Cliff Schecter

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Video from Cliff's appearance on MSNBC from November 5th:

After being called out by Cliff, Republican hack Brad Blakeman makes this face:

59 comments:

Mary Ellen said...: Hi Cliff

I saw your appearance on MSNBC today and thought you did a great job. It's obvious that the Republican hack, Brad Blakeman doesn't like the tactics used against him...the same tactics that the Republicans have been getting away with for years. You made great points regarding the fact that this war in Iraq has made us less safe.

The Republicans are doing their best to use this guilty verdict against Saddam as something big, some kind of proof that all is well in Iraq, but it isn't working. It seems that every story about Saddam that I've seen on today's news is followed up by the story of more of our servicemen being killed and the sectarian violence that prevails in Iraq. If anything, I think this big announcement is going to backfire, because it is going to cause even higher levels of fighting between the Shia and the Sunni's. It's just one more thing for them to be angry about. When that violence escalates, it will again prove that we are failing in our mission in Iraq.

I don't know if anyone noticed, but as you were running off the names of all the Republican sex scandals, Hackman kept saying.."Clinton...and Clinton's sex...uh, Clinton", all the time you just kept naming one guy after another from the Republican side. Funny as hell!

Keep up the good work, you obviously come to these interviews prepared with plenty of facts for ammunition. You had just the right amount of ire, without being obnoxious. Thanks again!; 1:59 PM
Triciawrites said...: Woo Hoo! I am soooo glad. A great performance. Excellant points and a great delivery.; 2:40 PM
Ed Sikov said...: Speaking of who's on drugs, I need a Xanax after watching that. I like your increasingly hostile stance, Cliff, but by the same token I think you should polish it a bit more by making more appearances and then watching the videos afterwards the way athletes do - learning from them. You stand a great chance of being THE go-to guy for feisty, combative Democratic responses to issues. Go get 'em, tiger!; 2:58 PM
druidbros said...: I LOL when I saw the look on Brads face. Every time you brought up all the Republican sex scandals he only had Clinton. Tell him next time Clinton is not in office anymore and these Republican sex scandals are all recent. Lets talk about this decade Brad,not the last millenium.; 3:07 PM
dickchainey said...: Cliff,

After seeing your recent performances attacking the GOP, I have to say that I'm impressed.
However, despite your best efforts to undermine the administration, Karl has assured me that next Tuesday we will retain our grip on Congress.

You $hould really con$ider coming to work for the GOP. We'll write the $cript$, you ju$t need to deliver the me$$age. The benefit$ are ex$ellent.

Regards,
F*ck You!
Dick; 3:21 PM
Jeff said...: LOL :)

Cliff, you need your own show. Seeing you call these guys on their BS in such an aggressive way is absolutely priceless. Keep it up.

"And more Republican criminals will be going to jail in the next six months, that's my prediction." Classic.

Jeff; 3:38 PM
Fernando said...: Holy Cow Cliff!@Q!1e"P`[; 3:42 PM
Fernando said...: I can't even use a keyboard I'm laughing so hard.

Where is this posted so I can put it on my phone? I need a wmv or mp4 of this quick!

Is it on Video Google anywhere?

HELP!; 3:44 PM
Cliff in DC said...: Thanks to all of you for the many compliments. I just feel a need when I go up against these liars to smack the truth out of them, whatever it takes...

As for having my own show Jeff, we're working on that (although it might have to be radio)...but let's see....

Thanks again all of you, especially Mary Ellen for coming around here so often and offering advice.

Cliff; 3:44 PM
krog said...: That was very therapeutic.

I think these ****'s deserve savage treatment. They have no scruples beyond projecting their own power.

But it's not over till the polls close and even then... The confusion on Tuesday night if there are various reporting failures (euphemism) will be heart-rending. I don't know whether Wednesday will come with a winner or not.; 4:00 PM
Shell5960v said...: CLIFF is the best -- and I do mean BEST -- left-leaning person invited to the talking head shows today. Cliff, you should give lessons on how to do this. Hit them with everything true -- every single time. Like you do. And if they can't -- or won't -- learn, they don't go on teevee. Period. Uh, sorta like the rules the rest of us have to live with in the workplace.

