Weekend Talk Show *Preview* for 6/23 - 6/24/07 (not the live thread)

Network and Cable News Networks | June 23, 2007 | Network and Cable News

[Phsstpok]

Preview and Analysis for Weekend of June 23^rd and 24^th, 2007

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows:

NBC's "Meet the Press" Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-IL Pat Buchanan CBS's "Face the Nation" Ed Koch Ed Rollins Sam Waterston Fox News Sunday Sen. Trent Lott, R-MS Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA

CNN "Late Edition" Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-TX Sen. Ron Wyden, D-OR President Nguyen Minh Triet, Vietnam Egyptian Amb. Nabil Fahmy Israeli Amb. Sallai Meridor Dennis Ross ABC's "This Week" Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-MA Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL David Hyde Pierce

Immigration and the election horse race are the focus this week, which must mean that things are going fairly well in Iraq, therefore that question must be ignored (except in the abstract as a source of depressive conventional wisdom, of course).  I get the impression that the so called "compromise" bill is fairing no better this time out than last and I think the line up is an indication of that.  Though typically stacked against the supporters of preserving our sovereignty and protecting our security the fact that they are left with some of the less appealing defenders of amnesty and presenting voices that have been effectively moving things against the bill this week is key. 

NBC Meet The Press - Only Lil' Timmah seems hell bent on trying to set up a cliché confrontation between a "good and decent progressive supporter of poor downtrodden and innocent undocumented Americans" (Gutierrez) and a "nasty fascist right wing racist hate monger" (Buchanan).  I have a feeling the show will resemble a bad SNL skit more than it usually does.  The one thing that's certain is that they'll both say nasty things about McChimpy Bushitler, so Lil Timmah will be happy.

CBS Face The Nation gets much more parochial wallowing in the potential of a "Great New York Race" between Her Heinous, Rudy and this cycles Ross Perot in waiting, The Bloomberg.  Again, both Koch and Rollins have been saying nasty things about McChimpy Bushitler of late so the dinosaur media will be pleased.  Sam Waterston is a reliable liberal, but you never can tell what he might say about Fred Thompson.  No doubt Ol Bob has high (or low) hopes about some great sound bite emerging.

Fox News Sunday serves up a pro amnesty RINO facing off with a pro amnesty Dhimmicrat.  Papa Wallace must be so proud of his little boy.  There is a classic roundtable with Brit, Bill, Juan and Mara, so we can hope for a return of the smack down.  I'm hoping that Brit will stop letting Chris and Juan "run out the clock" and just stomp on them one more time like the old days.  It appears that they need it desperately.

CNN Late Edition gets eclectic with its long format program, for which I salute them.  Kaye Bailey Hutchison has stated flatly that she will not vote for cloture, which withdraws the fig leaf from those counting on her for cover.  She is going to have to protect herself against the powerful interests in Texas that have been pressuring her to vote for amnesty, so she still may offer up some weasel words, but I think she's going to be comfortable in her position by Sunday.  Ron Wyden is not your typical Northwest Liberal Dhimmicrat.  Though he is reliably left on most things, particularly environment and defense issues, he's also a co-sponsor of a measure making English the official national language.  He's done other surprising and thoughtful things in the past, as well.  I love it when people surprise me.  Next they move on to the President of the State of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Triet, who is in the US for high level meetings with American government and business interests.  I find it telling that PBS has declared him a "reformer" while at the same time he has stated that human rights in Vietnam are no big deal and certainly no concern of ours.  Finally they cover the Palestinian civil war, though you probably won't hear the word "civil war" mentioned once.  Count on the focus being on blaming Israel and demanding that the Israelis make some new concessions to make things right.  The DBM won't be happy till the Zyklon B flows through the shower heads again.

ABC This Week provides potentially the most interesting point counter-point with Teddy "the swimmer" Kennedy bloviating about the evil racist conservatives who hate all people of color followed (separately) by Jeff Sessions speaking up for Americans of all stripes against hostile invasion.  I'm holding my breath expecting some sleazy "will you stop beating your wife" type ambush from Georgie Steponallofus during the Sessions segment.  I'm confident that Lil Georgie won't ask Teddy to praise President Bush for his "steadfast support of immigrants rights" but he will no doubt fish for some Bush bashing bites from Sessions.

