Over the last couple of days a couple of different conservatives have made extremely bad analogies that culminated in "sex with animals," otherwise known as bestiality. On their way there, they also mentioned things like pedophilia, murder and polygamy, you know the usual. And I mean usual too, because if you've been in the trenches on the blogosphere, conservative keyboard commandos often make these strained and inappropriate analogies.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart isn't the only host to notice that it's conservatives--always conservatives--who always dredge up bestiality. In recent days, I've heard some pretty good comedy on the subject from both The Stephanie Miller Show and The Randi Rhodes Show as well. And it's a damned good question! By the way, please pay attention to the bit where Jon takes apart Louie Gohmert's inane attempt at comparing limiting gun magazines, and allowing same-sex marriage. [Excerpt] Stewart Trashes GOP On Gay Marriage-Bestality Link: ‘What Is It With You People And The Animal-F*cking?’
Jon Stewart tonight took on the GOP’s rebranding efforts, especially with minority outreach. Stewart mocked the short amount of time it took for someone in the Republican party to throw a wrench in those efforts, and found it just a little disturbing how popular the slippery-slope “gay marriage will lead to bestiality” line is on the right. Stewart asked, “What is it with you people and the animal-fucking? . . .”
While I confess that I'm excerpting and linking to the article below mostly to justify running the accompanying cartoon, I do have thoughts about why talk radio is more than 90% conservative. And my thoughts for the most part do not align with the writer (who has used a headline that doesn't have much to do with his article).
I've been a talk radio listener for quite a while, and a left-wing talk radio listener since 2004, when Air America Radio debuted. I had to listen on my computer at work, since there is no liberal station in Las Vegas. There are at least two conservative stations though, and there have been (and still may be) more of them I haven't sampled. At least two of them were--at least until recently--actually run on both AM and FM, making four right there. This is not due to the political makeup of the Las Vegas valley or of Clark County, both of which are the most liberal areas of the state. It's not due to the availability of hosts, who manage to fill the schedule in some other cities. What is it due to?
I honestly don't know, but it it isn't entertainment value, as the writer below contends. The Stephanie Miller Show is uproariously funny most days, and quite entertaining. The Randi Rhodes Show would be entertaining to most liberals (at least those who don't have an aversion to strong New York accents). Thom Hartmann can be a bit cerebral, but his debates with bona fide conservatives are fascinating. But if you're like most people, you don't know who any of those people are. Air America went out of business a couple years ago, and the remaining active liberal hosts are thus at the mercy of station programmers. Station programmers who want talk radio go for conservative hosts by and large. Sometimes putting Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity on more than one station at the same time.
If this were solely a ratings game, I'd get it. But it's not. In those areas where left-wing talk has managed to get a foothold, many times they've been replaced by formats that perform worse.Stephanie Miller beats Laura Ingraham when put head-to-head, and yet Ingraham is on many more (and higher power) stations. The writer below says that Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are endlessly entertaining. Okay, but how does he explain Michael Weiner Savage (certifiable) or Mark Levine (worst voice in radio)? The B-list, C-list, D-list and Z-list right-wing talkers far outnumber the A-list left-wing roster. They can't all be doing well in the ratings. There are just far too many of them, and they're all operating from virtually the same talking points!
I do agree with the writer though, that the right-wing talk radio listener prefers to have his own beliefs echoed, likes to get stirred up with the latest faux outrage, and is largely unencumbered by concern about fact-based radio hosts.
[Excerpt]
A Moment of Silence: Should the Fairness Doctrine Be Revived to Prevent Polarization in Politics?
The question was particularly intriguing considering its source: the host of a progressive radio show in Central California.
In terms of audience size, the canyon between right and left on radio’s political spectrum is huge. Top conservatives – Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and Michael Savage – reach a combined audience of roughly 50 million listeners a week. The most successful liberal talk hosts, such as Ed Schultz and Randi Rhodes, each pull about 3 million weekly. . .
There is buzz that MSNBC is looking to capitalize on the success of Countdown with Keith Olbermann and The Rachel Maddow Show by introducing a third hour, in place of one of their usual reruns. Most suspect that they'll pick another liberal host, though I'd bet they'd be wary of doing that. It might be better to get a more neutral host, or possibly even a conservative (though I doubt that last one--isn't three hours of Joe Scarborough enough?). Still, I'm hoping for another liberal/progressive.
After so many years of conservative dominance in cable news (liberal media bias, my ass), the prospect of one of my favorite pundits/personalities getting their own show is kinda fun. There aren't many famous names to the general public to pick from (again, bias my patootie), but there are some great names out there who could become famous. And there are others that probably wouldn't work so well. Here is my take on a few of the names that pop into my head:
- Bill Maher - Would be a perfect fit, and a ratings hit too, I bet. But why would he? He has a regular gig on HBO that allows for his stand up career. It'll never happen, but it would be great.
