April 27, 2006
Not A Good Sign For Snow: WH Reporter Complains About Fox On TV
From a gaggle with Scott McClellan today:
We're fairly sure "Q" is : Jim VandeHei
Q It's come to my attention that there's been requests -- this is a serious question -- to turn these TVs onto a station other than Fox, and that those have been denied. My question would be, is there a White House policy that all government TVs have to be tuned to Fox?
MR. McCLELLAN: Never heard of any such thing. My TVs are on four different channels at all times.
Q Because you have four different TVs. But every time I've ever been --
MR. McCLELLAN: Every TV in the White House also has channels every -- has a split screen, where they can --
Q Well, they always seem to be tuned to Fox, and there's been requests, and these are paid for by taxpayer dollars. And my understanding is that you guys have to watch Fox on Air Force One. Is that true?
MR. McCLELLAN: First time I've ever heard of it. First time you've brought it to my attention, meaning the first time the press corps has brought it to my attention. In fact, I've watched other channels on here.
Q There's one --
MR. McCLELLAN: Hang on, Jim, come on. I've watched other channels on here, so I don't know where yuo're hearing that. But it's the first time anyone in the press has raised that question with me.
Q You've watched other channels other than Fox?
MR. McCLELLAN: On here, yes, sure.
Q I've never seen -- they're always turned to Fox, which a lot of people consider a Republican-leaning network.
Q Scott, is it one -- on the airplane, is it one for all? I mean, if it's tuned for Fox here, is it Fox everywhere?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that certain areas may be interconnected, but I'll have to double-check which.
Q Is yours off, wherever you are?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the conference room, or the senior staff office, the staff office, they're different TVs, and you can switch to different channels. I'm not sure if some of these in the back are connected to some of the others that are watching right here, right now. It doesn't look like it to me. I've never known anyone that's raised a complaint about a request from back here to watch a different channel.
Q I'm officially raising it and officially complaining about it.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm going to go see if we can change the channel for you. Have you called up?
Q I was the Fox victim, and I was told -- the quote was, "No," when I asked for CNN.
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know who you talked to, so -- it didn't come to my attention. You don't know who you talked to either?
Q Well, the magic people at the other end off the phone.
MR. McCLELLAN: The magic people at the other end of the phone. Well, I'll see if this cabin is --
Q I was told, "We don't watch CNN here, you can only watch Fox."
MR. McCLELLAN: As I said, it's hard to respond to something when I don't know who it is you talked to.
Q I used the phone back here.
MR. McCLELLAN: I find this all quite amusing, to tell you the truth. I mean, there are a lot of people on this plane that do watch that channel.
Q I've never been told, no. They're such nice guys up there.
MR. McCLELLAN: First time you brought it to my attention. I'll go see what we can do on it
Posted at 02:51 PM
Comments
FOX news the USA version of PRAVDA. Unfortunately, PRAVDA has more varried opinions and easily more fair and balance
ZimmJim | 04.27.06 03:18 PM
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Oh, please. We are supposed to believe this swill? Not all of us as as dumb as W, though 32% still are.
Joanne | 04.27.06 04:28 PM
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Who cares what the commies on the press plane want to watch? They can watch FOX News, like all real Americans, and like it or lump it. Effete crybabies.
WhiteOwl | 04.27.06 05:07 PM
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Funny you should bring this up today.
I watch Fox regularly to stay up on the B.S. the Right is trying to shove down our throats. I've been watching Cavuto and Gibson tonight and am just so appalled by the Right wing and Big Biz propaganda they're spewing that I'm seriously wondering what can be done to shut them down. Its as if Joe McCarthy got his own TV network.
This swill is unprecedented in our Nation's history and I for one am ready to take some action to set things right.
Outraged | 04.27.06 05:08 PM
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It reminds me of two episodes I won't soon forget:
1. Back in 2003 when a gasoline pump in Westchester County NY (blue country) had FOX NEWS playing from it as I pumped my own gas at the SELF SERVE pump. I was disgusted and I'm very happy that this didn't become commonplace. At the time I was horrified that I would soon be watching FOX coming at me from every corner of the universe, sort of like in 1984 and with BIG BROTHER.
2. Back about the same time, I was apalled to go to a doctor's office in ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY, (still more blue country) where I was essentially FORCED to watch FOX NEWS while waiting to see the doctor. I asked the secretary if she could turn it off or to another channel and was told "NO" while she leered at me as if I were a pervert or something.
