MSNBC: Now Worse Than Ever

After telling Slim I had to blog today about MSNBC’s new show “Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan.” We came to understand the network revisions to be an extended metaphor for the political news world. The new MSNBC was bad and we couldn’t think it could drop below our expectations, but somehow managed to pull it off. It reminded us of the Obama administration, as kind irony given the networks penchant for swallowing the president’s staff 24 hours a day in real time. Second, the new lineup sucks harder than ever, like Keith Olbermann kneeling before a Manhattan gloryhole for his daily protein buffet luncheon. Now, the egos are more bloated and less qualified with this quality’s standard bearer, Luke Russert, storming the beaches of painful failure in order to escape the clutches of mediocrity.

That said, back to “Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan.” Apparently, a receding hairline of salt and pepper rats nest, buckteeth, no talent, a lack of understanding of basic economics and American politics, and skin that looks like a soon-to-be retired barber’s leather strip, can all be packaged into an expensive Italian suit and be put in front of a camera. In previous weeks, he explained that the government has never done anything to help economic competition—oh and he used to be a contributor to NBC’s financial network, CNBC.

Today, he defended Mark Sanford, saying there is no reason why this affair should force him to resign and that he’s tired of politicians being held accountable for personal matters that are no one’s business. Instead, he argues politicians should only be held accountable for policy. Contessa Brewer, shocked me today and made sense in response. Saying Sanford is a hypocrite and prides himself on morality and criticizes those who don’t live a good Christian life. More to the point, I would argue people in South Carolina CERTAINLY voted for him because of his moral and upstanding character, he has failed them on this point and clearly no longer represent what they voted for. Brewer went on saying that the state is still investigating whether his rendezvous romps were done at the taxpayer’s expense. More to the point, remember that one time he left the country (no matter the state) and didn’t bother telling anyone? What would have happened if the executive powers of the governor needed to be exercised rapidly and no one could get a hold of him unless there was a cell phone inside a pair of Latin American panties?

No, no Dylan, there’s no reason to impeach this man or demand his resignation. This asshole ended up dismissing Contessa Brewer in a really chauvinistic manner downplaying “hypocrisy” then using it in his next segment as if to say what “real” hypocrisy was. Dylan, just because you think banging a woman who isn’t your wife, risking a state constitutional crisis so you can fly south to get off, and stealing tax money for a booty call are all upstanding behavior for a man’s man doesn’t make it right. Further, defended an adulterer, thief, and wretched excuse for a public official doesn’t make you more of a man, nor does belittling a female contributor to the network, nor does a rugged look that resulted from years of chain smoking, vainly attempting to be a cigar aficionado, and knocking back bourbon with the boys. You’re a pathetic little man who’s entirely goal on TV is to prove he’s a man and has value, despite being unintelligent and without talent.


~Ginger

In case the economy isn't making you suicidal...

...the latest media news will. First up, Howard Dean will become a regular CNBC contributor. Remember that one time in 2004 when Dean was the white 2004 Obama, beloved by the liberal masses and praised for his opposition to the Iraq war? Oh yeah, then he started screaming, and didn't have any "inspirational" background to propel him forward or a "bitch" candidate like Hil with which to contrast himself.

Then Dean turned his amazing web networking prowess into a new base of Democratic support, revitalized the DNC, and catapulted Obama to the White House with his sound 50-state strategy. You would think Obama would be greatful, but he let Rahm be a fucking spiteful dick and ushered in precious boytoy Tim Kaine. Dean has been gracious through his unceremonial kicking to the curb by Obama and Emanuel, but I doubt his populist perspective will make CNBC any less annoying, and he clearly deserves better than NBC's ugliest and least intelligent child.

Those of you who were looking forward to the Chris Matthews Pennsylvania Senate candidacy disaster will be doubly disappointed that not only will he refrain in 2010, he will be with MSNBC for another painful four years. Four more years of awkward misogyny, belligerent love-hate for Obama, and aggressive, nonsensical and blatantly leading questions. I mean, even Chuck Todd is marginally more tolerable, and Todd is the worst reporter/analyst EVER. Matthews' delusion about his own impartiality and analytical skills is gut-wrenching, but I guess that trainwreck brings enough viewers to the time slot, so brace yourselves. ~ Slim