The problem with "Call-In shows is that

[monmouth]

people actually call in!! I arrived at C-Span early so I could get a good seat. Conversation, moderator, guest(s) all wonderful. Intelligent threads from both sides were being discussed, though the "fear factor" from the RW was palpable. The Rep. from the Repulican ( NC) was adorable in his plea for "bi-partisanship, etc. "Still, good C-Span stuff. Unfortunately they then opened the telephone lines as they normally do. Hoping for this continued intelligent discourse I had to reach for the mute button. I find this often happens on Thom's show and every once in a while on Randi and yes, gasp, I listen to Rush once in a while for personal entertainment. My point is, would these shows be just as successful without the "call-in" segment? Maybe it's just me. I guess I'm surprised with the display of mis-informed, inarticulate people who take up air space. Would love your thoughts....

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Some of the framers knew the electorate would be morons.

Which is why we have the electoral college and the Senate.

[zanne]

2. It's interesting to hear from real people...

And some of them are really funny.

[fasttense]

3. Hmmm, sometimes I enjoy listening to the callers.

But you are right there are a lot of idiots out there who call in without a clue. Sometimes Randi rants at them, which is kind of fun (she puts the F U in fun.) and some hosts have actually had reasonable discussions with idiots. But for the most part you are right. These callers have made up their minds and they spew out misinformation and idiocy often.

[Bandit]

4. Would this forum be just as popular without individual input?

It is listening to the thoughts of the people that makes it worth listening to IMO. Otherwise it is just propaganda..

[Arkansas Granny]

5. Actually, I think listening now and then to the RW talking points,

whether it comes from radio hosts or callers, is pretty informative. It lets me know what their mindset is and allows me to get the facts on certain matters so I can dispute their arguments when I discuss it with a RWer. That's one reason I check in on the freepers from time to time.

[Norquist Nemesis]

6. As hubby says...it's a majority of nuts and kooks that are motivated

and reasonable people are often left scratching their heads. It's been that way for a while with some of the callers.

One of the things I like about Ed Schultz is the amount of calls that he takes. That's why I prefer him over Al. I tell hubby that's what I like to hear much more than the 'host' talking for three hours. Sometimes the 'nuts and kooks' can really get the conversation going. That's when it's the best!

TV, in general, doesn't do well with call-ins IMO. The CSPAN call-ins are a good way to fill time and get some audience participation, but I could do without them during the time that a guest is seated. It's become a means for a good deal of those mis-informed, inarticulate people to take up air space.

[monmouth]

7. Well, I guess you're all right....I mean left, er you know. I shall be more generous in my

listening and will restrain when reaching for the "mute."