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TODAY'S SHOW: FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH 2008

By Vanessa Silverton-Peel

White House counsel Fred Fielding almost died this week. What nefarious beast nearly took his life? Lamb testicles! Well, it may not have been the testicles exactly but that's what was being served at the well attended all-male, all-Republican bash Fielding was attending when he choked. Luckily the Heimlich maneuver was administered and Fielding lives to defend Karl Rove another day.

On today's show Rachel will be talking to New York Times reporter Eric Lichtblau about his new book, Bush's Law: The Remaking of American Justice

MENTIONED ON TODAY'S SHOW

The policemen who shot Sean Bell were found not guilty of all charges

Hillary goes after McCain for saying that we should bulldoze the Lower Nineth Ward in New Orleans 

Will Bagdad finally be getting what it needs most?  An amusement park? (For cultural  reference, read Rachel's recommended reading, Pride of Baghdad)

 

Comments

(146)

Okay, it's a new blog section

So I'm not going to say anything here about how AAR is stupid, and will drive its listeners away if its management doesn't wise up and give us the old TRMS format--and our emotis--back.

Insert "winky" here.

"You measure democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not by the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"--Abbie Hoffman

By capn_crustyApril 25, 2008 - 3:39pm

New format

Hate it.

Please drop the simulcast with David "dancer" Gregory—at least for the podcast which is the only way I get to listen to the show.

Did I say I hate it?

In case I didn't --- I HATE IT.

Love Rachel. Been a fan since day 1 with her and Liz and Chuck doing Unfiltered. Really glad she's becoming a fixture on MSNBC BUT I don't want that other bunch of media whores invading my podcast.

"Never preach with your back to the world" —Maria Harris

By RevDebApril 25, 2008 - 3:53pm

New format

I agree with RevDeb. A good compromise would be to separate the podcast into three parts, one for each hour like Stephanie Miller does. I watch the tv machine and see the program, so find it verrrrry annoying to have to listen to it again. Also, the music is so loud and the pace so fast, I get a headache, just not meant for the podcast.

Also, please consider doing the full two hours of news like you used to do. Tonight, only one hour and it includes an interview. Never listen to the 3rd hour when you are not on it. Bender is knowledgeable but there is a reason his shows haven't made it. He is boring.

I, too, have been with AAR and you from the first minute. They have been on two stations in Sacramento, now they are on none. I got Sirius when the first stopped airing AAR, now not on Sirius so I have XM, it is getting expensive to stay with AAR. You are the last one I listen to and that is really getting difficult.

By PatConnorsApril 25, 2008 - 4:16pm

yes, split up the podcast

I so agree that the podcast should be split up. I just can't listen to the cacophony of "Race for the Whitehouse."

By jsrundinApril 26, 2008 - 8:06pm

David Gregory? Hell no!

The new simulcast just blows. No other way to put it.

Please return to TRMS. I listen on the Mic and podcast TRMS to hear your quirky news, insight, and analysis not a rapid fire roundtable of blowhards.

By nazarioApril 26, 2008 - 7:58am

McCain

Let it be noted that all the Repulbs have to do is take their W sticker, turn it upside down ,and it will be the the new McCain sticker. Just more of the same.

By enicApril 25, 2008 - 4:44pm

Hell, they don't even have

Hell, they don't even have to flip it over. McCain will just change his name to WcCain.

By steve02130April 25, 2008 - 5:24pm

podcast fast forwarding

How does one fast forward on a podcast?

By PatConnorsApril 25, 2008 - 4:54pm

hmm...

on which device? computer? iPod? other player?

By spauldinggApril 25, 2008 - 4:57pm

Green 960

The Green 960 Rachel podcast is divided by hour, so you can listen to just the hours you like. No need to forward.

Just for the record, I hate listening to the media talking heads shout down Rachel. I just want them to shut up, because she is smarter than all of them put together. What an exercise in frustration.

By lizvocalApril 25, 2008 - 5:12pm

Green 960

Thank you sooooo much. This is perfect for Rachel's show plus they have Hartmann and Seder which I also signed up for. Now I don't need AAR anymore since Randi is now on Nova with Malloy.

Big question..how to get your premium refund? I just re-upped in Dec and feel since they are not offering what they were in Dec, I should be able to get a 3/4s refund. I wrote to AAR but no response what so ever. Any ideas?

