Must you insult every single caller, Randi?

[peaches2003]

A very nice woman just called Randi, they spoke for several minutes and the call was obviously winding down. Then Randi says, "It's just like George Orwell's '1984'". The woman says yes and then 'Thanks, Randi' and the call is over.

A decent call. Can Randi leave it at that!? Of course not. She has to make a snide comment after the woman is gone that she knew the woman would hang up because she hadn't read it (meaning 1984). Then she laughs. What a damn bitch. The woman had been fine, made several good points, complimented and thanked Randi for 'all you do' and the call was obviously almost over before Randi mentioned the book which called for no response from the woman at all anyway. Randi doesn't have any g-d idea whether the woman has read 1984 or not! It had nothing to do with the call! She had to insult her for the sake of insulting her when the woman was gone and couldn't even defend herself.

I am soooo sick of this bitch. Her fans here can defend her from here to kingdom come, but she is rude, abrasive, and arrogant and certainly doesn't make any new Democratic voters with her attitude. Who the hell does she think she is insulting a caller like that for absolutely no reason at all except I guess to build up her own ego.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Yes.

This has been another episode of Simple Answers To Simple Questions.*



* (c) Atrios.

[SteppingRazor]

2. I stopped listening a long while ago for that exact reason.

The way she treats her callers -- which, by definition, are probably her most dedicated listeners -- is absolutely disgusting.

There's also her tendency to exaggerate news stories to support her claims. I find that particularly bothersome because, you know, the other side HAS to lie. It's all they have. But we've got the truth on our side. There's no need for us to prevaricate.

[jhrobbins]

91. Yes, me too - I will check the time slot for AA before I log in to make sure

she isn't on - why can't they turn her slot over to Rachel (whom I love a lot)

[mwb970]

102. Lionel is frequently cruel to his callers as well.

Maybe this is what happens when you do a call-in show for too long and get jaded. They seem to forget that the voices they hear belong to real people.

On the other hand, there are veteran hosts that avoid this trap. Has anyone heard Ed Schultz insult a caller?

[WoodrowFan]

112. only wingers

I've heard Ed insult some Rush-bots but otherwise, no.

[kwyjibo]

123. Lionel is TERRIBLE to his callers. I can't stand him.

[The Wielding Truth]

106. Randi was there when many weren't. I give her props.

When a host starts with" Bounce your Boobies" you know not to let her offend you. I love that she is spot on when it comes to common sense.

[bbgrunt]

110. Yes. Randi was my savior during 2003-2004. She continues

to cover and elucidate what the corporate media doesn't cover. I am sad that she seems to be so frustrated these days that she seems to be taking it out on many callers of good intentions. But then, who isn't frustrated? At times I think Malloy has had it too. It seems to me that those who try to maintain their sincerity and integrity are bound to implode in this toxic and demoralizing atmosphere.

So I hate to see so many bash her. She was and is a leading light--but she does need to be called on her irrepressible arrogance at times. I think anyone who works the kind of schedule she and many others do ought to have a guaranteed sabbatical written into their contracts so that they may be given time to refresh their souls. Face it--she is in combat on a constant basis. While she is not taking actual bullets like our troops, I think that she has some of the same kind of PTSD problems that troops face.

I am eternally grateful for her strong and principled advocacy of the progressive agenda. Let's send her some love instead of trashing her.

[hfojvt]

115. I loved her passion, and her show

then she took calls, and sounded like she wanted to insult everybody who called. Either he show should not take calls, or they ought to be screened so that they only consist of rightwingers that she can tear into. She doesn't know how to treat her friends, and I am not sure she is influencing anybody, except to fire up the base.

[monmouth]

3. Her numbers may not be what she thinks they should be i.e. frustration.

I stopped listening to her long ago, she's abusive and bitchy....

[Mojambo]

4. My least favorite progressive talker BY FAR.

I'm quite glad Randi has been pushed out of my listening schedule on my local station.

Now I get Rachel Maddow and the difference is HUGE.

[peaches2003]

7. Rachel

Rachel is smart, funny, very interesting, and her show is always great to listen to no matter what time she is on. She is very good on MSNBC and gives the liberal position on issues without being abrasive in any way. Oh how I wish they would move her to 3 PM (and give her her own show on MSNBC). She's an asset to every show she is on.

[truebrit71]

10. ..and she's SMOKING HOT!!!

..intelligent, independent, self-assured liberal women are the best!!!

