By the 1980s, the press dropped the mantle of objectivity and openly aided the Democratic Party. Up until this point, they tended to side with East Coast Elites such as the Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and Kennedys. The Right got tired of being attacked and being muffled, so they fought back using alternative media.
The press began to be challenged by right wing talk radio during the 1990s. They did not like it. The alternative press began to set the agenda. For example, 60 Minutes investigated the Vince Foster suicide in part because of Rush Limbaugh. Right Wing talk also helped elect a Republican Congress in 1994. (This is not to be taken to mean they elected the congress; Clinton blunders and GOP strategy had more to do with it).
While right wing radio concentrated on Clinton and his scandals, the mainstream press downplayed and ignored many Clinton scandals. They’d mention them and then excuse them. Dan Rather actually apologized to Clinton when asking a question on Whitewater. The press love affair with the Clintons would end however after Bill was safely re-elected.
After safely re-elected, the press began to take on Clinton. They were embarrassed and felt they did not need to be in the tank any longer. The Lewinsky Scandal put them over the edge. When pushed about a certain intern, he shook his finger at the press. They did not like that and they went into a feeding frenzy.
Once the press realized Clinton was heading toward impeachment for obstruction of justice, they began to rally to him. Democrats on the hill were very close to marching to the White House and demanding Clinton fall on his sword, and the president was impeached for obstruction of justice, but the press and the Dems managed to frame the debate and deflect the real issue of obstruction of justice. They claimed it was “just sex.” It was not. The cover up led to obstruction. Obstruction of justice was same thing that forced Nixon’s resignation. However, Clinton did not have Nixon’s decency and stayed on. (Had Clinton resigned, Gore would have become president and would have been unbeatable in 2000. In the end, supporting Clinton in 1999 essentially meant supporting Bush in 2000).
Instead, George W. Bush became president. During the 2000 campaign, the press parroted Democratic talking points and openly backed Gore’s demand for multiple recounts. (Gore lost several recounts and still managed to claim he won, but that is another story). Bush became the center of resentment in the press and in the leftbot blogosphere. The press spent eight years misrepresenting much of Bush’s War on Terror and some even openly supported the Arab terrorists. Meanwhile the left discovered blogs. This became a counter to right wing radio and became influential.
By 2008, the press was completely in the tank for the Democrats. First, they supported Hillary, but turned on her when they felt it was safe. They turned to Barack Obama. Obama is a dynamic speaker, but lacked the resume needed for the presidency. That did not matter. They went after their favorite Republican, John McCain, with impunity. The New York Times even published a false story about McCain (and Giuliani as well). The press became a wing of the Democratic Party themselves. Obama was perfect. He was liberal, biracial, and has Eastern credentials. It will be difficult for the GOP to beat Obama in 2012 as he is the incumbent and the media is will campaign for him regardless of his record. (Interestingly, Pew Research reported that Fox News was the only outlet with balanced coverage during the 2008 campaign).
So there we are. The media went from elitists to liberal elites. They originally supported those they felt worthy (i.e. East Coast credentials). During the Vietnam Era, they began going after the GOP and threw objectivity out the window in 1980. By 2008, they dropped the appearance of objectivity altogether and now are as reliable as Pravda was during the Cold War.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rock n Roll Recap: #71-100
71. Steely Dan
72. CCR
73. Blondie
74. Ozzy Osbourne
75. Rush
76. Bill Haley and The Comets
77. The Animals
78. Fats Domino
79. Dion
80. Genesis
81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day
91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo
72. CCR
73. Blondie
74. Ozzy Osbourne
75. Rush
76. Bill Haley and The Comets
77. The Animals
78. Fats Domino
79. Dion
80. Genesis
81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day
91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo
#71 Steely Dan
Steely Dan has a cult following. No one sounds like them. They are a rock jazz fusion. The band is led by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Their music is cerebral and eclectic. Steely Dan’s subject matter ranges from rape and incest to prostitution and drug use, but their sound masks their material. They are best known for their unusual sound and the large number of musicians that have worked with the band through the years (GnR has been compared to Steely Dan in this regard).
Rock n Roll Moment: Steely Dan is a very sarcastic band. Becker and Fagen spit on hippies and on disco. They have been called rock’s “anti-heroes” (http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/steely-dan).
Essential Steely Dan:
Can’t Buy A Thrill (1971)
Countdown To Ecstasy (1973)
Pretzel Logic (1974)
Aja (1977)
Steely Dan’s Top 10:
Do It Again
Reelin’ In The Years
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Kid Charlemagne
Pretzel Logic
Hey Nineteen
Bad Sneakers
Peg
Deacon Blues
Cousin Dupree
Rock n Roll Moment: Steely Dan is a very sarcastic band. Becker and Fagen spit on hippies and on disco. They have been called rock’s “anti-heroes” (http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/steely-dan).
Essential Steely Dan:
Can’t Buy A Thrill (1971)
Countdown To Ecstasy (1973)
Pretzel Logic (1974)
Aja (1977)
Steely Dan’s Top 10:
Do It Again
Reelin’ In The Years
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Kid Charlemagne
Pretzel Logic
Hey Nineteen
Bad Sneakers
Peg
Deacon Blues
Cousin Dupree
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2009 Detroit Tigers
Prediction: 84-78
Catchers: Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird: Underwhelming. They are holding the spot for Dusty Ryan.
