Tom Brokaw came aboard Monday's Late Show to promote his book, Boom! Voices of the Sixties: Personal Reflections on the '60s and Today, but soon chided David Letterman with some historical context after Letterman forwarded standard liberal claims about how the America of 2008 is in a “horrible” state thanks to the awful President George W. Bush, and when Letterman fretted about government inaction on global warming, Brokaw embarrassed the late night host by pointing out how he's a big carbon-producer since he drives a big vehicle and flies executive jets.
On the terrible state of the nation, Letterman contended “everything...has gone so lousy in the last eight years” so “things are horrible in ways they shouldn't be horrible.” Brokaw pointed to his book about 1968, and delivered a friendly lecture:
Let me remind you that forty years ago this year, Doctor King was killed, Bobby Kennedy was killed, we had the Chicago riots, 16,000 people were killed in Vietnam, Lyndon Johnson decided not to run for re-election, the Kerner Commission said we are two societies -- one white, one black, separate and unequal -- we had urban riots and in the fall we had as cantankerous and as contentious and in many way as mentally violent an election as we've ever had...Similarly assuming the present is the worst ever, Letterman complained: “People are all talking about, 'okay we're going to change the emissions by 2035, by 2020.' That's too late. I mean, it's a hundred degrees now!” Letterman pleaded: “It's got to come from the government. They have to lead us.” Brokaw agreed, but then made the host uncomfortable:
BROKAW: The government has to lead and those of us who drive -- uhh uhh -- big carbon-emitting vehicles or fly in airplanes that have only two passengers on them-
LETTERMAN: Alright, alright, that's fine Tom.
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Letterman owns homes in the Caribbean and in Montana.
As a long-time Letterman fan, I attribute his slide into believing liberal claptrap to his daly reading of the left-wing New York Times, a paper which is particularly alarmist about global warming claims.
The two exchanges, before an audience in Manhattan's Ed Sullivan Theater, as broadcast on the Monday, June 9 Late Show with David Letterman on CBS:DAVID LETTERMAN: Guys talking about the President really can't do anything about the economy. I don't know if that's true or not, but let's give them that one, let's just say “okay, the President can't do anything about the economy.” Everything else has gone so lousy in the last eight years. I mean – and I'm a guy who doesn't pay attention to much, as long as I got wresting and a TV dinner I'm fine – but even I am perceiving now that things are horrible in ways they shouldn't be horrible. Now, we're not going to impeach the guy. Could we get our money back? Honest to God, what, I mean [audience applause], just at least something.
TOM BROKAW: David, that's why we have elections and we're about to have an election and on January 20th he'll be out of office. In this book, I write about 1968. Let me remind you that forty years ago this year, Doctor King was killed, Bobby Kennedy was killed, we had the Chicago riots, 16,000 people were killed in Vietnam, Lyndon Johnson decided not to run for re-election, the Kerner Commission said we are two societies – one white, one black, separate and unequal – we had urban riots and in the fall we had as cantankerous and as contentious and in many way as mentally violent an election as we've ever had – with George Wallace who was part of it.
So, we've been through these difficult times before and the way you work your way out of them is you get the two parties to nominate their best candidates and then everybody re-enlists as citizens and say to themselves and their family and their friends: “Hey, it's time for us to get involved.” So that's how I feel about it.
LETTERMAN: Well, if you're confident, I'll be confident. But don't you agree, they guy just was a mistake?
BROKAW: Well, it's ah [pause for applause] Remember it's his tax return that your auditing, not my tax return!
...
LETTERMAN: Now here the other day I hear that the Senate, they were monkeying around, they had some kind of climate change bill and it just ran out of gas and it dropped dead. And people are all talking about, “okay we're going to change the emissions by 2035, by 2020.” That's too late. I mean, it's a hundred degrees now! In 2020, honest to God, what's it going to be?
BROKAW: Well, everybody has to dive into this. A lot of businesses are making the turn because they think there's an opportunity-
LETTERMAN: But it's got to come from the government. They have to lead us. We need leadership here.
BROKAW: The government has to lead and those of us who drive – uhh uhh – big carbon-emitting vehicles or fly in airplanes that have only two passengers on them-
LETTERMAN: Alright, alright, that's fine Tom.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Brokaw chimes his passive
June 10, 2008 - 03:14 ET by Andrew H.Brokaw chimes his passive acceptance of liberty stealing by the latest leftist ploy of global warming. Not a surprise for the news reader who can't think a thought on his own. Now if he would challenge the nonsense--that would be something of note. But it won't happen.
