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BIASED? YOU THINK? OVERHEARD AMONG THE MSM

By Charlie Sykes

Email from a journalist covering today's McCain-Plain event:

 

Hi Charlie,
 
As you might have heard, I am covering the McCain/Palin appearance today.  At the media breakfast at the Pfister Hotel about an hour ago, you would simply not believe the vicious, nasty conversation I just overheard between several "elite" media types from the McClatchey news service, AP, and a couple of other sources I didn't quite catch.
 
Over the course of just a few minutes, I heard that "Sean Hannity gives Dick Cheney the best head of his life," that he and Lou Dobbs are "mean-spirited sycophants," and that McCain himself is "angry" and "crusty."  One even recalled a recent campaign event at which Sarah Palin autographed a supporter's Bible, prompting this "objective" journalist to remark "these people terrify me."
 
And this was just in the span of a 10 minute conversation!  I simply cannot believe that these are the people entrusted to cover the McCain/Palin campaign fairly and accurately.  I have never before wanted to do a show like yours quite as badly as I do right now--so that I can expose these people for who they really are: unabashed, unashamed partisans whose callous, bitter attitude towards conservatives very clearly permeates their work.
 
[Name withheld for ridiculously obvious reasons]

Sunday, Oct 12 at 11:04 AM ColoradoVoter wrote ...

And where is Obama's "Certificate of Live Birth" - Birth certificate to PROVE he is even eligible to be POTUS? Why is he spending tens of thousands of dollars instead of just submitting the COLB to the court? obamacrimes.com

Sunday, Oct 12 at 7:22 AM George Bush wrote ...

Forgive me for putting the United States in the dumpster.I am a republican,and know no better.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 3:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

"Name withheld" is a coward or a liar or both, my guess it's the last one. I have been on the campaign trail since December, since Iowa, as a free lance journalist and I have never heard any crap like that. In my opinion, most mainstream journalist are very middle of the raod, so called moderates, yet for some reason they prefer to call themselves slightly liberal. Doesn't matter, they're pretty much riding the center of the road. Oh, by the way, my name is Stewart Nusbaumer.

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:33 PM SamIam wrote ...

to brushman - I was being sarcastic- LIBS are so stupid they don't understand why Conservative talk radio is successful, and want to shut it down - they don't understand market forces and how ratings determine what's on the air - sorry if you misunderstood

Friday, Oct 10 at 12:39 PM Reader wrote ...

How many of you have read Marx's writings? You may not like Sen. Obama, but a Marxist? or Stalist? or Socialist? Ha ha ha! Marx would consider both Sens. McCain and Obama to be Capitalists. But keep scaring yourselves if you want to. This Capitalist is voting for Sen. Obama.

Friday, Oct 10 at 11:50 AM Eule1 wrote ...

You media people are nothing but left-winging, biased trash! Obama and his worthless buddies (dangerous ones, too) will win because of you! I have lived with the Socialist and Communists (in Berlin, Germany). Thanks, but not thanks. Obama and followers will give this country the final blow! Thanks to you, too. You should all move to Russia with Putin. I am sure you would like it there, since he is revitalizing the cold war!

Friday, Oct 10 at 10:46 AM Carol Zess wrote ...

James T. Harris incited the crowd to make news for the hate machine called talk radio. What else is new? I believe it would be prudent for McCain/Palin to be careful about what they accuse Obama of, the old saying is "People in glass houses should not throw stones.

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:21 AM bigcat wrote ...

ijeff, "a post of substance"...Let's specifically talk about McCain's 300 Billion in proposed additional spending/handouts to mortgage lenders. We can talk about McCain's statement that future retiree's will not enjoy the same retirement benefits as current ones (Both pronouncements from 10/7 debate). We can talk about McCain's blanket "freeze" proposal on all federal spending (except, he says, defense and veteran affairs). A simplistic proposal that will cripple the poor. Pick a topic.

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:08 AM PulSamsara wrote ...

So whiners... Your 50% of the country... You believe in the free market... So get your own media ! Think about it and quit whining. -------------- Why would America REWARD complete Republican failure ? We wont.

Friday, Oct 10 at 8:10 AM brushman wrote ...

Samlam - Yes, you're stupid, so why are you wasting your time (and ours) on this site? Here’s some news for you: Most people in this country, regardless of if they consider themselves a R or D, hold conservative ideals. Lower taxes, limited government involvement, a strong military, some limits on abortion and so on. Obmana has already shown he will stifle our freedoms. Btw - by modern standards, JFK would considerad a conservative and be as vilified by the Democrats as Bush or McCain.

Friday, Oct 10 at 7:48 AM Joshua Trean wrote ...

I have it on inside information that the reporter quoted above is David Broder. (No surprise really.)

Friday, Oct 10 at 7:44 AM ElectionJunkie wrote ...

