Bernie’s Q&A: Mueller, Cohen, Cummings, NY Sports, Ailes, and more! (8/2) — Premium Interactive ($4 members)
Bernie’s Q&A: Mueller, Cohen, Cummings, NY Sports, Ailes, and more! (8/2) — Premium Interactive ($4 members)
Welcome to this week’s Premium Q&A session for Premium Interactive members. I appreciate you all signing up and joining me. Thank you.
Let’s get to your questions (and my answers):
AOC is dumb, Ilhan is unapologetically Anti Semitic and Tliab tried to rewrite Palestinian History of the Holocaust ! Do you think this might inspire Liberal Jews to rethink and vote for Trump? -- Joseph V.
No. For liberal Jews, the religion primarily is Liberalism, not Judaism.
With all of the sound bites being provided by the Squad and their comrades I was wondering if next year (during the election) the MSM can deny Trump, GOP or PACs television ad time or if there are federal FCC rules requiring equal access so to speak for political commercials. -- Michael F.
Commercial time, as I understand it, is different from "news" times. News organizations can put whatever news on their shows as they want. TV stations can choose to run whatever commercials they want. Again, as I understand it. But they're not likely to turn down any opportunity to run a political ad and make money.
After the Robert Mueller congressional meeting was over, CNN released a statement from Michael Cohen, who was presently making license plates in prison. Of course, Cohen blasted Trump, and that was fine and dandy with CNN. Why would a supposedly reputable news network such as CNN post a statement from a man presently behind bars for several crimes, including lying under oath? What's next? CNN releasing a statement from Bill Cosby on the Me-Too movement?? Has CNN ceased to become a relatable news network and is now only a propaganda tool for the Democratic party? Bernie, what are your thoughts on this? -- Joe B.
Before I share my thoughts, a tip of the hat to you Joe for an incredibly well written question. Very nice indeed. Regarding CNN and whether it's ceased to be a reliable news source. Yes, it has ceased to be a reliable news source. And is it now only a propaganda tool for the Democratic Party. Not entirely, but pretty much.
King Bernard (not to be confused with former Knicks great Bernard King)...I passionately look forward to your Q&A session every Friday...but readers are really figuratively whipping my ass every week with their laborious, onerous and never ending long questions...so until you kick me out of the club, I intend to ask you a very simple question every week...here’s my first installation: Do you like cheeseburgers? Thanks for your tremendous patience and hopefully the other William Faulkner-like, longer than a country road question askers will follow suit... -- Greggo
A Faulkner reference! Commendable, Greggo. Nice to have an intellectual around.
I have never had a cheeseburger in my entire life. Never. I don't eat milk and meat products together. It's a religious upbringing thing.
With so many "refugees" coming from Central and South America to our southern border, why aren't REFUGEE camps being built in which Doctors Without Borders can set up mobile clinics to take care of the sick? Where the UN can send food and tents and families can stay together until their status can be verified and asylum either granted or denied? Why should the USA grab, detain, separate and support these refugees all by ourselves? And with the overcrowding issues, so many of these poor people are turned loose on our good will and get lost in the system or in the crowd. How is this better for them? -- Jake H.
They just want out of their old country and want into the U.S. If they're "turned loose" and "get lost in the system or the crowd" they are one step ahead of where they were before. Is it right? Is it good for this country to have people either sneak in or not show up for asylum hearings. No. But you asked if it's better for them? Better than life in Guatemala or Honduras or El Salvador.
Ever talk with left leaning friends as to whether first and foremost they view themselves as citizens of the U.S. or citizens of the world? If you are a citizen of the world, mustn't you pretty much be a believer in open borders? -- Michael F.
I try to stay clear of politics when talking with liberal friends. Trust me, it's best.
How would you describe former Independent Counselor Mueller's recent testimony before two separate House Committees? Based solely on his related testimony, I would not be surprised to hear that he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder, seriously. Also, do you think former director Comey was uninformed, incompetent or grossly negligent when he decided to unleash the Bureau on then-Presidential candidate Trump? -- Matthew Q.
Please see the column I posted Monday morning. I thought his performance was sad.
