alias1 November 4, 2015 Share November 4, 2015 What is wrong with the people in Kentucky? Do they really want to get rid of the medicaid expansion in their state. Are they so in love with coal they can't see reality for the smoke? I don't know if it was Brokaw not feeling well last night, but his analysis seemed very weak. And, despite the fact that he seems to try to be neutral, I've always thought he trended Republican. Link to comment
nowandlater November 4, 2015 Share November 4, 2015 What is wrong with the people in Kentucky? Do they really want to get rid of the medicaid expansion in their state. Are they so in love with coal they can't see reality for the smoke? I don't know if it was Brokaw not feeling well last night, but his analysis seemed very weak. And, despite the fact that he seems to try to be neutral, I've always thought he trended Republican. When I saw Brokaw's interview, while watching with a 30-minute delay, I quickly went on Twitter to search "Brokaw" to gauge reaction to his voiice. And everybody seemed to be upset with his pro-Republican/lazy analysis, especially since he had health problems recently. I mean, Dan Rather, though probably liberal-leaning, is always seemingly neutral on Maddow's show. But then I remembered that Brokaw was close to the Reagans since the '60s. So maybe he is a Republican? 1 Link to comment
alias1 November 4, 2015 Share November 4, 2015 I love when Dan Rather is on with Rachel. They seem to have great rapport. There was something awkward with the Rachel and Brokaw segment. Link to comment
attica November 5, 2015 Share November 5, 2015 Brokaw's hack quotient has been steadily climbing over the past decade, imo, unrelated to his recent illness. I haven't thought his analysis of Anything in politics has been better than bland platitudes. He coasts on his reputation, especially within the NBC halls. This isn't new. 3 Link to comment
Wax Lion November 5, 2015 Share November 5, 2015 Tom Brokaw does these weird radio ads where he comments on current events and he constantly sounds like he's looking for a cloud to yell at. They're freaking awful. He just did one on the CNBC debate that was basicalyl a lecture on how the kids in journalism these days suck at being neutral. He's awful. 1 Link to comment
attica November 6, 2015 Share November 6, 2015 Yeah, 'cause we all know how neutral Murrow and Cronkite were.... Asshat. Link to comment
Grommet November 7, 2015 Share November 7, 2015 I agree about Brokaw.I enjoyed his appearances on Letterman when he talked about his vacations, but his political bias was increasingly evident. Rachel shouldn't let NBC force her to have him on. Link to comment
jjj November 7, 2015 Share November 7, 2015 Was there an actual show Friday? Enjoying the forum. Link to comment
Sharpie66 November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 No regular shows on Friday night at all, just two broadcasts of the forum. 1 Link to comment
jjj November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 No regular shows on Friday night at all, just two broadcasts of the forum. Thanks, that explains the lack of podcast for Friday. I must have caught the second of three (?) showings of the forum, as I caught a forum that started at 7:00 Pacific Time. She must have started in the Chris Hayes time slot? It felt different than a show interview, and was so thoughtful compared to the Republican shows. I thought the one-at-a-time format would be like three interviews, but it felt connected. Not impressed with the former Maryland Governor, who was too ready to get out his sound bites. I felt the other two trusted Rachel more to lead them in a conversation. Link to comment
alias1 November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 I really like Martin O'Malley but he was trying a little too hard. I'm sure it's because he has such meager support. He's young enough that he might be someone to look to in the future. I actually think he'd be a great vice president, but if Hillary is the nominee, picking someone else from the northeast to run with her is not a good idea. She would be better off picking someone like Julian Castro. (Yes, I'm getting ahead of myself.) 3 Link to comment
attica November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 I thought Rachel did a good job with her selection of questions. It did annoy me, though, that the only one quizzed about a spouse was the woman. Yes, I know that because Bill was president that's more relevant than it would be with a non-political spouse, but still. Couldn't we just once let a woman stand for herself alone? Just once? (And good on Hill for putting a button on having to talk about her hair. She joked goodnaturedly about it, which was the right tone, but it was a good idea to remind the audience that fun aside, that's some bullshit.) 4 Link to comment
