And So it Begins…

Filed in National by on December 11, 2008

The rightwing noise machine goes into overdrive and then the pea-brained traditional media starts to think, “well where there is smoke…?” despite the absence of smoke, and then media outlets quote other media outlets and…well you know the rest.

Tonight, a call for a little more transparency from President-elect Barack Obama about what he did or did not know about the allegations against Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Illinois. Camplbell Brown, CNN

To ask why the media was not so concerned about getting “a little more transparency” during George Bush’s entire tenure while actual controversies went unreported (like he was making up shit about WMDs in order to attack a country that posed no threat to the US, wrecking the economy, and breaking laws left and right) is to induce maddness.

Don’t forget about the PARTY

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Jason330 is a deep cover double agent working for the GOP. Don't tell anybody.

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  1. On-air 12/11/08 — Down With Absolutes! | December 11, 2008
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  1. Bob McWilliams says:

    Fascism cannot take root today without the support of the media. And there are plenty in the media who are more than willing to assist with that project.

  2. nemski says:

    Well, there is an Obama press conference today coming up in 30 minutes.

  3. I think the media’s doing a great job, actually. I’d like to hear some more from Obama on this as well. Believe it or not, this is the media’s job. They did a great job of (rightly) tearing up Bush and right-wing talking points over the last eight years. Unfortunately, they didn’t do it when it mattered re: the “facts” of the Iraq War, but nonetheless, they didn’t bend over for Bush. I’m hoping they hold Obama to the fire just as nicely.

    C’mon, this is the governor of Obama’s state who’s charged with selecting his replacement. Obama hasn’t met a video camera he hasn’t liked in the past two years. And all we get from him is a statement through Robert Gibbs? I call bullshit.

  4. jason330 says:

    I disagree. Mainly about the media doing anything that you can consider holding Bush to any fire over the past 8 years. But I also disagree with the assertion that Obama has been less than transparent.

    Mike,

    Your willingness to buy Republican talking points at face value is puzzling.

  5. Jason,

    Obama has been out front since he won election, but he hides when this comes out? Sorry, but it has nothing to do with buying Republican talking points. Don’t patronize me. I want Obama to come out and be the fierce muthafucka that he is. He says he wants to lead with transparency and he should. Admit it. We’ve had talks like this before. You’re simply an apologist and don’t like the criticism that’s coming the way of your guy.

    You kind of sound like Hube, but from the left, on this subject. Hube complains about a “left-wing MSM” and you’re doing it from the other side. As with Hube, I don’t buy your complaints either. You’re just pissed because your guy is getting his feet held to the fire. Especially since there seems to be some more meat to the matter in that Obama KNEW Blago was a crook, yet didn’t say anything in 2006 when Blago was running for re-election.

    I’m still in wait and see mode with Obama. But just because I’m a liberal doesn’t mean I’m not going to criticize the man when I see it necessary. Stop projecting your media paranoia. It just seems desperate.

  6. pandora says:

    Mike, were we watching/listening/reading the same media?

    As far as Iraq, I blame the media almost as much as I blame Bush… actually, I blame them more.

  7. nemski says:

    Mike Matthews is Delaware Democrat’s Anakin Skywalker.

  8. Excepting Iraq, I think the media did a great job handling the travesties of the Bush Administration. The problem is, Iraq was such a big part and the media didn’t start piling on until a year after the war started and thousands had already died.

    Here’s the thing: Both Jason and Hube make convincing arguments about why the other believes the media is either “left-wing” or “right-wing,” which leads me to believe, perhaps, the media is fairer than anyone could ever imagine.

  9. Sorry, nemski, the figurative language is lost on me because I never watched the Star Wars movies.

    I’m a Bond guy.

  10. nemski says:

    Mike is Un-American. 😉

  11. RSmitty says:

    I think he’s trying to say you were with them, trained and developed with them, then turned to the dark side (Darth Vader) and are doing what you can to destroy them.

    You know, you have a difference of opinion from the echo chamber and now you’re a traitor that has no worth. The typical thing.

  12. jason330 says:

    Mike,

    Please.

    Had I finished this thought:

    …and then media outlets quote other media outlets and…well you know the rest.

    I would have added that part of the process is that people who should be able to sniff out the bullshit, like yourself, fall for it out of some sense of being holier than thou independent badasses. In reality you are a tool of the right wing infotainment complex.

    This is going to happen over and over again in the next 8 years and you can sit on your high horse if you like – but I think being up there makes you slow on the uptake.

    Anyway, as Nemski points out. Obama goes infront of the cameras today.

    Lather, rinse, repeat.

