Stabenow: Hey, let’s hold hearings on bringing back the Fairness Doctrine
posted at 7:33 pm on February 5, 2009 by Allahpundit
Nothing to worry about. Just another figment of your paranoid wingnut imagination, same as it was when Pelosi mentioned it and Durbin mentioned it and Bingaman mentioned it and Schumer mentioned it.
I’m trying to game out the politics but can’t get a good read. On the one hand, it’d thrust people like Limbaugh into the middle of a hot-button policy debate, making their already-big megaphone even bigger. Bad for Democrats. On the other hand, my theory during the recent Rush dust-up has been that Obama and the left want to raise his profile in order to drive the GOP away from the center and back towards the right. Good for Democrats! On the other other hand, would they really benefit by turning him into a free-speech martyr? Having people sympathize with him only hurts the left’s cause of making him look fringey. Bad for Democrats. On the other other other hand, there may be enough popular support for reinstating Fairness that the sympathy factor would be muted. Good for Democrats! Stop me before I “other” again by clicking on the image to listen.
Blowback
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according to mark levin her husband is a pervert
ousoonerfan15 on February 5, 2009 at 7:35 PM
It sure beats bringing accountability to our government.
Laura in Maryland on February 5, 2009 at 7:36 PM
God I love my two Michigan senators Stabenow and Levin :(
mantas on February 5, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Ask ole Deb about the unemployment rate in her home state of Michigan, aka Sudan on the Great Lakes. Anything to keep the folks back home from looking at her mediocre record, I suppose.
Percy_Peabody on February 5, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Let’s start hearings on controlling free speech……..
………. we can’t have any of THAT!
Seven Percent Solution on February 5, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Good point. And I wonder if she was thinking of MSNBC when she said that?
ProfessorMiao on February 5, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Zing! Very good.
sherry on February 5, 2009 at 7:38 PM
She is HOT!
artist on February 5, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Spent family money on a prostitute. Money earned, in part, by his Air Amerika connections. So that’s why StabNow wants the unFairness Doctrine.
jgapinoy on February 5, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Fools like this are slowly but surly installing a communist regime that will completely eliminate every one of your individual liberties. These are the worst times of our lives.
rplat on February 5, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Mess with Obama’s Stimulus package…we mess with Conservative Talk Radio. Take that GOP!!!
portlandon on February 5, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Air America was such a success for her hubby, need to extract some revenge, ehhh.
tarpon on February 5, 2009 at 7:42 PM
I well remember the days of the Fairness Doctrine and when listening to news programs I use to think…. WHY DON’T THESE PEOPLE EVER GET TO THE POINT?
Now I know why they never got to the point, the law prevented.
Maxx on February 5, 2009 at 7:42 PM
He’s vice president of Air America and was implicated in a prostitution sting.
amerpundit on February 5, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Her husband is executive vice president of Air America. He also got busted for soliciting a prostitute last year, which I’m sure he’d have preferred not to hear about on talk radio.
Jim Treacher on February 5, 2009 at 7:42 PM
She is an incompetent moron. Probably one of the worst political hacks you will ever encounter–and as you know, she has stiff competition.
I hope the Dems do bring up Card Check and the Fairness Doctrine–at some point the public is going to snap and I hope the wrath of the nation is upon these evildoers.
DrStock on February 5, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Hey DeathToMediaHacks
*cough*
Skywise on February 5, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Politico has this:
A commenter points out that Stabenow is married to Tom Athans, a liberal talk radio executive.
I think I’d heard that before, but had forgotten it.
Wiki:
Tom Athans
Can anyone say conflict of interest?
INC on February 5, 2009 at 7:43 PM
They can’t compete with Limbaugh, so they decide to shut it all down. How *Quaint*.
baxtrice on February 5, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Has she paid her taxes?
artist on February 5, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Why, yes…yes, he is…
Husband of Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow Caught in Sex Sting
uncivilized on February 5, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Beat me to it!
INC on February 5, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Start by defunding PBS/NPR. I’ll support you on that. Also, “pink marital aids” all around to stimulate the er, economy. http://www.slate.com/id/2188253/
Mason on February 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM
First Witness: Dan Rather testifying about forged documents.
