The Fox-Palin Convergence

PoliticsJanuary 2010 • Views: 3,721

It seems almost inevitable somehow, like asteroids on a collision course; the New York Times Media Decoder blog reports:

Former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska has signed on as a contributor to the Fox News Channel. The network confirmed that Ms. Palin will appear on the network’s programming on a regular basis as part of a multi-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Ms. Palin will not have her own regular program, one person familiar with the deal said, though she will host an occasional series that will run on the network from time to time.

The only question I have is whether to file this under “Media” or “Politics,” because it’s both.

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173 comments

Bob Dillon Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:35:54am

We do live in interesting times.

Kragar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:36:07am

Can a guest commentator slot on the Glenn Beck show be far off?

baier Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:38:36am

I was hoping FOX was backing away from the suicidal tea-party direction...
All I can say is , good luck with that.

wrenchwench Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:38:56am

a multi-year deal.

By the time I get a TV again, they won't just be 3D, they'll have Smellavision and headsup displays so you can watch while you're driving. And cost about $10.

baier Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:39:50am

re: #2 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Can a guest commentator slot on the Glenn Beck show be far off?

If they had a child together it would some kind of super idiot.

elizajane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:40:32am

So does this mean that she thinks she'll be running for president, or that she thinks she won't?

Darth Vader Gargoyle Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:40:39am

"The only question I have is whether to file this under “Media” or “Politics,” because it’s both"

Charles, may I recommend "kook"?
//

Cathypop Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:40:49am

re: #5 baier

If they had a child together it would some kind of super idiot.

Now I need some brain bleach! YUCK!

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:41:04am

re: #3 baier

I was hoping FOX was backing away from the suicidal tea-party direction...
All I can say is , good luck with that.

I want a full lifestyle show. Sort of like Martha Stewart. Sarah Palin Livin'.

With a line of linens at Wal-Mart. And a magazine.

Stanghazi Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:41:06am

Tales from the Production Crew will be next.

Killgore Trout Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:41:33am

....she will host an occasional series that will run on the network from time to time.

Name that series!
Death Panel Confidential?
The Wasilla Zone?

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:42:16am

A right-wing version of "Laugh-In" would be my bet.

wrenchwench Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:42:47am

re: #11 Killgore Trout

Name that series!
Death Panel Confidential?
The Wasilla Zone?

From the Desk of Caribou Barbie

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:42:50am

re: #6 elizajane

So does this mean that she thinks she'll be running for president, or that she thinks she won't?

In normal times, that would mean no run. But these really aren't even slightly normal times.

Killgore Trout Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:43:09am

Jesse Ventura in negotiations for co-host.
/

Kragar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:43:12am

re: #9 SanFranciscoZionist

I want a full lifestyle show. Sort of like Martha Stewart. Sarah Palin Livin'.

With a line of linens at Wal-Mart. And a magazine.

I want a Holiday Special, with her and Glenn Beck singing songs, and having little comedy skits.

acwgusa Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:43:15am

How about "Yet another reason not to watch Fox News Anymore", or "Fox News jumps the shark in a nuked fridge"?

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:43:21am

This actually seems to me to be an odd deal for Fox. Why pay her? If she wants to make periodic specials and wants a big outlet to spread them on she doesn't have a lot of options. You know MSNBC and CNN aren't going to be the places because her audience isn't there. And something like PJTV webcasts are too niche and lack the big-time legitimacy of TV news. So what are they really gaining? They have the cards and she doesn't have a lot of other options...

Jeff In Ohio Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:43:21am

DOes this mean her Facebook noncompete is over?

Kragar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:44:18am

re: #15 Killgore Trout

Jesse Ventura in negotiations for co-host.
/

I want a presidential debate which ends in a chair shot.
///

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:44:25am

re: #18 Cineaste

*I mean, why pay her up front in a multi-year deal. They'd certainly pay her for the specials and possibly for some apperances, but the question is about why pay her now to "lock her up"?

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:45:18am

re: #20 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I want a presidential debate which ends in a chair shot.
///

Jerry Springer was the mayor of Cincinatti...

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:45:25am

re: #17 acwgusa

How about "Yet another reason not to watch Fox News Anymore", or "Fox News jumps the shark in a nuked fridge"?

I loved the fridge! It was so cool!

Kragar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:45:34am

re: #21 Cineaste

*I mean, why pay her up front in a multi-year deal. They'd certainly pay her for the specials and possibly for some apperances, but the question is about why pay her now to "lock her up"?

lock in advertising revenue perhaps.

recusancy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:45:35am

re: #21 Cineaste

*I mean, why pay her up front in a multi-year deal. They'd certainly pay her for the specials and possibly for some apperances, but the question is about why pay her now to "lock her up"?

She doesn't show up unless she's paid now. See that Iowa thing she was supposed to do.

