Shuster and the cable news (infotainment) channels

Okay, there haven't been enough diaries today/yesterday about the Shuster controversy, thus I feel compelled to write one ;-)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...

I see both sides of this issue. I'm taken aback by sexist remarks--and at the same time I can see how a certain candidate might play it up.

I read a few of the diaries, inserted comments which I thought were reasonable, pled for a modicum of 'bipartisan' courtesy, and have tonight and in the past mildly rebuked any sexist remarks that people on this website have posted.  

I've also pointed out that MSBC, CNN and Faux are all biased in one way or another. They are infotainment and people should not confuse opinionators/pundits with newscasters

What troubles me about MSNBC lately is that there is a whiff of anti-Hillary/pro-Obama bias. (And I'm an Obama supporter.)

And might I add, it's disingenuous for us to blast Faux for bias while at the same time idolizing Olberman. At least Faux keeps O'Wily confined to his opinion show. MSNBC has Keith and Tweety co-anchoring debates and news panels. I think it's egregious that the cable news networks are blurring the line between punditry and reportage. Controversies are therefore bound to arise. Schuster is presented as a reporter, then the brains at MSNBC have him substitute hosting an opinion show.

Yes, Shuster's comment was in poor taste and even sexist. I must say, however, I've heard (read) worse on this very site.

Outrage that Hillary wants to debate on Faux? I objected initially but at this point, who the hell cares? We boycott Faux, now let's boycott MSNBC, and then, of course, there's that Clinton News Network. It's all infotainment, folks. Let's put it in perspective.

And here's another nugget to chew on. Come general election time, both the R and D candidates will be appearing on Faux and also debating there. Like it or not, it has the highest viewership. During primary season, we're pandered to but come the general election, both sides will slide a bit toward the center. It's called politics, which means they'll do whatever will get them the most viewers/voters.

Does this make me a cynic? You betcha. When it comes to politicians you can't be cynical enough. I am voting Dem, however. (And I think Obama hasn't played in the political pigpen long enough to get completely soiled.)

(Oh, and regarding Tweety. I think Matthews resembles a sputtering cabbage patch doll more than that cute cartoon birdy.)

•  Tiperoonis? & how about a reccy while ur at it?

  by Libertaria on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 02:02:20 AM PDT

•  you see "both sides?" there is only one side here

  the side of decency and common sense!

  say no to the posion of MSNBC and all other canble non-news outlets!

  by Venice on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 02:35:07 AM PDT

  •  Uh, that was basically my point.

    By 'both sides' I meant the Obama and Clinton reactions to Shuster's remark.

    And I wouldn't go so far as to classify the cable news outlets as 'poison.' They're just infotainment.

    by Libertaria on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 02:43:17 AM PDT

•  Reflections of a Kuchinichnik Browncoat

  First of all, I think some folks are being a bit over-sensitive about perceived bias toward Obama. I had to watch my candidate get literally "disappeared" for making strong statements for peace and universal healthcare. A little perspective, please.

  To some degree the adult children of big time politicians have to be prepared to take some criticism when they get up on the stage and advocate, some would say "shill", for their parents. Having said that, Schuster was so far over the line that he should mail Mrs. Clinton his severed tongue as a peace offering.

  Tweety made his bones by Clinton-bashing in the nineties and the poor fellow just can't help himself. He's a dancing clown that I quit taking seriously a long time ago. Judging from size of his audience, I'd say I'm in agreement with the known universe on this one.

  Olbermann is the one saving grace on that network, or the whole 24-cable universe, because he at least tries to do real news. The rest of the MSNBC bailiwick is fluff, voyeuristic gutter journalism, and state propaganda - typical TV news.

  by LaFajita on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 04:19:46 AM PDT

  •  bravo

    a very good analysis!

    by skohayes on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 05:30:50 AM PDT

  •  Dan Abrams

    Dan Abrams is very grea as well.  He seems to be fair and provides good analysis.  I especially like his critic of the media.

    by neoConned on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 06:25:11 AM PDT

•  Olbermann apologized for Shuster

  This should not be politicized.  It's just wrong and leave it at that.

  I am surprised at David Shuster.  He's way better than this.  

  by noofsh on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 05:34:53 AM PDT

•  This entire thing

  is yet another example of "fake outrage"

  At least Shuster was just suspended.. sometimes people lose their jobs for garbage like this

  People need to grow up... this was not a big deal.. All I see is a bunch of children crying to make a point.

  Save your rancor for REAL racism and sexism... crying about garbage like this just helps the real racists and sexists get away with it

  by Capt Morgan on Sat Feb 09, 2008 at 06:22:49 AM PDT