WaPo’s Kurtz Profiles Lonely Outspoken Conservative Who Brings It All On Herself
posted at 4:08 am on February 16, 2007 by see-dubya
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Keep an eye on this one, she’s going places:
“She’s a very tough lady,” says Bryan Preston, her business partner in the daily video blog Hot Air. “You’ve never met a happier person than Michelle when she’s in the thick of a fight. She enjoys the combat of ideas.”
That persona is a far cry from the self-described “geek” of her youth. Michelle Maglalang grew up outside Atlantic City in a Reaganite, conservative Catholic family, was not politically active, and failed a fifth-grade public speaking class. As a college student, she was so naive that when a married Republican congressman invited her to live in his home during her internship with then-Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.), she thought it was a generous offer until her parents straightened her out.
Kurtz goes on to dwell on her outrageous pugnacious in-your-faceousness, and doesn’t give Michelle much credit for being anything but a controversialist.
I don’t claim to know Michelle that well, but I do read what she writes, and I follow this site, and that characterization seems like a disservice to her. I know some bloggers and columnists who are nothing but combative controversialists, and them, I avoid. Some pundits are outspoken to conceal a lack of ideas–and that’s obviously not Michelle.
In Michelle’s defense, Kurtz quotes Bryan, and Michelle’s husband Jesse. He doesn’t bother to contact, say, another conservative blogger who hasn’t named a sarcastic award after her. And then he finishes off with a sad little riff about how lonely and alienated she makes herself:
It is as though eternal vigilance is the price of being Michelle Malkin: No slight can go unanswered, no insult allowed to stand. Blogging is an addiction, she says, but not one she is looking to kick.
“You have to accept that you’ll never have many friends,” Malkin says. “It’s a lonely existence.”
To prove that point, Kurtz runs extensive carping from Wonkette’s Ken Layne, lefty blogger Duncan “Atrios” Black, and Andrew “Conservative” Sullivan, who gives out a “Malkin award” for outrageousness, and who seems to think Michelle brings all her troubles on herself:
At the same time, says Sullivan, “she’s been subjected to some pretty horrifying bigotry from the left, based on her gender and ethnicity and ugly stereotypes. You can’t engage in the kind of rhetoric she does and not expect some blowback.”
Weird how those ideas of Sullivan’s just run up against each other like that, almost as if the second sentence was intended as an excuse for the conduct described in the first. It’s just blowback; she has it coming, you see.
Sullivan also calls Michelle “shrill”. That, too, may have been a poor choice of words.
ONE MORE THING: We’re just coming off a major story about the two blushing songbirds John Edwards hired and fired as campaign bloggers. Kurtz’s “Michelle Malkin as Lone Wolf McQuade” piece looks utterly risible when you compare Michelle to those genuinely venomous and bitter characters who just exited the national spotlight, stage left.
UPDATE: Lots of discussion here. Let’s make this a top pick!
UPDATE II: LGF has rounded up some of the nutroots’ calm, reasoned reactions. I haven’t clicked through to them, so tell us in the comments if there’s anything juicy.
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We love Michelle and stand beside her. I am more informed because of her and her bravery.
GoodBoy on February 16, 2007 at 4:20 AM
I wasn’t aware that Michelle shared Jesse with Bryan?
RightWinged on February 16, 2007 at 4:27 AM
Yes, curiously, Kurtz failed to get into these more interesting aspects of Hot Air’s unconventional living arrangements. Ian and I are engaged, too.
Or maybe it’s just late and I forgot a damn comma.
see-dubya on February 16, 2007 at 4:34 AM
I’ve asked before, and not that anyone’s required to answer, I’ll ask again: Could SOMEONE point me to a posting, any posting, by Michelle that’s inflammatory, shrill, or ill-thought-out?
I’ve been reading her for years, and have never seen one, so I always end up scratching my head when I read crap like the quotes above. Andy calls her shrill? Please. Pot, meet kettle.
Yes, of course, this is a rhetorical question, and no response is actually expected, but if there was one I missed, feel free to let me know.
Patton on February 16, 2007 at 4:37 AM
Me thinks thowest, WaPo’s Kurtz, protests too much…. I believisth that Michelle, has hit a score closesths to the bone and the truthest of the matter at handseth… poor, poor little bloggeristh……… don’t have a wordisth to say?
Just your bileish rant, attacking the messanger, whose wordishness you can not carry?
And the fellow bloggers who chime in on a daily baisisisisisisness???
Yes, me thinks thowest protestesteses way too much…..
