To: Ed Schultz ...Message: Get Over Yourself

[Postman]

http://noquarter.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/01/from_big_ed_to_.html

[mod mom]

1. Big Heady doesn't like Keith Olbermann? WTF? from the blog:

I was okay with Ed until I had the temerity to praise Keith Olbermann. When Olbermann started doing his special commentarys re the Bush Administration in August 2006 I posted a couple of pieces on this blog praising him for his courage. I subsequently noticed that Ed's booker, James Holm, stopped calling to ask me to comment on issues that they previously had asked me about. So, I sent the following email:

From: Larry Johnson
To: Big Ed
Sent: Thu, 14 Sep 2006 1:53 PM
Subject: Is there a problem?
Ed,
Have I fallen from favor with you guys? I've called in a couple of times and get the feeling I'm being treated like someone's crazy aunt. If I've done something to offend I'd at least like to know what happened.
Best
LJ

I was shocked by Ed's response. He was miffed because I said nice things about Keith Olbermann.

From: Big Ed
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:36:29
To: Larry Johnson
Subject: Re: Is there a problem?
Hi Larry... Honestly, I was a little taken by your staunch love for Olberman when he's pretty much a Johnny come lately to the game of Progressive broadcasting. He started out doing a straight news program and found the popular position as of late. I don't ask for anything and we've worked well together, but we were first to market and have a greater audience than Olberman. I guess it's the TV camera. Has Olberman promoted your blog as much as we have ? Fair question ? I'm sure we'll be calling you again sometime.
ed

[hlthe2b]

3. There are many DU Ed Schultz fans, it seems...

who really ought to read this account of Larry Johnson (former CIA agent who has been very active in exposing some of the BS the past six years) and his experiences with Big Ed...

While some may still wish to listen to his show (I'm not one), at least understand why we say Eddie's ego is getting in the way--BIG TIME...Yes, I know there is the argument that Ed appeals to the more conservative Democrat and the Mid-west, upper Western tier independent, but he really needs to be approached with some caution, I think.

[mod mom]

4. I used to listen to him when AAR was on in my city, and found his ego over inflated

but to come off to someone as Larry Johnson's stature like the pompous ass he is, is really eye opening! I hope those DUers who like hinm read this.

[Mika]

10. Ed "Wind Sock" Schultz.

Ed thought that Bernard Kerik would make a great HS director long after his corruption had been exposed in the blogsphere. Until the calls and emails he got were overwhelmingly in disagreement.

Its like WWF radio. He'll flip flop 4 or 10 times per show. Like the WWF, most of it is an act.

[FredStembottom]

31. I am one of those you mention.......

I have defended Ed as being a really important voice for, as you say, Midwesterners who are otherwise quite Left on many issues but became gun-shy (so to speak) when Liberalism began it's attack of hunters and fishermen and meat-eaters etc. in the 70's. A HUGE (and mean-spirited) mistake I have railed against for 2 decades.

BUT...... I am getting weird vibes off of him, too lately.
He makes me scratch my head.
It's getting to seem like he wants to tri-angulate with every issue to come up with a Genuine Big Ed brand of opinion everytime.

It's getting too reflexive.

[DemCam]

32. He did a great job in NM

He was the guest speaker at the New Mexico Democratic legislative dinner in January and did a rant that would make Dems proud anywhere. I like his show better than any of them after Al whom I shall miss greatly. I love Randi but find HER ego way bigger than Big Eddie's. I have to take a lot of what she says with the salt shaker. That said, I'm glad she's saying it.

I'm glad they're all out there. My RepubHub listens to Big Eddie and that's compliment enuff for me.

He is envious of the tv camera, tho. Besides...KO and Big Ed are apples and oranges. I love 'em both, each for their strengths...and i skip over the weaknesses.

[ellacott]

6. I first saw this yesterday

In light of recent rant this speaks volumes about his character.

I thought it was ironic that Larry Johnson was on Keith's show last night.

Oh well, it's Ed's loss.

[ScreamingMeemie]

17. And Ed didn't do that as well???

That's kind of ironic when you think of it.

[LaPera]

56. Schultz doesn't like Olbermann, trashes AAR, Nova M, Randi Rhodes, Mike Malloy and

Al Franken, and liberal Internet sites...Who's next, his new competition the excellent Thom Hartmann, or the wonderful Peter B Collins? Is he really a liberal or out for himself and liberal radio was a great way to make tons of bucks? Does he have absolutely no compassion for the upstarts of liberal radio... Whats with this guy?

