Thom Hartmann is defending RT

[NightWatcher]

He's putting down reports of a Putin backed think tank coming up with a plan to help trump win two years ago. http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN17L2N3

He says it's all Fox news' fault.

I haven't listened to Thom in months due to his RT connection but I'm on surveillance and have caught up with all my podcasts, so I thought I'd see if I could stomach it.

Working for Putin's propaganda arm makes him an enemy in my book now. He's not just "stuck there" as some have said because he needs the $$$, he's slipping in tidbits of pro Putin propaganda in tiny morsels, hoping that you won't notice.

I know he's read DU and mentioned it a lot in the past, but I will not be listening to hear any defense to my accusation if he ever offers one.

15 minutes listening today and I'm done forever.

[Foamfollower]

1. He's every bit as much the enemy to democracy as Trump is.

Fuck him and his Russian buddies. He's been in it with them for years now.

[NightWatcher]

6. I realize too that I'll reap a million "fuck you-s" for the suggestion, but

how many of us would've heard of Bernie Sanders if not for Thom's Friday Brunch With Bernie spots on Progressive radio for years?

I'm not saying, just saying seems hinky in hindsight.

[Foamfollower]

7. There was lots of hinky shit between the Russians and lots of people during the 2016 election.

Every last one of the traitors needs to be exposed.

Count Hartmann as yet another traitor to his nation.

[Stellar]

113. Isn't big Ed Schultz a part of the Russia loving clan also?

[Hortensis]

141. Yes. There's a pattern in the...immoderation of

viewpoints of people who end up ranting from the fringes and rationalizing ways of doing what they once would never have done.

Seriously, a respect for the truth is the #1 indicator of good judgement, sound ideology, and good morals. If it's not a guiding light, as it was not with all these guys who indulgently slipped into extremism, watch the hell out!

Truth. It's a good thing.

[Stellar]

198. LOL..it's kind of scary to me...

to see some good liberal voices just flip the hell out. I would expect that from the tea-party.

[Hortensis]

199. You're exactly on the right track with that.

Except that liberals are not the tea-partier's left-wing counterparts. Those more radical than liberals are, and also those prone to resentment and victim complexes.

Our personality traits underlie all our political behaviors, and the very fact that Schultz is pushing pro-Russia propaganda on RT suggests he did not start as a normal liberal but farther left. As his ranting on MSNBC also did, even though reined in for mainstream audiences. I seldom watched since I prefer more focus on good information presented honestly than demagogic appeals to emotion.

I'm with you that extremism is scary and dangerous, and these days more and more people on both right and left are becoming more extremist in their attitudes. It's clearly infectious.

[KittyWampus]

10. So does the fact that Tad Devine worked for Yanukovych (Putin's puppet).

I question Tad Devine... not Sanders.

Putin seems to be very good a weaponizing other country's internal politics.

[Foamfollower]

13. Tad Devine in just like Carter Page

Trump will never wipe the stench of Carter Page's treason off his person.

The same holds true for everybody connected to these traitors.

[NCTraveler]

18. Hand-picked. nt.

[Thrill]

91. All these guys just want to get paid

They ain't shit. They don't care who they're working for as long as the wire hits. Don't think any of these guys Democratic or Republican are concerned about that

[KittyWampus]

137. I agree with you whole heartedly. For some it's all about making themselves bank.

[lapucelle]

133. Actually, Devine worked with a partner

on that questionable Ukraine campaign...Paul Manafort.

I too question Devine only, not Sanders.

[LisaM]

12. I listened to Brunch with Bernie for a long time.

It was only with the 2016 elections that I realized that he'd been giving the exact same answer to every single listener question during the entire course of the Thom Hartmann Show. Given that it was generally things any progressive would agree with (the rich need to pay more taxes, we need to narrow the income gap), and that it was only a weekly segment on someone else's show, this wasn't something I picked up on until I went back and deconstructed the show in my head from all the years I listened to it. I enjoyed the lack of nuance and kind of bombastic approach, but with hindsight, I see that he approaches every problem with the same solution.

[NightWatcher]

14. It's the flip side to trump's rw populism angle (jobs, infrastructure...)

I, like you saw this after the fact.

[R B Garr]

21. +1000, I've always been suspicious why he doesn't say

that Bill Clinton raised taxes on the rich twenty-something years ago and left office with a surplus because of it. It wasn't Bernie's original idea.

Gore was promoting climate change twenty-something years ago when liberals were openly mocked and ridiculed about it. Now that it's popular, Bernie is promoting it.

I've wondered why he won't credit Democrats for their efforts or explain anything in context. Just his truncated versions of talking points. This is not good for young people who are now voting but were just born when Clinton was president.

[Hekate]

82. This

[SticksnStones]

213. I'll see your this and raise you a that.

The new far left speaks openly about dismantling the D party and is constantly tarnishing its history.

I'm suspect of the motives ~

[calimary]

115. Yeah, when Thom was on here in L.A., I caught his show often.

And the Friday Brunch with Bernie.

What's that saying? "When you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail to you".

[get the red out]

22. Damn, you're right

Same for me! And I voted for Bernie in the primary (Hillary in the GE, of course!)

[Stellar]

106. I heard of Bernie because he was always on Olbermann's show.

Thom was the new one for me.

[Left-over]

117. Hartman is no more than a russian shill.

[LenaBaby61]

135. "Hartman is no more than a russian shill."

We know Ed is, but so is Mike Papantonio who a friend says never says much about putin, and we know there's a LOT to be said about him.

[stonecutter357]

2. Thom Hartmann is absolutely in love with putin.

[nikibatts]

53. It's called Obama redux. They hate that Obama was ever President and adored by many.

Little minds, little hands, little dicks.
They hated Bill Clinton for the main reason that he came into office with strong attachments to the black community. He placed many in positions of power. He and Hillary befriended many minorities and women. The alt-right and elite alt-right never forgave him or Hillary for it. Deep down inside we all know it.

[Tumbulu]

132. so true! nt

[MineralMan]

3. Hartmann Has Made Himself Irrelevant

He's over.

[hrmjustin]

4. Not a good thing to sell your soul for money.

[oasis]

17. Hartmann on board for a small slice of the $500 billion Rosneft pie. nt

[Bernardo de La Paz]

38. I like Hartmann less every day, but I don't think you have evidence, and the pie size is wrong.

I don't think you have a shred of evidence that Hartmann is receiving any Rosneft shares.

Rosneft is valued at about $58 billion, not $500 billion. 19 % sold for about $11 billion.