Me thinks. also, like John Murtha, you need a change in your Depends…. or is that just the smell of Nancy Pelosi in your pants?
PinkyBigglesworth on February 16, 2007 at 5:16 AM
You can’t engage in the kind of rhetoric she does and not expect some blowback.
And you can’t wear that outfit in public and not expect to be raped. Right, Feminists?
I’ll be your friend, Michelle!
saint kansas on February 16, 2007 at 5:17 AM
I’ve been reading Michelle’s blog since inception. At the same time I had also been reading allahpundit.blogspot.com, thepoliticalteen.net, exposetheleft.com, LGF, and several others. All of these blogs, and bloggers, who are collaborating, sharing info, and putting their heads together to expose the nefarious nature of the liberal left totality, the MSM, and anyone else who dares to try to pull the wool over our eyes, I damn well appreciate it.
At the risk of sounding like I should be wearing a tin-foil hat (shiny side out, of course!), I believe there are things afoot that we can barely perceive as “the tip of the iceberg”, and we need good, honest, caring, hard-working people with the talent and courage to fill us in on the differences between what’s the truth, and what’s polished turds (pardon me). We are fast approaching a time when we just may have to choose between retaining our Freedom and Democracy as layed out by our founding fathers, or succumbing to Socialism at the hands of wealthy Marxist (ironic, ain’t it) leaders elected by
blueyellow bellied sheeple. It disgusts me how much of our society has so quickly just given up the good fight in trade for the path of least resistance.Michelle Malkin has never been one to shy away from any topic or incident if she deemed it worthy of her focus. Sometimes the truth is ugly, or not Politically Correct, but damnit, the truth is the truth no matter how much it hurts and Michelle has never wavered from the truth that I have ever detected. She’s never been shown to be a liar, or a literal coward, like so many of the lefty bloggers and slanted MSM leaders and employees who hold great sway in our world. She’s always given it to me / us straight, from the hip, damn the torpedo’s and full speed ahead. Above all, she has the intestinal fortitude to go to the source, to disseminate reality, and roll with the punches when they come flying at her.
I really appreciate Michelle’s efforts, insightful commentary, and especially the unvarnished proven truth. She’s also humble enough to admit a mistake and will acknowledge the smallest error when it is called to her attention without trying to justify herself with lies or “silly people… it’s just satire” after the fact. One thing’s for sure, though, if she acknowledges an error, but she still smells a rat, she doesn’t run away and hide or start tossing red herrings about. She stays on it until the rat’s flushed out or a dead end is reached and she’s done all she can do.
We need more strong courageous people like Michelle out here in the world of reality, in the light, where moonbats fear to tread.
Thank you Michelle. You and everyone like you are greatly appreciated in a time when there are so few who can handle reality and its dissemination to the masses. Don’t go all Hollywood on us when you reach the apex of the food chain ;)
/gushing praise cuz I’m tired… g’nite!
SilverStar830 on February 16, 2007 at 5:20 AM
“You can’t engage in the kind of
rhetoric she doeshysterical, hour-by-hour shifting of one’s viewpoints, dishonest hand-wringing about who you’re going to vote for, or phony pledge drives, and not expect some blowback.”There. I fixed that for Andrew.
Sean M. on February 16, 2007 at 5:24 AM
My thoughts, exactly.
bopbottle on February 16, 2007 at 5:24 AM
Let’s try that again:
“You can’t engage in the kind of
rhetoric she doeshysterical, hour-by-hour shifting of one’s viewpoints, dishonest hand-wringing about who you’re going to vote for, or phony pledge drives I have and not expect some blowback.”There. I fixed that for Andrew. And for me, too.
Sean M. on February 16, 2007 at 5:28 AM
Sounds like Michelle has a major blind spot in her self-image.
RedWinged Blackbird on February 16, 2007 at 6:39 AM
All in all, I think the piece will draw more people to these sites. Once here, they will make their own judgement and most likely “stay”… Well done Michelle. I would characterize this as another Victory.
Zorro on February 16, 2007 at 6:51 AM
Aww. Michelle, I’ll be your friend.
Mancipium on February 16, 2007 at 6:52 AM
see-dubya says,
Awww. How sweet. Bloggy love.
dinasour on February 16, 2007 at 6:56 AM
You knew this already, but…
YOU HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!
And how lovely that you are on the side of the fence with all the “gun toting” wingnuts.
We’ve got your six, Miss Thang…don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.
seejanemom on February 16, 2007 at 7:32 AM
I started following Michelle’s column in the ‘Washington Times’ during the Clinton years. I knew she was good then and that opinion has only improved over the years.
