American Politics Journal -- Pundit Pap

Pundit Pap
for Sunday, October 27
Wellstone's death reverberates... but not for Tim Russert
by the Pundit Pap Team

October 27, 2002 -- NEW YORK (APJP) -- The sudden, shocking death of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) continues to reverberate nationally.

Family and friends will honor Wellstone in a private funeral service "early in the week", according to a report in today's Minneapolis Star-Tribune, with a public service on Tuesday.

Behind the scenes, Minnesota Democrats are moving quickly to replace Wellstone for the election to be held in nine days -- and, judging from wire service copy, news reports and "reliable sources" quoted on this morning's political chat shows, former vice president Walter Mondale will fill Wellstone's shoes.

In fact, Wellstone's death has put Congressional elections -- and particularly the 34 Senate seats up for grabs -- back at the top of the headlines. Many experts still consider the party breakdown in the Senate too close to call -- but many feel that Wellstone's death may embolden Democratic party honchos, candidates and activists to get back on message and warn fence-sitting voters what they can expect should the GOP take over the Senate.

But you wouldn't know the issue was in play if the only Sunday show you saw was NBC's overrated, anti-liberal-biased Meet the Press, lorded over by the dirtiest political pseudo-journalist on television, the corpulent Republican stealth shill Tim Russert.

Here's a little bit of the shenanigans from today's political chat shows.

This Weak
Marking time, boring viewers -- but at least discussing the issues

For the record, This Weak's padded, time-wasting, video-bite-heavy opening has got to go, along with two other relics of the program's Sam'n'Dopey era: the tedious "setup" pieces and bow-tied twit George F. Will.

At least George Stephanopoulos cut immediately to ABC correspondent John Cochrane straight out of the intro, who had some updated information on the plane crash that took Sen. Wellstone's life on Friday. Cochrane reported a few new bits of information: there was no flight data recorder on the plane; eyewitnesses saw the plane veer off course; there will be a huge service at the University of Minnesota this Tuesday. He also reiterated something we already knew: conservatives really liked the guy. Thankfully, the news padding was brief.

Steph then welcomed the Chairman of Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (yes, that's the official name of the party in the state), Michael Erlandson.

Steph said there's a lot of talk about former Vice President Walter Mondale (talk about an understatement -- yes, there are other candidates who would perform strongly, but Mondale eclipses them all in stature and reputation). Erlandson announced a party meeting Wednesday at which an official announcement will be made, and admitted there is "a lot of sentiment" for tapping Mondale (pretty much an affirmation that Mondale is more than likely headed back to the Senate), and acknowledged that the balance of power may pivot on the Minnesota race. Does Mondale have the best chance of all Minnesota Democrats? Erlandson hyped Mondale's popularity within the state along with his record and experience, and pretty much admitted that Wellstone's surviving sons are on board for a Mondale run. What did Mondale say to Wellstone's sons about the race? Erlandson didn't know, but said Mondale was a big Wellstone fan and Minnesota has a history of backing progressive politics. Has Mondale told you anything about running? Erlandson said no, there's been a lot of talk about the loss of Wellstone -- and the story has shifted to remembering Wellstone and inspiring Democrats.

George turned to the Minnesota's Republican candidate for the Senate, Norm Coleman and said -- remember, this is without Erlandson having said so definitively, only couching it in his "sentiment" comment -- that "it looks like" Mondale will be the candidate. Coleman, who looked uncomfortable broaching the subject, essentially said there will be a campaign, but it's appropriate at this juncture to give people some time to mourn. But George pressed political considerations; Coleman said that people in Washington can talk about it, but he's lost a worthy opponent, he's flown in similar planes -- but the campaign should be on hold for a reasonable time, certainly a couple days, and people are still hurting.

It was pretty conspicuous at this point that there was no real point in having Coleman on other than to say that he has put his campaign on hold -- and Steph's redundant questions were annoying. He reiterated that he would not campaign until "we're a little further down the road" and reminded George (having said it once already) that eight people had died -- with a "fer crikey sakes, George, don't you get it? How many times do I have to say it?" tone in his voice.

