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Bemused commented
2012-10-05 02:44:48 -0400
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@Kathleen: Fact that three weeks was enough to realise that news sources outside the USA have a broader range is proof positive that you are sensitive indeed to the quality of news. And I’m not being sarcastic because I have friends who’ve lived here for decades who shudder when I tell them I watch AlJazeera. In my opinion, the USA version of FoxNews is the most biased by far of all the sources to which I have access (can’t get the three big US channels or PBS), followed closely by CNN and SkyBSky (the UK version of Fox News). I’ll grant you that MSNBC may be a mirror image of Fox, but CNN is definitely not, IMO. I even call them FoxLite. Funnily enough, the FoxNews equivalent in Italy (Sky24) is very professional, not as blatantly inclined to lean in one direction or the other. Proof positive that it’s $$$$ and not ideology that makes the difference.
I definitely agree with you about the improbability of there being “such a thing as an unbiased news source”: the simple fact of selecting which stories to cover is already a judgement call. After that, a great deal can be done to “slant” a story through word selection and inflection (the foxies are so good at that) and the quality of coverage (repeated airings of a truncated clip tends to sink in faster than a substantive debate). Like you, I look for as many “slants” as possible on the grounds that the truth may be somewhere in the middle.
On the issue of the US being a country in peril, I guess I share your pessimism. We should not forget, however, that this has happened before (it’s actually normal and probably reinvigorating). The McCarthy era was a terrible time for free speech, the internment of all Americans of Japanese origin (why not the Germans and the Italians) during WWII was a terrible infringement of their rights and Guantanamo is still a terrible stain on the reputation of a country whose legal system is based on due process of law revolving around the principle of the habeas corpus. The USA has so far managed to return to its core principles and I trust it will do so again. Paraphrasing Churchill, "the only thing the USA has to fear is fear itself. A country that cowers in fear (of terrorists) and that slashes out like a scared rabbit will not be emulated or even respected.
I’m almost – but not quite – as pessimistic as I was during the ’60s.
I definitely agree with you about the improbability of there being “such a thing as an unbiased news source”: the simple fact of selecting which stories to cover is already a judgement call. After that, a great deal can be done to “slant” a story through word selection and inflection (the foxies are so good at that) and the quality of coverage (repeated airings of a truncated clip tends to sink in faster than a substantive debate). Like you, I look for as many “slants” as possible on the grounds that the truth may be somewhere in the middle.
On the issue of the US being a country in peril, I guess I share your pessimism. We should not forget, however, that this has happened before (it’s actually normal and probably reinvigorating). The McCarthy era was a terrible time for free speech, the internment of all Americans of Japanese origin (why not the Germans and the Italians) during WWII was a terrible infringement of their rights and Guantanamo is still a terrible stain on the reputation of a country whose legal system is based on due process of law revolving around the principle of the habeas corpus. The USA has so far managed to return to its core principles and I trust it will do so again. Paraphrasing Churchill, "the only thing the USA has to fear is fear itself. A country that cowers in fear (of terrorists) and that slashes out like a scared rabbit will not be emulated or even respected.
I’m almost – but not quite – as pessimistic as I was during the ’60s.
Bemused commented
2012-10-04 15:48:57 -0400
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@Kathleen: Takes all sorts to make an interesting world, wouldn’t you agree?
Personally, I found this site in 2008 after a couple of months of watching Fox News as well as just about every other channel available in Europe. After three decades outside the USA I felt that I needed to touch base.
However, Fox News was so mind-bogglingly biased that I googled the net for people as infuriated as I’d become and found this site, even bought the book.
Anyway, I now come here for the fun of exchanging stories on the antics of the foxies. It alleviates the pain of witnessing just how gullible human beings can be.
Personally, I found this site in 2008 after a couple of months of watching Fox News as well as just about every other channel available in Europe. After three decades outside the USA I felt that I needed to touch base.
However, Fox News was so mind-bogglingly biased that I googled the net for people as infuriated as I’d become and found this site, even bought the book.
Anyway, I now come here for the fun of exchanging stories on the antics of the foxies. It alleviates the pain of witnessing just how gullible human beings can be.
