Remember the old days when so called political pundits and analysts from right and left were challenged by tough, uncompromising journalists? This has become a rare phenomenon on news cable shows. Fast forward to the current state of affairs where predominantly right wing attack dogs spew personal attacks and illogical political dogma while program hosts act only as impartial referees.
The old show Crossfire on CNN stoods out as one where politicians from all persuasions could engage in intelligent discussion and debate. Meet the Press, hosted by the deceased Tim Russert, was also a first rate program where politicians were respectfully challenged and forced to defend their views. Their contradictions were painstakingly examined with old transcripts and videos which shined a spotlight on the lies and half truths which they were attempting to slide by the public.
I have noted with chagrin the downward spiral of this once venerable show since its new host David Gregory took over. Tonight, Gregory was part of a segment on Hardball, hosted by Chris Matthews, along with Democratic Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz.
Gregory was offering his usual warped analyisis of Obama's performance stating that Obama will be forced to defend what he described as the poor performance of the economy in his reelection bid. He then launched into yet another scathing attack on Obama's overall performance as President. Then the unthinkable happened. Wasserman Shultz respectfully challenged his assertions. Before she could finish her first sentence David Gregory rudely raised his hand to silence her. He stated disdainfully: "What you are offering is argument and what I am offering is analysis." Not only did his actions smack of a repugnant male chauvinism, as if the "little woman" should not challenge the almighty male intellectual superiority of Mr. Gregory, but he obviously felt that because she was the Democratic Chairwoman, her opinion was irrelevant.
This attitude displayed by Mr Gregory is frequently displayed on Meet the Press on Sundays where a parade of right wing or center right politicians dominate discussions week after week. The show has lost its focus as a venue where all political points of view are adequately represented.
Luckily Wasserman Schultz is no shrinking violet and in the face of this incredible display of bad manners and loathing from Mr. Gregory, she stood her ground and stated her truth clearly. We need more courageous Democrats like her to stand up to the president's vile and condescending critics. Well done Debbie.
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/...
8:19 PM PT: Thank you all for my very first recommended diary! Thanks also to those who have taken the time to tweet and like my diary. I also appreciate your comments and help in improving this diary.
Wed Jan 04, 2012 at 4:36 AM PT: The latest Hardball transcript is for Jan 2, 2012. Will post as soon as it is available.
Fri Jan 06, 2012 at 4:51 AM PT: Transcripts for Monday, January 2 and Wednesday, January 4 available but not Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sun Jan 22, 2012 at 1:28 PM PT: Thanks to Daily Koser ItsSimpleSimon for providing a link to the January 3, 2012 transcript for Hardball.
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/...