Fox News connects Spitzer and Vitter controversies - incorrectly
By Steve Benen Tuesday Mar 11, 2008 4:02pm
It’s not too often that high-profile political figures elected to statewide office are caught buying the services of a prostitute, but as luck would have it, we’ve seen two major examples in the last nine months — Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (R) and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D).
There are some interesting similarities. Both held public office while hiring prostitutes, both are married, and both are subject to charges of hypocrisy (Vitter for touting “family values,” and Spitzer because he prosecuted prostitution as a state Attorney General). But the controversies are hardly identical — most notably, the statute of limitations had run out for Vitter, while Spitzer may still face charges.
But leave it to Fox News’ Steve Doocy to make a different kind of connection.
“Speaking of hypocrisy, when David Vitter, the senator from down South, was caught up in the D.C. madam scandal, of course, the mainstream media said, ‘Look, this is just part of the culture of corruption with the Republican Party,’ and, in fact, that led to steep losses in the 2006 congressional elections.
“So, you’ve got to wonder whether or not the Democrat [sic] Party is going to take a hit with this and also, nationwide not just in New York State, but also nationwide, will the mainstream media talk about this as being a big scandal in the Democrat [sic] Party, which it is — he’s one of Hillary Clinton’s superdelegates — or will they just say, ‘Look, it’s a story about a single governor in one state and he had a problem and now his wife is really mad at him.’”
There’s been no shortage of analysis and discussion of the Spitzer scandal lately, but this is arguably the dumbest.
Let’s count the ways.
1. Doocy insisted that the “mainstream media” connected Vitter’s sex scandal to the Republicans’ culture of corruption. I wish that were true, but it’s false. In fact, I searched Nexis from the day the Vitter story broke to one month later. The number of mainstream media outlets to use the words “Vitter” and “culture of corruption” in the same article/broadcast is zero. Doocy’s imagination is impressive, but he’s remembering news coverage that didn’t exist.
2. Doocy was adamant that the Vitter story — or, more accurately, the media’s coverage of it — led to “steep losses in the 2006 congressional elections” for Republicans. That, of course, is impossible. The Vitter story broke on July 10, 2007 — eight months after the elections.
3. Doocy believes this is a “big scandal” for Democrats because Spitzer is a Clinton superdelegate. This doesn’t make any sense. What does Spitzer’s status as a Clinton superdelegate have to do his sex scandal? Why would a superdelegate’s personal/legal controversy reflect badly on Democrats “nationwide”?
4. If Doocy hasn’t learned that it’s called the “Democratic Party” by now, one might be inclined to suspect that he’s a Republican hack.
Poor Fox News. It must get tiresome to be so wrong so often.
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I'm sure that the media stenographers are calling all their contacts in the RNC to find out how Obama is connected to this too.
Oh..FRIIIIIIIIIIIIST.
This is typical of moral crusaders- they are always punishing others for doing what they do or fantasize about doing. It goes across party lines, it's just that more perverts seem drawn to being "respectable" Republicans in an attempt to deflect any suspicion from themselves.
you know, until people stop calling the democratic party the democrat party, I think I'll stay on a war footing. It's such a complete lack of respect. Not because it's a particularly stupid name or even that it's incorrect English (using a noun as an adjective). Rather, it's just offensive to be asked politely to have your party called one thing and then to be called something else.
On the other hand, when the most intelligent thing your opponent has to say is to call you a name, you're definitely winning.
It's way too early to call dumbest yet. Not when you are discussing Fox News. They can and will outdo their dumbest.
Speaking of two "Idiots," Doocy with his little puppy Kilmeade, I wonder if they practice safe sex?
not for the underage ones. there is a certain daughter of a certain madam.
fux = dumb liars
Steve Douchy and his cohorts on "Fixed and Fiends" are some of the most unbelievably ignorant, sophmoric and idiotic pundits on cable tv. I like to get up early, take a big bong hit and proceed to laugh my ass off at these three clowns. The other guy on the show used to be a sportscaster and whatever chick is on is always a hot bleached blonde in a short skirt. None of them know anything about anything. They remind me of the skit Will Ferrel and Cheri Oteri used to do when they played a morning news team that was unable to speak because their teleprompter broke down. Typical Fixed News.
There was a fishing 'exhibition' meet back in the mid 90s, the madam and her daughter were amongst the prostitutes entertaining the local politcos.
Well the Democrats deserve what they get from FOX. They can stop it but don't so let them swim in it. The use of "Democrat party" is a calculated insult and should be addressed as that. Try this. DON'T GO ON FOX!!! Dry up their access to half the congress and my bet is they send out a memo to cool it.
The question is: How is this different than Keith Olbermann's planned "Special Comment" tonight regarding Mrs. Ferraro's statement? Isn't it media overkill, especially by someone who appears to be already a supporter of Senator Obama?
I know it's just a morning show on Fox, but how the f*ck did this imbecile get on TV? The talent pool couldn't possibly be that shallow.
More wishful thinking and propaganda from Faux News.
Nice one, Douchey.
besides all this other crap, spitzer resigned...so where's vitter?
Back.
Are we sane yet?
Will Doocy be called on it by the establishment media?
[crickets]
Phoenix Justice @ 11:
How is this in any stretch of the imagination the same as KO's planned "Special Comment" that we have not even heard yet?
Geez, that must be an amazing job. You just say whatever comes into your head and you don't have to do any sort of checking to see whether it's true.
Shredder @ 17:
Keith and Dan Abrams called him on it in last night, if that counts.
The silver lining in Spitzer's demise and quick resignation - a new precedent for sex scandal responses. I suspect we won't have to wait long before another repug has been caught with his pants around his ankles.
Didn't think so
Problem with Fox is their crappy reporting with Vegas-style graphics and one-liners is turning a profit from a wingnut (and/or intellectually lazy) audience.
But, but, but, faux has super duper mega duper ratings!!!!!!
wwwanncoulterisevil.com @ 23:
Yes but people eat it up. Like free triple cheese burgers.
Fox & Friends: So simple a caveman could do it.
I've said it before, but it merits repeating; The cast on "Fox and Friends" are easily the stupidest motherfuckers on teevee (and that's saying a lot when you consider what the morning teevee lineup is like). Seriously, Fox and Friends makes the bunch from "The View" (Whoopi excepted) look like a freakin' Mensa convention. The missus and I were having lunch in a local restaurant and, of as usual, they had Fox on. We were in just in time for them to preview Neil Cavuto's show which apparently was going to explore the phenomenon of having the wives of politicians on the podium during press conferences for resigning politicians caught in sex scandals. Here's what the caption said: "Why can't disgraced politicians stand alone??" I said to the missus: "Good question. Why doesnt Cavuto go ask Larry Craig or David Vitter?"
If nothing else, at least Spitzer did the honorable thing by acknowledging his responsibility and resigning without much ado. So where's Vitter's resignation? The Republicans love to pontificate on the importance of taking personal responsibility -- so why did so few (if any) of them put their proverbial money where their mouths are and demand Vitter's resignation? Answer...IOIYAR.
One of Spitzer's pledges as a gubernatorial candidate was that he would return ethics to Albany -- and paradoxically, by resigning, he has in some sense. It's a pity that he himself has committed an ethical lapse and that this had to happen, but at least he was honest and courageous enough to admit it publicly (which can't have been easy) and to accept the consequences of his disgrace -- there are quite a few Republicans apart from Vitter who can't say the same.
Paging senator Larry Craig, your new male interns are here to be interviewed.
"Fox and Friends" has been wrong about so much over the years I'm surprised the show hasn't been cancelled by now.
L.A. Confidential @ 25:
Problem with Fox is their crappy reporting with Vegas-style graphics and one-liners is turning a profit from a wingnut (and/or intellectually lazy) audience.
My point exactly--that's why I picked up the phone.
RayC @ 18:
KO's Special Comment is moot. Ferraro has resigned from the Clinton campaign. Breaking News on CNN
Bluestocking @ 28:
This entire thing smells. There's something about it that seems so prefabricated. I mean, aside from the fact that the feds were wiretapping hookers - something I would have thought would have been under State jurisdiction, they've already said there will be no plea bargain and that they're going to try to get him on a Mann Act violation; it's like this has been mapped out from way back. I can't help but think about the case of Alabama Governor Don Sigelman. I'm generally not a tinfoil hat type person, but when you step back and look at the recent history of Democratically elected Governors being removed from office, It starts to seem really, really scary.
Has Vitter stepped down?
RayC @ 18:
I am pointing out the media overkill of the subject. I mean, is Mr. Olbermann doing this to raise the level of discourse or to do some more cheering for Senator Obama?
F-You Spitzer! All these politicians should be held at a higher standard for their deviant actions. He was hired to represent the taxpayers with dignity and honor, he failed and should pay the penalty. I hope his wife leaves him, his kids get through this, and charges get filed. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Rebub or Dem, it doesn't matter, they should treat their responsibility like a privilege, because that's what it is.
And was anybody expecting intellegent and intellectually honest insights and analyses from FOX?
Hope, apparently, springs eternal.
OK, this is hilarious:
http://prawfsblawg.blogs.com/prawfsblawg/2008/03/apology-uniform.html
Looks like there is a proper "I'm sorry for cheating on you" attire.
Compare and contrast:
Democrat Spitzer bangs hookers, confesses and resigns.
Repubican Vitter bangs underage hooker, gets standing ovation from Republicans in Congress.
See -- it's the same thing, isn't it?
:)
I have had C-SPAN on this afternoon for the House budget debate and it seems that using the word "democrat" without the "ic" is now party policy. It really is infuriating, which I'm sure is their intention. That little punk-ass motherfucker Patrick McHenry is their insult dog, IMO. Or should I say, Patr MHenry.
i hate this new video format. it doesn't work for me half the time. QUICKTIME! QUICKTIME! QUICKTIME!
sassafra Says: besides all this other crap, spitzer resigned…so where’s vitter?
Typical liberal response! The Vitter and Spitzer cases way different. First, Spitzer is rich and Vitter is, well, not rich, so if Vitter resigned it is unlikly he could make enough to pay for even low-ball twenty-a-crack Louisiana hookers and then who would pay? The poor people of Louisiana! Vitter would either be forced on to the welfare rolls or have to stoop to liquor store stickups, something he would not be bright enough to pull off without harming a clerk or making his wife drive like that crazy girl in Raising Arizona who only wanted a large package of PAMPERS (or was that a package of LARGE pampers?). Anyway, you get the point. It is safer and cheaper to leave him in the Senate where he makes a lot more but has to pay DC p--sy prices and his wife can take a cab.
.
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Oh, yeah, and second Vitter is a Republican, and IOKIYAR!
alien @ 41:
For some reason, a lot of PC users have mega-problems with Quicktime being very choppy.
Oh yes, because the public's view of the GOP as being corrupt is all based on David Vitter. Of course, GOP legislators literally applauded for Vitter when he refused to resign, and Doocy and his right-wing media pals all argued that he shouldn't resign, but... yes, he's the reason people think the GOP is corrupt, so Spitzer should brand the Democratic Party as just as corrupt.
Yes, that makes lots of sense. Uh-huh.
What a schmuck.
These Republic Party buffoons show how simple, petty and childish they are every time they say the Republic talking point "Democrat Party". I can't wait till theelection when the voters hand them their ass hats again.
FOX and FIENDS is the dumbest show on that pathetic network so it only stands to reason they also have the most intectually lazy hosts. The best part of Douchey ran down BIG BIRDS leg and that pussy Kilroy was traumatized by Barbara Edens outfit in I DREAM OF GENIE should be
" NUFF SAID " .
When are the faux "journalists" at Faux "News" going to start saying the "Republic" Party? Or, better yet, the "Regressive" Party?
Assholes.
i think he should resign, but the press is going to completely miss the point on this one.
what is going on the the politicization of our most sacred institutions.
it's the fucking ELEPHANT in the room.
What a really dumb, mouth dropping idiot is doing on national news (Oh I forgot: it's FOX NEWS)......Never mind. But I DO get it: The Repubs lost because of Vitter. Say what? Do you really think this guy is serious or is he trying out for the FOX (ie twisted) version of the Colbert Report? Who does he think stood in line to vote and was thinking about Vitter before making a tough decision about who to vote for, Republican or Democrat?
You just know the youth pastor and the church lady (that's what I call them because they were hired for their looks) are sitting there thinking, um, what the hell is he talking about?
oops - sorry, the church lady isn't on there today - looks like they pulled in a newsmodel to fill
Because Vitter from LA. paid for the services of a prostitute would you who lived in Maine, care, or vote for a democrat instead of a republican. Heck no. You probably didn't even know who Vitter was, because remember the MSM had a maybe two day run and then nothing. Not like they are doing with Spitzer. And even so, who in South Dakota cares...But leave it up to Fox.
Well we are talking about Steve Doocy, the stupidest man on television here after all.
D.G. Bowman @ 47:
I have been using repugnantcant.
if I were as stupid as Douchey, I'd shoot my f*&%$^'in brains out... oh, you tell me he did..
Just look at him. See how close his eyes are to his nose, he's "challenged." You can't take anything this circus clown says seriously.
How do idiots like Doocy face themselves in the mirror?
Ah yes, the Doucher. I slipped and tripped on two inches of drool from the mouth breather convention on the TV aisle in Walmart once during "Fox and Friends."
man... the msm is tearing him into pieces.
anybody that want to get on tv and say something abut this failure is given free reign.
CruzBustamove @ 57:
Maybe they have help. I'm sure he can't dress himself.
Vitter is the Senator who paid a hooker to service him sexually while he was wearing nasty crap-filled diapers and who has NOT resigned office, while Spitzer is the one who was caught paying a much more expensive hooker to service him, and DID resign.
Why is Vitter still in the Senate? Republican family values?
We can ask questions about republican authoritarians until we are blue in the face, but it is a futile exercise and a waste of out intelligence. If brains were dynamite, collectively they could not 'blow their nose'. They should have a hunting season.
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Doocy thinks 2007 came before 2006?
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Yet Senators Craig(R) and Vitter(R) are left in office?
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THE REAL STORY IS HOW HE GOT CAUGHT. HOW ARE POLITICAL OPPONENTS TARGETED IN THIS COUNTRY? AND HOW IN THIS CASE SIGNED OFF ON THE SPITZER TARGETING?
Don @ 55:
Yea and he used a BB GUN.....
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