The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney

Libtalker Stephanie Miller Sorry Governor Brewer's Finger Wasn't Severed

2012-01-27T10:51:00.001-05:00

CHOP BREW-EY

Libtalker Longs For Days Of Political Violence

You know what's wrong with politics today? There just isn't enough violent thuggery.

Why, in the good ol' days, daring to challenge a revered leader's wisdom would have been met with a quick finger chopping, followed by something even more horrible.

Obama's media defenders have been incensed since Arizona Governor Jan Brewer held her ground with the "progressive" messiah during the latter's visit to Arizona earlier this week.

Though raw video captured by the Associated Press shows the Republican greeting Obama warmly upon arrival, Democrats have insisted she was out of line. But audio from the incident has yet to be located, if it exists at all.

Below, take a look at the AP feed, followed by libtalker Stephanie Miller's nostalgic call to violence and ridiculous use of the race card:

STEPHANIE MILLER (Hour One - 30:02): You know it is exhibit you know six thousand two of the unbelievable disrespect for this President. You know it’s like she (Gov. Jan Brewer) almost was posing for that picture on the tarmac of her with her finger up in the President’s face you know it’s like Lyndon Johnson would have broken that off and shoved it up your bleep.

[...]

MILLER (Hour Three - 2:01): What did someone on my Facebook page say she’s playing the fragile white woman scared of black man card? Yeah.

LAVOIE: Yeah.

MILLER: Six minutes after the hour yeah the white woman must be right (snoring noise)

WARD: [using southern accent] He [Obama] took the note and threw it in the car.

LAVOIE: She [Gov Jan Brewer] doesn’t like it when the help talks to her that way.

MILLER: No! I just got a DVD copy of The Help, I’ll watch it again in honor of Jan Brewer again this weekend.

Governor Brewer has done interviews since the encounter explaining her side of the story, telling KTAR / Phoenix hosts (audio here) that Obama was angry over the contents of her book and words were exchanged over the illegal immigration issue.

But who needs facts when emotional calls for violence and childish race-baiting tactics are so much more effective?

Geraldo Rivera Makes Liberal Use Of Divisive Race Allegations To Slam SC Voters

2012-01-21T15:06:00.002-05:00

KING GERALDO

Rivera's Race Card Rhetoric Could Make Al, Jesse Blush

Move over, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson: there's a new Race Card King in town. Geraldo Rivera's fledgling radio career has provided an opportunity to spout more divisive rhetoric than the Justice Brothers could cook up in a lifetime.

Why? Who can understand anything Geraldo does?

But there he is, slamming South Carolina voters as racist secessionists just waiting for a Second Civil War to begin.

Particularly bizarre here is Rivera's assertion that Newt Gingrich has somehow mispronounced "Juan" in a way that he "swears to God" is a "racial epithet". We've reviewed this repeatedly and it just doesn't sound out of the ordinary. What does he mean?

Geraldo apparently is unaware that Juan's real detractors are found at sewer-dwelling "progressive" sites such as DailyKos. They hate him even more at NPR. How is his name pronounced there?

Equally peculiar: repeated public assertions (even just yesterday) that he's a "militant centrist" when in fact his own on-air language couldn't possibly sound further to the left.

From Thursday's WABC / New York broadcast:

GERALDO RIVERA (04:46): He [Jimmy Carter] may be, as many people suggest, one of the most unpopular former presidents. I think he's very underrated.

GERALDO RIVERA (11:32): I think that if you had stood up in that crowd in South Carolina during that debate and if you had said, I want South Carolina to secede from the nation again just as we did in 1860, we're going to be a, you know, or '61, we're going to be an independent country, we're going to leave this dreadful union, I bet they would have cheered that too.

BIZARRE BONUS CLIP: Sharpton & Friends lament mistreatment of Santorum!

AL SHARPTON: Let me ask you this how does Rick Santorum stand now with this? You've got Rock Santorum just got a major announcement that he really won Iowa, yet Rick Perry is going with Gingrich. Does this [Gingrich ex-wife controversy] give Santorum new life or is it too late?

KAREN HUNTER (PROFESSOR / ANALYST / GUEST): No no I think it’s too late and you were absolutely spot on, they absolutely robbed him of his opportunity to have momentum after Iowa. And there was a question right after Iowa and the vote actually the delegates whatever were split. I mean it was just really they did him (Santorum) a disservice. They did him really dirty in my opinion and I think the momentum is gone now.

Yes, we're sure you're CRUSHED that Rick Santorum has been so mistreated. Talk about disingenuous.

IRS-Raided Sharpton & Friends Slam Mitt Romney Over Tax Returns

2012-01-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

REALLY HYPOCRITIC-AL

Reverend Al & Friends Redefine Chutzpah

Memo to Al Sharpton & Friends: is it really wise to bring up the issue of "tax returns" during your show?

After all, the Reverend's own operations were RAIDED BY THE IRS in 2007 and as of late 2011, his organization still owed the feds $2.6 million. The National Action Network's accounting has been described as "in disarray" and "a mess".

And yet that hasn't stopped the MSNBC host from turning his syndicated radio show into a Mitt Romney-bashfest this week over that very issue. Apparently Al believes his listeners are too ignorant to see the screaming hypocrisy.

During yesterday's program, fellow MSNBC talker and regular guest Melissa Harris-Perry slammed the GOP primary candidate, calling him "unbelievably dishonest" regarding his finances.

This is part of a broader line of attack undertaken by Newt Gingrich and Obama-supporting Democrats.

