Is "Crossfire" helpful to Political Discussion, a Wash...or Dangerous?

[KoKo]

A "Battle" show like "Crossfire would seems to get points across for busy folks who only have time for "soundbytes" but given the time frame it's on 4:00p.m./est. and that it's so "Black Hats against White Hats" I wonder what purpose it serves. Aren't most folks working and would "at home folks," even want to bother with it? Are there people here who've ever learned anything from it..or do you want to "punch walls" after viewing the entire battle, there? :shrug:

(Full Disclosure: I've not watched much of it because every time I've turned it on since it's premier I can only watch a little before I turn it off in disgust..)

[ThomWV]

1. You Got That One Right

That is precisely how I feel about the show. I see that scumbag Novak and I just turn the channel. I can't stand to watch it and absolutly nothing good or informational comes out of it ... ever.

[Langis]

2. I will watch from time to time

But I always end up wanting to punch Pucker or Novacula. I can't take their disingenuous talking points.

[movonne]

3. I do not like Crossfire or any similar type program....They are

just dumb....they all try to out talk each other and nobody really makes a point...maybe that is what it is designed to do.

[senseandsensibility]

4. Tucker's personality

is really annoying. He's got some kind of frat boy smart-ass thing going, and never has any solid points or facts in his repetoire. His whining and disingenuousness are really irritating.

[Still_Loves_John]

5. Crossfire is entertainment

like professional wrestling or something. Everyone just screams at each other, except Bob Novak, who pretends to be offended by everything. I can't stand those shout shows.

I have to say I admire CNN for toning down the "shouting talking head" segments of their other shows--whenever they have two disagreeing people on they tend to moderate them a lot better; I think they're trying to appeal to a higher common denominator.

[trof]

7. Precisely. ScreamFest.

But the Kerry lady (name?) was kicking ass and taking names.

[GCP]

6. It's become unwatchable ever since it went down to 30 minutes

When they had an hour, there was some time to really debate current affairs etc. Now it's just a point-scoring contest - which Paul usually wins, but even so, there is very little light shed on anything.

[jayfish]

8. In It's Previous Incarnation It Was Probably A Wash.

In it's new time limited, sound-byte happy form it's just a waste of time.

Jay

[Catherine Vincent]

9. They should switch back to the old format and do without the applauses.

[KoKo]

14. I didn't know they had gone from one hour to half hour...must not have

very good ratings..

[janx]

10. It's garbage. And it's almost completely scripted.

Next time they have some guest sitting in for Begala or Tuckster or Carville or Novak, watch as the guest reads "insults" and "comebacks" off of the teleprompter.

[SW FL Dem]

11. It used to be one of my faves.

It lost a lot when it was cut from an hour to 30 minutes and the show was moved to 4 pm. I don't work so I can still watch it. IMHO it's much better with Carville and Carlson.

[I_like_chicken]

12. Crossballs will be much more entertaining and informative

http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/crossballs/

I can't wait till it comes on the air.

[bleowheels]

13. I don't know if it's helpful but it's hilarious seeing Carville ...

handing Tucker Carlson's ass to him. Carlson looks like a 14 year old having a tantrum.

[KoKo]

15. kick

:kick:

[newyawker99]

17. Hi bleowheels!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mike1963]

16. I quit watching it several months ago...too much hysterical crosstalk.

:eyes: