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MSNBC President Admits To Howard Kurtz: Sometimes Ed Schultz “Crossed The Line”

» 32 comments

The Daily Beast‘s Howard Kurtz has experience exposing MSNBC’s dirty laundry and he’s at it again with a new column on the “surprise star of its liberal lineup” – Ed Schultz. Although Kurtz accurately reflects that the ratings of The Ed Show are dwarfed by Fox NewsSpecial Report With Bret Baier, he still considers Schultz to be “Rush Limbaugh‘s TV Nemesis.” And although Rush would dispute Schultz is in the same league as him, with profile-raising pieces like this and with increasingly critical commentaries of President Obama, Schultz’s stock at MSNBC is certainly rising.

Schultz explains his brash style to Kurtz as a result of the fact that “Liberals have been vilified, laughed at for years” and claims it’s “good to give it back to [liberal critics].” Interestingly, MSNBC president Phil Griffin, admits:

There are times I tell him he goes over the top and that TV is different than radio. . . . A couple of times he’s crossed the line. I said, ‘Ed, you ran down the field 100 yards and you spiked the ball. Don’t spike the ball!’

Since such passionate “spiking” seems to at least contributed to MSNBC’s ratings success against CNN, might Griffin begin trusting his hosts with the ball more? Schultz concludes to Kurtz, “Not to get too grandiose about it . . . but I really believe I’m saying things a lot of Americans want someone to say.”

Check out Kurtz’s full column.

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  • CosmosDan

    Thanks, we weren’t sure until that happened.

    Now if he can get Schultz to shut up , we’d be ever so grateful.

    Can we bring back Werner Klemper to help? How about just running the appropriate clip of Klemper whenever Schultz goes off the deep end.

  • TangledThorns

    Ed advocated voter fraud, why does MSNBC allow someone like that remain on the air? MSNBC is corrupt, just like Ed.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Poor dumb Ed went over the top about 100lbs ago.

  • VoiceofReason

    Too bad that while Ed’s stock is on the rise at PMSNBC, PMSNBC is still in the toilet.

    the guy is an ignorant ass and a liar.

    Just for grins one afternoon, during the commercial of I was watching, I flipped over to Ed and then sat for the next 15 minutes waiting for him to tell the truth about something. It was incredible. Red faced. Veins sticking out his forehead. Spittle flecked venom spewing from his HoHo hole.

    And not a word of truth in the entire diatribe.

    Iomean really……at least express a modicum of fact before you leap full on off the cliff.

    I have a sneakling suspicion that Ed and BathTub Boy are going to be looking for work with ComCast takes control.

    The one constant I have become aware of in my dealings with them……they aren’t shy about pulling something that just isn’t working.

  • felixw

    If Phil Griffin starts worrying about MSNBC hosts who cross the line, he won’t get any sleep. These ranters, shouters and cheap shot artists reside permanently across the line. Why single out Ed, when he is no different from the rest?

  • notsofast

    At times”

    Yes, everyday at 5PM

  • hanniballa

    Ed crosses the line… this is news? In all seriousness, Schultz looks way too stressed. He needs to relax more.

  • dhg

    Ed doesn’t say things a lot of americans want someone to say.He says thing he thinks americans need to hear and have crammed down thier throats.He,like his prime time buddies,pushes an agenda and ideology that most americans do not agree with.And last November that message was delived,we’re all still waiting for dorks like Ed to actually get it.I won’t hold my breath.

    MSNBC seems to be becoming the most over the top ridiculous network in prime time,taking that crown away from FNC,and that takes a lot of doing,to look more ridiculous and extreme than FNC and to have show hosts that make more fools of themselves than FNC.

  • ititiiti

    1. this article on schultz is merely an “ad” to get people to sign in to a mailing list.
    2. what fox news, msnbc, limbaugh, schultz, et al, do NOT give the public is “news.”
    3. what ever point schultz makes – since msnbc is owned by wall street interest, and unlike limbaugh – he is challenged by the opposing view of conservatives he’s required to have on his show.
    http://innergnat.com

  • ImNotBlue

    MSNBC President Admits To Howard Kurtz: Sometimes Ed Schultz “Crossed The Line”

    Yes… like when he opens his mouth.

  • WildMan

    Ed Schultz is a F**king joke. The guy lies through his false teeth on a daily basis. He can’t stand the fact that every show on FOX News draws so many more viewers in every age group that it is not even funny. He is so jealous of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hanitty and Glenn Beck that it controls his angry personality in a very negative way. Ed Schultz is like the school yard bully….all talk and no action.He tried to get viewers to believe that the rally on the National Mall was his idea. Good…since it was a total flop compared to Beck & Palin’s rally. And the mess left at the War Memorial and all over the grassy area was sad and pathetic! I can’t believe that PMSnbc allows this farce in front of a camera. He is not worthy of even fetching coffee for the folks across the street at FOX News. . .

