Weekend Show *Preview* for 9/2 - 9/3/06 (not the live thread)

Network and Cable News Networks | 9/1/06 | Network and Cable News

[Phsstpok]

Preview and Analysis of the Weekend Talk Shows for 9/2 and 9/3/06

It's Labor Day weekend!  The press can now concentrate (without feeling silly) on the Fall elections.  Who cares if there's actual news that might affect the future of human existence, let alone the fortunes of the United States and all Americans?  They get to report on the horse race!

Meet The Press starts off the Sunday shows in my area, so I'll talk about them first.  Lil' Timmah is back and he's got a signature MTP event - live debates.  He'll get to sit upright to ask questions of Casey and hunch over to his hearts delight when attacking asking questions of Santorum.  This is an attempt to resurrect what appears to be a failing campaign for the Democrats.  When all people knew was the name "Casey" they had good feelings, as this candidate is the son of a still "beloved" ex-governor.  But as the voters actually learned about Jr. his polls began to dive.  MTP will attempt to reintroduce their the Democrats' candidate and kick start his campaign

Face The Nation offers up a contrast of the steady, professional and honest Mitch McConnell versus the loony toons DNC chairman, Howard Dean.  Guess who Bob Schieffer will be deferential to and who he will attack?  Good guess.  The DBM sees the nutroots as "the coming thing" and Dean as their pied piper.  They even dream of gaining credibility with the Kos Kids and thereby restoring their credibility.  McConnell will stomp all over Schieffer and Dean, but Schieffer and Dean will just not notice or care.

Fox News Sunday sets up the Republican and Democrat Senatorial Campaign Committee chairs, Dole and Schumer, for a discussion of the Senate battle.  Wallace will concentrate on how bad Dole did in recruiting and the conflict on the other side that the DSCC and the equivalent Democrat Congressional Campain Committee are having with the nutroots.  And the breathless analysis will focus on the likelihood of the Republicans losing control.  It's a horse race folks!  Pay attention!

ABC This Week, has their own "horse race" story with their "on the road" segment, this time the Republican primary in Rhode Island.  They're trying to set up a "throw the bums out" approach if Chaffee loses, and a "it's about his opposition to the Iraq war" one if he wins.  Either way they hope to cast it as doom for the Republicans.  They also offer up time for Joe Biden to strike back at the mean folks in the Bush administration for daring, (daring!) to compare opposition to the war on terror to the failure to challenge fascism in the 30s.  In fact, it was so unfair of the Bush administration that ABC is giving ol' Joe free time without fear of any of his statements being challenged by anyone, because they don't have an opposing voice from the administration, and you know that Georgie won't say anything critical or challenging of a Democrat (at least not one in good standing).  Oh, they also throw in Bo Derek for eye candy and animal rights appeal.  Do you suppose she's promised to trash Bush, who she has supported, if they give her air time for her pet horse project?

CNN Late Edition offers up politics with Harold Ford Jr. as a possible Democrat pick up in the Senate (they hope) and Chris Shays as a potential Republican loss in the House (they hope), though they do probably give us Shays because he has turned on Bush over an Iraq pull out, so this could be a payoff, free face time as quid for his quo.  We'll have to see how they treat the Deputy PM from Iraq and his work to get the economy going.  I bet they only want to ask him about the latest "success" by the terrorists.  The Lanny Davis segment could get interesting, since he was a Lieberman supporter, and he's had this amazing revelation about how mean the blogs can be.  It's not clear that Matthew Dowd will be on in the same segment, but it is clear they are trying to tie Bush to Schwarzenegger in the California Governor's race.

Fox News Sunday gives us Dole vs. Schumer in the battle for the Senate.  Elizabeth Dole appears to be the designated "fall gal" if the Republicans do lose the Senate.  How much you wanna bet they don't ask Schumer anything about his call for the special prosecutor in what is now exposed as the Valerie Plame-out fraud?  And then they turn to Arlen Specter, who isn't the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, to describe the upcoming Congressional Agenda.  Huh?  Excuse me?  But all is right with the world.  Brit is back and Juan is on the panel.  Can you say "smack down?"

The Saturday shows Give us their usual warm up for the main event on Sunday.  Mort and Fred repeat their SNL routine ("Mort you ignorant slut"), this time focusing on both Labor Day issues and the Bush administrations latest counter to the incessant Bush bashing over Iraq.  Mort will give his patented imitation of the Democrat talking points, which even he doesn't believe and Fred will still be unable to counter as he stumbles over forgotten names and affiliations.  Fred, get a research assistant for names and organizations, have them write stuff down and then READ IT!!!!!  You know this stuff, you just have an awful time dredging it up on camera.  It ruins what you're trying to say.  Russert's Saturday show on CNBC is a repeat filler as he preps for the "big debate," live, on his Sunday show.  Fox News Watch continues to prove that they are totally ignoring their stated mission of critically examining the new media and instead going out of their way to defend or ignore the most outrageous fraud being pushed by the DBM.  I've written them a screed to challenge their continued malfeasance, but I doubt it will do any good (I'll post the text on this thread, as well).  And JER, as usual, provides a calm, reasoned analysis of the actual issues of the week.  And the ratings just ain't there for them.  Whose fault is that?

The web stuff was interesting this week.  ABC, NBC and CBS, of all folks, had their stuff up by Thursday.  CNN and Fox News Sunday were relatively late to the Sunday show party, but they both got their stuff posted by mid day on Friday.  CNN still doesn't have anything other than the list of guests, but I can infer the topics from that.  Any errors on that are strictly my fault, but I have little fear of where I think they're going.  Following the pattern of the last couple of weeks the Saturday shows are getting their stuff up after most of the Sunday shows do.  That may indicate the relative value the networks (Fox and NBC) put on their Saturday shows.  That's a shame.  Turn me loose on say Fox News Watch and I'll give them "must see TV" every week.

