RamblingDyna

Straight out of the mouth of an old school, hardnosed, cynical New York tenured journalist, CNN’s Situation Room Host, Jack Cafferty spilled his admiration for the Michelle Obama on air and on his blog. In wake of the First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama’s first G20 summit visit, Cafferty gave a short report on Michelle Obama’s growing popularity in the United States and the European media. He cites statistics and comparisons from year ago, showing the shift has come primarily from Republicans who’ve had a change of heart. His commentary was initially objective, until he threw a surprise wrench halfway in his delivery, smiling and confessing, “I have a crush on her”. I nearly fell out of my chair as I witnessed Journalism 101 thrown out of my television monitor. Walter Cronkite (“the most trusted man in America”) should give Cafferty a good scolding. The late Edward R. Murrow (“Good night and good luck”) is probably tossing in his grave. But wait the gushing a...

Whether you like her or not, have to admit Sarah Palin's short rise to fame has captivated all of us. For a politician she has many unique qualities in a honor roll student + high school cheerleader kind of way. Compared to other female politicians who tend to look plain, simple and corporate, she’s attractive in a school teacher of way. She’s in great shape especially for a mother of a zillion kids and baby. She has the book smart, conservative, wholesome, good girl next door image of the 1950’s. She’s appealing, fresh, energetic, quick witted and obviously knows how to work the camera , behind her geeky yet stylish glasses with her subtle winks, pointed hand gestures, cool eye sweeps of the crowd, and warm smiles. Even the big wig news hosts, Joe Scarborough (MSNBC) and Greta Van Susteren (FOX), who are usually hardnosed interviewers warmed up to her in their first interviews, tossing her soft ball questions instead of hard hitting controversial ones. Actually, she smi...

So for the last 3 days I've been watching CNBC's morning Squawk reports about the financial fiasco. I'm not a regular watcher but I check in now and then when I have time. Financial news is usually boring but even prior to the Wall street mess, the CNBC commentators and reporters are an entertaining bunch. Most of their dialogue is non scripted and the impromptu questions and market hourly changes reveal that these men and women know their stuff. The hosts and reporters also have a sense of humor, that New York sarcasm and quick wit which helps soften the blow of the changing hourly news. First I'd like to comment on their presentation. Now I understand that when you're reporting from the busy NYSE trading floor, you need to raise your voice but that doesn't mean the on-set anchors have to shout at each other. Even the women hosts fall prey to this. But I do like that despite the shouting and some of the disagreements between the hosts and reporters, at the e...