Brian Williams Apology (Video)

Here's video of Brian Williams' apology for his "mistake":

Brian Williams: 'In an Effort to Honor and Thank a Veteran, I Made a Mistake' http://t.co/UVXXYg2HPJ

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) February 5, 2015

Here's the transcript:

BRIAN WILLIAMS: On this broadcast last week, in an effort to honor and thank a veteran who protected me and so many others after a ground fire incident in the desert during the Iraq War invasion, I made a mistake in recalling the events of twelve years ago. It did not take long to hear from some brave men and women in the air crews who were also in that desert. I want to apologize. I said I was traveling in an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire. I was instead in a following aircraft. We all landed after the ground fire incident and spent two harrowing nights in a sandstorm in the Iraq desert. This was a bungled attempt by me to thank one special veteran, and by extension, our brave military men and women, veterans everywhere, those who have served while I did not. I hope they know they have my greatest respect, and also, now, my apology.

While Williams does say he "wants to apologize," I find it inadequate.

Yes, he apologizes, but he doesn't explain why he lied with such conviction for 12 YEARS.

Oh, he was trying to honor a veteran but a mistake happened.

Sorry, that doesn't cut it. Williams told and retold a lie. It's impossible to accept that it was an honest "misremembering" of the event.

We know that Brian Williams loves performing. He hosted Saturday Night Live. He has appeared on 30 Rock. He loves to "Slow Jam the News" with Jimmy Fallon, something he's done on both Late Night and The Tonight Show.

Here's an example:



Williams, NBC anchor, cool guy, late night guest.

Yeah, right.

Will Fallon do a "Slow Jam" about Williams' lies?

Never.

Will The Roots, Fallon's band, play "Lyin' Ass Bitch" as the intro music for Williams when he next appears as a guest on The Tonight Show, the song QuestLove, drummer for The Roots, took great pleasure in playing to introduce Michele Bachmann for her appearance on Late Night?

That was a horrible move by Fallon's show.

I guarantee that Brian Williams will never be called a "lyin' ass bitch" by anyone at NBC, though he certainly has earned the title.

Williams is now officially a member of the loony Dan Rather anchorman club.

He has no credibility.

#BrianWilliamsMisRemembers pic.twitter.com/k4nFpst9EM

— Bob Murphy (@murphfrommidway) February 5, 2015

If NBC News was a reputable operation, Williams would be replaced.

That means Williams has no worries. His job is secure.

Brian Williams: 'Misremembers' Helicopter Hit In Iraq

So, is Brian Williams a liar or senile?

I think he's a liar.

FOR YEARS, Williams has claimed he was aboard a helicopter forced down by RPG fire in Iraq in 2003.

Williams told the story again a few days ago on NBC Nightly News coverage of a tribute that took place at a New York Rangers game.



This time, the shameful telling was the last.

Travis J. Tritten, Stars and Stripes, writes:

NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams admitted Wednesday he was not aboard a helicopter hit and forced down by RPG fire during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a false claim that has been repeated by the network for years.

Williams repeated the claim Friday during NBC’s coverage of a public tribute at a New York Rangers hockey game for a retired soldier that had provided ground security for the grounded helicopters, a game to which Williams accompanied him. In an interview with Stars and Stripes, he said he had misremembered the events and was sorry.

The admission came after crew members on the 159th Aviation Regiment’s Chinook that was hit by two rockets and small arms fire told Stars and Stripes that the NBC anchor was nowhere near that aircraft or two other Chinooks flying in the formation that took fire. Williams arrived in the area about an hour later on another helicopter after the other three had made an emergency landing, the crew members said.

“I would not have chosen to make this mistake,” Williams said. “I don’t know what screwed up in my mind that caused me to conflate one aircraft with another.”

...Williams and his camera crew were actually aboard a Chinook in a formation that was about an hour behind the three helicopters that came under fire, according to crew member interviews.

That Chinook took no fire and landed later beside the damaged helicopter due to an impending sandstorm from the Iraqi desert, according to Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Miller, who was the flight engineer on the aircraft that carried the journalists.

“No, we never came under direct enemy fire to the aircraft,” he said Wednesday.

...Reynolds said Williams and the NBC cameramen arrived in a helicopter 30 to 60 minutes after his damaged Chinook made a rolling landing at an Iraqi airfield and skidded off the runway into the desert.

He said Williams approached and took photos of the damage but Reynolds brushed them off because the crew was assessing damage and he was worried his wife, who was alone in Germany, might see the news report.

“I wanted to tell her myself everything was all right before she got news of this happening,” Reynolds said.

The NBC crew stayed only for about 10 minutes and then went to see the Army armored units that had been guarding the nearby Forward Operating Base Rams, and came out to provide a security perimeter around the aircraft. Tim Terpak, the command sergeant major who accompanied Williams to the Rangers game, was among those soldiers and the two struck up a friendship.

Miller, Reynolds and Mike O’Keeffe, who was a door gunner on the damaged Chinook, said they all recall NBC reporting that Williams was aboard the aircraft that was attacked, despite it being false. The NBC online archive shows the network broadcast a news story on March 26, 2003, with the headline “Target Iraq: Helicopter NBC’s Brian Williams Was Riding In Comes Under Fire.”

Wow.

Yeah, what did screw up in Williams' mind?

If I had been on a helicopter that was hit and forced into an emergency landing, I think I'd remember that clearly. I wouldn't be confused as to whether or not I was in that terrifying situation.

Good grief, you don't run around saying you were a passenger and involved in that drama if you weren't.

An honorable person doesn't do that.

Brian Williams did that for YEARS, until crew members demanded that he stop.

Here's Brian Williams' apology, as posted on Stars and Stripes:

"To Joseph, Lance, Jonathan, Pate, Michael and all those who have posted: You are absolutely right and I was wrong.

In fact, I spent much of the weekend thinking I'd gone crazy. I feel terrible about making this mistake, especially since I found my OWN WRITING about the incident from back in '08, and I was indeed on the Chinook behind the bird that took the RPG in the tail housing just above the ramp.

Because I have no desire to fictionalize my experience (we all saw it happened the first time) and no need to dramatize events as they actually happened, I think the constant viewing of the video showing us inspecting the impact area — and the fog of memory over 12 years — made me conflate the two, and I apologize.

I certainly remember the armored mech platoon, meeting Capt. Eric Nye and of course Tim Terpak. Shortly after they arrived, so did the Orange Crush sandstorm, making virtually all outdoor functions impossible. I honestly don't remember which of the three choppers Gen. Downing and I slept in, but we spent two nights on the stowable web bench seats in one of the three birds.

Later in the invasion when Gen. Downing and I reached Baghdad, I remember searching the parade grounds for Tim's Bradley to no avail. My attempt to pay tribute to CSM Terpak was to honor his 23+ years in service to our nation, and it had been 12 years since I saw him.

The ultimate irony is: In writing up the synopsis of the 2 nights and 3 days I spent with him in the desert, I managed to switch aircraft. Nobody's trying to steal anyone's valor. Quite the contrary: I was and remain a civilian journalist covering the stories of those who volunteered for duty. This was simply an attempt to thank Tim, our military and Veterans everywhere — those who have served while I did not."

Again, wow.

Brian Williams' credibility has taken a huge hit.

You know if you're on-board a Chinook hit by enemy fire and forced into an emergency landing, rather than following in another helicopter an hour behind those coming under fire.

What the hell?

This is not an understandable mistake.

There was no room for innocent confusion here.

I'm certain I would know if the helicopter I was on in a war zone was hit by the enemy and forced to land. I wouldn't place myself aboard if I actually had been following safely an hour behind the targeted Chinook.

This is worse than embarrassing for Williams. It's a disgrace.

Leno and Jokes For the Other 50% of Country

I completely disagree with Matt Drudge's tweet that Jay Leno "dared to entertain and offer jokes for the other 50% of country."

Left cheering #Leno exit typical, he dared to entertain and offer jokes for the other 50% of country. Unacceptable in 'New America'...
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) March 20, 2013

Yes, some Leftists may object to Leno's rare Obama jokes and are eagerly awaiting his departure.

As a conservative, I am cheering Leno's departure because he has veered so far to the Left, trashing the Right on a nightly basis.

He does it all the time, and not only in his monologues. Leno recently has brought in a line-up of Leftists in his second guest spot to help him trash Republicans. We get NBC "News" personalities up the wazoo, spewing their Leftist drivel. Not long ago, Leno gave Piers Morgan a spotlight platform to lobby for gun control. Way too much Leftist propaganda for me.

Here are some of Leno's "jokes for the other 50% of country" from Thursday's show:

JAY LENO: Well, here's a big controversy with the History Channel's mini-series The Bible. Well, it seems the actor playing Satan bears an uncanny resemblance to President Obama. You know, this isn't the first time the president's been portrayed as the devil. FOX News does it every single day. This is not new.

And Congresswoman Michele 'Nutball' Bachmann back in the news -- She has attacked what she calls the Obamas' lavish White House lifestyle. She says they spend too much money on perks and things like a dog walker. That turns out to be totally not true. The Obamas do not pay someone to walk their dog. Joe Biden does that job every day for free.

This was followed by a clip of Obama being heckled during a speech in Israel. The tape showed the heckler to be Donald Trump.

The next joke:

LENO: Well, after losing two presidential elections in a row, the Republican Party has outlined a plan to attract minorities. It's called 'Operation Pretend We Like 'Em.'

Not funny, in my opinion. Not entertaining. Not a grain of truth.

No joke Leno told mocked Obama or his policies, but he obviously did slam Republicans.

I think Drudge is living in the past, when Leno was more fair.

While Leno will occasionally throw in a joke that zings Obama, without question, Leno's monologue is not fair and balanced. He does not offer many "jokes for the other 50% of country."

Thursday night, Leno did do a gag about Nancy Pelosi endorsing a new, highly caffeinated coffee, showing a container with her face, eyes bugged out. That and the Biden swipe were the only so-called jokes involving Democrats. Those don't remotely balance out with Leno's attacks on Republicans.

Leno is still telling stale Mitt Romney jokes. Then again, "It Guy" Jimmy Fallon is, too.

Bottom line: Drudge is wrong.
________________

UPDATE: Right bemoans possible Jay Leno exit.

Could Jay Leno become a new conservative hero?

In the bitter and gossipy duel between Leno and NBC (the “Tonight Show” host is set to be replaced by Jimmy Fallon, according to reports), some see political fallout in Leno’s fall from grace.

“Left cheering Leno exit typical, he dared to entertain and offer jokes for the other 50% of country. Unacceptable in ‘New America’…” tweeted Matt Drudge this week in the wake of news of Fallon’s ascension. And Jezebel touched on Leno’s rough relationship with the coastal elites, describing him as “Middle America’s favorite late-night host.”

Fox News’ “The Five” speculated, if slightly in jest as is the show’s wont, that Leno was suffering for his barbs against President Barack Obama.

...Perhaps conservatives will be cheering when they hear this - Leno could land at Fox.

...Matt Towery wrote on the conservative Town Hall website that Leno – despite being a liberal – is like “Barry Goldwater” when compared with David Letterman.

"...I know that Jay Leno, like most on network TV, is a self-proclaimed ‘liberal,’ but I could care less. Next to David Letterman, he looks like Barry Goldwater,” Tower wrote.

Towery described Leno as an “equal opportunity offender” comic, who doesn’t back away from poking fun at Democrats when it’s warranted.

“The critics generally hate Leno, because to them he’s too much a part of ‘average’ America. He doesn’t have the endless—and I mean endless — sarcasm of Letterman and actually refrains from attacking people. He’s not cutting edge. He’s too much the apple pie American. Oh and he’s too funny to a majority of Americans,” Towery wrote.

This is driving me nuts.

If Leno is a "conservative hero," then conservatives have terrible judgment when it comes to choosing heroes.

I don't think these commentators watch past the monologue. They really don't know what they're talking about. They don't know how much Leno has changed since his return to NBC as host of the Tonight Show.

I never tune in to watch Letterman anymore. He's been a nightmare for over a decade. I can't stand him. It's kind of sad because I really used to enjoy him, but those days are long gone. I know he's an insufferable lib. He's cruel. He's horrible.

But Leno is not the person being portrayed in the media right now. This idea that Leno offers conservative stuff, even middle-of-the-road stuff, is ridiculous.

On the conservative-liberal spectrum, Letterman would out lib Leno; but Leno is no conservative hero.

Summerfest: The Roots

The Roots, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon house band, will be at the Miller Lite Oasis tonight. I won't be.

Will they play "Lyin' Ass Bitch"?