  13. nemski says:

    RSmitty, I guess you’d know. 😉

  14. pandora says:

    All roads lead to and from the Iraq war. You can’t make it the exception. Torture, Gitmo, oil, wire tapping…

  15. RSmitty says:

    RSmitty, I guess you’d know

    Palpatine (sp?) is the name, baby! You should see my night job!

  16. nemski says:

    Daschell’es glasses are stupid.

  17. liberalgeek says:

    Mike – I think you are being unfair. Obama has not been “out in front” he has been smart, measured and deliberate. He is in the process of transitioning his team to take over the most screwed up economy since the 1930’s. And all you can say is “why isn’t he out talking about a politician from his state that is a crook.”

  18. Well, Jason, it’s three days later, so it’s about damn time. Like I said, Obama has been in front of the camera touting his plans for the last three weeks, but he doesn’t come out in front of the camera on day one and put it in crisis mode? Sorry, but Obama should already be concerned about poll numbers, even though they’re looking great. He doesn’t want to risk losing the American public for ANYTHING — especially bullshit like this. The American people are stupid and will perceive any additional time Obama waits on this matter as weakness and will thusly respond when asked by some rabblerousing pollster. In case you haven’t realized, this is all a game. The Democrats won this game and they’ve got to do anything they can to make sure they win the next. Issues don’t matter.

    Obama needs to be front and center and respond IMMEDIATELY when something like
    this comes up.

    “Right-wing infotainment complex?” Please, that’s weak even by your questionable, uber-liberal standards!!! I’ve said it before, I hope the media makes Obama’s time in office challenging. I hope they call him out the same way they did for Bush — at least throughout his second term. It’s my believe that media should actually serve as a, ummm, WATCHDOG. There are going to be things Obama does that shouldn’t be swept under the rug. I’m sure, like some, you’ll be screaming “right-wing media!” when that criticism comes, because it’s easier than actually looking at the issue being brought forth.

    Just admit it. You don’t like that your guy is coming under fire. At least let me know which frame of reference I should be using when typing these responses.

  19. Geek,

    Everyone knew (in Illinois) Blago was a crook in 2006. There were attempts to have him primaried BECAUSE of this. But no candidate came forward because there was no support because people like Obama proclaimed their man-love for Blago. Fuck Ayers. Fuck Wright. This irks me more that Obama would openly support a man he knew to be one of these “pay-for-play” thugs and goon-addled corruptocrats. Just because he’s a Democrat doesn’t change the principle. I’d be just as angry if Blago were a Republican.

  20. Would one of the fine DeLibbers be willing to come on air and duke this out with me this afternoon? Jason? I think this would make great discussion.

  21. jason330 says:

    Why didn’t Obama put it in crisis mode?

    What crisis? He is supposed to jump because rightwing bloggers push a story that does not exist in real life? A story that you admit is bullshit.

    I admit that I don’t like that “my” guy is coming under fire for this complete bullshit – when Bush skated through scandal after scandal without the media uttering a peep. Yes. That pisses me off.

    However, regardless of what I feel – If you can’t see what is going down, with all due respect, you have your head up your ass my esteemed colleague and friend.

  22. jason330 says:

    I’ll see. What time?

  23. Between 530 and 600. I’ve got the NoCheckpoints dude coming on at 630.

  24. Yeah, Jason. Because the media that was so quick to prop Obama up on that pedestal (which they did and you can’t deny it) is now ready to tear him down.

    I’m not buying it. Yet.

  25. cassandra m says:

    I’d like to know what planet Mike was on where the media challenged the BushCo talking points. There was a new set of legacy talking points posted here a little while back and I certainly do not hear any pushback on that BS.

    That said, I’d love to know what is is that Obama needs to be out in front of here. He has called for Blago’s resignation and Fitzgerald himself has been clear that Obama is not part of this investigation. The only taint that Obama has here is that being ginned up to have something to talk about other than Cabinet appointments. Diverting from taking over and competently trying to fix the mess we are in because folks are demanding some entertainment — when the party you are demanding said entertainment from has no real involvement here — is silly.

  26. pandora says:

    Good point, Cassandra.

    So, Mike, what exactly would you have Obama do or say? Be specific.

  27. Rebecca says:

    This is the same bulls**t as Ayers and Wright. Obama knows the guy so he must be guilty by association. I know, and am related to, a bunch of Republicans. That doesn’t make me accountable for their folly. Sheesh Mike!

  28. does anyone remember that guy Mike Matthews? he was a writer at DWA a while back?

    I think he has gone missing. Let me know if you find him….

