I am turning the Al Franken show off for a while.

We must investigate every race we can, even if we don't win. That is the point. He is being absolutely discouraging about it. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I think we will lost our democracy if we don't investigate now. Between that and Mark Luther, I have gotten too tired of it.

Opposite him on Sirius Left is Lynn Samuels, whom I like...but the voice is just grating. I am not into attacking personal traits, but it really is harsh to listen to.

Wanting my vote to be counted fairly does NOT make me a bad person. Al sounds very DLCish lately...I have had enough of them and their agendas of play nice.

...I don't think he was cut out to be a radio host.

From what I've heard, all his energy was devoted to this year's elections. Now that they're over, and with an unpleasant result, he seems to have just gone down into a depressive state that is, frankly, unpleasant to listen to.

I wouldn't at all be surprised to see him decide to move on from AAR to pursue other activities in the next few weeks.

I'm beside myself that vote auditing is not seen as a worthwhile endeavor. What are people afraid of? We'll find problems? Well guess what, we can't solve problems until we find them. Aaagghhh!!!

http://www.unitarianminister.org/nov11.htm

but I'll continue to listen to him.

And a Republican pal of mine, without any coaxing on my part, has begun to listen to Al's show and Unfiltered. I have to think if she had started with the more hardcore, like Randi Rhodes or Mike Malloy, she would have turned the dial immediately.

I usually get him on Sirius on weeks-ends. I like Al, and I am not usually that fussy..but I hurt right now.

My vote did not count in 2000, and it did not count in 2002 I suspect, and now I don't know if it did or not.

I guess I am just being sensitive. And Mark Luther blows my mind.

Sometimes friendship is stronger than ideology (but while we seldom discuss politics, when we do, we usually know when to stop).

and is all over the vote fraud story.

I only get Samuels then.

Not sure where he is on the radio other than Vermont, although I do know he is. Just not sure where.

I can't seem to find the schedule. He is really good.

have info at his website?

on radiopower.org, or on the cable radio network. Links to both are on his site.

is truly... DENIAL, the kind of denial many went through in 2000

Also he will not take sides until the case is built legally

And he is running for the senate of 2006

I think this is what is going on

And not to defend him, but he exhibits a clear sign of DENIAL

:shrug:

While I think it's good to hear the exchange with his friend the dittohead, it's been gong on far too long as of late.
He is funny but I had to shut him off today. I can not deal with him saying that we shouldn't look into the anamolies of this election. And yes, I'm way over the play nice meme at this point.

Air America does not have the listenership numbers needed at this point to be viable economically without Franken. The numbers that came out this past month on the numbers was good for Franken but not so good for any of the other shows on Air America. So in a nutshell how Franken goes, so goes Air America.

If Franken's numbers continue to improve they even may put Air America back in some of the markets that do not have it or lost it earlier this year

that made no sense....I have never believed the the deal Arafat was given was that good or fair..

I think Al's just afraid we'll all be seen as nuts, which will may be, but then so was Columbus and Gallileo...and countless others. Being with the majority is comforting but not decisive...

that someone else feels the same way that I do. I sure would like to see Franken replaced with Mike Malloy.

Another one who is playing the discouraging game is Mark Moran.

It makes me feel like they were in on the "fix"

Something else that makes me angry is their refusal to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian problems. Al is Jewish, and I think that Mark is, also, yet whenever someone brings the subject up he says, "I don't know enough about it to discuss it." Come on, now. Even if that is true - he has had ample time to FIND OUT something about it to discuss the situation intelligently and in an unbiased manner. After all, this whole Iraq thing is tied up in the Middle East problem. It all goes together.

Something about this whole election thing, the way some hosts on AAR behave, Kerry's post-election behavior - the thing smells really bad to me.

and I stay because Randi Rhodes kicks ass!

Majority Report and Mike Malloy after Randi

I remember how he supported Bush after 9-11 and when he was banging the drum for war on Iraq. We all knew he was lying way back then, but Al just took him at his word.

I guess he wants republicans to like him too. He's got that bowling thing he wants to do. Ecch. I might bowl with some moderates or independents, but Bush lovers? I'd rather sit down to dinner with Hannibal Lecter.

Have you even read his book?

Though who is not EXACTLY like you must DIE!!!!


FIRE!!!!!

BTW, the only show on Air America with even halfway decent ratings is Frankens.

Just like the enemy.

Franken's stated goal of his show is not to preach to the converted, but to convert those leaner's in the middle. Hook um with comedy, and feed em the truth they don't hear through the right-wing echo chamber.

I think the more strident approach of Rhodes/Malloy etc. will just result in those in the suburban/rural middle to turn the dial.

Until the left figures out that the problem is not the message, but that the message is drowned out by the right-wing echo chamber in suburban/rural America, we will continue to be an electoral minority.

The answer, a left leaning foundation, driven by donations, that funds an NPR/PBS like network (radio and cable TV) to get the message out across suburban/rural America. Forgot about being commercially viable, as most of the RW echo chamber is still funded at a loss by Scaife and Co. If 20 M (~1/3) of the Kerry voters donated $50/yr., we could fund a $1 B/yr. media empire. Since I am done donating to PBS/NPR, I have ~$240/yr. available. I wonder how many other NPR/PBS supporters feel the same way?

Randi Rhodes beats Rush all the time!

... that we needed to "stand behind the president" At that time, DU and a lot of other people were trying to prevent the obviously fraudulent war from beginning.

Look, I basically like Al. Even though he has a Colmesian streak, he is by no means an Alan Colmes. Colmes lets Hannity get away with the most outrageous whoppers and NEVER challenges him except on rare occasion where he timidly offers up some weak-ass disagreement. Franken has a spine, but sometimes doesn't use it because of his neurotic need for everybody to like him.

I've never liked his dittohead friend, but the day after the election when whatshisname came on the show 'gloating' was the last straw. Al needs to dump him. I knew Al wasn't buying that the election was stolen at first - I guess he still isn't.

Another alternative might be Radio Left (streaming at radioleft.com), although I think they only do one show a week, they re-run it all the time.

they can't be changed when they're that deep in Kool-Aid.

I gave up on Franken a while ago. Couldn't stand his self promotion and his habit of having Republicans on, without any talent, or desire maybe, at rebuting them, leading me to think he is not really a Democrat or a liberal but an opportunist seeking to network. Some say Franken is looking to be a runner in some politcal race. I think he is not going to stay at AAR. Never was a team player there anyhow.

Hartman is really interesting, takes calls, and has good guests on. He supports the recount effort one hundred per cent. He is on the same time as Franken.

I think a lot of the neuroses you see in his "comedy" are real components of his personality, and part of that is wanting everybody to like him and to be nice.

Even when exposing Bush or Rush, or whoever's lies, he always gives them the benefit of the doubt in that he never ascribes the dark intentions these people really have to them. He believes that they are good, but misguided people. Sorry, but I think most ideological right-wingers are supremely cynical, hateful and mean people. And most of them are non-believers feigning a belief in god to get ahead.

when it comes to entertainment.

and smell the coffee then cause people are getting irritated with some of the junk he does.

I kind of agree with the post that said he's networking for something else. Same thing with Schultz, he wants a TV gig and makes no bones about it.

I couldn't vote for Al cause he does cater to the Repukes. Like many here, I will cater no more! Nor do I want my Representatives to.

I can't do streaming - old computer. If he is on radio and comes into New York, do you know what station?

Anyone notice the the newspapers no longer list radio programs the way they used to?

I am positive I can't get out here in the beautiful boondocks. I must look into listening to him online since I like him.