Part of this dynamic is generational, an often undereported part of US politics. Generation Jones, born 1954-1965 between the Boomers and Xers is particularly relevant to this election. I highly recommend this 5 minute video which features a bunch of top political journalists, including David Brooks, Clarence Page, Dick Morris, Juan Williams, etc. discussing the key role of GenJones in this election: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ta_Du5K0jk

Friday, Oct 10 at 6:48 AM ijeff wrote ...

Liberals do not want discussion, debate, objective fact reporting and intelligent analysis. They do want to control the media. Just what has Obama been doing trying to shut up people recently at media outlets that don't say nice things about him? If liberals weren't so morally corrupt they'd see the beast they are creating.

Friday, Oct 10 at 6:44 AM ijeff wrote ...

Does Big Cat just do a copy and paste of the same post? Does he really think when the mainstream media have sources for stories they always reveal those sources? Or, do they sometimes protect them? I keep waiting for a post of substance from Big Cat, but I guess its sort of like waiting for someone to list an Obama accomplishment.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:57 PM ctaylor wrote ...

Please get the culprits names out.Isnt there some fcc related bureau that is guarding this? Are they also in the tank? Can someone cover the campaign donations from these agencies?Have a look at opensecrets-you might be surprised at how much warner,microsoft, and other media outlets have donated to the Obama campaign in 2008. Always follow the money trail.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:51 PM LP wrote ...

Mark said: "Ugh, now Obama is a "Marxist"?" Actually, he's always been a Marxist. Mark said: "Honestly, what has happened to the Republican party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt?" We could say the same thing about the democrats. What happened to the party of JFK?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:29 PM wow wrote ...

I teach in the public education system (just doing what I can), and if you think "journalists" are biased, you should hear the hate-filled talk on the Left about Republicans and Conservatives that I hear (they swoon at the mention of Obama)... I don't dislike the people I work with, and I'm trying to keep my family fed, so I remain silent also...

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:22 PM Germaine wrote ...

Mark, Obama is a Marxist - he was given $150,000 by Marxist and terrorist Bill Ayers to distribute to "revolutionize" (as in overthrow) "capitalistic education" in Chicago - their quotes -it's on the record

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:13 PM SamIam wrote ...

Steve, and why do you think WTMJ is a top-rated media outlet even though it spouts Conservative drivel from 8:30 - 3pm ?? No, I'm sure you don't know why - I can't figure it out either, I'm just plain stupid...

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:05 PM Bill wrote ...

bigcat, what's your real name, address, and pnone number?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:54 PM chris wrote ...

Mark what happened to the party of Kennedy, cut taxes accross the board and build a strong military. If obama isn't a Marxist than niether was Marx

Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:51 PM Judith wrote ...

Does anyone else's head spin after reading liberals blog comments. They not only have BDS, and PDS, but mental dylexia. What a bunch of babbling idiots.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 7:59 PM Ken Horne wrote ...

One thing for sure,the USA's worst enemies,soaked in a hatred that truly staggers me are the media,closly followed by an amazing number of Democrats.They actually want to destroy America and all it stands for.No wonder Putin,Chavez,Hamas,Hizballah,the Taliban, Imadinnerjacket are rubbing their hands with glee!They are all sitting back and letting America being wrecked from within.I am hoping the vast mostly silent majority of the USA will vote for the good of the country.If not,then its the end!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 5:12 PM Gracelynn wrote ...

I would like the reporter to name names but I understand they need to keep a job.Reporting this and naming names may cost this person thier job. Does it surprise me this happens? No. Does it need to be out there? Yes, it does. This is the media not Barack Obama. So say what you want I ,and many others, believe the media doesn't report news it gives spin and slant. Example: Are we hearing alot about Barney Frank and his involment in this mess in the mainstream media?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 5:09 PM Fred wrote ...

Job creators (CEOs) prefer McCain to Obama almost 4:1. Reported today in the Wall Street Journal. They believe Obama's policies will cost millions of jobs. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/job-creators-prefer-mccain-4-to-1/story.aspx?guid={C1DD1C9D-629C-4813-8AF4-BE4A7EB61D16}&dist=hppr

Thursday, Oct 9 at 3:43 PM Mark wrote ...

Ugh, now Obama is a "Marxist"? Republicans will stop at nothing to smear this guy. But what's the point in reasoning in with your people? Just little Papa Charlie pat you on the head and reassure you that everything you believe is right and those that disagree are evil America- hating traitors. Honestly, what has happened to the Republican party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 3:36 PM some yahoo wrote ...

No, bigcat, probably better to damage the process through ACORN, don't you think? When do you think that the MSM will start reporting on *that*?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 3:08 PM Dan wrote ...

"Email from a journalist"? - Charlie, don't call whatever lapdog you sent to cover the event a journalist? Next you'll be refering to yourself as one. Funny how your crowd of "journalists" keep getting smaller and smaller. Seems most of the rational conservative journalists recognise that this type of spin is undignified and are trying to stick to issues - but you keep it up Charlie - "stay classy."