Things have never gotten THAT bad again. Thank heaven for small favors, but then again we might see it again when Bush decides to invade IRAN, or SYRIA or wherever.
R Paul | 04.27.06 05:35 PM
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I am recently retired Military, and an OIF veteran. I was standing at the checkout line in the PX recently, and looked around to notice that there were seven televisions all pointed to the checkout lines, and all playing FOX news. I then went to the lobby/entrance/foodcourt and noted that there were six more televisions all blaring FOX.
Seemed a bit too 1984 to make me comfortable. I also noted Hannity bleming the American Public for the obscene profits that the oil companies are raking in.
When I think of those friends of mine killed defending this Country, It gets very depressing to realize what has happened here at home.
steven | 04.27.06 06:12 PM
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So every once in a while I get this glorious, uplifting, inspirational feeling, like, hey, this ain't the only place on the face of the planet.
And maybe I should take a hint from the wingnut knuckle-draggers and get myself elsewhere, and watch from a safe distance while the American empire collapses into a morrass of ultra-right wing Christian, repug horror.
So my question is: where can a somewhat left-leaning American go when it's finally just become all too much?
Suggestions? (Good lord, I think I might finally be serious.)
integral | 04.27.06 06:16 PM
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Imagine if (and if you're as cynical as me, when) it gets even worse. Imagine you own a business, and as a service to your customers you provide a television for them to watch programming, and irate customers storm your doors and vow never to return because of something as trivial as a television channel. What's next? Enforcing a ban on FNC in all privately-owned businesses? Perhaps you can request a restraining order, requring that all televisions within a 15 foot radius of your person have the channel changed.
Or maybe, when you operate a gas station or dentist's office, you can turn the radio to Air America and watch CNN on your television; and when others purchase a television for themselves, you can respect their freedom of choice to watch whatever pleases them.
I would conclude my post with a notice that I'm a Republican, but I wouldn't want to offend you by offering another view-point.
S S | 04.27.06 06:18 PM
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R Paul,
If this occurs again, do what I did at my dentist's office.
I took off my jacket and draped it over the front of the TV.
Of course, I was the only person in the waiting room, so it's not like I interfered with anyone else watching the TV. The receptionist didn't like it, but I told her she should be too busy doing her job to listen to the crap that FOX spits out (or words to that effect).
Neff | 04.27.06 06:24 PM
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Yeah, i worked at a bookstore where every television was tuned to FOX NEWS and i asked if we could change the channel as i thought it alienated alot of customers (college bookstore) I was told no.
Phil | 04.27.06 06:29 PM
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Anyone who has travelled in the past 10 years knows that CNN has a virtual lock on the TV screens in major airports -- at the gates that is. What I've noticed recently is that the TVs inside various foodcourt/retail areas (which I assume are controlled not by the airport but by the particular establishments) are tuned to Fox.
I find all those TVs insidious and try to sit as far away as possible, but thought I'd mention the recent (possibly imagined) trend.
Traveller | 04.27.06 06:47 PM
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I used to be shocked by the actions, and remarks of the leftists who we were all told supported free speech, yet continue to this day to wail over a few conservative programs being availiable to Americans today. When I hear them call for these programs to be shut down I now know what it must have felt like to live in the old Soviet Union.
The lesson learned from this is to never trust a liberal when they supposedly have your best interests at heart. They only want control over your life, they lie as well as any lawyer, and they do so like their political leaders. :o)
Danno, a Upbeat American | 04.28.06 03:07 AM
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You people need a life. Draping a coat over a TV screen because you disagree with it? That's crazy. I love how some of you are so high and mighty that you want to force others to abide by your will. News flash, in America we have freedom of speech. News flash, it's not being tolerant when you force your views on someone. News flash, FOX News and CNN aren't that different. Both are centrist. They may lean slightly one way or the other, but all news outlets are towards the center. People need to learn to tell the difference between opinion programming and news programming.
If you are so out of touch with America that you will refuse to go somewhere that shows FOX News, you are crazy. I have no problem watching FOX, CNN, MSNBC, the BBC, or network news. Nor am I so much better than everyone else that I would impose my will on people.
And honestly, FOX is the top rated cable TV network. Thus, it would make sense for it to be shown over other networks.
It's sad that we live in a country where people are so full of themselves that they have to act like little kids everytime they don't get their way. Would I ask for ESPN to be put on in waiting room if Fox Sports was showing instead? No, it's a waiting room. I won't be there long and I know others may enjoy what is on TV.
Some of you are from another planet.
