MSNBC's Jerry Nachman Dead at 57

[economic justice]

Anybody who remembers the "Nachman" show on MSNBC will remember him as a dry, but bright observer of politics.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4008960/

[lefty_mcduff]

1. Geebuz. Wasn't he on TV last week.

As a commentator on Hardball.
Man, you never know when your number is up.

[slor]

2. He seemed to enjoy...

attacking "liberals" from what I remember. In any event, may he rest in peace, and I wish his family well during this time of their loss.

[dennis4868]

8. Yes, he clearly was anti liberal....

He was a talking mouth for the Bush White House. He was chief editor for MSNBC and recently took a leave of absence because of health reasons.

[Sugarbleus]

32. Yeah, he went negative on some liberals...but he was

a pretty good, "traditional"(old style) newsman. Rest in peace Jerry.....

[FredScuttle]

3. I don't remember him quite like that...

but it's bad form to speak ill of the departed. My condolences to his family

[htuttle]

4. Indeed.

They say that if you can't say something nice...

This space intentionally left blank

[Khephra]

37. I'll do the same (sigs don't count)

[Voltaire99]

54. Agreed, RIP

This is a sad day for his family, if not for the possibility of real journalism in America.

[economic justice]

6. Reply to post #2?

Did you mean this as a reply to post # 2? The original post wasn't negative to Mr. Nachman....and I agree with your sentiments.

[FredScuttle]

16. No, I was replying to the original message

"Anybody who remembers the Nachman show on MSNBC will remember him as a dry, but bright observer of politics (italics mine)

[economic justice]

17. ???

"Dry" is hardly knocking somebody. "Dry" is exactly as Nachman described himself on more than a few occasions while he had his show....yet....he always felt there was a place for "old-fashioned journalism" on television. A Dry wit is not a bad thing, a dry style can be very successful if it's accompanied by a sharp mind. I certainly meant no disrespect to Mr. Nachman at all.....sorry if it came across that way.

[FredScuttle]

31. (sigh)

I was focusing on the "bright" part more than "dry", but.....ah hell, let's just drop it, shall we?

[kskiska]

5. I wonder if his weight

had anything to do with it.

[economic justice]

7. died of cancer n/t

[Shakespeare]

10. I think you may be thinking of Jerry Nadler, NY representative

He's quite heavy. Nachman wasn't heavy at all.

[Sparkle]

12. May he rest in peace.

If Nachman is who I think it is, he was a little on the heavy side.

[Drifter]

13. Hmmmm ...

I was confused about which one also.

There was a heavy set Jerry Nachman who hosted a show (Nachman Show?) on MSRNC.

There is an author named Jerry Nachman (might be spelled different, but it sounds the same). I recall from an interview that he wrote a book about comedians of the 20th century (I forget the name of the book).

I think the one that dies (based on the posts) seems to be the one that host a show on MSGOP.

Cheers
Drifter

[kskiska]

20. The book was "Seriously Funny"

and a good one, too. I recommend it.

The NY Congressman, Jerry Nadler, has had surgery to correct his weight problem, but the guy who died had been heavy, too. He'd lost weight, though, probably because of the cancer.

[City Lights]

14. Nachman wasn't heavy at all?

I guess that depends on your definition of heavy.

[0007]

22. He wasn't thin

appeared to be overweight to me -

[Judi Lynn]

23. Nachman lost a ton of weight during his illness.

He was ill for quite a while.

His early work on MSNBC was disturbing, it was as if he had a real preoccupation. He was NOT nimble mentally, actually. He was overfocused. It was uncomfortable trying to listen to him, so I didn't.

When I learned he had a brain tumor, it occured to me he may have not really been quite himself during the time I had heard him.

[Bake]

45. Oh, yes he was heavy.

Not Gerald Nadler-type heavy, but heavy.

Am I sad? One less Repuke in the world. Tears me up.

Sarcasm mode off.

Bake

[freethought23]

53. He was a boring fat swine.

Peace be upon him.

[Voltaire99]

55. How harsh!

Well, truth be known, around our house we used to call him Nachoman. ;-)

[Blitz]

9. I had the impression

that he was a good man who was well liked by his colleagues. He was obviously very, very bright. Fifty seven is too young but cancer is unfair.

[thebigidea]

11. the New York Post had a policy of only hiring good men as editors

[edzontar]

15. He was a conservative, and helped make MSNBC into MSRNC..but

I never really hated him--not like Tweety, for example.

He has been ill, and it is too bad that he couldn't make it.

He seemed much older than 57.

The set of his show was very 1940s, and he lead with some banter about the "old tine" journalists"--invoking Murrow, Cronkite, Winchell, etc.