This guy has a newborn at home too? Jeez! You are amazing!; 6:59 PM
spacemodulator said...: Yo Mongoose (for i have dubbed him thusly), remember to bob and weave a bit. shadow and light. Adagio-fortissimo-allegro (yes,even in the world of soundbites).
Also, ponder the real possibility of overloading a few Miracle Ears with the crosstalk.
ehh, grain of salt. thanks for the streetfighting. neccessary. peace.; 8:50 PM
Jaikay said...: Hi Cliff,

Do you think you could hold a seminar to teach all democrats to respond as you do? No joke. We need some righteous indignation to help empower us all.

We need people who are informed and on fire, as you are. Please keep it up!; 9:40 PM
EconAtheist said...: Excellent job!

You need *way* more airtime, dude.; 9:57 PM
Bellospirito said...: Cliff -- You're the greatest!; 10:02 PM
Dustin said...: I agree with your views, but you came across as a total dick. The entire debate was pretty much lobbing ad hominem bombs back and forth - don't stoop to their level. If your position is founded in reason then you shouldn't have to resort to childish name calling. I mean c'mon, calling all republicans pedophiles? Give me a fucking break.; 10:07 PM
jill bryant said...: Cliff -
We are so happy you are fighting and it sounds like some people like this style but I'm with Ed and Dustin. I think Bill Maher is the best at getting the point out there in discussions without resorting to their level. He always has some great fact to throw back at them. We are going to need you over the next two years (regardless of who takes Congress - or who the voting machines say takes Congress) so - like Ed, I'd say keep at it but look at everything you've done as critically as possible so you can be the best.; 10:13 PM
bacci40 said...: dustin,

i would agree, however...the wingnuts have been using these types of attacks since 94...when we answer civilly is when we lose

its time for some smackdown; 10:16 PM
Mary Ellen said...: dustin:

I don't want to speak for Cliff, however, he didn't say ALL Republicans were pedophiles...he was pointing out the number of pedophile and sex scandals within the Republican party.

I would also like to point out that today, on the Meet the Press program, Elizabeth Dole was out of control. She could not...no, she REFUSED to shut her big trap and used her time on that show in order to over-talk everyone. Russert could not control her. She had absolutely no respect for the host of the show. She even read an attack ad of one of the Republicans even though Russert continued to try and stop her. She refused to stop reading. This is not something you have ever seen Cliff do when he has appeared on these shows.

The Republicans need to get a taste of their own tactics. They can't cry foul when they have been doing these same things since the first campaign with "W". This administration and this Republican party are the most corrupt group I have ever seen in office...and I've been around awhile. They are also the biggest hypocrites on the face of this planet. Cliff does a good job of pointing that out.

The type of forum for these talk shows leaves Cliff, or any of our spokesmen with one choice. They either have to get in there, state their case and do it quickly and strongly, or they will be steamrolled. This is exactly what Cliff did on MSNBC. He played it just as it should be played. It's about time the Democrats are fighting back. Those who choose to be gentlemen on these shows, won't get a word in edgewise. That is the reality of tv political talk shows.

Cliff: Thank you for the kind words. I'm not sure how good my advice is, but I am absolutely going to continue to fight for my party. If they don't do as well as I hope in this election, I'll be out there in 2008 working for the Presidential election. I want my country back. Thanks to people like you, I just may see that happen. Keep on getting your voice heard. You speak for all of us who can't.Thanks.; 10:32 PM
Stogoe said...: "Their Level" is all that gets on old media. If we have to kick their teeth in over and over and over on television, then that's what we will do. Civility is not an option. We have tried civility for over twenty years, and look where it's gotten us. No. Today we fight back, like for like. There can be no civility until these criminals are ground into dirt and the earth salted. Then we can talk civility.; 10:35 PM
freedle said...: Cliff,

Keep up the good work.

At some point they will hit you with the evil "George Soros." As you know, their cult, er, ah, followers have been conditioned to froth and drool when his name is mentioned.

Please, please do the nation a favor and shove this down their throats when they do.

your pal,
freedle

note to fernando: check out 'crooks and liars' they often have Cliff's appearances in downloadable files.; 10:40 PM
April said...: Cliff,

I don't get cable...but thank Jah I have the internets.

Thank you for the job you're doing. We need more people like you. I'm tired of my side being civil...the other side surely isn't. And it's time now to use their tactics against them. Thank you very much, Cliff. I SO enjoyed this video. April; 10:49 PM
brew said...: Cliff:

Don't listen to any of the fools who tell you to tone it down or be more polite.

You are pitch perfect for these shows. If you change, you won't get on the air.

Besides, if you aren't kicking their asses, what is the point?

Anyone who tells you that you are "rude" or are "stooping to their level" is a Republican trying to trick you into not being effective. Sorry, been there, done that.

Kick ass and take names.; 11:23 PM
djangone said...: Yo Cliff, the line 'nice try' is going to be used against you at some point. Be ready for it. It's a great line, but having used it a few times now, it's gonna come back at you via some smartass GOP hack.; 11:24 PM
ugottabkidding said...: Man that was one hilarious old fashioned smack down. You even had the host laughing at that guy.

Thanks to crooksandliars.com for showing me your clips and sending me to your site. I could listen to these for hours.

And to the person who complained he was too over the top... grow a pair.; 11:41 PM
The Great Goodbye said...: Thanks to Crooks and Liars, I found the video link to your recent appearance on MSNBC with Brad "WTF" Blakeman.

Nice job, Cliff. The Dems need more of your ilk- you think quick on your feet and don't back down from the monotonous Republican talking points. You really need to step up your appearances... we need more bulldogs like you.

Keep up the good work.; 11:43 PM
Dustin said...: Mary:

I may be idealistic in that I long for intelligent conversation, which is why I never watch shitty news debate programs, nor had I ever heard of Cliff until earlier today. I fear that "debates" like these only play into the hands of the republicans and push moderates away. No substance was discussed, no real issues, only talkings points and lame insults lobbed back and forth... This isn't sports.; 11:44 PM
Dennis said...: Hello Mr. Schecter

We need to break the talking point that Republicans act strong on national security and national defense.

From now on, tell press people and Republicans that the MYTH of Republican strength on national defense EXPLODED along with the passengers that hit the world trade center on Sept 11, 2001.

9-11 happened on Bush's and the Republican's watch.

www.dmocrats.org; 11:55 PM
Shell5960v said...: Yes Dustin! Sure thing! After YEARS of GOPers acting this way, "modersates" will turn to GOPers when Dems speak up?

Nice try, GOPer.

Face it -- Cliff tells the truth. GOPers don't.; 11:59 PM
michael said...: keep kicking 'em in the nads, Cliff!

the more they squeal, the harder you should kick!

right on bro!; 12:24 AM
michael said...: Cliff, I think you should talk to Dr. Mike Newcomb or Shel Drobny about getting a show on Nova M (if you haven't already). You'd be great on the same network that features Mike Malloy!; 12:26 AM
eric+martha said...: holey she-it. nice work ripping up the repub hacks. please continue; 12:33 AM
Jake F. Emerson said...: Great job on MSNBC. If there's any justice, you'll get your own show some day.

