For those who didn't like the Randi/Ralph battle

[yankeedem]

THIS is how "hearts and minds" are won. This is exciting radio. If you want to hear polite political conversation, I imagine NPR would be fine. But if you want a loud LIBERAL voice, one who reaches not only us but the "independents", this is the type of radio that does that.


There will be a "buzz". This will make more "independents" tune in. And when they do, they will learn something.

Rush does it.
Bob Grant does it.
Sean Hannity does it.
Howard Stern does it.
Randi Rhodes does it.

What do they have in common? Big ratings.
I keep reading posts about how Randi was rude, and how she shouldn't represent us, she gives us a bad name.
Forget that. To make an omelet, you have to break eggs. When we tune into Hannity or Limbaugh, or Stern why do we do it? To see what outrageous thing they will say. Why will people tune into Randi Rhodes? To tear apart the freepers that call in. To eviscerate frauds like Ralphie.

We need people to hear liberal viewpoints. But radio is a passive medium, people only hear if they TUNE IN. Incidents like todays bring listeners.

[wyldwolf]

1. Exactly

Funny, dems on DU complain that dems won't stand up to the opposition - but when one does (and the opposition just happens to be a "prooogresssviiive") you get all preachy and up on your high horse.

[americanstranger]

2. I agree with you.

For years, I've heard people talking about having to fight back against the Hannitys and Limbaughs of the world.

Well, now we have (at least!) one person who can do it, and I'm seeing people getting the fucking vapors over it.

People, this needs to be done. And if you think AA is going to make a dent in the radio market without breaking a few noses in the process, you better think again.

Air America came up and knocked on the door today. Randi Rhodes shoved everyone else aside and kicked the bastard open.

If you don't have the stomach for it... well, there's always NPR.

My 2 cents worth.

-as

[rucky]

3. Randi will have crossover appeal

the same way some DUers listen to Rush - Randi will be the RW pariah. I wouldn't be surprised if a good number of her listeners are freeper-types.

Now all the freeps going to try to call into her show & try to 'beat the champ" and they will get their asses handed to them as well.

It's not really my style, but she's DAMN good at what she does & she does serve a purpose. She will be AA''s breakaway star for sure...and the RW's latest target.

[sendero]

4. The only way...

.... liberal talk radio will succeed is if it has entertainment value.

Listening to policy wonks drone on and on is not going to get listeners. To be entertaining, you have to be funny or be dramatic or confrontational.

It is quite possible to get a message across while being entertaining. It is possible to get in someones face without being "mean".

I'm looking forward to hearing Ms. Rhodes :)

[Q]

5. LOUD doesn't make someone 'liberal'...

...and I'm insulted that you presume to lecture me about what constitutes having a 'spine' and fighting the opposition. May I suggest you look up the word 'liberal'? It has nothing to do with oneupsmanship or screaming or political vendetta.

- It's people like Rhodes who gives liberals a bad name.

[FlemingsGhost]

7. Holy shit! I agree with Q?

Whoa!

;-)

[sangh0]

11. Q hates it when Dems speak up

It makes it hard for him to complain about how Dems have no spine

[NightTrain]

28. No, it's people like Alan Colmes who give liberals a bad name.

The '60s are over, bud. You need to come into the 21st century!

[FlemingsGhost]

6. So we've lowered ourselves to their level?

I'm not encouraged.

[yankeedem]

10. Fine, don't lower yourself.

As the psychiatrist said to the patient "How's that working out for you?"

I see a Neocon president, a Neocon Senate, a Neocon Congress, and an emerging Neocon judiciary.

We aren't the target audience for AA. We are 40 000 people minus disruptors. We can barely support a Target, nevermind a radio network. The money is in the masses.

You don't have to listen, but your either with us or against us. I don't have to like the messenger to like the message.

[FlemingsGhost]

13. "... but your either with us or against us."

Hows * THAT * working out for you?

(I have no intention to listen to Air America.)

For your records, that's DemsUnite: "against."

[yankeedem]

16. Just fine

The lack of liberal unity is the reason that assjack occupying the White House can spew such pearls of wisdom.

Don't listen, do listen, don't care. AA isn't about us. It is about having a liberal voice on the radio.

