An unexpectedly great piece on NPR this morning

[Orrex]

I frequently criticize NPR's news programs for their soft-touch handling of the GOP and the Republican agenda, and generally this continues to be the case. Even their handling of Trump has been more deferential than I'd like, typically treating him as a sort of goofy uncle rather than as an unnatural disaster exploding in real time.

However, credit where due. All Things Considered today featured a piece with Newt Gingrich, the tallest prolapsed anus ever to serve as Speaker of the House. Gingrich is peddling his new stack of words and paper, and he's decided that the best way to inflate his millions is to suckle at Trump's teat.

NPR's Rachel Martin wasn't having it, though. Again and again she challenged him, calling out his deceptions, and she pointedly steered him back on track several times when the former Speaker tried repeatedly to make the conversation about the shocking liberal bias of the Justice Department in general and Mueller in particular. I infer that this is a major theme of his "book," so of course he has to catapult that bit of propaganda.

The segment is about ten minutes, and the transcript should be available later today at the same link.

Martin deserves props for this strong interview and for preventing Gingrich from grabbing the mic for ten minutes of self-promotion and Trump servicing. This is the kind of reporting that I really miss from NPR, and I'd love to see more of it in the months ahead.

[lindysalsagal]

1. Always a good sign when the media holds to the facts. Thanks.

[PRETZEL]

2. She deserves greater props for not laughing at him nt

[PunkinPi]

3. Glad to hear "Now Promoting Republicans" (NPR) is doing some pushback. nt

[FSogol]

4. I heard that. Gingrich posisted that justice is liberal and should be banned.

What is the point of having intellectually dishonest liars smearing the Justice Dept, creating conspiracies, and muddying the water on?

[Orrex]

10. That, alas, continues to be NPR's weakness

They air far-Right assholes all the time, usually with minimal response or rebuttal, while far-Left voices are featured not at all.

With that in mind, NPR was Gingrich's festering presence was more or less guaranteed to be featured, so I'm glad at least that Martin played it as she did.

[IndieRick]

5. Which NPR is that?

I am a long time listener to my local NPR programming and found your description of their reactions to our orange haired nightmare quite off the mark.
NPR gets criticism for its even handed reporting of all sides of complex issues, but that is precisely why I am a regular listener. Instead of hammering opinions into ones head ( see Fox News), disguising editorials as news reporting, we get all the facts and are left to make up our own minds. Perhaps that is not what you wish to see, in that case I suggest Pacifica Radio for your listening pleasure. They do a fine job of enumerating the position of the Left on issues and incidents.

As to NPR's handling of Trump, I constantly am amused and enlightened by their serious and severe criticisms of this unfit and possibly unbalanced president.

[BeekeeperInVermont]

37. I agree with you.

I listen to NPR all the time, all day, and I actually appreciate it when they have conservatives on, because I'm certainly not going to tune in to right-wing radio or television to find out what they're saying; Public Radio wades through all that so I don't have to. NPR hosts do not let conservatives go off the rails; the interviewers force them to stay on topic and don't let them engage full-on flame throwing. Last, but not least, when compared to the voices of the sensible, no nonsense, thoughtful NPR hosts, right-wingers sound all the more nuts.

[ProfessorPlum]

44. Welcome to DU, both of you.

Your concern for the tender fee fees of NPR and their Republican guests is noted.

[doodsaq]

45. Agree 100%

It's actually "fair and balanced."

[riversedge]

6. Can you please provide a better link. Just leads to opening sentenceds. thanks

[Orrex]

7. Transcript's not yet posted at NPR.org but should be available later today

I believe that the same link will work at that point.

In the meantime, the linked page features the audio for the interview.

[BadgerKid]

8. Can always count on Newt's comments to be content-free.

- Avoiding directly answering a question,
- claiming liberal "infestations" (my word)
- b-b-b-but Clinton or the Clinton campaign

[Baitball Blogger]

9. Gingrich is a bag of recycled hate and deception from the nineties.

Lord knows that reporters of conscious have had plenty of time to work up effective retorts.

