Stern's listeners could tip the race, some analysts say | Seattle P-I

[Ediacara]

Stern's listeners could tip the race, some analysts say
Popular 'shock jock' bashes Bush in between jokes, porn star interviews

By CHRIS McGANN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

In Washington and swing states across the country, a manly chunk of politically unpredictable and historically apathetic voters are hearing the call of a New York City shock jock bent on ousting President Bush.

Some analysts predict that syndicated radio host Howard Stern and his legions of listeners, most of whom are young male swing voters, will tip the presidential election in favor of Democratic nominee John Kerry.

Stern now squeezes increasingly long anti-Bush tirades into the program that previously had been known mainly for porn star interviews, gross jokes, crank phone calls and scantily clad female guests -- not political critiques.

More at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

[ixion]

1. you go, Howard

woohoo!

Say want you want about Stern's format, the fact that he's speaking his mind on this says alot about his true character, IMO.

[DaveSZ]

3. I'm a fan of his

Now that he's on in Austin it's great!

[indigobusiness]

30. What station in Austin?

And when?

[soothsayer]

2. Keep riding 'em, Howard! Keep the pressure on dumbya...!

Yeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[A_Possum]

4. Is it ok if I don't like Howard Stern?

Even if he's bashing Bush now and has a lot of fans.

I'm not fond of any of the shock jocks, and just because one happens to be on "my side" doesn't make me enjoy the guy or want to cheer him on.

This is just my opinion; feel free to disagree.:P

[nikatnyte]

5. The real "shock jocks"

are idiots like Rush and his ilk. Even with his fascination with lesbians and toilet humor, I've never found Howard particularly shocking -- in fact, he's surprisingly intelligent and articulate. He made a difference in the NY governor election. He certainly carries clout!

[otohara]

7. w/ Howard I Just Shake My Head

unless he's bashing Bush, then I wholeheartedly agree.

[calimary]

23. Yeah. I know what you mean. But I am NOT one to bite the hand

that helps us push bush OUT of the White House!! Besides, with THIS FCC against him, my gut reaction is to suspect he must be doing something that's correct.

So he does bathroom humor. Hey, I've got a 12-year-old boy (who likes Mark and Brian on KLOS here in L.A. - they're kinda rowdy, too) at home. We LIVE bathroom humor.

Oh, and by the way, A_Possum AND nikatnyte - WELCOME TO DU!

[A_Possum]

26. Has he taken a stand on the swiftvets? If so, I'll give him points

I just don't like him and his show is all. More power to those who do.

It's true that he's bringing in voters (who will actually vote, I hope) but saying "Howard Stern's supporting Kerry!" won't exactly help me out with the particular people in my circle. :eyes:

[Blind Tiresias]

50. howard's cool

the enemy of my enemy is my friend

[He loved Big Brother]

55. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"?

Same justification the USA used when training Osama and arming Saddam.

[smirkymonkey]

12. You're right and welcome to DU!

The entire right-wing media is a shock to decent human beings everywhere! Anyone who helps influence the election against the Chimp is aok in my book. I am abandoning my principles until he is out of office and hopefully in prison.

:hi:

[Hanover_Fist]

14. Amen Brother!

[calimary]

25. Welcome! Yay!

[ClintonTyree]

6. I'm with you

I don't particularly like shock jocks either, no matter which side of the political coin they're on. I do however support their right to free speech, as long as it's THE TRUTH and not merely sensationalist claptrap.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. I'm not wild about him either...

But I figure America is composed of many people of diverse backgrounds and tastes (or lack thereof).

I can't stand his show, and having viewed it briefly a few years ago, am not even remotely interested in watching it again.

That said, I'm all for whatever role he assumes in ousting the imposter occupying the White House.

You go, Howard!

[Triana]

16. hey goddess of guiness...

err. what is that creature you've got a pic of there? I'm just curious.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

27. A Giant Anteater

:hi:

[JustCarbon]

33. I believe what the article is referring to

is not the E! show but his radio show which has turned quite political (trust me I know, I've been listening for a lonnng while)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

43. If that's the case, it might interest me

...if I happen upon a radio station around here that carries his show.