1b: Miguel Cabrera: MVP Candidate
2b: Placido Polanco: One of the best in the league
SS: Adam Everett: Massive defensive upgrade over last year
3b: Brandon Inge: Upgrade over last year at this time; won his job back
INF: Ramon Santiago: Can he have another year like last? He was great last year in a reserve role.
LF: Carlos Guillen: Solid offense, but a defensive liability. Skills may be deteriorating.
CF: Curtis Granderson: Might be the team's MVP.
RF: Maggs: Solid. However, he is showing signs of age. Let's hope it does not hit all at once.
OF: Marcus Thames: Solid power off the bench
DH: Gary Sheffield: Horrible year last year. Is he done?
SP: Justin Verlander: Was last year a fluke?
SP: Jeremy Bonderman: Needs to produce this year.
SP: Dontrelle Willis: Last year was a train wreck. Can he rebound?
SP: Armando Galaraga: Please no sophomore slump
SP: Edwin Jackson: Could be a surprise. If he continues to improve.
P: Nate Robertson: Needs to improve like almost the entire staff.
RP: Bobby Seay: The bullpen's MVP last year
RP: Joel Zumaya: Will he return to 2006 form or was he a Mark Fidrych?
RP: Fernando Rodney: Headcase
RP: Brandon Lyon: Which Lyon will show up?
If the pitching returns to form, then the Tigers will contend. However, another year of injuries and implosions and Detroit could lose 90 games. The defense will be vastly improved with Everett and Inge playing the left side for a whole year. However, the outfield might be an adventure. 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger if everything goes well in 2009.
Catchers: Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird: Underwhelming. They are holding the spot for Dusty Ryan.
1b: Miguel Cabrera: MVP Candidate
2b: Placido Polanco: One of the best in the league
SS: Adam Everett: Massive defensive upgrade over last year
3b: Brandon Inge: Upgrade over last year at this time; won his job back
INF: Ramon Santiago: Can he have another year like last? He was great last year in a reserve role.
LF: Carlos Guillen: Solid offense, but a defensive liability. Skills may be deteriorating.
CF: Curtis Granderson: Might be the team's MVP.
RF: Maggs: Solid. However, he is showing signs of age. Let's hope it does not hit all at once.
OF: Marcus Thames: Solid power off the bench
DH: Gary Sheffield: Horrible year last year. Is he done?
SP: Justin Verlander: Was last year a fluke?
SP: Jeremy Bonderman: Needs to produce this year.
SP: Dontrelle Willis: Last year was a train wreck. Can he rebound?
SP: Armando Galaraga: Please no sophomore slump
SP: Edwin Jackson: Could be a surprise. If he continues to improve.
P: Nate Robertson: Needs to improve like almost the entire staff.
RP: Bobby Seay: The bullpen's MVP last year
RP: Joel Zumaya: Will he return to 2006 form or was he a Mark Fidrych?
RP: Fernando Rodney: Headcase
RP: Brandon Lyon: Which Lyon will show up?
If the pitching returns to form, then the Tigers will contend. However, another year of injuries and implosions and Detroit could lose 90 games. The defense will be vastly improved with Everett and Inge playing the left side for a whole year. However, the outfield might be an adventure. 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger if everything goes well in 2009.
2009 Baseball Predictions
My fearless and usually incorrect baseball predictions...
NL East:
1. Mets
2. Marlins
3. Phillies
4. Braves
5. Nats
NL Central:
1. Brewers
2. Cubs
3. Cards (much higher with a healthy Carpenter)
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates (will tie a record for most consecutive losing seasons at 17)
NL West:
1. Dodgers (with Manny)
2. Dbacks
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres
AL East:
1. Red Sox
2. Rays
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. O's
AL Central:
1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Cleveland
AL West:
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
Wild Cards: White Sox and Marlins
World Series: Dodgers over Angels
NL East:
1. Mets
2. Marlins
3. Phillies
4. Braves
5. Nats
NL Central:
1. Brewers
2. Cubs
3. Cards (much higher with a healthy Carpenter)
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates (will tie a record for most consecutive losing seasons at 17)
NL West:
1. Dodgers (with Manny)
2. Dbacks
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres
AL East:
1. Red Sox
2. Rays
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. O's
AL Central:
1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Cleveland
AL West:
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
Wild Cards: White Sox and Marlins
World Series: Dodgers over Angels
Monday, February 16, 2009
Media Bias: 1980-1992
The Media declared open season on Ronald Reagan from the time he won the GOP nomination. They were excited at the chance of bringing down another president, but were also frantic about destroying and discrediting Reaganism. Almost immediately, they were blunted by John Hinkley Jr. Hinkley attempted to assassinate President Reagan. Reagan survived and was able to push through his economic stimulus package. After what they deemed an appropriate waiting period, they pounced.
Throughout Reagan's eight years, the press alternated their portrayal of the president. Sometimes he was a kindly dolt. Other times, Reagan was a criminal mastermind. At the same time, they attempted to demonstrate the failure of Reagan's policies by finding people that fell through the cracks. They'd portray the worst case scenario as the reality for the masses. Their efforts failed and Reagan remained popular. Desperate, in 1987, the press and some Democrats attempted to criminalize policy differences.
