As a friend commented about Marjorie Traitor Goon in her "outfit" - She's either a ball park hot dog vendor, or the downscale woman running a yard sale.
Chris, how would you respond to those that say CSPAN has accelerated the "Marjorie-Taylor-Greene-ification" of our politics (how's that for a new word...)?? It's all preening for the cameras. Even committee hearings are mostly just about getting a good clip for your next fundraising email or X post and not about actually getting relevant testimony from whoever is before the committee. And there's no space to go into the smoke-filled backrooms with your hated enemies and cut a deal because it's all on TV.
C-SPAN is an unmatched government accountability source. The prefect example is the 2010 Healthcare Summit when the ACA became moderate and passible because of CEO Brian Lamb's calls for transparency
The only way I watch the SOTU is through C-Span! I worked with a guy who was good friends with Brian Lamb (Founder of C-SPAN) and also served as Tip O'Neill's AA for many years. Brian would have him on as a guest to comment during the SOTU. Always fun to watch with plenty of stories.
Nice ode, Chris. Fun (for me) that your first segment featured Senator Ben Nelson, esteemed Senator from my home state of Nebraska. "Chris Cellizza, your thoughts?" :)
I hope they report that each of the congresspeople who are now on another recess get paid $174,000 get great benefits and pension and have staff and office expenses and more while they are avoiding doing the work we need them to do. And I would like them to report how much it costs to have hearings like the impeachment, the Hur hearing, etc. I know you know what I’m saying.
What do you say to the fact C-SPAN allowed Newt Gingrich to create his career as a bomb-thrower, leading to the Republicans doing all the crazy shit they have done in the House?
I have to respectfully disagree. I think C-Span has caused the dumbing down of our politics and it's not their fault. What's the percentage of time Congressional witnesses get to speak versus members who are seeking a good soundbite? Most of the time the members spend their question time just making speeches. I understand the argument for transparency but on balance I think it's done more harm than good.
PBS and C-SPAN have the best political coverage.
These articles are why I follow you. You make me look at other parts and ways of getting news. Plus, I had forgotten about Cher calling in.
Start televising the Supreme Court oral arguments!!
Your former employer: Democracy dies in darkness
As a friend commented about Marjorie Traitor Goon in her "outfit" - She's either a ball park hot dog vendor, or the downscale woman running a yard sale.
Great column and I agree that C-SPAN is a national treasure.
I really appreciate your sentiments, Chris, C-SPAN and their secondary networks are true gems!!
Chris, how would you respond to those that say CSPAN has accelerated the "Marjorie-Taylor-Greene-ification" of our politics (how's that for a new word...)?? It's all preening for the cameras. Even committee hearings are mostly just about getting a good clip for your next fundraising email or X post and not about actually getting relevant testimony from whoever is before the committee. And there's no space to go into the smoke-filled backrooms with your hated enemies and cut a deal because it's all on TV.
C-SPAN is an unmatched government accountability source. The prefect example is the 2010 Healthcare Summit when the ACA became moderate and passible because of CEO Brian Lamb's calls for transparency
The only way I watch the SOTU is through C-Span! I worked with a guy who was good friends with Brian Lamb (Founder of C-SPAN) and also served as Tip O'Neill's AA for many years. Brian would have him on as a guest to comment during the SOTU. Always fun to watch with plenty of stories.
Nice ode, Chris. Fun (for me) that your first segment featured Senator Ben Nelson, esteemed Senator from my home state of Nebraska. "Chris Cellizza, your thoughts?" :)
I hope they report that each of the congresspeople who are now on another recess get paid $174,000 get great benefits and pension and have staff and office expenses and more while they are avoiding doing the work we need them to do. And I would like them to report how much it costs to have hearings like the impeachment, the Hur hearing, etc. I know you know what I’m saying.
The taxpayers should be outraged.
Chris:
What do you say to the fact C-SPAN allowed Newt Gingrich to create his career as a bomb-thrower, leading to the Republicans doing all the crazy shit they have done in the House?
One of my favorite highlights from CSPAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q15xhG6pVUw
Oh no, it is Mom!
Well said!
I have to respectfully disagree. I think C-Span has caused the dumbing down of our politics and it's not their fault. What's the percentage of time Congressional witnesses get to speak versus members who are seeking a good soundbite? Most of the time the members spend their question time just making speeches. I understand the argument for transparency but on balance I think it's done more harm than good.
For young reporter, sounded very good!