tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post5785891436280717459..comments2024-03-18T04:36:26.547-04:00Comments on Paul Levinson's Infinite Regress: Joan Walsh, Bill O'Reilly, and Keith Olbermann about The Media and The Assassination of George TillerPaul Levinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07609987407926836519noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-22089978111906342352009-06-18T23:33:38.791-04:002009-06-18T23:33:38.791-04:00I was going to say something about people blaming ...I was going to say something about people blaming O'Reilly this a.m., Paul! Certainly not in the sophisticated way you did . . . Now I can't wait to read your book!<br />I think there's ample evidence of internet posts showing that the killer was calling his victim that type of name long before O'Reilly was - this was featured before people moved on to blaming Bill O'Reilly. Most people are not looking at the authentic anti-abortion extremists and how far off-base they are, with constant talk of bombings and killings. They don't need any assistance from TV commentators like O'Reilly. And to blame lack of gun control for this maniac's actions . . . another copout. This is a killing by a stalking crazy man - so why not look at how poorly our society protects anyone from stalky crazy people?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-44100576789561736612009-06-18T22:25:58.211-04:002009-06-18T22:25:58.211-04:00I really don't bother watching either O'Re...I really don't bother watching either O'Reilly or Olberman anymore. O'Reilly is just a pathetic bully. Olberman only likes to talk to people who agree with him. Neither one of them does anything to advance the country's dialogue.D. C. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11053988015123706355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-34939982608742515482009-06-18T22:22:06.608-04:002009-06-18T22:22:06.608-04:00Debating Bill O'Reilly is like debating a garb...Debating Bill O'Reilly is like debating a garbage disposal. All it does is spew random noises and you know it doesn't listen to a word you say.<br /><br />I watched of clip of Joan Walsh's appearance on O'Reilly's show and it was vintage O'Reilly. It's what he always does: Follow the style "debating" that is so prevalent on cable TV news these days (and perfected on Fox) where all the host does is shout down and talk over his guest and generally, try to bully them into accepting his framing of the issue. If I had the opportunity, I would decline any offer to go on his show. I don't see anything constructive ever coming out of that.<br /><br />On the other hand, I agree with Paul that Olberman is way off base. O'Reilly is not responsible for Tiller's murder. He's responsible for creating an atmosphere on TV that is toxic to serious discussion, but he's not responsible for murder.D. C. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11053988015123706355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-6825124545178966702009-06-18T22:20:08.501-04:002009-06-18T22:20:08.501-04:00It's 100% because Olbermann doesn't want a...It's 100% because Olbermann doesn't want anyone to disagree with him on his show. Dana Milbank was cold-shouldered off the show as a regular guest after daring to express some opinions not quite to Olbermann's liking, and Joan Walsh herself hasn't appeared again on Countdown since she took exception to Olbermann's sexist slamming of Hillary ... Read MoreClinton.<br /><br />As for me on O'Reilly's show, he did tell me to "shut up" and wrapped up the conversation one of the times I appeared on his radio show. But I agree that none of the conversations were as hostile as between him and Joan. But I also think my point holds, however hostile the conversation: better to get your opinion on the air, even if shouted down by O'Reilly, than not having a contrary argument at all, as on Olbermann.<br /><br />Rachel Maddow, by the way, deserves credit for seeking contrary opinions - and that's one of the reasons I think she is the best of the commentator hosts on television.Paul Levinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07609987407926836519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289595359432630118.post-47773386887833632602009-06-18T20:25:39.039-04:002009-06-18T20:25:39.039-04:00There is merit in what you say but I think you giv...There is merit in what you say but I think you give O'Reilly too much credit. I watch neither Olbermann nor O'Reilly on television very often. What I see of them is posted on blogs that I follow or in bulletins and updates from friends on various social networking sites. I thingk Joan Walsh handled herself fairly well on Bills program, as you often do, but don’t recall him ever shouting you down in the way I’ve witnessed him do many guests. That being said, it’s highly possible that I missed a few of your appearances even though as a fan of yours I try to keep up. <br /><br />One thing I’d like you to elucidate on though is your statement that Olbermann never has anyone on his program that he vehemently disagrees with. Is this because he refuses to have them on his show or because they refuse to appear on his show?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com