[Darkhawk32]

2. Larry Johnson kicks ass!

He's someone I'd like to sit down and have a long conversation with just to pick his brain.

[VenusRising]

5. I've never like Ed Schultz.

He never seemed to really take the true liberal side and seemed more like a DLCer. Fine if he is, but he shouldn't act like he is a progressive populist when he's just not.

[file83]

19. He's always given me the impression that all he wants is money - and that...

...he'll pretend to do or say anything to get it.

Which makes sense, because ego and hording money are often tied to the same insecure defense mechanism, which was clearly demonstrated in his email about Keith Olbermann.

[VenusRising]

22. I think he's just mad

because both he and Keith are former sportscasters and Keith is obviously more popular. How many times have Big Eddie's comments been entered into the congressional record? I know KO's special comments have been. He's got a big ol' case of sour grapes.

[mopinko]

33. iirc randi claims that the dlc'ers put up the

money to get jones off the ground. listening to ed, i can believe it.
during this rant he called mike malloy- one of the biggest hate mongers in radio. :crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :argh:

[VenusRising]

48. I heard Randi talk about that in an interview.

Ed Schultz can go twist a knob for all I care.

I'm a Truthseeker through and through, and Mike isn't a hate monger. He's an angry American with a microphone.

[City Lights]

7. I've listened to him a couple of times.

Doesn't do much for me. And his apparent jealousy of Olbermann makes him look like a big baby. He needs to totally get over himself.

[Blue Belle]

8. I don't know why he has such a big ego... his show isn't even that good.

He ALWAYS, ALWAYS, take the middle stance on EVERYTHING - and when he does take a hard-lined stance, he rarely bothers to fully research the subject. His tirade the other day is going to come back and bite him in the ass. After hearing his hate-filled words, I'll never listen to his show again.

Thanks for the link to Larry Johnson's blog. That was very informative.

[kstewart33]

9. Got to say I'm a fan of Eddie.

He's no nonsense, he knows how to put together an interesting show, his guests are top notch, and he welcomes all callers. I prefer his ego over Randi's rudeness to any caller she disagrees with.

Ego? I love KO but his is as big as a Mac truck. Ego comes with success, guys. And you've got to have a huge one to get this far in the business.

[ellacott]

12. Ego is not a bad thing

I've heard that KO has a big ego but I don't think he's let his ego jeopardize his show. I've never seen it o exhibit on his show. Ed, on the other hand lets it effect his show by going off on his rant and now refusing to have Larry Johnson on his show.

I used to listen to him but I got frustrated with the fact that he doesn't do a lot of research.

[BigBearJohn]

58. I sent Keith an email once and he wrote back, being very polite.

That's not someone with an ego, if you ask me.

[Mika]

13. A while back Ed called Randi a slut, on the air, when she said her show was #1 in Portland.

Eds ego got in the way of reason (again). Randi's #s were better than his. No apology was ever given.

[ellacott]

14. He also angered his listeners when he called Anna Nicole a whore

He refused to apologize for this also even though many of his female viewers took offense to his choice of words.

[wryter2000]

25. That does it

No one gets to call Randi a slut....except for Stephanie Miller. :evilgrin:

[ginnyinWI]

28. Randi has declined to wallow in the dirt with Ed.

I heard a very classy response to it the next day. She said he has shown himself to be what he is--and she left it at that.


I do agree with others on this thread that Ed is trying to gin up his ratings by causing a Donald Trump/Rosie O'Donnell type feud with someone or other. He's striking out at everybody. Either that or he's depressed because his latest diet failed.

[cascadiance]

36. Randi has an ego too, but she doesn't let it damage her the way Ed has...

I like Randi far more for the topics she discusses, and the viewpoints that she has than Ed, but she does show an ego sometimes with her presentation, but doesn't let it dwarf her dedication to progressive causes.

