The Commentators: more 'common' than 'tators'

Two radio shows lately have pointed up what we've been saying about KVI's The Commentators (m-f, 9a-12p), the debate show that pits Republican talker and activist John Carlson against KOMOTV's bomb-tossing commentator, Ken Schram.

The shows: David Goldstein's Tuesday appearance on Dori Monson, and today's 'Tators when state Democratic chair, Dwight Pelz, filled in for Schram.

We've always complained that too much of the time Schram & Carlson don't disagree enough to hold our attention. So half the time, they sound like Grandma Pittypoo and your Aunt Tudie bitching about "kids these days."

(It's only slightly scrappier and the debate a teensie more diverse than the Journalists in Cardigans Hour (Fridays,10-11a) on KUOW's Weekday with Steve Scher. They've had on at least once, conservative Eric Earrling; but otherwise they've eschewed the right- leaving it to the ho-hum, and highly predictable beardstroking by Danny Westneat, Knute Berger, and Susan Paynter).   

Too often, Schram & Carlson sound like a couple of fogies, tut-tutting about the younger generation, the political correctness, or a half a million other issues they see eye-to-ey eon.

(Carlson, 46, has no generational excuse- he's just true to his prudish, and repressed conservative worldview. Schram, for all his libertarian hollering, actually is a fogey (he turns 60 in December).

People love to hate Schram, we hate to love him, but we always have- as you can tell from this drooling, yet brilliant BlatherWatch puff piece. But the Schramekin's libertarianism is too often in juxtaposition to Carlson's- liberal guests get beaten up by both of them

Frinstance: Sen. Eric Oemig, who has the Bush impeachment resolution before the state senate was kicked around the studio by both hosts; and because of the listener demographics; and the unpopularity of his convicted stand- he really was trashed when the listeners came to call.

Pelz kicked ass today, carrying a party line, a liberal line and the gift of gab, and sense of humor he's known for.

We're not saying get rid of the Schram-i-Can- his obnoxious schtick is great radio and his is a bigger name than John's- but it'd be great if the debate weren't the canned, congenial, disagree-to-disagreements that send our fingers flying cost the buttons to Thom Hartmann or Dave Ross.

We just wish classic liberal views were argued. Positions such as, government does have answers and can provide solutions; that peace-mongering is preferable to warmongering, and many, many more.

John Carlson argues well the classic conservative stance- but he's being countered by Schram, a populist, libertarian, not a liberal.

We don't think it's as gooda radio as it could be and Dwight Pelz proved that today.

(Liberalism is resounding again as the nation picks up the pieces after 20 years of conservative neglect of governance. (how the fuck can they govern if they don't believe in government???) 

We'd rather have a prostate biopsy than have to listen to Dori Monson (KIRO m-f, 1-4p), but we tuned in Tuesday to hear our liberal brother, David Goldstein argue against Republican mouthpiece Ann Coulter's latest excesses, and were delighted to hear a fierce debate between two equals on truly opposite sides.

(Before you even start- we didn't mean that Dori and Goldy are broadcasting equals. We meant they're debating equals. Monson is way more experienced at broadcasting than Goldy and runs a tight, well-produced show, which, nonetheless, we despise).

We can say for a fact that such right-wing/left-wing point counter points would bring listeners. These shows had more zip and verve, and zest, and vim, than we're getting these days in radio.

We for one would love to see Goldstein or Pelz do more guest sets on these shows- and hurry before everyone turns off their radios and turns on podcasts from Air America or The Washington Times.

Comments

[Duffenais]

I totally agree. Let's have more shows that truly 'debate' and not just try to entertain. Debates do point out significant points...so why won't Edwards join the Colorado debate...Oh because of FOX...so he picks and chooses...well he's chosen to be a loser...yet again!

[sparky]

The Faux debate was to be held in Las Vegas, not Colorado.