The Saturday Shows should already be on as I write this, but the breaking news about the missing pregnant women in Ohio.  From the listings I don't think we're missing Much.  The Beltway Boys blather on about Bloomberg, Hillary and the poor state of Bush.  The phrase "nothing to see here, move along" was invented for this show.  CNBC's Tim Russert Show is hawking Michael Beschloss' book on "Presidential Courage" in making unpopular, though ultimately correct, decisions.  It's safe, however, as Beschloss has already indicated he doesn't think that applies to McChimpy Bushitler, while he's a constant fixture at pro-Carter and Carter sponsored events.  No bias there.  Fox News Watch opens with ABC's Taliban 'graduation' video and appear to cast doubt on it's authenticity which would therefore dismiss the threat posed.  They also focus in like a laser beam on the Clinton's Soprano's ad, offering up more contributions in kind to the Hildabeast.  The Journal Editorial Report also focuses on the Bloomberg announcement, but my gut feeling is that they will effectively dismiss the significance, except as a media phenomenon, so that we can all move on.  They also plan to discuss the administrations actions so far in relation to the Palestinian civil war.  The latter is perhaps the most significant event of the year and only this show and CNN LE appear to have any interest in it.  Typical of JER, and even a blind biased anti-American news organization can stumble across a real issue once in awhile.  Just like a blind sow finding an acorn.

I trust that I've read the trends this week on the immigration bill correctly and that these shows will mark the stake through the heart of the current exercise in back room back door legislation.  I think that one of the Republican candidates (particularly Fred) could make quite a case for running against that sort of elitist disregard for the wishes of the people without allowing it to be couched as jingoistic "nativism" (a ridiculous term to use in this country on this topic).  The fascination with "The Bloomberg" fits right into the pattern of ongoing meaningless news obsessions of the dinosaur media (can you say Paris?) and their simultaneous refusal to meaningfully engage issues such as the emerging success in Iraq or the murderous debacle among their beloved Palestinians is proof that they are doomed, if not already dead and just awaiting burial.

This should be cross posted to my blog at Wizards.townhall.com later today. I have finally caught up over their and I hope to keep up to date from now on. In fact I'm going to change the format just a bit when posting this in light of the success of the technique I used to get caught up. This analysis will still be first but then I'm going to try putting all of the show by show posts into one big Post number 1. If I end up falling back to separate posts you'll know that I found an upper limit to the length of FR posts.

This thread exists primarily as a heads up for who is on the weekend talks shows, what they've been invited on to push (based on their recent pronouncements) and the spin (meme) the DBM is likely trying to push based on that information. All of this is prep work for the weekly Sunday Morning Talk Show thread posted by Alas Babylon!. That thread provides a live commentary and analysis of the Sunday talking head shows, with valuable insight and exceptional fact checking. we are the Jedi Council of FreeRepublic, at least in regards to these DBM gabfests. You wanna know what was said and what it meant, as well as where they messed up? Read that thread!

Mark Kilmer has posted his excellent preview of the Sunday shows over at Redstate.COM.

Politico.COM has The Buzz of Compromise instead of their previous Sunday Talk Show Tip Sheet

[Phsstpok]

Saturday Shows for June 23, 2007

The Beltway Boys (Mort Kondrake, Fred Barnes)

• Meme:
  • Oh worry, worry, worry!  Could it be all NY?  Hill vs. Rudy vs. Bloomy?
  • Who cares about reality?  We've got the cocktail circuit conventional wisdom instead.
• Topics:
  • Is Michael Bloomberg planning a 2008 run after quitting the GOP?
  • President Bush tries to avoid lame duck status
  • Hillary Clinton is 'down,' we'll tell you why
• Beltway Boys contact information beltway@foxnews.com
• The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6 and 11:30 p.m. ET

CNBC's Tim Russert Show (Tim Russert)

