite way to...
September 24, 2008 - 12:39 ET by...determine bias in your comments. So, what University/College did you graduate? Very simple question. Some of the smartest kids do go to UVa. As for distinguished Alumni...gosh...there are some notables from the liberal side of the coin, aren't there? For 'The University' to be so liberal, you would have thought it would be strongly in favor of Obama instead of just leaning!
Ubercon
Where I went to school
September 24, 2008 - 13:41 ET by motherbeltWhere I went to school doesn't have anything to do with my opinion of Luke Russert. And I don't play with people who keep trying to change the argument.
Have a nice day.
MB, I take it you didn't
September 24, 2008 - 14:13 ET byMB,
I take it you didn't go to any University or College. If you had, you would have been able to relate to the ins and outs of campus life. You seem to be reasonably intelligent and probably would have done okay if you had been able to apply yourself. Though it remains, you didn't go. Your opinion is based on others' experiences and views. I want the smartest and brightest individuals to work through difficult problems and find solutions benefiting everyone not just a few. I'm tired of this anti-elitism agenda of the GOP strategists (who by the way are elitists in there own right!). It's time to promote higher education for everyone and entrust our future on the smartest and brightest individuals finding solutions to complex problems. The Sarah Palins of this world are not able to understand the complexities of international diplomacy by looking out the window and seeing Russia...
Ubercon
"I want the smartest and
September 24, 2008 - 14:44 ET by Indiana Joe"I want the smartest and brightest individuals to work through difficult problems... "
In other words, your betters.
Your hubris is amazing. What college/university did you go to? What was your GPA? Where did you graduate in your class standings? Why do you think that makes you better than others?
That's "elitism," Charlie. Thinking you're better than others. It has nothing to do with wealth. But we don't expect you to realize that.
I don't really care where or if you went to college. Your statements here clearly illustrate the concept of the "educated idiot," at best.
Ever hear the phrase, "a good idea is a good idea?" Guess you only think that's true if the right people have that idea.
Keep following your betters, little sheep. The cliff is right in front of you.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
He's blinded by the headlights, IJ.
September 24, 2008 - 15:10 ET by KarmaHis adoring gaze into the "enlightened", with letters behind their names, has blinded him to the fact that the problems he wants them to solve are of their own creation.
College Degree is overrated
September 24, 2008 - 15:10 ET by avenarBelieve me. I know. My husband's theoretical high-energy physics advisors for his Ph.D know NOTHING about economy, environment, politics or policies in general. My advisors at the business school could not agree amongst themselves on most issues.
You can be smart and be knowledgeable about some issues but not others. After all, at least here and now, we are still allowed to choose subject matter of interest to learn. Just because somebody doesn't have a degree doesn't mean that they are less capable or less respectable than people with degrees.
Getting a degree just means that you have jumped through pre-determined hoops. That's it. (in addition to spending a lot of money while doing it).
It's your passion and commitment in the understanding of a subject matter (and sometimes luck) that give you respectability in the field. And anybody can make that endeavor without any college degrees or otherwise.
Sorry. Being smart is not enough to lead. They have to be knowledgeable, honest, committed, and skilled. Not Obama, and Not Biden.
You're right, but only about one thing.
September 24, 2008 - 16:01 ET by Mike BrattonBeing able to see Russia from your house isn't the most sapient qualification. Having the experience and moral compass to make the right decision when called upon is.
For all my disagreements with John McCain, I have more trust in his ability to make good decisions than I do in either Obama or Biden. And from what I knew of Sarah Palin before she joined McCain's ticket, she demonstrated an even more pronounced ability to make good, moral decisions.
Neither Obama nor Biden have demonstrated themselves to be trustworthy individuals; the words that they say and publish have to be checked for internal consistency, accuracy, and for whether or not Neil Kinnock was plagiarized again. Neither man is qualified for the Presidency. And that's the beginning and the end of it.
As for your penchant to personally abuse those with whom you disagree, it's out of line. All you know of MB (great initials, by the way) is that MB has refused to play your schoolyard game; any conclusion of yours beyond that is sheer extrapolation.
And before you continue pontificating on who should "apply themselves" or who's too dim to grasp the "complexities of international diplomacy," try finding the personal fortitude to sign your name to your screeds.
The G.O.P. agenda isn't anti-elitism. It's anti-narcissism.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Okay, Mike...
September 24, 2008 - 16:26 ET bySettle down, my good man. Rest that voice.
Here ya Go...
Richard B. Cheney, some call me Dick.
Ubercon
A syrius understatement.
September 24, 2008 - 20:34 ET by KarmaSome?
"Syrius?"
September 24, 2008 - 22:50 ET by Indiana JoeNice... I like it!
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Just so I'm clear.
September 24, 2008 - 21:20 ET by Mike BrattonYou have nothing.
Bupkis. Zip. Naught.
All right, then.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
A thing of beauty
September 24, 2008 - 22:52 ET by Indiana Joeis a joy forever.
Kudos, Mike.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Much obliged.
September 24, 2008 - 23:27 ET by Mike BrattonKeats, even. Very nice.
And my family really enjoys your work--particularly The Last Crusade...
