The American Spectator

Dan H| 8.31.10 @ 3:59PM

Beck a Tea Party hero? Why this makes no sense! If you want to see the America that Beck is urging to take back the country by embracing christianity, you need only read his followers’ comments on this site http://wp.me/pNmlT-mI which is critical of Beck. They are completely blind to facts presented to them if they are contrary to their beliefs. It is scary to see the hold he has over them despite him offering so little substance or truth. Worse, many are Tea Partiers who are supposed to worship the Constitution, yet they have no problem with Beck preaching religion as a prerequisite for governing while the Founding Fathers tried to establish a permanent separation of church and state.

tonypal| 8.31.10 @ 8:56PM

I know you might be confused by this question, but where exactly is it written that there shall be a separation of church and state? Don't bother with the Constitution, because you won't find it there. The Declaration of Independence? Nah. How about the federalist papers? Sorry.

You will find it in a Supreme Court decision from 1947, the Everson case, which dealt with the use of public transportation (school buses) for sectarian schools. Justice Hugo Black, an avowed racist by the way, upheld the New Jersey law but added on in the last paragraph a throwaway line about separation of church and state.

Of course there Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists. So I will defend my position , that there is no wall of separation, using the founding documents. You get to use a single line in a letter written before the US Constitution was ratified and a meaningless line written by the sick mind of Hugo Black. I don't know about anyone else here, but I think my position is stronger than yours. But I'm sure you're right.

texag57| 9.1.10 @ 12:31PM

You are exactly right, tonypal. Coingress is forbidden from establishing a national church. The so call "wall" is to prevent Congress from messing with the Church. This whole business of preventing prayer in school, or at sports events, graduations, etc. is totally bogus. Those that do not wish to pray, do not have to. If they do not wish to hear the prayer, they can stop up their ears or leave.

CantGetRight| 9.1.10 @ 6:01PM

Who's God would people be praying to? The principals, teachers, Becks? Schools are for learning not indoctrinating our children into your religion. You want religion in your school pay for your kids to go to a private school.

tonypal| 9.1.10 @ 8:26PM

First off, no one is saying that schools are for prayer. How about a moment before the day begins for prayer, quiet reflection, homage to Obama, or whatever else you want to do. Do you have an issue with that, because that's all we want. It interferes with no one and makes no normal person uncomfortable. No one wants any particular religion pushed in school. That's a fantasy concocted by leftist clowns to scare even bigger clowns.

Now let's make sure I understand. Schools are for learning, right? Just wanted to make sure I understood you.

So now that we agree that schools are for learning and that no one should be subjected to the personal views of others, let's see what other things we might consider banning from public schools. Let's start with sex education, which many people object to on a variety of grounds. It's hard to see how telling a child to use a condom advances their intellectual development. How about environmentalism? As I'm sure you're aware, a clear majority of people disagree with the concept of man-made global warming, which has become a quasi-religion unto itself. Throw in the fact that you likely regress intellectually when forced to watch an Inconvenient Truth and it becomes clear that there should be severe punishment for even mentioning anything to do with the environment.

What about teaching children tolerance? What the hell does that have to do with math, science, reading, etc.? You see, when you establish a standard, you need to apply it across the board. Since we all know that liberals are obsessed with pointing out hypocrisy, I'm going to take a leap of faith (I can say that here, we're not in school) and welcome you to our side of the debate. No more indoctrination in public schools.

Alan Brooks| 9.1.10 @ 4:34PM

"but where exactly is it written that there shall be a separation of church and state"

You are correct, but Beck's brand is Bad Religion.

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 6:15PM

It's "freedom OF religion"--not freedom FROM religion.

ClericalGal| 8.31.10 @ 4:19PM

Could it be that the author of the Mediaite post, Steve Krakauer, noticed himself that Hannity didn't mention the Beck rally? In the Mediaite post Krakaurer mentions that Sarah Palin was on two segments of the Hannity show without Sean mentioning the rally. Since Palin was one of the main speakers, that would strike one as odd, don't you think? If anyone is trying to cause trouble between Beck and Hannity, I believe it's you, Mr. Lord.

Dee| 8.31.10 @ 4:22PM

I take what I can from both Beck and Hannity, but they are not without flaws. The thing to know is that Hannity is loyal to Mark Levin who detests Beck. People noticed that Hannity did not mention the event on the mall at all on his three hour radio show yesterday. He had wrapped up his Freedom concert month and mentioned that frequently for the three hours of his radio show. It seemed surreal that he didn't at least mention that conservatives gathered in record numbers on the mall. That night Levin praised the work Hannity did on the concerts in a way that seemed to be a dig at publicity seeking Beck. Levin's great remarks on the necessity of the tea party movement to be politically active seemed to be a little push back to Beck's idea that his gathering was beyond politics. The Levin/Hannity problem with Beck is nothing new to those who have listened to Levin's rants on Beck over the past year and then Hannity's refusal to use Beck's name when talking about conservative media. Guys, can't we all just get along until November 2010 and 2012...Please!

