In response to Elizabeth Edwards’ attack on Ann Coulter Tuesday during an installment of MSNBC’s “Hardball,” the President of the Media Research Center, Brent Bozell, has issued the following statement:
“Elizabeth Edwards should look close to home when it comes to ‘hatefulness and ugliness’ for it was her husband’s Democratic presidential campaign that hired two official bloggers who attacked ‘Christofascists’ and insulted Christians and their faith in the most repulsive words imaginable, which I won’t repeat here. Go Google Amanda Marcotte and Holy Spirit.
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“As for Ann Coulter, don’t be fooled by the smoke and mirrors orchestrated by the liberal Democrat Elizabeth Edwards and her advisers in the Democratic Party. This attack on Ann Coulter, a conservative writer, is part of the liberals’ plan to squash free speech by conservatives. They want to silence Coulter, as well as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Michelle Malkin, and many others. Hugo Chavez does this type of censoring in Venezuela—but in America, we don’t.
“Nonetheless, Senators Kerry and Durbin this week called for restoring the Fairness Doctrine—government-enforced equal time for liberals on talk radio—and John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Clinton, released a hatchet-job report last week calling for regulations to fix the supposed imbalance in political talk radio.
“The liberals cannot sell their product—liberal talk radio—in the marketplace, so they are planning to use the power of government to stop conservatives from selling their product, conservative talk radio. Liberals don’t believe in free exchange, tolerance, or the marketplace of ideas. They believe in the iron boot of liberalism stamping out any view that upsets the liberal apple cart. Mrs. Edwards’ attack on Coulter is just another volley in the liberals’ attack on conservative writers and conservative talk radio.”
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
News media cannot refute tr
June 27, 2007 - 14:59 ET by JDWNews media cannot refute truth. Imagine the Fairness Doctrine permitting them the opportunity to firewall lies. DNC blogs will not permit conservative input. Imagine those posters here.
And Liz, it's a damn shame your old man does not have the balls to stand up for himself. You two cross dress?
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
Isn't the difference with M
June 27, 2007 - 15:09 ET by balboaIsn't the difference with Marcotte the fact that Edwards didn't have her do any of that spouting for his campaign?
And I love that this is referenced as an "attack" on Ann, when all Edwards did was ask a simple question, which Ann never answered. And you know that Ann LOVED that she was setup. What better way to draw attention to herself?
Balboa, I saw it. Ann's a b
June 27, 2007 - 15:29 ET by sarcasmoBalboa, I saw it. Ann's a bitch IMO, but she said "no," and while that may be a bitchy answer in your opinion, it's still an answer. And do you or do you not think it's media bias to edit-out Ann's zingers about overpriced Democrat shysters, etc. when "fairly" covering this exchange? If it was actual mediabias, was it leftist mediabias? Thanks.
JMR
Oh I think editing out Ann'
June 27, 2007 - 15:35 ET by balboaOh I think editing out Ann's comments was stupid and shouldn't have been done. But then I think this whole "incident" has been blown out of proportion.
It's only been blown out of p
June 27, 2007 - 15:38 ET by NewsbusterbrownIt's only been blown out of proportion because the drive-by media is trying to resuscitate Edwards' campaign.
Well, that and they can't r
June 27, 2007 - 15:41 ET by balboaWell, that and they can't resist an Annie moment, splashing it everywhere, nor can she resist throwing out a few lines she knows will get her attention.
Not just "stupid,"
June 27, 2007 - 15:40 ET by sarcasmoNot just "stupid," though, proof of leftist bias. And if Fox tried anything similar on a conservative politician (or hell, distorts news about a company* with a conservative kinda idea about money) I'd be just as unforgiving. It's beyond stupid, it's bias, and that's what we bust around here.
JMR *996 cuts left, Fox!
Attack on Coulter Balboa
June 27, 2007 - 15:30 ET by Six String SpiffBal.... If you had a conversation with somebody whom an MSSM network sprung on you and they only presented THEIR side of the story, you wouldn't feel attacked? I know you would. Lying = omission of facts. Ann was lied to and about. you could also say she was attacked. :-)
Islam should have it's religious status revoked until it can prove it's not a hate group.
I respectfully agree, but....
June 27, 2007 - 15:11 ET by KyrthThis is the wrong argument. The idea that liberals cannot sell their product is not the point. In fact it is refuted by the prevalence of their 'product' on television news and in print. We should not be overly concerned about the Fairness Doctrine. Imagine what would happen to ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, Chris Matthews, Keith O, John Stewart, etc. if the Fairness Doctrine actually got reinstated. We are concerned about the 3 radio shows and one TV network that air some pro-conservative viewpoints and are completely ignoring the hundreds of shows and networks that air only pro-liberal viewpoints. Bring it on, I say, it's time to clean up the one-sidedness in the media.