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Never before have I felt
September 24, 2008 - 19:28 ET by CortillaenNever before have I felt compelled to do this, and I think most people here will agree that I try always to remain civil in discourse. However, the level of disrespect and condescension you've shown for a well-known and respected member of this community is beyond the pale and utterly uncalled for. Your existence here adds nothing and detracts much. You've shown
yourself to be rude, arrogant, and either incapable of or unwilling to
construct reasoned debate, preferring instead to distract and belittle. Thus, you are a troll.
www.daybydaycartoon.... Proving that conservative comedy is very real.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." - Miyamoto Musashi
You ARE condecending!
September 24, 2008 - 21:04 ET by CobraMan"You seem to be reasonably intelligent and probably would have done okay if you had been able to apply yourself."
You ARE condescending! Attending college does NOT elevate you to genius status. Nor does it make you an expert on who would best lead a country. Remember some of the worst leaders in history, Hitler and Stalin for example, had the support of the college-educated "intellectuals" of their societies. Also, attending college does NOT guarantee that someone will display good judgement.
It seems to me that YOU need to "apply" yourself and actually study history and you’ll realized that college-educated “intellectuals” are just as prone to bad judgment as anyone else. After all, Ted Kaczynski, the Unibomber, was a college-educated (attended Harvard, received a Ph.D in Mathematics from the University of Michigan ) assistant professor (University of California, Berkeley) before he withdrew himself from society and decided to start mailing bombs to people. How would you rate HIS judgment, good or bad?
Obama: My job is above my pay grade
"... Ted Kaczynski, the
September 24, 2008 - 21:17 ET by celator"... Ted Kaczynski, the Unibomber, was a college-educated (attended Harvard, received a Ph.D in Mathematics...."
Good points.
Your comment reminded me of an article I read recently about Kaczynski. The author noted that there were only five people in the world who could actually understand the mathematical theory Kaczynski developed in his PhD dissertation.
Yes, he is brilliant. And completely insane. That's the most dangerous combination of all. A university education is extremely dangerous if one uses it for evil purposes. And it is absolutely no guarantee of sanity or good judgement.
The major media report only half the news. Why are they surprised they have only half the potential audience?
MB, hope you don't mind if
September 24, 2008 - 14:10 ET by CortillaenMB, hope you don't mind if I take a swing or two at the pinata, not that I'm expecting candy or anything so sweet...
Now, Ubercon, congratulations on utterly missing the point, or intentionally trying to divert attention from it, whichever may be the case. Bias? You think MB is displaying bias by commenting that "the smartest kids in the state go there, so it's leaning a little bit towards Obama" is a condescending thing to say? Luke was applying causality to say that intelligence leads to greater support for Obama. The contrapositive of his statement, which will always have the same truth to it as the original statement, is that a group of students that does not lean towards Obama is not composed of the smartest kids in the state. The meaning of his statement came through loud and clear: "If you're not leaning in favor of Obama, you're not as intelligent as those who do." Would you like us to believe that finding that message condescending is merely a product of our own biases?
www.daybydaycartoon.... Proving that conservative comedy is very real.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." - Miyamoto Musashi
Just a follow up...
September 24, 2008 - 14:29 ET byCort...
"I MEANT to say that many of the kids who go to UVA are from affluent,
highly educated households who are leaning Obama and hence their kids
lean Obama. Plenty of smart college kids will vote for John McCain from UVA, and plenty of smart kids go to Virginia Tech or George Mason and they, too, could end up being big Obama voters." Luke Russert.
As I pointed out, you'll read into a story what you want to read. You did see the link I provided on liberal alumni, correct? You did see how I pointed out the leaning towards Obama as opposed to strongly supporting Obama on a liberal campus? You did see my other points, correct? Biases are a part of life...would you consider yourself conservative-biased? A victim of liberal biases that affect your everyday life? Are you the "pinata" for the liberal press?
Ubercon
I dare you to prove
September 24, 2008 - 18:32 ET by CortillaenI dare you to prove anything I typed was read into the story. Since you refuse to answer any of our questions, especially if they're on topic, I'll not only ask, but answer them for you. Did I add to Luke's comment? No. Did I infer anything from his comment? No. Did I incorrectly state the causality given in his comment? No. Did I falsely construct the contrapositive of his comment? No. Anytime a causal argument is made, is the contrapositive of that argument also being made? Yes, regardless of whether the person realizes it. Is declaring groups in favor of your own favored candidate smarter than other groups condescending? Yes. There is no bias, no "reading into" the subject, here. Again, I dare you to disprove a single point.
As for your claim that Luke's "apology" (for, in fact, it was not) somehow negates his original statement, you should know better. He screwed up and said something highly offensive, then had to go back and try to explain it away. "[M]any of the kids who go to UVA are from affluent, highly educated households who are leaning Obama" is in no way reconcilable with "the smartest kids in the state". Only someone intent on defending Luke from the outstart, someone with bias either like his own or in favor of him, could try to equate those two. You seem intent on declaring all and sundry biased against Luke, UVa, Obama, or something. Yet, in doing so, your refusal to acknowledge the reality of his statement calls into question your own objectivity far more than ours.