Jocon307| 8.31.10 @ 8:12PM

" Levin's great remarks on the necessity of the tea party movement to be politically active seemed to be a little push back to Beck's idea that his gathering was beyond politics. "

Yes, yes, I thought this too.

But it sure a heck was a great rant! Levin has never been better than he was for his show opening last night.

So, maybe competition is good.

And I agree with you.

No enemies to the right, not right now anyway.

Mussbu| 9.1.10 @ 4:20PM

My family bugs the s__t out of me. My brother drinks too much, my sisters talk too much and do too little. Heck, even my dog gets in the way and I had a bad tumble recently. I'm no peach myself. But when I asked my mom how she puts up with all of us, she'd say "I love you all".

Please good folks, get off yourselves! :) Remember November.

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 10:12PM

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

brad| 8.31.10 @ 4:34PM

Jeff, either you have knowledge that the Mediaite source was a Beck staffer, or, you’re drawing an unwarranted conclusion, in which case, you owe an apology—to your readers, for sensational and trite blogging. Seriously.

Jeffrey Lord| 8.31.10 @ 6:18PM

Brad...

Right the first time. Or I would never have blogged.

brad| 9.1.10 @ 10:02AM

Thanks for the clarification, Jeff. The post just seemed uncommitted and speculative ..."But Scott, if there's some idiot of an underling out there trying to score points with you or the Boss by doing this..."

While I agree that that kind of sniping doesn't help anything, I think Hannity could have taken a few seconds from chucking the football around the studio and simply acknowledged--no need to applaud or even glorify--a public conservative expression of the nature of the Beck rally. I think he's done himself a disservice by withholding "any" sort of comment.

Grzmlyk| 8.31.10 @ 4:40PM

I'm a fan of neither man. I think what Beck is doing in educating people about history is admirable, and I see nothing wrong with his rally or his wanting to restore America, or his message that we must re-inculcate Judeo-Christian values into the body politic (we may as well "dance with them what brung us," as they say, and Judeo-Christian values are the concrete foundation of this country).

Hannity, to my knowledge, as always ignored Beck. Never once has Beck's name crossed Hannity's lips, and I think it is because he's jealous.

Hannity is workman-like, a rather stolid, unintellectually agile Reagan conservative. I'm glad he espouses conservative values, but I find him hard to take; for me, he doesn't wear well at all. He has a hard time closing his mouth; he filibusters his own guests nonstop.

I think once Fox gave him his own show, he felt he was Fox's rising star - and then Beck stole his thunder completely.

If Hannity is the stolid journeyman, Beck is the class clown, always pleading, pleading, pleading for attention. I've never seen a public figure so flaboyantly hunger for MORE! MORE! MORE! I do not care for his constant shouting and wild gesticulating and puerile props.

Again, I think he's peforming a valuable service for conservatism, but I do think he has a messianic complex and there is something that gives me the willies about him.

Again, both men are advancing conservative values, and I think that's all to the good, so don't skewer me too much, fellow Amspec regulars. But a little of both men goes a very long way, in my book.

What can I say? I miss William F. Buckley.

Ken (OLd Texican)| 8.31.10 @ 4:51PM

GRZ,
Speaking of which, I'm sorta' on Rush withdrawal this week. (grin)

I so look forward to his opening monologues.
Hilarious...just before they punch you in the gut so often.
I like to tune in and hear "OK what is he going to be raising hell about today." heh

Grzmlyk| 8.31.10 @ 5:03PM

Yes, Ken, I must confess even Rush gets on my nerves; the shtick gets OLD.

But his analysis is without peer. He understands the game of politics better than anyone, and I think he shows genuine courage on a regular basis.

Not that I don't tune Hannity and Beck in now and then - I just wish we had more palatable conservative voice. I tire of Beck's screaming and Hannity's "everybody talk at the same time" method of hosting.

As for Rush's subs, I think Mark Belling and Mark Steyn are excellent. I also like Roger Hedgecock, who used to sit in for Rush.

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 8:48AM

He chose a good week to take off! Nobody ever questioned Rush's political instincts. He isn't boring and he has the saving grace of humor!

ncatty| 8.31.10 @ 5:09PM

I agree with you Grzmlyk. The Tea Party is a genuine grass roots movement. I don't want to see it identified with a media celebrity. As for political leaders, this is not a presidential year so we don't need that type of leader yet either.

Obama's Anus| 8.31.10 @ 5:10PM

Please- Beck is an oaf. Taking credit for books he doesn't write, refusing to promote the cause by actually backing candidates we need to win - but he does promote himself well. Look, religion won't bring us Liberty from Tyranny. Liberty will allow us to defeat the tyranny of the leftist agenda including our right to practice our religions. beck is far too consumer with his messiah complex. The Tea Parties came to be because the was no leader - not because of a leader. Now he wants to step in and be ordained as the leader - while getting rich? Please- Beck is a shallow thinker with messiah aspirations.

