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Bill Press’ Book Toxic Talk Identifies the Disease and the Cure

by Tommy Christopher | 11:00 am, July 6th, 2010

» 28 comments

Bill Press is a member of an increasingly endangered species: the successful progressive radio host. With his new book, Toxic Talk: How the Radical Right Has Poisoned America’s Airwaves, my White House press colleague aims to diagnose, and treat, the left’s deficit on the dial. While it lives up to its title, Toxic Talk is much more than a catalog of crass conservative cacophony. Breezy and full of insights for left, right, and in between, Press’ book is essential reading for political media junkies.

Despite the scolding title, Press is no shrinking violet himself. He recently took heat on these pages, and elsewhere, for comparing Glenn Beck‘s “Restoring Honor” event (on the date and location of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech) to an Al-Qaeda rally at Ground Zero. In remarks at his book’s launch party a few weeks ago, Bill copped to the occasional use of toxic talk himself, recognizing hyperbole and controversy as essential tools in today’s chat kit. The key difference is orders of magnitude in degree and quantity.

That book party was held at the command center of Media Matters, the crack watchdog organization on whom Press gratefully relies for most of Toxic Talk‘s references. I worried, as a professional media-watcher myself, that Toxic Talk would be a too-familiar rehash of bile, but I was pleasantly surprised. While some of the quotes were familiar to me (but would be fresh to a lay reader), Press and Media Matters dig up some gems that I’d never heard.

The book is well-organized, with the first four chapters each devoted to the kings of right-wing talk: Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage. While Press gets in his fair share of shots at them, he also gives these devils their due. He rightly credits Rush Limbaugh’s gargantuan influence, and skill at manipulating, not just his audience, but an entire political party.

Aside from more familiar territory, like Rush’s Obama-fueled obsession with bending over and grabbing his ankles, there are hidden gems, like Rush’s 1994 insistence that “It has not been proven that nicotine is addictive” (the President and I would beg to differ), or several CNN-era Glenn Beck quotes that I missed completely. I knew that Beck hated the families of 9/11 victims, but the father of Nicholas Berg? I already couldn’t stand Michael Savage (the one and only time I talked to him, he managed to respond to my objection to torture by calling me gay), but I didn’t know about his war on autistic children.

More than a litany of inflammatory quotes, though, each of these chapters trace their subject’s rise to power, provides a timeline of their significant impact on the news, and analyzes the secrets to that success.

To Press’ credit, not only does he eschew favorite liberal cliche´s, such as using names like “RePUKElican,” or speculating about the diminished IQ/tooth count of the conservative audience, he also offers sincere praise for his subjects. In the “Toxic TV” chapter, for example, he credits Bill O’Reilly‘s perseverance, and his ability to set aside his political differences and hold President Obama up as a role model for America’s children. On Lou Dobbs, he details the former CNN host’s formerly sensible positions on protecting American workers.

Press also devotes chapters to 2nd and 3rd tier conservative chatters, perhaps giving the reader a taste of what’s to come. Again, I was surprised by the kind words he had for Laura Ingraham, detailing her impressive credentials, and noting her sex appeal, and pioneering use of same. His disappointment in the quality of her show, then, seems genuine.

He’s less kind to Mark Levin and Neal Boortz, but his observations are clear-eyed and on target.

The first 7 chapters set the table for Press’ deconstruction of the grip that conservative talk has over America’s radio airwaves. He explains how the real villain isn’t the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, but rather the regulations concerning station ownership. He also explains the barter system, which gives established national radio shows an impossible edge in reaching more listeners.

Finally, Bill offers his analysis of the current state of progressive talk radio, and his prescription for fixing it. He dispenses with myths about progressive talk being unprofitable, most notably by revealing the truth behind Air America Radio’s demise, which had little to do with the viability of the format.

He identifies a short, but potent, roster of successes. MSNBC’s Ed Schultz and Rachel Maddow both rose from progressive talk’s ranks, and he cites Thom Hartmann, Stephanie Miller, Mike Malloy, and Randi Rhodes as other success stories.

I don’t want to ruin the ending for you, but there is a bit of a twist. The surprise villain of the book turns out to be liberals, whom Press observes seem more interested in ego-stroking face time with politicians than in building a counter to the right’s media machine.

While I agree 100% with Press’ conclusions (and his dead-on assessment of liberals’ attitude toward Alan Colmes), I do think he left some things out.

First of all, I think that liberals’ biggest weakness is the smug arrogance that led them to laugh off Sarah Palin’s Death Panels and the Tea Party. I include myself among those who, in our infatuation with new media, dismiss radio as a dead medium. Press’ book opened my eyes to the fallacy of that attitude. As Les Kinsolving constantly observes, radio is unique among media in its ability to penetrate through the background of our daily lives. You’ll never get a 3 hour dose of Countdown while hauling cargo on the interstate.