This is cross posted at my blog at Wizards.Townhall.COM. This post exists primarily as a heads up for who is on the weekend talks shows, what they've been invited on to push (based on their recent pronouncements) and the spin (meme) the DBM is likely trying to push based on that information. All of this is prep work for the weekly Sunday Morning Talk Show thread posted by Alas Babylon!. That thread provides a live commentary and analysis of the Sunday talking head shows, with rare insight and exceptional fact checking. we are the Jedi Council of FreeRepublic, at least in regards to these DBM gabfests. You wanna know what was said and what it meant, as well as where they messed up? Read that thread!

I will also post a link to Mark Kilmer's excellent preview over at RedState.COM when it is up.

I'll post a link to this Sunday's live thread here when it is up.

 

[Phsstpok]

Saturday Shows 9/2/06

Below are the topics and guests announced for these programs, along with my take on the "memes" that the shows are trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

The Beltway Boys (Mort Kondrake, Fred Barnes)

• Meme:
  • Bush speaks!  But it won't help (Mort) ... yes it will (Fred) ... na-ah (Mort) ... will too (Fred)
  • The last 12 people in the union movement have $300 billion to spend to get Democrats elected, the Republicans are doomed!!!!
• Topics:
  • The Bush administration's pushback against Iraq war critics and how Democrats are responding
  • Big Labor's doles out big bucks in the midterm. We'll look at their political clout
• Beltway Boys contact information beltway@foxnews.com
• The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6 and 11:30 p.m. ET

CNBC's Tim Russert Show (Tim Russert)

• Meme:
  • Timmah's busy prepping for the Sunday debate show, this is a repeat
  • Besides, you should be paying attention to the upcoming elections!
• Topics:
  • Baseball’s great managers,
• Guests
  • Joe Torre
  • Willie Randolph
  • Whitey Herzog
  • Lou Pinella
  • Yogi Berra.
• CNBC's Tim Russert Show airs Saturday at 7pm, 10pm & 1am ET

Fox News Watch (Eric Burns)

• Meme:
  • Pay no attention to the fraudulent reporting, we'll tell you what the media is doing right! (see my blog for my letter to this show)
• Topics:
  • The press and the John Mark Karr saga: a giant media black eye?
  • Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig freed: are risks greater than ever for journalists in war zones?
  • Katie Couric's digital diet
• The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 2:30 a.m. ET
• Fox News Watch contact information Newswatch@foxnews.com

Journal Editorial Report (Paul Gigot) - FNC show page

• Meme:
  • Actual discussion of the major event this week - what a concept?
• Topics:
  • Opinion Journal web site: Back to School
    • Iran flouts a U.N. deadline to suspend its nuclear program.
      • Will sanctions follow?
      • Can they work?
      • What are the options available to U.S. policy makers?
    • The state of American popular culture as students head back to school.
  • Fox web site:
    • Iran refuses to halt its nuclear program. How should the U.S. respond?
    • The good, the bad and the ugly in today's popular culture
• Guests
  • None listed
• Journal Editorial Report (at Fox News) contact information - jer@foxnews.com
• The program is from The Wall Street Journal and airs on FNC Saturday at 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. ET

[Phsstpok]

CBS Face The Nation (Bob Schieffer)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

• Meme:
  • It's finally the political season - will you now pay attention to what we tell you and vote the evil Republicans out?
  • It's the nutroots, who now own the Democrat Party, vs. the "old wily politicians" of the Republican Party
• Topics:
  • 2006 Midterm Elections
• Guests
  • Howard Dean
    • Chairman, Democratic National Committee
    • DNC web site | Bio
    • Howard Dean for America: Home
    • This Attack Ad Brought to You by 'Hardball' (NewsBusters - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Howard Dean Democrats and National Security (National Ledger, AZ - Aug 25, 2006)
    • Insider Howard Dean: Views NH primary as a threat (The Union Leader, NH - Aug 21, 2006)
  • Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican - Kentucky)
    • Assistant Majority Leader
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Oil and Gas: Drilling for a Compromise (BusinessWeek - Aug 30, 2006)
    • McConnell: GOP Candidates Will Distance Themselves From Fletcher (WAVE, KY - Aug 29, 2006)
    • McConnell is helping GOP candidates, winning friends (Louisville Courier-Journal, KY - Aug 27, 2006)
    • Stumbo's move sweetly executed (Kentucky.com, KY - Aug 28, 2006)
    • NEWS ANALYSIS: Senate candidates move to center (Grand Forks Herald, ND - Aug 27, 2006)
    • McConnell Offers Assessment Of Iraq War (WAVE, KY - Aug 14, 2006)
• Face The Nation contact information - ftn@cbsnews.com

[Phsstpok]

ABC This Week (George Stephanopoulos)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

