Replies

Show by Show Preview

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.

Saturday Shows For July 21, 2007

The Beltway Boys (Mort Kondrake, Fred Barnes)

Meme:
- Why can't more republicans be reasonable and just agree to surrender now?
- Edwards wife is serious, but Fred's wife is hot!
Topics:
- What can be expected after Senate recess with they vote on Iraq troop funding bill?
- The political punch of politicians' spouses
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:
- The conservative's days in the power are over, so sayeth us all.
- Do you suppose Russert's perjury in the Libby trial will come up?
Topics:
- Tim talks to about his new book, "The Prince of Darkness -- 50 Years of Reporting in Washington"
Guests
- Robert Novak
  - Author, The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington
CNBC's Tim Russert Show airs Saturday at 7pm, 10pm & 1am ET

Fox News Watch (Eric Burns)

Meme:
- Isn't it amazing that there's not one word about the National Reviews Scott Thomas faux news?
- ESPN? ESP F'n N!????? This carnival of inanities has reached it's nadir with this program.
Topics:
- The media's take on a bad report about Al Qaeda
- Senator and Mrs. Vitter issue their own report about the media
- Is ESPN fair and balanced?
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:
- And now for a serious look at that NIE thingie
- Creeping instrumentalism, the tao of the liberal
Topics:
- Opinion Journal web page: Our Friends the Pakistanis
  - The problem with Pakistan: What the new national intelligence estimate says about this ally in the war on terror, and the changing al Qaeda threat.
- Fox News Channel web page
  - Should the U.S. continue to back the embattled Pakistani president?
  - Are Democrats in Congress slowly but surely creating a government-run health care system... all on the taxpayer's dime?
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 11 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. ET

NBC Meet The Press (Tim Russert)

Meme:
- The new NIE is here! The new NIE is here! And guess what? Al Qaeda wants to attack us!
- Why can't more republicans be reasonable and just agree to surrender now?
Topics:
- In his first television interview the new Director of National Intelligence discusses
  - Terrorism & the National Intelligence Estimate.
    - What is the state of our intelligence gathering?
    - Now that nearly six years have passed since the 9/11 attacks, how safe are we?
    - Are we any closer to capturing Osama Bin Laden?
- The surrender now chorus:
  - The debate over the Iraq war reached a fever pitch on Capitol Hill with an all-night session and a Democratic proposal to withdraw U.S. troops.
  - This Sunday we will be joined in studio by the first Senator to propose a specific withdrawal date
- Roundtable:
  - Insights and analysis on the Bush-Cheney administration and the Iraq war
Guests
- Mike McConnell
  - Director of National Intelligence | Bio (Wikipedia)
  - Vice Admiral , USN Ret
  - NSA: Meet the Next Spy Chief (Newsweek - Jan 4, 2007)
  - US facing heightened terror threat (CBS 47, CA - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Report: Al Qaeda may use Iraq (CNN International - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Al Qaeda's Comeback (CBS News, NY - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Intelligence report cites Al Qaeda threat (Los Angeles Times, CA - Jul 17, 2007)
  - DNI rolls out joint duty program (FCW.com, VA - Jun 27, 2007)
  - Inquiry of CIA agents is sought (Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - Jul 21, 2007)
  - Spy chief scraps stealth satellite program (MSNBC - Jun 21, 2007)
  - Head Spook Kills Off Lame Spy Sat (Wired News - Jun 22, 2007)
- Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat - Wisconsin
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Senate Foreign Relations Committee member
  - Senate Intelligence Committee member
  - Senate Judiciary Committee member
  - Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On the July 17th National Intelligence Estimate (Common Dreams (press release), ME - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Sen. Feingold calls surge 'one of the worst band-aids I've ever seen' (Raw Story, MA - Jul 10, 2007)
  - Iraq debate placing more and more pressure on president (West Central Tribune, MN - Jul 12, 2007)
  - US Senate Democrats Plan Around-the-Clock Debate on Iraq (Chosun Ilbo, South Korea - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Stewart: Filibuster snoozers feared Sen. Ted 'Freddy Krueger' Stevens (Raw Story, MA - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Court kills key parts of Feingold law (The Capital Times, WI - Jun 25, 2007)
  - Feingold disappointed with the Supreme Court ruling in ads case (Herald Times Reporter, WI - Jun 26, 2007)
  - Don't Count Russ Feingold Out Yet (CBS News, NY - Jul 20, 2007)
  - The Question of Impeachment (Daily Kos via Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Cracking the Whip, Breaking the Democrats (Pacific Free Press, Canada - Jul 18, 2007)
- Roundtable:
  - David Brooks
    - New York Times Columnist
    - David Brooks: ‘I’m so confused’ about what to do in Iraq. (Think Progress, DC - Jul 21, 2007)
    - David Brooks: Ending war in Iraq could take awhile (Post-Bulletin, MN - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Bob Woodward
    - Assistant Managing Editor, Washington Post
    - Author, "State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III"
    - CIA Said Instability Seemed 'Irreversible' (Washington Post - Jul 11, 2007)
    - Switching off the Iraq war is not an American option (Daily Star, Lebanon - Jul 20, 2007)
    - This Just In: The CIA? Fallible. (Commentary, NY - Jul 13, 2007)
  - Stephen Hayes
    - Senior Writer, The Weekly Standard
    - Author of "Cheney: The Untold Story of America's Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President."
    - Cheney speaks (Power Line, MN - Jul 14, 2007)
    - American Enigma (Washington Post - Jul 14, 2007)
    - Saddam's Terror Training Camps (The Weekly Standard - Jan 16, 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)

