NBC's Today show cast celebrated the return of the Democrats to power to the House as "historic" but when the Newt Gingrich-led Republicans took over the House in 1995 Today wasn't so laudatory. At the top of this morning's Today show Meredith Vieira, as first noted here, declared: "Look it's a very historic day on Capitol Hill. Nancy Pelosi the first woman to become Speaker of the House. I'm excited as a woman to see that happen." Then Vieira's colleague, Natalie Morales, repeated the "historic" refrain during the 8am news update: "It's a history making day on Capitol Hill. Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in 12 years and they're set to elect a woman, Nancy Pelosi, as Speaker for the first time ever."
However a flashback to January 4th, 1995 shows Today didn't exactly greet the GOP so graciously.
The MRC's Rich Noyes went back into the MRC archives to find the following quotes from that day's show:
Katie Couric to Bob Dole: "Is someone, anyone, going to have to muzzle the new Speaker a bit?...But should Newt Gingrich watch himself?"
Bryant Gumbel to Newt Gingrich: "You are sounding very moderate this morning. You and I both know that a lot of Democrats and, frankly, some moderate Republicans are suggesting that ultimately your tongue will cost you."
Gumbel to Rep. Dick Gephardt: "Mr. Gephardt, you called Gingrich and his ilk, your words, 'trickle-down terrorists who base their agenda on on division, exclusion, and fear.' Do you think middle class Americans are in need of protection from that group?"
Couric to Tim Russert: "By June or July, though Tim, this 100 day edict will be long gone. Is this smart to put the 100 day deadline on the House of Representatives. Are they trying to have expediency at the risk of well thought-out legislation?"
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.





Bryant Gumbel to Newt Gingrich: "You are sounding very moderate this morning. You and I both know that a lot of Democrats and, frankly, some moderate Republicans are suggesting that ultimately your tongue will cost you."














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I find this Truly amazing....
January 4, 2007 - 17:48 ET by JayTeeI find this Truly amazing....in that it shows Media biased over many years...sorta depressing actually. What's one to do about this entrenched, long term Bias ?
Who ya gonna call ? I'm at my wits end.
JT - what were you thinking?
January 4, 2007 - 19:31 ET by FastEdJT - what were you thinking? - http://boortz.com/images/funny/052504_what_media_bias.gif
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
I'm sure you don't find this
January 5, 2007 - 04:54 ET by Full MonteI'm sure you don't find this amazing at all. If this were amazing, there wouldn't be a site like NB. The difference between now and '94 is that now there is a forum to expose this obvious bias. Hopefully, forums like NB will have an impact on the way the news is reported 12 years from now.
Media bias
January 5, 2007 - 10:23 ET by pbanks7It already has - Kerry's "dumb" comment broohaha started in a blog didn't it?
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
paranoia
January 4, 2007 - 17:52 ET by mmodano77Are you really that paranoid about the MSM? Is this really newsworthy? Why don't you focus on Bush's "surge"-plan & all those fabulous tax cuts you guys are going to attach to every dem-approved bill for the next two years. Please, you've got WAY worse things to worry about, believe me.
It's not a matter of paranoia
January 4, 2007 - 17:55 ET by mattmIt's not a matter of paranoia. It's merely exposing MSM bias in an attempt to neutralize its effect.
mmodano - Are you really th
January 4, 2007 - 17:57 ET by Dee Bunkmmodano - Are you really that paranoid about NB that you can't even comment on the substance and facts? The only thing you can do is try to change the subject? The MSM is our only problem, if it were not for them the public would never fall for half of the crap they do from the Dems.
mmodano - Are you really that
January 4, 2007 - 18:52 ET by Newsbusterbrownmmodano - Are you really that paranoid about NB that you can't even comment on the substance and facts? The only thing you can do is try to change the subject?
That's because the truth hurts our friend.
mmodano777, are truly this bl
January 4, 2007 - 19:25 ET by futbolisgreatmmodano777,
are truly this blind. You wouldn't be worried about any type of troop surge in Iraq if it wasn't because the media are so blanlantly and shamelessly biased against anything that a Republican does.
So, this story does matter because it points to the fact that the media bias affects the opinion of individuals like you.
