Barack Obama Elected President!

[Wales2004]

For me it will be football first but maybe I will watch a little of KO. I haven't watched Fox News in years so whatever I see of it I see on the internet. The clip I saw of Obama with O'Reilly ranting was enough for me to know that I don't need to see any more. Unless I read that Obama said something that I want to hear for myself, I won't watch another clip of them.

MSNBC has two liberal show hosts in the form of Matthews and Olbermann and will be gaining a third with today's premier of Rachel Maddow's show. They also have Republican Joe Scarborough hosting a three hour morning show. Olbermann happens to bring in their largest audience. His audience increased after he started taking firm positions.

David Gregory does not give away any party preference but he has more of an anti Obama slant. He's among those on MSNBC that would be considered unbiased along with Andrea Mitchell who also comes across as anti Obama at times. Basically the labeling of MSNBC as liberal is based on Matthews and Olbermann who get a combined total of four hours of programming each week day and since Matthews has both Democrats and Republicans on his show to debate each other and he's complimentary to Republicans, the main cause of the tag is Olbermann who isn't masquerading as an unbiased journalist.

I don't think MSNBC devotes enough hours to liberals to be tagged a liberal cable network. I think it's a network with three identifiable liberal show hosts though Matthews just generally adores whoever captures his attention at the moment regardless of party affiliation.

[George008]

So have you made up your mind to state your stances, but you no longer want to debate someone with an opposing view? Why do you feel that I have no intention of listening? I'm not sure what I have done, except state my disagreement, to give you that impression.

[Roman]

I actually liked BH more when he was at ABC News than I do now, but can say he does do the slant as much as many of the others on the network, even though it is way too much for my taste.

Maybe some don't watch MSNBC during the day. I can take Olbermann alot more than Matthews, who seems to say whatever crap happens to pop into his head at the time, regardless of how stupid it sounds.

[George008]

Do you feel that there is a place for balance in journalism? Hope so.

Why would you equate an attempt to be fair to wearing a mask? I appreciate anyone's attempt to try to inform the public without trying to persuade. I think the majority of true anchors do. Olbermann is too opinionated to be an anchor.

I have the cynical belief that many in society are not as informed as they should be in politics. Because of this, I feel balance is needed in journalism. Commentation and journalism are two seperate tasks IMO. Olbermann will make a great commentator.

When he worked for ESPN, I don't remember him showing who his favorite teams were, when reporting. I guess politics can be much more passion invoking for some. He couldn't help himself.

[Roman]

Peter Jennings.

The Forth Estate really needs more like him. He is missed.

[Wales2004]

I don't remember what I thought of Brit Hume on ABC News but I was pretty used to Peter Jennings. I don't watch the evening news any more now. I liked Charles Gibson on GMA but don't care for him as an anchor and George Stephanopoulos doesn't help either. Dan Rather's Bush vendetta put me off him and Katie Couric was better joking around on The Today Show. I never bothered with NBC Nightly News except once in awhile.

NBC is truly missing Tim Russert right now. The conventions highlighted Olbermann vs Scarborough, Olbermann vs. Matthews, and Scarborough vs Schuster. There's also some possible tension brewing between Chuck Todd and David Gregory over the MTP host slot. Tim Russert probably did a lot to keep them and their egos in check.

[Greg's GL]

IA Jess. That's one thing the Repubs have been great at the last few elections - media manipulation. They get my props for that.

What really blew me away the other day (don't know why I was surprised) was on The Early Show, shortly after Obama accepted the nomination in the stadium...the host - Maggie something - had a political pundit on. She asked him "Wasn't Obama behaving like a rock star in that stadium? Didn't this hurt his campaign?" All negativity.

The pundit, to his credit, said that it was effective and Obama came off very well. But the blatant slant of the question just made me pause for a second.

I really believe Obama would be a great president. But I'm starting to get scared with the way things are going...

[Roman]

CT should get that show, instead of DG IMO. He seems more down the middle to me than DG.

IA about Russert. It seems that since his death, the snippiness has reall been shown on that network. Although Scarborough should back up a bit and check himself sometimes. One day he's going to do that loud talking and someone will forget they are on tv and blast him. I still remember when Rachel Maddow got in his tail and he walked off the show (RFTWH).

[Roman]

Greg, it sounds like you're worried they will choose BS over substance.

[Roman]

I feel so bad for my NE Pats fans (Not!)

Sorry. Couldn't resist. I know that's mean.

[George008]

The undecided voters are beginning to pick a side. The latest polls that have come out are showing smaller numbers for the undecided(s).

[Wales2004]

IA about Matthews. Sometimes he seems to be soaking in syrup and all that's missing is a love poem.

I don't have a problem with journalists expressing opinions when that's the point of their jobs as in the case of Olbermann and Matthews on their respective shows. I would have a problem if either tried to anchor the network news and interjected their opinions into what is supposed to be unbiased reporting. As long as it is clear that they are not passing themsellves off as unbiased, I have no issue.

I wish they would find someone else other than Chuck Todd or David Gregory. I don't see Todd as a show host and maybe I shouldn't limit him like that but I also think he wants to make the news as well. I would like to see Soledad O'Brien tackle a job like that.

What show did he walk off?

[Wales2004]

I don't feel bad for the NE fans. I think their team will be fine. The sports analysts, reporters, etc. need to stop talking as if Tom Brady is the whole league. Yesterday, they were mourning his injury as if someone had died and they were talking as if the NFL season had to be canceled.

Even if Obama doesn't get elected, I am more optimistic now that change may be delayed for four years but it's eventually going to happen. I am also optimistic that the religious right is going to be greatly challenged as well.

[GoldenDogs]

Absolutely right... however, it started just before Bush took office and was stoked by the tragedy of 9/11.

I agree with you about the stimulus; unnecessary and costly. But Barack Obama has called for yet ANOTHER round of stimulus check rebates -- do you agree with him on that?

As for Reagan's economic plans... they absolutely did work. In fact, President Clinton enjoyed riding that wave of success throughout much of the 90's due to Reagan's economic policies. The only bump in the road during that long period from the late 80's to late 90's? "Read My Lips" -- new taxes.

Another thing about the tax cuts... If they don't help the economy and create problems, why has Barack said he won't immediately raise taxes on the rich upon assuming office?

Frankly, I think the economy is cyclical and it naturally goes up and down. With any sustained period of economic growth, there must also be a downturn to follow. Do you agree, Jess, that there is a natural flux to our economy?

[Roman]

Race For The White House.

I don't know who else at NBC News they could choose who would be down the middle. Dan Abrams? He doesn't have a show now.

Tell you what? Turn on our local stations here. People were actually laughing about it, because many are so sick of the Patriots fawning from the NFL and sports media that it makes them sick.