Second Witness: Brian Williams testifying about exploding trucks.
Third Witness: Charlie Gibson testifying about the non-existent “Bush Doctrine”
All under oath, of course, subject to charges of perjury.
InterestedObserver on February 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Little wonder Stabenow wants to visit this issue? I would say it is a conflict of interest and she needs to stand down or get blown out of the water.
Her state is in meltdown and this is what she is worried about?
Tom Athans is the husband of Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). He also co-founded Democracy Radio and developed both the Ed Schultz Show and the Stephanie Miller show and a former Air America Radio executive was caught by police leaving a Troy, Michigan hotel where an alleged prostitute had set up shop. For those in the area, that would be the the Residence Inn near Big Beaver and Interstate 75. He admitted to paying her $150 for 15 minutes, a higher rate than many Beltway hacks make. He wasn’t charged, but should the case against the oppressed lady of the day go to court, he’ll have to testify. He was also driving on a suspended license. He was also driving an American-made Cadillac, so expect union support.
Sen. Stabenow’s Husband Nailed in Prostitution Bust
izoneguy on February 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Bring it on; this would be a such an epic fail on the part of the Dems.
dugan on February 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Is she Helen Thomas’ daughter?
Cody1991 on February 5, 2009 at 7:46 PM
You’re right. I’d forgotten about that as well.
INC on February 5, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I have a painfully simple theory Allah, but I do believe it:
They don’t like talk radio because it is influential (see: Tom Daschle after the 2002 midterm shallacking being suprised about how many democrats listen to Rush et.al, 1994, etc.)… and with a Democrat-controlled White House and Congress, this is all about striking while the pan is hot. That’s it.
Yes, if they go forward it’ll be hot-button galore, but if they can get the deed done, no matter how contentious the process, it’ll be done: their dragon will finally be slayed.
Pasalubong on February 5, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I am not giving up my news source be it radio or internet. And I will pay if I have to, this is going to back fire. Is this a diversion to get conservative minds off stimulus? We can multitask.
Cindy Munford on February 5, 2009 at 7:46 PM
AP — I think “gaming” this misses the point. Stabusnow and the rest of the Dems aren’t thinking that way. Like their new Fuhrer, Osama Obama, they simply want to shut down anyone who dares disagree with them.
After all, who but people who deserve no voice would criticize Obama and his unicorns, rainbows and freebies for all?
This is primitive stuff that has worked — temporarily — for past dictators. We’re fighting people with Stone Age thought processes here.
MrScribbler on February 5, 2009 at 7:47 PM
they won’t get away with it.
rob verdi on February 5, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Does Rush get to testify? Could be fun.
amerpundit on February 5, 2009 at 7:48 PM
If they successfully implement the unFairness Doctrine, I predict the libs will live to regret it. That would be a direct attack on the 1st Amendment and people won’t, and should not, accept it. This nation is fast becoming a tenderbox. And as I’ve said before, the libs better quit playing with matches. There are patriotic Americans ready, willing, and able to take up arms against tyranny. I’m not making a threat and I don’t want to see it happen. I am simply making a prediction of what others will do.
flyfisher on February 5, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Some people don’t like driving golf carts.
sethstorm on February 5, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Any comments on this November post from HA?
Technology has made the Fairness Doctrine obsolete: Dems
INC on February 5, 2009 at 7:49 PM
The most fascinating thing about all this is they really think they can stop Rush, Hannity, Levin and the rest from having their voices heard and understood. I say let them go for it and just see what happens. You will not be able to keep enough popcorn in stock.
kahall on February 5, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Does Rush get to testify? Could be fun.
amerpundit on February 5, 2009 at
I would PAY to see that.
And I’m not joking.
artist on February 5, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Debbie Stabenow / U.S. Senator / Michigan
202-224-4822 direct line to her office in DC.
Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1
Call her folks and express your views & opinions. Please behave professional while showing your disgust for these Liberals who have no respect for our laws; our way of life. I wonder what the people of Michigan are thinking with the likes of this deadbeat; and don’t even get me started on the governor running that hurting state.