Liberalism is a convenient lie.
That's too late. I mean,
June 10, 2008 - 04:07 ET by motherbeltThat's too late. I mean, it's a hundred degrees now!
Yeah, Dave, and if we don't do anything, tomorrow it will be 102!!
So what do you suggest we do today?
He talks as if we've never had a heat wave before! Is he aware that this Spring set record low temps in some places and growers were worried? Is he aware that the highs are expected to be in the 70's in Maine and in the 50's in parts of Minnesota this week?
It's a hundred degrees...
June 10, 2008 - 05:37 ET by Pete WilsonDave: it is called Summer. Yes, I know Summer does not arrive for another two weeks. But it is here. In Summer, the weather gets hot, and the AGW koolaid drinkers get hotter. Happens every year. Been in all the papers. In the Fall, it will get cooler. Does that mean that we are headed for an ice age? No. It means that the seasons change, this year, as in previous years, and will do so in years to come. Nothing the Government can do to change the laws of nature. "So what do you suggest we do today?" Wear cooler clothes and stay indoors if you do not like the heat. Perhaps go to your home in Montana, should be cooler there.
Probably can't
June 10, 2008 - 10:37 ET by Eileen Rightremember weather in the 60's & 70's. Like, wow man, it's all a blur...
the 100 degree heat waves
June 10, 2008 - 11:32 ET by TruthMongerthe 100 degree heat waves back then were completely natural - now it's obviously man-made!
Tom and Dave...planet
June 10, 2008 - 05:23 ET by nicksmith112Tom and Dave...planet pilferers lecturing the peasants!
Tom traveled around for months promoting his book. Why couldn't he save the planet and stay home and do interviews over an ISDN??????
And Letterman is notorious for keeping a VERY cold studio. Can't he raise the in-studio temp from 66 to 73 and save the planet...;)
NO, the little people need to use mass transit so the wealthy have open roads to get to their Hamptons mansion.
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.
Do as I say...
June 10, 2008 - 10:30 ET by Eileen RightI’m sure all these elitist idiots have already ordered their hybrid Zil limo's for the messiah’s inauguration.
100 degrees, Letterman is
June 10, 2008 - 05:41 ET by tater100 degrees, Letterman is always complaining it's 50 degrees in his studio.
Either way I'm tired of the libs whining about weather, climate, etc. They want it to be 72 degrees and sunny all the time. You get that maybe 5 days in the entire year. Someone should tell Dave it's snowing in Washington and maybe around his other home in Montana.
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
Greetings from GW Central
June 10, 2008 - 05:57 ET by MOONSTRUCK42 degrees in Northern Minnesota this morning. Love it!! Maybe I can get gore and some of hollyweird hypocrits to do several fly over's in their jet's to get this place warmed up. sheesh
I have found this to be a good response when talking to someone that believes this gw stuff. "What should the temp. be?" Shuts em up everytime. uff da
Record Low -40 Below in Minnesota in February but no Letterman
June 10, 2008 - 07:52 ET by PopularTechWelcome to the 'Icebox' of America: Minnesota town hits a record low (International Herald Tribune)
But hey where was Dave calling for the New Ice Age then?
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
What about the cold May Dave?
June 10, 2008 - 07:57 ET by PopularTechAgain no cry for the government to "protect" us against the coming cooling?
U.S. Has 36th Coolest Spring on Record (NOAA)
Global Temperature Also Cooler in May (Anthony Watts, Meteorologist)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Please...
June 10, 2008 - 07:59 ET by sarcasmoDon't give them ideas...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
POP TECH don't
June 10, 2008 - 13:27 ET by red_dragon311POP TECH don't forget
10 year "lull" in Global Warming
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Let's also remember the
June 10, 2008 - 10:07 ET by rwesleyLet's also remember the open-wheeled racing team that Dave is a part owner of. (Rahal-Letterman) Should we ask Dave what the carbon footprint of his team is on any given season? Flying to Japan, across the U.S., etc. to races and practice tracks? How is his hobby "helping" the situation he is decrying?
18 lost years.
June 10, 2008 - 05:59 ET by JWFI recorded Letterman faithfully for 18 years on both beta and vhs. I have not watched him since early 2006.