One last time, show any point I've made to be wrong, or leave it alone. Reconcile Luke's two statements. Show that the latter is his real feelings. Find anything wrong with my analysis of the causality in the former. If you can't do any of those, go away and quit wasting our time. The political alignments of UVa alumni are irrelevant to this issue, as are the accuracy of his first statement, the level of support for Obama at the school, and literally every other "point" you've tried to make. None of those have any bearing on what Luke said or what it means. Desperately trying to distract from the real issue only makes you look foolish, dishonest, or both. Trying to claim that we only think Luke was being condescending because of our own biases is inane at best. Give some support for the contention that his comment wasn't condescending before you try to attack us. In the world of debate, "The best defense is a good offense" doesn't fly. It just highlights your inability to defend your position.
www.daybydaycartoon.... Proving that conservative comedy is very real.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." - Miyamoto Musashi
An impressive round of
September 24, 2008 - 21:26 ET by stratmanAn impressive round of posts, Cortillaen.
I tip my hat to you.
I love the smell of burning
September 24, 2008 - 22:53 ET by Indiana JoeI love the smell of burning troll in the evening...
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
it doesn't really matter
September 24, 2008 - 09:34 ET by athoughtor2it doesn't really matter what school you go to, with a few exceptions, most college students, dumb or smart, are leaning toward Obama.
one doesn't need to see a poll to think Luke is "spot on". we are talking college kids here. the vast majority of these students are liberal dems. so what kind of estimate is it any way? doesn't take a PHD in poly sci to figure that one out.
I agree that college
September 24, 2008 - 09:39 ET by motherbeltI agree that college students tend to be liberals, and they tend to vote for whoever they see as "cool."
But the point here is that Russert deliberately made the case that because these are "the smartest students in the state" of course they lean toward Obama.
I agree with you. i was
September 24, 2008 - 09:42 ET by athoughtor2I agree with you. i was responding to ubercon
Motherbelt, It depends,
September 24, 2008 - 12:48 ET byMotherbelt,
It depends, not on the University/College, on how students lean towards a particular ideology but on their upbring and circumstances. As education has become more expensive, it would be interesting to see the demographics of the students who can afford to go as opposed to those who cannot. UVa students leaning towards Obama without facts is Russert's opinion. If he reported the opposite would this be a story for conservative bias or just a factual truth?
Ubercon
such a blanket statement is
September 24, 2008 - 13:07 ET by athoughtor2such a blanket statement is so off the mark. i know and knew a bunch of kids in college that were liberal and their parents were conservatives.
the issue is that the "smart kids" are leaning toward obama....if he just said that the majority of the student body is leaning toward Obama, then there is no bias. that''s called stating facts and leaving your bias at the door. not all the smarts kids are leaning toward Obams. i guess the dumb kids don't matter. and if you are denying that most of college administrors and faculty are liberal dems, then your head is truly in the sand
See my reply to you above.
September 24, 2008 - 13:42 ET by motherbeltSee my reply to you above.
i'm on your side of this
September 24, 2008 - 15:05 ET by athoughtor2i'm on your side of this discussion. i am replying to ubercon
if these kids are so smart
September 24, 2008 - 13:35 ET by TruthMongerif these kids are so smart why do they need an education:)?
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
Facts please...
September 24, 2008 - 13:17 ET byA2,
"vast majority", "most", these words don't cut it. Your opinion is based upon what you want to read and listen to...again...your opinion is the same as Russert's opinion. The difference he's on the TeeVee and you're on a conservative website. Hmmm...kids will say the darndest things!
Falwell's College wants everyone to register as a Virginia resident to skew the election. It's doubtful the locals would want a bunch of college kids to vote for the local officials. Talk about screwing up local politics...
Just think if all University/College students were able to vote in the local districts where their schools are located. That would be a Republican Party nightmare! It would mean a larger percentage of the population would be able to vote...and according to some on this site...not very favorable for conservatives!
Ubercon
1st off you are still
September 24, 2008 - 15:10 ET by athoughtor21st off you are still missing the point about the addition to the "smart kids" line. if he left it out it would be ok.
as for my opinion it is based on my experiences at school and visiting others schools.
and you can register in the town you go to school in. you would just loose the privledge to vote in your home state. it happens all the time
Ubercon, what poll?
September 24, 2008 - 09:39 ET by goldenthroatThose numbers are straight from ABC/WaPo - not exactly middle of the road MSM outlets!
"Mediocrities everywhere! I absolve you! I absolve you!" - Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus"
What would you consider middle of the road MSM???
September 24, 2008 - 13:05 ET byGT,
It seems to me according to this site, just about every news organization associated with the "MSM" is liberal-biased. I wonder at what point do you start believing in the "MSM". How would you ever know what the truth actually is if you stopped listening and reading to any and all news reports that you've deemed unreliable to your views of the world? Do you just wait for them to come to you? Define middle of the road. Metaphorically speaking, if you are to the right of the white line on the right side of the road and you never cross it to get to the double yellow line in the middle of the road, would it take a tractor-trailer veering into you to make you realize your own bias towards other views and opinions?
That's what I thought...
Ubercon
...if you are to the right
September 24, 2008 - 14:37 ET by Karma...if you are to the right of the white line on the right side of the
road and you never cross it to get to the double yellow line in the
middle of the road, would it take a tractor-trailer veering into you to
make you realize your own bias towards other views and opinions?
