LA Times Critic: Geraldo Rivera at Katrina Was Like a "Vulture on Crystal Meth"

Newsbusters.org ^ | 18 September 2005 | Dave Pierre

[infoguy]

Los Angeles Times' media critic Tim Rutten has long had a somewhat troubled relationship with reality (for just a few examples, see here, here, and here). He also has never been shy about letting his liberal political views get in the way of doing what he actually should be doing: Analyzing the media in a fair and objective way.

However, his liberal slams on conservative media reached a new low in his weekly column, "It's hard to feel bad for Geraldo" (Sat. Sept. 17, 2005) (reg. req'd), which begins as follows (emphasis mine):

"IT would be comforting to believe that Geraldo Rivera is inexplicable.

"Sadly, when we consider Rupert Murdoch's ceaseless schemes for global domination and the venal blood lust that pulses through Fox News, Geraldo is easy to explain — which makes him simply inexcusable.

"Seeing him descend bright-eyed and sweaty on wretched New Orleans, as he did in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, was like watching a vulture on crystal meth. The word that came to mind was not 'reporting,' but 'feeding.'"

"Ceaseless schemes for global domination"? "Venal blood lust"? Vultures on crystal meth? Is Rutten talking about a television network or a murderous, communist dictatorship?

And that was just the beginning of the article!

Rutten's article then relays Geraldo's ongoing battle with the New York Times surrounding critic Alessandra Stanley's apparently false claim that Rivera "nudged" a rescue worker in order to capture video footage. Rutten's conclusion? Well, Geraldo has had a couple troublesome episodes with reporting in his own history, so he basically deserves Stanley's smear. Nice, eh? Then, in a laughable example of hypocrisy, Rutten lectures his readers on the utmost importance of "a critic's credibility." Puh-leeze.

It's nearly impossible to imagine Rutten taking such a cynical and mean-spirited approach towards CNN or any other news network. (For example, can you imagine?: "Sadly, when we consider Ted Turner's ceaseless schemes for global domination and the venal blood lust that pulses through CNN, Anderson Cooper is easy to explain — [it] was like watching a vulture on crystal meth." Uh-uh. It would never happen.)

[Translates]

Well...I'm still having a hard time forgiving Geraldo for what he did in Iraq in 2003 when he drew that map in the sand showing the plans and location of the 101st. My cousin's only son was with the 101st at the time that happened. I'm surprised Geraldo made it out in one piece after that.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/31/sprj.irq.rivera/
(sorry it's a CNN clip)

[SpringheelJack]

You mean there are Freepers that actually like Geraldo?

I'm in shock too.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Geraldo is a media whore... he would be bashing Bush on CNN if they paid him one penny more than FOX. He gladly assumed Monica's position in 1998.

[Capt_Hank]

Also in shock, to think that anyone on this forum, would have anything nice to say about, Geraldo "The Fake". Instant channel change when they even mention he is coming up.

[carton253]

I like him... I know what he is... but I like him.

[solitas]

Like Greta Van Sustren...
you mean: Gerta Von Scientologist.

[solitas]

We have had to be our own reporters throughout this disaster to find out the facts.

"FauxNews: we report; you decide [that you can't believe half of what we dramatize]."

[montag813]

Sadly, when we consider Rupert Murdoch's ceaseless schemes for global domination and the venal blood lust that pulses through Fox News

Pretty funny stuff when you consider how Murdouch is now backing Hillary Clinton for PResident.

[eeriegeno]

Whoraldo's histrionics, pretending to be knocked down by the wind during prior hurricanes, opening Al Capone's safe, and that Egyptian tomb thing: Why, FoxNews? WHY? He has never quite succeeded in making me forget his being akin to Jerry Springer.

None of the MSM, including Fox News, has learned that we want the straight skinny, without the biases and without the hype. Unfortunately, FOX has still not learned that! While I view their channel as the least biased, I do NOT consider it free from hype. Quite apparently, FOX thinks that if Jerry Rivers and Mr Smith cry while reporting details about a storm that I will be more likely to continue to watch their coverage! WRONG!!!!!

All of the MSM, including FOX, was guilty IMHO of hyping the New Orleans flooding but horribly failed to report the facts as they were happening. Why did the governor refuse to allow relief and rescue workers to enter the scene? Why did the mayor not cart off all carcasses prior to the flooding? Remember the unused busses? Why was the emergency evacuation plan not adhered to? Why did a large number of people stay in the city? Why was there looting? Why did the New Orleans cops participate in that looting? Are those same cops still on the payroll after they were found looting a Walmart? These are the things that both criers should be reporting, not the hype to make me want to watch their network!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pop Fly]

Obviously Geraldo loves the limelight, but you can't question the mans absolute passion for the news, when I watch him on Fox, I always love knowing that the man is dedicated to the hunt for news and seems to have fun doing so.

[N. Theknow]

Coming up on the next Geraldo: Huey Long's vaults.

[yankeedoodledandy]

Geraldo earned a lot of my respect with his tour in New Orleans. It was an especially emotional time for everyone, and he really portrayed that in his reports.

[nutmeg]

FoxFan ping! (sorry if this was pinged to you twice... slow computer/slow FR problems)

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my FoxFan list. *Warning: This can be a high-volume ping list at times.

[freeperfromnj]

At least Geraldo got over it. Anderson Cooper is still down there milking it. He just can't seem to let go and move on with the recovery process.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!