Posted on 12/19/2004 6:28:39 AM PST by KMC1
"Conservative Celebrity Showdown"
Today's Match-Up:
Ann Coulter vs. Laura Ingraham
From a media perspective - who has had a bigger impact? Who is hotter as of present? And who do you think long term will have the lasting legacy?
Both came of "age" (media wise) during the Impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Along with the third blonde-haired pundit by the name of Barbara Olson, these three beauties took on the law-breaking Clinton regime one talk show at a time.
Ann's first book (published at that time) has now become standard text for Impeachment laws in several lawschools. Laura followed by releasing her first book on Hillary.
But in those days it was nearly impossible to go a night without seeing one or both of these Constitutional Lawyers on television - arguing for the rule of law - and tearing apart the liars like Lanny Davis who were paid for their ability to misrepresent the President's case night after night.
MEDIA ADVANTAGE THEN: Ingraham - who besides being a pundit on dozens of shows, had landed her own show weekday mornings on MSNBC.
In print Ann became known for her "fiery vitriol" (as the mainstream press would put it). Ann would always then defend herself with the honest observation - "When a liberal makes an impassioned case - their labeled 'courageous' and 'passionate'. When a conservative does it their labeled 'angry, virtiolic, and out of touch'".
Nonetheless Ann would have columns spike from time to time. Even her longtime friend David Horowitz canceled Ann's column.
But whatever the negative consequences, publishers saw gold. Now in four back to back to back to back works Ann has achieved what precious few have in conservative publishing circles... 4 Consecutive New York Time's Bestseller status. And in her second offering SLANDER she sat atop the NYTB list longer than any other conservative title - ever published.
Laura has tried her hand twice at the book thing. Both time moderately successful - but no where near the franchise that Coulter has.
PRINT ADVANTAGE THEN AND NOW: Coulter, Coulter, Coulter, Coulter.
For a good long while after impeachment and following the loss of her television show - Laura Ingraham disappeared somewhat from public view. After the loss of her TV show she made frequently fewer TV appearances, tried her hand a bit at talk radio - but that too seemed to flop - and went nowhere fast.
Coulter on the other hand - with her steady stream of books - her "always available" attitude towards major media, and the continuation of her still often controversial column landed her plenty of TV and radio spots.
MEDIA ADVANTAGE POST IMPEACHMENT, PRE 9/11: Coulter - she was still everywhere, all the time.
September 11th seems to have been a gut-check for both of these extremely accomplished women.
Ingraham reappeared on the scene and with more energy than ever. Funnier than ever, the signature Ingraham dry wit seemed even quicker than before. Eventually re-making her entire radio image, the launch of Ingraham's second book dwarfed the sales of her first. She was back and not just satisfied to sit around. As of this writing she has moved to 5th place in terms of most syndicated radio outlets in America. She trails only Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, Sean Hannity, and Laura Schlessinger. The mix of Ingraham's dry and witty observations on everything from politics, to media bias, to pop culture coupled with her ability to really warm up to and pull the most interesting information out of those that she even vehemently disagrees with - has sent the Ingraham franchise stock - through the roof.
Following 9/11 it was not blatantly obvious to most if Coulter had been as dramatically impacted. Obviously Coulter had never disengaged from the public eye - so on a lot of levels whatever changes may have occurred could have been more subtle. Which is exactly my opinion of the situation... Following 9/11 Coulter became even more deeply "Ann". She wrote even more sharply and to the point. Her mind became like a guided laser cutting through the falsehoods of liberalism with even more exacting purpose and aim. She continued to write, cranking out bestsellers, and doing lots of media.
MEDIA ADVANTAGE NOW:Tied - but in radio terms Ingraham has "a bullet" beside her name pointing up.
These two are truly an interesting pair.
To my knowledge they have never appeared publicly together. If you listen to Laura's broadcast - she refers to nearly every other Conservative Icon in the world - accept the one woman who has lifted conservatism to new heights - Coulter. On the other hand - the only time I've heard Ann refer to Laura was in a private discussion I had in a New York restraunt with her some 4 years ago - she seemed unaware of who Ingraham was and referred to her as "Laura Een-grah-ham" (not the typical Een-gram).
They both have a thorough understanding of the Constitution and have clerked for some huge names on Federal Courts.
They both claim Christianity as their faith. Ingraham recently becoming a deeply committed Catholic, and Coulter a professing Presbyterian evangelical.
As to who will leave the longest lasting impact on the world around her?
Obviously Coulter's books will last long after she does. But media insider's believe that Laura's skill in radio will most likely make her the heir apparent to the Rush Limbaugh empire (leap-frogging Sean Hannity). Most media pundits believe that while Hannity wants to be "the biggest name in talk radio", that Ingraham is focusing on the details of what it takes to be the best at the craft.
But now we put it to you - Coulter vs. Ingraham - Who's bigger, hotter, and will leave the longest lasting imprint on the world...?
This is an excerpt, to read more click here...
Now that's a great gift idea!
Photos of Laura on "The O'Reilly Factor" Sept. 15, 2004:
For GOOD looks and a GREAT brain, I'd go with Coulter.
I love her to death, though.
As for Laura, I think the author is correct that she may have more of an impact if she is able to ascend to the Limbaugh heights in radio - and I think she can do it.
Lastly, they are both babes and this thread has FAR too few pictures and is in clear violation of the FreeRepublic rules regarding such matters.
Laura sucks up to that twit Howard Fineman and other libs way too much. Peggy Noonan is "daman".
Agreed. How can we debate this important intellectual issue without more pictures?!!!
Oh man, that middle picture.............
No question, it is Ann Coulter aka Take No Prisoners Ann.
They are both great fighters for the conservation of America. I am not greedy, but I will take them both -- Swedish "political" sandwich, anyone????
Fight on Ladies!!! Carry the flag and nail the Libs!!!!
(chuckle)
Peggy Noonan is a Senior Fox par excellence. That said.......where's the pic of Laura Ingraham?
I heard Laura about a year ago complaining -- she was funning around with her guest and her crew -- that she has zero social life. I couldn't believe my ears. She should be up to her butt in healthy babies -- future Seans and Rushes and Michael Medveds -- and not just hanging around a studio wishing she had a date!
Maybe some guys are intimidated by her intelligence. If they are they're morons.
I know media is a ratings driven business, but this comparison/contest/competition is something I do not wish to see. At the root, it elevates one and diminish the other and conservatives need, and want, both women. I prefer to see all of these phenomonal women respected in their respective niches and part of a greater counter-counter-culture network.
If scratch-your-competitor's-eyes-out competition is desperatedly needing to be promoted for commercial value, let it continue to be amongst the liberal Left talking hair and the Hollywood Ho's.
I thought Laura was married. Is that not true?
Pink nosed puppy pics????
You got it!
Certainly Barbara Olson, bless her soul, was a patriot.
All three are (were) very smart, strong, attractive, assertive, and insightful women of whom I'm happy were my side.
Pitting them against each other is a stupid thing to do and doesn't help the "cause"!
IIRC, Barbara Olsen was an active FReeper.
Since this question decidedly needs a female (non-harmone) perspective, I would go for Ann. She evokes the "wow" effect with her humorous sarcasm. In addition, she tics off the right people. Laura comes off as a rather bland commentator in that she seems too rehearsed and is occasionally offensively defensive which turns viewers off. Humor is a powerful weapon IMHO.
Who's the winner. Hands down Barara Olsen. While she may no longer be with us, among the Conservative Tritity of gals, Barbara did it was warmth, dignity and stature. She, even though gone, will long be remembered after the other two wither from the vine.
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