Just imagine that instead of hearing every night all the bad things that were going on in Iraq, we would hear a balance report from the MSM. If we would get from the media the FACTS! that 90% of Iraq is actually very peaceful and safe to live in. That the true problem is in what is called the Sunni Triangle and mostly now in Baghdad.
If you got the truth about how Iraqis do truly love our troops, how we have 3,000 soldiers dead in Iraq because instead of the USA military killing indiscrimintly any terrorist in Iraq and anyone around them, they actually take the time to make sure that the terrorist they are killing is a terrorist. Imagine if you got the truth that the so called insurgency in Iraq is actully coming from foreign fighters and soldiers being sent into Iraq by Iran and Syria. Imagine if the MSM told you the truth and showed how these terrorist pigs in Iraq use innocent children, women and innocent men as shields when fighting against the United States troops. Imagine if the media would tell you the truth and let us all know that the ones that are going to suffer if Democrats do not fund the Iraq War is going to be our troops in Iraq and Iraqis.
Individuals like you need to remember that after Democrats refuse to fund the Vietnam War and after Democrats refused to keep the American promise to the Sout Vietnamese government of at least bombing the hell out of North Vietnamese troops if they tried to take over Saigon, Saigon and millions of Asians would not have died. Remember, Democrats have in their hand the blood of millions of Asians that died under the hands of North Vietnamese and Communist forces that they refuse to fight against.
We could solve the Iraqi problem tomorrow by carpet bombing Baghdad. and every other city, town and small village in the Sunni triangle. But America holds back and we try to do things in a way that we will not kill innocent civilians. Why won't the media report on this?
It is good that you are worried about how Bush and his administration carry out this war, but would you be that worry if the main stream media and the left wing blogs that you go and read told you the truth?
If you knew the truth individuals like you would be screaming and yelling for Iran and Syria to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs and for Democrats to stop their pathetic rhetoric.
The media today is doing exactly what they did during Vietnam. They have a campaign of missinformation going and they don't care who they hurt and who they lie about, all they care about is pushing an agenda that will make Bush and America look weak. The problem the media has today, which it did not face during the Vietnam War is Foxnews and conservative radio talkshows and right wing blogs. Without these forces fighting against the lies of the MSM the whole country would be completly believing the lies of the MSM.
"...disgusting, unAmerican draft-dodger..." Liberal Zapata/Tom talking about draft-dodgers. Thus asserting what we have always known about Slicky Willie Clinton
I am glad I had a chance to s
January 5, 2007 - 11:14 ET by kathleenirishI am glad I had a chance to see this today and didn't miss it. Brilliant post.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
Gee. No evidence of bias he
January 4, 2007 - 17:52 ET by mattmGee. No evidence of bias here or here. What was I thinking?
Great
January 4, 2007 - 18:19 ET by iveseenitallGreat going, mattm. The proof is in the pudding
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
mattm --time
January 4, 2007 - 18:22 ET by misterbillMy dad used to say there was never enough time. Well another old saw falls by the wayside. I had enough time about two years ago and don't need it anymore. Forgive the lack of the capital "T".
I'll see your bias with mine
January 4, 2007 - 19:28 ET by FastEdI'll see your bias with mine - http://hypocrisytoday.com/images/dictators.jpg
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
You left out the "Saint
January 5, 2007 - 10:28 ET by pbanks7You left out the "Saint Hillary" cover. Or was that a different rag?
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
A story so rich in intellectu
January 4, 2007 - 19:01 ET by ucA story so rich in intellectual development and intelligent use of information. Reminds me of a story of a secret society I once heard about that has raised many a quality leader in America. Story goes back to early campaigns Presidents we now know may have gone through. Story speaks to the sixties and civil rights though more by name than substance of candidate. Story goes to George W. Bush running for Fraternity President against his opponent (a person of great standing and intellect I knew once as a neighbor and knew to be a doctor at the local VA Hospital) who may have only lost the election at that time (sixties?) because all members or enough members would have had to vote in such sensitive times against a "bush" and for a southerner "White" (last name of opposition of record I think) and had to answer later to todays standards of literal rather than metaphorical interpretation. Some tests our current President had to achieve to exceed I could say and with note that other candidate may just and only have been vexed by his last name. Anyone remember the governor of New York that the "Federalist Papers" were written as propaganda against to get New York to join the Union? Funny I really thought a President of such similar name would have made such a lesson for all americans and not avoided such at every turn.
