Esteemed NBC White House correspondent and political director Chuck Todd caused quite a furor this morning.
Speaking on Morning Joe, he said quite openly what many of us have just assumed to be the truth by virtue of careful observation: that it’s not the media’s job to correct misinformation and falsehoods. He made this comment in relation to the Obamacare debate, saying that the GOP has been better at “messaging”—i.e. getting the media to repeat its lies ad nauseam—while the Obama administration and Democrats have failed to make their case.
Confronted with significant pushback on Twitter, he had this to say:
Oh no! He was “trolled”, because someone—actually, several someones—called into question why he even has the job of “journalist” if he’s saying that it isn’t his job to fulfill a journalist’s prime responsibility, which is to give his readers/viewers/listeners accurate information about the world around them.
Look, I know Mr. Todd has a tough job. Between jetting around the world following a President who openly disdains him and his colleagues to rushing on air and slandering a Navy vet by saying he was the Navy Yard shooter, that seven figure salary can’t be much of a balm. I bet there are days when he wishes he had remained NBC’s “numbers guy”; numbers have a purity to them that the messy business of reportage doesn’t. And there’s the constant mockery, which may make him hide behind Twitter’s new policy of allowing “elite” users to block the common riffraff from calling them out when they do something gobsmackingly stupid. As stupid as, say, a prominent journalist saying that it’s not his job to correct misinformation, inferring, obviously, that it’s his job to just mindlessly parrot whatever GOP press releases fall into his lap.
But, he decided to take the promotion—a case of failing upward if ever there was one—and he is now a real “journalist”, not a number wonk. So it’s not too far fetched for we the unwashed to expect him to fulfill the bare minimum of his profession. Which is, yes, to report news accurately, and call falsehoods what they are, even if it means no more invitations to Georgetown cocktail parties.
I’m not expecting the media to become an official news agency for the White House—although it pretty much functioned as such during the previous administration, until the incompetence became too much even for our debased fourth estate. But to say that the Administration hasn’t been out there promoting and trying to get out its message about the Affordable Care Act is, well, more misinformation. What is true is that the media runs to give microphones to opponents of Obamacare, while giving perfunctory coverage to supporters. Polling supports that a large segment of Americans still don’t know much about the law. If my thesis that the Administration has been out there promoting the law, but people still don’t know about it, is correct, doesn’t it stand to reason that its message is being blocked at some choke point. Perhaps by the media?
I wouldn’t want Mr. Todd to lift one finger more than he has to in exertion for his chosen profession. But he may want to remember this, from the Pew Center’s “Principles of Journalism“. It’s the very first principle.
Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth
Democracy depends on citizens having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. Journalism does not pursue truth in an absolute or philosophical sense, but it can–and must–pursue it in a practical sense. This “journalistic truth” is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, valid for now, subject to further investigation. Journalists should be as transparent as possible about sources and methods so audiences can make their own assessment of the information. Even in a world of expanding voices, accuracy is the foundation upon which everything else is built–context, interpretation, comment, criticism, analysis and debate. The truth, over time, emerges from this forum. As citizens encounter an ever greater flow of data, they have more need–not less–for identifiable sources dedicated to verifying that information and putting it in context.
Perhaps if Mr. Todd had actually gone to journalism school, he’d know this. But many of our journalists have gone to school, and violate this cardinal rule every day in their work. The Founders may not be too happy to see how their most cherished amendment is being used in our latter days.
The Obama Diary 
Congrats, Bobfr. Good question by the way.
Thanks NCLB!!
Great essay – as ALWAYS – LL!!!
Congrats Bobfr.
Chuck Todd said, it is not his Job to report factually.
I would love to see Chuck squirm in an open courtroom, for his misdeeds.
Congrats firsties! I notice that I’m not quite as late to the thread as previously – making progress in the right direction , I am. 😀
Indeed. #FORWARD!
My response to Chuckie’s tweet was as follows…
I don’t see how there can be so many highly paid journalists who TRULY do not understand what their role is, or should be. Must be the fault of the journalism schools that birthed them.
Chuck Todd didn’t even finish College. I doubt that he was studying Journalism.
Sad reflection on the profession, yes, tho there are many other examples of ‘journalists’ whose MO is the same. Did they ALL not finish college/journalism school? Wow!
