Is Al Franken helping or hurting AAR?

[LaPera]

AAR has one of the most boring, dry, monotonous personalities on their prime time radio spot...Al Franken.

I've always enjoyed Franken in other mediums, television, books and visual political debate, but never on radio!

Franken's, ratings are almost at a stand still, in a critical time spot, compared to a Mike Malloy or Thom Hartmann, in that same time slot, would have those ratings skyrocketing ...

The stubborn clowns at AAR continue to stay with Franken, why? Do they really believe the ratings are going to change with the, lifeless, unexciting cadence way that Franken delivers his show? It seems AAR is so caught up in celebrity-ism, (and just having one, anyone) that they seem to ignore Franken’s obvious limitations.

Does Franken cause AAR to lose revenue because of his dullness and unfunny bullshit & ego? Who knows!

But, who would you rather want to hear, going up against an entertaining, (no matter how much one despises his politics) republican asshole like Rush Limbaugh in that same time slot?

Franken, a docile creature, out-of-his-medium, a nice guy, a liberal, who really believes he's funny, irreverent and charming, (once in a while, he is) but that’s far from being enough to carry a three hour prime-time radio show, five days a week. A time slot that can make or break a radio network…

Good thing Air America Radio has the wonderful & great Randi Rhodes right after Franken, Rhodes would whip anyone’s ass given a fair shot…As would Mike Malloy and Thom Hartmann.

If given the choice, most would absolutely prefer a professional liberal radio personality such as Malloy, or Hartmann or even Peter Werbe, (if one were to be objective and actually heard these great liberal pros)...

Relatively recent radio newcomer Franken, (since April 2004), is boring up the air waves...My guess is 90% of the people who do listen to Franken, probably don't even know about Thom Hartmann, and the fact Hartmann airs during that same time slot each day on other stations (Hartmann is right there for AAR, being under some kind of AAR contract or agreement)...

Do you believe anyone would rather listen to the dull Franken or the quick witted, bright & informative Hartmann?

Who would you rather listen to?

Al Franken, if possible has gotten even more boring since his sidekick (Katherine Lanpher) has left and endlessly promoting his new book…AAR should have some fucking balls and tell Franken to call it quits, or he's gone!!!!!

[NYCGirl]

1. Franken has a book tour starting next week that'll give AAR mucho free

publicity.

Franken still gets the best ratings on the channel.

[rsmith6621]

8. Al Spends To Much Time

Imposing his Jewish background on his listeners while bashing Christian for imposing theirs....kind of hypocritical dont you think. He also SPINS to much time in the silly zone.

Al is a Radio Bore,I wouldnt miss him if AAR CANX him.

[K-W]

16. He doesnt impose his Jewish backround on people.

That is rediculous.

[Fight_n_back]

42. What?

I have never heard him make a demand that Saturday become the Sabbath or that we become a Kosher country. That would be "imposing". If you are uncomfortable with his Jewsihness then that is more your problem than his.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

57. i don't think he is imposing his jewishness on people

Frist off, Al has mentioned that he is not really religious although he is a member of a temple where he grew up. So i don't really understand how a jewish person who isn't very jewish in practise can forcefully impose his jewishness on others.

Secondly, he doesn't bash all christians for imposing their religion. He seems to only speak about hyper conservative christians who want to impose their values/ideas on everyone ala Dr. Dobson and Pat Robertson. I have never heard him bash christianity in general.

[Marr]

64. He's all Jewey!

lol- what do you mean he "imposes his Jewish background on his listeners"? I'm not Jewish and I don't hear that at all. He does a few Jewish impressions, but that's hardly shoving the 10 commandments in your face.

[Behind the Aegis]

73. What?!

Imposing? Does than mean not being ashamed of it and mentioning it? Using Jewish humor, which seems to go over some people's head? What a completely odd statement.

[me b zola]

82. OH. MY GAWD.

The day that someone in this sick society can say that someone is imposing a religion upon them, other than christianity, is the day that I'll grow a penis and call myself Harry.

BTW, I am a christian who is BEYOND offended at how "christianity" is shoved down my throat every frickin day. If I hear one more "christian" talk about how they are being discriminated against I will puke--or break something--or something.

