Can anyone give Randi Rhodes a clue?

[Must_B_Free]

If you have some food on your face, or something in your hair, or in your teeth - I'll tell you. Even if you really stink, it might be courteous to let you know, so you can be saved the further embarassment.

So, shouldn't we tell Randi Rhodes that she is frequently guilty of being a total asshole?

Example

Caller: "We really appreciate your show, you know things were so stifled here last summer some of us started our own radio station"

Randi: "Oh really - that's fascinating to me" - Click! (So fascinating that I'm going to hang up in your face?)

How rude can you get to someone who puts forth the effort to call you!! I got news for ya, honey - in show biz, it's your fans that make you. You ought to learn how to keep them.

This cute "Brooklyn Asshole" schtick is only momentarily endearing. You hurt our cause, Randi, by being such an egotistical asshole.

Look the greats in ANY field - they are humble. Hubris is always the downfall and a clear sign of an amature.

[wyldwolf]

1. sounded like a freeper call to me

Why? One can't just "start" their own radio station.

Sounded to me like someone was being sarcastic and being condescending to liberals feeling "stiffled" and starting their own station.

Randi has a clue. Number 1 show in a GOP- dominated market and beats Rush in the ratings in every arbitron book.

Sorry you don't like her. Many of us do.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

4. I agree! You need to get a licence to start one.

[Must_B_Free]

8. Did either of you actually hear the call?

It was definitely not a freeper call. It was a nice lady who Randi was in agreement with on her first comment.

It sounds to me like you are trying to make her out to be a Freeper rather than dealing with the fact of Randi's behavious problem.

2. I don't dislike her, it's more like finding something gross in something you are eating - some features of her behaviour towards callers make me uncomfortable.

3. We never heard the actual context of this "radio station" - it may have been Ham for example. It may have been a cassette tape passed around among friends. We don't know because Randi hung up on her.

My hunch was that she premptively stopped someone who she feared might get in a plug for another liberal radio show.

[wyldwolf]

12. yeah, which is why I said "sounded like a freeper call to me..."

[Must_B_Free]

14. Ok, then what specifically sounded freeperish

What did the lady say that made you think she was a freeper?

[wyldwolf]

53. I don't recall the exact wording...

...but the whole idea of a liberal talk radio network has been ridiculed by the right - the most often used line is "they had to start their own radio station."

So when someones says "we felt ____________(whatever), we started our own radio station." -- instant red flag.

The process of "starting a radio station" is lengthy and costly.

Unless you buy an existing one (which you can't in most places for less than $1,000,000), you have to pay thousands for frequency search, petition the FCC, file for a CP, pay a license fee, rent/lease/purchase studio space, invest in equipment, etc.

The cost is staggering. And it isn't something you can do over the summer.

[Must_B_Free]

56. You didn't hear the call

I can tell. The radio comment was NOT freeping... It was an aside at the end of the call. There was no reason to treat the woman the way she did.

[wyldwolf]

59. sure I did. Just because I disagree with you on the tone doesn't mean...

...I didn't hear it. What you're implying here is that unless someone agrees with your take on it, they must no have heard it.

[Must_B_Free]

I disagree with your initial premise

which was that if she talked about starting a radio show, she must be a freeper, because freepers ridicule the idea of left wing radio. That's what led me to believe that you didn't hear the call. Then you seemed to stick with that premise and ignored the fact that the radio show comment was a secondary comment after the main body of the lady's call.

[wyldwolf]

76. I didn't ignore it. I chose not to comment on it..

Look, I've done the exact same thing on rightwing radio. I start by parroting a repug talking point and when the host is relaxed, I get my liberal piece in. Sometimes it makes it on (Boortz), and sometimes it doesn't (Limbaugh - at least a 5 second delay.)

[Must_B_Free]

92. I did not hear that at all from the caller

she sounded totally genuine to me.

[wyldwolf]

93. ok, we have two different interpretations.

[Must_B_Free]

107. I'll admit your interpretation never occurred to me,

maybe that's why, in retrospective, I can't remember anything to support it.

[wyldwolf]

126. see, that is the beauty of interpretations...

..they're liks assholes.

Everyone has one.

[xultar]

47. THEY OPERATE WITH A DELAY SHE CAN DUMP A CALL

WHEN IT GETS NASTY AND CONTINUE WHILE YOU DON'T HEAR THE NASTY COMMENTS.

HAVEN'T YOU EVER CALLED A RADIO STATION?

GEEZZZ

[wyldwolf]

48. That's true and I had not thought of that...

[Must_B_Free]

54. Neither of you heard the call - admit it

if you had you would not be making these assumptions...

The people who heard the call know what happened. The rest of you probably shouldn't pass judgement based on your assumptions.

[wyldwolf]

57. sorry, I listen everyday - I just don't make a mental note of each call

...I do remember this one because of the unusual nature of someone saying they started a radio station - though I'm not sure of the exact wording. You'll see my post above for my take on it if you're interested.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

153. Randi: "There are two speeds in radio-boring and bombastic."

She told a caller this a few days ago.

She never allows dead air or verbal fumbling and fluffle on her shows. This is an obvious tactic to hold interest and also serves to portay both herself and liberals as holding strong clearly articulated views and not be wishy-washy sentimentalists.

Yes, sometimes she's dismissive but I can't believe how many callers waste time hemming and hawing without adding to the show.

Those who articulate themselves clearly and promptly are embraced and treated with respect.

[Suziq]

142. So . . .

How come no one on this board has ever heard of this alleged liberal "radio station"? Passing a casette tape around is not liberal radio.

