Are people too hard on Alan Colmes

[RedSox02]

Came across this article on some of the criticisms directed at Alan Colmes. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/entertainment/7053304.htm

I used to watch Hannity & Colmes alot. Not so much anymore. The last time I saw it was on September 11th of this year. I was quite disturbed by just how unbalanced it was. The show included a performance by Darryl Worley as a "tribute to the vicitms of 9/11" which struck me as propoganda at it's worst.

Still, I think some of the criticims directed at ALan Colmes by others on the left are just plain mean sprited. Sure maybe I would prefer to see someone really take it to Hannity sometimes when he is really taking it to a guest. However, most people who watch the show are Conservative anyways, and Colmes conducts himself with class. It's Fox News. WHat can you say. They are going to slant the show in favor of Hannity anyways with the guests they bring in. Colmes doesn't deserve most of the harsh criticism he has been getting.

[VermontDem2004]

1. I think DUers are being too soft on Alan Colmes

[PROGRESSIVE1]

2. Alan Colmes is there because he is weak!!! Country Music is...

By the way, Ding Dong Darryl Worley and the rest of the "Coreleone Country Music Klan" are a Propaganda machine for the Right! Also, they shamfully profited off of the Sept. 11 tradgedy!!! I prefer to watch movies made by Hollywood!

[Speck Tater]

3. In Al Franken's new book...

he relates how he asked Colmes why he didn't confront Hannity's use of incorrect information. Colmes response was "That's not the show's format."

I.e., Fox News is anti-truth, so there's little he do if he wants to keep his job.

[LittleApple81]

8. I love how he writes Hannity and Colmes... but Colmes is in subscript. n/t

[vi5]

4. To be honest I think it's a matter of context....

There's no doubt that he's mild mannered and conciliatory and that's not a winning approach. But placed next to the raving lunatic Hannity he comes across as a total cream puff.

I think if you compared him to say Bill Press you wouldn't find all that much difference in style, but Press is paired typically with people who may be ideologically reprehensible but who take a slightly more intellectual or educated tone than the screaming Hannity so it's less obvious than it is with Colmes.

Just a thought.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. No...people are not being too hard on that

wimp. JMCPO. :7

[phillybri]

6. If you're the only liberal at Faux, you show some stones occasionally...

For him to constantly roll over and take it in the shooter from Hannity on a nightly basis makes ALL liberals look bad...

He's got an amazing opportunity to expose Hannity for the lying moron he is, and he consistently drops the ball...I don't think that's too harsh a criticism.

[RedSox02]

9. I haven't seen the show enough lately

You might be right. The last time I saw it there were a few occasions where I wanted to scream right at Hannity. I myself am mild mannered like Colmes but I do think there are times he has "dropped the ball" in not being tough on Hannity. I just don't like to see Colmes subjected to personal attacks. I don't have a problem with calling him too weak, but let's not treat this guy like he interfered with that foul ball in the Cubs game. I have seen him give some guests a tough time (though he could have made it a lot tougher).

[Monte Carlo]

11. I agree; he does a better job of selling the Right than Hannity does.

I have nothing against class and grace under fire when it comes to arch-conservatives like Sean Hannity. That is not my problem with Alan Colmes. My problem is that when he lets Hannity get away with rhetorical murder, it makes 'his side' look weak when he says little or nothing about it. Especially with all those little factoids Sean likes to pull out of his ass about taxes.

In the land of the unassertive, the aggressive man is king.

[DontTreadOnMe]

17. He has become a Fox Pawn...

to setup up Hannity's agenda. A total cream puff. I can't watch the show anymore. Fox has picked "their" liberal representative. It's embarassing.

[linazelle]

45. He is a prop . . . only there to make Hannity look better than he is

Hannity and Colmes are the CONs' metaphor for the Repugs vs. the Dems. Hannity is juxtaposed against Colmes' meager presence as strong, virile and right.

Personally, I cannot stand to watch Colmes whose pale face only highlights his weakness and lack of vigor. I wouldn't be surprised if they put makeup on him to make him look even paler. What a sap.

[newyawker99]

49. Hi DontTreadOnMe!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[fizzana]

7. The fact that a lot of Freepers think he's the only decent liberal

speaks volumes.

[arcane1]

10. my compliment to Colmes:

he's the best strawman we have on the left :grr:

[thebigidea]

12. we could all learn a bit from Alan Colmes

... his dignity, his class, his sheer infectious energy... truly if there is a man for all seasons, and if all seasons somehow were the same season, then it would be an ALAN COLMES SEASON year-round.

Sure, that doesn't make sense.

But neither does the appeal of good old Alan Colmes.... he appeals to something deep within each and every one of us, he rekindles the flames of freedom, he laps up the milk of human kindness and spits it back in our collective faces each and every night on his wonderful program.

And are we really being too hard on Hannity too? I mean, it WAS his idea to hire Alan Colmes. Perhaps just this once, we can put aside our differences and hum a merry bipartisan tune while looking that square-jawed american in the face and say: "Sean Hannity, thank you. Thank you for making us laugh at love... again. Thank you for bringing this magical creature, this prince among men, to our attention...all is forgiven, for you have shown us that Republicans can grant us the greatest gift of all... the gift of Alan Colmes."

his voice - an inspiration.
his face - breathtaking in its classical beauty.
his legend - truly... very... uh, legendary.

