Michael Tracey talks to principals in Jeffery Epstein litigation, world still miserably at war, the Final Four of the America's Worst Podcaster tourney
It reminds me of when I wandered into my company break room one morning, where there was a tv that was tuned into news all day. It was usually on what used to be called, Headline News, which covered the 'headlines' every 30 minutes. The top of that particular 30 minutes began with an overview of the developing 'Bennifer' story. I was there, holding my coffee, stunned. What fresh hell was this?, I wondered?
I already had to deal with friends and one recent ex-boyfriend, who were obsessed with the vapid lives of celebrities, who they didn't even know, personally. I couldn't understand it, or just plain, stand it and worked to cocoon myself, as much as possible, in a 'celebrity personal life free zone'. I refused to let them live rent free in my head. Little did I know that celebrities would eventually dominate the news cycle, instead of just intruding on it from time to time.
This intrusion into what I had heretofore considered 'real' news was unacceptable. I suppose it was a blessing, because it was the final straw for me and 'mainstream' news. F that noise, I thought, This isn't news, not anymore, at least.
Neither, it would appear, is The Top News or Today's News or whatever this performative nonsense is, with which Matt has replaced the serious, but humorous, commentary of ATW. It's like he has morphed into one of those NYT snobs, the ones he derided for so long. You know, the ones who look down on their readers and ignore the topics in which they are interested, thinking they are so much more evolved and thus imagine that 'we' need 'them' to tell 'us' what is important to 'us'?
And, one of those things is the Tucker Carlson podcast, the deranged faux conservative, who Jon Stewart called out, oh, so long ago, on Crossfire? What was it Stewart said to him? "How old are you? 30? And you're wearing a bowtie? How many people your age wear bowties? This isn't serious news. It's theater."
I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist. I highly recommend watching it, as it's still hilarious, with all its sharp and pointy bits. Matt, a comedian with a joke/fake news show, as Stewart defined himself at the time, beat you to this punch, what, just over ~twenty~ years ago? Stewart himself may have devolved into cosplaying serious journalism. His current take is that Tucker is now 'being real', and that that is refreshing, but I don't buy it. If anything, Tucker has amped up his own Journo Con character to the moon. But, Stewart's words ring as true today, as they did then.
Thanks for exposing theater as theater, Matt, but many of us came here for the news, which used to interest you. Why are you theater-kidding us?
Breaking news, Trump seeks $1.5 trillion for military budget. Granted not as important as Michael Tracey’s musings on how people pronounce his name, but maybe it merits a small mention?
Let's get the ball rolling by discussing that issue amongst ourselves. My take? There's a lot more at stake than a measly $1.5 trillion for new toys. Some far-reaching and very consequential policy changes are being discussed in Congress, and this is Trump's opening move.
What happened to the new tag line? About the truth? I thought that was a big reason ATW was stopped bc sometimes there would be opinion or speculation (many times by Walter). Now we have this new guy adding in his own memes and discussing the president’s mental fitness because of his age? This is NOT what I expected when the new tag line was rolled out. Rein it in Matt. This guy isn’t worth it. Walter was.
Couldn't get through today. ATW was unique. This isn't. Michael's views are covered in nyt, alphabet networks, fox...I come here for different perspectives not the echo chamber.
Michael Tracey has is own podcast and it seems that Today’s News is also becoming his podcast. While I appreciate Michael’s reporting and different perspectives on the Epstein files, I can listen to his podcast for this. I want to hear news about Matt’s reporting and what Racket News reports on which is much most robust and consequential than the Epstein files. I felt that in ATW, Matt was often side lined by Walter, now he is getting side lined by Michael. I appreciate Matt’s humor and sarcasm and would love a podcast from him that centers around him and a co-host that can allow Matt to take center stage. I will continue to subscribe to Racket because the articles are excellent but I wish that Today’s News would stick with Racket’s mission.
Not even going to bother tuning in, for the following reasons:
1. I don't give a shit about the Final Four, or any other professional sports.
2. I give even less of a shit about any news related to Jeffery Epstein.
Same.
In this case the sport is making fun of bad and/or crazy podcasts. Decidedly NOT a professional sport, but entertaining as hell, nevertheless.
I forgot to mention what a pointless waste of time it is for a couple of podcasters to rate other podcasters on a "news" show.
