Why are private companies using the public airwaves to include and exclude candidates in primary debates in the first place?

First, most of the debates have been on cable, not on the public airwaves.

Second, a better question would by "why haven't the major networks been broadcasting the debates as they once did?"

So, instead of poll taxes, we now have a cable surcharge that is required for voters to become fully informed?

(I actually learn more online, but it's the principle of the thing, dammit!)

Yes, it does, and much as I (usually) prefer to obey the rules of grammar myself, I am not above splitting an infinitive when I really want that adverb to boldly stand out.

for suggesting that interview with Harold Bloom. I haven't read a lot of his work, but I did enjoy the Western Canon. I'd forgotten that he wrote the Book of J... I should add it to my list on Amazon.

If anyone else would like to read it, here's the link:

http://www.thewip.net/contributors/2008/01/according_to_harold_bloom_what.html

Mona & LWM:

Rather than specific policies, I thought the Right's loyalty was primarily due to Nixon's ability to accumulate and exercise power... and justify means via ends.

...because I think this episode [in Glenn's ongoing expose of the underbelly of what passes for much journalism today] is just one more example of the unintended consequences of technology...

For example... the combustion engine, largely blamed now for the state of our climate, was once (or eventually) hailed as a wonderful invention;

the air conditioner, which makes hostile climates hospitable, is also responsible for the over-development of hot/arid/humid and desert climates, straining all kinds of resources, especially water;

the blow-dryer, besides being a real boon on TV and movie sets, blow-dryers were also helpful in the days when colder winters and higher energy costs required some folks to put plastic over their windows, but now we finally understand their ultimate end: placing an over-emphasis on hair, having good hair, and good vs. bad hair days. No where is this seen more clearly than in TV news. John King is just one such exhibit.

* * *

So... even though I'm sympathetic to complaints about Mitt, I still think he may end up being the GOP's candidate, since he has the hair for it, and because it's always a beauty contest in GOP land. I guess someone just forgot to send that email or memo to the press, since they're still holding out hope for McCain.

At the risk of using too many movie references in one sentence, the angry villagers with pitchforks are mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore.

There was video last week from New Hampshire of "angry villagers" (actually Ron Paul supporters) chasing Sean Hannity from a restaurant to his hotel. At the time I thought the only thing missing was torches; I forgot about pitchforks. I don't think everyone who wanted to, got to see it. Your post reminded me of it...

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/01/07/sean-hannity-flees-from-ron-paul-supporters/

Eventually Fox caved, and Paul was included. Of course, this incident probably had nothing to do with their change of heart...

Trollish behavior is characterized by trying to hijack a comment thread and/or monopolize it for other purposes or another agenda. I also think that Trolls post in bad faith, but not everyone else would agree with that.

It's not so black and white, either/or.

When in doubt, you might want to check a commenter's archives before responding to something. That's one way to avoid being taken in. However, most people don't bother, preferring to test the water with both feet. In addition to a history of comments, you can also see in the archives where (on Salon) and when they post, how often, all kinds of stuff. Sometimes, you even find people you admire, or other comment threads that make you want to read them,too.

* * *

Prof. Tim: There are all kinds of reasons that people post "anonymously," though we don't consider them truly anonymous here if they have a recognizable screen name and can be tracked through their archives.

(Some have jobs that could become vulnerable if they were found posting political comments; others have been harassed; and some write things that are more personal, and simply would prefer not to be identified. Still, we are all identifiable to Salon...)

Sorry, I forgot to explain the other terms, too.

"Village" is one term (there are many others) used in/on the blogosphere to describe the M$M (shorthand for MainstreamMedia), in particular the beltway press corps and its cozy relationship with the current administration.

Not everyone likes that term. Some prefer "Versailles," which I believe was coined by a regular in these threads, one of the Pauls (R or D), or Arne L. The courtier aspects of that metaphor have a lot of appeal. You'll see a lot of variations, though. Probably a virtual linguist could determine a person's "home" blog according to some of the terms they use. It may have been Sally Quinn (correct me if I'm wrong, someone) who first coined the "Village" as a name for DC, its regular (elite) inhabitants, including the press.

"Bebop-o" is a singular treasure. Just wait until someone comes along and criticizes either Bebop-o directly, or Glenn, indirectly, for allowing him to post. His posse will appear and 'splain it all to the unsuspecting person.