jjj November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 I thought Rachel did a good job with her selection of questions. It did annoy me, though, that the only one quizzed about a spouse was the woman. Yes, I know that because Bill was president that's more relevant than it would be with a non-political spouse, but still. Couldn't we just once let a woman stand for herself alone? Just once? (And good on Hill for putting a button on having to talk about her hair. She joked goodnaturedly about it, which was the right tone, but it was a good idea to remind the audience that fun aside, that's some bullshit.) Wasn't Hillary the one who brought up her hair, in the context of the wedding picture? (Permanents, ackkk! <never had one>) I agree I would have preferred a picture from Wellesley or the Watergate hearings as Hillary's historic picture; the two men were shown in historic pictures of their political activism in their 20s. She had that: her graduation speech is a great example, much more prominent than the two men's moments in time. 1 Link to comment
attica November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 No, Rachel prompted it with her crack that both Hill's and Bill's hair would be hip if worn now. 1 Link to comment
jjj November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 No, Rachel prompted it with her crack that both Hill's and Bill's hair would be hip if worn now. You are absolutely correct! Sorry! 1 Link to comment
Sesquipedalia November 8, 2015 Share November 8, 2015 Even before the conversation devolved into hair talk, I couldn't believe Maddow showed the men pictures of their early activism and then showed Clinton her wedding picture. WTF was she thinking? Clinton handled it well by pointing out she was already a lawyer and children's advocate at the time, but I couldn't believe that Rachel Maddow of all people would approach the question so differently for the male and female candidates. 3 Link to comment
bluepiano November 9, 2015 Share November 9, 2015 (edited) Even before the conversation devolved into hair talk, I couldn't believe Maddow showed the men pictures of their early activism and then showed Clinton her wedding picture. WTF was she thinking? Clinton handled it well by pointing out she was already a lawyer and children's advocate at the time, but I couldn't believe that Rachel Maddow of all people would approach the question so differently for the male and female candidates. That's because even though in terms of her politics she may be closer to Bernie Sanders, it's clear to me that Rachel is kind of a Hillary groupie, and tends to approach her as a celebrity, pop-culture phenomena, in addition to being a political figure. That's how I felt when she did that interview after the Benghazi hearings, and it was really clear in the forum. She let Hillary go on and on about her emotions in regard to recent killings in the black community, while with the men she kept them on point about the issues. And Hillary made some statements that cried out for follow-up questions that never came. Such as when she claimed she told Wall St. to "cut it out." But did she take any substantive action? And her answer about the hundreds of thousands in speaker fees from investment firms, "if you know me, you know I can't be influenced," would not have gone unchallenged if spoken by any other candidate. In the post mortem, Rachel told Chris Matthews that Hillary is so skillful that she's able to take an interview wherever she wants it to go. But that's a cop out. Also, Rachel's preliminary comments to the audience, asking them not to dislike her for asking hard questions, were silly and unnecessary. It's the "cutesy Rachel" that I know turns some people off, and keeps others from seeing her a serious journalist. (if that's her goal). Edited November 9, 2015 by bluepiano Link to comment
jjj November 9, 2015 Share November 9, 2015 Also, Rachel's preliminary comments to the audience, asking them not to dislike her for asking hard questions, were silly and unnecessary. It's the "cutesy Rachel" that I know turns some people off, and keeps others from seeing her a serious journalist. (if that's her goal). This kind of couching "don't hate me for being direct" is an approach too many women have had to adopt to be heard and not alienate an audience, but I agree, Rachel is way above needing to do this. (No one should have to do this.) See this recent "ouch" column on the topic in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2015/10/13/jennifer-lawrence-has-a-point-famous-quotes-the-way-a-woman-would-have-to-say-them-during-a-meeting/?tid=hybrid_experimentrandom_1_na 1 Link to comment