When the Iran-Contra Scandal broke, the press did its best to drive Reagan from office. When Oliver North testified before Congress in his marine uniform and Reagan fessed up, the scandal dissipated and Reagan's popularity began to rise. Congress later repealed the Boland Amendment which made almost everything moot. (The amendment was probably unconstitutional to begin with).
After failing to destroy Reagan, they went after Reaganism. The press attacked the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush and campaigned for Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. Dukakis was everything the press wanted. He was an eastern elite and an unrepentant liberal. George H.W. Bush was a moderate and an eastern elite himself (more so than Dukakis), but he was Reagan's veep. 1988 would be one of the dirtiest campaigns of all time and the press was partially responsible.
The media accused Bush of wimpiness. Bush responded by engaging in a shouting match with Dan Rather. Then, the Republicans used the media to their advantage. This always drives the press nuts. Negative ads flew every couple of minutes in key states. Dukakis did face a tough question during the debates, but his answer came across as disingenuous. Bush won in 1988 and the press seethed.
The press could not take on George H.W. Bush for much of his first term. Bush was extremely popular until early 1992. The economy slowed and the press intentionally exaggerated the downturn. They took their cue from the Democratic nominee, Bill Clinton. Clinton was not their first choice. Originally, Clinton was seen as a hillbilly good old boy. The press preferred Mario Cuomo of New York. Cuomo should have run, but didn't. The other candidates in the Democratic field included Jerry Brown and Paul Tsongas. The press made fun of Brown. He was from California and they dubbed him "Governor Moonbeam." The press loved Paul Tsongas. He was from Massachusetts and was a cancer survivor. They openly attacked Clinton until he won the nomination. Then, it was all quiet on the western front.
Media images could not be more stark. Bush was old, tired, and out of touch. Clinton was young, vigorous, and hip. When Bush made the mistake of looking at his watch during a debate, the press ran the clip over and over (Michael Dukakis thought it was unfair). When the Iran Contra prosecutor indicted key figures in the scandal days before the election, the press had an orgy. When news that the recession had ended came out days before the election, the press sat on the story until the day after the election.
Prior to 1980, media bias was based on class and status. After Reagan's rise to power and the shift from the Great Society to Reagan's Society, the press shifted. Republicans followed Reagan's lead, and the press ran to the Democrats. Strains in that alliance would appear during Bill Clinton's term as president.
Throughout Reagan's eight years, the press alternated their portrayal of the president. Sometimes he was a kindly dolt. Other times, Reagan was a criminal mastermind. At the same time, they attempted to demonstrate the failure of Reagan's policies by finding people that fell through the cracks. They'd portray the worst case scenario as the reality for the masses. Their efforts failed and Reagan remained popular. Desperate, in 1987, the press and some Democrats attempted to criminalize policy differences.
When the Iran-Contra Scandal broke, the press did its best to drive Reagan from office. When Oliver North testified before Congress in his marine uniform and Reagan fessed up, the scandal dissipated and Reagan's popularity began to rise. Congress later repealed the Boland Amendment which made almost everything moot. (The amendment was probably unconstitutional to begin with).
After failing to destroy Reagan, they went after Reaganism. The press attacked the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush and campaigned for Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. Dukakis was everything the press wanted. He was an eastern elite and an unrepentant liberal. George H.W. Bush was a moderate and an eastern elite himself (more so than Dukakis), but he was Reagan's veep. 1988 would be one of the dirtiest campaigns of all time and the press was partially responsible.
The media accused Bush of wimpiness. Bush responded by engaging in a shouting match with Dan Rather. Then, the Republicans used the media to their advantage. This always drives the press nuts. Negative ads flew every couple of minutes in key states. Dukakis did face a tough question during the debates, but his answer came across as disingenuous. Bush won in 1988 and the press seethed.
The press could not take on George H.W. Bush for much of his first term. Bush was extremely popular until early 1992. The economy slowed and the press intentionally exaggerated the downturn. They took their cue from the Democratic nominee, Bill Clinton. Clinton was not their first choice. Originally, Clinton was seen as a hillbilly good old boy. The press preferred Mario Cuomo of New York. Cuomo should have run, but didn't. The other candidates in the Democratic field included Jerry Brown and Paul Tsongas. The press made fun of Brown. He was from California and they dubbed him "Governor Moonbeam." The press loved Paul Tsongas. He was from Massachusetts and was a cancer survivor. They openly attacked Clinton until he won the nomination. Then, it was all quiet on the western front.
Media images could not be more stark. Bush was old, tired, and out of touch. Clinton was young, vigorous, and hip. When Bush made the mistake of looking at his watch during a debate, the press ran the clip over and over (Michael Dukakis thought it was unfair). When the Iran Contra prosecutor indicted key figures in the scandal days before the election, the press had an orgy. When news that the recession had ended came out days before the election, the press sat on the story until the day after the election.
Prior to 1980, media bias was based on class and status. After Reagan's rise to power and the shift from the Great Society to Reagan's Society, the press shifted. Republicans followed Reagan's lead, and the press ran to the Democrats. Strains in that alliance would appear during Bill Clinton's term as president.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dealing with the Roiders...