Many on TV, Cable, etc today were not Journalism majors. Lawyers, English majors, etc.
IMO this does not excuse them! For many it hardly matters what our ‘majors’ were. They served just to show the employer that we can apply ourselves to an area /topic/whatever and can learn. IOW we are ‘teachable/learnable’ – 😉
When we take a job a minimum expectation IMO is that we educate ourselves on the job’s basic requirements. I doubt I need to point out one doesn’t have to major in a subject to perform well in areas that require it. Many of us probably remember little about our major – okay, well, *I* don’t. and I graduated with honours too! 😳
For many years now, “journalists”, at least on TV have NO credentials at all as journalist. Most of them are chosen for the personalities or entertainment value, i.e., some of the highest paid in that field are Clowns–Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Bill Oreilly.
You are probably right, Virginia, though the personalities that I’m seeing are not in the least entertaining to me!
Nena, I think Todd was listing his qualifications for a job at FAUX. He just said he is a propagandist, not a journalist.
THIS!!!!
He worked for a right rag in DC before MSNBC hired him.
I’m going to post a comment that I made on Pragmatic Obots Unite: I’m telling you the GOP and the media are coordinating an attack on the administration. Notice how all of these negative articles are coming out one after another, Richard Wolff’s book, articles quoting “sources” about the White House in disarray , and lies about disagreement among allies. This shit is so obvious.
After the new lie put out there by the media about Warren Buffett not supporting Obamacare I think we can finally conclude that this assault on the White house is being coordinated by the media and the GOP.
Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus would be so happy to have our media.
And the reason is clear, jziglar. They are frightened silly of ObamaCare. They know people will love it and will think well of the president and the Democrats. That’s why all factions are working together to undermine the implementation in October. Boehner’s statement that the House would fund everything but Obamacare was effectively an announcement that House Republicans are terrified it will work.
LL, what a great blog. Thank you for your reflection on Chuckie and his likes. When I was a teenager, my dream was to become a journalist. After I moved in the USA and had to learn English, I chose a more practical career. But watching the WHPC under POTUS saddens me. I call it the “WH daycare center” where the WH Press Secretary has to school the unschooled and undisciplined, teach them, and moreover, put up with their daily tantrums or there “gotcha” questions or childish “why” all the time. God bless Carney and keep his sanity.
Just brilliant LL – I’m taking a wild guess that “journalistic truth is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts” is not a concept with which Todd and his pals are familiar.
You’re the best, thank you for this.
Chuckie releases my snark midichlorians like no one else. Thanks Chief Cheesy Poof.
Love when you release those snark ….. thingies!
Ha. I’ll go with “thingies,” too, Chips! I heard a one-liner on a sitcom recently, that reminded me of LL. The sitcom story line involved a problem with fighting back when a library wanted to take over land that somebody else wanted for another purpose. The one-liner about librarians was something like, “And those people read big books all the time, too.”
Oh, scary!
Great post, LL.
“And those people read big books all the time, too.”
😆 😆
Ha!, Am I old enough to be in the midst of this exchange??
“Midichlorians”: invented by George Lucas for “The Phantom Menace” to explain how the Force worked. Pretty lame.
Like I didn’t know that 🙄
One of these days you’ll be as much of a geek as Dudette and I.
Geeks R Us — at your service! 😎
This reminds me of the books by Madeleine L’Engle, only hers were about mitochondria, I believe.
I’m not even sure that I am, GGail!!!
Chuck Todd – the eternal moron.
Unrelated – While every cable channel spent hours talking about Aaron Alexis last night, AJAM was the only one that talked about the victims, showing their photos and saying something about their lives. I found that very uplifting. Those innocent people need to be remembered as humans and not simply as stats.
I caught a segment of AC360 this AM, he was talking to one family: A father and a daughter. The wife/mom had been killed. The Husband was saying that he was married to her for 43 yrs and now, he has no idea what to do with himself.
I was up for my nasty cold didn’t allow me any rest last night.
Thanks for sharing. It is such a tragedy and every death leaves a long list of affected people behind.
Something for sharing – Thanks LL
LL, you got it right with your post a few days ago.
The gist is that PBO is an existential threat to the Corporate owners of this country.
