Send a message to CNN about the cable network's partnership with the Tea Party Express, a far-right group with a history of virulent racism, to produce a Republican presidential debate: See "CNN Throws a Tea Party," FAIR's latest Action Alert.
Please post copies of your messages to CNN, or comments on this Action Alert, in the comments thread below.
Sep
12
2011
Action Alert: Why Is CNN Partnering With Tea Party Express?
By 110 Comments
About Jim NaureckasExtra! Magazine Editor Since 1990, Jim Naureckas has been the editor of Extra!, FAIR's bimonthly journal of media criticism. He is the co-author of The Way Things Aren't: Rush Limbaugh's Reign of Error, and co-editor of The FAIR Reader: An Extra! Review of Press and Politics in the '90s. He is also the co-manager of FAIR's website. He has worked as an investigative reporter for the newspaper In These Times, where he covered the Iran-Contra scandal, and was managing editor of the Washington Report on the Hemisphere, a newsletter on Latin America. Jim was born in Libertyville, Illinois, in 1964, and graduated from Stanford University in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in political science. Since 1997 he has been married to Janine Jackson, FAIR's program director. You can follow Jim on Twitter at @JNaureckas.
So, CNN is showing its political stripes by partnering with the radical right Tea Party. I assume you will become a completely privatized organization and will stop accepting any public monies to support your network, as (as far as I understand the law) what you have done is illegal.
Holding the Tea Party debate shows without giving equal time to the hundreds of other groups of equal consequence to the politics of the U.S. shows you are simply one-side and do not understand fair media practice. I notice the same prejedice in a very favorable piece on Rick Perry this morning. Are you fighting to be in Fox's place?
Why partner with Tea Party Express? They aren't exactly the League of Women Voters.
I thought CNN was truly fair and balanced, not like Fox News. Why would a network like CNN partner with the Tea Party Express for the Republican debate on Sept 12? Are you telling your viewers you are lining up behind the Tea Party Express and their views? I can't think of any other reason you would take this action.
wolf blitzer & co see American politics as a blood sport about who is up and who is down what's in and what's out that will be controversial and attention getting … they do not see the need to provide information to Americans trying help manage what's left of our Democratic ideals
The answer is to turn the channel to Lawrence O'Donnell or read Krugman of the NYTimes and understand the Know Nothings have always been with us and Black Journalism is American as apple pie.
As a long-time CNN viewer, I remember when Wolf Blitzer had some cred as a journalist, but those days are long gone, seemingly. Since the early Nineties I have detected a swing in CNN's slant, making me suspect management is steering it toward being a Fox News wannabe. That
perception is only confirmed by your recent announcement that you would cosponsor a Tea Baggers' debate on Sept. 12.
It is unconscionable for a reputable network like CNN to partner with an extremist, Astroturf political pressure group like Tea Party Express, in my opinion. By so doing, you lend a mantle of credibility to a paid mouthpiece of far, FAR right interests — and very moneyed interests at that –, presenting TPX as a legitimate grass-roots political movement on the level of, say, the NAAACP, United Mine Workers, or Amnesty International. That it is not. It is rather a stalking horse for the Koch Brothers and their ilk: a paid Astroturf organization that will say whatever its puppeteers tell it to say.
Worse, by allying with these dirty shills, CNN damages its own credibility. How can we believe in CNN as an objective news source when it shows such flagrant favoritism to lunatic-fringe right-wing pressure groups? I suppose it may be a cheaper way to pay the bills than the old-fashioned way, by selling advertising; but it can hardly be characterized as genuine news any more, can it? My suggestion: Change the network's name to CFPN, 'Christian' Fascist Propaganda Network, to more accurately express your organization's mission, should you choose to pursue this avenue.
I'm surprised that people are surprised at your decision to partner with the Tea Party and its racist extremists who hate American workers and American government. I don't know why anyone considers you a "serious news organization".
