Think about how tragically misguided and dumb this is, though it is only a reflection of the administration's thoughts about the population as a whole. The media networks are simply not smart enough to get it for themselves. They should listen to an administration that allegedly knows better and cut off Fox News.
Are they crazy? What country have they been living in, or do they want to create might be the better question. Talking down to the entire media like this is not going to win them any friends. They are laying the ground work for their own utter collapse by taking this approach.
Talk about not being ready for prime time. It looks as if they aren't ready for Sunday morning, either.
The White House is calling on other news organizations to isolate and alienate Fox News as it sends out top advisers to rail against the cable channel as a Republican Party mouthpiece.
Top political strategists question the decision by the Obama administration to escalate its offensive against Fox News. And as of Monday, the four other major television networks had not given any indication that they intend to sever their ties with Fox News.
But several top White House officials have taken aim at Fox News since communications director Anita Dunn branded Fox "opinion journalism masquerading as news" in an interview last Sunday.
White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told CNN on Sunday that President Obama does not want "the CNNs and the others in the world [to] basically be led in following Fox."
Obama senior adviser David Axelrod went further by calling on media outlets to join the administration in declaring that Fox is "not a news organization."
"Other news organizations like yours ought not to treat them that way," Axelrod counseled ABC's George Stephanopoulos. "We're not going to treat them that way."
One question and one question only need be asked of this administration. The answer to it will settle this "issue" in the minds of moderates in this country once and for all.
"Is MSNBC a news organization?"
Posted by: w3bgrrl | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 09:14 PM
It is not often I agree with Chucky Johnson anymore but this whole vaccine thing? http://hotair.com/archives/2009/10/19/comedy-gold-bill-maher-mumbles-about-vaccinations-for-five-minutes/
Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYabrQrXt4A&feature=related I'm Smart Maher
Posted by: Joe | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Axelrod makes Karl Rove seem like Francis of Assisi.
Posted by: Norton | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11:37 PM
President Obama does not want "the CNNs and the others in the world [to] basically be led in following Fox."
Why not? Following Fox might actually lead to ratings.
Posted by: Mike | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Uh, the other networks don't follow the lead of Fox News now. The Van Jones and Acorn stories never made it, or never made it in a timely manner on most of the MSM. As we stand now, Fox News is the only network reporting all the news. That's why its ratings are going through the roof, and the others are going down the tubes.
Posted by: templar knight | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Sooner or later there will be a stockholders revolt for the companies owning these "news" agencies. NBC might scate since the electronic comany that owns it may get big contracts from Obama and company. The rest, though? Sooner or later the stockholders will come down on those knuckleheads. It has to happen. Pinch may not care, the guy or gal that has NYT stock in the retirement portfolio certainly does care. I think Obama is the last gasp of the left and middle america is really getting pissed.
Posted by: Peter | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 12:35 AM
In my opinion this latest WH offensive against Fox News has very little to do with Fox News. They've always spoken out against Fox News or shunned them. Same old story there. It has everything to do with the lap dogs that have, on occasion, asked tough questions as a result of issues raised by Fox News, have admitted nonfeasance in their hesitation to investigate some stories...as a result of something originating at Fox News. No, this was a clear message to the lap dogs to cease and desist. Can you imagine what the MSM is feeling now? They must know, by now, they are nothing but pawns being used as cover for the WH and extremist lefties. At least some of them must be humiliated by this latest "warning" from the WH. Is there a single alpha male among them? The WH just reminded them that they are THEIR bitches and nobody elses, THEIR whores that work for THEM, and they better not stray too far and follow up on any stories Fox News comes up with, regardless of its newsworthiness. WOW! How humiliating is it to someone that reports news regardless of their political beliefs, or is at least supposed to, to be figuratively "raped" then slapped in the face by the WH? They even floated the idea of a "bailout" for newspapers in the hopes they would continue to support their pimp or their pimp might let them go out of business. Instead of acting like a bunch of crack addicted prostitutes they should push back... HARD and do their jobs. I truly believe that once a single MSM outlet pushes back, the rest will follow suit and in the end, ultimately save themselves from dying a slow death, like they are now. Fox is showing them the way to salvation and the devils in power are threatening them not to go down that road while at the same time pointing out a nice red apple that can be picked off the tree, and telling them the "forbidden fruit" is not the apple, but the truth about what is actually going on in this country.
Posted by: Dave B | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 03:48 AM
If Fox breaks a story, and the story is 100% true, why wouldn't Barry want them to follow Fox in reporting the story?
Does he not want the truth simply because he doesn't like the source of the truth?
Boo hoo.
Posted by: xerocky | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 06:17 AM
"Is there a single alpha male among them?"
Yes, yes there is.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/50445
Posted by: xerocky | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Foxnews is a political mouthpiece? Gosh.... Then, what does that make CNN, M$/NBC, CBS, ABC, NYT, LAT, etc...?