- Randi Rhodes - Her appearances on cable news have mostly been a disaster, because she's in a four-square shout-off, usually with at least two conservatives. Randi's voice is already abrasive, and her temper legendary. So that format just comes off badly. But as a host who is in control? It. Just. Might. Work.
- Stephanie Miller - Love, love, love her, and her mooks. But she's had a rocky history on TV, including at MSNBC. I don't think her show would translate well to cable news, unfortunately.
- Arianna Huffington - I love Arianna too, as a guest. But when she subbed for Rachel, she was just dreadful. She was also great with Al Franken on Bill Maher's old show, when she was a conservative. Franken is also ineligible, since he'll likely be busy in the Senate. So, no to both.
- Ed Schultz - Don't like him much. . .too much like a liberal Rush Limbaugh.
- Sam Seder - My pick. He's funny, kind of nerdy-cute, self-deprecating, smart, and a little twisted. He's been knocked around by Air America Radio, as has his co-host, Marc Maron. Maybe they could do a two-man show. Nobody sets up and takes apart conservatives like Seder. And Maron might be able to squash Seder's occasional tantrums.
And now, a little of Sam & Marc from YouTube, with Sam expressing his sorrow over the departure of George W. Bush:
Photo of Stephanie Miller & Randi Rhodes from StephanieMiller.com
I don't listen to 10 hosts regularly (where would I find the time), but I am a big fan of liberal talk radio, a wholly different beast compared to the conservative counterpart. I've already given an editorial on the subject, so this time, I'll just list my favorites, and move you on to the excerpt.
My picks would be:
5. Sam Seder - I rarely get to hear Sammy anymore, as his show got scuttled to Sundays. But whenever he's filling in for one of the other hosts, I thoroughly enjoy the show. I especially love the "SammyCam" online, where you can listen (and watch) Sam interacting with his crew and online fans during the show and during the commercials. Sam needs a better spot.
4. Thom Hartmann - Thom is an extraordinarily smart talker, has great guests, and brings the important issues to light. While his show can be a little dry, it's nearly unmatched when really big news needs to be dissected.
3. Randi Rhodes - Randi's show is probably the one I look forward to most. I only put her at #3 because Steph is so danged funny, and Rachel impresses me so much with her big juicy brain. But Randi, she's just gloves-off, knuckles-swingin' action, whatever the topic. Love her and her Joan Rivers-crossed-with-Rhoda Morganstern voice!
2. Rachel Maddow - Rachel has grown during her many and varied shows at Air America Radio into a self-assured, affable, and whip-smart radio host. Her show is fast-paced, loaded with information, and most importantly entertaining while filling your brain.
1. Stephanie Miller - She and her sidekicks are hilarious. Adding humor to the sometimes depressing political news bounces Stephie & the Mooks to my #1 spot. This show will annoy anyone slightly out of earshot, with all of its sound effects. But you'll get hooked on them, especially the Lying Sack of Crap song, and You Are an Idiot! Ha, ha, ha, ha. . . . .
[Excerpt]
Top 10 Liberal Talkers of 2007
[snip]
5. Rachel Maddow
What a year it's been for Rachel Maddow. Originally taking a back seat to better known names in the early days of Air America, she has risen to greater prominence in 2007. a popular early evening show, coupled with frequent appearances on MSNBC and CNN have given her one of the highest profiles of any air America host. Her television presence was so well-received that she reportedly is even in the running for her own show on MSNBC. . .
Yes, the second big Rudy story of the day is the endorsement by "Evil Uncle Chuckles," (™ The Stephanie Miller Show), Pat Robertson. And I got a tremendous sense of deja vu watching Pat Buchanan of all people discussing it on Live with Dan Abrams on MSNBC. After all, one of the chief reasons that I could not vote for George H. W. Bush in 1992 was the company he was keeping with both of the Pats.
This is a questionable endorsement from both sides. From Pat Roberson's side, it would appear that all the social issues that Rudy is squishy on don't matter anymore. From Rudy's side, it means the extra crispy bucket of crazy (again, ™ The Stephanie Miller Show) that Pat brings to anything. Not to mention all of the nasty things Pat's said regarding 9/11, Rudy's key issue.
[Excerpt]
Rev. Pat Robertson endorses Rudy Giuliani, despite abortion stance
Rudy Giuliani Wednesday morning won the endorsement of the Rev. Pat Robertson, one of the evangelical Christian movement's most recognizable leaders, who said he put aside his differences with Giuliani over abortion because he believes the ex-mayor will appoint staunchly conservative judges.
Robertson also said he is backing Giuliani because "to me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists. . . . We need a leader with a bold vision who is not afraid to tackle the challenges ahead."
This story is effectively over, I know. But I just got back from the eye doctor, and my pupils are dilated, so any typing is difficult. I found this video (actually just audio), of Randi Rhodes explaining her accident (and the aftermath) in her own words. Following that, I have Stephanie Miller's correction of the story, to show you yes, liberal talk radio admits its mistakes!
