Newsflash: MSNBC Regularly Funds Democrats

The self-styled Edward R. Murrow of cable news, Keith Olbermann, of the witness relocation news network (MSNBC) was suspended last week for making financial contributions to Democrats. Much has been made over the justness of Olbermann’s suspension. Andrew, being the ardent Olbermann fan that he is, believes that poor ol’ Keith got a raw deal. The bottom line is that MSNBC has a rule, Olbermann broke it, and he was punished. However, the more important point is that the rule Olbermann broke is patently absurd.

Hiding under the false pretense of objectivity, NBC News has a rule that forbids alleged journalists from donating to political parties. This rule holds up the façade of impartiality for a media network that is entirely in the tank for the Democratic Party. In place of this ridiculous rule, NBC and MSNBC hosts and analysts should be permitted to make political contributions and be forced to disclose where their money was spent.

Not allowing political contributions allows MSNBC to make outrageous claims. A perfect example of the disingenuous self-righteous attitude at MSNBC came from Rachel Maddow last Friday:

In the video, Maddow documents political endorsements and contributions made by FOX hosts, specifically Sean Hannity. Is it a surprise to viewers that Sean Hannity supports Republicans? No. FOX is honest. On the other hand, MSNBC is still a Potemkin village, with the only Lincoln Steffenss left residing in GE headquarters.

Phil Griffin, the President of MSNBC, still thinks/claims that his network is impartial. In a recent interview, Griffin challenged “Show me an example of us fund-raising.” Griffin’s claim was echoed by Ms. Maddow in the above video. You see, although the entire cast at MSNBC may be  dedicated liberals, they still adhere to strict journalistic standards. Political fund-raising is where the line is drawn between the dastardly FOX News, and the respected home of journalism, MSNBC.

Funny thing about that. Media critic Johhny Dollar took up Griffin’s challenge. His findings may have shocked Pauline Kael, but not too many other people.  Using the very same standards that Griffin and Maddow used to pillory FOX, it turns out MSNBC has made a cottage industry out of fundraising for Democrats. Democrats like Alan Grayson, Michael Dorf, Justin Coussoule, Jack Conway and other regularly took to MSNBC’s airwaves to seek funds. In addition, leftwing groups, like MoveOn.org and others were given free ‘infomercial’ time on MSNBC.

None of this information should surprise you. If you haven’t ever watched MSNBC I highly recommend it. It’s like Comedy Central, only funny. For anyone at MSNBC, or any of the other networks for that matter, to claim to be objective is an insult to their viewers’ intelligence. Politico says that MSNBC is having an “identity crisis.” No, it’s not. MSNBC decided long ago to be the home of the deranged Left. The rule Olbermann broke is nonsensical. The rule is applied subjectively and sparingly. As examined above, MSNBC breaks their own rule quite regularly. The only people Maddow and Griffin may be fooling with their preening and posturing are themselves.

In Defense of Keith Olbermann

I never thought in my blogging life that I’d find myself writing a post to defend MSNBC nutbar Keith Olbermann; but alas, that time has come.

Keith Olbermann was recently suspended “indefinitely” from MSNBC for finally showing his ambiguous political leanings donating to the Democratic Party. The news of Olbermann’s political contributions came only hours before the announcement that he had been let go. According to MSNBC, political contributions are forbidden in accordance with in-house corporate policies, but there have been several cases where these rules have been overlooked.

If Olbermann were a news guy, I would understand his dismissal over this issue. For those strictly non-partisan, unbiased newscasters, donating to a political party would be a big no-no. With Olbermann, this is hardly a guy who leaves viewers guessing about which way he leans politically. One of the things news networks need to succeed is a distinction between news and commentary. Fox News has known this for quite a while; even MSNBC has embraced this philosophy. CNN, on the other hand, is filled with partisan hacks attempting to come across as neutral; so it’s no wonder that they fall behind even HLN and MSNBC in ratings year after year.

If it were revealed that Sean Hannity had contributed to the Republican Party, I wouldn’t think he should be fired. That would be no different. Love him or hate him (with Strictly Right readers presumably falling into the latter category,) I don’t think anyone doubts that his “schtick” is that of a raging left-wing lunatic. Therefore, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume that he supports, you know, the party that represents raging left-wing lunatics.

Liberal media wants Rush dead: Shocking

In a leaked Journolist email from National Public Radio producer Sarah Spitz, she reveals what shouldn’t be surprising, but is still disgusting: she wishes Rush Limbaugh were dead. Spitz didn’t make an in-passing reference to how the world would be a better place without Rush, however. Instead, she even offers a narrative on how she wishes it would happen. In response to Limbaugh experiencing chest pains while on vacation in Hawaii earlier this year, Spitz said she would “Laugh loudly like a maniac and watch his eyes bug out as Limbaugh he in torment.”

Now, when the news was revealed that Limbaugh was admitted to the hospital, there were a torrent of Tweets from his detractors wishing that he would kick the bucket, saying that they  hoped it was a heart attack, that he died a painful death, etc. I have never seen such hatred when someone from the Left has been through a similar experience. There are going to be a couple of nutjobs on either side of the spectrum no matter what; but I can’t help but laugh at the Left’s chosen way to treat someone they claim is so filled with hate and vitriol. They respond with…well, hate and vitriol. I’ve never heard Rush wish someone were dead — nothing close.

