ABC host tells Paul and Gravel they have no chance

AbookamongstthemanyAbookamongstthemany Posts: 8,209
edited July 2007 in A Moving Train
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/ABC_Stephanopoulos_interviews_Paul_Gravel_on_0709.html
(there's a video on this link also)

ABC host tells Paul, Gravel they have no chance to win David Edwards and Muriel Kane
Published: Monday July 9, 2007


On Sunday's edition of This Week, ABC's chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos reported on "the long-shot candidates who are lighting up this presidential race:" former Democratic Sen. Mike Gravel and Republican Rep. Ron Paul. While providing both underdogs with prime network coverage, the one-time communications director for President Clinton also told the candidates straight to their faces that he didn't believe either could win.

Stephanopoulous pressed Paul on his calls for immediate withdrawal of the troops from Iraq, saying, "Don't we have a responsibility to those we leave behind?"

"It's a tragedy of what's happening, what we're going to leave behind," replied Paul. "But we don't know it's going to be as bad as those who are predicting bad things -- just remember, the people who are predicting these very, very dire things to happen are the same ones who predicted it would be a cakewalk. ... Think of Vietnam. It worked out much better than anybody predicted."

"The main motivating factor of the hostility to this country ... is our presence in the Middle East," continued Paul. "The sooner we get out of there, the better. ... We have done a great service to Osama bin Laden, inadvertently, because it's a recruiting tool for him. ... We have become isolated from the world. .. We have more enemies today, more enemies and less friends than we have ever had in our country."

Stephanopoulos then asked Paul, "What's success for you in this campaign?" but cut off the start of Paul's response, "Well, to win ..." with an interjected "That's not going to happen!"

"Do you know absolutely?" Paul came back. Do you want to bet every cent in your pocket for that? ... The odds are great ... but I would say that what has happened so far has been 100 times greater than I anticipated."

Stephanopoulos next turned to Mike Gravel, whom he described as "something of a sentation" on the Net, due to his debate performance and surreal videos.

"It's a metaphor," said Gravel of his "Rock" video. "You get a fixation of a thought you want to have, something you want to do, and you go do it. ... the ripples, the ripples -- it's a metaphor, George. The ripples show the effect, and then you march off into the horizon."

"What are the ripples you want to send out in this campaign?" asked Stephanopoulos.

"We've got to pull away from politics as usual," answered Gravel, expanding on his statement at the Democratic debate that most of his fellow-candidates lack moral judgment. "They've got the power to end this war, and they're not doing anything about it. And that, in my mind, is immoral."

Gravel insisted that the votes against Bush "are there now" and that you just have to get them. He recalled his own extended filibuster of the draft during the Vietnam War, saying, "Five months, and there's no draft in the United States today, and I'm proud that George Bush does not have the boots on the ground to invade Iran."

When Stephanopoulos pointed out that many Democrats fear their party's opposition to the Vietnam War has cost them political support in the decades since, Gravel retorted, "What's more important? Getting office? Or doing the moral thing and stop people from dying? I'll tell you, if that's the sacrifice we've got to pay to stop these people from dying and killing these Iraqis, I'll pay that sacrifice every day of the week."

Stephanopoulos concluded by saying to Gravel, as he had to Paul, "You're not going to be president." Gravel's response was, "One of the great beauties of this great country of ours is that anything is possible in politics. You just have a tough time accepting it."
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • jlew24asujlew24asu Posts: 10,118
    I hate the media and their role in this process.
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    stephie's a tool....i'm not surprised...:rolleyes:
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    jlew24asu wrote:
    I hate the media and their role in this process.

    You know, it's a pretty sure bet that the vast majority of those who criticize the media have never worked in it.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    "It's a metaphor," said Gravel of his "Rock" video. "You get a fixation of a thought you want to have, something you want to do, and you go do it. ... the ripples, the ripples -- it's a metaphor, George. The ripples show the effect, and then you march off into the horizon."

    and quotes like that are the reason he'll NEVER get elected. It reads like a Ronald Reagan outtake. I'm just wondering when the Alzheimer's announcement comes.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • jlew24asujlew24asu Posts: 10,118
    godpt3 wrote:
    You know, it's a pretty sure bet that the vast majority of those who criticize the media have never worked in it.

    and? so now we have to work in the media to be able to properly criticize them? people say some ridiculous things on this board but...wow.

    I wont argue that the media is an necessary evil, but "during this process" the media has too much power in manipulating the mob when it comes to getting people to vote for the candidate they deem the best. or the candidate the will give them the best ratings.
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    jlew24asu wrote:
    and? so now we have to work in the media to be able to properly criticize them? people say some ridiculous things on this board but...wow.

    I wont argue that the media is an necessary evil, but "during this process" the media has too much power in manipulating the mob when it comes to getting people to vote for the candidate they deem the best. or the candidate the will give them the best ratings.