[Gabi Hayes]

14. The main reason for the rise of extremist wing nuts

since the 90s:

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4443.htm

Language: A Key Mechanism of Control

Newt Gingrich's 1996 GOPAC memo

As you know, one of the key points in the GOPAC tapes is that "language matters." In the video "We are a Majority," Language is listed as a key mechanism of control used by a majority party, along with Agenda, Rules, Attitude and Learning. As the tapes have been used in training sessions across the country and mailed to candidates we have heard a plaintive plea: "I wish I could speak like Newt."

That takes years of practice. But, we believe that you could have a significant impact on your campaign and the way you communicate if we help a little. That is why we have created this list of words and phrases.

This list is prepared so that you might have a directory of words to use in writing literature and mail, in preparing speeches, and in producing electronic media. The words and phrases are powerful. Read them. Memorize as many as possible. And remember that like any tool, these words will not help if they are not used.

While the list could be the size of the latest "College Edition" dictionary, we have attempted to keep it small enough to be readily useful yet large enough to be broadly functional. The list is divided into two sections: Optimistic Positive Governing words and phrases to help describe your vision for the future of your community (your message) and Contrasting words to help you clearly define the policies and record of your opponent and the Democratic party.

Please let us know if you have any other suggestions or additions. We would also like to know how you use the list. Call us at GOPAC or write with your suggestions and comments. We may include them in the next tape mailing so that others can benefit from your knowledge and experience.



Optimistic Positive Governing Words

Use the list below to help define your campaign and your vision of public service. These words can help give extra power to your message. In addition, these words help develop the positive side of the contrast you should create with your opponent, giving your community something to vote for!
active(ly)
activist
building
candid(ly)
care(ing)
challenge
change
children
choice/choose
citizen
commitment
common sense
compete
confident
conflict
control
courage
crusade
debate
dream
duty
eliminate good-time in prison
empower(ment)
fair
family
freedom
hard work
help
humane
incentive
initiative
lead
learn
legacy
liberty
light
listen
mobilize
moral
movement
opportunity
passionate
peace
pioneer
precious
premise
preserve
principle(d)
pristine
pro- (issue): flag, children, environment, reform
prosperity
protect
proud/pride
provide
reform
rights
share
strength
success
tough
truth
unique
vision
we/us/our
Contrasting Words

Often we search hard for words to define our opponents. Sometimes we are hesitant to use contrast. Remember that creating a difference helps you. These are powerful words that can create a clear and easily understood contrast. Apply these to the opponent, their record, proposals and their party.
abuse of power
anti- (issue): flag, family, child, jobs
betray
bizarre
bosses
bureaucracy
cheat
coercion
"compassion" is not enough
collapse(ing)
consequences
corrupt
corruption
criminal rights
crisis
cynicism
decay
deeper
destroy
destructive
devour
disgrace
endanger
excuses
failure (fail)
greed
hypocrisy
ideological
impose
incompetent
insecure
insensitive

-----------------

Google Gingrich GOPAC tapes

That's how they swept the vile 1995 congress into office

[Orrex]

21. That should be an OP

It deserves to be repeated and thorough discussion in its own right.

[Gabi Hayes]

23. It has here, over the years, but democratic pols

have failed to pick up on this and combat pricks like NG to their faces

It's sad! Sad!

[Baitball Blogger]

25. +1

[Bernardo de La Paz]

22. Agree with Orrex; would be a great OP and great for your journal. . . . nt

[Baitball Blogger]

24. A word list for the takeover of this country.

Who said that ideas are not as strong as bullets? Our side has to be ready to wake up the crowd and force them to see through the ruse.

[ms liberty]

26. I loathe that pile of excrement for this right here most of all

There are probably a number of our younger members who are unfamiliar with this part of his legacy. This could be an OP.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

43. Wow, I'd never seen that before. Though, it's not suprising.

Newt is such a blatant manipulator. Not that I want to Dems to be so freakin sleazy, but it really does seem as though we never took the hint hired our own Frank Luntz.

[SharonClark]

11. Excellent recap, well, except for the " tallest prolapsed anus" part.

It diminishes the effort you must have put into writing it.