• Meme:
  • Now, listen to a pointed headed leftist tell you how a real president makes unpopular decisions, unlike this current neanderthal!
• Topics:
  • Historian Michael Beschloss talks about his new book, a rare look at nine presidents who risked their careers by making difficult decisions
• Guests
  • Michael Beschloss
    • Author: Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989
    • Michael Beschloss on Presidential Courage (Bostonist, MA - Jun 18, 2007)
    • Books: Nine US presidents who finessed unpopular decisions (Buffalo News,  United States - May 27, 2007)
    • Presidential courage: This wasn't it (Baltimore Sun, United States - Jun 3, 2007)
    • Money doesn’t make a leader (Lawrence Journal World, KS - Jun 18, 2007)
• CNBC's Tim Russert Show airs Saturday at 7pm, 10pm & 1am ET

Fox News Watch (Eric Burns)

• Meme:
  • Betcha they get in at least some coverage of Paris (Hilton)
  • Now remember, no one mention that Arrowhead Ripper thingy and don't anyone bring up Michael Yon!
• Topics:
  • Did ABC News air a Taliban 'graduation' or was it something else?
  • Hillary spoofs 'The Sopranos'. How is their latest caper flying with the press?
• The program airs on FOX News Channel Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 2:30 a.m. ET
• Fox News Watch contact information Newswatch@foxnews.com

Journal Editorial Report (Paul Gigot) - FNC show page

• Meme:
  • Okay, let's just look at this dinosaur media wet dream and be done with it, shall we?
• Topics:
  • Opinion Journal web page: I Like Mike?
    • Mike Bloomberg for president?
      • How he's governed as mayor of New York
      • How he'd shake up the 2008 race
    • The Bush administration takes side in the Palestinian civil war
  • Fox News Channel web page
    • Michael Bloomberg bolts the GOP and shakes up the 2008 presidential race.
      • Who is this potential spoiler?
      • Which candidate would his indie run hurt most?
• Guests
  • none listed
• Journal Editorial Report (at Fox News) contact information - jer@foxnews.com
• The program is from The Wall Street Journal and airs on FNC Saturday at 11 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. ET

---

NBC Meet The Press (Tim Russert)

• Meme:
  • Slobber, slobber, slobber! Could it be an all NY election?  Hill vs. Rudy vs. Bloomy?
  • Okay, let's fairly present the immigration debate: a pro amnesty Hispanic Congressman vs. Ted Turner's favorite "conservative" in a white sheet
  • Democrats support the real owners of this continent while evil Republican racists oppose their legitimate rights
• Topics:
  • The immigration debate takes center stage:
    • The House's lead proponent of immigration reform squaring off against one of the bill's most ardent critics
  • Roundtable
    • New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg flirts with a presidential bid.
    • What does his move away from the Republican Party mean for the 2008 race?
• Guests
  • Representative Luis Gutierrez, Democrat - Illinois
    • House web site | Bio
    • Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Immigration Task Force
    • Immigrant Rights Rally and Congressional Forum (Pulse of the Twin Cities, MN - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Sweet blog special: Don't give up on immigration, pleads House Hispanic Caucus chair Luis Gutierrez (Chicago Sun-Times, United States - Jun 8, 2007)
    • Amnesty bill must be stopped (Lodi News-Sentinel, CA - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Groups push for immigration reform (Business Gazette, MD - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Price for green card to rise from $395 to $1010 in July (The Tennessean, TN - May 31, 2007)
    • Paulson Seeks To Be “More Creative” With Chinese Officials (Daily FX, NY - Jun 20, 2007)
  • Pat Buchanan
    • Author, State of Emergency: The Third World Invasion and Conquest of America
    • Pat Buchanan: Bush worships democracy, but he should study history (The Union Leader, NH - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Pat Buchanan: Globalism, not immigration is the real issue (The Union Leader, NH - Jun 14, 2007)
    • On the Escalator to War With Iran: Pat Buchanan (Antiwar.com, CA - Jun 14, 2007)
    • Pat Buchanan: Mitt Romney is the Republican most likely to win Iowa and NH (The Union Leader, NH - Jun 11, 2007)
    • The Martyr of Mosul (AINA, CA - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Anti-Zionists Left And Right (Jewish Press, NY - Jun 20, 2007)
  • Roundtable
    • David Broder
      • Columnist, Washington Post
      • David Broder: White House shows signs of desperation (Post-Bulletin, MN - Jun 18, 2007)
      • David Broder: Immigration bill's failure can be put on Harry Reid (Post-Bulletin, MN - Jun 15, 2007)
    • John Harwood
      • Wall Street Journal
      • Chief Washington Correspondent, CNBC
      • Bloomberg Run May Bypass (Wall Street Journal - Jun 22, 2007)
      • Bloomberg '08: a Real Long Shot (Wall Street Journal - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Gwen Ifill
      • Moderator, PBS's "Washington Week"
      • Mosque Bombing Kills Dozens; US Troops Launch Offensive (PBS Online News Hour transcript - Jun 20, 2007)
      • Experts Analyze American Progress with Iraqi Insurgents (PBS Online News Hour transcript - Jun 11, 2007)
    • Roger Simon
      • Syndicated Columnist
      • Roger Simon: If Mitt Romney will pardon you, you must be a somebody (The Union Leader, NH - Jun 19, 2007)
      • Roger Simon: Illegal Immigration Status Quo Just Fine (National Ledger, AZ - Jun 15, 2007)
• What would you like to ask this week's guests? (web page for submitting questions for this weeks show)
• Meet the Press mailbox (web page for comments)

