ALERT: PBS Selects Luntz for Democratic forum analysis...

[MagickMuffin]

TAKE ACTION:Contact information:

PBS
PBS/Public Broadcasting Service
2100 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
703-739-5000
Email PBS

The Tavis Smiley Show
Tavis Smiley Show
4401 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-666-6500
Email the show


I'm sure you've already heard that PBS will be hosting the next Democratic presidential forum on Thursday, June 28, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. What you may not know is that PBS has invited Frank Luntz, a longtime Republican pollster and strategist, to provide "immediate public feedback on the performances of the candidates" during post-forum coverage on the Tavis Smiley program.

Of course, when Luntz's appearance was announced, the press release made no mention of his Republican ties or long history of being criticized for his work.

If you don't know much about Frank Luntz, here are some important facts about this discredited Republican pollster:

In 1997, the American Association for Public Opinion Research formally reprimanded Luntz for refusing to release documentation in support of comments he made to the media regarding his polling work on the Republican Party's 1994 "Contract with America" campaign platform, according to a Salon.com article.
Washington Post polling director Richard Morin reported that the National Council on Public Polls censured Luntz "for allegedly mischaracterizing on MSNBC the results of focus groups he conducted during the <2000> Republican Convention."
In September 2004, MSNBC dropped Luntz from its planned coverage of that year's presidential debate coverage, following a letter from Media Matters that outlined Luntz's GOP ties and questionable polling methodology.
According to a January 29, 2007, article on The New Republic's website, Luntz "not only helped write Republican House member Newt Gingrich's Contract with America; he was also responsible for its presentation to the public." He also "advised Republicans trying to impeach Bill Clinton."
Luntz's 2002 memo "The Environment: A Cleaner, Safer, Healthier America" coached Republicans on new ways to talk about global warming and warned the party that the environment "is probably the single issue on which Republicans in general -- and President Bush in particular -- are most vulnerable."
A June 2004 memo by Luntz, "Communicating The Principles Of Prevention & Protection In The War On Terror," urged Republicans to use concepts such as "It is better to fight the War on Terror on the streets of Baghdad than on the streets of New York or Washington" and "9/11 changed everything," which have been staples of Republican rhetoric ever since.
With his well-documented Republican ties and history of being criticized and reprimanded by his peers, it's clear that Frank Luntz cannot be trusted to provide objective analysis of Thursday's forum.

Today, I'm asking you to contact PBS and let the organization know that it should reconsider its decision to use Luntz in light of his partisan Republican ties and history of questionable scientific methodology. If Luntz must be a part of PBS post-forum coverage, let it know you expect that its viewers will be informed of these facts on the air.

[AX10]

1. K & R! Hello? Anyone there?

Do Duer's want Frank Luntz to question our Democratic Candidates?

:dem:

[IChing]

2. No and kicked

I want Thom Hartman

[MagickMuffin]

3. I certainly don't

he doesn't have ANYTHING to offer, except his usual drivel.

He is known as Frank Putz in this house.

[blondeatlast]

4. Will do. Luntz is clever and deadly. He smiles in your face, talks charmingly, then

puts the knife in so deadly accurate and slowly that you don't feel it.

I can't believe people don't know how dangerous he really is.

[nickinSTL]

5. no

Kick :kick:

[ellenfl]

6. k&r eom

[endarkenment]

7. PBS is dead to me. nt.

[Mz Pip]

8. I've watched him work

a focus group. He keeps reframing the questions until he gets an answer that reinforces his viewpoint. Leading the witness is what he does.

He could have 30 Obama supporters and at the end of his moderating, he'll tell us they all are really more in tune with Romney.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

9. This looks like it would be perfect for the activist group.

I'll contact PBS & tell them that luntz the puntz has to go.

[napi21]

10. Anybody know what happened between Luntz & the Pubs?

I know he USED to be the #1 Pub pollster, but has been replaced.

We may not like what side he's on, but you have to admit, he is REALLY good with words and people's reaction to them! I've heard him on a few different shows recently. He was asked if he were working for the Dems what would he advise. I can't recall specifics, but his responses were very good. The guy has the ability to get an entire message across in just a hand full of words. The Dems NEED to do more of that!

[blondeatlast]

11. My e-mail to ombidsman Michael Getler

I'm disappointed to learn that Frank Luntz will serve as a commentator on the Democratic Party presidential program on June 28. Luntz is a clever operative for the Neocons; he appears jovial and APPARENTLY strives to be unbiased, yet is the man behind the so-called "war on terror" (as you must know--at least I hope you do, by all means--he created that very deceptive phrase and even the lazy mainstream press, as PBS is moving slowly toward, is now using it).