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leah-Ma/1391341060 Leah Ma

    Ed, you sure are saying things Americans want to hear! Out of all the shows on MSNBC, yours is my top favorite. Yay, Ed!!!!!
    Americans need to hear what Ed’s saying. This is about the only place they’ll hear it, in straight, plain, down to earth language. If Ed is owned by Wall Street interests, then I don’t know what on earth he’s giving them (laughing while I type that).

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    dhg says:
    “MSNBC seems to be becoming the most over the top ridiculous network in prime time,taking that crown away from FNC,and that takes a lot of doing,to look more ridiculous and extreme than FNC and to have show hosts that make more fools of themselves than FNC.”

    That is partly a matter of perspective. At least MSNBC doesn’t make a living out of lying to their viewers routinely or have a host use the platform for self-aggrandizement and creating a movement to turn back the clock to 9-12-0-01. That’s 1901, a regressive attitude not hidden by the reactionary Beck. If someone were to attempt what Beck gets away with on the Fox Propaganda Channel, he’d be fired. I happen to think that includes Ed for getting on the stage at events instead of reporting from off stage. News hosts should not BE the news without consequences. That is how Schultz crosses the line: from reporter to activist.

    dhg, Maddow nor O’Donnell make fools of themselves. You’re setting forth a false equivilancy . Fox never criticized Bush; Obama gets criticized a lot on MSNBC.

  • Scott_in_MI

    felixw said:
    If Phil Griffin starts worrying about MSNBC hosts who cross the line, he won’t get any sleep. These ranters, shouters and cheap shot artists reside permanently across the line. Why single out Ed, when he is no different from the rest?

    Because Griffin can’t say it to the other “whack job” working at the network. Because that guy just might have a temper tantrum.

  • Scott_in_MI

    hanniballa said:
    Ed crosses the line… this is news? In all seriousness, Schultz looks way too stressed. He needs to relax more.

    In all truth, Ed is probably the most normal guy at the network (6PM – 10PM.) Matthews used to be normal, but since the rise of the tea party, he’s gotten very whacky.

  • Scott_in_MI

    GlennBeckReview said:
    Fox never criticized Bush

    GBR you must’ve never watched Fox during Bush’s term. If you had, you would have seen Bush being maligned by the right for:

    No Child Left Behind (co-sponsored by Ted Kennedy)
    Harriet Myers
    Prescription drug expansion
    Spending

    That’s just those at the top of my head

  • Scott_in_MI

    GlennBeckReview said:
    If someone were to attempt what Beck gets away with on the Fox Propaganda Channel, he’d be fired.

    Thats for sure. I couldn’t believe that Beck kept his job despite that “bombshell” that you promised everyone last week.

  • Probably NOT wrong

    I think GBR really does think he is relevant!
    SAD!

  • Scott_in_MI

    Probably NOT wrong said:
    I think GBR really does think he is relevant!SAD!

    He is relevant. Didn’t you see that story he promised last week? I surprised that Beck wasn’t arrested for that “thing.”

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    GlennBeckReview said:
    “If someone were to attempt what Beck gets away with on the Fox Propaganda Channel, he’d be fired.”

    Scott_in_MI says:
    “Thats for sure. I couldn’t believe that Beck kept his job despite that “bombshell” that you promised everyone last week.”

    At no time did I ever imply that the news, “bombshell,” would threaten Beck’s job. It’s possible, but more likely Beck would deny the information to the decision maker at Fox and that would be the end of it. He won’t be arrested for the information either.

    I understand you want to know what the bombshell is about, but you’re not going to get the information from me until it has been published somewhere else first. If I disclose it first, then I’ll be engaged in mere rumor-mongering. That’s not what The Glenn Beck Review is about. Bait me until you’re blue in the face; the information won’t come out. (I know you and the Probably Wrong fool won’t care, but arguing against publishing this story about Beck is one of the most ambivalent times of my life. Since then, information that shows Beck is indeed a hypocrite on the subject matter has been uncovered; but the issue of publishing or not is one of protecting the source.) It’s out of my hands, but I hope it comes out.

