Here’s something you don’t see every day: a Democrat strategist chiding a senior Democrat official, and claiming that liberal bloggers have “much too much influence over” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada).
Yet, that’s what happened Saturday when Fox News' Catherine Herridge invited Democrat strategist Bob Beckel and Republican strategist Rich Galen on to discuss recent events on Capitol Hill.
To set this up, Herridge said (video available here courtesy of Allah at Hot Air):
Gentlemen, let’s start with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He described the outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs this week as “incompetent,” and a senior commander in Iraq as “out of touch.” Rich, what have your readers been saying about that?
RICH GALEN, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Well, my readers didn’t go quite as ballistic as I did. I, I was, I was truly angry about that, because, I mean, I think that there is a time and a place to, to talk about the way things are going. But that kind of name-calling, and the only reason he used that kind of language was because he was on a private phone call with liberal bloggers.
BOB BECKEL, DEMOCRAT STRATEGIST: Well, that’s the thing that’s amazing to me. There’s no such thing as a private phone call, anyway, let alone with a bunch of bloggers. There’s something about Harry Reid and the left of bloggers that has gotten, there’s a marriage gone on there. I mean, frankly I think they got much too much influence over him. And the idea that he thought he could get away with saying that and it’s not going to get out is crazy.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Beckel made similar statements on either “Meet the Press” or “This Week” some Sunday morning?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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BOB BECKEL IS UNREAL
October 11, 2008 - 22:09 ET by Sharonrj50I AM SICK OF THE LIBERAL MEDIA AND BLOW HARDS RUNNING THEIR MOUTH. THEY ARE CENSORING OBAMA AND NOT TELLING THE AMERICANS THE TRUTH. THEY WILL DO ANYTHING ESPECIALLY SCREAM RACISM. IT IS THOSE WHO SCREAM RACISM THAT IS RACIST. WE WANT THE ISSUES OUT THERE NOT HOT AIR. THEY KEEP TALKING ABOUT OBAMA AND AYERS AND OTHER ASSOCIATES MY THING IS HIS JUDGEMENT. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE IS IS HIS JUDGEMENT. WHY WOULD A 60'S TERRORIST PICK OBAMA TO BE HIS CEO OF THE ANNENBERG AND THEN SIT WITH HIM ON THE BOARD OF WOODS FOUNDATION. THAT IS MY QUESTION. BECAUSE THE OTHER QUESTION I ASK IS WHAT IS HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS NAME ONE THING HE HAS DONE NOONE CAN TELL ME BUT THEY ARE VOTING FOR HIM. THAT IS CRAZY OBAMA'S STAND ON ABORTION IS WAY OUT THERE AND IT SHOWS THAT 86% OF AMERICANS WANT LESS ABORTIONS WELL WITH OBAMA THAT WILL NOT BE THE CASE HEAR IT IN HIS OWN WORDS
Partial-Birth Abortion - Barack Obama Debate Comments / Partial Birth Abortion Ban Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9fCITIyyo4
"Obama's Twisted Mind - Obama's sick voting record
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIlS0_rArks
Obama VOTED Partial Baby Abortion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VM6_itwHOY
Barack Obama Promises to Sign FOCA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf0XIRZSTt8
Obama & Abortion / The Freedom of Choice Act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOs5rwPR7bc WATCH WHAT HE IS SAYING HE WILL DO
The Truth About Abortion Rights, the Freedom of Choice Act, and What Lies Beneath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5zSd2_vZ4Y
Part 2 of The Truth About Abortion Rights, The Freedom of Choice Act, and What Lies Beneath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCC6FJMW3WQ
Barack Obama Answers Issues On Abortion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7r1lpn4gQs
CNN: Barack Obama's opposition to Born Alive Act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZCXcTwZPY
Obama On The "Born Alive Infant Protection Act"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvIx2v0LMo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCH-jwJk6MI
Horror and Insanity: 'Infanticide' Obama Caught Lying, Destroying Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW0uj8x8BJw
Obama Votes Against Born Alive Babies. Jill Stanek Tells All.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B3O9uUc-4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9duXeLahkV4
Explosive Audio Found Obama arguing against BAIPA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypDwNpgIUQc
Given that Harry's approval r
June 16, 2007 - 13:09 ET by Dave RGiven that Harry's approval ratings have now sunk below those of even Mr. Bush's, I hope he keeps right on listening to the kook fringe bloggers.