If Luntz MUST appear on the program, I sincerely hope a commentator such as George Lakoff will appear on the Republican forums as a commentator. If that isn't possible, I must assume that even PBS has become a tool of the infotainment industry and the art of INTELLIGENT debate is no longer valid on your presentation of news and information.

Luntz is photogenic, genial--and absolutely partisan. He cannot advance the debate, he will seek to deliberately distort the meaning of the candidate's views--even he admits that is what he is paid very handsomely to do.

And why do I think he may have lowered his customary appearance fee just to be able ot do this program?

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

19. Excellent letter.

Do you mind if I swipe a bit? I won't take the part about luntz being photogenic though. I wish someone would tell him to take that dead animal off his head & give it a decent burial.

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

20. Be my guest. I suppose I should have used "affable," but like Puntz, I have

to think awhile before i put words to paper.

One thing I've noticed is he isn't too good when he han't got prompts.

[rasputin1952]

40. LOL...the photogenic part is what I was thinking...he's as ...

photogenic as Glenn Beck or The Savage Weiner...I think he is one ugly individual... ... there, I fell better now...:D

Luntz is nothing more than a manipulator. His polling questions are leading and he twists everything until it i no longer recognizable. Truth....that's as alien to him as a soul.

Personally, I am astounded that PBS even considered him, much less actually gave him a forum...

[SoCalDem]

And in other news.... The hens have elected Mr Fox as their representative

This is what the dems ALWAYS do..

In order to "appear" unbiased, they choose someone from the enemy camp to anaylze ...

Do republicans ask for analysis of their debates...say from Noam Chomsky?? or Amy Goodwin??


Nope.. they close ranks and try to present a unified and laudatory image of their candidates..


Our side goes to Frankie, the Doughboy and his "dial-an-impression" magical gizmo so he can show us in real time how unpopular ALL our choices are.:eyes:

[MagickMuffin]

22. So, Does the Democratic candidates pick the talking heads?

How did you find out the dems chose Putz?

I haven't heard that they choose the commentators. So, I was just curious about your post.

[SoCalDem]

23. one would think that they MIGHT at least weigh in on those choices

dontcha think?? or SOMEONE at PBS might say.."hey, this smells!".

[blondeatlast]

29. Media Matters sent me an e-mail Thursday, but I was out of town

and just noticed it today after this post.

[MagickMuffin]

32. Was confused by your post since I am the OP

then noticed that my reply was to me, even though I was responding to SoCal.

I know I hit reply to their post, however, that is not what is showing in the thread:shrug:

[jasmeel]

12. Here's what I wrote to Tavis Smiley.

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/ask/

I was disturbed to hear that you were going to have republican wordsmith/spinmeister Frank Luntz provide feedback after the democratic debate on June 28th. This decision is extremely ill thought out and something I would expect from Fox "News", MSNBC or CNN, not PBS. I think Americans are hungry for real dialogue with the Democrats, not wordplay and spin of this longtime republican consultant. PLEASE reconsider Frank Luntz as a spokesperson after the Democratic debates. You can do better for Americans desperate for REAL solutions!!!!
FYI: Background on Luntz:
"In 1997, the American Association for Public Opinion Research formally reprimanded Luntz for refusing to release documentation in support of comments he made to the media regarding his polling work on the Republican Party's 1994 "Contract with America" campaign platform, according to a Salon.com article.
Washington Post polling director Richard Morin reported that the National Council on Public Polls censured Luntz "for allegedly mischaracterizing on MSNBC the results of focus groups he conducted during the <2000> Republican Convention."
In September 2004, MSNBC dropped Luntz from its planned coverage of that year's presidential debate coverage, following a letter from Media Matters that outlined Luntz's GOP ties and questionable polling methodology.
According to a January 29, 2007, article on The New Republic's website, Luntz "not only helped write Republican House member Newt Gingrich's Contract with America; he was also responsible for its presentation to the public." He also "advised Republicans trying to impeach Bill Clinton."
Luntz's 2002 memo "The Environment: A Cleaner, Safer, Healthier America" coached Republicans on new ways to talk about global warming and warned the party that the environment "is probably the single issue on which Republicans in general -- and President Bush in particular -- are most vulnerable."
A June 2004 memo by Luntz, "Communicating The Principles Of Prevention & Protection In The War On Terror," urged Republicans to use concepts such as "It is better to fight the War on Terror on the streets of Baghdad than on the streets of New York or Washington" and "9/11 changed everything," which have been staples of Republican rhetoric ever since."