From Tuesday's Keeping It Real With Reverend Al Sharpton:

MELISSA HARRIS-PERRY (19:27) (MSNBC, SHARPTON GUEST): Romney’s not presenting himself in a way that is moderate, he’s just so unbelievably dishonest about his own record, so unbelievably dishonest about his own finances, so unbelievably unbelievable that I think it’s just it’s almost impossible to imagine how he’s going to pull together a reasonable coalition to win in 2012.

And from what we've heard so far of today's Sharpton show, the Mitt- tax return theme was repeatedly used and abused by Al's Pals. Given the Reverend's long history of trouble, will anyone mention the obvious irony?

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) On Sharpton Show: Republicans Ready To Bar Voters

2012-01-17T17:47:00.001-05:00

CHUCK THE VOTE

NY Dem: GOP Has 'Twenty Ways' To Violate Rights

Citing pre-Civil Rights Era poll taxes and other notorious, since-banned methods of cutting turnout, Senator Charles Schumer was at his most shameless during yesterday's Al Sharpton radio broadcast.

Telling Keeping It Real listeners that Republicans had devised "20 ways" to stop the minority vote, the New York Democrat did his level best to enrage the largely African-American audience.

What exactly are these "20 ways"? If only Chucky would provide a list, we might then have an idea what to anticipate.

Otherwise, listeners are left to their own imaginations:

SEN CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY) (4:25): The hard right is really going at this [voting rights] right now and they’ve made a concerted movement to prevent people from voting in a variety of different ways. The worse way is they you know it’s no more that you can do a poll tax and say to black people its fifty dollars for you to vote for white people its fifty cents.

There’s no more discrimination overt, but what they’ve done is they’ve come up with twenty different ways that make it much more difficult for people to vote.

Oh, that's right, some people want voters to bring some form of ID to the polls, which we all know African-Americans apparently don't have. Is that really their argument?

And REMEMBER, this did not happen.

Arianna Huffington Critical Of Michelle Obama Over Seeming Indifference To Poverty

2012-01-16T16:26:00.002-05:00

HUFF: THAT'S NOT ENOUGH

Arianna To MO: Watch The Bel Air Trips

How will they pin this one on conservatives?

From our establishment media friends, nearly every criticism of Michelle Obama these days is blamed on the usual vast, right-wing conspiracy. But what happens when objections come from the left?

During the most recent edition of Both Sides Now with Huffington and Matalin, co-host Arianna Huffington used the airwaves to let Michelle know she has appeared indifferent to suffering in America, focusing instead on hobnobbing with wealthy donors in Bel Air and elsewhere. She wondered, why not visit South-Central Los Angeles during one of these fundraising trips?

From the program:

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON (24:24): I'd love [Michelle] to be more [like] Eleanor Roosevelt right now, because the country needs an Eleanor Roosevelt who's going to go around and at the same time that she's doing fundraisers in Beverly Hills and Bel Air, she should go to South Central [Los Angeles], I mean, if I were Michelle Obama right now, I would not go anywhere for a fundraiser without going and seeing the places where there is pain, where there is struggle, where there is homelessness, where there is unemployment.

This begs the question: is ALL criticism of Michelle Obama off-limits to our media friends, even when it comes from the left? And within the gushing "progressive" movement, is she above even constructive advice?

Expect the usual approach from the left to this type of development: silence.

Geraldo, Press Take Bizarre Shots At Romney

2012-01-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

TARGET PRACTICE

Democrats Road-Test Romney Attack Strategies

Say what you want about liberal talk radio's lack of audience, but it does serve at least one purpose: to road-test upcoming Democratic Party election strategies. As libtalkers are happy to parrot partisan talking points, insiders can fine-tune attacks ahead of broader use.

Now that short-sighted GOP primary opponents are just about finished demolishing the party from within, a Democratic Party anti-Mitt Romney smear campaign is in the works.

From Friday's broadcasts, two examples stand out: Geraldo Rivera's silly "Mexican" attack line and the perhaps more promising "Gordon Gekko" tag.

From Geraldo's Friday WABC / New York program:

GERALDO RIVERA (21:31): You know, I don't think no one doesn't like him. I think a lot of people, he's gorgeous looking. You know, my beef with him is that he doesn't fess up to the fact that he's a Mexican and has a Mexican father and a Mexican grandfather and still he's bashing all the Mexican immigrants.

Lest you think Geraldo made this one up on his own, take a look at how it's beginning to appear elsewhere, including ABC News coverage and more. A phony Twitter character has also emerged to round out the childish antics.

Here, libtalker / former CNN host Bill Press fancies himself a comedian while throwing around the "Gordon Gekko" (main character in Wall Street) tag like it's going out of style:

BILL PRESS (3:46): Up posted today my latest column on the perfect bumper sticker for Gordon Gekko aka Mitt Romney ‘Greed is good.’ It’s so funny if you look at the comments made by Michael Douglas back in that 1987 classic wall Street playing Gordon Gekko you will see that they mirror exactly one hundred percent the sentiments and the policies and the practices of Bain Capital’s Mitt Romney.

A far-left group in South Carolina has already taken this one step further with a Gekko impersonator.

Stay tuned for more previews of what is sure to become a unbelievably nasty election season.

Al Sharpton Uses Radio Show To Partially DEFEND Mitt Romney

2012-01-11T18:45:00.002-05:00

AL THE SHARP-SHIFTER?