Secondly, progressive talk radio tends to be heavy on “progressive talk,” and light on “radio.” Aside from Miller, I’ve listened to all of Bill’s examples of liberal radio success, and with one exception, I enjoyed them despite their radio chops. Tune in to Mike Malloy or Thom Hartmann, and you will get several hours of great progressive talk. Tune in for 15 minutes, and you’re likely to be more lost than an Oceanic 815 survivor.

Only Randi Rhodes hews closely enough to talk radio conventions to be able to pull together the drop-in listener and the regulars. She combines the tough-talking, bumper-sticker-friendly style of her conservative counterparts with a liberal message that’s almost stealth in its common sense populism. On top of that, she’s a radio pro. Randi mixes in enough repetition of the day’s theme to catch new listeners up, but not so much that you can’t listen to her for 3 hours.

Finally, I think that conservative talk has become such a growth industry for the online left, it has locked up the very talent that could threaten it. Media Matters, Crooks and Liars, hell, most of the liberal blogosphere (and Mediaite), all mine the Limbaughs and Becks of the world for an endless stream of content. With such easy pickings to be had at conservative talk’s expense, and with the misguided notion that radio is dead, where is the incentive to put the hard work into becoming a broadcasting professional?

Like Press, I am amazed that, with the amount of time and energy the left puts into fretting about and watchdogging the right wing media echo chamber, they seem to have no interest in developing one of their own.

Pablo

That book party was held at the command center of Media Matters, the crack addicted watchdog organization on whom Press gratefully relies for most of Toxic Talk’s references.

There. Fixed that for you.
http://politicsofdestruction.com/ Bobomatic

I’ve got a more relevant book for you to read:

The Liberal Mind: The Psychological Causes of Political Madness -
“A social scientist who understands human nature will not dismiss the vital roles of free choice, voluntary cooperation and moral integrity – as liberals do,” he says. “A political leader who understands human nature will not ignore individual differences in talent, drive, personal appeal and work ethic, and then try to impose economic and social equality on the population – as liberals do. And a legislator who understands human nature will not create an environment of rules which over-regulates and over-taxes the nation’s citizens, corrupts their character and reduces them to wards of the state – as liberals do.”
http://apostrophejones.com Apostrophe jones

Press has always been a boob . No offense .
ImNotBlue

Bill Press is a member of an increasingly endangered species: the successful progressive radio host.

This must be some new usage of the word “successful” I’m not familiar with.

In fact, this site I found doesn’t even have him listed as an influential person.

That book party was held at the command center of Media Matters, the crack watchdog organization on whom Press gratefully relies for most of Toxic Talk’s references.

And has been found factually inaccurate a number of times, in an effort to push their leftwing advocacy message.

He identifies a short, but potent, roster of successes.

Again, I guess “success” is relative.

Tune in to Mike Malloy or Thom Hartmann, and you will get several hours of great progressive talk.

Ah the great, Mike Malloy… not above a little racism to make his point. I’m sure Press talked about that, right Tommy?

KATHY BAY MALLOY (50:34) in mocking East Indian voice: Hello, my name is Bobby, how may I give you excellent customer service today, I hear you are having problems with hard drive. I am so very sorry this is happening to you, ma’am (Mike Malloy laughs throughout)

MIKE MALLOY (50:49) (Laughing): You’re getting a bit racist in your middle years, aren’t you?
http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/2009/02/libtalker-laughs-as-wife-slurs-bobby.html

_____________________________________

Media Matters, Crooks and Liars, hell, most of the liberal blogosphere (and Mediaite), all mine the Limbaughs and Becks of the world for an endless stream of content.

And that’s it, folks. I think this is the closest we’ll come to someone from Mediaite actually admitting they’re part of the “liberal blogosphere.” Finally.
kenm

“I knew that Beck hated the families of 9/11 victims…”

Way to put that statement into context Tommy. Beck was talking about the few 9-11 family members that seemed to be everywhere on TV complaining about the war and how little money they received for the death of their loved one – basically cashing in on tragedy. Funny, you don’t see those families on TV anymore complaining about the war now that we have a new president.

I’m not quite sure how you can be a White House reporter and at the same time such a liberal-progressive cheerleader. I guess even the perception of objectivity is no longer a requirement for journalists.
Pablo

ImNotBlue said:
In fact, this site I found doesn’t even have him listed as an influential person.

Now that’s funny. Nicely done, INB.
Pablo

kenm said:
I’m not quite sure how you can be a White House reporter and at the same time such a liberal-progressive cheerleader.

