It appears impossible for Time magazine to do anything without bringing its liberal bias into the equation, for in his January 14 review of the return of television hero Jack Bauer, writer James Poniewozik asked, “So, is 24 a conservative show?”
Checking that link about now to measure my veracity? Go ahead. I dare you.
Sadly, the answer seemed just as foolish as the question: “Yes, in the sense that the thriller is a conservative genre.”
He wrote that. I swear. Check if for yourself. But there’s more:
Ticking time bombs and pure-evil bad guys make for exciting TV. Working patiently to improve America's image in the Muslim world--not so much. (Maybe Aaron Sorkin could spice it up with an office romance and lots of walk-and-talks.) Muddy a terrorism thriller with liberal concern over root causes and you get Syriana, whose plot audiences couldn't follow with a GPS device. "The politics of the show," says executive producer Howard Gordon (a registered Democrat), "are narrative politics."
Of course, Time couldn’t resist an opportunity, even in a television review, to take a swipe at the current president:
This season, Bauer allies with Hamri al-Assad, a (putatively) reformed terrorist leader, to stop an attack. He thus displays a better grasp of realpolitik than has the Bush Administration, which resisted the Iraq Study Group's recommendation to work with Iran and Syria.
It’s there, folks. I promise. In fact, that wasn’t the only swipe:
That playing field can change again, and probably will. On 24, there are a few very good people, a few very bad ones and in between, a lot of question marks who can upend the plot (and the political analogies). That may be the biggest lesson of 24 in the Iraq era: don't stubbornly hang on to your preconceptions when the facts on the ground change. Undoubtedly, Bauer will continue to give liberals and libertarians conniptions before his latest day is over. But if conservatives and neocons think 24 is working for them, they don't know Jack.
It appears neither does James.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.



















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Bauer allying with Assad show
January 16, 2007 - 15:21 ET by fosstenBauer allying with Assad shows a better grasp of realpolitik than Bush? Oh, that's hilarious.
Show me a real terrorist who is trying to reform and thrown down his arms, and I'll show you a West who will eagerly assist him in doing so. Otherwise, since all they do is continue to behead and suicide bomb, what the hell else are we supposed to do but kill them?
Remember, James, you ignorant slut, the terrorist was the one changing his direction, not Bauer.
Funny. I never caught the art
January 16, 2007 - 15:21 ET by Chris NormanFunny. I never caught the articles in Time that asked if The West Wing, Law and Order, Six Feet Under, et al were liberal shows. Must have overlooked them somehow...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Must have been out that day a
January 16, 2007 - 15:33 ET by FastEdMust have been out that day and missed the ShrubReport. Time and Newsweek were around for M*A*S*H right? Didn't realize that SOAP and Murphy Brown were right leaning shows either.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Ah, M*A*S*H. That quality sho
January 16, 2007 - 15:54 ET by Chris NormanAh, M*A*S*H. That "quality and humane" show that oozed anti-war, intelligent liberalism. Shows where we were back then. We watched it religiously, like grateful sheep...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
So you didn't like MASH?
January 16, 2007 - 15:58 ET by balboaSo you didn't like MASH?
Starting off, I did. Later, i
January 16, 2007 - 16:10 ET by Chris NormanStarting off, I did. Later, it got too pompously preachy and started taking itself way too seriously for me. Sorry Bal. If it makes you feel any better, I did like Mannix... :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Mannix, sure, but what abou
January 16, 2007 - 16:12 ET by balboaMannix, sure, but what about..."Manimal"?
I was partial to "Man fr
January 16, 2007 - 16:28 ET by Chris NormanI was partial to "Man from Atlantis". I mean - Patrick Duffy - webbed hands and feet - come on, that's entertainment!
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Just saw this - another water
January 16, 2007 - 20:12 ET by FastEdJust saw this - another water thriller, "Bay Watch", now THAT's entertainment.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Best part of Man from Atlanti
January 16, 2007 - 20:19 ET by balboaBest part of Man from Atlantis was the opening credits, when Duffy would race -- and beat -- a dolphin in a race across a pool.
I was partial to "Man fr
January 16, 2007 - 16:28 ET by Chris NormanSo true. When they killed o
January 16, 2007 - 17:20 ET by RunningBeerSo true. When they killed off Col Blake, removed Honeycut and Burns and made Hotlips get married, that show sure took a turn for the worse. I recall it was about the time Alda took over directing and tried to send a liberal anti-korean war msg in every show.
I just got the best of McLean Stevenson on DVD
January 16, 2007 - 17:25 ET by Carl KolchakMcLean Stevenson had lots of hits after "Mash". I just got his best tv moments after "Mash" on DVD. He had so many hits, that they will be coming out with volumes 2 and 3.