    Probably ___ wrong: let me know when you have anything relevant to add. I haven’t seen anything from you yet except evidence of you being a mere troll. Let me make my case. Troll: “In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into a desired emotional response.” So, Probably ___ wrong, did you address the subject matter? No. Why not? Cause you’re a troll. I’ve seen your comment on Beck stories. You never address the topic. Instead, you think you’re … god know what you think you’re doing. It’s clear that you’re a huge fan of Beck which puts you at the level of steamy slime on a rock perhaps becoming life but more likely becoming slimier rotting filth that dries out in the sun.

    Probably NOT wrong = unadulterated troll, i.e. , slime trying to become nothing. If you can point me to a constructive comment you’ve made here, I’ll update my Review of your status in life (slime).

  • http://Mediaite.com uggugg

    This reminds me of the early days about 55 years ago when I was newly married and we needed the money and I was shoveling manure, when I came home from work my wife complained ungratefully about me smelling like manure, I about flipped, what did she expect me to smell like money? Just another case of you are as your environment whether you like it or not. Another thought along these lines would be—–Are you poor because you live in the ghetto or are in the ghetto because you are poor? Good question.

  • Russell Smith

    Oh wow, what a revelation. MSNBC sometimes crosses the line? Let me ask this question, do they need to turn the studio lights down as MSNBC or are Ed Schultz’s eyes always that beady. Way Creepy.

  • BushClintonCrimeFamily

    Fox crosses the line every time Glenn Beck opens his mouth. MSNBC are junior-league ‘line-crossers’ in comparison. Righties are losers.

  • Probably NOT wrong

    GBR is an irelevant fool.
    He is running a stupid blog, apparently spending every
    waking minute on it and accomplishing absolutely nothing. Must like to read and
    read his own words. Doubt if many others do.
    Dumbest thing I have ever seen.
    Troll??? Fine with me! Knock yourself out!

  • J Baustian

    Quote: “Although Kurtz accurately reflects that the ratings of The Ed Show are dwarfed by Fox News‘ Special Report With Bret Baier, he still considers Schultz to be “Rush Limbaugh’s TV Nemesis.”

    I wonder if Rush Limbaugh knows who Sgt Schultz is — if so then he certainly doesn’t care.

    I suppose if Schultz says something incredibly but memorably stupid, Rush might play it back and make fun of him. But otherwise Rush will continue to ignore Schultz and other totally insignificant people.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    GlennBeckReview said:
    I understand you want to know what the bombshell is about, but you’re not going to get the information from me until it has been published somewhere else first. If I disclose it first, then I’ll be engaged in mere rumor-mongering. That’s not what The Glenn Beck Review is about. Bait me until you’re blue in the face; the information won’t come out. (I know you and the Probably Wrong fool won’t care, but arguing against publishing this story about Beck is one of the most ambivalent times of my life. Since then, information that shows Beck is indeed a hypocrite on the subject matter has been uncovered; but the issue of publishing or not is one of protecting the source.) It’s out of my hands, but I hope it comes out.

    You don’t get it fool. Nobody wants anything out of you. YOU are a liar and a idiot. No one here ever wants to hear from you again.

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    gordontheblowhardwithashow says:
    “You don’t get it fool. Nobody wants anything out of you. YOU are a liar and a idiot. No one here ever wants to hear from you again.”

    Your troll gig has been noticed Gorden, the blowhardwithashow; and the gig is up. Someone more objective than I has exposed your ugly and stupid hatred. As follows:

    Andrew K says:
    December 16, 2010 at 8:32 am (Quote)

    “…I just haven’t really been motivated to join the fray below the articles until now.

    See, as a member of the generation that saw the advent of the internet in our formidable years I’m aware of the qualities of comment sections, chats, and forums. I know that for the most part they’ve been a place where people allow themselves the freedom to be total assholes to complete strangers. Because of this I’ve avoided registering or commenting on much (I hardly leave a peep on YouTube videos, because, frankly, I don’t need an email each time some illiterate 14 year-old calls me a fag for liking Paul McCartney’s solo work.).

    But you know what Gordie? The comments are here, and often times the word count and sheer amount of information in comments section is much higher than that of even the OP’s article. There are actually a few interesting people around here that seem to understand media criticism, and Gord, you aren’t one of them.
    … but man are you prolific. I’m willing to bet that you are one of the top commenters here on Mediaite, if we are talking sheer number of posts; and to be totally honest with you, it is ruining the site for me.

    You are intentionally confrontational from the word go, you have no constructive input to offer. You seek out those who have an opinion you feel is in conflict with yours and belittle them and call them names. Your retorts are weak and often involve a regurgitation of what ever “kick” you are on (my bet is I’m not the only one you are calling “stupid” this morning.). When the tone moves to substantive debate that involves doing more than calling people names you rely on your extensive experience that includes a website you haven’t updated since 2008 and the fact that you accidently rubbed William F. Buckley’s junk through his pants on a bus once or something like that.