Jack.
Jack Deth on February 16, 2007 at 7:34 AM
Standing shoulder to shoulder with you Michelle as always, we got your back, and you certainly have plenty of friends… and yeah most of us are gun totin like jane says..
Viper1 on February 16, 2007 at 7:35 AM
So, is Kurtz going to call Allah and Ace for his feature on Kos?
Quisp on February 16, 2007 at 7:37 AM
Let’s not forgot AllahPundit and
Kirsten PowersAce.RightWinged on February 16, 2007 at 7:38 AM
Oh…and that “lonely existence” part…yeah…lonely AT THE TOP…and we are all here if you need a chat…some good Pinot, or just a good cry.
F*uck ‘em if they can’t take a joke.
seejanemom on February 16, 2007 at 7:45 AM
Howie is such a pantywaist. You can bet if this interview were about those potty-mouthed Edwards bloggers, he would be gushing about their courageous efforts to speak truth to power. Liberal women are singularly unattractive. Unlike our gracious hostess.
geekrunner on February 16, 2007 at 7:52 AM
MM has more cojones that the entire leftard establishment put together…and they hate her for it. Michelle, you rock !
DoctorDentons on February 16, 2007 at 7:53 AM
Michelle, thank you for what you have created thru HotAir and MM.com. If this article drives more readers to check it out, great. Stick by the truth and your values, and we will always stick with you. Swimming upstream in a river of liberals must seem hopeless at times, but you and your team should know that there is a large school fighting with you, to preserve our great river/nation.
doctork on February 16, 2007 at 7:57 AM
What a joke! Except that it’s not funny at all. Michelle Malkin is good-hearted and lion-hearted. She only tolerates truth.
Candy Slice on February 16, 2007 at 8:06 AM
How come “root causes” are brought up only when the people being attacked are people you don’t like?
Jim Treacher on February 16, 2007 at 8:06 AM
She has them on the run and she needs to keep them running.
rplat on February 16, 2007 at 8:10 AM
There is no better conservative blogger out there than Ms. Malkin. It is a shame to see how Mr. Kurtz, and the left-wing WaPo believe the sometimes racist comments directed against Malkin are okay, since she has had the nerve to stay off of the left-wing reservation.
I agree with Candy Slice, the best description of Michelle Malkin is “good hearted and lion hearted.”
doufree on February 16, 2007 at 8:13 AM
Some choice quotes from the article:
I don’t get the controversy. Isn’t that pretty much the Republican Party campaign platform regarding the Democratic Party?
It’s only human for Michelle to sometimes be self-deprecating about her success; all of us shake our head at how our adult life differs from our childhood plans. This would have been a good moment for the reporter to mention that such small-town-girl-makes-good success stories are common in America. Perhaps he doesn’t get out of Washington much.
Nothing new here. The left never credits conservatives with being capable of actual thought. Their caricature of us is that we are fear-driven control freaks who react solely from blind prejudice. The fact that Michelle is a non-Caucasian female who lives off their reservation drives them nuts. To be fair, we often caricature liberals; but the difference is that we remember a time when liberals had a coherent philosophy and engaged in reasoned arguments. I miss guys like Mario Cuomo, even though I rarely agreed with him. The left still can’t give Ronald Regan his true credit as a political philosopher, even after all this time. Michelle won’t get any credit as a thinker either, unless she makes a radical conversion to the left.
As for the attacks on her husband: It’s just sad that it always comes down to stuff like that. I don’t see similar behavior from the right; for example, in all of the attacks on Nancy Pelosi, I have yet to hear one comment about her husband.
I’ve never met Michelle or Jesse, but I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say it takes a very strong man to stay married to a strong woman. I’m sure he can take the name-calling. And if you need help, Jesse, I’m sure we all have your back. Just don’t ever mention Dukakis again, OK? We’ll pretend it never happened.
Anton on February 16, 2007 at 8:19 AM
I think you may be missing it.
Kurtz’ whole point in writing this story right now, I suspect, is to associate Malkin with the Edwards 2 as an example - as in “see here’s one from the right side”.
Dwilkers on February 16, 2007 at 8:20 AM
Well, weaknesses of the article aside, it’s still a win for Michelle. The more people that come check out her blog and HotAir, the more people that will like what they see and stay.
Keep fighting the good fight Michelle! :)
Benaiah on February 16, 2007 at 8:24 AM
Michelle is a class act. She does not hide behind her desk, writing than hiding. She comes out swinging, unlike people like Dowd or Arkin. They write, than won’t back up their writing in public.