She was taken off WABC in New York and I still miss her. Election night 2000 - I went to bed right after they gave Florida and the election to Bush and woke up to Lynn saying we didn't know who the pres was. I know what you mean about her voice but its so pure NY...will always mean home to me.

but I didn't like that guy who was on Al's show using the Dixiecrat argument to debunk the Florida weirdness.

I love Al, and he's done lots of great stuff for which I will be ever greatful. However, I don't like how he's reacting to the efforts to get a fair vote count. It is counterproductive, and I don't understand it.

It's strange how people are contorting themselves to "explain" the Florida anomalies. All it would take is a hand recount of a sampling of the affected counties. The paper is there in the optical scan counties (presumably). And if it comes out that all those registered Democrats really did vote for Bush, then so be it. At least then we'll have more faith in the process, and we'll have a better understanding of what we're up against.

It comes out in big ways, too. I remember in his last book, he had a whole chapter on how he found the Bush Administration's pre-invasion arguments on Iraq to be convincing. I was just amazed. Their arguments should've been transparent bullshit to anyone that stays moderately informed.

Same thing on the vote irregularities. Even if he doesn't think fraud took place, there is abosultely no reason for not pushing for investigations. No one can be positive until there are investigations.

It seems like Al likes to bury his head in the sand on pivotal issues like this when they really matter.

Usually listen to the first few minutes of Al Franken but eventually change to Tom Hartman. Tom Hartman is more knowledgeable and interesting.

he eventually came around. Also, I haven't a problem with him showing another side to the fraud story ... all any of us want is the truth.

I did turn him off today, but only because I had arrived at my destination ;)

all the votes are counted -- and to keep our eyes on the goal of paper ballots and a real audit trail.

Our election system in many states is sick -- and we all know (singing to the choir) that if we don't get the problems fixed NOW while we have the attention of some of the population -- the very same things will happen in 2006 and 2008. Democracy will be dead for our lifetimes -- unless we can make sure the votes are counted!

JUST COUNT THE GOD DAMNED VOTES -- that is all we ask.

On top of that -- the exit polls are accurate -- and the fact that they disagree with the vote totals -- really means that at some point the vote was hacked! How math challenged can he be -- if he can't understand some easy high school math? But then he seems to be computer illiterate.

If Al can't see that and refuses to even acknowledge that -- well I've joined you and just don't listen to him.

I feel personally insulted that he had his dimwitted, ditto head, ass hole, freaking, flying monkey on the day after the election -- so I'll no NEVER listen to him and have to agree with my husband that Al is just not funny and never has been funny.

If he gets GOpigs to listen -- well that should tell us that his is a moderate-- and NOT a liberal.

His show was getting very boring -- before the election, when his ditto head flying monkey friend would come on I would mute the sound and then forget to turn the sound back on -- not even missing the stupid banter.

issue with those "rumored" to be looking a a political career. I think he wants to run for congress or something.

Can't be a crazy "conspiracy" nut and do that, ya know.

hook, line, and sinker, is that he will never be elected. The centereist crap hasn't worked for anyone in twelve years and it isn't going to work for Al either!

Name recognition is a big plus.

NT

I have deleted everyone of that persuation if they were a Bush supporter, because they are toxic.There is no valid reason to vote for Bush.To do so one must be either stupid or evil. I have no such friends! LOL! Giggle. ( But I have drop kicked the repugs I knew!)

And they're all fine people. We're all so much more than that. I think I'm lucky to know them.

Seriously, I do have all kinds of friends as well, but I will not have a friend who voted for Bush. That is my line of demarcation. I never had such a line before but after 2000 and then this year! I consider them traitors to this nation. Ther can be no justification for the act of voting for Bush. At least I can't conceive of one and I have a pretty good imagination! Maybe you know of one?

But we deal with it because we care about each other.

Perhaps it is a symptom of the pathetic state to which we have fallen that we look to wealthy celebrities to help us.

I am not sure that I could take hard stands and tell the truth if I were so insulated by fame and wealth from the realities that most Americans face.