bluepiano November 9, 2015 Share November 9, 2015 (edited) I don't know. I understand the societal double standard whereby a man is admiringly called "tough" for the same kind of attitude that gets a woman called a bitch. But there have been plenty of female journalists who take a back seat to no one when it comes to being direct and uncompromising. And they have been successful and well-respected. in Rachel's case, I think it has more to do with her personality. I think she genuinely does want people to like her. And that maybe she's not sure of where her media career is headed, and wants to leave her options open. I could see her "graduating" to a major network, maybe hosting an afternoon talk show. And so she's mindful of not burning any bridges. Edited November 9, 2015 by bluepiano Link to comment
Quilt Fairy November 9, 2015 Share November 9, 2015 I was recording a late night repeat of a show on MSBNC and caught the last 10 seconds of Meet the Press and I noticed Rachel on the panel. Was this a one time thing because of the forum she hosted or is she a regular on that show? Link to comment
Padma November 9, 2015 Share November 9, 2015 (edited) Even before the conversation devolved into hair talk, I couldn't believe Maddow showed the men pictures of their early activism and then showed Clinton her wedding picture. WTF was she thinking? Clinton handled it well by pointing out she was already a lawyer and children's advocate at the time, but I couldn't believe that Rachel Maddow of all people would approach the question so differently for the male and female candidates. I couldn't believe that either! Not just that Rachel didn't notice the (incredible) sexism of showing both men in roles of leadership/social activism and showing Hillary (who ALSO was active in her early years, and a lawyer) at her wedding!!! "What was the young you thinking in this picture?" just added to the annoyance I felt about it. What really shocked me wasn't just that Rachel didn't see anything wrong with it, but can you imagine how many staffers gave it a "pass" as well--including the person who had to come up with the photos? How did none of them not stop and say, "Wait! We need a comparable photo of Hillary!" (One at the Watergate hearings would have been a good choice.) Also, "Let's have wedding pics for everyone!" Rachel, of all people, then going on and on about her hair made it so much worse. While I'm being critical, I really dislike the ad for her show. She's walking around and tells us "Americans are complicated....It's why our national anthem is a question. No, really. 'Can you see...? ... all these different people, etc." Uh, no. That's not what our national anthem is about. Why would you say that? She then goes on to say, "Americans are loud. ..." Well, no again! Some are, some aren't'. Why the stereotyping? (And an unflattering one at that, like tehe old "ugly American" image of the loud, vulgar American tourist.) I know so many people who love her, love her show. She's...okay...but I'm really not a big fan. I don't understand why her show is so much more popular than anyone else's. Edited November 9, 2015 by Padma 1 Link to comment
NextIteration November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 I was recording a late night repeat of a show on MSBNC and caught the last 10 seconds of Meet the Press and I noticed Rachel on the panel. Was this a one time thing because of the forum she hosted or is she a regular on that show? It happened a bit more frequently in the past, but not lately; I'm sure this particular appearance was due to her role as the forum moderator. Link to comment
Grommet November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 I now have a girl crush on Claire McCaskill. I liked her before but now I want to move to Missouri, even though I'm not sure I know where it is. Below Ohio? Or above Louisiana? I thought it was pronounced "best"iality but Google tells me Rachel was using the American pronunciation. Either way, no. 4 Link to comment
nowandlater November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 That Kevin Swanson guy. Woah. At first I was laughing...then, oh man... But really, that guy seemed like an SNL parody of an anti-gay preacher. 6 Link to comment
cheatincheetos November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 That Kevin Swanson guy. Woah. At first I was laughing...then, oh man... But really, that guy seemed like an SNL parody of an anti-gay preacher. I thought I had hit some button by mistake and loaded one of John Water's old hardcore movies from the 70s. OMG that arm flailing. Link to comment
attica November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 "Step away from the turtle tank." Heeeee. Oh, New Jersey, it's good you draw a line somewhere! Link to comment
