I advocate replacing Cenk or (the best option) giving Rev. Al Sharpton his own show!

[vaberella]

Edited to clarify title.

In the past week and half I have been watching Al Sharpton hosting MSNBC Live for Cenk. Cenk is currently on vacation. And Al Sharpton is unbelievable.

I know many people (well those in my community) have complained in the past that MSNBC for a diverse show and liberal one doesn't have many Black Hosts--I think Al Sharpton is the best host EVER. I mean he's great. I remember he was on an episode with Lawrence O'Donnell which was brilliant.

And as of late---Sharpton has gotten people scared. This man is extremely intelligent, he knows his information, he always has his points....on point, and he knows how to handle smart mouthed Republicans.

Like last week a Freshman Republican said to him---I like your spunk. Totally marginalizing his points. Al put him in his place---with comments about I like your spunk too. In regards to your spunkiness...such and such. It was just a brilliant exchange. To the point where the Republican guy was left fumbling.

It's like yesterday when he interviewed the Tea Party Nation leader...and this is what happened:
Al had a he had of the Tea Party Nation on his show. He called the guy out by saying that he should realize that Tea Party people are going against the American people. That 61% of the American people (based on a Reuters) poll say they want to tax the rich and spending cuts. However only 27% agree with the Tea Party guy that only spending cuts should be on the table. The guy sat there and said oh MSNBC and their polls warping the story. Then Sharpton was like, for clarity that was a Reuters poll---what do you say then. Guy went a bit nutty at that point ranting and raving---that it's scewed message and the American people will know the truth. When asked who should take over---leadership of the House under Republicans he names people like McConnell, Rand Paul, Paul Ryan, and Bachmann.

And then today--he did his homework on the Freshman Tea Party/Repub guy, telling him about how he adopted 2 Haitian kids and is a small business owner---how can he support America defaulting. Then there was the way he managed to make the Tea Party totally falter---to the point the Repub is saying Obama needs to meet with us! Basically saying that McConnell, Boehner and Cantor are IRRELEVANT. He actually said that if Obama wanted to get things done---he has to meet with us.

I'm sure there are major Cenk lovers. But seriously when you see how effective Sharpton is...it's unbelievable. The last part I mentioned became the bulk of the panel discussion. Because it pained Republicans in the way we want them to be painted by their own words. We want to fuck up the nation and we have no damned leadership or it's different from whoever is is leader.


He doesn't have to yell or be obnoxious like Ed always is. To the point I'd rather turn off the show than watch Ed. He's not like Cenk with the sort of TYT sardonic humor which doesn't go over well with his current guests and he never gets this kind of response from his guests. Sometimes he can't even control his guests. Al does his shit...I love how he scares and shocks the Repubs because they think they know his stereotype and that they can pull one over on him. He's not about comedy but serious and on the ball.


I recommend for those of you who don't watch Cenk's show---to watch while Al is hosting, for the time that he's there. You wont' be disappointed. For those of you who like Cenk but also like Al---we should work to get Al his own show. Right after Ed even before Ed after Chris Matthews.

[ecstatic]

1. I liked what he said to Steele about the Devil not giving

details or something like that. Lol

[vaberella]

7. Totally I forgot to mention that exchange. He left Steele looking like a schooled little boy. n/t

[MADem]

2. I enjoy the hell outta Al. I do not watch Cenk's show, but I happened to be "flipping"

and stopped for Al.

Al can kick some ass in an interview--he doesn't back down.

[vaberella]

3. Totally...that show is actually Cenk's---Al is just filling in while he's on vacation. n/t

[onpatrol98]

44. Cenk can stay on vacation then...

[my2sense]

4. I totally agree

he holds folks feet to the fire - I'm loving it.

[eShirl]

5. poetic justice would be Sharpton replacing Tweety

after Tweety cut off his speech at the Democratic National Convention, which I was listening to, right in the middle because HE didn't like what Sharpton was saying

[vaberella]

9. Oh I didn't remember that. But we know it won't happen.

I do hope Sharpton gets his own show.

[eShirl]

12. it was actually from the 2004 DNC (I had to google it)

Found a reference to it here (under "Worst Example of Poor Media"): http://www.opednews.com/wade_073004_demcon.htm

[quakerboy]

50. +1

That was my first thought. Why replace Cenk when there is a perfectly annoying and atwittered tweety to replace?

Or hell, why not give him a morning show. I dunno, maybe 6-9 am or something like that?

[Bluenorthwest]

6. I agreee Al should have a show, but replacing Cenk does not

need to be in the bargain at all. Sharpton is the greatest, no comparison needed at all. Also, Cenk himself is a member of an under represented minority group media wise. They should both have shows. Al could do better than that slot and that outfit, in my opinion.

[vaberella]

8. Valid point..hence th reason I gave another option. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

11. Ask me who I'd watch if they were both on opposite each other.

and the answer is Al Sharpton.