Mr. Goldberg, Two of my favorite intellectual conservatives were Charles Krauthammer and Thomas Sowell. Both articulated conservative viewpoints in a smart, civil, and reason-based manner. Did you ever have the opportunity to meet or have a conversation with either gentleman? Also as a conservative, I am open to other viewpoints, but it seems like every liberal commentator is shrill, mean-spirited, and/or dishonest, with their arguments that seem to be solely based on emotion, identity politics/race baiting and name calling. Are there any left of center commentators in the mold of Krauthammer and Sowell that are reasoned and informative that you would recommend reading or listening to? -- Brian
I'm a big fan of Thomas Sowell but never met him. Also a big fan of Charles, and years ago, when I was at CBS News, I interviewed him. Regarding the rest of your question: Liberals think the same thing about conservatives -- that we're shrill, mean-spirited and dishonest. That's how polarized we've become. My favorite liberal commentator is Alan Dershowitz, a man who stays true to principle. When he thinks conservatives are right he's not afraid to say so. I've met him several times and like him a lot.
Last week you mentioned that you thought Marianne Williamson was someone for whom you would vote. I may be remembering incorrectly, but here goes. I have read her stances on several issues and find that I agree with her on some things, but find her a bit naive and maybe even a little crazy about some of what she says she believes. Why would you vote for her if she ends up running against President Trump? -- Jake H.
Jake, my friend. It's called SATIRE.
Hi Bernie, I always liked your segments with Bill O'Reilly and like that you have continued to opine on his broadcasts. I am curious about your shared opinion with Bill concerning white privilege. I have read many books by the economist Thomas Sowell and listen to David Webb and follow Candace Owens and other black, successful, prominent conservatives. None of them believe in white privilege. I also watched Don Lemon interview Samuel Jackson and when Don commented on black people's hardships, Samuel Jackson commented on their obvious success and there was opportunity for all. Are there privileged people in other countries where slavery was practiced? It was widely practiced. -- EMars
I was with you, EMars right up until the end. Not sure what you mean ... so let me just say this: Does the white Anglo Saxon son of a West Virginia coal miner have white privilege? Is he less privileged than the son or daughter of an African-American doctor or lawyer or college professor? White people don't automatically have privilege. Black people aren't automatically victims of supposed white privilege. I'm so fed up with liberal BS talk.
In October ‘76 I was 9 when I watched Chris Chambliss hit a walk off homer against the KC Royals to put the Yankees in the World Series for the first time since before I was born. The following October, I watched Reggie Jackson slam 3 home runs in game 6 against the LA Dodgers and win the ‘77 series In February 1980 I was 13 when I was alone with my Dad ( had a brother and 4 step brothers, still can’t remember where everyone was that day) and watched the US Olympic hockey team defeat the mighty Soviets on their way to the Gold Medal. What are a few of your favorite sports memory as a kid? I know the Yankees won all the time when you were growing up, just wonder if any were really special. -- Respectfully, Right wing Ralphy
My favorite sports memory was my first time at Yankee Stadium. My father and I walked out of the dark tunnel under the bleachers and when we emerged I saw the greenest grass I had ever seen in my life. It was emerald in color. No fooling, it was like a religious experience. I can still see it.
Besides that, watching Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford was a big deal as a kid growing up in the Bronx. And yes, the Yankees dominated baseball year in and year out back then. In high school I watched Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston -- on closed circuit TV at a theater in Hackensack, New Jersey. That was fun. But the greatest sporting event I ever attended in person was as a grownup -- in 1994 when the New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup in game 7 in Madison Square Garden. Your memories are pretty good too, Ralph. Pretty good!!!
Hi Bernie I enjoy your Q&A. BUT one of the major problem is that people put down the opposition. I expect someone in your position to show people how it should be done. In one of your answers you state that Trump is repulsive, dishonest , petty and mean. Those are not arguments that is just name calling How do you expect people to behave with civility when someone in you position acts like a public school bully. Why don't you "lead the way " and argue with civility no matter how strongly you feel . Also I do not think someone in your "public" position should brag about not voting. People have died so why have that freedom If you really feel you want to abstain , do so confidentially so as not to encourage others or condone not voting Someone has to start civil discussion why not you? -- Marc G.
What you say is name calling I say is an apt description of Donald Trump. I guess we disagree. As for your disagreement with me regarding my decision not to vote for either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump: People have died so I can pretty much do whatever I want. And that includes sitting out an election when I think both candidates are unworthy of my vote.