• Meme:
  • It's finally the political season - will you now pay attention to what we tell you and vote the evil Republicans out?
  • The Republicans are so doomed!
  • Those mean Republicans have been mean again, actually pointing out that the Democrats might be wrong!  Horrors!
• Topics:
  • Iraq, Iran & the Global Fight on Terror:
    • Tough talk in Washington from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Vice President Cheney brought equally sharp criticism of the war in Iraq and global fight against terror.
    • On Sunday, September 3, we'll talk exclusively with Sen. Joe Biden, D-Dela., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
  • On the Trail:
    • Less than a month ago, Senator Joe Lieberman, (Democrat - Connecticut), was cast aside by his own party. Could the same be true for Republican incumbent Senator Lincoln Chafee in Rhode Island?
    • George Stephanopoulos will be on the trail this Sunday interviewing both the Senator and his strong intraparty challenger, Steve Laffey.
  • Voices segment: Bo Derek.
    • Known best for roles in "10" to "Tommy Boy", off screen the actress is an avid protector of wildlife. She's a State Department ambassador against animal trafficking and finds herself in Washington this week fighting for a bill to protect horses around the world.
• Guests
  • Senator Joe Biden (Democrat -Delaware)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Biden ends Iowa visit addressing domestic issues (WOI, IA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Political Problem in Aisle 5 -- Wal-Mart Feels Joe Biden's Heat (Post Chronicle - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Joe Biden: The Enemy is Wal-Mart (National Ledger, AZ - Aug 20, 2006)
    • Transcript: Sen. Joe Biden on 'FOX News Sunday' (FOX News - Aug 27, 2006)
    • Joe Biden: A plan for Iraq (The Union Leader, NH - Aug 26, 2006) - note: editorial by Joe Biden
    • Prayin' Joe: Biden Claims 3x in FNC Interview To Be 'Praying' (NewsBusters - Aug 27, 2006)
  • Senator Lincoln Chafee (Republican - Rhode Island)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Chafee Race Increases Risk of Republicans Losing Rhode Island (Bloomberg - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Is Lincoln Chafee the New Joe Lieberman? (Spot-On - Aug 29, 2006)
    • Media Ignore Liberal Chafee's Constitutional Gaffe After Highlighting Harris Comment (NewsBusters - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Antiwar Primaries (The Nation., NY - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Chafee-Laffey Debate Series Wrap-Up (National Review Online Blogs, NY - Aug 28, 2006)
  • challenger Steve Laffey
    • Campaign web site | Bio
    • Laffey Takes Commanding Lead in Republican US Senate Primary (RIC News and Events, RI - Aug 31, 2006)
    • RI-SEN: NRSC Spends Over $180,000 On Mail Targeting Laffey (TPMCafe, NY - Aug 29, 2006)
    • Running Against the Big Shots (TIME - Aug 19, 2006)
    • Cry to cut spending grows louder (USA Today - Aug 24, 2006)
    • Laffey takes to the streets (Providence Journal, RI - Aug 3, 2006)
    • Chafee ad criticizes Laffey as bully unfit for US Senate (Boston Globe, United States - Aug 11, 2006)
  • Roundtable:
    • David Brooks
      • The New York Times's columnist (access to archived columns requires Times Select subscription)
      • Loss of Lives (Jewish Exponent, PA - Aug 31, 2006)
      • DAVID BROOKS ON “HEZBOLLAH’S WINNING STREAK” (Political Affairs Magazine, NY - Aug 1, 2006)
      • Why David Brooks is full of crap (TPMCafe, NY - Jul 31, 2006)
      • David Brooks Dumb Enough To Believe Stuff He Reads In His Own Paper (Gawker, NY - Aug 3, 2006)
      • David Brooks Can't Use the Word "Iraq" (New York Observer, NY - Aug 11, 2006)
    • EJ Dionne
      • The Washington Post's columnist (access to archived columns at Washington Post requires registration)
      • Slowly Sidling To Iraq's Exit (Washington Post - subscription required - Aug 28, 2006)
      • EJ Dionne's 'Old Liberalism' (eTalkinghead, CA - Aug 25, 2006)
      • EJ Dionne: Wither conservatism? (Sacramento Bee,  USA - Aug 5, 2006)
      • EJ Dionne Jr.: The new anti-war majority (Sacramento Bee,  USA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • George Will
      • The Washington Post's columnist (access to archived columns at Washington Post requires registration)
      • TownHall.COM column archive (free access)
      • Show me Missouri (TownHall.COM - Aug 31, 2006)
      • George Will Misrepresents Stem Cell Work (Wired Blogs - Aug 29, 2006)
      • The gathering nuclear storm (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Aug 31, 2006)
• ABC This Week comment web page

[Phsstpok]

Fox News Sunday (Chris Wallace)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