It may very well turn out to be the only real bright spot for the Republican's in '08.
only if the republicans wak
June 16, 2007 - 13:22 ET by Conservative Voiceonly if the republicans wake up and listen to the people on illegal immigration. The republicans are in a great spot to capitalize on this opportunity, but tend to fumble the ball.
CV,The republicans have squan
June 16, 2007 - 13:48 ET by Dave RCV,
The republicans have squandered so many opportunities that the hapless dims have thrown their way, it would be almost comical where it not so sad. At a time when the republicans need to have things wired rather tightly, they cannot seem to find the wire, or even the pliers. They appear to me to be more disconnected than even the dims.
I guess the rep. senators are spending too much time making nice with Ted over this scamnesty garbage (and if I see one more pic of Martinez yucking it up with that hideous rotund man, I'm going to hurl) they apparently have little or no time for ripping Harry's blatant incompetence.
Pelosi is fairing no better in the House, but the empty-suit republicans over there appear to be unable to take any real advantage of that, either. The republican party of twenty years ago would be having a field day with these clowns. Now all they seem interested in doing is playing nice with them.
I hope they figure things out PDQ because, as I see it, the possbility of waking up one cold January morning and flipping on the TV to see Herr Hitlary getting the one-arm salute (left-handed, of course) from her adoring throngs lined up on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue is becoming greater by the day.
Conservative Voice Says: o
June 16, 2007 - 13:53 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsConservative Voice Says: only if the republicans wake up and listen to the people on illegal
immigration. The republicans are in a great spot to capitalize on this
opportunity, but tend to fumble the ball.
Everyone here should click the links in my tagline and let Washington know what you think of the crappy congress and it's crappy immigration bull... er bill.
D
Go here and here to let your reps know what you think!
Secret confession: I like Bec
June 16, 2007 - 14:44 ET by KC MulvilleSecret confession: I like Beckel. He can be bombastic, and can drive you nuts ... but over the long haul, you can also see that underneath it, he's sane. I honestly think he cares about the welfare of the country, and he's not willing to push his own party if partisanship hurts the country. Once I believe that about anyone, I can forgive all the bombast and histrionics. We can reason with this guy. Just wish there were more "reasonable" people around.
Yeah, Bob's like the harmless
June 16, 2007 - 15:43 ET by drillanwrYeah, Bob's like the harmless obnoxious drunk you'd give a ride home, and would fall all over himself apologizing for puking in your car.
I have noticed, of late, he does seem more tolerable than when he first arrived at FNC. Your observations about him are good. Unlike other lib/dem talking heads he actually listens when the other person is talking and doesn't always feel the need to talk over them. Although, he will open his response with a dry jab.
Or is it that most of the res
June 16, 2007 - 16:39 ET by Chris NormanOr is it that since most of the Democrat Party has gone so completely whacked-out radical that a dyed-in-the-wool Liberal, like Beckel, looks sane and reasonable, in comparison? :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
eeekk ... Don't know if I'd g
June 16, 2007 - 16:44 ET by drillanwreeekk ... Don't know if I'd go that far ...