[musette_sf]

41. i feel exactly the opposite

Rachel Maddow is, to me, unfunny when she tries to be funny, and not that interesting much of the time. she doesn't take callers, so kind of unfair to compare her to Randi on that basis.

i have enjoyed Randi for years, and i enjoy her show far, far more than i enjoy Rachel Maddow's show. i am SO glad my local progressive station has finally put Randi back on in drive time.

[Mojambo]

50. You're right. Hartmann is a far more appropriate comparison for Randi

Unfortunately she pales in comparison to him as well.

[musette_sf]

52. i like them both

for different reasons.

i think Thom is completely awesome (and i mean that in the classical sense of the word) and brilliant.

i think Randi is a great progressive talker with a lot of fire and gusto.

[otohara]

5. She's The Only Person Who Watches C-Span

don't you know that? Also, if it weren't for Ms Rhodes, all of us would be fucking clueless.

:sarcasm:

[Stand and Fight]

95. Yeah, that pushed me over the edge the other day.

Turned her off in disgust, and listened to my iPod.

[rusty quoin]

6. I heard that call.

It was insulting. It's like she has contempt for many of her listeners.

[peaches2003]

9. Did you hear that woman say one thing to deserve that treatment?

[rusty quoin]

12. No, not at all.

[otohara]

13. Contempt

and extremely condescending.

[Aristus]

8. I much prefer Stephanie Miller and Rachel Maddow.

When Randi Rhoades comes on, I pop a CD in the player...

[valerief]

11. Randi is wonderful and tireless and would never veto a children's health bill.

Sometimes "please" and "thank you" just don't matter that much. Having the cajones to say what's right trumps it.

[BlooInBloo]

14. Having the dressers to say what's right is indeed a tricky thing to achieve.

[Emit]

15. But when she's rude to those who support her, how many people will she alienate?

I can't stand listening to he anymore because she argues with people who call in to agree with her!

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Nite Owl]

30. I don't consider NYers

to be rude. They are honest, they will say something right to your face instead of when you walk out of the room. Some people think that's rude, we consider it honest. Randy can be just plain rude.

[truedelphi]

70. Having never been to that great city but having had over the

Years many friends who hailed from there - I say you are right - the New Yorker is honest.

Not necessarily rude.

But Rhandi lost me a long time ago - and I hate to admit it because she really does know about the issues.

I wish someone would clue her in for all the rest of us.

[havocmom]

32. It IS important. Her behavior just reinforces the RW meme that Liberals are elitist

It does NOT make us friends nor does it influence people to only direct remarks to the choir and be obnoxious to those who might be trying to come into political activism for the first time.

If it doesn't cost ya to be nice... BE NICE.

[Emit]

35. Oh, please.

Spare me all the NYer excuses. (edited to add -- I lived there)

Her rudeness has increased two-fold over the last year. She's rude and impatient and demeans callers who are on her side. She's changed.

[KittyWampus]

72. Rudeness is part of my DNA? What in blue blaze are you talking about? She's not doing

"the right thing".

She's just a narcissist feeding off of a small group of Lefties who thrive on perpetual, reactionary outrage.

[weeve]

98. Well said .

It was refreshing at first to hear her speak truth to power, but now she just gets on my nerves. She's nowhere as well versed on the issues as someone like Thom Hartman ( who would NEVER be so incredibly insensitive to his loyal listeners who call in - and probably wait on the phone for an hour ). I do wish that Rachel Maddow and Stephanie Miller had a bit more bite, but at least they don't get on my nerves. Nope .. I'll stick with my Mike Malloy, thank you very much !!

[jhrobbins]

92. What a shame too - I get the same thing when I call Northern congressmen

to thank them or agree with them and the people that answer their phones, almost to a letter, are abrupt and rude - so I don't call them anymore. BTW, I'm from Texas, so y'all can pile on now.

[Stand and Fight]

96. That's bull.

I've met plenty of New Yorkers who are NOTHING like Rhodes.

[Mojambo]

19. That's a cop out.

There's several progressive hosts who are just as tireless and wouldn't make that veto, and they still manage to act decently towards their callers.

[valerief]

22. It's not that important. Overlook it. It doesn't count. Saying what needs to be said DOES count.

And it counts more than courtesy. I'm sure most of the Rethuglican Congressmembers are polite.

[blondeatlast]

36. That may be so, but I won't listen to her anymore. She's entitled

but we progressives have alternatives now.

I love Rachel Maddow and she fights the good fight too, but with a much sharper, and thus less painful, blade.

[Kajsa]

38. 'Please' and 'Thank you'

make a big difference on how someone is perceived,IMHO.

Just look at a child who uses those words,
and one who doesn't.

It's too bad some people think they matter little.

One can be right without being an jerk/jerkette.