• Meme:
  • It's finally the political season - will you now pay attention to what we tell you and vote the evil Republicans out?
  • The Republicans are so doomed!
  • Snarlin' Arlen's in charge - get out of the way of his ego, it is truly immense!
• Topics:
  • With less than 10 weeks until the November midterm elections and the Republican congressional majorities at stake, we will take a closer look at the impact of the war in Iraq and domestic issues with key Senate leaders.
  • The Bush administration unleashed a new rhetorical offensive this week to win back public support for the war on terrorism, likening the nation's current enemies to fascists and Nazis, but will it be enough to stem growing public opposition to the war effort in Iraq? With increasing indications that public displeasure with Bush administration and Republican policies may lead to a Democratic Senate takeover in November, what can the GOP do to hold on to its majority and what do Democrats have to do to maintain the momentum?
  • As legislators get set to return to work from Congressional recess this week, we will take a look at immigration and the President's federal judicial appointments, two issues that will likely top the Senate's agenda. Will the House and Senate be able to forge a compromise on immigration legislation before the November elections and what chances do the latest Bush federal court appointments have of passing through the Senate?
  • Fox News Sunday panel
    • Analysis of the Iranian decision to continue with uranium enrichment past the U.N. deadline and where U.S. Middle East policy goes from here.
  • Washington Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs, is currently readying his team for the start of the NFL season next week, but it's his second group of students that makes him our power player of the week.
• Guests
  • Senator Elizabeth Dole (Republican - North Carolina)
    • Chair, Republican Senate Campaign Committee (web site)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Elizabeth Dole Defends Senate Colleague (Washington Post, United States - Aug 24, 2006)
    • In politics, even Elizabeth Dole goes on the road to defend a rat (Capitol Hill Blue, VA - Aug 24, 2006)
    • Elizabeth Dole stumping for Corker in Morristown (WBIR-TV, TN - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Santorum seeking support from women (Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Aug 31, 2006)
    • DNC: The Silent Senator: When Will Chafee Denounce Inflammatory Ads? (U.S. Newswire (press release), DC - Aug 31, 2006)
    • US Disputes Repub Immigrant Smears (Prensa Latina, Cuba - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Republicans fail to woo top candidates (Ely Times,  USA - Sep 1, 2006)
  • Senator Chuck Schumer (Democrat - New York)
    • Chair, Democrat Senate Campaign Committee (web site)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Chuck Schumer: Ambition Trumps Loyalty to Democratic Voters (Huffington Post, NY - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Safety suffering under FAA: Chuck (New York Daily News, NY - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Net Neutrality Wins More Senators (WebProNews, KY - Sep 1, 2006)
    • When Congress reconvenes, GOP will be pushing security (San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Schumer Takes Aim At Homeland Security For Lack Of Chemical Plant Security (NY1, NY - Aug 25, 2006)
    • Harris' troubles reflect GOP recruiting woes (MSNBC - Aug 30, 2006)
  • Senator Arlen Specter (Republican - Pennsylvania)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Cornyn: Wright hearing is likely (Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - Aug 30, 2006)
    • People should be active participants in the government (Kuensel, Buhutan's National Newspaper, Bhutan - Aug 20, 2006)
    • Hayden Gets Confirmed (Agoravox, France - Aug 25, 2006)
    • Old theory, new doubt (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Aug 26, 2006)
    • As elections loom, executive-legislative battle lines emerge (Boston Globe, United States - Aug 28, 2006)
  • Joe Gibbs
    • Gibbs Loose at Welcome Home Luncheon (WarpathInsiders.com - Aug 30, 2006)
    • NASCAR: JOE GIBBS RACING: Hamlin, FedEx Racing team still chasing after sixth-place finish at Bristol (noticias.info (press release), Spain - Aug 29, 2006)
    • Forgettable month (Washington Times, DC - 12 hours ago)
  • Roundtable
    • Fox News Managing Editor Brit Hume
    • Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol
    • NPR Senior National Correspondent Juan Williams
    • New York Times Reporter Elisabeth Bumiller.
• Fox News Sunday contact information - FNS@foxnews.com

[Phsstpok]

NBC Meet The Press (Tim Russert)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

• Meme:
  • It's finally the political season - will you now pay attention to what we tell you and vote the evil Republicans out?
  • So what if all the polls show Casey crashing and burning?  We're telling you that Santorum is toast, so he's toast!
• Topics:
  • This Sunday, "Meet the Press with Tim Russert" kicks off its award-winning "Senate Debate Series" with one of the most closely watched races in the country -- the Pennsylvania Senate race. For the full show, in an exclusive, one-on-one debate, Senate Republican Conference Chair Rick Santorum (R-PA) will square off against his Democratic opponent, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Bob Casey (D). The debate will take place live, from our Washington, DC studios.
• Guests
  • Senator Rick Santorum (Republican - Pennsylvania)
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Dr. Santorum's malpractice Rx (Centre Daily Times, PA - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Santorum criticizes Casey over state legislative pay raise (The Citizen's Voice - Aug 29, 2006)
    • FEATURE: Santorum 'holy war' speech dissected (Public Radio Capitol News, PA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Santorum: Iran is 'enemy of our generation' (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Aug 29, 2006)
    • Rick Santorum Gains In Pennsylvania Race (The Moderate Voice - Aug 27, 2006)
  • State Treasurer Bob Casey (Democrat - Pennsylvania)
    • Campaign web site | Bio
    • Casey criticized for signing pay hike checks (Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Bob Casey Jr.'s marriage problem (Town Hall, DC - Aug 22, 2006)
    • Santorum & Casey both running attack ads (WPSU, PA - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Justices face tough questions in state ballot access case (Allentown Morning Call, PA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Predictions for November elections (WEBCommentary - Aug 29, 2006)
• What would you like to ask this week's guests? (web page for submitting questions for this weeks show)
• Meet the Press mailbox (web page for comments)

[Phsstpok]

CNN Late Edition (Wolf Blitzer)

Below are the topics and guests announced for this program, along with my take on the "memes" that the show is trying to push.  With each guest's name are a series of links that I found in a web search that helped me get a handle on who they are and what their likely positions will be when they are interviewed.

