Is MSNBC Pro-Obama?

I usually don't like to put too much stock in any story by Howard Kurtz, but his article in today's Washington Post definately peaked my interest. Kurtz's subject matter is that of MSNBC and it's supposedly "left-leaning" election coverage and "pro-Obama" bend. There's no question that MSNBC is anti-Clinton, and I say that as an Obama supporter. MSNBC's coverage of Hillary Clinton has been absolutely deplorable. Chris Matthews routinely descends into sexist rants against Clinton that would offend the sensibilities of even the most ardently conservative frat boy. That being said, with the exception of Olbermann, the network certainly isn't "pro-Obama." They covered the Reverand Wright scandal and lapel pin controversy just as much as any other media outlet. That being said I can understand why many Clinton supporters label MSNBC "pro-Obama" considering Olbermann's "special comments" against Hillary and Matthew's strangely homoerotic murmurs about Obama. Really though, MSNBC is pro-Obama only to the extent that they

I think that conservatives that complain that MSNBC is "left-leaning" are either way too thin skinned (which of course they are) or incredibly stupid (ok, again). Chris Matthews says nice stuff about Obama, but there is no doubt he is absolutely maddly in love with John McCain. As is Norah O'Donnell, David Shuster, David Gregory, etc., etc., etc. It really irks me when McCain campaign figures complain about MSNBC's coverage, because McCain gets a free ride from everybody, and MSNBC is one of his most frequent drivers (with the notable exception of Keith Olbermann). I certainly have spent many a frustrated night watching many an MSNBC pundit trash the Democratic Party and kick it while it's down over and over and over again. Matthews does this like none other. The man, despite working as a speech writer for Jimmy Carter and an advisor for the great Tip O'Neil, seems to loathe Democrats with every fiber of his being. This is because Matthews treasure character above all other qualities, and that character is that of the alpha-male. Constantly, Matthews rails on Democrats for not being manly enough. The man refuses to stop calling Obama an elitist and even criticized Obama for playing the rich man's game of pool. Matthews along with Russert, constantly tout their blue collar upbringing, but apparently neither of them have ever been to a dive bar in their life. Pool, a rich man's game!?! It costs like 75 cents to play pool! That's a hell of a lot cheaper than bowling! Bowling, in Matthews mind, is the sport of the working people. That's probably true, but if he would take the time to actually, you know, GO TO A BOWLING ALLEY, he would more than likely find that there are almost as many pool tables as there are alleys!

Wow, that was a long tangent into Chris Matthews (I know, tell us how you really feel Scott!). Anyways, my worry here is that MSNBC will listen to this conservative criticism and move to the right. We can't afford to have this happen. I certainly have many issues with MSNBC, but they are my go-to channel for political news. I find that the analysts they have including Racheal Maddow, Jonathan Alter, David Gregory, Pat Buchanan, and numerous others; are the best on TV! MSNBC is growing, and looking more and more like a viable alternative to FOX. Let's hope that they stick what's working and ignore the likes of Terry McAuliffe (candidate for Tool of the Year) and Steve Schmidt.

Huh?

This is weird but oddly cool. It was made using sounds and video from the Disney movie.



Via Buzzfeed.

Update: Teddy Kennedy

Teddy Kennedy was released from the hospital today. He's in high spirits and is anxious to begin his treatment. The prognosis for most people with brain cancer is not good, but Teddy has always been a fighter, so there's no reason to believe he can't beat this. Plus, I don't want to offend anyone's religous sensibilities, but if there is/are God(s) out there, they are almost certainly in the Kennedy family's debt. There are few families that have given more, and inspired so many, that have received such a raw deal in return. For those of you that didn't read Ezra Klein's superb post that I linked to yesterday, I'd just like to quote him:

Kennedy is the most effective, dogged, determined, and skilled liberal legislator in the Senate. He's one of the few Senators who is genuinely irreplaceable, whose absence would degrade the nation's social policy, and thus the life chances and economic security of millions of its disadvantaged residents. Without Kennedy, we wouldn't have the Americans with Disabilities Act, S-CHIP, the Family and Medical Leave Act, or any of a hundred other crucial pieces of legislation. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine passing universal health care. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine passing paid family or medical leave. Without Kennedy, it's hard to imagine our country becoming more decent or just or humane.

