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Breaking News: Eliot Spitzer Is Good On Television

by Colby Hall | 10:33 pm, December 7th, 2010

» 14 comments

The jokes have been made, and the ratings are not strong: Eliot Spitzer has starting to look like cable news’s piñata. In fact, it’s not unreasonable to think that Parker/Spitzer‘s days on air are numbered, at least in its current iteration. But despite the sturm und drang and predictable drama that comes with a new cable news show, I think that there is one unspoken truth to be gleaned from this whole enterprise: Former New York Governor-turned-cable news host Eliot Spitzer is very good on television.

In a sea of cable news bloviaters and blowhards, Spitzer’s hard work, intelligence, more centrist views and broad sensibility are deserving of more appreciation.

Last week the NY Post reported that there was tension on the set of Parker/Spitzer that allegedly culminated with Kathleen Parker‘s “storming off the set.” The reason behind the alleged fuming? Parker was reportedly angry that the show’s producers weren’t playing up her strengths on the struggling show, implying that her co-host was getting far more than his fair share of airtime.

Anyone who has watched the show can tell you that Ms. Parker has a point. Eliot Spitzer is a lot more vocal throughout the course of any given episode of Parker/Spitzer. But most viewers of said show (or, as some wags might say, both viewers) would likely also add that the show would greatly benefit from having more Spitzer, not less. When a cable news program that is focused on the issues of the day, it helps to have a co-host that has a clear command of those issues. Whether it be stimulus spending, tax cuts, or even leaked government documents, the former Governor of New York has the wisdom of experience in dealing with these issues, and it shows onscreen.

Though the show is just over a month old, the examples of Spitzer showing off his smarts are already starting pile up. Most recently, he had on as guest Senator Lindsey Graham, who casually suggested the notion of having permanent military bases in Afghanistan. Spitzer immediately recalled pre-war political rhetoric in a way that clearly was not coming from a control room through his ear piece.

There was also Spitzer’s discussion with Texas Governor Rick Perry over letting states opt out of Social Security, or Spitzer’s declaration that Tim Geithner should be fired on the premier episode of the show.

The reported frustrations felt by those attached to the show surely stem from its poor ratings. While many shows open with few viewers, there is no question that this one can’t last with such consistently low numbers. Sources inside CNN say that a larger reason for the discontent on the set is a reflection of different styles of the hosts. They say that Spitzer understands the collaborative nature of television. Coming form a career in government, it makes sense that he would understand the importance of building a consensus, unlike Parker, who is well-liked but has been been writing columns alone for years.

There are legitimate critiques with both Spitzer and his show. Critics point out that Spitzer’s arguments are often too lawyerly for cable news, and that the former New York state Attorney General plays within the multiple shades of gray on any given issue. Aditionally, his sharp intelligence can be too pointed at times for, his edges in need of softening by a co-host to become more welcome in America’s living rooms. Alas, Parker is the wrong kind of soft – her points of view seemed to be honed from a year of writing multiple drafts, not the sort of exercise that prepares one for the quick and pithy environment of live television. She’s clearly smart, but maybe not the right kind of smart for hosting a television program.

Let’s be clear – Eliot Spitzer is not a natural television host either, but his broad understanding of multiple topics in the news, his willingness to sometimes take unpredictable positions, and no nonsense demeanor together make him a rarity in today’s cable news landscape.

http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

LOL, his “understanding” is a liberal “understanding” that is praised by the likes of Colby Hall. LOL.
That is why the show sucks. It is just amazing how libs are so stuck on their self. Spitzer like Obama over thinks every issue and comes out on the wrong side.
Libs just can’t “understand” why they are not popular. LOL
Big Eddie

Spitzer is obnoxious . Obnoxious don’t play in the real world .
Socialist

Breaking news? really, isn’t there something else to cover other than journalists?..
gar

Eliot Spitzer Is Good On Television. Maybe for an erectile dysfunction commercial.
ModerateMan

Describing Spitzer as “centrist” is where you lost me. Spitzer’s dishonest questioning of Rand Paul is where the Spitzer/Parker show lost me as a viewer.

If you think Spizter is intelligent it is only because you share the same liberal belief system.
Magister

I have to admit that I’ve only seen clips of the show, but I’ve also been very impressed by Mr. Spitzer.

Being a non-New Yorker, I think of him mostly as a former Attorney General and though I had seen bits and pieces over the years, I mostly knew him from the written word and through newspaper reports. Therefore prior to the show, I had an inkling that he was intelligent, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by his charismatic style.

Of course not enough to tune-in, but definitely enough to watch the clips.
—

Disclosure: I don’t think there’s anyone who could make me watch news at that hour, unless I was getting paid or there was something important breaking.
Independent

Although I probably agree with most of his political positions, I gotta say that once you start banging hookers, you’re dead to me. Go and get some private sector job that precludes you from the limelight. You make all liberals look bad with your hooker banging ways. Also: Kathleen Parker is creepy, she acts like Spitzer’s deranged first wife, half in the bag from drinking white wine since noon. Every time she leans over and pats Spitzer’s hand, I nearly throw up. Who could take these sanctimonious douchebags seriously? Spitzer thinks he’s the sh!t even though his ass is sooooo done and Parker doesn’t know what the hell’s going on.*

*This review was written after only seeing 5 minutes now and then when i’ve been to busy in the kitchen to change the channel

Did I mention that anyone who bangs hookers is a douche?
BarneyFranken

Spitzer is a Centrist? Really?

Well there was the one time when Spitzer ordered 2 call girls and wanted to be the meat in a hooker sandwich…

I guess you could say he was a centrist then.
Just4thefax

Fact: Where do you find all these left nut lunatics in the real world? Who in their right mind can sit thru and watch this crap? Debt or no debt we might have to really consider a little more for the detoxify education fund!
TfT

“Eliot Spitzer has starting to look like cable news’s pinata.” The board needs an editor….and when you make errors like this, and then turn around and criticize others for errors makes you look just plain mean and stupid.

P/S is a terrible show, Spitzer is not a centrist, and Parker is nothing but a giggler. The show needs to be canceled, it isn’t going to get any better.
http://TheDividedStatesBlog.com Publius219

gordonbloyershow said:
LOL, his “understanding” is a liberal “understanding” that is praised by the likes of Colby Hall. LOL.
That is why the show sucks. It is just amazing how libs are so stuck on their self. Spitzer like Obama over thinks every issue and comes out on the wrong side.
Libs just can’t “understand” why they are not popular. LOL

An argument ad ignorantiam, I bet, since I doubt you’ve ever watched the show.
Nachi

Indeed. The teeming rancid masses are just too stupid & short-brained to comprehend.
redstate22

this show would be great if they found someone with the same dynamic voice to oppose spitzer. while i do not agree with his policies, there is no denying his ability to articulate his points in a passionate and interesting way. parker is a joke. i’m sorry, but she just sits up there and smiles at the camera while everyone else does the talking. when she does speak, there is no substance, no passion. find a replacement!
Contessa

Wow – I thought I was alone in my appreciation of Spitzer – so glad I have a friend out there!