• Meme:
  • It's finally the political season - will you now pay attention to what we tell you and vote the evil Republicans out?
  • The Republicans are so doomed!
  • Iraq can't get their oil industry going, so why did we bother?
  • Labor Day 2006 - Even Reagan's loyal Teamsters have turned on the Republicans... they're doomed!!!!
• Topics:
  • The fall elections
  • The situation in Iraq
  • Labor Day as a time to reflect on American labor
• Guests
  • Representative Chris Shays (Republican - Connecticut)
    • Congressional web site | Bio
    • Chris Shays update (National Review Online Blogs, NY - Aug 18, 2006)
    • Chris Shays visits with jailed journalist in Sudan (WTNH, CT - Aug 27, 2006)
    • Welcome back to the GOP's scare-tactics Congress (U.S. News & World Report, DC - Sep 1, 2006)
    • COMMENTARY — Congressman Shays represents district courageously (The Stamford Times, CT - Aug 24, 2006)
    • Bush mounts new defence of Iraq war (Financial Times, UK - Sep 1, 2006)
  • Representative Harold Ford (Democrat - Tennessee)
    • Congressional web site | Bio
    • Harold Ford Jr's ad touting our "ticket to energy freedom" (WBIR-TV, TN - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Harold Ford attacks Corker over 911 Calls (WDEF, TN - Aug 24, 2006)
    • Why Harold Ford Has a Shot (TIME - Aug 6, 2006)
    • Corruption in Tennessee (The Conservative Voice, NC - Aug 29, 2006)
    • Ford trial date change could help nephew Harold (Nashville City Paper, TN - Jul 31, 2006)
  • Barham Salih
    • Iraqi deputy prime minister
    • In Iraq, reconciling justice with war (NewsBlaze, CA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Iraq resolves oil sharing issue, says deputy PM (KurdishMedia, UK - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Iraq turning focus to economic rebuilding (Iraq Development Program, UK - Sep 1, 2006)
    • Government Struggles To Revive Oil Infrastructure (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, Czech Republic - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Iraq wrestles with oil law, eyes new Basra port (Reuters India, India - Aug 27, 2006)
  • Elaine Chao
    • Secretary of Labor
    • Department of Labor web site | Bio
    • Profile: Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao (ABC News - Aug 7, 2006)
    • Celebrate American Labor, Not Unions (FrontPage magazine.com, CA - Aug 30, 2006)
    • Labor Day 2006 - A Need For Greater Worker Proficiency (Accuracy In Media, DC - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Visit from the boss (NorthJersey.com, NJ - Aug 29, 2006)
  • James P. Hoffa
    • President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
    • Teamsters web site | Bio
    • Hoffa backs control of nation's borders (Washington Times, DC - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Hoffa Chooses to Skip Teamsters Election Debate (New York Times, United States - Aug 27, 2006)
    • Labor union coalition endorses governor in Michigan election (Lansing State Journal, MI - Aug 22, 2006)
    • Clinton rallies Michigan Democrats (South Bend Tribune, IN - Aug 16, 2006)
    • Half-Trillion Dollar Trade Deficit Fuels Joblessness (AFL-CIO, D.C. - Aug 7, 2006)
  • Lanny Davis
    • Former Clinton special counsel
    • Bio (from his law firm web site)
    • Author, "Scandal: How "Gotcha" Politics Is Destroying America"
    • Lanny Davis: Mugged by Reality (Town Hall, DC - Aug 8, 2006)
    • Davis Doesn't Fly (National Review Online Blogs, NY - Aug 8, 2006)
    • Lanny, Joe & The Right-Wing Religious Hate Machine (Huffington Post, NY - Aug 8, 2006)
    • An Epiphany About Hate (Harrisonburg Daily News Record, VA - Aug 9, 2006)
    • What are you sayin', Taliban Democrats? (Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - Aug 13, 2006)
  • Matthew Dowd
    • Chief campaign strategist, Bush-Cheney 2004
    • Background (Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau)
    • Author, "Applebee's America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community"
    • Poll: Schwarzenegger still ahead by 13 points (San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 31, 2006)
    • Cable outlets attract election-campaign dollars (Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Aug 28, 2006)
    • Trying to keep his distance (San Diego Union Tribune, United States - Aug 3, 2006)
• CNN Late Edition (web page for comments)

[Phsstpok]

Ping

The Weekend Preview Thread is up

If you would like on or off my ping list please Freepmail me

See the initial post for my "usual witty commentary"

The big deal this week is that it's officially campaign season, so pay attention to the talking heads!  They know what you should think and how you should vote, if only you'll listen to them.

And, notice, not one word about the Wilson / Plame-out fraud from the DBM.

[Bahbah]

Phsstpok!!!! Good evening. I see my homework has arrived. I hope you are doing well.

[A.Hun]

Thanks Phsstpok. Lots of great info!

[Phsstpok]

I'll know tomorrow. I see my surgeon at 9. I expect (actually I hope) that we will schedule the transplant then. It's not something I want to do, but it is something I feel I need to do, so I want to get it over with so that I can get back to my life. I had about 6 months taken out of my life to fully deal with the last transplant four years ago (which is better than the previous ones in 1990 and 1980). I had a month early this year dealing with cataract surgery and now this. I wanna get this over with so I can get on with the rest of my life.

Now that I've vented... how are you? <g>

[Txsleuth]

Hi friend!!!

How are you doing??? I worry every week when I see you put up your thread..that you have done serious harm to your eyesight.

BUT, that doesn't stop me from LOVING your thread..thank you once again for all you do.

[Bahbah]

You go right ahead and vent. I'm just fine.

[Txsleuth]

Well, my goodness, they have only had a WEEK to get guests all lined up to discuss how the DEMS trap that they set up to catch Rove BLEW UP in their faces, what do you expect??


BTW...Fox finally got around to talking about it for ONE of their panel segments tonight...sigh

[Phsstpok]

Thank you kindly, and especially for the kind words on the Mark Levin thread. I ain't one to blush but....

As I said to Bahbah, I'll know more about my immediate prospects come tomorrow's meeting with my surgeon. I took today off from work, so I was able to put this together in little bits and pieces. In fact, thanks to the major networks in the DBM I was actually able to start on Thursday! Could it be that we're having an effect on their web posting habits?

Notice the post time on the Townhall blog (before noon Central time) versus the post time on the thread. I took out my lens and took a good rest before posting the thread.

I'm being good... really.

Again, thank you for the kind words and the concern. Your participating here means a lot to me.

[Txsleuth]

Well...you rest, and please let us know what happens with the doctor tomorrow.