Pat | 04.28.06 03:14 AM
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It amazes me how selective liberals are with the free speech they want to protect. Shutting down a news channel because they don't constantly spew anti-Bush rhetoric 24 hrs. a day? Come on!
God forbid there might be ONE news outlet that isn't in bed with the DNC.
Kyle | 04.28.06 04:49 AM
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I moved and went to a new dentist a couple of years ago. He had the TV on the ceiling so that patients could watch it while he worked. Yup, it was turned on to Fox. I asked if he could change the channel for me and he said "What are you, a Democrat or something?". I said "No, I just have a brain". Oops.
Never went there again.
Les | 04.28.06 04:51 AM
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Well...it isn't exactly like CNN is "left" either. I mean, this huge debate over fascist-hard-right, and solid-right is kinda amusing actually. There is NO left equivalent that I know of. Not truly.
Tom Joad | 04.28.06 05:11 AM
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Traveller--
you are mostly correct about CNNs monopoly in airports. In the Augusta, GA airport it is Fox News.
john d'oh | 04.28.06 06:27 AM
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In Cuba, writers who demand free political elections are placed in medieval cells and feed bread and sugar water 2x a day.
In America, lying liberals, some who claim to be retired military (Steven), are tortured by Fox News.
Rush Limbaugh said it right: "It must be terrible being a liberal, waking up every day in a seething rage and anger, filled with hatred and conspiracy theories, knowing you are smarter nd better than everybody else, but totally befuddled about why they are out of power and why America doesn't trust them."
Chris Hodges | 04.28.06 06:55 AM
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I've posted this elsewhere but its worth repeating. I routinely turn off TV's in doctor's waiting rooms, hospitals, and other places where I've been forced to sit with TV blaring. If there are other people I ask permission--sometimes they are eager for me to do it, especially in the evening or in an ER. Other times, if I'm alone with my ill ch ild I just get up on a chair and switch it off.
Recently my husband and I were in the airport (I hardly ever fly anywhere) and we were bombarded with tv from every corner. The information was so pathetically dire--miners dying, children kidnapped, terrorist actions, sick cats--that within a very short period of time we felt completely frantic. On reflection most of these issues were not national issues, or if theyw ere we were better informed about them than the anchors. It was a lesson in how the american people have become so demoralized intellectually and politically. If you are forced to watch a torrent of this defeatist, right wing, everyone is out to get you crap you end up believing it and turnign to the biggest tool you kind find to whack back at a frightening world.
aimai
aimai | 04.28.06 07:00 AM
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The previous respondents are all excellent examples on why I dumped all my liberal friends. Everyone is whining about why FOX is on all the TVs across the country - two reasons. The news they report is much more in depth and it isnt nearly as depressing as watching CNN. The incessant whinning by liberals about the dumbest things is about to make my ears bleed. For the love of FDR, couldnt you all just shut up for a couple of months?
One person laments leaving the country; stop the threats, and dont let the door hit you on the way out. Others are afraid of Christians. Frankly, I dont get it, they arent hurting anyone.
Scott | 04.28.06 07:54 AM
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So this makes CNN sound as though it's somehow more enlightened than Fox News. Faux News only sucks just a wee bit more than CNN. IMO they're both conservatoid mouth pieces and I NEVER go to either. On the other hand I consider the other corporate tv "News" not much better, NBC, ABC, CBS, they all spin the news and selectively present their own corporate approved news.
Anyone who gets all their news today from only the tv is a fool, I'd even add that anyone who gets their news from only tv and a newspaper is only slightly less a fool. It would explain the vehicles with "W" stickers still displayed on them though, and that 32% of the public that thinks dubya's doing a good job.:-)
What a nightmare to be in any waiting room and being forced to watch FAUX and/or CNN either. My own vision of Hell there.
rondea, ghost | 04.28.06 07:57 AM
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Aw, you mean the poor widdle diapered liberals aren't getting their way -- where they are guests, and have no right to even be there, much less get to do anything they like?
Poor widdle panty-waisted things!
rightwingprof | 04.28.06 08:06 AM
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FoxNews has "invaded" Sweden and is on TV8 several times a day. Why? World view dominion! Personally I don't find CNN more fair and balanced, or nuanced for that matter, in its covering and depiction of World affairs - a little less obvious and "comic" maybe. They're both in line with the propaganda model Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky outlined in 1988 in Manufacturing Consent.