    I'm just saying that it'd help you appreciate things if you had an understanding of how the media really works. You really want to change the world, get a degree in journalism. After all, "whoever controls what you see, controls what you think." What better way to affect change than from the inside-out.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • kenny olavkenny olav Posts: 3,319
    Video of Ron Paul from the Stephanopoulos show:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yay4H-yUze0

    Gravel here:
    http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=3356377
  • jlew24asujlew24asu Posts: 10,118
    godpt3 wrote:
    I'm just saying that it'd help you appreciate things if you had an understanding of how the media really works.
    I dont need to work for the media to understand how it works
    godpt3 wrote:
    You really want to change the world, get a degree in journalism. After all, "whoever controls what you see, controls what you think."
    do you not see this as true? certainly people arent trained like robots but its definitely true to some extent.
  • CorporateWhoreCorporateWhore Posts: 1,890
    Stepho's snotty little "that's not gonna happen" is such bullshit. That guy is a fucking idiot party hack. You can tell he couldn't understand a damn thing that RP said because he had a stupid gloss on his face the entire time.
    All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal.
    -Enoch Powell
  • bootlegger10bootlegger10 Posts: 16,052
    First you want the media to tell the truth, then way they do, you get mad. I don't understand!

    Paul, Kucinich, and Gravel do not have a chance to win the election. I'm not even basing this on their positions. You think the average person knows who these people are, or knows enough about them to vote for them? Of course they don't. I think it is a reasonable question to ask why they are running when they are a one billion shot to win. I am not saying they shouldn't run, because they definitely provide more ideas, but the reason they can say half of the things they say, is because they do not have a shot to win.
  • First you want the media to tell the truth, then way they do, you get mad. I don't understand!

    Paul, Kucinich, and Gravel do not have a chance to win the election. I'm not even basing this on their positions. You think the average person knows who these people are, or knows enough about them to vote for them? Of course they don't. I think it is a reasonable question to ask why they are running when they are a one billion shot to win. I am not saying they shouldn't run, because they definitely provide more ideas, but the reason they can say half of the things they say, is because they do not have a shot to win.

    The reason no one knows about them is because the media doesn't cover them.
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • bootlegger10bootlegger10 Posts: 16,052
    The reason no one knows about them is because the media doesn't cover them.

    Yeah. I'd love to see Ron Paul win, just to get rid of the IRS. I am a tax preparer and would love to be forced to try something new.
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    jlew24asu wrote:
    do you not see this as true? certainly people arent trained like robots but its definitely true to some extent.

    If I didn't believe every single word of it, I wouldn't have a degree in journalism, nor would I work for that "mainstream media" which everybody bitches about.


    *my autobiography will be called "I Always Dreamed I'd Make Headlines, but Not Like This" :D
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    The reason no one knows about them is because the media doesn't cover them.

    And the reason the media doesn't cover them is that nobody CARES who they are. Paris Fuckin' Hilton has more of a chance than these bozos. And they both deserve the same amount of ink: None.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3 wrote:
    And the reason the media doesn't cover them is that nobody CARES who they are. Paris Fuckin' Hilton has more of a chance than these bozos. And they both deserve the same amount of ink: None.


    Why do you think no one cares?

    People are starting to care because they are becoming more and more aware of how our leaders effect our lives. But I'll agree the number of apathetic people out there is waaay too large. I see that changing, though. Kucinich, Paul and Gravel are getting a lot of attention these days than they would never have gotten 4 or 8 years ago. The internet is helping most of that along.
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    godpt3 wrote:
    And the reason the media doesn't cover them is that nobody CARES who they are. Paris Fuckin' Hilton has more of a chance than these bozos. And they both deserve the same amount of ink: None.

    nice attitude...no wonder you work in the "media"....:rolleyes:
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    cutback wrote:
    no wonder you work in the "media"....:rolleyes:

    newspaper design editor, pleased to meet you. I do, in fact, control what people see.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    I see that changing, though. Kucinich, Paul and Gravel are getting a lot of attention these days than they would never have gotten 4 or 8 years ago. The internet is helping most of that along.

    In a recent poll, Ron Paul attracted a whopping ZERO percent of Republican voters. I think you're vastly overestimating the power of his Internet fanboys.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3 wrote:
    In a recent poll, Ron Paul attracted a whopping ZERO percent of Republican voters. I think you're vastly overestimating the power of his Internet fanboys.


    So why do you think no one cares? And do you think they should care? Also why do you think they don't deserve the 'ink' as you call it?
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    Also why do you think they don't deserve the 'ink' as you call it?

    There's a reason they're called "fringe" candidates. By and large, they do not share the values and beliefs of a majority of the people.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3 wrote:
    There's a reason they're called "fringe" candidates. By and large, they do not share the values and beliefs of a majority of the people.


