MRC President and NewsBusters Publisher Brent Bozell appeared on Fox News Channel's May 20 edition of "Fox & Friends" in the 8 a.m. half-hour. Bozell was joined by liberal radio talk show host Mike Papantonio to discuss whether Michelle Obama should be "off-limits" to media scrutiny and whether Hillary Clinton's complaints about slanted media are overblown.
Audio available here.
Selected excerpts below:
GRETCHEN CARLSON, co-host: Brent, are spouses off-limits in 2008?
BRENT BOZELL, President of the Media Research Center: Well, you know, I'm institutionally sympathetic to the idea that a spouse should be off-limits if the spouses want to be off-limits, if the spouse isn't participating in the political process. In this case, you've got a spouse who is well-informed, well-educated, well-spoken and outspoken on the campaign trail campaigning on behalf of her husband. So absolutely she's fair game. Of course she is. And it's an insult to her to say that she shouldn't be.
CARLSON: In what way?
Story Continues Below Ad ↓BOZELL: In that, you know, it kind of reminds me of Hillary Clinton about staying home and baking cookies. Here is a woman who can think for herself, and can speak up for herself, and I think can defend herself. So if she's going to throw grenades out like saying that for the first time in her adult life she's proud to be an American, I think she ought to be challenged to defend herself.
On Hillary Clinton's complaints about the media:
BOZELL: She went from being presumptive candidate but also the absolute darling of the media to someone who was cast aside in favor of a new lover, Barack Obama. And the Clintons don't know how to handle that.
MIKE PAPANTONIO, radio talk show host: That's true.
BOZELL: For the first time in their lives, they don't have the media cheerleading for them. That doesn't make the media anti-them, but they see it that way.
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I caught the tail end of the GREAT BRENT
May 20, 2008 - 07:52 ET by DelsaHe is wonderful all the way around.
He is thought process is cogent whereas his counter part is rabid.
The odd ball taking the counter point on this show was a very nasty guy. He continued with the threat Obama made warning the GOP to be careful when it came to his wife.
When I caught up with the show, this guy was threatening Cindy McCain big time. Something about the Keating 5.
People had better be reminded that after extensive investigations, McCain was not punished for the insodent.
We have to remember to forget his middle name, we cannot discuss his wife who has NEVER been proud of her country in her whole adult life, until now, and we can't mentioned he is black, we can't mention the political "church" he freequented for over 20 years, and we can't mention his socialist.communist leanings.
This is Obama's playbook. Keep the opposition QUIET!
McCain had better have an answer.
There are things I can't stand about McCain. And if he does not fight to win, it will be over for me.
Obam and his crew are cut throat. Someone is his benifactor and they will not let their boy go down easily.
Sick and tired
May 20, 2008 - 12:10 ET by iveseenitallMany, if not most, conservatives are sick and tired of the "nice guy", three monkeys attitude of the "moderates". Look where it has gotten them ---low "poularity" ratings, a possible loss of 70 seats in Congress, an emboldened propaganda machine on the left, who lie with impunity. A wonderful president who has kept us safe and had an outstanding economy which began 8 years ago in a recession, is now being pummeled more than ever. Michelle Obama is a white-hating, America-hating B. Her speeches and her "thesis" prove it. America is a "mean" country?? B.S.! And what's Barry's threat all about? Unity? "Yes We Can"? Are we to run and hide, or simply keep silent because some immature boy who believes there are 57 states in the Union and distorts history tells us to "be careful"? Our Constitution gives us the "right" of free speech. Is it to be taken away becuse we want to be "nice"? Do we want to have a "dictator" elected? Moreover, maybe his wife should keep HER trap shut---duh!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
I caught the show
May 20, 2008 - 11:45 ET by bigtimerI caught the show too...Brent was gracious... right to the point and dead on as usual...
I also caught the part of the other guest speaking about Cindy McCain not releasing her tax records and something to do with Cindy being the secretary for Keating during this Five scandal....and all the records magically disappearing....I also have read on some links where she loaned/invested money in the Keating Five...I didn't know anything about all of this...interesting...brought to mind Rosemary Woods was that her name during the Nixon missing minutes on the tape?
As to Michelle, she is a big girl, if she can't handle the heat or her husband can't...she should get out of the political kitchen...and keep her angry mouth shut...they better learn how to deal with it.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Michelle Obama. Employ the Chelsea manuver.