---

CBS Face The Nation (Bob Schieffer)

• Meme:
  • Slobber, slobber, slobber! Could it be an all NY election?  Hill vs. Rudy vs. Bloomy?
  • Democrats support the real owners of this continent while evil Republican racists oppose their legitimate rights
• Topics:
  • None listed (probably prospects for an all New York presidential race between Hillary, Rudy and Bloomberg, plus immigration)
• Guests
  • Ed Koch
    • Former New York City Mayor
    • The Real Rudolph Giuliani (Black Star News, NY - Jun 23, 2007)
    • Mayor Insists He Has No Intention Of Running For President (NY1, NY - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Bloomberg-Giuliani Shaping Up As Big Soap Opera (WCBS-TV New York, NY - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Koch Is Cool With Bloomberg Run (New York Press - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Ed Koch Editorial: “Coming for the Jews” (The REAL TRUTH, OH - Jun 14, 2007)
  • Ed Rollins
    • Republican political consultant
    • Politicizing government: E-mails just one example of lines crossed (Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Stormy, volatile election season ahead (Baxter Bulletin, AR - May 31, 2007)
    • Will NYC Mayors Rivalry Go National? (CBS News, NY - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Immigration defeat viewed as Bush weakness (Washington Times, DC - Jun 9, 2007)
  • Sam Waterston
    • Actor, "Law And Order"
    • Sam Waterston eyeing 'Law & Order' promotion to replace Thompson (San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA - Jun 4, 2007)
    • TW3: The real dupe on Fred Thompson's candidacy (Times Herald-Record, NY - Jun 2, 2007)
• Face The Nation contact information - ftn@cbsnews.com

---

Fox News Sunday (Chris Wallace)