Nervous Norvous Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:45:49am

re: #13 wrenchwench

From the Desk of Caribou Barbie

Any other ideas Palin comparison

TampaKnight Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:46:06am

I've honestly tried not to jump on the hyper-hate Palin bandwagon, just for the sake of doing it, but trying to give her any benefit of the doubt has become tough.

There seems to be not one issue that I've heard her speak about that makes me think she has a strong handle on....just a lot of fluff and typical talking points that don't even fit the discussion.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:46:32am

Good Morning Real America

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:46:36am

re: #24 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

lock in advertising revenue perhaps.

but if they don't have a regular scheduled show for her then they can't lock up much advertising up front.

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:02am

re: #25 recusancy

She doesn't show up unless she's paid now. See that Iowa thing she was supposed to do.

she shows up for just about any TV interview she's offered...

amused Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:03am

I think it's in 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' where elections are determined by selecting the most popular television show host as the winner. Media and politics are one in that scenario. Looks like we're getting there quickly.

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:06am

The only question I have is whether to file this under “Media” or “Politics,” because it’s both.

You mean there's a difference?

Killgore Trout Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:23am

re: #18 Cineaste

This actually seems to me to be an odd deal for Fox. Why pay her? If she wants to make periodic specials and wants a big outlet to spread them on she doesn't have a lot of options. You know MSNBC and CNN aren't going to be the places because her audience isn't there. And something like PJTV webcasts are too niche and lack the big-time legitimacy of TV news. So what are they really gaining? They have the cards and she doesn't have a lot of other options...

I suspect it's because someone (Rubert Murdoch, Koch brothers, Steve Forbes, etc) have an agenda they need a spokes person for. She's not advancing her own ideas, other people do the thinking for her. They're going to use Fox exposure as an uncritical platform to rebrand the Republican party.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:37am

Sarah Palin Just Loooves America So Much, With Sarah Palin

Firstinla Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:47:54am

Seems like I remember someone on LGF predicting this would happen this a few months ago.

recusancy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:48:09am

re: #30 Cineaste

she shows up for just about any TV interview she's offered...

When's the last time you saw her do one? She's only on book tours and typing out 7th grade level posts on Facebook.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:48:19am

re: #34 SanFranciscoZionist

Sarah Palin Just Loooves America So Much, With Sarah Palin

I would actually rather see Trig get his own show. Special segments on Block Stacking, and Yummy Oatmeal recipes. That I would watch.

Kragar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:48:21am

re: #29 Cineaste

but if they don't have a regular scheduled show for her then they can't lock up much advertising up front.

True, but they can hold it out there to get people to compete. Just throwing it out there as a possible reason. Who knows?

Jeff In Ohio Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:48:39am

re: #22 Cineaste

Jerry Springer was the mayor of Cincinatti...

Cincinnati.

When he was mayor, it was not a direct election. The top council vote getter (all positions are at large) was the mayor. And a very weak one at that. He ended his rule after a prostitute was arrested with a check made out o her from Jerry. He move on to 6:00 news reader from there.

So to recap:
top council vote getter aka Mayor:
'John':
News Reader:
Jerry Jerry Jerry.

Only in America.

theliel Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:48:58am

Cineaste they're paying for the privlidge of having her name officially tied to the network....

acwgusa Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:50:00am

re: #16 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I want a Holiday Special, with her and Glenn Beck singing songs, and having little comedy skits.

You mean Glenn Beck isn't a comedy hour now anyway?

theliel Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:50:30am

re: #39 Jeff In Ohio

That must be why he likes mayor quimby so much...

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:51:18am

re: #15 Killgore Trout

I thought he'd be busy lining up the "Captain Freedom Work Out" at this point.

lawhawk Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:51:23am

If Murdoch and Fox think that she's going to stick to the deal, more power to 'em. It's their money, not mine, and they can do with it as they wish.

She'll probably get great ratings initially - those who want to see her do well and those who expect a train wreck of epic proportions. She'll probably end up disappointing both. But they'll limit her exposure by not giving her a daily time slot at least at the outset.

From her perspective, she gets to keep her name out there and deal with whatever issues she wants. And it's probably a good paycheck without the aggravation of a political career and it lets her take shots at her critics from a relatively safe perch.

darthstar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:51:47am

What's the over/under on when she quits?...I mean, it is what she's best at.

amused Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:52:16am

Man, I just had an attempt of the 'They made out the cashiers check for too much' scam on Craigslist. 'Take it to your bank and keep some extra, then wire the rest back to me.' Yeah right.

darthstar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:52:53am

re: #40 theliel

Cineaste they're paying for the privlidge of having her name officially tied to the network...

And John McCain's still paying for having her name, officially, tied to his campaign (and his legacy). Life is good.

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:53:06am

re: #39 Jeff In Ohio

Cincinnati.