I am so tired of attacks on Randi. Yes, sometimes she can be a bit coarse, but it does not erase the fact that she is a breath of fresh air on the radio. Get over it!

:hippie:

[okieinpain]

143. I agree with you, there are some days, I just turn it down for a

minute or two. but just for a minute or two, she usually get's crazy when it's someone that's not organized in their thoughts. other than that I really enjoy her show.

[Skittles]

2. the "greats" in radio are NOT humble

as long as Ms. Rhodes isn't LYING like they do, I will give her a chance.

[patricia92243]

11. I work at a radio satation. Trust me - they are NOT humble - ever!

[mouse7]

45. I was a broadcaster. I'm an arrogant ass, too.

Anyone who can stand in a studio and talk to themselves for hours on end like the sound of their own voice.

I know I do. ;-)

[wyldwolf]

60. yeah, I did radio for 10 years...

..and still think I'm better than most people on the air. Now THAT is arrogant!

[mouse7]

68. I don't think I'm still better than most people on the air...

...I KNOW I'm still better than most people on the air.

That's arrogant. ;-)

I ran a real tight board, and then got to really play for a while twice when I had two stations go oldies beneath me and I could walk on those tunes straight to the post.

Actually... the fact that I was held over full-time through three different total format changes might say even more. You know how that normally goes. I lost entire air-staffs of friends every time that happened.

[wyldwolf]

72. oh yeah! Well... I know I'm better than YOU!

Now THAT is arrogant! :)

(...as "Dueling Banjos" begins playing)

[americanstranger]

74. Hey, I've never even HAD a commercial show...

...but I still think I'm pretty damn good! :)

http://www.takebackthemedia.com/radio.shtml

-as

[wyldwolf]

78. I've heard you... and you've heard me...

... and you're pretty good even if you've never done commercial before.

:)

[mouse7]

82. LOL! Oh Really?

(Mouse distracts wyldwolf's attention and unplugs wyldwolf's voice processors and compressors)

Not for long...

Broadcasters aren't just arrogant. They are VERY competitive.

[wyldwolf]

85. oh, shit!

my squeaky Peter Brady voice is revealed... what will the trashy DJ groupies who called me think now!?

[KissMyAsscroft]

I disagree...

People like combative egotistical hosts...look at every succesful talk radio host...Limbaugh, Tom Leykis, Phil Hendrie, etc.. She is #1 in her market for a reason. Her whole thing is going toe to toe with these pricks.

I agree that she is a bitch, but it's on purpose and I wish everyone here would understand that.

She understands what sells on radio.

[burythehatchet]

9. uhhhhh....you said bitch

[Jackpine Radical]

35. Down, Beavis.

[FlaGranny]

148. When you get to know her better,

you will call her "bastid" - that's what she calls people she likes and they call her "bastid" right back.

Also, remember, she is taking calls from a computer, not a telephone, and she has cut several people off accidentally. She's having a hard time without a telephone. She gets instructions like "Mike from Georgia F7." She makes "typos." Geez, why can't they get her a telephone?

[Must_B_Free]

10. They are not combative against their base

That is what bugs me - she bashes people that are supportive of her. How is that smart? How does that help our cause?

[JVS]

21. It doesn't. But you have to see this in context

The biggest enemies of the Democratic party is enthusiasm and zeal on the left.

[camero]

147. Huh?

The biggest enemies of the Democratic party is enthusiasm and zeal on the left.

So you suggest we just stay the neutered party? We've really won with that strategy. :eyes:

[JVS]

160. It's the Democratic way, now sit down and shaddup!

;-)

[camero]

162. oops

*runs and hides* :) Democratic enough for ya? :evilgrin:

[JVS]

163. That's more like it

[Must_B_Free]

24. I hear you

but she needs to cool it with the friendly fire... It's unappealing, to say the least.

If she would just slow down a little, it would help. So many times she is so ultra sarcastic, you really have to wonder what side of an issue she is on. I frequently find myself trying to figure out what the hell is actually meant to be communicated.

[KissMyAsscroft]

33. Well...she is #1 so I trust her judgement...

She has to be entertaining to get listeners...she has to be a character

[Must_B_Free]

41. There's no excuse for attacking your fans

Listen to what you are defending. She attacks her own fans. Thzt's gotta go. She is great but she needs to grow as a person. Attacking your own base is indefensible.

[Puglover]

138. I heard the call....

my take is the caller was sincere and would have gone forever about her radio station travails.....Randi has a million callers waiting to talk and be on...I'd expect the same if I called....that's show biz...get over it.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mouse7]

49. Were you a freeper when you called yourself "bitchy" on your blog?

Or are female freepers feminists re-claiming the b-word?

It's kinda tough keeping track of where your position is on this stuff.

[slinkerwink]

64. *rolls eyes*

"bitchy" is an adjective. I don't use the noun "bitch" as a sexist slur.

[mouse7]

70. So it's not sexist to call someone "bitchy?

The world wants to know.

[DS1]

73. and a bitchy person is not a ______?

[slinkerwink]

94. the word "bitchy" is an adjective

and the word "bitch" is a noun, which is used to attack a woman based on her gender. That's a sexist slur.

[mouse7]

98. So there are no sexist adjectives?

The world wonders.

[DS1]

106. We'll never agree on this

A bitch is bitchy, but being bitchy does not make a bitch :eyes:

Your game of semantics is rather sad.

I mean, it works for slut, but only because slut has one definition and doesn't fall into your convenient adjective vs verb trap.