  29. Geezer says:

    “They did a great job of (rightly) tearing up Bush and right-wing talking points over the last eight years. Unfortunately, they didn’t do it when it mattered re: the “facts” of the Iraq War, but nonetheless, they didn’t bend over for Bush. I’m hoping they hold Obama to the fire just as nicely.”

    If that’s what you think, you have even worse judgment than I thought — something that, until I read this thread, I didn’t think was possible.

  30. I am holding firm to my belief that the evil Bush administration had some dirt on almost every naysayer in the media and on Capitol Hill, and used it to blackmail everyone into looking the other way and doing their bidding.

    Otherwise the last eight years makes no sense at all to me.

  31. cassandra m says:

    The other thing is that it seems that the media is working hard at reporting the smoke on this thing as if it were real. What I am hoping is that the Obama folks don’t get in the habit of addressing the smoke — it only gives it credibility. The fact that wingnut bloggers are all but sacrificing to their orishas that Obama has something to do with this business should tell you everything you need to know about the quality of this story but also how long it will live in the media.

  32. i’m not going to be able to take 8 years of this

  33. Geezer says:

    “Because the media that was so quick to prop Obama up on that pedestal (which they did and you can’t deny it) is now ready to tear him down.”

    Sorry, fella, but I’m denying it. Unless you consider Bill Ayers, Jeremiah Wright and ACORN — non-stories all, just like this one — as pillars of a pedestal.

  34. jason330 says:

    Mark my words…

    Part two of this soap opera opens when John Bohner says, with “deep regret”, that Obama’s explaination “raises more questions than it answers” and therefor the Republicans must call for a special proscutor.

  35. i thought the drummer from led zeppelin was dead?

  36. Miscreant says:

    I was considering mentioning that I’d sure like to know why Fitzgerald had a case of premature revelation. Indeed, it would have been interesting to know who the rest of the players are, and who would have actually ponied up for the seat, but mentioning it would be dismissed as another *talking point*.

    heh

  37. jason330 says:

    Representative John A. Boehner (R – OH)

  38. Von Cracker says:

    You mean the George Hamilton of Congress?

    If you have a John A. Boehner for more than 4 hours, please consult your physician!

  39. jason330 says:

    WASHINGTON (AP) — A new Senate report says the physical and mental abuse of detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay Naval Base was the direct result of Bush administration policies and should not be blamed on guards and interrogators. (snip)
    The report says administration officials publicly blamed the abuses on low-level soldiers but called that ”both unconscionable and false.”

    Too bad Campbell Brown didn’t spend any time “calling for a little more transparency from” Bush.

  40. pandora says:

    But, Jason, wasn’t that all Lynndie England’s (etc.) fault? That’s what the media kept saying… rogue soldiers, an isolated incident… those responsible will be punished.

  41. cassandra m says:

    A decent interview with Fitzgerald re: stop the Blago investigation now.

    The key bits? The investigation is not done and he felt that the Blago part needed to be stopped now.

    But don’t let that get in the way of your Limbaugh talking points.

  42. RSmitty says:

    Personally, I am waiting for this to be Allan Loudell’s fault. C’mon Jason….I’m counting on you!

  43. Miscreant says:

    “The investigation is not done and he felt that the Blago part needed to be stopped now.”

    What I read was that Fitzpatrick “believed” or “felt” the ‘Blago/senate seat for sale’ component of the investigation should be made public, and the remainder focuses on other areas of alleged corruption far removed from the Office of the President-Elect. This quashes any expectations that they will aggressively pursue the potential buyers.

    “But don’t let that get in the way of your Limbaugh talking points.”

    Like I said, directly to the old “talking points” crutch to support you argument. I’m shocked that you listen to that pompous ass. I don’t, but now I’ll know who to ask should I ever need to know what the idiot is saying.

  44. What I read

    funniest thing I read from you yet

  45. Here’s what I’ve learned from this thread. If you’re a rightie, you automatically spout “left-wing media!!” If you’re a lefty, you automatically defer to “right-wing media.”

    And here I am in the middle (still ideologically a liberal, though!) calling bullshit on both sides.

  46. pandora says:

    Are you serious?

  47. RSmitty says:

    Total thread-jack, but given the limitations at my present location, I have to blog vicariously through you.

    DV, this one is for you.

    With turkeys, you scrum over the wishbone, but with this new item on the dinner menu, do you scrum over the toe?

    C’mon, think….THINK!!!

  48. I know it’s terribly simplistic, pandora, but yes, I am serious. As sick as I am hearing “left-wing MSM!” from folks like Hube, Newsbusters, Michelle Malkin, etc. al., it’s going to be just as ridiculous and stupid now that it seems lefties are throwing it around with such careless ease.

  49. jason330 says:

    Personally, I am waiting for this to be Allan Loudell’s fault. C’mon Jason….I’m counting on you!

