Sean Hannity marks 2008 as the year journalism died. But it could just as easily be the year journalism felt a thrill going up its leg. That Chris Matthews announcement in February, that a Barack Obama speech caused him a mild ecstasy, represented the everyday "mainstream" media view. Reporters didn’t so much produce "news" during this election year as they tried to make a sale. Every story seemed to say "You know you want Obama."
Chris Matthews won the "Quote of the Year" for 2008 in the Media Research Center’s annual tally of the year’s worst reporting, or "The Best of Notable Quotables." The only quote that came close to Matthews in summing up the year in liberal tilt was this bizarre post-election headline from the Reuters wire service: "Media bias largely unseen in U.S. presidential race."
The "Obamagasm Award" went to Nancy Gibbs, Time’s senior writer in charge of obsequious fawning, for using her post-election cover story to compare Obama to Jesus Christ, only better: "Some princes are born in palaces. Some are born in mangers. But a few are born in the imagination, out of scraps of history and hope."
A Kool-Aid-abstaining Obama critic might see in that line a reference to how Obama’s memoirs are a melange of biographical fact and self-serving literary invention, as authors from David Freddoso to Jerome Corsi have revealed. But no, Gibbs was celebrating the Obama victory as a massive crusade to save America: "He won because in a very dangerous moment in the life of a still young country, more people than ever spoken before came together to try to save it."
Even anchormen couldn’t resist the urge to "save the country" by selling Obama. NBC’s Brian Williams won the "Let Us Fluff Your Pillow Award" for soft and cuddly interviews for trying to help Michelle Obama identify the worst Republican lie about her husband: "What of the attacks has busted through to you? What makes you angriest at John McCain, the Republicans? What’s being said about your husband that you want to shout from the mountain tops is not true?"
Do you remember Cindi McCain being asked claptrap like that?
Hillary Clinton was also lionized, most egregiously as she finally packed up her long-spoiled campaign in June. The day after the last primary, ABC’s Diane Sawyer won the "Media Hero Award" by conflating Hillary’s presidential campaign to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: "This woman, as we said, forged into determination and purpose her whole life. As someone said, ‘No thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown." (The quoted "someone" was William Penn, who wrote a book on Christianity and Quakerism in 1669 titled "No Cross, No Crown.")
By contrast, liberal journalists loathed Gov. Sarah Palin from the moment she took the stage inDayton as John McCain’s running mate. Chris Matthews won the "Half-Baked Alaska Award for Pummeling Palin" for insisting in October that comparing Palin to Hillary Clinton "is the comparison between an igloo and the Empire State Building!" Liberal reporters often assumed that anyone who criticized these sainted Democrats must be inventing things out of whole cloth. Deborah Solomon of The New York Times Magazine won the "Damn Those Conservatives Award" by trying to shame T. Boone Pickens for backing the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth against John Kerry in 2004. She asked if he regretted funding them, and when he responded "Why would I?," Solomon shot back: "Because it’s such an ugly chapter in American political history." Boone protested: "Everything that went into those ads was the truth." Solomon retorted: "Really? I thought it was all invented." Thus proclaimeth a scribe for that bastion of objective news, The New York Times.
But Solomon was no Bill Maher, who’s in his own category of viciousness. On his little HBO show in February, Maher earned the "Crush Rush Award for Loathing Limbaugh" by reveling in P.J. O’Rourke’s mockery of Rush Limbaugh’s old OxyContin addiction. Asked Maher: "Why couldn’t he have croaked from it instead of Heath Ledger?" Maher’s HBO rants also won the "Barbara Streisand Political IQ Award for Celebrity Vapidity" when he railed against the Catholic Church as both "a child-abusing religious cult" and "the Bear Stearns of organized pedophilia."
MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann ran away with the "Madness of King George Award" for yelling at President Bush in May to "shut the hell up" and attacked him for "a final crash of self-indulgent nonsense." (That would pretty much describe the entirety of Keith’s not-so-special comments during the Bush era.) Olbermann also insisted Bush was a "fascist" who was "urinating on the Constitution."
Up until convention season was over, MSNBC thought this kind of commentary qualified Olbermann for "objective" anchorman duties sitting beside ecstatic Chris Matthews. That also sums up the media’s year in review.
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True True True
December 24, 2008 - 01:30 ET by TexndocYes, there's no argument. But Conservatives can also learn from this. "They", and I mean the MSM and Democrats, seemed to me even with the Hillary/Obama match-up, were united and focused. Conservatives/Republicans were all over the place and squabbling like cats in a sack. Show me the liberal counterpart of NRO's Kathleen Parker or David Frum who were as vicious to Obama or Biden as those two "members of the conservative media" were to Sarah Palin. Lately, Kathleen Parker has been writing what excellent Senator Caroline Kennedy would make. Sorry, I have more contempt for Parker than Keith or Chrissie.