Alan Colmes: We salute you.

[fob]

14. I am glad I wasn't drinking anything. That is priceless.

Grand Slam!!!

[CatWoman]

15. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You ain't seen NOTHING yet :D

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=560123

[fob]

13. In all fairness I have to reply,

NO!

[JHB]

16. Given his position, no, they're not "too hard" on him...

He tries to play a gentlemanly game of touch football in a forum where the other team is playing a Superbowl-grade full-contact game, has the refs in their pockets, and is out to win at all costs.

Since he plays on their turf, it's their rules that count, so unsurprisingly his performance is consistently ineffective.

And that he continues to put up with this mockery of a contest year after year leads more than a few people to question just how strongly he holds the beliefs which he purports to advocate.

[eleny]

18. I won't repeat what I posted in the other thread

So, I'll just say that I believe that if we had more liberals on talk tv and radio, there would be room for Colmes. Right now, I don't want to see Marquis of Queensbury Rules on one side of the desk and a mosh pit on the other. That's neither fair nor balanced.

I will say this for Alan - He never stooped to meet Sean's base level. I'm sure there were evenings when all he wanted to do was slap the crap out of Shammity and then go pour himself a stiff one. I know I sure have.

I wish I could draw cartoons, as I have some great images rolling around in my head.

[thebigidea]

21. er?

"I will say this for Alan - He never stooped to meet Sean's base level. "

sure he did. He became his stooge, his fall guy, his punching bag. Nightly. For years.

Colmes is actually BENEATH Hannity's level. I wouldn't wish his existence on any one - can you image how tormented he must feel? Gawd, he probably wakes up in the middle of the night, sweating, mumbling about Rupert Murdoch.

[Skittles]

22. Colmes does have a radio show

it's on very late and it's actually quite enjoyable to listen to. However, I have caught his act on H&C and I don't like how he plays the fall guy for that moronic piece of shit Hannity.

[thebigidea]

24. in all fairness

he's a contemptible slug, but I'll grudgingly thank him for interviewing the great Jean Shepherd a few times before he died.

and if any one is saying "whodafuckisjeanshepherd?" - 3 words... "A Christmas Story"

www.flicklives.com

total american original, genius with a capital GEEEEE. RIP, Shep! You were one of the good ones.

Now back to our regularly scheduled Colmesian Appreciation.

[ronzo]

26. I'll give his radio show a shot.

Do you have a link, skittles? Even if there's no stream, I was unaware he finally got a shot at radio and I'll check it out. Bigidea has shown me the cult of personality that is &colmes... :)

[Skittles]

36. I....................................ER...................................

I hear it on my car radio on the way home from late movies . . . .

[ronzo]

41. what? link me dammit....

oooooooooooooooooh...Evil Spock.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[thebigidea]

23. how DARE you, sir?

have you no sense of common Colmesian DECENCY? After all this man has done for you, after all his sacrifice...

this is what he gets: a rude slap in the face from some one accusing him of being a Communist.



look into those warm eyes. Stare at those luscious lips - firm, yet yielding to the touch. Are those lips that have praised the likes of Chairman Mao? No, dear friend. Those are lips that lick The Murdoch and lo, he licketh dilligently.

Book of Colmes - Chapter 5, Verse 15-17:

"And he leadeth me to FOXian temptation,
he cradles me in the cradley-thing of conservatism
and he wags his eyebrows at me, but I shall fear no cancellation -
for the Colmes is my Companion - and I shall want. Him. Nightly. Amen."

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[thebigidea]

29. sure, laugh

its really funny now. But when Alan Colmes is all that's standing between you and the international communist conspiracy to sap and impurify our precious bodily fluids, you'll be singing a different song.

And the sad thing is, you won't even remember the words.

But it isn't too late to repent RIGHT NOW and accept Alan Colmes into your heart... cast out the Hannitys, the Limbaughs, the Coulters... cast off those conservative crutches and SHOUT HOSANNA, Hallelujah - its a miracle - "I can walk again!"

Accept Alan Colmes as your Personalized Lordly Savior.

It worked wonders for me - I was unemployed and living a borderline existence in the bowels of Hollywood before I began my personal relationship with Alan Colmes...

now, I'm unemployed and living a borderline existence in the bowels of NYC... but I STARVE WITH PRIDE, with my head held high - knowing that in my heart is something that can never be taken away from me.

I won't even say what it is. I just have to point at his picture.



can you feel the power, dear friends?

PUT YOUR HANDS ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN RIGHT NOW. Do it. Feel the energy - he's talking to you... I see a woman in Topeka... she has been cured of her liver problems. I see a man somewhere in Red Bank, New Jersey. He is now able to sit without using those weird hemmarhoidal cushions.

HALLELUJAH!

The power of Colmes, dear friends.

Call now. Operators are standing by to recieve your vow of faith, and lo - like a mustard seed, if you plant it - it will grow into a mighty... mustard tree. Or whatever it is that mustard seeds grow into.