PS to Rachel. Love ye much but your blog has not been this busy in a long time and don't see many liking you on for only one hour! Love ye on MSNBC but love your news commentary on the radio more. I guess I want both.

By PatConnorsApril 26, 2008 - 2:06am

cancelling the subscription

If you cancel your AAR subscription (which I did when Randi left), you are automatically refunded the unused money. I got my refund and used it to pay NOVA M for Randi.

Losing Randi was just my last straw. Personally, I'm still mad that AAR let go of Kent Jones. The show just hasn't been as fun and informative since.

By lizvocalApril 26, 2008 - 9:49am

cool

green960.com streams randi rhodes at the same time, so I can listen to an hour of randi, get a hour of the REAL rachel, then back to another hour of randi! cool!

This will work for me in eastern standard time, your mileage may vary.

By spauldinggApril 25, 2008 - 4:55pm

rising gas prices

This morning, the news stated that gas prices will continue to rise all summer, and oil is expected to hit $200/barrel in four years.

It pains me to admit this, but I thought: where is Richard Nixon when we need him?

I was young at the time, but old enough to remember Nixon putting in wage and price controls to deal with inflation. Can you imagine anyone suggesting that today?

Oh my aching liberal soul.

By lizvocalApril 25, 2008 - 5:06pm

wage and price controls

Then, please, oh please, go back and look how the eventual lifting of the artificial wage and price controls led directly to the economic chaos during the later 70's and Jimmy Carter's term....It set up the conditions that led to Reagonomics and the disaster we have right now.

By nmhankApril 27, 2008 - 2:16pm

OK, I'm outta here

I'd say, "Don't say or do anything interesting today while I'm gone", but I know you will, anyway. I'm just sorry I'm going to miss the story about the lamb's testicles. Why is it Republican guys always thump their chests about how "manly" they are, then turn around and do something kinda makes you go, "huh"? That was, of course, a rhetorical question.

"You measure democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not by the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists"--Abbie Hoffman

By capn_crustyApril 25, 2008 - 5:10pm

The new format hurts my ears....

I am crazy nuts for Rachel Maddow, but the new format for the first hour leaves me cold. The only way to fix this is to give the show to Rachel so that we can have a serious discussion about what's really important.

I forced myself to listen to some of the first simulcast. Hanging on, waiting to hear my Rachel give her take on the issues. It was just unbearable.

I am so grateful to Keith Olberman for having Rachel on his show regularly. It's the only show I can sit through on MSNBC without yelling at the TV.

I am currently relying on the internet for news. The traditional media is all about the horse race, scandals, manufactured controversies, and gotcha journalism. It has been a dismal failure. For me, the traditional media is becoming irrelevant.

By JackyNNYCApril 25, 2008 - 5:15pm

nasty simulcast

Another vote for a return to the old format of TRMS. I hate the simulcast. The whole *point* of TRMS was that we got to listen to Rachel's show; her voice; her analysis - where she had the control over content. Not all that shouting and 2 second sound bites. I shall have to go find Green 960. AAR was incredibly stupid to mess with a great 2 hour show.

By TinaBApril 25, 2008 - 5:31pm

Ok,

old fart that I am I have a techno question for anyone who might be able to help me. I do not have an Ipod but I have an XM Inno that has an MP3 player in it. It has the capability to download from my computer. My question, can I download podcast with the MP3 or do I need an Ipod?

By OliverElApril 25, 2008 - 5:55pm

no you do not need an ipod...

"Podcasts" are just MP3 files. You can download them in a regular way, and put them in your player the way you put anything on it...

itunes/ipod makes it verrrryyyyy easy, but it's not hard on other players, either.

By spauldinggApril 25, 2008 - 7:09pm

spauldingg

Thank you. I will have to get my book out and see if I can figure this out. At least now I know it's possible.

By OliverElApril 25, 2008 - 8:24pm

simulcast hatred

hey hey, ho ho, this new format's got to go!

By policywonkApril 25, 2008 - 5:53pm

By By

By By until after the MSN segment for the Thurston County HQ in Olympia WA. We've declared a Race to the White House free zone for this hour.

