Schmidt was presumably referring to Brian Williams. As we noted yesterday in Williams Hides Behind Pantsuits to Take 'Who's Minding Baby?' Shot, the Nightly News anchor, on MSNBC yesterday, asked former Mass. governor Jane Swift:
Are the women who consider themselves feminists, and are perhaps working women with several children, are they wrong when they express fears or doubts that she should be able to do this, that she should be doing this?Here was the exchange between Vieira and Schmidt:
MEREDITH VIEIRA: A lot of press bashing at the convention: we are suddenly the enemy. Why is that?
STEVE SCHMIDT: Well, Meredith, I think there was a lot of anger at the coverage of a private family matter with regard to Governor Palin --
VIEIRA: But those were blogs, Steve. That wasn't the mainstream press.
SCHMIDT: But the press, Meredith, plays a very important role in these campaigns. And one of the things that makes our country great is the free working press. The system doesn't work without the press. A free press is one of the foundations --
VIEIRA: And it's the press's job, Steve, to ask questions.
SCHMIDT: Of course it is, and it's their job to ask questions of Senator Obama, too. And we hope we'll have some questions asked of Senator Obama as we move forward during the remainder of this race. We look forward to the scrutiny, both Senator McCain and Governor Palin --
VIEIRA: But Steve, you go on the attack. I don't know that you look forward to the scrutiny, because you go immediately on the attack. It sounds like you're trying to organize your base by going after the media. Trying to shut us up. That's what it feels like.
SCHMIDT: I think that's wrong, Meredith. But when an anchor on your network says, can Governor Palin do her duties because she has a Down syndrome child, we object to that. We think it's outrageous and inappropriate.
We're assuming that Schmidt was referring to Williams' words, above, though there may be another instance of the phenomenon within the NBC/MSNBC family. There certainly are other examples of it in the "mainstream press" that Meredith claimed not to be involved.
As detailed here, ABC's Bill Weir said to McCain campaign political director: "The Palin family also has an infant with special needs. What leads you, the Senator, and the Governor to believe that one won't affect the other in the next couple of months? . . . She has an infant -- she has an infant with special needs. Will that affect her campaigning?"
CNN's John Roberts got the ball rolling on the subject, infamously suggesting she might neglect her special-needs child: "The baby is just slightly more than four months old now. Children with Down's syndrome require an awful lot of attention. The role of Vice President, it seems to me, would take up an awful lot of her time, and it raises the issue of how much time will she have to dedicate to her newborn child?"
Vieira ended the interview on a gracious note, thanking Schmidt for his accessibility. In return, we're going to offer Meredith a free online subscription to NewsBusters for the remainder of the campaign. Check us out, Meredith: a great way to stay abreast of what's happening in that "mainstream press," even right there at Rockefeller Center.
Note: Beyond the "who's taking care of baby?" issue, the MSM has also been all over the story of Bristol Palin's pregnancy. The NY Times, for example, has run more than one story on it, including: Palin’s Teen Daughter Is Pregnant; New G.O.P. Tumult
The false and scurrilous rumors suggesting Palin daughter Bristol is the mother of Trig have, to my knowledge, been confined to the blogs, and it's possible that's what Meredith had in mind. But with the other MSM intrusions into Palin family life out there, Vieira was obviously venturing onto thin ice with her assertion.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Comments Policy
Andrea Mitchell is
September 5, 2008 - 08:35 ET by motherbeltAndrea Mitchell is using the same line.
On Morning Joe, she recounted how a woman came up to her while she was getting coffee, and said "Why are you people being so mean to Sarah Palin?" And Andrea said no, not us, it's the blogs!
Andrea
September 5, 2008 - 08:55 ET by allanfWas this the same Andrea who said only uneducated women would vote for Palin?
I think Schmidt should have been more foreceful with Vierra.
Amazing
September 5, 2008 - 09:49 ET by Red JeepI saw Andrea make that remark on Morning Joe and my jaw dropped. Of course Andrea knew Valerie Plame worked for the CIA before she didn’t know that. Expert liar.