Well, we are smack in the middle of the story that won't go away. It's baseball's version of herpes. Just when you think the steroid story is over, it comes back inflamed worse than before. So, how do we deal with this era? Here are some suggestions...
1. Bud Selig should resign.
2. The records should revert back. So, Hank Aaron is still the all-time homer champ and Roger Maris is the single season homer champ.
3. Barry Bonds, Rafael "It was just a vitamin" Palmero, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGwire, and other known roid users will be banned from Hall of Fame consideration.
4. All the names from the 2003 test should be released.
5. Alex Rodriguez will have his career statistics reset to take into account the 2001-2003 seasons. A-Rod and others with positive tests will be tested regularly.
6. The current steroid policy will remain in place and reviewed annually. If it does not seem to be working, then a first positive will result in a year suspension and a second positive will result in a life time ban.
This won't happen, but it should. The union would throw a hissy fit. A vocal minority of idiots, er fans, that support some of these players would complain. But, it would teach people that cheaters do not prosper.
1. Bud Selig should resign.
2. The records should revert back. So, Hank Aaron is still the all-time homer champ and Roger Maris is the single season homer champ.
3. Barry Bonds, Rafael "It was just a vitamin" Palmero, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGwire, and other known roid users will be banned from Hall of Fame consideration.
4. All the names from the 2003 test should be released.
5. Alex Rodriguez will have his career statistics reset to take into account the 2001-2003 seasons. A-Rod and others with positive tests will be tested regularly.
6. The current steroid policy will remain in place and reviewed annually. If it does not seem to be working, then a first positive will result in a year suspension and a second positive will result in a life time ban.
This won't happen, but it should. The union would throw a hissy fit. A vocal minority of idiots, er fans, that support some of these players would complain. But, it would teach people that cheaters do not prosper.
Assorted Ramblings
Item: President Obama warns that if we don't pass the stimulus, a Great Depression will happen.
Reaction: Why is it ok for Obama to scare people with stories about a coming economic apocalypse, yet when the Bush Administration warned about a nuclear armed Saddam, that was fear mongering??
Item: Retail sales were up.
Reaction: Perhaps the recession is not as bad as they say. Maybe we don't need the stimulus plan.
Item: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are spatting over the stimulus plan.
Reaction: Like that is a surprise. Reid is a wimpy self important liberal while Pelosi is a nutty self important out of touch limousine liberal.
Item: The stimulus plan has a provision whereby health care and doctor's decisions will have to be run past a government bureaucrat.
Reaction: Having a mid-level HMO employee decide what medical care a patient can have is bad while having a bureaucrat do the same thing is good.
Item: The Census has been taken over by the White House.
Reaction: Yeah, having Rahm Emmanuel involved in the census is going to result in a legitimate count. If Emmanuel was not in politics, he'd be in the mob.
Item: Bret Favre Retires (we think)
Reaction: Favre created the man crush. He was tough on the field, but a prima donna off. He was not the best QB ever and not the best of his generation. However, his signature games were as good as anyone that ever played. (See: Favre to Sharpe, The Superbowl win, and the game after his dad died).
Item: Baseball players gone wild. A-Rod admits to steroids, Bonds is charged with perjury, Miguel Tejada pleads guilty to lying before congress, and Roberto Alomar is accused of trying to spread the AIDS virus.
Reaction: It can't get much worse...well maybe if a star got caught with an underage...oh wait...
Item: Michael Phelps is caught on film tapping a bong.
Reaction: I was a bit surprised anyone cared. After all, President Obama admitted to being a crackhead at one point. We've had several politicians and celebrities admit to drug use. What's the deal? Well, Phelps is on film...maybe that is the barrier celebs can't cross now.
Reaction: Why is it ok for Obama to scare people with stories about a coming economic apocalypse, yet when the Bush Administration warned about a nuclear armed Saddam, that was fear mongering??
Item: Retail sales were up.
Reaction: Perhaps the recession is not as bad as they say. Maybe we don't need the stimulus plan.
Item: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are spatting over the stimulus plan.
Reaction: Like that is a surprise. Reid is a wimpy self important liberal while Pelosi is a nutty self important out of touch limousine liberal.
Item: The stimulus plan has a provision whereby health care and doctor's decisions will have to be run past a government bureaucrat.
Reaction: Having a mid-level HMO employee decide what medical care a patient can have is bad while having a bureaucrat do the same thing is good.
Item: The Census has been taken over by the White House.
Reaction: Yeah, having Rahm Emmanuel involved in the census is going to result in a legitimate count. If Emmanuel was not in politics, he'd be in the mob.
Item: Bret Favre Retires (we think)
Reaction: Favre created the man crush. He was tough on the field, but a prima donna off. He was not the best QB ever and not the best of his generation. However, his signature games were as good as anyone that ever played. (See: Favre to Sharpe, The Superbowl win, and the game after his dad died).
Item: Baseball players gone wild. A-Rod admits to steroids, Bonds is charged with perjury, Miguel Tejada pleads guilty to lying before congress, and Roberto Alomar is accused of trying to spread the AIDS virus.
