Obama Scandal Tanks MSNBC Ratings - Quality versus Politics – the Decline of MSNBC and Lack of Substance

The jury is out - boring, one-dimensional programming is only sustainable for a short period of time - image mediate.com
A theory that the problems dogging the Obama Administration is the root cause of MSNBC’sdismal rankings this past week – the networked pulled only 83,000 in the coveted 25-54 demographics, placing last behind CNN’s Headline News Network. (Deadline.com) The fact that the content has not changed over the past seven years, regardless of which commentator is on-air, is the main problem this network faces. In the grand scheme of cable news programming, the word “news” is an integral part of the programming, which, MSNBC does not offer in any great measures. The competition, Fox and CNN, placing first and second respectively, although considered politically leaning news programs, the fact that they have dedicated newscasts, gives these networks the edge. Talking heads aplenty, as well as programming that features both sides of the political spectrum can be found on these networks as well. Unfortunately, MSNBC’s format of talk, talk, talk and one-dimensional political rhetoric is only sustainable for a short period of time.

Generally the network does best in a general election year, however, at this stage one could easily look at multi-year rankers and get the gist – the other guys must be doing something other than three to four recognizable “commentators” who spend more time ranting that their competitive network counterparts.

One would think that after having thrown good money after bad for an extended period of time, somebody might get the hint – it’s time to change the format. There is certainly a market for the counter-culture that is MSNBC – college students should be enamored, as well as those who lean left politically – yet it’s those individuals in the middle, neither right nor left, that make up the bulk of those who are watching cable news. Although the argument can (and has) been made that both CNN and FOX are politically “biased”, they at least offer other segments that are more in gear with the major networks rather than a cable basic.
Personalities are key as well, considering those whose successes are both on and off screen at the “other networks” should apply as a key hiring or firing point for anyone who has any sense left at the network that can’t quite get out off the ground. Aging old white men, with little to no sense of humor, who are not anchors, should have something to recommend them – besides being comic fodder for other networks and talk radio hosts.

The fact that the Administration is under the gun, is not at issue, regardless of how far the crew at MSNBC either avoids or dismisses or outright defends, the IRS Scandal, Benghazi, Fast and Furious, Wire-tapping the AP, etc.. Perhaps if someone got the bright idea of reporting, then discussing issues (find one), rather than spending far too much time tearing down the “other guy” or an entire political party, they might just attract a broader audience, or at least hold onto those who had watched during the general.

Regardless the content and the delivery have made MSNBC the cable network equivalent of Air America. Dissent and discussion are worthy of programming but changing it up, on occasion, is what continues to draw numbers for the competition.

IRS, The Administration, and the Half-Hearted Press - What can the Press do to Save Itself rather than the Administration?

Unsolved Mysteries Piling Up - President Obama will insure a full internal investigation of the IRS - image: PatDollard.com

The IRS, being in the spotlight these past few weeks, has now been pinned by the Washington Post as a recent report noted that one anonymous IRS agent, for fear of retaliation, suggested that the orders to target political groups came from the “top down”. Those that understand that the targeting of specific groups for political gain by the Obama Administration makes Watergate and Richard Nixon pale by comparison.

To date the White House has suggested that they will get to the bottom of this issue, along with a host of other issues, which have been piling up with some rapidity.

Over at CNN, however, a story on Senator Rand Paul, who suggested that he had heard there as a revealing memo regarding the IRS scandal, is being made more than light of – especially if one views the photo of Paul, as well as the context of the article. It is as if Paul is deluded by either political partisanship and/or by some weird conspiracy theory. One has to recall that the man who could articulate and rebuff the concept of drones in the Senate, is one who may have the wherewithal to know if he had “heard” there as a memo that would cause further problems for the administration hanging about or not. The fact of the matter is that given the inability of the Administration to handle or control the mounting scandals make it entirely possible that a memo was leaked and that the Congress/Senate has a copy. CNN-Deflect, Deflect, Deflect.

Paul, for his part is a Libertarian Leaning Republican and nothing that has come to light in the last few days would be simpatico with any Libertarian, nor should it be with anyone who has a gasp on the constitution – abuse of power on multiple levels is being investigated by the House.

However, the love affair between the Press and the Administration is beginning to show some cracks – after insisting that they were not aware of the situation – CBS is reporting that evidence has emerged that the Obama administration did, indeed, know of the IRS targeting during the 2012 camping.

One has to wonder, have the blinders come off, or is this story so big, that the press stands to lose any credibility it has left, and must run it – no administration lasts forever, that has to be weighing on those that look to the future of media.

2012 GOP Debate Reminder: Tuesday October 16, CNN 8 PM EST

The next GOP Debate will be held on Tuesday, 18th of October at 8 PM EST:
CNN is the Network – the debate is being sponsored by the Western Republican Leadership Conference and will be held in Las Vegas, NV.