The Sex Card
January 4, 2007 - 19:04 ET by acumen"Nancy Pelosi the first woman to become Speaker of the House. I'm excited as a woman to see that happen."
What's the big deal? My woman became speaker of the house thirty years ago...........my last words were 'I do'.
Sleep well, acumen
January 4, 2007 - 19:23 ET by nkviking75Hey acumen, I hope you have a comfortable couch! :-)
I suspect the new speaker will set back the advance of women by a couple of decades. In fact, I can't shake this general feeling of embarrassment about the new Congress. Conservatives must make their case and do so aggressively over the next two years to make people see why we tossed these buffoons out 12 years ago and why it's dangerous to sit out an election to punish your party when the alternative is worse.
Point Taken NKV
January 4, 2007 - 19:38 ET by acumen"I hope you have a comfortable couch!"
Point taken. However, as far as the couch being comfortable, I'm sure it must be......the dog hasn't let me on it in years.
"I suspect the new speaker will set back the advance of women by a couple of decades."
While advancing the ancient sport of the 'catfight'. I'm sure Bubba is traumatized that he is still not around to.....ahem......mediate.
Mine were - "yes dear.&q
January 4, 2007 - 19:25 ET by FastEdMine were - "yes dear."
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Ed
January 4, 2007 - 19:42 ET by acumensuck-up!
on the contrary - self preser
January 4, 2007 - 20:36 ET by FastEdon the contrary - self preservation! Unlike Imus, I only have two.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
You da man Ed
January 4, 2007 - 21:01 ET by acumenWell done Ed. You have single handedly forever dispelled the liberal myth of conservatives being dumb.
Caution - Do not read the following out loud in front of wife.......you da man Ed!
Wise choice of words, my dear
January 5, 2007 - 00:41 ET by Scout FinchWise choice of words, my dear.
hahahaha-love it. My husban
January 4, 2007 - 20:45 ET by kathleenirishhahahaha-love it.
My husband and I always make jokes about our wedding date, he often says that I played the old, "I do" trick on him. Too bad the Dems having a majority in Congress isn't just a bad dream. Oh, yeah, it is.
He calls me the 'trouble and strife': Cockney for 'wife'. I'm going to share your line with him. Good one.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
LOL KI
January 4, 2007 - 21:05 ET by acumenYour hubby has got it made and he knows it KI.
I love my wife with all my heart.......she always forgives me when she's wrong. :)
Ha! That's a great one. I'm
January 5, 2007 - 10:19 ET by steviep831Ha! That's a great one. I'm going to have to use that one.
Pelosi
January 5, 2007 - 11:01 ET by pbanks7I sometimes introduce my wife as, "My next ex-wife." It's from a song by the same title. You can hear a sample here: http://music.yahoo.com/track/670484
I know a guy who refers to his "future ex-wife" too.
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
Jerry Seinfeld...is that you?
January 4, 2007 - 19:18 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasJerry Seinfeld...is that you? Tell me it isn't so.
If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal.
That photo
January 4, 2007 - 19:41 ET by nkviking75Where did "Today" find that photo of Granny Nanny? Is that the Before picture from an ad for her plastic surgeon? With that scarf, she looks like a throwback to the 70's.
Listen to me! I'm a guy, and I'm getting catty! It's contagious! Next I'll be coughing up hairballs.
All I have to say is, by all
January 4, 2007 - 21:44 ET byAll I have to say is, by all means available protect the President and Vice President, cause this woman (Nancy Pelosi) is now third in line as the leader of this great nation. Goodness help us!
Debra... -of: ... www.InformingChristians.com
Who would vote four times ag
January 5, 2007 - 05:07 ET byWho would vote four times against a bill that would help support parental notification laws in over two dozen states, vote twice to force taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research and vote three times to spend tax money on abortions in the United States and overseas? And who would have refused to support a bipartisan effort to allow Terri Schiavo's parents to take their case to prevent her former husband from killing her to federal courts for a review?
Who would do these things? Nancy Pelosi would!