Reaction: It can't get much worse...well maybe if a star got caught with an underage...oh wait...
Item: Michael Phelps is caught on film tapping a bong.
Reaction: I was a bit surprised anyone cared. After all, President Obama admitted to being a crackhead at one point. We've had several politicians and celebrities admit to drug use. What's the deal? Well, Phelps is on film...maybe that is the barrier celebs can't cross now.
Media Bias: 1963-1980
The press loved Massachusetts aristocrat John Kennedy. When he died and was replaced by a (gasp) Texan, it was yet another politician without the right pedigree. As a Texan, Johnson was another outsider. He was a pretender to the throne and a vulgar man. He had a ranch. LBJ was everything the press hated. They turned on him the first chance they had. The press even printed pictures of LBJ holding his dog up by its ears. It reaffirmed their image of Johnson as a vile and uncultured man. In 1964, the press pulled for the Republican Rockefeller. However, the GOP nominated Barry Goldwater. Goldwater was worse than Johnson, so they went after him with full fury. Goldwater lost and then the press went back to criticizing Johnson. When Georgetown burned during the urban uprisings, someone told LBJ that Georgetown was on fire. Many press insiders lived there. Johnson's responded "I've waited 35 years to hear that!" The press helped drive him from office.
They also helped drive Richard Nixon from office. Had Nixon been an insider, they would have ignored Watergate. But, Nixon defeated good establishment liberals in his run for the house, the senate, and the presidency. He also brought down Alger Hiss. What drove them the craziest was his use of media to get his message across. Whether it was the “Silent Majority” speech or the trip to China, Nixon used the press images for favorable coverage while reporters seethed. The press never forgave him for that.
Nixon’s successor, Gerald Ford, came from Michigan. He even graduated from the University of Michigan. The press accepted him at first, but quickly went after him. Ford pardoned Nixon to get Watergate behind the country. The press began to work to undermine his presidency. They portrayed Ford as dimwitted and clumsy. Press coverage of Gerald Ford can be summed up with the headline: Ford to City: Drop Dead.
The press sided with Ford’s opponent, Jimmy Carter, in 1976. Carter was not Nixon. He was also a feel good story. The press played up Carter and attacked Ford (Ford did help doom himself with a debate gaffe). Carter made some silly mistakes in the press when he admitted he lusted in his eyes, saw a UFO, and by claiming to have been attacked by a killer rabbit (not making this up). Carter’s novelty disappeared quickly. The press enjoyed making Carter’s brother look like a fool. When all was said and done, Carter was another outsider. He was from Georgia. The press hoped he’d be one of them, but he wasn’t. The press did not rally to him until Ronald Reagan became the Republican Nominee.
The New Right scared the press. They were the ultimate outsiders. These Goldwater-ites were everything the press was not. They were not East Coast. They were not Ivy League. They were not Elites. They distrusted government. They distrusted power. They distrusted liberalism. The press pumped the candidacy of George H.W. Bush. Bush failed. Reagan won the GOP nod. They attacked Reagan as dumb, unsophisticated, and simple. They claimed he’d start World War III and civilization would end with a Reagan Presidency. The press went nuts. Then, Reagan won. The Reagan Revolution changed the dynamic. The press changed its tone and went after Republicans and gave Democrats a free ride. The GOP epicenter was no longer the East Coast. It had moved to the heartland while the Democratic epicenter remained elitist. The press sided with the East Coast while the GOP sided with the heartland and the blue collar voter.
They also helped drive Richard Nixon from office. Had Nixon been an insider, they would have ignored Watergate. But, Nixon defeated good establishment liberals in his run for the house, the senate, and the presidency. He also brought down Alger Hiss. What drove them the craziest was his use of media to get his message across. Whether it was the “Silent Majority” speech or the trip to China, Nixon used the press images for favorable coverage while reporters seethed. The press never forgave him for that.
Nixon’s successor, Gerald Ford, came from Michigan. He even graduated from the University of Michigan. The press accepted him at first, but quickly went after him. Ford pardoned Nixon to get Watergate behind the country. The press began to work to undermine his presidency. They portrayed Ford as dimwitted and clumsy. Press coverage of Gerald Ford can be summed up with the headline: Ford to City: Drop Dead.
The press sided with Ford’s opponent, Jimmy Carter, in 1976. Carter was not Nixon. He was also a feel good story. The press played up Carter and attacked Ford (Ford did help doom himself with a debate gaffe). Carter made some silly mistakes in the press when he admitted he lusted in his eyes, saw a UFO, and by claiming to have been attacked by a killer rabbit (not making this up). Carter’s novelty disappeared quickly. The press enjoyed making Carter’s brother look like a fool. When all was said and done, Carter was another outsider. He was from Georgia. The press hoped he’d be one of them, but he wasn’t. The press did not rally to him until Ronald Reagan became the Republican Nominee.