[annabanana]

16. Have you been to NY, peaches?

A lot of what you see as rude might be recognized as mainly a manner of speaking in other, less "genteel" parts of the country.

[burythehatchet]

21. I grew up in NYC Anna, and there is a big difference being rude and insulting

Randi is rude AND insulting. Rude I can deal with, but when you have the mic and you insult your own supporters...

[Cha]

69. It's called "stupid"..

under the guise that she or anyone like that thinks they're funny.

[peaches2003]

23. I'm from NY!!!

LOL. Just don't live there now. I was brought up on Long Island and believe me I can still go head to head with anyone from NY. It's not her manner of speaking that I and others are talking about, it is that she has to insult callers and can't allow them to voice an opinion even if it agrees with hers. She just IS rude and obnoxious and would be no matter where she was from.

[havocmom]

34. Being snide after the call is done is not a manner of speaking

it is callous, rude and does the liberal cause no good. It alienates people to be that rude on air. Not a regional thing if the show is national and Randi is smart enough to know it.

[LandOLincoln]

47. I lived in New York--if you can call it that ("lived," I mean")

for 18 of the longest months of my life.

then I moved back to civilization, where you could interact with people on the street and in the shops like a human being.

so don't give me that "New Yorkers are special" bullshit because I won't stand for it. You ain't all that. In fact you ain't shite. You're just a buncha rude bitches desperately seeking some reason to feel superior.

as far as Randi goes, I love her and I'm proud of her when she's on TV, but I can't listen to her AAR show any more (same for Big Eddie) because of the way they treat their callers. They both remind me of children who can't stand to give up the spotlight for a minute, even to callers who're making an important point in agreement with them.

Give me Rachel Maddow and Thom Hartmann any day.


On edit: added the H and second N to Thom Hartmann.

[Cha]

73. I live in New York for now and the

last 9 years and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever known from all over the country..but that's just my experience.

I don't like rudeness..I won't put up with it..I'd be outta there.

Maybe Randy thinks she's being funny..I don't know. But, people can change..has anyone ever tried to clue her in how she effects a lot of people who have since tuned her out?

[Union Thug]

18. I continue to listen to Randi, but I agree with you, she has a habit

of snapping at people that don't deserve it. Where the hell does that come from anyway? But Hartmann is by far my favorite on Air America (although I love Malloy, too)

That said, AAR should have courted Peter Werbe a long time ago. I'd much prefer Peter to Randi ANY day.

[Malikshah]

20. "I am soooo sick of this bitch."

Is this a quote from Randi or the OP????

Just wonderin....

[valerief]

24. Bingo! Talk about being rude!!!! You caught the OP being rude. nt

[peaches2003]

28. That was just being truthful

I am sick of her and she is a bitch. It's not rude to tell it like it is, which is not what she does to her callers.

[valerief]

31. Practice what you preach. And remember, we're all on the same team. Cheers. nt

[Missy Vixen]

51. The OP doesn't have a dump button and a nationally broadcast radio program

Did I mention the call screeners?

It's easy to be nasty and condescending when you're well-insulated and the other party has NO recourse to defend him or herself.

In the meantime, I've also stopped listening to Ms. Rhodes. I don't care if she's "on our team". I'm not on hers. Maybe she needs to find a different career if those callers she actively solicits are such a trial for her.

Julie

[Malikshah]

64. I'm sure she'll miss you terribly.

This sort of discourse serves no greater purpose as the OP has the Stupid button as well. It's called the tuner.

What are these threads really about? Is the Rush/Schultz '12 crew working overtime?

[Missy Vixen]

76. Air America's advertisers will miss our demographics and our CASH

>What are these threads really about? Is the Rush/Schultz '12 crew working overtime?<

I'm sure you're not accusing me of being a disruptor. Are you?

Julie

[Malikshah]

83. Nope-- Just wondering why, like clockwork, the same old complaint

is resurrected. Over and over and over again.

and over and over and over and over.

What's next?

The sun came up this morning and, whoa, was it bright when I looked into it.

After a while-- the patterns become crystal clear.

[Missy Vixen]

104. What "patterns" might you be referring to?

>After a while-- the patterns become crystal clear.<

The paranoia about "trolls" and "disruptors" has reached an all-time high around here.

If you believe I'm one of the above because I dare to speak up and call it for what it is -- Randi Rhodes being rude and patronizing to the same liberals who listen to her program, support Air America's advertisers and are still supporting her -- so be it.

Julie

[Malikshah]

105. The pattern of some derivation of the following.

"Sorry, the Randi is rude"

"Why is she so rude"

"She lost a listener today"

"She never lets anyone speak"

*foaming at mouth*

As for this whole troll issue. Who's the paranoid one here??? Hmmm?