See Jeff Gannon.
Liberty Banned

Just another irrelevant partisan hack hit piece book. Don’t waste your money.
BatBoy

“…book party was held at the command center of Media Matters…”

AKA a missed opportunity for a coordinated air strike!
tjl

Thanks for the review, Tommy. Put something in writing and the “right” will never “get around” to “reading” it. Now put it on the AM radio… LOOK OUT! Somebody read this to them!

Wait, does anyone listen to the radio anymore? Oh, right, the right-wing extremists do. Thanks for keeping an ear to our airwaves. I’ll let you know what’s going on outside if you keep me abreast to what’s happening on air…. how do you guys have so much time to listen to the radio and watch Fox News. I would love to read that book!
kenm

tjl said:
Put something in writing and the “right” will never “get around” to “reading” it.

Wow TJL, you are so right. Conservative books sell so BADLY don’t they? I mean, it’s not like books recommended by conservative talk radio hosts suddenly shoot to the top of the best sellers list. *cough*

http://volokh.com/2010/06/09/f-a-hayeks-road-to-serfdom-is-the-1-bestseller-on-amazon/
stoogedudes

I actually purchased Toxic Talk thinking it would be an interesting read. It was certainly interesting, but as someone who follows politics a lot and ventures to Huffington Post and here, there’s a lot of things in the book that I already knew. There was no new insightful, headline news scoop that “Game Change” had. I already knew of the things Beck and Hannity and Limbaugh said and continue to say. I already knew that Michael Savage was a vile individual (although there were some things on Savage that took my breath away for it’s craziness). The book relied too much on Media Matters as well. I like Bill Press and his radio show, but this book just isn’t that good.

There was even a typo that the editor should have caught. One example was Press’s recalling of Sean Hannity versus Sonia Sotomayor. On page 83, it reads: “On May 1, 2004, the day David Souter announced his resignation from the court, Hannity predicted that Obama’s first nominee would be “somebody extremely radical,” since his policies as president so far had been purely “Socialist.” Three days later, still twenty-two days before Sotomayor’s confirmation, Hannity declared…”

Now, I read this and thought to myself, surely Souter didn’t resign from the Court in 2004. How could Hannity have predicted that Obama’s first nominee to the court would be radical, when Obama was relatively unknown on May 1, 2004, months before his breakthrough at the 2004 DNC with his remarkable address? Obviously, he meant May 1 of 2009, but it’s something that his editor must have went over. I’m bad at proofreading some of the things I write, but yet even I noticed this typo.

And I agree about Mike Malloy that he can be just as bad. What Malloy does is just the kind of thing Limbaugh and others do, which is personally attack those with whom they disagree with. Press argues that when conservatives do that, it’s harmful to the public discourse. Yet he effusively praises Malloy for doing basically the same thing, only on the progressive side. When conservatives call Obama ridiculous names, such as “Chairman Mao Tse Obama” and “Obama bin Laden” among others, Press rightly denounces it. Yet he seemed to enjoy when Malloy called Bush “Knuckle Nuts”, “the Unelected Idiot”, “President Bunny Pants”, and “Cinco de Moron”. And to be fair, Ed Schultz has said some pretty crazy things himself.

By the way, I know that this book is low in the bestseller lists. But I just want to point out that every time I go to Wal-Mart, the book shelves are full of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, and Sean Hannity books. I also see Dick Morris’s book there every time. Basically, whenever a conservative releases a book, it seems like it goes straight to Wal-mart, marked down at an affordable price. No wonder they are always best sellers. I’ve never seen a progressive authors book there.
Penguin60

This bufoon calling anyone’s talk “toxic” is hilarious. He needs to be at the top of the list. What a joke.
RIChris

Tommy, as in all things liberal (hypocritical, same difference), it’s viewed as toxic talk only when spoken by the right. The left view the same level of dialogue as ‘teaching the world to sing’.
MichelleF

Tommy, I’m with Pablo is wondering what your definition of successful is. I look forward to you doing a piece on Laura Ingram’s upcoming book, The Obama Diaries. I’m sure you’ve pre-ordered your copy already!

On May 20, 2010, Laura Ingraham received a package from an anonymous source that will change the history of the United States and the legacy of President Barack Obama. While retrieving her automobile from the underground garage at the Watergate complex (where she had just enjoyed her weekly pedicure), Ingraham discovered a manila envelope on the hood of her car. When she picked it up, a deep baritone voice called out from a nearby stairwell: “Just read it. You’ll know what to do.” The shadowy figure then disappeared into the darkness without another word.

The envelope contained copies of what appeared to be diary entries written by President Barack Obama, his family, and high-ranking administration officials. Because the “diaries” are so revealing, Ingraham felt compelled to release them to the American public and the citizens of the world.