I wonder if Ed now though is feeling even more pressure being lined up against Thom Hartmann at his earlier time slot, who is really a polar opposite to Ed in so many ways, and in my mind is probably THE best progressive talk show host out there in terms of providing an informative show. Unlike many other talk show hosts on either side of the aisle, Hartmann makes a point of not having his ego get in the way of how he treats his guests and listeners and goes out of his way to engage politely and yet firmly with LOTS of reason with those who disagree with him. I wonder if Ed feels frustrated in not knowing how to "one up" himself on Thom in his fashion like he felt he could do with so many other hosts, and is now showing his frustration with his rants!

[BonnieJW]

15. The best thing about Ed

is his guests. Very interesting. I prefer to listen to him instead of Randi who rants for 3 hours.

[Mika]

16. He gets guests. Lobs nothing but softballs.

Ed couldn't question his way out of a wet paper bag.

He gets calls from some more informed listeners begging him to ask some salient questions they suggest. Ed almost never asks those questions. Instead, we get pablum from Ed.

[dapper]

27. I'm a fan too...

I don't get a chance to listen to his whole show but I like that he can see both sides of an issue. I don't always agree with him but that's par for the course.

I also like listening to Bill Press in the morning.

Dapper

[Meshuga]

52. Bill Press, Stephani Miller, and Big Ed.

That's my talk radio line up and I am happy with it.

[dapper]

55. That's about mine...

However, with the time I have I don't get a chance to hear steph.

Bill Press is probably my favorite as his show is a bit more fun "...what else do you want to know... well that's bogus bs hogwash", I have to get that recorded that introduction for the "Spin" one of these days.


Dapper

[Frank Cannon]

35. Randi's rude to callers she disagrees with?

Heck, Randi's rude to callers she AGREES with. She's just pretty much rude.

It's one of the reasons I don't particularly care for her show.

[LSK]

38. did you hear his meltdown?

http://audio.wegoted.com/podcasting/021307HourOne.mp3

[orleans]

60. thanks for the link lsk. i'm listening to it right now. (what a bitch he is!)

what an asshole!

[Meshuga]

51. I like Ed as well

I don't agree with everything he says but I like his show and he has great Democratic guests.

[rhett o rick]

62. Who on the progressive side does big eddie get along with?

This is meant as an honest question not an attack on yourself. It seems to me he doesn't get along with anyone. Maybe I am wrong.

[butterfly77]

11. He has built up his audience...

so now he will tell what he really thinks about everything...

[nolabels]

18. And he has went from bad to worse.......

I once thought there was some hope for the fool, but i was only fooling myself. Checking myself and putting off the conclusion he would eventually try to be just a tool for corporate America to help divide the left. The first impression does seem correct, he is a poser with no real principles.

[solara]

20. I used to listen to Eddie quite a lot

But his bombast is no longer interesting. I found myself getting really uncomfortable when I listened to him. Being a redeemed Republican does not excuse his rudness nor his blatent ignorance on some issues. If he doesn't know the facts, he should do the research before he opens his 'pie hole'

I think he is accusing KO of something he himself is doing

k&r

[flyarm]

21. i will say it again..Ed was a registered republican..until he found out he could make money

throwing a bone to our side...leopards do not change their spots folks..they can hide them ..but can not change them!!

Ed has undercut anyone he can..

he is not a progressive..and he is not a democrat with democratic values..do not fool yourself about ED!!

I know he has some conned..but do not fall for it!!

Thank you Larry Johnson..for telling it like it is..I have the utmost respect for Larry Johnson...

and zero respect for Ed Shultz!!..Ed would cut anyones throat ..for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

do not be fooled ..

fly

[ScreamingMeemie]

24. I'm sorry, but he turned my husband into a card carrying Dem and

I'm sure he's not the only one. Just because we don't always agree with someone doesn't make them evil incarnate. Look at our congresspeople. I do believe Ed has done a bang up job with swing voters.

[ronnykmarshall]

43. Which is why I can't bash him.

His latest tirade pisses me off, but if he can pull in new Democrats .... then that's fine with me.

But I don't like his bashing of Randi. He gets a big "Oh no you di'int" from me.

[ScreamingMeemie]

45. I, personally, can't stand him either...

And don't like his tactics and can't see how he appeals to my husband but there it is. :hi:

[wryter2000]

23. K&R

Hey, it's Larry Johnson. Way cool. :bounce:

[ginnyinWI]

26. I like Larry Johnson

It shows class that he's saying he won't appear on Ed's show anymore. I'm sure if he got a profuse apology from Ed, he'd consider it--but sheesh, Ed is being a jerk.