cheatincheetos November 10, 2015 Share November 10, 2015 That Kevin Swanson guy. Woah. At first I was laughing...then, oh man... But really, that guy seemed like an SNL parody of an anti-gay preacher. In the clip Rachel played, it looked like one of the guys from "Revenge of the Nerds" had a baby with the elderly cult leader from Poltergeist II and then the son grew up only to contract rabies from an amorous possum. 3 Link to comment
attica November 11, 2015 Share November 11, 2015 (edited) the son grew up only to contract rabies from an amorous possum. But not in New Jersey! That shit's illegal there! :) Thoroughly enjoyed the clips from the LA-gov debate. Go get 'im, John Bel! Edited November 11, 2015 by attica 1 Link to comment
Grommet November 11, 2015 Share November 11, 2015 Is David Vitter the one whose wife stood by him in the skin tight leopard print dress? I loved that. But he needs to go away forever. So he'll probably win. Link to comment
cheatincheetos November 12, 2015 Share November 12, 2015 Is David Vitter the one whose wife stood by him in the skin tight leopard print dress? I loved that. But he needs to go away forever. So he'll probably win. The big diaper makers like Kimberly Clark and Procter Gamble are probably "Pampering" him with big last-minute contributions to absorb Bell's attacks for a come-from-behind win. 1 Link to comment
Sharpie66 November 12, 2015 Share November 12, 2015 Actually, I saw on MSNBC last night that, since the primary, Edwards has raised over $1 million, while Vitter has only raised about $145,000. Link to comment
M. Darcy November 12, 2015 Share November 12, 2015 Ooo, political gossip that I didn't know. I didn't know the Bush I hated Rumsfeld and that Dole and Bush I didn't get along. I always thought that Barbara Bush was the one with grudges in the family. I am so looking forward to Vitter losing. He totally got away with breaking the law because he used prostitutes while serving in the House so the Senate couldn't do anything and he was in the Senate when people found out so the House couldn't do anything. 1 Link to comment
Padma November 12, 2015 Share November 12, 2015 Ooo, political gossip that I didn't know. I didn't know the Bush I hated Rumsfeld and that Dole and Bush I didn't get along. I always thought that Barbara Bush was the one with grudges in the family. I really wondered about all that. These people in politics seem to have "enemies" one day (like Bush and Reagan) and then can't say enough nice things later on. I think political opportunism helps spin the past and the present in whatever self-serving way works at the time. But, yes, I knew every other Bush held grudges just like Mom--didn't know Bush 41 did, too. GWB was listening to his father at the time, even as to choosing Dick Cheney as VP (!) when so many others were available. It's hard to imagine that if Bush 41 -really- hated Rumsfeld, he still would have been tapped as the son's SOD. Cheney (Bush 41's SOD) was pretty close to GWBs father at the time so I'm ... skeptical... that this is a narrative that Rachel said of "poor weak George led astray by evil Rumsfeld and Cheney." (And if they were going to pair GWB with an old Bush crony, too bad it wasn't James Baker instead of Cheney. I don't agree with his politics, but Baker at least is smart, much more measured and very competent--all things that GWB needed and which Cheney and Rumsfeld didn't bring.) I think Bush 43 was in perfect accord with Cheney AND Rumsfeld about Iraq--and didn't get cautioned otherwise by his father at the time. I'm surprised Rachel just followed the spin that's out there now, accompanying Meacham's book. 2 Link to comment
nowandlater November 12, 2015 Share November 12, 2015 GWB was listening to his father at the time, even as to choosing Dick Cheney as VP (!) when so many others were available. It's hard to imagine that if Bush 41 -really- hated Rumsfeld, he still would have been tapped as the son's SOD. Maureen Dowd, who's known and covered the elder Bush since the '80s, had a great columns a few days ago on the disagreements between Sr. and Jr. Basically, after you read this article it'll make perfect sense as to why W. picked Rumsfeld. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/08/opinion/sunday/poppy-bush-finally-gives-junior-a-spanking.html Link to comment
