Posted on 01/10/2009 5:36:01 AM PST by radar101
During a contentious interview with filmmaker John Ziegler [1] on Friday's "MSNBC News Live," host David Shuster attacked former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin as "clearly unqualified" and asserted that the Alaska governor "wasn't prepared to run for vice president." An incredulous Ziegler, who was appearing to promote his new documentary on the liberal media's role in the election of Barack Obama, quickly retorted, "So, is that your opinion, David? Is that your opinion, David, as an alleged news person?"
Shuster caught himself as he seemed on the verge of suggesting everyone believed Palin to be unqualified: "John, it's every- John, it's the opinion of 65 percent of the American people." As Noel Sheppard noted in a previous blog [1], Ziegler also derided Shuster as a "joke" and publicly called out MSNBC as "clearly the pet network of Barack Obama." At one point, when the bias got too much for the filmmaker, he quipped "I feel like this is O.J. Simpson interviewing the cops about the murders. I'm the cop and your O.J. Simpson here."
Towards the end of the segment, Ziegler hit the cable network yet again. On the issue of Palin coverage, he derided, "But, you've clearly seeing this through the prejudiced eye of MSNBC which has had an agenda since the beginning of this campaign, pro-Obama against Palin." "You're a joke," the "Media Malpractice" director added one last time.
A transcript of the January 9 segment, which aired at 11:48am, follows:
DAVID SHUSTER: Call it Palin unplugged. The Alaska governor is ripping into the media in a new conservative documentary. She said the accusations about her during the campaign were downright scary.
SARAH PALIN: So, you know, I have the same question that perhaps you do, and others who would participate in this documentary even, trying to figure out, is it political? Is it sexism? What is it that drives someone to believe the worst and to perpetuate the worst in terms of gossip, lies?
SHUSTER: Well, that's not the only thing that got Palin upset. Just last night, her office released a statement, accusing the media of unfair treatment once again. She says her comments in this new film are being taken out of context. John Ziegler is the filmmaker who interviewed Sarah Palin. And, John, Palin says your decision to post excerpts on YouTube led to misleading reports. Your take?
JOHN ZIEGLER (filmmaker): I'm sorry that she feels that way. I don't believe that's the case. I think that what is currently posted on YouTube is fully in context and makes the governor- puts the governor in her exactly accurate light. I don't think there's any remotely accurate accusation that anything was taken out of condition text here. And I think that will be very clear when we make the entire interview available, which will happen when we release the film "Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and How Palin Was Smeared" in late February.
SHUSTER: Let's get to some of those clips. The Katie Couric interview, in many ways, started her decline in support. In your documentary, she watches as the ladies of "The View" react to the Couric interview. Let's take a listen.
[Documentary clip]
KATIE COURIC: Even in the post-election interviews, Dave, that she's done, nobody's really asked her, why didn't you answer that question?
PALIN: Because, Katie, you're not the center of everyone's universe. Maybe that's why they didn't think to ask that question with so many other things to be asked.
[Clip ends]
SHUSTER: Of course, that was a question about whether she read. You have been quoted as saying that Palin was assassinated by the media.
ZIEGLER: Well, I think that is accurate. Although, I think if anything been taken out of context, you just took that clip out of context.
SHUSTER: Wait a second, you think it's accurate to use the word- Wait a second. Wait a second. You think it's accurate to use the word assassinate in what the- Regardless of the heavy criticism, doesn't it diminish real assassinations when you throw up the word assassinate because Sarah Palin didn't like some of the questions she got in an interview?
ZIEGLER: No, I believe that her character was assassinated, David, and I think this network played an enormous role in the process and you just took the clip of Katie Couric answer- the Katie Couric answer out of context which, is rather ironic since you just read the statement from Governor Palin about being concerned about this interview being taken out of context. But MSNBC is clearly the pet network of Barack Obama and I understand that.
SHUSTER: But, John, even in your documentary she still can't answer- Well, John, even in your documentary, at least the clips that you've released, she still can't answer, at least it takes her several opportunities, she still really can't explain what she reads. I mean isn't it- does Sarah Palin take responsibility?