[jasmeel]

13. I got this response back from my email????

Sorry. Your message could not be delivered to:

Tavissmiley (Mailbox or Conference is full.)

[blondeatlast]

14. I sent mine to Ombudsman Michael Getler--he's be the PR guy and the one

apt to be made most uncomfortable should this cause the stir it should. E-mail here: http://www.pbs.org/ombudsman/feedback.html

Good luck.

[jasmeel]

15. I just resent it to him. Thanks!

[blondeatlast]

16. Just got an alert from Media Matters; they suggest sending to these people:

Contact PBS Today!

Ms. Paula Kerger
President & CEO
2100 Crystal Dr
Arlington, VA 22202
[e-mail]
[phone]

Neal Kendall
Executive Producer
Tavis Smiley Show
4401 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
[e-mail]
[phone]

[blondeatlast]

17. Media Matters suggests these contacts:

Contact PBS Today!

Ms. Paula Kerger
President & CEO
2100 Crystal Dr
Arlington, VA 22202
[e-mail]
[phone]

Neal Kendall
Executive Producer
Tavis Smiley Show
4401 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
[e-mail]
[phone]

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

21. Thanks! I sent it to Ms Kerger. n/t

[Digit]

37. I definitely will! Thanks for the information!

We need to nip this in the bud.

[Poiuyt]

18. Oh good, we get to listen to Luntz talk about the DemoCRAT candidates.

[DemGa]

24. Luntz poisons language with relativistic nonsense

His yearly "memos" define Repuke talking points! This is how they all manage to say the exact same crap. PBS is now giving credibility to professional Repuke message framers? This is total bs.

[hellbound-liberal]

25. Done, K&R. Here's my brief note

It has come to my attention that a Republican pollster and strategist, Frank Luntz, has been selected to serve as an "analyst" for the upcoming Democratic Debates on PBS. In light of his record as a partisan operative for the Republican party, I urge you to reconsider this decision. Frank Luntz has been shown on numerous occasions to bend the facts in order to portray Democrats in a negative light and you are doing the voters of this country, who happen to be the owners of your station, a disservice by allowing Mr. Luntz to participate. I urge you to recobsiser this ill-conceived decision. Thank you.

[bvar22]

26. Fuck Luntz!

:grr:
AND

Fuck James Carville, Paul Begala, Donna Brazille, AND BRUTALLY FUCK Robert Zimmerman
(the Cobra eyed corporate DLC shill and abmitted ardent Hillary campaigner employed by CNN as a "Democratic Strategist"/Democratic Viewpoint. NONE of these partisan Republican Lites should be allowed to use the aegis of the Democratic Party to push their Republican agenda.
:grr:

Sending my E-Mails now!

Thanks for the Heads-Up!

[GeorgeGist]

27. Hit job by PBS ...

"It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear" Franky Luntz

[redqueen]

28. Yay!

Contact info, request for action...

:loveya:

:kick:

[Norquist Nemesis]

30. Not really a Tavis Smiley fan

and this is just one example of the reasons why. Admittedly, I've only watched a handful of times but that was enough for me. Too bad PBS is going to actually be forking over dollars to do research on on Democrats to a well-known Republican operative and insider. When Luntz shows his credentials for working as much for Democrats as Republicans, THEN maybe I'll consider it to be a non-partisan and un-biased exercise.

[PA Democrat]

31. What Karl Rove wasn't available?

[diane in sf]

33. my email to pbs

Dear Ms. Kerger and Mr. Kendall,

Why on earth are you having a Republican operative comment on a Democratic debate???

This is a man reknowned for twisting people's words to suit the Republican agenda. Unfortunately his name and face are not known to the general public, so they will have no idea of the skilled brainwashing they are undergoing.

In case you don't know about him, here is some background on Mr. Luntz:

In 1997, the American Association for Public Opinion Research formally reprimanded Luntz for refusing to release documentation in support of comments he made to the media regarding his polling work on the Republican Party's 1994 "Contract with America" campaign platform, according to a Salon.com article.
Washington Post polling director Richard Morin reported that the National Council on Public Polls censured Luntz "for allegedly mischaracterizing on MSNBC the results of focus groups he conducted during the <2000> Republican Convention."
In September 2004, MSNBC dropped Luntz from its planned coverage of that year's presidential debate coverage, following a letter from Media Matters that outlined Luntz's GOP ties and questionable polling methodology.