You have a point, but a clear
June 27, 2007 - 15:15 ET by mattmYou have a point, but a clear violation of the first amendment is not the way to do it.
matt,We know what gave rise t
June 27, 2007 - 16:34 ET by Chris Normanmatt,
We know what gave rise to Rush, et al was the one-sidedness of the liberal media - that had no problems getting the liberal's message across and burying the conservative views - all the while under the original Fairness Doctrine. While Rush is open in his conservative political philosophy, the MSM is insidiously cunning in their liberal slant.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
I might agree with you except
June 27, 2007 - 15:19 ET by drillanwrI might agree with you except you are operating under the belief it (fairness doctrine) would be carried out that way. I don't believe that anymore than I do the shamnisty bill will help our illegal alien problems.
Don't forget Mc Caine-Fiengold had NO effect on the George Soros/left interest groups.
I agree. Lets get rid of thos
June 27, 2007 - 15:19 ET by fenderteleI agree. Lets get rid of those "hundreds" of liberal shows and networks that have invaded our beloved media like a cancer.
I can live without Air America. Can you live without Rush Limbaugh?
Fendertele = Bruce Springsteen and he blows
June 27, 2007 - 15:37 ET by Six String SpiffThe point, you knob, is Air America was REJECTED by the American public. There is no VRWC behind it. It was plain and simply rejected. Give the people what they want. Air America aint it. Rush Limbaugh on the other hand is wildly successful on the AM the freakin AM dial and you panzies are bitching like somebody just kicked your little fashion accessory dog. Get bent truth hurts don't it?
Islam should have it's religious status revoked until it can prove it's not a hate group.
Success or not, Rush Limbaugh
June 27, 2007 - 16:56 ET by fenderteleSuccess or not, Rush Limbaugh is a liar who panders to the angry white male underachiever. For instance when he said he lost his hearing from wearing headphones when in reality it was his addiction to oxycontin that he only copped to when his housekeeper ratted him out.
fenderbender...Liar Liar Pant
June 27, 2007 - 17:01 ET by bigtimerfenderbender...
Liar Liar Pants on Fire....
.....that would be YOU.
Sorry BT, Rush even admitte
June 27, 2007 - 17:04 ET by fenderteleSorry BT, Rush even admitted his headphone story was a lie.
That one lie makes him a liar
June 27, 2007 - 17:13 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveThat one lie makes him a liar that panders to white male underachievers?
You've never lied?
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." --Thomas Jefferson
Fairytale, are you talking to
June 27, 2007 - 21:02 ET by USA4freedomFairytale, are you talking to us?
I think from now on I am not going to respond to trolls. It’s such a waste of time and effort.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
Why should I have to live wit
June 27, 2007 - 15:40 ET by florida_chadWhy should I have to live without Rush? Because you and other liberals don't like me listening to him??????????????????
I live without both, but on
June 27, 2007 - 15:44 ET by sarcasmoI live without both, but only one of the 2 you mentioned can make it in a free marketplace. I'd be equally against government subsidies for either, needless to say, and that's in effect what the "Fairness" doctrine does.
JMR
"Imagine what would ha
June 27, 2007 - 15:37 ET by ckc1227"Imagine what would happen to ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, Chris Matthews,
Keith O, John Stewart, etc. if the Fairness Doctrine actually got
reinstated."
Nothing would happen to ABC, CBS or NBC because news programs don't fall under the Fairness Doctrine. Neither do CNN, MSNBC, Chris Matthews, Keith O., or John Stewart, as those are cable networks. That's the point.
The whole point of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine isn't balanced coverage, it's to shut down the other side. They yearn for the days of yesteryear when the left had a monopoly on the delivery of information.
Kyrth,I hate to bust your bub
June 29, 2007 - 00:10 ET by Dave RKyrth,
I hate to bust your bubble, but the "Fairness Doctrine" is aimed only at radio, which is the only area of the electronic media, other than the FNC, that conservatives have any real influence in to speak of. The TV and print media aren't included in this.
Furthermore, after what just happened with the scamnesty bill in the U.S. Senate, you can bet that more than a few republicans are going to be more open to the idea of passing this idiocy than they otherwise would be.
If I were you, I'd be seriously concerned.
Help Fred Thompson defeat the RINOs & win the White House in '08.
See, Leon. Even Brent Bozell
June 27, 2007 - 15:16 ET by drillanwrSee, Leon.