It reminds me of when I wandered into my company break room one morning, where there was a tv that was tuned into news all day. It was usually on what used to be called, Headline News, which covered the 'headlines' every 30 minutes. The top of that particular 30 minutes began with an overview of the developing 'Bennifer' story. I was there, holding my coffee, stunned. What fresh hell was this?, I wondered?
I already had to deal with friends and one recent ex-boyfriend, who were obsessed with the vapid lives of celebrities, who they didn't even know, personally. I couldn't understand it, or just plain, stand it and worked to cocoon myself, as much as possible, in a 'celebrity personal life free zone'. I refused to let them live rent free in my head. Little did I know that celebrities would eventually dominate the news cycle, instead of just intruding on it from time to time.
This intrusion into what I had heretofore considered 'real' news was unacceptable. I suppose it was a blessing, because it was the final straw for me and 'mainstream' news. F that noise, I thought, This isn't news, not anymore, at least.
Neither, it would appear, is The Top News or Today's News or whatever this performative nonsense is, with which Matt has replaced the serious, but humorous, commentary of ATW. It's like he has morphed into one of those NYT snobs, the ones he derided for so long. You know, the ones who look down on their readers and ignore the topics in which they are interested, thinking they are so much more evolved and thus imagine that 'we' need 'them' to tell 'us' what is important to 'us'?
And, one of those things is the Tucker Carlson podcast, the deranged faux conservative, who Jon Stewart called out, oh, so long ago, on Crossfire? What was it Stewart said to him? "How old are you? 30? And you're wearing a bowtie? How many people your age wear bowties? This isn't serious news. It's theater."
I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist. I highly recommend watching it, as it's still hilarious, with all its sharp and pointy bits. Matt, a comedian with a joke/fake news show, as Stewart defined himself at the time, beat you to this punch, what, just over ~twenty~ years ago? Stewart himself may have devolved into cosplaying serious journalism. His current take is that Tucker is now 'being real', and that that is refreshing, but I don't buy it. If anything, Tucker has amped up his own Journo Con character to the moon. But, Stewart's words ring as true today, as they did then.
Thanks for exposing theater as theater, Matt, but many of us came here for the news, which used to interest you. Why are you theater-kidding us?
You think this podcast is entertaining?
Breaking news, Trump seeks $1.5 trillion for military budget. Granted not as important as Michael Tracey’s musings on how people pronounce his name, but maybe it merits a small mention?
Let's get the ball rolling by discussing that issue amongst ourselves. My take? There's a lot more at stake than a measly $1.5 trillion for new toys. Some far-reaching and very consequential policy changes are being discussed in Congress, and this is Trump's opening move.
What happened to the new tag line? About the truth? I thought that was a big reason ATW was stopped bc sometimes there would be opinion or speculation (many times by Walter). Now we have this new guy adding in his own memes and discussing the president’s mental fitness because of his age? This is NOT what I expected when the new tag line was rolled out. Rein it in Matt. This guy isn’t worth it. Walter was.
I read my first Kurt Vonnegut novel because of those two…
Has Racket yet addresses the status of Emily yet?
Good question.
Rather shoot myself than listen to any more Epstein crap
Evidently, Matt’s paying a penance for ignoring his “Uninversity Of Mizzou School of Journalism’s ‘Apostate Council’s Denouncement
Give Matt the space to get his point out before you jump in. Makes the show flow better IMO.
He’ll be back in good stead if he focuses 75% of his content on Epstein for the next few years.
Eyeroll.
Please God, liberate us from the ubiquitous Epstein Syndrome! We beseech you!
Couldn't get through today. ATW was unique. This isn't. Michael's views are covered in nyt, alphabet networks, fox...I come here for different perspectives not the echo chamber.
This is more than a loss...it's insult to injury.
I’ve got to cease my “Comment” entries without my glasses… my Grammar teachers would also not “Like” my entries
Michael Tracey has is own podcast and it seems that Today’s News is also becoming his podcast. While I appreciate Michael’s reporting and different perspectives on the Epstein files, I can listen to his podcast for this. I want to hear news about Matt’s reporting and what Racket News reports on which is much most robust and consequential than the Epstein files. I felt that in ATW, Matt was often side lined by Walter, now he is getting side lined by Michael. I appreciate Matt’s humor and sarcasm and would love a podcast from him that centers around him and a co-host that can allow Matt to take center stage. I will continue to subscribe to Racket because the articles are excellent but I wish that Today’s News would stick with Racket’s mission.
Never trust men with neon signs in the background.
Michael