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Remember the golden days of yesteryear, when the slightest downtick in Bill Clinton’s approval ratings was gleefully trumpeted by the press as The Beginning of the End for him? Remember also how the media just never seemed to care that much about George W. Bush’s approval ratings, except for when they seemed to be going upwards?
Just as approval ratings in the mid-60s were Bad News For Bill Clinton and approval ratings in the mid-30s were Proof That George W. Bush Was Political Ambrosia, the GOP/Media Complex, in reporting Barack Obama’s poll numbers, is using the same rules it did for Bill Clinton: It’s all bad, no matter what.
In fact, this rule is in effect for all Democrats who make it onto the GOP/Media Complex’s radar. See, for example, this Politico piece by Glenn Thrush that discusses Nancy Pelosi’s Horrible Terrible No Good Very Bad (though still better than her opposite number John Boehner’s) Poll Numbers? Granted, Politico is known for being a favored means of repackaging Republican National Committee talking points as alleged "news", and in fact is funded and run by Republicans, but this is pretty awful even for them.
Thrush’s piece somehow never mentions that 1) nationwide opinions of Congressional figures in general are never very high, and 2) Pelosi, unlike Boehner, has been the target of a far-reaching Republican-orchestrated smear campaign for several years, going back to at least 2004 — a campaign that includes RNC ads implying that she should be shot. (And yes, the GOP/Media was negatively spinning her poll numbers back then, too. Oh, and did I mention that the press has been coddling Boehner for nearly as long?)
Why the media obsession with spinning Pelosi as "unpopular"? Among other things, the goal is to imply that she’s a huge drag on Congressional Democrats’ popularity, one that might cause them to lose control of the House in 2010! Except that the Democrats’ hold on the House for next year looks to be rock-solid, per Congressional Quarterly:
While at least some net gain is a very plausible possibility for the Republicans, it would take a huge reversal of political fortune for the party to reclaim a House majority. Of the 335 contests that CQ Politics’ election analysts rate as Safe for the incumbent party, 198 are currently Democratic (including that one vacant seat) and just 137 are Republican.
In addition, the Democrats are solidly favored in 31 of the 59 competitive contests for seats they currently hold, plus the Republican seat in Louisiana’s 2nd District. So if the Democrats were to win only their Safe seats and those rated Democrat Favored, they would have a total of 230 — well above the majority threshold of 218 seats.
Now why might the Republicans be having so much electoral trouble despite all the assistance the press has given them over the years? Well, one reason just might be their embrace of the lunatic far-right fringe (an embrace that is driving off the saner, more ethical members of the party, such as John Cole) and their deliberate stoking of said fringe’s racism as part and parcel of using anti-tax rhetoric as a cover for promoting racism.
Case in point: In the 2008 presidential campaign, we had two candidates who weren’t born on the US mainland, though most definitely on US soil: John McCain (Panama Canal Zone, 1936) and Barack Obama (Hawaii, 1961). But only one of those candidates has been the target of an ongoing, long-standing, bizarre and repeatedly-debunked smear promoted by major media figures like Lou Dobbs purporting to "show" that he’s not really eligible for the presidency because of where he was born. That person just happens to be the black candidate, Barack Obama. (By the way: Isn’t it ironic that the patriotism and citizenship of blacks is constantly questioned, yet that of the conservative white Southern or white Southern-influenced Neo-Confederates like Trent Lott, Bob Barr and Mitch McConnell almost never is? Even though blacks never turned traitor to the Union, much less as fervently as the Confederates did.)
Having stoked the flames of the "birther" nonsense, the Republicans shouldn’t be surprised to find themselves getting burned by it, as Mike Castle was during a recent birther-hijacked appearance. Sow the crazy wind, reap the truly crazy whirlwind.
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*slapping face* for thinking attacks on Pelosi might be mysogyny and attacks on Obama might be racist.
Now I have plenty of disagreements with both of them, but wish the attacks would be on point rather than prejudiced and garbage.
Zed!