CBS Face The Nation (Bob Schieffer)

Meme:
- The new NIE is here! The new NIE is here! And guess what? Al Qaeda wants to attack us!
- Why can't more republicans be reasonable, like Olympia Snowe, and just agree to surrender now?
Topics:
- The Iraq War and Terrorism
Guests
- Senator Harry Reid, Democrat - Nevada
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Senate Majority Leader
  - Sleeping with Harry Reid (National Review Online, NY - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Harry Reid living and dying by Senate rules. (Town Hall, DC - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Iraq: Reid's Political Opportunism Is Showing (GOPUSA, TX - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Harry Reid Ripped as Rude by Arlen Specter (National Ledger, AZ - Jul 19, 2007)
  - 'Slumber party' draws yawns (Washington Times - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Up All Night (Slate - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Time won't solve anything (Al-Ahram Weekly, Egypt - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Reid Not Helping Our Troops in Iraq (Wheeling News Register, WV - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Next Liberal Target? General David Petraeus (KXMC, ND - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Reid Pulls Defense Authorization Bill Off The Floor, Vows To Return To Iraq Redeployment Legislation (Think Progress, DC - Jul 18, 2007)
  - A wake up call... If you don't think games are being played, you're naive (Reno Gazette Journal, NV - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Senator Reid "Incredibly Disappointed" At State's Decision To Lift Cease And Desist Order On Yucca (All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jul 18, 2007)
- Senator Olympia Snowe, Republican - Maine
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Senate Select Committee on Intelligence member
  - NEMITZ: Collins must be clear on war stance (MaineToday.com, ME - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Snowe Embraces Troop Withdrawal Bill (Forbes, NY - Jul 11, 2007)
  - Snowe now right on Iraq (The Capital Times, WI - Jul 16, 2007)
  - Democrats Stage All-Night Debate (TIME - Jul 18, 2007)
  - US Senate Debates Plan to Withdraw Troops from Iraq in Marathon Session (Voice of America - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Prospects Dim For Kids Health Bill (CBS News, NY - Jul 20, 2007)
Face The Nation contact information - ftn@cbsnews.com

Fox News Sunday (Chris Wallace)

