Insane...completely insane. I bet Hugo Chavez is smiling and John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are rolling over in his grave

http://www.drudgereport.com/flashaot.htm

Quote :

"ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE Tue Jun 16 2009 08:45:10 ET On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm! Highlights on the agenda: ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House. The network plans a primetime special -- 'Prescription for America' -- originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate. MORE Late Monday night, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Ken McKay fired off a complaint to the head of ABCNEWS: Dear Mr. Westin: As the national debate on health care reform intensifies, I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC's astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009. Next Wednesday, ABC News will air a primetime health care reform “town hall” at the White House with President Barack Obama. In addition, according to an ABC News report, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, WORLD NEWS, NIGHTLINE and ABC’s web news “will all feature special programming on the president’s health care agenda.” This does not include the promotion, over the next 9 days, the president’s health care agenda will receive on ABC News programming. Today, the Republican National Committee requested an opportunity to add our Party's views to those of the President's to ensure that all sides of the health care reform debate are presented. Our request was rejected. I believe that the President should have the ability to speak directly to the America people. However, I find it outrageous that ABC would prohibit our Party's opposing thoughts and ideas from this national debate, which affects millions of ABC viewers. In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime. The President has stated time and time again that he wants a bipartisan debate. Therefore, the Republican Party should be included in this primetime event, or the DNC should pay for your airtime. Respectfully, Ken McKay Republican National Committee Chief of Staff MORE ABCNEWS Senior Vice President Kerry Smith on Tuesday responded to the RNC complaint, saying it contained 'false premises': "ABCNEWS prides itself on covering all sides of important issues and asking direct questions of all newsmakers -- of all political persuasions -- even when others have taken a more partisan approach and even in the face of criticism from extremes on both ends of the political spectrum. ABCNEWS is looking for the most thoughtful and diverse voices on this issue. "ABCNEWS alone will select those who will be in the audience asking questions of the president. Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control. To suggest otherwise is quite unfair to both our journalists and our audience." Developing..."

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/16/abc-news-teams-obama-white-house-present-presidents-health-care-plan/

Quote :

" ABC News Teams Up With Obama White House to Present President's Health Care Plan ABC News will host an hour-long special on health care reform in the U.S. next Wednesday from the White House East Room -- a move that ABC is defending but critics are calling a surrender to the Obama administration's effort to control the debate. FOXNews.com Tuesday, June 16, 2009 ABC News will host an hour-long special on health care reform in the U.S. next Wednesday from the White House East Room -- a move that ABC is defending but critics are calling a surrender to the Obama administration's effort to control the debate. The prime time special -- called "Questions for the President: Prescription for America" by ABC News -- will be a nationally televised event during which President Obama will answer questions presented by audience members selected by ABC News. Participants will present a broad range of "divergent opinions in this historic debate," according to the press release announcing the event. Viewers will also be able to submit questions via ABCNews.com. But critics of Obama's health care reform are asking that they be allowed to voice their side of the national debate. "In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this prime time infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime," Ken McKay, Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee, wrote in a letter to ABC News President David Westin. "The president has stated time and time again that he wants a bipartisan debate. Therefore, the Republican Party should be included in this prime time event," McKay wrote. ABC News Senior Vice President Kerry Smith returned volley to McKay in her own letter released Tuesday. She said any viewer who watches will be sure to find the network's coverage is "informative, fair and civil." "Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control. To suggest otherwise is quite unfair to both our journalists and our audience," Smith wrote. Rich Noyes, research director at the Media Research Center, said the amount of time being dedicated exclusively to Obama's platform presents a problem for those claiming fairness. "Will the opponents of President Obama's health care plan get an equal shot at the debate on the airwaves? This is an awful lot of time that ABC is giving over to one side of the debate," Noyes said. "This is an issue of such importance, the public really requires a balanced debate." But Jane Hall, a journalism professor at American University and FOX News contributor, said the special isn't removing opposing voices from the debate. "This is not unprecedented. Every president has tried to use the bully pulpit to spread their message. I hope President Obama does have a range of questions, ranging from people who want a single-payer system to those who want the government to do less." She added that it's in ABC News' interest to present a range of opinions. "ABC News is going to have a balanced program, they do not want to be criticized, they don't want to look like they're simply cheerleading for the president and his plan.""

6/16/2009 2:45:19 PM

Hi, kdawg(c). I believe this is being covered in another thread.

I think it's kind of cute how super alarmist you are.

6/16/2009 2:46:53 PM

because the obama administration somehow is controlling ABC. i see.

6/16/2009 2:47:08 PM

6/16/2009 3:11:12 PM

message_topic.aspx?topic=527139&page=6#12996510

i've got the drudge sirens and everything

6/16/2009 3:13:39 PM

The republicans have already had the mic long enough and done enough damage. Why the hell would anyone give it right back to them? That's insane.

