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Your Media: Patrick Buchanan, Analyst, MSNBC
In the run-up to this election, the media is not only paying scads of attention to the presidential race, but is also navel-gazing quite a bit. After the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries when so many newsies and pundits and pollsters we so horribly wrong about everything, many people wondered whether the media itself played a larger role in the tenor of elections than had been previously thought.Since the Reverend Jeremiah Wright/Barack Obama debacle has turned a nation's attention to matters of race, I'd like to start this new series, focused on major media pundits and their role in bringing information to the electorate, and their own handling of race matters in America.
Patrick J. Buchanan, political analyst for MSNBC, is everywhere on the cable channel lately. If you're even a casual viewer of MSNBC you no doubt have come across the conservative, bombastic commentator. His depth of political knowledge is deep, personal and spans decades.
Mr. Buchanan has been a columnist, commentator (McLaughlin Group, Crossfire), speech writer and Special Assistant to the President (Nixon), White House Communications Director (Reagan) and presidential contender himself in 1992 and 1996 (Republican) and 2000 (Reform Party) and author of nine books. A "traditional" conservative, Buchanan holds pretty basic values of small government, low taxes and second amendment rights with his own robust disagreement with free trade, open immigration and neo-conservatism.Pat's social conservatism is defined both by his party and his adherence to Traditionalist Catholicism. Anti-abortion, anti-gay rights, pro-school prayer, school choice and an adherence to intelligent design define his public writing and appearances.
By most standards, Buchanan is a reasoned, conservative counterpart to more liberal commentators. But his near-virulent abhorrence to multiculturalism and well-known disagreements with Dr. Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement and it's resultant legislation all too often bleed through otherwise "objective" analysis. His commentary on the Obama campaign has been riddled with his own prejudices including his insistence that the only reason that Obama is winning is due to blacks and Democrat "elites", completely ignoring results in such states as Iowa, Maine and Utah that have next to no black population. Pat was an early advocate of referring to Obama as the "Black Candidate" despite impassioned attempts by other panelists to convince him otherwise.
Just this week, in what I assume was moved along by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright debacle, Buchanan published this article on his website. I have a portion of it below.
A Brief for Whitey
By Patrick J. Buchanan
How would he pull it off? I wondered.
How would Barack explain to his press groupies why he sat silent in a pew for 20 years as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright delivered racist rants against white America for our maligning of Fidel and Gadhafi, and inventing AIDS to infect and kill black people?
How would he justify not walking out as Wright spewed his venom about "the U.S. of K.K.K. America," and howled, "God damn America!"
My hunch was right. Barack would turn the tables.
Yes, Barack agreed, Wright's statements were "controversial," and "divisive," and "racially charged," reflecting a "distorted view of America."
But we must understand the man in full and the black experience out of which the Rev. Wright came: 350 years of slavery and segregation.
Barack then listed black grievances and informed us what white America must do to close the racial divide and heal the country.
The "white community," said Barack, must start "acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds ... ."
And what deeds must we perform to heal ourselves and our country?
The "white community" must invest more money in black schools and communities, enforce civil rights laws, ensure fairness in the criminal justice system and provide this generation of blacks with "ladders of opportunity" that were "unavailable" to Barack's and the Rev. Wright's generations.
What is wrong with Barack's prognosis and Barack's cure?
Only this. It is the same old con, the same old shakedown that black hustlers have been running since the Kerner Commission blamed the riots in Harlem, Watts, Newark, Detroit and a hundred other cities on, as Nixon put it, "everybody but the rioters themselves."
Was "white racism" really responsible for those black men looting auto dealerships and liquor stories, and burning down their own communities, as Otto Kerner said - that liberal icon until the feds put him away for bribery.
Barack says we need to have a conversation about race in America.
Fair enough. But this time, it has to be a two-way conversation. White America needs to be heard from, not just lectured to.
This time, the Silent Majority needs to have its convictions, grievances and demands heard. And among them are these:
First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known.
Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American.
Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the '60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream.
Governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against white folks - with affirmative action, contract set-asides and quotas - to advance black applicants over white applicants.
Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks.
We hear the grievances. Where is the gratitude?
(emphasis mine)
If at all possible, the rest of the article is actually worse. I don't believe I can add anything of value in my own opinion - the piece speaks for itself. And thus spoke your MSNBC analyst.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 2)Mr. Clark7:19AMMar 24th 2008
Denise Williams,
You bring up many good points about Patrick J. Buchanan. I admire that...I truly do. But, I have seen a slant in the media at large that just baffles me. Sen. Obama's present problems are of his own making. Not Pat Buchanan or Sen Clintons..
There are a ton of stories out there right now deflecting the blame of Sen. Obama's current problems onto everyone and everything else. Withholding information is the same thing as lying. And, as long as Sen. Obama continues down this road, he will feel what that cost actually is. He ran on an "idea" of a different kind of politics, but...it's the same old BS. Most of it may come from his advisor's daily briefings, but, there is nothing new here. Just a wonderful pep-rally of a campaign designed to appeal to the young and the same old crap and scandals.