By YellerDogDemApril 25, 2008 - 6:06pm

Air America

I agree with previous posts, I HATE the Air America and MSNBC simulcast. I want just Rachel, not all the talking heads and their latest books to push. I HATE it. Put Rachel back for 3 hours.
Bring Sam back full time instead of Belzer.....he is painful to listen to. And Sandra Bernhardt........just terrible. I have streamed AA from day one, but this is not good, I turned off my radio.( we have an FM transmitter for streaming radio stations)

By HelgaApril 25, 2008 - 6:07pm

Rachel Maddow

I don't know what this David Gregory crap is. It's got a sound-bed, zoomy-music, swooshes, less than usual audio quality. Where's my Rachel Maddow show? I'm listening to her participate.... with a sound bed and bad audio. just crappy Sport's Night stuff, sheesh-

By harlanrowApril 25, 2008 - 6:13pm

TODAY'S SHOW: FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH 2008

Today is the third day of the horrible new TRMS format with MSNBC co-opting the first hour. AAR, please, please reconsider.

-- Andrew Rich
andrew.rich@gmail.com
http://www.project-insomnia.com/

By AndrewRichApril 25, 2008 - 6:16pm

Bag Gregory

How the hell does it make any sense to give a full hour of precious Rachel Maddow time to MOSTLY David Gregory and ---eeeechhhhh---Joe Scarborough? I did not decide -- recently BTW -- to pony up the monthly premium fee to see those few hours of 'unfiltered' Rachel become this poisonous melange...and oh my god TONY BLANKLEY TOO? You've got to be kidding. I'm actually paying for this? My limited resources are going to air time for Joe & Tony? Well, not much longer if this continues. I'll give it a mere month.

Air America, good luck with your conservative listener demographic, since you are clearly pandering to them. If nothing else, lose the soundtrack and move "rightwing pundit hour" to...oh I don't know...how about 3 am?

By CCNM-KCApril 25, 2008 - 6:23pm

Email sent to AAR feedback

Hello,

I wanted to express my extreme disappointment and distress at the change to the first hour of The Rachel Maddow Show. While I'm pleased that Ms. Maddow is gaining additional cable news exposure, I have to think this is not the right way to go about it. The David Gregory show is simply wrong for Air America, and is certainly not an appropriate replacement for the one hour of the actual Rachel Maddow Show. She is not the host or moderator of the show and it really feels disingenuous to label this as part of TRMS. I feel Air America and its listenership have lost something important and the replacement is not at all suitable.

Thanks for reading.

-- Andrew Rich
andrew.rich@gmail.com
http://www.project-insomnia.com/

By AndrewRichApril 25, 2008 - 6:26pm

The only change to this format

will be when Rachel leaves this station entirely. You think she'll give up MSNBC for AAR?

I sure don't.

By pooterpieApril 25, 2008 - 6:55pm

JUST CALL IN -- LET THEM KNOW

So yesterday there were calls on the blog for an online petition to get us all signed up expressing to AAR that this simulcast crap is the suckiest of radio programing.

Thats cool and I'll sign it, but I purpose we do more than that.

They put out the "JUST CALL IN" phone number on AAR all the time. Sure it's usually folks expressing their political opinions about the election or prez, but why not flood their system with calls from us Maddow show listeners.

Phone number is 866 303 2270.

Until something more changes. I'm only tuning in for the 2nd hour until the blowhards and bs with powercord ovelays have left the show.

By peacemoon42April 25, 2008 - 6:29pm

I would but...

... it's just ringing with no answer. Maybe someone doesn't want to hear any feedback?

-- Andrew Rich
andrew.rich@gmail.com
http://www.project-insomnia.com/

By AndrewRichApril 25, 2008 - 6:32pm

no one home

Calling the number but no one is answering. I wonder why?

"Never preach with your back to the world" —Maria Harris

By RevDebApril 25, 2008 - 6:33pm

ringing and ringing

I figured it was just voice mail. I grabbed the number when they had the last political rant bumper advertising the just call in line, so I don't understand why it isn't answering. Maybe so many call the system can't handle it.

I intend to keep trying the number....

By peacemoon42April 25, 2008 - 6:38pm

Calling

I think you would need to call the number while on-air calls were being taken, aka third hour.

By leopardgrrl1April 25, 2008 - 7:00pm

That's the wrong #...