[Missy Vixen]

107. Do me a favor

Alert on me, if you're so concerned.

>As for this whole troll issue. Who's the paranoid one here??? Hmmm?<

Sorry, you'll have to sell that one somewhere else. The obsession with "trolls" and "disruptors" has hit critical mass.

Julie

[Malikshah]

118. Where exactly was the accusation made? ??? Nowhere

Maybe in some alternative universe.

Get a grip and relax. Unclench. Get off the ledge. Find a happy space.

"What I've seen thus far in this little subthread is What, you callin me a troll? No. Do I make troll-like moves? No, I haven't intimated anything of the sort. What, am I here to satisfy the troll quotient? No. The words or thoughts never crossed my lips or mind..."

It appears to me, there *is* a bit of paranoia here, but not on my part.

[Patiod]

116. Yeah, that JulieRB is a real troll

She used to be a moderator here, but I heard she doesn't really like Hillary that much, either --- you should probably alert on her.

I get really frustrated with Randi - she could be doing so much MORE good if she weren't so rude to her callers. They're not professionals, they don't deserve to get beaten up. So does that make me a troll, too?

[Malikshah]

119. Uh-- where was the accusation of troll made by me? When was the

word used by me other than in the context of "No, I'm not calling anyone a troll" in response to a clear case of jumping the gun.

BTW-- it is quite disheartening that your response did not appear to be based on reading my posts and statements, but rather focused on only part of the conversation.

Thanks ever so much for your participation and jumping on the bandwagon--regardless of where it is heading.

[dionysus]

113. it's like clockwork because randi being incredibly rude

to all of her *dem* callers has been happening like clockwork lately. It wasn't anything like that when AAR started.

[Malikshah]

121. Ah-- now that is a salient point--

If folks are only basing judgments on AAR issues, then they're only getting half the story.

It is very much akin to Cindy Sheehan's case-- Folks love her for her courage, for her panache, for her passion. But then she does something they don't like and all of sudden she's an albatross, more of a problem than the solution... She should check herself...go away...shut up.

Randi's been doing this for years-- she's got feet of clay like the rest of us--she's not for everyone and she gets fed up with folks just as much as the rest of us-- the constant harping on her is tiresome, predictable and misplaced.

BTW-- I respect her more because she doesn't define people by party (i.e, "to all of her *dem* callers") When she disagrees she disagrees--when she feels she has something to say, she says it-- regardless.

Thus far, all the people slagging on her in this thread simply underscore and augment my support for her and her methods. I don't agree with her on a number of issues and have been yelled at by her and have yelled at her in the past (before AAR--when she was the queen of progressive talk down here in South Florida)-- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Viva la goddess of radio, bouncing boobies and all!

[dionysus]

125. i respect your opinion.

but when a dem caller calls to agree with her and she goes off on them, do you think those callers will like her any more after that? i still listen to her cause i only listen to AAR in the car, but the dissing of dem callers has been going on for a while.

[Malikshah]

127. To answer your question

She's challenging them. It gets down to semantics.

There are folks who say they are dems--but I might not believe they are. There are some who may not believe that I'm a dem...hell, sometimes *I* don't believe I am (I'm a bit too progressive)

Do I get my knickers in a twist in the rough and tumble world of talk radio and worry about such things as whether one is "dem enough" or whether one is liked, disliked--or whether one likes or dislikes someone...Nope-- it obscures the larger issues--

Iraq, human rights, health care, education, genocide, war profiteers.

Those are the issues folks should focus on -- not hurt feelings.

Randi has said from the get go-- long before AAR-- she's gonna give folks hell-- regardless of party affiliation. And she does. She's damn wrong IMHO on certain issues, but at least she's consistent.

That she has the courage of her convictions is what makes me respect her, even when I yell at the radio, call in and give her the facts on the issue she's overlooking.

:)

[Malikshah]

63. Wow-- real helpful discourse here.

Turn the channel. Chill out and think of happy bunnies.

BTW--you are coming across as an A-1 Hypocrite who does not appear to have the cranial capacity to realize it. It's not rude to tell it like it is...

Heard Randi w/ Tim Robbins. Boy, was she just so mean. Made him cry and everything.

[blonndee]

89. You have a problem with Randi being rude

and you can't even elevate the discourse above "what a bitch"?

Sad, so sad for you.

[annabanana]

25. Boy! Dogpile on Randi, or what?

Up until very very recently, no one.. NO ONE was giving us information or an alternative perspective on the pap that we were fed by the corporate media.