[slinkerwink]

158. Slut has two definitions

Main Entry: slut
Pronunciation: 'sl&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English slutte
1 chiefly British : a slovenly woman
2 a : a promiscuous woman; especially : PROSTITUTE b : a saucy girl : MINX
- slut·tish /'sl&-tish/ adjective
- slut·tish·ly adverb
- slut·tish·ness noun
- slut·ty /'sl&-tE/ adjective

It's just as much of a sexist slur as the word "bitch" is.

[Dookus]

61. In your opinion

the discussion over the last few days shows your view is clearly a minority view, and repeating it endlessly doesn't make it truer.

[slinkerwink]

65. and it doesn't mean that I have to prescribe to the view of the majority

just because they say so.

[Dookus]

67. prescribe?

that's what you're trying to do. It's tiresome. Enough already. You made your point a few hundred times. It's time to let it go.

[DemLikr]

88. "Ascribe" is the word you're looking for, Slink. Glad to help. n/t

[carolinayellowdog]

157. A pox on both your word choices. It's SUBSCRIBE.

Subscribe to a view: accept it yourself. Ascribe a view: say that someone else accepts it. Prescribe a view: advise others to accept it. Proscribe a view: forbid others to accept it.

While I'm at it, infer and imply don't mean the same thing but several DUers don't know that.

[DemLikr]

177. Oops, you're right, Carolina. Thank you for the linguistic spanking! n/t

[swag]

3. I will agree that her

level of discourse is quite low, but I'll also add that its lowness is also its best chance of succeeding.

[nostamj]

5. uh, not so fast there....

she cut off someone who went into a self-promotion, right?

when you call RR you have to give your 'issue' so RR can read it on her screen and decide where to take the conversation.

if this person said to the screener: I want to talk about why Bush even started the photo op on 9/11

and then, when they got on-air, went into a self-serving promo, I'd cut them off too.

[Must_B_Free]

16. No it was more like she feared the potential of self promotion

The lady called and talked about something else... She was saying how much she appreciated Air America and as an aside mentioned how she and her friends felt so stifled in their area that they were driven to do something about it.

Look - if someone is helping the cause - it helps us all to respect them instead of cutting them off rudely because you fear they might get in a plug.

She put herself and her own importance infront of the cause. I like her fighting spirit aqnd combative attitude, but - against our own side??? Come on

[ParanoidPat]

18. I guess you're not aware of the 7 second delay that they're using.....

.....or what she might have heard before she cut the caller off. :)

[Must_B_Free]

26. Is that a good reason to come off as an ass?

That's not professionalism. Look - she came off as an ass to me. A pro would have been capable of some tact.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Must_B_Free]

42. Just answer: did you actually hear the call?

answer honestly.

[ParanoidPat]

176. Yes I heard the call.....

.....and yes I also noticed the slight DROPOUT in the overall audio for about 1/2 second when she moved on. I'm an audio engineer, it's my job, it's what I do. (Well, in between other gigs that pay more in better economic times.)

[wyldwolf]

6. One more point - this is the daily bash randi post...

..always the same points made, never a response when the incredible ratings track record of her show is mentioned.

[sangha]

75. It's getting very predictable

I bet they've got a signup form for it

[Must_B_Free]

134. No just for people like you who deny reality and jump to conclusions

Just like you did on my other post - then when I rubbed your face in your falsehoods, you cut and run.

[DemNoir]

7. Very generous of you

To try finding a clue for Randi, when you are short of one yourself.

[ParanoidPat]

17. Thanks for saying that! ROFLMAO!

I couldn't have phrased it better myself! :evilgrin: :toast:

I have a clue for Mr. B. Free, millions of people listen to Randi how many listen to you? :shrug:

[Must_B_Free]

29. Whatever, dude

Think about what you are defending. Should we all start being assholes to each other because it "works"?

[sangha]

77. Yes, dude

Compared to the millions who will be helped by giving Bush* the boot, your sensitivities are a small price to pay.

[Must_B_Free]

120. Sure, whatever you say...

and according to you, the Nazis envisioned themselves as Dravidians, not Aryans, right?

And I need to read more about history, right?

Whatever, Sangha

[Cocoa]

13. she doesn't strike me as someone who would care

:-)

[Zinfandel]

15. Bitch, bitch and bitch...Rhodes makes dozens of excellent points

each day, pins Bush and the rest of the assholes against the wall and your bitching about her phone etiquette, she'll get enough shit from the freepers, as more stations come on board and her kicking Bush's ass everyday drives the republicans crazy.

Sure I'd like to have Mike Malloy, his presence on the air and knowledge and wit is unmatched.

But as you said it's Randi's schtick...no one is perfect on the air, except perhaps Malloy.

[Must_B_Free]

19. Yeah right

Malloy is one of experience - she comes off like an overconfident fighter who gets knocked out, or a runner who sprints in the beginning and then runs out of steam... i.e. an amature.

And I'm not bashing her folks - I framed it in the proper context to begin with. I want her to be a help, not a hinderance. I don't particularly want someone with her behaviour issues representing my point of view. She doesn't represent kindness or caring. She represents, "Oh, I'm so smart and I'm so great... I've been doing this so long, I'm never wrong... Me, Me, Me.".

[Serenity-NOW]

20. I read this and I'm reminded...

"clear sign of an amature."

Thous shalt know them by their spelling. Good thing "our cause" has a dictionary and a spellcheck.

Since our cause, according to the DNC, is peace, prosperity and progress I wonder if it isn't a sign of progress that Randi kicks the snot out of the wrong-wingers on the open air. I'd say it is.