I listen to a little Ed, a little AAR, and a littl NPR. Don't really get crazy about anybody or any show. It mainly depends on who has good guests and who has an interesting topic. I get fed up with progressive radio when the host goes on and on and on without adding anything new. Then I switch over to NPR for some real information. All Things Considered is excellent, as is Talk of the Nation, and On Point.

[Pharaoh]

29. K&R Thanks for the post

[Norquist Nemesis]

30. My two big issues with Ed are his self-promotion and bash Dems

On the one hand, he talks about radio being a 'bidness' then turns around and bites the hand that feeds him. :crazy:

I like his show, him not as much. I can't stand his self-promotion or his 'this is what I think and you're full of shit' attitude. I'm still waiting for him to make some apologies for raking Howard Dean over the coals at every opportunity when he became DNC chair. And if you're going to bash someone, AIM AT THE REPUBLICANS DAMMIT!!!

I listen because 1) I like to hear what the callers have to say and 2) We have only ONE progressive radio station in this area...available from sun up to sun down.

[DemCam]

34. He did a great job in NM

He was the guest speaker at the New Mexico Democratic legislative dinner in January and did a rant that would make Dems proud anywhere. I like his show better than any of them after Al. I love Randi but find HER ego way bigger than Big Eddie's. I have to take a lot of what she says with the salt shaker. That said, I'm glad she's saying it.

I'm glad they're all out there. My RepubHub listens to Big Eddie and that's compliment enuff for me.

He is envious of the tv camera, tho. Besides...KO and Big Ed are apples and oranges. I love 'em both, each for their strengths...and i skip over the weaknesses.

[LSK]

37. K&R

Thom Hartmanns show is great btw. :)

[EstimatedProphet]

39. I used to be a fan...

but not anymore. I'm listening to him rant now on how terrible Air America is and how they just need to shut up. Ed just needs to shut up - he's arguing that since he was around before them, then he should be the only voice in progressive radio. Can't he see that we are all on the same side? Idiot.

[ms liberty]

40. Well that's interesting, especially considering his recent meltdown...

I virtually never listen to him; back when I first got Sirius/AAR I quickly realized that he was NOT a progressive, but center-right, and even then he was bashing anyone and everyone he saw as his competition. That turned me off very quickly - you don't trash the people who are fighting on your side, period. Sounds to me like he's gotten worse.

[rhett o rick]

41. Honest question: Who on progressive radio does he like?? nm

[vireo]

47. Well, probably not his colleague Stephanie Miller

She has a crush on Keith! :loveya:

[rhett o rick]

49. I have a crush on Stephanie, but that's neither here nor there. nm

[ellacott]

42. I was Listening to Thom Hartmann today

One of the callers mentioned that they had an XM radio and they wanted to listen to Thom. Thom cut the caller off and told him that he doesn't get into the business side of radio over the air.

I appreciated that.

[rhett o rick]

50. Thom has a lot more class than Headie. nm

[Marr]

57. I heard that as well. Very professional, unlike Schultz.

Also unlike Schultz, Thom Hartmann seems completely sincere, and he discusses topics in a rational and informed way. Ed Schultz seems like a cartoon character in comparison- always doing schtick, always promoting himself and his 2-dimensional radio persona. I wouldn't care for his show even if he were solidly populist, which he is not.

When he does occasionally depart from the subject of *himself*, it's generally just to spout a few DLC talking points.

[Felinity]

44. A few words about ego.

Now your ego is like a shadow self that works very hard to maintain a positive viewpoint about yourself. Kind of a personal coach, without the monthly fees and follow-up calls. Most folks' egos are not very "mature". "You are (I am) too good enough." "People really like you/me." "Nobody's better than you/me."

It's really important to have an ego; how else could you possibly strive to overcome it? (in the spiritual sense)

Do you think Oprah has a big ego? YES!

Do you think Jimmy Carter has a big ego? You betcha!

What about *? Hell, yes.

And the difference is, when you really are a great person, and your ego says, "you're so great, you are the greatest, smartest person in the Universe," you reply, "Get a grip, you're out of control."

And if you are more like *, you reply, "Right-O! I'm a genius."