Sad, such a short life.

[BiggJawn]

18. Bummer...I actually liked his show.

He wasn't as hateful as Weiner or the Lori-Killer...

RIP, Big Guy.

[grasswire]

19. a dry, bright observer of politics...

..who did everything he could to promote the junta, before and after 2000, in his network position.

There's no point in avoiding the truth, despite his unfortunate demise.

We can only hope that MSNBC will take a new direction now.

[0rganism]

21. ...as did the rest of the media whores

At least with Nachman, I had the feeling that he never sold out, that he was always a conservative attempting to push his rightwing viewpoint regardless.

The entire mass media establishment is complicit in promoting the junta. At least Nachman had reasons other than lucre to do so.

[Snazzy]

24. This guy--editor-in-chief msnbc

Not the really heavy guy with the show.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/Default.aspx?id=3080440&p1=0

[Snazzy]

25. Or is that the same guy?

Decided I'm confused.

[SoCalDem]

29. Same guy.. He lost a lot of weight with his illness

I never particularly liked his show, but no one deserves to die that young.. :(

[Judi Lynn]

26. Will this help?

From the article:

(snip) Jerry Nachman is Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of MSNBC. Nachman's career has spanned radio, television and print. He's worked in front of the camera and behind; on the street, in the newsroom and in the front office. Nachman has served as the news director for WNBC-TV in New York City; Vice President, News, WCBS-TV, New York and Editor-in-Chief, New York Post. He also served for many years as an on-air street reporter for both WCBS Radio and WCBS Television in New York, and was a columnist for The New York Post. In separate assignments he was Vice President and General Manager of WRC Radio and WRC Television, both NBC-owned properties in Washington, D.C. (snip/...)

Accompanying photo:


http://www.nbccableinfo.com/insidenbccable/networks/msnbc/prog/people/nachman.html

[Snazzy]

27. Yep, thanks. Same guy

Msnbc is using a more flattering (younger thinner) photo in his obit/bio. Same guy.

And my condolences. He certainly had a brain, which is ususual over there.

[leftofthedial]

28. one neocon taking whore down

condolences to his family.

[Clovis Sangrail]

30. can't say I'm sorry to hear it

...actually the news brought a smile to my face.

I do feel for the family and I am sorry for their loss...

From a wider view I think the world is a slightly better place with him gone.
Anybody here who claims it isn't is just being polite.

He wasn't:
'intelligent'
or 'insightful'
or a 'bright observer'

He was a blow hard.
He capitalized on fear, coercion, and media manipulation. More so than any other garden variety fundie or neocon, he really helped to created the current culture of division and rampant nationalism.

good riddance

[NewJerseyDem]

33. That's ridiculous

It is really embarrasing that so many people on this message board rejoice in the death of others who have different political views. However, I was hoping that I could read through this thread and avoid any threads like that but I guess there is always one.

[demdave]

34. Only the true defenders of free speech, their free speech.

It happens every time someone who isn't "progressive" dies. I guess progressive means celebrating a families loss if you don't like their family members political views.

No free speech for fascists, right "deep thinkers"?

[Bake]

47. Free speech??? Hell, Nachman and Co. ram it down our throats!

And I'm sorry, but having just listened to the Smirking Bastard and his vision of a hard-rightwing Amerika on the SOTU, I'm not feeling particularly sympathetic to any Pukes tonight.

I'm sorry for Nachman's family. I really am. But the world is better off tonight by one less Puke.

Bake

[Clovis Sangrail]

35. not at all ridiculous

I am not 'rejoicing' in his death because he and I had 'different political views. I would not have made the statement if he did not hold the position he did.
I am being blunt.

- He was editor in chief of MSNBC.

That means he had a large degree of discretionary control over MSNBC's content.

Under his command MSNBC took a decided turn not only to the right, but away from journalistic standards and towards WWF style political programming.
This was NOT beneficial to our country.

Do you believe he had NOTHING to do with getting Savage a show on national TV? Or keeping Tim Russert happily employed?

Do you think that these kind of shows have NO effect on our country or world?

No, this isn't just because I didn't like his politics...

I'm not out in the streets dancing or throwing a party, but I'm not going to feign sorrow either.

[economic justice]

36. You are VERY WRONG

How very sad. You must think that there is nothing in life but politics and base your feelings on that alone. Take a walk in the park and watch the birds! Now, to correct your negative and inflammatory post:

Nachman was the Editor-In-Chief of MSNBC long before the changes. In fact, the changes started happening about the time he stepped aside to fight his cancer. His kept the title, but was uninvolved except as an (infrequent) on-air contributor. I would suggest that next time you take a deep breath before blasting a person who has just died with inaccurate information.