[Must_B_Free]

22. Welcome to DU!

Guess I'm just a freeper who has been "hiding out" here for the last 3+ years huh?

[Serenity-NOW]

28. No offense but I've heard stranger

Like the one about the retard coke head that managed to steal an election. True story. Or the mult-decade effort to capture control of the media.

Thanks for the welcome! Seriously, after three years you still haven't noticed the spellcheck button?

[Must_B_Free]

121. Spellcheck was added relatively recently, I believe

[Must_B_Free]

34. How about you try to address the topic

Instead of trying to call me a freeper because I didn't use spellcheck?

Folks - there's a thinkg called CONSTRUCTIVE criticism... It's meant to help. For example - when you're in battle - try not to shoot your own troops...

Too many people here read what they want to see instead of what I actually said.

[Serenity-NOW]

40. Good advice...

try not to shoot your own troops...

But that doesn't apply to criticizing Rhode's somehow you are aware that its pretty much history in the making right? So somebody got cut off; who knows what they said during the delay. Look there are plenty of other listening choices out there so if her voice, hair or attitude bug you listen to one of them. This lady is breaking new ground and sometimes when breaking new ground you get some dirt in your eye.

I'm glad she's somewhat acerbic.

Now here's something constructive- the spell check is the little button next to the Preview button. Like my writer parents always told me- everyone needs an editor.

[sangha]

83. Some think friendly fire is "constructive"

and some think peeing in the pool is a water sport.

Love your handle, btw.

[Serenity-NOW]

90. Peeing in the pool isn't water sport? Uh oh... ty! :)

Glad you like the monicker, I stole it from Mr. Kastanza, many read it and complain that I don't seem serene at all. Well drrrrrrrrrrrr to them I say.

[scarletlib]

23. First of all it's her show

She doesn't have to talk to anyone. I have listened to her for years in West Palm Beach. I don't always agree with her 100% on every thing but she is right more often than she is wrong.
For years she has gone against Rush et al down here and beat him going and coming in the ratings.

She knows her stuff. I thought I knew a lot about current affairs, US history, etc. I was politically aware. Read alot and thought I really knew what was going on.

Believe me when I tell you I have learned so much from Randi's show. She does the research. She finds the articles. She can argue her positions. She is fearless. She is gutsy. She is honest. She has integrity.

Simply put I think she is the best.

Give it time. We need her. Air America needs her. She has her own style. It's not Franken's or Garafolo's and that is good. AA is letting liberal voices that speak in different tones and manners have a say. We are not a monolith.

[Must_B_Free]

39. I'm just trying to improve a good show

sorry, most of you missed that fact and instantly attack me. As I framed the topic in the post - someone should tell her, You'd really be doing hr a favor and make her more likable.

[Puglover]

139. Did it ever occur to you

that most of us don't WANT to listen to Aunt Bea prattle on and on about her radio station??? As I said above....I would not expect warm fuzzy hugs when I call in to Randi....

[Freeforever]

25. You're 100% correct. Rush has more respect for his people than Rhodes

How sad because I've been raving about Rhodes ever since Air America started. That stunt you described is unforgivable. I think we must have been the only ones who heard the whole thing because you can't defend it. It was ridiculous. Rhodes cut off one her biggest fans and used a sarcastic remark to add insult. Even Rush and Hannity tell their fans "We've got to go" or "I have to go to my next caller."

[ParanoidPat]

31. 7 second delay ring a bell?

Are you all that sure of what really happened there? :)

[Must_B_Free]

37. Pat - answer honestly

Did you actually hear the call I was referring to?

[Freeforever]

27. Don't Insult Fellow Liberals

She might as well have said "I don't care because I'm better than you."

[latebloomer]

30. So far I am not crazy about her

I find her voice and manner grating, she has little respect for her callers, and I don't agree with her politically. She comes down very hard on the Bushies, which is great, but she is a centrist hawk type. Today she was ranting about how we should have started the war on terror after the USS Cole. Apparently she has no conception that there might be a reason why most of the world hates us, and if we would mind our own fucking business and stop exploiting the planet we wouldn't need to be so afraid.

I also disliked her asskissing interview with Madeline Albright, who thinks that the murder of thousands of Iraqi children in Clinton's bombing raids was an "acceptable sacrifice."

[Freeforever]

36. Best thing to happen to liberal radio; still gives listeners no respect

Don't get me wrong, she's the best thing for liberal radio, but after I heard her blow off a liberal listener I thought to myself, "Rush treats his guests better than Randi!"

At least tell callers you have to go or that time is up. Don't cut them off, laugh at them, go to the next caller and expect to attract a large fanbase. That poor woman will probably never listen to her again.

[Cat Atomic]

43. I heard that call and I think Rhodes was an asshole, too.

If it was some sort of bogus caller who got past the screeners, she should say so. I heard nothing to suggest that was the case, though.

Sounded more like Randi just being a complete ass to someone who's trying to contribute. That is not endearing.

[chaska]

44. I hope Randi reads this thread.

Hate to say it, but I find her very dificult to listen to. She doesn't let anyone else talk. I absolutely hate it when someone is trying to make a point, they get half way into it, and somebody interupts. Drives me insane. I understand the importance of pace and holding an audience's attention, but we're dems, we have an attention span possibly double that of the average housefly. Let someone else talk for god's sake.

I did note with great pleasure last night (repeat) that Franken did a great job of interjecting without derailing the caller. He's really improved in the last few days.