I wrote: I am surprised that all media outlets endlessly focus on the tea party. The most anyone writes about the left consists of comments about the "professional left". Rarely are sensible ideas from the left given much credence by CNN. For example, the Downing Street Memo, the Valerie Plame info, the WMD information – issues thought too fringe to cover back in the day – have proved to be central to squandering our blood and treasure in the middle east. Yet the media focused elsewhere – generally on Republican figures. Now the Tea Party has superceded even the lopsided GOP coverage. I ask you to be responsible in covering "the News". Many sensible solutions to our nations problems have been overlooked due to sensationalism and the next story about Palin or Perry. Let's cover the full range of solutions to the nation's problems…including global warming, wealth inequality, and globalization as a challenge to meaningful American employment. You tend to fiddle while the Titanic is sinking.
This is what I sent to CNN.
When I first heard CNN was teaming up with the Tea Party I thought it was a joke. When I realized it wasn't I went ashen. This is such an outrageous departure from journalism….from anything fair or unbiased that it stuns even cynical me. Shame is not strong enough a word. So, I will waited, I'm sure not too long, for all y'all to do a Democratic Presidential Debate with, hmmm, let me think….shoot…there isn't anyone extreme or vile enough on the "Left".
It's all good. I don't watch CNN anyway so, you don't care what I think. How 'bout you just care about being responsible?
Nah, that went out with the top hat and high button shoes, right?
Sent to CNN:
The Tea Party should not be confused with the League of Women Voters and CNN, if it does not want to be confused with Fox News, should not be "co-sponsoring" a GOP presidential debate with a political organization whose agenda is to the right of many Republican voters across the country.
The Tea Party already has a corporate news sponsor, Fox News. They don't need another one, considering the illigimacy of this group of 'grass roots' gang bought and paid for by billionaires out to destroy our way of life and make sure the economy stays in the tank so Obama won't be re-elected, and all the money flows upward, which of course, is unnatural…. just like the Tea Party!
Why have you decided to damage your credibility by partnering with the Tea Party Express for tonight's Republican debate? I guess you're not objective journalists anymore. Too bad. This is one of the reasons we're in such trouble right now. If the media don't ask questions of the powers-that-be, then we're all finished.
Thank you.
Why are you partnering on the GOP debate with Tea Party Express? It's one thing to partner with another news or media outlet, but to partner with a political movement/organization inevitably compromises journalistic integrity and certainly conveys the appearance of working in tandem with that organization's purposes. The MSNBC debate at the Reagan Library had Brian Williams and John Harris asking pointed questions. Same even with the Fox News crew at the previous debate with Chris Wallace, drawing the ire of Newt Gingrich. Aren't CNN questioners compromised before they ever start and immediately open to fault? This was a huge mistake. Hopefully you will realize what a colossal error you've made. This is appallingly poor journalism.
In Support: Why Is CNN Partnering With Tea Party Express?
http://www.care2.com/news/member/640348900/2941973
My comment to CNN:
I am appalled that CNN is partnering with the Tea Party Express to hold a debate tonight. Why would you damage your image as reputable news organization by behaving like Fox News? The Tea Party Express is anything but a grassroots organization. It reeks of right wing money and racism.
I am a Tea Party member.
Last year, I used up a vacation day to attend the Tax Day Tea Party rally at Daley Plaza (downtown Chicago ).
What I experienced at the Tea Party was the silent majority en masse, not the propagandized stereotypes. These were not mobsters, racists, birthers, or part of the conservative fringe. These were Americans who love Chicago, the USA and do not believe in "Entitlements".
Walking the crowd I noticed bankers, lawyers, businessmen, suits, shorts, vets, doctors, clerks, accountants (everyday taxpaying & voting citizens). There was a mixed bag from the curious to the serious.
Not once did I witness the guerrilla street theater of Abbie Hoffman's "Yippies" or â┚¬Ã…“Children of the Woodstock Nationâ┚¬Ã‚ that many of today\'s young generation try to emulate (i.e.; Madison, WI). In fact, I would say the Tea Party was a bit shy when it came to chanting slogans or singing chorus lines. They were, for lack of a better word, conservative.
The Tea Party attendees were not flamboyant (the "rainbow" movement of gay protesters that stormed the party were boisterous and obnoxious). Though I'm not really sure why the gay rights activists were representing themselves; maybe they just can't resist a parade? I actually welcome gay marriage, as a majority of them are hardworking individuals, they might be able to help carry the burden of taxes that Obamacare will impose on the combined incomes of "middle class millionaires". Perhaps they will help turn the tide in and defeat Obamacare. Maybe they will become closet fiscal conservatives?
