ROSEN: Watchdogs or lapdogs?
By Mike Rosen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published November 21, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
'There's a tired old saw in the news business that if both sides criticize you for what you've reported, you must be doing a good job." Those, the words of Fred Brown in a recent Denver Post column, establishing his credentials as a balanced columnist by providing examples of criticism he's received from readers on both the left and right. But this old saw is anecdotal and simplistic. Some people in Nazi Germany loved Hitler and some people hated him. Did that make him a moderate?
I've been reading Brown for more than 30 years. He's a pro and does good work. But he comes from a generally liberal perspective. He's no radical left-winger, just a left-center kind of guy like most of his journalistic colleagues.
I get criticism from the left and right, too, but that doesn't place me smack dab in the center. I'm an advocate for generally right-center, mainstream conservative ideas. George Will and I are close neighbors on the political spectrum. I get polite criticism from mainstream liberals and hate mail from radical lefties. On the other extreme, I get hate mail from radical right-wingers who call me nasty names like "liberal." An analysis of Brown's supporters and detractors would probably confirm his left-center standing.
It's important to note that Brown is no longer in the reporting business. He does commentary now on the opinion pages, just as I do. Reporters are held to a different standard. In theory, they're supposed to be objective. In practice, this is impossible - even for those who try. We're all the product of our life experiences, values, cultures, perceptions and perspectives. And that inevitably leads to bias.
Most reporters personally favor like-minded liberals and Democrats in political campaigns, and it tends to come through in their reporting. Cheerleading for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign has taken this to a new level, surpassing the 1960 media love affair with JFK. This shameless favoritism has even been acknowledged and documented by the Pew Research Center and The Washington Post, both bastions of the liberal establishment.
I can't say I'm surprised, but the election is done and it's water over the dam. So why mention it? Here's why: Whatever remains of the journalism profession's rapidly diminishing credibility will be put to the test (after a decent-interval honeymoon) in its coverage of President Obama, especially by so-called "reporters." How will their negatively spun, ridiculing coverage of George W. Bush compare with their portrayal of Obama? Can they overcome their Obamaffection and appraise his performance with the Fourth Estate's self-professed detachment and skepticism?
Even more intriguing will be Obama's treatment at the hands of liberal commentators. Keith Olbermann, the overwrought, left-wing thrower of verbal bombs on MSNBC, has claimed that he is a speaker of "truth to power." What truths will he now speak to the all-powerful Obama and his fellow Democrats?
Chris Matthews - who gets a "thrill going up my leg" when Obama speaks - recently declared that his job as a journalist is to do everything he can to make the Obama presidency a success. Will his hardballs become softballs?
How about HBO's Bill Maher? Will he now stack his guest panels with angry conservatives, or will Obama be spared his smug irreverence? Then there's John Stewart and Stephen Colbert at Comedy Central. Will their sharp wit be directed at the new power brokers in Washington or are jokes only funny if they're at the expense of Republicans? And what will liberal editorial cartoonists like Ed Stein and Mike Keefe do to fill their frames now that they won't have George W. Bush to kick around every day? Obama has big ears, too.
Will our noble liberal media watchdogs be unleashed to protect the public interest or will they be lapdogs now that their party is in power? I can hardly wait to see.
Mike Rosen's radio show airs weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on 850 KOA. He can be reached by e-mail at mikerosen@850koa.com.
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November 21, 2008
6:01 a.m.
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taoistblockhead writes:
Rosen is so far out of touch with how much average Americans feel that they've been conned by "trickle-down" Republicans and Corporate Government, that it's not even funny. People are pissed off after living through eight years of blatant criminal behavior led by The Wrecking Crew in the current administration.
A Thanksgiving Message: Over the next two months we might be witness to the Idiot Boy Bush’s administration of Fools, Charlatans, and War Criminals bringing down the entire U.S. economy. Their PNAC-fueled delusional dreams of full spectrum dominance and empire began with the fear-mongering manipulation of the events of 9/11, leading to Bush’s illegal invasion of Iraq (and Afghanistan), followed by the ongoing illegal occupation of a sovereign nation.
The events of September 2001 and Bush’s blunders over the next seven years have been perfectly bookended with the events of September-December 2008, and the Financial Terrorism being practiced by the Wall Street and White House Con Artists.
Questions for Republicans – Aren’t you glad that you voted for Bush and let him steal the 2000 election from Gore, and how’s that working out for you?
