Political Theatre category archive

In response to a caller, Thom theorizes that the major TV news networks practice selective interviewing as regards persons they put forward as “Democratic spokespersons.”

Full Disclosure:

I do not have a strong opinion on this, as I gave up on television news years ago, as it became a parade of substance-less blather and staged talking heads in boxes shouting over each other. I get most of my news the old fashioned way.

I read stuff.

Frankly, I think the lack of substance and the “both sides do it” narrative are more pernicious than who gets on what interview shows, but that’s just me.

Shorter Dana Milbank: Trump may be right about something.

Follow the link to see why he says that.

Leonard Pitts, Jr., points out that Donald Trump is exactly what he appears to be, that no one who pays attention can credibly claim to be shocked, shocked, I say, at what took place in Helsinki. A snippet:

His nation under attack and the head of the attacking regime standing next to him, Trump was everything he professes to despise. Weak. Feeble. Impotent.

The man who thought Colin Kaepernick unpatriotic for kneeling could not bring himself to stand up for his country.

The man who insults, berates and belittles our allies could not bring himself to rebuke one of our greatest adversaries.

The man who sees threats in the eyes of Honduran children could see no threat in a murderous tyrant with nuclear arms.

Do please read the rest.

https://www.gocomics.com/robrogers/2018/07/18

Alina Polyakova.

Mike Littwin is not optimistic. A snippet from his article:

Actually, the lone Republican — yes, more would be better — wouldn’t even have to defect (to the Democrats–ed.). All it would take is joining Democrats in protecting Mueller’s investigation and in calling for hearings on Trump’s Make Russia Great Again summit.

I don’t expect that to happen. I don’t expect much to happen. Some are suggesting that any Trump aide with a conscience should resign. Some are suggesting that if this crisis heats up, there could be the need for a scapegoat. John Kelly, anyone?

If you think this is a crisis point for America — and I certainly do — that doesn’t mean you have to believe it will play out any differently from all the rest. Isn’t the essence of Trumpworld that we now live in the post-tipping-point era?

Image via Job’s Anger.

F. T. Rea explains what’s in a name.

David describes his experience on Fox News and dissects the Fox host’s tactics for twisting the talk.

Yes, it is possible to disapprove of something and delight in it simultaneously.

Shaun Mullen has more. A snippet (emphasis in the original):

Did anyone really believe that Donald Trump would grow a pair before meeting one-on-one with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on Monday? Of course not, but the sight of the president of the United States groveling at the feet of America’s greatest adversary while committing the traitorous and treasonous — yes, traitorous and treasonous — sin of refusing to defend the homeland while attacking his own citizens and praising an autocratic thug was alternately sickening and heartbreaking.

What Atrios said.

Signs of the Trumpling.

Josh Marshall.

Via Job’s Anger.

Aside:

I intended for this post to pop Monday, but bobbled it.

I reset it to appear on Monday morning.