We may not care for Coleman's politics, but he showed some real class this morning with his "give it a rest already, Steph" attitude.

Talk turned to -- yawn -- the serial sniper. But unlike many of the other segments this weekend, Steph had an interesting and well-spoken guest: Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas Gansler.

Steph pretty much accused Gansler of grandstanding and playing politics; Gansler smiled and fired back, pointing out there would be a backlash if he didn't. George said there were reports that Injustice Minister Ass-KKKroft's office had asked Gansler not to rush; Gansler said this was untrue -- and, smiling, said he wants to know who was passing around that false report. (Translation: you must believe every half-baked rumor you hear, pundit boy!) George suggested that the younger of the two suspects taken into custody, John Lee Malvo, was the primary shooter (this was a big speculation point this Sunday); Gansler broadened the purview of discussion, saying that the case began and ended in Rockville, and it is the epicenter of the case; prosecutors have DNA and ballistic evidence; and with respect to where the case should be tried first, all jurisdictions will prosecute, but Rockville was disproportionately affected.

George talked about some alleged "weakness" in Maryland law, but Gansler said that the jury would have to rule. The question, said George, is whether the first wave of 5 killings is one incident. Gansler said that the jury could convict them on one spree -- and give them the death penalty. (Weakness? That sounds in some respects like an advantage for the prosecution.)

George suggested that there could be federal extortion charges; Gansler said murder is a local crime, and there are a number of hurdles the Feds have in establishing a case for extortion. So you have a better shot at convicting? Gansler essentially said yes. Is everyone involved in custody? Everyone directly involved is in custody; there may have been a few others in support roles.

Gansler managed to make his points without being too cocky -- but did manage to put Little George in his place on the matter of federal "meddling".

George introduced his next guests, former senators Warren Rudman and Gary Hart, co-chairs of the Task Force on Homeland Security, ostensibly to discuss their report pointing to woefully inadequate preparation for another terrorist attacks. It's a useful report for both sides of the political aisle: Smirk can whine that those evil Democrats are stonewalling his "homeland security" dreams, and Dems can blast The Shrub for not doing enough in some areas and pushing for too much centralized authority in others.

But first came a video segment in which Jackie Judd maximized the elements of paranoia and fear -- but interestingly implied that better local preparations are more important than a big bureaucracy.

Before asking the questions, Steph read the ominous first paragraph of their report -- the prospect of an attack of even larger scale than those of 9-11-01. Hart said the commission determined that the Prince George's team of doctrinaire dolts has done a few things but claims their report is outdated -- which it is not. Steph practically begged Rudman to assign blame, but Rudman said that the Texas Dauphin's Circle of Jerks and Congress are in the process of determining action, but it is far from complete, and there are issues important to governors and mayors.

So what should Tom Ridge do right now? (Oh, George -- don't tempt us. We think he should a red nose and a rainbow wig -- Ridge-O the Clown isn't exactly commanding a huge amount of respect on the Hill.) Rudman said that specific points need addressing: sea ports, training local emergency responders; the National Guard has to train as a first responder to WMDs.

Steph, sounding like another critical-thought-free Republican, said it will cost a lot of money. Hart said that neither the Chinp-in-Chief nor Congress are moving fast enough, and there is a pressing need to protect Americans; state and local agencies are not integrated. Steph said that the Senate is more worried about union members than national security; Hart said that he feels that workers in a new national security agency should be under a form of civil service protection -- all of them will come from other agencies where they have that protection.

Can Rudman convince his former colleagues to jump? If they don't, said Rudman, there'll be hell to pay from Americans, asking why we have to wait for it to happen to get prepared. Leadership is needed -- whether or not it happens in the lame duck session.

What threat keeps you up at night? Hart said it's port security -- if WMDs are snuck in, it will be this way, and only 1-2% of all containers are inspected. Steph said corporate America has to step up -- and Rudman said that they have to, and don't want to be exposed to antitrust actions or revelation of trade secrets.