The # you have in this thread is the on air call in number. You need to call the office.
call here: 212-871-8290 - the programming phone number at AAR Ask for David Bernstein

By pooterpieApril 25, 2008 - 7:06pm

feedback to aar

I've been trying to get info from aar re 1) sam and 2) rachel new format (which I hate too). When Sam last spoke on aair he suggested contacting pcollins@airamerica.com . That was 2 weeks ago. I wrote. No response.

Today I went through their website asking same info because I will soon cancel my premium membership. Won't pay for one lousy hour of rachel. (Rachel - I hope msnbc helps you, but so far I am insulted for you, for us all).

So today I got this from aar. It tells me that Sam may be gone. Does anyone know if he is possibly going to NovaM? I keep checking www.samsedershow.com .

from aar
Our new help desk system can be located on our website at:

http://www.airamerica.com/helpdesk

You can login to this section of the site using your free Air America user account and submit any inqueries you may have. Unfortunately, we will no longer be accepting support inquieries through email.

Thanks,
The Air America Team

FCC (thanks Bill Clinton) and media consolidation have us screwed. Internet next?

Sandra
sabsf@scglobal.net

By bones123April 25, 2008 - 6:31pm

letter to msnbc-still have 2 send it

Just wanted to let you know I have become a regular viewer of
MSNBC in order to watch the ever brilliant, Rachel Maddow.
She brings logic, rational debate to your cable news shows like no
one I ever seen before. She makes TV / political coverage
worth watching.

By AmandaJaneApril 25, 2008 - 6:59pm

Putting my $$ on Rachel!

I am not happy w/ the new format either, but I have a good feeling about this. I would like to see Rachel's analysis in the more mainstream media, rather than limited to AAR. So as much as I am unhappy to only get a real hour of her show (better say, 30 mins since I listen on podcast and they don't give you the CNN stuff or other fillers, only Rachel), I hope this is a transition to something better.

I am currently watching race to the WH, and Chadeya is there too!!! That is awesome. Two of our best minds together. Happy to see.

What I don't get is why so many people are so upset at Scarborough and uncle Pat. I LOVE to see Rachel contradict them SO eloquently. I think it is a good idea for us lefties to hear the arguments from people like them and have someone like Rachel provide us counterarguments on the spot. I think it is great.... and yes, the music sucks.

I also think it is good for us lefties to have Rachel put her voice out there as much as possible to help change the country for the better. I think that it would be ideal if something could be pre-recorded so her show can survive this... My vote goes to pre-recording countdown since Rachel is there only like for 5 seconds anyway. (I like Keith, but I watch because of Rachel).

Rachel, the positive of all the rants is that this is proof that your fans adore you, and we don't want to share you. LOL!!

So? When are you writing that book and going on tour so we can stand in line for hours to get your autograph??

By cool_princessieApril 25, 2008 - 7:08pm

Can I get in on that action?

My money’s on Rachel all the way too. I remember when her appearances on the TeeVee machine were limited to fluff pop culture topics or when they needed a token gay. Now she’s toe to toe nightly with, whether you like ‘em or not, the "A team" pundits/analysts - and a permanent part of any MSNBC election team coverage. Awesome.

Yeah - the music is awful, but this is only day three folks, and maybe AAR can get a voice-only audio feed from MSNBC that’s more radio-friendly. Yeah, the commercial breaks are awkward, but this is only day three people, and kudos to Kris or whoever is juggling these live feeds and trying to sync two different organizations’ air schedules - it must be like juggling chainsaws for an hour.

Yeah, I’d much rather Rachel had her own TV show (in addition to her radio show, of course), but everyone has to pay some dues on the way up. We know she can handle it, but "they" (you know - the ones who actually control the airtime) need to be convinced. And what better way than, oh, I don’t know, trying her out on-air in more and more times and formats? Say?

So (get your flame-throwers at the ready) - I even say kudos to Mark Greene and anyone else at AAR and MSNBC who was ready to recognize the value Rachel brings to any air she graces, and be willing to make the effort to bridge what must have been a rat’s nest of contract, culture and technical conflicts to try and find a way to clear the way to make this possible for her.