[JustCarbon]

46. although

there is the occasional porn star on the show >_<

[iamjoy]

56. Live And Let Live

IMHO
I don't like Howard Stern, usually finding him obnoxious and crass (although sometimes he does interesting interviews and stories). My solution - I don't listen to him.

I don't know why some of these right wingnuts don't get this and feel the need to threaten companies with a boycott if they advertise during Stern's show. Or why the F.C.C. has to crack down on it. In truth, I think Stern is socially liberal/financially conservative. They've pissed him off and he's fighting back.

I hope he (like Michael Moore) is understanding if Kerry doesn't embrace him. I hope Kerry takes the "live and let live" approach. I hope if elected, Kerry remembers Stern - it would be unwise politically to reach out to him now, but after Kerry is in office he could invite Stern to the White House (when Vanessa, Alex and Cate are all away) or do an interview.

Stern supported Christie Todd Whitman when she was running for gov. of New Jersey and after being elected she paid him back by naming a rest area after him. Personally, I think naming a bathroom after Howard Stern is quite fitting.

[Raenelle]

15. I have a certain affection for anyone to the left of Media Whoredom

Except for Ralph Nadir.

[JustCarbon]

34. Thank you

Ralph has fallen to the bottom of my list

[CrispyQ]

9. I like Howard . . .

He's a bit over the top sometimes & his humor can be very 11 year old, but I still like him. He's smart, articulate & isn't afraid to poke fun at himself.

I especially like when he tells women that their breasts are fine & they don't need a boob job or when he warns them not to go to big with their boob job.

Good for Howard, speaking out in this very important election!

I think the Dimson crowd has underestimated how many small groups of people they have alienated. Each group doesn't seem like much, but add them all up & it could be the deal breaker.

[Stew225]

17. I too like Howard. He is shock radio; the rest

are imitators. I'm thrilled he's anti-Shrub.

[madrchsod]

10. hey we`re are a " big tent"

and sometimes ya have to put up with the loudmouth you can`t stand..and with howard ya can just turn off the radio. but for a few milllion people he`s what they listen to and if they get out and vote-more credit to howard . remember howard isn`t playing rush-he`s actually explaining the truth behind the lie`s of bush..that`s the big difference that could help kerry..
two in a row..maybe i should use preview more often

[Triana]

11. Howard's kinda show ain't my thing but..

...I've never thought they should be censored either. My take is if a person doesn't like that sort of thing (s)he can just change the station and I often did and do.

That he was 'suddenly' found offensive enough for fines and banishment from airwaves ONLY after he said something bad about bu$hit is blatant and his wrath upon bu$hit is therefore deserved.

Go Get 'em Howard!!

[annabanana]

21. Howard was actually apolitical....

And was fined for his usual toilet humor in the aftermath of the superbowl boobiegate uproar. THEN THE SCALES FELL FROM HIS EYES. He realized that the censorious administration (and it's clearchannel symps) could get him thrown off the air. NOW he is political, because his ox sustained an injury. But I don't care HOW he got politicized, since his audience is firmly in that "don't vote, never did, all the same" demographic that's going to blow the lid off this election!

[JustCarbon]

35. haha don't knock it

Any conversion into anti-bushism is welcome.

[smirkymonkey]

13. The left needs an antidote to Rush and his ilk

Howard fits that niche well.