[trumad]

38. I usually do a search at the Daily Howler to get a lowdown on someone

like Nachman....

He was no friend to Democrats for sure....

http://www.google.com/custom?q=Nachman&sa=Google+Search&cof=AH%3Acenter%3BAWFID%3Ac32a032061318778%3B&domains=dailyhowler.com&sitesearch=dailyhowler.com

[Clovis Sangrail]

40. your opinion, your entitled to it

I'll keep mine.

In my universe a walk in the park doesn't stop the police from tapping my phone; nor does it keep soldiers out of Iraq.

A trip to the woods does not mean that I will no longer be accused of being a terrorist by people who mainline idiots like Savage or Limbaugh.

Playing hippy dirt farmer and dancing naked in the forrest is enjoyable on occassion, but politics is what determines if that forrest stands or is clear cut.

[Dr Fate]

43. But why did he REFUSE to report Bush's WMD lies?? 500 dead troops...

is what we have because this "journalist" refused to do his job. Why am I supposed to like this guy again?

[Dr Fate]

42. Why did Nachman REFUSE to report Bush's WMD lies??

And why should I give a FUCK about this Bush enabler? I'm not "glad" he died, but I could really care less. Dont worry- some other pro-Bush liar will take his place, and I wont be sorry when whoever that is dies either.

[economic justice]

48. Don't call yourself a "liberal"

Please, don't call yourself a "liberal" or a "progressive" with outrageous, over-the-top views like you are posting. You are basically saying that if anybody works in journalism and didn't become an anti-Bush crusader, then they don't deserve compassion to fight a long Battle with cancer, and ultimately lose their life. Unbelievable is all I can say.

[Dr Fate]

66. Anti Bush crusader? I just wanted to hear the simple truth about WMDs...

No one wants journalists to be "anti Bush crusaders." I just want objective facts, like the ones Nachman refused to report.

I just want journalists like Nachman to at least TALK ABOUT the fact that Bush forged & lied his way into the war.

Nachman refused to report the WMD lies, now we have 500 dead troops.

Bush lied about WMDs, but you say that only "Anti Bush crusaders" are responsible for telling us this? How about just regular old objective journalism???

500 dead troops vs. One fat guy who refused to report the lies that killed them.

Where was Nachman's compassion for my friends over seas when he was pumping up this war?

Anti Bush Crusader! PLEEEASE!! I just want simple, objective facts, and this "journalist" could npot even supply that.

[RetroLounge]

39. Can't say I'll miss him or even care.

Condolensces to the family, is about all I could say...

[Dr Fate]

41. He was never fair to DEMS, and refused to report Bush scandals...

...I hate the media with a passion, and I hate Nachman too. Not sorry that one more lying, war-mongering media whore has left the earth. I'm sorry. Honest, but sorry!

[Merlin]

44. Amen to that. Any Dem who feels sorry for him is a sucker.

Nachman was no friend of the truth or of professionalism in TV journalism.

[economic justice]

46. That's just outrageous

Jerry Nachman was nothing if not a PROFESSIONAL. Seldom, by the way, did he ever inject his own views into things. He was a journalists journalist. To say anything different is to engage in outright character assassination. You wrote: "Any Dem who feels sorry for him is a sucker." The man DIED. I am a Democrat and am no sucker. Didn't we used to be a party of COMPASSION? So many posts in this thread are simply outrageous.

[Bake]

49. What f'ing network were YOU watching???

Professional? Journalist's journalist??? In what universe??? Holy jumpin' Jeebus!!

Bake

[economic justice]

50. MSNBC........

What network are YOU watching? Damn right he was a professional! Can you, be specific, tell me ONE instance of his not being a professional? Just ONE. He was highly regarded in the industry and Jerry Nachman was always talking about the incivility in our public discourse. Many of the posts in this thread should be EXHIBIT ONE.

[Bake]

51. As a talking head, he was OK for a Puke, but not as a journalist.

He was SELDOM, if ever, objective or balanced. He basically carried water for this misAdministration. Can I quote chapter and verse? No, because I usually flipped the channel when he got going. And no, because I don't remember a single instance of Nachman asking the tough questions to those in power -- and THAT is the primary job of a journalist! Nachman: A blowhard gasbag. That's what he was. He may have been a serious, professional journalist at one time, but that time passed long ago.

Bake
Liberal, but not bleeding heart for the Pukes.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

61. Speaking of "incivility in our public discourse, your post seems to...

...also be in the running for "EXHIBIT ONE".

