my favorite topic - media bias

[RIJIMMY]

from CNN - just the first paragraph:

(CNN) -- The Tea Party movement basked in the glow of victory Wednesday after its favorites won two primary elections the night before over more mainstream Republicans, demonstrating again the clout of the political right.

Now the question is whether the right-wing candidates can also defeat Democratic rivals in November's congressional elections, when the stakes are higher and the full electorate is deciding.

The results in Delaware and New York highlighted the last major day of primary voting before the upcoming election in just under seven weeks.

Voting in seven states and the District of Columbia included embattled veteran U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel's victory in his New York Democratic primary despite allegations of ethics violations, and D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty's bid to hold off a major primary challenger.

Have you ever seen democrats called left wing in a news article? Never! This is the media trying to label republican candidates as extremists. the tea party is a fairly centrist movement. The media plays on peoples fears of the christian right. Im sure Im just nutty again. So, with all the press today on the primaries. Can someone show me some examples of the media calling democrat candidates left wing?

[scottw]

I have some very liberal customers who are wedded to CNN, MSNBC, etc and accept what they see there as gospel..they look at me dumbfounded everytime I suggest that these are generally biased sources of reporting....it's not as though I accused them of mass murder as their reaction indicates but simply of something that is abundantly apparent....the fact is that you aren't likely to recognize something as "biased" if the template follows and agrees with your general world view....I have no problem admitting that many or most of the sources out there on all sides are quite biased, the media for the most part has chosen sides.. not a whole lot that complaining about it will do about it ......

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Have you ever seen democrats called left wing in a news article? Never! This is the media trying to label republican candidates as extremists. the tea party is a fairly centrist movement. The media plays on peoples fears of the christian right. Im sure Im just nutty again. So, with all the press today on the primaries. Can someone show me some examples of the media calling democrat candidates left wing?

There certainly is a valid news story that the right wing elements of the Republican party are enjoying the disarray of the GOP and anti-establishment sentiment in the nation. Last nights primary win by O'donnell is a perfect example...she's not going to be confused with a moderate Republican.

As for "left wing", I hear this all the time, usually as in "the left wing of the Democrat party."

And no, I'm not reading the hockey news

So once again, I think you're just looking for something to complain about.

-spence

[scottw]

Originally Posted by spence

There certainly is a valid news story that the right wing elements of the Republican party are enjoying the disarray of the GOP and anti-establishment sentiment in the nation.
-spence

absolutely!! loving watching the establishment elitist pukes on both sides go apaplectic when an unapproved outsider knocks off a 44 year tumor in congress....hit the road...get a real job loser....

Rove had a huge hissy last night...

everytime I say tumor I think of Schwarzennager in that movie when he was a teacher and he has a headache and the kid says "maybe it's a tumor" and Arnold says"eeets naaat a tooooma"

[JohnR]

I see this a lot from my Democrat friends and even so called "Liberal" friends. Every example they use in describing "Tea Baggers" (also an erroneous and disingenuous title used to marginalize / spoil the "Tea Party" movement and politics) is what the biased media uses when showcasing the extreme whack-jobs that attach to the movement.

This is what they are fed and many eat it up thinking it is truthful associating that fringe with the main body. It is further taken to categorize people that love this country as wackos because they choose to wear shirts patterned on the American flag.

People are hanging on to the sound-bites and agendas of the talking-freickin-heads and easting it as the truth, not looking for what things really mean and really are. (Rush is often a great example of this on the right).

Spence, I expect better from you WRT the Tea Party. I would THINK you know the difference between the Extreme Right and the Tea Party, yet you disparage them in lock-step (or is that Goose Step?) as the talking heads of the "Progressive" wing of the Democrats direct.

Stuff like this is part of what has taken me from a Conservative, Old School Democrat (that almost drifted to the Progressive side a few years ago) to an unaffiliated independent that actually like a LOT of what the tea Party stands for. Enough so that while I am not a Tea Party member I can certainly support and consider some of their goals worthy.

Here is the Mission Statement of the RI Tea Party:

Mission and Objectives – RI TEA PARTY:

Is dedicated to the proposition that all citizens deserve a voice in how they are governed, and to the task of encouraging them to use that voice

Believes the Constitution of the United States is still sufficient for our governance, and does not need to be re-interpreted or revised in meaning

Is devoted to political activism to change the political landscape in the Houston Area, and to working with other Tea Party organizations to achieve the goal of demanding our representatives follow the Constitution, limit government reach, and drastically reduce taxes and spending.