[barbaraann]

18. Check this out:

http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?&range=1y&size=medium&compare_sites=&url=howardstern.com#top

Then check this out:
http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?&range=1y&size=medium&compare_sites=&url=rushlimbaugh.com#top

:-)

[liberalcanuck]

53. Thanks barbarann -- great links. I hope those trends continue n/t

[johnfunk]

19. Go, Howard! Stop Ba-Ba-Bushie!

n/t

[Swede]

20. Stern has link to DU.

Along with many other anti-bush sites.



http://www.howardstern.com/bush.html

[SideshowScott]

22. Wow what an Amazing media! You say there are politcal radio hosts??

I would have never guessed! And that there are free speech zones too? WOW thats some reporting! ( Sacasm off )
How come its only a big deal when its for the democratic side. Rush and his ilk have been trying to make this a one party system for years now and now that we are fighting back on the airwaves people in the news are taking notice..Just like the free speech zones..How come when bush had them for the PAST 2 YEARS not a peep from those so called newshounds but when they came up in the DNC they squaked like it was the first time the fox was in the henhouse when its been there for years.
GO HOWARD! Im glad that fiannly we have a strong voice on the airwaves that tells it like it is when our news is gladly cashing checks in the name of Bush.
End of rant

[Citizen Daryl]

24. I don't have to like what he does to like what he's doing.

If he can bring non-voters to the polls for Kerry, I say "Good on ya, Howard!"

[psychopomp]

28. I see him as our Larry Flynt of broadcasting

Not really a public figure that you want to cozy up to, but you are glad that he is on your side.

[calimary]

36. What a GREAT line!

"I don't have to like what he does to like what he's doing."

Inspired!

[sendero]

29. Stern's...

... audience will most definitely make a difference. And Stern is just about the only media personality with any substantial listener base who is going on the offensive regarding Bush*.

I'm surprised they haven't found a way to get him off the air already. I suppose they are worried that if they make him a "martyr", it will only worsen their dilemma, and that is probably correct.

If Republicans were half as smart as they think they are, they would have NEVER picked a fight with Stern. He's been in many of these sorts of battles and he is not to be toyed with. Once again, the pukes write a check with their alligator mouths that their hummingnird asses cannot cash :)

[Geo55]

31. "audience will most definitely make a difference"

Agreed , he will deliver folks that the double Johns never would have reached....EVERY one counts.
As for Howard, I listened long ago when he was on NBC AM in our area before they canned him.....he's no dummy....but his schtick gets a little old after awhile.
GET 'em Sterno

[JustCarbon]

32. duh

Of course everyone (repugs) would know that if they *listened* to howard stern -- he's not a stupid man. I listen to him everyday. It's funny that right after he started blasting bush the FCC was on his ass... He actually had a time frame where he encouraged listeners to donate to the Kerry campaign and in place of their names write "Howard Stern Listner"

That man is genius.

[msanthrope]

37. I've always loved Howard....my secret vice. n/t

[goclark]

38. Chimp is far more vulgar than Stern

Believe me, I am not a Stern fan.

But --- he has not killed a single person to my knowledge.

He is intelligent.
For better or worse he has a minority in his "Cabinet" too.

Chimp is far more vulgar in my mind than Stern will ever been.

Larry Fynt to the best of my knowledge has not killed anybody.

He is intelligent.

Both of these men seem to "call um as they see um." They don't hide behind being pure when they are not.

Clarence Thomas is far more vulgar IMO than Howard or Larry.

[bobbyboucher]

39. I've already seen it first hand.

A good friend of mine has recently confessed that at 41 years old, he has never voted. But all of a sudden he is saying things to me like "you were right about Bush" and he will vote for Kerry. He even mentioned Howard Stern in our conversations and I know he is a listener.

Another buddy recently emailed me after a long drought and wondered why I hadn't sent any more Bush info, and that he was a Kerry supporter. He's in NC now but was a long time New Yorker and your average white American male hip kat type that I know is a Stern listener, purely for the ridiculousness and comedy.

These are two heeuuuuge votes for Kerry. If this is any indication of the extent of the mobilization against Bush, it could get ugly.

[SoCalDem]

40. The "Stern-Factor" is hard for pollsters to really measure..

I would guess that it's mostly male.. 18-40ish..

Lots of these guys probably rarely vote. Voting is a "chore" to lots of people...something they should do..like flossing or getting medical checkups. Often, they must be prodded by Mom, or wife to do it.. They are "busy"..they got "stuff to do".. You know.. the usual excuses..

Once they get a burr under their saddle, they will wake up.. Howard is that burr..