Hart concluded by saying that this country is unacceptably vulnerable, and called on everyone to step up. Rudman said the nation is at substantial risk, our kids' lives are at risk, and we all have to do whatever it takes to protect them.

We blew off the boring round table and George Will's salute to Richard Helms; Steph's final word was a video montage of Wellstone speaking and various conservative senators saying nice things about him.

FAUX News Sunday

It's been a long while, so we decided to check in on the first half of the VRWC's favorite Sunday show. The nearly exclusive topic: the death of Paul Wellstone, and speculation over his successor in Minnesota.

Tony wasted our time with an "update" from Carl Cameron (nothing new), who spent a surprising amount of time to talking about Norm Coleman (actually, not surprising -- it seems that FAUX News is nothing but the press wing of the RNC).

Cameron also misreported the "fact" that absentee votes for Wellstone won't count, but votes for Coleman will -- neglecting to mention two developments: Dems are likely to challenge this in court, and this decision was "affirmed" by a GOP secretary of state. Shades of Cruella de Harris...

Tony had taped an interview with Mike Erlandson, who gave many of the same answers he had on This Weak -- up until Tony asked about big ideological differences between Lieberman and Walter Mondale, who has supported to an extent the Vietnam War. Naturally, Erlandson said no decision had been made on a successor to Wellstone (telegraphing the Mondale push less aggressively than he had on ABC). Tony asked if it was a matter not of replacing the ideology but keeping the party in the majority -- and Erlandson deflected.

Tony also asked about the absentee ballot matter -- and Erlandson blasted the secretary of state AND pointed out that there are problems with the ballot layout (shades of Harris AND Theresa "fake Democrat" LePore). Translation: there will be a court fight over this.

Tony Snow's next guests were Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (DINO-CT). The issue: the Hart-Rudman report.

First, Tony interviewed McCain. Is he surprised at the report's findings of vulnerability? McCain said he's disappointed that Homeland Security has not passed Congress -- but also that not enough attention was given to past reports. Tony "piled on" by pointing out George Tenet's comment during hearings about a week ago that America is more prone to a threat than before 9-11-01. McCain said there has been an intelligence beef-up, and Tenet may have been venting frustration. Tony, looking surprised at McCain's answer, shifted to immigration policy (translation: those sneaky, shiftless furriners), and naturally McCain talked about the 9-11 terrorists getting visas easily, giving Tony the chance to talk up immigration as an issue (read: jack up paranoia). Tony asked about the "Axis of Evil", specifically North Korea and dueling op-eds between McCain and Jimmy Carter, who is pushing for a diplomatic resolution; McCain said that back in 1993 and '94, he was for forceful sanctions to stop their nuke and missile programs; now "we are faced with an irrational and oppressive regime" that could hit Tokyo with a nuke. (Huh? he's 100% sure they have nukes?) McCain added that Japan, China and the region may impose economic sanctions, and characterized past agreements as bribing North Korea -- and said that Saddam wants nukes too. Tony and McCain ended with the obligatory salute to Paul Wellstone.

Then Tony turned to Lieberman, first with more talk about Wellstone -- and Lieberman's opinion that Mondale would make a helluva great senator. Tony, of course, said Wellstone and Mondale are ideologically different; Lieberman said that Wellstone may not have been a DLC Democrat, but had tremendous respect and affection for Mondale. Tony then returned to security issues with a twist that even liberals would usually like: bashing France. But in this case Tony blamed France for holding up a UN resolution; Lieberman said "it is very disappointing", but said that France's independence showed that Smirk failed to get a new coalition going early and emphatically enough (translation: unilateralism is a failure and will only serve to isolate the US). Let's go for the toughest inspections possible, said Lieberman -- then see what happens. Tony essentially dissed inspections, but Lieberman would not concede -- if Iraq interferes or thwarts inspections, including Saddam's palaces, then we can determine what to do, give the UN a chance to act, and if they don't we can go forward with a coalition we have that ability under 1990 and 1991 resolutions. So why not go ahead now, asked Tony? Lieberman gave the obvious answer: diplomacy!

