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Lefty Talking Heads Fan 'Birther' Flames

Debunked rumor gets far more play on MSNBC than on Fox

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2009 10:09 AM CDT
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(Newser) – When CNN correspondent Candy Crowley mentioned birthers on Lou Dobbs’ show last week, the host panicked. “Don’t say ‘birthers,’ whatever you do,” he said. “Not on this broadcast.” Dobbs has become a much-ridiculed face of the birther movement, but he's discussed the issue only five times since July, Politico reports. Over the same period, 29 different primetime shows on left-leaning MSNBC have addressed the craze.

The MSNBC talking heads are mostly mocking or debunking birther claims, but critics say even that’s too much. One journalism scholar says networks shouldn’t be devoting “considerable attention to a rumor that has been legitimately debunked.” But a recent poll shows that 58% of Republicans aren’t sure whether President Obama was born in the US, an MSNBC exec points out. “At that point, you realize it’s not just a fringe movement.”

Ed Schultz broadcasts from his radio studios in Fargo, N.D. in this file photo. Schultz is one of many MSNBC hosts who has discussed the birther flap.
Ed Schultz broadcasts from his radio studios in Fargo, N.D. in this file photo. Schultz is one of many MSNBC hosts who has discussed the "birther" flap.   (AP Photo/Dave Samson, File)
In this May 3, 2007 file photo, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC poses at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
In this May 3, 2007 file photo, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC poses at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
In this 2005 file photo provided by CNN, news anchor Lou Dobbs sits on the set of his show, Lou Dobs Tonight, in New York.
In this 2005 file photo provided by CNN, news anchor Lou Dobbs sits on the set of his show, "Lou Dobs Tonight," in New York.   (AP Photo/CNN, Mark Hill, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
AnnieChrist
Aug 11, 2009 12:37 PM CDT
For a reasonable person, the reprint in your possession will suffice. For it to be legitimate to a birther however, you will have to wait for the second coming of Christ, have him sign it in his own blood, and have it witnessed by the Pope himself. Some 30% of the birthers will then be convinced you have a real document.
cognitivefilter
Aug 11, 2009 6:21 AM CDT
i would rather hear about michael jackson again
Shannonals
Aug 11, 2009 3:37 AM CDT
Jayster999 that is such an ignorant statement. if you think for one minute that left wingers are the only ones who, "hate" Ameica your in denial. there are plenty of nutcase right wingers out there.

 
media • MSNBC • lefties • Keith Olbermann • CNN • Lou Dobbs • Obama administration • liberal media • Candy Crowley • President Obama • conservative media • birther

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