    There is nothing positive in what you do Gordo. Not for people you are arguing with and not for the arguments themselves.

    You bring nothing to the table Gord-a-lord-a-ding-dang. The broad generalizations you spit are not just stupid but border on offensive, and before you go calling me some sort of touchy-feelie “liberal” just remember that generalizations are not the kind of thing an individualist should be comfortable making because they remove a person’s sense of singularity. It has nothing to do with peoples feelings it has everything to do with respecting the humanity of your neighbor.

    So Gord, do everyone a favor and saddle up your half-sack and get real. Talk about the issues in a way that actually conveys a point and maybe we’ll not just understand what it is you stand for but also accept it as valid. Hell, you might get someone to think outside their own narrow little box.

    I guess, in your own way, by contributing to the status quo of comment thread filth and nastiness, you’ve inspired me to try to improve this entire situation.”

    Gordon, the blowhard with a show, when you claim above that “No one here ever wants to hear from you again,” you are projecting. Unless you want to address the subject of the story or the topic of a comment, no one wants to hear from you. You are an ugly, ugly man, inside and out.

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    Probably NOT wrong says:
    “Troll??? Fine with me!”

    I have to admit that it’s refreshing to see a scumbag admit to his own douchbaggery.

    You supporters of the liar/hypocrite Beck are going to have to do more to dislodge my boot from Beck’s butt. Even if you’re successful for a day, I’ll just go out and buy a bigger pair of boots.

  • CAconservative

    Rush would dispute Schulz being in the same league? How about “everyone”, would dispute that! Mr.Schultz, along with the rest of C-team at MSNBC have to rely on shock and awe to maintain viewership.

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    CAconservative says:
    “Rush would dispute Schulz being in the same league? How about “everyone”, would dispute that! Mr.Schultz, along with the rest of C-team at MSNBC have to rely on shock and awe to maintain viewership.”

    Another deluded and wildly misinformed conservative. You must watch Fox, they specialize in misinforming and that kind of deceitful competition bashing. In fact, your POV is so far off base, you might just be a Beckerhead. If that’s the case, change your comment name to CAreactionary. Beck is no conservative.

  • Nahu Tuk

    hanniballa said:
    Ed crosses the line… this is news? In all seriousness, Schultz looks way too stressed. He needs to relax more.

    Recognizing that one’s best efforts have led to failure can be extremely stressful. Such stress is often manifested in fits of rage, loss of contact with reality, and denial. It is important to understand this when we see it…as we so often do from people like GBR.

  • http://sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/ GlennBeckReview

    hanniballa said:
    “Ed crosses the line… this is news? In all seriousness, Schultz looks way too stressed. He needs to relax more.”

    The reactionary, racist Yahu Fuk says:
    “Recognizing that one’s best efforts have led to failure can be extremely stressful. Such stress is often manifested in fits of rage, loss of contact with reality, and denial. It is important to understand this when we see it…as we so often do from people like GBR.”

    This is nothing more than another ad hominem attack from a far right bigot who can’t defend the lies and hypocrisies of a man that he’s either emotionally and/or spiritually attached to, Glenn Beck. We expect this from the minions of this charlatan. (They think he’s real. Thus, I’m “unreal.”) The rage Yahoo describes comes from Mr. Beck himself; he’s a dangerous, perhaps very dangerous, perhaps the most dangerous man in America. If you doubt that, you don’t know Glenn Beck well.

    Read this article from Alternet. This is from “How Glenn Beck’s Twisted Worldview Goads Disturbed People into Acts of Violence:”

    “Among Americans’ most prized possessions are the freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. In a free society, controversial public policy issues should be expected to generate vigorous and even heated debate. Our political leaders should expect to be subject to exacting scrutiny and energetic criticism. And Americans must be willing to embrace the First Amendment rights even, or especially, of those whose opinions we disagree with and find offensive.

    But Americans must also be willing to use their First Amendment freedoms to challenge those who exploit their political positions or media megaphones to promote lies that are intended to inflame rather than inform, that encourage paranoia rather than participation, and whose consequences are at best divisive and at worst, violently destructive.

    Those who are challenging Beck and Fox are taking on the responsibilities of engaged citizenship, and are acting to promote the nation’s best values.”

    This is what I’m engaged in, not “fits of rage, loss of contact with reality and denial” as yahoo claims. Hell, this bigot has no idea himself what reality is if he can’t readily agree that Glenn Beck is an habitual liar.

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