The New Right scared the press. They were the ultimate outsiders. These Goldwater-ites were everything the press was not. They were not East Coast. They were not Ivy League. They were not Elites. They distrusted government. They distrusted power. They distrusted liberalism. The press pumped the candidacy of George H.W. Bush. Bush failed. Reagan won the GOP nod. They attacked Reagan as dumb, unsophisticated, and simple. They claimed he’d start World War III and civilization would end with a Reagan Presidency. The press went nuts. Then, Reagan won. The Reagan Revolution changed the dynamic. The press changed its tone and went after Republicans and gave Democrats a free ride. The GOP epicenter was no longer the East Coast. It had moved to the heartland while the Democratic epicenter remained elitist. The press sided with the East Coast while the GOP sided with the heartland and the blue collar voter.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Media Bias: 1952-1963
The press loved FDR. He was one of them. Roosevelt was an East Coast elite with an impeccable pedigree. He was exactly the man the media wanted as president. Educated, intelligent, and aristocratic. FDR contrasted strongly with the dour little Engineer from Iowa, Herbert Hoover and the silly little man from Missouri, Harry Truman. Truman did not even go to college. He was out of his depth. Luckily, his two terms were up in 1952.
In 1952, the media were in a quandary. They supported Princeton educated Democratic governor Adlai Stevenson, but they could not attack the Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower. Ike was a superhero in American minds. Eisenhower was the next George Washington. The press did not see it that way. Eisenhower was another outsider. He was from Kansas and was not seen as an intellectual heavyweight. They also feared Ike would dismantle their precious New Deal. The media had to find a way to attack the outsider and support their candidate, Adlai Stevenson. Stevenson went to Princeton and was an elitist. The throne was rightfully his. They needed an issue to attack Ike.
The media got their issue when Richard Nixon became the GOP Vice-Presidential nominee. To the media, Nixon was everything wrong with American politics. He was from a small town in California. He did not go to an Ivy League school. He was not an elite. On top of this, Nixon defeated leftist elite candidates in his House and Senate elections (Joe Kennedy contributed to Nixon’s campaign for Senate) and had the gall to bring down Alger Hiss. Hiss was a Soviet spy, but he was part of the good old boys network and had the perfect East Coast establishmentarian credentials.
Nixon unwittingly gave them their issue. The press discovered Nixon had a “secret” slush fund. Despite the portrayal, the fund was neither secret nor illegal. Many members of congress and even Democratic nominee Stevenson had one. The Democrats did not push the issue because they did not want to seem like hypocrites. That did not stop the press. Ike was ready to dump Nixon.
Richard Nixon fought back. He used the media to his advantage and gave the now famous “Checkers” speech. In the national address, he gave a complete account of his finances (Pat Nixon was not happy) and defended himself against the charges. The public bombarded Republican HQ with calls to keep that “nice Mr. Nixon” on the ticket. The outsider beat the elite media at their own game and they were not happy. They added that to their list of grievances against this upstart.
Throughout Ike’s two terms, the media convinced themselves he was an idiot. They attacked him for his intelligence (the man who planned D-Day) and his golf game. Nixon fared no better. They were relieved the Republicans accepted the New Deal, but longed for one of their own to be in the White House. The darling of the left elite, Stevenson, returned to lose in 1956 (Robert Kennedy could not stand him and voted for Ike in 1956). In 1960, they’d get the perfect East Coast candidate.
After Nixon’s two terms as VP came to a close, he lost a close election to Kennedy. JFK was another east coast elite and the press loved him. They covered up his personal foibles to the extreme (Ben Bradlee of the Washington Post said JFK’s womanizing would have come to light in the second term had Kennedy not settled down. The press was tiring of it). The Kennedy Years would become known as “Camelot” which hearkened to a mythological time in England. It was a time of magic where anything was possible. In the media’s collective consciousness, Camelot stood in stark contrast to the dour repressive Eisenhower Years. Then, it came to an end. Kennedy’s death brought the Texan LBJ to the White House. The White House fell to another outsider. The press geared for war.
In 1952, the media were in a quandary. They supported Princeton educated Democratic governor Adlai Stevenson, but they could not attack the Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower. Ike was a superhero in American minds. Eisenhower was the next George Washington. The press did not see it that way. Eisenhower was another outsider. He was from Kansas and was not seen as an intellectual heavyweight. They also feared Ike would dismantle their precious New Deal. The media had to find a way to attack the outsider and support their candidate, Adlai Stevenson. Stevenson went to Princeton and was an elitist. The throne was rightfully his. They needed an issue to attack Ike.
The media got their issue when Richard Nixon became the GOP Vice-Presidential nominee. To the media, Nixon was everything wrong with American politics. He was from a small town in California. He did not go to an Ivy League school. He was not an elite. On top of this, Nixon defeated leftist elite candidates in his House and Senate elections (Joe Kennedy contributed to Nixon’s campaign for Senate) and had the gall to bring down Alger Hiss. Hiss was a Soviet spy, but he was part of the good old boys network and had the perfect East Coast establishmentarian credentials.
Nixon unwittingly gave them their issue. The press discovered Nixon had a “secret” slush fund. Despite the portrayal, the fund was neither secret nor illegal. Many members of congress and even Democratic nominee Stevenson had one. The Democrats did not push the issue because they did not want to seem like hypocrites. That did not stop the press. Ike was ready to dump Nixon.