Congratulations and no wonder the American People are continuing to vote your pathetic faux patriotism out of office…!
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to the Criminal Turkeys in the White House and on Wall Street – hope you choke on the stuffing.
Signed,
A Concerned and Pissed-Off American Citizen
November 21, 2008
7:20 a.m.
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Elwood writes:
Obviously pissed off. What will you do when there is no more President Bush to blame everything on? That's right, it'll be Bush's legacy then.
November 21, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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GK writes:
Rosen is doing his usual routine, and he's full of it as usual.
November 21, 2008
7:30 a.m.
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dencolo writes:
Rosen's tortured argument turns on such seasoned journalists as Bill Maher, Stephen Colbert, and Jon (Rosen spelled it wrong) Stewart. Comedians all. What a hack. I love how Rosen, when it suits him, distances himself from journalism, despite his many years as a columnist. What a hack.
November 21, 2008
7:46 a.m.
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Ike writes:
Of course we'll all kick around Obama; its just that now we won't be called unAmercian if we disagree with President Obama as we were during the Bush administration. No need really to kick Bush around, the history books will record his legacy of uncontrolled spending, record deficits, borrow from China and spend, tax cuts during a time of war, the largest increase in social program spending (Medicare Drug Bill) since Social Security, massive increase in number of government employees, refusing to adequately fund stem cell research, withdrawing funds for birth control from 3rd world countries, socializing our banking system, unfunded mandates, his "Mission Accomplished" speech and for just plain "bein' the Decider."
Don't worry, Elwood, we all have lists in a few months of what we don't like about Obama. All we as a Nation can hope is that it is not as long and egregious as the partial Bush list above.
November 21, 2008
8:20 a.m.
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SheikYurBooty writes:
There is no greater master of the "I'm a middle-of-the-road moderate" scam than Bill O'Reilly. Why not cite him Mike?????
As for mocking Obama on Comedy Central etc, that's gonna have to take a back seat as long as Sarah Palin is going around "pardoning" turkeys and then giving impromptu imterviews in front of "non-pardoned" turkeys being slaughtered. Obama will never come close to topping stuff like that.....
November 21, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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B1 writes:
Blockhead-why are you still pissed off? Your messiah won.
I think you have given an example of what your type will do for the next 4 years-channel your BDS into defending The Chosen One from even slight criticism.
Keep in mind, nearly 60 million "American People" voted for the other guy. Your media, your BDS, a well run campaign, and a weak Republican candidate won it for the Dems, but not everyone agrees with your guy.
I don't think R's were as smug and self-righteous after wins in 2000 and 2004 and I doubt they will blame The Chosen One for everything from the economy to hurricanes over the next four years.
November 21, 2008
9:01 a.m.
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Hank writes:
"Here's why: Whatever remains of the journalism profession's rapidly diminishing credibility will be put to the test (after a decent-interval honeymoon) in its coverage of President Obama, especially by so-called "reporters." How will their negatively spun, ridiculing coverage of George W. Bush compare with their portrayal of Obama?"
Sounds like Rosen thinks to be "fair and balanced" Obama should receive the same amount of criticism as Bush has. The obvious flaw in Rosen's thinking (or lack of) is that the level of criticism Obama receives should be *deserved*. Obama will have to work pretty hard to screw up as bad as Bush has and to earn the same amount of criticism that deserves. But then one can be as blind as Rosen and think that Republicans are perfect and any criticism towards them is unwarranted and therefore *must* be rooted in bias. That's not to say that Obama will not deserve criticism - that remains to be seen - but to declare he deserves it before he has even taken office is nothing short of a very skewed perception of reality.
November 21, 2008
9:31 a.m.
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hogarm writes:
Mike, you're no George Will.
November 21, 2008
10:21 a.m.
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SheikYurBooty writes:
BTW - here's that Palin interview. You CAN'T make this stuff up...
Another turkey bites the dust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-kjM1...
November 21, 2008
10:27 a.m.
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Ted_in_Vegas writes:
The next four years will be very interesting to see.
What happens when, if Obama keeps his promises, we get double-digit inflation and unemployment? Will people finally stop FEELING start thinking again? Will people finally stop looking to the federal government as though it is some type of god, which can solve their problems? Will we return to sanity?
BTW - Thanks, Ike, for pointing out that Bush was no conservative, at least as far as economics are concerned.
November 21, 2008
10:55 a.m.