March 9, 2007
Marty Ryan
Executive Producer
Fox News Political Programs
400 N Capitol Street NW, Suite 550
Washington DC 20001
DELIVERED VIA FAX AND EMAIL
Dear Marty,
A month ago, the Nevada Democratic Party entered into a good faith agreement with FOX News to co-sponsor a presidential debate in August. This was done because the Nevada Democratic Party is reaching out to new voters and we strongly believe that a Democrat will not win Nevada unless we find new ways to talk to new people.
To say the least, this was not a popular decision. But it is one that the Democratic Party stood by. However, comments made last night by FOX News President Roger Ailes in reference to one of our presidential candidates went too far. We cannot, as good Democrats, put our party in a position to defend such comments.
In light of his comments, we have concluded that it is not possible to hold a Presidential debate that will focus on our candidates and are therefore canceling our August debate. We take no pleasure in this, but it is the only course of action.
Sincerely,
Tom Collins
Chairman, Nevada State Democratic Party
Harry Reid
U.S. Senator (D-NV)

[sparky]

A big "thank you", btw, to Roger Ailes, who probably sealed the fate of his debate last night by trashing Obama as a terrorist, making a bad joke about Bill's infidelities to Hillary, and threatened Edwards for dropping out. This decision may not have been made today without Ailes showing his (and by extension, his network's) true colors.

The Fox News cabal will open up about how "afraid" Democrats were to be part of this. Just remember, it was Fox News that was afraid to co-host this event with Air America. They didn't want to be paired off with a progressive operation because it would ruin the point of the debate for them -- to present themselves as an unbiased and credible news operation.
Had FNC agreed to share the stage with Air America, this debate would've likely survived.
Aside from that, expect some serious concern trolling from conservatives who, really, only wanted to give Democrats an opportunity to speak to their large audience! Because, you see, they're all about helping Democrats, right?

[Duffmanq]

So you just assume I support FOX...I don't believe I've ever watched a show on that channel, except possibly American Idol (if that indeed is on Fox).
Love the way you JUMP to conclusions...sort of the Scott Ritter approach to life. Keep it up and you'll grow up one day.

[coiler]

Except Scott Ritter was correct, like Joe Wilson.

[Duffman]

Again, I will say Scott Ritter was right in certain details but DEAD wrong in his conclusions. If you want to stand by him go for it; but one day you WILL realize differently. (..and that's discounting his troubles with the law...read and awaken)...or continue to drink his Kool-Aid.
The bottom line is not in yet on Mr Wilson...we'll see. Do you want to stand by him...do you feel secure...Good Luck.

[sparky]

I didnt say you watched Fox news,,I said the debate was in Las Vegas, not Colorado. But since you are apparently looking for a sparring partner, feel free to keep throwing out what you seem to believe are "insults"..there are plenty of people who will take you on...but Im not one of them.

[Duffman]

You never are...seems you'all need Mercy Furious to do your bidding, what's new. Thank you for correcting me on the Colorado/Nevada venue, I stand corrected. No insults intended just find it interesting that you consider it 'taking me on'...as if I care. Like the lady said ya'all need to get a life!

[spambutcher]

I think the commentators do fine.

It's not armed combat - but there's a lot more engaging discussion of stuff than say on Dave Ross's show.

If their views aren't 180 degrees from each other - are they supposed to fake it?

I like Schram - but he isn't a libertarian. Fortunately he's not a total nanny-state liberal either.

[cowpotpi3]

Duff, can you really blame the Democrats for not wanting to support Fox (since they will literally make money off of the debates)? That network is clearly the most biased and partisan gang on the airwaves. Did you see Ailes' comments? Did you get a chance to see their VP of News telling his on-air folks how to spin news via memos? That place is a joke. Would you mind if the Republicans boycotted Air America?

As to your comments about Ritter/Wilson...well we know there were no WMD so it is all semantics with respect to Ritter (who I believe said we would not find them). However, are you aware that Wilson (although clearly a partisan glory hound) was proven right about Niger? It doesn't even MATTER if he was right or not. The investigation was stalled by lying at the White House and a man was convicted by a jury of his peers for doing so.

Now we get to see the right call for a pardon and Fox spin the crap out of it. Recall Bill Clinton getting convicted for EXACTLY the same charges of lying to the FBI and Obstruction of Justice. What did the right say about him? This is a black and white case of hypocrisy from the right.