I find it funny when Pope Raum can lament on the journalistic merits of FN, yet can't even defend the reporting from the apparatchucks/willing accomplaces that hold down the Red Carpet, with their transformation from free journalism to DC-Pravda.
I too hope this is the last, dying grab for total control of the leftists, and a new dawn for freedom our founders gave us, emerges...
Posted by: Fred Zeppelin | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 08:14 AM
I think the networks *might* have the wisdom to see that if Fox News is to be shut down by divine fiat of the President's say-so... it would not be a far stretch to imagine that "knock in the deep of the night" sounding upon the doors of any other news agency that did not cater to the whims of an ultra-left socialist White House.
Posted by: seekeronos | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 09:57 AM
If Conservative politicians were smart (I know that is a big if with the current crop we have now) they would be pushing FOX stories as much as they could when they are on any of the other channels.
They could make it a point to mention FOX in every segment they are on. They need to make sure that news stories that FOX breaks are at least mentioned on the other channels even if they have to be the ones mentioning them. Obama can't be allowed to get away with this kind of stuff.
Conservatives need to start pushing back just as hard if not harder against Obama and his fellow travelers. This weekend there were protests outside of many TV stations around the country. Bloggs like this need to encourage this and help organize more of them. We need to let the left wing MSM know that we are no longer going to tolerate their blatent shilling for Obama. This is not to say they have to become Republican shills either. The American people deserve honest reporting.
Posted by: southdakotaboy | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Obama's request to the MSM is a shot across their bow. The Obama Administration knows Fox network will continue to be a thorn during their reign and must ensure the other media does not follow suit. To ensure the other MSM plays along, the White House with the help of Congress will give bailout money. Once the money is excepted the press will be expected to continue with their favorable coverage of Obama and his policies. While this will primarily effect the newspapers the Administration will continue to pressure the other media to play along are be treated like Fox.
Posted by: Stjames | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I don't think it's gonna work.
But I don't see where they (Obama administration) have said anything that everyone doesn't already know to be the case.
So why all the whining about them pointing it out? And the way all the FOX hosts are shocked...just shocked. It seems obvious that many here encourage and embrace Fox...for being exactly what they are being accused of being - a vibrant and robust outlet for anti-Obama 'stories' and agendas.
Are they a 'news organization'? Maybe in the same way The Daily Show can be.
For the most part, they start with some whacked conclusion ("Is Obama trying to take away your freedoms?"), and then they build their stories backwards from that.
Don't forget that Beck existed on CNN. But he had to come to FOX in order to be fully free to reveal his insanity. It's a nice home for that kind of thing.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM
"But I don't see where they (Obama administration) have said anything that everyone doesn't already know to be the case."
Which is, of course, why everyone is calling them out on it.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/10/todays-qs-for-os-wh-10202009.html#
A bit of advice, Mike; you may want to risk being called racist rather than to ride this one all the way down to the abyss like Rahm and Axelrod are doing.
Posted by: North Dallas Thirty | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Here's your answer, Mike:
MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, NYTs, LATs and on and on. The media has been in the tank for Obama since day one, and you know it. To complain about Fox shows what a little hypocrite you and others like you are. Were it not for Fox, we wouldn't see a damn thing these rats in the WH are up to. You ought to sober up before posting here. This isn't the echo chamber at Moveon or the Huff. We'll call you out when you expose your lack of intelligence.
Posted by: templar knight | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 04:03 PM
TK -
Listen to yourself - every single news org is in the tank, except for FOX...sure.
This is the usual tired old defense that gets posted here all too often - in fact not really a defense at all. Your point seems to be it's OK for FOX to behave badly because (you claim) others - or everyone else - behaves badly.
And you also prove the WH's point that all Fox really does is preach to a constituency of ideological believers (and entertain the rest of us). Your beloved Fox news comforts you in your convictions about 'these rats in the WH'. And what did Fox show you about what Bush was up to?
I mean, how could YOU not love Fox? And how could Roger Ailes not love you...
Right...echo chamber indeed.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 05:31 PM
"Listen to yourself - every single news org is in the tank, except for FOX...sure."
Prove otherwise there Mikey. Give us a news organization that has said anything negative about what is going on in Washington BEFORE Fox said it. What? Nothing? Can't find it? SO who gives a sh+t if "all Fox really does is preach to a constituency of ideological believers" And dont even pretend that you ACTUALLY watch Fox news, you're a poor liar. You've got dozens (better than 90% of all media)of outlets to watch what you want to believe (keep watching cause I need the laughs). Nah, actually it's probaly better you take a second job because you are going to need it.
Posted by: WAHOO WILLIE | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 05:46 PM
So, Mike, according to your logic, it's ok for the other networks to be in the tank for Obama just so long as Fox is, too. Because really, you don't want to hear about ACORN, Van Jones, Anita Dunn, the goofball attorney general, and anything that might be negative about this President. As for rats, the WH is full of them, and they need to be exposed, and are being exposed, no thanks to the "news organizations" you support. But, no matter, luckily none of you liberal asshats can prevent free speech, no matter how hard you try, and you're trying hard. The American People have just about had enough of your liberal shit already, and we're just nine or so months in.
