Some Beck Fans Beginning To Jump Ship

Based on some recent news reports, I've had feedback from some former Beck fans jumping ship. Others don't seem prepared to abandon him as a political infotainment figure but are questioning the wisdom behind his leading any movement for government reform. Still others, I'm sure, continue to keep the faith. As I've never been much of a fan, I've no way of judging how this might all play out.

I have been for years and will continue to be a Glenn Beck fan, the host of one of the most popular Conservative talk shows on the radio, a rising star on Fox News, and the author of five books. His television program has helped to expose the ACORN scandal, the Van Jones scandal, and serve as inspiration to the Conservative movement, despite puddles of tears.

However, I am not afraid to call Beck out on what he is wrong on.

Comments

[Sherri]

You and the author of the original story have so obviously missed the point of Beck's statements about re-enlistment. I normally like what you post. But this is such a pathetic attempt.

[Denise]

I still watch Glenn, more now than ever. He is, so far, the only one coming out with facts about things. He's not afraid to correct himself if he is found to be wrong. He wants what we all want, an America in our future, for our kids. Everyone knows that the Left doesn't want this. If you think he's wrong, email the show with your documentation and go on. I am sure he is not the only one looking up info.

[StopBeck.com]

Indeed. I am noticing a similar trend.

Some are annoyed because they see him as too commercial. Others (the party loyalists) are frustrated that Glenn Beck is willing to inflict political harm on the GOP.

Then there are those that saw his"I'm not going to take backseat to a chick" remarks about Palin/Beck 2012 - and although they don't see the sexism, they don't appreciate the rudeness of it. [Video of these remarks here: http://stopbeck.com/2009/11/24/glenn-beck-rules-out-palinbeck-2012-what-im-gonna-take-backseat-to-a-chick/ ]

Finally, and this is evidenced most vividly over at HotAir, there are those fans that are annoyed because he is telling troops not to reenlist in the military by suggesting that POTUS will either leave them for dead in the battlefield or "will paint them as baby killers." [Video of these comments here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fle2oe_w1zs ]

[Calypso Jones]

He is the only one willing to take a stand. I haven't seen any abandonment of his crusade. Thank God for him. No prominent republicans or national figures have had the fortitude to stand up to this administration and their anti american policies and programs.

[Sissy Willis]

StopBeck.com: Re “First of all, let me rule that out. Palin/Beck? Ridiculous…I was just thinking, what I’m gonna take backseat to a chick? While you’re at it, go shoot a bear! Make some stew! I’m hungry in here.”

Old-fashioned pre-Marxist feminist that I am, it didn't bother me. Sounded in the listening like Imus Lite.

On the other hand, I would never consider Imus, Heavy or Lite, for LOTFW.

[Juliet16]

I appreciate everything Glenn Beck has done to expose the LEFTWARD LURCH and to call attention to the misdeeds of the Dem-controlled Congress and ACORN, SEIU, etc.

He has done amazing work.

I also understand why Beck often criticizes weakness in some Republicans -- especially those who have sold away our freedom for no gain at all, other than wishing to be "popular" and "beloved" -- like a liberal Dem. (Sadly enough, I am thinking John McCain, Olympia Snowe, et. al)

But I do hope Beck has sense enough to know when to pull back -- and not try to split the "OPPOSITION" on the Right -- thereby allowing the Lefties/Dems to continue to control Washington.

Too much is at risk. If Beck continues too far down such a path, we can ALL lose too many freedoms that we may never be able to regain. To say nothing of how badly our economy will be wrecked...forever.

I hope Beck knows the difference between truly trying to help reshape and redirect Republican and Conservative thought vis-a-vis just trying to shape a "new movement" that won't be large or strong enough to win and/or remove control from the ultra-lefty Dems IN THE NEAR FUTURE. Again, way too much is at risk! These are perilous times.