Every blogger out there can try to spin this anyway that they want. But, the bottom-line is Sen. Obama is solely responsible for the spot he is currently in. Pat Buchanan has his flaws, but that doesn't let Sen. Obama off the hook. It is just another of many distractions the media has conjured up to keep the dream alive. I will take Sen. Clinton and all her many flaws over a fraud any day. But, if he does get the nomination; I will vote for him. I've seen much speculation about how Sen. Clinton should have withdrew from the race. Why? So, we don't know we are voting for a liar until the General Election?
Pat Buchanan is the least of the media's problems at the moment. They should have been vetting this man and engaging in good old-fashioned investigative journalism form the beginning. Yeah, Buchanan is a nut, but that in no way lets Sen. Obama off the hook.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Mr. Clark
Diane8:40AMMar 24th 2008
I agree with Mr. Clark, but I on the other hand will not cast my vote for Obama because I can not consider a man who has affiliations with a church whose beliefs I question. Where does he patriotism lie?
VOTE HILLARY
buckskin7119:21AMMar 24th 2008
buchanan was one of the first talking heads to sense that something was not quite right about obama. and he went against most of the others by saying so. thank you, pat buchanan. now if the rest of you media types would figure it out about obama, our country would be so much better off.
Denise Williams9:25AMMar 24th 2008
Mr. Clark - again, glad to see you back! This point of my piece is not to deflect attention away from any candidate, but to shed some light on the pundits that are disseminating information. There are some that clearly have an agenda.
Unfortunately perhaps for all of us, news - be it TV, print, radio or internet - is more now opinion-based.
We have evidence even here at Political Machine that some viewers are not sure of the difference between opinion pieces and straight news. We are clearly opinion-based, as are most blogs. We have many visitors who don't make that distinction.
Kristin F9:55AMMar 24th 2008
"First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known.
Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American."
Is he serious? Blacks should thank God for being made slaves over here because, ultimately, they've been saved? I'm offended in so many ways.
Pete9:55AMMar 24th 2008
Yeah Denise Williams!
How do you answer to charges against Obama bandied about by the Tabloids? Let's not forget the charge that Obama is really Elvis' son.
Say WHAT?!10:08AMMar 24th 2008
Well Pete, we'll see who's laughing when the MSM decides to do their job.
During this cmapaign, they've shown themselves to be more lazy,and bias then ever before.
With the exeption of the last couple of weeks, Barack Obama has been the "golden child" throughout this campaign.
The MSM owes it to the American people to tell what they know. It is up to the people to decide for themselves if it's important to them or not. It is not the media's responsibility to determine what we should or should not know. Tell us what you know, and let us decide if it makes a difference.
DavesRaves10:50AMMar 24th 2008
PAT BUCHANAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH, EVEN THOUGH IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE TO SOME PEOPLE. THANK GOD THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE HIM WHO WILL DEFEND THE CONSERVATIVE, FAITH-BASED VALUES THAT MADE OUR COUNTRY THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH. BUCHANAN WON'T LET THE SPEECH POLICE IN THIS COUNTRY DICTATE WHAT HE SAYS.
BLACKS AND MEXICANS ARE AT ODDS WITH EACH OTHER OVER WHO IS IN THE MINORITY IN AMERICA. WHEN YOU'RE IN THE MINORITY, YOU CAN CLAIM VICTIM STATUS. AND WITH THAT COMES ALL THE GOVERNMENT FREEBIES.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THEIR OWN HOUSE IN ORDER. DO YOU WANT THEM INTRUDING ON YOUR'S? IF YOU LOOK TO GOVERNMENT TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS, YOU'VE GOT A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD OF YOU. CONSERVATIVES, HOWEVER, BELIEVE IN LIMITING THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIVES- CUTTING WASTEFUL SPENDING, WHILE HELPING THOSE IN NEED- AND GETTING UNCLE SAM OFF OUR BACKS AND OUT OF OUR WALLETS. IT'S ABOUT PERSONAL FREEDOMS, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE INDIVIDUAL, AND SELF-SUFFICIENTCY.
IF YOU GIVE A MAN A FISH, HE'LL EAT TODAY. IF YOU TEACH HIM TO FISH, HE'LL EAT FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.
OUR GOVERNMENT OPERATES SOLELY ON REVENUE FROM THE TAXPAYERS. IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO EXPAND IN ORDER TO MAKE AS MANY PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON THEM AS POSSIBLE, THEY HAVE TO TAKE IT FROM THE WORKING PEOPLE WHO PAY THE TAXES, THUS TAX INCREASES. OUR TAX SYSTEM TAKES MONEY FROM PEOPLE WHO EARN IT, AND GIVES IT TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T. IT PUNISHES THE ACHIEVERS WHILE REWARDING THE SLACKERS.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY LIBERAL POLITICIANS WHO WANT TO LUMP US ALL INTO GROUPS AND CONTROL OUR LIVES BY MAKING US MORE RELIANT ON THEM. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN!