[oasis]

146. After the Russia apologists get the sanctions lifted, Russia

state owned (Putin) Rosneft will start drilling for the $500 billion jackpot. Those cozy w/ the principals, whether they be architects of the deal, politicians, or journalists will surely share in the bonanza.

Hartmann doesn't necessarily have to recieve a brown envelope under the table at Sam's Cafe.

[malaise]

5. What is the difference between RT and Fox? n/t

[SalviaBlue]

156. Fox News reaches way more Americans.

And, Fox is 24/7/365 pro right wing propaganda. People think of Fox as pro-American (they are not) whereas we know RT is Russian. That was Thom's point. His statements were not pro-Russian, they were anti-Fox.

Thom is a progressive.

I don't trust the motives of these people who are demonizing him.

[malaise]

180. +1,000

Divide and rule is everywhere

[Lone Star]

190. I agree with both of you .

I got tired of listening to the same thing but then I know what the same thing is. Better healthcare, income tax reform for the poor and middle America. I have been a Democrat long enough to know what the issues are so a daily dose of Thom, Stephanie and Bill Press gets to be a little much although I like them and their messages. And about Ed Schultz, he was the only one really fighting for the Unions which we really needed and LOST.

Damn did the unity disappear when the Russia/Trump news stop. I had to change my name temporarily and if you want to know the real name, check my profile.

[musette_sf]

192. "these people who are demonizing him"

Just stop it with this "demonizing" nonsense. Most of the people posting on this thread are or were longtime listeners of Thom Hartmann.

I don't trust the motives of these people who falsely characterize expressing genuine disappointment and disillusionment with someone previously held in the highest esteem, with "demonizing". It's almost like they have some kind of false agenda that they want to catapult....

[SalviaBlue]

193. "...almost like they have some kind of false agenda..."

Almost?!?! More like exactly. ( Forgive me if you forgot the sarcasm smilie)

[ismnotwasm]

8. He's kinda nutty.

I don't listen to talk radio, but I do read a lot.

[whathehell]

139. Not in the slightest..

and I read a lot too.

[R B Garr]

9. +1, he's a brain washer, and not a good one either.

Good to cut him off. He's not prime time for good reasons.

[cadmium]

76. trained in neuro linguistics

He used to talk about that a lot. Ive listened for yrs---so its pretty easy to see through it when he is trying to manipulate

[YOHABLO]

92. neuro linguistics? where are you getting that from?

[lapucelle]

140. You can read about it here.

https://www.thomhartmann.com/blog/2004/11/transcript-nlp-1-nov-16-2004

If you're interested in a more comprehensive look, you can download Hartmann's entire 11 week course in neurolinguistic programming here.

https://archive.org/details/ThomHartmannThomHartmannNLPLessons

[fun n serious]

11. Here we go.....

I have seen a huge number of pro-Bernie/Pro Putin Russian bots on twitter. 2020 will be the Putin friendly lefty candidate for these peeps.

Alert note.. I do not think Bernie is aware this may be happening.

[retrowire]

16. Ah shit thanks for blowing my mind.... Nt

[KittyWampus]

26. It's clear, Putin uses him money/bots to back more extreme candidates

on either side of the aisle.

[fun n serious]

30. In France....

Both the left and the right candidates right now are pro-Putin and anti NATO

[JTFrog]

110. Kinda makes you wonder if Tad Devine will be in the picture again. nt

[fun n serious]

128. What I was always curious about was Devines salary

according to the FEC filings. Nearly a million a month. Seems steep!

[SticksnStones]

215. I think he got a percentage of the ad buy...

That could be a big number. Bernie raised a lot of cash. Very quickly too.

[BainsBane]

15. Not surprised

More and more of these media types are showing their true colors.

[BannonsLiver]

24. Hartman never had a kind word for Obama either

Fuck Comrade Hartman and the horse he rode in on.

[phylny]

28. I recall him saying many good things about Obama.

Including listing all the positive things that came out of his administration.

[whathehell]

33. Nonsense

Last edited Thu Apr 20, 2017, 02:24 PM - Edit history (1)

Sorry, but that is just NOT true.

[Raine1967]

130. That is not true.

He was very supportive of Obama.

I have issues with him, but it is not true that he never had a kind word.

[Stuart G]

161. I agree, Thom Hartman was very supportive of Obama..

as well as Bernie. And I believe Thom is not a Russian stooge. I believe that is a lie. I listen to him often and I don't get that impression at all.

[doc03]

19. I listen to him on xm, does he do same show on rt? nt

[Raine1967]

131. He does a radio show from 12-3 pm (EST) and an evening show from the RT studios in DC.

The radio show is broadcast on regular radio and aired on FSTV.

The evening show is only on RT.

[get the red out]

20. I had the same reaction some time ago

He is sickeningly pro-Putin. Thom has been bought and paid for with the almighty Ruble.

[phylny]

23. I've been listening to him for a long time. I don't have grave concerns.

He routinely shreds Republican/Conservative opposition on his show on Progress, he hosted Bernie for years and backed him in the primary, then backed Hillary in the general election. I'm not jumping on the "I'm done bandwagon." YMMV.

[Foamfollower]

25. I have no respect for any traitor who would deal with RT.

[NurseJackie]

44. That sums it up perfectly. (And I share your lack of respect.)

[whathehell]

40. Me either -- I like and trust him.

I've been a listener and an admirer of Thom' Hartman's for years...He routinely ranks as the #1 Lefty Talk Show. Host in the nation. With respect to RT, Thom's show is his own, as his contract gives him complete editorial control, -- I find nothing to e over concerned with either..

[beastie boy]

62. You are not concerned that the Russian government finds him to be a handy tool in

undermining the US democracy and pays him for being one?

And he accepts fully realizing that this is the only reason he gets paid?

...Well, your lack of concern doesn't really concern me, but HIS pisses me off to no end!

[elmac]

83. Putin is not using RT as a tool

he is way too sneaky to do that. Think of RT as a front business, a smoke screen to hide his back channel dealings with tRump, hacking and spreading false news. I watched RT before the election, not a lot but enough to say for certain that most of the news, programming was as neutral as say MSNBC, which isn't sayING much but its far, far better the FOX GOP tv.

[JTFrog]

114. Say what?!?

RT is LITERALLY Putin's propaganda mouth piece.

You think they are some neutral entity?

Holy shit....

[Bradical79]

157. Yeah, it's blatant

It's not really something up for debate. One of their American sources they often use is a holocaust denying cook running a conspiracy site. There's many many instances of RT spreading outright falsified news, likely at a greater volume than even Fox. They're as neutral as Breitbart.