Asking the
September 5, 2008 - 10:17 ET by docbquestion..How is the voter to get to know a candidate from out of nowhere?..The MSM has done very poor work in recent years but someone must ask the questions...It is inadequete to take any of the politicians at what they present! Ms. Palin is obscure to say the least but what of her values appeal to the voter other than the religious right and the vote for the chromosome groups! Yu put yourself out there and you can expect the crazies to pander to their base instincts. In order for her to appear to be more than 'Cheney with hair'...someone needs to vet her---McCain certainly did not!
We are not talking about
September 5, 2008 - 10:26 ET by motherbeltWe are not talking about "getting to know her."
We are talking about blogs that spread disgusting speculation based on nothing. And MSM types who spread the rumor by reporting that there was a rumor. And then they piled on her, either directly or by couching their attacks in "Some say...or are concerned or are wondering" if she acted properly while she was pregnant; would she shortchange her job or shortchange her kids?
Amazing!
September 5, 2008 - 10:45 ET by Bill W.Many more people than I ever believed must be clairvoyant. Wasn't properyly vetted? How the hell do you know? Were you involved, at every meeting, inside the McCain campaign?
Same kind of thinking persists on the Left re Iraq. Bush did this, Bush did that, the intelligence said this, etc. How do these people know any of this for sure?
Oh, forgot. They get their info from the mainstream media...and it has to be true...because the MSM doesn't have an agenda. Right.
Another irritant. "Some people are saying..." Hogwash. That's a smokescreen for "...here's what I believe..."
docb
September 5, 2008 - 11:13 ET by cvgbuckeyeIf you want to trust the MSM for the vetting of our candidates, you are as naive (polite term) as you seem. You really think they will be fair don't you.
If we relied on the MSM to tell us the truth about candidates we will be soon living in a Marxist society. Maybe that suits your fancy; I don't know, but count on this: WE CONSERVATIVES ARE NEVER GOING TO ALLOW IT AGAIN! WE ARE DONE ALLOWING THE MSM TO DETERMINE WHO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE! NOOOO MORE!
GEt to know her policies
September 5, 2008 - 11:29 ET by athoughtor2GEt to know her policies fine....To attack her for being a mom, is beyond the pale.
How do you know MCCain didn't vet her. Perhaps McCain asked her can she balance the 2 and she said yes. what is he supposed to do take her out back and kick the crap out of her?
perhaps McCain is telling the truth when he says that her daughters pregancy has no bearing on her ability to govern...
Perhpas the MSM should vet Obam's as well then...
"palin is obscure to say the least"
September 5, 2008 - 11:46 ET by larry on LIi would say, only to the uninformed.
You have bought the MSM line
September 5, 2008 - 12:11 ET by SnappyYou have bought the MSM line there, the talking heads are all acting indignant right now asking the same question "These are legitimate questions" "How are we to get to know her" and by asking that enough and loud enough they are trying to brush under the carpet the sexists and terrible lies and smears that THEY reported on within the first day of her introduction to the national spotlight. .... That first couple days they werent interested in "Getting to know her" they were hell bent on destroying her so they could get an easily beatable running mate for McCain on the ticket.
MSM folks...lie, lie, then
September 5, 2008 - 08:39 ET by taterMSM folks...lie, lie, then lie some more.
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
Hey! Where can I get one
September 5, 2008 - 08:46 ET by Ruths husband BenHey! Where can I get one of those free subscriptions to Newsbusters? Oh...I get it....never mind.
“it is not the role of this Court to pronounce the Second Amendment extinct.” - Justice Antonin Scalia
I thought
September 5, 2008 - 08:51 ET by VonuIt took a village to raise a child.
Vonu, you haven't heard?
September 5, 2008 - 09:11 ET by goldenthroatIt takes a village idiot to raise a Democrat.
"The sun's not going down, the horizon's moving up!" - Firesign Theatre
excellent lead....you would
September 5, 2008 - 14:43 ET by athoughtor2excellent lead....you would think the libs/dems would help palin out with raising her children..."afterall it takes a village" she would have 24/7 coverage...thanks for the light bulb
They know that not many
September 5, 2008 - 08:52 ET by benrandThey know that not many people know what happened a few days ago on their networks, they live second to second.