[Freeforever]

51. she says she reads all her reviews

Randi is perfect and is what will make AA great. Keep up that firegut and don't let up on the intensity. Only Randi can go four hours strong. Just one little thing...please don't slap your fans in the face.

[jimshoes]

46. If you don't care for her program

don't listen. She's great radio. Just my humble opinion.

[Freeforever]

50. it's not that we don't care for her program

You had to have heard that specific dialogue to understand what some of us are saying.

An example:

You: Wow. I can't believe I met you. I traveled 200 miles to get here. You're such an inspiration to me.
Your Hero: That's great kid. Go away.

[Missy Vixen]

58. I heard it.

I'll speak slowly and repeat one more time.

There is a seven-second delay (at least.) We have no idea what was said in that seven seconds to cause Randi to dump the caller.

>You had to have heard that specific dialogue to understand what some of us are saying.<

I heard it. I thought the woman caller figured that she could beat the screener. Also, we have no idea if Air America has policies that do not allow "callers" to hype their own homemade radio shows.

Julie

[Must_B_Free]

69. What are you defending?

There is no excuse for the impression that was made.

I know I will never call that show for fear of unfair treatment from her. And I have called a few shows in my day.

And the comment "I'm fascinated by that" - it appeared to be totally sarcastic, as evidenced by cutting the caller off. She didn't say anything to the effect that "can't plug your own show".

2. The radio show comment, im my recollection, was secondary to the main point the caller made. I think she initially talked about something that Randi was in agreement with, which is why it was so shocking to hear Randi treat her that way.

The point has already been made - there is something called "tact" and Ms. Rhodes would be empowered by learning what that is.

"2 : a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense"

[sangha]

86. Why do you keep avoiding the issue?

What about the 7 second delay?

The truth is, you don't know everything about what happened, but you sure are certain you're right

[Must_B_Free]

95. I know the impression that was made

as evidenced by some other commentor on this thread.

BTW, aren't you the guy who said that the Nazis envisioned themselves as Dravidians, not Aryans, and told me I was wrong for stating otherwise? Was that you?

[sangha]

112. I don't think so

And if it was the recent past, definitely not

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

145. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

150. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jimshoes]

87. If you have the time

You could call her up and tell her how you feel. Chances are she's not going to see this post and get your advice.

[Must_B_Free]

97. But I would only expect

her to say "fuck you" and hang up on me. Why would I expect otherwise?

[jimshoes]

105. What would you have to lose

by trying though. You may be right about hanging up on you, but thats the hook isn't it. You have listened to the show one more time. That's why she's number 1.

[Fovea]

52. She could maybe spend a week in the midwest

I think it would give her perspective on how other
people react to that NY, talk to the hand approach.

The late Spaulding Gray had a wonderful routine
about the differences in approach between himself and his
first wife Rene, who he described as
New York Jewish Mafia...

I see Randi's flaws, but feel like
Churchill did about Stalin.
She is speaking the language of
AM talk radio, as practiced by most
of the Right Wing.

Despite finding myself wincing at her
sometimes, I feel she is taking the
fight to the audience that subtle
dialog is wasted on.

[Must_B_Free]

66. Agree

I just wish she could learn a little heart and humility from Malloy.

[gemlake]

81. I live in the Midwest

and I think she's great. To the people who are afraid to call her--don't! Only the brave need apply.

[kaitykaity]

55. You either love her or you hate her.

Stop expecting her to be who you want her to be and accept her for who she is. She's entertaining, and a lightning rod. People will listen to her, and she's saying all the things we've been saying to each other all this time.

Thicker skin, please.

[Must_B_Free]

63. Not exactly

I love her, but hate her weak aspect, which is that she goes faster than her brain will allow. She doesn't realize when she is snubbing her supporters.

There are shades of grey. "Love her or hate her" is too much like like "you're either with us or against us". The problem with this world is people who think in black and white and don't have any nuances to their thoughts.

[kaitykaity]

80. Oh, that's low.

I'm not going to dignify that insult with a considered response. What I'd like to do is let loose a string of personal insults, but then again this is a democratic board, and my momma raised me with some manners.

Unlike some people.

:grr:

[Must_B_Free]

91. What's insulting about that?

:shrug:

All I did was make a point. I don't see the offense in it.

I mostly love her, but think she could be better if she slowed down a little and encouraged the slower of us like Malloy did. He was respectful of his callers differences and always gave them the beneft of the doubt before attacking them. ANd when he did attack, we knew why.

So that my nuanced opinion, as you can see, it's not cut and dried.

Also, I didn't intend to offend you.

[kaitykaity]

124. Oh please.

The sweet and innocent routine isn't very becoming.

You say I'm using a MEME that's like a Thuglican MEME.

That's fucking insulting.

[chaska]

62. annoying window

Freepers: My country love it or leave it.

Dems: My country love it or fix it.

Same with radio talk show hosts.

[americanstranger]

71. Hi, and welcome to the 'Bash Randi thread of the day!'

Don't any of you know how to turn off a goddam radio?

Just askin'.

-as

[Must_B_Free]

84. How about you read the thread

your flippant dismissal of some constructive criticism demonstrates that you probably only read the title.

[americanstranger]

89. I read enough to know where it was going.

You claim 'constructive criticism.'

Calling someone an 'asshole' isn't exactly constructive. Come to think of it, it isn't even criticism.

I've been reading these threads for days, and they're all the same. And I'll stick up for Randi every time, because she's a friend of mine.

If you don't like it, turn it off. Problem solved.

-as

[Must_B_Free]

100. BEING an asshole isn't constructive either

that's my point.

