Russert Grills Dodd, Threw Softballs at Clinton

As NBC's "Meet the Press" continues its "Meet the Candidate" series leading up to the 2008 elections, it is infinitely clear that some guests will receive different treatment than others.Such was unquestionably apparent Sunday when host Tim Russert mercilessly pounded Democrat presidential candidate Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) on a number of issues including his vote in favor of the October 2002 Iraq…

Dowd's Santayana Overdose

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it -- George Satayana.Well and good. But becoming a prisoner of the past presents dangers, too. Stay tuned for an example of how reliance on a corollary of Satayana's rule went horribly wrong for the U.S.Maureen Dowd's column of this morning "W.M.D. in Iran? Q.E.D." is the latest example of what passes for MSM wisdom on Iran. The…

The NewsBusters Weekly Recap: October 20 to

Aren't they Grand? On Wednesday's "Early Show," Harry Smith gushed over Bill and Hillary Clinton and how two "idealistic kids" transformed themselves into "political rock stars." Smith also took pains to point out that the Clintons are a "still-young couple." Over on ABC, Clinton-fan Kate Snow fawned over Bill and Hillary for being "masters at turning bad news into good." In general, she seemed…

Worst ‘Notable Quotables’ of the Past 20 Years: A Potpourri of Idi

To commemorate the Media Research Center’s 20th anniversary this month, we’ve just published a special expanded edition of our ‘Notable Quotables’ newsletter with more than 100 of the most outrageous, sometimes humorous, quotes we’ve uncovered over the past 20 years. To wrap up this week’s posts, I thought I’d list a few of the most outrageous or moronic quotes we’ve come across since 1987.For…

Zero 'Trash for Cash' Questions for Valerie Plame In Network Puff Tour

For years now, Valerie Plame has been the toast of the liberal glitterati, a celebrated combat specialist against the Vast Bush Conspiracy. Every move the former CIA employee has made has oozed political and commercial calculation. She struck a book deal with Simon & Schuster worth more than $2 million. She struck a movie deal based on the book deal with Warner Brothers for millions more, so…

'Today' Blames Rise of Food Allergies on Global Warming

California Wildfires: Media Blame Another Natural Disaster on Bush

As wildfires rage throughout Southern California, media have predictably begun to blame this awful natural disaster on President George W. Bush much as they did almost exactly two years ago when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. On Tuesday evening, MSNBC's Dan Abrams set up an interview with California Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Cal.) thusly:But the fire storms in California`s raising…

Plame Blows Kisses at CBS, NBC, Bloggers; Husband Hails Hillary

As Valerie Plame does the interview rounds – CBS, NBC, CNN, NPR – someone might miss the far-left, Bush-hating blog interviews. On Firedoglake, the most notable pro-Plame blog, Plame did a typewritten chat with her leftist admirers on Monday. She loved the leftist bloggers at FDL – even had them to her home for dinner -- and declared her interviews on CBS and NBC were fair.

Will Pete Stark’s Apology to President Bush Get Reported

As NewsBusters reported Friday, Rep. Pete Stark (D-Cal.) made some rather disgusting comments on the floor of the House last week about kids being sent "to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president`s amusement." On Tuesday, Stark took to the floor once again, this time remarkably to apologize for his previous statement. As the broadcast networks almost completely ignored Stark's…

The Worst ‘Notable Quotables’ of the Past 20 Years: Conservatives

To commemorate the Media Research Center’s 20th anniversary this month, we’ve just published a special expanded edition of our ‘Notable Quotables’ newsletter with more than 100 of the most outrageous, sometimes humorous, quotes we’ve uncovered over the past 20 years.Yesterday, I wrote about the liberal media’s softness when it came to totalitarian communism. Today’s installment: The liberal media…

Curry Crack Up: Shouted Questions, Breaking Voice in Bhutto Interview

Careening from the accusatory to the adoring, there was only one constant in Ann Curry's interview of Benazir Bhutto aired on this morning's "Today": an over-the-top emotionalism that had the show's news anchor lurching from shouted accusations to the verge of tears.Curry is in Pakistan this week, and scored an exclusive with Bhutto, whose triumphal return to the country where she has served as…

Author Sally Bedell Smith: Hillary Signed Off on Bill's Big Decisions

Reid Letter: 'Today' Omits Mention of Rush's $2.1 Million Donation

Given his show's modest ratings, it's unlikely that Keith Olbermann would be in a position to make a multi-million dollar donation to charity anytime soon. But let's imagine he did. Do you think that, in a segment on a related subject, NBC might find a moment to mention Olbermann's generosity?So do I.But "Today" managed to get through its report this morning about Rush Limbaugh's auctioning off…

Ann Curry Cites Climate Change as Cause of Tween Stress