Mika Brzezinski is at it again. As noted here and here, the daughter of Jimmy Carter's former National Security Advisor is inclined to inject her personal political views into her MSNBC newsreading role.
At 6:10 am EDT on today's "Morning Joe," Mika read an item reporting that Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) had called for a change of course in Iraq and expressed support for the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by James Baker and Lugar's fellow Hoosier, Lee Hamilton.
Mika couldn't restrain herself, archly asking:
MSNBC NEWSREADER MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Whatever happened to the Iraq Study Group, because I believe President Bush asked for those pieces of advice, correct?
Host Joe Scarborough immediately called Mika on her editorializing.
MSNBC HOST JOE SCARBOROUGH: The thing is, Mika, if you write for the front page of the New York Times, they don't let you go into the editorial room.
View video here.
Brzezkinski refused to recognize the obvious.
BRZEZINSKI: I'm not . . .
SCARBOROUGH: You don't write editorials in the lead story. Mika, you're going to have to decide. You're going to be an opinion person or you're going to be a news person.
BRZEZINSKI: Whoah, whoah, whoah, whoah.
Trying to return Mika to her newsreading roots, Joe ordered that she be handed the Paris Hilton story to read [which she had declined to do at the top of the news report, though it had been scheduled as the lead story.] As pictured here, Mika promptly ripped up the report.
BRZEZINSKI: Here's the deal: I asked a question, a question. It's not editorializing. Journalists are allowed to ask questions.
SCARBOROUGH: OK, ask me a question.
BRZEZINSKI: OK, whatever happened to the Iraq Study Group? Wasn't it -- and I may be wrong -- sanctioned by the president?
SCARBOROUGH: There are two types of questions, Mika. There are questions, and then there are rhetorical questions.
MIKA, unrepentant: That's not a rhetorical question!
SCARBOROUGH: You asked me a rhetorical question that you know the answer to . . . You know what? It's sort of like, Willie Geist [the likeable MSNBCer, back from a brief leave as his wife gave birth to daughter Lucy], I remember that I was covering the McCarthy hearings back in I don't remember was it '56, '55 or '56 [Scarborough was born in 1963. A running gag on the show is its, and Scarborough's, longevity. He often refers to the show, on the air only a matter of weeks, celebrating its 20th anniversary], "have you no shame, sir?" That is a rhetorical question.
Even then, Brzezinski wouldn't bow to reality: I think it's an interesting question. Especially now, in light of what Sen. Lugar is saying. I just would like to connect the dots.
SCARBOROUGH had the last laugh: What, is she following Olbermann now at 9 o'clock? Are they clearing that space for her at nine o'clock [a bit of self-deprecating humor, given that MSNBC's 9 PM slot is hosted by none other than . . . Scarborough himself. Unless, of course, his morning gig becomes permanent.]
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Two Questions Mark:1) Who i
June 26, 2007 - 06:39 ET by LeonTwo Questions Mark:
1) Who is Mika (aside from Brzezinski's daughter and a complete moron) and why is she all over Newsbusters all of the sudden?
2) Does Lugar support the terrorists?
Mika is an MSNBC newsreader.
June 26, 2007 - 06:49 ET by Mark FinkelsteinMika is an MSNBC newsreader. In addition to appearing on "Morning Joe," she hosts MSNBC news hours during the day. I believe her expression of left-leaning political views is significant as it suggests that liberal politics have made they way into MSNBC's supposedly objective news-reporting.
Objective news reporting? I
June 26, 2007 - 06:54 ET by LeonObjective news reporting?
It seems to me she appears on nothing but talking heads shows. Morning Joe, Scarborough. These shows aren't news.
That would be like me saying Ann Coulter's apperances on Fox News talk shows suggest that conservative politics have made their way into FoxNews' supposedly fair and balanced news-reporting.
And you skipped my second question. Now that Lugar is calling for a reduced military presence in Iraq, does that mean he supports the terrorists.
You're simply wrong about M
June 26, 2007 - 07:00 ET by Mark FinkelsteinYou're simply wrong about Mika's role. She is a newsreader. She typically hosts an hour or two daily of MSNBC's news shows. That is precisely why Joe called her on her expression of opinions today: it is not her role.
If you can point to where I've accused Dems of "supporting the terrorists" I'll be happy to respond to your question about Luga.
I don't understand the import
June 26, 2007 - 08:16 ET by LeonI don't understand the importance of her 'newsreader' status Mark, you are correct in that.
Never heard of a newsreader, but it seems to me the context in which you are a newsreader is of the utomost importance in assessing objectivity.
Robin Quivers is a news reader, but I wouldn't expect her to be objective b/c she's on an opinion show (howard stern). It seems that Mica's in a similar boat.
Actually, even Wikipedia list
June 26, 2007 - 09:01 ET by Roger the ShrubberActually, even Wikipedia lists her as a "news reader/co-host" for Scarborough's seldom-watched show.
If you read the bio on her, you will see that she has been primarily a news reader (or anchor, if you prefer) and has done reporting. If her role on the Scarborough show is to read the news, then read the damn teleprompter and do not inject your personal bias into a story. If her role is as a co-host, like your Robin Quivers comparison, then that's a whole different ballgame.