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jay writes:
did rosen just write a whining, tinfoil rant about the "left wing" media's role in ousting the republicans from office?
wow.
just when you didn't think rosen could get any more irrelevant...he surpasses even his own dismal record.
"What happens when, if Obama keeps his promises, we get double-digit inflation and unemployment?"
ted can you give us a link to prove that obama promised to enact "double-digit inflation and unemployment" in the next 4 years?
"Will people finally stop FEELING start thinking again?"
this is a very ironic statement coming from someone who hold many, many positions based on "feelings". don't you think, ted?
November 21, 2008
11:21 a.m.
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DrKete writes:
From the common tone of the comments, I see that Mike is spot on with his criticism. It looks like people will continue their policies of not saying anything against their messiah. We will have no improvement in the political coverage in the average media. Congratulations- you have succeeded in electing an empty suit who looks as though the change he promised is just as empty. Looks like a return to the Clinton years so far. What kind of change is that? Why do you refuse to see the flaws in this new president? George Bush never crucified an ordinary citizen who simply asked him an embarrassing question, for example. And as for citing the 'comedians'- many people got their news from these idiots in the past election! They were making political commentary while hiding behind 'entertainment'. Many people couldn't tell the difference, which is partly why so many Democrats were elected.
November 21, 2008
11:37 a.m.
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JCRiggle writes:
Just when I thought Jay couldn't say "just when I thought Rosen couldn't get anymore irrelevant...", Jay says it again. Jay, I think you've painted yourself into an irrelevant corner.
November 21, 2008
11:44 a.m.
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P_Denver writes:
jay, my friend. I worry about you.
You need to stop reading Rosen. It's bad for your blood pressure.
You've said repeated (and repeatedly) that Rosen is irrelevant. If you don't like what he says or how he says it, it's an utter and absolute waste of your time reading him. You can't even logically claim that you're doing it to keep abreat of what the enemy is saying -- since he's irrelevant, anyway.
Play with the new baby. You'll enjoy life more.
Have a good Thanksgiving.
November 21, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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jay writes:
i must admit that i take a certain pleasure from shooting down rosen's columns and the following horde of footsoldiers each week.
it's nice to remind folks reading his articles and the resulting commentary that rosen is part of the problem and thus not part of solution.
i like to think i just make sure that folks remember to put rosen in the right bucket....along with rush, coulter, etc.
November 21, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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CL writes:
Seems fair enough to ask if the more liberal commentators will treat Obama the same way they treated Bush. However, the very same question could be asked of the more conservative commentators - oddly though (OK, not really) Rosen doesn't go there.
November 21, 2008
2:48 p.m.
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tbizzy writes:
Anyone who doubts that the ObaMedia is in the tank for their savior, just do an online search for "Obama Landslide".
While Obama won handily, it was hardly a landslide. Go look at 1988, 1984, or 1980 to see what a landslide is.
It is good that Obama's change will continue by bringing back the good ol' boys and a Clinton in the White House.
November 21, 2008
2:52 p.m.
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jay writes:
you know, cl, i will be just as disappointed as rosen in our national media if they give obama the same pass they gave george for YEARS during stretches of horrible policy making.
November 21, 2008
4:08 p.m.
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LMRuane writes:
Mike Rosen must not watch Jon Stewart much. Stewart is light-years from someone like Olbermann. He really does make fun of liberals and Democrats, as well as Republicans. He does generally lean to the left, but also very often leans libertarian.
I keep waiting for Mike Rosen to write a column on the bailouts. Isn't that a FAR more important topic than this, given that it involves trillions of dollars? I'm guessing he can't justify in writing the support he's given on his radio show. Hard to call yourself a free market supporter if you're for the bailouts. After observing Mike Rosen for many years, it's clear that he's a statist through and through, the only difference being that he's for EFFICIENT statism.
November 21, 2008
6:59 p.m.
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ILoveChipotle writes:
Mike forgot to mention that NBC is selling a celebration DVD of the Obama campaign, I don't recall them puting together a DVD for President Bush?
jay jay jay... tinfoil? strawmen? You need to turn the page of the word of the day calendar.
Can you post a link showing where Obama promised double digit inflation? Ha!! Your always good for a laugh jay.
Obama will just be Jimmy Carter part deux. It won't be long before we have double digit inflation, gas shortages, record unemployment, through the roof taxes.
November 21, 2008
8:41 p.m.