That's what I thought...
Ubercon
Laughter. Hurting. Sides. Please, I'm begging you, stop speaking metaphorically.
Metaphor?
September 24, 2008 - 15:50 ET by Indiana JoeI know Ucon thinks it's a metaphor, but it's more of a pedantic metamish-mash. Driving down the "middle of the road" invites a head-on collision.
Now, that's a metaphor! ;^)
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
What's your point?
September 24, 2008 - 21:33 ET by CobraMan"One of the latest polls shows Obama 52%, McCain 43%"
Another of these "latest polls" (Battleground Tracking 9/17-9/23) has McCain leading Obama 48% to 46%, so what's your point?
"my guess Luke is spot on with his estimate. "
It seems that Luke, himself, doesn't feel that way. He called it "without a doubt, quite simply a dumb comment."
Obama: My job is above my pay grade
Very interesting...
September 24, 2008 - 07:58 ET by ontheright...if the "smartest kids" attend UofV and are voting for Obama, it doesn't say very much for the States' average IQ.
Or, maybe this person was "guided" to respond this way...wait, the MSM wouldn't do that, right? The MSM is completely objective and would never try to sway a presidential election, right?
Either way, a state so close to the cesspool of D.C. cannot be above the national average when it comes to smarts. Only in their minds...
Or, maybe this person was
September 24, 2008 - 08:46 ET by motherbeltOr, maybe this person was "guided" to respond this way..
"This person" was Luke Russert, the "reporter" (quotes intentional). He was NOT a student making that assertion.
i bet most of
September 24, 2008 - 10:58 ET by TruthMongeri bet most of these students also have blonde hair and blue eyes - the master race it would seem
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
Ah...
September 24, 2008 - 11:44 ET by ontheright...I didn't catch that at first.
Nuff said.
if the smartest kids in the
September 24, 2008 - 08:01 ET by athoughtor2if the smartest kids in the state go there and it's only leaning a little bit towards Obam then what are the other kids thinking? it's not a complete backing by all the smart kids, i wonder why?
Also I think the students and william and mary might have a thing or 2 to say about where smart VA. kids go to school.
Ummm...W&L anyone?
September 24, 2008 - 13:29 ET by HillbillyKingW&M and UVA both rate a 97 in the Princeton Reviews admissions selectivity rating. However, if that is the deciding factor in what is a smart student, then there is a little school in Lexington, Va that beats them both. Washington and Lee University rates a 98.
Taking a quick glance at the Princeton Review website showed that the W&L middle 50% SAT average for applicants was indeed higher than both UVA and W&M. Therefore, it is impossible to say the smartest kids in the state go to UVA.
Do smart kids go to UVA, there's no doubt that that is a fact. Do the smartest kids in the state go to UVA, the numbers prove that is not the case.
Hence Russert is full of sh!t. He molded that statement to fit his and NBC's bias towards Barry. Typical propaganda 101 at work.
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Me thinks perhaps Lukie boy
September 24, 2008 - 14:14 ET by Cape Conservativebelieves his father's "persona" will just "be there" for him - sort of like osmosis. Hey, he has his genes, he can say whatever he wants to say and you better listen, after all, he's Tim's son! I'm sorry he lost his father, but why should that loss give him an immediate presence on national television.
Just wondering - how many other college age kids have the opportunity to jump the line over other more qualified candidates for a shot on the Today Show. Doesn't impress me because watching/listening to Matt Lauer, one of the official Obama msm spokesmen, is right down there at the bottom of my list!
I agree with W & L as well.
September 25, 2008 - 10:13 ET by athoughtor2I agree with W & L as well. I just threw the William and Mary in there as an example. Since both a technically considered state schools
Agreed,ath.
September 26, 2008 - 00:24 ET by HillbillyKingI with ya on the state school thing. I just had to put W&L in there cause of the smartest kids in the state thing.
I love the fact though, that WE disproved Russert with ummm...the facts! :-}
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
You Know What They Say About College Kids
September 24, 2008 - 08:02 ET by HoosierEmA good share of college kids are liberal because they don't have much. Once they get out on their own, earn their own money, acquire property, and pay taxes, the smart ones realize the error of their youth.
Democrats never met a tax dollar they didn't like.
HE - my sentiments
September 24, 2008 - 18:53 ET by Cape ConservativeEXACTLY! I'll never forget my dad saying that kids are shocked to find out salt and pepper cost money ;-)
These "idealists" will soon have their awakening (I hope) That is if their folks will force them to move out on their own and not remain dependent until they are 30!
There is nothing "smart" about communism...
September 24, 2008 - 08:02 ET by R D Helm...which means Luke Russert is an idiot.
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them-Rick Roberts
"You have to remember, the smartest kids in the state go there,
September 24, 2008 - 08:03 ET by ThomNJyeah, and a central tenet of effective propaganda is to tell the truth interlaced with plausible lies - in order that your target audience (educated people) will know or believe the truthful items and then more readily accept the falsehoods - because they won't bother to check. With the performacne of today's mainscream media consistently publishing lies or half truths, it is all the more easy for a candidate like obama to stretch the truth even further or basically lie through his teeth and hence get educated but especiallly life inexperienced people, like college students to fall for his garbage.