[ovidsen]

2. Al should bow out gracefully

He's funny, smart, and a great writer. But IMO he sucks on the radio.

[kstewart33]

3. I agree.

Franken bumbles around and takes too many words and too much time to make a point. He is disorganized and requires alot of patience to listen to. In sum, he is awful.

[NYCGirl]

5. You sound like Emperor Joseph when he criticized Mozart for using

"too many notes."

[Vincardog]

11. TAking 5 minutes to make a simple point punctuate with ,, HUH, MMMMM,

Duh, is not the same as criticized Mozart for using too many notes

[NYCGirl]

13. So you're the radio judge?

Don't like him? Your radio has an "off" button.

[Vincardog]

21. YES, CLICK

[NYCGirl]

24. Good. Glad you're happy now. NT

[Vincardog]

32. NYCGirl if you do not like the discussion why are you on this thread?

[NYCGirl]

33. I never said I didn't like the discussion. I thought your point was

somewhat specious, so I objected. Just because I don't like someone's delivery I don't dismiss them out of hand.

[Vincardog]

35. Ok I guess you think Al is a well spoken articulate Radio Host?

[NYCGirl]

40. He's funny, he's smart, he has the best guests in the business, he gets

LOTS of press for AAR, his research team is first-rate. So if he fumbles a few words now and then, I don't care.

[Smarmie Doofus]

59. To me that means there's someone at the other end...

who's actually *thinking* and not just regurgitating some stale, canned crap.

Give me spontaneity and the genuine article every time; you can keep the fire-breathing, the ranting and the rigid, far-left posturing.

[Vincardog]

4. We should all campaign to get Franken the elected position he wants

Then AAR can get us a real Radio personality for his spot.

[itzamirakul]

98. Vincardog, you are absolutely correct....Al Franken stinks like 3-day old

fish. I stopped listening to him months ago. I do still listen to Randi and Mike Malloy should really be in Al's place.

As far as his Jewishness is concerned, we have to remember that AAR was created (and is probably owned by some Jewish folks) so if you notice, a lot of their hosts are Jewish. They own it so why not?

Of the two Marks in the AM, Mark Moran is Jewish, Mark Riley is black.
The guy with Jeanine Garafalo (I haven't listened to that show in ages) is Jewish. Randi is Jewish. Rachel Maddow and the other lady, oneof them was Jewish. They used to have Chuckie D of Public Enemy #1 on also, but he never was comfortable playing the role of "good ol' colored boy who laughs and agrees with the boss-man" as Mark Riley is.

What I came to understand is that the owners of the station want to keep tight control over ANYTHING that is said about Israel. That is a topic that is NEVER discussed regardless of what the issues may be. Anytime the word Israel comes up, a host suddenly interjects a new statement or simply cuts off the other person or goes immediately to break and the topic is NEVER brought up again.

Also, they don't trust ANY black person to be the sole host of a show on AAR.

My hands-down favorite of the bunch is Mike Malloy, even more so than Randi and I think she is great.

Al Franken sucks and he really should be replaced with someone more talented at this kind of radio work. It is simply not his forte.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

6. I'd like him better

if he did his whole show as Stuart Smalley.

[cwydro]

23. lol

now THAT would be worth listening to..

[Teaser]

7. I love him on radio.

I'd stop listening to AAR if he left.

[Dem Agog]

9. I'd Take Rachel Maddow over Franken anyday...

In the order of listenability....

1. Rachel Maddow
5.(several ranks below but only because she takes callers and insists on "lisping" effeminately when she's being sarcastic) Randi Rhodes
8.(several ranks below due to callers & some truly failed regular skits) Morning Sedition
9. Mike Malloy
10. Majority Report
11. Jerry Springer
12. Al Franken

Can't say as I've sampled anything else...

[Fovea]

55. M&M

Maddow and Malloy are my 'do not miss' shows.

[chalky]

60. Rachel Maddow with Franken's regulars...now THAT would be a show.

If we could get Kristy Harvey, David Brock, Joe Conason, etc. on a three hour Rachel Maddow show....wow.