S | 04.28.06 08:24 AM
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southerner | 04.28.06 08:28 AM
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SS-- perfect name for you. Of course you see nothing wrong with forcing people to watch propaganda. i don't give a damn what you watch, but it's hardly a 'service' to your customers to force them to watch something they find repugnant and disgusting.
How would you like it if you were forced to watch vile pornography? because that's what FNS represents to a lot of us.
Drindl | 04.28.06 09:01 AM
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"Who cares what the commies on the press plane want to watch? They can watch FOX News, like all real Americans, and like it or lump it. Effete crybabies.
WhiteOwl | 04.27.06 05:07 PM"
And what a "real american" looks to you WhiteOwl (emphasis on the white, correct?), finally who do you think you are to label people according to what they whatch?. You don't deserve to be called american my dear bigot in disguise.
real american this!!! | 04.28.06 09:40 AM
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Drindl, you really have a low threshold for what you consider obscene.
Jass | 04.28.06 11:08 AM
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Scott: you "dumped" all your liberal friends? I'm sure they're all crying bitterly, oh so bitterly, at the loss.
Rumblelizard | 04.28.06 11:12 AM
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My boss leaves his home TV on Fox News for his two dogs to watch all day while he is at work. They also like to crap on his floor and bite the mailman.
Tao | 04.28.06 11:53 AM
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It's sort amusing to see how angry Fox News makes leftists - "USA version of PRAVDA," "swill," "propaganda," "vile pornography."
All I can say is -- WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!!!
This is what non-leftists have been feeling for decades - Pew and other polls consistently find journalism tilts far to the left (which makes Chomsky's thesis pretty silly). And that's why Fox has a bigger audience than the other 3 cable news networks: there's finally a network that reports news the rest of the media edits out of existence.
TallDave | 04.28.06 12:13 PM
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Integral,
Try Canada or anyplace in Europe. Unfortunately, for you pro-socialism types, East Germany isn't around anymore and you'd probably starve in the "worker's paradise" that is North Korea. But of course from your perspective both of those would be preferable to the "facistic theocracy" of the US.
All the liberal whining about wanting to shut down FNC proves, once again, that liberals are to "tolerance" and "free speech" what Andrea Yates is to motherhood.
vastrightwingconspirator | 04.28.06 12:27 PM
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look at all three cable news networks. The conservatives must be about 80% Look at tonight on hardball all stars, three conservatives, Tucker, Rita and Joe. There are far right and center right stations on, none left. The biggest problem with Fox is that they sphew so much bs that is false, and you shoudl pay attention if you dont see it. I used to watch fox all the time until I realized how bent they were.
Patrick | 04.28.06 12:32 PM
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You right-wing mouth-breathers are a gas. Try not to overreact to people giving their personal opinions. Liberals like myself don't want to force anything on you, but I will certainly not have FAUX News anywhere in my sphere. Oops! There I go, forcing myself on you. HAHA.
Dale | 04.28.06 12:46 PM
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Fox news is undenaible highly right wing, I really feel sorry for USA
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Roger | 09.21.06 03:44 PM
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Adultwb | 11.16.06 07:19 PM
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Fox haters are also too young and inexperienced to recall how we suffered for years with Walter Conkrite, and CNN which owned the airwavesad infinitum - CNN has gotten smarter and not as "liberal and nothing but" news as it was clearly losing the media battle with Americans catching on. But does anyone out there know that news items and viewpoints are selectively totally chosen by Editors and has nothing to do with anyone else? They own all the news so look their for their favorite position and you will get bias. O'Reilly at Fox doesn't even make conservatives 100% pleases which testifies to his claim to be fair.
Former News Journalist who watches Fox and now Glenn Beck, a huge suprise as the best truth teller since TV was invented. Listen up America, or we will all pay from ignorance.
Joan Marshall | 04.01.07 12:15 PM
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Two blondes were going to Disneyland when they came to a fork in the road. The sign read: "Disneyland Left."
So they went home.
Momloocadral | 01.14.08 07:26 AM
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olesja | 02.03.08 12:32 PM
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olesja | 02.03.08 05:48 PM
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listik-28081 | 02.29.08 12:31 PM
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Oh blah blah blah. What a dumb interview. Who cares? CNN is the one that spews out s&&t making it sound as if the liberals are a gift from God to the USA. It is so unfair, why would anyone want to sport it in their store or office? At least Fox has a commentator for each side so we are able to hear an INFORMED conversation. It is such a good idea that now CNN is trying to copy it. It is a poor attempt at best. Some people believe everything they hear from the media. Ignorance is bliss.
SS | 09.27.08 05:48 PM
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