I am not talented enough to post a thread like yours...but, I can spread the link to your thread at my little pitstops around FR!! LOL

[Morgan in Denver]

I've seen bad lineups on FNS before but this one seems worse than any of them. I'll probably still watch but I'm prepared to be bored for an hour. Heck, maybe I'll go watch the grass grow instead......

[old_sage_says]

If you watch Timmy Boy Russert's show on CNBC, be sure to watch and listen to the story Whitey Herzog tells on Yogi and the streaker. You will laugh. So funny.

[Txsleuth]

BTTT

[rodguy911]

Great stuff phsstpok looks like a little better lineup this week than last, although stil a lot of the same ol faces.
I wonder if anyone will bring up that we have all but caught up to the rats for the up coming election,within 2 points of the like ability factor now, I doubt it! Also another really neat factoid, I heard, on Rush i believe, murhtha is now beatable! Trouble is the msm will not do any polls up there what a surprise!!

One last one, Rush obviously is picking and choosing big time off FR! I heard numerous references last week on one of his best weeks ever. Same with Ingraham, she almost direct quoted us, and I am sure the other do as well.

[rodguy911]

Everyone on FR is pulling for you phsstpok, with encouragement like that everything has to go well.

[rodguy911]

Heck...maybe I'll go watch the grass grow instead....

Don't you dare! We need you back on the thread, you've been goofing off to much anyway!LOL

[Phsstpok]

This is the letter that I sent to Fox News Watch on Friday, 9/1/06

---

A profession in crisis

May I suggest that you are fiddling while your profession burns down around you?  This week you feature yet more discussion of the Mark Karr non-story, while ignoring the continuation of massive fraud in coverage of Katrina, on display this last week for the anniversary.  Why no critical commentary on the performance art we witnessed then?  Will you, for once, examine the litany of false reports put out by the old media sources, particularly the hysteric reporting of Shepard Smith and Anderson Cooper?

I have a challenge for you.  Provide me one month and access to all of the material broadcast by Fox during and after Katrina.  Allow me to assemble a critique of that coverage and an examination of the claims made.  Do you think Smith would come out such a review with an intact reputation?  Do you think your role as commentators on news coverage would survive?

The hundreds of dead bodies in the Super Dome, the roving rape gangs, the snipers shooting at rescuers and, worst of all, the mantra of “the failure of the Federal Government to respond.”  What do you call over 9,000 people rescued by the Coast Guard?  That’s not a local agency.  And it took 3 days to get material into New Orleans because the roads were damaged such that trying to move a loaded 18 wheeler over them would have been insane.  Your profession broadcast and printed the wildest false rumors without bothering to check or even review them for plausibility, the more sensational the better. And you did it because it could be made to fit the preconceived notions of the uncaring and evil Bush administration inflicting harm on the poor and minorities in a Democrat stronghold.

The levees failed.  That is a problem that took a century to develop and it is largely due to local graft and incompetence.  Millions of dollars have been diverted from levee maintenance, a local responsibility of the multiple interlocking levee boards.  It lined plenty a corrupt politicians pocket (dare I say Dixiecrat politicians?) and was diverted to pet projects, like casinos.  Yet your colleagues continue to ride the same false narrative that “it’s all Bush’s fault™.”

Rathergate and the current fauxtography scandals (including Katie’s miracle diet) are only the tip of the iceberg that has managed to break through and give a hint of the utter corruption and incompetence of reporters editors and producers worldwide.  The fraudulent stories being spoon fed to Reuters in the Middle East and published without even minimal critical examination are the most upfront examples of how reporters operate today, repeating what favored sources dictate to them, so long as it forwards their leftist, particularly anti-American and anti-Israeli, agendas.

And we come to your second topic, the kidnapped Fox journalists.  Your listed topic is “are risks greater than ever?”  You mean are the risks to reporters greater.  You should be asking instead about the risks to the honest communication of the truth.  Steve Centanni has been emphasizing how sympathetic he is to the Palestinian cause and how their message deserves to be heard.  By definition he is not a reporter but an advocate for one side, the murderous terrorist's side, and should never be allowed to cover that region again.  Your counterparts at CNN admitted that they covered up Sadam’s crimes that they knew about so that they could keep their bureau open in Baghdad.  Why?  What value did it serve except as a propaganda outlet for a mass murderer?  And what did Fox or the other news agencies agree to do or to not report on this time?

Your job is to report on events, who, what, when, where, why and how.  If you can’t do that because of fear then you should say so and leave the area.  If you won’t do that and instead substitute politically biased diatribes and outright fakery, then your “profession” has already died.

[Morgan in Denver]

Good morning and happy Labor Day weekend! Did you survive Ernesto? (Probably no fishing today, huh.)

I heard from a Democrat this morning. They still believe Wilson was right about President Bush, Rove and Cheney. These people are delusional at best and crazy at worst. Because they would do all the things they say Republicans do, they have talked themselves into wild conspiracy theories that make no sense but fit in their heads as true.

Meanwhile, David Corn is trying to keep his butt out of the fire, from all his wild accusations, and the Democrats are hanging on to his every word hoping for more excuses to justify their behavior.

We may still here about the Wilson fiasco on FNS this weekend but don't expect any apology, regret or contrition coming from the left. 

[rodguy911]

I couldn't believe the Wash post actually sold out one of their lib rat buddys but it happened.
Here is one I am hoping we can bring up tomorrow. Rush briefly touched on it yesterday. This topic could have enough in it to eventually help sway an election, we will see.
You will find it here.:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1694196

[rodguy911]

try this;

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1694196/posts

[rodguy911]

thats better.

[Morgan in Denver]

I heard a little of Rush's comments too. It will be interesting to see if this is touched on by any network or pundit. Probably not.

