Maher, Franken and Stewart--what do they all have in common?

[linazelle]

They display the kind of civility that has been sorely missed from the political media landscape in the past few years by entertaining the views of the political RW without trying to silence them.

Maher invites RW guests on his show weekly, occasionally going along with them (which we often hate) and sometimes smacking them down (like last night when a guest spewed that stupid line about the world being safer without Saddam. Maher said we are not.)

Franken is the same way, I used to think he was too much of a softie because he doesn't challenge his RW guests. He presents facts and lets them speak for themselves when he has these people on the show. If they become belligerent or try to evade the truth, he doesn't bully his opponents. I listened to Franken once when Sean Hannity was on his show. Instead of arguing with Hannity, Franken let Hannity be the bully that he was. Had they both argued, Franken would have ended up looking as silly as Hannity. Instead, Hannity looked a bit silly repeating himself over and over and drowing out Franken. Afterwards, when a caller asked why Franken didn't call Hannity on the carpet Franken said it's not necessary to be nasty and that you don't win that kind of discussion.

At the Democratic Convention, Jon Stewart said the same thing--that he invites people from both parties onto his show and he's civil because the lines of communication must be kept open. (While Jon was a teensy bit uncivil yesterday :evilgrin:, we forgive him and love him for it.)

I am proud to have these smart men presenting the liberal/progressive viewpoint, to people who would rather those views not be heard. They are American heroes.

[skylarmae]

1. they are OUR AMERICAN HEROS -

[Cleita]

2. They tell the truth even if it hurts those whose lies they are

exposing. They shine a light on the emperor with no clothes.

[truthpusher]

3. They have inspired me to be a little feisty myself...

I even succeeded in getting a thread locked - oops

I love these guys - they are at the heart of what we all need to aspire toward.

[burythehatchet]

4. this is the f'in Justice League

[linazelle]

5. And have you seen the brain on these guys?

They represent the cream of the crop in the media business when it comes to wits and intelligence.

[Booster]

6. Each one of them approaches issues with logic, which seems

to have been lost in politics today - something we have to get back if we are to negotiate peace with other world leaders. Issues can't be black and white; us against them; our way or the highway. That attitude will never get us anywhere and I believe Kerry is just not hardheaded like the little emporer, and will be able to get someplace other than what we've got now.