1. Letterman is mostly correct. The President can do little to influence the economy.
2. Didn't Brokaw write the "greatest generation"? Talk to the so called greastest generation Brokaw. They were just doing what needed to be done. The only look great compared to the huge disappointment that are the hippy envirofascist boomers.
3. Letterman is what 60-something? He has seen 60-plus years of climate change. And he is complaining about 100 degree weather? Hey, how about winter before last when my 4 wheel drive engagement thingy FROZE for the first time ever! And I lived in Maine for 3 years.
4. Both of them need to get this through their hippy lovin brains. THE EARTH LOVES US! We are taking carbon out of the ground and putting it in the air as CO2. PLANTS LOVE US! Plant eating animals that love us. Animal eating plant eating animals such as ourselves love us. wait I took it too far. My yard is going bonkers with growth this year. Rain & CO2. It don't get any better than that for a plant.
Here in Nebraska we haven't
June 10, 2008 - 06:25 ET by taterHere in Nebraska we haven't really had a heat wave be we've had tons of rain. In fact the temperatures have been around the norm in the low 80s...so maybe the climate is going for the better (/sarcasm). Combine that with CO2 and the grass is growing faster than we can keep up mowing.
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
The "In" Crowd
June 10, 2008 - 07:13 ET by DanoThe "In" Crowd is at it again. Do as I say , not as I do !
Mother Nature has other ideas
June 10, 2008 - 07:33 ET by Iowa BoyAcross the Missouri River from where I live, a tornado formed on the ground in Millard, Nebraska (a suburb of Omaha) at 2am. Nine minutes later, the sirens went off signaling a storm. A number of houses and businesses were destroyed but, thanks to God the Father, no one was injured or killed. Residents are complaining that they got no warning but, the emergency warning system worked exactly they way it was designed to work.
How can that be, you might ask? Simple. Tornados most often form in the air and touch down, not form already on the ground. Also, in this part of the country, they rarely if ever form that late at night. Weather radar takes four-minutes to make its circle and in the time the loop went around, the tornado had formed and was doing what tornados do.
The point I'm making is that the weather (and by extension to this discussion, climate) is controlled by forces that humanity has only the smallest inkling of an understanding. If we couldn't predeict or even spot a freak tornado before it hit, how can we even begin to believe with the certainty that is being espoused by these liberal nutjobs that we can affect the FREAKING CLIMATE?!
Fair warning. If you're a liberal who believes that humanity has the ability to affect the climate and then try to convince me that humanity can fix it, I will eat your head. Because obviously you're not usining it.
"I'd rather be governed by the first 2,000 people in the Boston
telephone directory than the 2,000 faculty at Hardvard Unversity." -
William F. Buckley Jr.
talking puppet head
June 10, 2008 - 07:46 ET by MrltavernWHAT ABOUT CHINA?????
talking puppet head
June 10, 2008 - 07:46 ET by MrltavernWHAT ABOUT CHINA?????
Applause, applause,
June 10, 2008 - 07:54 ET by rimskyApplause, applause, applause.. where do these empty heads come from. They love Letterman so much it's ridiculous. He wants the government to take care of everything, just so long as it leaves HIM alone to do whatever the hell he wants. He and Brokaw are just two of the many elitists liberals that live in NYC that think they have ARRIVED, and you better just parrott everything they say or you are outside the circle! I have never been a Letterman fan and I never will be. He is an empty vessel.
He also quit being funny
June 10, 2008 - 08:15 ET by general companyHe also quit being funny some 10yrs ago. Now he is predictable and a bore
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
If you looked up "bore" in
June 10, 2008 - 10:35 ET by buddycIf you looked up "bore" in the dictionary you would see Letterman's picture. He really is a stiff. Regardless of his politics it amazes me that anyone watches him. Perhaps he has interesting guests.
Letterman was cool in like
June 10, 2008 - 08:11 ET by sam.i.am1985. Paul Shaffer was never cool.
Letterman
June 10, 2008 - 08:38 ET by WR JonasThey might as well be talking about AIDS. The last alarmist left wing scam. Remember that one ? All of the Brokaws of the world were absolutely convinced we were all going to contract this scourge and a third of the global population would die.
Well, it turns out it was vastly overblown and billion were squandered on the Aids epedemic that was never the heterosexual death blow that they tried to create.
Sounds familiar. The old leftist playbook and Brokaw and Letterman are gulping the kool aid like the planet depends on them.
Leftists never learn and never appreciate what is .
Dave, Dave, Dave...
June 10, 2008 - 08:43 ET by MassConservWhat are you a goldfish? "It's a hundred degrees now!"
And... It was around 65 degrees last week.
And... It was around 30 degrees four months ago.
Never mind the Ed Sullivan Theater, he should set up shop in the Short Attention Span Theater.
Horrible
June 10, 2008 - 09:02 ET by KC MulvilleI happened to see this segment, and I was just disgusted by it. Dave’s setup question to Brokaw was asking him to agree that no Republican could possibly win this year, what with everything so bad. Then he gave the “horrible, horrible, horrible” line.
All things considered, things are not bad at all. The economy is nowhere near as raging as it was, but even so, it’s not even in recession. Inflation is still mild, as is unemployment. There are two big economic worries (housing and cars) but both are victims of their own mismanagement. The market is smacking them around, penalizing stupidity, which is exactly as it should be. Almost everyone agrees that energy prices have skyrocketed, but it isn’t the result of mismanagement – it’s the effect of the growing demand in China and India. You can’t blame Iraq, since Iraqi production has now surpassed its Saddam-era production levels. You could make a case that we should have prepared for this by creating alternative energy sources, but the stumbling block to that wasn’t the Republicans. It was the environmental resistance to oil drilling, refinery creation, refusal to develop nuclear energy, and a host of liberal complaints. What I find utterly “horrible” is the systemic irresponsibility of the liberals.
Letterman is desperately trying to become Olbermann. I used to think both were funny, back in the days when they didn’t take themselves so seriously. Now they’re actually painful to watch.
Stupid is as Stupid Does!
June 10, 2008 - 09:06 ET by ChasvsTwo of the dumbest wits out there telling us what we need to do!
Just what we need a liberal media hack and a comedian making policy!
Yes, the Government need sto lead us! Americans have no pioneering spirit do they? Not since the Demofacists turned the Blacks into their own indentured class!
What's horrible is that half
June 10, 2008 - 09:21 ET by mattmWhat's horrible is that half of the people actually think Letterman and Brokaw are a valid source of socio-political information and thought.
Brokaw, yes. Letterman,
June 10, 2008 - 09:44 ET by balboaBrokaw, yes. Letterman, no.
Brokaw is a propagandist
June 10, 2008 - 12:24 ET by mattmBrokaw is a propagandist posing as a journalist. Letterman has more credibility than he does - at least Letterman doesn't pretend to be an objective journalist.
But I can see which half you belong to.... ; )
The top 10 list of what
June 10, 2008 - 09:49 ET by buddycThe top 10 list of what Letterman is not:
1. funny
2. intelligent
3. nice looking
4. engaging
5. likeable
6. well educated
7. insightful
8. witty
9. logical
10. open minded
He is just another in a long line of liberals who owe their postion to their political views.
He is just another in a
June 10, 2008 - 10:13 ET by balboaHe is just another in a long line of liberals who owe their postion to their political views.
Wait, wait, wait. That's a ridiculous statement. You're saying POLITICS is why Letterman has his own TV show?
wait, wait, wait
June 10, 2008 - 10:24 ET by JWFYou don't agree with the sentiment or opinion of the original post and would rather pick on the commenters? You are saying Letterman does not wear his politics on his sleeve?
I think I'm allowed to
June 10, 2008 - 10:34 ET by balboaI think I'm allowed to comment on other people's posts. Hence the comment system.
Letterman is quite vocal about certain political topics. There's no way that's why he has his own television show.
Yes I am. If he were
June 10, 2008 - 10:32 ET by buddycYes I am. If he were conservative or apolitical he would have been replaced years ago. Do you dispute that? ALL of the "Tonight" type shows are hosted by open and obvious liberals.
Yes, I dispute that.
June 10, 2008 - 10:35 ET by balboaYes, I dispute that.
I noticed your current verb tense "are"
June 10, 2008 - 10:37 ET by JWFI never knew Johnny Carson's political bent. Maybe that is why he had such class. He would never alienate half of his viewers.
Used to watch
June 10, 2008 - 13:43 ET by Eileen RightHis tired and predictable shtick has forced his shift to the loony-left. This was done to appeal to Olbermann types who will laugh at ANY anti-conservative/anti-Bush joke.