Unlike the piles of garbage and mess left in the wake of the gay pride parade, Daley Plaza was exceptionally clean after the Tea Party rally.
As for being racist toward blacks due to the ethnicity of President Obama, I found many fellow Tea Party members to be strong supporters of Reagan's 1977 concept of the "New Republican Party" which states, "The time has come for Republicans to say to black voters: â┚¬Ã…“Look, we offer principles that black Americans can, and do, support.â┚¬Ã‚ We believe in jobs, real jobs; we believe in education that is really education; we believe in treating all Americans as individuals and not as stereotypes or voting blocsâ┚¬”Âand we believe that the long-range interest of black Americans lies in looking at what each major party has to offer, and then deciding on the merits. The Democratic Party takes the black vote for granted. Well, it\'s time black America and the New Republican Party move toward each other and create a situation in which no black vote can be taken for granted."
I would say the mood was somber as if the silent majority let out a deep sigh that expelled frustration and "just another thing to put on the to-do list, because nobody else will do it". Committed, and with the strength in numbers, there was that feeling of looking from side to side and nodding your head as if to say, "OK, what's on the list, what's next? Where do we start?"
Perhaps this is redundant, but another way to describe the gathering (and my mood) was a shaking our heads saying, "Has it gotten this far? Really?!? Do we need to be here? Well, we're the working people; the tax payers not the tax takers; let's get to work."
Those attending were not racist thugs or anything close to white trailer trash redneck McVeigh militia that the media and opposing politicians fear mongered. People talked with one another, found common ground, supported opinions and cheered & applauded the speakers. They were very polite and respectful. They helped crippled veterans, shook their hands, and embraced them. Most were common folk that want to live in peace; LEGAL citizens who believe that the taxes they pay are meant only for infrastructure, protection, and conservation… the basics.
People stood together to be recognized, which speaks volumes for the silent majority, who are finally being heard. Thank you CNN for reaching out to the Tea Party members and giving us a voice!!
What I wrote:
With regard to the planned Tea Party 'debate':
The Associated Press (6/14/11) reported that, according to CNN, *"topics for the debate will be tailored for the interests of this political insurgent movement."*
Political parties coalesce because groups of people believe that the country should be run according to certain principles and beliefs. I hope CNN is not tailoring questions to suit Tea Party operatives, in light of the fact that if they take charge of the country, they govern everybody – ergo – questions across the political spectrum ought to be posed to afford the opportunity of illuminating for the broader community the party's political philosophy, so that the people can then choose wisely for whom to vote. That, I always believed, was the primary purpose of open political debate.
Respectfully, Diane V. McLoughlin, mcloughlinpost.com
I've posted the News of CNN aligning with the Tea Party to my Facebook account and am reporting it on my blog. You have completely corrupted your news organization's reputation in aligning with this fake-roots right wing fringe group which is backed by corporate entities who seek to undermine our democracy.
I will not be watching your programs anymore and I will be an outspoken advocate that others do not either. I will however make an exception for the tea party debate which I will watch so I can make note of the companies that sponsor such garbage and then report on them to my readers as a follow up.
This is more than disappointing, it's defining.
That CNN would turn a political debate between presidential candidates into a partisan bully pulpit for a right-wing fringe group (the Tea Party Express) is symptomatic of the declining role of mainstream news media as the principal organ of an informed polity. Doing so is to be actively engaged in the vitiating stupefaction of a nation already in steep decline.
"We are the best entertained, least informed society in the world."
–Neil Postman
For some time I have wondered if I should regard CNN as a credible news outlet. CNN's decision to partner with the Tea Party Express for tonight's Republican debate makes it obvious that I shouldn't.
I forgot to copy my message to CNN before clicking the "send" button, but my main message was:
Why not partner with the John Birch Society? How about the Neo-Nazis? The KKK? They've all had an influence on political culture as well but were considered offensive, extremist, and unworthy of the perceived prominence and credibility being given to the Tea Party Express by CNN.
Why have you decided to damage your credibility by partnering with the Tea Party Express for tonight's Republican debate? Guess they can't accuse you of a liberal bias anymore!