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daRock writes:
It amazes me how early the Rosen bashers get up on Fridays just to read his column and rush to be the first to post on-line about it.
November 22, 2008
8:38 a.m.
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tbizzy writes:
I love how Rosen is completely open and honest that he is a conservative. You will NEVER get anyone as blatantly liberal as Jon Steward, Keith Olberman, or Chris Matthews to even hint that they are slightly Democratic in their beliefs, while they are on the far left of the spectrum.
November 22, 2008
11:19 a.m.
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Brain writes:
I hope that our new president does well so the media doesn't have to critcize him; I'm not confident that either will happen but it will be interesting to watch.
November 22, 2008
2:19 p.m.
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TimeLord writes:
Rosen loves to pat himself on the back and talk about how perfectly positioned he is in the "right" position of honest thinking. Too bad he's not actually bright enough to write an interesting column now and then.
November 23, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Bunch of whiners...... Rosen's right, will the critics of Bush be critical of Obama, or will they be Obama's lap dogs? Will Pelosi's efforts to overly enforce the Fairness Doctrine backfire? Imagine Olbermann, Maher, Colbert, Stewart, Matthews, etc. having to treat Republicans the same as they do Democrats, or the media who would have to treat each the same. It works both ways. I read something about Rosen being out of touch because America has spoken...... but that's not true. A good portion of America didn't vote for Obama.
November 23, 2008
3 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
jay, define what "the problem" is. Do you think the country should work together now that Obama is President but it was okay to be divisive when Bush was President? What is your definition of "the solution?" Me, I think you're clueless. I'm not alone in that thought. But I'll let you work your way out of it. Come on Obama footsoldier, give it a try.
November 23, 2008
3:03 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
LMRuane, nearly every Democrat voted for the bailout, but Republicans were split. The majority of the country got what they wanted....... bailout included.
November 24, 2008
6:33 a.m.
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Eli writes:
"i must admit that i take a certain pleasure from shooting down rosen's columns and the following horde of footsoldiers each week."
Read: I must admit I take a certain pleasure from trolling on these threads, doing my best to avoid any kind of actual debate, and subsequently patting myself on the back telling myself what a good job I did.
November 24, 2008
8:35 a.m.
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asa_watcher writes:
Rosen writes:
"How about HBO's Bill Maher? Will he now stack his guest panels with angry conservatives, or will Obama be spared his smug irreverence?"
Since Bush has not gone after Al Qaeda, or OBL, and we get attacked again after Obama takes office, and, in response, Obama attacks Uzbekistan, I'll bet that the liberals might criticize Obama..duh.
It isn't liberal bias or "irreverence" to criticize bad decisions or distructive policies.
November 24, 2008
10:20 a.m.
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jay writes:
"define what "the problem" is"
there is no excuse for being this misinformed this late in a republican administration, folks.
have you not been paying attention, cwilly?
seen the numbers lately?
eli, don't project your inadequacies to me my little Pouting Troll.
November 24, 2008
3:36 p.m.
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teblackman writes:
The MSM was very upset that their last candidate, Senator Kerry, did not beat Bush that they had to go even further in their support of Obama. There is no way that they are going to ridicule him on a daily basis as they do Bush. They are going to do everything they can to give him the benefit of the doubt. Everything is going to be Bush's fault for the next 2 years or so. If Obama enacts everything he has promised, then our economy is going to be shot for awhile. The question is not whether they are going to blame Obama and the Democrats, the question is who will get the blame. We have already seen a taste of it with the stock market. The large drop since the election has not been blamed on Obama's proposed policies but on economic factors until the surge last week. That credit for the uptick was given to Obama's wonderful choice of a Treasury Secretary. Funny, no blaming Obama but he sure get's the credit.
Some of the arguments against Bush are quite entertaining. First, Bush is a Republican but he is not 100% conservative. His drug prescription program was not a conservative policy. We conservatives are allowed to disagree with Bush. Just because we vote for the lessor of 2 evils doesn't mean we agree with every decision he makes.
"No need really to kick Bush around, the history books will record his legacy of uncontrolled spending, record deficits, borrow from China and spend, tax cuts during a time of war, the largest increase in social program spending (Medicare Drug Bill) since Social Security, massive increase in number of government employees, refusing to adequately fund stem cell research, withdrawing funds for birth control from 3rd world countries, socializing our banking system, unfunded mandates, his "Mission Accomplished" speech and for just plain "bein' the Decider.""