[americanstranger]

102. Physician, heal thyself.

-as

[Must_B_Free]

114. Why should I

I'll have a bigger fan base if I don't, right?

[sangha]

96. Constructive criticism?

Next week you'll crap in your pants and tell us you're bringing us flowers.

[Puglover]

140. ROFL...

Now that I haven't heard before....good one!

[Dr Fate]

79. I think she is FAN-TAS-TIC...

She's no amature- in fact, she even beats RUSH in many markets...

[Zomby Woof]

99. She is a kick-ass liberal

And we need MORE of those. I love Randi, and think you are protesting a bit too much.

[wyldwolf]

101. yes, but some folks here think "kick-ass" and "liberal" are..

..contradictory terms. Not me, though!

[Must_B_Free]

104. I'll agree

it was one tiny moment out of many, but not isolated.

Probably not worthy of 100 posts, but it ticked me off that what I said was got misconstrued as me "hating" Randi. In my own mind I was only trying to make the show better.

And I'm obviously not the only one who has noticed this feature of Randi's show.

[Zomby Woof]

110. I never said you hated her

Just saying your response is disproportionate to her offense, but that is your right to say so.

I prefer threads where we excoriate O'Reilly, Hannity, Rush, et al, because they are the opposition.

Randi may not be your cup of tea, but she is on our side, and I firmly believe she attracts more people than she alienates. Nothing wrong with expressing disagreement with her style, but I think that gets us off message. Keep the heat on Condi, keep the heat on Bush, keep the heat on Iraq. A bit of rudeness here or there is just showbiz, and radio is showbiz, no matter what other value it has to inform or enlighten.

Plus, I think there is a lot of truth to the allegations that some people are turned off by strong women with vocal opinions and forthrightness. Randi doesn't take shit from anyone, and more power to her. If she were a man, would you be so quick to judge?

Just sayin'. :-)

[bpilgrim]

119. she does come off as being full of herself

but i let her slide because she would probably really suck if she didn't ;->

i thought it was good advice, though :hi:

the worst is when she likes to brag how she knew before EVERYONE about, whatever...

anyone else notice that :shrug:

:hi:

peace

[FlaGranny]

165. Well, she's right - I've been listening for years - SHE DID KNOW

before everyone else. I heard her myself.

[mac1000a]

103. This is exactly

what is going to make Randi a star. Controversy sells. Randi knows she is a bitch to her fans a lot of the time, because it is going to create controversy and drive her ratings up. Remember that Springer was a third rate talk show host until he realized that people liked to see white trash beat the crap out of each other. Now, Randi is light years ahead of Springer in terms of class and message, but the principle is the same. She is a liberal woman competing in the field of conservative men who are all ass holes. She needs an edge to be competitive. Anyone who is slighted by her shouldn't take it personally. It's all part of the game, and I think it's going to be very successful for her.

[Must_B_Free]

108. It's a deal with the Devil

look at at the right - giving up the moral high ground helped them for awhile, but, in the long run it's doing them in.

I'm not willing to sacrifice my values and become the enemy for the sake of winning. I think it's wrong to alienate your base.

[Blaze Diem]

109. Agree Randi R is sometimes too abrupt for my tastes..BUT She gets a

Great Big Heads Up from me today. I listened and applauded her analogy of how we ended up in Iraq. Where it all begin. Her disgust with Bush and today's testimony from Condiloser were exactly RIGHT.

I can whince at her methods but I cannot argue one point about her wisdom and research on this evil Bush administration. They have evolved from the depths of hell, born of greed and arrogance.

Carry On Randi!!!

[Must_B_Free]

113. Hey - Bill Clinton was right too,

but his one tiny flaw fucked us ALL over.

[wyldwolf]

no, the republican infatuation of what you call his flaw...

fucked us all over.

And I think a parallel can be drawn here. All it takes is someone to make a HUGE deal over something the majority thinks is minor to bring undue attention to it.

Republicans - Clinton - sex life
Must_B_Free - Randi - perceived rudeness

[wyldwolf]

131. dupe

[greendog]

111. Lots of liberals are entertained by her rudness......

....I'll bet she has research that shows being obnoxious and belligerent will get her a larger share of the liberal audience.

Don't assume that everyone who shares your political views craves politeness and civility.....and don't assume that everyone on our side is "nice".

[sendero]

115. I like Randi Rhodes...

... and will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

She's not perfect, but she's damn good.

Some of you simply do not understand radio at all. Educate yourself.

[Must_B_Free]

123. So do I

sop what's wrong with trying to help her be a better host and better representative of the left?

[sendero]

169. If being "a better rep of the left"

... means milktoasting it down to insipidity, I'm afraid that's a bad idea.

[OpSomBlood]

116. In agreement.

I heard the cut-off referred here, and it went down like this (paraphrasing):

Caller: "It's so great to finally have someone on the radio from the left! Here in my hometown some friends of mine got so fed up that we bought time on a local radio station..."

Randi: Click. "Yeah, like I care about that."

I love Randi Rhodes. I have listened to her since I was in high school in Miami more than ten years ago. Her research is meticulous and insightful, and she is one of the most entertaining and intelligent people in the entire realm of politics.

Okay everyone? I'm a fan of hers, not a freeper plant. And what she did to that caller was unquestionably rude and uncalled for. It was not a delay dump as some of you are suggesting at all, and anyone who heard it knows this.

There's nothing wrong with constructive criticism. Believe me, I'm glad that Randi is on our side, and I understand that her grating personality is half the point. But she needs to conserve the venom for the people who deserve it, not her fans.