Almost…
Heh. So there was this fictional contest between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. According to the myth, the U.S. won, so the U.S.S.R. press reported that the U.S.S.R. came in second, but the U.S. came in second to last.
I am sure Jeff Sessions’ patriotism is never questioned by the KKK.
That’s cute!
I hope that the Republicans cling mightly to their fringe, hugging them and squeezing them and even changing their diapers if necessary.
Just read a great book about fascism. Nominated the KKK as the first fascist organization.
Forget it. Prejudiced garbage is all the wingnuts are able to muster.
Another garbage claim I’ve seen repeated–for example, today on Faux by the Very Serious Charles Krauthammer–is that Obama is “overexposed” and is wasting his charisma. Der Krautmeister seriously tried to suggest that four major press conferences in six months is overdoing it, and that Bush’s four in eight years is preferable. Never mind that Bush was exceptional among presidents for his habit of sealing himself in the royal palace away from the serfs; suddenly he’s the expected standard.
It’s clear the Conglomerate Media was keeping it’s powder dry for this Healthcare fight. They’re “all in” and using everything they got.
That’s why it’s so important to rally around those who clearly are trying to improve the system, like President Barack Hussein Obama. The brilliant economist Nouriel Roubini gets it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07…..ubini.html
We need to start with where we’re at, and I believe because of the New Media paradigms (Jane, Marcy, Mike Stark for example), we’ll be able to keep the momentum this time and keep the DLC/Clinton Dem game from working this time, and build off these battles in front of us right now, which we’re going to win.
The BigMedia is our enemy.
Just remember about the dangers of a cornered wild animal.
As far as “The Media” are concerned, newspapers are dying now, isn’t broadcast dying next? It’s blogs and “content” that will ultimately end up at the top of the heap.
Here’s to the day when Nielsen Ratings are irellevant and readers choice rules. Because that’s the day when you have 76% of Americans wanting single payer actually GETTING it. Not to mention other silly things like rule of law.
Did ya hafta bring up wittle Davey Vitter? I’m trying to eat here…
How many times were the records of W’s AWOL years shown on TV? Compared to the birth certificate, for example. Also the bills passed in Congress: we have now one that says BO is born in the USA, but WHAT??, nothing from Congress on how Bush was pampered. (sorry for diapers again) And of course the guy who tried to talk about the AWOL, fired and vilified.
The list goes on and on.
Absolutely. They know the stakes, and they will not give it up easily. They’ve invested billions upon billions and decades to set up this fascist system. It could get ugly.
That’s why it’s so crucial for those who understand this to unite.
THE battle of our lifetimes.
Somehow I doubt if the doughy pantload’s book is in his refereneces.
The GOP caucus expects to get home and be congratulated if they stop health care in its tracks. They don’t know that every ‘crazy Eileen’ in every single Congressional district has been empowered by the YouTube of the Mike Castle town hall meeting, and by LoudObbs’ mainstreaming of the birther nonsense. It’s going to bedevil them everywhere they go. And their local media, captive though they may be of the ’sane’ GOP corporatacracy, will print what they say. And it’ll go viral.
The birther nonsense is the GOP’s KnowNothing downfall. It could be the end of their party, especially if there are 2010 primary challenges. Which there may just be, we’ll see.
Looks like Miss Hamsher has a record of abysmal failure.
First there was the failed effort to stop the supplemental. Now the public option has gone; possibly along with health care. And, Obama’s polls are tanking and he is a weakened and ineffective president.
Congratulations fringe left! I told you so right here months ago, this is your doing. I speak for many Democrats who consider your extremism unconscionable.
Late dinner?
Recalls Lieberman’s fifth place finish in the 2004 New Hampshire primary: “We’re tied for third!”
Math was never his strong suit. But what was?
PW, we’ve all known since the 60’s and since the media is owned by corporate america, and serves the corporate feudal overlords.
EXPECTING them to do anything OTHER than what they have done, and do, is a bit of a stretch.
Having said that, I’m not sure as to your connection between a corp owned media beholden to GOP (business interests only) and recent blowback to GOP electeds critical of ‘the birthers’.