Is This Your Attempt At Comedy?
December 24, 2008 - 01:41 ET by The7SticksIf this is your attempt at comedy, you failed miserably. First of all, Rush Limbaugh never faced the kind of cruel treatment my mother did when she was sent up to Chowchilla Prison for possessing $7 worth of cocaine. And because of that incarceration for ten months of her life, she is now dead. What kind of legal system do we have when a frail, impoverished drug addict is sent to prison to die more quickly than she would have, and a bourgeoisie millionaire can just pay off the authorities? God bless Bill Maher for exposing such a despicable hypocrisy.
Oh, and Bill Maher has a point about the Catholic Church for what it has essentially been for centuries: a corrupt organization that has persecuted my people, the Jewish people (Well, that is my dad's belief, so you can blame the so-called anti-Catholicism on him, but I myself am not so sure of his beliefs.)
Oh, and why would you associate a troll like Jerome Crapi with a credible journalist like David Freddoso? The tin-foil-wearing moonbats at WorldNutDaily don't deserve any credibility (ironically, it was there that Alan Keyes wrote a column comparing himself to Jesus. Who's got the God complex now?)
If this is your attempt at trying to be even more lame than usual, well then mission accomplished.
7
December 24, 2008 - 01:55 ET by RESTLESS 1Sorry about your mom, but it does not alleviate her of her responsibility in the matter. Sounds cold I know, but that is the way it is.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Seven: Rush did not 'pay
December 25, 2008 - 11:41 ET by TailgunnerSeven:
Rush did not 'pay off the authorities'. Baseless allegations like this call into question the credibility of your entire post.
Palm Beach County prosecutors acted against Rush only after pressure from Democratic residents.
They gave immunity to high-volume drug dealers to prosecute a single addicted person, thereby standing traditional police procedure on its head.
Prosecutors seized and released Rush's medical records without authority after their original allegations began to unravel, in a desperate fishing expedition to find something, anything, to 'get' Rush. Even the ACLU was forced to decry such authoritarian tactics.
Finally Rush agreed to plead guilty to one minor charge with no sentence.
Palm Beach prosecutors wasted perhaps millions of taxpayer dollars, and let two serious felons go free, at the behest of thousands of raving partisan Democrats. All they got for their cash was one smiling 'mug shot'.
Rush has enough money, combined with his innocence, to break Palm Beach County in any court proceeding. It was the authorities, in effect, who paid Rush off.
LIBERALS LIE, ALL THE TIME, ABOUT EVERYTHING.
No comparison
December 24, 2008 - 02:03 ET by TexndocBill Maher lamented Heath Ledger died of a drug overdose and not Rush Limbaugh.
"First of all, Rush Limbaugh never faced the kind of cruel treatment my mother did when she was sent up to Chowchilla Prison for possessing $7 worth of cocaine."
Neither did Heath Ledger.
7
December 24, 2008 - 02:38 ET by misterbillYour rant is a hateful one. It may surprise you to know that I agree with you about your mother's imprisonment and treatment. California law wrongfully and unconstitutionally assumes any hard drugs in possession are to be treated as if they are for sale. Extremely stupid and more harmful than most other aspects of the war on drugs.
That said, I have drug related problems in my family. I told my son and his wife that if they do not agree with the laws in Georgia, then work to CHANGE them, do NOT break them. If caught, you will be charged and imprisoned. There is no punishment for trying to change the law. Simple minded, but true.
Bill Maher-- I am an ex-Catholic. I do not subscribe to their current actions and policy. Unlike Bill Maher and several other ex-Catholics, I am not on a life's crusade of hate against them. And in twelve years of Catholic training I never heard a bad word about Jewish people. Maher is a f***ed up, seriously unfunny dude. Your blog indicates you are a fan. Therfore sir, you are a f***ed up dude too. BTW, I am of a certain nationality, but I do not know who "my people" are unless they are American. Take a hike on that one.
Corsi vs Freddoso--who gives a hoot?? You either like them or not. If you do not, don't read them. I read both.
Lastly, I am violating a vow and may not get to heaven for this, but Alan Keyes IS the second coming of Christ.
Damn, I am not sure the loss of paradise was worth the exposure.
In spite of the above , love is love and I truly regret your loss of your mother. I hope that time and events will help you to cope with it. I sincerely hope you get actively involved and help to change the law so that the same sad thing does not happen to another family.