Michelle is a class act. Because it is not an act, for years, (she is so young how could she be around for so long?), she has been writing at a high level, exposing hyprocrisy.
Michelle is a class act, because she does not let the low blows of bigotry, class warfare, and the other cards the left throws deter her. Every Republican candidate should take note, if you are right…hammer away, don’t let up.
Michelle is a class act. Anyone who can tweak the uppity noses of the intelligencia, with a greater amount of intelligence and common sense, is automatically classy.
Michelle is a class act because she can laugh and have fun. And what is classier than funny, satirical, intelligent, women?…and more dangerous to their enemy’s.
What made a better point: This lamo article to demean with all Kurtz’s “journalistice” abilities…or Michelle’s video on Sheehan’s diet.
It’s class she has it, most others don’t. You know it when you see it. And we are lucky to see it everyday.
right2bright on February 16, 2007 at 8:27 AM
Although I consider myself conservative on most issues, I know that there are topics discussed on this site where I am out of step with most of the people who comment on this site.
Therefore, I am surprised and disagree with Kurtz’s characterization and image of Ms. Malkin. Maybe I’ve unwittingly drunk some Kool-Aid, but I find her entirely reasonable, and I’m in agreement with her 99% of the time. If I thought any differently, I wouldn’t be checking out this site every day as often as I do.
For me, Ann Coulter is a little to “out there” for me, and I think she often writes and talks for the sake of shock and being provocative. I don’t think that about Michelle Malkin.
And here’s a great example of how I think Michelle puts things in perspective: A few months ago on Hot Air, she had her friend from Oberlin on who is a liberal blogger/author. Despite their political differences, they’ve remained very good friends, and I find that to be extremely refreshing. It reminded me when I was in grad school, and out of my class of 30 people, I was probably one of only a few conservatives. Someone who became one of my best friends there had gone to Antioch for undergrad, called herself “progressive,” and we had very little in common politically. But we both liked and respected each other despite our differences.
asc85 on February 16, 2007 at 8:41 AM
She failed a 5th grade public speaking class? Wow — now that is digging out the dirt.
I wish DemonRats didn’t have to be so stupid — but they’ve found something they’re good at — so they just keep doing it.
Keep your chin up Michelle:) (We all know you will:)
wytammic on February 16, 2007 at 8:45 AM
The Divine Ms. MM has thousands and thousands of fans who absolutely adore her, and wouldn’t know Howard the Duck if they tripped over him in a bar.
On word comes to mind: Projection
dinasour on February 16, 2007 at 8:47 AM
Kurtz’s article is disappointing.
Bryan on February 16, 2007 at 8:56 AM
Ahhhh, the pain and agony of unrequited love. Poor man.
bloggless on February 16, 2007 at 9:00 AM
Marcotte must be livid this morning. She expected her buddies at WaPooo make Michelle out to be Eva Braun. Instead the WaPoo left me with the impression that Michelle isn’t afraid to stand up to a bully and yell ‘comeonyoumealymouthedcoward!’.
Michelle you need to take that WaPoo article and have it mounted like a trophy in your den, right next to the voodoo doll of Marcotte choking on her keyboard.
Limerick on February 16, 2007 at 9:02 AM
PB, are you channeling the executioner from Blazing Saddles? I know that voice from somewhere!
Jaibones on February 16, 2007 at 9:07 AM
Gah - Sullivan is just an ass. Everyone has an excuse, huh?
I’m really curious as to why that second sentence was needed at all. Moral relativism makes me ill.
reaganaut on February 16, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Oh, come on; let’s be honest, here. Kurtz’s very existence is disappointing.
Jaibones on February 16, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Remember Michelle, Marshall Will Kane didn’t have many friends in High Noon either. Didn’t stop him from doing the right thing.
Limerick on February 16, 2007 at 9:09 AM
I was not disappointed by the piece as my expectations were low. I do wish it had touched on some of the more vile bilge Layne and co. have spewed about Michelle at Wonkette. Layne is someone who should not be taken at face value. Hard to believe he was once a regular read of mine in ‘02. Of course Sullivan was too.
DB on February 16, 2007 at 9:10 AM
He could refer to Allah as a liberal blogger, and it would make more sense than calling Andrew Sullivan a conservative…
Jaibones on February 16, 2007 at 9:11 AM
May Michelle always frustrate the left by exposing their sins. She’s a great lady, and I appreciate all of her efforts, here at HA, her own site, on Fox News, etc. One of the best things she has done is brought in Allah, Bryan and company to make HA
great. Giving others such as Robert Spenser, MK Ham, the soldiers in the field the opportunity to speak/show at Hot Air and reach more people is an absolute blessing. Thaks to Michelle and all of her ‘troops’.