Looks like the old man trained Luke well
September 24, 2008 - 08:15 ET by ArminiusTim Russert was a big liberal. He obviously taught little Luke that you have to lean left to make it big in journalism.
Sadly ...
September 24, 2008 - 08:15 ET by Crash... talent skips a generation.
Nepotism or Cronyism?
September 24, 2008 - 08:15 ET by 2birdsWould anyone, anywhere, listen to a word Luke Russert said, if his dad wasn't a famous dead journalist?
Or would he even have that
September 24, 2008 - 08:17 ET by taterOr would he even have that type of job at NBC at his age?
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
Especially his apparent
September 24, 2008 - 09:02 ET by lotrEspecially his apparent emotional age, which seems to be 10 years lagging his physical age.
They really just don't get
September 24, 2008 - 08:18 ET by Indiana JoeThey really just don't get it. The same people who can't understand why Obama is considered "elitist" continue to paint the pictures that have earned him the label.
"Smartest kids in the state," indeed. When will they try, "Hey, kids, be the first on your block?"
It's plain to see, they think we're rubes.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
So smart kids get dumber as they age I guess
September 24, 2008 - 08:23 ET by Dee Bunkyeah right. The youth vote goes Dem -regardless of intelligence because the youth are naive. I was more liberal when I was in college - everyone is. Does anyone think that a 20 year old is smarter than a 40 year old? The youth may know the latest technology but their world views are undeveloped an naive.
Liberalism can't exist without naiveté
The saddest part of this statement
September 24, 2008 - 14:22 ET by Cape Conservativeis that the vote of a college student will cancel mine out immediately.
And one more thing, what,
September 24, 2008 - 08:26 ET by R D HelmAnd one more thing, what, exactly is smart about nailing the area of the private sector that is creating 80% of the jobs with confiscatory taxes?
Do these brainiacs at the University of Virginia want to see an overnight increase in the unemployment rate? If we get Obama in the WH, that is exactly what they are going to see.
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them-Rick Roberts
College student
September 24, 2008 - 08:30 ET by JerryCollege student itenerary:
1. Get drunk
2. Get laid
3. PARTY
4. Catch up on world events with Jon Stewart
5. Uhhh.. vote Obama.. because... uhhh.... he's.... uhhh... a democrat!
The BIG story here is that the university is only leaning a little bit towards Obama. Liberal universities tend to lean HEAVILY democrat.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
nice list Jerry, but you forgot the mantra
September 24, 2008 - 08:53 ET by mom_rox(the kids weren't that excited about John Kerry) I would change #5 to
5. Uhhh.. vote Obama.. because... uhhh.... he's.... uhhh... for hope and change!
What's the difference between Barack Obama and Sarah Palin?
One is eye candy while the other kills her own food.
5. Uhhh.. vote Obama..
September 24, 2008 - 11:50 ET by lotr5. Uhhh.. vote Obama.. because... uhhh.... he's.... like, too cool!
5. Uhhh.. vote Obama..
September 24, 2008 - 11:51 ET by lotr5. Uhhh.. vote Obama.. because... uhhh.... he's.... in favor of College Itinerary Items #1-3, without restriction.
5. Uhhh.. vote Obama..
September 24, 2008 - 11:53 ET by lotr5. Uhhh.. vote Obama.. because... uhhh.... he's.... uhhh... like, what was the question?
Uhhh..vote Obama
September 24, 2008 - 13:35 ET by HillbillyKing5. Uhhh..vote Obama.. because...uhhh....he's BLACK! Uhhh...you know...uhhh...we wouldn't want to be aaaaa.... ummmm.... uhhhh...... racist or anything like that. :-}
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Uhhh...vote Obama
September 24, 2008 - 14:24 ET by Cape Conservativebecause...uhhh...ummm...Barbara Waters thinks he's sexy!
???
September 24, 2008 - 08:32 ET by Red JeepWho is more untrustworthy bloggers or Luke Russert?
I'm so glad my kids aren't smart
September 24, 2008 - 08:35 ET by jefflebowskiAt least by Luke Russert and NBC's measurement. Of course my daughter in college (not UVA) is deans list in Chem Engineering and is a staunch conservative.Train up a child!!
By the way, what is NBC?
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
naked nepotism
September 24, 2008 - 08:37 ET by MrltavernIf his father never died, would anybody be speaking to him or be interested in what he has to say?
Mr.L
If they're so damned smart,
September 24, 2008 - 08:43 ET by mrbucketIf they're so damned smart, how do they keep losing to "IDIOTS."
Seriously, I saw a clip of Bill Maher saying that Americans won't do the right thing (elect Obama) because they're "too damned stupid." The audience applauded like Mick Jagger just walked out on stage.
Maybe the ones who don't get it are the snarky smartypants elitists who still can't figure out why Socialism, Marxism, and Communism DO NOT WORK.
I think the operative word here is "kids"
September 24, 2008 - 08:49 ET by JohnMcGrewBy definition, kids have minimal experience and perception of "real life". Marxism has always been an easy sell to kids because it lies to them in telling them that they will be empowererd over the adult "ruling class", and it carries with it the implicit promise that they will be materially comfortable with minimal work on their own behalf.