[Neocondriac]

10. There is a little

too much infusion of skit type productions which just don't work on radio. He needs a co-host who will keep him in line and moving forward. I listen to Hartmann much more these days.

[K-W]

12. Helping.

I find it a bit funny that you complain about him cross-promoting his book, even though Franken's publishing success could only feul his popularity on the radio.

It seems to me that you personally dont like Franken, which is fine, but objectively, no Franken is not bad for AAR.

And I have heard both Franken and Hartmann, and I prefer Franken.

[still_one]

19. I agree with your main point

I like both Franken and Hartmann. At times I prefer one over the other

Al has done a tremendous amount to see that AAR is still here

[Lena inRI]

14. Here's my take. . .

Randy Rhodes noon-4 pm

Sam Seder/Janeane Garafalo 4-7 pm

Mike Malloy 7-10 pm

Sayonara Al. . .go into politics.

[still_one]

15. AAR has a good selection for every taste

Malloy appeals more to the left, Franken appeals to center, etc.

progressives cannot be painted with one brush, that is our advantage and detriment

[LaPera]

34. Yes, but were talking time slot....

Which is that critical time for radio, where the republicans, conservatives, right-wing fucks, throw out their best ratings grabbers, like Rush Limbaugh, Franken doesn't stand up or measure up on radio to these professional radio foes...

If you want to keep Franken, keep him...but in another time slot...NOT the most critical one on radio to get people to hear the liberal point of view!!!

[still_one]

71. Frankly if you are looking for someone strong put on Sam Seder

for that time slot

He is quick, knows the facts, (so does Frankin), and does NOT necessarily alleinate the middle

[lpbk2713]

17. Just for info .....

Franken is scheduled to appear on the Letterman show tonight.


Link: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/index.shtml

[brentspeak]

18. I like Al Franken and don't like Randi Rhodes

Rhodes often antagonizes her own callers, has occasionally referred to the Iraqi insurgants as "freedom fighters", and is generally shrill.

[Rob H.]

68. I was beginning to think I was the only one who felt that way

I'm so glad I'm not! Sorry, Randi lovers, but I can't stand to listen to her when she's taking calls, and even when she isn't I can't listen for more than about 10 minutes at a time.

[USA_1]

20. Franken?

A crashing bore. His show is one of the best cures for insomnia anywhere.

A good guy. And funny. But BORING!!!

[NYCGirl]

22. I feel the same way about Hartmann. Beautifully researched, great with

the facts, but pedantic.

So there's someone for every taste.

[Zinfandel]

30. Perfectly said, NYCGirl!

Cheers! :smoke:
:bounce:

[kikiek]

25. I like Franken. Just like I like Springer. I enjoy all the shows from

early to late. It is a big country, and it can handle different styles. This is the 2nd message today knocking AAR. Without whom, in my opinion, progessive radio would not be as main stream as it is today. I see messages knocking Randi and Malloy too. I don't see what purpose it serves. Obviously you can't please everyone.

[longship]

26. Not my fav. But not bad. There are many who like him.

IMHO, he needs a cohost to keep him in line. Often I would grit my teeth at Katherine, but she was an essential part of the show. Al's show is definitely diminished by her leaving. It isn't nearly as tight. There's far too much hemming and hawing. Al goes off the track too often. He needs somebody like Katherine to keep him focussed.

Currently, the show is far too loose and disjointed.

Do I still like him? Yes. He's okay.

The tightest shows on AAR? Easy. Laura Flanders, Rachel Maddow, and Morning Sedition.

My favorites? Mike Malloy and Morning Sedition, by far.

I also listen to Ring of Fire, Laura, and occasionally to Rachel and Sam Seder on Majority Report.

Randi? She's okay, too. She's very well informed but she walks all over her guests and her callers. I cannot stand that. It's very impolite.

[Ladyhawk]

41. Your point on Randi is spot on. I finally stopped listening

to her because of that.

"She's very well informed but she walks all over her guests and her callers. I cannot stand that. It's very impolite."