ClericalGal| 8.31.10 @ 5:28PM

Spoken like a true Mark Levin fan. Look, I agree with everything Levin says, but when he started bashing Beck he lost me. I haven't listened to him in over a year. Beck has his own approach to conservative values, and Levin has his. They are both essentially working for the same outcome, but for some reason Levin can't give Beck any credit. Also, Beck is constantly take one for the team. Frankly, I don't know how he can stand the constant vitriol thrown at him, his family and his faith. I admire him for standing firm. I wish Mark Levin could.

Mimi| 8.31.10 @ 7:40PM

Clerical Gal...Sorry you gave up on Mark Levin. He did, long ago, remark in a negative way about Glenn but hasn't in over a year. He was very, very positive about the Aug 28 rally, im pressed and like all of us wonderfully encouraged. Give him a listen again...The RED_MEAT is the best on the air. We the American People gotta love all these guys. I'm so grateful to all of them for "THEIR WORKS" for keeping us informed. They all deserve a huge THANK--YOU from AMERICA. God Go With them ALL!!

ClericalGal| 8.31.10 @ 9:10PM

Maybe I will give Levin another shot. Like I said before, Beck, Levin and Hannity are all for the same results, they just have different approaches. Thanks for your advice.

Badnewzbearz| 9.1.10 @ 7:23AM

Mark Levin DID NOT bash Beck and thinks the rally was a great thing, but in his monologue Monday night he stressed that we can't leave the "political" playing field to the statists - and that we can't separate our faith from our political activism. I agree with Levin. I think the Beck rally was wonderful, but I still would have been tempted to go around and make sure everyone was registered to vote.

As for Sean, I don't think there's jealousy. I think Sean agrees with Mark's brand of activism, and I don't think Sean felt obligated to talk about Beck's rally since O'Reilly did his entire show on it.

Raving Rabbi| 9.1.10 @ 3:59PM

Hey, I can handle everyone but Savage (or in Levin-speak, "Weiner", who I can only listen to in 5-minute increments.
Beck is worth listening to for his phenomenal research, as he's uncovered stuff on Van Jones, SEIU, Acorn, Soros, etc. that nobody else had a clue about. His analysis: Often poor, 2 + 2 sometimes ends up as 37. Levin is hilarious, and amazing on the Constitution & Reagan. Hannity is somewhat too partisan for my tastes (the conservative is always right, the lib always wrong), but it's great to hear him debate and tick off example after example to buttress his point. And El Rushbo? He's the King, the one who says what we're thinking better than we would have, and tweaks the libs in the process, which is what sends a thrill up MY leg.
So, until Son of Fairness Doctrine & Net Neutrality clean our minds for us, let's enjoy them all, Clerical Gal!

Tim*| 8.31.10 @ 5:11PM

We Tea Party Rebels have appreciated Beck , Hannity , Limbaugh and any other Free Market Media Dude or Dudess ,who helped to Open A Can of Whup Ass on The Liberals and RINO-CINO's .

The Post Labor Day Ramp Up is almost here .

Walk Your Talk .

Jocon307| 8.31.10 @ 8:16PM

"Walk Your Talk ."

Mega dittos!

Please folks, please, get involved.

WORK, WORK, WORK!

Steven L. Greene| 8.31.10 @ 7:11PM

I watch Hannity after scanning the other channels and finding nothing else to watch. I know he has done so much for our fighting men and I applaud him. I have faithfully watched Beck every night for the last year. Even DVR(ing) him on evenings that I was away from home. Not every show has been a winner but I feel that I learn things from Beck where if you've seen one Hannity show you've seen them all. I do admit that I've become tired of Beck's crying but he did say himself that he cries at commercials! I did listen to Hannitys radio show to hear his comments on Beck's rally and after listening for three hours and not one mention of it I was sure that Fox must have a fight going on behind the scenes. I don't know which of the two is the arrogant S.O.B. or maybe both but I don't like it and I think that Fox should nip it in the bud, even if it means someone getting their show aired at 2:00 AM.

Texas Mom| 9.1.10 @ 2:16PM

DO NOT MESS WITH RED EYE! I DVR them for the humor and some analysis. I emailed them this morning that the Prez had pre-empted them last night and we should impeach! (and yes it was a joke!)

Blackwatch| 9.2.10 @ 12:31AM

Love the Greg-o-log!