The media is gonna book birthers, AND the electeds, to sell ad time. The media IS the GOP.
Now, is it irony that the Electeds of the GOP are being BURNT by ‘their birthers’ and the far right wing in general (Palin)?
Is it irony that their polling numbers are tanking despite all that Politico and Faux News, and MSM and such report WRT birthers and right wing positions?
Yes, there’s a TON of phreakin irony! And I’m lovin it.
I just can’t accept there’s more than 23% of the voting public that believes this stuff, that will vote for it.
So I don’t see them as a threat, despite their stranglehold on the media.
And yes, I DO find irony in that the 23% may vote out their OWN Rethug’s over issues such as birth certificates, citizenship, and yer basic racist and misogynist rightwingnut positions!! *G*
Too funny to contemplate, the GOP 23% votes out their own, due to lack of support for the 23% wingnut positions.
Was that yer point all along? *G* Cuz now that I walked thru it, I’m grinnin. *G*
Book-TV plays his clip about what he’s reading in-between every other long program, for at least the last 4 weekends. Brian Lamb must be a real wingnut, attempts to hide it notwithstanding.
We’re sooo appreciative of your constructive advice. Hope you’re playing an equally helpful role on wingnut birther & Palin blogs.
Good evening all. Excellent post PW. But didn’t the dems already lose control of the congress simply by abdicating their role?
Israel.
Just saw a post here from earlier that had Chris Matthews talking about the Birther fabrication yet another time. The clip is over 9 minutes! On top of how many other stories he and even the supposedly Liberal MSNBC has done.
This dance is such a clear example of their game. Matthews FINALLY starts talking about the birth announcements in the Honolulu papers in 1961, which ends this story completely, yet even then he’s couching the announcements in a question of, “did they plant the announcements to grow their Manchurian candidate?” Yes, he calls it crazy, but the fact that he continues to talk about this non-story over and over gives it more life and legitimacy. It’s such a joke.
How much time has been spent the last week on Gatesgate and the Birthers compared to several pretty good news stories about the Economy? Sure, could be just propping up a house of cards, I get that, but there’s been enough signs recently that the Obama Admin’s plans to stop the bleeding are working. Do we ever see that in a BigMedia report? I haven’t. Just this other nonsense non-stories.
Not too long ago, Republican constituents were pretty cocky regarding the potential longevity of their majority status. It doesn’t surprise me that people are expressing similar sentiments about the Dems. To hold or expand their majority they are going to have to provide some real leadership and IMO all the blathering about bipartisanship and coddling of conservative Dems does not bode well for the future.
If Dems piss away the mandate voters have handed them in the last two elections, they don’t deserve majority status. Unfortunately, the only other choice is the greater of evils.
I think about 23% of the House did not cast a vote on the birther issue today. That is minus the percentage of Dems that perhaps had better things to do than vote on the birth certificate. But I think they about have their 23% right there. Amazing.
Agreed. The GOP is gloating that the Dems have delayed healthcare reform, so they think they’re invincible. This birther shit is really going to embarrass them deeply, further alienating them from mainstream, sane Americans.
Even some conservative commentators are saying it makes them look like lunatics (which it does).
Guess which finger I’m holding up.
KellyD, radio was dying the moment Fairness and Equal Time and OWNERSHIP provisions began to be loosened. Today, it’s ad base is slender and it has priced itself out of the range of the local small business owner. It’s a dying dinosaur.
TV, over the air, and cable/sat, is dying, but not at the rate that radio is. Radio is almost gone.
In ten years, TV over the air and cable will hurt like radio . . . .
The ad paradigm is dying as influences of ads wane, and the economy tanks.
What will rise? I’m not a media analyst, but I’d say look at the models that musicians have developed to promote and sell themselves and their products as radio and the record industry consolidated and watered down the art to the masses.
Independent, online, and back to shows (house concerts, not glam arena’s) where they sold their music direct to the fans . . *G*
Somewhere in there, is a model for broadcasting’s future . . . but first it will have to erode and decay more and more. And I’m proud to say, there’s PLENTY of evidence at hand to suggest it IS! *G*
Beats abducted blond girls, IMHO.