Keemo on February 5, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Enjoy
20 Year Old Girl Arrested, Charged and Prosecuted – Confessed John Walks Scot Free – Coincidentally John is U.S. Senator’s Debbie Stabenow’s Spouse, Thomas Athans.
$150 Hooker For Senator’s Husband
izoneguy on February 5, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Obama thinks he’s like Lincoln.
If he gets behind the Fairness Docrine he will be.
There will be another Civil War.
notagool on February 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Is she bitter about her hubby’s shenanigans? Maybe would like to have that brought up Over And Over before calling the divorce atty?
innominatus on February 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Let Rush, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, et al., all testify.
That would be something.
INC on February 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Liberal Dems are all about following failed models, social, political and economic.
They’re idiots. Good bullshit artists, but that’s about it.
Cody1991 on February 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM
This is another good opportunity to make fun of the barking moonbats, but nothing else.
Killing AM radio might have been a good move if they’d thought of it thirty years ago. But what the Hell would it accomplish today?
If Soviet Russia couldn’t hold back the Information Age, I doubt that Debbie Stabenow is going to have a lot more luck.
logis on February 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
You know……..
………. there are radio stations on just about every college campus in this nation.
If they push this through, then every liberal left broadcast by the students………..
………. will have to be answered by a conservative right one.
Can you think of the irony?
Seven Percent Solution on February 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
There are also patriotic Americans who will do the same to defend it.
sethstorm on February 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Not sure I can blame him about the Ho.
Wade on February 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Is it time to bring out the guns yet? Call me paranoid but I can’t see how we can put up with this stuff for 4 years and not have some physical conflicts.
docdave on February 5, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Oooohhhh, that’s cold.
jgapinoy on February 5, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Not to be overtly mean, but doesn’t she kind of remind one of Ronald McDonald?
carbon_footprint on February 5, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I guess if I had a wife like Debbie Stabenow I would be buying $150 blow jobs too.
izoneguy on February 5, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Hannity was beyond pissed on his show today…
mindhacker on February 5, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Defend tyranny? At least you’re finally admitting it.
Jim Treacher on February 5, 2009 at 7:56 PM
So,is that the Liberal takin point phrase,
‘Accountability’!
She sure has nerve,utelizing that term!
canopfor on February 5, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Bring it on. These morons are going to get blown out of the water in the midterms.
JammieWearingFool on February 5, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Translation: Quickest way to silence opposing views. As we all know, accountability is a one way street.
Tommy_G on February 5, 2009 at 7:57 PM
I don’t disagree.
See—->notagool on February 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM
flyfisher on February 5, 2009 at 7:57 PM
If they’re willing to defend tyranny, I wouldn’t call them patriotic. I’d call them other, more vile, names.
Anna on February 5, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Can you think of the irony?
Seven Percent Solution on February 5, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Exactly. That’s why it won’t fly.
Cody1991 on February 5, 2009 at 7:57 PM
IF and only if, this fairness thing became reality, wouldn’t then have to be applied to other outlets beside radio and TV? The last time this red herring swam to the surface, the stations lost a ton of money becuase poeple just stopped tuning in to hear for example: both sides of the argument about what to do about diseases of sheep. Really!
jeanie on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
What about our universities? Are you going to demand equal time for conservative viewpoints there, Bill?
Disturb the Universe on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
What I want to know is WHY they arrest the prostitute and not the JOHN??????? The prostitute is just a 20 year old girl!!!!! That man is a fat pig!!!!!!!! Imagine what went through that poor girl’s mind when she decided to service him. YUCKKKKKK!!!!! Why did Spitzer get away with it?????? HUGE DOUBLE STANDARD!!!!!!!!!! What bunch of PIGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bloggless on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Chickafication.
Speakup on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
For people like Stabenow, it’s not fair that opponents are allowed to dissent and earn private sector ad revenue.
Christien on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
I called “dibs” back in December; go check the archives!
