10 chapters across the catalog
Following the death of legendary newsman Jim Lehrer, his "rules for journalism" are revisited. Lehrer's guidelines included avoiding anonymous sources, separating opinion from news, and assuming the viewer is as smart as the journalist. The hosts contrast Lehrer's objective legacy with the current state of the PBS NewsHour and the mainstream media's reliance on "anonymous bullcrap."
PBS NewsHour, Yamiche Alcindor, and Professional Standards
The current state of PBS NewsHour is compared unfavorably to its origins under McNeil and Lehrer. The hosts criticize reporter Yamiche Alcindor's delivery and professional standards, labeling the current iteration of the show as "amateur hour" driven by bias.
First 2012 Presidential Debate Analysis and Jim Lehrer's Moderation
The hosts analyze the first 2012 presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney at the University of Denver, suggesting the media narrative required a "horse race" to maintain interest. They criticize Jim Lehrer's moderation, noting he lost control of the candidates early in the broadcast. Adam Curry observes that Obama appeared to be on "autopilot," even explaining Romney's positions for him, leading to a perceived victory for Romney.
Rahm Emanuel PBS Interview, Obama Accountability
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's appearance on PBS NewsHour is critiqued for his perceived arrogance and refusal to answer direct questions. The hosts highlight Emanuel's tendency to distance President Obama from controversial decisions, such as the lawsuit against Arizona's immigration law. They argue this behavior contradicts the "buck stops here" philosophy of presidential leadership.
Russian Spy Swap, Rahm Emanuel's Media Strategy
The discussion continues regarding Rahm Emanuel's interview, specifically his evasive answers about the 2010 Russian spy swap. Emanuel tells interviewer Jim Lehrer that "the less said the better" and suggests the President was only "briefed appropriately" rather than being the primary decision-maker. The hosts interpret this as a strategy to shield the President from potential fallout while condescending to the press.
Arizona Immigration Lawsuit, White House Press Relations
Rahm Emanuel explains that the Department of Justice, led by Eric Holder, made the ultimate decision to sue Arizona over its immigration law, SB 1070. The hosts criticize Emanuel for comparing the interview process to "dealing with children on their homework," a rhetorical tactic they claim is also used by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs to marginalize journalists.
G20 Financial Summit, US-China Economic Relations
The G20 financial summit in November 2008 is characterized as a "photo op" where countries with their own financial messes criticize the United States. Analysts suggest that the real solution to the global crisis lies in a "G2" agreement between the U.S. and China, rather than the fragmented agendas of the larger group.
CNN Real-Time Focus Group Graphs and Audience Restrictions
CNN's use of real-time focus group graphs during the debate is criticized for being hypnotic and distracting. The discussion covers how the lines for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents reacted to specific candidate statements and expresses frustration with the "no applause" rules imposed on the live audience.
Jim Lehrer and the Concept of Ruling the Country
Moderator Jim Lehrer is criticized for a specific phrasing during the debate where he allegedly asked how policies would affect the way the candidates "rule the country." The terminology is challenged as being more appropriate for a king or royalty than a president who is meant to lead or govern.
Foreign Policy Isolationism and Debate Soundbites
Barack Obama's stance against isolationism is examined, specifically his omission of Cuba when listing countries where embargoes should end. The debate is ultimately characterized as a boring show-business product that excluded third-party candidates and lacked a definitive "moment" or story.