Most of all, kudos to Rachel, for all the intelligence, charm and damned hard work she brings to it every day of the week. We’ve been through some tough patches before - one hour pre-dawn wasn’t exactly a stroll in the park. We’ll get through this too. You’ll make something great come from something less than ideal, like you always have before. And I’ll be cheering you on all the way.

By argus10x10April 25, 2008 - 7:57pm

Re: Can I Get In On That Action

I agree. I am so sad to lose Rachel from most of her show. However, I think this will ultimately be good for her. She is brilliant and it is wonderful to see her up against uncle Pat and his ilk. It is so great to see her on the tv machine that I will stick with them as they work out the kinks.

That said, I think SOMETHING will have to give. AAR can't in all honesty continue to call this thing the Rachel Maddow Show with her time on the show dwindling at such a precipitous pace.

I think the suggestion that AAR move her radio show to the 9am-12pm slot is a good one. Rachel is CLEARLY the star of their lineup and, given how thoroughly they botched the Randi Rhodes debacle, they need to do whatever it takes to make her comfortable. If that means dropping Lionel, fine. Listen up Marc Greene, she is the money and she will spread the AAR brand. Do not make another grievous error and make it impossible for her to simultaneously stay at AAR AND grow by appearing on the tv.

Something tells me that maybe the somewhat slow powers that be are beginning to realize that they have badly mishandled the talent and that may be why they are being sooooooooooo accomodating of this chaos with Rachel. Let's all hope they have finally seen the light.

ETA: I think Rachel was better, more on her game and more relaxed on Countdown than I've seen her in weeks. I think appearing at the end, so she has more time is a definite improvement. Also, I think she's over her cold, that has to help! LOL

By jad68_esqApril 25, 2008 - 9:06pm

I'm not sure Rachel would go

I'm not sure Rachel would go for the 9-12 slot. She worked really hard to get out of morning radio so she wouldn't have to sleep during the day anymore. I think Randi's old spot, 3-6, might work.

That doesn't mean they don't have to fire Lionel, though.

By trinarissaApril 25, 2008 - 9:14pm

Re: I'm not sure Rachel would go

I think I get what you mean but I'm a bit confused...lol. Why would Rachel have to sleep during the day if she were doing the show from 9am-12pm ET? Sounds like normal work hours to me. It's not like she's on the west coast where that means being on the air at insane o'clock (aka 6am).

By jad68_esqApril 25, 2008 - 9:26pm

Her show prep takes 6 hours

Her show prep takes 6 hours IIRC. So you're right, it wouldn't really be day sleeping, but being at work at 3:00 am (insert Hillary joke here) is no picnic.

By trinarissaApril 25, 2008 - 9:41pm

Re:Her show prep takes 6 hours

Oooooooh ok. I getcha now. Yeah, that's no good, being at work at 3am.

Now, I have another silly question...what does the acronym IIRC stand for? :) Thanks for helping me out!

By jad68_esqApril 25, 2008 - 9:52pm

Not a silly question

It means "if I recall correctly." :o)

By trinarissaApril 26, 2008 - 8:18am

Re: Not a silly question

Ooooooh ok! Thanks! That makes sense now. :)

By jad68_esqApril 26, 2008 - 9:35am

AAR

I'm in the Dallas, TX area and I used to listen to the show every morning on my way to work. One morning I tried to get the show and there was this fire and brimstone preacher in that spot. I haven't been able to find the show since.
Rachel I love you but I can't stand in line too long. However, if Bill O rates a tv show, you know_I'm just saying_,why can't MSNBC have The Rachel Maddow show?

ps: Thanks and keep up the good work.

By The Black Guy 2April 25, 2008 - 11:09pm

Help Rachel hang in there

Thank you to all of Rachel's friends and supporters who have helped her get the truth out on radio and tv. I read her blog and know some of you hate the new format for the 1st hour of TRMS. Please bear with her as she deals with the "powers that be" in the media. She is stretched to the limit and is so trying to do the best for her listeners, some of which is out of her control.
I hope I haven't embarassed Rachel by having her mom writing on her blog, but I wanted you all to know how much I appreciate all of your loyalty and support for my incredible daughter.
(I, too, am not so crazy about the music on "Race")

By Elaine MaddowApril 26, 2008 - 1:22pm

Re: Help Rachel hang in there

*waves to Rachel's mom*

Hi Mrs. Maddow,

Just wanted you to know that we will definitely be here supporting Rachel. You have an amazingly brilliant daughter. So, hey, good job Mom! :)

I think most of us get that she's working tirelessly and is doing the best she can to both keep the radio show going and expand her voice on tv. We wholeheartedly approve and hope that AAR will help her find a better easier way of accomplishing this. Hopefully she and AAR have read some of the suggestions here, the best possibly being that she take Randi Rhodes old time slot. This would free her by 5 or 6pm and give her time to get to MSNBC for Countdown and Race, should it continue.