[mod mom]

46. OpEdNews: "The Ed Schultz Show Owned by Right Wingers. Does it Matter?"

February 16, 2007 at 10:39:29
The Ed Schultz Show Is Owned By Right Wingers. Does It Matter?

by Rob Kall


The Ed Schultz show claims to be the most listened to progressive talk radio show, but it is owned by some seriously right RIGHT wingers. We're talking about heavy hitting media people who formerly played a major role in Rush Limbaugh's success. Will their business acumen help the progressive cause by helping Ed Schultz, or do they have political interests motivated by ideology?

On a dailykos diary blog, titled, UPDATED: Ed Schultz and Air America in public battle, the producer of the Ed Schultz talk radio show, stated, on a blog that reported how Schultz had attacked Air America Radio,

The owners of the show, Randy Michaels & Stu Krane are both Libertarian Republicans.


Now, these owners are not just your everyday Republicans.

Randy Michaels, born Benjamin Homel, ( was head of Clear Channel Communications, a verrry right wing company. In 2003, he contributed $2000 to George W. Bush.
He joined Clear Channel when his company, Jacor, which syndicated Rush Limbaugh and Dr. Laura Schlesinger, was acquired by Clear Channel.

-snip

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070216_the_ed_schultz_show_.htm

[marlakay]

53. Yes Ed has some problems

and his ego is one of them. I wrote him long email after I turned him off rant day. I think he serves a purpose to help the cause in the middle states...they won't listen to a dem from new york or portland there...

I just wish all of our radio people and liberal news people would shut their mouths against each other. Have opinions fine, but shut up!!!!!!!!

[rhett o rick]

54. I am a XM subscriber. I just looked up online the chan 167 (AAR) line-up.

Guess what. They say Big Heady Schultz is on Air America. This is hilarious after his childish diatribe the other day. Now i understand he isn't really on Air America Radio, but only on XM Radio's Air America Radio Chanel. But I still think it is funny.

[GreenTea]

59. I'm a Sirius subscriber & the more I hear & read it seems Big Ed sees it all as competition

a big football game - instead of what it should be... Caring about people, BushCo and his outrageous assaults on our civil liberties and his war for profit...Schultz says he doesn't care hes going to say what needs to be said, (however, it seems only for his own benefit) and Schultz is nowhere near as articulate as one should be in his position...Is he just a republican front? It's not only about the money ...Does he feel threatened, does he really care...What is his point if not for money and more affiliates...I really don't wonder, I'm pretty sure...Who is he and what hes really all about.

[orleans]

61. i'm listening to the link lsk posted and i hear he wants malloy to "eat" him. ewe!

i'm sure he's a turn-on to reformed repukes and ...others....but for die-hard liberals and progressives he's a pain in the ass.

i can't believe what i'm hearing right now: ("they suck! they suck! they suck!")

what a fucking braggart--and it's all about money/running a business/how much money he has made--ah, spoken like a true REPUBLICAN!

(i don't hear ed going on about true dem/liberal values--his rant is what a "brilliant" businessman he is...because he pays his bills. aar is a bunch of "rotten business people"--that's all that matters to him.)

remember that "meeting" at someone's house randi & him attended. she talked about it once or twice, saying that a group of people were offering up money to one of them so that they would promote democrats. randi said she wasn't going to be bought off--she wanted to be free to criticize any dem she felt deserved criticizing. from what i understand, ed jumped at the chance. he was the "whore" who was willing to sell himself to the highest bidder. and he did. the irony here is that randi promotes the dem/liberal side whereas ed seems to slam it/insult it/demean it

and what the hell is with all this use of the word SUCK?

(sounds like ed has a major oral fixation!)

[rhett o rick]

63. Like it or not we need big Eddie. For many years this Country was run

by the middle class. A combination of moderate progressives plus moderate conservatives elected Carter, Reagan, Ford, Bush I, Clinton. But some brilliant mind (Rove?) knew that if the neocons were to take control they had to split the moderates into fighting factions. Red vs. blue, dem's vs. repub's, etc. Issues like gay marriage, flag burning, medical marijuana, Schivo, stem cell research, etc. were used to divide the moderates. The tactic worked and it enabled the neocon nazi's to get the elections close enough to steal. Some of us, myself included, have a hard time forgiving those moderates that supported the neocon nazi's. But to mend the Country and take back control we moderate progressives must join with the moderate conservatives.

Big Eddie isn't as progressive as many of us would like but he appeals to the moderate conservatives.