Meme:
- The new NIE is here! The new NIE is here! And guess what? Al Qaeda wants to attack us!
- Why can't more republicans be reasonable and just agree to surrender now?
Topics:
- This weeks National Intelligence Estimate
  - A resurgent Al Qaeda is rebuilding its capacity power in Pakistan
  - Al Qaeda intent on striking within the U.S. Nearly six years into the war on terror
  - How serious is the new threat and has the effort thus far been successful?
  - We’ll ask one of the president’s top advisers on homeland security and counter-terrorism
- The perspective from Congress - What is the state of the war on terrorism?
  - Is the war in Iraq a distraction or the central front in that fight?
  - What is the Senate’s next move on Iraq after spending all day and all night debating a possible troop withdrawal issue this week?
  - Military leaders are asking for more time.
  - Democrats say their clock has hit midnight.
  - A "fair and balanced" debate with two key Senators from the Select Committee on Intelligence
- Fox News Sunday panel
  - The 2008 presidential race heats up
    - The Clintons and the Edwards getting in a tussle this week
    - Rudy Giuliani criticizing President Bush
- Power Player Of The Week:
  - He's done very well for himself and is now trying to use his money to help everyone else
- Fox News essay: Coming up on Fox News Sunday
Guests
- Frances Townsend
  - Assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism | Bio (White House)
  - White House Press Briefing by White House Homeland Security Advisor Fran Townsend (All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Osama on the US Payroll? So Says The Stephanie Miller Show (NewsBusters - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Homeland security adviser says US faces a 'persistent terrorist enemy' (WIS, SC - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Why Do Some Democrats Seem Conflicted Over Fighting Al Qaeda? (FOX News - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Homeland, anyone? (DemocracyArsenal.org, NY - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Absurd Terrorism Theories Invade the Homeland (Center for Research on Globalization, Canada - Jul 20, 2007)
  - US: Pakistan will attack militants (USA Today - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Washington Steps Up Pressure on Islamabad (Voice of America - Jul 18, 2007)
- Senator Kit Bond, Republican - Missouri
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Crankytown: Kit Bond (Pitch Weekly, MO - Jul 13, 2007)
  - Bond criticizes early US strategy in Iraq (Joplin Globe, MO - Jul 11, 2007)
  - Bond Critical of Administration's Post-War Policy in Iraq (Missourinet.com, MO - Jul 11, 2007)
  - Losing Faith? (Columbia Daily Tribune, MO - Jul 12, 2007)
  - All-nighter ties up region's US senators (St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jul 18, 2007)
  - McCaskill, Bond split votes on bill ordering troop withdrawal from Iraq (News-Leader.com, MO - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Bond, McCaskill vote to block immigration bill (News-Leader.com, MO - Jun 28, 2007)
  - » Bond, McCaskill slam energy bill «
- Senator Evan Bayh, Democrat - Maryland
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Bayh, Lugar split over troop withdrawal deadline (Indianapolis Star - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Bayh introduces bill to help soldiers with student loans (New Albany Tribune, IN - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Senate OKs longer treatment for wounded (Indianapolis Star - Jul 13, 2007)
  - Snowe now right on Iraq (The Capital Times, WI - Jul 16, 2007)
  - Iraq war protester says she's not guilty (Gary Post Tribune, IN - Jul 14, 2007)
  - Thanks, Sen. Bayh, for 'no' vote on immigration bill (Indianapolis Star - Jun 28, 2007)
  - Party lines blur on immigration issue (Indianapolis Star - Jun 28, 2007)
  - Earmarks come under increased scrutiny (Gary Post Tribune, IN - Jul 1, 2007)
- Fox News Sunday panel
  - Brit Hume FOX News Washington Managing Editor
    - The Earmark Congressman Rangel Wants to Include in Next Year’s Federal Spending (FOX News - Jul 17, 2007)
    - Find Out Who May Have Been Behind the Islamabad Mosque Standoff (FOX News - Jul 16, 2007)
  - Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard
    - They Don't Really Support the Troops (The Weekly Standard - Jul 21, 2007)
    - Keep on Surgin' (The Weekly Standard - Jul 14, 2007)
  - Juan Williams of National Public Radio co-host
    - Rare Overnight Senate Session Sobering (NPR Morning EditionJul 18, 2007) Note: page has link to audio
    - A noble ruling - in its day (International Herald Tribune, France - Jun 29, 2007)
  - Mara Liasson of National Public Radio
    - McCain Nearly Broke, but Stays Course (NPR Morning Edition, July 16, 2007) Note: page has article plus link to audio
    - McCain Looks for Political Rebirth in New Hampshire (NPR All Things Considered, July 14, 2007) Note: page has link to audio
- Power player this week: Richard Branson
  - Multi-billionaire philanthropist
  - The power of twelve (Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Branson, Khosla Back Biofuel Firm (TheStreet.com - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Branson hit by invasion of Virgin territory (Guardian Unlimited, UK - Jul 14, 2007)
  - Make or break for Branson? (Marketing Week, UK - Jul 18, 2007)
Fox News Sunday contact information - FNS@foxnews.com

CNN Late Edition (Wolf Blitzer)