Thank you for posting with us and I so hope you will be a regular on the board!

Rachel, don't be embarrassed that your mom spoke up. I for one think it is awesome that she supports you and KNOWS HOW TO BLOG! Can she come teach my mom, PLEASE? lol

By jad68_esqApril 26, 2008 - 11:12pm

Thank you Rachel's mom! I am

Thank you Rachel's mom! I am hanging in there and trying to support whatever happens, since I hope and believe that it is for Rachel's good. I think it is great to see and hear her on "race" slugging away with (like them or not) some of TV's big names - and showing them up every day. I know she is working very hard, and hope she will take care of herself. It is still hard for me to believe that someone of her caliber is actually on radio and TV.

By bumpyroadApril 26, 2008 - 9:01pm

Doing my best

Hey Elaine,

Soo awesome to see you writing here. I think about you every time Rachel says "oout" instead of "out." I agree with you that your daughter is simply brilliant, and she has a bright future ahead of her. Congrats for having such a talented daughter! You know... I'm madly in love with her, and its not because of her brains or personality.... shhh.... don't tell my wife!!!! (she saw me writing this, LOL).

By cool_princessieApril 26, 2008 - 10:41pm

Great Post

Thanks Elaine - thanks for reading the blog and acknowledging the frustration of some listeners - and for your timely reminder about patience. and Rachel, hang in there - all strength to you. You are the best!

By TinaBApril 27, 2008 - 11:52am

To Rachel's Mom

I was sitting there yesterday while my wife was in the garden shop, listening to the podcast and composing a letter to AAR in my head......and then, some hope, Rachel came back in the third hour and gave me some hope. With more Rachel in the 3rd hour, I can certainly deal with the paucity of Rachel in the first hour. I wish MSNBC would tone down the music some, but it isn't so bad listening to her think rings around Pat Buchanan, Joe Scarborough and the other thoughfree Republicons.

I think the exposure is great for her career and the world needs more Rachel. Perhaps, if MSNBC is smart (?), when the election is over, they'll use that hour to simulcast the first hour of Rachel's radio show.

And, oh yes, it was really nice to see your post.

Hank in Albuquerque

By nmhankApril 27, 2008 - 2:26pm

Thanks for joining in.

I have to believe that she thinks the first hour is a waste of time also. I mean, who would have ever expected that AAR would eventually start featuring regular old big media crap on their airwaves?

That being said though, the suits at AAR get a clue. The format has been pretty thoroughly rejected by the listeners if the blog is any clue (and it is - it's a great feedback mechanism if they ever decided to actually pay attention to it).

You should be very proud of your daughter. She's great at what she does: news & analysis. Even my fairly Republican mom likes her. She was laughing out loud the other day when Rachel did that segment about the DC Public transportation authority's ad campaign promoting their services using a pope doll dressed in - gasp! - red instead of white.

By mikes_tkyApril 28, 2008 - 5:48am

Rachel' Mom For The Win

Thanks for chiming in, you know we're just frustrated because we love your daughter so much!

I'm a premium subscriber, and have been since they first offered the choice, and though all the other shows I loved have gone away, I still pay the full Premium just for Rachel. I'll keep doing it too, since even one hour a day is worth it. She's the person who hooked me to AAR in the first place, back in the Unfiltered days.

She is the smartest, best spoken, most informative person I know of in media, and I am totally, slavishly devoted to her.

You did good, Mrs Maddow, you got a great kid. She's possibly the most important person in America right now.

By ZapskiApril 28, 2008 - 11:36am

Rachel's loyal fans

Thank you to all of you who acknowledged my posting and for your kindness and understanding. You are great!