Yeehaw! It’s watertiger, upstairs!
Late Night: Hawaii Hai-KEEBAH!
As opposed to BEING lunatics?
According to the MSM, Bill Clinton’s presidency was over 2 hours after it started, and Obama’s is already over. But Bush’s presidency is still thriving!!!
The GOP and Bush’s approval numbers were so low in 2006, but yet every MSM report made it sound like the GOP was making gains and would retain Congress easily. Everything “was good for Republicans”. Only when Bush’s approval ratings hit the 20’s (and the stock market dropped 780 points) did the MSM finally admit (grudgingly) that Bush wasn’t as great as they thought he was.
May I join you?
Birthers are lunatics, sorry.
Starting a wave, huh?
I’ve actually agreed with some of the points I’ve seen you make around here, but why so glum, chum? I’ve noticed a shift in much of the “fringe left” to at least play along right now to get this stuff done, including some of this site’s leaders.
So why be insulting now? United we stand, divided we fall, no?
Seems like the thing to do. :)
That the GOP has become held to the mercy of it’s lunatic fringe is a delight akin to the miracle of a hand made gelato of fresh black razz/hucklebery in a sugared cone with all the whipped cream and Peppermint Schnapps one can have on a hot Sacto day. *G*
Um, recipe please!
Heh, I don’t make it at home . . . there’s a google for the recipe though.
1) Buy the gelato
2) Buy the cone
3) Buy the whipped cream in a can
4) Buy Peppermint Schnapps
Assemble as required!
Lather, rinse, REPEAT!!
*G*
I will third that!
I happen to be a “real” Democrat. You know, the reasonable, loyal, patriotic, love this country kind of Democrat.
Play along? You must be kidding me? Why so glum? Oh, I don’t know, maybe because as I said all along a divided democrat party would fall and a president attacked by liberals would fall and I guess I am not exactly thrilled about the proposition of a GOP landslide in 2010 and Mitt Romney as our next President.
That’s why — and left fringe extremists are in large part responsible. Take this next comment seriously — most are too busy being elitists and thinking sports are beneath them so you don’t understand the concept and value of of teamwork – even if you don’t agree with your team mates all the time.
Saw a piece where the author counted the number of “Al Gore invented the Internet” stories compared to the “AWOL Bush” stories. It was over 1000 to fewer than 100. Fortunately, my hometown alternative paper ran the AWOL Bush story, so I was informed on it way back in 2000.
And yeah, some wingnut posted his “thoughts” a few weeks back and I followed his link to his blog. His blog presented (without comment, so you know the guy agreed with it) Speaker Pelosi being waterboarded by Cheney and Bush. I just about wretched.
David Broder is still waiting for the Bush bounce in the polls.
See, I was starting to worry about what you suggest, that the “fringe” is hurting Obama, at the exact moment he needs the most support, because they aren’t getting exactly want they want. It started before he was even in office, fer chrissakes. And these same folks were completely ignoring most of the huge and positive Changes that were happening at the same time.
However, it’s been getting much better recently. People have been rallying behind Obama now. They are unifying around healthcare and getting really motivated and active, and I’m expecting this to continue and hoping for even more “on the street” organizing, which is also happening. This is encouraging.
So again, why come around at precisely this moment, when people are doing what you claim to want, and start bashing Liberals with false stereotypes? With all due respect, and I say this as constructive criticism, your comment is very hypocritical.
Oh, and it’s DemocratIC Party. Don’t know why any self-proclaimed Democrat would want to do Lush Limpbaugh’s dirty work for him:
http://www.newyorker.com/archi….._hertzberg
When someone uses “Democrat Party,” it’s been a “tell” for me for quite awhile now which side they’re really on, but of course we know you’re not a Reich Wing sock puppet purposely stirring things up because you’ve told us you’re not. So practice what you preach and full steam ahead! We’re at the two-minute warning and about to start our game-winning touchdown drive, so get yer helmet on and let’s go crack some heads!