ZIEGLER: David, you didn't-- that's ridiculous! You didn't watch the clip apparently. She clearly states what it is that she reads!
SHUSTER: I did watch the clip! She talked about news articles that are widely circulated in Alaska.
ZIEGLER: You're a joke!
SHUSTER: John-
ZIEGLER: You are a joke! You- Did you not watch the clip? Did you not watch the clip?
SHUSTER: The joke is the fact that you and Sarah Palin, you and Sarah Palin, can't take can't take any responsibility-
ZIEGLER: This is clearly an agenda by MSNBC, which you started a year ago.
SHUSTER: -John, you and Sarah Palin can't take any responsibility for the fact that she wasn't prepared to run for vice president. Does she ever acknowledge in any of your interviews that maybe she has some of the responsibility for things not working out?
ZIEGLER: Oh- Really? So, is that your opinion, David? Is that your opinion, David, as an alleged news person?
SHUSTER: No, I'm asking you. I'm asking you-
ZIEGLER: As an alleged news person is that she was unprepared to be vice president of the United States?
SHUSTER: Sarah Palin hasn't granted us a news interview. So, I'm asking you. I'm asking you --
ZIEGLER: Is that your opinion that she was unprepared to be vice president of the United States? Gee, that sounds very objective, David.
SHUSTER: John, it's every - John, it's the opinion of 65 percent of the American people.
ZIEGLER: It's everybody's opinion? Oh, now it's not just your opinion it's everybody's opinion? Give me more.
SHUSTER: Well, it's everybody's opinion who's had an opportunity to interview her, except for you. And my question is, when you interviewed her did she ever express any responsibility for her own shortcomings? Any?
ZIEGLER: I feel like this is O.J. Simpson interviewing the cops about the murders. I'm the cop and your O.J. Simpson here.
SHUSTER: No, it's a yes or no answer. Did she express any responsibility for her own shortcomings?
ZIEGLER: Yes! Yes! She did!
SHUSTER: Okay and what did she say?
ZIEGLER: And if you watched the YouTube clip that we released, you would have already realized that. But, you've clearly seeing this through the prejudiced eye of MSNBC which has had an agenda since the beginning of this campaign, pro-Obama against Palin. It continues to this day. You're a joke.
SHUSTER: As opposed to the agenda for people like you to boost Sarah Palin who is clearly unqualified. Most Americans, 65 percent, say she's clearly unqualified.
ZIEGLER: Oh, she's clearly unqualified? Oh, I see.
SHUSTER: And yet you and your colleagues are trying to circle back and get her ready for 2012. Well, I hope it's successful, because we all love Sarah Palin.
ZIEGLER: Oh, I see. I'm going to be part of her campaign in 2012. All I care about is-
SHUSTER: Well, based on the clips, you've already started. In any case, John Ziegler -
ZIEGLER: I see. Clearly no agenda on your part. Clearly no agenda. Have fun. Congratulations on the election, David. Good job.
SHUSTER: Right. And no agenda on yours whatsoever. But, John, you know what? I love arguing with you. And you're always welcome to come back.
ZIEGLER: Thank you, David.
SHUSTER: All right, john Ziegler has an interesting documentary whether you like it or not.
He’s right.
People, can we get beyond this? There are so many better-qualified people for 2012. Let Palin go.
Like you know.. like Caroline Kennedy is so you know brilliant and like qualified and stuff and like you know really would be a good like Senator. (sarcasm)
Ya, sure....so they can destroy that person too.
And what are you going to do if we don’t?
Like who? I seriously can't figure out if a sarc tag needed to go with your ignorant post?
Has FR been invaded by moderate dorks?
> There are so many better-qualified people for 2012.
You mean, like, you know, 0bama?
However, I do agree that Sarah Palin is damaged goods. If She’s going to be a serious contender in 2012, she has a very, long uphill battle to overcome the damage.
Reagan did it.
It will be interesting to see if she’s made of the same stuff.
How about no?
Yes.
That’s because she is a woman. MEOW!!
Hmmm... I suspect that you have fallen for the agit propaganda against Palin. She's no less qualified for VP than Biden or Dan Quayle was.
Clearly the all out attack against her is having an effect.
