Chris Matthews Mocks 'Reign of Terror' Republicans Who 'Tear Down Stat

According to Chris Matthews on Monday, the Republican presidential candidates are engaging in a "reign of terror" and "don't like democratic government." In a possible (though confusing) allusion to the toppling of Saddam Hussein, the Hardball anchor smeared, "These are guys who tear down statues. They don't put them up."  [See video below. See MP3 audio here.] Matthews has a history of…
Scott Whitlock
December 5th, 2011 6:22 PM

The Thrill Is Back: Matthews Says Obama's 'Smile's Worth a Million Buc

After MSNBC's Chris Matthews bashed Barack Obama a few weeks ago for having "the worst kind of a notion of the presidency," people were wondering if the Hardball host no longer got a thrill up his leg for the Commander-in-Chief. Let not your heart be troubled for on Monday the man many in the blogosphere refer to as "Tingles" said the current White House resident's "smile's worth a million…
Noel Sheppard
December 5th, 2011 6:03 PM

NBC's Gregory Rants: Gingrich Comments on Poor A 'Grotesque Distortion

As NBC's Meet the Press panel ripped into Newt Gingrich on Sunday for his comments on poor children in inner cities lacking working role models, Manchester Union Leader publisher Joe McQuaid was the lone voice of dissent: "I think he gets a bum rap on the child labor thing." That prompted host David Gregory to declare: "Are you really saying that the working poor in this country don't have…
Kyle Drennen
December 5th, 2011 5:36 PM

We're a Bipolar Country When It Comes to Adultery

We live in a bipolar culture. We allow ourselves to be drenched in sexual images in movies, on television and on the Internet and then defend First Amendment protection to even the most graphic of them. Then, when a politician acts out what culture promotes, we criticize him, especially if he's conservative, branding him with the equivalent of a "scarlet letter." In our not too distant past,…
Cal Thomas
December 5th, 2011 5:31 PM

On CBS, Joe Klein Sneers Newt Is Doomed: He 'Cannot Stand Prosperity

On Monday's Early Show, CBS's John Dickerson and Time's Joe Klein harped on Newt Gingrich's overwhelming "liabilities." Klein hinted that the former House Speaker's ego would get the better of him: "This is a guy who cannot stand prosperity....[He] cannot control his ego when he is riding high." Dickerson played up how Gingrich's "negatives were very, very high when he left Washington in the…
Matthew Balan
December 5th, 2011 4:27 PM

ABC Hypes Occupy Protest 'Within Sight of the White House'; They Aren

According to Good Morning America's Josh Elliott on Monday, the Occupy "protests within sight of the White House turned violent over the weekend." Actually, the protests occurred at McPherson Square, two blocks from the White House and not in "sight" of it. (See a map here.) Perhaps Mr. Elliott, who grew up in California and went to high school in Los Angeles, can be forgiven for such an…
Scott Whitlock
December 5th, 2011 4:08 PM

MSNBC Continues to Portray Voter ID Laws As Racist 'Voter Suppression

Acting again as a video press release service for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), MSNBC today has repeatedly highlighted the DNC's complaints about new voter ID laws on several programs today. In the 10 a.m. hour, Jansing & Co. anchor Chris Jansing gave a platform to the DNC's "director of voter protection" Will Crossley to plug he party's new website, protectingthevote.com. The…
Ken Shepherd
December 5th, 2011 3:25 PM

NYT Sees 'Boost for White House' in Latest Job Figures; WaPo Noted 'Ma

Saturday’s lead New York Times story by economics reporter Catherine Rampell found some hope for President Obama: “Jobless Rate Dips To Lowest Level For Last 2 Years – Unemployment at 8.6% – Boost for White House as Economy Shows Some Resilience.” The economic news also led the Washington Post on Saturday, but its deck of headlines was less optimistic than that of the Times, putting the…
Clay Waters
December 5th, 2011 2:59 PM

Trouble: Gingrich Talk of Life Begins at Implantation With Tapper

I’m sorry to say the good people at CatholicVote.org are apparently starstruck. Blogged Josh Mercer yesterday: "The Gingrich campaign contacted me directly last night about the comments that he made to ABC News. The campaign sent me the following statement from Newt Gingrich. (Which is also on their website). I am very glad that the Gingrich campaign was quick to respond to the fallout from the…
Jill Stanek
December 5th, 2011 1:36 PM

WaPo Dance Critic Accuses Cain of Lacking Substance -- In Article on H

The Washington Post achieved something dubious on Monday. They attacked Herman Cain as “more style and substance” – in an article from the Post dance critic that was all about his hand gestures. Dance critic Sarah Kaufman concluded that “Cain’s magic involved some sleight of hand. His larger-than-life physical bluster was aimed at churning up an emotional response. It didn’t prompt his…
Tim Graham
December 5th, 2011 1:32 PM

Disgraced CNN Journalist Who Accused U.S. Troops of Atrocities to Prod

A former top CNN executive who accused U.S. troops in Iraq of attempting to murder reporters will produce a Republican debate to be hosted by Donald Trump. As Michelle Malkin noted, a press release touted the "prestigious" and "top notch" job Eason Jordan will do. The debate is being sponsored by the Ion network and  the conservative Newsmax magazine. In November of 2004, Jordon said this…
Scott Whitlock
December 5th, 2011 12:28 PM

CNN Anchor Admonishes GOP, 'Stop Blaming the Media

CNN's Don Lemon attacked the "classic GOP move" of claiming liberal media bias, on Sunday's 10 p.m. edition of Newsroom. The liberal CNN host lampooned Sarah Palin's "lamestream" media line and – rather sloppily – faulted the GOP candidates for their own travails. "Long story short – maybe it's time for politicians who get caught in unflattering situations or who might have a bit of trouble…
Matt Hadro
December 5th, 2011 12:19 PM

Open Thread: Donald Trump to Moderate GOP Debate

Later this month, running up to the Iowa caucus, Newsmax is hosting a debate in the Hawkeye State to be moderated by businessman, former potential candidate, and reality TV star Donald Trump. However, two candidates have already turned down the debate -- Rep. Ron Paul and Gov. Jon Huntsman. According to the Paul campaign, "The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential…
NB Staff
December 5th, 2011 12:15 PM

NY Times Reporter Asks If It's 'Dangerous' for GOP to Insult Occupy Wa

The New York Times “Caucus” podcast recorded December 1 featured reporter and podcast host Sam Roberts wondering if it was a potentially dangerous tactic” for GOP candidates to insult the Occupy Wall Street movement. This exchange came a minute and a half from the end, after Roberts asked how the Occupy movement’s “99%” slogan was playing out in the Republican primary.
Clay Waters
December 5th, 2011 12:10 PM