It really is an ideology for intellectual children. The telling part is how many "adults" fall for it.
Keeping Media Bias Alive in 2008
September 24, 2008 - 08:52 ET by bpjamSo meritless Luke gets a job on NBC simply because he shares genes with a deceased employee. Not like he has some actual insight or specific knowledge. But I'm sure if Keith Olbermann were capable of reproduction, his progeny would be guaranteed a job as well.
Unfortunate Start
September 24, 2008 - 08:53 ET by NotafraidIt's ok if Luke Russert wants to follow in his father's footsteps and go into journalism. However, if he wants a long-term career and, more importantly, credibility, it is unwise to start off with badge of being a biased, in-the-tank cheerleader for the left. The public knows when a journalist rings true. It appeared to many that Tim Russert leaned a little to the left. However, for the most part, he was professional enough to avoid the impression that he was part of the campaign. I liked Tim Russert -- I liked him a lot. Watching his son start out like this is sad.
As a VA TECH alumni, I can
September 24, 2008 - 08:53 ET by bobthemanAs a VA TECH alumni, I can personally attest that UVA students are not the smartest in the state... this is laughable. Don't get me wrong... it is a good school, but it is completely overrated. Because the kids of so many Washington elite attend UVA, it stands to reason the image has to be protected.
http://politicsofdes...
UV GAY ER I MEAN UVA
September 24, 2008 - 08:54 ET by DRM 23Living in Virginia, and being a blue collar conservative, UVA is far from my favorite school.
There was a bumper sticker here a few years back, when woman were allowed in VMI that read:
Women at VMI....what next.....men a UVA?
It's common knowledge that
September 24, 2008 - 08:57 ET by mattmIt's common knowledge that the 18 - 21 voting bloc consistently vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. It's also common knowledge that that age group is less educated and less informed than older voters...
Obvious conclusion: The less informed you are, the more likely you will vote Democrat.
Libs love to lie, even, or especially to themselves.
It's all about...
September 24, 2008 - 14:28 ET by Cape ConservativeME!!!
The Dems promise them they'll never have to want for a thing.............forever!
And then...LIFE HAPPENS ;-) (and they become CONSERVATIVES ;-)
Gee, in my state the
September 24, 2008 - 09:04 ET by Indiana JoeGee, in my state the smartest kids have a higher goal than state universities. You know, Harvard, Notre Dame, Stanford, like that.
Too bad the "smartest" kids in Virginia only aspire to UVA. Just sayin', y'know?
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
It's too bad
September 24, 2008 - 09:32 ET by Copperhead RidgeIt's too bad this nation has to go through the tantrum of Democrat leadership every decade before a real conservative can rise up out of the ashes.
Obama is going to win. I'm not sure if he can grow the federal government as quickly and as large as George W. Bush because at some point the backs of the taxpayers are going to break.
I can't believe at this
September 24, 2008 - 09:39 ET by Indiana JoeI can't believe at this point it's a foregone conclusion that Obama is going to win. I thought that earlier this summer, but not now.
I think all this Palin hysteria is actually helping McCain, and I feel the advantage is to the Republicans right now.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Arrogance Is Catchy
September 24, 2008 - 09:57 ET by rammingspeedPut young, still not potty trained punk in with poisonous professors and keep them from other points of view, and you have a Luke Russert. Of course, Matt Lauer lets him say whatever, without challenge. So, really - how smart is that?
The Smartest Kids must be reading the ObamaBible
September 24, 2008 - 10:05 ET by digitalrichThis explains their devotion to the Lord Barack
http://digitalrich.blogspot.com/2008/09/23rd-obamapsalm.html
Hypocrites to the core
September 24, 2008 - 10:50 ET by Ohming"This is where the smartest kids go." The facts are that most politician's children (rep & dem) send thier children to private shools -- often catholic schools. These elitist Dems will bash religon and know just how to educate our stupid kids, but do you think that their kids will go to the dilapidated primary school sytem they created -- no.
Whem Tim Russert Passed, I nearly stopped watching network TV. Brit Hume is our last voice of neutrality. Luke; you have dishonored your name that your father made for you. You have never known true struggle, and the the genuine appreciation of any advanced education. Attending an elitest school is not a litmus test for intelligence.
one thing I enjoyed about
September 24, 2008 - 10:52 ET by seaniepone thing I enjoyed about this bit is that it is nice to see a "young" reporter who does not look like an underwear model
maybe he will turn out ok
Oooooh, isn't Lukey just
September 24, 2008 - 10:53 ET by Chris NormanOooooh, isn't Lukey just the most darling little liberal junior reporter? He'll be just perfect on NBC!
McNotObama '08
Why?
September 24, 2008 - 10:55 ET by kwiebeWhy do we ALLOW our educational institutions to become a breeding ground for liberalism? This is our greatest failing as conservatives, and fixing it should be one of our top priorities. Over and over we fight the same battles - unnecessarily - because our universities are socialist assembly lines. Think about it: At one of the most important stages in their young lives, they're immersed in an environment that openly programs them to be anti-American. We create this situation ourselves, sabotaging our own Nation via our youth. The only reason liberalism isn't vanquished is because the Liberal Machine still cranks out Obamatons at a 10-to-1 ratio vs. conservatives. You have to TRY and THINK to become a conservative; to become a liberal, all you need to do is FEEL and go with the flow.