Have you seen the cards people can send to the losers after Tuesday. They say stuff like "You Lost. America Won."

www.nakedholidaycards.com/; 12:39 AM
dsouth said...: We need more Dems attacking like you. You don't just yell you come back strong while making great points for the Dems. I like how you slap down the ridiculous Rethug talking points also. You do need to teach a class to other Dem stategists. We would all appreciate it. Thanks!; 1:20 AM
Cliff in DC said...: Wow,

I am overwhelmed by the reponse. Thanks so much all of you. I know some call for me to be more "civil" and I respect all of your opinions, but I have been doing this for a while and in these formats with Republicans who will interrupt you if you don't interrupt them first (I know, it has happened plenty of times, I have done over 200 of these shows on Fox, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, etc.)and hit them with everything you lose.

The way I see it, they declared war with impeachment, the stolen 2000 election, the way Bush behaved after 9/11 attacking our patriotism. So I choose to speak up and not take it.

As for those of you who either encourged me to get my own show or train Democrats, both are in the works. I might work with a progressive pr firm I am talking to about training Dems in how to debate GOPers and I also am in talks right now about getting a radio show.

I don't know much about Nova M but have a friend in the biz and could ask. Maybe then I can get the tv show I would LOVE to have.

Thanks again all, for your support and criticism. I may not always agree with those who criticize, but do value your opinions. Unless you're Republican of course :).; 1:22 AM
gimmeabreak said...: Hey, Cliff. I just watched your MSNBC clip linked to by Duncan B. I've read you on HuffPo, but just tonight put you together in my head with the great guy who makes me laugh my ass of on MSNBC on occasion.

VERY please to make your acquaintance.

I can understand some who wish you would tone it down. I was never a big fan of people talking over people on talking head shows. But you what? My opinion has changed in the past couple of years. Radically. I have been sitting and watching these neo-con hacks ripping the crap out of compliant, pansy-ass dems for too long now.

It's about time somebody gave it back and much better, as you do. Keep it up. I'm hanging with you until mid November, 2008. Thanks again.; 2:02 AM
Anonymous said...: awesome.

we need more from the other side of the aisle going back on the attack.

the rethuglicans are on the run (finally) but people need to know the real reasons why.

it would appear that more and more people are thankfully NOT falling for the slimy tacticts of race and anti-gay stuff.

keep up the good work.; 2:13 AM
Al in Minneapolis said...: Dude!

Way to tear at that pathetic loser with THE TRUTH!

Al in Minneapolis; 2:14 AM
elephty said...: Are not all republican leaders pedophiles?

It is labeled something else, if they only murder them; therefore, they all would not be pedophiles, technically.

When they are not doing the above to children they seem to find time to be certain that millions of them go without health care. Some of these children die slowly.

When they label welfare recipients as lazy people of low character, they understand that many of the poor are too young to work. They are children.

They would prefer them working in sweatshops across the oceans instead. They could teach the rest of us how to sell them off to foreign countries.

There was much to learn about
republican leadership, and there was enough time.; 2:27 AM
hanswurst said...: Ouch! I think Brad took some stitches to close up some of the cuts after that bout. Nice work. DON'T LET UP!; 2:30 AM
Troy Thomas said...: "You guys have more sex scandels than accomplishments in Iraq."
Great line.; 3:55 AM
Ezaroth said...: Keep up the awesome job, Cliff! It's a breath of fresh air to see you silence those hacks with the truth and see them gasping for air.

The desperation on the right is palpable.

Keeping fingers crossed 'til wednesday .; 5:58 AM
author said...: Great work. Watching your antics from here in Thailand. And I'm not even a Merkan.

Kick them in the nutz. When they go down, kick them in the teeth.

When they beg you to sop... do what they would do. Kick them again and again.

NO FCUKING MERCY.; 7:30 AM
Vetis said...: This post has been removed by a blog administrator.; 7:46 AM
Vetis said...: Keep it up, bud. Your caustic, bitter comments only push more and more people towards the way of the GOP. Literally screaming about Haggart or calling all Republicans criminals isn't the way to get your point across at all, and just makes you look like just another lunatic. You're doing much more harm than good, and it's people like you who are going to cost the DNC the election.; 7:47 AM
Silleigh said...: As for those of you who either encourged me to get my own show or train Democrats, both are in the works. I might work with a progressive pr firm I am talking to about training Dems in how to debate GOPers and I also am in talks right now about getting a radio show.