Apparently your coverage of the recent Republican debate was very closely coordinated with a political group. You lost a lot of credibility doing that, which will take you a long time to recover. If you do.
Unless CNN points out the Tea Party's organization is nebulous and suspicious, stoked two years ago by Dick Armey and the Koch Brothers as not a grassroots but an "astro-turf" movement, then this debate's partnership with the "Tea Party Express" is inconsistent with journalistic principles and the historical precedent of televised Presidential candidate debates. –Or maybe CNN is planning to host another televised debate in partnership with MoveOn.org?
Great idea with the "Tea Party" debate. I remember in the 2004 campaign, when you invited representatives of United for Peace and Justice and the A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition to c-sponsor a Democratic candidates' debate… wait a minute, NO I DON'T.
There's a difference between covering the Corporate-sponsored Tea Party as a "legitimate and important story" and totally getting into bed with them. I remember the "Underground Press" of the 1960s, and their journalistic standards are better than yours are now, with this event on your record.
The CNN I used to respect did not behave this way.
Here's the letter I just sent:
"Re: CNN's partnership with the discredited Tea Party Express for tonight's Republican debate. I do not understand why a so-called "news" network that wishes to be taken seriously would stoop so low and continue to provide a platform to the bigoted and unpopular tea party movement. Elements in this "movement" in general and the Tea Party Express in particular are well known for their racist smears about President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Americans of color. In addition, this "movement" is a front group for corporate interests who hate average working people, and want to impoverish and take away the civil rights of Americans. Your network's continuing courtship of unsavory individuals in a attempt to rival the ratings of an illegitimate organization called FOX News is pathetic and unworthy of an outfit that supposedly strives for journalistic excellence. Giving a platform and trying to legitimize bigots is NOT journalism. Rather than being FOX-lite, CNN should be more like the BBC, Al Jazeera English and France 24 – networks I much prefer to CNN and tell my friends to watch.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Moore
Los Angeles"
It does seem odd and disturbing that CNN would partner up with the Tea Party Express and other tea party groups to present the Republican Debate tonight. It is almost an endorsement of this far-right group and its affiliates. I would expect this from Fox News, but I am disappointed to see CNN getting on the tea party bandwagon.
I wrote this to CNN:
Is competing with FOX news so important to you that you are willing to lower your standards and join in the ignorance express?
I did not save a copy, but basically my message to CNN was: I tuned in as Herman Cain was responding to a question. I listened for a little over a minute when I checked to make sure I was not on Comedy Central.
Stop degrading the office of the presidency with this nonsense. Stop wasting 70%+ of your viewers' time and stop insulting their intelligence.
This was my comment to CNN:
CNN has just lost it's last shred of creditability. What's next? Partnering with the International House of Prayer to cast out the demons in control of the Democratic party?
There is simply no longer any possibility of calling yourselves a news organization without getting laughed right out of the room.
Ah, the sweetly rank smell of filthy lucre rears its ugly head and the weeping willies scream foul. Get use to it pal, the supremes say it's just alright for our mega-corporations to buy the government, and this is just the beginning.
Why are you, CNN, a national news organization, serving as a willing partner for a far-far-right wing group (the Tea Party Express) known for racist rhetoric (their former chairman, now spokesperson, Mark Williams, posting in one instance a "satirical" letter from "We Colored People" to Abraham Lincoln with this sample "joke": "How will we coloreds ever get a wide screen TV in every room if non-coloreds get to keep what they earn?") and known for religious hate rhetoric (the same individual, talking about the effort to build Islamic center near Ground Zero, called it a place to worship "the terrorists' monkey god")? What your doing isn't "reporting" so much as co-hosting. What, what, what are you doing?
I had respect for CNN for many, many years, and even interviewed with Ed (yes) Turner in 1981… but your organization bears little resemblance to that one anymore. Shame on you.
What I sent to CNN: Co-hosting the Republican debate with the Tea Party Express, and designing the event so as to highlight its agenda and priorities, breaks with the tenets of responsible journalism and does an enormous, society-wide disservice to Americans as we move through this campaign period. Both former Tea Party Express chairman Mark Williams and his successor Amy Kremer are on record with the most blatant instances of flat-out racism imaginable, far beyond acceptable political rhetoric. Grassroots conservative movements have labeled the TPE a "GOP slush fund" and even the National Tea Party federation has seen fit to distance itself from them. CNN has let down the viewing and voting public very egregiously with this mishandled event, distorting the public debate on very serious matters just to try to bring in extra viewers. You should seek ways to make things right, now, if you can. This was a misstep.
