The Problem With Pundits --- from The Nation

[kentuck]

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060828/prob_w_pundits


<snip>
In the wake of Tuesday's Connecticut primary, it's hard to say which group came across looking more desperate and out of sorts: Sen. Joseph Lieberman's bungling campaign staff, universally derided as tone-deaf and slow-footed, or Beltway-based pundits who sounded noisy alarms about the disastrous impact a win by Ned Lamont would have. Progressives would be wise to ignore the pundits' free advice, since it seems to have been driven less by concern about the Democratic Party's well-being and more by personal affinity towards Lieberman, insecurity about the surging liberal bloggers, and fear that Americans might start holding somebody--anybody--responsible for Iraq.

The Lamont media flailing truly was remarkable. How else to describe longtime Lieberman pal and DC corporate lobbyist Lanny Davis, trolling online through liberal comment sections in search of random anti-Semitic slurs in order to prove thoughtful progressives opposed to Lieberman were really filled with "scary hatred." Davis also trembled theatrically for a liberal Connecticut buddy who confided that he might not return to the state to vote on primary day "out of fear for his safety."

Meanwhile, the New York Times's David Brooks lashed out at the "liberal inquisition" unfolding in Connecticut, the type of phenomenon that could be understood "only experts in moral manias and mob psychology." ABC's Cokie Roberts sang from the choir sheet this Sunday morning, announcing a Lamont win would mean "a disaster for the Democratic Party."

[acmejack]

1. Voices everywhere telling us what we need to think.

Even as I listen to Tony Snow and realize why he was brought on...

[screembloodymurder]

2. I guess Democracy has its limitations.

Is our two party system so beholding to big-money that we, the people, don't count? Isn't that what Lieberman and Cheney are really saying? Aren't they saying that the voters are wrong because those with money, power, and influence (that small group of people who really count) disagree with the majority? Our Democracy reminds me of an old card trick where the magician selects a card and then makes you select between two choices i.e. red or black. Then he either keeps or eliminates your selection based on which card he's holding. In the end you're left with only one card to choose - his card.

[bryant69]

3. My biggest problem with pundits - I'm not one of them.

I mean, yeah I'm not very telegenic, but come on. I'd like to sit around, talk out of my ass, and get paid a ton of money. Hell, that's practically what i do now, except the ton of money part.

Bryant
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