Kenneth E. MacAlister Jr.| 8.31.10 @ 8:08PM

Why is this childish b.s., true or not even being discussed? Who cares, really? Is the conservative movement competing with the loony left in the egomania dept. now? This is defintely THE most useless column I've ever read at The American Spectator.

amamia| 8.31.10 @ 9:51PM

I agree that is it childish. But so-called news media like MSNBC is still harping on it.
From the wrong point of view as usual. i don't think conservatives are trying to compete with the left. They're simply trying to live by their values and are under constant attack for it.
But I guess that's the way it goes.....

Tim*| 8.31.10 @ 8:17PM

We are in a Media War with The Mainstream Media Liberal Propagandists.
A little conservative competition for audience can help the conservative agenda .

T. Bailey| 8.31.10 @ 8:43PM

I sent Hannity an email saying I thought he was ungracious to Beck. I have heard Hannity criticize Beck on Mark Levin's program; and it sounds small, petty, sophmoric, and jealous. I stopped watching Hannity because he is more interested in his opinion than his guest who he badgers and interrupts if their opinion conflicts with his. Last night, a caller tried to trash Beck to Levin who stopped him and said he thought the rally was great. I previously heard Beck commend Levin's book. Beck is always gracious.

Far Enough| 8.31.10 @ 9:19PM

Beck is great but I take issue with him on two things. First, watching his show where he laid out Black Liberation Theology, he made the comment that BLO hijacked Christianity's message just like the terrorists have hijacked islam's message. So from Glenn, I would like to know just what that message is?

Secondly, while he has done an outstanding job of educating folks on history, he is curiously not so curious when it comes to US History, 1860-1880. He simply pushes the Lincoln Myth. He refuses to explore any truth about Lincoln other than the tired "he freed the slaves and restored the union" garbage. Progressivism started with Lincoln. This man did more to trash the Constitution than Wilson or FDR or TR or Obama. Would love to see Beck invite Thomas DiLorenzo on the show to have a chat about The Real Lincoln. In fact, I could not compromise my principles and attend the rally because it was at this American Tyrant's memorial. That you would rally to restore freedom in America at the statue of a man who did more to squash it than anyone is the definition of irony.

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 9:10AM

Too far, Far Enough!

Cheap shot!

Lincoln was president during a war that was the biggest crisis in our nation's history. He was a real Commander in Chief and he did what was necessary to win the war and preserve the Republic!

Raving Rabbi| 9.1.10 @ 4:26PM

Gee, how do I break this up by saying you're both right?
Lincoln did suspend some civil liberties to hold the Union together, which is worthy of serious debate.
I also remember reading a speech Lincoln gave while campaigning down South how the government has no right to take away a man's property, so he'd never fight or abolish slavery.
I'm also uncomfortable with the Lincoln / Ann Rutledge saga.
But having said that, Lincoln was clearly a Great Man, and to my mind, a great president. (No, I don't think he could've put his enemies in jail nowadays, or would've if a certain amount of "Martial Law" wasn't needed to keep the US from ripping in half.)

Far Enough| 9.1.10 @ 6:27PM

So exposing the Truth aboutLincoln is a cheap shot? All I'm saying is Beck seems to be a big proponent of the real history of this country, so. ignoring 1860 - 1880 and the ramifications it caused defeats his purpose, if you ask me.

Is it a cheap shot to recommend he have Thomas DiLorenzo on his show to debate the Lincoln Myth?

Conservatives all over the country are trying to restore the 10A. We wouldn't have to if it weren't for Lincoln. That he chose to rally there is still the definition of irony.

Lincoln was no "great man." Great politician, but hten again when you jail folks who disagree with you or shut down opposing newspapers or exile Congressmen who rebut you how hard is it not to be "great?"

So you excuse his use of total war against civilians to "keep the union together?" The things we'll excuse simply because he had an "R" next to his name. Would you be so willing to excuse it if Lincoln had been a Democrat? Seriously, or is that a "cheap shot?"

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 9:59PM

Of course it is a cheap shot. You don't like Lincoln. A rally is held at his memorial. You come along beating your one idea like a drum. The rally should have been held elsewhere because it reminds people of Lincoln who was the most dangerous man in America's history.

Good thing it wasn't held at Mount Rushmore! Think of all the revisionists who could have joined you!

SC Mike| 8.31.10 @ 9:40PM

The sniping is irksome and I hope it does not fester.

Look at the bright side: we on the right have more articulate, principled, consistent, and earnest spokespersons than we know what to do with!

Now we just gotta find a peacepipe...

amamia| 8.31.10 @ 9:43PM

It seems like every underhanded move the left can so desperately come up with at the moment is going to be hurled at any conservative. It's unfortunate that Sean is under attack.
But notice the key word (Desperate!)
That's what they all are.
Personally, I find it all pretty pathetic, although somewhat humourus that they're making such a whinning show of it. I hope more reasonable Americans will wake up to their pettiness and see the truth for what it is, rather than buying into all of their lies.