When he was mayor, it was not a direct election. The top council vote getter (all positions are at large) was the mayor. And a very weak one at that. He ended his rule after a prostitute was arrested with a check made out o her from Jerry. He move on to 6:00 news reader from there.

So to recap:
top council vote getter aka Mayor:
'John':
News Reader:
Jerry Jerry Jerry.

Only in America.

I wasn't making a political point of him. More saying that if someone wants Jesse Ventura & chair shots in politics then clearly Jerry Springer should be involved! If anyone knows more about thrown chairs and politics than Venture, it could only be Springer...

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:53:37am

re: #40 theliel

Cineaste they're paying for the privlidge of having her name officially tied to the network...

Good point... was there any doubt which network she was tied to though?

simoom Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:54:57am

re: #27 TampaKnight

There seems to be not one issue that I've heard her speak about that makes me think she has a strong handle on...just a lot of fluff and typical talking points that don't even fit the discussion.

Yeah, I very much doubt she was hired to do her own original analysis:
[Link: thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com...]

In the days leading up to an interview with ABC News’ Charlie Gibson, aides were worried with Ms. Palin’s grasp of facts. She couldn’t explain why North and South Korea were separate nations and she did not know what the Federal Reserve did. She also said she believed Saddam Hussein attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

I do wonder how much input they'll give her in the scripts they write for her show though.

CommonCents Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:55:20am

I'm thinking Palin will be on around 3am competing against the 'How to reduce your abs in 3 minutes' programming.

Jeff In Ohio Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:55:40am

re: #31 amused

I think it's in 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' where elections are determined by selecting the most popular television show host as the winner. Media and politics are one in that scenario. Looks like we're getting there quickly.

'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' was the basis for Blade Runner. I think your thinking of 'The Game Players of Titan', .....maybe? Can't really think of Dick novel or story that has a similar plot.

Jeff In Ohio Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:56:33am

re: #48 Cineaste

I was just showing off my Jerry knowledge. I'm a hit at parties, ask my wife.

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:56:42am

re: #12 oaktree

A right-wing version of "Laugh-In" would be my bet.

Right wing versions of left wing humor tend to fall flat on their face. Remember the half hour news hour?

Neither do I...

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:56:51am

OK - here's a potential reason - they see that she's tacking towards the Tea Partiers and they've been on a "take down the establishment" kick of late. Fox News has a balance of Beck tea-partiers and GOP establishments types plus a handful of Huckabee-types who the hard right don't like. Perhaps this is a flanking move. Trying to scoop up the main voices on the tea party right that could attack Fox and hurt their ratings. You've seen the base prove it's willing to tear the party apart, no reason why they wouldn't go after Fox one day. Of course Beck won't say anything much about the network and if buy Palin out to then who is left to lead that charge?

TampaKnight Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:57:51am

I do think she may lose some of her appeal during her time at Fox News, as they have some absolutely smoking hot contributing females who are younger than her.

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:58:06am

re: #54 jamesfirecat

Right wing versions of left wing humor tend to fall flat on their face. Remember the half hour news hour?

Neither do I...

Red Eye

'nuff said

[gag]

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 10:58:39am

re: #35 Firstinla

I think the better question is, who couldn't have predicted something like this happening?

Charles Johnson Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:01:18am

This means that we could possibly see a presidential election in which two of the GOP candidates had shows on Fox News.

Gus Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:02:06am

"Like asteroids on a collision course" Sarah Palin and Fox News meet-up at last. Somewhere out there is a meteor with Alex Jones's name on it on it's own trajectory towards a home at Fox News. Then we can have a typical weekday afternoon lineup:

Sarah Palin
Glenn Beck
Alex Jones

Vambo Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:02:40am

no post about the Harry Reid circus yet? GOP calling for his resignation. I can smell the desperation from here.

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:05:06am

re: #45 darthstar

What's the over/under on when she quits?...I mean, it is what she's best at.

A year and a half or until she decides to do what's best for Alaska, whichever comes first.

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:05:12am

re: #59 Charles

This means that we could possibly see a presidential election in which two of the GOP candidates had shows on Fox News.

Oh no! Who would Fox tell the voters to push for? How could they over come this conflict of interest over their conflict of interest!

John Neverbend Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:05:47am

re: #7 rwdflynavy

"The only question I have is whether to file this under “Media” or “Politics,” because it’s both"

Charles, may I recommend "kook"?
//

How about "Pedia", a sort of amalgam of media and politics?

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:06:11am

re: #61 Vambo

no post about the Harry Reid circus yet? GOP calling for his resignation. I can smell the desperation from here.

Umm... did you look at the conversation we had on Saturday and then sort of again on Sunday?

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:06:26am

Hre: #59 Charles

After the cop killings, Huckabee is out.

re: #27 TampaKnight

Hyper hatred indeed. The far right had the same rabid unreasoning hatred for Hillary.
No surprise I'm the only poster here that likes her. Alot. And I'm pretty sure that her husband could kick any one of your asses in a one on one.