My message to CNN:
Indeed, I too found it odd that CNN and the TPExpress co-sponsored a "debate". That little set-up wouldn't be called a debate. Ah, well we did find out, supposedly, that Mr. Perry could not be bought for a mere 5K. Praytell, what was CNN bought for? Hmmm?
I am extremely disappointed that CNN has decided to partner with any policital party especially the "Tea Party Express". I thought of CNN as an unbiased organization that one could truely count on to deliver both sides of the political climate and not just a one sided view such as Fox News and MSNBC. I have held Anderson Cooper in particular, in the highest regard and hope that in light of this new circumstance that he will continue to hold himself up to the highest journalistic standards. In other words, I hope he quits. This is such a disappointment to not only myself but many independants that I talk to. This type of practice where a "news organization" partners with any polical party should be against the law. The american people seek out unadulterated news, not more propoganda. What a huge disappointment. Well, you will be minus one viewer, and from the looks of the amount of posts here, it appers I have alot of company.
I told CNN:
Sucking up to the Tea Party Express by staging a so-called presidential debate with them makes CNN ex-press as far as I'm concerned. This sort of group-think is just what the far-right talk shows and blogosphere constantly reenforce, and now CNN is at it too. Why the network submitted to their pressure I'll never know and forever lament.
So, will you organize a debate in concert with progressive organizations and labor unions now? Or would that be too "out of the mainstream" of American politics to bother with?
I cannot consider CNN as a trustworthy source of news about US politics until you provide a lot more balance and report on substantive efforts that progressives are making across the land to reclaim America from ignorance, racism, and greed.
I called CNN and asked to speak with a new editor about when they'll be broadcasting a presidential debate with a far-left radical political group to counter the Tea Bagger debate and I was told:
"The editors don't accept calls. They don't wanna speak with no one."
Nuff said.
Let's start our own left-wing progressive "non-party" group. First item on the agenda: Boycott all of CNN sponsors!
(I'd say boycott Fox News sponsors but that's sort of a given.)
I read this in your release -"CNN and the Tea Party Express, along with more than 100 local Tea Party groups from every state across the country, will team up Monday, September 12, to present a first-of-its-kind debate from the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention" and then I read this "In addition to questions from [CNN's Wolf] Blitzer, audience members inside the debate hall, made up in part by members from Tea Party groups in 31 states and the District of Columbia, will be invited to ask questions directly to the candidates. Questions will also be taken live from Tea Party members at debate watch parties in Phoenix, Arizona; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Portsmouth, Virginia."
I am so disturbed – you are a news organization, not a political party, and your Republican Presidential debate questions should come from all Americans, not just Tea Party voters! Your job is to report, that's it!
The Presidential debates are of concern for all Americans, as they are one of the ways we choose our President, who is elected to serve the entire country, not just their tea party constituents. What in the world are you becoming as an organization? I am losing respect for you.
with all due respect
Wow, bummer, I forgot to save my comments to CNN, but essentially I made these points. When Lou Dobbs was on CNN ranting about "illegals," I thought, how long is CNN going to put up with this xenophobic slob? Than he was gone, good riddance I said.
Then CNN decides to hire a commenter from Red State, Erick Erickson, who once said that he would get a relative's shot gun after a census worker if one came to his door, yet CNN gives this rigthtwing nutjob jerk a forum.
Then, and this almost broke the camel's back for me, they put on TV Bachmann as a legitimate rebuttal to President Obama's State of the Union address, in spite of Paul Ryan giving the so called "other side's" viewpoint. That did it for me, but I still watched Anderson Cooper. But now with this latest debacle, teaming up with a fringe group The Tea Party Express, created by Faux news and the Koch Brothers, in order to espouse and resurrect the fringe ideas dismissed years ago, but now presented and promoted for decades, through gobs of money from the Koch's created astroturf groups and think tanks, as mainstream, Koch's father's ideas from the John Birch Society and the dysfunctional and wayward 1930s Liberty League.