Spicy Joker| 8.31.10 @ 10:21PM

Beck is O'Reilly's protege - and just as big a poser. While people are quick to label Beck a conservative, recall that he said he would've voted for Hillary Clinton for President had she been the Democratic nominee.

Levin, a true philosophical conservative and student of American history, detests O'Reilly and Beck. Like another poster said above, Hannity dislikes Beck, probably because the former is friends with Levin. It's also noteworthy that Hannity has also never mentioned O'Reilly's name on any of his programs. Hannity is Rush's protege, and Rush dislikes O'Reilly, who frequently picked fights with him in his pathetic attempts to position himself as an "independent."

Badnewzbearz| 9.1.10 @ 7:30AM

Sean and O'Reilly had a falling out back when TARP was being debated. O'Reilly supported TARP and was on the radio at the time. He accused conservative talkers of lying to the public about it. Mark Levin called O'Reilly out for that, and from that point, O'Reilly quit doing a lead-in for Sean's TV show.

SoCon| 8.31.10 @ 10:53PM

Beck is a strident foe of Progressives, regardless of political party; I admire his willingness to stick to his principles.
Sean Hannity is a little repetitive (agh!) sometimes but he is a staunch defender of Conservatism and I admire him for his courage and tenacity.

We need both of these good men: I hope they see the bigger picture and put their differences aside.

Please, there's so much at stake!

Claudia Morris| 9.1.10 @ 12:20AM

A person can now begin at 6 a.m. EDT with Bill Bennett's radio show and go well into late night (Rusty Humphries on WDBO from 1-4 a.m.) and hear and astounding numbers of different takes on issues. Each personality brings something to the tables for conservatives. Sometimes I find Dr. Bennett a bit uppity, but he has fantastic guests and discussions with them. Glenn Beck can be hilarious on the radio, but I prefer to listen to Laura Ingraham and watch Glenn on Fox at 5 p.m. There's no missing Rush but even he can get on subjects I'm not interested in listening to all afternoon. I recently discovered that I can listen to Jerry Doyle online after Rush's show. He describes himself as an independent conservative. He can be an curmudgeon sometimes, but as a former stockbroker, an actor and pilot, he has an interesting slant on things. Let's not forget Michael Savage! There's no hold barred and he gives it to everyone else on talk radio. He gets overlooked and he's under appreciated in my opinion. At 9 p.m. I can get online and listen to the John Batchelor show which is very good. Lastly, there's Rusty Humphries who's good, too.
My point is no one has to listen to just one, two or three personalities! Conservative commentators and radio programs are readily available online. I listen to Rush on my hometown station so I can here the local news.
We do not need to be back-biting people in our camp! God has given all us unique talents, and that applies to talk show hosts, too!

Ryan| 9.1.10 @ 8:29AM

And, if you need to stay awake for a midnight drive...

Coast to Coast AM, baby!

Actually, I think Bennet is PERFECT for the morning drive. He doesn't get into fights with lefties, has a VERY pleasant and gentlemanly demeanor, and the best guests (particularly the 730-8am EST period when I'm heading to work). I don't know that I find him much "uppity" at all.

New Wave Dave| 9.1.10 @ 12:26AM

The Big Four are Rush, Beck, Hannity, and Levin. They are the carriers of the Conservative Movement in the media. Even Weiner Nation (Savage) deserves some credit. Go Tea Party! November is coming.

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 9:22AM

Even Savage had good words for the rally. But he did grumble about Beck's ( and the rest of the conservative media doyens) lack of support for his effort to get off Britain's blacklist of him. Seems he recognizes correctly that they all have some freedom of speech issues they don't want to address.

I don't know why that should bother him! He should wear it like a badge of honor!

Texas Mom| 9.1.10 @ 2:19PM

Laura Ingraham!

Nate| 9.1.10 @ 12:49AM

Wow.

Is all you guys do is watch Fox News?

You all need to get out more. At least go to a library every once in a while and read a BOOK.

(A book is a bound collection of pieces of paper on which things are WRITTEN for you to read. Your nearby tax funded public library has hundreds if not thousands of books and ANYONE can check them out for a certain period of time. No competition involved, and it works great! You have to share the wealth that is being redistributed with your fellow citizens, but it works out well for everyone!!!!)

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 4:50AM

Two words for you, Nate the troll: REMEMBER NOVEMBER!

November 2, 2010.
Save the date--we have.

Ryan| 9.1.10 @ 8:31AM

All you do is read books?

Maybe get out once in a while. There's air and real people out there, where life has practical application - not just theory.

BTW, I'm an avid reader, and hardly watch any TV. I pretty much just listen to the radio when driving or working on something in my garage.

Jeffrey Lord| 9.1.10 @ 10:13AM

Nate...

Read books? Have you not watched the Beck show where he talks regularly about books and has the authors on to discuss? Have you not read Levin? Adam Smith? Burke? Locke? Hannity? Coulter? Malkin? Get with program! Put down that remote! At least until 5pm! When you can learn from authors on Beck!