Joshua Hatheway commented
2012-10-04 12:55:06 -0400
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Dear Lord, did you see Chris Mathews? He must think he is the end all be all when it comes to political strategy. Barak Obama should be watching me! I know best! Sometimes I think he is more egotistical than the guys over on Fox.
Bemused commented
2012-10-04 10:13:48 -0400
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Another thing I’d have liked Obama to bring up as a rebuttal to Romney’s claim to be uniter-in-chief (Alisyn’s terms): Romney was elected Governor of Massachussets where 87% of the state government was democratic.
My take on that is that he was able to reach across the aisle by embracing issues dear to the hearts of the Democrats. Further, the Democrats did not decide to “cut off their noses to spite their faces” like the Republicans did when Obama took office.
My take on that is that he was able to reach across the aisle by embracing issues dear to the hearts of the Democrats. Further, the Democrats did not decide to “cut off their noses to spite their faces” like the Republicans did when Obama took office.
Bemused commented
2012-10-04 09:52:15 -0400
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Have just watched F&F from start to finish. The bubbly trio was delirious and triumphant and already tasting the better, hence more credible, polls. Not their fault: that’s what cheerleaders do. What’s discouraging is that people actually take them seriously.
I’d really like to get a transcript of the debate to check out my feeling that Romney may have adopted key Obama positions in different words and from a different tack. IMO, a lot of what Romney said last night is what Obama’s been saying since I first listened to him.
I’d really like to get a transcript of the debate to check out my feeling that Romney may have adopted key Obama positions in different words and from a different tack. IMO, a lot of what Romney said last night is what Obama’s been saying since I first listened to him.
truman commented
2012-10-04 09:48:40 -0400
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I watched the debate twice. As much as I hate to say it, I think our President did not do his best job. As a consequence, the polls will tighten further in the next few days.
MagicUnderwear Mitt is actually twins. The evil twin panders to his teabagger base with calls to kill Medicare and shower the wealthy with more tax cuts. He is the twin who disses the 47 percent.
The good twin shows up for debates and disavows the bad twin. He is for all the things that the bad twin is against.
At the next debate, our President needs to call out the bad twin and highlight that twin’s atrociously unfair domestic policies on medicare, social security, medicaid, taxes, etc.
I would also like to see our President occasionally look at MagicUnderwear Mitt with mild disdain when that twin flip flops around. Also, when our President speaks, he should look directly into the camera and talk to us, rather than the moderator.
MagicUnderwear Mitt is actually twins. The evil twin panders to his teabagger base with calls to kill Medicare and shower the wealthy with more tax cuts. He is the twin who disses the 47 percent.
The good twin shows up for debates and disavows the bad twin. He is for all the things that the bad twin is against.
At the next debate, our President needs to call out the bad twin and highlight that twin’s atrociously unfair domestic policies on medicare, social security, medicaid, taxes, etc.
I would also like to see our President occasionally look at MagicUnderwear Mitt with mild disdain when that twin flip flops around. Also, when our President speaks, he should look directly into the camera and talk to us, rather than the moderator.
Bemused commented
2012-10-04 05:40:53 -0400
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IMO, Romney consolidated his base made up of people who actually admire the powerful who have no respect for constraints, not even debating rules (and Lehrer is a hated liberal so disrespect for him is a plus). The fact that the very same people would probably be happy to hand out life imprisonment to anybody who stole from them, personally, is par for the course.
Obama made more sense for people with brains in gear but he missed (IMO) a few good opportunities for rebuttal (e.g. on the $716 million in “savings” that will prolong Medicare, on the arithmetical impossibility of Romney’s proposals to cut taxes and raise spending on defense; I’d have liked Obama to mention that a 5% tax increase is equivalent to less than half a peanut for the 1% whereas a 5% tax cut for the middle class can make a huge difference to the whole economy).
Obama’s main failing, however, is that he rarely “looked” at Romney while the latter was talking. I realise how hard it was to watch and listen without switching off but Obama’s definitely got to do it the next time.
Obama made more sense for people with brains in gear but he missed (IMO) a few good opportunities for rebuttal (e.g. on the $716 million in “savings” that will prolong Medicare, on the arithmetical impossibility of Romney’s proposals to cut taxes and raise spending on defense; I’d have liked Obama to mention that a 5% tax increase is equivalent to less than half a peanut for the 1% whereas a 5% tax cut for the middle class can make a huge difference to the whole economy).