Where have you gone CNN? You are a shadow of your former self, with lagging credibilty being lost and you have aligned with the know nothings like a previous commenter Mike Stangel, who lies about the makeup of the Tea Party trying to legitemize(sp) a bunch of ultra conservative wingnuts. Stangel is putting lipstick on a pig, and calling it beautigul(I'm sorry to insult the pig here). And so is CNN, and you can't sober up a drunk who is on a binge.
CNN, when is Public Citiczen going to have their debates? How about Rootsaction? Progressives United? The AFL-CIO?
Just sent to CNN:
CNN was once a ground-breaking international news organization. It is now a propaganda factory for the super-rich, slavishly covering the antics of sociopathic, nihilistic fools rather than reporting on the mismanagement of the American economy, the untenable costs and sheer futility of America's current wars, and the steadily increasing deprivations of the American people.
I have two questions for you:
1. Knowing, as you must, what you are doing, can you sleep at night?
2. What do you tell your children about what you do for a living?
Just sent in:
I am not pleased that CNN has joined forces with the Tea Party in the presentation of their "debates" which obviously have a conservative bias. The explanation is offered that they represent grass roots groups from around the country I am sure there are other groups with at least as large a representation which should be offered "equal time . The suspicion among many is that the choice is affected by the availability of money, more of which is available from conservative sympathizers than from the majority of the public, CNN is granted air time on the basis of serving the public in general, not just a moneyed group that it has had to depend on for support in the absence of support from less biased sources. The media has not served the public well in assuming its responsibility to be a â┚¬Ã…“fair and balancedâ┚¬Ã‚ source of information. I would hope that CNN would exhibit better behavior.
Growing up, I always idolized CNN. It didn\'t happen overnight. Like most pre-teen kids I cared not one whit for regular everyday and local news. But gradually, as I aged with you, your system of providing in-depth, detailed and insightful editorials struck a nerve and I began to really listen to what you had to say. Now I must ask, "What the hell has happened to you?" Why in the world you would align yourselves with the smug, ranting, racist and one-dimensional characters of the tea party? In what way can anything they do be helpful to our country? I can understand that a story is a story, but what does that have to do with a "public partnership" with these people who seek to undermine and redefine democracy in ways beneficial to only them?
I sent them a message about how I do not see any progressive being pushed, only Tea party nutters and loonies.
I do not see Buddy Roemer up there who is a republican who is for Campaign Finance reform.
Though I'm progressive and would like to see a progressive primary against Obama.
Though candidates are in short supply.
Bernie Sanders, (Heck even Jon Stewart if he'd ever run I'd vote for him).
But yeah no progressive to which I would like to vote for instead of these Bought out candidates like Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, and yes even Obama.
All are to busy worrying about how to finance their campaigns through Corporations money, that they've given up on their ideals.
Or straight out sold out.
This Campaign system must be reformed if we are ever to have an election for the people by the people, instead of For the rich 1% by the rich 1%.
Your sell out of credibility to wacos agenda is as fake any of the fake republican debates that highlight only their promoted candidates, & eliminate Gary Johnson – appears you have joined Fox
Partnering with the Tea Party Express for the Republican debate is another reason not to watch CNN … ever.
My husband and I were shocked by the CNN/Tea Party partnership prevented last night. We've always believed you attempt to be fairly centrist in your news coverage. Are you leaning toward the far right, or does mean you intend to present coverage of the Progressives in a different presentation?
I have been a fan of CNN for many years but am disgusted by your decision to team up with Tea Party Express in hosting the GOP Presidential debate. As I believe you know, the leader of Tea Party Express has said that President Obama is an "Indonesian Muslim turned welfare thug and a racist-in-chief." Do you really think that this is the kind of person you want on your team? Setting this kind of standard, perhaps you will rotate your partners in the future to include Qadaffi, Mugabe, LePen, and other similar humanitarians.
In these dire times in our country, it has never been more important to have an objective, non-partisan press corps. In order for our nation to come together and weather this storm, we need to have accurate, information without any political or ideological slant. Unfortunately, with CNN's marriage to the lunatic fringe Tea Party, it has chosen to abandon its journalistic principles and ethics and join the ranks of the propaganda movement with Fox News.