Let's look at these issues:
"uncontrolled spending"/"record deficits"-controlled by congress, the president can sign or veto and the Democrats have controlled both houses for the past 2 years.
"borrow from China and spend"-if you want a law barring China from buying treasuries, then look at congress
"tax cuts during a time of war"-Again, congress.
"the largest increase in social program spending (Medicare Drug Bill) since Social Security"-I agree
"massive increase in number of government employees"-Congress
"refusing to adequately fund stem cell research"-Congress but I agree with not funding stem cell research
"withdrawing funds for birth control from 3rd world countries"-Yea, big deal
"socializing our banking system"-I agree but congress is going along with it
"unfunded mandates"-Congress
"Mission Accomplished" speech and for just plain "bein' the Decider"-I don't quite have your point.
So much for the Bush criticisms.
November 24, 2008
6:36 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
jay, you're an idiot. Plain and simple, YOU ARE Forrest Gump. You can't even answer a question to give YOUR definition of what the problem is........ not anyone else's, just yours. Do you even have a clue as to what YOU think the problem is, or do you just follow along with what others tell you to believe. So, would you like to try again? Or is it as I and others believe........ YOU ARE CLUELESS? Again, I'll give you the chance to actually talk your way out of coming across as stupid. Prove us wrong. Quit standing behind the Wizard of Oz characters you idolize!
November 24, 2008
6:47 p.m.
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Eli writes:
"eli, don't project your inadequacies to me my little Pouting Troll"
...um...okay.....are you saying you don't avoid honest debate? That you don't troll on these threads? Seriously? Come on, jay. You troll on nearly every column Rosen writes by simply calling the man irrelevant rather than offering any kind of counter point.
November 25, 2008
11:37 a.m.
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jay writes:
of course i dont avoid honest debate, Pouting Troll. you know what else i don't do? The Willful Ignorance Dance. i don't do that either. nor do i pout.
i'm not sure what your point is. if you're confused about the points i've made under rosen's columns, please see the archives, eli.
don't you have someone else to cyber stalk?
November 25, 2008
11:39 p.m.
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Eli writes:
"of course i dont avoid honest debate, Pouting Troll."
Oh, you certainly do, jay. Take this gem of a strawman, for example:
"ted can you give us a link to prove that obama promised to enact "double-digit inflation and unemployment" in the next 4 years?"
Ted's statement was obviously a prediction that Obama's policies will result in double-digit inflation and unemployment, not a statement that Obama has actually promised as much. You deliberately twisted the statement because you are too cowardly to honestly debate any topic.
Your weekly usual "just when I think Rosen couldn't get any more irrelevant" serves no purpose other than trolling. You are not here to contribute to debates, you're just here to be annoying.
"don't you have someone else to cyber stalk?"
Don't you have a kid to raise now? Shouldn't you be doing that rather than trolling?
November 26, 2008
10:41 a.m.
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jay writes:
nice try, eli.
is that all you can come up with? more pouting because you can't keep up intellectually?
even you can't defend ted's ignorant statement that "if Obama keeps his promises, we get double-digit inflation and unemployment".
maybe you can answer the question my little Pouting Troll.
which "promises" of obama's are going to bring us "double digit inflation and unemployment"?
November 26, 2008
11:21 a.m.
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Eli writes:
"even you can't defend ted's ignorant statement that "if Obama keeps his promises, we get double-digit inflation and unemployment".
Nor was I trying to. The point was that you deliberately twisted what was said, as you so often do. No surprises there, just thought I'd point out your strawman for you as it's a fine demonstration of your trolling and inability to have an honest debate.
"which "promises" of obama's are going to bring us "double digit inflation and unemployment"?"
I find "double digits" to be unlikely, but that is beside the point. The point is that you twisted what was obviously a prediction of the results of Obama's policies into a claim that Obama has actually "promised" those results, an absolutely idiotic thing to do for someone who claims to be intelligent.
November 26, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Wow eli....... you're pounding a good point home to jay and he doesn't get it. I think the reason jay twists things around is in a desperate attempt to confuse people. jay, you can't even answer my question to you about what YOUR definition is of what you term "the current problem."
eli, I'll give you credit for trying to help the handicapped.
November 28, 2008
8:07 p.m.
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jay writes:
come back and see us when you can actually make and defend a cogent point, eli.
wouldn't it be nice if you could keep up intellectually and actually play the game instead of just pouting from the sidelines?