"I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane" Waylon Jennings
CORRECTION:They removed Trapp
January 16, 2007 - 17:42 ET by RunningBeerCORRECTION:
They removed Trapper John, not Honeycut. It was soooo long ago and breaks me up whenever I think about it!!!
Favorite line: little kid to
January 16, 2007 - 16:07 ET by FastEdFavorite line: little kid to Klinger "Mama san, mama san"
Klinger replies "No mama san, look, no McGuffies!"
But from the movie, "Jack's" father "I know you from somewhere", to Trapper John. (no reason, just liked the line)
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
"That 'quality and human
January 16, 2007 - 16:15 ET by saw the light"That 'quality and humane' show that oozed anti-war, intelligent liberalism."
Did you know that the bolded part of your post is the exact dictionary definition of an oxymoron? And no, I did not just call you an ox moron.
"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news." - A.J. Liebling
You know that, I know that, b
January 16, 2007 - 16:36 ET by Chris NormanYou know that, I know that, but the producers and script writers didn't. What dictionary are you using? I like their examples... :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
OK, here comes the Definition
January 16, 2007 - 17:00 ET by PeskyDaneOK, here comes the Definition, Grammar and Syntax Nazi: intelligent liberalism is actually a contradiction in terms. An oxymoron are two seemingly opposite words that when combined in a compound word, make perfect sense. For example, Jumbo Shrimp, pretty ugly, or awfully good. Sorry, couldn't help myself.
Since liberals feel they are
January 16, 2007 - 18:32 ET by saw the lightSince liberals feel they are entitled to their own facts, then as a conservative, I feel I am entitled to something too. I choose this something to be a dictionary.
By the way, I do think that jumbo shrimp are pretty ugly and awfully good. They are also largely smallish and unbelievably real.
"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news." - A.J. Liebling
In Spanish, "y" i
January 16, 2007 - 17:07 ET by steviep831In Spanish, "y" is a word meaning "and." So you just called him an ox AND a moron. Nice work...
Wow! I thought I forgot eve
January 16, 2007 - 18:33 ET by saw the lightWow! I thought I forgot everything from Spanish 1 in college! I guess I'll be able to communicate in the future if democrats get their amnesty wish!
"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news." - A.J. Liebling
Maybe we should have Carter a
January 16, 2007 - 15:34 ET by FastEdMaybe we should have Carter align with Arafat and see how that works out.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
You know the libs want so muc
January 16, 2007 - 17:11 ET by steviep831You know the libs want so much to communicate with the terrorists. I think we should agree to open communications with Iran and Syria. Send all the looney libs over for a pow-wow. Then once they get over there have the President call Amadinajerk and tell him the talks are off and to go to hell... Wouldn't that instantly increase the average American IQ?
NS
January 16, 2007 - 15:35 ET by Gary HallSeems like we covered the expected chance that the MSM might see it that way. (;~> gh
I really have a hard time wit
January 16, 2007 - 15:54 ET by bassndudeI really have a hard time with these know it all reporter type hypocrites. They seem to be experts on everything. Just what is it they teach in journalism school, anyway? Seems to me they teach diplomacy, world law, world justice, (liberal version), psychology and TV and movie analysis of the politics behind the scenes. If they dont like it, its conservative. If they do like it, "West Wing", its well balanced. Excuse me while I go puke.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
I wonder if Poniewozk asked i
January 16, 2007 - 15:57 ET by Mr. KafirI wonder if Poniewozk asked if West Wing was a liberal show? Sheesh. Its a damn TV show people!!! Move on!!!
On "conservative"
January 16, 2007 - 15:58 ET by UnsaneIs it me, or has the media, for many years now, been in the habit of using the word "conservative" to describe people or things as if it is some strange alien life form or a group of lepers to be shipped out to Molokai as soon as possible?
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Not just you. They're like t
January 16, 2007 - 19:46 ET by danboNot just you. They're like the people in HollyWeed. They talk among themselves. Then think everyone thinks like them.
Like being in a psychiatric institution. Crazy starts to seem normal.
"Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything."
-- Joseph Stalin
And you see something wrong w
January 16, 2007 - 19:48 ET by balboaAnd you see something wrong with that?
;-)
I don't consider it conservat
January 16, 2007 - 16:00 ET by balboaI don't consider it conservative or liberal; I consider it a TV show.
...but don't you find it iro
January 16, 2007 - 16:43 ET by mattm...but don't you find it ironic, or somewhat hypocritical, that Time would ask the question, especially since they never seem too concerned as to whether a show is "liberal" or not?