[beastie boy]

119. RT is a small wheel in a much larger machine that is built and used by Putin.

Putin probably does not concern himself with RT and what it does. But he will not tolerate the existence of this little wheel if it didn't support the operation of the big machine. Regardless of anyone's opinion of RT's programming, it serves the big machine, or else it wouldn't be there. And Hartman is fully aware of being the little spoke in a little wheel that is part of Putin's big machine that does consistent damage to democracy around the world.

No excuse for him.

[jodymarie aimee]

78. Watch him daily on Free Speech TV

far superior to our corporate media. I love him, he is always miles ahead of everyone. He had Palast on years ago. Is he your new Sanders/Sarandon, perhaps.....p.s. IQ of 170 here, nobody's fool.

[Hekate]

104. In my long experience...

I find the very bright are able to rationalize their worldview like nobody's business. M-world has its share of conservatives and so forth, just as universities do, and I've met some doozies. I just don't find that particular line of reasoning ("IQ of 170&quot persuasive. "Some of the people can be fooled" includes the bright and the educated.

[whathehell]

105. Yup.

I don't have that, but I listen to him regularly on the radio.

[muriel_volestrangler]

195. IQ of 170 means you're roughly 1 in a million, intelligence-wise

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_deviation#Rules_for_normally_distributed_data

IQ is defined as a normal distribution with mean 100, and standard deviation 15, so 170 is 4.67 standard deviations. From the table, that's roughly 99.9998% in the range 30 to 170, 0.0001% below 30, and 0.0001% above 170.

Are you sure? One of the 4 most intelligent Americans born in the same year as you?

[Coventina]

217. Side personal story:

A former partner of mine had an IQ of 176.

It was like living as a drug addict: He was a joy to be around, clever, funny, and just so insightful, he made me see the world as so much more of a wondrous and interesting place. It was *almost* like being high.

The dark side: He could be extremely cruel, both intentionally and unintentionally. He took it for granted that he was the most superior being in the room. He (privately) constantly belittled people for their stupidity. He could be unintentionally rude and insulting, just from his mindset. He also became ENRAGED (followed by a deep depression) if something didn't come easily for him. (I'll never forget the Great Swimming Debacle of '94).

Living / loving a genius is not easy. They are difficult people. In a way, being that far off the norm is a birth defect, just as being below the norm. It just brings a different set of problems.

[mfcorey1]

27. I tried listening to him on Sirius xm but found him to be too wish washy with his ideas.

He was always trying to tow the line on major issues. Dropped him some time ago.

[cry baby]

29. He posts on DU. I asked him to leave RT. Got no response.

I turn off the radio when he comes on.

[Historic NY]

31. Russian Times - Putins State Media...

Hartmann and others are just dupes.....

[mcar]

32. K&R

[spanone]

34. most of these people are in show business...they couldn't care less about the boss's 'cause'

take ed schultz for example

[whathehell]

42. Thom' Hartman has written about ,16 ,books, and he is NOTHING

like Ed Schultz.

[Coventina]

59. Yes he is, he takes Putin's money. n/t

[whathehell]

66. I'm glad that, when judging others, most use a broader criteria

than you have used here.

[Coventina]

81. I've found that the source of one's money is a good indicator of one's character. n/t

[WhiteTara]

35. They pay him and he is a good soldier

who'll stand up for his paycheck every day.

[lark]

36. I used to really think highly of this guy, but no more.

I wouldn't listen to him or read anything from him as he's been turned into a Pootie loving truth denier. He (and Jill Stein) are nothing more than Russian tools and are totally dead to me. I never liked her to begin with and suspected all along she was just running to stop Clinton. Now I know she also wanted to help Drumpf because Pootie wished it. If she hadn't run, Clinton would have been elected and we wouldn't be in this nightmare of destruction we now face.

[Dawson Leery]

37. And George Osborne is working for the Russkie Oligarchs now.

The Russian threat is everywhere.

[Sienna86]

39. I trust his ethics.

I don't believe he would continue if he felt obliged to support anyone.

[NurseJackie]

41. He's getting a paycheck from them, right?

[whathehell]

45. So what?

He's said he has complete editorial control of his show and I believe him.

[NurseJackie]

50. I don't. He's NOT a fool. He KNOWS exactly what will happen if he displeases the Russians...

... he's smart enough to moderate his content, and modulate his tone (and to deny that he's doing either) as long as it keeps the RT masters happy and his paycheck coming in.

Thom is no fool... but I'm no fool, either. It's crystal clear what he's doing and WHY he's doing it.

[whathehell]

52. That's your cynical view..

Try to understand why many may not buy it.

[NurseJackie]

65. Not cynical. It's reality-based. Hartmann is a stooge for Russia Today...

... it doesn't take a genius to figure that out. It's no secret what Russia Today is, who they are, what they do, and why they exist. It's just silly to pretend that they're anything OTHER than what they actually are. It's equally silly to pretend that Hartmann isn't a stooge, or to believe any nonsense about how he has 100% editorial control. If he was as principled as you appear to believe he is, then why would he even CONSIDER being a part of the RT propaganda machine?

[whathehell]

69. Do you know anything about him BESIDES the fact of his show on RT?

Have you ever actually listened to him for any number of months or years?

No, I didn't think do.

[NurseJackie]

73. It is a mistake for you to presume to know me.

Have you ever actually listened to him for any number of months or years?

Low production values. An irritating voice that's worse than listening to Ben Carson talk. Whiny. Droning. Ugh! But... aside from that, how long do you think it takes for someone of reasonable intelligence to be able to figure out that he's a stooge?

He's DEFENDING his master right now. How much MORE proof does anyone need to know that he doesn't actually have 100% editorial control? He's defending the Russian propaganda agency because he's a PART OF the Russian propaganda agency. Do you honestly think he'd do anything OTHER than to defend RT?

"Full editorial control," my ass. He's a stooge. He's one of Putin's tools. I can see this, because I'm no fool.

[whathehell]

99. Oh hell, you hated him even before he went to RT....

As mentioned, Thom is routinely voted Most popular Left wing talker in the nation, so it seems most don't share your opinion on his supposedly "irritating," or "whiney" voice or whatever

That being said, I can see there is no chance of a rational discussion with you, so I believe I'll just stop wasting my time and just bid you adieu.

[NurseJackie]

116. He's a stooge, a tool, a pawn for Putin's propaganda outlet...

... his "popularity" in online clicky-clicky polls doesn't change that fact. (And I give you credit for at least not trying to deny it.)

[BainsBane]

149. the most popular

So what? The Kardashians and Justin Bieber are popular too. Is this high school where what matters is popularity?

[brush]

138. He is doing it for the money. I don't get how it works as his show is on Progress Radio...

on satellite but it originates from RT?