[hippiegranny]

8. the gloves have come off

and it's about flippin' time. you cannot fight right wing viciousness and sound byte sloganism with soft spoken long winded essays. let er' rip.

additionally, i am glad to hear that randi kicked ralph to the curb. he might be saying the right things but he is saying them at the wrong time.

[Q]

12. It's the Democratic party...

...that needs to take their gloves off. Do you really think any talking head is going to change the course of America? Yes...they might whip a few people into a frenzy...but it's our government that needs changing...not some yahoo drinking a beer and participating in armchair politics.

- Bit freakin deal. Now the left has talking heads just as insulting and obtuse as the right. This isn't going to help our nation...just make those interested in revenge feel better.

[sangh0]

18. Ummm

the network was started by the Democrats

[ulysses]

15. ...

he might be saying the right things but he is saying them at the wrong time.

When is the right time?

[KG]

17. When is the right time?

later. some other time. when it's safe. so nobody gets offended.

you know; then. :eyes:

[sangh0]

19. When it can help

That's when it's a good time.

That is, if you're concerned about seeing things get better. If you're just looking to feel good, it's always the right time for that.

[KG]

22. that's what i mean; then.

:eyes:

[ulysses]

24. whenever might that be?

When nothing's at stake?

[KG]

27. apparently, saying the wrong thing at the right time is

the prefered way to go about seeing things get better.

saying the right thing is only good for building self-esteem, i guess.

:eyes:

[ulysses]

25. oh, right! then!

I keep forgetting that.

;-)

[Bandit]

20. Just remember if you wish to fight Hate with Hate we will lose

They are so much better at it. I would prefer it done with humor and satire myself but if our new "hero's" decide to fight hate with more hate I will not tune in. I'm sorry but I just don't believe it is a Christian thing to do. I'm not even Christian but I do believe in a lot of what they profess in the way to treat our fellow human beings.

[yankeedem]

21. It's not hate

It's called debate and standing your ground. Our side is so not used to that that we think it's hate.

[tkmorris]

23. Not fighting hate with hate

Fighting hate with anger. There's a big difference. If you're a Dem and you aren't angry by now there's a word for that.

Enabler.

[Sophree]

45. Randi is not hateful.

She can be abrasive, but I think that's the New Yorker in her and people from other parts of the country may not be used to it.

There are a lot of New Yorkers here in FL and when I first moved here, they seemed so rude and loud. But they really are some of the kindest people, once you get past that.

When I read that some people here think Randi is just like O'Reilly, I laughed in amazement. She is SO not like him. She really does let people who disagree make their points, and makes her argument based on what the person actually said. She is not boorish and she backs up what she says with FACTS that are actual facts.

Like I said give her a chance.

[eablair3]

9. MIKE MALLOY does it

can you imagine Repugs tuning in to hear Malloy?

I didn't get to hear the part on Nader, but will go back and listen to it on the archive.

I'm listening now, and a caller is on talking about Nader. She's right on Nader not doing anything even if he were to win. The Dems and Repugs wouldn't let him do anything. He'd be forced to veto many things. But, Nader knows he isn't going to win. I think Nader is getting another side of issues a small voice.

I think on a longer term basis no significant changes will be made in the U.S. until a third party is really built up. And, I think it will have to be built from the ground up. I think the Greens have a chance to maybe make a difference one day in the future if they can stay the course and continue to build up the party from the grassroots level, which they are doing.

[Emboldened Chimp]

14. Excellent point

Her notoriety is what got me to tune in and stay tuned in. The first thing I ever heard was an MP3 of her Oliver North interview. She castigated that bastard, and I've been a fan ever since. This Nadir interview will have the same effect on others. I bet once AA gets rolling steady, she'll be the one with the biggest ratings.

[NightTrain]

26. Randi Rhodes has more balls than half the men at DU.

Not to mention all the men at Free Republic!

[ulysses]

29. Ooh, she ambushed Ralph Nader, the beast!

I'll send her a cookie.

[NightTrain]

30. Didn't catch that part.

I did, however, hear a lot of things emanate from Randi's mouth that I've no doubt pissed off not only the right but the farty old left as well.

Randi Rhodes is a liberal for the new millennium. She's brash (gasp!), she smokes (noooo!), she's a single mom (scandalous!), she engages in ad hominem attacks against right-wing pundits (I need a smelling salt!), and best of all, she bases her political and social opinions in fact.