I've been a Mike Malloy fan for a long time, but I'm re-thinking whether his acerbic style is good for me. I have enough anger already and must constantly deal with RW family members and RWers in a very RW community. Having a lot of free-floating anger isn't good for my mental state. :crazy:

[longship]

52. I use Mike as an anger outlet.

It helps me focus by blowing off a bit during his show. My advice, keep listening and get into his anger mode with him. Then, relax afterwards and think about how we can fix those creeps once and for all. It's remarkable how clearly one thinks after venting a bit.

[gulliver]

27. Got ratings? I like Franken fine. He is very incisive and ...

... very funny. Give me someone like that over a mere ranter. The Dems desperately need all the "funny" they can get.

My guess is that you are way down in the minority in not liking Franken.

I like most of the personalities on AAR...Rachel Maddow for her intellect and homework...Janeane Garofalo for intensity, intellect, and genius-level wit... I like Ed Schultz for his down-to-earthness and communication skills... Not exactly sure why anyone would want to put down Franken or anyone on AAR. That's just uncool.

[NYCGirl]

31. There seems to be a "Franken hater" thread on here every couple of days.

[LaPera]

36. I wonder if there's any validity there? Because there is!

[NYCGirl]

43. Validity?

:eyes:

[gulliver]

There is validity there...it's just negligible, IMO.

There's validity in practically everything. The secret is to ignore the things that have little of it. That's why I asked you for ratings.

[kikiek]

45. Yah..We've forgotten already how quiet the airwaves were less than

2 years go. Now we're hypercritical. Makes me want to scream. We are so lucky to have the means to pick up liberal voices all across the country now. And for many of us Franken was the draw to AAR. We knew him but not the others. He gave the station credibility for many of us.

[cwydro]

28. i like him at first

but he is just a little too full of himself. The stupid intro songs for guests get old....his hemming and hawing, and sometimes he is just plain ignorant even of his guests' accomplishments.

[never cry wolf]

29. IMHO he's helping

Don't get me wrong, I am not in love with his show and much prefer Randi, Malloy, Sam Seder, etc. but I do think that he has been instrumental in bringing in listeners and stations. His name recognition was why they brought him in, he and Janeane, and that will bring in people who would not know the others from adam. He is too moderate for my tastes but I think that moderation eases the message for the vast majority to whom the truth of bushco is news. I think he also lends an air of credibility to the untutored masses bringing his mainstream media recognizability, his best selling authorship and teaching at Harvard. It is cross promotional at the least. Hopefully the people that tune into him stick around for Randi.

[La Coliniere]

37. I like Al.

Go back 18 months ago. There was nary a liberal voice on the radio. Now AAR presents a full range of progressive opinion. I don't always agree with Franken, especially his "we can't just pull out" stance on Iraq. However, he is incredibly witty and his brand of humor is my cup of tea. I'll never forget his "Looting or Taking" skit/contest he held right after Hurricane Katrina. I was falling out of my chair laughing. I also dig his "Oye Oye Oye" segments, klezmer music and all. He should stay. By the way, I find something of value in all the AAR hosts. I'm wishing AAR the best, hoping it can continue to grow.

[Eric J in MN]

38. Al Franken's show is the best on AAR these days.

At least of the ones I've been listening to.

[kikiek]

48. I wish Conason was on more than just Fridays though. But Al has

good guests on. I like Oliphant (sp) too.

[Eric J in MN]

61. I wish Paul Krugman were a regular, again (nt)

nt

[Marr]

66. I agree. Franken and Conason are a great team.

[redherring]

39. Al Franken deals only with facts

That's what I like about Franken. So it's extremely hard for right-wingers to refute some of the points he makes. On the other hand, hosts like Randi Rhodes and Mike Malloy rely too heavily on conspiracy theories.

[Glenda]

44. Al's interviews with guests are great! n/t

[damntexdem]

46. I love his show. It is my favorite on AAR.

I'm sorry that he will leave; but happy that he will run for senator, if he does.

[vi5]

47. There are just as many who prefer Franken to Rhodes....

Hard as it may be to believe most of us don't like being yelled at. Rhodes is great if all you want is "Me too! Hey Rush and Hannity get to yell at people when do we get someone who yells at people to!!!". More power to those who do, it just ain't for me. And I'm sure this must mean that I'm a horrible liberal or a freeper or whatever.