I am an attorney who represents several Baltimore City Police Officers. Today at a hearing, two black officers were discussing Donald Trump's comments on Baltimore. Their assessment was "you can't say the man is wrong (and then chuckled)." Factually, I cannot find a person in Baltimore City who disagrees with Trump's assessment of Baltimore. My questions are do you believe that every time a Republican now makes a negative statement about a politician (or the city they represent) that the race card will be played? Is calling it straight in politics ever going to be permitted and/or tolerated again? -- Mozik
There's certainly a cavalier use of the race card. But Donald Trump always goes too far. He could have simply taken on the Squad -- without telling them to go back to where they came from. He could have told the congressman from Maryland that instead of criticizing U.S. policy on the southern border he might want to take care of business closer to home, in his district. But then he adds the hot language that goes too far. If he's doing it just to rally his base, it's wrong. But if independents don't like what he's doing then his divisiveness may cost him the election. The argument that "they started it" ends in third grade. You can call it straight in politics, Mozik, without the needless rhetoric.
Hi Bernie, Love what you are doing here. Three questions on Roger Ailes and the Showtime series, "Loudest Voice in the Room:"
As a contributor at Fox, did you interact with him much and if so, what was your opinion of him?
Have you watched this series and if so, do you think it is a fair portrayal or biased? I went to college with the author of the book and the New York Magazine pieces and my suspicion is there is a bit of a bias to his work . . .
Any sources, articles, books that you think would be a good counter-weight to the portrayal we are seeing?
Thanks! -- Pete
Here's the problem: It's a docudrama. I have no idea where the docu ends and the drama begins. I have no idea what's true and what's exaggerated to make a good TV show. But it's so relentlessly negative, it does look like a left wing hit job on Ailes. I'm not familiar with any journalistic counterweights. If they exist, good chance they have a bias too.
Greetings Sir Bernie, well once again we see that the left wing Democrats are accusing Donald Trump of being a racist. I admit that Trump often says buffoonish things , but frankly I'm baffled as to how Trump's tweets against Elijah Cummings and the city of Baltimore can be construed as racist, especially if what Trump says is true. However, even if Trump is wrong on his assessment of Elijah Cummings and Baltimore, I STILL don't see any "racist" rants coming from Trump---angry and aggressive---most definitely, but not racist. What exactly was racist about the president's remarks? -- Best Regards from The Emperor
As I've said before, racist is a word thrown around loosely. It's true, though, that President Trump blasts places like Baltimore (and sh**hole countries) but doesn't put down cities and towns in the Rust Belt. Why is that? I don't think it proves racism. Instead I think it proves that Donald Trump is so thin skinned that he'll attack anyone who attacks him or his policies first. As long as he needs blue collar men in the Rust Belt to win, he's not going to call their towns the names he called Baltimore. I've also said this before: I'm growing very weary of both cavalier charges of racism ... and of Donald Trump.
I didn't watch all of the Mueller interview, but was it my imagination that Mueller claimed "out of my purview" on more significant questions by Republicans but seemed more responsive to that of Democrats even when "out of purview"? Also, it's unbelievable that he didn't know about Fusion GPS and my take is he claimed ignorance which deflected potentially damaging questions by Republicans. The above and the stalling tactics by Mueller, in my opinion, was a strategy by his special council. Am I off the base pad? -- Fred V.
He certainly was more comfortable with questions from Democrats. That's for sure. When Republicans asked "inconvenient" questions he wasn't so accommodating. That's when he went into "out of my purview" mode.
Bernie, here is a question on a very touchy subject. Has the media obsession with race resulted in an unwillingness on the part of many critics ( art, literary movies etc) to honestly critique minority artists or performers? If so, how and when do you think that might change given the knee-jerk labeling of someone as racist these days. -- Michael F.
I have no examples to share with you ... but I certainly wouldn't be shocked if critics said, "I don't need to be called a racist" and either refused to critique certain works of art or were less than candid. That's the danger of throwing the R word all over the place. Reasonable people say, "Screw this" -- and refuse to engage in anything resembling a debate on the issue of race. We keep hearing that we need a conversation on the subject. Good luck when if you say the "wrong" think you'll be called a bigot.
