Posted on 06/16/2006 10:28:08 AM PDT by Daniel T. Zanoza
It's always good news to find stimulating programming in these days of reality shows and counter-cultural situation comedies. "The Situation with Tucker Carlson" (MSNBC--10 P.M. Central) is smart television and worthwhile viewing for those who care about the crazy world of inside politics.
Carlson, who made his television bones on CNN, is intelligent and witty on his new MSNBC show. One only wonders why Carlson was so lame when he worked for CNN. Carlson left the network last year after hosting the now defunct, but ground-breaking "Crossfire." The program regularly pitted conservative pundits who argued against their liberal counter-parts. Unfortunately, Carlson was usually handed his rhetorical lunch by Democratic operatives, like Paul Begala, who frequently wiped the floor with the bow-tie wearing preppie. Before the airing of Carlson's latest show on MSNBC, he was the host and managing editor of PBS's "Tucker Carlson: Unfiltered." Carlson is also an author. His latest book is titled, "Politicians, Partisans and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News."
I often would find myself screaming at the television, saying, "fight back, show some backbone," concerning Carlson's failure to stand up to Begala's withering leftwing-driven drivel. But, for the most part, I was disappointed. Carlson often found himself being slapped around like one of those rubber blow-up dolls, leaving the former Clinton operative to win debate after debate, as Begala ended "Crossfire" with an infuriating smirk on his face.
At times, I thought there was a conspiracy going on, in which Carlson played a significant role. How could CNN have given the job of representing conservatives to someone who couldn't argue themselves out of a rhetorical paper bag. CNN, noted for its liberal leanings and Bush-bashing, had put Carlson in a position to defend the conservative cause and Carlson just didn't get the job done. In fact, Carlson primarily seemed to be a whipping boy and the show ended up losing viewership--to the point where it is no longer on the air.
On the other hand, "The Situation" is a fresh approach in the discussion of current events. Carlson deals with big stories, like the killing of al-Zarqawi, but he also spices the program up with plenty of humor, while he expounds upon America's crazy modern culture.
Here's an idea for MSNBC. The network recently celebrated a ratings win by "Countdown," hosted by Keith Olbermann over Paula Zahn on CNN. Olbermann formerly was a sports anchor on ESPN and, frankly, he didn't do that great of a job there either. Of course, Olbermann's ratings victory was no great achievement because Bill O'Reilly of the Fox Network's "The O'Reilly Factor" wipes the floor with CNN and MSNBC programming combined every night.
To the contrary, instead of celebrating, MSNBC should replace Olbermann with "The Situation with Tucker Carlson." Or, better yet, get rid of Olbermann altogether--so room can be made for Carlson in the 9 P.M Central Time slot. Carlson would have a better chance against Greta Van Susteren's "On the Record" (Fox) in the cable news television ratings war. Olbermann's "Countdown" is a sham. The program doesn't follow the usual conservative vs. liberal format. Instead, Olbermann features liberals spewing hate about George W. Bush, evil Republicans and the folly of the war in Iraq. Olbermann never offers conservative counter-point on his show and the "Countdown" is simply red meat for the MoveOn.org crowd and his meager ratings illustrate the point.
MSNBC may have uncovered a dusty gem in Tucker Carlson. Let's see if the network is smart enough to take advantage of "The Situation."
He of the bow tie?
Only without the good looks.
I haven't wtched Carlson's show for all the reasons given above, so if he's better I wouldn't know.
My teenage daughter said he looks like his mother dressed him. You better have a lot of other stuff going for you if you go on the air with that strike already against you.
I tend to agree. He didn't seem to have a lot up in the head or in his gut the few times I've watched him.
He's only known for his dress.
yep, bubble-gum cutey boy doesn't work unless he's a pop singer
That boy's a homo.
he's got 5 kids.
Many homos marry and have kids - look at Rahm Emanuel.
get rid of Olbermann altogether--so room can be made for Carlson in the 9 P.M Central Time slot.
BINGO
I started watching tucker's show a few times. It's not bad.
LOL!!
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