Tony then characterized John Allen Muhammad as a Nation of Islam member and suggested that he was "abusing" free speech by calling for acts against America (trying by extension to paint all black Muslims as "traitors"). Lieberman busted Tony's chops by saying that he knows Nation of Islam members who are very patriotic and loyal to America. But talk then turned to Saudi Arabia -- and Lieberman said that while they've been good allies, the failure to rein in people who have killed Americans or helped them is an outrage, and it could hurt relations.

It was half-past Tony, and we decided to channel-surf over to...

Meet the Tim
Wellstone WHO?

Tim Russert led with -- the serial sniper! And midterm elections -- will terrorism be the top issue? And what about the economy?

Huh? Had we tuned into a parallel universe? There was no mention of Wellstone.

No, we hadn't. Russert was pushing the ratings-grabbing, fear-inducing, paranoia-based serial sniper story -- Tim was bottom-feeding again.

Tim's first guest was Doug Gansler. First came a question about the co-owner of the car John Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo were in, then a favorite point of "wrong wing" bulletin board speculation: where they got their money ("Al Qaeda?" "Saudi Princes?" "Louis Farrakhan?" "Kathleen Kennedy Townsend?") -- interestingly, Gansler speculated that it might have been from armed robbery.

Tim raised a question about a homeless shelter manager where Muhammad was staying who told investigators he heard Muhammad ordering airplane tickets. Tim asked a question about whether he had terrorist links -- and Gansler said emphatically there is no such evidence.

So where did they get their money?

Good grief, Tim -- where did you get your questions? Townhall.com? Or the neo-fascist web site Free Republic?

Did you break (accent on break) an agreement with federal authorities and was politics involved? (Tim was in high attack mode -- but getting nowhere.) Gansler said no -- his job is to file charges against criminals if there is probable cause -- and slapped down Tim's assertion of politics. Will you run for Attorney General? (Another "attack" question.) Gansler actually said he might (which elicited a look of surprise from Tim -- who had not expected such candor).

Why not led the Feds go forward instead "and get the death penalty?" (Oh, we see, Tim, you have ALL the facts of the case and they're guilty!) Gansler said that it is the federal government's burden to prove they have the right to try them.

Tim mentioned the Hobbs Act; Gansler said the Feds would have to use Maryland facts, but also praised the Justice Department for letting local jurisdictions take the lead. Tim said there are reports that Malvo was the shooter -- and as a minor he would not get the death penalty (gawd almighty, Tim sure seems to be salivating about the prospect of executing the suspects). Gansler shut Tim down by saying that not all the facts are in. Tim asked about the mental competence of the suspects.

Tim announced the next segment: the mental status of the suspects.

What a waste of our time.

Elections are less than two weeks away. A prominent liberal has died in a plane crash. The likely replacement has the GOP sweating bullets. t looks like the Democrats are not only going to hold the Senate but may close to within one or two seats of a majority in the House. Now, in the real world that is major political news -- and would embolden Democrats to gear up for a real fight.

But this is NBC, which these days seems to be a FOX News clone without the leggy, brainless hostesses.

So what does Tim Russert do?

Waste more of our time on speculation into the sensationalist serial sniper story.

So we blew off most of the segment, waiting instead for a debate between James Carville and disgraced ex-House Speaker Newt "Poontang Express" Gingrich -- but in the interim, Psycho Analyst Tim focused on a CD by Killarmy, "Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars", that contains eerie parallels to letters and messages from the sniper to law enforcement.

Priority Records and Killarmy couldn't hope for a better publicist than Tim Russert!