Said the man who has no clue who is entering the White House in a few days.
LOL. Love Ziegler. Conservatives/Republicans have nothing to lose and need to go straight at these propagandist ba**ards. This is a great example of how they need to be confronted. I would have shot back that 0bama was clearly unqualified and is PROVING it.
David Shuster does a good job of revealing his own lack of qualification.
More like a DU troll
People, can we get beyond this? There are so many better-qualified people for 2012. Let Palin go.
______________________
There might well be other qualified people. I don’t know if Mike Pence or Gov. Jindal or others are interested in running in 2012 or not.
But the left’s tactics of personal destruction against whatever conservative runs are going to continue regardless. No one else is exempt from the attacks.
It seems important to defend Palin, even if its someone else that eventually runs, to try to defeat this strategy.
Schuster was pimping Obama. Everybody knows it.
She’s more qualified to be VP than Obama is.
“Reagan did it.”
So did the hated Nixon. He got the same treatment as Palin, and it endured far longer than it will for Palin.
In 1960 Nixon, Vice President to Eisenhower, ran against John F. Kennedy. (I write this for the kids who post here and for the historically challenged.)JFK “won” the election, and in spite of the obvious voter fraud, mainly in Illinois, Nixon conceded to JFK and returned to his home in California. Eight years later Nixon ran for the second time for President against Lyndon Johnson’s Vice President, Hubert Humphrey and won the presidency. Nixon’s detractors didn’t let up in spite of his winning two elections for the presidency. They won’t let up in Palin’s case, but it will probably be republicans who deny her the nomination.
You're either with conservatives, or you're not. If you're not you've got the liberal dem party and about five others to choose from, but you will NOT be a controlling factor of the republican party!
MSNBC's president is going to be a one termer for sure.
It is simple, she is a republican. If Sarah Palin had a D behind her name, and spouting leftist ideas the media would no doubt be falling all over themselves telling us how great and qualified she is.
It is no wonder that MSNBC has a dwindling audience with leftists like David Shuster around. It seems that the typical MSM news person can be described as rude and crude, making unsupported assertions with no pretense at possessing or pretending to have civility, intelligence, or common sense.
Shuster's unsupported accusations are even more incredible given the obvious lack of qualifications of Caroline Kennedy. I certainly would not buy a car from Shuster; perhaps he should become a professor of journalism at Harvard.
The liberals see an opportunity here to cause havoc within the republican party. And I'm all for it! I want war with these moderates/rino's. Something has to be done since Bush/Rove has decimated conservative control over the republican party. If conservatives are going to sit on their asses and just let moderates lead this party we will never see the light of day again.
Conservatism wins, and until this party starts acting conservative again will we remain on the back burners!
There has to be a revolt. There has to be a mighty can of whoopass opened up!
And she's MORE qualified, for either VP or President, than 0bama.
That having been said (and I think she's a natural, and I'm very hopeful for her future), I agree with something nathanbedford said back in December - we HAVE TO nominate the strongest candidate possible in 2012, someone who can win the loyal support of ALL of the elements of the conservative coalition - and Palin has to demonstrate, in political combat, against real serious Republican opponents, that she's the one.
I fully agree... Sahara was an interesting choice for VP, and I’m sure she would’ve done fine if McCain had been elected, but the idea that she is going to be the Repubican’s standard bearer in 2012 is laughable.
There’s a lot of water that will go under the bridge between now and then and plenty of potential candidates to be considered.
She has a chance, but many others do as well. The most important thing for Republicans is to choose a candidate who will be able to beat Obama.
If I were a betting man and I was picking a women to run against the anointed one, I’d select Ann Colter, not Sarah Palin.
This is an excellent opportunity for payback. If even a small handful of guests to MSNBC continue to comment about their obvious bias, it is bound to leave a mark. To let them know that we remember that MSNBC has the credibility of the cesspit.
The idea is to remind the public that MSNBC is a corrupt organization. It cares nothing for objectivity, and so there is little point looking to them for news of any kind. They politicize everything, anyway.
People should ask, because they are so corrupt, if there is *any* news they report that *doesn’t* have, not just “spin”, but is as perverted as news from Pravda in its communist heyday.