There are precious few now and I, for one, will take a little snark with my truth if it's ok with the miss manners around this place

sheesh

[valerief]

29. I'm with you. The truth can be sitting in dog poop. I don't care how it's served up.

I'm tired of the pretty lies from MSM. nt

[Mojambo]

33. She's far from the only truth teller out there

Why is it that Maddow, Miller, Hartmann, Seder and all the rest can do it without acting like a jerk to everyone and she can't?

[AspenRose]

45. Even Malloy, with all his passion and vitriol towards the right

....is very nice and courteous to his callers.

[Mojambo]

48. Hell, Hartmann even manages to be civil to the rightwingers he has on.

Sometimes I don't know how, but he does because improving the discourse is important.

[Strelnikov_]

61. Mike also seems to be relatively humble

a trait Ms. Rhodes unfortunately does not have.

Maybe the reichProles like to be talked down to and to have 'authority' figures remind them how wonderful they are every 5 minutes. For myself, not a fan at all of that style of talk radio.

[Canuckistanian]

79. That's true

Unless he has a wingnut on, he's very respectful.

And even with the wingnut, he's respectful until the first absurdity.

[otohara]

37. There Are More Choices Now

I get more info from DU than from Randi Rhodes. There's no good reason to be so mean and condescending to callers who don't deserve it. I've never heard Thom Hartman or Rachel Maddow treat callers the way Rhodes does.

[musette_sf]

39. since Rachel doesn't take callers,

only has guests call in, that's not a fair comparison.

i'm a long-time Randi fan and every time i listen to her, i try to hear whatever it is that ppl keep complaining about in DU. i don't hear it.

but then again, i grew up in Brooklyn, so maybe that's why Randi sounds perfectly normal to me.

[annabanana]

46. Hi musette

Looks like we're swimming upstream here. I've never seen so many people on DU get the vapors and swan around like this. I really thought they were a hardier breed.

[musette_sf]

53. true that

what i can't figure out, is all the recent Randi-bashing on DU.

Randi knows how to hammer the facts home to the great majority of listeners, who are not as plugged into every news event as many DUers are. and i find listening to her to be enjoyable.

i think Rachel Maddow is a big snore, but she consistently gets praised by the Randi-bashers. to each her own.

i wonder if Randi's show recently replaced Rachel's show in some markets.... that could account for some of the sour grapes here.

[annabanana]

55. I like rachel a lot too, though. . apples & oranges. . . n/t

[peaches2003]

62. They both are on XM which is what I listen to

[Pirate Smile]

26. I heard that and it didn't make a damn bit of sense. The caller made

an excellent point about the last 24 hours summarizing Republicans and the Bush Administration - Republican's love Blackwater and how they are live off the US taxpayers and Bush's veto of the S-chip legislation.

I thought it was a great, smart call.

Why bash and insult your listeners and callers? I don't get it. I just rolled my eyes - standard for Randi.

[Nite Owl]

27. We stopped listening to her

for just that reason.

[riverdeep]

40. That's sad to hear.

I listened to part of her show on Friday, and she seemed to be in good spirits compared to a few days before, and was treating her callers very well. I like her abrasiveness and blunt attitude, but yeah, directed at callers, her own audience, is awkward at best.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

42. I like her show but I would NEVER call her

She is contemptuous toward 95% of her callers. Naturally, she is obsequious to prominent people. Right now I'm listening to her suck up to Tim Robbins.

[dflprincess]

44. Except she's barely letting Robbins speak

I'd really like to hear what he has to say.

Her name dropping makes me crazy - how many times last week did she tell her Melissa Etheridge and Al Gore stories?

[mrreowwr_kittty]

49. She has to let him know how awesome she is. n/t

[AspenRose]

43. I've stopped listening to her

Partially because I've relocated and the station out here that carries her plays her late, when I can't pick up the station worth a flip....

but I have no desire to podcast or listen on the internet because of her increasing pattern of rudeness to the callers. Not worth the effort.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

54. Not only that, she's terrible.

I listened to her for ten minutes and wanted to shoot myself in the head. She's terrible on the radio.
Duckie

[abq e streeter]

56. Reassuring to know I 'm not the only one

Randi is smart, well informed, and I'm in agreement with much of what she says, but still can't listen to more than a few minutes of her before I have to switch to music. She is just what peaches2003 said: rude, abrasive and arrogant too often for me. And there's no reason for it; those are tactics for people who have their heads up their asses ( translation: every right winger), not for people who know what they're talking about , like Randi...

[Ahpook]

57. I can feel her anger although....

it is misplaced at times, i agree.