Richard Nixon fought back. He used the media to his advantage and gave the now famous “Checkers” speech. In the national address, he gave a complete account of his finances (Pat Nixon was not happy) and defended himself against the charges. The public bombarded Republican HQ with calls to keep that “nice Mr. Nixon” on the ticket. The outsider beat the elite media at their own game and they were not happy. They added that to their list of grievances against this upstart.
Throughout Ike’s two terms, the media convinced themselves he was an idiot. They attacked him for his intelligence (the man who planned D-Day) and his golf game. Nixon fared no better. They were relieved the Republicans accepted the New Deal, but longed for one of their own to be in the White House. The darling of the left elite, Stevenson, returned to lose in 1956 (Robert Kennedy could not stand him and voted for Ike in 1956). In 1960, they’d get the perfect East Coast candidate.
After Nixon’s two terms as VP came to a close, he lost a close election to Kennedy. JFK was another east coast elite and the press loved him. They covered up his personal foibles to the extreme (Ben Bradlee of the Washington Post said JFK’s womanizing would have come to light in the second term had Kennedy not settled down. The press was tiring of it). The Kennedy Years would become known as “Camelot” which hearkened to a mythological time in England. It was a time of magic where anything was possible. In the media’s collective consciousness, Camelot stood in stark contrast to the dour repressive Eisenhower Years. Then, it came to an end. Kennedy’s death brought the Texan LBJ to the White House. The White House fell to another outsider. The press geared for war.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
#72. Creedence Clearwater Revival
It’s hard to believe CCR did not come from the bayou. They are a classic roots rock band that incorporated a series of influences thus creating their own sound. While others in San Francisco went flower power and psychedelic, CCR went their own way. They gained attention in the alternative press and eventually broke. They produced several rock classics before internal strife broke them apart. Had they survived, they’d be much higher in the countdown.
Rock n Roll Moment: The members of CCR engaged in one of the great feuds in rock history.
Essential CCR: Green River (1969), Willie and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmos Factory (1970)
CCR’s Top 10:
Fortunate Son
Proud Mary
Born on the Bayou
Bad Moon Rising
Down on the Corner
Travelin’ Band
Who’ll Stop The Rain
Have You Ever Seen the Rain
Someday Never Comes
Green River
Rock n Roll Moment: The members of CCR engaged in one of the great feuds in rock history.
Essential CCR: Green River (1969), Willie and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmos Factory (1970)
CCR’s Top 10:
Fortunate Son
Proud Mary
Born on the Bayou
Bad Moon Rising
Down on the Corner
Travelin’ Band
Who’ll Stop The Rain
Have You Ever Seen the Rain
Someday Never Comes
Green River
Friday, February 6, 2009
Media Bias: 1932-1952
When did the media drift so far in one direction to the point of practically coordinating with the Obama campaign? There has always been a bias. However, it was not always right-left. Prior to the rise of the neo-left, it was establishment vs. anti-establishment. Then, came Johnson and Nixon. At that point, things changed.
First off, let’s separate the print media from the electronic media. The newspapers were pretty even and maybe even leaned Republican for a long time. When FDR ran for re-election in 1936, the newspapers overwhelmingly endorsed his opponent, Alf Landon. However, the electronic media was in love with FDR and his wife.
FDR posed a stark contrast to President Hoover. Hoover was an engineer, bureaucrat, and hero from World War I. His dour personality and seeming ineffectiveness made him an easy target. FDR promised a New Deal and had an outgoing, friendly personality. Most importantly for the press, Roosevelt was East Coast establishment while Hoover came from Iowa and went to Stanford. Roosevelt's pedigree and charm made the press believers. Then came some high school graduate and failed businessman from Missouri.
Once Truman assumed the presidency, it was open season. Truman was not an east coast elite. He was an interloper from Missouri. The press attacked him and campaigned for New York governor Thomas Dewey (whom they opposed in 1944). Truman beat Dewey and the press continued to hound Truman. The Republicans picked up on the anti-administration themes for the 1952 campaign.
First off, let’s separate the print media from the electronic media. The newspapers were pretty even and maybe even leaned Republican for a long time. When FDR ran for re-election in 1936, the newspapers overwhelmingly endorsed his opponent, Alf Landon. However, the electronic media was in love with FDR and his wife.
FDR posed a stark contrast to President Hoover. Hoover was an engineer, bureaucrat, and hero from World War I. His dour personality and seeming ineffectiveness made him an easy target. FDR promised a New Deal and had an outgoing, friendly personality. Most importantly for the press, Roosevelt was East Coast establishment while Hoover came from Iowa and went to Stanford. Roosevelt's pedigree and charm made the press believers. Then came some high school graduate and failed businessman from Missouri.
Once Truman assumed the presidency, it was open season. Truman was not an east coast elite. He was an interloper from Missouri. The press attacked him and campaigned for New York governor Thomas Dewey (whom they opposed in 1944). Truman beat Dewey and the press continued to hound Truman. The Republicans picked up on the anti-administration themes for the 1952 campaign.
#73 Blondie
Blondie has sold over 50 million albums. Originally, Debbie Harry was in a folk group. She met Chris Stein and they formed Blondie. The band’s repertoire was so eclectic, they were compared to The Who. Blondie incorporated Punk, New Wave, Disco, Reggae, Rap, and other musical forms into their work. They eventually hit the big time and Debbie Harry became bigger than the band itself. In the early 80s, Chris Stein suffered a rare fatal disease and Blondie disbanded. Stein somehow recovered. They were highly influential (Madonna, Shirley Manson) and reconstituted in the late 90s and hit #1 in the UK with “Maria.” In 2006, they scored a top 10 hit in the US with “Rapture Riders” (with the Doors). They were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and still tour.
Rock n Roll Moment: There were some issues during their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Two former members wished to play during the induction, but Debbie refused as she had the current lineup ready to go. (awkward!)
Essential Blondie:
Blondie (1976)
Parallel Lines (1978)
Blondie’s Top 10:
Call Me
One Way or Another
Rapture
Dreaming
Heart of Glass
Maria
Atomic
Rip Her To Shreds
The Tide Is High
Island of Lost Souls
Rock n Roll Moment: There were some issues during their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Two former members wished to play during the induction, but Debbie refused as she had the current lineup ready to go. (awkward!)
Essential Blondie:
Blondie (1976)
Parallel Lines (1978)
Blondie’s Top 10:
Call Me
One Way or Another
Rapture
Dreaming
Heart of Glass
Maria
Atomic
Rip Her To Shreds
The Tide Is High
Island of Lost Souls
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Day The Music Died: February 3, 1959
On February 3, 1959, around 1 am, a plane carrying Ritchie Valens, JP Richardson, and Buddy Holly went down killing the pilot and his three passengers. The three were touring as part of a 24 city, 3 week Midwestern "Winter Dance Party" tour. The tour bus had no heat and was subject to breakdown. Holly decided he needed clean clothes and the local laundromat was closed, so he chartered a flight.
JP Richardson was ill, so Waylon Jennings surrendered his seat on the plane. Ritchie Valens had never flown and asked for a seat. Holly's Cricket band mate Tommy Alsop had called the seat, but Valens wanted to go. So, they flipped a coin. Valens "won."
The fourth big name on the tour, Dion, was offered a seat, but felt $36 was too steep and decided to gut it out on the bus. His frugality paid off.
Rock had suffered a series of PR catastrophes by 1959. Elvis was drafted. Jerry Lee married his 13 year old cousin. Chuck Berry was caught with a white girl and a runaway to boot. Holly was it.
Buddy Holly was a great "what if?" His body of work was highly influential. If not for Holly, the Beatles and Rolling Stones would not have been the bands they were. He pioneered studio work and wrote his own stuff in an age when most artists did not write. Beyond this, Holly had a talent that most people before or since lacked. He was 22. Had he survived, there is a good chance the British Invasion might not have been as big as it eventually became.
Ritchie Valens was another pioneer. He insisted on recorded the Spanish language folk song "La Bamba." Most thought he was crazy. They were wrong. Valens pioneered Latin rock music and opened the door for others. Forty years later, in the late 90s, there was a Latin music craze in this country. It's origins can be traced back to Valens. He died at 17.
JP Richardson, aka The Big Bopper, was the old man at 28. Richardson created the first music video for his phone sex ode, "Chantilly Lace." The clip can be found on Youtube.
Fifty years on, we can still visit the crash site, watch the Youtube clips, or listen to the records, CDs, or downloads. It's a different time now, but living in such a weak musical era, it is good to reflect back and maybe throw "Oh Boy" onto the old record player.
Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlF-4IYeI2s
Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMOBBho_Y3I
The Big Bopper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TcC_ni0ojo
JP Richardson was ill, so Waylon Jennings surrendered his seat on the plane. Ritchie Valens had never flown and asked for a seat. Holly's Cricket band mate Tommy Alsop had called the seat, but Valens wanted to go. So, they flipped a coin. Valens "won."
The fourth big name on the tour, Dion, was offered a seat, but felt $36 was too steep and decided to gut it out on the bus. His frugality paid off.
Rock had suffered a series of PR catastrophes by 1959. Elvis was drafted. Jerry Lee married his 13 year old cousin. Chuck Berry was caught with a white girl and a runaway to boot. Holly was it.
Buddy Holly was a great "what if?" His body of work was highly influential. If not for Holly, the Beatles and Rolling Stones would not have been the bands they were. He pioneered studio work and wrote his own stuff in an age when most artists did not write. Beyond this, Holly had a talent that most people before or since lacked. He was 22. Had he survived, there is a good chance the British Invasion might not have been as big as it eventually became.
Ritchie Valens was another pioneer. He insisted on recorded the Spanish language folk song "La Bamba." Most thought he was crazy. They were wrong. Valens pioneered Latin rock music and opened the door for others. Forty years later, in the late 90s, there was a Latin music craze in this country. It's origins can be traced back to Valens. He died at 17.
JP Richardson, aka The Big Bopper, was the old man at 28. Richardson created the first music video for his phone sex ode, "Chantilly Lace." The clip can be found on Youtube.
Fifty years on, we can still visit the crash site, watch the Youtube clips, or listen to the records, CDs, or downloads. It's a different time now, but living in such a weak musical era, it is good to reflect back and maybe throw "Oh Boy" onto the old record player.
Buddy Holly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlF-4IYeI2s
Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMOBBho_Y3I
The Big Bopper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TcC_ni0ojo
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