Sean Hannity just couldn’t take a feisty Democratic Congressman Bill Pascrell standing up to his lies and spin. Not only did Hannity start screaming that Pascrell was a lying “elitist,” but “regular guy” Hannity followed that up by demanding they bet $10,000 over the facts of Obamacare aka the Affordable Care Act - that Hannity got wrong.
Perhaps Hannity’s bullyboy pique came from the results of a new Fox News poll that nobody seemed to want to talk about on prime time tonight. But let’s just say that President Obama’s approval ratings are up 5 points since last month, Congress’ approval is down 4 points, Republicans are 9 points behind the Democrats and Hannity's BFF, Ted Cruz, comes in 13 points below that, with a 22% favorability. Oh, and Americans still don’t want Obamacare defunded AND they blame Republicans for the shutdown of the federal government.
Hannity was contentious and oppressive from the start. But his real browbeating started at about 3:50 when he began accusing Pascrell of lying about a supposed federal subsidy.
You’re not telling the truth. You’re not telling the truth. …You have a 72 percent subsidy that everybody watching this show does not have. That’s what the law says, Congressman. You’re gettin’ special perks and special breaks for yourself so cut the crap and stop lying to the audience!
Well, it’s so touching to see Private Jet Hannity concerned about other people getting special perks. But, unfortunately, he’s the one who’s wrong. From an August 30, 2013 FactCheck.org article (found via Media Matters) called, No ‘Special Subsidy’ for Congress debunking a similar claim by Republican Congressman Robert Pittenger.
(L)awmakers and their staffs face additional requirements that other Americans don’t. And the “special subsidy” to which Pittenger refers is simply a premium contribution that his employer, the federal government, has long made to the health insurance policies of its workers.
The Affordable Care Act says that starting in 2014, members of Congress and their staffs can no longer get their health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, as they have in the past. Instead, these federal employees will have to get insurance through the exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act. Other Americans with work-based insurance aren’t subject to such a requirement. They can continue to get health insurance through their employers. Other federal workers, too, can continue to select health insurance plans through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. But not Congress.
…Our readers may recall that before this provision was created, there were claims circulating that Congress was “exempt” from the law. This twisted reading of the legislation was based on the fact that originally Congress, like other Americans with work-based insurance or Americans on Medicare and Medicaid, wouldn’t be eligible for the exchanges. In other words, Congress was supposedly “exempt” when members couldn’t participate in the exchanges, and now that they are required to do so, they’re still somehow “exempt” from the law. Neither of these convoluted claims is true.
I have to say that Pascrell did a terrific job of not allowing himself to be intimidated in the shoutfest that ensued when he smacked down Hannity’s lie. Hannity didn’t do himself any favors by shouting, “You know what your problem is Congressman? You’re an elitist!”
This from the guy who lives in a $9 million Long Island mansion, has a luxury penthouse in Naples, Florida and whose speaking fee includes transportation by private jet. Hannity's accusation, alone, of anyone else's elitism is a window into his dishonesty, disingenuousness and hypocrisy.
“You think you’re above the American people!” said Mr. Regular Guy who would rather shut down the government than see those less fortunate have access to affordable health insurance. And even though he told Pascrell to “Go ahead, finish,” Hannity interrupted again to say Pascrell was lying.
Pascrell replied, “Don’t you dare call me a liar.”
After a couple more rounds of Hannity shouting at Pascrell that he’s a liar, Mr. Regular Guy said, “I’ll bet you $10,000, your charity vs. mine, that Congress has a special subsidy the American people don’t have.” And before Pascrell could even answer, Hannity began badgering him, “You gonna take the bet, Congressman? Are you gonna take the bet? ARE YOU GONNA TAKE THAT BET?”
Pascrell said he would not and Hannity started shouting, “’Cause you’re lying! …You’re full of crap.”
No, Bullyboy, you are. Because even if you're right about the subsidy, nothing says "I'm an elitist" more than demanding your TV show guest participate in a $10,000 bet.
One day, Hannocchio will encounter someone who will expose all of his dirty deeds in front of his audience. Deeds that most people are unaware of because this bog works hard to keep them a secret. He does not know who or when it will happen.
When that day comes, Hannocchio will pass out on the studio floor. That is his biggest fear of all time. Every Republican will distance themselves from him.
Of course Fox Nation has now got it as their lead story: "Hannity goes NUCLEAR on “Lying” House Dem". And a transcript, just in case you were masochist enough to want to be reminded.
His bizarre behavior dates back to his youth. A street hustler with a big mouth. He knew how to hustle his way through life. That’s how he rose from nobody in radio to a household name.
We felt sorry for his mother and father to have to rear such a crazy son, the black sheep of the family.
The Stop Hannity Express says his audience is unaware of the true man behind the camera. They have no knowledge of his dark side.
Coming down the pipe:
1. Hannocchio faces a another personal crisis
2. Hannocchio has some serious explaining to do.
3. A Fox “News” mouthpiece is experiencing burnout.
NOTE TO JOE MARSH
When Hannocchio is out of town on Fox “News” business, he is chauffeured in a SUV. This is his norm of transportation. This elitist has high standards when it comes to travel and hotels. He wants to be treated like a King.
For a wealthy woman, his wife dresses like Georgy Girl.
NOTE TO HANNITY
Since you are too frighten to waterboard for charity donate the $10,000 to Wounded Warriors.
“So, nice to have had you on the show, Rep Pascrell. Up next, watch as I pull a new song-and-dance routine to distract everyone from being reminded about my oh-so-brave chickenhawkery.
“CUT TO COMMERCIAL NOW, YOU SORRY PLEBEIAN CREW!!!!”
^Now, THAT would’ve been a very interesting show.
I sometimes listen to his show, just to watch him get his smug face slapped by his guests, but what he did tonight was the worst I’ve ever seen. A worthless pig…vannity. He should be tarred and feathered and labeled with a capital T around his neck for “TRAITOR”.
Don’t know what he drives in Florida when he leaves his place to stuff his face at McDonald’s. Maybe that’s where he keeps that sissy Vespa? He has one of those because that all his normally-subservient wife would let him buy; not the Harley he really wanted.
Three other points:
1) This proves why radio is much safer for unhinged hotheads like Hannity. If you have a caller that won’t succumb to your bullying, you can simply hang up. Not so easy on teevee
2) Romney’s attempted $10,000 bet with Rick Perry during a primary debate added to his identity as an elitist (not that it was in doubt).
3) Hasn’t Hannity failed to pay up all his other bets in the past?