Even Brent Bozell says, "Go Google Amanda Marcotte and Holy Spirit." yourself. Unlike liberals, conservatives believe people are capable of helping themselves.
By that logic, do you sugge
June 27, 2007 - 16:05 ET by daberkmanBy that logic, do you suggest that everyone go see the Michael Moore movie, read your refutations of it, and then come to their own conclusions, or do you think they should just not see it at all?
People are free to spend the
June 27, 2007 - 17:01 ET by GalvanicPeople are free to spend the money on Sicko just like anybody else on any movie, or other form of entertainment. The summer movie line-up is full of crap, so take your pick. Who cares?
People are free to...What d
June 27, 2007 - 17:37 ET by JDWPeople are free to...
What does that say about the imposition of the Fairness Doctrine? Ratings drive all else and broadcasters go where the money is. And the money is in talk radio which is 90% conservative.
Just like Moore's 'movie', it too will make money if there is interest, and people are free to attend.
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
Debating on Cable News
June 27, 2007 - 16:21 ET by danybhoyDoes it make you laugh a bit knowing Ann Coulter will go into any arena to debate the issues, no matter how unfriendly or in the case of Mathews, dishonest? John Edwards, who needed his wife to defend him because he figures you can't go after cancer victims. Bill Maher was right about Edwards & others who go onto only the butt kissing forums, he said "...they are pussies". I don't often agree with the man, be was spot on about that.
On the bright side, this little incident will appear in a future Ann Coulter best selling book, you can count on that. She will only profit form Mathews blunder. It's a good thing Mathews does'nt get paid for performance the Ann does. Ann earns every dime she makes, if she does'nt sell books, she goes away. Mathews has almost no ratings, yet MSNBC, & their paymasters at GE reward this clown despite his poor performance. Whoever is keeping this guy around, along with reupping an a$$ like Olbermann(plus he will be on their NFL studio team), & now they are looking at Rosie for 2 shows (a morning show & an MSNBC evening show)should tell you all you need to know about 30 Rock today. BTW, Brian Williams is losing more viewers then Katie as of late. It's all very well deserved for people who deserve nothing from a professional standpoint.
"A goverment big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away" Barry Goldwater
I'm not a big fan of Ann Coul
June 27, 2007 - 17:15 ET by GalvanicI'm not a big fan of Ann Coulter, but I can appreciate her forthrightness and fortitude in routinely walking into weasels' dens, and slaying the weasels. She is as witty as she is well caustic, and her quick mind instantly detects her opponents' contradictory arguments, and fashion effective counter-attacks. That's why a worm like Edwards sends his wife to do battle.
For liberals like Al Franken, Keith Olbermann, and Jeannine Garofalo, Coulter is also a taunting sex image, reminding them of that unapproachable cheer leader in their high school fantasies. They desperately crave her sexually, yet they want to strangle her for humiliating them. The extreme emotions clash and set them into a frothing rage that they can never resolve.
Edwards' treatment of Mr. Johnson?
June 27, 2007 - 17:24 ET by Gary HallEdwards' treatment of Mr. Johnson? Too bad Mr. Johnson is not given the oportunity to call into Hardball when Elizibeth or John Edward's are on the show. He should be given the chance demand an apology from his rich neighbors, for their off- color insulting name calling of him - "Rabid-rabid." Media Ignore Edwards Class Hypocrisy with 'Rabid, Rabid Republican' Neighbor
Let's not Forget
June 27, 2007 - 22:42 ET by pbthinkerLet's not forget that Nazi was the National Socialists Party, in Germany. They were good at a couple of things, propaganda and shutting down dissent. Same goes to Stalinist Russia, Castro's Cuba, and now Hugo's Venezuela, shut down any opposing views.
When you can't win a battle of ideas, shut down the message.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
So, Brent, you're defending a
June 27, 2007 - 23:18 ET by ferrarimanf355So, Brent, you're defending a person who called Elizabeth's husband a "faggot" - twice- and also suggested that he's using the death of his son for political gain, and suggested that she wouldn't mind his assassination. Okay. You're officially a few sandwiches and a six-pack short of a picnic. You should be distancing yourself from Ann, not defending her! Unbelieveable.
And why the hell are you bringing up Bloggergate again? It's a manufactured controversy by Bill Donahue, the man who makes all Christians look bad, and you know it. Or you don't care about the death threats one of the bloggers got. So much for compassionate conservatism...
Uzumaki/Ayanami '08. Because a ninja and an Eva pilot can govern the nation better that what we have now...
Whoah, ferrari...you reading
June 27, 2007 - 23:25 ET by BlondeWhoah, ferrari...you reading deficient soul.