I'm completely offended by this stealth attack on the Democratic candidates by PBS and I expect you to correct this problem.

Sincerely,

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

34. Very good letter.

:thumbsup:

[blondeatlast]

35. Kick. nt

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

36. Kick. I don't know if we can do any good, but at least we

tried.

[RamboLiberal]

38. K&R - and I've sent off my email to PBS

:kick:

[upi402]

39. PBS broke my heart when they said, PANAMA DECEPTION is unbalanced

My local PBS refused to air the Cannes Award winning documentary, The Panama Deception, saying it was unbalanced.
Hell, if you remember the pro-war orgy on Panama by the Media you know it was THE balance. The Media was an onslaught of war drums and whiz-bang weapon envy.

I stopped donating then.

They said they'd like to publish my letter to the editor. But instead they published letters praising the new content and programming.


Not to mention Frontline proving Kennedy was shot from the back only. They showed a clip of a dry skull full of chalk on a ladder. When some dust puffed backward it was PROOF that Kennedy's skull and scalp flying backward was due to a shot from the back.

Maybe I'm a dumass, I dunno. But I don't buy that and never did.

[WCGreen]

41. He also came up with the polling to support the Contract with America

[Gabi Hayes]

43. he WROTE the contract with America

ask Newt

http://mediamatters.org/items/200706250001?f=h_top

[MagickMuffin]

45. I guess Putz isn't the wordsmith he claims to be

because I think that his title is misleading.

It should read CONTRACT ON AMERICA...

After all the contract effectively got the government out of corporations lives, while becoming more intrusive in our lives....

[WCGreen]

47. They wrote the contract out of the polling he did....

[MagickMuffin]

42. My emails

Dear Ms. Kerger, Mr.Kendall,

I just found out you have booked Frank Luntz as a commentator for the Democratic debate hosted by PBS.

Please, PLEASE reconsider this. Frank Luntz is NOT a democrat and is a GOP operative who's opinion is NOT wanted. He will be on the attack before the debate even begins. I've read some of his transcripts from appearances on television, and I see he is STILL pushing his extreme viewpoints on the public. I refuse to watch him. His OPINIONS mean nothing to me. He sounds the same no matter where he appears, and has NO new ideas.

Why, oh why would you allow your station to sink so low?

Why don't you book someone who SHARES the democratic platform, such as Thom Hartmann, Amy Goodman, a host of other people who would offer REAL insight?!?!?

Mr. Hartman and Ms. Goodman would be FAIR, and would actually have something to bring to the discussion.

Where oh where is Bill Moyers when WE need him???

What has happened to PBS?!?!?
I would expect this kind of behavior from Fox, NBC, CBS, CNN, but not PBS...
I will not support your station if you allow someone like Luntz to participate in this forum. We NEED someone with insight not a GOP operative....

Please reconsider. And if you cannot find it in your heart to do the right thing at least you guys need to be honest and inform people he is a GOP operative.

Thank you for your time

[Gabi Hayes]

44. read this interview with Luntz, in which he puts it all out there,

especially what a lying sac of shit he is.

just amazing amazing garbage

I read just a small bit of it, and it was more than enough.

here's a snip:

''Bill Clinton sounds like a conservative and governs like a liberal.''.....WHAT????? sounds like the exact opposite to me.



"When people chanted Four more years! at his inauguration, I think they were talking about his prison sentence, not his term of office."

one more, which caused me to stop reading, from the 'repeating a lie often enough makes it so' department:

''The Clinton administration has hurt more people personally, has used character assassination to destroy more opponents, than even Nixon dreamed of, and yet he gets away with it because he's got this higher moral tone about it. It disgusts me, it really does. ''

I'm sending this to PBS. they should be ashamed of themselves.

http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0397/party.html

[Gabi Hayes]

46. one last, for HUGE laughs

Q: You are close friends with House Speaker Newt Gingrich. He's had some problems lately. Will he survive? What's the spin?


A: It's not spinning! Newt is the most controversial politician of his age because he is the most significant.
I've had the opportunity to get to know him on a very personal basis, to spend weekends with him flying around the country. He is the equivalent of the the greatest professor I have ever had. He's the greatest mind I've ever met. And even those who disagree with his politics at the most fundamental level acknowledge that he is the most brilliant political figure they've come in contact with, and that he is absolutely the best listener around.