Dan Savage: Anti-Bible Rant

UPDATE, May 1, 2012: Journalism Conference Organizers Reverse Course, Apologize For Savage Invite

The National Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association – the organizations that invited bully extraordinaire Dan Savage to speak at their National High School Journalism Conference – have issued a press release denouncing Savage’s comments at the conference, just 24 hours after praising the speech's "level of thoughtfulness and deliberation."

Another victory for Breitbart and the New Media.
__________________

Dan Savage is a foul-mouthed, vile bully.

Obama supports Savage and his anti-bullying project, "It Gets Better."

Ben Shapiro, Breitbart's Big Government, writes:

President Obama’s administration has focused heavily on ending childhood bullying. So why would the Obama administration get behind an anti-bullying organization headed by one of America’s most vulgar, extreme bullies?

The Obama Administration has placed significant support behind the so-called It Gets Better Project. The White House has devoted a specific section of the WhiteHouse.gov website to the Project. President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and many other administration officials have cut videos on behalf of the Project.

Now, the message of the Project is worthwhile.

...There’s only one problem: the organization is headed by one Dan Savage.

Dan Savage is a BIG problem.

It's difficult to reconcile Savage as the creator of the "It Gets Better Project" with his merciless bullying tactics.

Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them.

Savage seems like such a compassionate guy, doesn't he?

He cares about people. He really cares.

Here's the "It Gets Better" pledge:

THE PLEDGE: Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I'll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens by letting them know that "It Gets Better."

"I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it."

Oh really, Dan?

I think you're a hypocrite. You speak hate. You exhibit intolerance.

On Bill Maher's Real Time, Savage declared his wish regarding Republicans.

DAN SAVAGE: I wish they were all f---ing dead.

Video.



What a horrible thing to say!

Is this appropriate coming from the founder and ultimate moral authority of the "It Gets Better" Project?

Such hate speech reveals Savage to be a serious part of the problem when it comes to achieving peace, love, and understanding rather than part of the solution.

This statement wasn't an unguarded, private moment for Savage. He said this while on a panel of a nationally televised program.

Savage is a terrible role model.

"It Gets Better"?

Bottom line: Savage says don't hate LGBT people, but wish that Republicans "were all f---ing dead."

Disgusting.

What a hypocrite!

Savage realized that his ugly, horrible comment has repercussions. It revealed the "It Gets Better" founder to be a fraud.

He wrote an apology on his blog:

I was on Real Time with Bill Maher tonight. I was talking to someone at the party after the show, and they asked me how I thought it went. Okay, I said—and then I told them that I said something really, really stupid, half under my breath, and I was relieved that Bill and the rest of the panel didn't hear it. But folks watching the show at home might have heard it... so... I want to apologize for... um... wishing all Republicans dead.

I don't feel that way. My dad is a Republican. (Well, he says he's an independent, but he hasn't voted for a Democrat since JFK. My dad is a Republican.) I'm fond of Michael Bloomberg and William Weld and Lincoln Chafee, and I wish no harm—save the political variety—on those Republicans I loathe. Even the one Republican I really had it in for once upon a time—Ronald Reagan—managed to outlive my anger.

It was a stupid, rude, thoughtless remark. I regret it and I retract it and I apologize to anyone watching at home—particularly my father (!)—who may have heard me say it. I had a drink before the show—first and last time I've ever done that—but this wasn't a case of, "In vino, veritas."

This was a case of, "In vino, stupidtas."

Why would Savage say something he didn't mean?

I would NEVER say "I wish all Democrats were f---ing dead."

Those words would NEVER come out of my mouth. Absolutely NEVER. Impossible.

It's not about Savage being "stupid" and "thoughtless." You just don't say something like that unless it's in you. It doesn't happen.

It can't happen unless it's in you.

It's good Savage apologized at the time, but you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube.

Here's more hate from Savage:

*Warning: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE*



After Marc Maron makes some positively inexcusable remarks about Michele Bachmann and her husband, Marcus Bachmann, Savage follows up with this:

DAN SAVAGE: They're grifters and scumbags - the Bachmanns.

...

MARC MARON: I don't want to be crass, but I just hope that Marcus Bachmann takes all that, you know, that rage that comes from repression and denial and brings it into the bedroom with her. I hope he f---s her angrily, because, because that's how I would. And I've thought about it. It's a political statement I'm trying to make.

DAN SAVAGE: Just so you don't get charges of sexism because only Michele Bachmann was involved, I sometimes think about f---ing the sh-- out of Rick Santorum, just 'cause I think he needs it. It's not just women we're talking about f---ing. It's like, let's bone that Santorum. I'd go for whipping up some Santorum in Santorum.

Savage didn't issue an apology for this. He stood by these comments.

"It Gets Better" Pledge:

"Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work."

Why would anyone, like the president of the United States, want to be associated with a project headed by someone like Savage?

I fully support the idea behind the project.

Unfortunately, Savage's remarks degrade it. It becomes meaningless.

He reveals that he isn't against hate and intolerance. He foments it.

Savage went on the attack again at the National High School Journalism Conference in Seattle.

Savage addressed students. He spewed a hate-filled rant, attacking the Bible and Christians.

Dan Savage offended some Christian teens when he told them "We can learn to ignore the bull---t in the Bible about gay people."

...After many students walked out of the speech, one of whom appeared to be crying, Savage said, “It’s funny, as someone who’s on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the bible, how pansy-assed some people react when you push back.”

Here's video:



Why would Savage, self-proclaimed anti-bullying crusader, act like a bully, again and again and again?

We've heard other Leftists say the same things Savage says. The hate is nothing new. The difference is Savage is supposedly preaching tolerance and respect. Obviously, he reserves his tolerance and respect only for those in agreement with him, which is no real tolerance at all.

I think it's a disgrace that the president of the United States aligns himself with Savage.

Obama should renounce Savage. If he chooses not to condemn this truly sick bully, I'll assume Obama supports Savage's beliefs and tactics.
____________________

More Savage bile: NSFW: Savage's Nastiest Bullying On Tape

***EXTREME LANGUAGE WARNING***

Jimmy Fallon, Obama: Observations

Obama's appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon was nauseating.

NBC gave Obama free air time to deliver his student loan message to a young demographic.

Without question, this was a political event. It was not the president of the United States stopping by as a guest on a late night talk show. Obama was campaigning and NBC provided the forum.

Obama first hit the stage to participate in one of the show's regular comedy bits, "Slow jam the news."

After a commercial break, Obama joined Fallon at the familiar desk set-up. When Obama was introduced, The Roots played Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." That, of course, was the song Obama sang at a fundraiser at the Apollo.