I love you, Randi Rhodes! I want to have your child. :P

[kdmorris]

37. Not that I care either way..

But it's not really scandalous the WAY she became a single mom. It was my understanding from listening to her show that Jessica was her niece and became her daughter after Randi's sister died. It's probably one of the most honorable and difficult ways to become a mother. Though I will admit that labor's pretty difficult, it can't compare to watching your sister die of cancer and taking care of your niece the whole time, just to take on the responsibility of raising her after she passes away.

All the rest of it is true, though! And she does rock!

:bounce:

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

31. ratings don't equal quality

just because it sells doesn't make it right

and i would argue against the 'crossover appeal' argument. most folks i talked to here have frustration with nader running( believe me, i've heard) and are backing kerry, but have been asking "who was that annoying shrill woman?"

the reason hannity and co are so popular are because the type of voter they appeal are mentally imbalanced bullies.

are you really going to be swayed when someone is screaming in your face?

franken and garofalo can win arguments without acting like dunces. just look at how al handled those callers on stern.

randi is just a screaming party hack who is incapable of examing the problems in the democratic party that need changed in order to promote real change (whether through nader, dean, or any other method) all she's doing is bellowing blind acceptance of the party elite.

otherwise she would have given the dems hell in the past for their shameless dubya-enabling

[wyldwolf]

32. "quality" is a matter of perception, Ratings is reality...

I find the show quality talk radio.

[yankeedem]

33. So, you don't see the irony

In your statements and your username?:shrug:

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

35. i know, i know

i picked it on a whim, not expecting to stick around here, now i'm saddled with it

on that, your point is indeed correct

[yankeedem]

44. However, you are right, she is a man

:)

[gottaB]

34. I turned it off shortly thereafter

The Dean Scream was wearing on my nerves too. I wouldn't say there's no place for it, but a big mellow voice would also be appealing and persuasive.

NPR has good programming, but not every show gets syndicated, and there are editorial biases at NPR that inhibit liberal expression, for instance on Fresh Air. As an alternative national media outlet for liberal ideas, NPR by itself is inadequate. It's still good to listen to, though.

http://www.publicradiofan.com

[mouse7]

52. Yeah, more speech societies... just what the party needs

The people who sit around and listen to NPR and think by doing so they are fighting the good fight are the people in the leadership of the party that need to be replaced.

This is not a forensics competition. This is a street fight. The Republicans have brought baseball bats and they are going to beat you with them. Put away the thesaurus, pick up a lead pipe or a 2x4 and get ready to fight.

[librechik]

36. sorry, folks randi is just like that

she talks over and interrupts every guest she has, just about. (I think Conason is an exception; I think she has a big crush on him and hangs on his every word--like I would if I were her!)

Everybody else gets the Randi treatment--It can be fairly annoying at times, especially if you're trying to hear Pallast or Krugman or somebody make some point and Randi just wants to talk about her pet theory.

But she's so sincere and well-prepared and passionate that you just have to forgive her. She's our Chris Matthews, except for the sincerity part. Ithink Chris is just psychotic; that's what all that intensity and boiling over is all about. Randi is just Real.

You get used to it. It took awhile, but I worship Randi nowadays.

[Sophree]

42. I agree with everything you said, librechick.

The only time I get annoyed w/ Randi is when she has a guest on. YOu're so right, she does go on about her pet theories a bit. And I think when a guest is stonewalling, it would better if she would just point that out after a few tries, then move on.

But you gotta love her! She's great and she's saying all the things we're saying. And she desperately wants to make this country better.

Give her a chance, everyone. You will grow to love her!

[tedzbear]

38. Fine. You go ahead and listen.

I'll stick to Pacifica Radio.

[neverborn]

39. hrm

Could you post that one more time? :x

[messiah]

41. I will too for most of the day

but I probably listen to Janeane and Chuck D :toast:

[FlaGranny]

40. This is why Randi is rated #1 in her previous listening area.

She gets more ratings here than Limbaugh could ever dream of. She has the #1 show, not in her time slot, but in the entire market, for WJNO. Sure, she's rude, sure she is loud, and sure, she tells it like it is, and people tune in by the droves to listen.

Edit: Her listening area in South Florida was the only area of the state where McBride won in a landslide over Jeb Bush.