Ulterior Motives Behind Sharpton's Romney Defense

At first glance, it might seem shocking: is the Reverend Al Sharpton really defending Mitt Romney against political attacks?

As a close Obama advisor, why on earth would he help the Republican former Massachusetts governor? Is this a case of political Sharp-shifting?

And yet, here he is, making clear to radio listeners that Romney's supposed "I like to fire people" gaffe was actually taken out of context.

Take a look:

AL SHARPTON (4:29): Willard (Romney) said yesterday a statement that was taken out of context. He (Romney) was talking about insurance companies and he says that people should have the right to fire them. He says I like firing people that don’t give me the service I want and right away Jon Huntsman and Newt Gingrich and a few of the others Rick Perry I think took on the statement and said he said he liked firing people.

Now, two things about that. One, it was taken out, now I do think that it’s weird at best to say I like firing people. Even if it’s I like firing insurance people. I have terminated people that have worked for National Action Network or me personally. I don’t like it. I don’t like getting a different waiter at a restaurant. I don’t like depriving people of an income or depriving me of service. But the second thing about it is it’s not the Democrats or the progressives or the left wing. It’s the Republicans that made this issue.

Yes, it wasn't a complete defense of Romney (who Sharpton always refers to as "Willard" on-air), but still highly unusual, to say the least.

So what gives? For answers, look to a Rush Limbaugh monologue from Monday where Democratic operative Donna Brazile's candid admission was noted:

BRAZILE: Mitt Romney won tonight because no one touched him -- and for Democrats, you know what? It was good news for us.

KARL: Why is that?

BRAZILE: Because we believe that the weakest candidate is the candidate that the Republicans are not attackin', and that's Mitt Romney.

KARL: Oh, come on.

STEPHANOPOULOS: No, you don't believe that, Donna.

RUSH: That's Stephanopoulos. What Stephanopoulos is saying is, "Shut up, Donna! What the hell are you doing, Donna? Did you not take your meds?" That, "Come on, Donna, what are you doing? You know you don't believe that" means, "Donna, shut up." You know, she's feeling her oats there. So Palin has come out said it and Donna Brazile saying it. "Oh, yeah, the one guy not being attacked..." She practically gleeful here, and I'll tell you why she's gleeful. She's gleeful because what she sees is Romney getting the nomination, so she thinks it's okay to blow the lid off this cover now. "Mitt Romney won tonight, because no one touched him -- and for Democrats that's good news for us."

Stephanopoulos says, "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why is that?" "Well, because we believe the weakest candidate is the candidate the Republicans are not attacking, and that's Romney," and Stephanopoulos says, "Oh, you don't believe that!" I guarantee she had a talking to. They had a talking to with her with her after this, because that's a major faux pas. The line that's supposed to come out of the Democrat Party is they're scared of Romney. The line is, "Oh, no, they don't want to face Romney. Romney is the toughest guy." That's the line, and they know, folks -- the Democrats know that our experts are stupid enough to believe that the Democrats will be honest and tell us who they really don't want to face. I'll tell you who they don't want to face when we come back.

Isn't it simple? These guys are all working from the same playbook. In a weak moment, Donna let the cat out of the bag. Sharpton isn't looking out for Romney, he's helping Obama manipulate GOP primary contests to the benefit of the White House.

That Republicans (like RINO Newt) are behind the savage attacks on Romney only helps to deflect attention away from this obvious Obamist scheme.

Harry Belafonte's Obama Disappointment Cut From Same-Day Rebroadcast

2012-01-09T16:35:00.001-05:00

CALYPSO SNIP-SO

Belafonte's Anti-Obama Rant Removed From Sat Re-Feed

It's been a strange 24 hours or so in Obamaville: William Daley has abruptly left the White House and a new book details secret parties with fat budgets.

But that's not all: PBS talk host Tavis Smiley has found himself disinvited to an upcoming King event over gentle criticism of the president and we've uncovered a peculiar incident that occurred during Smiley's most recent radio program.

Yesterday's edition of the syndicated Smiley & (Cornel) West show featured Harry Belafonte detailing his ongoing unhappiness with the Obama Administration.

Though Belafonte did this previously in July 2011, something about yesterday's grievances caused an odd case of audio editing for the evening's satellite re-feed to public radio affiliates across the country. But we've managed to isolate the apparently offending passage and offer it to you here:

HARRY BELAFONTE: When I think of Barack Obama and I think about all that is at stake here I’ve really long since left talking about how many terms he will be as a president. My question is what legacy will he leave having had the opportunity to serve under such hugely dramatic circumstances and boggled the mind and boggled people’s thinking and had such a huge impact on the universal state of things.

And how could he have had such a splendid opportunity to do more than most presidents would have ever been able to do and he let that opportunity slip away from him. And I am very cautious of the fact of those who thinks that he has some hidden agenda and that if only he could be given a second term for us to see the new light new things will be revealed. A new efforts will be made to take us to a place other than where we have been and where we languish.

I just don’t trust that. I don’t think that a safe way an accurate way to look at the scenario. I think if there was the kind of moral compass serving Barack Obama in the way we had all hoped, the moral force would have helped him make choices. The absence of that force in his equations the absence of that barometer to guide him when he has to make these decision which are hugely complicated, especially from the political perspective. He should have come to the table with things that I think would have helped us in this moment of crisis.

So what's the problem, is it simply too close to the election? Is Smiley attempting to tone things down after the MLK disinvite? Or was it something in particular Belafonte said? If we find out you'll be the first to know.