By Elaine MaddowApril 28, 2008 - 1:09pm

Re:Rachel's loyal fans

Mrs. Maddow,

On a completely frivolous note, can I just say that I love it when she plays YOUR version of her Friday start of show bumper? Makes me giggle every time when I hear you say..."...cuz it's Friday...".

By jad68_esqApril 28, 2008 - 1:14pm

I'm forever a Rachel supporter

And what can I say? If Rachel's mom asks us to be patient, I'm going to be patient.

I've been following Rachel around in the virtual world since Unfiltered and I'm not about to leave now. I think the problem is that we want more Rachel, not less.

But I'd rather have Rachel, than no Rachel at all.

You're a loyal mom and it's obvious how proud you are of your daughter. Good on you for sticking up for her!

By ShelaghCApril 28, 2008 - 7:19pm

yay Rachel's mom!

Thank you Mrs. Maddow for reminding everyone why we should all be patient. You and Mr. Maddow totally did something right. And I love your version of "'cuz it's friday, you ain't got no job...here..." Thanks!

By hcbspkApril 28, 2008 - 9:19pm

Yay!

I've never been so happy to hear the theme song heralding the second hour.
Hooray for crumbs! I'll take what I can get (and bitch to try and get more, naturally)

By BusithothApril 25, 2008 - 7:09pm

How about?

AAR needs to MOVE TRMS to the morning and either Can Lionel or make him do 6-9 PM. Or move her to Randi's old time. Get those SLEB hacks off the air!

AAR can't have it both ways. You can't have Rachel be on MSNBC to promote AAR and expect people to tune into a show for the most part SHE ISN'T EVEN ON!

By sunsawedApril 25, 2008 - 7:15pm

prefer old format

I can appreciate (1) the importance of Rachel's outstanding liberal contribution to a mainstream TV show like Race to the White House and (2) how the incredible hard work she does in putting out her radio show has precluded continuing with two full hours of news and interviews on top of daily appearances on "Race."

However, I would like to ask that you count me as another listener who dearly misses the full two hours of news and interviews on TRMS that we used to have.

I hope that Rachel, AAR, or whoever decides, will strongly consider returning the two full hours of TRMS. (I'm not counting the third hour because it is not as informative, altho' I appreciate it in other ways.)

Meanwhile, I'll be jumping into the podcast at about 39 minutes in.

Please reconsider ~ thanks!!!!

By harrieApril 25, 2008 - 7:37pm

rachel... totally agree about Dems hungry for higher values

Yes, Hillary's "scrappiness" has long ago passed endearing. Is our female candidate overcompensating for being female by macho-dirty campaign tactics... or has she been in the political game too long and has lost perspective?

There is tough campaigning and there is crossing the integrity line too-tough campaigning, that is swift-boat-Rovian-lose-your-soul-campaigning. Be strategic, don't be dishonorable. Give a thought to the needs of the country and party, not just your own immediate needs. WE NEED TO TRUST YOU WHEN AND IF YOU GET THERE, AFTER ALL.

Today the Race to the Whitehouse was not quite as strident in terms of commentary, but maybe it is wearing me down? The music drives my shoulders up to my earlobes by hour's end. (And does David have to cut people off who want to add to the discussion? Is it really that imperative to keep the pace going that fast? I think it is a marathon to the White House so we gotta jog there... not sprint. Okay? Last night the aggression of the panelists made John McLaughlin look like Mister Rogers.)

Anyway, it is a relief, still, to get to your second hour.

By libbyliberalApril 25, 2008 - 7:45pm

rachel

How is it that such a sucky (sorry for the lack of vocab here) show like race to the white (it is) house picks such a smart woman for one of the commentators? She must have an audience because they are only interested in ratings. So for that I am grateful, but could they tone it down some, less music, less frenetic gregory, maybe just a tad fewer seconds of commercials and we might start listening to the whole hour. As it is, my head starts hurting and I have to tune out and go for this blog. Hey, let's start our own race to the white house commentary here. Anyone for the issues?
I like Barak's health plan because there is choice and that is appealing across the board in America. What think you?