[mopinko]

49. whine whine whine

get a grip. be f'ing grateful that there is an aar at all.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

50. I like Al alot

I tune in every day when i am on my lunch break.
I can see why some wouldn't like him but i really get a kick out of his sense of humor. It may be too dry or not pronounced enough for some which i can understand.

overall i am glad he has a show and i think it has resulted in overall good for AAR.

[Smarmie Doofus]

51. Franken is *less* popular than Rhodes and Molloy?

That's hard to figure.

I like him and it bugs me that ... because of my 'friggin' job...., I can only hear about 10 minutes of Franken each day; before Randi... who I find lethally repetitious... among other things... comes on.

Go figure. What are the actual rating stats, btw?

[Blue_In_AK]

53. I get my Al on Sundance...

...which is much better than just listening. It's a lot more entertaining when you can see his expressions. And he does have great guests.

[zippy890]

54. oh stop the whining

I know a lot of older people like my elderly mother & some of her friends like Al's show- I think in part because of his rather slow pace and its not a lot of shrill harping.

Hey, thats why I like him too!

[texastoast]

56. Jim Hightower?

Or is he just too Texan? He once had a radio show on KSEV 700 AM here one time, but I never got to listen to it. I don't recall if it was syndicated. Did anyone else ever listen or hear him as a talk show host?

[Batgirl]

58. "Dear AirAmerica"

"The more I listen to AAR, the less enthused I become. I can't remember just what show I was listening to when I realized sadly that the AAR programming schedule was not, in fact, custom-formulated to my exact taste and specs 24/7. Due to this inexplicable oversight on your part, sometimes I've even found myself resentfully turning the dial to another station to listen to music or even the occasional ball game. But I really knew the thrill was gone when I actually found myself engaging in some activities without taking the radio along with me. Sleeping and pooping for instance.

I await your response; until then I have no choice but to bask in outrage.

Yours very truly,
Batgirl"

[dmr4567]

62. I think Al is very informative

I find him easier to listen to then the Ranters I enjoy his calm speaking guests. I also find that I'm more knowledgeable about the issues after listening to his show. I believe that he has the capability to get people to stop and think this time before they vote by using his very own so called boring way.

[renate]

79. touche!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

"realized sadly that the AAR programming schedule was not custom-formulated to my exact taste and specs 24/7" Bwahahahaha! Now I have 7-up on my keyboard!

I'm with you, Batgirl--every once in a while I think "dang, Randi yells a lot" or "Al says 'um' a lot," and then I think "Oh, yeah... two years ago AAR wasn't there at all. And that sucked."

And as far as Al goes... whether or not he is scintillating every moment of every show, I am so profoundly grateful to him and all the other founders of AAR. Every once in a while, during commercials or (horrors!) a segment I don't like, I'll look around the radio dial for something else, which serves as a useful reminder of what life was like before there was a media outlet that didn't go out of its way to make me feel like a scummy, unpatriotic citizen.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

88. LOL!

[rfrrfrrfr]

63. Woo hoo another stupid idiotic lets throw out he baby with the bathwater

post. You do realize there is a sizeable portion of liberals who actually enjoy listening to Al Franken. Lets see I don't like to listen to Jerry springer and I don't really care to listen to Mike Malloy all that much. Their styles just don't jive with me very well.

But you don't see me posting on every Message board I can find how they are terrible and they need to gotten rid of now do you. I applaud them they reach a different segment of the radio audience than me.

That is in fact the biggest strength of AAR and liberals in general that there are so many different kinds of us. And you instead of encouraging and welcoming and espounding on how great it is that we can have people like Mike malloy, Rhandi Rhodes and Al Franken all at the same time want to exlude one or more of them simply because you don't happen to like their style.

And let me tell you AAR is making a difference people are slowly starting to wake up. It took the GOP nearly 30 years to get their near monopoly into place and we are not even two years into trying to undo their damage. For every person who hates Al Franken and likes The other hosts there is one who hates the other hosts and likes Al Franken.

So even though I don't care to listen to Springer and Malloy I love them all the same because they are helping spread the truth and speaking truth to power to those who's talk show tastes differ from mine.