MSNBC can’t do a puff piece about growing avocados without calling them “The people’s avocados, which grow strong and healthy to honor our great leader Obama, unlike the withered and bitter Bush avocados”. And that is just pathetic.
So it should be pointed out. Repeatedly.
He/she/it has absolutely no idea that Shuster is a propagandist feigning being a news person, in the employ of a propaganda outlet, operating under the disguise of a news organization.
Better you ply your missionary trade in the Congo.
You sound like a troll and a poor representation for the real lieutenant columbo aka Peter Falk. She was/is fine as to be consdidered qualified as any. There may be a few people I’d rather see in 2012, but she is still in the top 5. Let me hear you “better qualified” list please. I want to make sure my list checks with yours, thanks.
She's actually run something besides her mouth which is why this country elects governors and not senator's. (well for at least 50 years anyway)
Answer Palin’s unqualifed” with “so is Obama, but Governor Palin is great, all American, and highly electable...why, she is even a natural born citizen.”
GREAT LINE! And unfortunately it is true, a Marxist Social Worker who has a law degree who supported the destruction of the American Economy with the ACORN led plan to put mortgages in everybody’s back pocket whether they could pay them or not COMPARED to an elected governor of a state who actually believes in the American way.
Of course he was. John Gibson refers to them as MS National Barack Channel - for good reason.
You are right. Other than Bobby Jindal who is there? If the GOP picks yet another guy that is next in line, we are doomed.
Unless the GOP is already grooming a person we have little chance even if Obama is worse than Carter. The same goes for Hillary’s senate seat. The NY RNC is about as bad as you can get in picking candidates to run.
You and the left just can’t get your panties untwisted over Palin.
Palin scares you all to death.
Personally I think we need someone as “simpleminded” as Palin who cuts to the core of the left’s Bravo Sierra.
We need someone as great and as complex and brilliant at Schmo Biden for the next POTUS.
Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Barack Obama is a joke. He has absolutely no qualifications to be president and you know it.
Sarah Palin is the best hope for conservatives. Screw the Republican Party who sold out America and became a bunch of socialists.
Ziegler exposed Shuster for the hack he is and MSDNC for what it is. Very well done.
Pray for W, America and Our Troops
“David Shuster does a good job of revealing his own lack of qualification.”
I just sent him an email pointing this out.
I wish the Pubbies would make this point in every interview they grant to the networks.
The left employs a technique known as the “broken record technique”, in which they keep repeating their mantra over and over, as in “Palin is clearly unqualfied”.
Yeah like “Bush lied”, “baby killers”, “we had the best economy during Clintons’ 8 years”, etc.
sarc/on - The lefts greatest achievement this millennium is keeping George bush to only 8 years! -sarc/off
These people through action or inaction are going to do us all real and considerable harm.
It’s like Obama is qualified to be president. Now he is asking members of congress to suggest something he can do to spur the economy, besides throwing money at the problem.
Palin is more qualified than any of the goofballs that were running for president or vice president. Sarah has both parties, R&D alike, worried she will take control and get this country back to square one and put them out of the job of robbing the US Treasury.
Go Sarah.
Yeah. McCain would've done so much better on his own because Palin just didn't have the energy or the convictions we conservatives value.
The media has burned her at the stake, so let's just give up and give in to socialism.
All hail Shuster and the MSM!
Well, the issue of whether or not Sarah Pail (whom I love) was qualified to run for veep in 2008 is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the issue of whether or not she’s qualified to run for president in 2012.
I’m sure Governor Palin was a different person in 2004 than she was in 2008, and will grow as a leader and administrator by the time 2012 rolls around. She has gotten an unexpected taste of politics on the world stage and clearly has warmed up to it - what this means remains to be seen.
IMHO, the woman I saw running for veep in 2008 was not qualified to be the president, but that means nothing when we’re talking about 2012. I love her moral center, but she must prove to me that she is ready to make policy that affects the entire globe.
That being said, barring some shocking and unexpected turn of events, a dead cat in the Oval Office would be better than what we have to endure for the next four years.
The problem with that is they will destroy ANY Republican with her qualifications. At what point do we stop letting it go and start standing up to this crap?
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