DRed| 9.1.10 @ 4:00PM

Locke? Hannity? hahahahaha. Oh, come now, Mr. Lord. You should have quit while you were ahead.

It's difficult to take Glenn seriously when he keeps trotting out David Barton, who is nothing but a hack. But I do admire him for at least attempting to cultivate an interest in history in his viewers.

Right wing psychopath| 9.1.10 @ 11:38AM

We are just big talkers, who sponge off our annuities and Grandaddys inheritance.
If we can hurry up and get our parents to croak, then we get another windfall. Why do you think we invented the "death tax lies?"
But do not worry, we are just gutless, never worked a day in our lives, wannabe aritocrats.
With all our ildeness, we dream of being Noblemen of yore, and little Princesses for the slut set.
Nate, if you scare us, we armchair warriors will show you our backside, because we run fast.

Ryan| 9.1.10 @ 1:42PM

Except for those of us who are but two generations removed from abject poverty, whose grandparents were born and worked hard for all they had and died without much; whose parents used every opportunity they had and aren't cutting us a check for anything anymore, just the ideals that with some diligent work and good ideas we can make something of ourselves as well...

Mimi| 9.1.10 @ 1:35PM

Heh Nate...I don't know about every-one else...But I'll admit to being a talk radio JUNKIE!!!
But..I got off my butt, called the Board of Elections and asked for 2 cases of REGISTRATION forms. they would only send me 100 Forms. I was so darn proud of myself delivering those forms to eager young, just moved, and never voted before people.
I'm gonna get 100 more to get out 25 days(NY)by the 2nd of November.

Texas Mom| 9.1.10 @ 2:20PM

Mimi - you are a patriot!

jkmcgowan| 9.1.10 @ 5:49AM

I think Glenn Beck is a refreshing voice on the right. How much have Rush, Sean and Mark influenced America? We have had 8 years of Clinton (left), 8 years of Bush (moderate) and over a year of Obama (far left). Are the old voices on the right becoming the "elite" as we accuse the left leaning media?

Ryan| 9.1.10 @ 8:33AM

I would daresay that you could put Clinton (center-left) in there almost because of Rush - without him, we may not have had 1994.

I would daresay that pols would have been FARTHER left if it weren't for talk radio.

Cris Worth| 9.1.10 @ 5:59AM

There's no split...both want Romney in the White House.

Frank Provasek| 9.1.10 @ 8:03AM

I don't like the way Hannity talks over his guests and promotes partisan politics, but as a Catholic I cannot see how another Catholic like Hannity could in any way support a Mormon like Beck, who believes God was once a man, and we can all become gods though good works , Jesus and Satan were brothers, the Garden of Eden was in Missouri, and that Mormon church founder Joesph Smith found the "Book of Mormon" on golden tablets supposedly written 570 BC, but just happened to copy long passages word for word, including spelling variants, of 1611 King James Version. These inconvenient facts should alarm Beck's Christian followers, and Hannity is correct in not promoting this false teacher.

New Wave Dave| 9.1.10 @ 11:47AM

As a Mormon you have about 1/2 of our beliefs right. But that aside, I don't think that this is a Catholic vs. Mormon thing. I think this is a right vs. wrong thing. This is about saving America. Where has Hannity for the record codemned Beck because he is a Mormon or Beck gone after Hannity because he is Catholic? I listen to both and I have not heard it. I respect both men. I don't always think it is about religion. I guarantee you that if Beck were to run against Obama, Hannity, Levin, Rush and Weiner Nation would be backing him. Even Jerry Doyle would be on board! So get off the religious high horse. Do some research on Mormonism before you go spouting off as an expert, when I as a practicing Mormon, actually might be a better source for religious information. I just had to get the latter off my chest.

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 5:01PM

I agree that it's right vs. wrong thing; we have much in common. I choose to focus on the positive.

Thomas| 9.1.10 @ 10:09AM

All of the personalities in the news/commentary business are... in business. Hannity is in competition with with e3very other commentator on Fox, as well as every other commentator in the news business. And it is all based upon viewership. At the moment, Hannity's main competition, at Fox, is Beck.

Look at the numbers of the top 5 shows on fox:
O'REILLY 3,977,000
HANNITY 2,645,000
BECK 2,600,000
BAIER 2,097,000
SHEP 1,858,000
GRETA 1,856,000

Hannity leads Beck by less than 50,000 viewers. But, Hannity is in prime time and has O'Reilly and his nearly 4 million viewers as a lead-in. Beck is in the afternoon and has no marquee lead-in, only Shepard Smith, who, though he brings a respectable 1.85 million viewers, doesn't provide the kind of potential hold-over viewership that O'Reilly provides. If I were a network executive, I would seriously ask myself, if Beck can hold over 2 and a half million viewers in his current time slot, what could he do in Hannity's time slot, with a 4 million viewer lead-in show like O'Reilly? If I were Hannity, thoughts like that would make me nervous.