Thursday, Oct 9 at 2:34 PM Steve wrote ...

Hey Whitefish Bay Mike, you boy W. has already made this country a complete mess. And now YOU guys (along with media enablers like Sykes) are running away from him. But you'll never admit that, will you? Because you're another conservative crybaby whining about media bias ... on a message board owned by a top-rated local station (an "elite" media outlet, for sure!) that broadcasts pro-Republican drivel five days a week from 8:30 to 3 p.m. Boy, you're such a victim!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 2:32 PM Danae wrote ...

No no no! Please, speak out on what you see and hear! Charlie, PLEASE encourage the person who emailed you to DO A STORY ON THIS! Not only is it relevant, but it needs to be TOLD! Darn it all, this is among the biggest news story there IS today! TELL IT! Have the courage of your convictions! Tell it like it is! Expose the frauds who would turn journalism is such a fundamentally dishonest direction! EXPOSE THEM! Print their Names! We the people deserve to KNOW! Please who ever you are, DO IT!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 2:30 PM The Family Guy wrote ...

I wonder which media outlet bigcat works for? And since when did the liberals become the "name-names" crowd? Are black lists back in fashion?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:50 PM Renee wrote ...

Charlie, I have been wearing McCain/Palin stickers and buttons and you should see how unhinged the liberals are. They called me a "Nazi" in front of my children. I am so scared for this country. The baby boomer libs finally have their "McGovern." We, Republicans need a symbol in order to identify ourselves like Partisans did during WWII. Please get out there and vote. Our troops cannot have a Marxist as a Commander in Chief.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:33 PM Frannie wrote ...

So are you having Stephen Hayes over for dinner tonight since he's back home in Wisconsin covering the McCain campaign?

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:20 PM Mark wrote ...

Bigcat: Do you KNOW it is an anonymous letter? Or was it withheld because the person writing it would be ridiculed/fired for going against "the one." Maybe Charlie is protecting his source (AP does it ALL the time). YOU are an insult to intelligent, informed voters with your "Obama talking points" that you post at the drop of the hat. Which one are you on? 26 or 36? I've lost count. I guess ridiculous, hate-filled anonymous emails are left only for the "progressives" of this country.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:15 PM Marvin wrote ...

I'll keep saying it until it's clear. It's foolish to expect either politicians or journalists to be honest because of the type of miserable human beings they are. Both have spent their entire lives lying and can't tell the difference between the truth and a lie any more. The only thing that occurs to them is whatever is self serving at the moment.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:14 PM Steve wrote ...

I meant to say, I want to return to the nice cozy womb I'm in daily with a Democrat controlled ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, NY Times, MJS, PBS. I want my news given to me daily through a Democrat / liberal filter.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:12 PM Uncle John wrote ...

Does this surprise anyone? Remember 4 years ago at the rally Bush had in SE Wisconsin where the AP purposely lied about the reaction to Bill Clinton's heart troubles? Remember that? The AP reported that Bush fans booed Clinton when Bush was saying as Americans we should keep Clinton in our prayers due to his health. Fortunately folks recorded what really happened and the AP had to withdraw their story. Here's the link. http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/007712.php

Thursday, Oct 9 at 1:00 PM Whitefish Bay Mike wrote ...

These elite media types will prop up Obama throughout his (possible) Presidency until he has everything in a complete mess. Then they will run away from him and pretend that they had nothing to do with his election. Release the hounds!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:39 PM Steve wrote ...

You're right, James. If only we could hear talk show hosts spewing GOP talking points all day long on the radio, and have a cable network devoted solely to spreading Republican propaganda. Then we would be a utopia!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:38 PM nobama wrote ...

Most media salivate over Obama and openly smile when criticizing McCain and Palin. Yuo can just see the glee when they report on the polls - which I think are misrepresented to force McCain into mistakes. No mistake to go after Obama though...lol...the truth hurts but if it's true it's true...

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:03 PM James wrote ...

Obama, if elected, will be the envy of every dictator and socialist leader in the world. He will have his own pseudo-state run media without having to do those normal things needed to establish a state run media and control of the press. Putin and ITAR-Tass, eat your heart out.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 12:02 PM Jim Sweet wrote ...

These people do terrify most of rational America, so I'm not surprised to see the average view reflected by the media. I just wish they weren't so afraid to speak up in public.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:58 AM bigcat wrote ...

Name withheld for ridiculously obvious reasons!!!!! Speaking of ridiculous...an anonymous, hate filled e-mail filled with unverified rumor and hearsay. So this is what passes for journalism among the "fair and balanced" crowd. This is an insult to intelligent, informed voter who care about issues and candidates. If you cannot win on the issues, please do not try to damage the process out of spite.

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