[Orrex]

12. In fact, that phrase was my third choice for describing the former Speaker.

[japple]

17. I rather liked that description, though I might have just used

"anal leakage" instead.

[hueymahl]

36. That was actually my favorite phrase!

Great imagery. Disgusting, but great.

[Nitram]

13. I heard this piece, and it was up to the usual high standards of NPR.

Don't confuse civility with a soft-touch.

[Orrex]

20. A sensible suggestion

My perception comes from their sometimes heavy-handed questioning of Democrats, coupled with NPR's well-documented (by FAIR.org, etc.) habit of featuring numerous ight and far-Right commentators and few if any true Left guests (and just about zero far-Left voices).

[Nitram]

38. I appreciate that NPR allows conservative candidates and elected officials to voice their opinions.

They don't let them go off topic at length, and they always questions inaccuracies, lies, and unfounded assertions. I admit I sometimes turn the volume down until conservatives (or our "president&quot finish speaking, but I do believe in allowing both sides a voice even when one side is full of sh*t. I more often hear criticism that NPR is too liberal, but in my opinion that merely reflects the fact that liberal policies are fact-based and humanistic rather than based on an extremist ideology.

[Orrex]

40. Conservatives don't exactly have a hard time finding places to voice their opinions

They dominate discussion panels on 24-hour news networks as well as Sunday morning network programming, after all. This, too, has been well documented by Fair.org and others.

I don't have specific links, but over the years I've heard many examples of NPR reporting on some political story and then giving a Conservative free air time to frame the debate. Then, for "balance," they'll go briefly to a substantially less polished (and often less recognizable) Left-leaning commentator. Mitch McConnell was their go-to for this purpose through much of the Obama years.

For me, it's not about giving Conservative commentators the chance to articulate their views, because everyone in the country knows what Conservatives' views are.


Also, I have literally never heard anyone--other than hard-right zealots--seriously complain that NPR is too Liberal.

[Nitram]

41. Orrex, I don't watch TV for that very reason. Among others.

I have been listening to NPR daily, and I can confirm that you are mistaken that what you describe is a common pattern. If you're going to criticize the media, I suggest you look elsewhere for more egregious outlets. And, literally, I've seriously heard that from a number people, conservative and centrist.

[Orrex]

42. Other than in waiting rooms and restaurants, I haven't seen a tv program aired in real-time in years

I hear NPR's flagship programs ATC & Morning Edition demonstrate a Center-right bias almost daily on my commute to and from work. YMMV, but I call it as I hear it, and I definitely hear it.

NPR's other programming is better about this. On the Media is fantastic, for instance, and Fresh Air routinely features guests with open Left-wing views.

But All Things Considered & Morning Edition consistently favor the Republican perspective, and that's why I explicitly singled out these programs. I urge you to check out Fair.org for an in-depth review--they have the numbers and specific examples gathered over years, far beyond any analysis that I can present for you.

[Nitram]

49. I'm afraid that doesn't reflect my daily experience listening to these programs. But perhaps we hear

.

[Orrex]

50. Again, I refer you to Fair.org

They provide a breakdown and analysis beyond what I can offer.

No, every airing of ATC & Morning Edition isn't a GOP love-fest, but in the aggregate and over time, the bias is profound and undeniable.

[Nitram]

52. Again, I rely on my daily experience of NPR and a lifetime of experience with the media.

I can't help but be reminded of conservatives who think the everything besides Fox News and right wing talk radio is radically leftist. I disagree that there is a profound and undeniable right wing slant on NPR. If that were the case, conservatives would not be trying to defund public media.

[Orrex]

53. Clearly, you've decided that your impression is unassailable

Good enough. Guess we're done here.

[Nitram]

54. Likewise, I'm sure.

[eppur_se_muova]

15. Well, maybe, but ... why even give Gingrich a microphone in the first place ?

He's long past his sell-by date, totally irrelevant to current politics. The only people who would even open his book are the truly unsalavagable.

[Orrex]

18. That's an entirely valid point.

It's a question for the ombudsman, whose usual response is "NPR encourages robust debate, featuring a wide range of differing opinions and viewpoints. Please donate generously."

