Can "Star" Democrats request to be on TV news shows- or are they censored?

[Dr Fate]

Can we set the record straight here?

Everytime I complain that "star" Democrats like Kerry, Dean, Hillary, Obama etc are not on TV saying blunt, truthful staements about the DSM or Katrina lies, people suggest that they have been "banned" or that they are "not allowed" on.

But then I SEE them on those shows with my own eyes. Obama & Hillary have been on TV this week- Hillary has been on FOUR- count 'em- FOUR shows. Was she "invited" or did she request to be booked?

Some DUers claim that you have to wait by the phone & be "invited" on.

I've also heard that Top DEMS, especially Senators do indeed have the contact info for these shows, and they do indeed request to be on these shows.

What is true?- and can we back this up with links?

Have any of the "star" DEMs gone on the record and made the claim that they were refused airtime? If not- then how can we say it is happening?

Can someone please help me clear up these conspiracy theories, one way or another that Kerry, Dean, Hillary & Obama are "banned" from TV shows or that they cant get on unless they are "invited?"

[napi21]

1. I don't think they're banned. I think the show producers

primary job is ratings for the show, and they try to get guests who have either MADE recent news, or are strong opposers of something that was just in the news. Look at who they had on last Sun. Chertoff! I'm sure that was because of Katrina.

I suspect there's also times when staffers contact the producers to schedule appearances. Look at how many times Biden has been on lately!

As far as the daily spots, I think a politician has to do or say something that causes controversy. Pelosi wasn't on at all UNTIL she called Shrub dangerous!!! Since then, she's been on several times in the last 2 days!

[Dr Fate]

2. So you dont know the answer. I asked if they can request to be on...

...and whether there is any proof that they have been turned down when they make that request.

I need documantation as well.

I agree that saying "hot" statements like Pelosi did will get you on too- it is a great way to "fool" the media into playing your talking point- but that is not what I asked.

[napi21]

4. Well, I don't know where they all are. I can tell you I've never

heard any Dem or Pub for that matter, say they were refused an appearance. I suspect, since no one else has responded to you, they haven't heard any either.

[Dr Fate]

6. Thanks- sorry for being snarky-

I just want to be sure no one steers the thread away from my specific questions.

[SoCalDem]

19. If you are the fat kid at school, you don't get invited to the fun parties

but usually will not be told to your face the reason...same thing here.. The "media" is only too happy to have the frothy little bleached-blonde republican eye-candy..and the think tanks are well-stocked with them and their counterpart ken-dolls...

They are telegenic, and are "exciting" TV.. The democrats are fact-oriented and use LOGIC... Thinking is not a "visual art".. The media likes "in-your-face" journalism.. Democrats have not stooped to that kind of thing lately.. They must start though, or be forever marginalized..

Think about it.. we have mostly "low-key" spokespeople..and theirs are extremely vocal and bold..

[Dr Fate]

21. Do you have documentation of their "Invitation only" policy?

Do you have documentation of a "star" Democrat like Dean, Hillary or Kerry saying that they were turned down for a slot on a interview or debate news show?

Not to be snarky- but can we please stick to the specific questions & topic?

[SoCalDem]

26. excuuuuuuuuuuse me

:P

I doubt that politicians "storm the gates" and ask to go on TV..:) They most likely have their press people contacted by the media to request an interview...or perhaps their people ask the media for some air time..

Probably neither would ever admit to shunning or being shunned..

Good luck on your quest :)

[Dr Fate]

30. I believe that is possible too.

But everytime I make that suggestion, folks say "No- you cant just ask to be on- you have to be invited"

- knowing PR people, I've always found that hard to believe as well.

Whether or not they want to admit being shunned is not my problem- For arguments sake,we cant assume it is happening unless someone is at least making the charge. Without hearing someone make the claim, I have to assume it is a made-up excuse.

I was hoping this thread could clear it up one way or another, but the usual people who make that claim are AWOL today.

[sallyseven]

54. You have to be invited by the producers.

That is why we have Biden three times a week. Only those who don't make waves are allowed. I don't mean to be snarkey but just look around you.