Red State State of Mind on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Pity the corrupt, cowardly, mincing
RulingPolitical Class doesn’t permit Rush, Andrew, Mark, Laura or Ann testify. They could probably balance the entire Federal Budget for the next 10 years just on ticket sales alone.SeniorD on February 5, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Actually, and someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think FD applies to radio only! I’ve read stuff about the Dems wanting to “regulate” the internet, too, but back in FD’s heyday, I’m pretty sure the “equal time rule” only applied to radio.
Pasalubong on February 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Precicely. Everyone knows we’ve got deep divisions. I say it’s time we lay all the cards on the table. It’s clear we have plenty of asshats who will defend tyranny. Force them into the open, so the rest of us know who they are.
flyfisher on February 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Of course if these idiots try this Rush isn’t going anywhere. Fox News could just install him from noon to 3 and watch their ratings go through the roof.
JammieWearingFool on February 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM
That poor John has to go home to the Senatress every night. That’s bordering on cruel and unusual punishment all by itself.
SeniorD on February 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Wouldn’t Mark, Laura, Mike, Rush, Dennis, and Medved just run Internet radio if this happened? They can not control the Internet. Right? ?
carbon_footprint on February 5, 2009 at 8:01 PM
The One is in trouble and his stimulus is on the ropes.
We now get another call for bringing back the FD.
Not a coincidence.
catmman on February 5, 2009 at 8:02 PM
I pray that you are correct. I’m in my early 50′s and for the first time in my life I am seriously woried about whether my country will change forever and become something other than what we are. I am not an alarmist or pessimistic by nature, but lately the totality of all this 1984-like-up is down- black is white-Bizarro Comics-image over substance stuff is really getting to me…
Red State State of Mind on February 5, 2009 at 8:03 PM
She’s got a lot of chutzpah to be doing this being that she’s married to a man in charge of two liberal radio networks.
SoulGlo on February 5, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Ask the mainland Chinese…
Red State State of Mind on February 5, 2009 at 8:04 PM
You are probably not far off.
I just pray that there are enough of Americans to revolt if it comes to this.
carbon_footprint on February 5, 2009 at 8:05 PM
They have to clear out talk radio from the AM band to make room for more Spanish stations.
Mark1971 on February 5, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Let’s not forget all this insanity,…remember it,….take 10,15 people to the polls come 2010-2012!!!
While your at it, give them a copy of the stimulus bill to read on the way.
christene on February 5, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Welcome to Liberal Talk radio,your on the air,
what,your a Republican——–Click!
We have another caller,from the right———click!
Caller go ahead,what,your a Moderate———-click!
Callers,if your from the right of centre,just shut up
and don’t call—————-click!
Thats the Liberal ‘Fairness Doctrine’,that the Left want
to employ!
canopfor on February 5, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Perhaps if liberals were not all afflicted with the same inability to speak without verbal ticks that derailed Caroline Kennedy they would have more success on talk radio.
Disturb the Universe on February 5, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Sweet! HD dittocam.
kahall on February 5, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Don’t forget when Eshoo mentioned it.
Jobius on February 5, 2009 at 8:10 PM
“You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.”
Uh, like FCC standards?
What a dopey dope.
fogw on February 5, 2009 at 8:10 PM
flyfisher on February 5, 2009 at 7:48 PM
I share your concerns because I see people whose nerves are on edge. Everything seems out of control.
It seems to me that the logical thing to do is put into effect a quiet tax strike. No need for violence. Besides, not paying taxes has good precedence, no? Rangle, Geitner, Daschle, and others have demonstrated that they know their money is better used by individuals without giving it to a spendthrift government.
They set the example, and since we’re all just drones all we can do is play Follow the Leader, right?
Cody1991 on February 5, 2009 at 8:10 PM
If she wants to level the playing field she can start by firing half the people at the networks and replacing them with subscribers to the Limbaugh letter.
Beto Ochoa on February 5, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Why do they need to shut down talk radio? I though Obama was going to turn everything into candy boats on chocolate rivers … what happened?
thirteen28 on February 5, 2009 at 8:11 PM
I predict that if it comes to this, Rush and the rest of the great conservative talk-radio hosts will inspire millions to surge the e-mail and phone lines of all of the politicians in DC.
carbon_footprint on February 5, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Two failing, loser, liberal radio networks…
uncivilized on February 5, 2009 at 8:13 PM
AP assumes that the party moving to the right is “good for the Democrats”. So by his logic that is a “bad thing” for conservatives. To extend that, that would mean we should all become Democrats for the good of the Republican party. I don’t know why Michelle thinks AP is so smart, but he ain’t.