[MouseFitzgerald]

10. I disagree 100%

Cenk is the best thing on cable news and Sharpton is just not very good at interviewing or debating people. If you want to see republicans getting raked over the coals, Cenk is infinitely better at destroying repub talking points.

However I wouldn't mind seeing Al with his own show if it replaced one of hardballs reruns. Al is a million times better than Matthews.

[vaberella]

16. I watched Cenk. I didn't think he was that good.

And I found his approach lacking and feel he could do better.

Why do you 100% agree when most of my post was advocating for Al to have his own show. to replace the Rerun...but i'd like Sharpton's show earlier in the day.

[Fire1]

13. I'd love for Rev Al to replace Cenk! I enjoy the show a great

deal more but it'll never happen.

[vaberella]

17. Al getting his own show or replacing Cenk is fine for me. n/t

[BumRushDaShow]

14. K&R!!

Al's been kicking some repuke a$$!!! :applause:

[jaxx]

15. I'm all for the Rev. Al having his own show.

I have watched several while Cenk is on vacation and every one has been a big hit. Sharpton is really with it and doesn't care if he offends the repubs....because they offend him too and he lets them know.

We all need to write MSNBC.

[Empowerer]

18. Hear hear!

I agree with you 100%. And I love the way you laid out a detailed argument for your point!

[Qutzupalotl]

19. Let MSNBC know your thoughts here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339/

[jonthebru]

20. No real argument here.

But Al Sharpton has a national radio show and travels making speeches all over the world.
He is an activist to the max.
Maybe he could stay put and be on a regular show but I feel it would cramp his style. He is a real mover and has a great influence among many people of all walks of life.
I don't do church, but I would go hear him preach if he was nearby, though the crowd would probably keep me from going.

Van jones is another great representative. Such energy and ability to speak to the truth of the matter, very impressive.

[Armstead]

21. I think MSNBC is auditioning him.

They did the same with Big Ed and Rachael Maddoiw and O'Donnell and even cenk...They are frequent guests and then start guest-hosting on a very regular basis and then, if they seem to be working.....Voila.

[tallahasseedem]

22. I totally agree!

I have found that I like him more than Cenk.

[Top Cat]

23. K&R... I totally agree

[flamingdem]

24. rec. I didn't appreciate his crapping on Obama with his buddy Ratigan last round nt

[EffieBlack]

25. Sharpton is sometimes critical of the President, but he's also one of his most eloquent defenders

He is fair, tough, quick on the uptake and isn't intimidated by anyone. And, perhaps most important, he is already so established in his own right that he doesn't need to use his television show to prove how smart, clever or cool he is, so he doesn't turn his airtime into a platform for spouting his personal views.

I think he's fabulous and am so excited to see him in this role.

Go, Rev!!!

[vaberella]

31. I think she's talking about Cenk. Cenk is really close friends with Ratigan.

I think they're bosom buddies. Sharpton is never unfairly critical of the President...and gathers his facts before he speaks---unlike Cenk some times.

[EffieBlack]

41. I agree

I like Cenk sometimes - but I often find him to be an ill-informed blowhard who spends far too much time telling his guests what HE thinks rather than listening to what they have to say. And his endless and sanctimonious lectures to the President, demanding that he do one thing or another - while seemingly failing to recognize that being President is a little more complicated than being a talk show host (and also failing to explain what credentials give him such expertise on public policy, economics and governance) - wear on my nerves to the point that I stopped watching him.

[flamingdem]

58. My complaint well stated, he's too full of himself and often underinformed nt

[vaberella]

30. Cenk right? n/t

[GillesDeleuze]

54. boohoo cenk criticized our guy

tyt!

[AtomicKitten]

26. I really like Cenk and would not advocate replacing him.

Al should continue to work as guest host for practice.

[onpatrol98]

45. I think Al should replace Cenk

Cenk can do online gigs or something...he can take tweety with him

[polmaven]

27. Umm...

Maybe replace Ed. "before Ed after Chris Matthews" is Rachel.....No way I would want her to be replaced. But yeah...Rev. Shapton is really good!

[vaberella]

29. I could feel that. Ed is annoying as hell. n/t

[Tarheel_Dem]

28. I'll have to try & catch Al, especially if there's no chance Cenk will show up.

:rofl:

[onpatrol98]

46. Lol

[bigdarryl]

32. Fuck MSNBC call CURRENT TV and let them know you want AL Sharpton on after Keith O

CURRENT TV is looking for shows

[21st Century FDR]

33. MSNBC runs Tweety twice in three hours.

He's on at 2PM and again at 4PM on the West Coast (5PM/7PM East) with Ed's old time slot in between that Cenk has occupied for several months, and now Rev. Al.

I say keep 'em both, and give Al the 4 pacific/ 7 eastern hour. Tweety doesn't need the extra hour.

[bigdarryl]

37. I have been complaining for two years about Tweety having two time slots

I think the reason is because his ratings are not that great and they are giving him an extra show at 700PM to boost his ratings

[CrazyBob]

34. Yep!

Sharpton has been awesome!