Palin – Reaction from a Concerned Left

It is interesting that the Press who felt that any mention of Barack Obama’s wife or children was totally reprehensible would turn on Sarah Palin and her seventeen year old daughter with such vigor. Those blogs that claim to represent the left, including nominee Barack Obama began the rumor mill as soon as Palin was announced as V.P. pick. Without a shred of evidence these outlets (including Daily Kos, CNN, MSNBC, CBS news and others) went to “bat for Obama”. His reaction was telling – hands off the family, especially in regards to Palin's 17 year old daughter’s pregnancy. Obama mentioned that his mother was only 18 when she gave birth – should the fact that Obama’s mother faced a similar situation to Palin’s be analyzed from every angle? Hardly. It is a private, family matter, one which affects households in American everyday, regardless of race, ethnicity or socio-economic backgrounds. Unless one has their pre-teen and teenage daughters (or sons for that matter) locked up in a bubble, that child is subjected to non-stop approval of teen pregnancy from family friendly outlets such as Nickelodeon and Disney, the teen idols are engaged in drinking, pornography, etc., which is glamorized by these same news outlets that now have their “panties in a bunch” so to speak. Should this even be a story? Hardly, the problem is that there is very little that is negative to be found in Palin – thus, grasping at straws is what is left.

Palin is a reformer, one who has taken on her own party, and contrary to what is being widely reported from the main press to the local, she is a known entity to the Republican base, a woman in the mold of John McCain. The press, so concerned with family issues and one non-story from a disgruntled employee in The Alaska State Government Juneau Empire, are questioning whether or not Palin was fully vetted. They should start reading newspapers:
An article from the Washington Post dated August 31, 2008, titled “Palin Made an Impression From the Start” outlined the extensive vetting process.

So, why the hoopla over a family matter and a non-story? That is one easy answer – the polls. Barrack Obama was supposed to have received at the minimum a 15 point bump from his “historic” speech – the actual numbers feel far below the anticipated leaving both candidates basically tied. The problem – the announcement of Palin as the V.P. pick virtually erased any bump Obama may have enjoyed. The press is reacting: protecting one who they perceive as their own.

Where does the press go when family and non-issues may not be enough? Why the old “right-wing Christian” theme, of course. There are a few problems with that tract: In reality her values do align with those who would be considered value-voters (i.e. Religious), however, she appeals to those white, working class men – and women who are interested in a candidate that will reform, not conform. Sarah Palin speaks to the nation from the RNC convention on Wednesday night, after which, the polls will tell how well she resonated with the base, as well as the nation. (If one looks to Rasmussen Polling for guidance, how well she did with the base and “likely voters”.) Feminists (true feminist, not the pro-abortion-one-issue groups), will make up their minds (if they haven’t already), and the polls will give an indication of how well she does with certain demographics. Will she change the minds of those committed to a particular party? Most likely not – she will appeal to the base, and the 20 million evangelical voters who will go to the polls – the wild card will remain the Independent voter. The independent voter – McCain’s strong suit – shared with Obama – for now.

McCain Critical of Bush Handling of Katrina Crisis

From Reuters. Apparently, John McCain would have handled things differently. Really? In an election year full of bluff and bluster or the do and say anything in order to get elected realm of politics, one hears statement after statement that is simply ludicrous. Should McCain, or anyone running at this time, been the President when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the levees broke (Led Zeppelin), they would have come up against the same management team on the ground.

Louisana Governor Kathleen Blanco

Most striking at the time, was a governor’s failure to call for a mandatory evacuation New York Times Article. followed by her refusal to give up her national guard in a power struggle with the federal government. Of course it was President Bush’s fault for allowing the law of the state to supersede the law of the federal government - or, do exactly as he was supposed to while adhering to the Constitution. Of course, the governor, a Democrat, had no other course, but to point a finger a Washington in order to cover her own incompetence. Nearby Mississippi suffered under Katrina, but management on the state level was exemplary.

Mike Huckabee to Publish New Book

Mike Huckabee (CNN)

From CNN Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (10 Years as Governor), will be releasing another book two weeks after the 08 elections. This work will detail his bid for the presidency with notes from the campaign trail. Huckabee’s “From Hope to Higher Ground” offered up a reasonable 12-step program to restore America, expect more of the same from this candid “man of the people”.

Tuesday Tidbits

Child Hero, Crazed Converts and Greetings from the Bluest State



From CNN, 11 Year Old boy takes wheel of a run-away bus. (Read Full Story) A salute to the heroic Cleveland boy who stopped a run-away bus with 27 classmates aboard. With all the hoopla over youngsters brawling and spiraling out of control, this is a refreshing change of pace.

Photoshop but to the point, Example of Sharia Law - h/t Red Squirrels NutCracking Nationalsim

From Fox, New York City Cabbie runs Islamic Website that mocks US GI Deaths and calls for Sharia Law here in the States This convert to the religion of Peace even has a website, links provided by Fox. What is needed in New York is an 11 year old boy from Cleveland.




Revelations from the Bluest State courtesy of the Boston Globe. Apparently, homicides due to domestic violence doubled in the Baystate in the past year. As a result, judges are rethinking the usual Massachusetts template of justice, otherwise known as criminals need treatment, not detention, and only placing half of those arrested into treatment programs. That should make 50% of those living with abusive spouses in the state feel 50% more secure. This mentality of cure the criminal is applied across the board, across the state, regardless of the nature of the crime. New state slogan, Massachusetts – 50% safer than last year!