Meme:
- The new NIE is here! The new NIE is here! And guess what? Al Qaeda wants to attack us!
- Why can't more republicans be reasonable and just agree to surrender now?
- Senator McConnell, are you now or have you ever been a Republican?
- Honoring our great troops, the man who loves them best, Dick "the turban" Durbin
- The Ken and Brad dolls are busy today, so their friends David and Artur will be filling in
Topics:
- With al Qaeda gaining strength, what’s the next step in the fight against terror? We’ll ask White House Homeland Security Adviser
- Insight into the campaigns -- from the candidates’ top aides.
Guests
- Frances Townsend
  - Assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism | Bio (White House)
  - White House Press Briefing by White House Homeland Security Advisor Fran Townsend (All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Osama on the US Payroll? So Says The Stephanie Miller Show (NewsBusters - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Homeland security adviser says US faces a 'persistent terrorist enemy' (WIS, SC - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Why Do Some Democrats Seem Conflicted Over Fighting Al Qaeda? (FOX News - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Homeland, anyone? (DemocracyArsenal.org, NY - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Absurd Terrorism Theories Invade the Homeland (Center for Research on Globalization, Canada - Jul 20, 2007)
  - US: Pakistan will attack militants (USA Today - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Washington Steps Up Pressure on Islamabad (Voice of America - Jul 18, 2007)
- David Bonior, Democrat - Michigan
  - Edwards Campaign Manager
  - Former House Majority Whip | Bio (Wikipedia)
  - Edwards' poverty tour (MSNBC - Jul 9, 2007)
  - Edwards cuts Bonior duties in campaign (WTOL, OH - Jul 5, 2007)
  - Edwards Adds Staff, Reshuffles Roles (Guardian Unlimited, UK - Jul 5, 2007)
  - Pure Horserace: A Campaign Adrift (CBS News, NY - Jul 10, 2007)
  - Edwards Campaign to Hold Series of Policy Forums in NH (Campaigns & Elections (press release) - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Edwards stumps against poverty in eight states (small piece in larger National political digest column, Detroit Free Press, United States - Jul 15, 2007)
- Representative Artur Davis, Democrat - Alabama
  - House web site | Bio
  - Davis To Stump For Obama Saturday (Campaigns & Elections (press release) - Jul 5, 2007)
  - Obama raises cash from rich, not-so-rich in Alabama (International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 9, 2007)
  - NEWSWEEK Cover: Black & White (PR Newswire (press release), NY - Jul 8, 2007)
  - Mr. Siegelman goes to Washington (Birmingham News, AL - Jul 19, 2007)
  - Artur Davis Weighs In On Iraq Policy (NBC13.com, AL - Jul 10, 2007)
  - Dems Want to Reopen Black Farm Claims (Washington Post - Jun 21, 2007)
- Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican - Kentucky
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Senate Minority Leader (CNN got the leadership right this week)
  - McConnell Holds the Line (Yahoo! News - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Mitch McConnell Walks Difficult Line On Iraq (WCPO, OH - Jul 16, 2007)
  - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Bloomberg - Jun 28, 2007)
  - Democrats' ad targets McConnell (Louisville Courier-Journal, KY - Jul 11, 2007)
  - McConnell fund-raising sets record (Cincinnati Enquirer, OH - Jul 13, 2007)
  - Democrats Steer All-Night Iraq Debate (Forbes, NY - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Ethics groups blame AWOL McConnell (The Hill, DC - Jul 12, 2007)
- Senator Dick "the turban" Durbin, Democrat - Illinois
  - Senate web site | Bio
  - Assistant Senate Majority Leader
  - Senate Vows All-Night Debate On Iraq (CBS News, NY - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Senate Dems Push All-Night Debate on Iraq Policy (FOX News - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Dick Durbin: Durbin Calls for Immediate Reform of FDA Import Program (All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Dick Durbin: Senate Passes Major Veterans Amendment That Includes Durbin Traumatic Brain Injury Bill ( All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Bush no fan of Fairness Doctrine (WorldNetDaily, OR - Jul 20, 2007)
  - Senators fight for safer toys (Tampa Bay's 10, FL - Jul 20, 2007)
- Khurshid Kasuri
  - Pakistani Foreign Minister | Bio
  - Govt decides to deploy additional forces in NWFP, tribal areas (Pakistan Link, CA - Jul 16, 2007)
  - Pak seeks to salvage collapsed NWFP peace deal (Malaysia Sun, Malaysia - Jul 17, 2007)
  - All roads leading to Pakistan (Asia Times Online, Hong Kong - Jun 22, 2007)
  - 'Behead all those who insult Islam' (DetNews.com, MI - Jun 23, 2007)
  - US flag burned at anti-Musharraf rally (Peninsula On-line, Qatar - Jun 22, 2007)
  - Pakistan, Iran hold second round of bilateral consultations (Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 17, 2007)
  - Kasuri for early IPI gas pipeline pact (DailyIndia.com, FL - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Sri Lankan foreign minister calls on Khurshid Kasuri (Associated Press of Pakistan, Pakistan - Jul 18, 2007)
  - Some F-16s delivered by US, says Kasuri (NewKerala.com, India - Jun 22, 2007)
- Dana Bash
  - CNN Congressional Correspondent
- John King
  - CNN Chief National Correspondent
- Candy Crowley
  - CNN Senior Political Correspondent
CNN Late Edition (web page for comments)

ABC This Week (George Stephanopoulos)

Pre-empted for golf coverage
ABC This Week comment web page