Gov Scott Walker may be up to his neck in the shark tank, these days but that doesn't mean that he appreciates a well-informed electorate any less. And to that end, during a recent interview on Brian Kilmeade's radio program, Walker urged listeners who are interested in facts to get them from Fox News because mainstream media reporters -- aside from being "biased, incompetent and lazy" -- are picking on him and other Republican governors.
I guess that means that Walker has forgiven Chris Wallace for this:
Not a very presidential performance, at all, which I presume was the point of that particular Sunday morning exercise. On the other hand, prior to Chris Wallace going all responsible journalist, Walker did get a chance to plug his fraudulent jobs record, so the day wasn't a total loss.
Whatever his reasons, Gov Walker obviously believes that if the public is interested in facts, there's only one reliable place to get them despite (or perhaps because of?) these findings from a 2011 Fairleigh-Dickinson University study of public current affairs awareness:
According to the latest results from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind Poll, some news sources make us less likely to know what’s going on in the world. In the most recent study, the poll asked New Jerseyans about current events at home and abroad, and from what sources – if any – they get their information.
The conclusion: Sunday morning news shows do the most to help people learn about current events, while some outlets, especially Fox News, lead people to be even less informed than those who say they don’t watch any news at all.
Well. I suppose, if one's record is iffy, along with one's future prospects . . . and this is the kind of
news one is generating:
Wisconsin's revenue for the most recent fiscal year fell $281.2 million short of expectations, according to figures released by the Department of Revenue. The news could impact the state budget in years to come and is sure to become a campaign talking point in the governor's race.
A spokesperson for Gov. Scott Walker's office was not immediately available Thursday afternoon, but the governor tweeted several responses from his official account.
"People don't tell me that they send too little $ to Madison. That's why we sent more back to the hard working taxpayers.
At least if Badgers stick to Fox News, it's unlikely that they will hear some of the more disturbing things that their
Democratic state senators are saying about Walker's trickle-down-induced drought.
Things like:
. . . a revenue shortfall could have a "major impact" on the state's structural deficit . . .a revenue shortfall of $250 million could lead to a budget shortfall of $1.6 billion.
In the case of any shortfall, the Legislature would be required to "make very difficult decisions during the next budget process."
"Family incomes are stagnant and workers continue to struggle as a result of the misguided Republican policies. This $281 million budget shortfall is a shocking departure from Gov. Walker’s previous comments and a disappointing reminder that Republican policies have failed Wisconsin’s families."
(From a letter addressed to State Senate by Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, and Sens. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, and Bob Wirch, D-Somers)
Fox News is a lot more likely to focus on what
Republican senators are saying:
"Reducing the tax burden on the citizens of Wisconsin is the key to continuing to grow our economy. This brief snapshot of our revenues shows we are on the right track.
(St Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette)
"Even while working hard to relieve the tax burden on Wisconsin’s residents, we have invested in our priorities and placed almost $280 million into our Rainy Day Fund to help ensure our state’s financial stability. These numbers show that our state is on the right track, and we intend to continue to work to grow our economy and keep Wisconsin moving forward.
(Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau)
or this beaut:
"This report is another indication that our budget reforms are paying off for the state as our economy continues to get stronger."
(Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester)
Say what??!
I think I'll just stick to watching Fox News for comedy and Comedy Central for news, as they say.