Klein couldn't be more correct. Kennedy must survive this. The Republican party, to their credit, is being quite gracious and classy. But don't think they won't try to capitalize on the liberal lion's absence, whether it be temporary or permanent. Anyways, I'm going to take a break from blogging about politics until next week. It seems like it would be insensitive of me to engage in overt partisanship in a time like this. Moreover, it's perfectly clear that last night's primary results changed ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

The Liberal Lion

I'm sure that you are aware that Teddy Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. According to the Boston Globe article I linked to above, this is most likely evidence of terminal cancer and it's unknown how much longer Sen. Kennedy has to live. What can one really say at a moment like this? I often think about how much the Kennedy family has been through and it serves as a stark reminder for me at how cruel and cold our world can be at sometimes. That being said, the Kennedy brothers (namely John, Bobby, and Teddy) always inspired in Americans the willingness to combat the cruelty surrounding us and rise above the coldness. Ezra Klein has two exceptional and moving posts about Teddy Kennedy (here and here). He also brought my attention to this video from 1968 of Teddy Kennedy eulogizing his brother Bobby. Teddy's eulogy is among the most bracingly affecting speeches I've ever heard. While the eulogy is obviously a testament to Bobby Kennedy, you will no doubt find as I did that Teddy's words speak as much for him as they do for Bobby. Please keep Teddy and the Kennedy family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Tale of the Cynic

My iPod has recently decided not to function, much to my dismay, and as a result I have been forced to seek alternatives to rocking out while on the Metro to and from work everyday. Naturally, I've turned to reading. Yesterday, I read Charles Pierce's thought provoking piece in Esquire titled The Cynic and Senator Obama. Pierce is one of the best political journalists out there (yes, he is a REAL journalist) and when I came across his article I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. The article provides us with a glimpse at the tale of the cynic (Charles Pierce) and his pondering of Barack Obama. After nearly 8 years of Bush's rule, the cynic is angry and impatient for a new direction. The cynic acknowledges that Obama's biography is inspiring. Obama, in the cynic's mind, is an intelligent and distinguished man. A man that is certainly capable of leading the country in a fashion much more competent than George W. Bush. However, the cynic is not sure that Barack Obama is what the country needs. The cynic is concerned that Obama has too much faith in America and more importantly, Americans.

Needless to say, Pierce has a very interesting take on the race, and while the article is long (4 pages online, 9 pages printed out) I really think that it's worth your time to give it a read.

Lester Throws a No-No

For those of you that are not already aware, Jon Lester, the 24-year southpaw for the Boston Red Sox threw a no-hitter last night against the Kansas City Royals. This is even more impressive because Lester is a cancer survivor. After the 2006 season he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lester's outing last night was also his first career complete game.

After the Brewers were swept out of Boston over the weekend, by the very same Red Sox, I made a conscious decision to try and limit myself from the world of baseball. However, a story like this was more than enough to end my brief hiatus. Lester's no-no is definately going to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, not so much for the pitching (two walks, one error) but the circumstances Lester had to endure in order to come out on top like he has. His story is an inspirational one that we should all remember when times get tough in our own lives. As the great Aragorn said "there is always hope."

Congrats to Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox.

P.S. Aragorn is a Lord of the Rings character for those of you that live under a rock

Photo courtesy of Flickr user purchase97 May 20, 2008

Green Towers?

Via Matt Yglesias, I happened upon this nice little piece by Lisa Chamerlain in New York. Chamberlain's article details the idea of Dr. Dickson Despommier of Columbia University to build vertical farms, or sky farms. Essentially, Despommier believes that we could build these farms in urban areas and they would allow for the reforestation of current farmland. Despommier insists that this is the only way to truly combat global warming. I must say that this isn't exactly my area of expertise but it seems like an idea worth exploring.