Personally, from what I have seen of her performance on the show, along with her fellow rather uninteresting token John Ridley, they have tried to gang up on poor semi-conservative Scarborough, and Scarborough handled them rather easily. From what I have seen, they are a Colmes-type combo in stature., and that ain't a comlpiment.
I tend to lean towards Leon on this topic. I would think it might be hard for a Liberal "journalist' like Mika to keep her injected opinions out of reading the news if she gets to spout them off throughout the show.
It may be an "opinion
June 26, 2007 - 09:20 ET by sarcasmoIt may be an "opinion show," but occasionally Robin reports & breaks actual "hard" news, too. Much to the chagrin of the rest of the news media. If Mika's more than a news reader and is instead a commentary personality like Robin is, that fact, well...Comes as news to me.
JMR
sarc,I agree. TYime to bring
June 26, 2007 - 09:25 ET by drillanwrsarc,
I agree. Time to bring back the on screen tags "Commentary" and "Personal Comments Do Not Reflect The Views Of The Network, Or Those Of The Sponsors" ...
I'm kinda leaning toward leon
June 26, 2007 - 10:33 ET by TruthMongerI'm kinda leaning toward leon here - to me it seems like a fair question that mika is asking - all human questions are somewhat biased - but this seems fairly mild to me...
what annoys me is that she should already know the answer to her question. It's her job as a newsperson. My suggested phrasing would have been "joe, what do you think has happened to the recomendations of the Iraq study group" although again is the newsreader position on that show supposed to ask questions at all? what's in the job or task description?
my guess is she was trying to engineer a personal opinion against bush as legitimate news...typical MSM...they must be trying to go more stealth due to the glorious effects of NB!
Why is no one asking this question?
June 27, 2007 - 12:18 ET by emeraldWhy is it more important to debate the differences and virtues (or lack thereof) of "newsreader" vs. "journalist?" Is not the real question "Who cares if Paris Hilton is getting out of jail?" I don't care. Do any of you, who apparenlty care about "liberal media bias" care that not only would MSNBC host anchors and "newsreaders" with liberal bias, but on top of that, most of them are willing to report that the lead is "Paris is out of Jail?"
What's more important? Iraq, positive or negative, or Paris Hilton?
From what I've seen with this
June 27, 2007 - 13:00 ET by TruthMongerFrom what I've seen with this whole iraq thing just ask a goddamn democrat and they'll say paris hilton in a heartbeat...
...it was hard but I managed to keep religion out of it:)...
That would be like me saying
June 26, 2007 - 07:01 ET by NewsbusterbrownThat would be like me saying Ann Coulter's apperances on Fox News talk shows suggest that conservative politics have made their way into FoxNews' supposedly fair and balanced news-reporting.
When has Ann Coulter read the news on Fox?
Leon---serious question---if
June 26, 2007 - 07:33 ET by ncstevemLeon---serious question---if you were made king what political/social changes from the existing would you decree and why would you do it?
The reason I ask is because I generally find the 'reasoning' of those on your side of the aisle not to be very reasonable. It's been my observation that liberals ignore the human condition which leads them to 'solutions' that make problems worse.
Just to be fair I'll go first.
If I were king:
1. Representatives would be term limited to (2) two year terms and senators would be limited to one six year term. Not that I think it would improve politics much but I don't like the idea of professional politicians. No pensions or perks. The bums ought to be made to earn a living like the rest of us rather than on the public dole.
2. Social Security would change from a defined benefit program to a defined contribution program--which is the same as a corporation switching from a pension to a 401K. Employees would contribute 10% of pre-tax salary and would not be allowed to begin withdrawal until retirement. As much as dislike regulations, it would still be a vast improvement of the current system which offers minimal return (1%).
3. The income tax would change to either a flat rate tax with deductions only for husband/wife and children or to a consumption tax. No taxes on dividends, estates etc. Keep the money away from the politicians.
4. A voucher system would replace government schools thereby creating market incentives. This would lower costs and improve quality. It would reduce property taxes which finance the current government school system.
Your turn.
You've got MY vote!
June 26, 2007 - 07:50 ET by drillanwrYou've got MY vote!
I'd like to tweak a couple of
June 26, 2007 - 08:10 ET by BeowulfI'd like to tweak a couple of your changes, if I might.
#2 - Social Security. While I tend to agree with what you're suggesting here, I think the single most important change that needs to be made is to keep politicians fingers out of the social security candy bowl. Social Security was fine until congress re-classed the money into general funds, which allowed them to spend it just like all the rest of the government monopoly money. The Social Security fund needs to be made inviolable, after, of course, the critters put back what they have misappropriated out of it for years.
#3 - Income Tax. A huge factor in simplifying and making the tax system more fair is to eliminate many of the tax loopholes that currently exist, many of which most people know nothing about or don't make enough money to take advantage of. The rightys are right in that the "rich" are taxed at a higher rate. The lefties are wrong that they are given "tax breaks". What isn't mentioned in these so-called debates is what the "rich" actually pay in taxes. After all the loopholes are applied, they often wind up actually paying less than those in the middle class.
