Either Relevant or True » The Politics of Politics

The Politics of Politics

I would like to take this opportunity to gently remind everyone that this is not a political discussion site. MSNBC might be “the place for politics,” but ERT is not.

I realize that there is a very fine line between discussing the current, contentious political situation and the coverage of that situation on Countdown these days. When you comment, keep in mind that not everyone here has the same political views - now more than ever. So far, everyone has behaved admirably and the comments haven’t broken down into the chaos of, “Oh yeah? Well your candidate blows goats!” Let’s keep it that way.

Also, I have received in the past week some comments from people who felt the need to blow off some steam to Mr. Olbermann personally, mistaking this site for a direct pipeline to his office. You’ll notice the new disclaimer at the top of the sidebar.

Thank you, Becky, I will try to keep myself in line. I had realized last night that I might have gone a bit overboard in recent posts. Apologies to anyone I may have offended, unless you were offended that I used the word “vagina”, in which case….

The problem I find with the Media, especially television, is that they have to have BREAKING NEWS as soon as there is the hint of something new, in a rushed frenzy to beat everyone else to it, and often the reality comes to light days later when they are off onto the latest BREAKING NEWS and no one cares any more.

They are also highly selective and may be picking the worst moment in a candidate’s day to show us.

I think that Keith and Countdown do a much better job than most in not allowing themselves to be used or manipulated, but they are not perfect.

Just last night they had a piece on John McCain’s legendary temper, but the footage of him they chose to show did not indicate a person out of control or with anger issues at all, just someone becoming increasingly annoyed with an obnoxious reporter (picture Bill-O asking you the same question over and over again and not letting it drop and then asking you why you are angry).

I admit to feeling confused and at odds with myself about what is going on as I have been waiting my entire life for a female President. (Although, for some reason I thought that she would be or should be me.)

About an hour ago I was checking the news channels in case there was anything in yet re Wyoming, and MSNBC was showing us an Inside the Mind of Charles Manson program, indicating that they are as confused as I am.

I live in a state that is being financially decimated by a combination of the housing crises and new anti immigration laws that have caused a mass migration out of the state, leaving even more homes empty and many businesses without their usual clientele.

We have serious issues confronting us as a nation, at home and abroad, and I want the best possible candidate for President and do not care if he/she is a green hermaphrodite from Mars as long as we can start solving some critical issues.

We all rely on the media to at least give us some hints as to who these people really are and what they do and do not stand for, not to just repeat the candidates own ads and talking points.

(I am still not clear if it is worse to be called a Monster or Ken Starr, I know that I would prefer being called a Monster myself. )

If instead of substance we get personal attacks on or between the candidates and their surrogates, isn’t Countdown simply shifting its political coverage to a longer version of Keeping Tabs?

Sorry, Becky. I’ll tone it down as well. You won’t hurt my feelings if don’t post my comments if I go to far. I can see how you must be getting some negative Keithmail. I have been seeing it a lot at Huffpost, DU and The Newshole. I tried to leave a postive comment in support of Keith at the Newshole, but they refused to post it, which was odd. Anyway, considering Keith, Rachel Maddow and I’m sure a host of other greats seem to read your blog, perhaps many feel the need to comment here. Me, I just like you ’cause you’re a Cub fan! ;)

Rafismom, The Politico always has a nice up-to-date vote count. With 91% in, Obama is ahead 58 to 41.

http://www.politico.com/

Me too. I’ll leave my political comments on Daily KOS where I can be flamed by Democans (just made it up) unless of course something interesting is mentioned on Countdown.

Anybody see any mention of a network Countdown tonight (Sunday)? KO didn’t mention on Friday & nothing in the TV section today.

The network edition of Countdown isn’t scheduled this weekend, but for March 30.

Thanks, Becky —

With both my Mother and Mom-in-law in and out of hospitals this past week and me swamped with a major project deadline, I didn’t catch the “March 30″ date.

Thanks for correcting me.

AUGH!

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