This is one of my favorite news clips:
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It was Jon Stewart on CNN’s Crossfire back in 2004. The point that he made then was relevant then and is even more relevant today. Most of the material that he gets for the Daily Show is about mocking the idiocy of cable news and its unique combination of sensationalism, hackery, and idiocy. Stewart really criticizes the role that cable news plays into the system as a place for talking points and faux-debates. This was what Crossfire really was and frankly what all of these shows are still today. Part of the problem is that this is a game that Republicans are a lot better at than Democrats.
This is a chart of guests talking about the stimulus bill going through Congress. Republicans are better at getting themselves on and noticed. Basically, turn off CNN and turn on CSPAN. You’re more likely to see some reality and can also get some good classical music along the way.
That Crossfire appearance was classic. Yeah, Republicans are better at getting on TV and vocalizing their opinions (should be spending more time legislating, perhaps? hmm?). To connect it to my PS111 class (ahahaha), those television appearances are good way to make their names known to the constituency…
You’ve been on a roll with your posts these last few days, Tom. (AWESOME. They are really interesting.)