Geraldo Rivera Uses New Radio Show To Advocate Government Licensing Of Parents

2012-01-08T17:23:00.001-05:00

DUELING GERALDOS

Defends Casey Anthony, Yet Wants Gov Parental Oversight

NOW we know why Geraldo Rivera was keen on adding a radio show to his schedule: so he could promote two opposing viewpoints on the same issue!

Within a period of less than 12 hours the King of All Media Hackery jumped on Bill O'Reilly for being much too critical of (insert your own descriptive language here) Casey Anthony, but then told radio listeners he advocates government licensing and "vetting" of all prospective parents in America.

In Geraldo Bizarro World, it's give Casey the benefit of the doubt, while real mothers and fathers are guilty until proven innocent. Could anything be nuttier?

Below, watch as Geraldo pounces on O'Reilly, then in our own clip from his new WABC / New York radio program, see his real Big Brother-ish agenda exposed:

GERALDO RIVERA (34:11): I swear to God, you talks about sickos, you talk about sickos. You should need to have a license to have a child. You should be vetted. I think I can't stand these stories. I've covered so many of these toddler-torture-murders. It's just something that is unbelievable.

We're THRILLED Geraldo's decided to play radio for a while and can't wait for the next foot-in-mouth episode. He's off to a fantastic start!

Al Sharpton Defends Ed Schultz Over Seeming Praise For Santorum

2012-01-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

REV TO THE RESCUE!

Schultz Lashes Out At Critics, Al Lends Hand

Memo to Ed Schultz: why fight your own battles when The Reverend is ready for action? While the infamously hot-headed MSNBC talker was taking to YouTube in a bizarre, rambling attempt to defend himself from "progressive" criticism, Al Sharpton used his own radio program to un-dig the giant hole.

The issue: Schultz's seeming praise for Republican Rick Santorum, a major no-no in lefty circles. Ed tried to focus on the former Pennsylvania senator's "effective", "retail" campaign style, but fellow liberals considered it actual support for the GOP presidential candidate.

That has callers phoning Sharpton's radio show in protest, given that both work in the same building.

In the first clip, watch as Schultz defends his commentary, telling critics to "shut up!" Next, our own follow-up with Sharpton attempting to clarify Schultz's position:

CAROL IN MILWAUKEE (43:54): I was just quite upset with the way Ed Schultz you know glorified this Rick Santorum. I mean Rev. Al I heard him say about blacks and the fact that they have to stop giving African Americans handouts, I was done with him. He’s a racist and it’s evident and I can’t understand how someone like Ed Schultz would be saying that this guy is a good guy. I could not understand that and, like I said I watch you guys every night, but I’m wondering now if I should continue to watch Ed Schultz if that’s his stand on this racist Rick Santorum. I just don’t know. I love watching you.

AL SHARPTON: Well Carol, let me say this and thank you for your call. I think what Schultz tried to say was that he felt the guy was effective, that he was not supporting him. But a lot of people did think he overly kept saying how the guy had all of the full packaging and the qualities of a good candidate. I don’t think he meant he was supporting him.

But he (Schultz) did the guy was going to do well and he was right. He did do very well. But I certainly, I think that the guy (Rick Santorum) is scary, the guy being Rick Santorum. I think he’s dangerous. I think he’s a better connector has more charisma than Willard [meaning Mitt Romney] which is why he’s even more dangerous.

Note the derisive use of "Willard" to denote Mitt Romney, from the same person that didn't want Obama's middle name mentioned in any public setting! Sharpton's doing this repeatedly.

Is Sharpton now in position to become a regular defender of Schultz? If so he'd better carve out a lot of time, it's nearly a full-time job.

Former CNN Host Bill Press Suggests Rick Santorum Enjoys Bestiality

2012-01-05T23:50:00.003-05:00

OPERATION SICK RICK

'Progressives' Pounce On Santorum After Iowa Success

Is it really any surprise to see our ever-tolerant "progressive" friends pounce on Rick Santorum after his top-tier finish in this week's Iowa Caucuses?

They've hated the former Pennsylvania senator for years, engaging in childish antics including the infamously vulgar manipulation of his Google search results.

But now that he represents a real threat to Obama's regime, Operation Sick Rick has been officially unleashed upon the American electorate. Every potential slanderous attack is ready for deployment as needed.

Doing his part is former CNN host / nasty syndicated libtalker Bill Press, who was happy to suggest Santorum enjoys bestiality when he's not busy on the campaign trail. From Thursday's program:

BILL PRESS (52:56): Once the microscope goes on Rick Santorum, Americans will learn that maybe he has more baggage maybe than the rest of them. This is not a man with your average American opinions. Santorum for example as a strict Catholic is on the record as being against all forms of birth control. No more condoms no more pills no more diaphragm, just lots more unwanted babies.

Santorum is not only against gay marriage he is against any exercise of homosexuality, which he equates as man on dog, whether he’s speaking of his own experience, we don’t know.

This routine is right out of the partisan campaign playbook: define your opponent before he has a chance to define himself. That doesn't make this attack method any less disgusting, however.

SPECIAL BONUS SILLINESS: Obama the real winner in Iowa!

Obama-Slamming Liberal Talker Lynn Samuels Passes Away

2011-12-26T12:46:00.010-05:00

GOODBYE LYNN

Independent Thinker Samuels Did It Her Way

"Why are you writing about me?"