[Dr Fate]

3. Where is everyone who always claims star DEMs have no media access?

Here is our chance to set the record straight- with documentation.

Little help?

[emulatorloo]

5. just to kick your thread for those in the know

So please don't post a "So you don't know the answer" because I am trying to kick your thread, because I want some insiders to see your thread and post what they know.


Now --

It is probably more subtle than an outright "ban"

Just this morning Reid had a press conference. CNN started to show some of it, when he got going, they cut it off. DU Threads:

----------
Why the hell did CNN cut off Harry Reid's press conference?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4694934

and then a thread on what the press conference covered:

Pelosi and Reid: GOP-led Katrina investigation "a sham and a charade"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4695774

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

And apparently Pelosi was on fire this morning as well -- only to be seen on CSPAN 3.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2073568

[Dr Fate]

7. yes- I was being snarky - my bad- but...

...I just did not want the thread to get steered away from the specific questions I ask.

[Dr Fate]

8. No- the TV media actually has repeated Pelosi's "hot" comments.

"Fooling" the media into repeating your "outrageous" comments is an option. One many DEMs cant seem to grasp.

I realize that the media does not always repeat talking points said on CSPAN3- that is why I think they should go on TV shows and say it directly into the network or cable cameras. Which is why I need these questions answered.

[Dr Fate]

9. Where is everyone who always claims star DEMs have no media access?

Come on folks- usually there are like 20 people saying telling me to shut up and saying "You don't know how the media works."

It's true- I don't know. I want to find out. Little help?

Are you afraid that the answers will erase a convenient excuse for timid DEMs? If not, then pile on with some links.

Come on- lets clear this up once & for all. Links????

[Dr Fate]

10. Where OH Where OH where are my detractors?

Lets put forth our documentation one way or the other, right now, for everyone to see.

Where are the usual "Dr Fate, you dont know how the media works- dont you know that they refuse slots to Top Democrats who ask to be on?"

Now is your chance to prove that one way or another.

I have not even gotten a "shut up" post yet!! Whatz up with that???

Usually I get like 20 people at once calling me a DEM basher, crazy, ignorant, everything else, but where are you all now?

I think people are afraid that their stnd-by "The media wont let us talk" excuse for timid DEMs does not hold water. Prove me wrong- lets figure this out.

[Dr Fate]

11. Gosh- now that I ask for proof- no one wants to repeat those excuses.

Surely someone out of all the people who tell me to "shut up" can provide some sort of documentation- right?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. First, they'd have to gag and shackle motormouth Biden.

"The tongue that never rests" seems to find his way to any camera in "on" position.

[Dr Fate]

14. Do you have an answer for my specific questions?

I realize that Biden sucks. That was not the question.

The questions are:

"Can top DEMs like Kerry, Dean, Hillary, etc request to be on TV news shows- or do networks & cable shows have an invitation only policy?

and

"Have any top Democrats claimed that they were turned down when they requested air time?"

Please document your answers with a link or somthing.

[LittleClarkie]

13. Maybe someone should email or call said shows and find out

Why ask us if you're not sure you're believing what some are telling you? Get it from the horses' mouths so to speak.

[Dr Fate]

15. The burden is on the folks making the claim.

I've admitted that I really dont know the answer.

Here is our chance to clear it up.

Is there an "invitation only" policy- and if so, where is the proof?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. My guess is that the "star" Dems are too busy watching the polls

and fundraising to bother with such trifles as a national disaster. At least, the 3 you mentioned.

That "politicians serve the people" is one of the most enduring myths in our society.

[Dr Fate]

17. Is there any documentation of the "Invitation Only" policy?

And have any star DEMs ever claimed they were turned down slots on debate or interview news shows?

And Hilary & Obama have been on TV this week- and Dean has done several radio appearances, so they do have time.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

22. Why do you consider this important?

If they want on TV they have to say something that means something. Most of them are too afraid of saying anything that might piss off the mythical "middle".