*note: I am neither democrat or republican or affiliated with any party. I'm just stating fact.

6/16/2009 3:18:10 PM

I like how pre-war, whatever administration is gearing up for violence can dominate the media unopposed and imperialist shit-heads like kdawg smile and soak it up.

But if we're just spending our money on BULLSHIT like healthcare then, god damn it, keep that shit off of my TV.

[Edited on June 16, 2009 at 3:23 PM. Reason : .]

6/16/2009 3:23:27 PM

I'll be worried when they start directly reporting Whitehouse releases as news, ala Fox News.

Not to mention that it's a bit presumptuous of the RNC to pretend they are experts on healthcare reform issues. I fully expect ABC News to be consulting with actual experts in the field, and not just RNC naysayers, on the nuances of healthcare reform. We'll see if this happens.

But, the damage from the RNC complaints have been done. People are going to read the headlines, and just assume ABC News is going to be an Obama mouthpiece, rather than seeing the allegations for the bullshit that they are.

6/16/2009 3:30:56 PM

Quote :

"But Jane Hall, a journalism professor at American University and FOX News contributor, said the special isn't removing opposing voices from the debate. "This is not unprecedented. Every president has tried to use the bully pulpit to spread their message. I hope President Obama does have a range of questions, ranging from people who want a single-payer system to those who want the government to do less.""

If the questions are balanced and answered fully, then I think this is fine. Far better than having sensational mud-slinging advertisements like "Republicans voted against life-saving heath-care for innocent children. Obama wants to help sick children, not murder them".

That's not to say I'm pro-government health-care plan.

6/16/2009 3:34:34 PM

Sounds like ABC could use a little bit of the Fairness Doctrine.

6/16/2009 3:48:10 PM

I thought it was just ABC's new "reality" show pilot. See how high they can stack bullshit and make people believe it. Should be entertaining.

Im sure we will hear the best reason EVER. "can we afford NOT to?" LOL

6/16/2009 4:36:15 PM

6/16/2009 4:54:38 PM

The problem here is a question of power. Is ABC going to get more lenient FCC treatment because of this? If not, then how?

As such, I am perfectly fine with this, as long as Obama dismantles the FCC into nothing more than a trespass enforcement agency.

6/16/2009 5:12:48 PM

is it much more than that in regards to television anyway? i mean i know that there are threats of fines and whatnot for objectionable content. but how often has that ever happened? i'm no expert on this. but i was under the impression that fines rarely come to fruition. hell even the janet jackson thing got dismissed.

6/16/2009 5:14:48 PM

Well, that is similar to saying that fines and penalties against tax evasion must not be having a large impact because people are rarely slapped with them.

But it is not only censorship that we are talking about. There is question of how easy it is for ABC affiliates to get what they need from the FCC, such as quickly response to allegations of wrongly interference on behalf of ABC affiliates or instances where two TV stations are in dispute about unforseen interference and now the NBC station must switch frequencies instead of the ABC station. etc.

6/16/2009 5:34:02 PM

1) waaaaaaaaaah, ABC will get exclusive coverage... waaaaaa

2)

Quote :

"Participants will present a broad range of "divergent opinions in this historic debate," according to the press release announcing the event."

Just like the "divergent opinions" in the YouTube debate, right?

I see nothing wrong with ABC hosting their shit from inside the white house. I do think it is hypocritical of Obama, though, not to allow the other side to attend or speak.

Quote :

"Not to mention that it's a bit presumptuous of the RNC to pretend they are experts on healthcare reform issues."

Don't you think it's equally presumptuous of the Obama admin to hold that same view?

6/16/2009 5:41:10 PM

except that the main motivation against evading your taxes is being penalized.

the much larger motivation for showing objectionable content on network tv is losing sponsorship.

6/16/2009 5:41:47 PM

Quote :

"the much larger motivation for showing objectionable content on network tv is losing sponsorship."

I disagree. Comedy Central had no trouble selling out its ad space during the southpark episode where the word "Shit" was pronounced a couple hundred times.

6/16/2009 5:47:21 PM

"network TV"

6/16/2009 6:09:09 PM

i expected something like this from MSNBC, but not ABC

6/16/2009 6:21:21 PM

Quote :

"I disagree. Comedy Central had no trouble selling out its ad space during the southpark episode where the word "Shit" was pronounced a couple hundred times."

Even during the episode with hardcore, live action, man on man buttfuckin'.

O WAIT.

They would never do that.

They'd lose their sponsors.

6/16/2009 6:48:44 PM

I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!

6/16/2009 6:50:16 PM

I agree that this is wrong but the Republicans during the Bush administration were known to use executive orders to prevent the news from highlighting certain aspects of the war in Iraq

6/16/2009 8:28:51 PM

See, if this were on every news channel we'd get to call it something cooler like "Health of the Union" or a "Presidential Address"

But since it's just on ABC, there's an uproar.