That fact alone diminishes him IMO.

He can't find another outlet to air his show?

trump couldn't find banks here to loan him money anymore either'

[whathehell]

142. Sez you..

The fact is, you don't him, and so have no idea as to why he's doing it.

[BainsBane]

154. He could be on a community access station

if money weren't a concern. He chooses to earn his livelihood from and defend a propaganda arm of the Kremlin, the very Kremlin that ran a cover propaganda operation to ensure Trump became president. Why on earth should anyone who doesn't favor Trump like that?

And no, I haven't listened to his show because I don't listen to for profit radio. From what I've seen from excerpts posted on DU, I'm not missing much.

I love when people say "you don't like him" as an accusation, like there is some obligation to like anyone just because they're "popular." Seems pretty trivial to get upset to the point of hostility because someone doesn't like an entertainer you do.

[brush]

179. Sez me what? Nothing in my post is not true.

He wasn't always on Russia Today?

Why is he now if not for the money?

Someone with Hartman's credential's could certainly find another outlet for his show.

Maybe not for as much MONEY.

It so fucking unseemly and disconcerting that of all places, especially with the strong evidence that the Russians meddled in our election for trump, a longtime, progressive talk show host ends up on Putin's propaganda outlet.

That's sorta like the Republican Party, long known for being staunchly anti-Russia, is now cozying up to them.

It just does not compute, sez me.

[stevenleser]

89. That anyone disputes you on this is ridiculous. Hartmann...

... has control as long as his show doesn't attack or annoy Moscow/Putin.

That is no different than the situation with any dictatorial control over media. That Hartmann seems to be willingly conforming to it doesn't make it any less oppressive.

[La Coliniere]

54. Agreed

A voice of sanity in this thread. Hartmann has said often that RT has no control over content and editorial decisions. Many folks here are too eager to tar anyone who doesn't promote Russia hysteria as a Putin lover. Hartmann has always advocated for the Democratic Party and its traditional (aka FDR - New Deal) values and goals.

[whathehell]

58. Thank you...You are correct.

[NurseJackie]

67. Of course that's what he's going to say. Why would he ADMIT otherwise?

The biggest clue to the integrity issue is that he agreed to work for the Russian propaganda agency in the first place. If not his integrity, it certainly makes me question his judgement and values. But... hey... I guess everyone has bills to pay, a lifestyle to maintain, a family to support and a retirement to save for. Throw enough money at someone and they'll say anything... including "I have complete editorial control".

[stevenleser]

93. Anyone arguing with you on this is not a serious contributor on this subject.

Putin murders Russian journalists who displease him.

He's not going to tolerate anyone working for his state owned agency that gives him or Russia bad press.

[macandsandy]

85. Thank you!!!

Sanity is important

[George II]

43. Isn't he a member here at DU?

[NightWatcher]

47. Oh yes. He often read posts on his show.

[whathehell]

49. Yes, or at least he was not that long ago..

I'm don't unxerstand the trashing he's getting on this thread...I've been listening to him for many years, and I agree with him about 99.9 percent of the time.

[Raine1967]

122. He might be a member -- but it's not Thom posting here.

He (and his staff) used DU as Show prep during the primaries.

[Demsrule86]

46. I am surprised he would say such things.

[MurrayDelph]

48. I stopped years ago

when he was on yet another rant about tariffs, and he suggested getting Congress to trade birthright citizenship for tariffs.

So, he was in favor of trading away someone else's rights to get something he wants.


That was mighty white of him.

[HurricaneWarning]

51. I stopped listening a long time ago.

I was tired of him telling us how smart he is.

[whathehell]

74. Um, He's never said anything like that, as far as I know..

That said, I know many are resentful and intimidated by those more intelligent than themselves.

[elmac]

147. He never did

me thinks we got some putin boys on DU trying to stir things up.

[elmac]

145. Interesting

and less then 200 posts.

[oasis]

173. What's your point about post count? The OP has 31,000+

They seem to be on the same page.

[disillusioned73]

55. ....

This thread is highlarious.. thanks for the laugh

[ybbor]

95. This place is becoming ridiculous

I listen to him almost everyday, and have for years. I have never heard him say anything kind about Russia or Putin. Just the opposite. But I could be wrong. He is definitely anti-trump and definitely pro-America, and progressive ideas.

This thread stumps me.

Also the article posted says nothing about Thom.

[disillusioned73]

103. Agreed..

this place has become a twilight zone episode..

[elmac]

152. Overall, I agree

not only because of the circular firing squads but the power to block posts, end memberships by someone who may have it in for you. DU has always been super anal with the rules but its getting to the point where I'm thinking its nor worth the bother or time.

[kstewart33]

220. The rules are fine.

They keep DU from disintegrating into hateful back-and-forths between battling camps. Like it was during the 2016 primary season.

[elmac]

151. Just to be fair, he has had a pro Russian annalist on his show

quite a few times and seems to agree that we haven't treated Russia very well over the years, which we haven't. But, I have never heard his say anything positive about the snake putin. He does seem reluctant to blame Russian for the email hacks thinking it was a disgruntled election worker who leaked which I don't believe for a minute. I have been listening to Thom since his Air America days and will continue. Never did care much for his RT show.

[Stuart G]

168. I too have listened to him for years..and i agree He is

definitely anti trump and pro-progressive ideas...and that is not some recent idea..He was progressive years ago..supported Obama very strongly. In many areas he agrees with Bernie's views about health care and restoring the infrastructure ...and...in general he presents his ideas in a clear and precise way..

Also, often, and those who listen and watch him will agree, he has on right wing talkers with their bullshit, and he destroys them and their ideas in 10 to 15 minutes..

[MuseRider]

207. Right?

Good grief.

[Kahuna7]

56. I never cared for him. nt

[Scruffy1]

57. Thom "buy my book" Hartmann has always been a light weight hustler.

I remember going to a serious party discussion where he was invited. He used his time on the podium to pitch his latest book and added zero to the conversation. His whole radio act reminds me of a certain "boxer" who was Puerto Rican, if I recall correctly, who used to have a match every Saturday where he "beat" a Caucasian. All he does is through at a bit of some classical writers, who most of his audience never read to sound sophisticated and bring some "stooge on the radio to beat on. He pays the stooge and every ones happy. In this case, he just wants some of RT's dough.

[Fla Dem]

71. You pretty much summed up my feelings about him.

I tried listening to him off and on over the years, but he always seemed to be pitching one book or another. He'd have guests on and talk over them trying to show how smart he was. Then go off on some diatribe to show what a great intellect he is. Yes he had on Bernie, what was it, Friday's with Bernie. But it was the same thing with every caller. "Thank you, that's an excellent question", they were all excellent questions according to Bernie. Then he would give his rote answer reformed in so many words, corporations suck, the little person is getting screwed, Democrats aren't addressing the problems. Pretty much that was his whole schtick. It was a boring radio program.