It's early yet, but this is the best news I've read all day.

We have long needed spokesfolk who think fast and can hold their own against the right-wing hysterics. Getting them on the defensive right away is the only way to handle these loud wackjobs. We've been "nice" long enough; look where it's gotten us. There is much, much more at stake than our reputation for having well-behaved talking heads.

All the You're-Too-Shrillers here should check Einstein's definition of "insanity."; 8:23 AM
vonwegen said...: Thanks Cliff,

After watching you take on Blakeman, I sure wish you had been on Meet The Press yesterday as well, to silence Liddy Dole's incessant yapping, even when Tim Russert tried multiple times to shut her up.

It's hell watching all this from over in Germany and not being able to pitch in & call folks in Tennessee to bring out the vote, but seeing you kneecap those GOP stooges makes me feel a lot better. Keep doing what you're doing--only M-O-R-E, please!; 8:46 AM
SGIRL said...: Cliff - Thank you thank you thank you for getting out there and saying what all of us are thinking.
Selena Giampa; 10:42 AM
yoshitoshi said...: Great job! Time these guys got a dose of their own medicine (only a smarter formulation!). Thanks.; 11:03 AM
murison said...: The boy-king idiot and his crowd are nothing more than bullies. (Childish ones at that.) A smart friend who has been a therapist for at least a couple decades (and therefore has seen it all) once told me something about bullies. There are only two responses to a bully: walk away, or give him a bloody nose. Bullies understand *nothing* else. In the 12 years since I heard that, I've neither encountered nor seen any evidence that contradicts that. So Cliff is doing exactly the right thing. Go bloody some more noses, dude!; 11:40 AM
Phillip said...: The point that needs to be pushed, is that it is great that Sadam is arrested and faced justice, but that it not what the U.S. went to war for? The U.S. went to war because of weapons of mass destruction. Otherwise, why is the U.S. not going around the world and arresting all the bad leaders/governments? Sudan, Zimbabwe, etc. Great to take Saddam out but was it worth the thousands of U.S. casualities and maybe as much at 600,000 Iraqui casualties and not to mention the $300 billion.; 12:10 PM
Phantamage said...: Please take a bow. That was a wonderful performance!; 1:16 PM
Nurse Justin said...: Cliff you incredible f----ing beast:

I just discovered you on crooksandliars.com today. I'm inspired, proud, and relieved. You are BY FAR the most hilarious, truthfull, and kick arse spread-the-word tv talker I have ever seen. I'm so glad you exist.

Your fighting style is most impressive:

1) You did not back down, you spoke your entire comments and did not let the childlike republican tactic of shouting you out w/ blanket statements (you must be on crack) stop you.

2) You got loud. Poo-poo to all the left sided people who think that when on a talk show one must be polite and *Gasp!* not say something that might be confrontational or rude. There is a big fat line between spewing out and out lies (republican) and calling someone out on their b.s. and showing them that you are angry when they do it. When someone lies to my face, I get pissed off. It's called conflict.

3) We are fighting to keep America honest and informed here people! We are fighting to keep our country from being taken over by elitist pedophiliac thugs who don't give a crap whether or not you can pay your mortgage or see a doctor when you get sick, or how many real americans die overseas in Iraq.

4) I am a working class guy. I always will be. I cannot escape it, nor would i want to. Democrats support working class people for the most part, and you, Mr. Schecter, demonstrate an inately core working class value: if someone tries to hurt, intimadate, or belittle you or your family, you must absolutley stomp on them until they are so afraid that their life, reputation, and credibility is in such danger that they would never dare do it again.

Republicans have succeded in taking away so much from us, the working poor, as well as the middle class, that we are ofteen left speechless, by our pundits and our policies.