    Yet people constantly complain about the government they've elected and say how it's not representing them. Maybe it's because they never got a chance to hear about the guys who would represent them and have better ideas to bring to the table. Unfortunately, many people base their decisions on what they hear in the media...not because they've looked into each candidate and decided which sounded best to them. That's changing and no mainstream media poll (who probably only polled the types that eat the media up anyway) is going to convince me otherwise. The media wants so badly to portray these guys as not worth the time. So I'll ask again, why are they not worth the time? How can they be so 'fringe' if no one even gets to hear their platform so they can agree or disagree with it?
    If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
    -Oscar Wilde
  • Purple HawkPurple Hawk Posts: 1,300
    Steff is part of the establishment...of COURSE he's going to tell people not named Clinton or Bush they don't have a chance.
    And you ask me what I want this year
    And I try to make this kind and clear
    Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
    Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
    And desire and love and empty things
    Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
  • Snuffleupagus did sound a bit assholic with the way he addressed Ron Paul's chances, but I think the George's primary intention in that particular exchange was to find out what Paul's and Gravel's ultimate intentions were. "Fringe" candidates like Paul, Gravel, and Kucinich are always asked that question:

    "There's no way you can win, so what are you REALLY trying to accomplish with your candidacy?" In other words, "If you understand that you probably will not be inaugurated in 2009, what point are you trying to make here? Are you trying to keep the frontrunners honest, making sure they don't stray too far from traditional party values as they try to win the middle? What issues do you hope to bring into the national debate?"

    I think this is what George was asking Paul; he just did it in a dickish way.

    On the other hand, a John McCain primary victory was considered a forgone conclusion by many people about one year ago. Now, his campaign has the same amount of cash on hand as...

    Congressman Ron Paul. D'oh!
    "Of course it hurts. You're getting fucked by an elephant."
  • Pacomc79Pacomc79 Posts: 9,404
    George S is pissed off that the internet has surpassed television news in viewing and relevance. (check out Katie Courics ratings for the last quarter)

    Thus anyone popular with internet savvy people couldn't possibly have a chance in hell right?

    My answer.... why the fuck would you vote for anyone else really?

    Because the DNC and RNC think it's a good idea???

    That's good for me how?

    It dosen't amount to a hill of beans whether the republicans or democrats win the presidency, you are going to have the same from either. Vote for the canidate with the best ideas and hope they have a decent leadership style. We haven't seen that in ages.

    If all that comes out of this is these sons of bitches becoming more moderate spending wisely, ignoring the looney right and left more often and attempting negociation before invasion then they have succeded.

    Politics are bollocks, and stupid people in large groups often vote stupidly.
    My Girlfriend said to me..."How many guitars do you need?" and I replied...."How many pairs of shoes do you need?" She got really quiet.
  • CorporateWhoreCorporateWhore Posts: 1,890
    godpt3 wrote:
    newspaper design editor, pleased to meet you. I do, in fact, control what people see.

    Correction:

    You control what "fonts" people see.

    I work for a campus newspaper and all our design editor does is layout articles so they fit in the page. I don't see how that shapes public opinion very much, but hey, you can educate me on that issue.
    All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal.
    -Enoch Powell
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    Correction:

    You control what "fonts" people see.

    I work for a campus newspaper and all our design editor does is layout articles so they fit in the page. I don't see how that shapes public opinion very much, but hey, you can educate me on that issue.

    You are correct a design editor has no input on content.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    Correction:

    You control what "fonts" people see.

    I work for a campus newspaper and all our design editor does is layout articles so they fit in the page. I don't see how that shapes public opinion very much, but hey, you can educate me on that issue.

    You've just gotta work your way up to AME level. Maybe it's diffrent on campus papers now, but, personally, I've got a pretty free hand on what goes where in my paper (or if it goes anywhere at all).
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • godpt3godpt3 Posts: 1,020
    mammasan wrote:
    You are correct a design editor has no input on content.

    The message is the medium. It's all in how you present the info to the public.
    "If all those sweet, young things were laid end to end, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised."
    —Dorothy Parker

    http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6902/conspiracytheoriesxt6qt8.jpg
  • CorporateWhoreCorporateWhore Posts: 1,890
    godpt3 wrote:
    The message is the medium. It's all in how you present the info to the public.

    Yeah but if one of the executive editors says "this is going on the front page," I guess you could make the headline font smaller but the result is the same.

    I don't know much about newspapers, but I do know that there is ALWAYS a serious chain of command and everyone takes orders from higher up.
    All I know is that to see, and not to speak, would be the great betrayal.
    -Enoch Powell
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    godpt3 wrote:
    The message is the medium. It's all in how you present the info to the public.

    True but as a designer you still have no control over content. You may give a story a little more prominence by placing it on the upper left corner of the spread so that is the first story they read but that is the extent. I haven't designed for newspapers but I have done magazines and i did have some say in where a story should be placed but the executive editor had the final say and the story was placed where she wanted it.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
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