Think about it. The comment w
June 16, 2007 - 16:53 ET by Chris NormanThink about it. The comment was, more or less, that Beckel is tolerable on these shows. I submit that it is because the rest of them have gotten so shrill and kamikaze-like, that old timers like Beckel, or maybe (Lord, forgive me) Susan Estrich, appear slightly more reasonable, and therefore are more bearable to watch...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris
June 16, 2007 - 16:59 ET by Noel SheppardChris,
Actually, I like Beckel, too. Very bright guy. Granted, I didn't always feel that way, particularly during the Florida recount debacle when he was regularly on MSNBC spouting absurdly partisan nonsense. However, since joining Fox, he has begun more impartial. I like him and Rich Galen together. They clearly respect one another, and normally discuss issues without the seemingly requisite crotch-grabbing and genital-waving so prevalent these days. ns
I'm not saying I can't stand
June 16, 2007 - 17:05 ET by Chris NormanI'm not saying I can't stand Beckel. It's just that I used to think he was about as rabidly partisan as they come. The same with Estrich. I'm just wondering if the rest have become so bad that being merely partisan isn't so bad, after all. I must confess, despite her fingernails-on-the-chalkboard voice, I kind of like Susan Estrich.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris
June 16, 2007 - 17:19 ET by Noel SheppardChris,
Actually, I think even Estrich when she's on Fox can be reasonable. Fox seems to have a moderating influence on most liberal commentators save obviously Eleanor Clift and Juan Williams. I think most of these folks don't feel as at liberty to emote the nonsense they do on other channels because they know there's always a conservative around to challenge them.
Honestly, I think that's a huge difference in how these people behave: if there are no cons around, they speak uber-leftwing nonsense with total impunity and are, therefore, quite intolerable; if there is at least one conservative on the panel, they are significantly more moderate and significantly less annoying. ns
I think you're right. It's so
June 16, 2007 - 17:24 ET by Chris NormanI think you're right. It's sort of like little children behaving better under adult supervision. The outrageous comments you post on NB were rarely spoken by a Liberal on a Fox show (and no troll better come on and say that no Liberals appear on Fox News).
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
I agree with everything you b
June 16, 2007 - 17:43 ET by drillanwrI agree with everything you both are saying. Speaking of Susan Estrich, is she the long lost daughter of Carol Channing or what??!! Every time I see her on FNC I expect her to break out into "Hello Dolly".
Man, I thought the same thing
June 16, 2007 - 21:46 ET by Mica the MagnificentMan, I thought the same thing!
"Dy-a-monds are a girrrls baaast friennnnd!"
Susan Estrich
June 16, 2007 - 22:16 ET by Dave Rguys,
I bet Susan Estrich would be a total blast to hang out and have a few drinks with.
Bet she's a rip when she has a good buzz going. :-)
I agree Dave R. But what if s
June 16, 2007 - 22:36 ET by Mica the MagnificentI agree Dave R.
But what if she wants you to take her home?
Mica and Dave
June 16, 2007 - 22:42 ET by Noel SheppardGents,
Definitely. And, I bet she can put 'em away with the best of us.
As to the final question, to keep up with her drink for drink, she'd probably look like Cameron Diaz at some point in the evening or early morning! :-) ns
Noel,LOL-Maybe it is due to t
June 16, 2007 - 22:51 ET by Dave RNoel,
LOL-Maybe it is due to the fact that most of my friends are squarely positioned in the lightweight category these days, but after ingesting that many drinks, most of us would be unable to see, much less do anything else. :-(
Dave
June 16, 2007 - 23:02 ET by Noel SheppardDave,
Well, I was told upon becoming a professional writer that I had to be able to drink like Hemingway even if my prose weren't as good. As such, I think I could go drink for drink with Susan.
In fact, it's my understanding that if I can't, I'd no longer be welcomed at the National Press Club. :-) ns
Mica
June 16, 2007 - 22:48 ET by Dave RLOL-Then I would, as a southern gentleman should, see to it that she safely makes it to the front door, then I would bid her goodnight and be on my way. :-)
Dave R: . . after telling he
June 16, 2007 - 22:52 ET by Mica the MagnificentDave R:
. . after telling her, "I'd probably like to, Susan, but I'm gay. Gotta go!
Mica,Sometimes ya just gotta
June 16, 2007 - 23:05 ET by Dave RMica,
Sometimes ya just gotta do what you gotta do.
I'd love to see Susan go out
June 17, 2007 - 15:11 ET by Del DolemonteI'd love to see Susan go out on tour with Arianna Huffington as her opening act. Arianna, of course, would sing the theme song from "Green Acres"...
". . . He can be bombast
June 16, 2007 - 20:08 ET by Galvanic". . . He can be bombastic, and can drive you nuts ... but over the long haul, you can also see that underneath it, he's sane. . . ."
Perhaps in contrast to so many liberals, but don't be fooled; Beckel is a Democratic insider whose primary goal is to get Democrats in power. He may know that much of what he pushes is hogwash (Can that be the symptom of sanity?), but he'll push it anyway.
Beckel's problem with Reid isn't that he objects to Reid's world view. He merely objects that Reid -- like the faceless bloggers whose talking points Reid absorbs and regurgitates --- is so outrageously blunt, that he risks painting the Party into a political corner they'd prefer not defend.
If Reid was really too Left for the Dems, they would be removing him from his Senate Majority Leader job right now. But I haven't seen a single Dem Senator publicly chastise Reid for his comments, let alone suggest that they need a new Majority Leader. Behind the scenes, I suspect the ruthless Congressman Rahm Emanuel, whose victorious strategy in the '06 Elections earned him tremendous power in the smoke-filled back rooms of Party power brokering, is diligently working with DP elites to neuter Reid, if not remove him.
True enough, but I don't mind
June 17, 2007 - 12:11 ET by KC MulvilleTrue enough, but I don't mind the fact that he fights as hard as he can for his side. I wish conservatives had the same tenacity. There's nothing wrong with passion. This is in direct contrast to Harry Reid. Beckel plays hard, but Reid plays dirty. Reid poisons the well (Iraq is lost, the surge has failed, etc.). I don't think Beckel would do that.
Actually I like Beckel.I dont
June 17, 2007 - 01:28 ET by well99Actually I like Beckel.I dont agree with alot he says but he has mellowed with age.He used be a bigtime party shill.The ones I dont like are the ones with my party right or wrong.Then try distorting the truth.I heard him rag on Dems before but it was on Fox.I dont watch the other channels(Other than Lou Dobbs and Beck) because of too much left wing BS.So I dont know how he is on the other channels.
He is right about Reid.Anyhow the Dems dont wipe their butts without getting permission from the left.Could explain why it is coming out the wrong end.
You know, I can actually list
June 17, 2007 - 01:49 ET by UnsaneYou know, I can actually listen to Beckel. He's not an irrational freak like countless other Leftists. What's great about Fox is that contrary to our whiny Leftist contingent, they DO have Leftists - just not the raving lunatics the other channels love (and never question). I find Jane Hall, Alan Colmes, Juan Williams, and Mara Liasson quite refreshing in that respect, along with Bob Beckel.
MAKE WAY FOR THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS!!! THE 1999, 2003, 2005, AND 2007 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!
Mort I think his name is from
June 17, 2007 - 09:26 ET by well99Mort I think his name is from Beltway Boys.Neil Gabler who is such a jerk.Only thing I agree with him is reporters dont do their jobs.Actually there is quite a few more on the weekends.I rarely watch the other networks.Just too many lies for me to stomach.I guess the elites forgot there is a thing called the internet to check things out.
Gabler is actually on the sho
June 17, 2007 - 15:13 ET by Del DolemonteMort Kondracke is on Beltway Boys. Neal Gabler is on the show after Beltway Boys, "Fox News Watch".
Fox News Watch
June 17, 2007 - 15:24 ET by Cool ArrowI wish the stuttering blonde guy could talk better. He's a pretty good thinker.
Gabler talks more smoothly only because he has canned answers that never address the issue on the table.
It occasionally surprises m
June 17, 2007 - 15:28 ET by sarcasmoIt occasionally surprises me how much (not always, of course) I agree with Cal Thomas. But I think FNW needs more voices, they should steal Kerry Howley from "RedEye"!
JMR
Jim Pinkerton is good.He is p
June 17, 2007 - 21:35 ET by well99Jim Pinkerton is good.He is pretty straight up.Neil's answer to everything is it is Bush/Republicans fault.If he had a original thought it died of loneliness.