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 4:02PM

Beck is in a time slot that competes with local news which makes his numbers even more remarkable!

Michael L. Hauschild| 9.1.10 @ 10:24AM

Now I can only speak for myself (while many of the rest here, either author or blog responders) seem to be willing to speak with insight as to what others think. I believe that rally would have drawn the same crowds if Hannity, O’Rielly, Limbaugh, or Palin by herself would have been the keynote speaker.
It seems I woke this morning to find some of contributing staff of AS accidently consumed some of that preverbal “kool aid” the liberals are addicted too. Ask Specter, Murkowski, or Bennett as to what factor or group contributed to their defeat; the only accurate descriptive you will find in their response is “disgruntled.”
At least we are making progress, within the last several years the context of discussion has evolved from lamenting the bias of the MSM (now completely ignored) to denigrating the pundits at Fox News for espousing their particular thematic interpretation of patriotism, culture, or religious doctrine.

George S| 9.1.10 @ 10:28AM

I knew it wouldn't take long before these divas couldn't let their egos get past taking credit for the political awakening against Obama -- it was as plain as day a couple of years ago when everyone was claiming credit for the immigration amnesty bill smack-down. If I hear " I was the first to say..." one more time, I'll puke.

rrebell| 9.1.10 @ 10:53AM

I admire Rush, Hannity, Beck, Levin, and even like Savage. They are all good for the cause. If some dislike the other for any reason, so what ,they are human beings with all the faults of human beings. They all are fulfilling a little bit different tasks towards the same goal. There are many others especially on the non-syndicated field who are doing the same.

Spicy Joker| 9.1.10 @ 12:40PM

"Savage," a.k.a. Weiner Nation, is a pathetic creep who attacks Rush, Hannity, and everyone else because he can't match their success and influence. Savage belongs in a freak show, not a talk show.

Bob K.| 9.1.10 @ 4:07PM

Call him up and tell him so! Let us know when you do it so we can tune in. It will be entertaining to hear him eviscerate you!

Raving Rabbi| 9.2.10 @ 5:07PM

Bob, Do you think Spicy J is a Red Diaper Doper Baby?

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 1:24PM

Why attack each other when the Democrat party is such a target-rich environment?

I refuse to grab defeat from the jaws of victory this time.

New Wave Dave| 9.1.10 @ 1:42PM

I agree. I just like the name that Levin coins for him because it sounds cool. Weiner Nation just sounds good. Savage should adopt it. That said I agree. We can't afford to attack each other at this time. We have to focus on America and taking back our govenrment so we can bicker.

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 4:52PM

Right! Save the bickering for "AFTER" we take back our country. lol

JP| 9.1.10 @ 1:33PM

Let's face it, this recession has been very very profitable for Beck. He went from a second tier radio personality to a big hit on Fox News in a matter of months. I will give him credit, however. He read the mood of this nation and conservatives better than most. And I think he actually means what he says. The problem is, I don't think he fully understands what he preaches. He is like so many Born Again Christians I've met over my lifetime. They are so on-fire for the Lord and His Word that they sometimes go overboard and say things they don't mean. Beck only recently discovered our Founders (he openly admits this). And he only recently discovered what until recent decades every 10th grader knew -that the religious aspect of our nation's citizenery was just as important as the Constitution. All Beck is trying to do is inject that knowledge back into our body politic. Good for him.

But it is his silly conspiracies that turn many people off. He either overstates the obvious (Big Business conspires with Big Goverment), or he goes off the deep end. At times, I think he is manic.

I haven't watched or listened to him in over a year. I don't watch Fox News (cannot stand the shout fests that it features. I stoppped watching it about the time we went into Iraq).

Glenn Beck should enjoy his fame while it lasts. He is too unstable to make a long term run of it.

Texas Mom| 9.1.10 @ 2:28PM

I was following Beck when he was at CNN Headline news. He was great over there (loved the duct tape emergency box) and couldn't wait til he was unleased on Fox. I think he may be over the top sometimes but it is balanced by some really good research. I value self-education and Beck is a self-educated man who continues to read and talk with experts. I am glad that I have the opportunity to learn along with his audience. Although I wasn't too happy when he pulled Pat Gray from Houston for his radio program...

JP| 9.1.10 @ 3:21PM

When I did listen to Beck, I thought he was at his best when he and Pat Gray trade jabs. Glenn Beck does have a great sense of humour that unfortunately gets hidden behind all of the other stuff.