I don't know how to say it nicely but this country is full of assholes. Over time it's an open wound that won't heal. I think we all agree with that? I suppose some deal with it differently? :)

[Ilsa]

58. I stopped listening to her because she has been so rude.

It is rude and wrong to speculate about people when they no longer have a chance to defend themselves.

[Berry Cool]

59. I heard that!

That was really insulting! I couldn't believe it!

I don't know what's gotten into Randi lately. Hubris?

[KAZ]

74. Way too full of herself. Hanging out with glitterati, and all.

Peon callers mean shit. She's not all that bright herself, but her POVs are good. It's a shame she's not in any way likable.

[upi402]

60. I love her, but she interrupts and talks down.

We`commoners that have to work our asses off all day everyday realy frustrate this fortunate woman. She has the luxury of time to research and act, in fact it's her job. I have to ignore something vital to do ANYTHING!

[marmar]

65. She's lost me, and that's sad because I think she really knows her shit.....

But she's a self-aggrandizing, obnoxious, unbelievably rude host who looks for something that any of callers says to pick on, seemingly to try to make them seem inferior to her. And she thinks she's just outrageously funny, but she's not.

Give me Thom, Rachel, Sam or Mike Malloy anyday. And Mike, who can get apeshit outraged on the air, is a total gentleman teddy bear to his callers. (Except the idiot right-wingers, of course.)

[spanone]

66. she's a shock jock....

a democratic sj

[MalloyLiberal]

67. There's no one else to listen to n/t

[NOLALady]

68. I stopped listening to her a very long time ago.

There's no excuse for her rudeness.

[KAZ]

71. Heard it. Have to agree. I love my WCPT in Chicago,

but I'm giving up on her. 2:00 pm. comes, I now tune into I_Lost_My_Medsvid on the local Puke WIND. Easier to be pissed with a Puke, than a Liberal. It's sad to have a progressive voice fuck up so badly.

[Stuckinthebush]

75. She and Lionel

Ugh.

[Nictuku]

77. Jeeze, so many intolerants

What? ..... (some) of you are expecting a one-size-fits-all Progressive Radio Persona? Obviously (if we know anything about human beings), some people appeal to some people, some people don't.

I am a Randi Rhodes fan, have been since AAR first aired.

And yes, sometimes some of the things she says to callers bugs me. But I don't feel the need to spread around hatefulness. I mean, if it bugged me enough, I wouldn't listen. Plain and simple.

And as far as her ego goes... I can't think of one radio show host that doesn't own one. It is part of what gives them the drive to go the extra mile to get where they are today, talking to people over the airwaves.

I admire her hutzpa, and I understand her frustration with the masses for the most part. Occasionally she seems to miss the person's good intentions, or not getting the point they are trying to get out.

Bummer, she is an imperfect being. I know a lot of them. It doesn't change the fact that I love her, and I hope she keeps doing what she is doing, because I learn so much from listening to her show. I dread the day when she and people like her are silenced and so I appreciate every minute I get to listen to her fight for all of us.

I learn so much from her shows, and I repeat much of what I learn to others, and that is what is more important to me. The information she is getting out and sinking in to her listeners, giving us the information we need to do some of the fighting ourselves.

Just as I would tolerate a trait in a friend of mine I disagree with, I'm willing to tolerate the (relatively few, in my opinion) occasions where she comes across in a way I would disagree with. I'll say to myself: "Oh dear", and carry on. As I hope you do Randi, with all my heart.

[Nictuku]

78. I'm listening to todays show now

I'm listening to today's show now, and have not come to the call in question yet, but I did just hear her be very nice and have a great conversation with one gal, and several others (I'm about half way through the show).

So the title of this thread is not truthful.

I find it offensive and hateful. Just my two cents. We shouldn't be trying to knock each other down here, we are in the fight of our lifetime with fascism is breathing down our necks.

[Lindsey]

80. Randi runs hot and cold. Lately I've noticed shes been a bitch to a lot of

her callers. It's trippy to hear people who soooooo have to argue that they'll argue with people who agree with then. I only listen to Randi about once per week. I LOVE Rachel Maddow & Thom Hartman.

[Nictuku]

87. I just heard the call in question

and yea, I'd have to agree that it was uncalled for. It is one of those moments where you wince when a loved one does something you disagree with. *wince* That was just not necessary. It was a great conversation, I didn't get any angst from Randi until the closing comment. The woman said: "It is like living in a science fiction movie with all this crap going on" and Randi agrees and says, "I know, it is like 1984, it is very Orwellian" The woman said: "It is?" "Yea" "OK" "Alright" and the segment music came on in preparation for the next commercial break, and the call was over.