It's good to be the King...
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
My turn?What does this have t
June 26, 2007 - 08:20 ET by LeonMy turn?
What does this have to do with the thread at all?
If you want to ask me a personal question that doesn't fit in any of the threads send me a private message and I'll be happy to respond.
I see no reason to derail Mark's thread to indulge your personal curiosity.
I'd rethink the term limits.
June 26, 2007 - 08:36 ET by pbanks7I'd rethink the term limits. Michigan has term limits. When the first batch was term-limited out, they were unaccountable, and acted accordingly: They gave their buddies a huge raise, and MI has some of the highest paid congressmen in the country.
Many issues are too complex to grasp in the short term. First-term congressmen are just learning the ropes. They could be more easily influenced by lobbyists and bureaucrats with more experience in the trenches. I'd let them stay in 12-18 years before I term limited them.
Anyway, that was a priceless exchange. Touche', liberal "news" "reader."
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
I'd rethink the term limits.
June 26, 2007 - 09:38 ET by Joe4CoulterI'd rethink the term limits. Michigan has term limits.
Sidebar: I'm confused. Why has Carl Levin been our senator for life? What about Dingel, Sander Levin and the holiest of untouchables...John 'the turkey theif' Conyers?
Good Orderly Direction
I think he is talking about S
June 26, 2007 - 15:18 ET by RESTLESS 1I think he is talking about STATE senators and representatives. You have listed U.S. Congressman.
What Happened to the Iraq Study Group
June 26, 2007 - 06:54 ET by allanfThat's simple. Their recommendations were of Jimmy Carter quality.. They were ignored.
Yeah! Who died and made Bak
June 26, 2007 - 08:45 ET by BacchusYeah! Who died and made Baker/Hamilton Commanders in Chief? They made recommendations, not policy.
The burning question: What happened with Paris?
Bring Mika the scotch tape. Read that copy. NOW!
AND, has either Baker or Hami
June 26, 2007 - 09:03 ET by drillanwrAND, has either Baker or Hamilton or any of the group actually flown to Iraq, and if so, gotten their tails out of the Bagdad Hilton to actually see what is happening on the ground, and NOT in the anal regions of the MSM?
Don't know about the rest of you, but I DID NOT see the ISG on my 2004 election ballot.
Wow! Such passion.. teari
June 26, 2007 - 07:00 ET by rimskyWow! Such passion.. tearing up the Paris story, on camera no less. Man, the producers musta been slack-jawed at that move. She's one serious dudette, nomesayin? NOT!!!
One thing's for sure...Rudy
June 26, 2007 - 07:00 ET by sarcasmoOne thing's for sure...Rudy didn't show up.
JMR
Mika's a piece of work. Yo
June 26, 2007 - 07:26 ET by motherbeltMika's a piece of work. You could tell, when she threw that wad of paper at Scarborough, that she was really pi$$ed and trying to make it look like she was joking.
How DARE Joe Scarborough tell her she can't inject her opinion into news???
By her refusing to read the Paris Hilton story, and pretty much insisting she will inject her opinion if she pleases, she made it plain that she has no interest in being an objective news reporter. MSNBC should accept that and assign her tasks accordingly.
Last note: I had kind of lost my respect for Joe Scarborough.....he earned a little bit of it back in that clip.
Seriously, this has to be sht
June 26, 2007 - 19:47 ET by dahliatraversSeriously, this has to be shtick. She can't be serious about refusing to read a story.
For most of the media "p
June 26, 2007 - 09:30 ET by FastEdFor most of the media "personalities" who think they are "reporters", 'You're going to be an opinion person or you're going to be a news person.' was there ever a difference?
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Who started this trend of the
June 26, 2007 - 10:07 ET by Chris NormanWho started this trend of the "casual conversation" with these newsreaders? Not the roundtable discussions, but the jocular free for alls that can lead to some of these revealing comments. Was it Imus? Actually, they do serve a purpose, as they overtly demonstrate the biases that normally are sort of masked and padded.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
If Joe Scarborough "thin
June 26, 2007 - 10:58 ET by TEIf Joe Scarborough "thinks" that the product on the front page of the New York Times (e.g., David Sanger, Helene Cooper, Adam Nagourney, editor Jill Abramson, Linda Greenhouse, editor Richard Burke, Steven Wiesman, et al) is any different than the editorial page of the New York Times, then he is one of the world's biggest idiots.
Being employed by MSNBC will
June 26, 2007 - 11:07 ET by drillanwrBeing employed by MSNBC will do that to ya ...
From what I recall, the Iraq
June 26, 2007 - 13:45 ET by mattmFrom what I recall, the Iraq Surrender Group, was just another "blue ribbon" committee designed to appear worthwhile while actually accomplishing nothing...which it managed to do.
TRANSYLVANIA TWIST?
June 26, 2007 - 21:09 ET by PawpawNAnd whatever happened to the TRANSYLVANIA TWIST!!