Randall Gross Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:06:37am

re: #59 Charles

This means that we could possibly see a presidential election in which two of the GOP candidates had shows on Fox News.

Or three... Huckabee, Beck, Palin...

/arrggggggg

amused Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:07:34am

re: #52 Jeff In Ohio

'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' was the basis for Blade Runner. I think your thinking of 'The Game Players of Titan', ...maybe? Can't really think of Dick novel or story that has a similar plot.

Maybe. It was just a passing part of the story, background, and perhaps part of a lot of things that got left out of Blade Runner.

nickzi Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:07:45am

I suppose we can now file this under the presumed title of the new show:

Pox-Failin'.

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:08:05am

re: #67 Thanos

How sad is that? At a time when we need leadership? This is what the GOP allows to become the candidates? A religious man who uses God for his own ends, a true mental nut job and a liar.

Jaerik Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:09:18am

It's like the Rupert Murdoch pied piper of crazy.

How can Fox watchers get around the cognitive dissonance of giving political candidates (not to mention Karl Rove) full-time shows, where they go on to rail against the "mainstream media" for occasionally being nice to Democrats?

Then again, I've never understood how they can rail against the "mainstream media" while touting their #1 viewership ratings in the same sentence, either.

Vambo Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:10:00am

re: #65 jamesfirecat

Umm... did you look at the conversation we had on Saturday and then sort of again on Sunday?

oops. well, it's kinda blown up since then. I think.

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:10:08am

re: #66 cgn38navy

Hey if liars are your cup of tea your welcome to her but fortunately for the rest of America (the majority) we have an aversion to liars.

TampaKnight Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:10:55am

re: #71 Jaerik

It's like the Rupert Murdoch pied piper of crazy.

How can Fox watchers get around the cognitive dissonance of giving political candidates (not to mention Karl Rove) full-time shows, where they go on to rail against the "mainstream media" for occasionally being nice to Democrats?

Then again, I've never understood how they can rail against the "mainstream media" while touting their #1 viewership ratings in the same sentence, either.

Let's be honest- the MM is more than "ocassionaly nice" to Democrats, it's usually more like a love fest.

Fox News was the conservative answer to much of that, but they've gone overboard.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:08am

re: #54 jamesfirecat

Right wing versions of left wing humor tend to fall flat on their face. Remember the half hour news hour?

Neither do I...

P.J. O'Rourke might be able to pull it off. Most conservatives parodying liberals come off too angry, and stomp the the jokes flat.

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:20am

re: #74 TampaKnight

I agree they have allowed some to ruin what use to be the best oplace to find news though when Murdock dies it looks like the kids may shake things up

Jaerik Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:34am

re: #56 TampaKnight

I do think she may lose some of her appeal during her time at Fox News, as they have some absolutely smoking hot contributing females who are younger than her.

They also have a disturbingly high percentage of blonds.

Summer Seale Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:40am

It kinda sucks that I have the flu and can't channel Sarah right now. =(

b_snark Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:53am

How about filing it under 'fairy dust'?

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:12:54am

re: #64 John Neverbend

How about "Pedia", a sort of amalgam of media and politics?

Then, for those who don't want to waste too much time on their information, "Pedialite".

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:13:01am

re: #78 Summer

God must be smiling on us today :)

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:13:11am

re: #73 Bulldoglover100

President Obama stated that the health care debate would be on c-span and open to the public. He lied. Not a "we thought it was the truth at the time" lie but a big outright bold faced lie.

Where's your aversion?

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:14:17am

re: #66 cgn38navy

H

After the cop killings, Huckabee is out.

re: #27 TampaKnight

Hyper hatred indeed. The far right had the same rabid unreasoning hatred for Hillary.
No surprise I'm the only poster here that likes her. Alot. And I'm pretty sure that her husband could kick any one of your asses in a one on one.

I'm sure he could kick mine, but Mr. Palin doesn't seem like the kind of guy who beats up girls.

Also, I have never thought that the buffness of a person's spouse was a good reason to support them politically, all jokes about Michelle Obama's toned upper arms to one side.

SteveMcG Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:14:41am

If she's a paid Fox'er then she knows she doesn't have to expose herself to any other media. She knows she'll just have to play teeball with Hannity once in a while.

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:15:00am

re: #56 TampaKnight

Good looking and smart. Fair and Balanced. I truly enjoy Fox news.

Gus Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:15:02am

re: #78 Summer

It kinda sucks that I have the flu and can't channel Sarah right now. =(

You can do "Sarah with the flu." ;)

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:15:36am

re: #82 cgn38navy

I agree but no other politican has lied like Sarah Palin and about such varied things from her kids to her job she failed at preforming. The woman is brainless and has no problem with it. She is raking in $$$ off the backs of the uneducated in this country....and laughing the way to the bank....charging the tea party 100 thousand just to speak at their rally? Give me a break. The woman is a joke.