Rascism is a tactic the TPGOPMSM employ in their overall strategy to discredit and demean our beloved President.
Lying pundits twisting and spinning each and every event into a relentless,What did O do Wrong? narrative is another tactic.
Casting doubt on POTUS’ very legitimacy birth certificate is yet another tactic.
Pushing 2016 election speculation combined with lame duck rhetoric, you guessed it, another tactic.
The overall goal is taking complete power over the USA back into the Corporate 1% hands.
The strategy is To Destroy President Obama.
The tactic is By Any Means Necessary.
Too harsh?
98% of the so called Journos that cover this president will NEVER ever own up to their seated camouflaged prejudicial animus against pres Obama.
You got it about right, Vicki. Add the fact that the president is about to score a big coup with ObamaCare and you understand the current frenzy.
Live now: First Lady Michelle Obama speaking on Food Marketing to Children
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
Great piece LL – if there is a lack of understanding re the ACA – the media has much to answer for. It seems the chuck is simply annoyed because the administration won’t personally talk to him with the inside information.
Thus said, compared to what happened when we introduced universal health care – it seems obvious that the US admin is being strangled through lack of funding to both advertize and implement the health care act. It was 40 years ago but I can still remember being hit with so much information – direct from the government and from the media – we just wanted it done! There was no limit on what was spent to get the policy understood and implemented.
I admit – I think PBO’s one failing has been the selling of ACA. That being said, it is journalistic integrity to report that Republicans have lied about the bill, to report that Republicans have through the back door unfunded any ad campaign, mailings, etc. It is also journalistic malpractice to not cover the President’s speeches and events, and instead fill air time with the opinions of Chris Matthews, Hayes, etc. Not one of the alleged ‘progressive’ shows on msnbc bothered to actually tell the American people the truth about the law, but instead used a journalistic platform to whine about their privileged opinions.
It is NOT the job of an alleged non-partisan news organization to repeat the lies uncritically. That is completely, totally broken journalism.
57, I respectfully disagree. What about the other Dems who were dancing at his Inauguration and who he helped get into office? What are they selling? A great idea like this sells itself. The other side just do not want this President because he is Afro American to get the credit for creating the best health care system on this side of heaven.
President Obama has been and continues to do so much for us. I am tired for him.
The people who needs this the most are the ones who can “sell” this the best.
It works. It is needed. It is the law.
PBO is still a Black man.
the entire party dropped the ball. My criticism – and it’s the only criticism I have of PBO – is that HHS didn’t seize the ball early and get information to EVERYONE before the Repubs had a chance to defund any efforts. It is not acceptable to say that they were going to wait for the right time. While the tea party was trashing the law, HHS could have built up high expectations until the vast majority of Americans couldn’t wait to have the bill implemented.
I followed HCR very closely while the bill was going through. I remember the Thursday before the 2010 election, my husband received his Medicare booklet, and for the first time I saw that ACA was giving a lot of benefits to seniors. even I didn’t know that and I was engaged in the battle. By that Thursday, seniors had been lied to, vast numbers of people had already voted based on the lies and information, HHS did not take control of the narrative the previous summer at town halls, there were zero mailings to Americans. After 2010, Republicans didn’t let the message get out. the effort should have been stronger, and earlier.
I’m thoroughly pissed at the DNC, who did not marshal their message and sell the hell out of this law, leaving it to PBO alone. I’m pissed at Hollywood, Warren Buffett and any number of people with means who could have mounted an ad campaign. OFA is overworked and is covering all kinds of other issues. That is an institutional failure. I volunteer at a senior center, I have to download info and print it myself & hand it out. everything is online, making it very hard to get the word out to people who are either elderly or too poor to have access.
I completely agree with your points. Obviously, from the twitter explosion on Chuck Todd today, we can thoroughly blame the media. But the administration did not get ahead of it or find creative solutions. I get flamed whenever I talk about this but the administration has to assume some little responsibility for this. The only thing I have any criticism of with this dear President.
I disagree. Even from afar, I have seen PBO selling ACA many times before and after the act was passed.If you’re talking about other boneless dems not pushing it, then I agree.