In covering some of her most outrageous outbursts, we never did manage to convince longtime liberal talker Lynn Samuels of our motives. Given how others generally ignored her, the former WABC host turned satellite chatter was puzzled by our attention.

Samuels passed away at home in New York City aged 69 on Christmas Eve, according to multiple press reports. Whatever did occur, there was no time to say goodbye. Her website and Twitter page had been updated just a day earlier.

Your Radio Equalizer found Samuels refreshingly genuine and unique, refusing to tow the party line, as opposed to NBC's predictable cable talk lineup. She could blast Republicans and rip Obama to shreds without pausing for air. Refusing to give up her trademark accent, she came across as authentically New York City.

Most of all, Lynn Samuels was entertaining. THAT'S why we wrote about her!

More recently, however, satellite radio gave her the opportunity to really let loose and the results were sometimes excessively obscene and nasty. But unlike one-note hate-talkers such as Ed Schultz, Samuels made up for it with warmth and courtesy elsewhere.

Samuels worked with many of talk radio's greats, including Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and others. We reached out to Hannity last night via email for reaction. Here's his response:

"I am so sad to hear about the passing of Lynn Samuels. While most people may know we had many political disagreements, many may not know we developed a strong friendship over the years. We would often instant message late into the night about politics, radio, the Easter marshmallow Peeps she loved so much (only the yellow ones) and topics too numerous to recall.

"She was a true original, a terrific talent, and her voice and instant messages will be greatly missed," Hannity added.

In addition to rare open criticism of Obama from a left-wing talker, Samuels was known for kind words toward some of the conservatives with which she shared an office (at one point using the same desk as Rush!):

Samuels was furious when fellow liberal Juan Williams was fired by NPR, especially when few others came to his defense due to Fox News Channel ties:

Samuels saved perhaps her harshest criticism for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, blasting the San Francisco Democrat for blindly supporting Obama through the most ridiculous of circumstances:

Samuels will be remembered above all else for her zero tolerance of phoniness, especially in politics. While you might not have agreed with her views, it was difficult not to respect her passion and courage. She'll be missed.

MSNBC's Ed Schultz: Republicans Like 'Sewer Rats'

2011-12-23T17:22:00.004-05:00

CHRISTMAS SMEAR

MSNBC's Bully-In-Chief Cranks Up Mean Factor

How's this for spreading a healthy dose of Christmas smear? Cue MSNBC's Ed Schultz with lumps of coal for opponents of a surreal Capitol Hill battle over $40 that wasted at least a week of America's precious time (not like there's a global financial crisis occurring or anything).

NBC's Bully-In-Chief used the occasion to label so-called tea party Republicans "sewer rats".

Way to keep the rhetoric civil, Big Eddie!

Of course, Schultz is probably perfectly happy with John Boehner's subsequent cave-in on the issue, his anger reserved for Republican backbenchers who dared question spending so much time on something so trivial (just so cynical Obama could look like a tax-cutter)

From yesterday's syndicated Ed Schultz radio program:

ED SCHULTZ (34:56): They have a sewer rat mentality. You know what sewer rats do? They go down in the hole and they don't come out. And they all hang out together. And they're comfortable in their environment.

Here's the question: in between "cold ones", does Schultz ever soften up enough to show an appealing side to his personality? Or is it All Mean, All The Time?

Lighten up, Ed, it's Christmas.

Ed Schultz Has Two Versions Of Bar Encounter With Fox Host

2011-12-22T18:50:00.001-05:00

MIXED STINK

Schultz Later Softens Fox Host Bar Run-In Story

Ever hear this one? A guy walks into a bar, bumps into a cable talk rival, then....

Sadly for Ed Schultz, he doesn't remember the punchline, mostly because he was behaving as Ed Schultz normally does in a bar. If there had been a fistfight, it might be easier to recall.

Does he really believe Fox Business Channel's Eric Bolling would make up a story about buying MSNBC's Bully-In-Chief a drink?

Yes, it's a silly flap, one that might not generate much attention during a busier news cycle, but it does provide insight into Schultz's fuzzy, hazy, "cold one"-centered existence.

While several sites including Mediaite and Huffington Post have reported on Big Eddie's televised version of events, we have his far more strident assertions from the radio program earlier yesterday. There, he was adamant the encounter never took place, but then seemed to leave plenty of wiggle room on MSNBC.

ED SCHULTZ: [after playing clip of Eric Bolling on Fox's The Five]: That - never - happened. I don't know Eric Bolling. I have never bumped into him before, to my knowledge. No one has ever bought me scotch and anybody that knows me knows I don't drink that garbage.

Look, Eric, if you ever do run into me and if you do get my attention, because I don't drink with conservatives, nor would I buy a conservative a drink. I don't, I have no reason to, my God, you people have had all the tax breaks, now you want me to buy you booze?! It ain't gonna happen!

On MSNBC later, however, he seemed to admit it could have happened after all, saying, "Sorry, dude, I didn’t realize you were looking for a handout."

Memo to other cable guys who might bump into Big Eddie sometime: he drinks A LOT. His memory is FUZZY. He has a HOT TEMPER.

And because we've seen him at radio conventions, we know he's about as much fun as... wait, it's hard to remember.

Sharpton Show: GOP Actively Conspiring To Disallow Black Vote

2011-12-21T17:48:00.001-05:00

'BLOOD-WON' FRIGHT

Lefty Fear Campaign Asserts Voter Suppression

Using slanderous misstatements of fact, "progressives" are busy scaring their own into believing Republicans will actively prevent African-Americans from voting in 2012.