William of Orange Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:16:25am

The prophecy of 2012 is becoming a reality. And to know that only John Cusack will survive this ordeal.....

As Colonel Kurtz would have said; ....the horror..... the horror....

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:16:45am

re: #83 SanFranciscoZionist

I know, I just threw that out there because it's funny. The first lady does have some guns, doesn't she? Looks good in a sleeveless dress.

Summer Seale Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:16:48am

re: #86 Gus 802

You can do "Sarah with the flu." ;)

It would just sound like something bleating. =(

Oh...wait....

TampaKnight Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:16:49am

Basically, if you watch any cable news these days you need to expect that you're being fed shows that actively push a bias. They are 24 hour ratings generators that purposely pander to certain groups of people.

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:17:26am

re: #90 Summer

ROTFLMAO if it were not so true

William of Orange Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:19:03am

The only question I have is whether to file this under “Media” or “Politics,” because it’s both.

How about entertainment or comedy?

SteveMcG Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:19:21am

re: #84 SteveMcG

I feel like an idiot replying to my own post, but I think I said something the wrong way, re: "expose herself to any other media" (wink-wink). Perhaps saying that now she has an excuse to dodge Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson and face those trick questions.

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:19:30am

re: #61 Vambo

no post about the Harry Reid circus yet? GOP calling for his resignation. I can smell the desperation from here.

I love the irony of Michael Steele, of all people, calling on Reid to step down for a speaking gaffe...

Though man, WTF is wrong with people. Harry Reid, you sir, are a moron.

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:20:26am

re: #67 Thanos

Or three... Huckabee, Beck, Palin...

/arrggg

Palin/Hannity '12

I'll be back, I'm going to bang my head against the wall for a while...

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:20:47am

re: #74 TampaKnight

Let's be honest- the MM is more than "ocassionaly nice" to Democrats, it's usually more like a love fest.

Fox News was the conservative answer to much of that, but they've gone overboard.

I think MM's problem is the same on either side, and the solution is the same for both sides, FACT CHECKING! If TV shows and reporters would just give us some truth to go with all those talking points they dump on us....

But as Amanda Carpenter of the Washington Times pointed out "I mean, there's a number of blogs on each side of the political who go through these shows line by line."

Media Matters Video

So evidently we are the bathrobe clad guardians of truth in this nation now....

Decider Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:21:16am

It is about time they consummate their dysfunctional marriage. At least Palin will make Beck look sane.

Bulldoglover100 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:21:38am

re: #96 Cineaste

Don't do that! While that ticket may keep the Dems in office it won't help us. We need to find a good candidate!

100

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:22:06am

re: #91 TampaKnight

There is truth in that. I think that it also shows bias when they don't run a story, because it doesn't support their bias. Or when they don't investigate - What happened to the media being a watchdog?

101

Ojoe Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:22:59am

Now we will really have to keep an ion her.

102

simoom Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:23:03am

re: #59 Charles

This means that we could possibly see a presidential election in which two of the GOP candidates had shows on Fox News.

2012 GoP Road to the White House:

Step 1) Former Fox News Contributer
2) Creationist who supports "teaching the controversy"
3) Rejects any human role in Global Climate Change
4) Fully embraces Tea Party Movement
5) ???
6) Sworn in as President

103

Decider Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:23:36am

re: #100 cgn38navy

There is truth in that. I think that it also shows bias when they don't run a story, because it doesn't support their bias. Or when they don't investigate - What happened to the media being a watchdog?

There is no money in that. 2009 will be seen as the start of the return to Yellow Journalism.

104

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:24:20am

re: #99 Bulldoglover100

Don't do that! While that ticket may keep the Dems in office it won't help us. We need to find a good candidate!

Just out of curiosity, can anyone name a serious Republican contender who is not at least one of the following:

1) A tea bagger
2) A conspiracy theorist
3) A creationist (as in: wants to teach it in school)
4) In line with any of the above
5) All of the above

Mitt?

105

SteveMcG Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:25:19am

Draft Ted Olsen!

106

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:25:31am

re: #91 TampaKnight

Basically, if you watch any cable news these days you need to expect that you're being fed shows that actively push a bias. They are 24 hour ratings generators that purposely pander to certain groups of people.

I think 24 hour news channels was a mistake from day one, there simply isn't going to be 24 hours of "news" to cover every day even given commercials, so you end up with a lot of "fluff" that nobody in their right mind should care about....

107

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:28:19am

re: #106 jamesfirecat

A lot of cable channels ended up with too much programming time and thus started bringing in all sorts of marginal programming in order to fill time or attract viewers. I've seen the History Channel called the "Hysteria" Channel due to their over-the-top and poorly fact checked programs, and that's even the ones that aren't chasing some particular or bizarre conspiracy angle.