• Meme:
  • Okay, let's fairly present the immigration debate: a pro amnesty California Dhimmicrat who hates conservatives and a pro amnesty Klansman Democrat turned Nixon Republican who also hates conservatives
  • Democrats support the real owners of this continent while evil Republican racists oppose their legitimate rights
  • US Press: "Why oh why won't Nazi Pelosi and Dingy Harry keep the promises that they made to all of us when we elected them?  Wait, did we say that out loud?"
  • Slobber, slobber, slobber! Could it be an all NY election?  Hill vs. Rudy vs. Bloomy?
  • Now remember, no one mention that Arrowhead Ripper thingy and don't anyone bring up Michael Yon!
• Topics:
  • With only 14 percent of America confident in Congress
    • Are voters feeling buyers’ remorse a little more than six months after the 2006 midterm elections?
    • Is the new Congress failing to keep its campaign promises?
    • Are the nation's leaders taking us down the wrong track?
  • Two key senators debate the issues which remain on the Senate agenda including:
    • The energy bill
    • New union rules
    • The highly controversial immigration bill
    • New proposals to end the war in Iraq and bring troops home before the September progress report
    • What is the likelihood the Senate is successful in passing legislation on any of these issues and seeing them signed into law?
  • Fox News Sunday panel
    • The buzz surrounding a possible third-party presidential run by New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
  • The power player of the week is baseball’s Iron Man, who is set to be immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame next month.
  • Fox News essay: Coming up on Fox News Sunday
• Guests
  • Senator Trent Lott, RINO - Mississippi
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Trent Lott on the Fairness Doctrine (National Review Online Blogs, NY - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Conservative talk radio turns on Trent Lott (Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN - Jun 19, 2007)
    • OUT OF CONTROL GOVERNMENT (MaineToday.com, ME - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Activists protest Senator Trent Lott (WDAM-TV, MS - Jun 18, 2007)
    • Lott of arrogance (Lone Star Times, TX - Jun 18, 2007)
    • Key vote nears on immigration (News & Observer, NC - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Lott should just turn himself off (Boston Herald, United States - Jun 18, 2007)
  • Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat - California
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Feinstein Pushes to Legalize Over a Million Undocumented Farmers (KPBS, CA - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Feinstein Frustrated, Hopeful Regarding Threatened Immigration Bill (KPBS, CA - Jun 8, 2007)
    • Feinstein, Harkin aim to shut Guantánamo through defense authorization bill process (The Hill, DC - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Senate votes to raise car fuel standards (Hinesberg Journal, Canada - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Chairman Dianne Feinstein Announces Measure to Close Oil Lease Loophole Included in FY’08 Interior Appropriations Bill (All American Patriots (press release), Sweden - Jun 20, 2007)
    • US House Panel Strikes Forced Renegotiation Of Oil Leases (CNNMoney.com - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Senator Feinstein's Election Reform Bill: A Constitutional Heresy (OpEdNews, PA - Jun 12, 2007)
  • Fox News Sunday panel
    • Brit Hume of FOX News
      • Aide to a Presidential Contender Is Accused of Pretending to Be a State Trooper (Fox News - Jun 22, 2007)
      • One Scientist Thinks Global Cooling Is a Bigger Threat Than Global Warming (Fox News - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard
      • Slow-motion Tet (The Weekly Standard - Jun 25, 2007 issue)
      • Don't Feel Terrible,Mr. President (The Weekly Standard - Jun 18, 2007 issue)
    • Juan Williams of National Public Radio
      • Bipartisan Benedict Arnold (Los Angeles Times, CA - Jun 23, 2007)
      • The Week in Politics: Guantanamo Rumors (NPR Day to Day - Jun 22, 2007) Note: page includes link to streaming audio
    • Mara Liasson of National Public Radio
      • Democrats Tout Iraq Withdrawal at DC Forum (NPR All Things Considered - Jun 20, 2007) Note: page includes link to streaming audio
      • Campaign Turns Warm and Fuzzy Lens on Clinton (NPR All Things Considered - Jun 14, 2007) Note: page includes link to streaming audio
  • Former Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken, Jr.
    • The Road To Cooperstown (Baltimore Sun, United States - Jun 20, 2007)
• Fox News Sunday contact information - FNS@foxnews.com

---

CNN Late Edition (Wolf Blitzer)