I’m talking about the administration, not PBO’s personal efforts (which the MSM have thwarted). Before the Repubs were able to cut HHS funding. When the tea party raged before 2010, there should have been mailings to each and every American from HHS. We got tons of info from the government when Medicare Part D passed. there was a window and HHS didn’t get the word out. The belief was that it was ‘too early’. My belief is that lies were raging, polls were showing the people believed those lies. The administration could have built anticipation of what was to come. Now, you have to download your own flyers for God’s sake and volunteer to pass them out (which I do). Internet info is just not enough – the people most in need do not have that access. I also fully blame the DNC for not marshaling the message, and the alleged rich liberals who could have mounted ad campaigns, etc. Sure, MSM did all it could to keep the message a secret. But we’ve had 3+ years. This brilliant President’s staff should have been able to blunt the lies and build anticipation.
My only criticism of PBO. Seriously, my only one.
If my memory is correct, the President had to personally step in and get the ACA written and passed – despite the majority in congress and the overwhelming support for health care reform witnessed by his election and that majority. Congress members should have been supporting that bill – and pushing back against the GOP every chance they got – but they were not – they hid from it – scared that the GOP opposition would cost them their government paid jobs and health care. The ability to implement parts of the bill were faltered by the SCOTUS – ie – the medicaid expansion – and that in itself is an adminimstrative nightmare. Having to spend time to “persuade” state governors that their people should have access to affordable care is a disastrous waste of resources.
The President cannot be a one man band – I would give the fail to congress & to SCOTUS, not to the administration.
Amk, I can’t wait to read Chuckie’s push back. Maybe he will claim that he was not born yet during Dubya’s regime.
Maybe he will say he was born in another country during Dubya’s regime, and hasn’t grasped our culture yet … although I don’t want to give him any more ideas.
hahahaha – “a misleading headline” – that’s the byline of the Chuck Todd style of journalism – suddenly it’s misleading if Chuck doesn’t like it.
Happy note
Thirteen Days——-13———–until October 1 ACA signup begins.
Fact ….
LL, I enjoy reading your posts – thank you!
Thank you for reading!
“….. he is now a real “journalist”, not a number wonk. So it’s not too far fetched for we the unwashed to expect him to fulfill the bare minimum of his profession. Which is, yes, to report news accurately, and call falsehoods what they are, even if it means no more invitations to Georgetown cocktail parties.”
Pure gold.
Ann Curry interviewed the new President of Iran . It will be on tonight.
Wonderful tweet. I love David Plouffe!!!
He’s pretty darn excellent at this Twitter business, Jackie!
I wonder if his wife thinks he is ” objective ” about his job…..Yesterday in the Morning Joke 6 AM hour Todd was there. Last night just before 8 PM he was on Hardball live from the Whitehouse. That is 12 hours and he was still at work.
My door would have been locked when he finally decided to come home.
12 hours work can be doing 1 hours work 12 times. With Chuck Todd it’s saying the same stupid thing 400 times.
journalism school?
he didn’t even graduate from college
Who hired this wannabe journalist, any way?
Next question: Why?
OK. I am a professional writer without a college degree. I write both non-fiction and fiction. I have earned my living as a writer for 20+ years. I am damn good at what I do and I do it with integrity. I attended college for a couple of years, but did not complete a degree. There are a lot of reasons that people do not get a degree. Frankly, I find the assumption that a person without a college degree could not possibly be competent as a professional to be classist.
Chuck Todd is really bad at his job not because he lacks a college degree, but because as a white male, in a white male dominated industry, nether competence nor intelligence is required for success. I’m just sayin’.
OK. That should be “are required for success.” We all need editors.
I remember in the 2008 election Todd did a really good job predicting the outcome of the different states. There is a saying about people being promoted above where they functioned at their best. I am not great at remembering cliches, but someone here may know what I am talking about. CT may have been best with statistics, predictions and numbers, cuz he certainly sucks as a reporter. He does not even have a feel for what reporters do. He seems subjective and is a suck up to his corporate bosses and his own ideologies.
I have often times thought the GOP has invaded the opposition (us) with those pretending to be on our side (like treasonist spies) as a strategy of winning.
LL, thank you. This fool is going to self-destruct because he just put his foot in his mouth again. It shows how incompetent, arrogant, childish and unprofessional he is. He does not know the definition of objective because he is trying to please the other side every chance he gets. Aggrognace will always show its evil face when it pops up his head amongst his croonies and tell on itself. He did just that.