This is planned, no doubt about it. They surely know what was said on that network, they have scores of people meeting on all this stuff, controlling the message.
Every word is thought over endlessly.
Who me?
September 5, 2008 - 09:02 ET by allanfThese folks kick you in the groin and then say "why are your screaming?"
Yes it is carefully planned. Let's not forget Vierra's teaser about Palin on Monday and Amy Robach's:
Generally someone in the
September 5, 2008 - 09:08 ET by kgGenerally someone in the MSM gets these ridiculous balls rolling and sit back and watch the loony bloggers have at it and then claim surprise and innocence. They also plant lies and then corrections a few days later in fine print after the crap hits the fan.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Speaking of balls. I see
September 5, 2008 - 11:34 ET by BuffNBoneSpeaking of balls. I see the media's reaction akin to a story I'll have to modify from the original.
A new form of sport was introduced at the Colliseum. A slave was buried up to his neck and a wild beast with claws was set loose to play with it. The beast took a swipe at the victim's face with one paw and then the other. Seeking to have more fun with its prey the beast to repositioned itself and in doing so stepped directly on the victim. Seeing the only opportunity available the victim took a huge bite out of the beast's nether region. At which point the crowd roared, "Fight fair!"
While it isn't wise to fight someone who buys ink by the barrel or beams the airwaves with gigawatts, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
Well, the simple answer to
September 5, 2008 - 08:55 ET by ConservativeRexWell, the simple answer to that is: "yes, it's the main stream media, and the dispicable blogs working in partnership with them, Meredith". Then I would name names. Offensive, stay on the offensive.
Such as the one that MSNBC
September 5, 2008 - 08:57 ET by taterSuch as the one that MSNBC anchor KO writes for.
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
NBC talking points
September 5, 2008 - 08:57 ET by nightfighterNot us, it's the blogs
So...
September 5, 2008 - 08:58 ET by ontheright...those in the MSM are so jaded or incomprehensibly in the tank for B. Hussein O. that they cannot remember their own attacks, or those of their esteemed colleagues? How can this be?
Is their world so isolated, protected and pristine that nothing from the real, "fly-over America" world can permeate their perfect little "bubble"?
Wake up MSM, that light at the end of the tunnel is in fact a train...the grassroots have been awakened. Your shameless lack of objectivity will be further and more meticulously scrutinized moving forward.
Just like those "questionable sort" in Washington better beware, so should you. It's your turn to be on the hot seat.
Also, it's interesting to
September 5, 2008 - 09:03 ET by ConservativeRexAlso, it's interesting to note that their default position is always: "why you're not trying to stifle freedom of the press are you"? That answer would be: "Only the press that continuely bashes America, it's leaders, and all of our other freedoms". Now you wouldn't do that would you Meredith?
This is no coincidence, NBC
September 5, 2008 - 09:04 ET by d1carterThis is no coincidence, NBC bosses are trying to cover their a**es by putting this out to their on-air people. When they perceive they are vunerable, put out a lie.
Andrea said the same thing today - I smell talking points
September 5, 2008 - 09:09 ET by Dee BunkAndrea Mitchell said the same thing on Morning Joe - that it was "the blogs". They are going to stick with that lie and repeat it often so people will believe it.
Correction, according to Joe Biden on Fox News two nights ago...
September 5, 2008 - 09:23 ET by Prester John....it was the "right wing" blogs that were going after Palin.
Oh well.
Prester
September 5, 2008 - 09:37 ET by Cool ArrowCould you believe that?
And Teddy Joe RuxBiden didn't even get challenged on it.
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
NBC Talking Points
September 5, 2008 - 09:54 ET by BayshoremanI think you are right on DB. Add this NB piece by Geoffrey Dickens as further prove that all the NBC anchors are now reading from the same Talking Points memo: "Matthews & Olbermann Deny Media Doubted Palin's Maternal Fitness" http://newsbusters.org/blogs/geoffrey-dickens/2008/09/05/matthews-olbermann-deny-media-doubted-palins-maternal-fitness
Hey Matt Drudge - if you're listening, any chance one of your NBC News sources can get their hands on the memo/meeting notes?