108

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:30:08am

re: #105 SteveMcG

Draft Ted Olsen!

but he is supporting teh gays in their evil plot to destroy marriage!
///

109

Stanghazi Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:30:30am

re: #105 SteveMcG

Draft Ted Olsen!

Seriously. His quotes in the Newsweek article about Prop 8 are inspiring.

110

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:31:13am

re: #105 SteveMcG

Draft Ted Olsen!

Also - the last time someone with a face like that got elected president was before televised campaigns & live debates. I like Ted, he's very smart, but I don't think he's a serious candidate.

111

What, me worry? Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:40:28am

re: #35 Firstinla

Seems like I remember someone on LGF predicting this would happen this a few months ago.

Son-in-law, Levi, told Vanity Fair that she was going to quit as governor (she did) and write a book to make millions (she did). I'd have to go back and look, but I believe he also talked about TV shows, but maybe not.

She'll have her own show by the end of 2010, you betcha. Unless she becomes impossible to deal with, but I don't think she will. This is why she quit her job. She loves the fame and wants the fortune.

She's a piece of filth.

112

SteveMcG Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:41:53am

re: #110 Cineaste

Also - the last time someone with a face like that got elected president was before televised campaigns & live debates. I like Ted, he's very smart, but I don't think he's a serious candidate.

"A face like that" almost won the Democratic nomination last year!

113

redtickbeer Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:44:22am

I think this means that Fox has abandoned Huckabee as the conservative standard bearer. There's an agenda here; just can't figure it out.

114

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:46:17am

re: #112 SteveMcG

"A face like that" almost won the Democratic nomination last year!

Hillary? She may not be as cute as Palin but I think there's a far difference between her and Ted Olsen. Also, she didn't win, did she? Think about our last bunch of presidents:

Obama
George W Bush
Bill Clinton
George HW Bush
Ronald Reagan

By and large those are pretty handsome and charismatic guys. Clinton probably has more charisma than straight good looks and Bush Sr. probably had the benefit of running against a guy who was roundly mocked for being small, effete and "ethnic" looking (Dukakis), but Obama, W and Reagan are (were) all very handsome guys.

115

Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:46:46am

re: #113 redtickbeer

Maybe FOX has decided that being the official channel of the opposition is more profitable. Therefore, lockdown the most appropriate talking heads and then laugh all the way to the bank.

116

redtickbeer Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:48:53am

re: #115 oaktree

Money is a powerful motivator. Rupert is pushing something. They'll be more of a crossover between Fox, the Post, and WSJ.

117

SteveMcG Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:49:48am

re: #115 oaktree

Maybe FOX has decided that being the official channel of the opposition is more profitable. Therefore, lockdown the most appropriate talking heads and then laugh all the way to the bank.

I think they're the official channel of opposition. Lose the "the".

118

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:51:32am

re: #111 marjoriemoon

Do you actually know her?
Or are you just using the term "piece of filth" to mean that you disagree with her political views and you wouldn't vote for her.
Or are you a rabid moon bat?

119

dr. luba Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:52:00am

re: #12 oaktree

A right-wing version of "Laugh-In" would be my bet.

.......perhaps unintentionally. But a great basis for drinking games. Imagine the possibilities.

120

dr. luba Mon, Jan 11, 2010 11:59:25am

re: #75 SanFranciscoZionist

P.J. O'Rourke might be able to pull it off. Most conservatives parodying liberals come off too angry, and stomp the the jokes flat.

Maybe when he was young and funny. Lately, not so much.

121

bubba zanetti Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:15:09pm

re: #11 Killgore Trout

"Parasailing With Sarah Palin" will be next on OLN.

122

RogueOne Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:15:32pm

re: #113 redtickbeer

I think this means that Fox has abandoned Huckabee as the conservative standard bearer. There's an agenda here; just can't figure it out.

I think they call it "ratings"

123

Decider Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:19:10pm

Let me paraphrase every Sarah Palin appearance:

1. The military is great.
2. Guns are great.
3. The bible.
4. Obama is a Socialist, a Terrorist, and quite possibly not an American citizen.

124

Mark Pennington Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:22:45pm

I beg of Fox to let her have her plenty of opportunities for unscripted, off-the-cuff commentary.

125

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:25:42pm

re: #101 Ojoe

Now we will really have to keep an ion her.

Not only that, but someone needs to start sending lots of booze over to Andrew Sullivan's house. God knows how he will otherwise survive Caribou Barbie having her own show on Fox.

126

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:26:43pm

re: #124 beekiller

I beg of Fox to let her have her plenty of opportunities for unscripted, off-the-cuff commentary.

This please.

I'm already waiting for the YouTube remixes and inevitable 4chan memes that will result from any off the cuff Palin remarks. Hehe.