[Politicub]

35. I listen to MSNBC on the radio on the way home, and Al is awesome

I hope he gets a regular gig.

Cenk is great, too, but not nearly as entertaining.

[southernyankeebelle]

36. I agree with you. I would replace Ratigan with Sharpton

[TheKentuckian]

38. I have no issue with Sharpton having a show but Cenk needs to be on.

Sharpton is also on the education deform bandwagon and consequentially not to be trusted either due to complicity or poor discernment. So, I'm not in love with him but I'd have no objection to cutting a Tweety repeat.

Or even Tweety completely.

[center rising]

39. Al Sharpton to me has no credibility

He lost it years ago with Tawana Brawley.

[EffieBlack]

40. Wow

Let's judge people by what they did/said 25 years ago and allow no room for credit for anything they've done since?

Sorry - I can't be that judgmental.

Rev. Sharpton has grown over the years - as we all should hope to do - and has become a remarkable, committed and valued voice. I give him enormous credit for the person he's become.

[lib_wit_it]

42. Haven't seen Al, but I LOVE Cenk. However, since I already watch Larry and Rachel every night, I

can't regularly fit in any more political shows or my blood pressure will get dangerously high. I'll DVR Cenk's show tomorrow, though, and see what I think of Al as a host.

[Tx4obama]

43. I vote to keep Cenk on the hour he has now, and give Al the Hardball repeat hour. n/t

[NatBurner]

47. he takes ZERO shit.

i love the way he refuses to let these assholes answer with their typical non-answer talking point

and he ALWAYS gets the last word

anyway, yeah- toss cenk, keep the canoli (i mean al)

[Inuca]

48. Can't stand Cenk, love what Sharpton is doing n/t

[Enrique]

49. have both, the insider and the outsider

it's good to have insiders like O'Donnell and Sharpton and Tweety, but it's good to have outsiders also like Rachel and Cenk, who can "keep it real" a little more.

[quakerboy]

51. How about we start cutting into "morning joe"?

Why cut a liberal host when there is a perfectly inept conservative getting 3 hours of time?

Dump Joe, make Tweety the conservative morning host, and put Al in for his afternoon slot, and find yet another liberal to fill what was tweetys rerun spot, and keep the whole thing going in a positive direction.

[Dawgs]

52. No way. Cenk, ODonnell and Maddow are the only reason I watch anything non-sports related on TV.

Sharpton can have his own show, but don't dare take away Cenk.

[GillesDeleuze]

53. CENK IS THE GREATEST - SHARPTON IS WEAK SAUCE

cenk is one of the few openly agnostic people in the media, don't replace him with some religious claptrap

[themaguffin]

55. i don't care about cenk's religious (or non-religious) views but his quality as a host, which is not

as good as Al. frankly most anyone would be better in the timeslot than Cenk, but Al would be a solid replacement

[GillesDeleuze]

56. cenk is great

doesn't take shit from anybody, is a strong progressive, and challenges the president when he needs a good push to the left.

[Bobbie Jo]

57. Recommended!

LOVE Al Sharpton! :kick:

[msanthrope]

59. Sharpton is a bought and paid for GOP whore.

His 2004 presidential campaign was financed almost entirely by Roger Stone. The Village Voice exposed this fraud years ago. Google "sharpton stone village voice."

[GreenTea]

60. Al Sharpton has been blowing me away this week-He's like a machine gun mowing fucking republicans

down....Republicans don't stand a chance....Sharpton doesn't take their shit and kicks their asses when the republicans as always lie distort & smear - Sharpton mows them down with facts faster than the republicans can think - I LOVE IT!!

[LaPera]

62. I've been in Big Sur all week listening (no TV) to Sharpton/MSNBC via Sirius satellite radio

And you're correct, Sharton is hotter than a firecracker. Republicans don't stand a chance debating him, he's right in their faces with facts as you stated.

[MNBrewer]

61. I find Sharpton difficult to listen to

maybe it's his churchy cadences.

[LaPera]

63. I felt the same way as you did, but try listening to him on MSNBC this week, he's amazing.

[Politicalboi]

64. Cenk is better than Al

Al always looks like he's caught off guard, and not sure what subject is next.

[ecstatic]

66. Cenk voted for Reagan and Bush. I prefer a real liberal

over a johnny come lately any day! The problem is that so many of Obama's greatest critics get their information from people who might mean well, but they have no idea of how things work in real life.

[NorthCarolina]

65. Cenk must be hitting bone in going after the conserva-Dem crowd to have them so "agitated".

Too, too funny really. Busy, busy, busy...jumping between this thread, and the next anti-Jane Hampshire or FDL posting, or the next Kucinich video, this group of DU'ers really has to keep on their toes........and to their talking points. Pathetic really, but at the same time quite funny in it's obvious nature.

[ecstatic]

67. Cenk voted Reagan and Bush. I challenge you to find anyone on

DU who is as conservative as Cenk was just a few years ago.