Though it's been done before, this election cycle has seen a more stealth (but no less prevalent) fright campaign focused on lefty blogs, talk radio and cable.

And despite his supposed "mainstream" reputation these days, Al Sharpton has allowed his radio program to spread this falsehood, often via a co-host or guest.

During yesterday's syndicated show, Sharpton fill-in host Andre Eggleston did his bit for the Smear Machine, even throwing a fabricated "paraphrased" statement supposedly by Senator Mitch McConnell into the rant as "evidence":

ANDRE EGGLESTON (AL SHARPTON GUEST - 19 DEC 2011) (45:02): Eric Holder may have waited too late to try to do something about the drive by the right wing to try and right this election.

I mean they [Republicans] don’t want black folk to vote. This is a blood-won right. Mitch McConnell even said 'voting is working out for us too well' to paraphrase what he had to say.

Lost in the argument here is how exactly Republicans plan to bar black voters from the polls, but other libs claim voter ID laws somehow discourage African-Americans.

Any data to back that up? Need we even ask?

Sharpton & Friends: GOP Using Satanic Strategy

2011-12-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

ISN'T THAT SPECIAL

Republicans Have Devilish Approach To Winning

Somewhere out there, the Church Lady must be laughing.

What more can be said about the ridiculous notion that Republican strategy is built around Satanic principles? Yet that's what passes for ordinary rhetoric during Al Sharpton's national radio program.

Sure sounds a lot like some of Reverend Wright's sermons, doesn't it?

It also underscores the phoniness of Reverend Sharpton's ongoing effort to mainstream his image. Beneath the surface (new clothes, cable talk show, etc), partisan extremism remains.

From Thursday's syndicated radio program with regular guest Karen Hunter:

AL SHARPTON (4:30): But isn’t it to you [Karen Hunter] a strategy cause I think you eluded to this, isn’t it a strategy that the Republicans seem to be concentrating on everything but really dealing with issues?

Let’s try to change voter ID, let’s try to do this and that about this and that rather than deal with the real problems of the economy the real problems of health care, it’s like distractions.

KAREN HUNTER: Well, that’s the tool of Satan, you know chaos, distraction and all that, lies.

Could it be...... SATAN?

Libtalker Bill Press: S-T-F-U Tim Tebow!

2011-12-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

'TOXIC' CROCK

Former CNN Host Slams Tebow For Christian Beliefs

What happens when one of our "progressive" friends writes a book called TOXIC TALK: How The Radical Right Has Poisoned America’s Airwaves (with a book-signing party hosted by Media Matters), then gives an on-air F-U to Quarterback Tim Tebow for daring to express religious beliefs?

For lefty politics in 2011, we might call that just another day at the office.

But it's also a striking example of unhinged anti-Christian bigotry. What exactly is Tebow doing that is so offensive? It's a quick public expression of religious devotion, usually lasting mere seconds.

From today's Bill Press Show:

BILL PRESS (15 DECEMBER 2011) (29:45): Oh yeah, all right all right yeah first of all I just have to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ and you know what I want to say, S.T.F.U. [shut the f*** up]!

I’m tired of hearing Tim Tebow and all this Jesus talk. I don’t know about you, 866 55 Press. Come on Tim Tebow, of course ha ha ha I got to tell you, he’d better be praying up praying hard this week because he’s up against a real quarterback on Sunday against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

[...]

PRESS (39:21): Tim Tebow, everybody wants to make him a hero. I think he’s a disgrace! I think he’s a disgrace! I think he’s an embarrassment!

Attacks on Tebow from the left are increasing exponentially. Are they more worried about Tim than Newt or Mitt?

Mark Levin: $100K For Savage If He Gives Up Show

2011-12-13T13:35:00.006-05:00

DUELING DOLLARS

Conservative Talker Turns Rival's Offer Upside-Down

From a pure self-promotion standpoint, talker Michael Savage's million-dollar offer to Newt Gingrich was marketing genius. Than in his last five years combined, the syndicated host managed to generate more public attention in a single day. Ten thousand stories listed at Google News can back that assertion.

But rival conservative talker Mark Levin has his own idea: rather than a million for Newt's exit from the GOP presidential primary race, he'll give Savage himself $100,000 to hang up the headphones for good!

Levin made his case during last night's nationally-syndicated radio show, claiming Savage's career has seen better days, with lower ratings and a decrease in affiliates from an earlier peak.

Levin is heard on major stations including WABC / New York, WBAP / Dallas, WMAL / Washington and many more.

See it here:

Okay, who's next with a big-money offer?

Randi Rhodes: Senator Coburn's A Meth Addict

2011-12-12T19:07:00.003-05:00

SMEAR-O-MATIC

Are 'Progressive' Attacks Randomly Generated?

In the 1980s, now-defunct Spy Magazine debuted a regular feature, the Script-O-Matic, where plot cliches could be randomly assembled to create the perfect Hollywood screenplay.

More recently, our "progressive" friends have taken the idea to the next level, using a seeming Smear-O-Matic dart-throwing process to slander their political opponents.

Today's example comes from deranged libtalker Randi Rhodes, who sees no other explanation for Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) recent facial hair growth beyond obvious drug use.

Yes, it's always ironic to hear Rhodes accuse someone else of being an addict, but it happens frequently.

From Friday's syndicated program, here's the smear in question:

RANDI RHODES (13:28): Did Tom Coburn shave yet? No, he didn't - he's on the meth, I'm telling you! Tom Coburn of Oklahoma - he's part of the epidemic!