Viera
September 5, 2008 - 09:17 ET by Cool ArrowHey Meredith! Is that your final answer?
Good to know Meredith Viera can be a team player when it comes down to protecting a man in the network.
But it's understandable. Brian does have a family to support, doesn't he?
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
Tim Russert, RIP
September 5, 2008 - 09:34 ET by Copperhead RidgeI keep thinking about this. I don't have an answer. I guess it is just a hypothesis.
Has the media lost all scruples since Russert passed away?
Yes, Copperhead
September 5, 2008 - 09:40 ET by Cool ArrowCorrect to an extent. They've been in the tank for some time. but what is really new is the catfight between Matthews and Olby over Russerts slot.
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
KO Meet the Press
September 5, 2008 - 10:14 ET by Copperhead RidgeCan you imagine Olbermann on Meet the Press? It would kill the show.
Yeah, I know they were in the tank before, especially at National Barack Corporation. It just seems like their tether has been broken and take it further.
I'm still disgusted that FNC would negotiate for an interview of Barry Hussein. They should've given him directions to Hades.
I can see it Ridge
September 5, 2008 - 10:26 ET by Cool ArrowIf I've had time to digest General Electric aiding Iran against American troops, it's no stretch to invision them turning Russert's legacy into Political Jackass. Is Johnny Knoxville available?
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
CR, you weren't the only one
September 5, 2008 - 09:49 ET by mom_roxMy husband and I often commented this week how different the post-prime time analysis would have been had Tim Russert been the panel moderator.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
A NObama Vote in November SHUTS up the MSM...!
September 5, 2008 - 09:39 ET by JayTeeDoes not the MSM realize their MSM Obama "push" provides Motivational speeches for a NO VOTE for Obama in the Nov. election ?
It's like a THIRD reason to VOTE McCain......Shut up MSM !! We ain't listening anymore. Americans will NOT be maniputlated or Propagandized via deliberately spread Rumors and Lies.
The NEW MEDIA is watching your MSM editorializing under the cover of reporting the "News".
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Not really JayTee
September 5, 2008 - 09:53 ET by Cool ArrowThey tried to turn Iraq (4000+deaths) into another Vietnam (58,000+ deaths).
Any possibility they could do extremely well fanning the flames of racial tension after pretty much promising Obama will win the General Election?
I think we can agree Obama is not a figure of National prominence because of any accomplishment. I'll go further to agree with Obama's own assessment.
Notice he compares himself to the poster child of "why is this person famous"?
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
no surprise
September 5, 2008 - 09:42 ET by candanceTheir attempt to assassinate Palin's career is backfiring and the people are starting to notice. Now they have to deny it to save face.
What Do You Expect From a "The View" Alumna?
September 5, 2008 - 09:47 ET by Gothampc"Trying to shut us up. That's what it feels like."
Meredith, nobody could shut you up. To even think that someone could shut up NBC is ridiculous.
Not Just Blogs
September 5, 2008 - 09:50 ET by cjbreischThe Bristol-Trig story was picked up quite vigorously by Andrew Sullivan at the Atlantic, and he's still refusing to let it go.
Maybe you can call this a blog, but at the very least it's a "journalist blog", and allegedly far more mainstream than DailyKos .
Two birds with one stone
September 5, 2008 - 10:10 ET by CPT_ClawI sense they are trying to kill two birds with one stone.
That's three, THREE birds with one stone!
gee, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition
It's hard for Vieira to see beyond her encapsulated...
September 5, 2008 - 10:17 ET by ThalpyIt's hard for Vieira to see beyond her encapsulated world, especially since she's not looking.
I'm sorry, but
September 5, 2008 - 10:18 ET by balboaI'm sorry, but characterizing Williams' asking a question as "going after" Palin is ridiculous.
Balbozo, an encyclopedia of excuses for Marxists, Leftists.....
September 5, 2008 - 10:45 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasSeptember 5, 2008 - 10:18 ET by balboa
I'm sorry
________________________________________________
Balbozo, you're not telling us anything we don't already know. Your sorry @ss is an encyclopedia of aplogies and excuses for Marxists, Leftists, Liberals and Democrats.