Then -- Poon-boy and Cueball. Newt spouted about lower taxes and "homeland security". Carville made the first mention of Wellstone on this week's Eat the Press -- and slammed the "status quo" GOP and their call for tax givebacks, unilateralism on Iraq, an underfunded SEC and corporate corruption. Tim pointed out that Carville "raised Iraq" -- and Newt said the GOP "put Enron in handcuffs" (yeah, Newtie -- only after they were caught scamming MILLIONS of shareholders, including mutual fund holders, out of BILLIONS of dollars). As soon as we stopped laughing, Newt fell back on the myth that Dems "will" give you higher taxes! Carville said there is bipartisan support for going slow on Iraq -- and Smirk wants to underfund the SEC. Carville also mentioned GOP-loving lobbyists who are "giddy" over the prospect of a Republican Congress. Newt said he wanted "to set the record straight" -- but never really did, rattling off the same tired talking points he's been using for a decade..

Tim then pulled up a suspicious-looking poll that said people prefer domestic issues to war -- but by only 49% to 41%. Newt was beside himself saying that nobody wants to give Warrior George a blank check.

Tim said Democrats are unable to make the economy resonate )of course, Tim and his press colleagues are part of the problem, failing to report enough news about the sinking economy or statements by key Democrats) -- and that they are not unified in an answer (well, because unlike the GOP, Democrats allow open debate). Carville said now is the best time to "plant an oak tree" (read: a better future) -- then blasted tariffs and Smirk's plans to undercut and de-fund education and refusal to fight a culture of corruption. Tim asked why the Dems are not ahead in the polls -- and Carville said that if Dems get on message for the next nine days, the Dems will control both houses of Congress. Should Dems call for a repeal of the tax cut? Carville said to focus specifically on tax givebacks for the rich.

Newt then demonstrated his talent as a consummate liar. He said the reason Dems aren't winning is they are backpedaling on their pitch -- then tried to blame Clinton for the lousy economy, mentioning 9-11-01 in passing. It's hard to make the case that Smirk won't arrest people for business fraud. The tax cut was a stimulus and helped us to recover -- and Democrats have no answer on the economy.

What a joke. Dems have been shut down in making their pitch by a press obsessed by the serial sniper and biased against liberal positions. Clinton made a major contribution to a robust economy -- but also tried to rein in corrupt "auditors" and tighten regulations. The Toxic Texan hasn't arrested anyone -- in fact, he and his band of pirates were trying to EXPAND accounting fraud using their sock puppet Harvey Pitt at the SEC to deregulate securities while they tried to de-fund enforcement. The tax cut was a stimulus, all right -- for a DEFICIT.

And Democrats do have an answer on the economy. It's called "regime change", Newt -- starting with Congress, and extending two years from now to the White House.

Carville responded by saying that GOP has delivered -- on offshore loopholes, givebacks for the rich, and gutting the SEC. Carville also said that Junior is pushing for privatizing Social Security, and the GOP wants 50 hard-right judicial extremists on the courts. Carville blasted Newt for his definition of "pension reform" -- privatization of Social Security. Carville also said that Newt's definition of "reform" is corrupting the courts and "achievement" is hobbling the SEC.

Tin then asked if voters in specific states are thinking, "We have to give control to one party"? Newt, naturally, said no -- claiming incorrectly that it's a matter of "who can deliver... at a practical level". Carville asked voters if they want to deliver war on Iraq, gutting of the SEC, privatization of Social Security or right-wing judges (Newt looked none too pleased).

Carville also blasted Arbusto Boy for not calling the Wellstone family with condolences. Newt said Norm Coleman has a strong base -- and Mondale supported privatization of Social Security.

Well, Newt, you really put your foot in your mouth with that one. If Mondale supports privatization, that means he'll steal votes from Norm Coleman!

Carville said Minnesotans know Mondale and are appalled that Wellstone is still being mourned and everyone is playing a guessing game as to who will run in his race. "This is the kind of slash-and-burn attack attack attack you see from the GOP... Norm Coleman stands for nothing but attacks."

Should the President not be so involved in a partisan campaign? Newt deflected to high-visibility members of his cabinet and Smirk's goal of politicizing the courts. Carville said that the Cuban Missile Crisis was a genuine emergency, and that was not made an issue in Midterm elections; the bogus POTUS should, in fact, stay on the sidelines.

-- JJ Balzer

JJ Balzer is a former television news producer. He lives in New York City.