Facing and speaking the truth takes courage and carries with it much risk. Those who have nothing to lose are our friends. Those at the top of the heap can have no idea and no motiviation, unless they are one of the rare saintly ones who can transcend the corrupting influences of materialism and praise.

Franken means well, but meaning well isn't good enough now. In the name of fairplay he gives too much ground, and his worldview cannot conceive that the enemy is really this bad.

He's the squishiest of liberals, and these days call for harder heads.

The Democrats in Washington won't do it.

as a guest because he - oh my! - sounded like a conspiracy theorist about the election. He gives precious airtime to the enemy.

It doesn't take tremendous courage or intelligence to call Bush a liar these days, but he's given too much benefit of the doubt to be of use.

Franken's the quintessential squishy liberal. That the Democrats in Washington don't call Bush a liar means nothing. Most are not liberals to begin with, and the few who are, are mostly squished.

wasn't he? That was uncalled for, IMO. Didn't he have him back on later in the week and it started well but Al ended up being mean to him again?

Couldn't take it anymore!

the show because I like Al. I'm afraid to say I've quit listening too. I'm a solid Thom Hartman fan now.

Is he on any radio or streams these days?

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but have not been able to get through most of the shows and gave up...

I listen to Ed Shultz when I'm able to...He sounds alot like Limbaugh...but I kind of like him and he has great guests that you don't always hear elsewhere...

It's not a "funny time" we live in to me...so Franken's humor often passes me by...but that's me...I know that lots of people really like him.

is global warming funny?

I agree that comic relief is necessary - but I'm afraid he makes it the main course.

http://www.theguyjamesshow.com on Saturday afternoon from 3-6pm?


He's right down there in Ft Meyers, Florida and is a Gem of Liberalism..a Diamond in the Rough!

He's definetly behind counting all the votes and he's not a "conspiracy theorist", either.

And I don't even like that term because the fascists are defining it!

If you are by your computer tomorrow..there is always a thread with The Guy James Show to jump on to. :)

But I am too moody from the election to tolerate being called a conspiracy theorist when problems are happening all the time with our voting.

Guy James is good.

We keep AAR on Sirius on most of the day, just mute it at times.

when I hear the Guy James Show cause you are right down there in Florida. I always wondered if you had heard it..now I'm glad to know that you have.

It's a corpse, and you're flogging it.

It's a rigged game, and fighting the illusion with 'recounts' and other fluff is as pointless as shooting a rhino with a water pistol.

it's an ongoing struggle that never ends, buck-up.

peace

But I will still listen to his show.

Why haven't people kept up on the news? There is a group in Ohio (with help from Kerry) that is investigating the voter fraud. There ARE people investigating in Florida.

This circular firing squad crap is childish!

Very disappointed that he is taking the stance he is taking in regards to the voting fraud. I just don't have time for weak kneeded crap right now. We need to stand up and push hard while we can.

a dittohead's point of view. Al is preaching to the choir with us, the topics he covers are things we already know from reading DU ,but think of the people who happen to listen to him instead of another talk radio show and think "I did not know that". He is looking at long term gains here and you can catch more flies with honey then vinager. Read between the lines , Katherine Lanford plays the devils advocate, that will reel them in, plus the humor is a clever way to inform, just think of the easiest ways to teach your children, mine are way more responsive to entertainment. What I am trying to say is there is a method to his madness. When his friend Mark is on , Al is pointing out Limbaugh's lies and Mark can never defend them with facts, the best he can do is try to say what he thinks he meant. I think the purpose of that segment is to point out that otherwise intelligent people are being mislead. As far as covering the voting debacle , I heard his interview with Mark Crispin-Miller and I paid more attention to what he had to say then to Franken. Again I think they are playing devil's advocate because of who they are hoping is listening besides us. I listen to Ed Schultz after Al Franken and he has seemed to change his tune from Monday to today re: the election.He had Ralph Nader on and he is now saying he should do his show live from Ohio.