[Liberal_Dog]

117. I Give Randi The Benefit Of The Doubt

I heard that call and Randi may have come off as egotistical and nasty.

But there is the delay, and I don't know what might have been said off-air that we did not hear.

So, I will give benefit of the doubt to Randi.

[Must_B_Free]

122. Think about the dump comment

It was "really, that's fascinating to me" :click:

Typically in talk radio, the dump comment reveals something about what was dumped.

So, based on the dump, the worst that could have been said was something that bored Randi. This whole ething was after an already positive exchange with the woman, and that's why it was tyotally uncalled for.

But I agree with the post above, it was obviously rude and I really don't think the caller was a stealth freeper. She sounded like a northeastern liberal to me.

[cleofus1]

125. Geez Louise!

Some people here obviously don't understand radio. Air America has to get ratings in order to continue. If you have weak, simpering polite...humble air staff you will get stomped in the ratings. Then, guess what? No more Air America...Keep your eye on the ball brothers...Randi Rhodes is a strong opinionated woman...and that turns me on!

[wyldwolf]

129. don't try talk to these people about how radio works...

...they're eyes glaze over.

I'm not sure many understand the concept of "for profit." To them, it must all be weak and monotone for no money or it is the "corporate whore media."

She beats Rush in the ratings? They never acknowledge that fact and probably don't have a clue what an accomplishment that is.

[Must_B_Free]

133. You don't even know what you're talking about

but don't let that stop you - it hasn't yet.

[cleofus1]

137. I've spent near twenty years

on the air on commercial radio and it's you who sounds the neophyte my wiley young lad.

[wyldwolf]

178. On the contrary - I'm a 15 year radio vet

... so ha ha!

[SideshowScott]

127. * Yawn * Another Randi Sucks thread..With one poster bloating it

Go figure... Ya know what if you don't like Randi there is a knob on your radio to turn the channel. I think Randi is great, entertaining, smart, and yes she has a bit of a mean streak but hey it worked for just about every other radio star from Imus to Stern. Oh yeah id really call them " Humble ". The Randi Rhodes show is great radio and yes shes not perfect but shes wonderful.
If you like your Liberals nice and fluffy listen to NPR. Or if you like em with a pink tutu, Alan Colmes. I prefer mine with a backbone.

[wyldwolf]

128. the original poster in this thread has a beef with her over some perceived

... "injustice."

[Must_B_Free]

132. Some personality - her fans can;t even own up to it

lets pretend it never happened - it works for you

[wyldwolf]

179. because it never did the way you describe it.

[cleofus1]

130. here! Here!

I wish we had hundred more or her...warts and all!

[OpSomBlood]

136. "Randi sucks?"

I'm not sure how you're interpreting this thread, but I certainly don't consider anyone here to be whining about Randi's style. I think we all have a pretty good understanding that controversy sells on talk radio.

Who's the thin-skinned one here? A few of us offer our honest impressions of an incident on the show, and suddenly we're traitors to the liberal cause? All we're saying is that she was a real jerk to that one caller and there was no reason for it.

Randi is great. She knows her stuff and we do need someone in-your-face to make our case in the media. Perhaps you should listen to the call during the weekend replay and decide for yourselves.

[hiphopnation]

135. OK

Let's take another radio great as example...Howard Stern

Oh yeah, he's the apex of humility and politeness.

George Carlin, Eminem...

What about Randi's main competitor....Limpballs, Hannity, Savage and the like. Right, they're the pantheon of humility and discreetness.

I'm afraid you've got this backwards; hubris and guts are what make one successful, especially in show business which is part of what Randi does.

Nice try, though. :thumbsdown:

[Puglover]

141. Was she abrupt?

Yes she was. (I heard the call) Assuming that nothing happened on the 7 second delay....if I had been the caller I would have probably shook my head and thought "jeez, thanks alot" But being a realist I would have got that the show isn't about me it's about her and I would have gotten over it fast. Like it or not, our culture isn't the Mayberry 1960's anymore. Randi's style sells and gets great ratings and if that can further the liberal cause then I say go for it!

[Must_B_Free]

144. Shock gets ratings, so what.

does it further a cause? That is debatable. I personally feel that it cheapens a cause - it's a quick fix sell out. Like drugs - it may give a temporary boost, but the price paid in the long run is heavy.

Look at Rush Limbaugh - he doesn't really represent traditional conservatives. The poison he injected into the right will do more damage to them then good in the long run.

The argument in support of her behaviour is - "who cares what it represents, as long as we're winning." My take it that if you have to sacrifice your values to "win", then you haven't really won anything.

I like the show, but I now have reservations about tuning in again, because of the arguments presented in this thread. If this is what her fans are like, I don't want to absorb these callous attitudes and be like you. I prefer moral high ground in my version of progress.

If you sell your soul to gain the world, what have you really gained?

[cleofus1]

146. that is not the argument...

that is the way you choose to frame it. you should just listen to NPR and leave commercial radio to the professionals. Randi is a winner and that's all that counts. sorry if that offends other peoples sensibilities, but i prefer to win this game and not just put my ass in the air and wait for a conservative alpha male to walk by.

[sangh0]

149. Yes, it furthers the cause

and that ticks you off.

[FlaGranny]

151. You know, I wish you'd just stop listening.

That way maybe you wouldn't feel obligated to start a thread every single day about why you don't like Randi. One might think that you were doing your best to make sure the rest of us don't listen or maybe you might want us to pressure her to be as boring as Al Franken and the rest of the hosts

Randi has years of experience with callers and has a sixth sense about them. Sometimes she might be wrong, but usually not. The only time I EVER called into a liberal radio show, the host was rather rude to me because, as I figured out later, I brought up the same subject one time too many (as I hadn't heard the entire show).