• Meme:
  • Okay, this immigration debate thing could get complicated with this lineup...
  • Democrats support the real owners of this continent while evil Republican racists oppose their legitimate rights
  • Beware of a Vietnamese Communist labeled a "reformer" by PBS
  • Why oh why are those troublesome Jews still causing all these problems over in the peaceful and idyllic Islamic lands
  • Now remember, no one mention that Arrowhead Ripper thingy and don't anyone bring up Michael Yon!
• Topics:
  • A new offensive in Iraq: Now that the troop increase is in place, is the surge paying off? Two top senators weigh in.
  • An exclusive interview with Vietnam’s president.
• Guests
  • Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Republican - Texas
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Immigration Bill Still On Life Support (Evening Bulletin, PA - Jun 14, 2007)
    • Is Tougher Touchback Necessary? (Orlando Sentinel, FL - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Touchback Fraud (National Review Online, NY - Jun 19, 2007)
    • GOP leader McConnell says he's undecided on immigration bill (KRGV, TX - Jun 23, 2007)
    • Immigration concerns were heard, group says (El Paso Times, TX - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Politico Playbook: A jailbreak? (Politico, DC - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Space exploration proponents regroup to fight for resources (GovExec.com, DC - Jun 18, 2007)
  • Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat - Oregon
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Dems Wary Of Bush CIA Counsel Choice (Guardian Unlimited, UK - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Sen. Wyden blocks DHS appointee in beef over NET Guard program (RCRNews.com, CO - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Immigration, climate lead Wyden forum (Dalles Chronicle, WA - May 30, 2007)
    • Making the case for health care (Colorado Springs Independent, CO - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Framing The Health Care Picture (TomPaine.com, DC - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Ron Wyden--PLEASE Shut Up About Gordon Smith (Loaded Orygun, OR - Jun 8, 2007)
    • Fight Over Secret Satellite Program Is Revived (Congressional Quarterly, DC - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Smith, Wyden vote to make English the official US language (OregonLive.com, OR - Jun 7, 2007)
    • Senate Finance Panel Approves Energy Tax Package (Congressional Quarterly, DC - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Wyden questions Bush Administration about crude oil transport (KTVZ, OR - Jun 4, 2007)
  • Nguyen Minh Triet
    • Vietnamese President | Bio (Vietnam News Agency)
    • Nguyen Minh Triet Seen as a Reformer (NPR - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Remarks by President Bush and President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam in Photo Opportunity (Whitehouse.gov (press release) - Jun 22, 2007)
    • State President Triet meets with UN General Secretary (Nhan Dan, Vietnam - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Vietnam's generational split (Asia Times Online, Hong Kong - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Vietnamese Delegation in U.S. to Sue Chemical Companies for Ongoing Effects of Agent Orange (Democracy Now, NY - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Viet Leader: No Need to Fix Human Rights (News Channel 7, SC - Jun 23, 2007)
  • Nabil Fahmy
    • Egyptian Ambassador to U.S. | Embassy web site | Bio
    • US, Egypt at odds on Gaza border curbs (Los Angeles Times - Jun 23, 2007)
    • Empowering The Silent Majority With Conditional Aid To Egypt (MidEastYouth.com - Jun 17, 2007)
    • Egyptian envoy in US says has bad three weeks (Egypt Guide, Egypt - Jun 17, 2007)
    • US supports Abbas after rout in Gaza (Sacramento Bee,  USA - Jun 16, 2007)
    • PA official in US urges truce with Israel (Jerusalem Post, Israel - Jun 13, 2007)
  • Sallai Meridor
    • Israeli Ambassador to U.S. | Embassy web site | Bio
    • US Lifts Embargo On Palestinians (Tampa Tribune, FL - Jun 18, 2007)
    • Envoy: Iran nearing nuclear capability (Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - Jun 6, 2007)
    • Turning Right (World Magazine - May 25, 2007)
    • Burg's broadside against Israel and Zionism earns him wall-to-wall scorn (Israel Insider, Israel - Jun 10, 2007)
    • US-Israel Strategic Dialogue (US Department of State (press release), DC - Jun 7, 2007)
    • Israeli losing patience for Iran talks (Times Picayune, LA - Jun 6, 2007)
    • Palestine divided (The Age, Australia - Jun 14, 2007)
  • Dennis Ross
    • Former U.S. Special Envoy
    • Author, “Statecraft”
    • FOX News Channel analyst | Bio
    • Time to Turn Fatah into Model of Success in Mideast (Washington Institute for Near East Policy, DC - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Dennis Ross on Gaza Crisis (RealClearPolitics, IL - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Dennis Ross: Counter Islamists gains in Gaza (Sacramento Bee,  USA - Jun 5, 2007)
    • A restructured PLO (Arabic Media Internet Network - Jun 21, 2007)
  • Bill Schneider
    • CNN Senior Political Analyst
    • Immigration bill collapse could hurt, or help, McCain (CNN - Jun 13, 2007)
    • Hollywood faces join in the debate (The Union Leader, NH - Jun 4, 2007)
  • Elaine Quijano
    • CNN White House Correspondent
    • Administration studying Iraq troop-reduction options (CNN International - May 26, 2007)
  • Joe Johns
    • CNN Correspondent
    • CNN reporters falsely suggested Democrats are only now talking about religious beliefs and values (Media Matters for America, DC - Jun 5, 2007)
  • Ralph Nader
    • Former Presidential Candidate
    • Hillary Clinton Stars as Al Gore: Ralph Nader Ponders Another Run (National Ledger, AZ - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Ralph Nader Calls Hillary a 'Coward' (NewsMax.com, FL - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Ballot process in Nader case 'unduly burdensome' (Baltimore Sun, United States - Jun 22, 2007)
• CNN Late Edition (web page for comments)

