The Power and Danger of Talk Radio

Is Obama “Another Carter” or “An Obama?”
By Joe Gandelman on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Independent’s Eye by Joe GandelmanSome political talking heads and pundits are increasingly using the political-kiss-of-death phrase “another Jimmy Carter” to describe President Barack Obama’s rocky Presidency.Carter never recovered from his “malaise” speech ““ a word he actually never used but was put in his mouth by critics and Republicans. His name now means an incompetent, over-his-head, unable-to-connect President.Obama is still grappling with living up to his campaign 2008 image and unmet expectations of what would ...
No, Virginia, There Is No Liberal Media Conspiracy
By Joe Gandelman on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Independent’s Eye by Joe GandelmanDEAR INDEPENDENT’S EYE: I am 5 years old and my brother is helping type this. Some of my little friends on the playground in my kindergarten class say the media is a liberal media and that leaks from an Internet journalist list proved it conspired to hurt Republicans and promote Barack Obama. Papa says: “If you see it on Fox News, read about it on a conservative website or hear it ...
Charlie Crist: Beware of Nonsubmissive RINOS
By Joe Gandelman on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Independent’s Eye by Joe GandelmanPity that poor animal called the rhino: a mostly herbivorous creature highly sought after by humans who want to kill it for its valuable horn. A rhino is the ultimate big-game trophy.This year, more than ever, conservative Republicans and Tea Party members have made no secret about the fact that they’re hunting for RINOS: so-called Republicans In Name Only — which is another way to say “Republican moderates.” And back in ...
Have the Democrats Blown it for a Generation?
By Joe Gandelman on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Independent’s Eye by Joe GandelmanIt would be bittersweet for Democrats to rewatch HBO’s “By the People: the Election of Barack Obama” which details the 2008 election and the high hopes raised — and tears joyfully shed — on an election night seemingly a lifetime ago.Things haven’t worked out according to their hopes and dreams. And, in fact, the question should now be asked: have the Democrats blown it for a generation?On election night Democrats dreamed ...
The Power and Danger of Talk Radio
By Joe Gandelman on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Independent’s Eye by Joe GandelmanWhat’s the real power in America? What has revolutionalized American politics, its direction, tone, even the way political parties interact and politicos talk on the stump, in Congress and in front of cameras?The answer: talk radio, which some argue has become a partisan unifying political force in America. But it’s also a divisive force undermining America’s already-sagging political center.Some argue that talk radio now virtually sets Republican Party strategy.  But it ...