Well it's official that the defamation lawsuit against the mainstream media members was dismissed by a federal judge (appointed by Jimmy Carter, for some odd reason I just can't help feeling that this is significant). Is this a just decision, in your opinion? I think it's an unjust decision because not only was the reporting pushing a false narrative, but the boys were immediately FALSELY labeled as "racists" and in reality the aggression was against them. Nonetheless I'm willing to listen with an open mind. What is your opinion on this, and to speculate,do you think the judge was making a biased decision or do you think the judge actually believed that the Covington Catholic students really didn't suffer any real damages to their reputation, or threats, etc.? -- Best Regards From The Emperor
From what I read -- which was not the legal opinion, but rather news reports about it -- I do think it was the right decision. The article, as I understand it, didn't actually print the kid's name. What they reported were opinions and opinions are protected from libel laws. I thought it was a long shot from the outset. Lawyers said they would appeal ... if they do I suspect they'll lose again. Regarding what president appointed the judge: That's what the other side does too when they don't like a decision.
Cheers Bernie, so Trump couldn't help himself and because he knows not how to word tweets, with his attack on Cummings and Baltimore he gave the never Trumpers another reason to play the race card. If he was smart, he would turn this negative in to a positive. Why not announce that he wants to hold a town hall meeting in Baltimore to be attended by those who are living in the poorer parts of the city, you know, the areas he was referring to. Of course the Mayor and Representative Cummings would be invited. Let's have the people affected to tell the world/country how they feel and who they feel have let them down. I think it would be wise to do similar town halls in Chicago and Detroit. You want the African American vote, take it to the people. Interested in your thoughts sir. -- John M.
I like your idea. Check out my column on whether Donald Trump is a racist which comes out on Monday.
Sir Bernard--Among our country's political problems, as you refer to in this week's audio commentary, are the "safe congressional seats." Our country could truly be "great again," If the people would vote AGAINST those longtime career politicians who legislate for the purpose of remaining in power vs working with the other side in the interest of all the people. I have been espousing this, to all who will listen, for many election cycles. Throw out the hard right and hard left, with the hope of building a coalition of more moderate acting politicians. What say you? -- Matthew Q.
It's up to the voters, right. And so far they're not with you. They vote for incumbents far more often than not. I'm not saying your idea isn't a valid one; just that the American voter has had the opportunity to take you up on your idea ... but hasn't.
As of the time I'm writing this, only night #1 of this week's CNN Democratic presidential debates has aired, but I must say that I was somewhat relieved by what I saw. I think, after the MSNBC debates, that some of the lower-tier candidates recognized how crazy-left the entire field came across to the American people, and they worked to emphasize more moderate positions. It was refreshing to see some of them frame Sanders' and Warren's radical ideas as naive, unrealistic, and even dangerous. Do you think people like Hickenlooper, Bullock, Delaney, and Ryan stand any chance at all of winning the primary? Do you think they at least did their party a service by taking on (and perhaps taking down a notch) the hardest-left candidates among them? -- John D.
I think anytime we get more than one point of view it's a good thing. But those moderates, I suspect, are whistling in the mind. The only one who's not an out and out leftist who has a chance, I think, is Joe Biden. I'm writing before before Night 2 of the debate. By the time you read I may have to reconsider Joe's chances.
A friend of mine, who is also a Republican like myself, said that Trump is the Howard Stern / Jerry Springer of politics and that his popularity is completely misunderstood and underestimated because we have never had an elected leader like him. He said that when Stern and Springer launched their radio and TV shows, people rarely admitted that they listened to or watched the shows, and all of the "experts" said the shows would fail because they were too crude, obnoxious, vulgar, mean, etc., etc. Despite these experts' claims, both shows last many, many years and were very successful even though it was nearly impossible to find people who openly admitted they listened or watched on a daily basis. With the liberals, and their friends in the mainstream media, labeling anyone who wears a MAGA hat or Trump t-shirt a racist, and many other nasty adjectives, why do you think Trump is any different? Yes, he is crude, rude, obnoxious, and many other less than pleasant adjectives, but he is directing nearly all of his antics at crude, rude, and obnoxious liberals who have saddled us with a ridiculous PC culture that drives most of us way more crazy than Trump's tweets. Do you agree with my friends' take on Trump or do you sincerely think Trump's personality is a huge liability and that those who say they are disgusted by him in public aren't actually rooting for him in private? -- J M
First, your question is way too long. Please. No more.
This is the "You started it" argument. Trump is only responding to equally obnoxious liberals. "You started it" barely worked in 3rd grade. He's the president. Grow up!
I sincerely think Trump's personality is a huge liability -- one that could cost him the election. He should be waltzing into a second term with the economy going the way it is. If he loses, it will be because of his personality.
Some who say they're disgusted with him may vote for him, though I'm not sure they're actually rooting for him. More like holding their nose because they don't like any of the Democrats.
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