Obamatons
September 24, 2008 - 12:00 ET by lotr"Obamatons" -- I love it.
Don't forget all the years of MSM (TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, etc.) programming as well. It's a wonder that we aren't all Obamatons by now.
We are reaping the end results
September 24, 2008 - 18:57 ET by Cape Conservativeof the hippie generation going into the tenured world of academia - specifically to change the minds of our children, from kindergarten to post grad school. That's the socialist way, right? Whenever I think of the children who have attended classes under the likes of William Ayers, Bernadine Dorhn or Ward Churchill, I want to scream. And I know there are many many more out there!
The 'smartest students' - to borrow Luke's phrase, went on to become successful businessmen and women. If academics had to succeed in the general business world, they wouldn't last one day!
A college education is NOT what it used to be. It used to be that college was attended for a specific purpose, to prepare oneself for your life's work. It WAS valued! Now it nothing more than party time...protest time...and let's let it last as long as possible, hey the folks are paying for it and when it's over I have to grow up!
You take a college student from the 40s and 50s - the people who MADE AMERICA GREAT! and you had someone with serious intentions to bettering themself. Nowadays it's all about "finding yourself" or "hoping" for "change" - Well, you all know the old story about hoping in one hand and urinating in the other...and finding out which one gets full first!
Barack Obama is nothing more than a Pied Piper with his 'follow me' mesmerizing songs of Hope & Change. Students, listen to me, I really don't think you want to go down that road! Try growing up instead!!!
We have to keep in mind
September 24, 2008 - 10:58 ET by Richard RomanoWe have to keep in mind that college often "dumbs" people down, and does not elavate them...they do not learn any wisdom, only perspectives, and often of the leftist variety. I went to an elite school myself, and if it wasn't for my philosophical
and religious grounding, I would have fallen for the rubbish that
passes for knowledge. It was pretty remarkable to listen to some of the meanderings on the part of professors -- it never ceased to amaze me the kinds of things they believed in. It was actually quite sad, since most of them appeared miserable and directionless.
Oh, by the way, I support McCain-Palin.
More liberal
September 24, 2008 - 11:22 ET by wiwfMore liberal elitism...
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Y'all don't understand, do
September 24, 2008 - 11:43 ET by HockeyKidY'all don't understand, do you? The smartest kids go there, so it's leaning a little bit toward Obama. With all the leftist dreck that professors spew these days, all the other schools' kids are IN THE TANK for Obama. The smartest ones tend to be a little less gullible! They'll tend more and more right as they grow up.
Cool Twist
September 24, 2008 - 11:58 ET by OhmingI like the ananolgy. I hope you're right.
As for Luke, well, let's
September 24, 2008 - 12:22 ET by HockeyKidAs for Luke, well, let's see. By the time I was 23, I had been a cashier, store manager, rental clerk, cable installer, pizza driver, warehouseman, served in the U.S. Air Force, and was trying to put myself through college. Ol' Luke there went to St. Alban's in DC (expensive private school) courtesy of Dad, then on to Boston College (same courtesy), then on to NBC (sad but true--same courtesy). I hope that he has his dad's integrity--only time will tell. (The fact that he co-hosted a radio sports show with James Carville doesn't bode well, though!)
Luke apologized.
September 24, 2008 - 12:25 ET by G-MoneyFor what it's worth...
http://firstread.msn...
I think he did the classy thing. Check out the comments section on the above item. Serious derangement.
Thanks for the update G.
September 24, 2008 - 14:51 ET by lotrThanks for the update G. Good to see he has the good sense to recognize when he has flubbed up (and we all do it from time to time).
Oh Boy
September 24, 2008 - 12:32 ET by PurdueMattI think he means to say that young and ignorant kids make up the population of college campuses, so its leaning a bit towards Obama.
How ironic. By saying that voting democrat is the smart way to go young Luke demonstrates his ignorance and lack of intelligence.
Young JugHead
September 24, 2008 - 12:34 ET by richardLuke Russert, other than being a product of his daddy's sperm, what qualifications does he have to report about anything?
Your father, at least from time to time, could seem to be unbiased. You apparently did not learn a lesson from him while growing up, seeing as how your attaching yourself to the leftist loon reporters already, in your brief career.
The apple didn't fall that
September 24, 2008 - 13:53 ET by bigtimerThe apple didn't fall that far from the tree.
I've watched his so-called reporting since his father's death...I see no difference...he just doesn't have the art to twist the words to perfection like his father did with the same meaning...for the same results.
Tim was a leftist...period.
So is Luke.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Luke my son...
September 24, 2008 - 14:19 ET by boozyyou are still a kid...your dad was pretty cool, even though he was a leftie....you have been brainwashed by your school system..the real world does not as we know it as true americans of a certain age do not follow the Obama format...in other words, we are not ready to become a socialist nation with this black fellow leading us into the pits of hell.....have you studied his employment by Ayers to run his nasty little recyling plant for kids minds...? if not, do your research...