May 20, 2008 - 09:14 ET by Gary HallMichelle Obama. Employ the Chelsea maneuver. Just announce that from this point on, you are off-limits. It worked for Chelsea.
The media's universally accepted method of campaign etiquette for Chelsea Clinton could be officially adopted by the Obama machine and their fawning press - hit the campaign trail, say whatever you wish to say, and rest assured, the American press will abide by the Clinton mandate:
This is acceptable? Freedom of the press has never been so widely demolished, without any protest whatsoever.
Michelle Obama, perhaps she's just missin her pickles.
Good point, Gary. Given
May 20, 2008 - 09:25 ET by QueenMumGood point, Gary. Given Mrs. Obama's independent personality, one would think it an insult for Mr. Obama to think he must defend her from the media hoard. If Chelsea can speak for herself, so can Michelle Obama. The difference being however, that Chelsea was responding to personal questions that had nothing to do with Hillary's political agenda. I think she was perfectly within her rights to refuse to answer such questions. On the other hand, when Mrs. Obama makes statements regarding her view of America and Americans in general, she is fair game.
P.S. Is this - "The press is not allowed to question her, unless she specifically invites the press, at the campaigner's whim, to do so." - an actual quote from the Clinton campaign?
I am the exotic Queen Mum, and I approved this message.
Queen, on Chelsea
May 20, 2008 - 11:31 ET by Gary HallQueen, on Chelsea. I'd like a clearer picture of this, however, I watched at least two MSM cable clips go by me, roughly around that time frame (you speak of), and I remember the reporters simply stating their view of the facts.
The issuse seemed to be, that someone in the crowd had asked a question of Chelsea, then suddenly her handlers, jumped all over the guy (not physically), accusing him of being a member of the press. The report stated that the rules are clearly understood by the press, that they are not allowed to openly ask Chelsea quesitons. i.e., press not allowed. This fellow, it turns out was OK, in the end - perhaps he was with the college paper, or something like that.
I'd like some clarity on that - and am looking.
But for now, I'll take the campaign's word on the subject:
Now - here's the thing: On the specific issue you raised about Clesea's refusal to answer the personal questions. Oh, absolutely. She can refuse to answer quesions all day long - but the press has the right to ask questions. The press must not be censored. And the press, of course, should treat both sides the same. LOL
Michelle? She has seriously thrust herself into the middle of a presidental campaign. She is outspoken; in fact she has exhibited her outrage, her bitterness and her very strong views on numerous issues, and she is set to be, potentially, the next first lady of the United States, and as such an advisor to the president of the United States.
It is beyond the pale that Obama asks the press to back off of her, while in fact, she's been given a pass by the fawing media. It's outrageous that the MSM did not blow up over being told not to do their job - not that they would, mind you. (:~> gary
Gary: I see what you mean.
May 20, 2008 - 12:22 ET by QueenMumGary: I see what you mean. I was merely considering the incident where Chelsea was asked about how she felt about the Lewinsky issue. I think you're correct in that, if the press is permitted to be present at a speaking venue, the press should be permitted to ask questions just the same as anyone else in the audience.
We're in agreement re: Mrs. Obama. I suspect she believes she will follow in H. Clinton's footsteps some day - as if the title of First Lady is somehow akin to an elected position.
I am the exotic Queen Mum, and I approved this message.
Queen
May 20, 2008 - 12:36 ET by Gary HallYea, I didn't think there was any doubt here of how that should play out.
I'm thinking of Gore here: " if the press is permitted to be present at a speaking venue..."
if?
I suspect you would agree - the press damn well better be permitted to be present at any campaign related speaking venue. What is with our press where they allow themselves to be shut down? And they smile about it.
thnks, gary
I saw this interview and
May 20, 2008 - 09:30 ET by misterbee241I saw this interview and Papantonio tried to turn everything back on the R's. He brought up Mrs McCain not releasing her tax records and also the Keating 5. I was hoping Gretchen would remind him the subject was Madame Obama.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
IMO, comparing the issues
May 20, 2008 - 10:25 ET by QueenMumIMO, comparing the issues of Cindy McCain's tax records, etc. to Mrs. Obama's outspoken, America-hating rhetoric is comparing apples to oranges. But isn't this typical of the Dems? Accusing the Republicans of playing dirty when they try to engage in honest debate about issues and then changing the subject. Is this the best the Dems have when it comes to defending Mr. & Mrs. Obama? More proof of the immaturity of the Obama campaign in general.