Major media outlets love to describe the president as “no drama Obama,” but The Obama Diaries tells a different tale. Through these “diary entries,” readers will see past the carefully constructed Obama façade to the administration’s true plans to “remake America.”

Excerpts from Laura Ingraham’s The Obama Diaries

Obama on Sarah Palin:
“Hell, doesn’t Palin have anything better to do than criticize me? Shouldn’t she be back home shooting some endangered wolf species from a helicopter?” (April 9, 2010)

Michelle on being First Lady:
“I’ll be damned if all this fabulosity is going to go to waste reading Dr. Seuss to snot-nosed kids all day.” (January 23, 2009)

Vice President Joe Biden on Michelle Obama:
“She’s kind of like a black Hillary Clinton. I mean that in a good way.” (May 5, 2009)

Obama on his visit to the Vatican:
“If I can ingratiate myself with a few more of these red-hats, the pope thing might not be a bad follow-up to the presidency.” (July 10, 2009)

http://www.lauraingraham.com/the-obama-diaries
me1ranger

I couldn’t find in your puff-piece, what are the sales numbers of this pamphlet Tommy? Pretty pathetic..I know, it’s because Wal-Mart is trying to bury it. Uh huh..
http://www.karlspensen.blogspot.com Karl Spensen

MichelleF, that book sounds TOTALLY LEGIT!!!1 Thank you SO MUCH for (as USUAL) exposing us to Important Information that the LAMESTREAM MEDIA would have otherwise kept from us!!!1 I can’t WAIT until you get PAID to write a BLOG, like the LIB HACKS who work for MediaSPITE!!!1
NORBIT Jr.

LOL! – These listener #’s represent “SUCCESSFUL”!
source: Power Grid (Mediaite)

Glenn Beck #8,000,000

Rush Limbaugh #14,750,000

Sean Hannity #13,750,000

Mark Levin #5,750,000

Michael Savage #8,250,000

Obama will go down as the BEST GOP RECRUITER of ALL TIME!! – LOL! – LOL! -LOL!
stoogedudes

me1ranger said:
I couldn’t find in your puff-piece, what are the sales numbers of this pamphlet Tommy? Pretty pathetic..I know, it’s because Wal-Mart is trying to bury it. Uh huh..

You never know…put a progressive book on the bookshelves at Wal-Mart at discount prices…it’d sell too!
Didn’t a right-wing site sell Sarah Palin’s new book for under $5?
Pablo

I think that “successful progressive radio host” means that you are a progressive talker who actually has a broadcast signal being emitted.

“I’m on the radio! Success!”
Pablo

me1ranger said:
I couldn’t find in your puff-piece, what are the sales numbers of this pamphlet Tommy?

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #8,634 in Books

It’s only been out six weeks, though. Maybe it’s building up a head of steam, as it charges to the top of the charts. Hey, maybe Press could tag team the list with #5,001. What a literary powerhouse those two could be!
Nachi

Early copy. A very good read. But will not appeal to the blue collar, working class, uneducated , Repunk rubes and hicks – and others of lowly origin. That dart-board mentality.
mproust

Nachi, go fuck yourself.
NORBIT

Unique Voters Greeting Cards leave a powerful Impression!
http://www.zazzle.com/talkingpoints
ImNotBlue

stoogedudes says:
July 6, 2010 at 4:35 pm

You never know…put a progressive book on the bookshelves at Wal-Mart at discount prices…it’d sell too!

Doubtful. The left hates Walmart (which is something I think the right should equate with them being against lower-income people), so I doubt there’d be a lot of traffic for that kind of book there.

Although, I must admit, I almost never check out books at the Walmart. I’ll look when I go next time.
Penguin60

stoogedudes said:
You never know…put a progressive book on the bookshelves at Wal-Mart at discount prices…it’d sell too!Didn’t a right-wing site sell Sarah Palin’s new book for under $5?

Somebody still has to fork over the cash to buy it, no matter what the price. I wouldn’t buy this toxic avengers book for $0.01.
Helix

Well, I must credit Bill Press for stepping up to the plate to attempt to take on the right wing radio juggernaut, it shows he has some cojones, but unless he is very fortunate it will be just Air America part 2. Getting ratings is not as easy as it looks, if you are made a fool of on the air time and again, people stop listening to you. Also, if you only have friendly callers on no one will listen either. Would be curious what stations and what times Bill P. is on, also listener numbers and book sales will be of interest. Am not a big Savage fan, but do listen to the other big three when I can. Does Bill have a national audience????? Also some figures put Rush at 20M listeners rather than 14M.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Tony-Westover/1496648721 Tony Westover

Tommy Christopher said:
That book party was held at the command center of Media Matters, the crack watchdog organization on whom Press gratefully relies for most of Toxic Talk’s references.

Therefore making the book invalid and irrelevant. Next!