[OnDoutside]

60. He has compromised himself by appearing on what is

Putin TV. Now he and others can say they maintain their independence but we will see shortly when the FBI start arresting people in the Trump Russia investigation, exactly where he lines up. As of now we can only surmise, and I fall into the camp of doubting his bona fides.

[wcmagumba]

61. I don't care for him...

he occasionally has a "rw" guest and they run rings round him rhetorically (imo) and the whole RT thing disgusts me.

[Stuart G]

170. I disagree...Thom generally destroys the foundation of the conservative philosphy.

and he destroys most of the right wing guest's ideas. Many right wingers will not go on his show.

[Dawson Leery]

63. The great economic crash of 2016 did not happen.

[whathehell]

112. Oh no!

You mean he actually made a mistake?? For shame!

[elmac]

155. But it will sooner then later. nt

[SleeplessinSoCal]

64. I agree. His ambition overrides his message. n/t

[Nanjeanne]

68. Listen to him very frequently. Never heard any pro Putin propaganda but

it must happen during those few times I'm not listening I guess. Boy I miss so much. Like I read through this entire thread and I still don't see any link to anything that Thom Hartmann actually said - just a lot of people saying what they heard him say. Can someone point me to the direct quote from Thom Hartmann?

[NightWatcher]

72. I can't link to what I heard ten minutes before I wrote that, but that numerous people agree

on what they've heard as well, you can take that to mean something.

It's a free country, I'm not telling you not to listen.

[Nanjeanne]

80. Oh yes thanks. I never thought you were telling me not to listen. And of course if numerous people

agree - well it must be fact.

Thanks for letting me know it's a free country. So insightful!

[SleeplessinSoCal]

123. Here's a doozy.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/3/10/1283668/-Thom-Hartmann-Sticking-with-RT-despite-Resignations-over-Putin-s-Actions-in-Ukraine

[Nanjeanne]

127. Oh yes - that's a doozy all right.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

187. You asked for a direct quote. Did you read It?

There are several where he took the side of Putin over Ukraine. And with the excuse similar to tRump that we didn't give women the vote until 1920. As though our
system is as bad as Putin's. PLUS he's on Russua Today!

[Nanjeanne]

188. As I said - it's a doozy.

Oh and I watch him on Free Speech TV.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

189. I stopped listening to him after about 3 years when he replaced Al Franken.

Probably around 2009. And to be honest I was turned off by Bernie then and found it hard to get on board in the primary. The sense of being "know it alls" was a turn-off. Especially when there is no wit or humor.

Just my take.

[elmac]

70. Thom Hartman is a well known progressive pushing progressive ideals for over a decade

He did defend RT, claiming it did not have anti Clinton programming, I agree. They were no where near fox so called news. They had more progressive programming then MSNBC. But, that would be a stupid move for Putin to use RT to do his dirty work. RT is his smoke screen. He did use paid bloggers, hackers to spread fake news and anti Clinton propaganda, bullying, ect... Thom Hartman isn't convinced of that, I am. I think he very well has a pro Russian bias and only hope he wakes up and smells the rotten fish. Putin and any Putin related biz is poison as far as I'm concerned.

[TomCADem]

75. Is His Deal As Sweet as Ed Schultz?

Ed even got a private plane.

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.nationalreview.com/article/434731/ed-schultzs-russia-today-tv-show-he-loves-limelight-loses-principles

[elmac]

158. Probably not as good as morning joe though

now there is a true progressive!

[kstewart33]

77. Geez, I didn't know that he's turned in that direction.

If so, so long Thom.

[elmac]

162. he hasn't turned anything

In a world where corporate media tells you what you can and cannot say progressives must bed with some unsavory sorts to get the word out and RT gives him full control over what he says and does. Its totally separate from his radio show and helps pay the bills for the show I'm sure. Not many billionaires support progressive radio or TV.

[TupperHappy]

79. I listen to his show occasionally but...

...its gotten to the point where he cannot go for more than 15 minutes without launching into an anti-Ronald Reagan rant.

Yeah, sure, I get that he's not a fan of Reagan, but seriously, he needs to give this a rest.

When your only argument ends up (basically) being, "And then Reagan did this and it destroyed everything", well, why would I bother listening any more? I'd rather listen to Make It Plain or Michelangelo Signorele instead.

[cadmium]

84. He's OK when he doesn't have a political man-crush.

He loved Nader. He got so far onto the John Edwards bandwagon that he banned Dennis Kucinich from the show because he was critical of Edwards. Ive been listening since he was on IE America radio broadcasting from Vermont. He has actually gotten better on gun control. The man-crush on Sanders is permanent. A bunch fashionable lefties like Consortium News also seem to prefer Putin to Clinton--at least Hartmann doesn't go that far.

[elmac]

163. yes, unlike corporate canned news

he gives people outside the media crush some airtime.

[Kentonio]

86. I'd want to see exact quotes before even considering changing my stance on Thom Hartmann

There have been quite enough longtime progressives thrown under the bus recently, and I'm sure its just an amazing coincidence that the exact same posters always seem to be in agreement about how bad these people all are.

[NightWatcher]

98. Is he employed by RT? Is RT Putin's propaganda outlet?

Is Putin an enemy of the US and Democracy?

I didn't ask anyone to change their stance. Do what you like. I have problems with him because of RT amongst other things.

[ybbor]

101. Yes they do seem to be marching in lockstep

All the same posters railing against true progressives in favor of the status quo. Well the status quo cost us over 1000 offices over the past 8-10 years. Don't want to mess with that streak.

[Rustyeye77]

87. bULLSH*T

[iamthebandfanman]

88. an employee defending their employer..

get outta town

[nini]

90. He's an idiot

I got sick of him years ago.

People need to pay attention to these 'allies' of ours.

[elmac]

164. and who might them allies be, morning joe?

[William769]

94. Anyone and I do mean anyone that has any connection to RT in any way including broadcasts

Is doing so with full knowledge That RT is solely funded by the Putin Government. They are no better that the propagandists they work for.

If anyone wants to try to spin this I suggest you contact Sean Spicer for his help.

[Cha]

102. Or Melissa.. she'll set 'em up.

[SalviaBlue]

96. You completely missed his point. (on purpose?)

Thom was talking about how responsible FOX NEWS has been for amplifying Trump’s messaging.

He said that Fox is a network committed to promoting the interests of billionaires and that they use fake news to do it.