The only "epidemic" we see around here is one of partisan "progressive" sleaze (and whatever causes Randi to behave this way).

Lefty Trial Lawyer Papantonio: Newt Says Black Kids Out To Kill

2011-12-10T20:05:00.002-05:00

'PAP': SMEAR MACHINE

Sleazy 'Progressive' Trial Lawyer At It Again

Here at the Radio Equalizer, we're still not sure what to make of Newt Gingrich's second political coming. What is clear, however: some of the former House speaker's detractors are as sleazy as they come.

High on the dirtbag list: lefty trial lawyer / partisan attack dog Mike Papantonio, known to go by "Pap" for short. The longtime Robert F Kennedy Jr / Ed Schultz confidant is the Democratic Party's ultimate loose cannon, making regular appearances on cable and libtalk radio shows.

Pap's latest attack includes a wildly over-the-top assertion that Gingrich is using racial scare tactics (the "Willie Horton II" theme Al Sharpton utilized earlier in the week) to advance the notion that black youths are ready to terrorize America en masse.

From Friday's syndicated Ed Schultz radio program:

MIKE PAPANTONIO (23:16): Newt's telling his feeble, old teabag supporters that young black lawless children are going to kill America.

While Newt himself still has much to prove on the campaign trail, one thing is obvious: "Pap" is a one-man smear machine.

Former MSNBC Anchor, Caller Spread Christmas Fear

2011-12-08T17:33:00.001-05:00

HAPPY HATE-IDAYS

Shuster Laughs As Caller Threatens Violence

There's nothing like a bit of violent throat-slashing to get America in the Christmas spirit, don't you think?

With ever more deranged anti-holiday rants, our libtalk friends are especially full of good cheer this season. Today's example might not be so bad if not for host David Shuster's amused reaction.

It's one thing to take a crackpot caller, another for a talker to appear just as disturbed.

In the "progressive" world, of course, bad-mouthing Christians and Christmas is routine, so why should the former MSNBC anchor feel the need for distance from the comment?

From yesterday's Bill Press Show with Shuster as guest host:

DAVID SHUSTER (1:01:04): Kevin from Naperville Illinois, you’re on the Bill Press show good morning.

KEVIN IN NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS: I’m so sick and tired of Christian privilege in this country and cramming it down everybody else’s throat.

They just tried to do it with Thanksgiving, which is not a Christian holiday, it’s a secular holiday and this Christmas thing, you know somebody wishes me a Merry Christmas I don’t really take offense at that.

But, if someone hears me say Happy Holiday and they take offense at that, I want to rip their throat out.

SHUSTER: Ha ha ha ha!

Wonder how this guy feels about Easter? No bunny is safe.

Rep Sheila Jackson Lee's Bizarre Iran Hostage - Bush Tax Cuts Comparison

2011-12-07T12:27:00.003-05:00

I-RAN FROM TAX CUTS

Some Cards Are Missing From This Dem's Deck

We'd generally like to believe we've heard it all, but on occasion new ground is broken in partisan kookery. For expanding the threshold of political nuttiness today we'd like to thank Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX).

We could do an in-depth analysis of her rhetorical tactics, but the absurdity here speaks for itself. Next stop: head examination.

Watch below as Jackson Lee compares Bush tax cuts to 1979's Iran hostage crisis during yesterday's Ed Schultz radio program:

SHEILA JACKSON LEE (04:06): We saw what happened when Iran took hostages in 1979. A president lost his re-election. The prestige of the United States was challenged.

I am not going to be taken hostage again to extend the Bush tax cuts when every economist says that it's absolutely absurd forever and points to the fact that no jobs are necessarily created by extending the Bush tax cuts, at least on the top one percent of Americans, and when the opt one percent population polled have said that they have no problem with losing that ludicrous benefit forever and ever.

And then, when everyone understands the question of mutual sacrifice, benefit and sacrifice, with all of our soldiers coming home we're now going to talk about being held hostage to the Bush tax cuts forever.

Nope, nothing more needs to be said! We're speechless.

Al Sharpton: Gingrich Campaign Is Willie Horton II

2011-12-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

AL: NEWT IN DISREPUTE

Sharpton: Gingrich 'Baiting The Far Right' Using Race

*** BONUS CLIP BELOW: BAGHDAD JIM DEFENDS BARNEY ***

Now that he's once again considered conservative and viable, it's no surprise to see Newt Gingrich's establishment / Beltway liberal friends turn against him. The ferocious nature of this sudden shift may be startling to the former House speaker, however.

In the latest example, Al Sharpton has abruptly decided to throw everything including the kitchen sink at Newt, accusing him of race-baiting and a divisive campaign strategy.

Given their strange history of palling around, however, this one may sting a bit.

Gingrich and the race-baiting reverend have a history of appearances together for reasons that must have made sense at the time (kind of like teaming up with Nancy Pelosi over global warming). Now, it's Sharpton accusing Newt of racial trickery, even labeling his tactics Willie Horton II!

From yesterday's syndicated Keeping It Real With Al Sharpton:

AL SHARPTON (6:51): Newt Gingrich, at the request of President Obama toured some inner city poor area schools with me and Secretary Duncan. And he knows thses kids have parents that work and that are not making money illegally. For him to say, read his quote so that peolple will understand that maybe haven't heard it. Read what he said Smokey.