6/16/2009 9:03:56 PM

i don't know about y'all, but i just want to see this footage of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson rolling around in Hugo Chavez' grave

6/16/2009 9:30:47 PM

Except it isn't an address to the nation. It's a prime time "special" so Obama can sell his ideas. Usually, when the president gives an address to the nation, there is a rebuttal from the faction not in power. I can imagine the uproar if FOX (the broadcast channel) had done this with Bush.

There should be a seperation. This crosses the line. The line is crossed when ABC is facilitating spreading Obama's message, instead of just showing/reporting it.

6/16/2009 9:30:56 PM

When Fox News has a live interview with Dick Cheney or Sarah Palin they are just being "Fair and Balanced".

When ABC has a live interview from the white house they are being liberal media socialist conspirators.

6/16/2009 9:35:10 PM

no better than iran!

6/16/2009 9:37:29 PM

^^ there is something massively different between a live interview and a fucking hour-long primetime special

6/16/2009 9:40:22 PM

Is Obama going to sell advertising time during his TV special?

6/16/2009 10:26:10 PM

I think Obama is the ad time

6/16/2009 10:36:23 PM

Quote :

"^^ there is something massively different between a live interview and a fucking hour-long primetime special"

fox news was also taking white house copy and reporting it as news

6/16/2009 10:40:09 PM

and?

6/16/2009 10:51:12 PM

^^ Are you suggesting two wrongs make a right?

6/16/2009 11:12:22 PM

^^^ According to? Do you mean Scott "I'm s-s-s-sorry, Mr. O'Reilly" McClellan?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwj7xG1k_Ek

In any event, way to move the subject off ABC. Nice misdirection.

6/17/2009 12:32:49 AM

Quote :

"fox news was also taking white house copy and reporting it as news "

Given the amount of respect (or lack there of) that fox news gets, one would hope that ABC is not aspiring to become another fox news. Of course, that assumes that you hold out hope that any of the major networks are trying to report news instead of sell entertainment.

6/17/2009 7:52:41 AM

Quote :

"There should be a seperation. This crosses the line. The line is crossed when ABC is facilitating spreading Obama's message, instead of just showing/reporting it."

6/17/2009 8:24:43 AM

Quote :

"Of course, that assumes that you hold out hope that any of the major networks are trying to report news instead of sell entertainment."

GAHAHAHA

6/17/2009 8:25:36 AM

Quote :

"there is something massively different between a live interview and a fucking hour-long primetime special"

You have no idea what the scope or content of the special is. Or do you take the RNC spokesman's word as gospel? Does it not cross your mind that he may not be entirely genuine?

6/17/2009 1:52:26 PM

Quote :

"^^ Are you suggesting two wrongs make a right?"

at least its more transparent

6/17/2009 9:30:31 PM

Quote :

"Except it isn't an address to the nation. It's a prime time "special" so Obama can sell his ideas. "

I'd rather he take over one network for a couple hours doing a special than be on every fucking network for a presidential address. That shit is annoying.

6/18/2009 1:07:56 AM

All ideological BS aside, are some of you really okay with this?

ABC quiets Obama opposition

Quote :

"ABC network has denied the Republican National Committee the opportunity to advertise during the White House's presentation on health care reform."

http://tinyurl.com/m2st2n

The lack of opposing viewpoints in the broadcasts was one thing, but ABC is now refusing to accept advertising dollars. This is rather astonishing.

And I would caution some on the left to remember that payback is a motherfucker.

6/18/2009 3:04:39 PM

^^^ Is it really more transparent? And does that even matter? Both of them are terrible things to do.

6/18/2009 7:16:37 PM

6/18/2009 8:07:27 PM

Quote :

"Does it not cross your mind that he may not be entirely genuine?"

I'd ask that same question about Obama.

6/18/2009 9:01:49 PM

Quote :

"MICKEY MOUSE OPERATION"

6/18/2009 9:14:38 PM

Anyway to sneak John Stossel into the show?

At least then it would be a bit interesting.

6/19/2009 12:28:17 AM

Quote :

"ABC network has denied the Republican National Committee the opportunity to advertise during the White House's presentation on health care reform."

I fucking hate the GOP, but this should set off alarm bells for EVERYBODY -- THIS IS SOME FUCKED UP SHIT, RIGHT HERE.

Quote :

"BUY GUNS NOW"

[Edited on June 19, 2009 at 12:45 AM. Reason : ]

6/19/2009 12:44:46 AM

So you're telling me a private organization is allowed to refuse advertisers time on their network?

I understand that this is a sticky situation, but as an organization they're not required to sell advertisement time to anyone.

6/19/2009 9:32:34 AM

^ Last I heard from Obama, the economy was down. Why would ABC refuse advertising dollars--especially since there have been several special requests to include opposing viewpoints?

6/19/2009 9:41:59 AM