There's a message here: when you call a radio show, stick to your subject, be concise, and don't try to hog the phone call. Your job is to bring up a subject and then shut up and let the host run with it, if he or she wants to. If you don't do those things, expect to be hung up on.

Or perhaps Randi should prepare a statement for every reason she might have to hang up on someone, and then read it for us each time she cuts someone off. I'm sure we'd all like to listen to such a message over and over, instead of listening to the important issues we all face.

[Must_B_Free]

155. Your wish is my command, Granny

Have fun "winning" by shrinking your base.

All I tried to do was make a suggestion to enhance the show's allure. If you want to drive people away, that's your business.

I personally don't think an attitude of hostility is what liberalism and progressiveness are about, but maybe that will change in the future.

[FlaGranny]

167. You see, that's where you're making your mistake,

she has INCREASED the base in the market where she's been operating for years, NOT decreased it. What is there not to understand about that? She's a proven.

You don't know me, but I'm one of the politest and most politically correct persons you could meet. If anyone should have been turned off by Randi's personna, it should have been me. You don't give people enough credit.

She is a woman with a Brooklyn/Queens/Bronx accent (think Fran Drescher, Penny Marshall - "Are you nuts?") daring to be macho.

Edit: Regarding increasing the base - she has "converted" many republicans in Palm Beach and Broward. They hear her, they get angry with her, and in trying to prove her wrong, they find out she is right. Also, many of the people here she has "insulted" call her over and over again

Second Edit: South Florida is a mixture of people from all over the midwest and east coast, and even the south, and her market and listeners here are loyal and growing.

[Must_B_Free]

170. It's a nuanced argument, Gran

I get the whole Brooklyn thing. I do. I support the message she is trying to get out, and I support agressive firebrand liberalism.

What I expressed is that I don't support her attacking of genuinely nice callers. I am turned off by that, and I think some others in this thread have expressed that they were turned of by it was well.

So I expressed my opinion and what do I get?

1. It didn't really happen
2. You're bashing Randi
3. You must be a freeper
4. Don't tune in to Randi, we don't want your kind...

Already this is dividing us.

Did Ghandi say - "lets go get some guns and beat their skulls in - that's the way to win". Did Woodie Guthrie attack his own fans?

I think that attacking your base is indefensable and unwise. I think she's %99 positive, I am only addressing the %1 of her show that I find disturbing, because guess what the right will grab on to? Yes they'll grab that %1 and paint our entire movement with it, just like they did with Clenis.

[FlaGranny]

174. You never heard any of those things from me except

don't tune in, if it upsets you. This is a daily thing now. Already, there are people chiming in that they are not going to listen, due to these threads.

Edit: to add :-) because I know I probably sound more severe than I'm really meaning to.

[onecitizen]

171. Liberals come in all.........

shapes and sizes as well as personalities. RR has a big following and getting bigger. People love her. Some people don't like her so much.

If you don't like her, find some place else to do between 3P-7P M-F. Cause I think she'll be around for a while.

[Freddie Stubbs]

152. Perhaps you should call her show and giver her some advice

I'm sure that the she will be happy that you did.

[Must_B_Free]

154. why would she be?

she seems to cut down anyone who doesn't agree with her and even those who do agree with her, but aren't serving her at that moment.

Why on earth would I try to have a conversation with this woman. In fact, you don't even want me to listen, so I guess I won't. Some "victory"...

I think cleofus summed up the opposition argument the best "Randi is a winner and that's all that counts."

So you can take your narrowed umbrella and "win" and then try to figure out just what it is you stand for. It certainly won't be the same values that you've sacrificed for the sake of winning.

[cleofus1]

156. yeah...says you.

I give up nothing...becouse I do not share your sensiblities. I find Randi to be incredibly entertaining. I do not find her in the least offensive...you do...so do not project you attitude or your feelings on me...

[Must_B_Free]

164. misunderstanding, perhaps

I should have said "opposition to my argument" rather than "opposition argument". In other words, I quoted you as the opposition to my argument, I didn't project my attitudes onto you.

I think the attitude of "winning is the only important thing" sums up exactly what I oppose. If you give up what you stand for so that you can "win" more easily, then you've actually lost.

[Freddie Stubbs]

159. I was being sarcastic

Sorry, I forget to add the little ;) to the post.

[goclark]

161. She is passionate and in our corner

I know she gets wacky sometimes but she is doing a great job IMO!

[Must_B_Free]

166. I agree 100%

No argument with that statement whatsoever.

[Puglover]

168. Would you please give a few other specific examples

of where Randi has offended you? Other than just generalities? Thanks

[Must_B_Free]

172. I did not record the details of the other times

I only did this time, because it was fresh and tangible.

I think some other long time posters agree with me, so I hardly think it iws imagined. Even the fact of there being a few apologists in this thread supports my position that there is something there, tiny as it may be.

And also let me clarify, I am not a hater, I am pointing out a tiny aspect of her show that could be softened in order to not drive a few people away. It's a turnoff. It's like a fly in your soup - it makes you not want to consume the whole thing.

[Puglover]

173. Thanks for responding...

nah, I get what your saying although as I believe her good points far FAR outweigh her bad. And if people disagree...hey, at least your post about 175 hits....my posts average around 7.
:eyes:

[FlaGranny]

175. Make some Randi posts and you'll

get lots of replies. ;-)