Michael
Nov 3rd 2008, 01:05 PM
Wacko patrol: America's 25 scariest conservatives
The Phoenix ranks the individuals who will hold the most sway over the right-wing message machine in 2009, and beyond.
Source (http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/71094-Wacko-patrol-Americas-25-scariest-conservatives/?page=21#TOPCONTENT)
Mostly a content free list (a mass media specialty) - just U-Tube video clips of all 25 with no rationale or reasons given for the ranking. One can only assume pure subjectivity on the part of the editors - and using 'video' is proof enough of that.
(note: video clips are not respectable journalism and are never used to make factual arguments - video clips are designed entirely to influence one's emotional reaction)
I think the ranking system they use (and the videos) are absurd, but its hard to argue with the names on the list.
My principle critique is that this is a media list that gives undue weight to other media personalities. In reality, media talking heads are only influential when they spout talking points given to them by the political players (Rush Limbaugh and O'Reilly are good examples of this - they NEVER deviate from the Republican party line). This list is very heavy on 'media talking heads' and seems to omit the real players who write the talking points for them.
The Phoenix ranks the individuals who will hold the most sway over the right-wing message machine in 2009, and beyond.
Source (http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/71094-Wacko-patrol-Americas-25-scariest-conservatives/?page=21#TOPCONTENT)
Mostly a content free list (a mass media specialty) - just U-Tube video clips of all 25 with no rationale or reasons given for the ranking. One can only assume pure subjectivity on the part of the editors - and using 'video' is proof enough of that.
(note: video clips are not respectable journalism and are never used to make factual arguments - video clips are designed entirely to influence one's emotional reaction)
I think the ranking system they use (and the videos) are absurd, but its hard to argue with the names on the list.
My principle critique is that this is a media list that gives undue weight to other media personalities. In reality, media talking heads are only influential when they spout talking points given to them by the political players (Rush Limbaugh and O'Reilly are good examples of this - they NEVER deviate from the Republican party line). This list is very heavy on 'media talking heads' and seems to omit the real players who write the talking points for them.