[arcane1]

30. TBI, you are killing me!

stop him before he kills again!

:D

[CatWoman]

33. NOMAS!!!!!!

PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

NO MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[thebigidea]

38. are you ready for the ultimate in horror?

ronzoNOLA forwards the following link:

http://www.alan.com/meetup/index.html

" The people at Meetup.com have received numerous requests for an Alan Colmes Meetup Day, a chance for Alan Colmes fans worldwide to gather locally."

I'll bring the brie!

[Beetwasher]

44. OMG! Dude, really, this is one of the funniest ongoing bits

I've read on DU in a loooong time. Damn man, you've got me going but good at work...People must think I'm nuts because I'm literally straining really hard to keep from guffawing loudly, and I can only imagine what my gutteral choked laughs sound like!

[thebigidea]

46. its been a complete blast

I really have to get goofy on these trolls and disruptors more often.

And Alan Colmes! Talk about a rich vein of material.

Alan Colmes: the gift that keeps giving.

[VermontDem2004]

43. this is the funniest post ever on DU!!!!!!!!

[VermontDem2004]

40. wtf? he/she called Colmes a commie?

I didn't get to see his/her deleted post.

[SoCalDem]

20. It's a "revival tent-show"..Colmes is the geeky shill in the audience

who limps to the stage to be "cured" by the preacher(Hannity)..

It's a ....S H O W

Colmes knew it when he signed on...He's paid to be hannity's stooge..

Most people see through it, and pay no attention to anything EITHER os them says..

Of course the FAUX junkies hang on every word and actually think Colmes is a ...L I B E R A L, and is so mean to poor Sean.. :puke:

[Catholic Sensation]

27. recently he grew a pair of testicles

and has kind of stood up for his beliefs. He seemed to be genuinely pissed by Oliver North saying the ridiculous bullshit he was saying, and he told Bill Bennet he was being intellectually dishonest by trying to downplay the lack of WMDs in Iraq and switching to "SADDAM IS EVIL GRRR" as the reason we went to war, and i mean we went to war as in "those asshole republicans sent people my age to die for a fucking lie!"

[Skittles]

37. grew some testicles????????????

are you inferring that a person needs TESTICLES to STAND UP FOR THEIR BELIEFS? What is with you people? STOP WITH THE F***ING OUTDATED SEXIST EXPRESSIONS.

[T Roosevelt]

39. Oh please...

With apologies to thebigidea, Colmes is a man...and a man without testicles is a eunuch, and a eunuch is recognized as less than a man (though not a woman)...therefore, if Colmes should grow some, then he would be a man ;-)

[VermontDem2004]

48. I don't think he was being sexist

basically saying a liberal who stands up for liberal causes has cajones, most of the women in congress have cajones. It's basically a figure of speech.

[Bok_Tukalo]

28. Yes

Next to Colmes, Hannity looks like an ignorant raving lunatic with little or no intellectual curiousity. I would hate to see a liberal ignorant raving lunatic instead of him on the show.

I like the quote by Colmes when asked if he shouldn't fight fire with fire: "You fight fire with water."

[thebigidea]

31. did you hear that, dear friends? The Colmes has spoken!

"You fight fire with water."

Fire with water, dear friends. And Colmesian water is fresh, pure, some say - HOLY water... a water capable of quenching the deepest thirst or snuffing out the most sinful flames.

Have you sin in your heart, dear friends?

Alan Colmes: More than a Man, Less Than A Way of Life.

[Cat Atomic]

32. This is probably the first time that "hard on" and "Alan Colmes"

have been mentioned in the same sentence.

[elperromagico]

34. Colmes is nothing more

than a token liberal on a conservative network, a guest host on the "Sean Hannity Is Wonderful" show, airing weekdays at 9:00 PM ET on Faux News.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

35. the whole show is a sham

every h&c 'special investigation is about the clntons or some odd democrat.
gop scandals have never been the subject of one

the 'free speech' segment is a joke. when it was introduced, it was promised that both liberal and conservatives would be heard. instead, all we ge tis Bizarro Dennis Miller and his ilk

hannity outtalks colmes 2-1 (as franken shows us in his book with a word count)

the choreographed 'debate' on hannity and colmes rivals the theatrics of pro wrestling. if colmes takes part in it willingly, then we can't be hard enough on him

watch his book fail, as real liberals have no interest in buying fox's version of progressive thought. then the rw will try to spin it as 'liberal books don't sell'

[T Roosevelt]

42. Never have two threads had me laughing so hard!!!

so glad I posted the first one...it's been quite a show...ROFLMAO!!!

[thebigidea]

47. BAD COMEDIAN VOICE:"I'll be here all week, enjoy the buffet."

and now, the comedy stylings of Carrot Top. (clapclapclap)

[janekat]

50. If he was any more outspoken - the frrepers would write in have him fired

Not that I'm excusing him for it... I couldn't live with myself being on that show.

Could you imagine if they had Carville or Begala on there? The freepers would be going nuts. They'd be writing in and boycotting all of the sponsors until they got rid of them.