The Roots, naturally, didn't do to Obama what they did to Michele Bachmann when she appeared on Late Night. They didn't give Obama the "Lyin' Ass Bitch" treatment.

Speaking of student loans, Obama delivered those lame, stale lines about how poor he and Michelle were after they graduated from Harvard. He didn't mention how high their incomes were, instead stressing that they paid off their student loans eight years ago.

Give me a break! Read about the Obamas' income.

Obama said they had to pay off loans when they should have been saving for their daughters' college educations.

What a load! This sob story is so disingenuous. The Obamas, these elite Harvard Law grads, can't relate to the experience of the average college grad.

Obama called on students to contact their representatives in Congress about taking action to reduce their loans.

He even hawked the Twitter hashtag started by the White House, #DontDoubleMyRate.

Note to the clueless: THE DEMOCRATS are responsible for the rates. THEY set them. They voted for the rates. Blame the 2007 DEMOCRAT Congress, including Obama himself.

With all the talk about college education, Fallon didn't manage to get around to asking Obama when he would release his college transcripts. Not enough time?

Fallon asked Obama some questions sent in by people via Twitter.

Responses:

---No, Obama will not be "legalizing weed anytime soon."

Good grief.


---Obama says he's met Mitt Romney but they are "not friends."

Talking about the upcoming election, Fallon said that Romney will put out attack ads, as if Obama is Mr. Nice Guy and wouldn't think of saying anything mean.


---Obama says people should vote for him instead of Romney because he won't move the country backward. "I believe in young people and I'm gonna fight for you."

Can you say "pandering"?


While Obama keeps pushing to win the support of young people by acting as if he's their savior, helping them out with student loans, he's actually their worst enemy.

What college grads need is JOBS, something Obama has failed miserably at delivering. The economy sucks.

Note to Class of 2012: More than half of young college graduates now jobless or underemployed.

That's the real issue. JOBS.

Fallon ended the interview by saying, "Mr. President, it was such a thrill to have you here tonight. We don't take sides politically on our show, but to have the president of the United States here with me is an incredible honor."

Of course, it's an honor to have the president as a guest; but it's BS to say they don't take political sides on the show.

Generally, Late Night keeps the pro-Obama bias to a minimum.

Not on Tuesday.

The "slow jam the news" bit was gag-inducing.

This was an Obama political rally.

It was Obama propaganda.

It was a campaign ad, brought to you by NBC, entertainment division.

Jimmy Fallon and Obama: April 24, 2012, North Carolina

Obama will be appearing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon next Tuesday.

Oh, joy.

From ABC News:

What does President Barack Obama have in common with Elmo, Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino, Michele Bachmann and Bruce Springsteen? As of next week, they will all have appeared as guests on comic Jimmy Fallon's late-night show.

Obama will make his first appearance on the irreverent program in a segment taped Tuesday from the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which will be shown that night, NBC announced Friday. Dave Matthews will be the musical guest.

White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said on Twitter that Obama would promote a plan to keep student-loan costs in check.

As a regular viewer of Fallon's show, this nauseates me.

I admit that ever since the disgrace involving Michele Bachmann I've had a different view of the show. What Quest and The Roots did to her was inexcusable. So often while watching, I'll comment that I can't help thinking about what they did and it affects my enjoyment of the show.

...Fallon is no stranger to political guests.... But it was Bachmann's November 21st appearance that generated the most publicity after Fallon's house band, the Roots, welcomed her on the set with a riff from Fishbone's "Lyin' Ass Bitch." The result was a political uproar that led Fallon to apologize to the Congresswoman on Twitter.

So. What will The Roots (appearing at Summerfest on June 30 at the Miller Lite Oasis) play when Obama is introduced?

I guarantee it won't be something disrespectful. I guarantee Quest won't go on Twitter and brag about his abuse of Obama the way he did with Bachmann.

Of course, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and NBC/MSNBC is extremely friendly territory for Obama.

The segments will serve as free air time, a campaign commercial for Obama, targeted at Fallon's young audience. He's going to talk about a plan to keep student-loan costs in check.

Oh, God.

I wonder if Obama will mock Special Olympics athletes, the way he did on Leno.

Probably not.

Fallon will steer clear of Obama's bowling skills.

Obama has such a cruel sense of humor. He's so cold, but you can be assured he'll be playing the cool guy during his Tuesday appearance.

I doubt Fallon will ask Obama to talk about eating dog meat.

This is going to be a campaign appearance for Obama, at taxpayer expense.

Watch on Tuesday. You're paying for it.
_____________________

More details:

Obama to make his first appearance on NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on April 24.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO MAKE FIRST APPEARANCE ON NBC’S “LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON” TUESDAY, APRIL 24

Special Broadcast from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Campus

NEW YORK, New York - April 20, 2012 - President Barack Obama will make his first appearance on NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Tuesday, April 24 (12:35 a.m. ET). The special broadcast will be taped from the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Tuesday to air that same night.

Dave Matthews is set to perform as the April 24th musical guest. Fallon will also bring along his acclaimed house band The Roots.

"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" is produced by Universal Television and Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer. Michael Shoemaker produces. Gavin Purcell is the supervising producer.

In other words, this will be a campaign rally.

The show is going to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Obama to talk about his student loans plan.

Apparently, Fallon's studio wasn't large enough to generate the sort of excitement Obama's wants. The number of college students there to cheer him would be limited.

This is turning out to be quite a stunt. Will there be marble columns?

This isn't entertainment. This is campaigning, pure and simple, brought to you by NBC.

Obama, as president, has appeared on talk shows. That's nothing new. But taking the show on the road to accommodate Obama's political goals is not good.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - political hacks.

GIVE ME A BREAK.

SNL: Romney, GOP Primary Candidates, Green Day (Video)

Saturday Night Live opened with Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and the other Republican primary candidates meeting in a bar, reminiscing, and occasionally breaking into song, Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)."





Ron Paul wasn't included, probably because Paul Brittain is no longer an SNL cast member.

Watch video here.

Media Matters and Rush Limbaugh

Media Matters, a tax-exempt group, is bringing its war on Rush Limbaugh directly to Milwaukee and at least seven other cities.

From the Associated Press:

Rush Limbaugh’s opponents are starting a radio campaign against him Thursday, seizing upon the radio star’s attack of a Georgetown law student as a “slut” to make a long-term effort aimed at weakening his business.

The liberal Media Matters for America is using a past campaign against Glenn Beck as a template. In Limbaugh, however, they’re going after bigger game. He’s already fighting back and the group’s stance has provoked concerns that an effort to silence someone for objectionable talk is in itself objectionable.

Media Matters is spending at least $100,000 for two advertisements that will run in eight cities.

The ads use Limbaugh’s own words about student Sandra Fluke, who testified at a congressional hearing that contraception should be paid for in health plans. Limbaugh, on his radio programs, suggested Fluke wanted to be paid to have sex, which made her a “slut” and a “prostitute.” In return for the money, he said Fluke should post videos of herself having sex. Under sharp criticism, Limbaugh later apologized.

In one of the anti-Limbaugh ads, listeners are urged to call the local station that carries Limbaugh to say “we don’t talk to women like that” in our city.

Ad time was purchased in Boston; Chicago; Detroit; Seattle; Milwaukee; St. Louis; Macon, Ga.; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The cities were selected to support active local campaigns against Limbaugh or because of perceptions Limbaugh may be vulnerable in that market, said Angelo Carusone of Media Matters.

“What we’re really looking for is a way to demonstrate the persistence of the effort and the fact that it is on a wide scale,” Carusone said.

A spokeswoman for Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates Limbaugh’s show to more than 600 radio stations nationally, said Media Matters has gone beyond criticism of Limbaugh’s words to an attempt to silence him and intimidate advertisers.

The Media Matters Leftists are going off the deep end. They have lost it. They have gone insane.

They are actively seeking to silence free speech. The Leftists are responsible for blowing that "chill wind" of censorship they always yap about.

It's hilarious that the foul-mouthed Leftists are going to run an ad in the Milwaukee market that says, "'we don't talk to women like that' in our city."

The Leftists in Wisconsin, and around the country, habitually degrade women. They consider some of the degradation to be "entertainment" and "comedy."

Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Laura Bush, Callista Gingrich, Karen Santorum, and Ann Romney are mocked and brutalized in the most offensive terms.

Closer to home, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has been the target of despicable verbal attacks.

Personally, I receive comments on my blog posts from Leftists that include some of the most unbelievably vile attacks. Being called a "slut" or a "prostitute" would be a compliment in comparison.

It's a joke for Media Matters to run an ad that claims, "we don't talk to women like that."

This is beyond a war on Rush Limbaugh, which is, by the way, guaranteed to fail.

Remember, Limbaugh APOLOGIZED promptly for his remarks, but George Soros' Media Matters won't let it go. They have a plan.

This is a war on conservatives and talk radio.

It's a war on free speech.

Americans will not stand for it when our fundamental freedoms are under assault.

The Left has declared war on the First Amendment.

Obama and company want to curb religious liberty. They want to silence their critics.

That's not going to happen. There will be uprisings at the ballot box.

This administration and its Leftist supporters want to keep a boot on our throats, in so many aspects of our lives.

Obama and the Leftists have attacked my religion, Catholicism. I have seen the impact of what the Obama government regulators are doing to destroy community businesses. Now, they're pushing to silence opposition voices.

It's not going to happen.

They will fail.

They will lose.

By the way, isn't it funny that Media Matters wants to buy advertising time on Rush Limbaugh affiliate stations?

Michelle Obama, Letterman (Video)

Here's video of Michelle Obama's visit to Late Show with David Letterman:



Knowing Michelle Obama was a guest, I actually watched a little bit of the show.

I haven't seen Letterman in such a long time. He looked so old and sounded frail. He seemed sedated.

Anyway, the portions I saw dealt with Letterman asking Michelle about parenting, as if she's the expert. It was creepy. He seemed so disconnected.

Letterman was talking about his 8-year-old son. Again, creepy to know he didn't love his son's mother enough to remain faithful to her.

Odd that Michelle Obama is considered such a great parent when she allows her 13-year-old daughter to go to MEXICO for spring break. Yes, the Obamas sent 25 SECRET SERVICE AGENTS with Malia and her 12 friends to accompany them on their spring break vacation. (Happy, taxpayers? You're paying for this.)

Mexico is a terribly dangerous place. Why would a parent expose one's child to potential threats? The U.S. State Department warns Americans of the danger.

I'm sure Malia and her 12 friends are in areas considered safe for travel, but the fact that 25 AGENTS are being paid with our tax dollars to protect them is telling. And troubling.

But I digress.

I suppose the fact that Letterman treats women, like Sarah Palin and her daughters, with such disrespect influenced the way I viewed his segments with Michelle Obama.

Michelle appeared to be very comfortable and relaxed. She obviously knew she was not going to face any tough questions or be challenged in any way.

I guess she didn't mind that Letterman has been merciless in his attacks on conservative women like Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann.

Will Michelle Obama soon be Bill Maher's guest?
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From NewsBusters: Letterman Asks Michelle Obama 'Has Your Husband' Ever Said To You 'John Boehner, What An Idiot?'

It didn't take long for Republicans to get bashed during David Letterman's interview with Michelle Obama Monday night.

In the middle of an election year, the CBS Late Show host actually asked the First Lady, "Has your husband ever come home and said to you, 'Oh, that John Boehner, what an idiot?'”

After Mrs. Obama laughed along with the audience, she responded, “It has never happened. Never, never. He is always upbeat, particularly about Congress.”

Not funny.

Classless.

The War on Rush Limbaugh

UPDATE, March 7, 2012: Clearing Up Misinformation on Our Sponsors
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UPDATE, March 6, 2012: Investors flee Carbonite after Limbaugh announcement
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UPDATE, March 5, 2012: RUSH LIMBAUGH: Why I Apologized to Sandra Fluke
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America is falling apart.

The country is a mess.

There may be some signs that the economy is picking up, but my family and friends aren't feeling it AT ALL.

One of our most cherished freedoms is being attacked by the Obama administration - religious liberty.

Obama's assault on Catholics should frighten all Americans.

But what's the big story?

Rush Limbaugh and his comments about Sandra Fluke.

My dear fellow Catholics and fellow Americans, don't you think this is crazy?

Why are we allowing such a relatively minor thing as an inappropriate remark by Limbaugh to consume the national dialogue?

It's nuts.

It's wrong.

It's irresponsible.

It's sad.

What is happening to my country?

From the New York Times:

Emboldened by Rush Limbaugh’s public apology over the weekend to a law school student whom he had called a “slut” and a “prostitute,” critics of the radio talk show host are intensifying their online campaign against his advertisers.

The apology, they said, was a signal that the campaign was working. On Sunday, a seventh company, ProFlowers, said that it was suspending all of its advertising on “The Rush Limbaugh Show” despite his apologetic statement a day earlier.