The MSM's function is to make money, not report the news. They'll put on whatever, or whomever, will sell the most toothpaste or cars.

[Dr Fate]

23. Because I want "Star" Dems like Kerry to speak out- ON TV.

And whenever I make that suggestion, I get 20 DUers telling me "you have to be invited on" "Strong DEMs are not allowed on", etc, etc

of course, those same DUers wont repsond to this thread, now that I'm asking for documentation.

I'd like to clear this up once & for all.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

27. Gotcha. They aren't on because they don't say anything is my point.

The usual apologists for the "leadership" never cease complaining about the "lack of coverage" of what amounts to tepid, no risk, statements from the bosses.

I guarantee you, that if Kerry, Biden, Hillary, etc of the pablum wing of the party were to call for Boobya's impeachment, or demand immediate withdrawal from Iraq, they'd find themselves on camera "invitation" or no.

[LittleClarkie]

24. Proof?

Did you mean Dean? He cancelled all fundraising for this week to concentrate on the disaster.

Hillary is being blasted for being to strident, of all things.

Reid is on Frist's back re: cutting the estate tax at a time when we really don't need another tax cut.

Kerry sending out emails titled "Don't you dare!" re: the self same tax cut.

Boxer, it is said, was spending much of her time last week looking for ways to help the disaster areas that circumvented Bush Co.

Gore flew a plane down to LA to carry out some of the most critically ill.

Yeah. They don't give a fuck, do they. Riiiight.

So, any proof of your assertion? Or did you just feel like alittle kneejerk snarkiness was in order?

[Dr Fate]

25. So you dont have an answer or any documentation then.

I'm asking if top Democrats can request to be on TV.

I am also asking whether any DEM has made the claim that they were turned down for a slot.

I never said "they dont give a fuck"- that is your strawman. I never said that- I HAVE asked why some of them are not "ON TV"- especially during a week when EVERYONE is watching.

At the least, I'm questioning their media savy & strategy -so keep your strawmen to yourself.

If you cant answer the question, fine- but dont mischaracterize what I'm saying- I never said they were not doing anything or that they dont care.

[LittleClarkie]

34. Um. Go back to my post, click on that bit in the right corner

and see who I was replying to. It wasn't you.

The poster said that top Dems were to busy fundraising to give a shit about a disaster. I pointed out that this claim was far from true. Wasn't really covering the tv issue, just the claim from the poster. It's a sub-thread thing.

So I neither set out, nor do I intend, to prove a claim I never made in the first place. Neither am I misrepresenting you, as I didn't reply to you. My only suggestion to you was to call the networks or try to find someone who works for them.

I'm not one of those people making the claim. I'm one of the "but they're doing other good things too" people. But I'm not even expousing that view point in this thread. Just answering a poster and his snark.

[Dr Fate]

36. My mistake-I agree that the DEMs are working hard & doing good things

I'm simply trying to clear up this question of Television media access.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

28. They give a "fuck" for their political asses.

However, your trust of politicians is duly noted.

[Dr Fate]

29. For the record, I never made the claim that they dont care.

It's clear from their e-mails, "releases" & CSPAN3 statements that they do care- what is not clear is why some of them are not on TV that people actualy SEE- especially during a week when EVERYONE is watching.

Same thing when the DSM came out- hardly any of them would go on TV and talk about it- the official DU excuse was "they are not allowed."

[LittleClarkie]

35. As is your baseless snark

Duly noted.

I have given you my reasons for thinking as I do. I'm waiting for yours.

Unless of course this is another situation where "a conclusion is where someone got tired of thinking."

[Raydawg1234]

18. Depends on the Network

As we all know Fox only books weak dems that nobody has ever heard of so that they can easilly be trashed on. CNN on the other hand has Larry King(cybernetic asshole). The other night he had on the person America allways looks to in times of trouble.... Dr. Phil. King said nothing when he used the oppurtunity to plug his show, using a reunion among Katrina survivors to proffit from the dissastor......sickening

[Dr Fate]

20. Wrong- we dont "all know" anything. Do you have documentation?

I'm aware that FOX goes out of it's way to find Colmes clones- but that is not my question-

My question is: Are they turning away requests from the likes of Hillary, Dean, Obama or Kerry to be on interview or debate shows?

I've seen ALL of them on FOX- with my own eyes- so your post does not ring 100% true.

Do you have a statement from say, Dean, Kerry, Obama or Hillary that they requested a slot on a debate or interview show and were then turned down? Do you have documentation of any networks "invitation only" policy?

[KittyWampus]

31. Where's YOUR Documentation Dr. Fate? God I Miss Ignore. Almost Forgot

your absurd and incessant rants.

You don't know shit about television and yet continue to insist that Democrats need only call up all Leslie Blitzer to get face time.

Stop telling everyone else to get proof.

Find some definitive proof that all Democrats need to do is just ASK or please consider shutting the fuck up.

YOU are the one making an extraordinary claim here.

[Dr Fate]

37. I've admitted I dont have an answer- do you?

I admitted that I have no idea what the media policy is. Nothing in your post indicates that you do either.

Perhaps it is true that DEM PR men never ask if their clients can be on TV-mabey the PR people never even thought of it or somthing- crazier things have been proved true before.

Do you have documentation of the "Invitation only" policy or an example of a Star DEM being refused a slot on a show?

I would imagine that at least one PR man has tried to get his DEM client TV face time- but I admit, I have no proof.

[Dr Fate]

40. Wouldnt you like to know the answer too?

If it turns out that you really cant have your PR people call & ask to be on, and that Kerry & Hillary are being banned, then that would explain a lot.

I'd like to know the facts instead of having this be a standby excuse or a conspiracy theory for why DEMs dont speak out on certain things.

[Dr Fate]

43. Please- tell us all what YOU know about television.

I admit I know NOTHING about TV or Political PR.

You and others have told me that I "dont know shit about TV" many times. Hence this thread.

I am humbled in my ignorance- so please, tell me what YOU know about TV. And please, provide documentation.

Now is your big chance to correct my incessant rants once and for all.

[Dr Fate]

50. Do top DEMS ever hire PR people?

Do PR people try to get their clients on TV shows?

I dont know shit about TV and I need guidance from someone who does- an expert like you.

[Touchdown]

32. Call Randi Rhodes

She's been on TV. She'll explain how the process goes, and what NOT to do to get a second appearence on any shout show. She'll also explain what "sandbagging" means.

[Dr Fate]

38. I'm not talking about pundits or radio hosts- I'm talking about Senators.

And high profile party chairmen, like Dean.

Of course the networks can sandbag Rhandi or a PETA spokesperson or whoever- but do we have documentation of them doing it to a Kerry, a Dean or a Hillary?

[Touchdown]

52. I'm not going to link you to anything on this...

because if you don't remember the exchange between John Kerry and Charles Gibson on GMA, then you're just being obtuse to prove your silly little point, but I'm sure there's a video you can review somewhere.

He came on to talk about his tax plan, and was segwayed/sandbagged into the swiftboat charges of throwing his medals over a fence by Gibson, he answered 3 times, and Gibson kept harping on it. In disgust, Kerry took his mike off and said "They're doing the Republican's job for them" ...something that is probably the most honest thing any Dem politician has said about the media in years.

[NightOwwl]

33. Kick for Dr. Fate

There's got to be at least one DUer with media connections. Anyone out there who can answer his question?

:kick:

[blm]

39. I don't think they are BANNED, but I do believe the producer controls the

direction they want on a story and decide WHO of the lawmakers they want to represent the Dem position. If they want agreement closer to Bush they go with Biden, Bayh or Lieberman. If they want the left position to be ignored, they book Dems who tend to speak to the base.

There are plenty of stories about news conferences by Dems left unreported and even ignored, as when Kerry was endorsed by the Firefighters Union. Few networks even reported it as a 15 sec segment, let alone cover the event and discuss why they were endorsing Kerry. If they had the Katrina nonresponse and incompetence from Bush wouldn't be coming as such a surprise.