You should be here thanking Al Franken for doing what he has done. I am sure he could have done much better financially elsewhere. That goes for most of the AAR hosts as well.

So take a deept breath, count to ten and lets celebrate the emergence of Liberal Talk raido. You do realize that despite some sputters here and there we are blowing the conservatives out of the water in the market.

Why do you think the righties are always trying to find some scandal or sign of doom and gloom for AAR? Its because if you look where AAR is now after not even two years in business and where the right wingers were after a couple years its not even close. They are running scared and are trying to move heaven and earth to prevent what will be in a few years a liberal juggernaught. And you are sitting there helping them.

[kikiek]

67. Here here! Good answer. I am with you 1000 pct. Or is it Hear Hear?

[otohara]

70. Applause, Applause

I'm so grateful for AAR, Al Franken (who works for FREE) and the other choices we have. Rather than turn to... let's say Stephanie Miller or someone else during Al's time slot...we get another BASH AAR thread.

[AndreaCG]

89. Where did you hear Franken works for free?

Just curious

[otohara]

91. here

http://mediachannel.org/blog/node/539

[Behind the Aegis]

76. Bravo/a!!!!

Very well stated! For a group that is supposed to committed to diversity, I find it interesting that diversity does not extend to our own.

Like you said, we need to celebrate that each of those personalities attract different liberals and each of them deliver the truth to us!

[calmblueocean]

83. Great point!

I like Al, and am not a big fan of the more caustic, vitriolic broadcasters like Randi and Malloy, even though I will listen to them on occasion. I just realize that they provide another flavor for another group of listeners, and the more flavors we have, the more people we reach. Why's it so hard for some folks to get that?

[Marr]

65. Franken is the only show I *always* catch on AAR.

I love his show. I think he's great.

[LaurenG]

69. Some people don't want to hear other opinions

I am not "invested" in Franken one way or the other. It is what it is and it's perfectly normal for some people to like him and some not. I didn't feel it was whining but I feel those who were angered by this thread were attacking others for their "opinions". Interesting what this thread tells you about people. :eyes:

[lovelaureng]

74. I agree with you 100%.

It is not just this thread but many others in the forum as well. It is as if only a few special people are allowed in the club, thereby, being allowed to post their own moronic thoughts and opinions. It is not open to everyone who post on DU. Love ya!:spank:

[K-W]

77. You are equating hearing and agreeing with.

Anyone who clicked on the thread wanted to hear the opinion. People who dont want to hear other opinions dont come to message boards.

People heard the opinion, and responded. Why dont you address those responses you disagree with instead of pretending that responding negatively to a post is some kind of ethical violation.

[LaurenG]

85. Some are just being mean because they feel threatened

It's disappointing. Why attack? Why are any of us so invested in our opinion that we don't respect another point of view. I have no investment in AAR. I think that they have done some great things but I also know that a portion of our own don't like some personalities. So what. That doesn't call for attack. That is my point. Nothing more.

[K-W]

92. Feel threatned? EOM

[LaurenG]

96. I guess I mean "get their feelings hurt"

Whatever that thing is that happens to people when something pisses them off. Fight or flight. It seemed there was no reason to get all upset about a comment. BTW I wasn't referring to anything that you posted.

[XOKCowboy]

81. What does your reply say about you??

People are expressing an OPPOSING opinion. I don't see a lot of angry replies, just opposing opinions. The OP stated his opinion, some agreed and some didn't. That's what nice about our side. We can agree to disagree.

[LaurenG]

86. What it says about me and I'd hoped was

understood is; meanness and attack are pointless. It says I personally don't like to hear an attack instead of an opinion. It says I am disappointed in some of the hateful and threatened responses. My opinion made a few people angry as well. Whatever, there is no call for meanness. If you didn't see it that way OK. It isn't important that we always agree only that we treat each other with some measure of respect.

I feel that democrats or those on the board should set the standard that people strive for rather than sinking to levels that we are all above. It's OK if it doesn't happen that way but what is the harm in wanting it? No offense intended it is only my opinion.