20-30 years ago, professionalism used to be defined in the mainstream media as being honest and fair to all political viewpoints. When a conservative like Nachman is given a platform from which to disagree with ALL liberal thought and those that think them, that's when professionalism flies out the window.

How many political Liberals currently have shows on television? And that punching bag used by Hannity doesn't count.

And why are you watching MSNBC, or ANY of the so-called "news" networks for ANY reason?

JMHO, and I really don't care if you like it or not.

[Merlin]

58. What's outrageous is your substandard standard for professionalism.

Perhaps you've caught the "propaganda is news" bug that pervades all TV news "journalism" today. Nachman was one of the miserable, rotten bastards who helped bring it about. He is one of the Limbaugh/Gingrich manichean, anti-intellectual, triumphalist, news-as-entertainment yellow journalists who have helped hasten the destruction of the once proud, Murrow-American tradition of journalism-with-integrity.

Dead is just fine with me. It will take decades to restore what he helped to destroy.

[Dr Fate]

64. Just answer the question- why did he refuse to report WMD lies?

500 dead troops vs. one fat guy who could have told the truth about Bush's WMD lies.

[economic justice]

52. Executive Producer of "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher."

"Nachman also worked in late 2001 as a staff writer for the NBC television series "UC: Undercover" and was a staff writer and executive producer at "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher."
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2004/jan/20/012004603.html

For those who think Nachman was "far right" and a "Bush mouthpiece"....Executive Producer of a REAL right wing show!

[economic justice]

68. Deleted by poster

[economic justice]

69. Having posting problems......Deleted By Poster

[cleofus1]

56. One down

Jerry was an asshole, the damage he did to Democrats was commensurate to the importance of the positions he held...I just regret he didn't go sooner...And by the way Dr Fate is the man...and you really shouldn't tug on his cape (or spit in the wind). I'm a Liberal and a Democrat and I've known jerry n was a slug for a while now. Now if only rush would get hit by a bus....:)

[Judi Lynn]

57. I, as a DU'er, am awash with outrage!

The very idea of suggesting rush......bus.........scandalous. A loss we just couldn't afford. Every gibbering hate-filled loon is precious.

Run, , run, RUN!



BONUS LIMBAUGH:
Honorable Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr.
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Missouri

[cleofus1]

72. ha ha aha

you are precious!

[colonel odis]

62. show a little respect

the guy's dead, for chrissakes. if you're a liberal and a democrat as you say, be above that kind of crap. otherwise, you sound like the kind of people who listen to rush.

[Dr Fate]

65. I respect the 500 dead troops that Nachman helped murder...

...by refusing to report Bush's WMD lies & scandals.

[arlib]

67. Hey man

2112 rules.

[R Hickey]

59. His last assignment was covering the Michael Jackson story

Nachman was a right-wing media whore. He pretended to be thoughtful, but nothing he ever said on TV ever really amounted to more than GOP propaganda.

I'm sure he will be quickly replaced by someone with equally fascist leanings. His corporation, MSNBC, will not miss him, because their stable of paid shills is large.

Nachman's fluff stories like the Michael Jackson trial, will not be remembered for long, because they were, like Nachman, not very important.

When I first saw him move his mouth on television, I expected fairness, but was soon disappointed. He devoted his life to hiding real news from the public, and that, in my view, is not a nobel cause.

My condolences to his family.

[Lost4words]

60. order 1 double wide coffin.

another junta enabler goes subterranean! :toast:

[Teaser]

63. If you can't say anything nice about the departed

no text

[economic justice]

70. Thanks to THIS THREAD

Having just read through this thread (all 65 posts) it has helped me to make a decision I have needed to make for a long time. Some of the posts here, that seem to be thrilled over the death of Mr. Nachman, prove to me that I need to take seriously the old adage, "You are known by the company you keep." The immaturity of thought and flame-throwing radicalism expressed in this thread has been eye-opening. A thought from a man who tried to bring civil discourse to his nation:
"A person's character is not revealed by how they talk of their friends, but how they speak of their enemies."
- Vaclav Havel

[Merlin]

73. Tell that to Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh and the rest of the bums...

who you feel we ought to be so godam civil toward. Tell it to the ones who first poisoned the well we all must drink from. I'm sick and tired of listening to voices like your which keep telling us to be civil and nice while we are having our lunches eaten by the people you so guilelessly heap praises upon.

[sidpleasant]

71. one reason to remember him

Whatever his faults may have been Nachman deserves credit as the author of perhaps the greatest tabloid newspaper headline ever: "Headless Body in Topless Bar".