Then.... Randi said "I knew if I said that she would go away, because she never read it, but I have!, and do you know that at five o'clock " then she started talking about the movie 1984 which apparently Tim Robbins has just produced 1984, who will be in the next segment.

It was uncalled for. I feel bad for the lady. 98 percent of the conversation was great though, in my opinion.

I still love Randi, and I hope the woman didn't get her feelings hurt. She and Randi seemed to hit it off, for the most part, from what I could tell in listening to the conversation.

[JBoy]

81. She's changed over the last couple of months

I don't enjoy listening to her anymore, so I don't.

[Xenotime]

82. You just don't understand Randi and all that she competes with

[shireen]

86. why should we understand her?

She's a radio host. It's a business. AAR depends on advertisers, and advertisers sponsor shows based on ratings. If Randi keeps alienating listeners, that's going to affect advertising income. I don't understand what you mean by your statement "... she competes with ..." Big deal. Talk radio is a competitive business.

Randi and AAR have done a lot of good things for the progressive movement. But that's not a reason to remain her captive audience, to put up with her rudeness. She has become worse, as others have noted in this thread. She lost me as a listener, for good, earlier this year.

[omega minimo]

84. she's gone over the edge b/c she won't call for impeachment. she's freaking out.

lately unlistenable. the OP is right. she is being a bitch.

[Canuckistanian]

85. She's all over the map

Sometimes an information fountain, gushing with facts, figures and quotes.

Sometimes, she hasn't heard news we've been discussing for days.

Other times, she talks about her hairdresser for an hour.

Sometimes she's nice to RWers. Sometimes she insults progressives (mostly for NOT getting her oblique references)

Depends on the day.

[Nictuku]

88. OMG She is Human!

[Canuckistanian]

101. Professionals can maintain a standard

I don't need to hear all these "humanizing" anecdotes. I go to her for news and commentary on the news.

Sometimes, there's a HUGE news story. I'll anxiously wait to hear Randi's thoughts on the matter.

Then she spends the first half hour talking about clothing or her girlfriends.

Sometimes I just wish she'd leave her personal life out of her shows. I'm not at all interested in it.

[chitty]

90. You know what?

Randi's got big shoulders and can handle the rude "bitch" comments just fine all by herself, but seeing as how I consider her a friend of mine, I really don't appreciate you calling her that.

You could just state your feelings and leave it at that. YOU don't have to result to name calling.

She may be a lot of things but she is definately not a bitch.

[JFN1]

93. Totally agree, can't stand her anymore

Air America didn't fail simply because of bad financial management...

I do appreciate people like Randi being out there, but she gives all progressives a bad name when she acts like such a bitch/bully.

[Stand and Fight]

94. You're not the only one.

I listen to Air America throughout my whole day at work, but most days when Rhodes comes on I have to turn it off. She is -- in my opinion -- very much as odious as Rush Limbaugh. Her snide rudeness towards people and talking over them just annoys the hell out of me. However, I won't go so far as to call her a bitch, but she most certainly is a jerk. Thom Hartmann is freaking awesome! I think he should be a bit more forceful with the right-wingers sometimes, but he never treats people like shit. Randi on the other hand... Smart woman. Pretty informed, but sometimes a little out in left field.

[FredStembottom]

97. I was just musing on this today myself...........

I think Randi is a major talent and funny and enjoyable EXCEPT.......... there really is some kind of problem with her taking calls.

She seems so bent on dominating her callers that she even tri-angulates instant distinctions-without-a-difference just so she can disagree with a completely friendly, supportive caller. And these distinctions are really quite tortured at times!

I decided today - long before I read this thread - that I was done with Randi. At least until someone takes her to the woodshed for this growing problem.

With Thom, Rachel and Ring of Fire - I am satisfied. And I would be thrilled if they would give Sam Seder his time back!

[Greyhound]

99. I wish KPOJ would just dump her and run Stephanie Miller in the slot.

I think she would be a great lead-in to Dr. Maddow (she's a real doctor, just not that kind).

[Quixote1818]

100. I use to like her but over time she pissed me off too many times

doing this kind of thing. I rarely listen any more usually turning to music when she is on now.

[jmatthan]

103. For many reasons I took Randi off

my Liberal Talk Show Ratings list.

She insults really genuine callers if they do not have the same logic process as hers. She claims she is Goddess. She claims she is the originator of all the best stuff that has happened in Liberal Talk Radio. She thinks all of us listeners are idiots compared to her. She has a huge swollen head. She has no Talk Show Host characteristics. She overtalks everybody, She rants, She raves. All for effect. No genuineness in her show.