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS COMPRISED OF CONSERVATIVES, TO A GREATER OR LESSER DEGREE. IF YOU'VE VOTED FOR DEMOCRATS OVER THE YEARS, CONSIDER THE G.O.P. I THINK YOU'LL FIND THAT YOU'RE BETTER OFF THAN YOU WERE BEFORE, AND YOU'LL HAVE MORE TAKE-HOME PAY AS WELL.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME. ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR ABILITIES.
Tommy Christopher11:02AMMar 24th 2008
As I mentioned in my story today, Denise and I, prior to the publication of this article, had just been complimenting Buchanan on his insights thus far in this campaign. Denise correctly observes that he moderates his opinions considerably for TV, whereas it had appeared to me prior to this that Buchanan actually was moderate and speaking as plainly as possible due to his detatchment from Democratic politics. This is very illuminating stuff.
Billy11:56AMMar 24th 2008
Pat needs to go back to reporting for the KKK. His letter is horrible and complete nonsense. His words have been far worse than Wright's. Seriously how can any sane person follow the senetence "First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks." by talking about slavery. Is he honestly saying blacks were fortunate to have whites bring them here to be slaves and that they should be thankful they are here because of that? Hey Pat, tell me how lucky you'd feel if someone came and took you from your family to go and be a slave to Africans? Or tell me how great you thought this country was after learning you ancestors were treated like animals, your grand parents were lynched, and your mom and dad were forced to sit at the back of the bus, go to separate restaurants, live in certain neigborhoods, go to certain schools, drink from certain water fountains and on and on just because of theri color?
lacylauren12:07PMMar 24th 2008
Obama's "typical white person" remark offended me so much that I will vote for McCain if he is the nominee.
Say WHAT?!12:51PMMar 24th 2008
And what would their life be like had they stayed in Africa??
I think Pat Buchanan had the guts to say what many, many "white" Americans have been feeling for a very long time.
It's time the African-American community gets over themselves and quit waiting for the Government to take care of them.
Our Government is responsible for keeping us safe and ensuring our continued freedom.
It is not the responsibility of the Government to raise our children and support our families financially.
Davidg1:27PMMar 24th 2008
Well Williams got one thing right...she can't add anything of value with her own opinion.
So what else is new?
Say WHAT?!1:39PMMar 24th 2008
Denise Williams,
Maybe you can shed some light as to why the MSM have ignored Larry Sinclair's story about Obama, gay sex, crack cocaine, and the connection between the Obama Campaign, and the murder of Donald Young who was the choir director for Obama's church?
I realize that the celebrity tabloids are not considered a reliable source for serious news, BUT they have been known, on more than one occasion to break a story long before the MSM.
The National Enquirer has reported that a Chicago detective working with the CPD, has said that he believes that Donald Young was murdered "because he knew something about Obama."
Now, Larry Sinclair is receiving many serious death threats, and the MSM have not at the very least, even investigated Larry Sinclair's accusations.
Why do you suppose that is?
tfitz10171:43PMMar 24th 2008
So, Davidg, this means you support Buchanans statement?
antigreen3:21PMMar 24th 2008
Pat for president, keep speeking the truth
how about Bay for vice pres on the McCain ticket ,that is something i could get excited about
Kenny4:32PMMar 24th 2008
Following Pat's 'logic' is agonizing. He puts a dollar figure on the costs 'Whitey' has incurred and wonders when it will stop and why black folks aren't genuflecting at the Christian altar that saved them from Africa.
Pat, they haven't found a cure for Cancer, yet we continue to spend ungodly sums to cure a minority of people. It's not the dollar amount, it's the quality of the product and the reason for paying for it in the first place.
Debra S.6:30PMMar 24th 2008
Pat Buchanan and Joe S. are the only non-Obama supporters on MSNBC. Unfortunately, the cable network cannot find any balance for their Obama-bias within the Demo Party.
HILLARY STEP DOWN NOW AMERICA DOES NOT WANT YOU9:51PMMar 24th 2008
Say WHAT?!1:39PMMar 24th 2008
Denise Williams,
Maybe you can shed some light as to why the MSM have ignored Larry Sinclair's story about Obama, gay sex, crack cocaine, and the connection between the Obama Campaign, and the murder of Donald Young who was the choir director for Obama's church?
I realize that the celebrity tabloids are not considered a reliable source for serious news, BUT they have been known, on more than one occasion to break a story long before the MSM.
The National Enquirer has reported that a Chicago detective working with the CPD, has said that he believes that Donald Young was murdered "because he knew something about Obama."
Now, Larry Sinclair is receiving many serious death threats, and the MSM have not at the very least, even investigated Larry Sinclair's accusations.
Why do you suppose that is?
---------------------------------------------------
YOU ARE A FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT IDIOT CLOWN PUCK ASS REDNECK PIECE OF SHIT
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Pete7:01AMMar 24th 2008
I remember seeing that documentary "The color of fear" and being reminded of a particular sigment within it. One of the black participants outlines his experiences about racism. At one point one of the white participants tells the black man essentially that all this discrimination and inequality is simply in his head. Buchanan's dialogue here reminds me a lot of that particular conversation.
I can't help but feel that Buchanan is answering the race quenstion blacks pose with, "But look at what we've already done for you all. That's not enough?"