→ It's bogus misterbill
December 24, 2008 - 09:12 ET by Cool ArrowDon't fall for 7sticks' story. He just threw in a bit about his mother to shut down argument after condemning Rush.
There is no possible way this is a first offense, and as such, places Rush a step up, as he evidently beat his addiction after his first bust.
First of all, Rush Limbaugh
December 24, 2008 - 10:55 ET by BDFirst of all, Rush Limbaugh never faced the kind of cruel treatment my mother did when she was sent up to Chowchilla Prison for possessing $7 worth of cocaine.
Oh, and Bill Maher has a point about the Catholic Church for what it has essentially been for centuries: a corrupt organization that has persecuted my people, the Jewish people (Well, that is my dad's belief, so you can blame the so-called anti-Catholicism on him, but I myself am not so sure of his beliefs.)
→ Another point BD
December 24, 2008 - 11:09 ET by Cool Arrow7sticks should sue that Doctor who prescribed cocaine to his mother. I mean, that is how she got hooked isn't it?
7 and the facts...
December 31, 2008 - 04:51 ET by KimberlyIt's already been explained elsewhere that Rush didn't pay off the authorities, as it took them months (years?) to figure out that there wasn't much "there" there. Also, Rush admitted that he was an addict and did what a Florida judge would probably order him to do if this confession were made before a judge in an arrest situation--head off for at least 30 days of rehab.
As for your frail mother sent to Valley State Women's Prison (a.k.a. "Chowchilla") for 10 months that were apparently so traumatizing that she "is now dead", I'm interested in the details. When, for example, did she die? When was her arrest? Were there previous arrests? Was her arrest merely for possession of $7 of cocaine, or were there other factors involved (parole violations, associations with known felons, etc.)? California Law changed significantly after 2000, where single source possession-with-intent-to-use crimes more often than not are now sent to a lockdown substance rehab center (this is how Robert Downey Jr. finally realized he needed to get serious about rehab; knowing that because of two drug arrests in less than six months in late 2000/early 2001 that he was likely to be sent back to Corcoran State Prison at a minimum for parole violations, he plead guilty in 2001 to a lesser drug charge from his November 2000 arrest and sent to lockdown rehab for the next year of his life); was your mother's arrest prior to 2001? How "frail and impoverished" was she prior to her incarceration? (IIRC, there is a subculture of people within prisons who view being sent to prison as a positive thing because they now got free meals and free health care.) Did she have expert testimony who could vouch for her ill health, or records from doctors, or anything else of the like prior to sentencing? I'm not doubting your frustration that "{insert celeb/politician/etc. here} never went through what my mother did for possessing $7 of cocaine", I just feel there has to be something more to this story, otherwise it wouldn't frustrate you so.
I don't think this thread
December 24, 2008 - 02:56 ET by thebutlerdiditI don't think this thread was supposed to get off on this tangent, but as for the person 7 posting above, I am sorry you lost your mother. However, we are all responsible for ourselves, and small bad decisions sometimes have horrible repercussions. Why the hatred for Limbaugh? He, like everyone that has ever had an addiction has paid a price. How do I know this? Because the same thing happened to me. I was beaten by my ex-husband, and nearly died. I was prescribed some fairly strong pain medication during my healing. Because I had some long-term injuries, I ended up taking the meds far too long. I don't blame the doctor for giving them to me, I could have not taken them, but along with the physical injuries, I was suffering from emotional injuries. I had severe depression and self-loathing, my marriage was breaking up, I was scared, etc. So, I ended up highly addicted to presciption meds. I had a bad addiction before I even realized it. I did eventually manage to get myself off the pills, but like Rush, I also suffered the loss of my hearing, a common event for people who abuse that type of medication. The difference between Rush and me, was the fact that I was only 35. Also, I was lucky enough to have a different, internal surgery to restore 85% of my hearing in one ear, and about 60% in the other. It's not great, but I consider my self extremely blessed to be alive. Remember we all have our crosses to bear, and even though it's hard to admit sometimes, we are all ultimately 100% responsible for our own actions. I hope you find some peace from the anger you are carrying.
Back on thread, I saw your
December 24, 2008 - 02:59 ET by thebutlerdiditBack on thread, I saw your piece this morning on Fox, Mr. Bozell, and I loved it. I just wished they would get you more time! I think you are a hoot, love your sense of humor. Thanks for the great work you do! Merry Christmas!
The7Sticks
December 24, 2008 - 08:19 ET by Worriedsorry for the loss of your mom but why are you lashing out here? Why are you mad at Rush? He had an addiction, paid for it big time by the lame steam media that took every shot to expose him as a drug addict. If you believe the fools that earned these awards are truth-tellers, you need to wake up.
