Cable television's dirty little secret

On any given night, the subjects discussed on the cable talking-head shows are nearly identical. They vary only by the idiosyncratic seasonings provided by the host. ("Would you like tonight's rant with or without Tabasco sauce?") Ever wonder why this is so? Well, if you're a progressive, try this exercise sometime. First, watch MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Then scan the major political stories in the New York Times and Washington Post. Next, during the day, read the major posts (esp. those mocking the right) on Talking Points Memo, Andrew Sullivan, Politico, Daily Beast and Salon. Wrap things up by viewing the latest Jon Stewart video clip. Now watch the talk shows, back to back. You'll quickly discover you pretty much have the evening scripts for MSNBC's Hardball, The Last Word, Rachel Maddow and the Ed Show. What, you prefer CNN? No problemo. The identical scripts will be followed by Wolf Blizter's "Situation Room," John King, Elliot Spitzer and Anderson Cooper. That's how the game work. How do they get away with it? That's easy. These shows exists not for folks who want original reporting or - heaven forbid - erudite discussions that might force them to think. They exist for political choir members who want to be preached to. And the networks have discovered there's ratings gold in dem thar pews. Groucho Marx famously said, "I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book." That's still good advice.