[sparky]

Drudge is already beating that drum, cowPotpi...the headline starts out: "WAR: Dems pull out of FoxNews debate....
We can always count on Drudge...

[Pugetsound]

Cow
Could you do me a favor and show me the story your referencing:
"Did you get a chance to see their VP of News telling his on-air folks how to spin news via memos? "

Gracias

[Pugetsound]

"Drudge is already beating that drum, cowPotpi...the headline starts out: "WAR: Dems pull out of FoxNews debate....
We can always count on Drudge..."

Snarky

I didn't realize you were such a faithful reader of Drudge there Snarky. :)
Usually you put some bs preamble of turning up and down the dial before commenting in great detail about Dori's show. What happened, your browser get hijacked and forced to go to Drudge?

[cowpotpi3]

PS, for copies of the memos try here:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200407140002

Basically, John Moody, the VP of the news department at Fox gave his people suggestions about how to spin the Democratic victory in the last congressional election saying idiotic things like "it's not the end of the world" and "see if you can find stories of Iraqi Insurgents cheering the Democratic victory." Now if that isn't pathetic propaganda pandering I don't know what is. In fact, one of Fox's talking heads, Martha MacCallum, went on air and stated that there were "reports of insurgents dancing in the streets" at the Dem victory...although she cited no source or backed up the statement in any way.

There has been a bunch out there about the internal memos.

[joanie]

Of course, I don't listen to KVI mostly because they are on the right . . . but I also think they sound like they are broadcasting from a cave.

[joanie]

Of course, I don't listen to KVI mostly because they are on the right . . . but I also think they sound like they are broadcasting from a cave.

[Duffenais]

aren't you on the right?...Oh no, sorry...you're always right; darn I get those two mixed up...

[joanie]

Duff . . . how many aliases are you going to use? Or are you just feeling fickly these days?

BTW, about me being always right . . . you know it. Thanks, Duff.

[Duffman]

"Duff . . . how many aliases are you going to use"

Excuse me? where's that coming from? No ma'am, don't use aliases, don't speak as 'we' or 'us', try not to use bad words and don't lie or deceive...believe it or not.

[joanie]

Do who is pretending to be you . . . Steve? Puts? Two good candidates, wouldn't ya say? Esp. the way they talk . . . sort of lower class, I mean.

[Pugetsound]

"Do who is pretending to be you . . . Steve? Puts? Two good candidates, wouldn't ya say? Esp. the way they talk . . . sort of lower class, I mean."

Nice try there Voltaire. Still working on those Poll Tax Issues?
Why do you find it so hard to believe that there are people that disagree with you?
I'm not sure you can post under the name of another? Besides Blam always bust people who engage in such activities.

Duffman, which postings have been posted under your name that weren't yours?

[Pugetsound]

Cow
Thanks for the headsup. I haven't seen the movie version that is out there. After reading your link I also wanted to see what others had said about it when it first came out. The Washington Post printed an interesting Article about it

I guess it proves the old adage, read everything and trust half.

[Pugetsound]

Duffman
Is this the post that is being referenced as the one posted by someone posing as you?
"aren't you on the right?...Oh no, sorry...you're always right; darn I get those two mixed up...

Posted by: Duffenais | March 10, 2007 at 04:01 PM"

[Duffman]

Yes, I posted that; haven't read ALL of the posts but I haven't specifically noticed any in my name that I haven't authored?

[Pugetsound]

Duff
Kind of what I thought. I suspect the empty pajamas (to borrow a great phrase from Cow or Merci) behind that charge was throwing bs out to the board.

So lets ask Ph(J)oanie to put up or shut up. She says others are posting under your name.

C'mon Ph(J)oanie, where's the beef?

[Duffman]

"aren't you on the right?...Oh no, sorry...you're always right; darn I get those two mixed up..."

And, the reason I said that can best be summed up by Maya Angelou when she said:

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

-Duff

[Pugetsound]

Duff
If you haven't read it, try Ms. Angelou's novel -largely based on her life- called Why the Caged Bird Sings.

[shoreke]

Erin Hart vs John Carlson
Mike Siegel vs Dori Monson

What a delightful bitch-fest that would be every day.