And you gave this fool the real definition of what a journalist is suppoed to be and it is evident he does not have a clue.
What is he aiming for next? His own show like Rush Limpballs. Does this fool thinks we want to be entertained with lies, BS and more lies?
I just want the truth….nothing but the truth with facts. Is that asking for too much?
Thank you for a brillant essay that is well overdue. I try to ignore him, but this was too blatantly bold of who he is.
And he does not give a damn. He enjoys the attention and negative push backs he gets. He thrives on that because he is empty and shallow. He has to pump himself up in the mirror everyday just to get out of the house. What a pathetic human being. He never even gave a second thought about people who really needs this health care in life threatening ways he may never have to face because he is covered.
Good health and nature none of us will ever be able to control. It may not effect us personally, but people and family we know maybe going through, already in, coming out of situations our President fights for us everyday.
The respect he gets from this so-called journalist is, it is not his job to inform the public of the truth. What a waste of a high paid salary.
Chuck Todd unintentionally revealed why the cable television media is so useless: They have no interest in the truth, only getting viewers to tune in.
He feels the media’s job is to be like a sports play-by-play announcer. To only describe what is happening and that’s it. So if President Obama says 2 + 2 = 4 and the GOP says that 2 + 2 = 5,322, Chuck Todd will simply look into the camera and say “And the controversy rages on! We’ll be back with our panel to discuss.”
Despicable!
It is a journalist’s FIRST PRIORITY to give their audience the TRUTH of a matter. Not only should they tell their audience “according to our research, 2 + 2 does in fact equal 4 proving the President correct on this issue.” They should go on to investigate just WHY the GOP is lying about the sum.
But that’s just it though, they don’t WANT to expose GOP lies because they’ll be accused of being “non-objective”. This fear of being labeled such is paralyzing to the media because as we know “Facts have a well-known liberal bias”.
And now you see so-called “liberal” host doing the identical kind of “new” that Fox does. Maddow, Chris Hayes and the like will present extremely slanted “news” that fits their “Obama is evil” narrative without anyone to counteract. They in a Fox-like way get only guests that parrot their assertions.
Now Chuck Todd realizes that he stepped in it and is saying he’s being “trolled” because people demand that the media seek out and report the truth? He even DARES to PRAISE the GOP because they “message” their lies better!! “Good job, GOP! You’re so good at spreading those lies!” We know they’re lies but it is MY job to say so!”
I haven’t watched cable news since I’ve been on my “keep negative energy out of my mind” phase. I’ve only watched for specific stories like the Boston Bombing and the tragedy near me at the Navy Yard. But I’m DONE with MSNBC. They won’t do a thing to Chuck Todd for exposing that they’re not interested in truth, only “messaging.”
Starklyluv, so true. Every word!
You should take his job…….now! Today!
So if President Obama says 2 + 2 = 4 and the GOP says that 2 + 2 = 5,322, Chuck Todd will simply look into the camera and say “And the controversy rages on! We’ll be back with our panel to discuss.”
—
how funny…….
Funny, but so true (unfortunately)…what sad, sad state of affairs!
” We’ll have to leave it there ” is the one that makes me nuts…..
Can someone compress LL’s post and tweet it to Chuck and company? It’s truly a “Must Read” for Reporters!
I tried with this one GGail, but there just isn’t enough space!
That’s a very good effort Chipsticks.
I actually just pasted the whole damn thing to NBC News in an email asking the question ” Why is Chuck Todd still employed at NBC news?” Hope you don’t mind LL. but I have been fuming over his remarks on Morning Joe all day and wanted to make my feelings know to his corporate master. LL’s writing is the absolute best and gets right to it! Could not have said it better myself! Thanks LL!
WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Reserve said on Wednesday that it would continue buying bonds at an $85 billion monthly pace for now, surprising financial markets that were braced for a reduction in the central bank’s economic stimulus.
—
hahahahahahahh………The freaking media got it 100 % wrong..AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry Linda – I missed your post – said the same below – what a joke they are
“Many analysts and investors had expected the Fed to announce Wednesday that it was finally ready to begin cutting back — or taper — its stimulus measures. ” – HAHAHAHA – always wrong – they have NO idea – but none.
