# CNN is getting on LA Gov.'s case - Why? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 25, 2009, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418 "2009-02-25T20:46:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/21 "2009-02-26T06:00:08Z")
He did not respond directly to the speech, which was what he was supposed to be doing. He gave a crappy campaign speech. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/22 "2009-02-26T06:01:05Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > And by the way, I don’t recall you ever tsk-tsking about, say, CNN talking heads making fun of the famous “Howard Dean scream” back in 2000. Was that “openly showing their bias” too? That would be because I wasn’t here in 2000. 😉 It is interesting to note, though, that you had to go back almost a decade to think of a Democrat being mocked by CNN. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/23 "2009-02-26T06:05:17Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > That would be because I wasn’t here in 2000. 😉 > > It is interesting to note, though, that you had to go back almost a decade to think of a Democrat being mocked by CNN. It is interesting to note, though, that for almost a decade Republicans were in charge, and thus featured more in the news than Democratic officials. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/24 "2009-02-26T06:09:33Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > That would be because I wasn’t here in 2000. Sorry to puncture your admiration of your own cleverness, but I didn’t claim you were. I said I’d never heard you tsk-tsking about that as an example of media bias. > [@Starving Artist](#): > > It is interesting to note, though, that you had to go back almost a decade to think of a Democrat being mocked by CNN. I don’t; there are plenty of more recent examples, such as the Edwards-hair fiasco and the snickering about Bill Clinton’s foot-in-mouth incidents hurting Hillary’s campaign. And in any case, I don’t think that trying to change the subject to your eternal lament about “liberal media bias” is going to be very effective in shifting the thread focus away from the alleged, and apparently widely recognized, suckitude of Jindal’s speech. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/25 "2009-02-26T06:14:00Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Sorry to puncture your admiration of your own cleverness, but I didn’t claim you were. I said I’d never heard you tsk-tsking about that as an example of media bias. What? You expected me to bring it up years afterward then? > [@Kimstu](#): > > I don’t; there are plenty of more recent examples, such as the Edwards-hair fiasco and the snickering about Bill Clinton’s foot-in-mouth incidents hurting Hillary’s campaign. I recall them being reported; I don’t recall “snickering”. > [@Kimstu](#): > > And in any case, I don’t think that trying to change the subject to your eternal lament about “liberal media bias” is going to be very effective in shifting the thread focus away from the alleged, and apparently widely recognized, suckitude of Jindal’s speech. My comments have nothing to do with Jindal’s undoubtedly poor speech; it had to do with CNN’s role in mocking it. You know, like was mentioned in the OP? ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/26 "2009-02-26T06:32:56Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > What? You expected me to bring it up years afterward then? Why not? When you embark on your periodic diatribes about what’s wrong with society, you routinely bring up the 1960’s, which were quite a while ago. Why shouldn’t your complaints about lack of media objectivity extend back as far as the comparatively recent 2000 elections? > [@Starving Artist](#): > > My comments have nothing to do with Jindal’s undoubtedly poor speech; it had to do with CNN’s role in mocking it. You know, like was mentioned in the OP? The OP that asked “What did he say that was so funny? Did it deserve it?” That OP? Well, since everybody, including you, seems to agree that Jindal’s speech was funny because it was pathetically poor, and therefore did deserve mocking, I guess the OP has been answered. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/27 "2009-02-26T06:38:19Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Well, since everybody, including you, seems to agree that Jindal’s speech was funny because it was pathetically poor, and therefore did deserve mocking, I guess the OP has been answered. Cite for my saying it was “funny”? Cite for my saying it “deserved mocking” [esp. by an allegedly objective news source]? You know I did neither. Some people are pretty good at verbal sleight-of-hand and some aren’t. My advice is don’t give up your day job. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/28 "2009-02-26T06:45:55Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > Cite for my saying it was “funny”? Cite for my saying it “deserved mocking” […]? Oh, you didn’t actually think that the poor quality of the speech made it funny or mockable? Why not? This debate finally inspired me to actually go watch a clip of the speech, and I have to agree, it was hilarious. Think Mr. Rogers stoned out of his gourd, and you’ve got the idea. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/29 "2009-02-26T07:02:28Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Oh, you didn’t actually think that the poor quality of the speech made it funny or mockable? So you’re admitting I didn’t say what you claimed I did? Well, that’s a first step. Now how about a retaction and apology? > [@Kimstu](#): > > Why not? As I said, it ain’t CNN’s place to mock him. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/30 "2009-02-26T07:09:57Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > So you’re admitting I didn’t say what you claimed I did? Nope, I didn’t make any false claims about what you said. It did seem to me that you **were** agreeing with the general views expressed here on Jindal’s speech, so that’s why I said that “everybody, including you, seems to agree” about it. I did not realize that you were desperately clinging to your misguided attempt to defend Jindal’s speech from ridicule (even in an opinion piece?) despite your admission that it was “undeniably poor”. In short, I underestimated your delusive defensiveness about Jindal, and if you like, I’m perfectly willing to apologize for having done so. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/31 "2009-02-26T07:14:00Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > despite your admission that it was “undeniably poor”. Sorry, I see (post-edit) that your phrase was “undoubtedly poor”. It’s a very minor quibble, but I want to make sure I don’t risk upsetting you again. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/32 "2009-02-26T07:18:34Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Nope, I didn’t make any false claims about what you said. It did seem to me that you **were** agreeing with the general views expressed here on Jindal’s speech, so that’s why I said that “everybody, including you, seems to agree” about it. Given that what I did say is obvious and in black and white; it’s very easy to see that I never said Jindal’s speech was "funny’ nor that it “deserved mocking”. The fact that you allege it seemed that way to you is dishonest, as I had said nothing whatsoever to justify such an extrapolation. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/33 "2009-02-26T07:24:00Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > Given that what I did say is obvious and in black and white; it’s very easy to see that I never said Jindal’s speech was "funny’ nor that it “deserved mocking”. At first, you wouldn’t even admit there was anything bad about the speech; you just tried to change the subject to an (unsupported) allegation that it was inappropriate for the CNN pundits to be laughing at it. Then when you finally admitted that Jindal’s speech was in fact “undoubtedly poor”, I assumed that you were caving in to reality, but I was wrong. As I said, I underestimated your delusive defensiveness, and I apologize for that; I don’t think I’ll make that mistake in future. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/34 "2009-02-26T07:32:39Z")
Ah, I love the smell of dishonesty in the morning! So you’ve extrapolated from my pointing out that CNN shouldn’t be mocking politicians’ speeches that I was trying to change the subject? And that by my saying “undoubtedly poor” you extrapolated that I was saying it was “funny” and that it “deserved mocking”, despite the fact I’d already said CNN had no business mocking it? Go repeat all that in front of a mirror and see if even you believe it. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/35 "2009-02-26T07:35:47Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > Ah, I love the smell of dishonesty in the morning! > > So you’ve extrapolated from my pointing out that CNN shouldn’t be mocking politicians’ speeches that I was trying to change the subject? > > And that by my saying “undoubtedly poor” you extrapolated that I was saying it was “funny” and that it “deserved mocking”, despite the fact I’d already said CNN had no business mocking it? > > Go repeat all that in front of a mirror and see if even you believe it. See, once upon a time I would have underestimated this, but I know better now. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/36 "2009-02-26T07:40:59Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally Posted by AP > And Jindal’s voice and earnest, awkward delivery have drawn comparisons to Kenneth Parcell, the geeky page on the NBC comedy “30 Rock.” THAT’S IT!! I knew he sounded like some sitcom actor, not Mister Rogers. All they need to do for 30 Rock is put the actor in black face. I spent the entire time I watched his speech (about 2 minutes) trying to remember what goofy actor he sounded like. Thank you for letting me know. I have no idea if the speech was good. The voice distracted me. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/37 "2009-02-26T08:54:35Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > His name has been bandied about as a Republican nominee in 2012, to run against Obama the Great and Powerful. CNN is being proactive. > > Regards, > Shodan Imagine a debate between Jindal and Sarah Palin. Keep the Daily Show in material for months. I used to live in Louisiana. Lots of people there are illiterate, but they aren’t stupid. Jindal treated his audience like we were. Going on after Obama made it worse. The new order involves treating your audience with respect - he should get the hang of it if he wants to get anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/38 "2009-02-26T17:03:37Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > The thing is, it ain’t CNN’s place to mock him. > > But then more and more news sites are dropping the sham of objectivity and openly showing their bias, so maybe it is. Yes, they certainly are: > [@](#): > > Fox News commentator Juan Williams focused on Jindal’s delivery. > > “It came off as amateurish, and even the tempo in which he spoke was singsongy,” Williams said, adding that the content of the speech was “very simplistic and almost childish.” > [@](#): > > David Brooks, a conservative New York Times columnist who has criticized aspects of the stimulus plan, nonetheless called Jindal’s arguments “insane” and tone-deaf given the dire economic challenges the country faces. Mock mock mock mock mock ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/39 "2009-02-26T17:05:42Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > His name has been bandied about as a Republican nominee in 2012, to run against Obama the Great and Powerful. CNN is being proactive. > > Regards, > Shodan Good morning **Shodan**! I invite you to defend your thesis that CNN was simply being partisan in it’s critique of Jindal’s speech. Please let us know what aspects of his speech you found to be the most intelligent and illuminating. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418/40 "2009-02-26T17:07:22Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > That would be because I wasn’t here in 2000. 😉 > > It is interesting to note, though, that you had to go back almost a decade to think of a Democrat being mocked by CNN. The Dean Scream was in _2004_, so really not all that long ago. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-is-getting-on-la-gov-s-case-why/487418.md?page=3)