Posted by: templar knight | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Haha, he's been in the echo chamber and drank the kool-aid for so long that he's a true believer, Willie. He'll be more than glad to take down any opposition to his boy in the WH. He could care less about whatever the means are, after all, it's the ends that matter. "Fake but accurate" is his mantra. LOL. I think I'll resist, it's the rebel in me. Goes all the way back to my Hugenot and Scottish roots.
Posted by: templar knight | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 06:49 PM
@templar, We must accept that the only opinion they will accept is their own....."We have met the enemy and he is us"
Posted by: WAHOO WILLIE | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Ok, Mike2Cents, let's flash forward to a scary, scary scenario when Republicans have control of the House, Senate, and White House. Now imagine the Republican administration denouncing all networks but Fox News. They only appear on Fox News. They throw out sound bites that the other networks are not news organizations. Fox News should shun them. What might they do next working from that premise? That sound ok to you when it goes the other way? Probably not.
And the thing you don't realize is that most conservatives wouldn't approve of this scenario, either. They believe in a free press, unencumbered by pressure from whatever party is in power. Think about it for a bit and get back to us, ok?
Posted by: marmo | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Marmo-
Just flash backward...to Bush adminstration's relationship w/ Fox. The love continues to this day with Cheney sit downs and Karl Rove's 'analysis'. And so me where conservatives took issue with that scenario?
Wahoo & TK -
I know...everyone is against you...except for Fox..they get it. Everyone is nuts, right?
I do watch Fox, and CNN,NBC, etc. Plenty to be critical about with all of them.
But Fox is just a different level. I understand you don't see it.
Maybe the 2 of you can meet up and watch Beck together over a beer...or some tea.
You can be amazed at what a genius he is, and I can wonder how you guys could be such fools.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Obviously, Mike2Cents, you didn't think about it much. Please provide me some video where anyone in the Bush administration advocated a "war" on all the networks but Fox News. Bush never criticized anyone who protested his policies, but instead praised the system that made their protest possible. He showed class. Obama whines.
You're not being honest with us or yourself, and it's sad that you don't know that on some level.
Posted by: marmo | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Mike, I would love getting together with Willie and having a beer, or some sweet tea for that matter, just so long as it is iced. Now that would be a real pleasure, as I have never met Willie, but would love to, as he has proven over the years posting here that he has an independent and open mind, and is not affiliated with any particular party or ideology.
That aside, I don't watch Glen Beck, but his is an opinion show, or so I've been led to believe, much like Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. Didn't she just recently have to apologize for reporting on her show that Rush Limbaugh said James Earl Ray should receive a medal of honor for killing MLK? Yeah, I just googled it, and she did.
Now ABC, for example, has former Clinton staffers, democrats, doing analysis for them. Fox has former Bush staffers. I didn't see you condemning ABC for doing the same thing. Again, you and other liberals just want to silence the opposition. Scratch most liberals and fascism always shines through. You're a small man, Mike.
Posted by: templar knight | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Templar -
If you had a strong argument to make then you wouldn't need to throw in the silly insults.
But you don't, so you do.
2 points for trying, though.
Sorry that I got under your skin so much. Maybe throw in some 'LOL's & 'HaHa's to show how much you just aren't bothered at all...
Marko -
If you want video, well just checkout Fox news clips during Bush admin. Fox fought that 'war' you mention against the other networks, for Bush...in service to his agenda. Not all the time, not everyone there - but by a much higher and clearer percentage than you could make the case against any other outlet. Bill O'Reilly's show is pretty much just a litany of attacks against all the other networks, newspapers, etc. So why would Bush have even needed to say a word...can you consider that difference?
As for your 'sad' remark, see 'silly insults' above.
Thanks.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Uh, Mike, you still haven't responded to my points. Oh, yeah, to a liberal, the only points that matter are the talking ones that come from George Soros and Moveon.
But you are more proof why it is useless to have a discussion with a liberal. Your Saul playbook determines your responces. Anyway, thanks for proving my theory. I rarely respond to liberals, as it is useless to argue with an ideaologue. Hypocrite is the word that describes you best, and most liberals for that matter.
And, Mike, opinion is not the same as news. Really, you're just either obtuse or dumb. O'Reilly's show is OPINION, you dufus.
Posted by: templar knight | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:19 PM
No, Templar...you always respond.
And I accept that to you I am being obtuse.
You don't make any argument here...you're just repeating overused drivel thrown out no matter what the topic is.
'George Soros', My 'Saul playbook'? Man, you guys learn a little something about Alinsky...
Just try turning the dial every once in a while.
(And sorry not to call you name or insult your manhood or something.
In that regard you have a kindred spirit in Keith Olberman.)
Now go get some fresh air.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 02:19 PM
I need some fresh air after having it dirtied by you, buster.
Posted by: templar knight | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Touche, mon ami.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 03:26 PM