Then he said (I transcribed it for clarity):

“There’s this whole thing about, this Russian think tank one and half to two years ago who said let’s see how we can influence US elections. I really don’t think many Americans are watching to RT and saying gee I think I will vote for Trump. First of all, anybody who has watched RT over the last two years knows that RT’s coverage was very pro-Clinton… I was pro-Clinton, everybody else on the network to my knowledge was pro-Clinton. It was FOX NEWS that was promoting Trump…”

His point was that FOX NEWS is the bigger threat to Americans where propaganda is concerned. He mentioned RT to point out that their influence was miniscule compared to what Fox has done to push propaganda.

When I had Comcast, I was happy to be able to see Thom on RT because there was no other station he was on. I didn’t turn into a Russian sympathizer because I tuned in to RT. Now that I have Dish, I can watch the very same Thom Hartmann show as seen on RT on Free Speech TV--- a listener sponsored progressive station. Is Free Speech TV also not be trusted because they feature Thom Hartmann?

I AGREE WITH THOM HARTMANN! We should hold Fox responsible as the main purveyor of right wing propaganda.

Thom Hartmann is a huge asset to the progressive cause. We should not be bashing him on DU.

[disillusioned73]

108. I don't think..

most these folks in this thread never listened to TH.. their posts reveal themselves

[benpollard]

97. Thom's interesting, but he's a lightweight

He took a long time to come out in support for Bernie, which made me wonder about him. And I watched him a few times on RT before I knew what RT stood for. When I found out RT was a Russian propaganda organization, I wondered what the hell Thom Hartmann was doing on there.

Hartmann is a lightweight, though. He can't hold his own on Bill Maher or other political shows.

[YOHABLO]

100. I've never read such bullshit in my life. Because he's on RT now he loves Putin?

I think the trolls are up to no good on here. DU has been infiltrated no doubt.

[diva77]

121. This +1000 absolutely. Where is the outrage over Limbaugh, and right wing radio/tv, corporations

military-industrial complex, cabinet of corporate billionaires, no tax returns Trump, Rex & Exxon waiver, Trump and debt to Russian Oligarchs, ad infinitum.

The people attacking Bernie and Hartmann, both great progressives, are sidestepping the HUGE elephants in the room.

It makes me think of this article:

Leaked Emails Suggest DNC Was Conspiring Against Bernie Sanders 7/23/2016
Looks like Sanders supporters weren’t just being paranoid after all.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/wikileaks-dnc-bernie-sanders_us_579381fbe4b02d5d5ed1d157

[SalviaBlue]

143. This is really getting ridiculous. Skinner needs to do a major clean up.

This place is going bad fast.

[BainsBane]

159. So no one who criticizes a radio entertainer

should be allowed to post? Seriously?

I probably don't like a band you do too, as well as some TV shows. Maybe you should keep a list of transgressors of "progressive" cultural orthodoxy? Put me at the top, please.

[SalviaBlue]

166. There is a concentrated attack against Bernie underway on this site.

I see the attack against Thom Hartmann as an extension of that. There are obvious trolls participating in the numerous anti- progressive posts. Clean up is needed.

Btw, what makes you a transgressor of progressive culture? You do know that this site claims to be devoted to progressive values, right?

[BainsBane]

176. It is a site for Democrats

That includes some progressives, liberals, centrists and even conservatives. It also includes leftists, to the extent any remain in this country.

Not being concerned exclusively with the wallets of the "white (male) working class," I don't qualify as progressive, so I've been told repeatedly. I don't believe the Democratic party is the greatest ill facing America. I am a strong advocate of equality, not just economic but racial and gender. That means I care about poverty, just not the increased prosperity of those who already make twice the median income. I don't believe the equal rights of over half the population of America are a distraction or a "wedge issue" to be discarded for the more important concern of the prosperity of the demographic that already earns more. I understand that abortion rights are not a distraction but an economic as well as civil rights issue because without them women face far greater rates of poverty, and with them children, the future generations of Americans.

I didn't realize this whole thing about the radio entertainer was a proxy for Sanders, but I should have realized. The great man view of politics naturally extends to entertainment culture as well. Who am I as a lowly citizen to dare to speak about issues that concern me when there are great men who require fealty?

I firmly reject the world view in which Bernie, Hartman, or any other public figure is more important than issues or the rights of citizens. I don't like what I read about Hartman, and I don't care for Bernie. Moreover, I steadfastly oppose the notion I am obligated to like or revere any individual. I believe citizens concerns should come first, and efforts to silence citizens in order to shield a member of the political elite from criticism is ideologically and morally abhorrent to me. I consider this entire focus on great men to be deeply conservative, more akin to a time before the birth of the republic than to democracy. I could not oppose more strongly this effort to impose absolute deference to a member of the political elite, whether Bernie. Trump or anyone else. The more I see it, the more I fear for democracy.

I find it telling that the one cause of mobilization coming out of the movement around Sanders is not about any issue but demanding loyalty to Bernie. That, I believe, betrays a political ethos very different from what they claim. How can government serve the people when efforts focus on enforcing loyalty to politician? They are elected to represent us. It is our right--indeed, our responsibility--to demand they respond to our concerns. The notion that it is we who must obey or revere them is abhorrent to me.

So please, put me at the top of your list. Use a scarlet A if you like or an H for heretic. Consider me the enemy if you will because I will never submit to the view that one great man takes precedence over citizens. I will maintain that view regardless of how popular, charismatic, or shiny the pol in question is because democracy will always matter more to me than any politician's career. If that makes me a heretic, I gladly wear the label.

[NurseJackie]

208. That ... was ... amazing. Thank you.

[Coventina]

216. Epic! You should make this an OP!

I *heart* Bernie, but the truth is, I *heart* his policies.

It is entirely possible that if I met the man I wouldn't actually like him or want to hang out with him personally.

It's not about personalities or *stars* it's about PEOPLE!!!

[BainsBane]

221. I love that

And I needed to hear some Bernie supporters feel similarly.

[NastyRiffraff]

219. BRAVO!!

I too will gladly wear those labels. THANK you for that post, Bains. I agree that you should make it an OP.

[George II]

222. I'll use a B for Brava! Thank you for that.

[George II]

214. An "attack" on a person who is defending Russian news media is an attack on Sanders? REALLY??

[elmac]

167. I believe you right

there seems to be a lot of interest on DU of late to bash progressives outside the mainstream. Divide and conquer as putin would put it.

[musette_sf]

107. For so many years, I was such a fan of Hartmann's

and meeting him at a book signing was one of the thrills of my political life. The past election cycle has made me so disappointed in him.