---

ABC This Week (George Stephanopoulos)

• Meme:
  • Democrats support the real owners of this continent while evil Republican racists oppose their legitimate rights
  • Okay, for once Lil' Georgie has the right folks lined up to discuss the main issue, but you can take bets on who he's friendly to
  • I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, to find out that Cr. Niles Crane is gay!  Who knew? (More importantly, who cares, other than Daphne and Eddie, of course?)
• Topics:
  • The "compromise" on the controversial immigration bill
  • Voices segment: The ravaging effects of Alzheimer's
• Guests
  • Senator Edward Kennedy, Democrat - Massachusetts
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Kennedy says immigration reform critical to national security (Boston Herald - Jun 18, 2007)
    • Feeney: Wake up, Senate: No immigration-amnesty sellout (Orlando Sentinel, FL - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Chertoff, senators spar over immigration reform bill (JURIST - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Chertoff not sorry for calling Kennedy awesome (The Hill - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Audio: Teddy Kennedy sings in Spanish, promises illegal alien activist that “We won’t let you down, my friend” (Michelle Malkin - Jun 23, 2007)
    • Legislation Could Make Union Votes Public (CitizenLink, CO - Jun 21, 2007)
    • In mental health bill, son sees Wellstone's legacy (Pioneer Press, MN - Jun 17, 2007)
    • Massachusetts congressmen report finances, travel (SouthCoastToday.com, MA - Jun 14, 2007)
    • US Sen Kennedy Proposes $18.3 Billion Student Subsidy Cut (CNNMoney.com - Jun 19, 2007)
    • Senators seek inquiry into GOP's Duval acts (Florida Times-Union, FL - Jun 20, 2007)
  • Senator Jeff Sessions, Republican - Alabama
    • Senate web site | Bio
    • Immigration bill could be one of the worst in history (Mobile Register, AL - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Immigration Hovers Over Bush-Sessions Event (New York Times - Jun 21, 2007)
    • Bush: If we both agree, one of us isn't necessary (Chicago Tribune - Jun 2, 2007)
    • Bush visit attracts GOP crowd, protesters (Mobile Register, AL - Jun 22, 2007)
    • Sen. Sessions: Immigration Bill Fails to Secure Our Borders (Media Newswire (press release), NY - Jun 20, 2007)
    • Kill (Their) Bill (Human Events, DC - Jun 17, 2007)
    • Sessions, Shelby Ask for Federal Disaster Declaration (WSFA, AL - Jun 13, 2007)
  • Voices segment: David Hyde Pierce
    • IMDB listing | Bio
    • Tony Award winning actor
    • David Hyde Pierce Thanks Everyone and His Lover (TMZ.com, CA - Jun 11, 2007)
    • David Hyde Pierce officially 'out' (Monsters and Critics.com, UK - May 30, 2007)
• ABC This Week comment web page

[Bahbah]

PHSSTPOK! Good evening.

[Phsstpok]

Ping

The Weekend Talk Show Preview Thread is up - way late, but since the early Saturday shows got pre-empted probably no harm, no foul...

It will also be cross posted to my blog at

http://wizards.townhall.com/

Here's a sample of  my usually sometimes witty commentary...

... Immigration and the election horse race are the focus this week, which must mean that things are going fairly well in Iraq, therefore that question must be ignored (except in the abstract as a source of depressive conventional wisdom, of course).  I get the impression that the so called "compromise" bill is fairing no better this time out than last and I think the line up is an indication of that  ...

... The fascination with "The Bloomberg" fits right into the pattern of ongoing meaningless news obsessions of the dinosaur media (can you say Paris?) ...

[Phsstpok]

and good evening to you. I’ve been kind of incognito as I’ve not caught up at work after my nearly month of exotic travel. I need a vacation to recover from my vacation (and business trip)!

I’ve dipped in my toe a bit but must admit I didn’t even make it through a quarter of last week’s Sunday thread. How are all and sundry?

[rodguy911]

one of the few times I got a chance to read your open which is incredibly insightful, great job again P.