The answer to terrorism IS war. Next Please!
Doesn't change the fact
September 5, 2008 - 11:04 ET by balboaDoesn't change the fact that Williams didn't attack or go after Palin.
→ It's not a fact
September 5, 2008 - 11:19 ET by Cool ArrowIt is simply not a "fact" that Williams didn't attack or go after Palin. It is a contested assumption.
I'll assume you have never attended Diversity training. I can't state it as a fact.
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
Bal, You have to consider
September 5, 2008 - 11:57 ET by Hunter12Bal, You have to consider the phrasing as a whole. Who were the unnamed "feminists"? Do they actually exist? What self-respecting "feminist" would ask such a sexist and demeaning question?
BRIAN WILLIAMS: Are the women who consider themselves feminists, and are perhaps working women with several children, are they wrong when they express fears or doubts that she should be able to do this, that she should be doing this?
Come on, someone from NOW actually mouthing the words "should she be able to do this?"? This is a thinly veiled attack, and a poor one at that.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Hunter, good question
September 5, 2008 - 12:05 ET by Cool Arrow"Unnamed Feminist" is an oxymoron. I mean, what feminists would get a man to anonymously ask their question for them?
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
Brianna Williams, his
September 5, 2008 - 12:34 ET by Hunter12Brianna Williams, his cross-dressing alter-ego. She's a size 18 dress with a ladies size 14 shoe. She like long walks on the beach and agressive men who are puppy dogs in the bedroom.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
I took it as a reaction to
September 5, 2008 - 13:10 ET by balboaI took it as a reaction to liberal women who have, surprisingly, questioned whether Palin can do both, almost as if Williams was presenting this odd double standard and asking if there were any truth to it.
Pathetic
September 5, 2008 - 10:51 ET by HelenSThis woman and the rest of her ilk are idiots and hypocrites if they can't see their own bias and agenda-driven approach to "doing their job". Their arrogance is annoying enough to watch, but their stupidity is just plain disgusting.
I totally agree with the bumper sticker I saw lo these many years ago: "Too bad ignorance isn't painful" I'd LOVE to watch these pigs squirm and wallow in proportion to their...diminished synaptic acumen.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." - Paul (Rom. 13:1)
This is so child-like
September 5, 2008 - 10:52 ET by Mica the MagnificentMeredith and the rest of the participating MSM react like children when confronted with the truth:
Adult: O-k, who said that Sara Palin cannot raise kids and become the vp?
Meredith: (Crying and stamping her feet) The blogs said it. Honest!
But the MSM is behind the blogs!
September 5, 2008 - 11:26 ET by Ole_SargeEvery MSM celebrity has a BLOG, most of their producers and writers (the actual jouralism major that does the work for the celebrity) has at least one BLOG, other "feeders" the wannbe and MSM celebrities in waiting all have BLOGS.
It's a full time occupation for many, while they collect their government checks and live in their mommy and daddy's basement. When they aren't taking the SUV to protest rallies.
Meredith, check your BLOG, I think you have done it too!!!
JeffC Does anyone really
September 5, 2008 - 14:39 ET by JeffCJeffC
Does anyone really care about the truth any more?
Have Vieira check out professional journalist Froma Harrop's column from yesterday. Was she doing anything wrong by stating that "Palin's pregnant 17-year-old look[ed] defiant and stupid as she held mom's fifth baby."
Or when she referred to Palin as a "44-year-old who parades her dysfunctional family as a poster-child for conservative values."
Or how about these gems: "Palin returned to the job three days after giving birth to a special needs child, all the while her 17-year-old is entertaining a lover. And what about plans to have the girl wed the stud, author of some very unromantic remarks on Facebook? Note that she's been pregnant for five months and still no matrimony. These nuptials couldn't be a last-minute political move, could they?"
Or how about referring to "her out-of-control home life" (which, Froma says, "will resonate with many American families . . . [but only those] from Mars or perhaps on welfare.")
She says her column is in The Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Plain Dealer, The Philadelphia Enquirer, The Seattle Times, and The Providence Journal.
Yea, Meredith. It's all the bloggers, not you professionals.