FONTAINE: This is a direct quotes (Fontaine proceeds to read quote)

SHARPTON: Now He’s (Newt Gingrich) been to South Philly with us, he’s been other places. This is like when we saw the welfare queen imagery used in another Presidential Campaign, or saw the whole question of Willie Horton.

And this is now where we are getting into this cheap kind of race baiting kind of poor ah ah criminals kind of behavior and we need to call it out. There’s no one better to cal it out than me cause I went on the tour, risked ah people criticize, I’m glad I went now. Cause I can say I know he (Newt Gingrich) knows better. Y’all are playing poverty and race politics.

SHARPTON (13:20): Smokey the real outrage to me of Newt Gingrich’s statement and let’s remember now, despite you me whoever’s feelings, newt Gingrich according to every poll is now the frontrunner of the Republican Party. So we’re not just talking about some former Speaker who is given to saying scurrilous things. We’re talking about someone who is the standard bearer, at least right now, appears that he will be the standard bearer of their Party. And to say this when I know he has had experiences that would tell him and show him better means that a strategy that works for the far right of that Party is to bait people. And that is something that we need to address early and often, because if not we going to have an ugly campaign season against this President. We may have it anyway, but we at least need to identify that’s what’s happening.

Bonus clip! Dems are determined to bolster Barney Frank's damaging legacy:

STEPHANIE MILLER (30:34): We were actually reacting to the ah you know the right wing talking point that the housing crisis was all Barney Frank’s fault.

REP JIM MCDERMOTT (D-WA): Ha ha ha ha!

MILLER: A lovely parting gift for his thirty years of service

REP MCDERMOTT: Ha ha ha ha!

MILLER: You like that one, okay. Your thoughts?

REP MCDERMOTT: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! They have to have someone to blame it on and ha ha ha ha ha Barney’s got broad shoulders. But it’s baloney.

MILLER: Exactly! I mean just give us your thoughts on that. Cause I think that you know it really is ironic that here’s a guy you know at least got some financial regulation accomplished and they’re making him the scapegoat of all this.

REP MCDERMOTT: Well they’re (Republicans) whole strategy right now is to deregulate the government as a way of recreating the economy and the financial regulations that he (Barney Frank) did was just trying to get us back to some sanity. I mean we learned what happened in the thirties and we gradually eroded it over time and Barney tried to bring us back to where it makes sense.

This from a guy who openly supported Saddam's regime.

MSNBC'S Schultz To GQ: 'Kiss My Ass'

2011-11-30T17:20:00.001-05:00

THEY'RE PICKING ON ME

Schultz Steaming Over GQ 'Least Influential' Dig

Clearly nursing a bruised ego, Ed Schultz is lashing out over a brutal dig dished out earlier this week by GQ.

Named to their annual "least influential" list, MSNBC's bloated blowhard used his syndicated radio show to blast the men's magazine, telling them to "kiss my ass".

Adding a conspiratorial element to the mix, Schultz insinuated that CNN rival Anderson Cooper might have played a role in Big Eddie's dubious honor.

For good measure, Schultz asserted that he is in fact influential, especially in Ohio and Wisconsin or something like that.

Grab some popcorn and enjoy, this one is good:

ED SCHULTZ (3:17): And, you know, look, if you do a cable show, you have a radio show, whatever, if you're fat and you've got red hair, look, they're going to pick on you. That's the way it is. And I'm OK with that. Just spell the last name right.

SCHULTZ (4:32): Now, and I know that Anderson Cooper floats around in that GQ crowd. I don't know if he's behind it or whether their publicist at CNN, but let me just say, I'm kicking his ass, OK?

SCHULTZ (11:30): By the way, I'm very influential. You can go ask the governor of Ohio and it won't be long before you can ask the governor of Wisconsin. So kiss my ass, GQ.

If you think Ed's "OK with that", you haven't seen his mega-ego in action. This one HURTS and he is SORE!

Dems: Barney Frank 'Saved Economy'

2011-11-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

FRANK-LY HILARIOUS

Dems Lament Loss Of Legendary Grump

If you thought Democrats were happy to lose longtime embarrassment Barney Frank, you'd apparently be mistaken.

Though the notoriously combative Bay State rep's retirement has Republicans and conservative talkers doing handstands, his own side believes Barney walks on water.

Though some partisan praise would be expected, a Democratic National Committee spokesman went way over the top yesterday, claiming "the economy would have gone straight in the toilet" if not for Frank.

That the economy IS IN THE TOILET seems unclear to our Dem friends. And that's before we've even had a chance to pick apart Frank's real record.

From the Bill Press Show:

BRAD WOODHOUSE, DNC SPOKESMAN (4:27): He’s [Barney Frank] been so vital to the country at what he’s done over the past several years, especially after the president [Obama] got into office. He was chairing the committee that was working with Senator Dodd that set up these consumer protections, which incredibly Republicans are fighting.

For some reason Republicans think that protecting consumers from the type of greed that went on during the financial collapse, the type of tricky trades and and and ah risky business that led to so many people losing their livelihoods. They [Republicans] want to block the consumer financial protection bureau, hopefully the President will and Senate Democrats will overcome that.

BILL PRESS: But that wouldn’t exist without Barney, he was the champion of that from the beginning.

BRAD WOODHOUSE: Would not have exited. Look in fact the economy would have gone straight in the toilet if not for Barney Frank and his leadership.

Memo to delusional Dems: isn't it time to shelve this "we saved the economy" silliness for good? File it away next to "green shoots".