    Allan Loudell to interview wingnut doctrinaire Washington Times writer who is concerned about Obama’s connection to this in 5, 4, 3,….

    (you know it is true)

  50. mike matthews….aka the monkey in the middle

    i like it

  51. nemski says:

    MM wrote And here I am in the middle (still ideologically a liberal, though!) calling bullshit on both sides.

    Does your shit smells like roses too?

  52. jason330 says:

    Careless ease?

    Where the fuck have you been for 8 years? To equate left wing media critique with the pure garbage that flows fromt he right denies the fact that there is such a thing as reality.

    It spits in the face of people who think that words have meaning.

    Maybe that’s your game Mike? Maybe you are playing at being the Jacques Derrida of the Delaware blogosphere?

  53. RSmitty says:

    Please, DV, feel free to share as a QOD. I’d be honored.

  54. Talk with me about this at 530, kind sir!

  55. miscreant says:

    “funniest thing I read from you yet”

    Perhaps, someday I will attain your level of contribution (like the above) to any given topic. Until then, I guess I’ll just have to wallow in relevancy.

  56. Meanwhile, I’m wondering why my homey miscreant hasn’t chimed in about what I’m sure he believes to be a left-wing media bias. 5…4…3…2…

  57. miscreant says:

    It’s already been covered and well documented, ad nauseum, Dickweed. I’ll be listening to you on DTR later for my talking points. Can’t wait to hear what he corksucker from nocheckpoints.com has to say, and to see if Jason has balls enough to join you.

  58. Great. I’ve now got left-wing AND right-wing folk pissed off at me. You know how good that makes me feel??!?! 😉 You all…complete…me!

  59. it’s monkey in the middle miscreant….
    not dickweed! get it right

  60. anonone says:

    You gotta give Mike Mathews a break. I mean this is the guy who thinks Duminique and Leo the Hater actually have something thoughtful to say. How could he possibly understand anything about quality journalism or editorial excellence?

    At least he deals with trojans.

  61. Mike Protack says:

    Don’t get so upset. If this incident was in the GOP you folks would be all over it, as you should.

    If there is nothing here, it will die a quick death.

  62. xstryker says:

    I think the media’s doing a great job, actually… They did a great job of (rightly) tearing up Bush and right-wing talking points over the last eight years.

    You’re certifiably insane. Unless by “media” you mean “blogosphere”. What fucking country were you LIVING in for the last 8 years? Seriously, are you a fucking moron? You think the media gave Bush EVEN A QUARTER of the shit he deserved? Dear fucking lord, did you get a fucking lobotomy?

  63. xstryker says:

    Great. I’ve now got left-wing AND right-wing folk pissed off at me. You know how good that makes me feel??!?!

    We know, Mike… and you love it!!

  64. xstryker says:

    PS, it’s not a right-wing media, it’s a brainless media that prints whatever sells. And what sells is whatever people are talking about or want to hear; and the way the wingnuts manipulate this is through Drudge. All these so-called “liberal” media types read Drudge first thing in the morning. Because if he posts it, then so will the New York Post, and they will be followed by Fox News (and now the Wall St. Journal is a Murdoch organ as well). And if it’s on Fox News, no matter how transparently full of shit, every one else will try to milk the story too. Plus, they love controversy! The GOP gives it to them easy, because every fucking week they fuck up something new. For Democrats, though, well, the pickings are slim, but they all want that “fair and balanced” shit, so they have to make the controvery sound HAWT! Look at all the Obama vs. Clinton bullshit stories that the media inflated to the fucking moon.

    Dear God, watch the fucking Daily Show once in a while, for God’s sake!

  65. Dominique says:

    but…but…but…but…they didn’t care what GEORGE BUSH was doing!! Waaahhh!

    Rev. Wright…didn’t attend the sermons. Check.
    Ayers…just a guy from the neighborhood. Check.
    Rezko…barely knew him. Check.
    Blogojevich…chilly relationship at best. Check.

    Nothing to see here, folks. Look! Something shiny!

  66. Dominique says:

    “I want Obama to come out and be the fierce muthafucka that he is.”

    This is sarcasm, right?

  67. I voted for him. I don’t have buyer’s remorse. (Yet). So, yes, he is still a fierce muthafucka in my book.

  68. anonone says:

    Hey, Duminique is back to to regale us all with her lunacy. Let us all remember her brilliant political insight when she wrote about the 2008 election:

    “The only thing that’s really going to change is the name of the president.”

    Why you spewing these lies about Obama when you said he is just the same as Bush and McCain?

  69. What's Smarter Than Dominique? says:

    A doorknob.