Forget it mattm. He's too sma
January 16, 2007 - 17:04 ET by Mr. KafirForget it mattm. He's too smart to answer that question. It'll show his liberal bias.
Come on Bal... tell us how a
January 16, 2007 - 17:11 ET by RunningBeerCome on Bal... tell us how all those shows don't show liberal bias!
Yeah, I think it's a stupid q
January 16, 2007 - 18:35 ET by balboaYeah, I think it's a stupid question to ask, esp. since they don't do the opposite.
Good for you, bal. I figured
January 16, 2007 - 22:26 ET by Indiana JoeGood for you, bal. I figured you saw it that way. I know some people want to put you in the same box with some of our more trollish libs, but I think the worst you can be accused of is sometimes deliberately missing a point. At least you'll debate an issue, not just throw bombs and run.
"Time Magazine Asks 'Is
January 16, 2007 - 16:17 ET by Chris Norman"Time Magazine Asks 'Is 24 a Conservative Show?'"
NewsBusters Ask 'Is Time a Liberal Magazine?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
FastEd asks, "Is Time a
January 16, 2007 - 19:24 ET by FastEdFastEd asks, "Is Time a real magazine, anymore, ever?" Relevancy is questionable.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Well, if Time is among the
January 17, 2007 - 11:40 ET by AJWell, if Time is among the media outlets that is suffering from poor subscription ratings, then, no... it isn't relevant anymore. Actually, it never has been in my mind.
some times, my ear plugs aren't enough to block out liberal manure.
La la land is real at Time.
January 16, 2007 - 16:17 ET by Dee BunkLa la land is real at Time. This is really beyond belief - first - Time magazine doesn't know what the real life Jack Bowers are doing and who they are talking to. Second - when did Iran and Syria reform? Did I miss it?
I'm surprised at you... I mea
January 16, 2007 - 17:24 ET by liberal_bug_zapperI'm surprised at you... I mean, wasn't it Time magazine who had the cover which read "Men and Women born different?" as if that was some kind of amazing revalation? Liberals are stupid, in fact, they're so stupid that if it isn't in their playbook, it might not exist.
____________________________________________________
"These are the times that try men's souls." ~ Thomas Paine
Uh, does Time know that "
January 16, 2007 - 18:41 ET by Clear thinkerUh, does Time know that "24" is fiction, and our President is not!
"Is 24 a CONSERVATIVE show..?"
January 16, 2007 - 18:55 ET by Six String Spiff"Is "24" a C-O-N-S-E-R-V-A-T-I-V-E show...?"
Well that's it. Time to pubicly stalk and assasinate the producers, writers, actors, etc of this show via the MSM. I mean, hell, its CONSERVATIVE. What a bunch of arrogant shite. Asking that question with the implication that conservatism is some disease. Oh no, forsaken by the media... woop dee doo. NEXT
and they continue to defend their "moderate" position on things... WOW
Not all Muslims are Terrorists. However, all the Terrorists have been Muslim.
I wonder, (he asks, looking a
January 16, 2007 - 19:01 ET by FastEdI wonder, (he asks, looking at the ceiling), how the media would characterize "Where's Momma?" (it might have been called the Goldbergs), or the Fulton J.Sheen show? Gotta be OLD school to answer that one.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Breaking
January 16, 2007 - 19:42 ET by acumenBreaking.......Time Magazine - Conservatives Fight Terrorists, Liberals Opt for Gabfest Scheme
Continued . . . .Conservative
January 16, 2007 - 20:09 ET by FastEdContinued . . . .Conservatives losing, with help of media, liberals going horse and lost.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
24 rules
January 17, 2007 - 01:34 ET by jesselanghamI'm a Liberal, and I love 24. It's a great show, and I'm a bit disgusted at left wing media right now trying to portray this as propaganda. The show in multidimentional, and never gives a cut-and-dry partisan angle to its plot.
Can someone point me to an ar
January 17, 2007 - 14:18 ET by JimboCan someone point me to an article where Time magazine asked if "place name of show here" is a LIBERAL show?
I looked for you but the clos
January 17, 2007 - 14:26 ET by Eric TurnerI looked for you but the closest I could find was this article in 1986 about the movie "The Mission" (good movie btw). But it just states, "But one suspects liberal show biz, carried away by its high-mindedness, of bending history to its own sanctimonious purposes."
Sorry, but I guess Time just "stands still" when it comes to annotating any show in Hollywood as "liberal"
(get it? uh, uh? Get it? "Time 'stands still'" HA! I kill myself sometimes! ...ah forget it, wasn't that funny).
the Newsbusters groupie formerly known as "armyvet"