You know the media is a factor. You don't have to build a strawman attack that star Dems are "banned" while skipping over the very fact that many of their public statements are ignored and unreported.

[Dr Fate]

41. I'm not asking about coverage of press conferences- re-read my post.

I know that the media often ignores "conferences", "statements" and "releases" as well as CSAPN3 floor speeches.

We know this- now I want to know if appearing on those cable & network TV shows and saying it straight into the cameras is one way to get out our message...

So I ask again- is their any documentation of this "invitation only policy" that I keep hearing about?

Do DEM PR people call shows and ask them to book their clients? Is this a common practice or have they never tried this?

Have any DEMs or their PR men made the charge that they were turned down a slot on a TV news show? If so, then they truly are being "banned" and that is not a strawman.

[Dr Fate]

42. Kick. No one has yet to provide any proof or links, one way or the other.

I'm assuming DEMs do have PR men who request that their clients be on TV- I admit, it is just my assumption-does anyone know one way or the other????

I've done google searches and I cant find anything.

Who has the answers????

[emulatorloo]

44. I am kicking your thread again, but apparently there are no media insiders

willing to address it

And I will again ask you to refrain from bashing DU'ers who are are giving you examples of the media bias employed against Dems -- they're responding to your pleas for answers as good DU'ers do.

If you want to go all snarky, it outta be at the media insiders who are no doubt lurking here but are afraid to give answers.

[Dr Fate]

45. I have seen all those examples before, from those very posters.

Everyone always gives me those examples-it strays from the specific question i'm always asking.

I am specificaly asking about access to TV interview & debate shows- I am aware of the other examples- those have been established.

[emulatorloo]

46. I know -- but you bait people w the "where are my critics" posts

into replying and then go all snarky on them for re . . . .

I, like you, want to hear from the media insiders. . . . . . . .but they are curiously silent. . . .

[Dr Fate]

47. Point taken- but my critics are pretty harsh...

...they accuse me of not beinga loyal DEM, of being a Naderite, of being crazy, of ranting, of "not knowing shit about how the media works"

I get the exact same insults & excuses everytime I ask- never any good refutation.

All I'm asking is whether we have access to TV interview shows or not. If we do, we need to send "star" Dems on those shows to set Bush lies straight.

This all started with the DSM- everyone here kept saying "the media is ignoring this"- and they were right.

Then I started asking "wait a minute- why cant Kerry, Dean, Hillary and other "famous" DEMS with apparent media access go on those shows and "report" the details of the DSM themselves?

Whenever I asked this, people said "you dont understand how it works"

Well, now I'm asking "how does it work then?" but I'm getting no takers.

[emulatorloo]

51. kicking again -- I guess Media Insiders are not willing to answer

A while ago I requested help from "Media Insiders" and got no response. Just FYI

At any rate, you might enjoy this media matters report on Pelosi's statements:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200509080024

Media ignored, mischaracterized Pelosi's account of Bush query on federal response to Katrina: "What didn't go right?"

[hopein08]

48. John Edwards OAC site said earlier that he would be on Hardball....

but no one saw him on.

Evidence?

[Dr Fate]

49. Evidence of what? First provide that link.

When was he supposed to be on Hardball? Tonight?

Are we saying that he was invited, or that his PR people asked if he could be on, and then at the last minute Tweeety censored or banned him? I'd like to hear what Edwards says about it.

Now all this could be, I guess- first lets see that link.

[hopein08]

53. A link, as per your request....

http://blog.oneamericacommittee.com/

Just scroll down a bit, at 12:26 p.m. EST on Fri. 9/9, it is after two guest blogs.

So, to summarize, OAC said that he would appear on MSNBC's Hardball but he ended up on CNN's Newsnight. Apparently his own website didn't care to mention that, which is pretty stupid. So I'm kind of angry now that I sat through Tweety for nothing.

But you asked for a link, so I gave what I had. All of those channels are ridiculous and probably not worth it anyway.