Maddow Clip #1: Rachel Takes on Americans for Prosperity Head

Rachel Maddow, long a fave of Greenlee Gazette was out sick for much of the last week or so, though I doubt it was the H1N1 swine flu, since she already had that once. Upon her return to The Rachel Maddow Show, she dove right in, croaky voice and all. In a contentious interview with faux grass roots organization "Americans for Prosperity" head, Tim Phillips, Rachel took the gloves off.

The thing I love about Rachel, and the thing that her detractors always get wrong, is that she's not simply the flip side to a Glenn Beck or a Bill O'Reilly. She doesn't turn all red and blustery, or scream ("Get off my phone!" anyone?). There's no Hannity-like ham-handedness or posturing. She's capable of keeping her composure, even when delivering a blistering dressing down of someone she feels deserves it. I believe she means what she says, and I don't ever get that from the FOX hen house. So score one point for the appearance of a non-like-minded guest. Score one more for conviction.

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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you can stomach it, take a gander at the right-wing world response to these clips at FreeRepublic. Ignore the sub-Jr. High School "humor" about Rachel being a lesbian, and see if any of their commentary comes anywhere near reality for you: FreeRepublic