[SideshowScott]

43. Agree %110! Randi did a great job on her first day

I Hate it when people say " Democrats have no Spine" then when one shows one they will say " Ohh they are being too mean, Its embarassing! " You cant have it both ways people!
We need someone on our side like Randi.
And on top of that its good radio..You want nice and fuzzy stick to NPR

[mouse7]

46. Just heard Randi/Nader battle in Portland on delay

First of all, I like what I hear so far with Randi (I hate her accent, too, so that's gotta be a good sign - Fran Drescher w/ grey matter? who knew?). Rhodes is a working class stiff... formerly enlisted Air Force. She clearly cannot be called a liberal elitist. She talks about politics the way real people talk. The Democrats need more people like her out fron talking to the bassboat Dads in this country.

Randi v. Nader - Nader thinks he's gonna get a pass from Democrats? He's collecting money from hard core reThugs and reducing the chance of Kerry getting elected, and he thinks he's not going to be called on it? I'm sorry if Nader doen't like facing a voice of a real Democrat off the streets of Queens, but Randi is simply sharing what regular folks feel about him.

We need street-fighters in this election. I like Randi a lot so far. She will help Dems a lot.

[wyldwolf]

47. If I could add...

I'm sorry if Nader doen't like facing a voice of a real Democrat off the streets of Queens, but Randi is simply sharing what regular folks feel about him.

And I'm sorry that many people here are offended that Nader got his butt kicked. Randi is the real fighter for the democratic agenda - not Nader.

[havocmom]

50. Jimmy Carter is a real Democrat too and he asked Nader to shut up

true he did it more politely, but it is what he was saying.

Nader is too lost in his own ego to use his brain. Sad that as he is not stupid. Where is Ralph in between elections?

[IronLionZion]

48. Then ask them to get Mike Malloy!

[mouse7]

49. I don't know why I seem to like Randi, but not Malloy

Can't describe why. I really can't. I'm usually better at being able to point to what in a broadcast works for me and doesn't work for me.

[yankeedem]

51. I like Randi better myself

Malloy sometimes comes off as snide- just my opinion, still glad he's on our side.

[minkyboodle]

64. self deleted

[fabius]

53. Sorta like the left-wing O'Reilly

Despite the Franken show's name, Randi acts a lot more like O'Reilly on the air. Bothers me a bit that she won't let people finish a sentence, but what the heck - I guess it works for her.

I have no love for Nader at this point, and she seems really PO'd at him. That's a legitimate position. Still I wish she'd just let him talk.

So far very pleased with liberal radio.

[NightTrain]

54. Yes, but with one big exception.

Randi bases her opinions on fact!

[mouse7]

55. Exactly... intricately research fact

All the stuff she was saying has been gone over and over and over for accuracy.

[dolstein]

57. Well researched? You've got to be kidding

Rhodes was startlingly ignorant of Kerry's corporate tax plan. She basically made the argument that "it's not really a tax cut, since corporations don't pay taxes anyway." She seemed completely ignorant of the fact that the modest reduction in corporate tax rates was accompanied by the closing of certain loopholes.

[slinkerwink]

56. How dare a WOMAN attack Nader like that?

[dolstein]

58. How dare you suggest her gender has anything to do with this

Some of us just don't like loud, obnoxious beligerent radio talk show hosts, male or female.

[slinkerwink]

59. oh my bad....how dare anyone RESPECT Nader after what he's done to us????

[dolstein]

62. I don't respect Nader -- but I don't respect what Rhodes did either

Why invite someone on to your show simply to talk over them, yell at them, repeat the phrase "We can't afford you!" ad nauseum until they simply hang up?

If Rhodes had any talent, she'd have been able to skewer Nader with wit and humor. Instead she decided to act like a bully. Well, bullies are a dime a dozen on talk radio. Obviously, there are some liberals out there who want their very own left-wing loudmouthed nimrod Rush clone. Those are the people who will continue listening to Rhodes. I for one have better things to do with my time than listen to that kind of crap.

[slinkerwink]

63. Nader wasn't invited----he called the show

[mouse7]

61. Go toss a salad. n/t

[niceypoo]

60. She didnt shower him with flower pedals

and invite him for a chat while tiptoing through the tulips. The pink Tutu faction cant handle it. Im sure Daschel was appaled!