A. When a host argues from the left with his own non-partisan expert!
That's just what happened on this morning's Early Show. Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report was brought on to analyze yesterday's CT senate primary results. Cook presents itself as non-partisan, and certainly no one can accuse Walter of being a closet conservative. As per her bio, "prior to joining The Cook Political Report, she served as Political Director of the Women's Campaign Fund and worked for Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky (D-PA-13)."
From the get-go, host Harry Smith tried to depict Lamont's victory as having far-ranging anti-war implications: "The blogosphere was on fire. Does this send a message to Democrats to say, if you want our support, you better get out there and be against the war and against the president?"
Walter wasn't buying: "Remember, Connecticut is something of a unique state. Remember, this is one of the most blue states -- one of the bluest states in the country. Very strong in their feelings against the war. Very anti-Bush state. So this is sort of a place where if there's any anger, it's going to be in a place like this."
That's when Smith argued the point: "By and large, it's kind of a moderate state in many, many ways. A lot of Republican congressional seats there. Is this -- is there a wind? Is in a shift? Is there something that can be gleaned out of this?"
Hey Harry: next time, why bother to invite the expert? Just give us your own 'non-partisan' opinion!
Mark Finkelstein lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY, where he hosts the award-winning public-access TV show 'Right Angle.' Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