This should be the end of the story, I guess time will tell. Either way, I love me some Randi and some Stephanie.
I haven't had time to watch this (and won't until lunchtime), but I thought I'd take two minutes to post this while it is in my head. I'll probably update this post later. . .
UPDATE: Watched it. She's great, just as I thought. She does look thin, though, as she's reported on her show. I hope Mama's OK!
Yes, the children of Barry Goldwater and Bill Miller are throwing their hats in the ring. . .OK, not really, but I love their slogan: "Family Name. No Skills. Just Like W." Go, CC & Steph!
If you've read my blog before, you probably know I'm a fan of Air America Radio. But I'll confess, I've never listened to The Young Turks, their morning show. I don't get to listen until about 7:30 PST, and I listen to The Stephanie Miller Show. My sister turned me on to it, and I never miss it. But if this clip is any indication, maybe I should be podcasting The Young Turks.
I really agree with almost everything Cenk Uygur is saying in this clip. He's talking about the (afore mentioned, many times on this blog) MoveOn.org "Betray Us?" ad, and the faux outrage it spawned. He doesn't spare the Democrats either. Click and check it out.
In a another case of pop-culture bleeding over into reality in my brain, I can't stop thinking of impressionist Jim Ward's impression of Dennis Hastert, and what this means for Ward's comedy. Usually, any mention of Hastert on The Stephanie Miller Show prompted Oktoberfest oom-pah music, "Oh Gaad!"s, and talks of arteries clogged with cased meat products. It'll be a tragic loss.
Oh, and Denny leaving Congress? What took so long? Don't let the door hit ya!
[Excerpt]
Ex-House Speaker Hastert to retire
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert is expected to announce on Friday his retirement from Congress, a House Republican aide said on Tuesday.
"He is going to announce a retirement ... that's definitive," said the aide, who asked not to be identified.
But the aide added that it was not yet clear whether Hastert, the longest-serving Republican speaker before stepping down after the 2006 elections, would leave his Illinois congressional seat immediately or would serve out his term, which runs through next year. . .
Call her what you will, noted transsexual plagiarist, junk-toting stick figure, succubus/incubus (all ® Stephanie Miller), Ann Coulter knows how to self-promote. Rattling off insults like a machine gun, her nastiness gets her coverage, even right here. As counter-productive as it might be to even give her some attention, I think it is worthwhile to give you a taste of the venom still leaking out (eww) from this harpy. From her latest column:
[Excerpt]
DID I MISS THE 'HIP' PART?
August 1, 2007
CNN commentators keep telling us how young and hip the audience was for last week's YouTube Democratic debate, apparently unaware that the camera occasionally panned across the audience, which was the same oddball collection of teachers' union shills and welfare recipients you see at all Democratic gatherings.
Noticeably, Gov. Bill Richardson got the first "woo" of the debate — the mating call of rotund liberal women — for demanding a federal mandate that would guarantee public schoolteachers a minimum salary of $40,000. So much for the "younger, hipper" audience.
Maybe CNN meant "hippier," as in, "My, she's looking a bit hippy these days.". . .
I've talked about Stephanie Miller before, but I don't think she gets nearly enough exposure, so I want to show you why I think she's so great. Months ago, she appeared on Hannity and Colmes on FOX "News," and she bested Sean Hannity in a way that few do. THIS is how you combat this idiot. If you can't find Stephanie's show on your radio, try KTLK.com. She's on from 6:00 - 9:00 Pacific/9:00 - 12:00 Eastern.
I couldn't find an embeddable video, but I did find a transcript. Read along, and see how everyone should treat bullyboy Hannity when interviewed.
[Excerpt]
SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: Hey, Stephanie Miller, my old friend. Hello, Stephanie. MILLER: Hi, Sean, you big hunk of conservative stud meat. HANNITY: Oh, thank you very much. I understand you say that quite often. I take that as a compliment from you. All right. Now, you know what it is? MILLER: You're really, really wrong about everything, and that's why God made you pretty. HANNITY: OK, thank you, Stephanie. I could say the same about you. Now, let me — let's talk about Bush derangement syndrome, because you're actually suffering from it, as well. You know what? First of all, Sean Penn, when he could string two sentences together, doesn't obviously understand fascism. And here's the facts, Stephanie. Not only are you guys, as Don Rumsfeld said, morally confused, you are weak as a party. You are wrong on the issues of our day involving terror. You are confused, and you have a pre-9/11 mentality. It's just that simple. MILLER: Thank God you called me pretty first. You know what — Sean... HANNITY: Thank God — thank God the country is being defended despite you guys. MILLER: I didn't hear anything after you said that I'm pretty. But you know, here's the thing. You might want to read something. There's been a piece written called "The 14 characteristics of Fascism". Well, a lot of people agree are indeed what they are. If you go down the list...
The video might capture it better, and you can view it here. You can see from his reactions that he's totally thrown. One day I hope to figure out how to embed these types of videos. They don't make it easy.
