Gore Vidal on the Iowa debate and Kucinich

[lame54]

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/20/5910/
It is so typical for CNN, a lousy network, and whatever that awful newspaper is called. Do we want to listen to them at the close of a primary campaign in a key state? They have nothing to say of any interest, and so they eliminate any voice that might say something intelligent. I have never felt more ashamed being an American than when I saw how this debate was handled.

The Gop Iowa debate
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jBvy_rivO04

[MadBadger]

1. Gore Vidal doesnt know what he is talking about

CNN had nothing to do with that debate at all. He goes on to blame Wolf Blitzer and I actually think he owes Wolfie an Apology.

[Occam Bandage]

2. I just lost a bit of respect for Mr. Vidal. While Dennis' exclusion was unfair

given Keyes' inclusion, to blame Wolf Blitzer (and insinuate a Jewish connection) for the actions of the Des Moines Register is ridiculous.

And, um...if they're a paper with no importance whatsoever, why do you care?

And about his "and whatever that awful newspaper is called" business: why do aged writers take such perverse pride in opinionated ignorance?

[MonkeyFunk]

3. That's sad

I've long been a great admirer of Gore Vidal's, but this piece is just nonsense.

[Dhalgren]

4. KICK! And RECOMMENDED!

Vidal is dead on in his commentary. I think that it is ridiculously SAD that folks on this board have completely lost all perspective when dealing with this process. Vidal owes Blitzer nothing but contempt - and I will add mine to his! I respect Gore Vidal more than ever and celebrate his contribution to American history, culture, and scholarship.

Sometimes I am ashamed of this board...

[Occam Bandage]

5. Gore Vidal has contributed greatly to American culture. Nobody would argue against that.

In fact, it is in light of his contributions that this piece of patent nonsense is so unfortunate. Wolf Blitzer, CNN, and AIPAC had absolutely nothing to do with the DMR debate. He's written some great things, and that is why this display of ignorance is so disappointing.

[Dhalgren]

7. Where did he say AIPAC had anything to do with it?

I must have missed that part. I somehow doubt that you are in a position to make more than an extremely personal evaluation of Vidal and his work, in any case. I am just disappointed that Vidal gets run down on here and disparaged not because what he said is wrong or ignorant, but because what he says runs counter to someone's (your) opinion. Disagree with him if you like, but saying Gore Vidal displays "ignorance" does nothing but display your own.

[Occam Bandage]

9. This has nothing to do with opinion.

This is a point of fact. CNN was not behind the DMR debate. CNN was not involved with the DMR debate. Wolf Blitzer was not involved with the DMR debate. CNN and Wolf Blitzer were involved with the previous Democratic debate, but DK was invited to that one, and that one had nothing to do with DMR. Perhaps he confused the two. Perhaps he is speculating beyond the bounds of accuracy. I can't claim to know why he said that CNN had anything to do with the DMR debate, but he was wrong to say that.

What he said here is wrong. What he said here is ignorant. Neither CNN nor Wolf Blitzer were involved with the DMR Iowa debate. There is no disagreement; there is no opinion; there is only the question of factual accuracy. And Mr. Vidal is outright wrong here.

Oh, and about AIPAC? I think bringing up that Blitzer is the "one-time voice of AIPAC" counts as implying that their interests are at stake here. Otherwise, those are wasted words, and Vidal is a better writer than that.

[MadBadger]

6. I am ashamed of people like you

People who are assessing blame to people who do not warrant blame.

[Dhalgren]

8. Pffzzt

[cali]

11. well, I'm ashamed of the lack of critical thinking

that people rec'ing the other thread on this are demonstrating. You'd like that thread! Vidal is just wrong here. It's sad, but it's true. CNN had nothing to do with the Des Moines Register debate or their sucky decision about Dennis. CNN, like other broadcasters, aired it. That's it. But hey, go join the other thread where they looove this sad little opinion piece.

[LWolf]

10. Kick, recommend, and

:popcorn: