Franken to be guest host on 'Crossfire'

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 22 August 2003 | Caroline Wilbert

[demlosers]

CNN refuses to be left out of the media bonanza Fox New whipped up last week by suing liberal comedian Al Franken.

Atlanta-based CNN is bringing Franken on as a guest host on "Crossfire" Monday and Tuesday. He'll take the liberal chair across from regular conservative commentator Tucker Carlson for the half-hour debate show.

Fox last week filed a lawsuit against Franken and his publisher, the Penguin Group, to stop them from using Fox's trademarked slogan, "Fair and Balanced" in the title of Franken's new book.

Related: • Are these guys fair and balanced? You decide

The book, called "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right," hits stores this weekend. Due to the publicity, the publisher ordered extra copies and moved up the release date.

Oral arguments begin today in the case. This is the latest round in a public battle between Franken and Fox News' conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly. It is a battle that both sides appear to be winning -- at least if, as some cynics argue, media attention is the aim.

And CNN, which has been losing the ratings battle to Fox for more than a year, may yet be able to wrangle itself a sliver of the publicity pie.

[Cathryn Crawford]

CNN just keeps hooking up with losers. First Janeane, now Al.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

After observing the media for the last few days, I am convinced that Hollywood, the media, and the DNC have been in contact and are executing a political campaign.

Designed to counteract the publicity that AS has brought the Repub party.

[jmcclain19]

Tucker Carlson is like Alan Combs, mere token resistance

[Paradox]

Fox was so stupid to sue that guy.. idiots..

[Huck]

Hey, it's that Franken guy I keep hearing about. I am gonna have to tune in and check this out!

I am kidding. I remember Franken and Davis's very funny bits from SNL. But I might tune in for it, too. What time is Crossfire on?

[Peach]

We need to make them replace Tucker Carlson with Rush Limbaugh

Ditto that. Carlson just isn't up to debating anyone older than say, 12.

[jmcclain19]

I'll give Colmes a little credit, but he is still Hannity's punching bag, just like Carlson is. I am embarrassed at his debating skills at times.

[DaBroasta]

Is 'Crossfire' the show that has Paulie 'the Forehead' Begala as the token liberal psychobabblist?

[Atchafalaya]

Don't forget HBO with that lame AH Bill Maher. He has two shows that are nothing essentially devote the entire time to bash Bush or bash Republicans. Make no mistake, this is coordinated. How about the VLWC?

[SpinyNorman]

As Sean Hannity was relating today, the real liar is the one that committed an act of fraud and gross lying, and had to beg for an apology from John Ashcroft.

Wonder who that "lying liar" might be, hmmmmm?

[Brimack34]

I hope whoever the republican is that is on the show hires a body guard. Frankin could go Carville!!!

[Roscoe Karns]

Crossfire reminds me of the WWF.

[F16Fighter]

[C]omedian Al Franken.

Only in the context of Author Hillary Clinton.

[Brian S]

Crossfire on is a "deathwatch"...won't be long now.

I remember the days when I used to tape it because I enjoyed the exchanges of Buchanan and Bradon (sp?). Even Kinsley and Buchanan were entertaining.

Heck, put Buchanan up against anybody and its fun to watch, whether you like Buchanan or not. Occasionally catch the Buchanan & Press show on MSNBC but their timeslot sucks.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

He had Arianna on and didn't ask her one tough question.

By the body language, it was obvious to me that they had a sexual relationship at one time.

The show will be on at 11 tonite, EST.

I wonder who the black racist guest will be tonight?

[At _War_With_Liberals]

Janeane G called for the outlawing of faith in all govt officials. Scary, not funny.

[FrdmLvr]

Al Franken, isn't his 15 min. about up?