Jeez, Glenn. You really know how to brighten up a Monday.

For some reason I can't quite fathom, this is one of the most sheerly depressing things I've read in a long time. Because it suggests one, or more, of three things, about our national press corps:

1) They haven't actually heard/seen people like Brit Hume spew his ignorant bile.

2) They've heard it, but they can't comprehend it, like the monkey who neither hears, speaks, or sees, evil.

3) They're idiots in total denial.

Probably some of all three. But what does that say about these men and women? That they're stupid--and/or ferociously cynical--sluts who don't deserve their positions and their rich pay-checks?

Yeah, pretty much.

If you are ever in a position to confront Kurtz directly, why don't you hit him with some of Hume's biased rants, and ask if Hume really is a "journalist" instead of a partisan hack.. I'd love to hear what happens. These dickwads are so seldom backed right into a corner. Be nice to see one squirm, for once.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10439994/page/3

Williams: What effect did John Murtha's statement on this war have on you?

President Bush: On me?

Williams: Yes.

President Bush: Well, John Murtha's a fine guy. And he's, you know, he served our nation admirably. I just think he's wrong. I think the idea of having a, you know, a timetable for withdrawal, does three things that would be bad.

One, it emboldens the enemy. That's precisely what they want. They want us to withdraw. And — and oh, by the way, here, we're telling them when and how. And they will adjust accordingly.

Secondly, it sends a bad message to the Iraqis. We've said to the Iraqis, "We'll help train you. We'll stand with you. And we'll get you on your feet so you can take the fight to the enemy." And if our commanders on the ground say we're not ready to, you know, stand down — a timetable would dispirit the Iraqis.

Finally, it'll dispirit our troops. Because our troops know the mission hasn't been completed. But strategy and my plans are these. I will listen to the commanders. I understand war is objective-based, not timetable-based. And we will complete this mission for the good of the country.

Williams: In a publication out today, Congressman Murtha was interviewed. And he complains that — he compares it to his last frame of reference, your father's administration. He says your Dad used to come down to the House gymnasium once a week and talk to members. And that your father's administration consulted more with members like him. Will there be more of that in your second term?

President Bush: I have consulted with members of both parties throughout my presidency. And I can remember the run up to the Iraqi war which was the most important decision point and talking about the resolution. And we have members — I stood with members of both parties in the Rose Garden as we collectively decided that this was worth the effort of the United States. And — no, I continually reach out to members of Congress.

Williams: Let's talk about the economy, a subject I know you're anxious to talk about.

President Bush: Thank you.

Williams: Are you frustrated that more of the good economic news isn't front and center these days?

President Bush: A little bit, but I also think it's important to understand why people don't see or don't feel the improved economy. We do have a strong economy. It's third quarter growth was great.

We've added 4.5 million new jobs since April of 2003. Home ownership's at an all-time high. Small businesses are flourishing. I mean, this economy is good. And it's strong.

And yet some feel disconnected. Partially, it really does speak to the need for us to make sure our education system is such that people are continually — have the opportunity to get the skills necessary to fill the higher paying, better jobs that are emerging in our economy. But I'm pleased with it.

And the question is how do we keep growth going? One is to be fiscally sound with the people's money. Secondly, it's not to raise the taxes on the people. Thirdly, is to continue to press for legal reform and regulatory reform. Fourthly, is to continue to work with Congress to come up with rationale policy for energy.

I mean, the Katrina and Rita storms were a wakeup call for energy. Gas prices spiked. They're down now because I was able to take off some regulations off gasoline that enabled us to be able to import European gasoline to help make up the difference for the down refineries. But we got just a wakeup call. And we've got to be rational. And I think we can — I know we can do so in a way that protects our environment.

Williams: There's one estimate that 6 million Americans may request financial assistance just to stay warm...

President Bush: Heat? Yeah, we'll work with Congress on that, there certainly is.

Williams: Can we afford that? Can we afford to help those people?

President Bush: Well, we'll have to see what the — yeah, I mean, we're going to have help them. If they can't afford energy — I mean, to heat their homes, we'll do the best we can to work with Congress to help them.

Williams: How would you sum up — I've been given the signal — How would you sum up your reception here in Philadelphia today? And will you keep doing this, having these conversations?

President Bush: I will. I'll keep taking my message to the people in a variety of formats . . .

This is what passes for hard-hitting "journalism" nowadays. (Yes, the right-wing complained vigourously about Brian Williams being so tough on President Bush. Really!)

If the President was a Democrat and Olberman was going after him I'm guessing you'd hear nary a peep that he isn't being "fair and balanced."

In fact, we already know that's what is going to happen the next time a Democrat is elected President. The same people who are criticizing Olberman for being "partisan" are going to transform into partisan lunatics and then like something straight out of 1984 the definition of "objective journalism" will again magically transform inside their brains to fit their ideological purposes.

I'm just wondering how long it will be before this metastasizes into a full blown political religion.