127

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:30:56pm

re: #123 Decider

Let me paraphrase every Sarah Palin appearance:

1. The military is great.
2. Guns are great.
3. The bible.
4. Obama is a Socialist, a Terrorist, and quite possibly not an American citizen.

Let's add:

Don't touch medicaire for old people, but no government run healthcare!
Don't let a government bureaucrat oversee my health care, let a private profit-based bureaucrat oversee my healthcare!
If you don't love America, you should leave, but it's ok that Todd was a separatist - we wanted to leave because he loved America TOO much.
I have a disabled son. Here is my disabled son. How dare you mention my disabled son!
We should never beg help from anyone else. Obama needs to get more support from Russia and China with Iran.

Should we go on?

128

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:31:39pm

re: #123 Decider

Okay, but
The military IS great.
Guns ARE great.
The Bible!
President Obama has supported/introduced legistlation that is the most socialist piece of legistlation since the new deal.
President Obama himself isn't a terrorist, but he has a buddy in Chicago who is.
Who cares about the birth certificate? ARNOLD for President!

129

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:31:53pm

Can we call Fox the Bible Spice Channel?

130

Girth Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:33:01pm

She probably will have a clause in her contract that she will never appear with Shepard Smith. He's the only person on the network that won't drool all over her, and he might ask her a question she hasn't rehearsed an answer to.

131

Cineaste Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:33:33pm

re: #128 cgn38navy

Okay, but
The military IS great.
Guns ARE great.
The Bible!

That's fine. But that's not a political system...

132

Sol Berdinowitz Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:33:40pm

re: #64 John Neverbend

How about "Pedia", a sort of amalgam of media and politics?

Or how about "Whacky-Pedia"?

133

Mark Pennington Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:34:14pm

re: #126 Lidane

This please.

I'm already waiting for the YouTube remixes and inevitable 4chan memes that will result from any off the cuff Palin remarks. Hehe.

Comedy Gold. They need to just let Palin be Palin.

134

darthstar Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:34:25pm

re: #129 Cineaste

Can we call Fox the Bible Spice Channel?

When Sarah and Brit Hume discuss converting President Obama to Christianity...sure.

135

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:35:44pm

re: #134 darthstar

Yeah, I heard he was really a muslim. Shhhhhh

136

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:36:10pm

re: #130 Girth

He's the only person on the network that won't drool all over her, and he might ask her a question she hasn't rehearsed an answer to.

That's because Shepard Smith is the only one on Fox News that's worth a damn.

137

Mark Pennington Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:37:31pm

re: #118 cgn38navy

Do you actually know her?
Or are you just using the term "piece of filth" to mean that you disagree with her political views and you wouldn't vote for her.
Or are you a rabid moon bat?

marjoriemoon is not a moon bat. She never calls Lizards names that I am aware of since she is a classy lady.

138

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:41:07pm

re: #137 beekiller

139

cgn38navy Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:44:33pm

re: #136 Lidane

She definately has a karma score that shows that many on this blog agree with her comments.

140

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:46:11pm

re: #35 Firstinla

Seems like I remember someone on LGF predicting this would happen this a few months ago.

I made the prediction that she would get her own show on FNC when she announced she was quitting the governorship. So I guess I was partially right.

141

SteelGHAZI Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:49:37pm

Hiya. Long time reader, first time writer.

Palin as a news contributor? The words "DOES NOT COMPUTE" come to mind...

142

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:50:10pm

re: #107 oaktree

A lot of cable channels ended up with too much programming time and thus started bringing in all sorts of marginal programming in order to fill time or attract viewers. I've seen the History Channel called the "Hysteria" Channel due to their over-the-top and poorly fact checked programs, and that's even the ones that aren't chasing some particular or bizarre conspiracy angle.

Damn it, if the history channel is running out of shows they should just put on more stuff about Hitler!

143

American-African Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:50:48pm

Tina Fey is going to be exhausted...

144

wrenchwench Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:51:15pm

re: #141 SteelPH

Welcome, hatchling.

145

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:54:48pm

re: #143 American-African

Ha! I had not even considered what a boon this might be for Fey. She may have to rejoin the cast at SNL.

146

jamesfirecat Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:55:35pm

re: #141 SteelPH

Hiya. Long time reader, first time writer.

Palin as a news contributor? The words "DOES NOT COMPUTE" come to mind...

Oh I'd say Palin contributes to the news all the time thus her being a news contributor makes perfect sense.

Palin as a news analyst on the other hand.....

147

Lidane Mon, Jan 11, 2010 12:56:14pm

re: #145 Slumbering Behemoth

Ha! I had not even considered what a boon this might be for Fey. She may have to rejoin the cast at SNL.