We can only pray Luke
September 24, 2008 - 14:53 ET by Cape Conservativewill soon find his way - however, working at NBC from the get-go isn't the way to do it. This is just his post-grad LIBERALISM crash course!
I would love to become a reporter
September 24, 2008 - 16:13 ET by KTI would like to become a reporter, but I don't want to be bias, or take a liberal slant. I have a lot learn.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.- George Santayana
Oops! Too late...
September 24, 2008 - 16:17 ET by PrairieSkySorry, Luke...You can't take it back now...It's already out there. Your obviously liberal bias is on display for all to see and hear.
Luke Russert can try to explain what he "really meant" as many times as he likes, but his meaning was very clear. It would appear young Russert needs a lesson in tact and diplomacy, and how to keep one's political thoughts to oneself.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 198
no degree = pond scum
September 24, 2008 - 17:02 ET by tonemeisterLets take the young lukes elitist argument a step further.What must he think of the trades people...you know the guy you deal with when your kid flushes a teletubby doll down the pipes (not the purple one) and you want him to snake the drain ?.what about the power plant operators, mechanics, firemen? watch dirty jobs for a reference.truck drivers low ball scum? the country would starve in a week and run out of fuel without them...(no, i am not a truck driver) I can't imagine your grandfather "big russ" being so condesending.check out www.bigheaddc.com .you've got alot to learn little man...t
Taken with a grain of salt
September 24, 2008 - 18:19 ET by soulpileTaken with a grain of salt - just because you go to college does not mean you're smart. It just means you know how to game the system.
All the "smart" kids in my classes were the ones who knew how to "kiss-up" to the instructors. Those who actually wanted to learn got the worst treatment. (Thanks for that lesson, Honor College! Guess why I quit after a year and a half? I didn't want to get stuck writing a thesis with a liberal yahoo as my mentor, because I was too naive to stroke egos. How I actually survived college is beyond me... probably because I lucked out and landed some profs who didn't get into politics much.)
Back on the topic of Russert, it makes sense that students going to UVA would go for Obama, but that has nothing to do with intelligence. I think someone's self-importance is showing (afterall, anyone voting Republican must be uneducated, right?).
You make a couple of valid points, but...
September 24, 2008 - 19:49 ET by PrairieSkyI take serious exception to your assertion that someone goes to college not because they are smart, but because "...It just means you know how to game the system." I believe that most kids going to college today, as well as when I was in college in the 80's, are there because they worked hard and got good enough grades to be admitted to the school they were/are attending.
That said, I do also believe that there are a lot of "game players" out there who do manipulate the system, either to get into a school, and/or once they are there. I knew kids like that when I was in college, and so did my parents when they were in college back in the 40's and 50's. Unfortunately, "game players" have been around forever, in all shapes, sizes, and ages.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
I did not intend to say
September 25, 2008 - 00:34 ET by soulpileI did not intend to say that someone goes to college only because they game the system, but that they are considered the smartest at college due to that. Sorry for the confusion, as I didn't make the distinction in my second sentence (as I should have). I have respect for people who make the decision to go to college and I believe that a lot of smart people attend college and worked hard to get there.
I was making an observation based on the students I met at my alma mater's Honor College (who were supposed to be the "smartest" - which was not necessarily the case - many of the smarter students that I met did not join the Honor College).
Okay-I understand...
September 25, 2008 - 01:02 ET by PrairieSkyThanks for the clarification!
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
A number of things going on here.
September 24, 2008 - 20:39 ET by SchnikeysFirst of all, a small portion of viewers might read a blog, but MANY more will see the comment on television, without the apology.
Second: The Dem/lib media is focusing their attention on all things Virginia because they need to win this state's electoral votes- it is a crucial state. What, do you think it was a coincidence that these reporters were in Virginia today? It's not the only battleground state in the race, you know. It's just that this is the battleground state that carries a considerable amount of electoral votes.
Step one: Go to this crucial battleground state.
Step two: Go to only one place within the state- a liberal university.
Step three: Pretend that the opinions expressed there are representative of the "best" that Virginia has to offer, even though there could be any number of illegitimate reasons that the students there lean liberal. I mean, seriously! It's a university, right? Surely, for one to be on a university campus means that, without question, he or she is in the presence of persons who affiliate with the university and therefore- whether they are a student or a teacher- are to be viewed as an authority on all things.
Ad vericundiam- look it up, Luke.
------------------------------------------------------------
"My morality is your morality."
aaahh the sound of it! a small aside
September 24, 2008 - 20:56 ET by tonemeistersadly, the only robust debate seems to go on in the blogs and not in the mainstream media .if you present an idea however anecdotal ,you should be able to defend it with facts. when this stops we are truly doomed, but not yet....t
Most of the rich, white, kids
September 24, 2008 - 21:07 ET by Uncle Don...who go to UVA have never met a black person and most of them could not care less who's running for President and they certainly aren't gonna vote for a Black guy so who cares what this spoiled, heir apperant says?
»→ Smartest Kids
September 25, 2008 - 01:07 ET by Cool ArrowYeah, the smartest solution to every adverse situation is to throw (other people's) money at it.
"Don't taze me bro" - Joe Biden