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...
As bad as we were all feeling in the aftermath of 9/11 I was really heartbroken when I learned that Olsen went down with the plane that hit the Pentagon.
Ann Rules . . .
Both are very astute, erudite, and well liked by their audience.
HOWEVER,
The person to listen to, RIGHT NOW, is Judge Andrew Napalitano!!!
His book "CONSTITUTIONAL CHAOS" is a blinding flash of reality. If you get a chance to see him on CNN Book review/events, speaking about the problems with FISA, The patriot act, and the intelligence reform bill (patriot II), it will raise the hairs on the back of your neck!
I like both the ladies mentioned here, but THE JUDGE has the edge right now in stirring message.
Merry Christmas,
Top sends
No. Laura is single.
She's got a dog she talks about on the radio and lots of empty cupboards, save a few cereal boxes.
I love listening to her show.
I also enjoy reading Ann's books a lot.
I'd call it a draw. Each woman has her special niche.
That's right -- why choose? Why should they have to engage in some sort of personal contest? Now, I can see that some people would insist on seeing them in an all-out, no-holds-barred mud-wrestling match on WWF "Smackdown", but personally I'd rather take them both to dinner. And Peggy Noonan, too.
Who cares whether Coulter or Ingraham is ahead.
I love them both and I am really glad they are on our side!!!
How tall is Ann?
I look forward to seeing/hearing both of them. They know what they are talking about.
I can't decide. If I could go on a date with each one individually
then I might be in a better position to make a decision.
=====
And after they both slap you upside your pandering head...
what then??? ;-))
Coulter is best in small doses. Ingraham has a broader appeal and staying power. Her radio show is growing on me. She plays the role of smart fun-girl and she does it well. I think she would be the better date.
I have been cable-free since Coulter hit the scene, and I have actually never seen her on TV. Ingraham had already been on TV for a while, and I actually thought the Coulter I first heard on the radio was in fact Ingraham, until FR corrected my mental images.
Come on you guys..this is series. It may be hugh. :0
You mean standing on her feet?
I don't know about running for President, but Laura has a sharp mind, sharp wit and sharp tongue.
I really enjoy listening to Laura.
I concur about Rush and Sean. I believe they have both seen their best days...
Yeah right. Go on a date with Laura or Ann and do something to piss them off?! I don't think so.
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