[world wide wally]

124. Disappointment is definitely the word

[SalviaBlue]

144. You were disappointed in his support for Hillary?

Because, like most Bernie supporters, he turned his support to Hillary as soon as she became the nominee. This is how primaries are supposed to work. The anti-democratic view would be that you cannot support your choice in the primary.

[musette_sf]

178. I was disappointed that he did not call out the BernieBros

who squawked loud and long about how the established rules of how Democratic primaries are run were so "unfair". Instead of learning the rules and abiding by the rules, they complained that the rules they ignored were "wrong" and "unfair" and should be abandoned NOW. After the Nevada caucus debacle, Hartmann didn't speak out at all to defend the Democratic party, or the rules of the Nevada caucus. After that, his (grudging) support of Sec'y Clinton after she became the nominee rang quite hollow.

I was a huge fan of Hartmann's, bought all his books, listened regularly to his show, and enjoyed the weekly Brunch With Bernie segment for many years. Both Sen Sanders and Thom Hartmann have greatly disappointed me during the 2016 electoral cycle. If Sen Sanders was SO dissatisfied with the rules of the Democratic primary process, then he should have run as an independent.

[SalviaBlue]

185. I don't agree with your depiction of how Thom or Bernie handled themselves.

They both supported Hillary wins the primary was over.

The people who want to keep demonizing Bernie and progressives at this point in time are much more damaging to our democracy than the people who supported him in the primary.

[musette_sf]

191. "The people who want to keep demonizing Bernie"

Excuse me, but I was a longtime listener and admirer of Thom Hartmann. I own almost all of his books. I listened to "Brunch With Bernie" for many years, and admired Sen Sanders as well. When Sen Sanders initially announced his run for the Democratic nomination, I initially was a supporter, and was looking forward to voting for him. And FYI I did not support Sec'y Clinton's candidacy in 2008. So knock off this "demonizing" nonsense.

I'm stating that the behavior of Hartmann, and particularly of Sen Sanders, as the 2016 electoral cycle progressed, up until Sec'y Clinton had clearly won the nomination, turned out to greatly disappoint me in both of them. By the time the California primary rolled around, I cast my vote for Sec'y Clinton.

The people who want to keep demonizing Sec'y Clinton (including the BernieBros who piled on to joining the 30 years of RW hate speech against her) and the Democratic Party at this point in time are much more damaging to our democracy than the people who supported HER in the primary. Sen Sanders' ego was his own worst enemy in the primaries - and as I said before, if he and his followers were SO dissatisfied with the rules of the Democratic primary process, then he should have run as an independent.

[Volstagg]

109. I don't listen to him much normally

This gives me little reason to try harder. Yikes.

[Kimchijeon]

118. Well that's a shame

I had always thought of him as a pretty astute progressive source. Like many, I listened to Brunch with Bernie on Thom's show over the years.

What a bummer, if that's the case.

[SalviaBlue]

148. Really, this post has swayed your own perception of the man?

You listened to him over the years and thought he was a pretty astute progressive source but now you don't.

It's like "don't believe your lying eyes".

Whatever

[Kimchijeon]

182. Nah. Just fascinated by the gullibility here in general (not you)

I am skeptical of all these insinuations lately seemingly directed at progressive voices like Hartmann. It is highly suspect that suddenly, all these lefties are being accused of being "in cahoots with Putin" or some such simpleton bullshit. Divide & conquer, such a simple tactic, seems that lots here on DU fall for it. I find it hard to fathom, and not really likely. Not just him. It's kinda getting tiresome.

Seems like every other left/third party/independent/social progressive left of center nowadays get this "oh they are with RT and RT is the same thing as PUTIN HIMSELF! (jeez) or somehow are accused of defending Russia! Or Supportin' Putin! (ok, sure... right.) oh no! The sky is falling, ignore that lefty, Fuck Them now, etc etc... it's all over the place it seems.

Frankly I find it sad that so many on DU just go with it/fall for it, and since it seems too many are on that weird bandwagon of random lefty hate I just ignore it for the most part now. If we can't unite though, that's our own fuck-up. We shouldn't fall for that crap, but oh well. Isn't it more likely that it's just a bullshit tactic meant to divide us further? I mean... seems more plausible.
Anyhoot. Sorry for my incoherent ramblings. Just thought I'd clarify since I wasn't really clear in my post.


TLDR;
"oh i used to love so and so, but something-something RUSSIA/RT/PUTIN and now that proooooves they are treasonous! I hate so and so now! Never again! *weeps bitter tears boo hoo*

[SalviaBlue]

184. Thank you for your response! I agree with you completely.

Sorry I was rude. This has really rubbed me the wrong way.

[FairWinds]

120. RT also has Ed Schultz, Chris Hedges, and many more . .

to me, the assertion in the Gummint Report on Russian interference in the
elections does not hold a lot of water.

In terms of building distrust in US politics, and undermining the system (such
as it is), RT cannot hold a candle to FAUX.

Norman Solomon has a good article on the Dem establishment and Russia . .

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/04/20/democratic-partys-anti-bernie-elites-have-huge-stake-blaming-russia

[NightWatcher]

126. Do you believe Putin effected the 2016 election to favor trump?

[FairWinds]

201. I'm prepared to be convinced . .

but I don't think the evidence is out there yet.

I do some loose work with the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, and
know some of them personally - Ray McGovern, Ann Wright are some of my heroes.

https://consortiumnews.com/2016/12/12/us-intel-vets-dispute-russia-hacking-claims/

In Intel matters, I am inclined to accept their judgement.

And BTW, why is there no investigation of Israel's election hacking?

https://consortiumnews.com/2017/04/20/why-not-a-probe-of-israel-gate/

[Raine1967]

125. He is the only host I know that is on air on Free Speech TV and RT.

I find that problematic.

[classof56]

129. As a long-time Thom Hartmann supporter, I'm stunned at this thread.

Thom understands issues like no one else, speaks truth to power, is intelligent and articulate, well versed in the history of our nation. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, of course, but my opinion of the Hartmann naysayers here has been greatly diminished by your words. As I see it, this is an effort to undermine one of Progressives' greatest advocates. I'm grateful for him and the hope he brings. Tough enough to make it through the horrible assaults on our freedoms lately. Couldn't do it without Thom. Just as an aside, I've lived through administrations from FDR to Obama and have always been a strong Democrat. Yep, I'm old but not stupid. I say again, I'm grateful for Thom, his books, his programs, his perspectives and yes, the truth to power he speaks.

Peace and blessings.