Compare her to Mike Malloy, Peter Werbe, Ray Taliaferro, Bernie Ward, Guy James, Tony Trupiano, and of late Rachel Maddow and sam Seder, and Randi is nowhere despite her top billing at Air America.

If I was the Board of Air America I would take her off the radio till she learnt how to be a Talk Show Host!

[dionysus]

114. i miss listening to werbe every day on ieamerica

[dkofos]

108. She needs to STFU and actually listen for a change. Let me know if she

does and maybe I will listen to her again.

[hiphopnation]

109. there are two knobs on your radio

one turns it on and off

the other...CHANGES THE STATION

[foo_bar]

126. (- George Carlin, "What Am I Doing In New Jersey?")

Great album or whatever they call em nowadays.

[hiphopnation]

129. you got me!

and I think "album" will suffice...I actually had the LP of that one, and listened to it obsessively!

I think that was in reference to the reverend from Alabama.

"Of course I'm sure the reverend isn't comfortable with anything that has two knobs on it..."

Hilarious!

And apt to this thread, imho.

[dionysus]

111. i still listen but I have noticed that she's been insulting ALL of

her callers for quite some time.I think her eho is out of control... I like Mama much better...

[valerief]

117. Randi is wonderful and tireless and imperfect and says what needs to be said.

I say she should be applauded.

And she is *not* Mama or Rachel nor should she be. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, too.

So let's applaud Randi for all the RIGHT and BRAVE things she says every day.
:applause:

[bagimin]

120. You said it ...

every week there's a I can't stand ______ thread. It's ether Randi or Schultz or Lionel. These people are all professional
broadcasters with long track records of success in the business. I wonder if the freepers trash their radio personalities the way we do.
There's 2 knobs on every radio.

[Malikshah]

122. Bingo!! She's got it going on.

And for the hyper sensitive and distract ors and detractors --

Live and let live-- change the dial-- put on Free to Be You and Me-- watch a commercial for International Coffee-- watch a ball game-- watch the frikkin clouds go by.

And rest assured that Randi, Mama, and Rachel are guarding the fort. (And, Mama-- get some sleep, you're worrying me. Jim's issues are worrisome enough-- it's time for you all to get some R&R)

[Spazito]

124. Geez, why is it those who don't like Randi still find the need to listen then post how...

much they don't like her, etc, etc, etc. Don't like her.....don't listen, it is really quite simple.

I have to wonder if some listen in hopes of find something, anything to allow them to post a negative thread about her.....Nah, that couldn't be, could it?

[TheFarseer]

128. I saw he on some talking heads show

can't remember which one, and she was debating some dumb republican woman that was saying some extra-stupid stuff, but Randi kept interrupting her so bad and not even the host could stop the interrupting and it got to the point where I felt sorry for the insane Republican harpy. Think what people who had not made up their minds on the issue thought!

[RestoreGore]

130. Why is her opinion anymore valid than ours?

I don't get the attraction or obsession either.

[Nictuku]

131. Who said more valid?

She brings to my attention things that I would want to know about. Example: She watches C-SPAN hearings when I can't/literally don't have the time. She (and her staff, certainly) make clips so I can hear the parts I would have otherwise missed. I call that valuable, not necessarily more valid.

And Stephie (well, more likely her Mooks), watches FOX, so we don't have to.

In these dangerous times, where we seem to be on some kind of tipping point, every possible way of getting the public more educated on the Truth, is valid.

Not everyone will like Ed Schultz, but he does appeal to many. You can say the same about all of our radio warriors. Mike Malloy, Tom Hartman, Stephanie Miller, etc. I'm glad for having each and every one of them, and happily accept them all for the fact that they do appeal to some of us, and together, with everyone doing what they can, maybe - just maybe, we will be able to get America back (the one where Truth, Justice, and the American Way was taken for granted).

We all do what we can. And I'm all for holding each other up instead of tearing us down.

MALUHIA (Peace)

[CitizenLeft]

132. she's insecure

She's even admitted it before, sometimes painfully so. Makes her act like that sometimes, especially on that day. She mentioned '1984' because Tim Robbins, who she worships, was coming on the show in the next segment or 2 to talk about his production of '1984' on the stage, and she couldn't resist a put-down like that when she knew he was listening or near by. Sad, but hey... I'm willing to bet she's self-aware enough to regret it when it happens, I'm sure it's not exactly planned, it just comes out. Hate to psychoanalyze somebody I've never met, but those are the moments when she's most likely to insult a supporter - when it'll prop up her own self-esteem when she most needs it - betting she was nervous. And I really hate when she does it, I cringe.