cheatincheetos November 13, 2015 Share November 13, 2015 (edited) Actually, I saw on MSNBC last night that, since the primary, Edwards has raised over $1 million, while Vitter has only raised about $145,000. There's always that sneaky post-Citizens-United dark money, of course. Ooo, political gossip that I didn't know. I didn't know the Bush I hated Rumsfeld and that Dole and Bush I didn't get along. I always thought that Barbara Bush was the one with grudges in the family. The Dole-Bush feud got some press at the time, but it's been a long time since then. I can't seem to find the old SNL skit where (Dan Akroyd's?) Dole threatens to impale Bush with a pencil and Dana Carvey's sniveling Bush Sr. whines 'Yeah, I'd like to see you try' but I remember it. Also, Dole found someone new to dislike. http://gawker.com/watch-bob-dole-giggle-over-how-much-he-hates-ted-cruz-1742182248 Edited November 13, 2015 by cheatincheetos Link to comment
attica November 13, 2015 Share November 13, 2015 it'll make perfect sense as to why W. picked Rumsfeld. W didn't pick Rumsfeld as much as Cheney picked him (which is the point MD makes). And I bet W let Cheney pick people because W was disinclined to do any work if he could pawn it off on somebody else, which is something he's done his whole life. 8 Link to comment
jjj November 17, 2015 Share November 17, 2015 Rachel is doing a great job of connecting dots regarding the history leading up to the horrific Friday in Paris. But MSNBC, you do NOT need the creepy "To Catch a Predator" music underneath the video of John Kerry speaking. We are already horrified -- do not need a sound track. 3 Link to comment
NextIteration November 17, 2015 Share November 17, 2015 Even though often CNN's coverage of these types of events is often superior, I can't turn it on because of the "crisis" music - it's honest to goodness triggering for me. I know that sounds silly, but it's true. 4 Link to comment
attica November 17, 2015 Share November 17, 2015 I know that sounds silly, but it's true. Totally not silly. I hate the underscoring;makes me twitch. 2 Link to comment
jjj November 17, 2015 Share November 17, 2015 Even though often CNN's coverage of these types of events is often superior, I can't turn it on because of the "crisis" music - it's honest to goodness triggering for me. I know that sounds silly, but it's true. It's not a bit silly. Movies play with your emotions all the time with musical scores, and that's fine. But news does not need that background music. 4 Link to comment
nowandlater November 18, 2015 Share November 18, 2015 Man, I hate that there's so much news, and there was no Maddow show. I hate MSNBC's new "news" shift. If I wanted news, I'd watch CNN. (I don't mind it, of course, when there was breaking news like on Friday.) But I turn to MSNBC for analysis. And I sorely missed Rachel for that on Tuesday. 8 Link to comment
jjj November 19, 2015 Share November 19, 2015 Richard Engel said "Rachel has the night off and she will be back tomorrow" -- I wonder if that would have happened in any case? I agree that I go to MSNBC, and especially Rachel, for analysis. Man, I hate that there's so much news, and there was no Maddow show. If I wanted news, I'd watch CNN. (I don't mind it, of course, when there was breaking news like on Friday.) But I turn to MSNBC for analysis. And I sorely missed Rachel for that on Tuesday. 2 Link to comment
M. Darcy November 19, 2015 Share November 19, 2015 Yeah, I like Richard Engel but when she wasn't on, I watched something else. 1 Link to comment
stormy November 19, 2015 Share November 19, 2015 Yeah poor Rachel was left at home. Even Jose Diaz-Bilart was shipped off to Paris. Link to comment
M. Darcy November 23, 2015 Share November 23, 2015 I'm getting the feeling that are probably more American journalists in Paris than Parisians right now. 2 Link to comment
M. Darcy November 24, 2015 Share November 24, 2015 The religious guy that Rachel interviewed (I think he was a minister?) just seemed so sad and a little defeated. I'm not saying he's totally wrong but it was sad listen to. 1 Link to comment
M. Darcy November 25, 2015 Share November 25, 2015 Once again, Rachel seems to covering an important story that others aren't - just exactly who Cruz's supporters are. And, those people I fear much more than a group of refugees. 5 Link to comment
attica November 25, 2015 Share November 25, 2015 No kidding. We know that Project Rescue has actually committed acts of terrorism in the US. We also know Syrian refugees have not. But Trey Newman is a christian white guy, so: okeydokey. 4 Link to comment
Grommet December 1, 2015 Share December 1, 2015 Once again, I profess my love for Cecile Richards. I must disagree with Rachel about Ted Cruz, though. He's in an awkward position only vis a vis reality, where he does not live. 3 Link to comment
M. Darcy December 1, 2015 Share December 1, 2015 Heh, that is true. Ted is in his own little world. Rachel's graphic in the background said it best "again". I honestly was hoping that MSNBC would give the Colorado shooting the same amount of time it gave to Paris. Link to comment
Recommended Posts