LifeNews.com news from Washington reports that The National Organization for Women (NOW) said of Nancy Pelosi becoming the first woman speaker of the house, "This is a historic moment for women everywhere..."
Sorry, NOW, but do NOT speak for me! This is a sad day in America that such an evil woman could get into a position of 3rd highest in our country. All the great women we have in this nation, and THIS is what we get for the first woman speaker of the house?
Here is the entire story by LifeNews.com: http://www.lifenews.com/nat2846.html
I predict Pelosi will do such
January 5, 2007 - 10:48 ET by steviep831I predict Pelosi will do such a horrible job as Speaker, not because she's a woman, but because she's an extreme ultra liberal who will rub the American people the wrong way. I think it's already begun and she's only just been given the gavel. Unfortunately, I believe it will add fuel to the fire of those who believe women aren't cut out for positions of high authority, even though we've recently had very intelligent women in positions of power such as Condi Rice. It's not about race, gender or ethnicity, it's about qualifications. And I'm sorry but Pelosi is not qualified to be 3rd in line to the Presidency... Not by a long shot!
While all eyes are on Nancy P
January 5, 2007 - 11:15 ET by JimboWhile all eyes are on Nancy Pelosi, I would like to ask everyone to also keep a close eye on Charlie Ragel, who as most of us know is the new head of the House Ways and Means Committee. Since I’m from NY, I have had the displeasure to watch this guy for many years. Trust me when I tell you folks, he’s just as liberal as Nancy. And he now has his hands on the purse strings for funding the war. In my opinion, I think he is more dangerous than Pelosi. Not just because he is an ultra liberal, but he is a liberal with a very real and very overt grudge against conservatives, the war, our troops, and the Bush Administration in particular. He is irrational, and has no regard for people who are not in lock step with him. Your heard it first here - I predict that he will be at the center of much controversy in the next two years.
Nancy Pelosi has already rubb
January 5, 2007 - 19:22 ET byNancy Pelosi has already rubbed me the wrong way. Her wickedness aids in the continuing of abortion and it aided in the killing of Terri Schiavo. Also, if she has it her way, she will set women back 200 years by her implications alone. Women are not suffering in America, no matter how much she wishes we were so that she could grandstand by using us all. And she is not qualified for 3rd highest in our nation, you are correct. I do disagree with you, however, about Condi Rice being intelligent. In regards to the "Koran Flushing" issue, she said in a speech that, "America would not tolerate the desecration of the Koran." We can flush that book all we want, this is America. What she said was anti-American. America is not a dictatorship. She also gave respect to an unnatural union between two men during a swearing in of one of the men as an ambassador. (She referred to the other man's mother as the first man's 'mother in-law.' Marriages for unions other than 'one man one woman' are not legal on a federal level. Social Security benefits do not recognize such.)
Nancy Pelosi has already rubb
January 5, 2007 - 19:22 ET byThanks for the heads-up, Jimbo... I am in New York too. Most of the 'conservatives' in office here, are liberals. This is true.
The difference
January 4, 2007 - 22:19 ET by pbthinkerWell, I guess that's the difference between people legislating the way "you'd like them to" and being Republicans. I hope the press has fun tap dancing around these Democrats for the next 2 years because they're going to have to explain away a lot.
nancy pelosi
January 5, 2007 - 01:03 ET by misterbillPosted this once before,. Her name scrambles to NSANE POLICY.
I married Mrs. right. I just
January 5, 2007 - 09:23 ET by rightsideMoved, posted under wrong topic. My apologies, I don't know how to delete this.
great stuff.we tend to just f
January 5, 2007 - 11:36 ET by buddycgreat stuff.
we tend to just forget and accept. the two comparisons should be required viewing or reading at least once every 90 days.
thank you for the two comparisons.
great stuff.we tend to just f
January 5, 2007 - 11:37 ET by buddycgreat stuff.
we tend to just forget and accept. the two comparisons should be required viewing or reading at least once every 90 days.
thank you for the two comparisons.
Mommy Nancy Pelosi
January 5, 2007 - 13:33 ET by Jeffrey P Miller BA AS(With apologies to Chevy Chase c. 1976)
Speaker Pelosi announced that the historic "100 Days" of her reign would commence immediately. In a side note, the new House Calendar defines the House as open for business 28 days each month and closed for 3 days following.