Doug on February 16, 2007 at 9:12 AM
Michelle, you do have friends and admirers. I consider myself to be an open thinker and cheer for you daily. I appreciate the light that you shed on things that need to be seen. Let them call you names, that is a high honor. There are a lot of folks in middle America with very fine BS filters, and you are speaking for them.
Bobber on February 16, 2007 at 9:16 AM
Michelle, if ever you feel lonely, remember that you’ve got all of us at your side. We greatly appreciate you for who you are and what you do.
flutejpl on February 16, 2007 at 9:33 AM
Just a lonely voice in the wilderness :)
I’m surprised the Wash Post didn’t do more of a hatchet job on her. Will Excitable Andy give them a Malkin Award?
William Teach on February 16, 2007 at 9:35 AM
Sounds like a hit piece packaged as a feature to me.
spmat on February 16, 2007 at 9:38 AM
Malkin and her team are brilliant. I put them right up there with Rush and Ann Coulter as far as brilliant, smart, entertaining, educational, enlightening, illuminating, and wisdom go. I love and appreciate all of them.
I just laugh at the losers who mock them.
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on February 16, 2007 at 9:44 AM
I’d recognize that lower lip anywhere…
You sure do got a purdy mouth…
Mazztek on February 16, 2007 at 9:57 AM
I admire Michelle, Bryan, AllahPundit and the whole Hot Air team. Your stuff is entertaining, funny, cutting edge and cuts through all the bullshit.
Friends? Remember Groucho Marx: I wouldn’t want to be part of any club that would have me as a member.
WriterMom on February 16, 2007 at 9:59 AM
While it’s nice to see MM and this site get some acknowledgement from the MSM, the entire subtext of the Kurtz article is “This is just another Ann Coulter wannabe, but we have to do a story on her because she’s successful. But she says things like Democrats aren’t grownups, so one can understand why other web sites would have her photoshopped into Nazi uniform. Even a credible conservative like Andrew Sullivan only gives her polite praise.”
That little detail about MM being in Nazi uniform on another blog seems an interesting inclusion. It’s well known that leftists effortlessly hurl the “Nazi” epithet at conservatives all the time - why did Kurtz feel the need to bring it up here?
I suppose it would be unethical of Kurtz to come right out and say that MM is basically a Nazi…
Enrique on February 16, 2007 at 10:01 AM
see-dubya! I thought we weren’t telling anyone yet. I thought we were coming out together. I guess I was wrong.
Ian on February 16, 2007 at 10:01 AM
i must be completely desensitized, because I’ve never read anything by Michelle that made me embarrassed to be a regular reader.
mymanpotsandpans on February 16, 2007 at 10:04 AM
You go girl!
ProudPatriot on February 16, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Clearly, this is a woman who arouses strong emotions.
Howard Kurtz
Is that all he has?feeeeelingss?Emotions? How about the intelligent exchange of ideas and some common sense.
Its a hit piece because someones feeeeelings were injured by the truth.We are supposed to accept the lefts purposeful ignorance so as to not hurt their feelings?If thats the case,my feelings will be hurt if Soros does’nt buy me that flat panel tv I did’nt get for Christmas.
Howard Kurtz is a dolt.
So MM failed a 5th grade public speaking class.If its true,you really have to be desperate for the kill to use that.Liberals want kids to be academically promoted in school because they dont want anyone to have hurt feelings but in order to get their hit piece on someone digs back to a failed 5th grade class? Hypocrisy at its finest!
History will show MM is being vilified just like McCarthy.
spazzmomma on February 16, 2007 at 10:21 AM
The link sounded interesting so I followed it and read the article. After reading the whole thing - as opposed to reading the short quoted sections in this string - I was well pleased with it.
I think the link line above in quotes would be a better title for this article.
Seeganemom stated it correctly:
Congratulations Michelle (and Jesse, Bryan, Allah, Ian, &…)
roydee43 on February 16, 2007 at 10:31 AM
How is Sullivan relevant to the converstion? The average WaPo reader is much more familiar with Malkin than Sullivan.
That I thought would bite her. She never should have apologised. She should have said she stood corrected. Kerry was not being shunned by the troops, he was shunning the troops that he had just insulted, and instead of spending time with them and mending fences, he sat in their mess hall waiting to get press time for himself.