By amberdoggyApril 25, 2008 - 7:51pm

sorry if this is too harsh

but i am so disappointed. air america management sucks, and i'm not surprised they make another lousy decision. but who is advising rachel tha this is good for her? her credibility is going down the toilet. has she even acknowledged that a vast majority of listeners who post on her blog hate RttWH? i cringe when she says she starts her show with news from iraq. no, rachel; you USED to do that. don't pretend you're still doing it and nothing's changed. your listeners aren't stupid.

http://myspace.com/travioli1976
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

By travioliApril 25, 2008 - 7:53pm

new orleans

As to the ninth ward, New Orleans, I'm concerned about repeating the disastrous levy designs which contribute immensely to the speeding up of hurricanes as they come in to shore. Wetlands are a natural deterrant (sp?). I want people to have what they need and deserve too. How do we put these two very important components together?

By amberdoggyApril 25, 2008 - 7:58pm

Please Don't Remain Calm ... Re: Michael Kinsley

With the 16th anniversary of the Rodney King beating looming on the horizon this Aug. 29, none of us will be in any mood to hear calls for “hope” or “change” without similar calls for “justice.”

Unfortunately for Obama’s presidential bid, calls for justice from African-American and other groups often trigger fear among some white voters. The political shifts brought on by the Republican Party’s "Southern strategy" were premised on precisely these racial and political calculations. With the help of political strategist Kevin Phillips, Richard Nixon pointed to black anger as a way to persuade white southern voters that the Republican Party could best represent their interests.

At a time when blatant racial codes have given way to the subtler racism of a post-Southern strategy era, Obama finds his historic presidential bid bogged down by the new racial codes being engineered by the Clinton and McCain campaigns -- and the mainstream media. Responses to the Sean Bell verdict will surely provide more political and racial fodder to those who won’t let the Jeremiah Wright scandal rest -- those who appeal to white fear by linking Obama to fabricated images of black anger.

More ncmonline.com ...

By SingSingApril 25, 2008 - 8:09pm

yeah and the poor people of iraq

Talk about trying to figure a graceful way out of Iraq! We need some really educated people to create something possible for real people living this real war everyday.

By amberdoggyApril 25, 2008 - 8:03pm

New format? Wha?

So that's what's going on. I turn on Air America's local affiliate to listen to Rachel and I hear David Gregory is asking Tony Blakely of the WASHINGTON TIMES his views?

Go back to regular format, please.

It was a mistake to steal Rachel's morning slot and give it to the "Veteran Broadcaster" Bill Press too.

By speaks20April 25, 2008 - 8:07pm

Bill Press isn't AAR

Air America has no early morning show anymore. You get Bill Press because your local affiliate is airing it. Bill Press is from Jones Radio.

By ShelaghCApril 28, 2008 - 7:21pm

illiterate

re today's unburied lead-is anyone really listening to the audience-we hate the simulcast! I have switched to NovaM for that hour, and I may forget to switch back. How can Rachel say she has had mainly favourable comments about this horrible change in her show?

By Lunare1April 25, 2008 - 8:15pm

it's called

LYING.

http://myspace.com/travioli1976
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

By travioliApril 25, 2008 - 8:27pm

Thank you!

Thank you for explaining what has been going on with the show! I agree with David that more Rachel on the Rachel Maddow Show is always good, but I also love turning on MSNBC and seeing you kick some mainstream media behind. I'll stop griping about the new format and just sit back and enjoy the ride from now on. Keep fighting the good fight!
--Lexie

By jaina2000April 25, 2008 - 8:21pm

sell-out

your pleased with the simulcast? you just flushed your credibility. i can no no longer trust to you if you have the gall to say this is good. it is totally what is wrong with cable news. and you're a happy participant. ugh! i've been a listener since 2004, but it's time to say good bye.

http://myspace.com/travioli1976
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

By travioliApril 25, 2008 - 8:24pm

The buried lede

Here's the real buried lede. TRMS now starts an hour later. The timeslot formerly occupied by hour 1 of TRMS is now the MSNBC simulcast. Since RM is remoting hour 1 (formerly hour 2) in to AAR from 30 Rock, she can continue appearing on Countdown and also appear more often on hour 2 (formerly hour 3) with David Bender.

Before:
6:00 Eastern -- TRMS hour 1 -- Rachel -- from AAR studio
7:00 Eastern -- TRMS hour 2 -- Rachel -- from AAR studio
8:00 Eastern -- TRMS hour 3 -- David Bender