NewsMax succeeded against all odds this month in finding a way to actually lower the standard of American politics even further with an invitation to Donald Trump (reality television star and professional uber-egotist) to moderate the next presidential debate. Not surprisingly, only two candidates immediately declined on the grounds that the presidential office demands a modicum of dignity: Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman. These two men continue to try to bring some level of principle to the debate and have been rewarded by being continually marginalized by the media. Newt Gingrich just accepted the invitation.
Paul spokesman left little question about how they view NewsMax’s effort to add a Circus theme to the presidential campaign:
“The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office’s history and dignity. Mr. Trump’s participation as moderator will distract from questions and answers concerning important issues such as the national economy, crushing federal government debt, the role of the federal government, foreign policy, and the like. To be sure, Mr. Trump’s participation will contribute to an unwanted circus-like atmosphere.
Mr. Trump’s selection is also wildly inappropriate because of his record of toying with the serious decision of whether to compete for our nation’s highest office, a decision he appeared to make frivolously. The short-lived elevation of Mr. Trump’s stature as a candidate put him on the radar of many organizations and we recall that last spring he was invited to keynote the Republican Party of Iowa’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, yet at the last minute he left RPI holding the bag by canceling. In turn, RPI canceled its biggest fundraising gala of the year and suffered embarrassment and in addition RPI was required to engage in refunding measures. Our candidate will not even consider participating in the late-December debate until Mr. Trump publicly apologizes to Iowa party leaders and rectifies in full the situation.
Therefore our candidate Ron Paul, the champion of the Constitution, has advised he will not attend.”
NewsMax should be ashamed if there were any room left for shame in its corporate headquarters. Not only did NewsMax select a person widely viewed as a scary clown, but someone who is still suggesting that he might run himself. What is particularly astonishingly is that former CNN figure Eason Jordan has lined up to help produce this sensational event.
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy has issued a statements predicting “the largest audience of any Republican primary debate to date.” Of course, if you add strippers and a contortionist, ratings might be even higher.
The race to the bottom in national coverage is also reflected in this question from Fox News to Ron Paul:
It is important to note that it is the mainstream media that is accelerating this deep dive in quality and decorum. As with faux court programs, politics is being merged into the entertainment industry. This must be reassuring to the world that reality show stars will now help select the next president.
Source: Politico
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Blouise,
I agree with you and OS. “the last watermelon wagon”! Can’t beat that picture! 🙂
“JT, it started a long time before the year 2000. A long time before. IMHO, this is a plot that has been percolating for more than three quarters of a century. I hope and pray that I am wrong, but I did not just ride in on the last watermelon wagon.” (OS)
I”m with you
Mike Spindell
1, December 6, 2011 at 6:12 pm
I don’t think Newt will get the nomination. Too much baggage, too intellectual (for a Republican that is)and widely disliked.
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mike
you have to remember that newt is from a state where “how bout them dawgs” is considered intelligent conversation between two college alumni.
Prof. Turley,
Welcome to the night shift!
JT,
I have to agree with OS on this one…While I agree with your statement that lots of bad things have happened since Bush and 2000….the batter has been mixed along time ago….If it did not start with the ilks of Prescott Bush it was dang close and a payback for stopping his company started by his father in law from doing business with and financing Nazi Germany….I am very much disappointed with Obama and am afraid that if another SOB gets into Office or is that GOP…then the Constitution is toast as we know it….I am starting to think that Ronnie was not near as bad….hence mespo’s point is looking better….if we can’t get a viable 3rd party candidate…Perot has proved that money can’t buy office….it takes a structure….TR threw it to Wilson….when he became unhappy with Taft…
Good seeing you here….
JT, it started a long time before the year 2000. A long time before. IMHO, this is a plot that has been percolating for more than three quarters of a century. I hope and pray that I am wrong, but I did not just ride in on the last watermelon wagon.
They oligarchs are becoming unafraid to show their fangs in public because they do not fear prosecution. Compare how many OWS protesters have been beaten, tased, pepper sprayed and arrested…..then compare that number with the number of thieves in penthouses and mansions who have been arrested. Eric Holder has become part of the problem.
In politics the choice is constantly between two evils.
~ John Morley (British MP, Historian)
OS,
If another Bush runs for office, I’ll do my best to make sure that they aren’t just running against a Democratic and hopefully 3rd Party option, but that he/she is running against his brother and father as well. This nation won’t recover until their kind (fascists) are made into the political pariahs they deserve to be based on previous performance. I wouldn’t trust a single one of them to wash my car let alone run my country.
Jeb has probably figured out there is almost no chance of beating Obama in 2012. Jeb Bush is not stupid and knows full well that none of the current crop of dwarfs are going to win. I suspect he is going to wait until 2016 and then jump in. That would give voters another four years to forget what an unmitigated disaster his brother was.
That, to me, is the nightmare scenario.
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/next-years-big-bout-real-obama-vs-fantasy-obama
The Iowa caucus is January 3 and less than a month away. Don’t think Jeb is interested but could be wrong.
SwM,
Terry’s candidacy would I think be good for Obama, he wasn’t going to get many anti-choice votes anyway and Terry may draw some from the Republicans.
Mike, the idea of ANY Republican candidate winning the Presidency next year is my idea of a nightmare. Especially a Bush. You are absolutely correct. That would complete the coup process that originated with Grandpa Prescott Bush 77 years ago.
http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/12/aborted-fetus-campaign-ads-hit-airwaves-iowa Obama’s primary opponent ,Randall Terry, hits the airwaves.
Swarthmore mom,
If Newt is elected president, the First Lady will be a bejeweled Cruella De Vil who sparkles with Tiffany’s baubles, bangles, and bright shiny beads.
Swarthmore mom, You’re probably right that it will be Obama vs Newt, but there’s still time. Of course we don’t want Newt to be elected, but Obama has been a huge disappointment…
I don’t think Newt will get the nomination. Too much baggage, too intellectual (for a Republican that is)and widely disliked. If you remember the 2008 election, one year before everyone though Hilary would get the nomination. Way too early to think it’s a lock. My guess for the Republican nominee is…….Jeb Bush. He’s a member of the Bush Crime Family, the plutocracy and he appears moderate o the surface, he isn’t. Jeb could finally close the deal on American democracy and usher in the new feudalism, being he’s a member of a “Royal” family and dynasty.
I will be voting for Obama in the absence of a viable candidate. There needs to be at least a smidgeon of freedom left if we are to overturn this trend. I don’t see any movement begining that will save us if the country goes fully Republican in 2012. OWS is a good, yet small beginning. If anybody has a viable alternative to either the Republica’s and or Obama, that will preclude this disaster, I’m all ears.
Can’t imagine sitting back and letting Newt win the presidency but to each his own.
I know, rafflaw, but I no longer believe anything that comes out of his mouth. He’s a coward in my book… I’m thoroughly disgusted with him…
anon nurse,
I think you are safe for now. Obama has been pretty clear about his promise to veto the NDAA, but keep your fingers crossed!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/12/05/the-national-defense-authorization-act-is-the-greatest-threat-to-civil-liberties-americans-face/
If Obama doesn’t veto the NDAA, that’s the end of it for me…