That’s how I would have handled it. I may not agree with everything she says, but I take the time, daily, to read her, and I respect her. My youngest sister, on the other hand, is a Malkin junkie. She goes out of her way to watch every program Michelle is scheduled on, and Michelle is right about everything. We both agree, that MM does not mince her words.
I can’t really say the same for Kurtz or Sullivan. Neither has piqued my curiosity or been able to capture my attention span for more than a fleeting moment.
Pam on February 16, 2007 at 10:48 AM
What do you say to someone who has risen to the top? The usual or unusual platitudes? Greatness always gets scrutinized and picked out & picked on.
The childishness and narcissism in the journalism field is remarkable. Not that it’s so much different from other industries, but it is more publicized.
Michelle IS A LEADER for millions of aspiring people. People of all ages. She’s an accomplished and published writer with her very first book a NYTimes best seller. Three (+) books, two highly successful high traffic websites, syndicated columns ( Townhall and Jewish world review), TV commentator for I don’t know how many major news networks, and more.
Look up ‘michelle’ on google, she’s got more results than Michelle Kwan, more than Michelle Pfieffer, and it goes on and on… and her husband, he’s just a Rhodes Scholar, just-ha.
My God folks, she’s accomplished the dreams of 5 people, ALREADY.
You are an inspiration Michelle and anyone/everyone on the top of their field is a target, you know this well. Probably ever since you unhooked the comments on michellemalkin.com.
God Bless you and your entire family, and we do thank you for your intelligence and courage and leadership.
shooter on February 16, 2007 at 10:48 AM
darn strong button…hehe …can’t be MY fault ya know.
Hey , I could be a lefty blogger.
shooter on February 16, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Where is the outrage?? I thought profiling was a bad thing.
digitalintrigue on February 16, 2007 at 10:53 AM
I started reading MM on townhall.com; from there I moved to mm.com and finally here on HA. There’re a lot of good pundits out there, but I’ve found Michelle to be witty, engaging, *very* knowledgeable, and able to present complex ideas in a way that anybody can understand. Oh yeah, she’s clean and articulate also :-)
For all those who have targeted her race, sex, etc; well, I can only say that they are just trying to get the focus away from all of her many qualities. They fail miserably.
Perhaps her best quality is the ability to put together a top-notch team here at HA; Bryan, AP, Ian, and See-Dubya all keep us informed, enlightened and entertained.
The hell with the jealousy of the MSM and liberal bloggers; I’m sure MM knows how much we all respect and depend on her.
dalewalt on February 16, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Kurtz’s methods have become…unsound.
Readymade on February 16, 2007 at 10:57 AM
As for Kurtz. This pretty much says it all.
from washpo via newsbusters via DC interview:
Howard Kurtz On Whether Olbermann Is Biased: ‘I’m Agnostic’
no bias there, nope, just an open-minded kinda guy.
shooter on February 16, 2007 at 11:13 AM
To paraphrase the newspaper editor from the 1940s movie, “Jesse James Returns,” Kurtz should be dragged into the street and shot down like a dog!
TugboatPhil on February 16, 2007 at 11:16 AM
While it’s disappointing on one level that Kurtz’s article exhibits his usual moral equivalency by trying to associate Michelle with the Marcotte’s of this world, in a roundabout way those of us that support her should appreciate it, because we know she is getting under their skin. If I was in Michelle’s shoes, that is something that would always bring a smile to my face.
There was a good laser guided missile in the peice that echoed my thoughts about the Bush administration perfectly:
Bullseye.
thirteen28 on February 16, 2007 at 11:40 AM
I would like to see Kurtz publish an interview with William Arkin. I would be very suspicious of any article written by Kurtz on any conservative. To call him a media critic is just plain silly. Kurtz is generally a MSM defender. Michelle is a courageous woman who is willing to say what she thinks and say it well. There is no game playing with this lady. It’s a shame that Kurtz and the MSM are not more transparent.
d1carter on February 16, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Michelle Malkin is one of the few brave enough to lift up carry the Flag of Liberty and Freedom that our Founding Fathers were willing to die for. She is an American patriot, who chooses to serve in the battle of words instead of the battle of guns and bombs, against enemies of America who are all around us, and who are in many cases even a part of us.
Hat’s off to Michelle and those patriots like her past and present, for without them and those who went before, we surely would all be living in a socialist liberal hell right now, or we would all be dead at the hands of outside forces long before now.
NRA4Freedom on February 16, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Good call, I passed right over that. And it is such an important point. Bush has lost his connection with his base. He has taken such a beating in the global politics, that in the domestic policies he has caved in time after time. It is worth quoting again.
right2bright on February 16, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I wonder how many times that Andrew Sullivan has awarded his so-called Malkin Award for shrillness to himself?