In order to be eligible for membership in the RI Tea Party, an organization must:

A. Be an expressly non-partisan, non-profit organization.

B. Establish and maintain an express statement of affiliation with the Rhode Island Tea Party, including a reciprocal link to riteaparty.com on its website home page.
C. Establish and maintain a statement of endorsement of the Five Core Principles on its website.
1. Limited Government
2. Fiscal Responsibility
3. Personal Responsibility
4. The Rule of Law
5. National Sovereignty

Can a "Liberal" or "Progressive" please find for me the Extremeism or Right Wing in the above?

[spence]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Spence, I expect better from you WRT the Tea Party. I would THINK you know the difference between the Extreme Right and the Tea Party, yet you disparage them in lock-step (or is that Goose Step?) as the talking heads of the "Progressive" wing of the Democrats direct.

I think I addressed this lame attack in my response to RIJ above.

-spence

[JohnR]

OK, lets try a different approach (I really want to understand).

Spence, from a Progressive point of view, or however you associate your political beliefs, can you tell me what is either wrong with or opposed to these basic principles:

1. Limited Government
2. Fiscal Responsibility
3. Personal Responsibility
4. The Rule of Law
5. National Sovereignty

[likwid]

Originally Posted by JohnR

A. Be an expressly non-partisan, non-profit organization.

[RIJIMMY]

spence - do you think the tea party is "right" of mainstream republicans?

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

spence - do you think the tea party is "right" of mainstream republicans?

Perhaps Spence should read up on the Tea Party movement.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

spence - do you think the tea party is "right" of mainstream republicans?

the media said they are racists...it must be true...

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

spence - do you think the tea party is "right" of mainstream republicans?

No, like most parties there's a spectrum of beliefs held together by a common bond. When people talk about what it means to be a "Republican", most will say limited government, a strong defense and free markets. But compare a Libertarian leaning Repub with a Social Conservative Republican and outside of that they might agree on next to nothing.

Like any party, the Tea Party has it's mainstream members and it's kooks as well. People have certainly accused the media of coloring the movement as extreme, but I think a of of this has to do with a good number of those seen as national leaders being more of the kook wing which makes for more interesting news.

But both of the candidates were talking about are ultra-conservative. Just because they're running as "Tea Party" candidates or have "Tea Party" support doesn't imply they're moderates simply because of the commonly elements of accepted Tea Party mission.

That such far Right candidates can enjoy success, even when at odds with the institutional elite, does speak to the strength they're able to pull from the right wing.

This seems like basic analysis, not some evil media conspiracy.

-spence

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

This seems like basic analysis, not some evil media conspiracy.

-spence

you obviously didnt click on my link, so here is the pic - still the headline on CNN. Of the 8,000 tea party pics they couldve chosen, this is what they put up.
Why? See your quote above.

[The Dad Fisherman]

I think most of what the tea Party preaches is right down the middle of the road.

[RIJIMMY]

exactly!
When the media says "right wing" 90% of the population automatically thinks hard core christian conservatives. Pro-life, anti-gay, bible thumpers.
This is not at all what the tea party is about. Its just another ploy by the media to brainwash people. Its fits right it with the NAACP headlines from a few months ago. I hope americans wake up.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

exactly!
When the media says "right wing" 90% of the population automatically thinks hard core christian conservatives. Pro-life, anti-gay, bible thumpers.
This is not at all what the tea party is about. Its just another ploy by the media to brainwash people. Its fits right it with the NAACP headlines from a few months ago. I hope americans wake up.

No, but that is clearly who the "tea-party" backed in Delaware.

[RIJIMMY]

check this out, quick before they change it!

Political News, Analysis and Opinion from CNN.com

people carrying a sign "put God back in the Government"
This is brainwashing!!!! they are highlighting a SMALL portion of the movement to spread fear! This is democratic propaganda.