I hope Keith is seething. Brent, I'm sure you will be getting a good scolding from Olbergagmewithaspoon real soon if he hasn't done so already (how would I know, I don't do MSObama). Chrissy will never live down his comment, that was the ultimate in a$$ kissing.
Bill Maher is disgusting. He hates God so what do you expect?
As for the rest of idiots that earned awards, I'm sure they are busy trying to finding more ways to trash Sarah Palin.
Brent, thanks for making me laugh! You couldn't have picked a better bunch of losers for your awards.
Merry Christmas to all!
The7Sticks posts usual 'Blather'
December 24, 2008 - 09:56 ET by Retired GeekThe7Sticks posts the usual hatred at Town Hall as well as here.
Anything decent or good is the target.
Ignore the Troll.
On topic
December 24, 2008 - 10:47 ET by Doc_NavyHonestly, I'd have to agree. Jounalism DID die in 2008. The awards given out are extremely appropriate.
Did anyone read the HuffPo article about the reaction of active duty military members who were serving in combat zones when "Comrade Glorious Supreme Leader, Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Chosen one Obama" was elected? Made me want to puke on a Liberal. Especially the posted comments. If not, read it HERE.
Doc
What happened to Reuters
December 24, 2008 - 11:28 ET by RR GOPWhat happened to Reuters and AP? I know, rhetorical question-taken over by the same Leftist mentality as the major news networks.
Reuters especially used to simply provide news feeds, and even made raw newsfeeds from the invasion of Iraq available on their website.
To say there was no media bias is so laughable that it merely indicates that the people at Reuters shares the same views of said media. What's next, a report from Al-Jazeera on media bias in America?
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Journalism died long ago....
December 24, 2008 - 12:09 ET by jackie3I think journalism died long before 2008. For the last 8 years it was nothing more than a out of control lapdog that barked repeatedly at Bush over ridiculous things but ignored more important issues like the 300 million spent on empty FEMA detention centers--there are 600 FEMA REX 84 camps currently in the USA and more being built.
While it spent the last 2 years elevating Obama to "Messiah," it purposely kept certain info about Obama from the public. The media's reporting of the Iraq war is patchy and not complete, nor has it connected the dots between Iran, Russia, Cuba and Venezuela. It's failed miserably to report the truth on Global Warming and the lobbyist behind the push.
The "media" (mainstream) died decades ago. What have now is a flying circus of clowns who are more interesting in their own personal ambitions than reporting the news.
Chris Matthews reflects this egotistical self importance in not only the outlandish statement that won this honor but also by his intended run for senate. This man doesn't care about the news or about the integrity of journalism. He cares about "Chris," plain and simple. He should think of himself as honored for his name is now a household word. Along with the term, "Shrill/thrill up my leg."
Congratulations, Chris! You deserve it!
Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
An opportunity lost
December 24, 2008 - 20:53 ET by choselife3xSolomon said "Really? I thought it was all invented."
Pickens should have replied "That just shows how ignorant you are."
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Media Bias and 2008
December 30, 2008 - 18:37 ET by DerRickI'm pretty disgusted. Here we are, in the greatest nation ever, and we have a MSM not even worthy of the name. I'd much rather have those raw feeds given to me than have to continually filter out all the bias.
The media this past year did us a great disservice by how they spun the presidential campaign. They didn't dig into stories of major import, covered up more, spread untruths, and made lots of noise over things of little consequence (like Sarah Palin's clothing). At this rate we'll be a third-rate semi-dictatorship before we know it.
We need to start demanding some professionalism and accountability from the MSM before we get in deeper into all this trouble we're in as a nation.
Can't we all start making a big stink over all the bias?
TIme to put the nail in their coffin
December 31, 2008 - 11:37 ET by buzzkill3rAfter this last election I am outraged at the unbridaled and overt contempt and condecention the MSM displayed for anyone right of center.
The NYT is the worst of the bunch and they are paying for it. I am writing to all their advertisers to inform them I will refuse to purchase anything by a company that uses their money to support them.
Personal boycotts of any advertisers in the NYT (along with letters informing the advertisers of the reasons for the boycott) would cement the fate of that newspaper as well as other propaganda rags around the country. MSNBC seems to be the worst of the cable news bunch, I would start with their advertisers next.
Band wagon hoppers
January 3, 2009 - 16:28 ET by Jerry MackThe Msm and especially the major newspapers politically distort news so often that their coverage has lost credibility. The only time that they have any power is during a national election. This is when all the ballot punchers tune in to see which band wagon to hop onto.