Samwise| 9.1.10 @ 3:55PM

I admire Glenn Beck's love of his country and I watched the rally just to make sure I would see and hear for myself what happened when mainstream media would trash it -as did al Sharpton. There are things with Beck that I disagree about - but I believe he tries to be honest about things...he gave a story about the first Indians though that I checked out and it was completely false. A mistake perhaps. I also like Hannity except for the fact that he is devastatingly repetitive...he makes the same comments over and over and over again about Obama - enough already! O'Reilly can be arrogant and each of these men has a huge ego...but that's what it takes to be in the public spotlight I guess. But, each of these men does wonderful things for others...especially for our military men and women and when I find myself just wanting to shut them out, I remember the good they do and hang in there. O'Reilly, I think, would give his life to protect children. Three huge egoes...would naturally clash but I hope that when elections come, they will stand together for our country and traditional values.

SoCon| 9.1.10 @ 4:57PM

Good post. Thank you.

No one's perfect.

We're going to have to stick together if we want to save our country; the Progressives won't give up their considerable power easily. I think we have a real tough road ahead.

Savage is the best Rabbi ever| 9.1.10 @ 5:45PM

The Rabid rabbi does not like savage, because savage is not an orthodox welfare bum like the Rabbi.
The Jewish Orthodox cult do noy have to serve in the IDF, but get the benefit of their protection. All the while, the Kahanneh Rabbi who was murdered by the his semitic cousins provoked them.
Just like the Orthodox "settlers" who are squatters, create headaches for the IDF to clean up, but do not have to serve.
Nice gig, if you can get it.

Raving Rabbi| 9.2.10 @ 5:47PM

Wow, you're not only a Savage fan, you use his "Logic of Free Association" as your thought process!
First, for the record: Yes, I'm Orthodox. No, I'm not on any public or private dole, I work 40+ hours a week. Even at the height of my studies, the only government help was student loans, since repaid in full, with interest.
The Orthodox have the same requirements to serve in the Israeli Army as everyone else. The settlers are Nationalist Religious, and ALWAYS serve in the army. The IDF considers them the "first line of defense" against attack, they were only a 'problem' when Sharon thought that conceding Gaza would lead to a final peace, and the settlers strongly disagreed. Five years later, hindsight says Sharon was mistaken, the settlers were more correct.
Non-Zionist Orthodox (Chareidim, primarily of the Yeshiva community) also have expectations of doing army duty, but like those in Master's Programs, don't need to serve until they finish their Rabbinical studies. (Just as attending Divinity School was an exemption in the US when there was a draft.) After their studies are over, they go to the army or reserves, depending on their age.
The youth of the anti-Zionist Chareidim (primarily belonging to 'Yishuvnickes' who pre-dated Zionists' arrival in Palestine and many Chassidic) are conscientious objectors, and cannot get jobs in the mainstream economy due to lack of army service. This "nice gig" causes that whole community in the heart of Jerusalem to live in abject poverty, which they accept with equanimity.
The objection to Kahane was his provocativeness, asking the Arabs to move out of Israel. The Orthodox work to avoid provocation whenever possible. However, his warning that at some point, considering Arab birth rates, the country would have to decide between being Jewish or Democratic was not objected to by the Orthodox.

EQV| 9.1.10 @ 6:49PM

JL, I am disappointed in you.

What sense does it make for a Beck staffer to trash Hannity to - of all media outlets - Mediaite?

After getting so much positive national attention from the Restore Honor rally, even grudgingly from the State Media - he would turn around & attack Hannity in order to position himself for a 9 pm slot? Really?

No - this is Mediaite/Think Progress orchestrating a feud - creating a circular firing squad for conservatives at Fox. Cause dissent among conservatives - divide & conquer - that's their strategy.

Now, I've thought for a while that Hannity is eaten up with jealousy over Beck's success. But I don't think Beck is jealous of anyone - or that he is so ambitious that he would go after someone else's job or position. He knows who he is - he knows he's doing what no one else can or will do, and is subject to vicious attacks on his reputation not only by the Looney Left, but by conservatives. It's still barely acceptable to be a Beck fan. In fact, I recall nasty Newt Gingrich chortling at the mention of his name just a few weeks ago (can't remember the interview - Greta maybe?).

I wouldn't put anything past the corrupt Mediaites - they have a Leftist agenda, and they will do anything to make conservatives look ridiculous - especially that little worm Tommy Christopher. Wonder if Tommy Boy has found Helen Thomas' missing nameplate from the White House press room? I recall that he wrote an outright dishonest article on Breitbart's claims about the "n-word" not being said by Tea Party protestors during the health care vote - he never admitted he was wrong, and an article in response to Breitbart's request for a retraction was written that sounded like it was written by a corporate attorney - not Tommy. He'd rather go on a scavenger hunt for the Wicked Witch than engage in real discourse.

Think about it Mr. Lord. Why believe anything that the Alinsky disciples at Mediaite say?

Stan Redmond| 9.1.10 @ 10:21PM

Beck is a spiritual / religious guy.

Hannity is all politics.

They are apples and oranges. You can't compare the two.