Even in this age of compulsive confessionalism, certain topics are only whispered, if discussed at all. Reader of this blog rely on me to broach these subjects, unafraid. And so I do, because that is my role.
Among the torrent of comments (overwhelmingly positive, a few negative), three themes emerged:
- Many commenters found my designation of Soledad O'Brien as "Blatina" marginalizing, maybe even inaccurate. I stand by the label: Soledad sat with me on an Iron Chef judging panel (Battle Oyster?). I like Soledad but the way she went on and on and on about her "Cuban relatives"? You would've thought she was Elian's aunt! Clearly she self-identifies as both black and latina.
- Lynne Russell's fans are alive and well. For the sad few who don't know, the devastatingly sultry Russell was the first woman to anchor a nationally televised primetime news show, on CNN Headline News. The former nursing student began her broadcasting career as a radio station receptionist. But this buxom brunette with the deep voice and two black belts (!) would never be content behind a desk -- unless that desk was on-air. And so she took over the joint. Think Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. To paraphrase an old deodorant ad: As strong as a man ... but made like a woman.
One reason why she'll always be a CNN legend: she walked away from it all in 2001, to move to Canada and make hand-crafted lampshades.
- Finally ... Don Lemon is the new Lynne Russell. His fans, it turns out, are rabid. And this, after only two years on the job!
This from "Blair":
I'll add my opinion on a few of those you've mentioned. Don Lemon is a favorite--an excellent journalist. Kyra Phillips is almost unprofessional with her "peppiness." Tony Harris behaves like a bumpkin. I can't believe he's still on mornings, while Don Lemon has been banished to weekends!
And from "Tracey":
I happen to enjoy Don Lemon and the other anchors mentioned. I have no desire to see my news delivered by Flava Flave or Neicy Nash(Clean House). No, Mr. Rocca, you've got it all wrong. Let each commentator be free to report the news in the style with which he or she is most comfortable.
"Dorothy Foster" chimed in with this:
I think you're wrong about Don Lemon. He is one of my favorites.
And "Norma" did not mince words:
I must tell you that I miss Don Lemon during the weekdays. I do not agree with you that he didn't fit in with Kyra Phillips.
"Emmy" weighed in:
At this point I have to say that a good journalist, just like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. To some like me, Don Lemon, whom you call boring is a class act at what he does.
Clearly I was off on my analysis of Don Lemon as "too restrained". (I never explicitly labeled him "boring.") Indeed this clip, brought to my attention by one of my researchers, shows the liberated, impulsive Don I've been craving:
The clip is a revelation. Of course that's just one instance. There could well be others. (And I encourage readers to write in with their favorite Don Lemon-isms.) But in the end, if Don is a little restrained, maybe it's for the best: it leaves more to the imagination. On slow news days we're able to project -- to make Don what we want him to be.
And with that, I officially add him to my list of CNN Anchors Who Are Making It Work. (CAWAMIW?)
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Babe, I hope this doesn't sound rude, but you seem to be flip-flopping.
Just because a few sour Lemon lovers got upset?
Please.
Having said that, I agree with your first analysis of Lemon.
Roland Martin is the one who kicks ass! Consistently.
I am looking forward to your "Blatina" post. Smooches.
giftedgirl at 8:06PM on Dec 3rd 2008
2. Blatula, flatula.
JillJG at 12:02AM on Dec 4th 2008
3. Funny how I was just thinking "where the heck has Don Lemon been", and boom! He's back! After NOT having cable for a long time, I didn't know he was that new, so he's always been good as far as I'm concerned.
Tony Harris is a tool. I have to watch Fox or MSNBC or Lifetime whenever he is on. He and that Sanchez dude need to GO.
CJ at 1:04AM on Dec 6th 2008
4. I'm with Sherry.
Sigh.
Loyal, devoted posters, who are anxiously awaiting the conclusion of the "Colombian Invasion", and all we get is a Lemon.
RME.
grumpy g.g. at 12:58PM on Dec 4th 2008
5. Dear Br. MoRocca,
See, you've even made Ms. Gifted Girl grumpy.
A sabbatical in Canada making hand made lamp shades, that's what I'd recommend.
JillJG at 4:25PM on Dec 4th 2008
6.
The funniest thing (to me) ever is that I haven't had TV for a year+, now, & it's been the coolest thing ever. So... On the 1 hand, I have NO idea what you all are talking about, when it comes to news commentators (that's what NPR is for), & on the other hand, I have no cable bill. On the 3rd hand, I feel *incredibly* liberated, though I didn't actually *choose* to have no cable.
My NPR commentators have no color.. & I like it that way.. It's like opening a birthday present, every time I Google them.
When I DID have cable, I only watched Food Network, & got all hot & bothered when Mr. Rocca was a judge. That alone (forgive me) was not enough to keep my cable, when my Ex-Frog stopped paying Child Support properly...
On the flipside... I bought Bean a Pleo for x-mas. We had a car accident on Tuesday, & I kept her home on Wednesday because of it, & she was here when the Fedex guy showed up - oops. Christmas is spoiled, but we're having a blast, w/ that robotic dinosaur thingie (hint, Mr. Rocca - do a Pleo commentary!)... The technology is PERFECT for city dwellers.
To remain on topic: I bet Don Lemon would love to have a Pleo.
-(;o)~
Sherry
(GO FORTH, & BRING TO ME THE COLOMBIANS)
S.L. at 11:56PM on Dec 4th 2008
7. Jilly Bean is not a Repub. Whoooo!
She's just a Lib who puts on a phony show.
'Cause, we all know she loves Mo.
Hee, Hee, Hee.
P.S. Sherry, so glad that you and the real Bean are fine. And yes, watching our Mo eat is a treat!!!
giftedgirl at 12:18AM on Dec 5th 2008
8.
GG Babe (!!!)... (real) Bean & I are about to lose the castle.. & it sucks. Can't hide that. Really bummed badly... It's amazing what 1 schmuck w/ an attorney can do... Especially when that attorney is *also* an ex-partner in business... & when the other is the BabyDad - forget it!!!!
My life is a soup sandwich.
If it was any different, I wouldn't be 1/2 as fun (shut up, Jill).
-(;o)~
Sherry
S.L. at 1:40AM on Dec 5th 2008
9. I totally forgot, On Topic:
Lynne Russell has a great rack.
-(;o)~
Sherry
S.L. at 2:26AM on Dec 5th 2008
10. Sherry,
Thank goodness you both are OK. I wish nothing but the best for you. I will include you in my prayers today.
I don't get cable either. CSPAN and NPR and the newspaper are my news source. Love National Review and the Atlantic.
Best,
JillJG at 8:51AM on Dec 5th 2008
11. Don Lemon is the DUMBEST anchor of all time. He is grossly incompetent, He's a guy who says 1000 words and means nothing, pure 100% BS guy.
ranga at 11:39PM on Nov 7th 2009
12. I'm on the fence on Don Lemon. Sometimes he's ok, then sometimes he's fishin'. Recently, when the prez went to Africa and he got this big welcome, Don had this African correspondent on his show and you could tell he was all giddy about the prez being over there and the big welcome he got. He asked the correspondent if this was "unprecedented" that an American prez get such a welcome. You can tell his bubble got popped when she said (I paraphrase), no, we did the same when President Bush came over.
HAR HAR
Omar Vargas at 8:40PM on Nov 22nd 2009