11 words about Fox News from John Oliver

[pepperbear]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/21/politics/john-oliver-fox-news-coronavirus/index.html


*SNIP*

But there was one thing -- actually one sentence of 11 words -- that really stood out to me in the Oliver segment. And it was this, when he was talking about Fox News' coronavirus coverage:

"They only pretend to believe these things on television for money."

The point Oliver was making was that even as many Fox News anchors were pushing the idea that coronavirus was less virulent than the flu and that it was the product of a hyper-partisan media trying to "get" Trump, the company was warning its employees to stay at home and "reducing the staff footprint at our headquarters in New York."

*SNIP*

[Mariana]

1. Exactly. They are performers playing roles.

They have scripts and rehearsals and Teleprompters and the whole bit.

[malaise]

2. That is it

WHen Barr takes the states to court, I want to see those judges and Barr in the court house.
They cannot order others to return to work while they are at home.

It's always about money and contempt for the 'other'.

[Shermann]

3. Tucker Carlson made a big stink about how joint replacement surgeries are "non-essential"

...while killing babies (performing abortions) is deemed "essential".

There are even more skewed examples. Why are alcohol sales "more important" than joint replacements? Why not choose that example? This was just a dog whistle that seems to resonate with half-wits. The alcohol example would be seen for what it is.

The reality is that "non-essential" is just a legal categorization. There are only two to choose from. Joint replacement surgery is certainly essential, however during a national crisis it would tie up ICU beds and surgeons and PPE in hospitals. So it is categorized as "non essential" because of a resource conflict. Abortions have no such conflict. Alcohol sales have no such conflict.

Carlson is a smart guy and he knows all this. He's just blowing his dog whistles for ratings.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. Here's the video of last Sunday's show, for those who missed it, one of his best ever:

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) - Coronavirus V
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017578011

[Brother Mythos]

5. It occurred to me that Fox News is following the old P. T. Barnum business model.

That is, "Never give a sucker an even break."

That business model is successful for Fox, because there are a hell of a lot of suckers out there who are more than happy to buy the product they're selling.