With that in mind, my thought is that because Gingrich has been a media darling for decades, NPR was going to air him regardless, so I'm glad that Martin stepped up to diminish his bullshit somewhat.

[Scruffy1]

29. Bingo.

NPR jumped the shark years ago. Merely considering the Newt worth having on is disgusting. He should be introduced as the man who was so corrupt that his own party ran him out of office and would do anything for a dollar.

[Nitram]

39. Letting gingrich talk provides a service in that it exposes how radically out of touch and

conspiracy-theory driven he really is. I found it hard to listen to him this morning, but I was glad for the opportunity to confirm what a self-important loon he is. Gingrich effectively speaks for the bankrupt values of Trump supporters and is a valid guest for that reason alone. If you only want to hear your own point of view all the time, try recording your own voice and listening to it.

[TNNurse]

16. I tried to listen, however

I cannot listen to Gingrich for that long. I only tolerate Trump for the time it takes to turn off the sound.

Will check back later for a transcript. She was doing a good job.

[jmbar2]

19. Enjoyed the interview as well

I think it's good that NPR brings in the top rightwing "thinkers" so that their positions can be gently poked and prodded. She spent more time doing that than you usually hear.

One thing I would have pointed out about political contributions of public servants is that Trump was the worst candidate for president in US history. Dedicated, well-educated professionals simply wouldn't vote for such a terrible candidate no matter who it was. That's not political bias. It's patriotism.

[extvbroadcaster]

27. I worked with Newt

I worked with Newt on a live broadcast one time. I of course had to talk to him via remote during the setup process. He was, like you would expect, a total ass. I was doing the prep stuff, checking feed and audio and making sure the interview was ready. He treated me like his servant, was abrupt when I asked him to check things and overall confirmed to me what a total stain he was and is on American politics. If you read anything about him, and his past, you realize he is a rotten human being and I fail to see what he brings to any discussion. Somebody once said that Newt is what a stupid person thinks a smart person sounds like. His talent is self promotion and that is about it. He is a "brand" and since he is famous (in political circles) and will say or defend anything Trump does he is often on the air. My favorite was his attacking Bill Clinton about his affair while he was having one himself! What a tool.

[Orrex]

28. He's been a toilet in need of flushing for many decades, yes

I've read a good deal about him since the early 90s, and I can honestly say that there is nothing in his history, his character, or his personality strikes me as having a positive impact on the world.

[Sunlei]

31. Thanks! cool insider report!

[Sunlei]

30. love NPR. It's hard to 'interview' RW, they use that tactic to ignore questions & talk BSrw points.

White house pressers are like that, republicans are supposed to serve the American people. Answer press questions so the press can report to US.

All Republicans serve us is a plate of bullshit, deception & lies.

[DallasNE]

32. I Thought Gingrich Dominated The Conversation

It seemed like every time Martin tried to take back control of the interview that Gingrich talked over her points and with his obnoxious, louder mouth it was his comments that were heard.

[Orrex]

35. He was definitely speaking in his usual style, I agree

That is, hit the gas on the steamroller, and to hell with the interviewer.

I've heard NPR's own Robert Siegel all but lie face-down and spreadeagle to give Gingrich a nice, unchallenging surface to stomp on, so Martin's pushback was a welcome departure from NPR's normal routine.

[KG]

33. Had to google 'prolapsed anus'

[Orrex]

34. Whoops. Sorry about that.

You'd better clear your browser's history if you don't want to be getting some surprising ad suggestions in the days to come.

[Orrex]

46. Ok, here's a counter-example

In discussing the BOA's "apology" for Trump, NPR today referred to Trump's "controversial" statements, declaring that his speech was more or less indistinguishable from his other speeches.

They described his attacks on the press and the Washington "cesspit," but they specifically did NOT mention his joke about drunken yacht orgies, which is thew whole reason for the apology in the first place.


So there's an example of NPR soft-handing Trump. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.

[japple]

47. Here's a report on that very interview!

http://www.alternet.org/right-wing/newt-gingrich-vies-become-joseph-goebbels-trump-administration

[Orrex]

48. Wow--great find. Thanks!

[saidsimplesimon]

51. Hear, Hear, Thanks Orrex