Obama’s main failing, however, is that he rarely “looked” at Romney while the latter was talking. I realise how hard it was to watch and listen without switching off but Obama’s definitely got to do it the next time.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-04 04:45:43 -0400
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Sumarizing Mr. Mitt:
The ultra-wealthy will not be hurt by my “policies”
Everyone else will have to line up, pick a number and I’ll see what I can do. Just remember, it was The Banks that were Bailed Out, Not The Little Guy! If you’re worth 200 megabucks like me you get special treatment.
The ultra-wealthy will not be hurt by my “policies”
Everyone else will have to line up, pick a number and I’ll see what I can do. Just remember, it was The Banks that were Bailed Out, Not The Little Guy! If you’re worth 200 megabucks like me you get special treatment.
Antoinette commented
2012-10-04 00:30:48 -0400
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This is the first debate. We firmly believe Obama will come back fighting in the second debate.
The Mitt has shown he is a bully and WILL not work well with others. Because of his holier-than-thou attitude, we will name him King MItt.
King Mitt is dangerous to working class Americans. Don’t fall for this shady businessman.
King Mitt deliberately interrupted the moderator to throw off the debate. He deliberated took control of the debate so certain questions would not come up. He’s slick. He can fool the masses, but he can’t fool us.
King Mitt fails to realize that many large U.S. companies do business in China. Most of American products are built in China. These businessmen are shaking in their boots because King Mitt threatens to disrupt their business relationship with China.
Liberals, don’t fret. Things will turn around with an Oct. surprise that the King will have trouble explaining.
NOTE TO FOX ‘NEWS’
Your celebration will be short-lived when a scandal hits the Republican Party.
The Mitt has shown he is a bully and WILL not work well with others. Because of his holier-than-thou attitude, we will name him King MItt.
King Mitt is dangerous to working class Americans. Don’t fall for this shady businessman.
King Mitt deliberately interrupted the moderator to throw off the debate. He deliberated took control of the debate so certain questions would not come up. He’s slick. He can fool the masses, but he can’t fool us.
King Mitt fails to realize that many large U.S. companies do business in China. Most of American products are built in China. These businessmen are shaking in their boots because King Mitt threatens to disrupt their business relationship with China.
Liberals, don’t fret. Things will turn around with an Oct. surprise that the King will have trouble explaining.
NOTE TO FOX ‘NEWS’
Your celebration will be short-lived when a scandal hits the Republican Party.
Anne-claire Souza commented
2012-10-04 00:14:23 -0400
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This was not a debate in my opinion,it was the two candidates saying the same things that we have been listening two for the last two years.
Romney came on over aggressive, oily and rehearsed within an inch of his life,he was talking so fast I thought he was on speed,telling us about all the big plans he has, how he is going to make this Country into a Eutopia from day number one.But as per usual he never laid out any plans,mainly because he doesn’t have any,he just wants to be President of the USA,after all Queen Ann has already told us “its their time”.It was unfortunate that Jim Lehrer lost total control of this so-called debate,and the Robot decided to show us how tough he really is,by fast talking over the President and Lehrer,maybe a got a few lessons from the great Bile O’.I liked the way our President hung back and let Mittens spout his bullshit,although I wished that the President had brought up all those overseas bank accounts and his secrecy about his Tax returns,hopefully that will come forth in the next"Debate".Anyway I was bored stiff and have no plans on watching the next one.Biden and Ryan should be much better,Biden is an honest man and we know all about Ryan levels of honesty,should be good.
