Fox Isn't Flag-Waving, Just Angry

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:59 AM CST
Fox Isn't Flag-Waving, Just Angry
In this Jan. 18, 2007 file photo, Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly appears on the Fox News show, "The O'Reilly Factor," in New York.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, file)

The conservative movement is at a crossroads, torn between its intellectuals (think David Brooks) and its shouters (think Rush Limbaugh). As TV’s main conservative voice, Fox News could tip the scales, so Isaac Chotiner of the New Republic watched as much of the channel as he could. His verdict isn’t kind. “Once the network of optimistic, flag-waving jingoism,” he writes, “Fox has become a beacon of sky-is-falling fury.”

These days, Fox isn’t so much partisan as “simply angry.” John McCain’s talking points are mostly ignored in favor of obscure talk radio obsessions like ACORN, Bill Ayers, and, especially, Fox News and media bias. Ted Stevens’ conviction was largely ignored, but Joe the Plumber’s every move was rabidly tracked. “Fox truly felt like an alternate universe,” Chotiner concludes. “The channel appeared interested only in raising conservatives’ blood pressure.” (More Fox News stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X