The party had already moved to the “center” in the last campaign and we got our asses kicked. Only Republicans going back to their Conservative roots and opposing the porkulus has re-energized the base and it just so happens a plurality of Americans agree with us. Stop the nonsense AP, you are no analyst.
echosyst on February 5, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Okay,the gloves need to come off!
The right demands,at any anti-war protest,or any
Libtard protest,for that matter,for equal time!
Liberals will be quiet,or shut up,and same goes for,
PETA
CODE PINK
NAG
NACCP
Enviromental Wacko meetings
Global Warming,Al be queit,I’ve got the floor
Any Liberal event into infinity!(Sarc)
canopfor on February 5, 2009 at 8:16 PM
here we go..
I told you all
First obama would let all of the islamic nazis either get free laywers or worse he would let them all go free in the usa
Second obama would reverse and start funding every abotion on the planet
third obama and the dems would start to investigate the president for trying to protect our country
Fourth obama and the dems would start to fund them build “emergency concentration camps” not for the terrorists no..
But to Hold Americans without charge or cause
Fifth obama and the dems would outlaw talk radio
Next : obama and the dems would declare martial law then confiscate all guns (except for the ones the terrorists and criminals have)
Seventh :obama and the dems begin to close down churches and throw christians into jail..
Ok so far i am rigth on 5 out of the seven predicitons
it isnt hard..
Just take the craziest thing all liberals said
We will never do
And REVERSE it.
All liberals are now openly planning on a VIOLENT takeover of the United states of America
and they will arest and try
ALL OF YOU
Hey you morons voted these idiots in..
I wil bet you didnt expect they would surrender then begin to WORK for the ENEMY..
Americans i say this now
Prepare for war..
jcila on February 5, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Stupid, incompetent legislators like Stabenow need the Fairness Doctrine to shield them criticism. What’s with Michigan? It produces the worst pols.
DerKrieger on February 5, 2009 at 8:23 PM
I hate to tell these dumb pie holes, but Rush is a moving target.
bloggless on February 5, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Hannity gave out this pile of poo’s direct phone number today on the show. Unfortunately I was in traffic and couldn’t write it down. I’ll have to check his site to see if it is there.
I suppose we can add soliciting to tex evasion on the list of crimes democraps can get away with.
I think the way to go with this is to hammer the hooker story over and over any time the fairness doctrine gets mentioned. It is time to start thinking in Macheavellian terms..
IRT to person who said hannity was pissed.. I don’t think I EVER heard him that pissed off. It wasn’t about losing his job. I think he has enough stashed away that it won’t matter. It sounded to me like righeous indignation…Kind of makes me think of what one might have heard in the Taverns of Williamsburg, Philadelphia and Boston circa the early 1770′s.
bullseye on February 5, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Then NPR and all of them PBS all the Liberal side will have to put on opposing point of view the door swings both ways and right now they still have the edge when it comes to Liberal Media Bias. Do they really want to open a can of worms one that has already been decided by the Supreme Court? Fairness Doctrine has been struck down before.
Dr Evil on February 5, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Why don’t you head on over to the Huff Post or Kos? They need to hear your message. Know what I mean?
bloggless on February 5, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Is anyone out there like me who would love to see Rush being called to congress? Could you see it? Does anyone not think he wouldn’t have his moment and nail them on their complicity?
It would have to be the number one broadcast of all time.
itsspideyman on February 5, 2009 at 8:28 PM
The only problem there is that they can do what tyrants have always done: Drawing, quartering, Head on a pike, Tarring a body and leaving it in a cage by the mouth of a river. The idea is that they make an example out of a couple of people. I heard that one of the Isely brothers got something like 26 years for tax evasion.
bullseye on February 5, 2009 at 8:29 PM
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