[RIJIMMY]

(CNN) -- The Tea Party movement basked in the glow of victory Wednesday after its favorites won two primary elections the night before over more mainstream Republicans, demonstrating again the clout of the political right.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

(CNN) -- The Tea Party movement basked in the glow of victory Wednesday after its favorites won two primary elections the night before over more mainstream Republicans, demonstrating again the clout of the political right.

In the case of Delaware, she is definitely outside the 'mainstream republicans' she is a ubber catholic, unmarried, (virgin?) who shuns porn and any 'self love'

she also was so broke and mismanaged her finances that she just paid off her college debt (not loans, debt to the school) and was awarded her degree LAST year...

and she is going to help manage a state?

Me thinks this was a case of anti-incumbent going too far, and yes, she is "Right Wing"

If Eben got nominated, it would be a safe bet to call him "Left-wing!"

[scottw]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

In the case of Delaware, she is definitely outside the 'mainstream republicans' she is a ubber catholic, unmarried, (virgin?) who shuns porn and any 'self love'

she also was so broke and mismanaged her finances that she just paid off her college debt (not loans, debt to the school) and was awarded her degree LAST year...

and she is going to help manage a state?

Me thinks this was a case of anti-incumbent going too far, and yes, she is "Right Wing"

If Eben got nominated, it would be a safe bet to call him "Left-wing!"

this entire post makes me wonder how you ever got a degree...what is an "ubber" catholic?...just wondering

never mind, I googled it



Advanced searchAbout 850,000 results (0.35 seconds)
Did you mean: uber
Search ResultsUrban Dictionary: ubber
It is the product of poor spelling and ignorance, the actual word is uber



love it when non-republicans start trying to define what they think constitutes "mainstream republicans".."far right"..."right wing"...

I guess democrats and independents that lean that way should be elated that the flying nun will pose no threat to the ubber moderate, ubber mainstream democrat running on their side..should be an ubber cakewalk...

what the Republicans really nead are more ubber mainstream moderates like L.Chaffee, Castle, Crist, Specter and Murkowski
who are content as long as they are elected to "their" seats over and over but who turn on and lash out at the party and the people that elected them in the past as soon as they hit a bump...with Republicans like that who needs Democrats?

is Charlie Crist unmarried(virgin?) ????

[buckman]

I did not join the Tea Party....the Tea Party joined me. This is the way most people who relate to the Tea Party feel.

[spence]

Originally Posted by buckman

I did not join the Tea Party....the Tea Party joined me. This is the way most people who relate to the Tea Party feel.

Sounds like a higher calling. And RIJ thinks this is out of bounds?

-spence

[Raven]

they play dumb and coy continuously
but where a thin Vail

are very transparent

have a definite agenda that remains
illusive at best....

so i watch them both for quick updates and vids but
the rhetoric is always subject to a grain of salt
the size of mount Washington.

they make me so crazy as they try to sculpt America's
perception of events based on their interpretation
which is so overwhelmingly politically correct
or puritanical that i wanna Barf

[RIROCKHOUND]

Wow. I had a typo. I added an extra B. I should know better than hit 'view post' from an ignored poster

She has been a campaigning, bible thumping Christian her entire career (who is cute, 41 and unmarried, claims to adhere to her faith 100%, hence my question if she was a virgin).

I'm not trying to define anything. The point RIJ was making was that the Tea party was a fairly centrist movement, My point back was that she is not a centrist candidate, so it makes it hard for me to view the tea party as a 'centrist' movement when this is who they back.

A good point on Morning Joe this AM before I left the house, and just a comment.

If O'Donnell was a chubby, middle aged, bald, male candidate, who lied in the past about his college experience, had home foreclosures, was pursuing seemingly frivolous lawsuits, who once claimed she couldn't because of her faith, lie to Nazi's about hiding a Jew in her attic, they would not be a viable candidate. Instead we get Palin-light.

Charlie Crist can be whatever he wants, I wouldn't question it, unless he was going around thumping his bible about 'lust' and how we should all act.

I am all for O'Donnell and the like winning the nominations. It certainly will make for an easier election come November

[spence]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

Wow. I had a typo. I added an extra B. I should know better than hit 'view post' from an ignored poster

If you were a real man you'd admit this was intentional spelling to appear more "fishing man like" rather than a scientist.

It's ok to hang with your peeps, just be yourself.

She has been a campaigning, bible thumping Christian her entire career (who is cute, 41 and unmarried, claims to adhere to her faith 100%, hence my question if she was a virgin).