I am the exotic Queen Mum, and I approved this message.
Yep!
May 20, 2008 - 09:59 ET by MeanderingOf course they are fair game IF they are campaigning and saying the things she's saying. If she wants to play with the big dogs she's probably going to get bit, especially saying the things she does. If she doesn't want the scrutiny from the evil GOP, then get outta the spot light and let your husband to the talking.
The "liberal" game
May 20, 2008 - 10:25 ET by iveseenitallThe "liberal" game is being exposed thanks to Fox and commentators like Brent. For 8 years our president has been called every name in the book. He has been the object of lies and ridicule. Now a boy named Barry comes along and tells us that he is taking the "high road". Meanwhile he continues to attack the president with lies and distortions. His wife tells assembled audiences how "mean" and "racist" Americans are. She revels in her lack of pride for the country. They both rely on an America-bashing big mouth who calls himself a "reverend". They defend him. Now they have the "audacity" to bash the Constitution which allows for free speech by telling anyone who disagrees with them to keep quiet, and "be careful". "Liberals" are such hypocrites!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Laughable
May 20, 2008 - 10:45 ET by MeanderingIt’s crazy what the media and America is letting Obama get away with. I'm sure there are lots of people out there who applaud him in trying to regulate the temperature in our own homes. He can say what he wants, but no one is allowed to say anything about him. Reminds me of Castro.
Because I can't stomach Fox
May 20, 2008 - 10:10 ET by marpelBecause I can't stomach Fox and Friends, I missed this interview. Absolutely Michelle Obama should be discussed. It's typical of liberals that they can hand it out, but they can't take it when the tables are turned. If Michelle Obama does not want to be scrutinized, then she needs to shut up.
If Michelle Obama can't be
May 20, 2008 - 10:14 ET by motherbeltIf Michelle Obama can't be criticized for what she says, that just means Obama will use her to say the things he can't say. John Edwards did this with Elizabeth, when she was sent out (or went on her own; doesn't matter) to attack Hillary Clinton.
He's letting everyone know up front that he intends to let her criticize while he hides behind her skirts; all the while appearing to "defend" her by attacking those who respond to her remarks.
Aritcle I
May 20, 2008 - 10:37 ET by iveseenitallArticle I of The Constitution of the United States reads in part:
" Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech..."
Have you ever read this, Barry? When you threaten "be careful", I wonder.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
How dare they use Michelle Obama's own words against her!
May 20, 2008 - 10:38 ET byThe notion that an outspoken Obama campaign surrogate can say anything she wants from the stump and not face criticism is liberalism in a nutshell. Free speech for me but not for thee.
It's also transparently sexist for Obama as Victorian gent to rush to the defense of his alleged damsel in distress, the Princeton-educated lawyer. Apparently the value of an Ivy League education isn't what it used to be.
Ivy League
May 20, 2008 - 11:10 ET by iveseenitallI'm afraid an Affirmative Action "Ivy League" education is the same as it has been for years-- poor. Did you know there are 57 states in the Union? America is a "mean" country? FDR, JFK, and Ronald Reagan "negotiated" with the enemy, without pre-conditions? Sad.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Couldn't agree more
May 20, 2008 - 15:04 ET byCan you imagine if Quayle had said the same about 57 states? Banner headlines in response.
The "lay off my wife" thing
May 20, 2008 - 12:13 ET by mattmThe "lay off my wife" thing is a transparent mudslinging trick weilded by a rank amateur.
Although what else could he do? He couldn't have defended the America-Hating sentiments of his wife while he's desperately trying to hide his own.
He's sort of up a stump...
I think it's more, and more professional, than that.
May 20, 2008 - 12:31 ET by sarcasmoObama knows Michelle's words aren't going away, and he knows saying "shut up" is likely to make her attackers only louder. This isn't about Michelle. This is about paving the way for an attack on Cindy McCain. The attack will probably be about the mob-related origins of her dad's substantial fortune. Whether it sticks will depend on how they handle questions like "how did a convicted felon get an AZ liquor license?" which remains to be seen. They seem to have a pretty fast response-team.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
and the Kennedy fortune came from?
May 20, 2008 - 13:42 ET by theduck6I think it's more about the phenomenon of "you can't criticize me because I'm black...and so my squeeze , SWEEETIE!