Our corrupt legislature must be quite pleased today that the gay marriage initiative didn’t appear on the Mass ballot, especially after seeing it pass in three other states.
While California is often compared with Massachusetts, yesterday’s Golden State ballot proposition results were amazingly conservative. And in what must come as a shock to white liberals, high black and Hispanic turnout is the reason cited for the rightward shift.
The sad truth for white “progressives” is that many ethnic minority groups hold conservative views on social issues, even while they vote for liberal Democrats. That factor only partly explains the split results, however.
— Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage, passed 52% to 48%, despite polls showing it miles behind.
— Proposition 11, a measure opposed by Democrats, takes the redistricting process out of the legislature’s hands, eliminating gerrymandering. It was pushed by Arnold and the (normally very liberal) League of Women Voters.
— Two eco-kook measures, 7 and 10, were soundly defeated.
Had gay marriage finally reached the Mass ballot, it probably also would have passed.
While the Republican brand name is tarnished, conservative issues still prevailed in a number of states, including otherwise-liberal California.
By the way, with Question 3 on our ballot now resulting in a ban on dog racing, how quickly will casinos be built on those sites? Massachusetts needs the revenue much too badly.
Be careful what you wish for, liberal voters, look what it leads to!
Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California, Massachusetts, Proposition 8
November 5th, 2008
Based on the Boston-area media buzz, including from our own readers, it appears most believe Joe Scarborough will fill WTKK-FM’s post-Imus morning void.
The speculation is largely fueled by newspaper reports indicating Scarborough’s deal to take over MSNBC’s morning show is just about complete. In addition, a radio simulcast syndicated by CBS also seems likely.
But other reports also have Imus resurfacing at WFAN, which would make him once again available for WTKK and other stations to grab.
While my contention has been that WTKK still has a great love for Imus, others believe the station will start fresh and go with “Morning Joe”.
Though neither host would be a smart choice for WTKK, the case against Scarborough is actually quite a bit stronger. Consider these points:
– Though most have forgotten this, Joe has already failed miserably in radio syndication, just two short years ago.
– Scarborough is not a seasoned radio broadcaster ready for morning drive. For all of his huge flaws, Imus at least has a feel for the medium.
– Joe’s MSNBC ratings have been particularly lackluster, with no real constituency feeling loyal to his program. Conservatives dislike him, while liberals pretty much ignore him. Neither camp spends much time listening.
– Scarborough has a creepy side, one which has become increasingly apparent in recent times. His degrading comments about Jeri Thompson were only the tip of the iceberg and his outbursts (particularly against women) have provided a lot of fodder for the Radio Equalizer.
– In addition, Joe has in the past stepped way over the ethical line on his show, with past ties to fishy Air America Radio backer / infamous Florida trial lawyer Mike Papantonio causing problems.
– He also has a history of shoddy prep work causing on-air embarrassment, including the now-infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger/”blow up the moon” flap, for which he resisted issuing an apology. My Radio Equalizer post on the subject remains one of the site’s most popular since its inception.
– Because he really isn’t terribly bright, Scarborough has often relied on overly simplistic topics and positions. His widely-criticized “Is Bush Stupid?” episode comes to mind.
– Scarborough has a dreadful, Larry King-approach to dealing with many of his guests, especially political and entertainment industry figures who could use a tough question or two. Even worse, he has allowed Al Franken and others to push crazy conspiracy theories without much of a challenge.
Scarborough has so much baggage that I’m probably forgetting a number of his past flaps. To sum it up, Joe brings creepiness, unethical behavior, mean-spirited comments against people who don’t deserve them, shoddy prep work and a poor ratings track record to talk radio.
Sound good to you?
Though I’ve said WTKK would be far better off developing a hit local morning show, if forced to choose, I’d select Imus in a heartbeat over “Morning Joe”. Despite the mumbling, advancing age and general weirdness, he at least has some sense of how to host a program, unlike Scarborough.
But that sure isn’t much of a choice, is it?
Tags: air america radio, Al Franken, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Scarborough, Mike Papantonio, WTKK
July 3rd, 2007