To add a different note to the day, I just got the most wonderful phone from my 77-year old widowed sister, telling me she is engaged and will be married in November!!! She’s been lonely for a long time and is marrying a kind, wonderful loving man. Just goes to show there is never a time when you should give up hope or surrender to old age. She has never sounded happier.
Jackie – that is wonderful news! Thanks so much for sharing.
That’s my motto: “Keep hope alive” 🙂
Do wish them every happiness
well, I don’t know, Jackie if this falls under the purview of ‘marriage’ according to the jackass AG of Michigan. But congratulations on the new member of your loving family!
Oops, 57, I guess that rules them out. This MI AG is a blithering idiot.
He’s certainly paid scant attention to the antics of many of his GOP colleagues.
Please extend a hearty congratulations to them, Jackie!!!
Jackie, that is wonderful news!
“Never say never!”
That is and always will be my motto for life.
“It ain’t over until God says it’s over.”
Thank you for calming me down.
I love that, LDS. It ain’t over til it’s over. Have a great day.
Wow, that is so inspiring! There’s HOPE! Congratulations and best wishes.
So happy for your sister, Jackie. PBS has a wonderful series playing on Sundays now: Last Tango in Halifax, about two people in their 70s rekindling a very old relationship. It stars Derek Jacobi (the wonderful) and Anne Reid…..also wonderful. I think you would enjoy it, and so would many others. It is a quality BBC production. Since I’m in my 70s, I find this series refreshing. My husband and I are very fortunate to still have each other and still be very much in love.
My best wishes to your sister and her fiancée.
OMG…how wonderful for your sister and the “kind, wonderful loving man” she is marrying…makes my heart smile!!!!!!!
Aw, that’s wonderful. Send them my wishes for all happiness and endless blessings!
Why did George Elmaraghy lose his job?
By Steve Benen
Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:16 AM EDT.
George Elmaraghy, the chief of the division of surface water for Ohio’s EPA, recently came to a sensible conclusion: permits sought by the coal industry would likely “have a negative impact on Ohio’s streams and wetlands and violate state and federal laws.” Elmaraghy, a 39-year veteran of the state agency, knew of what he spoke (thanks to my colleague Will Femia for the tip).
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), however, not only disagreed, he asked Elmaraghy to resign. In fact, “asked” and “resign” are almost certainly the wrong words — the 66-year-old Elmaraghy did not want to leave, and explained to state officials he had no intention of retiring yet, but was told his career was over anyway.
Over the last several weeks, a variety of folks, including Democrats in the state legislature and newspaper editorial boards, have sought some kind of explanation for Elmaraghy’s ouster. Kasich, meanwhile, doesn’t want to talk about it.
That’s up to him, of course, but in the meantime, Elmaraghy seems to have plenty to say. He talked at length to TPM’s Dylan Scott, who heard of a gubernatorial administration “beholden to the coal industry and willing to push out employees who weren’t going to capitulate to its demands.”
………………………….
It hardly seems unreasonable to think his suspicions are right.
Those who are so pro life – are very fast to remove any hope of a future life for their children and their children.
Chuck Todd is now crying on twitter – he was “click bait” of TPM – when media truth comes down upon him he resorts to crying to his friends – Jake Tapper is to the rescue – ROFL
what a whiny baby.
Seems to be the GOP reaction when called out on what they say. They cannot handle criticism but they can give it out
I Don’t See Any Way Out
by BooMan
Wed Sep 18th, 2013 at 12:11:12 PM EST
The House leadership seems to have coalesced around a plan that they think will win the support of at least 217 Republicans. It’s complex and difficult to understand, and I find it difficult to try considering that it isn’t going anywhere in the Senate.
It’s a two-pronged approach. On the continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government, the Republicans will limit the funding to December 15th. The funding level will be slightly above what the Budget Control Act of 2011 calls for. And it will defund ObamaCare.
On the debt ceiling, they will have a separate vote that will delay ObamaCare for a year, authorize the Keystone XL pipeline, and provide an outline for tax reform.
More here: http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2013/9/18/121112/274
Hi rikyrah, I cut that a bit, only include a short-ish extract from posts – thanks!
