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In E. L. Doctorow's "The Book of Daniel", there's a part where the Isaacson's sit listening to the radio, hearing a debate between a conservative and an inept liberal (sort of like Hannity and Colmes). They know he's picked because he's inept, wishy-washy and just a punching bag for the other guy, but they root for him anyway.
Pat Buchanan and Michael Kinsley from the old Crossfire are a case in point. Michael Kinsley looks like a nerdy college professor, Buchanan seems more like the guy who runs the local Knights of Columbus.
These sort of things lower your standards I suppose, so you're happy for anything. Once I was watching the new Crossfire and Carville seemed unhappy with the Democrats not fighting against the estate tax repeal. He said "If we don't fight for this, what are we for? You have to draw the line somewhere". He acted as if it was a lost cause but he seemed upset anyway.
The reality is that unlike Europe, corporations have been given control of virtually all of our radio, UHF and VHF bands, and what you hear is pretty much what you'd expect from a corporation. Luckily there are radio networks like Pacifica for those lucky enough to get it, as the struggle for control of the airwaves continues.
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