..........

Dear PBS, read this:

"I want the Republican party to represent the hopes and concerns of the Perot constituency. I want the Republican party to remain a grassroots party, to be a party that understand working class Americans. As long as the Republican party isn't dominated by country clubbers, as long as it has the feel of the American people, I don't think a third party is necessary."

[avrdream]

48. Check out the second line in his wikipedia entry:

"Luntz's specialty is testing language and finding words that will help his clients sell their product or turn public opinion on an issue or a candidate."

Work it gang!

[LaPera]

49. PBS has hired this republican to do analysis on the Dems.

Outrageous! Check out the link...Thank you "MagickMuffin"

http://mediamatters.org/

CALL!

Writing a letter is even so much more effective.

TAKE ACTION:Contact information:

PBS
PBS/Public Broadcasting Service
2100 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
703-739-5000
Email PBS

[HootieMcBoob]

50. Absolutely Infuriating!!

We have got to stop this. The people at the CPB are not clueless about Luntz. This is a calculated move on their part. We must raise holy hell about this.
:mad: :nuke:

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

51. One more tiny kick. n/t

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

52. I didn't even get a

'Thank you for your email, we appreciate all feedback from our viewers' crap.

Poo on PBS.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

54. Interesting email I got back.

:shrug:

Thank you for contacting PBS. We greatly appreciate your interest in our programming. Like you, PBS recognizes the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry.

The "All-American Presidential Forums," which are moderated by Tavis Smiley, is an historic broadcast marking the first time that a panel exclusively comprised of journalists of color will be represented in primetime.

Mr. Smiley, along with journalists Michel Martin of National Public Radio, nationally syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr. and USA Today and Gannett News Service columnist DeWayne Wickham, will question candidates on issues ranging from healthcare and housing to Katrina relief, the economy and the environment, among others.

PBS is proud to offer a live broadcast of this event, which is the first major opportunity for the candidates to present a detailed discourse and dialogue on their social agendas.

Regarding your concerns about Dr. Luntz, I would like to clarify that he is not participating in the forum itself or in the live broadcast of the event. Rather, Dr. Luntz was selected by Mr. Smiley to obtain on-the-spot feedback from a group of everyday citizens who will be watching the forum live at Howard University.

Dr. Luntz will appear as a guest on Mr. Smiley's regularly scheduled program on Friday evening, accompanied by the 30 people who participated in the Instant Response focus group to discuss the results of the study. We have full confidence in Mr. Smiley's abilities to produce an intelligent, thought-provoking program and in his skills as an interviewer.

I hope you will watch the "All-American Forum" this evening and tune into the second forum for Republican candidates, which is scheduled to air in September.

Sincerely,

PBS Viewer Services

[Spazito]

53. Smiley Producer: Luntz not appearing in Dem Forum

David Brock, President and CEO of Media Matters:

"While Media Matters for America is pleased with PBS' announcement this morning that discredited Republican pollster Frank Luntz will not appear on its Thursday-night programming, PBS has yet to address the fundamental problem with its choice of Luntz to participate in analysis of the PBS forum.

"Luntz's Republican ties, his history of being criticized by his peers for misrepresenting polling data, and his past personal and professional affiliation with GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani make him an inappropriate choice to provide the sole voice of expert analysis on Mr. Smiley's program in the wake of a Democratic presidential primary forum. The fact that PBS has not acknowledged Luntz's partisan affiliation -- either in its original press release or in today's statement -- makes PBS' use of him in this way all the more troubling.

"Viewers of the Tavis Smiley program clearly deserve a balanced discussion of the previous night's Democratic forum and would benefit from the analysis of a polling expert beyond reproach, one without a clear conflict of interest and a questionable record. At the very least, PBS and Tavis Smiley have a responsibility to disclose Luntz's Republican ties and his past professional affiliation with Giuliani.

"It is our sincere hope that Tavis Smiley and PBS will reconsider their decision to have Luntz provide solo focus-group analysis on Smiley's Friday program and recognize their responsibility to the viewing public to fully disclose Luntz's partisan ties, conflict of interest, and controversial record on the air during Friday's broadcast."

more

http://mediamatters.org/items/200706270006?f=h_top


WTG all those who contacted the Smiley show, it obviously had an impact!!