I’m intrigued to know how there can be “tax reform” when the aim is to have no taxes. I haven’t read the article – I can’t cope with any more stupid.
#TrustBarack and get ready to rumble ….
None, whatsoever……
Please proceed, Mr. Bobfr.
Don’t stop tweeting the TRUTH.
We need you now, more than ever!
I gather the markets liked the news from the Fed
http://money.cnn.com/2013/09/18/investing/stocks-markets/index.html?iid=H_MKT_News
Expectations of the media – wrong again – I would have been fired years ago if I had the record of the US media pundits.
“The S&P 500 immediately jumped to a new record high, and the Dow quickly followed. The Nasdaq also moved up after the Fed’s surprise announcement. ”
When will it become obvious that the media – all of it – any of it – ALWAYS gets it wrong when anticipating what this administration will do. Lovely to watch. I wait to throw the peanuts when the debt limit rises and the ACA goes in boots and all from Oct 1.
yeah, the banks and Wall St. love that free money from the Fed.
And the GOP want to cut back on food help cause that is getting free money from the government
Wow.
In_DEED, meta!!
Good for Ann Curry, the reason she was fired from “Today” was because she couldn’t as phony as Matt Lauer.
WOW is right meta!
Congratulations to Ann Curry. I am so proud of her.
THIS!
This is what passes as American journalism. All the puzzle pieces coming together now?.
“Learn from history or you’re doomed to repeat it”
Didn’t mankini try this one in the Clinton years?
Iran is reported to have freed at least 11 political prisoners including human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and reformist politician Mohsen Aminzadeh.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24151298
winds of change
Wow, amazing signs of change on that front lately, must be major behind-the-scenes chat going on.
Iran is a big player in ME whether we like it or not. Nice to see some positive changes there.
gee. Imagine if the Republicans in Congress actually did what every Congress has done during financial hard times: create jobs. We’d be roaring by now.
Some US asshole ‘analyst’ in skynews was saying the exact opposite. Even goebbels must be turning in his grave.
Okay. The Best Tweet of the Day:
LL, you are such a brilliant thinker and writer. I am so grateful for this space. You all are such brilliant people, and I love you all. Again, thank you so much. I told the wonderful people at OFA during our re-election work that this site is a place with the most brilliant people in the world.
I get so much joy just reading all of the great writings by all of you wonderful and brilliant minds. TY, again LL. HZ
FWIW—-for what it’s worth
I don’t think that the democrats failed at messaging ACA.
I think that a decision was made for Obamacare to roll out and that the bit-by-bit good news coming to us over a long period of time would be more effective than a lengthy campaign.
I think that was the right decision.
Even though the GOPTPMSM has been relentless and negative there are already millions of Americans slowly or not so slowly becoming aware of what is happening or going to happen for them.
In 13 days it will Get Real for millions more.
New post!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/09/18/preach/
Great piece of writing, LL. I haven’t watched much tv news in years now. I always watched TODAY and the 6:30 news plus some of the cable show on MSNBC but no longer. It’s either like Entertainment Tonight or half the story. And the half is republican talking points. It’s sad. I watch local news and read this blog and learn all I need to know. I also listen to the president and make up my own mind. I don’t need pundits to tell me what to think. By the way I am disappointed in Richard Wolfe. He was a big supporter of the president. I guess the money at MSNBC got to him.
Thanks LL, for yet another masterful essay – this time, highlighting some uncomfortable truths about the GOP propaganda machine that fuels the US media. I wasn’t able to comment on TOD earlier today, but could access Twitter on my smartphone during lunch, and I participated in some of the push-back that Mr. Todd received from our TOD brigade and elsewhere.
I notice that people like Chuck Todd, Richard Wolfe, etc. only seem to feel “hurt” when people like us who support our President object to their nonsense. I don’t see them going after the RWNJ’s who accuse the media daily of being “WH shills” or whatever nonsense. That’s because our criticisms are VALID and based in fact – which puts them more on the defensive. They know perfectly well that they follow the GOP script in reporting and frame everything from a “bad news for Obama” perspective. Chuck Todd is one of the leaders in that regard. Thanks for telling the truth. It’s time the American people know the truth about the garbage they’re being fed by the MSM.