All I can say is all this needs to be talked about and used to further expose the duplicity Democrats are guilty of. Most voters don't like being hoodwinked over things like this.

[rodguy911]

Absolutely correct, we will kick some serious butt tomorrow!

[Txsleuth]

Great letter...hopefully they read it ...but I doubt it.

[Phsstpok]

Mark Kilmer has posted his Sunday show preview at RedState.COM

Posted at 3:49pm on Sep. 2, 2006

The Sunday Morning Talk Shows - lineup

MTP, FNS, FTN, TW, LE

By Mark Kilmer

For Sunday, September 3, 2006

Meet the Press (NBC): Host Tim Russert hosts a faux-debate between Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and his Dem opponent, Treasurer Bobby Casey, Junior. If you get a chance to listen in, don't expect much from Junior. He won't say anything other than what he has memorized, so expect Russert to keep it on script. If you ever feel like slapping Junior, don't feel bad; it's completely natural.

FOX News Sunday (FNS): Host Chris Wallace talks to the chiefs of the parties' Senate campaign committee: Chuckie Schumer and Liddy Dole. (I suspect Wallace will ask her why the heavy effort for Linc versus Laffey. If she says it is to keep Republicans in the majority, she ought to be asked why she didn't recruit someone competent to run against Bill Nelson down in Florida.) Then he'll talk to Snarlin' Arlen about the "Congressional agenda."

Face the Nation (CBS): Host Bob Schieffer talks to Howard Dean and Mitch McConnell. Since Dean refuses to appear with Ken Mehlman, there's no way he will appear at the same time as Mitch.

This Week (ABC): Host George Stephanopoulos has Joe Biden on to talk about "Rumsfeld [and] Cheney," two surnames.

Late Edition (CNN): Host Wolf Blitzer chats with Chris Shays and Marty Meehan (who were the House of Representatives McCain and Feingold, though I doubt Wolf wants to chat about campaign finance harrassment); Iraqi deput Prime Minister Barham Salih; uber-Dem Lanny Davis; Labor Secretary Elaine Chao; GOP strategist Matthew Dowd; some Iranian dude; and Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa (another Junior).
----- <snip>

(Phsstpok) has his preview of the shows live at Free Republic. He asks: "And, notice, not one word about the Wilson / Plame-out fraud from the DBM."

Read More »

He provides some additional brief analysis of the shows and guests as well, which I have snipped, so that folks will go to RedState to read it.  I'm a member there too and I don't want to lift his work entirely.  Follow the Read More link to catch his comments. They're worth it.  Plus, if you go to the link you get to see my real name (it's pronounced "like a ringing bell," according to my first ancestor in this country, Ninian, from the 1600s), which I have replaced above with my FR screen name.  I'm not trying to hide behind a "secret identity.  I just don't want to confuse folks unnecessarily (like I normally do). <g>

[Phsstpok]

OK, here's the skinny on my visit to the doctor today.

I get to choose when I feel I have to have the surgery. No pressure. No, none at all...

He wants to put of surgery off for generic reasons, not anything specific to do with me. There is always the chance that it could end up worse or I could lose the eye, so as long as I can put up with it he wants me to wait.

In the meantime he's prescribing a new pair of glasses specifically intended to help me work at my computer screen. That's really the biggest problem I'm having right now. I start my day at work at 7 and by midday I'm not able to focus anymore. He thinks he can improve that with another pair of glasses. He's also decided that I need to start wearing a contact lens on the left eye (I haven't since the cataract surgery in May) so we'll start that process after he gets back from his trip. I'll then get yet another pair of glasses for working on the computer when I'm wearing the contact lens. We're color coding the frames so I'll have a prayer of figuring out which one is which.

I'll give the new glasses a try and see how much they help. Hopefully they will let me put off the surgery for a few months at least. If it's not better I'll schedule the surgery for October or so. Of course, that will interfere with my twice yearly trip to my company's major PC supplier where they wine and dine me and reveal all of their future plans, plus a likely trip up to Chicago for a mobile conference which will let me see my daughter in her new dorm at her college, so make that November... no wait, that puts my recuperation period into the holidays... is that good or bad?

Life is so complicated.....

[Txsleuth]

Well....it sounds like you have a very hard decision to make...but, I am glad the surgeon is giving you choices...rather than rushing you into another surgery.

Phsst..I wish I could say/do anything to help you. It is very hard for the people that care about you to feel so helpless...BUT, I appreciate you sharing his with us.

It is a good reminder for me...when I start feeling sorry for myself for much, much less than what you are going through..and you DON'T wallow in self pity...you work harder.

I know if it were MY decision, I would never want to turn down a change to be wined and dined...and to schmooze and hear gossip....

Besides, Santa Claus can find you wherever you are..and recuperating then, might be a good time...it will be slower in politics and such..hopefully, there won't be any national catastrophe...so, if you need to sit out the weekend preview a few weeks..you won't be missing anything that important.

Just my opinion, re: what I would do....don't mind if you take it or leave it....just recycle what you don't use..

[Phsstpok]

Oooooo!!!!

it's about halfway through Beltway Boys on Fox and they've just said they'll be talking about Armitage!!!!!!

Their tease is "Who is this man and why isn't he making headlines?"

[Bahbah]

I was listening. The most astounding thing to me...Kondracke said that Fitzgerald told Armitage to keep his information to himself. It is my opinion that his career should be ruined. He should be fired immediately.

[Bahbah]

What sleuth said (when you can't improve on something, adopt it without shame).

