In a recent interview 1, 2, 3 on Fox News, former President Bill Clinton ripped interviewer Chris Wallace a new one for asking what he believed to be a loaded question. This event gained national attention in the days that followed as a series of pundits, politicians, and commentators each gave their own spin on Clinton's response. The reactions by the media tended to take three general forms, democrat-humorous 1 2, democrat-factual, and republican-slanderous 1 2. It provided an excellent microsm for what American political commentary has degenerated to.

Keith Olberman, acting as media spokesman for the democrats, offers a strong, factual rebuttal to the conservative slander campaign. However, it is a very one-sided response; he does not offer any criticisms of Clinton, nor does he offer any praise for Bush. Perhaps this was not an ideal opportunity for a true discussion of the important issues that America faces, but then when will there be? In the face of slanderous right-wing punditry, in which the real issues at hand are ignored, distorted, or spun until the truth becomes impossible to discern amongst all the bullshit, is it even possible for proper journalism to get to the masses?

The problem is that pundits like Ann Coulteur ignore the real issue and instead drop to the level of name-calling, as she did by labelling Clinton "a horny hick," making the discussion about personalities rather than issues. And it works. The last five years have shown us that dropping the level of debate to that of the school-yard is an effective way to push a political perspective in contemporary America. The clips above are excellent examples of how right-wing 'journalists' can talk about a subject endlessly while never actually saying anything of substance about it. This unfortunately creates an environment of base partisanship, in which political parties are defended at all costs while actual issues are left undebated. In a political culture such as this, lying is the norm.

This is why comedy shows such as the John Stewart Show and the Colbert report hold so much appeal. They realize that the whole political discourse on cable television is a joke. This is why they get such good ratings. This is why they often come closer to the truth. and this is why more people probably saw John Stewart and Ann Coulter's takes on the Clinton interview than saw Keith Olberman.