Thank you ABC News

For giving Ex President Karl Rove a platform to fillibuster for his proven quality opinions. Video when I get it.

PLEASE NOTE: Title has been changed to correct an error.

Note from Paddy- I incorrectly credited Jake Tapper for hosting the show today (and letting Karl run roughshod over everything), we think it was John Karl. My mistake, I listen in another room from where the computer er television is. What a day.

NBC News Files Complaint with White House Over ABC's Access

Wow, this has a really odd feel about it.

TVNewser has learned that NBC News has filed a formal complaint with the White House press office over the distribution of presidential interviews, specifically that several of the most recent broadcast TV interviews have gone to ABC News -- including George Stephanopoulos's interview yesterday and Charlie Gibson's December 15.

NBC is reportedly claiming Stephanopoulos' friendship with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has helped land the interviews. But insiders tell us those decisions are generally left to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

VIDEO: "Butt sniffer" SteeleFail interview with Tea Bagger radio host

By GottaLaff

Via Think Progress:



When Tea Baggers get angry, they get even more vile than usual, and that's sayin' something. Oh, but you already knew that.

As I posted yesterday, Michael Steele stood up ABC News. But there's more! He also blew off conservative Tea Baggy radio personality Dana Loesch, who tweeted her wrath. And in another tweet...

She also gave props to Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO) for keeping her interview, writing, “So out of @clairecmc and @chairmanmsteele , McCaskill is the one who keeps her interview. #steelefail”

And how did she get even? Because, as we all know, acceptance isn't the Tea Baggers' strong suit. There were bound to be consequences. And consequences there were!

She interviewed herself... as Steele. And what an interview it was. Loud, strident, mocking... and ruthless. Why, she even shut herself up-- as Steele.

Let's just say Dana's not a big fan.

On the other hand, Michael Steele has become her new imaginary playmate, so maybe there's a reconciliation in their future. After all, she can't fight with her alter ego forever. That can wear a girl/guy out.

More here.

Michael Steele Abruptly Cancels Interview

By GottaLaff

Gee, can't imagine why. This is from Roll Call, which is subscription only, so we get the headline only:

Under fire from top donors and Congressional Republicans, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele on Friday abruptly canceled a scheduled noon interview with ABC News — the network that has played host to some of Steele’s more controversial statements.

He's an embarrassment to the party, himself, and anyone who is withing sneezing distance. But hey, he be da man!

Video- Bill O'Reilly: ABC's Charlie Gibson Resigned Because Of Sarah Palin Interview?

Has to be one of my top ten stretches ever.

Video- New RNC Ad Bashing ABC Healthcare Special

Dear lord, could they get any more lame? Honestly, they're not even trying.

GOP seeks to counter ABC healthcare programming

The special in question is here. When I read this I had a niggling memory of a law that we used to have? Something about opposing viewpoints on the public airwaves? Can't seem to remember what that was about...

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Republican National Committee is urging GOP members of Congress to take to the local airwaves next week to discuss their approach to healthcare reform in an effort to counter an ABC News primetime special featuring President Obama speaking on the issue.

The RNC is informing GOP congressional offices this morning that it will pay for and help schedule the interviews with local television reporters in their states and districts.

The RNC tells the Republican lawmakers it is taking this step because they said their request to be included in the special “was denied.”

Yeah, ABC was totally fair and balanced with that masterpiece of cinema, The Path To 9/11. Uh huh.

RNC Says Health Care Special Will "Become A Glorified Infomercial", ABC: "false premises"

By GottaLaff

ABC responds to the ABCs of Rushpublic lunacy:

ABC News is responding to the Republican National Committee's claim that the network is excluding "opposing voices" during next week's White House conversation on Pres. Obama's national health care plan.

In a letter to ABC News president David Westin, RNC Chief of Staff Ken McKay writes, "I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime."

This morning ABC SVP Kerry Smith responded, characterizing the RNC letter as containing "a number of false premises."

"ABC News alone will select those who will be in the audience asking questions of the president," she writes. "ABC News will have complete editorial control. To suggest otherwise is quite unfair to both our journalists and our audience."

The RNC letter to ABC News and ABC's response are here. Now, everyone! Sing with me:

ABCDEFG,

D-ranged nuts at RNC.

ABC to Moderate Primetime Health Care Conversation from the White House

This will be interesting. I honestly believe the more "the real people" are heard on about this, the better the chance for a public option.

As the president continues to sell his health care plan - today in front of doctors at the AMA conference in Chicago - ABC News announced it is hosting a primetime special called "Questions for the President: Prescription for America."

Next Wednesday June 24 at 10pmET Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer will moderate what ABC News calls "a primetime conversation" with President Obama about the future of U.S. health care.

During the discussion from the East Room, President Obama will answer questions from an audience made up of Americans selected by ABC News. ABC's medical editor Dr. Timothy Johnson will also take part.

"Good Morning America" and "World News" will originate from the White House next Wednesday and the conversation will continue later on Nightline.