For now, the ad boycott is uncomfortable but not crippling for Mr. Limbaugh, who is estimated to make $50 million a year and whose program is a profit center for Premiere Radio Networks, the company that syndicates it. The program makes money both through ads and through fees paid by local radio stations, and while it often has sparked outrage during more than two decades on the air, efforts at ad boycotts in the past have had no measurable effect. Liberal groups and activists, however, hope that this time is different.

...By the time he apologized, online protesters had been organizing for days on social networking Web sites and liberal hubs like Daily Kos. They called on companies like ProFlowers to remove their ads from “The Rush Limbaugh Show” and appeared to be having some success, as companies like Sleep Train said they had suspended advertising.

One such company that had been a longtime sponsor of Mr. Limbaugh’s, Carbonite, said it would reconsider its ad spending; after the apology was issued, it announced that it would suspend its ads anyway. “We hope that our action, along with the other advertisers who have already withdrawn their ads, will ultimately contribute to a more civilized public discourse,” the company’s chief executive, David Friend, said.

If Leftists think that they are going to destroy Limbaugh and cause his massive audience to abandon him, they're delusional.

The Daily Kos crowd can break advertisers, but there is no way they can break the conservative audience.

An apology from Limbaugh isn't enough for some advertisers. Instead, they're bowing to the radical Leftists. That's their choice.

Of course, actions have consequences.

If ProFlowers and Carbonite really think pulling their sponsorship of Limbaugh's show will be good for them from a business standpoint, then they're doing the right thing.

I think in the end these advertisers will suffer far more than Limbaugh, but it's their choice.

Naturally, Media Matters, an Obama White House appendage, is trumpeting Limbaugh's loss of some advertisers.

...Eric Boehlert of the liberal media monitoring group Media Matters for America predicted on Sunday that the apology would not “stop the pressure that’s being applied to his advertisers.”

“His comments were so egregious, naturally advertisers will have doubts about being associated with Limbaugh’s brand of hate,” Mr. Boehlert said in an e-mail message.

Premiere’s parent company, Clear Channel, deferred questions to Premiere, which declined to answer questions about the effect of the ad boycott or the widespread anger at Mr. Limbaugh.

In a statement, Premiere — best known for conservative talk shows — said it was committed to giving listeners access to a broad range of opinion and commentary. “The contraception debate is one that sparks strong emotion and opinions on both sides of the issue,” the company said. “We respect the right of Mr. Limbaugh, as well as the rights of those who disagree with him, to express those opinions.”

Eric Boehlert's pontificating is absolutely sickening.

The Leftists' selective outrage really, REALLY is reprehensible.

Limbaugh's "brand of hate" pales in comparison to the stuff spewed by the rabid Left.

The difference is the Left's hate is propped up by the mainstream media. Much is even considered entertaining.

I'm not just talking about the likes of haters such as the disgusting, vile Bill Maher and the crazed Ed Schultz and nearly everyone with a show on MSNBC.

David Letterman has shown what a hateful man he is on many occasions in his merciless, obsessive trashing of Sarah Palin and her children.

Jay Leno, unfortunately, has also taken an ugly turn to the Left. Can't stomach him either anymore.

Even Jimmy Fallon's show has been home to hate. Remember The Roots' despicable treatment of guest Michele Bachmann, playing "Lyin' Ass Bitch" as she was introduced?

Did advertisers abandon these "entertainers" for their egregious behavior?

Limbaugh's comments are certainly no worse than what these Leftists have put out.

I don't like the coarseness of the remarks. They're inappropriate. Whether they're from those on the Right or the Left is irrelevant. Inappropriate is inappropriate.

What is relevant is the way the Left's "brand of hate" is excused.

That is utterly unacceptable.

So, LegalZoom, ProFlowers, Carbonite, Quicken Loans, Citrix, Sleep Train, and Sleep Number:

Apparently, Limbaugh's comments are unforgivable. "Sorry" doesn't cut it.

All right. Say goodbye to lots and lots of customers.



This is war.

David Gergen, Republicans, and 'Women on Twitter'

According to David Gergen, CNN political analyst, "women on Twitter" don't like the Republican candidates.

While Gergen declared Mitt Romney to be the winner, he sees a weakness.

In his assessment of last night's debate, Gergen addressed the significance of "women on Twitter" and presidential politics.

Video.



Transcript

DAVID GERGEN: There are a lot of women out there tonight on Twitter who believe that these candidates really live in the past, that they're men who sort of don't understand the women's rights movement. And it'll be interesting to see how that plays out.

This is a weird comment on several levels.

Do candidates work to get the "women on Twitter" vote, the "women on Twitter" moms?

Bizarre.

Gergen's belief that the Republican candidates "don't understand the women's rights movement" is very odd.

"The women's rights movement"? Has Gergen been watching reruns of Maude?

It seems like Gergen is living in the past.

The Dem talking point that Republicans are the enemies of women is ridiculous.

Does Gergen remember that Sarah Palin, a woman, was on the Republican ticket in 2008?

Does Gergen recall that Michele Bachmann was once the front-runner in the 2012 primary race?

Both Bachmann and Palin were crucified by Democrats. So much for respecting women.

Gergen needs to understand that the Republican candidates don't have a backward agenda when it comes to women.

These "women on Twitter" Gergen has been following need to learn that as well.
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More Gergen "wisdom":

Herman Cain: Tea Party State of the Union Response

UPDATE: The Tea Party response will be streaming live at www.TeaPartyExpress.org and will last approximately 7 minutes.
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Herman Cain will share at least a little bit of the spotlight on the night of January 24th, when Obama delivers his State of the Union address.

Cain will be delivering the Tea Party response.

Here's the press release:

HERMAN CAIN TO DELIVER TEA PARTY STATE OF THE UNION RESPONSE

Sacramento, CA - Tea Party Express, the nation’s largest tea party political action committee, is announcing that Herman Cain will be delivering the Tea Party State of the Union response at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on the evening of January 24th, 2012.

Sal Russo, Chief Strategist of the Tea Party Express, said, “We are excited to have Herman Cain deliver the 2nd Tea Party State of the Union response next week. Americans are fed up with the Washington politics that fail to address America’s fiscal woes. The Tea Party Express has called for reducing the size, cost and intrusiveness of the federal government, and we have stood strongly for pro-growth policies to get the economy growing and job creation increased.

“We are enthusiastic that a successful conservative governor like Mitch Daniels of Indiana will be giving the Republican response. I know that both Governor Daniels and Mr. Cain will contribute important ideas for the future of our country.

“Herman Cain has been a steadfast advocate for the values of the Tea Party and the practical solutions needed to solve the problems that face our nation. By following President Obama, Mr. Cain will have an opportunity to square off with the failed policies of the Obama Administration. Whether it is a flat tax, a fair tax or a combination of the two, reforming the tax code must be a priority. Americans want straight talk and honest solutions, and Herman Cain will deliver a pro-growth message strongly and clearly,” Russo concluded.

The Tea Party Express hosted the first ever Tea Party State of the Union Response last year with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

Pulaski Marching Band: Union Song or Polka?

The Pulaski Marching Band was selected to participate in the Rose Parade on Monday.

The band performed "On Wisconsin" and "Red Wing Polka."

Watch:



Unfortunately, the band members and Pulaski High School weren't able to enjoy the honor of their televised performance. Instead, a Daily Kos blogger politicized it.

She didn't hear "Red Wing Polka." She heard "Union Maid." Of course, the Leftists and anti-Scott Walker loons praised the band for using their moment in the national spotlight to stick it to Wisconsin's governor.

Read comments from the Leftists on the YouTube posting of the band's Rose Parade performance.

Some examples:

Great representation by Pulaski marching band to show solidarity with the working people of Wisconsin, who have suffered 5 consecutive months of the highest job loss in the US than any other State.

Union Maid is an inspiring song.

We love you Pulaski marching band.

Recall Scott Walker and save Wisconsin.

taoM7 1 day ago 12
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Wow, that took some chutzpah! Great going, Pulaski! Pass this video link around! Maybe one of the MSNBC shows will pick this up as a human-interest filler...

L188188 1 day ago

The Walker haters wallowed in what they interpreted as a political statement by the band.

Officials at Pulaski High School say the Leftist blogger blew it. She was wrong. The band didn't stick it to Walker. The kids performed a polka, not a protest song.

WBAY has the story:

Students on the Pulaski High School Red Raider marching band were back in class Wednesday after an exciting performance in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California.

But controversy followed them home, as a blogger interprets one of the songs they played as political. School officials, however, disagree.

Almost 200 Pulaski band members and their chaperones returned Tuesday night in several groups. The last arrived around midnight.

They spent the last week in southern California sightseeing and then marching in the 2012 Rose Parade in Pasadena.

For the young musicians, their performance was one of their proudest moments.

"We just put so much work into it," saxophone player Jake Herning said, "and then when we finally got to it and done with it, it was a really big accomplishment."

"It was really nerve racking. It was just an awesome experience. And I'm glad to be back but I wish I was still in California, because it was just awesome," tuba player Beth Verhuiden said.

But others saw it as a controversial, political statement. A blog post about the message behind the marching band's Rose Parade performance has gone viral.

Blogger Annie Jo, who writes entries for the liberal web site Daily Kos, praised the band in a post Tuesday for playing what she heard as the song "Union Maid" outside the grand stand on the parade route.

It's a pro-union song by folk singer Woody Guthrie. Lyrics include "You can't scare me/ I'm sticking to the union/ I'm sticking to the union till the day I die."

...But Pulaski School Superintendent Mel Lightner says the band was actually playing "Red Wing Polka," a song representative of Pulaski's Polish heritage, and they had no intention of making any kind of statement.

In fact, when word of the blog post got back to Pulaski's superintendent, he was shocked someone would try to make a special moment for the students political.

"It's absolutely false that that happened. Nothing further from the truth," he said.

Lightner adds the song was innocently chosen by the band director because it's his grandmother's favorite polka. The band had no other motives.

"(Band Director Tom) Busch, our fantastic and fabulous director, did not even know there were lyrics added by Woody Guthrie to this melody, apparently in the 1940s," Lightner said.

Video.



It's too bad the band's performance became a controversial headache for the school rather than a highlight.

Listening to Lightner, I think he's telling the truth. I don't think his explanation is an excuse to cover up a sleazy attack on Governor Walker.

I hope that's the case. There doesn't appear to have been an attempt to slip in a political message via the band's appearance in the parade.

It's not like when The Roots played "Lyin' Ass Bitch" to introduce Michele Bachmann when she was a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. That was a cruel stunt meant to demean her. Drummer Questlove, an Obama fan, bragged about it on Twitter.

I assume Tom Busch didn't put out a Tweet saying he really did intend to slam Walker. If it was intentional, he's not a great director.

Bitter political statements don't belong at a celebration like the Rose Parade. I assume Tom Busch knows that.

Michele Bachmann Out (Video)

Michele Bachmann has dropped out of the Republican primary race.

It was the right thing for her to do.

From FOX News:

Following a sixth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday night, Michele Bachmann suspended her presidential campaign Wednesday morning.

“I have decided to stand aside,” she told a crowd of supporters in Des Moines, Iowa. “And I believe that if we are going to appeal Obamacare, turn our country around and take back our country, we must do so united, and I believe that we must rally around the person that our country, and our party and our people select to be that standard-bearer.”

“Make no mistake, I’ll continue to be a strong voice, I’ll continue to stand and fight for the country and for the American people and for our freedom,” she said.

Here's video:



I'm thankful there are people like Michele Bachmann, willing to suffer the slings and arrows of American politics in the 21st century.

She didn't achieve her goal, becoming the 2012 Republican nominee for president, but she should be proud.

She is a strong voice. I admire strong, conservative women like her.

MICHELE BACHMANN: I had just one message: To tell you that I mean what I say and I say what I mean. And I've told you the truth that our country is in very serious trouble, and that this might be the last election to turn the nation around before we go down the road to socialism, to a burden of debt too heavy for our children to bear. And I didn't tell you what the polls said that you wanted to hear. I didn't tell you what I knew to be false. I didn't try to spin you. I listened to the people of Iowa and all across America, and they agree that President Obama and his socialist policies must be stopped.

Sarah Palin: Iowa Caucus

Sarah Palin gave her thoughts on the Republican field of candidates on the eve of the Iowa caucuses and other issues, too.

Speaking from Wasilla, Alaska, she spent nearly twenty minutes with Eric Bolling on FOX News Channel yesterday afternoon.

Palin didn't pull any punches.

When Bolling asked her what she thought of Newt Gingrich's suggestion that he might choose her to be a cabinet member or even pick her to be his VP running mate, Palin joked that proves he's not so smart.

There is no way she'd run for vice president in 2012. There's no way she's going to run for president in 2012. No way.

She said, "I'm happy with this field" and that she looks forward to supporting the winner.

Then, she said the field "is what it is." Not exactly a ringing endorsement of those running.

Palin opposes a third party candidacy, whether it be Ron Paul or Donald Trump, because it makes it more likely that Obama might be reelected.

"Heaven forbid that we have to go through four more years of Barack Obama and his failed socialist policies."

Palin says if Ron Paul is the Republican nominee, she'll "be there with him," hoping he'd have some smart people around him able to provide some better foreign policy ideas.

She refused to endorse any of the candidates, saying they all have strengths and weaknesses. There isn't a perfect candidate.

Here's the complete interview:



Here's a clip of Palin's remarks about Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, and Michele Bachmann, from Breitbart.



Palin doesn't believe Perry will drop out, but she thinks that Huntsman should drop out. She's not happy with Huntsman because he hasn't put out real effort. As for Michele Bachmann, Palin expects her to drop out soon, to avoid going into debt. Palin said, "She has a lot to offer also but I don't think it's her time this go around."

She makes a lot of sense.

Sarah Palin is not stupid.

Michele Bachmann and Margaret Thatcher

The Associated Press labels this video clip with "Bachmann Compares Herself to Margaret Thatcher."



That's misleading. She says she would lead like Thatcher, a strong woman.

Bachmann says, "That's what I hope to be, America's iron lady."

The operative word is "hope."

Ron Paul and Jay Leno (Video)

Jay Leno gave his guest, "Dr. Ron Paul," three segments on Friday's Tonight Show.

The audience was packed with Ron Paul supporters. Every time Paul finished an answer to Leno's softball questions, the audience would erupt with applause. It was not effective because it was so staged.

Ron Paul really is a joke.

Still, Leno treated him with respect, which was appropriate. After all, the guy is a Republican candidate for president.

However, Leno didn't challenge any of Paul's responses, no follow-up questions.

Here's video:

Ron Paul on Candidates

What a nutjob!

Paul's remarks about Michele Bachmann were disgraceful.

Leno ran through the list of Republican candidates and Paul gave his assessment.

JAY LENO: Michele Bachmann?

RON PAUL: She doesn't like Muslims. She hates Muslims. She wants to go get 'em.

What an idiotic thing to say!

More video:

Ron Paul Gay Marriage

Ron Paul on Trump

Ron Paul Legalizing Marijuana

Comedian Mario Joyner was bumped because Leno spent so much time with Paul.

There was time for one guest following Paul, Joe Rogan of NBC's Fear Factor. Rogan came out wearing a Ron Paul shirt, saying he was a huge fan.

What a coinkydink!

JAY LENO: What part of his platform do you like?

JOE ROGAN: Every single thing that comes out of his mouth, I go, 'Yeah, yeah! Finally!' When he talks about the gold standard, when he talks about civil liberties, when he talks...everything he says.

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Here's video of the complete interview:

Ron Paul, Part 1

Ron Paul, Part 2

Ron Paul, Part 3

The Debate, Sioux City

Did anything important happen during last night's Republican presidential primary debate?

I had it on, but I was writing out Christmas cards.

Occasionally, something on TV would draw my attention away from my task.

It might be Ron Paul's squeaky yapping or Newt Gingrich talking over the moderators that would distract me.

I'd look up now and then, and see Mitt Romney speaking, looking like he always does, very Romney-ish. What was he saying? I don't know.

Rick Perry seemed lost. The "Tim Tebow" line was stupid. In that brief moment, which was all I saw of him, he was trying too hard.

If Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum said much, I missed it. All I heard from Jon Huntsman were his closing remarks.

This debate received a lot of hype. It is the last one before Iowa, so I guess I should have watched it closely.

But I'm powerless. I'm not in Iowa or New Hampshire. Why bother?

All the pundits have been fighting it out. Who's the best candidate? Who can beat Obama? Who guarantees failure in November?

What does the Wall Street Journal say? National Review?

I feel like I'm on the sidelines and my vote won't matter. Others will decide.

I don't think that's the way it's supposed to work.

Questlove, Song Choices, and NBC

I find this hard to believe, but supposedly Questlove's song choices on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon now have to be approved by three different NBC executives.

From the New York Post:

Questlove has been ordered to have his song choices approved by NBC honchos after his musical attack on Michele Bachmann, when his band the Roots played the opening of “Lyin’ Ass Bitch” as she walked on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” Talking to Rolling Stone before the incident, Questlove admitted he was planning the number. “I’m gunning for Bachmann,” he said. “I want to try and do Fishbone’s ‘Lyin’ Ass Bitch.’ I just don’t know if I’m going to tell Jimmy.” (He says Fallon has vetoed only one song, “She Blinded Me With Science,” for Katie Holmes. Questlove laughed, “That would have been good.”) While Bachmann didn’t object on camera, the lyrical diss caused a huge stir and NBC had to apologize. Questlove tells the magazine he was awakened by a 9 a.m. call the next morning summoning him to 30 Rock, where he was told he must clear every song with three different NBC execs, and he was forbidden to tweet about the incident. “It was a real bummer,” Fallon told Rolling Stone. “We don’t want to censor anyone, but . . . I don’t know. Maybe Questlove is a Romney guy.”

So Jimmy Fallon vetoed "She Blinded Me With Science" for Katie Holmes.

I think that was wise. But it does make me wonder why Fallon knew about that yet supposedly didn't know about "Lyin' Ass Bitch" for Michele Bachmann.

Given Questlove's political allegiance to Obama and Democrats, Fallon must have been interested in knowing what The Roots planned to play for Bachmann's introduction.

Maybe he trusted Questlove to do the right thing and felt he didn't need to inquire.

What's weird is why he knew about the mean shot Quest wanted to take at Katie Holmes. How did that come about if it's not regular procedure to rehearse the intro songs and for Fallon to know the choices?

Also, the statement that he only vetoed one of Quest's choices suggests that Fallon does indeed know the songs for the intros.

Why the lapse in Bachmann's case?

It's hard to believe that Fallon didn't realize he had reason to worry about the song choice for Bachmann.

Anyway, I highly doubt that NBC is really monitoring Quest's song choices to the extent reported.

If it's true, I'm sure it won't last very long.

This really was an unfortunate episode, albeit eye-opening. I thought Late Night was an oasis of good-natured humor, no mean-spirited stuff. Obviously, that's not the case. I was wrong about Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.