Nah. She'll just demand much bigger paychecks to do the occasional SNL sketch. That's what I would do, anyway. :)

148

Stanghazi Mon, Jan 11, 2010 1:00:21pm

The release adds that Palin will "provide political commentary and analysis" for Fox News, Fox Business, FoxNews.com and special event programming.
She will also host a show called "Real American Stories," which Fox describes as "a series exploring inspirational real-life tales of overcoming adversity throughout the American landscape that will debut in 2010."

News Release

149

ulmsey123 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 1:05:39pm

Oh my God! A politician giving political commentary!

150

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Mon, Jan 11, 2010 1:09:50pm

re: #149 ulmsey123

I know, it's a shocker, isn't it. Maybe she can start an advice column advising people how to quit their day jobs and make money through the fine art of attention whoring.

151

idioma Mon, Jan 11, 2010 2:23:52pm

Is fox trying to create a Bose-Einstein condensate of stupid?

Sarah Palin cannot answer tough questions like: "what newspapers and magazines do you read?"

I don't have a TV, but there must be a way to block fox news... I need a shower.

152

Jolo5309 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 3:22:32pm

re: #7 rwdflynavy

Drat! I was going to suggest "humour" but yours is better!

153

Hawaii69 Mon, Jan 11, 2010 3:23:29pm

What a shock....

Since the day she quit as Governor, I've been saying to people, "She's just setting herself for a career as a FOX news commentator".

My exact words....honest.

154

burning rain Mon, Jan 11, 2010 3:47:53pm

Perhaps Palin would do well to bleach her hair if she aims to move up the ladder at Fox, since blondeness appears to be a major qualification there.

Wonder how she'll get on with Beck. Even she seemed a bit creeped out by him once when he called her "a hot grandma" to her face.

155

major tom Mon, Jan 11, 2010 3:50:21pm

It makes perfect sense. She used to sit in front of a camera reading what other people wrote. She will do it again. She just happens to be working for the most evil corporation to ever exist outside of the Marvel/DC universe.

156

William of Orange Mon, Jan 11, 2010 3:54:50pm

Fire up the Death Star, play the Imperial march.....

157

karmasherabwangchuk Mon, Jan 11, 2010 4:25:48pm

re: #9 SanFranciscoZionist

it would have to be heavy on moose recipes. 101 ways to prepare moose. that is an underserved niche market. people who cook w/ moose.

158

Silvergirl Mon, Jan 11, 2010 4:50:33pm

re: #111 marjoriemoon

She's a piece of filth.

Everybody's got an opinion, but wow, way harsh.

159

Wozza Matter? Mon, Jan 11, 2010 4:58:22pm

re: #36 recusancy

She's done O'reilly and Hannity in the last month or so.

160

Silvergirl Mon, Jan 11, 2010 4:59:10pm

I'm surprised to read people saying she could be a presidential candidate in the future. When she resigned as governor everybody was going off about political suicide. Back then I posted that she was not into politics as usual and she could go on to surprise us all. Going on Fox is no surprise--more than just the Lizards predicted that. I know some of you who might be inclined to vote Romney in '12 would desert him in a flash if Palin were to be his VP pick, but I just wonder. It could happen.

161

Wozza Matter? Mon, Jan 11, 2010 4:59:34pm

re: #154 burning rain

She also needs shorter skirts.

Much shorter skirts.

162

Wozza Matter? Mon, Jan 11, 2010 5:01:51pm

re: #160 Silvergirl

Romney - if he made it through the middle of a nutzoid field because "he wasn't one of the others"......... would need to throw some red meat to the base. I honest to god hope it isn't her though.

163

Wozza Matter? Mon, Jan 11, 2010 5:03:28pm

re: #141 SteelPH

Welcome hatchling.

164

JoyousMN Mon, Jan 11, 2010 5:20:40pm

re: #97 jamesfirecat

So evidently we are the bathrobe clad guardians of truth in this nation now...

wish I could upding you twice for this.

165

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Jan 11, 2010 5:51:40pm

Shoulda filed it under neither "politics" nor "media", but rather "Nitro-Burnin' Funny Cars!!"

166

djughurknot Mon, Jan 11, 2010 6:34:29pm

So. Not. Surprised.

167

Eclectic Infidel Mon, Jan 11, 2010 6:38:57pm

Very clever. Definitely an excellent way to reach more conservative viewers. Of course, if she begin to sound like Glenn Beck on home-grown, free range/organic herbal substances, she'll also widely broadcast that she's not electable, and that the GOP has decided to commit political suicide.

This could very well serve to guarantee a second term for the President.

168

Claire Mon, Jan 11, 2010 6:51:04pm

em>re: #154 burning rain

What's the big deal/wrong with being blonde? 1/3 of the anchors are blond- so what?

169

Our Precious Bodily Fluids Mon, Jan 11, 2010 6:55:59pm

re: #168 Claire

Guess how I can tell you're blond?

*not that there's anything wrong with that.

170

Claire Mon, Jan 11, 2010 8:49:57pm