[Stuart G]

175. I agree with you...I have listened to Thom for years. I see him as progressive, and

the RT network...doesn't mean a thing to me. I have been listening on a progressive station in my area that carries his show. That is all that matters.

[classof56]

177. Oh, thank you, thank you.

I feared I was going to be alerted. Appreciate your thoughts and your support of Thom and of my response.

Blessings!

[elmac]

136. All of these so called Democrates or progressives on DU that go out of the way to

dis a well known Progressive for whatever reason, Bernie, Thom, fill in the blank, just helps me fill my Full Ignore list and I thank them for that.

[PDittie]

172. +1

Actually it's been +4 from this thread alone.

[LanternWaste]

202. Criticism of our tin gods and sacred cows certainly does qualify posters for ignore.

Criticism of our tin gods and sacred cows certainly does qualify posters for ignore, regardless of out thanks.

[dembotoz]

150. i envy the gop in that they have a media presence with fox...progressives? not so much

yah you hear msnbc but really...no

so where do progressives go to be on air types?

options are few if a man needs to eat
and paychecks are good

[HootieMcBoob]

153. I've really liked Thom Hartman for years

I've been listening to his program since it was on that labor union thing. I used to stream it early on in the W Bush era, long before Air America came along. I stopped listening to him regularly shortly after Trump was elected. His labeling of the Trump/Republican Russia connections as "McCarthyism" has been just baffling to me. Really disappointing.

[Tarheel_Dem]

160. I dumped Thom before he joined RT. His Obama bashing became bizarre to say the least.

I have absolutely no use for him, Ed Schultz, Amy Goodman or Cenk Ugyr.

[NurseJackie]

169. I like you!

[Tarheel_Dem]

171. Ditto!

[Adrahil]

165. Follow the money.... NT

[disillusioned73]

174. This thread fascinates me..

So let me get this straight.... a man who has advocated for or railed against the following issues for years on the radio; ( and yes I have been listening unlike others in this thread)

Advocate for climate change awareness
Single payer advocate
Anti-trickle down economics warrior - I love it when he rails against Reagans false legacy
Anti-war proponent
Fierce fighter against the militarization of our police state
Vocal advocate of a progressive taxation system
Supporter of the decriminalization of cannabis & the overall fake "war on drugs"
Advocate for a strong education system w/out privatization
Womens rights... come on
and on... and on.. and on

He hosted a weekly show with one of the most progressive Senators...hold on, could this be it, could this be the real issue.. to destroy one of the stepping stones of a real progressive/liberal Senator.. nip that platform in the bud to avoid the next "you know who" type... hmmm

I don't know.. or maybe he is a Rooskie sleeper agent sent here to infiltrate our liberal/progressive community in the event that he can be unleashed upon us with all his other infiltrators 20+ years later.. hmm

No, I'm not buying it.. I'll continue to listen to Thom Hartmann - one of the few rational voices that we have on the left.. thank you very much

I also enjoy Rhandi Rhodes, Nicole Sandler & Intercepted w/ Jeremy Scahill - there are also a variety of youtube channels with good commentary.. corporate media has become a garbage heap with their pro war tilt... I am old enough to remember the Iraq war drumbeat..

[pnwmom]

194. Jill Stein has also advocated for all of these things. That doesn't make her an ally.

Russia is using RT to attack Democrats from the left.

[disillusioned73]

204. This isn't about Jill Stein..

although I do find it interesting that you would want to swing the conversation that way.. There is pictures of all kinds of politicians "palling" around with the Putster (god, I cant believe the left is now using that term) - so, glass houses you know..

[pnwmom]

205. RT is using both Jill Stein and Thom Hartmann. Anyone employed or otherwise financed by RT

is part of their propaganda effort.

[disillusioned73]

206. Says you..

some folks actually have listened to Thom Hartmanm for years, and when those folks question this tactic of smearing strong voices on the left (like Thom Hartmann) - I will always questions their motives..

[pnwmom]

209. Says anyone with common sense. Russia is involved in an intensive propaganda effort

targeting the US and everyone involved in the Russian-state-owned RT, wittingly or not, is part of it.

TH lures people like you in to RT. He should find another outlet for his views.

[disillusioned73]

210. "TH lures people like you in"..

like I am some kind of naive child.. Look, you'll never convince me of your paranoid opinions.. and I'll never convince you of mines.. so let's leave it at that.

[pnwmom]

211. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. nt

[JCanete]

181. um, since this is about Thom Hartmann, what did he say? It would have been nice, since

you are characterizing his defense of Putin for us, if you had transcribed something he'd said, or linked to it, or hell, as a starting point, just paraphrased.

I was ready to be upset at Thom, but instead I have nothing actually to go on here except for your rant.

Oh I see, you want it to all be about Putin. The thing is, Putin is a thug, a criminal, a murderer and a narcissistic asshole who absolutely tried to meddle in our elections. Better, our President, having no fucking common sense, or respect or understanding for the law or our nation, solicited help, and almost certainly committed some level of treason in his dealings with the Russian government pertaining to our election. I hope that's what the investigation finds, and I hope he gets impeached for it, and frankly worse.

But again, as I keep saying, and nobody has bothered to challenge, Russia's fake news did not lose us this election, our fake news did. Thom is right, it is Fox. It's also CNN and most of MSNBC, and almost all the am radio waves. Putin has no power to affect our elections with fake news except for in a vacuum of good fourth estate journalism here at home. Our media let bullshit fester. Our media propagated bullshit. Our media has ignored voter suppression and gerrymandering and bald-faced republican lies, and Trump's disgusting history, investigations into him, his absurdly anti-american ideals, etc. Because? It thought emails were more interesting? No. Because it wanted a horse-race, and a Clinton Presidency, should she win, that was weighted down with scandal and hamstrung by less coat-tails....etc.

We should not stand for a second the attempt of influence by a foreign power on our elections. And if, though I haven't heard any strong evidence for this to date, Russia did something like hack our machines, well, that's an entirely different ball of wax, but otherwise, we have far scarier issues to attend to regarding our own corporate media, than fake garbage that only those who truly want to believe will believe in the first place.

[disillusioned73]

203. Very well said..

[Catherine Vincent]

183. What?

I guess I don't listen to his show often enough. I think he's great. He's highly thought of here...or was. Where did this come from?

[kacekwl]

186. Listen to him or not

I've learned alot from Thom over the years . Don't always agree with him but also think I'm smart enough to know B.S. too. Not ready to condem him yet.

[themaguffin]

200. Defending "RT?" What the fuck is "RT?"

[pnwmom]

212. It's the Russian-state-owned television station, Russian Times. n/t

[StubbornThings]

218. I'm so bored today I read this entire thread.

A new low in my life.