She never called him a faggot once. What she said, twice, was "if I said the "f-word" I'd have to go to rehab"
Why don't you read for context?
Or is that too difficult for a liberal?
Just sayin.
Wait, okay, I take that back.
June 27, 2007 - 23:47 ET by ferrarimanf355Wait, okay, I take that back. She only used the word once.
But seriously, has it ever occured to anyone that Elizabeth is, you know, right ? I mean, belittling anyone that disagrees with you as moonbats, liberals, nutroots, et. al, that's not productive to good debate and discussion at all. I can't read Little Green Footballs without cringing. And the Fairness Doctrine- as long as Michael Weiner Savage calls anyone that disagrees with him a Nazi, complaining about people complaining about conservative talk radio is hollow to me.
Uzumaki/Ayanami '08. Because a ninja and an Eva pilot can govern the nation better that what we have now...
Doncha love it?Anne Coulter n
June 27, 2007 - 23:57 ET by BlondeDoncha love it?
Anne Coulter never ONCE called John Edwards a faggot.
But....the liberal wants to make an argument about the wife being "right"?
SOD, I am beyond surprised, here.
Does this not strike anyone else as being so over the top? And then the lib goes on to reference "moonbats, liberals, nutroots", etc. And then trying to say something about a debate? Do we not all want to sling arrows at this idiot, and then roll around on the floor laughing at the idiocy?
And then this fool swings ninety degrees from Sunday to sling another mudshot at at Savage?
These liberals are dumber than dirt. Sorry. It's the only conclusion I can draw.
"Anne Coulter never ONCE
June 28, 2007 - 17:29 ET by watershed"Anne Coulter never ONCE called John Edwards a faggot."
Utter semantics. Coulter used the word faggot in reference to Edwards. To pretend that wasn't the implication of the statement is completely disingenuous.
The gist of this press realease is absurd as well. The "she did it too" excuse, Marcotte, was let go, and no-one told Coulter to stop writing books, or speaking. In fact, debate was WELCOMED by Mrs. Edwards.Coulter was merely asked to stop making disgusting statements like the one about the Edwards' son. Not a outrageous request, unless people actually support the mocking of bereaved parents?
Elizabeth Edwards--
June 28, 2007 - 00:08 ET by misterbillElizabeth Edwards--I know unfairari that you do not like conservatives. That aside, the entire episode was planned . Stick your hand out to shake with either Edwards and say goodbye to your watch. Now , you are either a confirmed hater or so naive that your mamma should never let you out alone. Here's what it was--Chrissy kiss ass and the Edwards thought it would be great to blind side Ms Coulter. The flaw in their plan is that next to Bill Buckley, or even tied, she is faster on her feet than John is to get a permanent wave. For you to say otherwise is an absolute lie.
Funny, ferrariboy, I didn't s
June 29, 2007 - 00:25 ET by Dave RFunny, ferrariboy, I didn't see you in here complaining when Bill Maher was hoping for the assassination of the Vice President of the United States.
In fact, I don't recall any complaints coming from any libs when that happened.
Funny, its okay for you libs to say this kind of stuff, like calling people (especially conservatives) NAZI and fascist, two terms that many libs use all the time but are probably too stupid to even define, but apparently it is not okay for conservatives to use those terms.
How nice.
Help Fred Thompson defeat the RINOs & win the White House in '08.
Isn't Edwards the same women
June 29, 2007 - 01:29 ET by Airforce_5_OIsn't Edwards the same women who a couple months back bad mouth a man across the street were she lived without even talking to him? Sorry but she doesn't get a free pass either.
Build The Fence
Sorry
June 28, 2007 - 13:27 ET by TheDeuceBut, Ann never once called John Edwards a faggot. Matter of fact, she stated specifically that she wuoldn't insult gay people by comparing them to John Edwards. Do you need the actual quote? I'd rather discuss that than the mangled talking point you're repeating here.
Next, there is no doubt that Edwards has used the death of his son for political gain. Ann, correctly, points this behavior out, as well as comparing this to the Jersey Girls who did the same when their husbands died on 9/11. Do you need the actual quoets? I';d rather discuss that than the mangled talking point you're repeating here.
Ann NEVER said she'd wish Edwards would be assisinated. Do you require the quote? She used a Bill Maher quote to show the hypocrisy of the left. Do you require the quote? I'd rather discuss that than the mangled talking point you're repeating here.
Ann never said that? Did you
June 29, 2007 - 00:00 ET by ferrarimanf355Ann never said that? Did you even watch GMA when the "alleged" quote took place? I can break out transcripts if you want.
Uzumaki/Ayanami '08. Because a ninja and an Eva pilot can govern the nation better that what we have now...