Despite what I think about NPR (which, believe me, is not favorable,) there is still an expectation of civility there. Punditry and polemic aside, media figures on the Left and the Right have [generally] had a level of respect for colleagues on the other side as individuals. Heck, Chris Matthews even guest-hosted the Rush Limbaugh Show once (betcha didn’t know that!)

When the now leaked Journolist database, this is the tip of the iceberg. From admittedly sharing strategies to kill the Jeremiah Wright stories to advocating a government takeover of Fox News, it’s clear the liberal media is…shockingly, liberal.

Sarah Palin's New Book!

Frequent readers and listeners if Strictly Right will know that I do not want to see Sarah Palin as a presidential candidate, simply because I don’t think she’s right for the job. However, unlike those on the Left, my discomfort with Governor Palin is not because of baseless attacks on her intelligence, but rather intellectual disagreement.

Either way, I think she does fantastically on FOX News, and her last book was awesome, so I’m pleased to report the release of her next one!

Sarah Palin’s new book has a title, “America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag,” and a release date, Nov. 23, publisher HarperCollins announced Tuesday.

The Alaska ex-governor and former GOP vice presidential candidate, whose memoir “Going Rogue” has sold more than 2 million copies, has been working on a tribute to American values.

It will include “selections from classic and contemporary readings that have moved her,” according to HarperCollins, along with “the nation’s founding documents to great speeches, sermons, letters, literature and poetry, biography, and even some of her favorite songs and movies.”

The book is inspired not only by her “strong belief in the importance of family, faith, and patriotism,” but by some of the people she met last year while promoting “Going Rogue.” Palin skipped major cities such as Seattle and Los Angeles, traditional stops on most author tours, and instead focused on smaller communities more receptive to her conservative message.

H/T to Kathy.

POLL: Should domestic terrorists get Miranda rights?

Glenn Beck thinks so, and I actually have to agree with him in this case.


Constitutional rights apply to all American citizens. This includes terrorists, just as it includes murderers, car thieves, and any other type of Democrat. Napolitano called it correctly when he stated in this video that any information obtained pre-Mirandizing wouldn’t even be admissible in court. In any case, I’m curious what you guys think on this one. Ari and I will probably bring it up on tomorrow’s Strictly Right Radio as well!

Check out the poll in the side-bar and weigh in on the discussion here!

Finally, a second TV station for me to watch

Looks like there may be hope for Hollywood after all! There aren’t too many details available about this yet, but what is available looks fantastic. However, an enterprising group of conservatives saw that perhaps FOX News wasn’t the only place for conservatives to go, especially if they are looking for more than just news-programming. As such, RightNetwork was born! Their trailers have a lot of effort and money behind them, and they’ve secured Kelsey Grammer as a spokesperson, which definitely lends the network much credibility. Their expected release is in summer of 2010, though I’m not sure if it’s launching completely on a web and mobile platform first, or with a television presence as well.

Here is their rather amusing promotional video with Kelsey Grammer (who played General Patton in An American Carol.)

And here is their more serious advertisement:

As always, we’ll do our best to keep you posted. Their line-up looks fantastic so far. On their website, they have listed:

  • Running: A reality show documenting the political campaigns of six first-time candidates as they balance their personal lives and jobs with their campaigns. One of their candidates is even running against Pelosi!
  • Right to Laugh: A collection of some of the funniest stand-up comedy I’ve ever seen…all of it, of course, from the right!
  • Politics and Poker: Right-wingers (including Andrew Breitbart) playing poker and talking politics. All that’s missing is the cigars, and my presence.

Update: Sarah Palin, Toby Keith, Jack Welch and…LL Cool J?

No, you didn’t misread that headline. Mediate reports that Sarah Palin’s FOX News show, Real American Stories, will debut this Thursday April 1st at 10pm with guests Toby Keith, Jack Welch and yes, LL Cool J.

After doing some background research, it would appear as though LL Cool J is a real patriot.

From Cubachi:

What many people do not know about LL Cool J is how pro-American his family is.

“My family is very pro-American,” he says. “My grandfather used to sit me in his lap, and we would watch all of the old World War II shows that used to come on, back in the day. I’m totally on it, totally into it, and I love it. My grandfather, even after we said grace, he would say, ‘Chow!’

His thoughts on the military:

“… ultimately these are some of the people who have to protect our freedom and protect democracy.”

He also talks about his favorite founding father, Ben Franklin:

“You know what,” he says, “that’s a good question, interesting question.

My favorite Founding Father .. wow. Benjamin Franklin was brilliant. I think I will go with Benjamin Franklin first. I would go with Jefferson and then Adams, but I would go with Franklin.

“When he talked about wealth … his ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack’ was amazing. Him being a scientist; him being an author; him being a businessman; him being an entrepreneur; him being a guy who understood how important it was to be conservative when it came to a dollar, and conserve your wealth.

And it doesn’t stop there. In an interview LL Cool JJ (can I just call him “Cool J” or is it Mr. Cool J?) did on the set of his television show “NCIS: Los Angeles” he came out as a God fearing American patriot who loves the troops, families and the free-market. I highly recommend you read the entire interview.

Looks like LL Cool J ought to be added to the (very short) list of acceptable celebrities.

UPDATE: Turns out when something is too good to be true it isn’t true. Reader Winston brought this story to my attention – the gist is that LL Cool J is just another loser.