Thank you, sir. Don't ever be cordial or respectfull to those liars, they are truly weak and have ill intent in their heart. They have been shouting at us for the last six years and we have been responding by politely getting politically and socially violated.
This is a battle and you just kicked some serious ass on the front line.; 2:57 PM
Zenseeker said...: Hello Cliff, you were wonderful and I have posted your video under heroic journalism. Keep up the great fight you are giving to them.
check out zenwire.com

While you are there, play these political flash games and slap some sense into these talking heads and pundits to make them see the light of day.

Slap Dennis Hastert
Slap Mark Foley
Slap Newt Gingrich
Slap Ann Coulter
Slap the truth out of Joe Lieberman

Take care, and may we take our country back tomorrow.
Zenseeker; 3:25 PM
Cliff in DC said...: Wow this is getting to be unbelievable. I would like to answer you all indvidually and say thanks, but we have an election to win :)

So from the bottom of my heart,thank you so much and keep fighting. I may do it on tv, but there are places where each of you can make as much of a difference. Do not back down to these lying charlatans. And in a little over 24 hours, we will have at least part of our country back.

Best,

Cliff; 3:48 PM
bughunter said...: Hey Cliff,

Great way to go on the offensive using the Republicans' lies, scandals, as ammo. They really have given us all the rope we need to hang every one of them, now we just need to fashion some nooses.

I would make two "game tape" observations myself.

One - pick a point at which to stop and yeild the floor. I know this is very hard to do, especially when the lies and hypocracy come at you like machine gun fire, however the "na na I don't hear you" routine works for them, not us.

By making your point or rebuttal loudly and clearly and then being quiet, you can do two things: 1- you appear to be more adult and competent, and 2- it gives the other guy a chance to make another easily-rebutted point. And also, it will make an objective host more likely to give you the last word. And if you can deliver a fatal rebuttal in 8 words or less, your chances to get a sound bite on network evening news go way up.

Second, you missed a great chance at the very end to throw in a line like "that outcome is unavoidable -- unless of course the Republican-owned voting machines determine their own outcome." Shady vote counting tactics and voter suppression tactics need as much exposure as possible in the next 24 hours!

Overall, great job in a difficult situation! It's clear you were enjoying yourself - keep it up.; 4:33 PM
Andrew said...: Cliff,

I'm not gonna argue with anybody here regarding the rudeness, or toning it down, etc... If that's how you bring your point across, awesome.

I DO think that what's lacking in that entire exchange are facts. Out of the entire exchange, two facts (numbers, solid factual evidence, reference to a report, etc...) were mentioned, and other than that it was an argument of smears. While I totally agree with you on bashing the Republican party of criminals, I didn't feel as powerfully as most people did above.

I listen to a lot of commentators debate the Palestinian issue, and I always look for strong Palestinian commentators to come out and really take it to someone (they face the same thing you do). But ultimately, I find that it's those who might raise their voice a bit, might talk over someone, etc... but still present nothing but fact after fact after fact, who just shut any response down.

You started with a few facts, and I wish ya would've just continued. Nonetheless, great job man :)

Andrew; 5:58 PM
Carolyn said...: If you think this is unbelievable, you should read that Eschaton thread on you. There's very little of the "rude" thing - it was mostly "Cliff's the man!" I didn't have to leap to your defense even once.

You were great, Cliff. You are going to force them to play your game and you'll play it better because they'll never be prepared for the things you say. You'll put them on the defense for a change. Damn the torpedos from the polite people.

carolyn13; 6:47 PM
Tony Solorzano said...: Cliff,

I'm telling you, you should have been consulting in every significant race that the Democrats had this season.

If you had been running Phil Agelides' race out here in California, maybe he wouldn't be trailing her GropenFurher out here. Cliff, you're just wehat this party needs, time to fight fire with fire. you were awesome against that moronic talking head.

You're a true patriot, cliff, and you make Me so proud to be a Democrat.

Tony Solorzano; 11:45 PM