These are the people who expect that when they tune their radio dial, Howard will "be there".. They may not listen to him when their Mom is in the car, but they need to know that he will be there when they want to hear him..

Howard has made them aware that with the "wrong people" in charge...that could all end..

Go Howard.. (even though I do not like his show)

[Piperay]

41. I don't care for Stern's type of show BUT

I will gladly give him a BIG :thumbsup:!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

42. I'm sure the Stern listener/voters will be more than cancelled out by the

Amish juggernaut that shrubco is rolling out! :eyes:

Not...

I figure that the Stern Effect should help most in PA, NJ (since Stern, though national, is still kind of a Northeast, tristate area thing). Hopefully the Vote for Change tour will also bring the power of Springsteen in PA. Stern having been booted in Pittsburgh should help in PA again, since those listeners should be mighty pissed.

[jeffrey_X]

45. He's back on in Pitt and six other markets...

His show was turned back on in Pitt and some other markets a few weeks ago.

[Warren DeMontague]

44. Woo-Hoo! While not a fan of his show--

I do think the more it's pointed out that the people who want to censor what folks can watch or read, the people who want to pass laws against what consenting adults can do in their bedrooms, and the uptight, puritannical church lady crowd are almost unanimous in their support of the other side, the better-- there is a whole segment of swing voters that need to be reminded of that.

I think Howard Stern is as pissed off at, and frightened by, the crazed zealots of the religious right, the would-be sex cops, and the people who want to censor the airwaves as many Democrats, such as myself, are. I welcome his support.

[Tight_rope]

47. I thought I would never say this...but I like this Stern guy!

[westhollywooddem]

48. The Stern message board is filled with Freepers

Yes, they wade through the tits and ass shit. But, you can actually talk to Howard and ask questions. Also, he only addresses questions regarding the pResident.

I registered early and have dsl and therefore have nice access. You have to register during certain days to get online but the paid freepers are already online and talking their bull shit. But, I have never been on his board when there was less than 1500 folks online.

Howard is a goldmine for democrats.

[nightperson]

52. If people are interested in the message board, they can register today

starting in about 5 minutes, from 6 A.M. to 3 P.M. e.s.t..

[depakid]

49. Don't under estimate the ridicule factor

According to the article:

"Stern's candor about sex and other typically not-for-prime time topics seems to have generated a great degree of trust among his listeners.

"I appreciate the honesty," Ross said. "It's not fabricated or contrived."

Stern regularly follows up a conversation about how much he'd like to have sex with one of his guests or a good-looking female actor with one about how Bush makes policy decisions using advice he gets from "his imaginary friend," Jesus.

His barbs include everything from calling Bush a coward and a moron to parody commercials such as one mimicking a popular beer ad: "Howard Stern presents: Bad American Presidents -- Today, we salute you President George W. Bush. You committed American troops to war, but when it was your turn to go to war, you went to Daddy and said, 'boohoo,' " the fake ad says over camped up music."

That's just the kind of deprogramming that works with much of the young, male 18-30 demographic. Takes Bush right out of his carefully contrived Macho image and casts him as the simpering little phoney that he is. Forget the issues- Howard is Goring Bushler good....

[wtf]

51. asfd

Stern has said he's going to devote his entire show to bashing * for the two weeks before the election.. he's REALLY serious about this. :D

[Skittles]

54. GO HOWARD

I've liked him ever since I heard him trashing that insipid 'ho Kathy Lee. YES INDEED!!! :thumbsup:

[dbt]

57. Kick for the Monday Morning Crew!

Considering that the whole persecution of Radio was mounted over Janet Jackson's breast exposure on TV, what Stern may well do to bu$hco in the election can only be seen as


TIT FOR TAT.

:evilgrin:
dbt

[ElsewheresDaughter]

58. my niece and nephews who were rabid bush supporters along with Stern -....

Stern who endorsed and voted for bush*- :puke: but is now rabidly against him ...they are following Stern and voting for Kerry....

they equal bush* 4 votes for Kerry