If Beck persists too long in detracting from Republican re-control of Congress next year, Beck would indeed be SELFISH and only seeking to inflate his own ego. But if Beck honestly tries to turn the country around without hurting Republican attempts to regain control of Congress, I'm all for whatever Beck is doing. But this is not the time to experiment with third party stuff. We don't need more Ross Perot interference.

I suspect that Beck loves this country too much to hurt it...maybe he is only trying to get Republicans to do the right thing and man-up on critical issues? Time will tell....

[Dan Riehl]

Sherri "You ... have so obviously missed the point of Beck's statements" and Denise "He is, so far, the only one coming out with facts about things."

Great. So Beck can lead the American Moron Party. First off, I said nothing about the natue of any of his comments in my post. I've already stated previously I'm willing to assume all of his comments are simply his humor, and every major story Beck "broke" was researched and written/reported by someone else, first.

I do wonder if some Americans don't fall so hard for Beck simply because they eat dinner in front of the TV with him every night. You're as bad as your counterparts on the Left for your blind loyalty and idol worship.

[Anita]

His television program has helped to expose the ACORN scandal, the Van Jones scandal, and serve as inspiration to the Conservative movement, despite puddles of tears.

As for as exposing WH & dem. scandals ok, but not throwing stones @ Republicans & W. Playing "fair & balance" crap & rooting for 3rd party certainly is NOT ok.

[Huey]

Yep. The "R's" and the "D's" are doing SUCH a bang-up job, aren't they?

So, unless people are willing to accept the notion that the current parties will remain the dominant parties in a two-party system until the end of time, the possibility of a viable third party arising must exist. And, if there's the potential for a viable third party to rise, I would have a difficult time conceiving of a better time than now.

Beck (and Hannity and Palin to lesser extents) are simply making clear the following notion: The current system is corrupt, broken. Neither the "D's" or the "R's" remotely approximate "representing" their constituents. Unless they shape up, then they have to go, their power taken from them and entrusted to others. Beck is clear that this applies to all of our representatives. Hannity and Palin seem to be attempting to retake the Republican Party with conservative candidates -- BUT are also willing to OPPOSE an insufficiently conservative "R" in favor of even a third party candidate.

I'm on board with Beck in great part. Our representatives are corrupt and no longer represent us. We need to get rid of them. Now, if the "R's" and the "D's" can't offer us some honest choices, then maybe it IS time to ditch the two parties and form a third (or join a third, such as the "Conservative Party" in NY).

The Steele/Gingrich method of backing any monkey with an "R" after her name does nothing but ensure that we'll continue getting the same quality representation we've been getting.

How's that working out so far?

[Linda Gray]

I really wonder if a lot of the commenters have ever watched or listened to Beck. He prefaces almost every show or comment with "do your homework". He's not asking you to drink the Kool Aid - just be informed. I am impressed with what the guy has exposed - Van Jones, Anita Dorn, ACORN, SEIU, etc. with facts, not just rhetoric. We need more people exposing the corrupt, disgraceful, embarrassing administration for what it is. Also, I think his goof on Palin was just that - a goof. I like Palin. I think he likes Palin - it was a joke!

[Fe]

FYI - Your source is tainted!

Conservative Bloggers: Beware of “Jumping in Pools” Blog
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2009/10/bloggers-beware-of-jumping-in-pools-blog/

[Neo]

Frankly, I've viewed Glenn Beck as a lot more entertaining than Keith Olbermann, but my wagon has no hitch.

[Reaganite Republican]

Beck needs to pull-it-in a notch... or three

We're in too dire a predicament to roll the dice on 3rd parties, and NY-23 shook a few things
up... hopefully with some effect and just in time before 2010 campaigns get underway.

And while what he says about the military sitch may be largely true... it's way-wrong to discourage soldiers from re-enlisting, good grief. Obama won't be president forever, and we dont' need to be losing any wars or lives unnecessarily. Beck needs to consider the consequences of such seditious rabble-rousing- they're defending the Constitution and our national security over the long run, not Barack Obama.