[Phsstpok]

There's a problem with Kondrake's statement. Armitage apparently was told to "keep quiet" by "the prosecutor," but when Armitage came forward to his bosses and the Stete Department told the Justice department that they had information about the person who originally talked to the press Fitzgerald wasn't yet appointed. Was it Fitzgerald who told Armitage to "keep quiet?" If so that would have been several months down the road to the debacle that is Fitzmas.

Let's assume that it was Fitzgerald who told him not to talk. That means he left the Bush administration in the dark, despite his oath of office, without any injunction from the prosecutor, for several months. And Colin Powell reported directly to the President and knew the truth and didn't say anything during all that time.

I think we know why Colin wasn't invited back.

[Phsstpok]

Oh my goodness!

I agree with Neal Gabler!!!!!!

He just raised the question I've been asking and the one I explicitly raised in my email to Fox News Watch. Not only are the journalists in danger but their journalistic integrity is in danger! He invoked the "Stockholm syndrome" and stated flatly that that wasn't good.

Seen any flying pigs lately?

[Txsleuth]

LOL..you are a very nice person.

[Bahbah]

I think we know why Colin wasn't invited back.

Nor should he have been. I think it's pretty clear that Armitage and Powell (whose reputation should be in the commode)were content to let the President and other completely innocent people in the Administration twist in the wind for years. That was a horrible, inexcusable thing to do. And I'm rethinking Mort's statement in light of your comments. As I have said in previous discussions, I don't think that a prosecuter has an enforceable power to tell someone not to talk. A judge would, but would be unlikely to impose a selective gag order outside of a national security issue. But assume for a moment that Fitz actually did something like that, how does it look in light of his complaint that Libby was "throwing sand" in the eyes of the investigators. Oh what a tangled web we weave....

[Txsleuth]

Okay....I think I may have to rethink starting the Phsstpok fan club...anyone agreeing with Neal is suspect...LOL

BTW..Since I know you saw the show...did you hear the ditzy Jane Hall say that the media probably went to the Gaza to report, thinking it would be SAFE???

Riiiight...it had only been the site of fighting for YEARS, but journalists beg to go there because they are safer there...sheesh, Jane..get a clue.


Also...they were attempting to make the JonBenet subject the "most embarrassing moment for the media"...but, then went the WHOLE show without once even mentioning the disclosure that PLAMEGATE is more like Rathergate than anyone even knew...AND, the major newspapers, and CNN and MSBNC have had whole shows that have obsessed about that case for 3 YEARS!

They also needed to point out that all last week, while the media was predicting that Ernesto was going to wipe out Houston, then New Orleans, then the panhandle of Florida..and instead it ended up RAINING on the East Coast..

BAJA California and the west coast of Mexico was getting the Sht beat out of it by Hurricane John..and NO ONE NOTICED until it was too late do get reporters there...LOL

[Morgan in Denver]

Phsstpok, the reality is the left does not care or believe they were wrong. They remain delusional. Here's an email response I got from an activist Democrat on this very issue.

---

I don't think Wilson's jumping to conclusions is all that outrageous.
There were many meetings in the White House to figure out a way to discredit Wilson, I think any paranoia on his part is well deserved.

Truth and best for the country????
Armitage did admit the outing of Plame to the State department days after it happened. Why did this administration keep that a secret and have us go through all the mess and expense of an investigation? Was it so they could come out just before the election and show that the White House staff was innocent and wrongly tried by gossip?

Armitage is a Republican and he has always been a Republican patriot, worked with presidents and other high figures forever. Why would you ever say he was anti-US though? Guess it depends on what you mean by US.

Of course I was ready to see Rove dragged through an overflowing Iraqi morgue for his part in it(which we'll probably never know).

Why wouldn't the Democrats ignore this - it turned out to be a non-story.
Why would Republicans bring it up - they are the ones that kept it a secret for 3 years.

Either way Bush said he'd fire whoever did it. Maybe that's why he kept the secret - he didn't want to fire the number 2 guy at the State Department.

Oh, by the way, what was it that Wilson lied about?

[Txsleuth]

Was the person that sent you that e-mail a friend??

Friends don't let friends drink and post....LOL

[Morgan in Denver]

Yes, the person is a friend. He got involved in politics from being a dopey environmentalist whacko, and he's gone downhill from there. A number of us worked together for a company that is now kaput so the friendships developed long before politics ever became an issue. We have a full spectrum of political thought represented, from a RINO to a pro-war Democrat to a Libertarian. It does make for interesting discussions.

2000 was the first time he had gotten involved, and he was 'shocked' that Al Gore lost since the press kept saying Al would win. The he lost it when Kerry lost since they all expected a big win. No idea how he's going to handle losing this year and worse again in 2008. Typically, he has convinced himself that the majority of the country thinks the way he does and he does not handle rejection very well.

[Peach]

It sounds like you're handling this all very well, Phsstpok. You've had lots of practice, I guess, but your choices aren't terribly appealing, are they?

I hope the new glasses work so you can put off the surgery for at least a few months. Being home recuperating around Christmas in the cold weather might be the best bet.

Hugs,
Peach

[maica]

I agreed with Neal Gabler yesterday also on one of the topics. Had to give my brain a quick scan to see if anything was seriously wrong up there.

[maica]

BAJA California and the west coast of Mexico was getting the Sht beat out of it by Hurricane John..and NO ONE NOTICED until it was too late do get reporters there...LOL

*****

Early in the week I saw a weatherbabe standing "in front of" a weather map that showed both huge red/yellow swirling circles. She went on and on about the looming havoc of Ernesto and never even mentioned John! If that wasn't an example of newsroom tunnelvision, I don't know what is.

[maica]

***political thought***

Your friend's email does not represent thought.

[Morgan in Denver]

Yeah, I agree. That's part of the problem, these people really don't think rationally.