Tantor on February 16, 2007 at 11:55 AM
“Andrew Sullivan, a conservative blogger who has turned on the Bush administration, regularly bestows a “Malkin Award” for excessive attacks.”
Andrew Sullivan, a Conservative??? In name, not in actions.
gmaninatl on February 16, 2007 at 12:02 PM
I hope Michelle does what others have done. Use the notes of the interview and post her side of the interview, with all of the quotes that Kurtz “forgot” to put in. And put them in context. When that is done, it is amazing how stupid reporters look. Most people being interviewed do not have the soapbox Michelle has.
I am sure everything Kurtz wrote is accurate, just a bit slanted and edited.
Michelle, that poor lonely, shrill blogger. Probably took Kurtz seveal days of Googling to find Sullivan, a lone voice of dissent on the supposed politically right.
Hey leftists, we have Michelle and you don’t…you lose.
right2bright on February 16, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Nah. I mean, his article wasn’t so great, but I think that’s uncalled for. Of course I know you’re not serious, but that’s not a bright thing to say even jokingly - especially if any Libs read this thread.
Anyways, Michelle is awesome beyond all awesome. I wish I could see less photos of Hillary with her face all scrunched up, both here and at MM.com…*cough* but still. Michelle needs her own tv show.
emmaline1138 on February 16, 2007 at 12:29 PM
I was able to get to the third page of comments before quitting. I’d rather taste the spit from a leperous maggot than read any more of the repeated misinformation about the antiwar protester addresses from these ‘enlightened fools’.
allie on February 16, 2007 at 12:30 PM
I just recently found that sulivan is gay from the last post about NBA player and the g-word. We can use for the popular argument, “I have problems with gay people, but I actually have friends.” The logic is, “there are gay conservatives.”
On Michelle. The worst thing that michelle could do is to try to set the record straight. Leave everything obscure. I still like these questions, “Who is michelle? What in her backgroud made her a conservative” The worst thing that could happen to anyone is been defined and simplified. It takes a certain beauty away from you.
For now, I still investigating Allah. I will profile him soon.
Ouabam on February 16, 2007 at 12:40 PM
“Who is michelle? What in her backgroud made her a conservative”
Mojave Mark on February 16, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Andrew Sullivan, a Conservative??? In name, not in actions.
I just recently found that sulivan is gay from the last post about NBA player and the g-word. We can use him for the popular argument, “I have problems with gay people, but I actually have gay friends.” The logic is, “there are gay conservatives.”
Just correction. I hate proofreading.
Ouabam on February 16, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Speaking of the Filipino Firecracker, I see she’s filling in for O’Reilly tonight.
RedWinged Blackbird on February 16, 2007 at 1:08 PM
It seems Michelle has way more friends than these fools could imagine, the number of posts here alone shows that. If Michelle ever needed us, there would be thousands of us standing shoulder to shoulder with her. Why, because she stands up for what is right and won’t back down to anyone. BTW, catch her subbing for O’Reilly tonight at 8 PM.
Jonesy on February 16, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Gee, we can hardly wait. As if you have any credibility; your logic is….well, let’s just say it is different.
right2bright on February 16, 2007 at 1:22 PM
- Andrew Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan’s warnings about blowback should be headed. After all, Andrew has personal expertise on the subject of blowing.
rokemronnie on February 16, 2007 at 1:26 PM
What keeps Michelle on my daily must-see bloglist is her unique packaging of qualities, blending each of them into a compelling whole:
- Being passionate without becoming shrill. You’ll never get a “halfway” argument out of Michelle; when it comes to intellectual gunfights, she always engages with her main battery, not her secondary. Watching Bill Buckley or George Will discuss a topic, I get the sense that they’re not so much engaged with the subject as much as they’re playing with it. Not so with Michelle. Yet at the same time, even though she invests herself emotionally in debate, she never loses her self-control like so many on the left do. She won’t allow herself to sink to expletives or name-calling, or shouting, or constant interruptions.
Power, tempered by class. Very potent combination.
- Being incredibly strong without sacrificing femininity. A guy can still want to be chivalrous/protective toward Michelle, even though he knows full well she can hold her own. This generates a natural sympathy toward her point of view. By contrast, Amanda Marcotte is “strong” in the offensive, foul-mouthed Harpy sense; even Ann Coulter has a certain Barracuda-like quality - but would either of them have gotten Senator Zell Miller to have challenged Chris Matthews to a duel on her behalf? Didn’t think so.