Romney came on over aggressive, oily and rehearsed within an inch of his life,he was talking so fast I thought he was on speed,telling us about all the big plans he has, how he is going to make this Country into a Eutopia from day number one.But as per usual he never laid out any plans,mainly because he doesn’t have any,he just wants to be President of the USA,after all Queen Ann has already told us “its their time”.It was unfortunate that Jim Lehrer lost total control of this so-called debate,and the Robot decided to show us how tough he really is,by fast talking over the President and Lehrer,maybe a got a few lessons from the great Bile O’.I liked the way our President hung back and let Mittens spout his bullshit,although I wished that the President had brought up all those overseas bank accounts and his secrecy about his Tax returns,hopefully that will come forth in the next"Debate".Anyway I was bored stiff and have no plans on watching the next one.Biden and Ryan should be much better,Biden is an honest man and we know all about Ryan levels of honesty,should be good.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 23:05:57 -0400
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The disgusting Sarah Palin is about to go on Hannity.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-03 22:47:25 -0400
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- I had to turn it off shortly after the âBroâ comment -
LOL! Mitt should have had his makeup team run up & put on the ol’ “black face”.
LOL! Mitt should have had his makeup team run up & put on the ol’ “black face”.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:47:19 -0400
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Are they pouring the champagne at Fox News yet? A debate win AND they’ve got a new race card! Don’t forget to invite Birther Boy Trump! (what I just tweeted)
Aria Prescott commented
2012-10-03 22:43:37 -0400
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I had to turn it off shortly after the “Bro” comment, because that was the point where Romney decided respect was optional.
Despite the appearance of their behaviours, even Romney knows he’s lost. He’s given a lot of stupid answers, and stalled on the few big cards that have already been played. And when I shut it off, he was regressing.
Chalk up Obama’s gaffes, we’ll discuss those… then just put everything Romney said to save time. He didn’t make one intelligent comment, he just wanted to puff.
Despite the appearance of their behaviours, even Romney knows he’s lost. He’s given a lot of stupid answers, and stalled on the few big cards that have already been played. And when I shut it off, he was regressing.
Chalk up Obama’s gaffes, we’ll discuss those… then just put everything Romney said to save time. He didn’t make one intelligent comment, he just wanted to puff.
Antoinette commented
2012-10-03 22:31:16 -0400
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The Mitt hides his money overseas. Too bad this was not brought up.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:31:09 -0400
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All I can say is, I hope Obama does better in the next one.
Aria Prescott commented
2012-10-03 22:30:51 -0400
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I don’t see Obama as coming across as weak; more like he’s sitting back and watching Romney destroy himself. All Romney’s doing is making stupid comments and trying to have it both ways. His backtrack on taxes is where he lost this thing.
After that, it became a Chris Farley movie.
After that, it became a Chris Farley movie.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:30:40 -0400
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Oh, boy, did Obama sound weak saying he’d fight in the second term or what?
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:28:13 -0400
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Obama scored there, calling out Romney on working with other side.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:26:01 -0400
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Kelstar, I’m guessing he thinks that just looking presidential and serious is enough but I’m not so sure. Question is, how much will this help Romney win votes, though.
R L commented
2012-10-03 22:13:30 -0400
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Leher is pathetic letting Romney have the last word on every topic
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 22:10:24 -0400
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Visitor 55,
No, he hasn’t. I think Obama needs to be a little more forceful, a little less professorial.
No, he hasn’t. I think Obama needs to be a little more forceful, a little less professorial.
Ellen commented
2012-10-03 21:47:01 -0400
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Kirsten Powers tweet: It will be interesting to see how the media spins this as a win for Obama.
Antoinette commented
2012-10-03 21:40:01 -0400
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The Mitt puts his foot in his mouth by saying he will defund public tv and radio. Fool, wealthy individuals contribute to public television.
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-03 21:39:19 -0400
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Mitt is losing simply by his high speed control-freak reactions. This is a guy who would sell you a lame horse for $125K I bet.
Antoinette commented
2012-10-03 21:36:25 -0400
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Let’s have fun with The Mitt #Mitthatesbigbird
Kent Brockman commented
2012-10-03 21:35:44 -0400
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I love Mitt’s squeaks & chirps every time Obama clips one of his feathers:
oh!
ah!
ee!
Wowzer! Can he just stop taking it p-e-r-s-o-n-a-l-l-y ???
This is politics Mitt! There’s no “STOP IT!” “THIS IS HARD!”.
Enjoy your ride Mitt ….
oh!
ah!
ee!
Wowzer! Can he just stop taking it p-e-r-s-o-n-a-l-l-y ???
This is politics Mitt! There’s no “STOP IT!” “THIS IS HARD!”.
Enjoy your ride Mitt ….