[Mabus]

72. I think Al helps AAR

He attracts a wide assortment of interesting guests and I like most of his regulars. I may not always agree with the view points espoused by either Al or his guests but I really appreciate being able to hear whole conversations and minimal talking points.

Overall I think he helps AAR because he is a personality off of the radio dial which helps attract some listeners. His personality can be perceived as non-threatening so he sometimes says things that othres might have trouble getting away with, i.e., not acerbic like the RW'ers. I also firmly believe because the RW hates him so much that it helps AAR. My brother's friend (a trust fundie) has had his world up-ended after he starting listening to Franken to "set my brother straight on Franken's lies."

[Leopolds Ghost]

75. I'll take Ed Schultz over any of em...

...and yes, I realize he's syndicated separately.

Viva la independent radio show producers, no?

BTW, here in DC, Big Ed gets the prime afternoon drive-time slot.

[leesa]

84. And I can't bear listening to Ed Schultz. People have different tastes.

Let them all do their job.

[MazeRat7]

78. Damn.. Be glad there is a voice... remember when there was no AAR ?

So Al may not be great, but in my opinion he is doing just fine considering this is talk radio. AAR is liberal voice all the time...each host with a slightly different bent. So.. if you don't like Al listen to someone else. I would be amazed if everyone liked every guest....

MZr7

[trudyco]

80. well in Boulder he's on at 10 AM - not really prime time

I find him boring, too. However he does get good guests. Except for the dittohead friend he constantly has on. Very annoying.

I like Randi for her clarity and her ability to frame issues in plain speak but she goes off the deep end a lot. So does Shultz. All the shows talk too much and don't provide enough information. Too much opinion.

But it is a heck of a lot better than nothing. Why isn't Democracy Now on there? I think us liberals like more meat in our talk radio.

[nookiemonster]

87. If it wasnt' for Al's "Lying Liars", I probably would've never woke up.

I love Al. And Randi. Springer is entirely too dry for me, and Malloy is just a bit too extreme for my tastes.

To each their own.

[YouthInAsia]

90. I like Al Franken. I didnt at first, but I made myself listen to him

and now I like him. He's quite smart, he's very funny and I he really HATES these people.

[goclark]

93. He is smart and has name recognition but he needs help

Seems to me he needs someone with a snappy voice to keep things moving along.

He is way better than Limpbaugh

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

94. I love Al Franken

I also love Rachel Maddow and Morning Sedition. They come on when I am either waking up or winding down, depending on my schedule, so I appreciate their faster pace when I can pay more attention. Al comes on when I'm working and my concentration is split in several directions, so I don't mind his slower pace.

Franken is meticulous with facts, has superb regulars, and can attract guests that others can't because he's much more than a radio personality. He is an active, involved Democrat who campaigns endlessly for a wide range of Democratic candidates and liberal causes. If he is one of his own causes, that's okay with me.

[robbedvoter]

95. I just saw him on Sundance - the Delay white Bronco bit - hysterical!

Franken is not politically my cup of tea - I choke when he repeats that "we lost in 2004". But he is funny, has his good moments and good guests. As for his 'imposing Jewishness" - just goes to show that the left has its bigots too.

[immoderate]

97. Put me down as a Franken fan.

But if I didn't, I don't think I would be so full of myself as to call for his ouster.

--IMM

[WA98296]

99. Are you serious? Without Al Franken AAR would have fallen on

its face the first month, and people like me, out in Seattle, would never have had a chance to hear "progressive" radio. He put a face and a brand, so to speak, on this medium when few of us ever heard of Randi or Mike. Without Al, I certainly would never have had the opportunity to hear those other voices of radio that I now love: Randi Rhodes, Mike Malloy, Rachel Maddow, Thom Hartmann....and, even Ed Schultz from Jones Radio network who provides a show for the more centerist of us and takes a bunch of calls.

Al Franken may not be demonstrating the best of his talents within the radio medium, but he brought a name and recognition to this brand of radio that it desperately needed at the onset -- and he stuck with it. I think that Al's goal has always been to start this thing going, get us all hooked as we met the other voices, learn everything possible about national politics in the process, and then run for office.

Al, my hat's off to you! Bravo and Thank You!