- Oh, and she’s very easy on the eyes … if I’m channel surfing and see Rosie O’Donnell’s or Tim Russert’s or Keith Olberman’s mug on the screen, I keep right on clicking on the remote; if I see Michelle, I stop. That helps a lot when it comes to even getting one’s argument heard to begin with.
So let Howard Kurtz treat her like some kind of zoo specimen to be “analyzed.” Let her leftist detractors call her every crude name in the book for daring to leave the plantation they’ve reserved for “persons of color.” She’ll always have her legion of fans, and I’m better informed and happier to be one of them.
Spurius Ligustinus on February 16, 2007 at 1:27 PM
While I generally agree with her on most issues (except the internment of the Japanese - Americans during World War II), and find her a courageous voice against the nihilistic left and the defeatists at home, there is one thing about Miss Malkin that disturbs me. She links to VDARE on her blog and when I wrote to her several years ago, politely I might ad, telling her that I found the people at VDARE to be too nativist (and anti Semitic) for my taste she sent me a nasty email in reply. The VDARE crowd is Buchananite with articles by (the late) Samuel Francis, Scott McConnell, and the odious Kevin MacDonald (and I think Justin Raimondo as well) all creeps of the lowest order. The people at VDARE normally would have nothing but disgust for her since she is not of European heritage.
Hilts on February 16, 2007 at 1:45 PM
The article was an extremely biased hit job, but what can you expect from the Washington Post? If I were a famous conservative and got a phone call to do a “profile” with the Washington Post, I would be awfully wary.
It had all the classics of left-wing “journalism”: No interviews of supporters like LaShawn Barber, Kirsten Powers, Laura Ingraham, Bill O’Oreilly, just the husband and business partner.
It attempted to make Michelle look insufficiently “socialized” by making her out to be “lonely.” She was called “shrill,” the code word that liberals use for those who engage in politically incorrect speech. I’m surprised they didn’t call her “reactionary.”
However, the article itself was written for inside-the-beltway, shallow, and not so educated liberals, like Kurtz himself and his friends to look down on a successful conservative. Anyone else reading it surely will be interested in her blogs and will check them out. In that respect, any publicity is good publicity.
januarius on February 16, 2007 at 1:46 PM
Andrew Sullivan is as much a conservative as Kevin Phillips, Pat Buchanan, Joe Scarborough, Tucker Carlson, David Gergen, Arianna Huffington, David Brock, and the whole troglodyte crew at “The American Conservative” magazine - meaning “not very conservative.”
Hilts on February 16, 2007 at 1:49 PM
I usually visit Washington D.C. once a year and am amazed how insulated and isolated the residents of the Beltway are from the rest of the country. The Washington Psot by itslef is loaded with so many people - Howard Kurtz, David Broder, Ricahrd Cohen - who have spent far too much time in D.C.
Hilts on February 16, 2007 at 1:51 PM
Lonely?! Has anyone ever checked out how many friends she has on MySpace?
NTWR on February 16, 2007 at 1:52 PM
RedinBlueCounty on February 16, 2007 at 1:56 PM
Bonus.
Readymade on February 16, 2007 at 1:56 PM
opps, I forgot to close the strong tag, sorry
RedinBlueCounty on February 16, 2007 at 1:57 PM
No worries, See-Dub. You didn’t need the comma. “Bryan’s and Michelle’s husband” would’ve been the correct construction if Jesse belonged to both of them.
Some people just must have their fun. :)
Anwyn on February 16, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Bah.
Anytime a “Conservative” (Personally I read that as “Sensible” or “Reasonable”) gets profiled, at best they get backhanded comments, and at worst it’s a total smear job.
It’s a pity but there you go.
Things never “Go without saying” so I’ll say that I’m not impressed with Kurtz’ take on Michelle.
It’s too bad that WaPo’s already on my list for Arkin. Can a paper’s credibility for impartial journalism go below zero?
Dunno…
and on a side note:
Your words embolden Yaoi fan-girls the world over, and that is a crime against literature and all mankind.
I’m not normally one to hate… But I HATE Yaoi fan-girls. They represent the single most evil demographic in modern literature.
Jones Zemkophill on February 16, 2007 at 2:02 PM
Anwyn–I changed it.
see-dubya on February 16, 2007 at 2:11 PM
The wait is just killin’ me.
Michelle in for O’Reilly tonight? WONDERFUL.
A definite recording op.
shooter on February 16, 2007 at 2:12 PM
C’MON people, go DIGG this article, before it gets trampled on by the kos’s of the world.
shooter on February 16, 2007 at 2:15 PM
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