[christmasghost]

Dan...why the big issue with Glenn Beck? Name one other person....blogger, TV or other that has done as much as he has for this country right now....I thank God for him every day. Only stupid liberals would hero worship ANYONE much less take everything they say as carved in stone. And Beck never wants or expects anyone to....do you ever watch or listen to him?
This is getting weird.

[Huey]

Remember....JIP is a website which reports FALSE stories.

Just sayin...

[Dan Riehl]

"This is getting weird."

Honestly, I fail to see what's so weird about it. I don't say people shouldn't listen to, or watch him. All I say is, I dont' think he'd make a good leader of anyhing significant. Given his constant self-promotion, why is it weird for someone who thinks as I do to push back against it?

And the third party and don't enlist crap was BS. We don't politicize our military. That someone who preaches about the Constituion doesn't recognize, or appreciate that, to me, says he's either politically stupid, or doesn't care about the Constitution one bit.

[PA]

A downgrade from Buy to Neutral isn't the same thing as Sell.

[WBestPresidentEver]

I am just glad we still live in a free country for the "moment" and we can still think and speak what we see fit and watch who we want to when we want to and can believe what we want to.

[kaffirgal]

Beck may be the king of bathos and self-promotion, but the information about the Obama administration that he has uncovered is startling. He's doing the investigative work the MSM should be doing, if it weren't completely in the tank for Obama. For that service alone, I can overlook his sometimes over-the-top delivery.

As far as his advice against enlistment/re-enlistment, as the mother of a son who has talked about enlisting, Beck is dead on. Before you breeezily condemn Beck, ask yourself whether you would willingly place your own child in uniform under the command of the current POTUS? As I see it, falling enlistment/re-enlistment rates would be a useful barometer of "no confidence" in the current CIC---and one more reason for the American people to justly conclude he should be a one-termer.

[jann]

Both parties are corrupt, so Beck was right. He has always stated that he would never run for anything. It cracks me up these people bash him for selling books, don't buy them if it bothers you so much. Beck has been sounding this bell for the last three years, where were you? He was just on CNN doing it. I want to know why more people in the blog o sphere aren't telling us more. Don't you guys have the same resources?? People are not going to just vote for the Republican party any more, we are done with that so get used to it. If you want to get Beck, watch and listen to his show because it looks like you don't.

[Fe]

Dan, pushing back doesn't ring so true when you use a tainted source.

[The Mexican]

It's funny that if you are a GOP marketer such as Levin, Hannity, Limbaugh, aka The Triumvirate, your a champion of freedom and a powerful conservative voice. But if your not a GOP marketer then your just a political infotainer, lol.

It makes you wonder who the the elite of the GOP really are.

[Bob]

The Democrats just need a thin wedge of voters for their plans to come to fruition. They must convince a few unsatisfied and annoyed Americans to vote for Lou Dobbs or Ron Paul or Beck himself. If Beck is working for them (I think he is), it's important that he sound as outraged as possible and as anti-Obama. He's a pretty good actor, but his real self leaks through -- can't you hear it? He's really quite liberal. He reads a telepromter well, yes.
Then there are his illnesses. He was out last year suddenly, then a couple of weeks ago he had an "apendectomy". Debbie Schussel says he's a cokehead. I don't know if that smear is true, but that would be a way to control a TV personality.

[Bruce Donnelly]

As another alert reader noted, be very careful of spreading any content sourced from the Jumping in Pools satire blog. It should not be regarded as a reliable source. The idea is for fools to jump in on stuff which sounds just plausible enough to sucker them, even though on closer examination it is nonsense.

[Swink]

Criticize Beck all you want, but he's the ONLY way we've heard about what's going on up in Crazy Town. I don't understand your distaste for the man. He asks that you keep yourself informed, not to just take what he says as gospel.