He is no longer entertaining and should’ve been dumped long ago.
Quotes of the Day
June 10, 2008 - 09:57 ET by MSD6The global warming quote of the day comes from United Kingdom Business Sectretary John Hutton:
Runner-up global warming quote of the day goes to David Bellamy in the Liverpool Daily Mail:
Liberals -- yeah I'm talking to you!
June 10, 2008 - 10:13 ET by okiehawk44Socialist-Democrats (aka liberals aka progressives) need to get a grip.
You sound like a little scared child Letterman.
So it's 100 degrees out in June in NYC. Go to Argentina, it's winter down there. Or just shut up.
I live in South Florida and it's hot AND humid here and will be until October, maybe November. Doesn't mean Global Warming is caused by people or that we are even in a warming cycle. Used to live in Oklahoma where it got over 100 and stayed there for weeks. Played football in it. Played tennis in it. Worked outside in it. It won't kill you little Davey.
Get a grip Letterman. Or go visit one of your many other homes -- you too Brokaw -- BTW my father was a member of the Greatest Generation you love so much and he definitely didn't love you -- thought you were stilted and very weak. Kind of boyish and not in a good way either, Tom.
Stop whining and start living, both of you, and try to set a better example for the children -- you both make me sick.
Not much I could add to
June 10, 2008 - 10:18 ET by Clear thinkerNot much I could add to that post.... Bravo!
"Abstain from McCain"
Actually... I just
June 10, 2008 - 10:31 ET by Clear thinkerActually...
I just remembered. Back in 1992 there was a similar heatwave in NYC. I was stuck on the Cross Bronx Expressway on my way to Massachusetts. The temp was 101 and the pavement was melting. It got so bad that a car that tried to switch lanes in front of me got stuck when he moved over to another lane because the heat made the road soft and the pavement was being pushed down under the wheight of the cars and trucks, which in turn left a hump where the underside of a car would normally travel. The low clearance car got stuck on one of these humps. A few of us got out and helped push the car off the hump because traffic had come to a stop somehwere ahead of us. Then we all walked up to an underpass for some shade and stayed there for 2.5 hours wishing it was Winter.
"Abstain from McCain"
LETTERMAN: But it's got to
June 10, 2008 - 10:24 ET by suzycreamcheeseLETTERMAN: But it's got to come from the government. They have to lead us. We need leadership here.
BROKAW: The government has to lead and those of us who drive – uhh uhh – big carbon-emitting vehicles or fly in airplanes that have only two passengers on them-
LETTERMAN: Alright, alright, that's fine Tom.
This was hilarious and very telling. "Alright, alright, that's fine Tom. No need to remind the little people how we tool around in big fancy cars and jets while we b!tch and moan about heatwaves."
I saw
June 10, 2008 - 12:14 ET by ahusserThe figure 45 Trillion to "fix" global warming the headline on an AOL story. Don't know if that was just for this country or worldwide. The legislation is beginning (Cap and Trade legislation et al). I am sure there will be huge amounts of money spent for something that may not exist or if existing may not be caused by man. Try to hold onto your wallets (and freedom). The ensuing corruption and fraud will be greater than the Savings and Loan debacle in the 80's. The carbon police are coming.
It's been interesting to
June 10, 2008 - 15:44 ET by celatorIt's been interesting to watch Letterman slowly reveal how boneheaded he really is.
I have a major problem with
June 10, 2008 - 15:49 ET by nicksmith112I have a major problem with the rich & famous that pilfer the planet but want YOU to ride a bicycle or ride a bus yet will NOT put up one solar panel or wind tower on the their third summer home!!!
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.
Two prime examples of what
June 10, 2008 - 15:58 ET by bigtimerTwo prime examples of what is wrong with this country today.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
"Oh yes it's so serious, it
June 10, 2008 - 19:18 ET by GregE"Oh yes it's so serious, it will be too late 12 years from now, gosh its horrible, were doomed...........so, but since we're talking about it (hhahhahah laugh giggle weeeeeeeeeeeeee) what about those planes and SUV's you and I use Dave"
Yes it's soooooooooo serious lets laugh about doing just the opposite of what we preach. Dumb arses.
Sheryl Crow and Laurie David
June 10, 2008 - 20:24 ET by nicksmith112Sheryl Crow and Laurie David said two years ago that we have 5 years left!
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.