She does take a nice photo.

I'm not trying to define anything. The point RIJ was making was that the Tea party was a fairly centrist movement, My point back was that she is not a centrist candidate, so it makes it hard for me to view the tea party as a 'centrist' movement when this is who they back.

Like an infant their highest priority it to gain enough weight quickly to remain viable. I think they'll back anyone who will champion the core platform who looks to have a chance at a third party nomination.

A good point on Morning Joe this AM before I left the house, and just a comment.

As you were recharging your Liberatorator-ator.

I've read Joe Scarborough's book and he's no Republican. I don't think he went on a single tirade about the genetic dysfunctions of Liberals.

If O'Donnell was a chubby, middle aged, bald, male candidate, who lied in the past about his college experience, had home foreclosures, was pursuing seemingly frivolous lawsuits, who once claimed she couldn't because of her faith, lie to Nazi's about hiding a Jew in her attic, they would not be a viable candidate. Instead we get Palin-light.

It's shameful how the lamestream media and their robot "Karl Rove" is out attacking this poor woman, just because she's speaking truth to power.

Don't mess with a Mama Grizzly.

-spence

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by scottw

this entire post makes me wonder how you ever got a degree...what is an "ubber" catholic?...just wondering

Besides, without the umlauts that would be "ueber". He is our resident scientist, smarter than many, even if he has moved left over past few years (might have something to do with being married

single tirade about the genetic dysfunctions of Liberals

So in order to be a republican you need to tirade about liberals? Really?

Most people are fairly moderate yet the 20% on the extreme ends are what define the parties. How convenient. So if that's the brush we paint with anyone that votes democratic is a Code Pink, ELF, PETA, Union Thug?

And yeh, she wears 41 pretty well .

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by JohnR

smarter than many,

Not even close, but thanks for the compliment

Originally Posted by JohnR

even if he has moved left over past few years (might have something to do with being married

Not at all, I've actually moved a bit center from my youth, but like many on here, I am not defined by a party, and yes the fringe, unfortunately defines the party.

Lets get back to the original point that the media is call the tea-party right wing, and they are centrist, except for the candidates they support....

[spence]

Originally Posted by JohnR

So in order to be a republican you need to tirade about liberals? Really?

Sorry, should have used an emoticon to indicate sarcasm. It's a good book, a quick read but very accessible...I gave my copy to some guy on an airplane.

Most people are fairly moderate yet the 20% on the extreme ends are what define the parties. How convenient. So if that's the brush we paint with anyone that votes democratic is a Code Pink, ELF, PETA, Union Thug?

I think the conservative punditry has done an excellent job of giving people that impression. Less so when you reverse the picture.

What's interesting is that some studies show less than 20% of Americans would actually self classify themselves as "liberal" while over 50% or would self classify themselves as "conservative". At the same time, voters probably tend to average out in the middle.

This non-linear distribution on the spectrum is often exploited to present a picture which doesn't map to reality.

-spence

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by spence

I think the conservative punditry has done an excellent job of giving people that impression. Less so when you reverse the picture.

-spence

I would say "more so" when you reverse the picture. Its exactly how you explain that most view themselves as conservaitves vs how the vote plays out. I believe a very large percentage of the population would agree with what the tea party stands for. But they will dismiss it without question due to the media spoon feeding them.
If O'Donnell is an example of a right wing endorsement by the tp, how many candidiates were supported by the wacky left and won? you'll never know because the media acts as if the wacky left doesnt exist. they define one end (far right) but NEVER the left!

[scottw]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

A.

Charlie Crist can be whatever he wants, I wouldn't question it, unless he was going around thumping his bible about 'lust' and how we should all act.

Crist is married...my liberal customers in NH told me that the Republican Party would never support him for president because he was gay, then he got married...guess I shouldn't listen to them...or maybe he really wanted to be president real bad

if you drop the bible and add chest and replace lust with salt, energy, healthcare, principes and ideals intermingled, race, fat, exercise, taxes, evil bankers and corporations, lightbulbs, tolerance, activism, and on and on...you have the Obama's.... guess it's ok to thump the liberalism/progressivism bible

the bible thumper can't force you to do anything you don't want to do

but the Obama thumpers sure can