Hannity & Colmes Soon to be Just Hannity

For years, any time a liberal would complain that FOX "News" wasn't Fair and Balanced as advertised, a conservative "FOX Fan" (is there any other kind) would point to Hannity & Colmes as evidence. The Crossfire-type show pits uber-conservative Sean Hannity against self-avowed moderate Alan Colmes. And while a moderate is as close to "liberal" as FOX can get, the show nevertheless has a pronounced tilt to the right in subject matter, and with guests.

I used to watch occasionally, strictly for the unintentional humor and as opposition research. But since the debut if The Rachel Maddow Show, I've rarely darkened my home with the sights and sounds of H&C. The Other Half is particularly grateful for that, since he can barely stand the sound of Hannity's voice.

After a dozen years on the air, Colmes has apparently gotten tired of being Hannity's whipping boy. He's leaving the show, leaving Hannity the sole host. Having sampled the Colmes-less Hannity's America a couple of times, I simply cannot imagine that the switch will be a success. Without even a half-hearted counterpoint, Hannity is a sputtering mess. The show--unless they have something else planned--will likely be simply a televised version of his radio show.

Now, I'm aware that Hannity's radio show second rated only after Rush Limbaugh (and ahead of the freakish Michael Weiner Savage). Maybe it is possible to retain that same big audience. But I'm not so sure. Radio is a habit. With TV, there are many more options, and Hannity is relentlessly, boringly repetitive. He's got a huge, multi-million dollar contract with FOX "News," so I'm sure they won't let the show die. But I'd entertain taking bets on how long he goes without a co-host.

For some reason, I keep thinking of Laverne & Shirley after Cindy Williams quit. The show was known by critics as "Laverne & Furniture." Maybe Hannity's new show will be "Hannity & Garish Set"

[Excerpt]

Hannity to Go It Alone, Without Colmes

“Hannity & Colmes,” the longest-running program on the Fox News Channel, will soon be without Colmes.

Alan Colmes, 58, the liberal half of the 9 p.m. show, will leave his daily hosting duties at the end of the year, the network announced Monday. . .

Read more at: New York Times

Tucker Carlson is a Twit

Photo from source, RawStory.com

I often wonder how this clueless boob made it to popular punditry. Although, "popular" might be an overstatement. His peak in broadcasting came during his tenure on CNN's Crossfire, a show he managed to get cancelled (thanks to Jon Stewart).

Tucker has since had a couple of shows on MSNBC, with some minor changes in name (my favorite, Tucker!*) and time slot. Through it all, he's displayed the immaturity indicated by his famous (since abandoned) affectation of a bow-tie, and little kid mop-top hairstyle. Here is the most recent example:

[Excerpt]

Tucker Carlson concerned gays 'worth more' than he is

Tucker Carlson criticized Neil Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, on Thursday, saying, "You all are doing a pretty lousy job of explaining why gay marriage is a good idea. Your arguments are all revolving around the question of rights. ... Most people hear the word 'rights' and they turn off. That's a 1960's argument and they're sick of it."

Carlson then began criticizing the pending hate crimes bill, telling Giuliano, "If under this bill, if you're attacked for being gay, the person who attacks you is punished more severely than the person who attacks me. ... Maybe I'm attacked by someone for being straight. Why are you worth more as a citizen than I am?"

Continue reading at: RawStory.com

Tucker goes on to talk about "all crime" being a hate crime. OK, Tucker (and anybody else with this mode of thought), maybe so. But there are already hate crime statues on the books. Religion, race, gender and other attributes are already covered by hate crime legislation. What is being argued now is adding sexual orientation and identity to the existing statues. It is not the existence of hate crime legislation, but who is included in it that is the argument. Arguing against such a thing is a dick move, in this scenario, though I'd expect nothing less from Tucker Carlson.

*Tucker! Jazz Hands! Spirit Fingers! ™ - The Stephanie Miller Show

Blast from the Past: Jon Stewart on Crossfire

Here's an oldie, but goodie. I didn't have an outlet to share this back when it happened, and now that I do, I'm. . .well. . .sharing it. This clip is actually historic for a couple of reasons. For one, Jon Stewart spoke more truth in this segment than is ever shared on the cable news talking heads shows. And, this appearance hammered the nails in the coffin for Crossfire.

The video is long, but if you've never seen it, check it out. Your respect for Mr. Stewart will grow, even if you're already a fan.