[Bahbah]

All and sundry are well. In re: he will no doubt fish for some Bush bashing bites from Sessions.

he is going to have to drug the Senator or be holding one of his children hostage because Sessions has said publicly that he loves the President and he is just wrong on this bill...just like me.

[rockrr]

"There is a classic roundtable with Brit, Bill, Juan and Mara, so we can hope for a return of the smack down."

Sorry, but it's been so long since zippy has gotten his richly deserved beating that I've lost faith they they're even capable of it any longer.

I think I'll go watch cartoons with my kids instead...

[Bahbah]

I need a vacation to recover from my vacation

LOL. That's what always happened to me.

[gov_bean_ counter]

I still have vivid memories of the way Kennedy dragged Session’s name through the mud during his judicial confirmation hearings. Paybacks being what they are I always enjoy a Sessions b#%ch slap of “The Swimmer”.

[rodguy911]

We could have a big thread tomorrow! This Congress has achieved something few others have a new low in popularity with poll after poll showing their likability/job approval somewhere between 20 and 30%!! You really have to try and try hard to get that bad a ratings from the public! It will be interesting to see some reactions tomorrow!! Which I am sure we will get!

[rodguy911]

Zippy is just "too" apprapoe for The Crash Test Dummy Juan, clever and funny as hell.

[rockrr]

I won’t tell ya what my brother calls him ;’}

[Bahbah]

the Palestinian civil war. The latter is perhaps the most significant event of the year and only this show and CNN LE appear to have any interest in it.

This is so true. The powers that be do not APPEAR to be taking the obvious lessons from this event, but only time will really tell.

[maica]

Former Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken, Jr.
The Road To Cooperstown (Baltimore Sun, United States - Jun 20, 2007)

^^^^

At least the Power Player of the Week should be interesting on FNS.

Thanks for all your work, Phsstpok.

[rodguy911]

I can only imagine,HAHAHAHAA

[rodguy911]

Only one of many stories the msm conveniently forgets to cover, but that’s o.k we will do it for them.

[Bahbah]

For example...

Zahar: Hamas will pursue ‘Israeli spies’
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hamas will go after “Israeli spies” in Gaza and might use bombs in its struggle with Fatah in the West Bank, a leading Hamas hardliner in Gaza was quoted as saying Saturday.

The comments by Mahmoud Zahar, a founding member of Hamas, suggested that his group’s offer of amnesty to Fatah members was not ironclad and that Hamas would try to destabilize the Fatah-controlled West Bank.

Zahar, who is close to the Hamas military wing, spoke in an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel. His comments were published on the magazine’s Web site.

Hamas: Fatah gave information to Israel
Zahar is widely seen as one of the key players in Hamas’s violent takeover of Gaza in mid-June. He staunchly opposed the brief government coalition between Hamas and Fatah and leads the movement’s hard-line wing.

In response to the takeover, the security forces of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas arrested scores of Hamas activists in the West Bank, and Fatah-allied gunmen seized others, in some cases shooting them in the legs.

Zahar said Hamas loyalists in the West Bank would defend themselves in the same way they had targeted Israel during years of the Palestinian uprising - with bombs and attacks, according to the magazine.

Link: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1182409619451&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Txsleuth]

Thank you, P.

Excellent job as usual!

[Soul Seeker]

I’m no fan of Buchanon, but when he’s not focused on the Jews and ones race he can make a strong articulate case for conservatism. Hopefully he contains himself and keeps to the strong points against amnesty without giving anyone else fodder to say we’re all racists.

Even so, MTP will be better then the amnesty Roundtable over on FOX. Murdoch’s been quite the enforcer lately over there that “thou wilt help us Pass this big business screw America” Bill.

Sessions, of course, promises to be the best.

all in all, minus FOX, looks like a good lineup because it has Republicans, conservatives, Democrats and liberals bashing this bill. And those liberals defending it are the least likeable and least articulate of the bunch. your analysis that they are helping to torpedo the bill could be right on. But, senators are nortoriously thickheaded so we’ll have to wait and see the effect.

[Sybeck1]

Murdoch’s been quite the enforcer lately over there that “thou wilt help us Pass this big business screw America” Bill.

Is Fox taking any kind of rating hit over amnesty? I used to be a daily viewer but now I might only watch Sunday night’s Hannity America and the 1/2 News Hour.