Posted by
Michael Scotto on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 3:27:15 PM
We Need Better Representatives of Conservatism on Fox News
Fortunately, there is at least one cable news source that allows conservatives to have a voice. Unfortunately, that source, the Fox News Channel, is populated by too many no-talent hacks and conservatives who are unable to properly make the case for conservatism.
Conservatives like Sean Hannity rarely make the logical or constitutional case for conservatism; rather they resort to the leftist tactic of emotionalism and sound-bite argumentation. Sean’s also been charged with plagiarism by Debbie Schlussel; a charge with merit. That should surprise no one as Hannity’s SOP is listen to Rush, mark down three bullet points and then spout them as often and as annoyingly as possible.
I don’t care how many times Cindy Sheehan calls Bush “Hitler,” I don't need to hear everyday for six months that John Kerry voted differently on funding bills and I surely don’t care to see that stupid red/blue (statistically meaningless, but emotionally powerful) county map. But all of these are standard Hannity “arguments” for people to become conservatives. I know, it makes no sense to me either. I'll only watch Hannity & Colmes if Rich Lowry is guest-hosting for Sean.
Two of the highlights from hannity.com today are an ancient video clip of John Edwards primping before a television appearance and a hard-hitting poll asking which Democratic candidate could be trusted with babysitting duties. Powerful stuff there, Sean. I'm sure thousands will thus be persuaded to support a Constitutionally-limited federal government.
Sean Hannity represents everything that is wrong with the conservative movement today.
FNC appears as an amateur version of CNN. Of course, the mere fact that we’re going to actually hear a conservative viewpoint, however badly presented, makes many of us FNC devotees. But is FNC creating conservatives or just playing to an audience that will excuse the mediocrity because they are delivering any message that is remotely conservative? Is FNC the Contemporary Christian Music of cable news (pathetic and weak, but all we have)?
The idea is to convert Americans to conservatism, not entertain the "base" (and I mean "base").
Quick takes on a few FNC personalities:
- Sean Hannity - a time-slot radio hit following Rush on WABC (the Kenny Bania of talk radio)… prefers the sound bite ahead of the Constitution… repeats the same three sensationalist points ad nauseum throughout four different segments, weeks to months on end.
- Brian Kilmeade – delights in his own ignorance… I think he may be slightly retarded.
- E.D. Hill – call on line two, your after-school cable channel D show needs you back… “I mean… like… no way” all Hill favorite phrases.
- Bill O’Reilly – self-proclaimed expert on everything who FEATURES Geraldo and a body language expert as regulars… a BODY LANGUAGE EXPERT! … takes pet leftist positions to kiss up to his lefty guests… anyone who goes on his show is automatically a “stand-up guy”… refuse to go on and be analyzed by body language experts and you’re “hiding under your desk.”
- Kimbery Guilfoyle – call on line three, E.D. needs you to cover the big “Nerds-Jocks” controversy and follow-up on the “mystery meat” scandal in the cafeteria.
- Bo Dietl – makes Brian Kilmeade look smart.
FNC isn’t completely devoid of professionals. Here are some FNC highlights:
- Greta Van Susteren – the best interviewer in cable news.
- Neil Cavuto – covers relevant topics with relevant guests and relevant questions.
- Judge Napolitano – entertaining, Constitutional, intelligent and interesting.
- John Gibson – adequate and competent.
Special note should be made for Brit Hume’s Special Report program. It is by far the best show on FNC and features the finest guests and the best regular commentators. Fred Barnes, Mort Kondracke and Charles Krauthammer are well-spoken and insightful professionals.
Ronald Reagan moved millions into the Republican column by making the case for conservatism. Many of us still fight for and are able to make the case for “supply-side economics,” “free trade,” “small government,” “low taxes,” “strict constructionism” and “peace through strength.”
All we get from the likes of Hannity are gotcha sound bites, appeals to emotion and bumper-sticker arguments. This anti-intellectual, People Magazine approach is what’s killing the conservative movement. This nonsense is what led to the nomination of a sound-bite nitwit from Texas, the loss of the both chambers of Congress and Mitt Romney pretending that he embraces the Reaganism he’s been rejecting for the better part of 15 years.
Let's not settle for amateurs merely because they're conservatives. I'd like to see our "Fair and Balance" balanced by intellectual Constitutionalists. The left is marching forward and must be opposed with vigor and soberness; "zany" conservatives like Hannity are not up to the task.
I like a good joke and I like a quick wit... but these are serious times.
UPDATE: Debbie Schlussel points out yet another Hannity disaster.