Podcast
The Eyebrow (On the Media)
Hosted by WNYC Studios · EN
Hypocrisy. Inanity. BS. Bob isn't having any of it.
Welcome to 'The Eyebrow' -- On the Media's space for commentary on politics, media and culture from Bob Garfield. From the impossible claims of the 2016 election to the everyday posturing in the Beltway, we dig into the talking points.
6episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Save Your Outrage
Nov 4, 2016Tap to summarizeRecent emails released by Wikileaks revealed that Donna Brazile, Democratic political strategist-turned CNN contributor-turned DNC chairwoman, leaked debate questions to the Clinton campaign during the primaries. One such email is titled “One of the questions directed to HRC tomorrow is from a woman with a rash." CNN has announced Brazile's resignation, but outrage has nonetheless ensued over the collaboration between a member of the media and a political campaign. To this, Bob responds: this should not come as a surprise. How can media outlets purposely hire partisan consultants for their "insider" viewpoints and not imagine that they will act like insiders? Song: "The Liberty Bell (march)" by John Philip Sousa
Transcribe →How Not To Normalize Trump
May 13, 2016Tap to summarize"Who will Trump's VP pick be?" "Where does he stand on tax policy?" "Is he acting more presidential?" Bob says: "Who cares?!" By asking him about policy flip-flops and speculating about his VP pick, the press is normalizing an abnormal candidate. Instead, they must stay on the real story: his dangerous statements about women, Muslims, and immigrants. Music: "Il Casanova di Frederico Fellini" - Nino Rota "Tomorrow Never Knows" - The Beatles
Transcribe →Sean Of The Jungle
Jan 15, 2016Tap to summarizeMexican drug kingpin El Chapo has been recaptured by the Mexican government after his second escape from prison. But while he was on the lam he made time for a clandestine meeting with Oscar-winning actor and activist Sean Penn in the Mexican jungle. Penn wrote about his experience meeting El Chapo in a sprawling, 10,000-word essay for Rolling Stone. And then the rest of the media wrote about that. Bob weighs in.
Transcribe →There Oughta Be A Law
Sep 11, 2015Tap to summarizeThe controversy over Kentucky clerk Kim Davis prompts the GOP field to consider the relationship between religion and the Supreme Court.
Transcribe →The Numbers Don't Lie, Except When They Do
Jul 10, 2015Tap to summarizeThe media has been fixating on Donald Trump's surprising "surge" in the polls. But the real story, according to Bob, is more predictable: the media's sloppy and disingenuous use of polls to fill air time and manufacture conflict.
Transcribe →I'm Not A Scientist
Jun 19, 2015Tap to summarizeThis week the Pope released his historical encyclical on climate change, decrying humanity's abuse of the earth and calling for immediate action. Republican presidential candidates were rankled, arguing that His Holiness should refrain from weighing in on scientific matters, since he is not a scientist. Neither, they insist, are they. Bob raises an eyebrow at the perennial non-denial denial of climate change.
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